All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

After two years, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is finally back with new episodes. Season two of the Lord of the Rings spinoff series premieres on Prime Video on Thursday (Aug. 29).

The Rings of Power is set thousands of years before the events in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, with the epic drama following new and familiar characters battling a re-emergence of evil on Middle-earth. Season two finds Middle-earth in full-out war sown by Sauron, who makes his return after being cast out, per Amazon Studios.

The series takes viewers back to an era “in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.”

The first season of Rings of Fire premiered on Prime Video on Sept. 1, 2022. Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Ema Horvath and Owain Arthur are among the cast.

Read on for directions on how to stream the series for free.

How to Watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video for Free

The first three episodes of The Rings of Power premiere on Thursday with new episodes weekly. Because the series is a Prime Video Original, Prime members can watch it no additional charge.

Not a member yet? Join Prime under a free 30-day trial to watch Rings of Power and other content in the massive library of TV shows and movies, Thursday Night Football games and more.

Besides Rings of Power, other Prime Video exclusives Night Swim, Jack Pot, The Boys, Batman: The Caped Crusader, Reacher, Making the Cut, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Harlem, Upload, The Wheel of Time, The Legend of Vox Machina, I Want You Back and The Summer I Turned Pretty, Coach Prime, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Them.

Love music? Prime Video has music-related movies, documentaries biopics and exclusive concert films like Bob Marley: One Love, Back to Black, Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby, The Weeknd x The Dawn FM Experience, Tyler the Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost Tour Live and Mary J. Blige’s My Life.

After the free trial, Amazon Prime will cost $14.99 a month (or $139 a year). Besides instant access to Prime Video, the membership includes fast and free delivery on millions of items, exclusive discounts for Prime members only, two-hour grocery delivery via Amazon Fresh, unlimited photo storage, Amazon Music, Prime Gaming and other perks.

Additionally, Amazon Prime provides 50% discounts for qualifying students, EBT and Medicaid recipients. See the details here.

You can also rent (or buy) movies such as Top Gun: Maverick, Nope, Elvis, Jurassic World Dominion, The Lost City, and Sonic: The Hedgehog 2 on Prime Video and stream programs from other platforms, including Paramount+, Starz, Discovery+, BET+, AMC+, and Showtime.

Watch the trailer for The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power below.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

College football has officially returned for the 2024 season, with kickoff taking place Thursday (Aug. 29). Current students, alumni and sports fans alike can look forward to rooting for their favorite teams in the Big Ten conference, whether you’re heading to a game or planning to tune in to live TV coverage. Even if you’re a cord-cutter, there are still streaming options available to keep you plugged in and connected to all the action that happens on the football field.

Our suggestion: Check out Sling TV, which lets you livestream the games online and has affordable plan options to choose from.

Related

The Big Ten is split into two divisions — East and West — and there are 18 teams in the conference this year: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, Washington and Wisconsin. Some teams will also face inter-conference opponents throughout the season.

The Big Ten 2024 kickoff will take place Thursday (Aug. 29) at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET with Howard vs. Rutgers on B10 Network.

Keep reading to learn how to watch Big Ten college football games without cable.

How to Watch Big Ten College Football Without Cable

The 2024 Big Ten football season will be aired across a variety of cable channels including FOX, FS1, BTN, CBS, ABC and NBC. Viewers with cable can tune in for free — just check your network provider’s channel guide to see where the games are being broadcast. If you don’t have cable, you’ll need to rely on live TV streaming options to livestream Big Ten college football games.

Sling TV is currently offering a promo where you can get the Orange & Blue package in addition to the Sports Extra for just $199 when you prepay for four months of service. The promo is eligible for new and returning subscribers, and includes 70 channels including ABC, Fox, NBC and FS1 through the Orange & Blue plan as well as BTN, ACCN, SEC, PAC 12 and ESPNU with Sports Extra.

The streamer also offers DVR access that will let you record Big Ten games to watch on demand later as well as the ability to stream on up to four devices at once.

B10 Schedule for Week 1

Below, you can find the schedule for upcoming games and channels, or check out the full Big Ten college football schedule here.

Thursday (Aug. 29):

  • Howard vs. Rutgers at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET on BTN
  • North Carolina vs. Minnesota at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on Fox
  • Eastern Illinois vs. Illinois at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on BTN

Friday (Aug. 30):

  • FAU vs. Michigan State at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on BTN
  • Western Michigan vs. Wisconsin at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on FS1

Saturday (Aug. 31):

  • Penn State vs. West Virginia at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET on Fox
  • Indiana State vs. Purdue at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET on BTN
  • Illinois State vs. Iowa at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET on BTN
  • Connecticut vs. Maryland at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET on FS1
  • FIU vs. Indiana at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET on BTN
  • Akron vs. Ohio State at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET on CBS
  • Miami (of Ohio) vs Northwestern at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET on BTN
  • UTEP vs. Nebraska at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET on Fox
  • Idaho vs. Oregon at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET on BTN
  • Fresno State vs. Michigan at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET on NBC
  • UCLA vs. Hawaii at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET on CBS
  • Weber State vs. Washington at 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET on BTN

Sunday (Sept. 1):

  • USC vs. LSU at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET on ABC

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

On Friday (Aug. 23), Normani visited the life-sized Polly Pocket 1994 dollhouse. If you’ve been scrolling on TikTok, you might have seen the buzz about the life-sized Polly Pocket 1994 dollhouse, which made its Airbnb debut on Wednesday (Aug. 21), in Westford, Mass. The singer posted a TikTok video of her exploring this immersive home using the TikTok-viral audio from content creator Jools Lebron.

While she was there, she also explored a collection of her favorite outfits in Polly’s wardrobe. On Tuesday (Aug. 27), she took to Instagram and posted a photo of herself at the dollhouse, expressing her gratitude to Airbnb for the experience. Megan Thee Stallion couldn’t resist commenting on the post, saying, “B—h i thought you just entered the villa.” Her playful reference to Peacock’s Love Island reality show quickly went viral on the internet.

Originally created by Bluebird Toys in the late 1980s, Polly Pocket began as a line of small, portable dolls and playsets; the brand was later acquired by Mattel. Polly Pockets are best known for its compact designs and detailed environments. These toys encourage imaginative play in various themes from Unicorn Tea Parties to Otter Aquariums. Now, you can step into a larger-than-life version of this iconic toy, complete with interactive features and nostalgic details.

Longtime Polly Pocket fans were able to celebrate Polly Pocket’s 35th anniversary by booking a stay at this life-size Polly Pocket house featuring five beds, one bedroom, and a private half-bath. According to Airbnb, visitors were able to camp out under the stars, play dress-up, craft their own bracelets at the Friendship bracelet station and enjoy a ’90s inspired kitchen. The listing closed on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Normani Steps Into Polly Pocket’s World With Airbnb
Normani Steps Into Polly Pocket’s World With Airbnb

If you are looking to expand your Polly Pocket collection, consider browsing Amazon and select your favorite Polly Pocket Compacts. For Harry Potter enthusiasts, there’s also a Polly Pocket playset that features five main characters from the franchise, including, Harry Potter, Ron, Hermione, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.

For more product recommendations, check out this list of alternative Airbnb immersive spaces. You can also book your stay with Airbnb at the house featured in the rom-com, The Idea of You.

In an era of infinite niches and personalized playlists, rock band Incubus is giving concertgoers the kind of shared experience they had while growing up together in Calabasas, Calif., on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The five-piece is currently on a 10-city arena tour, Morning View + The Hits, and playing its album Morning View in its entirety before tacking on eight or so favorites (such as “Drive” from 1999’s Make Yourself and a cover of The Beatles’ “Come Together”). 

Albums are “nostalgic sort of experiences,” guitarist Mike Einziger tells Billboard’s Behind the Setlist podcast. For the band’s older fans, the concert might take them back to buying the Morning View CD in 2001 and listening from start to finish. “But people don’t consume music that way anymore,” he says. For the band’s younger fans who are most comfortable streaming playlists, the Morning View tour could be a first time hearing the songs in their original sequence. “So, it’s like kind of, in my opinion, a really welcome now departure from the way that people listen to music,” says Einziger.

For all the familiarity built into playing an album in its entirety, the songs aren’t a carbon copy of the versions originally released in 2001. As the band was re-recording the songs of Morning View for its latest release, Morning View XXIII, it realized they no longer performed the songs as they did when recording the album decades ago. Parts of songs had “naturally evolved into sounding different,” says singer Brandon Boyd. “For example, ‘Echo’ has, like, a different ending that we kind of added to it. The song ‘Nice to Know You,’ which starts off the record, begins differently.”

The band’s lineup has changed since Morning View was originally released, too. Boyd, Einziger and drummer José Pasillas founded the band in 1991. DJ/keyboardist/multi-purpose player Chris Kilmore has been with the band since 1998. Original bass player Alex Katinuch’s replacement, Ben Kenney, left in February. “We have a new bass player, Nicole Rowe, who’s kind of brought her own sort of new energy into the mix of what we’re doing,” says Einziger. “A new member of the band just changes a lot of the dynamics.”

The Morning View + The Hits tour stops Thursday (Aug. 29) at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, goes to Boston’s TD Garden on Aug. 31 and heads west before finishing at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Sept. 12.

Listen to the entire interview with Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger via the embedded Spotify player below, or go to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music or Everand

Camila Cabello took part in Capital FM’s “Finish the Lyric “game recently, where she was tasked to test her musical knowledge by completing the lyrics to songs presented to her. Amid songs by Taylor Swift, Tyla, Tate McRae and more, Cabello sang along to the viral second verse of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”

While she got some of the lines confused, fans began buzzing at the timing of Capital FM’s release of the clip. Sabrina Carpenter dropped her sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet, last week, which led to a slew of unconfirmed theories that some of the songs are about a potential love triangle between herself, Cabello and Shawn Mendes.

Carpenter and Mendes were spotted spending time together in February 2023, a year after the “In My Blood” singer split from Cabello in November 2021. Just two months later, Cabello and Mendes were spotted rekindling their romance at Coachella.

Songs on Carpenter’s album, including “Coincidence,” “Sharpest Tool” and “Taste” all seem to follow a storyline about a love interest rekindling his romance with his ex-girlfriend. The corresponding “Taste” visual stars Jenna Ortega, who fans think was casted to represent Cabello in the clip.

Cabello also seemingly added fuel to the flame, by recently sharing a TikTok singing along to her own track, “June Gloom,” which features the lyrics: “She’s cool, I heard/ Won’t act surprised, I saw the pictures/ […] If she’s so amazing, why are you on this side of town? / If you like her so much, what are you here trying to find out?”

Again, the theories are just rumors, but check out Cabello’s “Finish the Lyric” round below.

A federal judge says Universal Music Group and Playboi Carti didn’t abuse the Digital Millennium Copyright Act when they issued a takedown notice – erroneously, it turns out – against another rapper’s song that used the same beat.

A rapper named G-Baby (Jordan White) sued the label and artist last year after they red-flagged his song “Oi!” for using the same underlying beat as Carti’s “Right Now.” The takedown turned out to be wrong — G-Baby had legally licensed the same beat that Carti had, and he had actually released his song first.

The lawsuit claimed that the move violated the DMCA’s safeguards against improper takedowns, but a judge dismissed those claims Tuesday – citing previous decisions that such restrictions only prohibit intentionally false use of the takedown system.

“Because the DMCA requires only a good faith belief that material is infringing, a copyright holder is not liable for misrepresentation under the DMCA if they subjectively believe the identified material infringes their copyright, even if that belief is ultimately mistaken,” Judge Analisa Torres wrote.

In G-Baby’s case, the judge noted that he had effectively conceded that the UMG employee who flagged “Oi!” as a copyright infringement did not know that the rapper had properly licensed the beat: “This admission alone dooms White’s claim against UMG,” Torres wrote.

According to Tuesday’s decision, G-Baby paid $250 to producer Pi’erre Bourne (Jordan Timothy Jenks) in 2017 for a non-exclusive license to an instrumental track, which he later used as the basis for “Oi!” The next year, Carti (Jordan Terrell Carter) used the same beat in “Right Now,” a track on the album Die Lit, which reached Number 3 on the Billboard 200.

Shortly after Carti’s song was released, a UMG “content protection specialist” flagged two posts on Twitter in which G-Baby had shared his song. Eventually, the Recording Industry Association of America filed a DMCA takedown, which succeeded in getting the track pulled down from Twitter.

In his lawsuit, G-Baby claimed that UMG had intentionally sought out his song because of animosity from Carti, who he claimed was unhappy that the same beat had been used by someone else.

“Carter and Jenks knew that ‘Oi!’ was properly licensed and not infringing, yet decided to conspire with Universal,” the rapper wrote in his complaint. “Carter, Jenks, and Universal sought the take-down of White’s song with the specific intent of harming White.”

But in Tuesday’s ruling, Judge Torres ruled that even if Carti and Jenks knew that G-Baby’s song was properly licensed, there is no evidence that this information was ever communicated to the UMG staffer who flagged the song for removal.

“White cites no caselaw for the proposition that one employee’s knowledge that a use may be non-infringing should be imputed to another employee who independently issues a takedown notice on behalf of the company,” the judge wrote.

As for Carti himself, Judge Torres ruled that there was no evidence that the rapper had any involvement in or knowledge of the takedown process – meaning he, too, could not have violated the DMCA’s rules.

“Although Carter may well have been aware of (and displeased with) White’s license to use the beat, White has failed to establish that Carter had any part in the takedown notices,” the judge wrote.

Attorneys for both sides did not immediately return requests for comment.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Fashion rules have long dictated Labor Day to be the final time you can wear white, but according to the Farmer’s Almanac, the fashion faux pas has become outdated. Before air conditioners were invented, white and linen clothing were critical for staying cool during hot weather, and as the weather cooled down, darker and thicker clothing became the go-to look. Nothing exudes elegance and sophistication quite like an all-white outfit, though, and as fashion has evolved, so has its flexibility.

Whether or not you’re a strict style-rule follower, the color has a way of creating a crisp and elevated feel with little effort. Before you start planning your Labor Day weekend sales shopping plan, you need to make sure you have photo-worthy outfit options for your long weekend getaway or last summer barbecue with friends.

Since white is a neutral color, you can use the tops, bottoms, dresses and even shoes as layering pieces for outfits year round. Still need inspiration? Keep reading to learn more about the best Labor Day outfits for women and men.

What Are the Best Labor Day Outfits for Women?

Stress less over your outfit, as ShopBillboard has put together a list of popular and bestselling clothing that you can buy online below.

model wearing floral and white reformation jeans

JEANS PICK

Cynthia High Rise Straight Jeans

$59.40 $198 70% off

Buy Now on reformation

Make your look really blossom in a pair of these floral jeans by Reformation. While the brand puts an emphasis on sustainable fashion, that doesn’t mean comfort is taken out of the equation — these white jeans come with a slightly kicked out ankle for a subtle flare while the 100% regenerative cotton material will softly hug your body through the waist, butt and thighs.


model wearing white textured urban outfitters tube top

TOP PICK

Silence + Noise Remy Textured Tube Top

Bring a more retro vibe with this cinched tube top from Urban Outfitters. You can adjust the side tie for a more snatched appearance while the asymmetrical hem brings a delicate touch to your outfit. The material is also textured, which only ups the trendiness factor.


model wearing white abercrombie linen pants and matching top

MATCHING SET PICK

Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant

Abercrombie wants to make getting dressed easier with a matching set that includes a pair of breezy linen pants and a matching sleeveless top. Both pieces are made from a lightweight linen material while the pants also show off an elastic waistband that’ll stretch and lay flat on your skin for the ultimate style meets comfort look. And did we mention both are on sale?


model wearing black and white striped t-shirt dress

DRESS PICK

Charli Mini

White isn’t the only shade you have to sport for Labor Day — incorporate color into your long weekend outfit with this top-rated Free People dress. Featuring a T-shirt inspired fit, the oversized dress will bring a more relaxed aesthetic while the flowy sleeves add a free-spirit charm that’ll also bring the cool factor, letting air easily circulate.


silver metallic cowboy boots from walmart

SHOES PICK

Unionbay Dolly Cowboy Boots

$12.99 $79 84% off

Buy Now on walmart

While white is the main shade on Labor Day’s fashion menu, that doesn’t mean you have to go full monochrome for the day. Add some shimmer to your feet in a pair of Walmart’s bestselling cowboy boots. The shoes come in a silver metallic shade that’s currently on sale for a jaw-dropping 84% off making them a steal you don’t want to pass up on.


What Are the Best Labor Day Outfits for Men?

Below we found some of the bestselling men’s options that you can show off beyond the holiday.

model wearing ribbed target white button down

TOP PICK

Goodfellow & Co. Short Sleeve Full Button Polo Shirt

Target’s casual button-down top gives off the preppiness of a classic polo top with the added bonus of being able to adjust the shirt’s opening. To add to its trendiness, the shirt comes with a ribbed fabric that’ll add texture and coziness, resulting in a basic staple piece you’ll want to wear on repeat.


model wearing white chino pants and brown loafers

BOTTOMS PICK

Straight-Fit Flex Chino Pant

$39.50 $79.50 50% off

Buy Now on j.crew factory

Get into vacation mode with a pair of clean white chinos — in addition to 50% off savings. J.Crew’s straight-fit trousers can complete your oceanside vacation outfits to keep you trendy during nice dinners while also providing a breathable material that won’t leave your legs sweating.


model wearing levi's white jeans with white t-shirt

JEANS PICK

511 Slim Fit Jeans

$39.99 $69.50 42% off

Buy Now on levi’s

Take advantage of $30 in savings thanks to Levi’s deal on one of their most popular slim fit jeans. Featuring a clean white shade, you can relax into this pair of denim and receive total comfort in return since it’s made with a high-stretch fabric. The legs also come with a straighter fit for a more dressed-up vibe.


model weraring white and blue spotted long sleeve with trousers

LAYERING PICK

New Venture Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt

Lululemon wasn’t messing around with this long sleeve shirt. Not only does it come in nine colors (including this trending blue-dot windowpane pattern), but was made with a sweat-wicking material that’ll keep you cool and comfy all day long. Unlike most button-up tops, the stretchy material will also prevent you from feeling restricted, and instead, will move with you wherever the day takes you.


all white new balance sneakers

SHOES PICK

New Balance 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer

$64.95 $74.99 13% off

Buy Now On Amazon

New Balance’s V5 sneakers has become a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon for men’s cross-training shoes, and it’s easy to see why. Outside of its clean, all-white exterior, the sneakers come with a cushioned insole that’ll provide support and comfort from the first wear. The bottom even sports a rubber sole that’ll help provide traction on most terrains.


For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best jeans for women, knee-high boots and vegan leather bags.

Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.

Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:

Deny K

Country: Colombia / Italy

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Born in Colombia, but residing almost his entire life in Italy, Deny K (real name: Jhon Daniel Castro) is an artist and producer whose main mission is to shed more visibility on the global reggaetón scene in Europe. At only 23 years old, Deny K is already signed to Empire Records and has released a number of singles that flaunt his experimental versatility, from reggaetón to corridos to urban fusions with Middle Eastern rhythms.

His charming and boy-next-door personality, backed up by his dulcet vocals, can be heard on his most recent collaboration “WOA,” a flirty dembow with Dominican artist Angel Dior. Deny — who fluently speaks English, Spanish, and Italian — lived in the Dominican Republic during the pandemic, where he was able to secure collaborations with key local acts such as Kiko El Crazy and El Cherry Scom, to name a few. — JESSICA ROIZ

Song For Your Playlist: “WOA,” Deny K & Angel Dior

Doble Sentido

Country: Venezuela

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: The Venezuelen pop group is not entirely new, but it has only recently started to make noise internationally. Doble Sentido started out two decades ago as a family business, playing covers at fairs, weddings and local parties. Over the years, it evolved into an independent band writing its own songs, with a different lineup. Now based in Panama and made up of brothers Ray (voice and keyboard) and JuanMa (voice and guitar) Yepez, Gustavo Calvo (percussion), Erick Reyes (bass) and Fernando Colmenarez (drums), Doble Sentido made its official debut in 2019 with the single “Magia,” produced by Emmanuel Briceño (musical director of Juanes). Since then, they’ve been perfecting their sound in songs like “Mala Vida” and “Para Los Dos.”

“We are influenced by Latin pop, we sing songs of love and heartbreak, combining between ballads, merengue, urban and a little pop rock,” they tell Billboard Español. Their latest single is “No Quiero Perdérmelo” with Argentine rock band Los Rancheros. Released on Aug. 8, it’s an exhilarating breakup anthem about still being in love with the one that got away. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Song For Your Playlist: “No Quiero Perdérmelo,” Doble Sentido & Los Rancheros

EMMA

Country: Venezuela

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: As a Latin American trans woman, Venezuelan singer Emma has something to say, and she does it in an honest and eloquent way. “Being myself has been a challenge, but I face it with a lot of dignity and a lot of strength,” she tells Billboard Español, and that is evident in her songs. From the smooth reggaeton “Tantito” in 2020 to 2022’s “Me Puse Mami” to the bachata “No Era Yo” released in January, Emma presents herself as she is, addressing her challenges and professing the importance of self-love.

Living in Mexico for seven years — where she began her career as a singer-songwriter, and also her physical transition — Emma is dedicated to music, “wanting to transform people with my message” and collaborate as a writer with other artists. Last week, she released “Como a Una Mujer,” an emotional pop ballad about how she lives (“locked in a room, hidden”) and the illusion of wanting to live it in freedom (“as every person deserves”). Co-written by Emma with her Venezuelan compatriots Sara Schell and Juan Vegas, it is the first single from a five-song EP titled HEMMATOMA that she plans to release in March 2025. — S.R.A.

Song For Your Playlist: “Como a Una Mujer”

Little Homie

Country: Dominican Republic

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Originating from Santo Domingo, Little Homie is carving out a niche in the realm of Spanish-language rap while helping boost drill in his native island. His breakout hit, “Bailando Drill” with fellow rappers Carlos Trvp, Blacky Drippy, Keyviem and Nelly Nellz, established him as a key player in popularizing the menacing trap subgenre.

Known for integrating gritty textures of old-school samples, his latest track “Tengo Eso” interpolates the merengue classic “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo, blending traditional rhythms with hard-hitting beats. Tonight, he debuts his next single, “X ENCIMA,” through Roc Nation, featuring a soul-stirring sample of Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang (You Shot Me Down)” entwined with punchy 808 drums and fluttering guitar riffs. A vital member of the young rap collective 4TG, with artists like Lismar and Keyviem, Little Homie is definitely a promising star to keep an eye on.— ISABELA RAYGOZA

Song For Your Playlist: “Tengo Eso”

NSQK

Country: México

Why They Should Be On Your Radar: A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet NSQK in Miami during the listening session of his latest album ATP (acronym for “Aún te Pienso,” which means “I still think of you”). While he passionately explained the album’s creative process, I discovered that the Monterrey-born artist has an avant-garde vision of music. His marketing plan played with nostalgia and created an “imaginary world” that transports his listeners to “Radio ATP.”

With features such as Álvaro Díaz, Paopao, Easykid, El Malilla, and Nina Mínguez, NSQK’s latest set boasts collaborations that boost his project to an international level. The singer-songwriter and producer skillfully navigates through diverse musical genres, including rap, pop, reggaeton, R&B, and even regional Mexican music. These songs serve as melodic vehicles for expressing hope and positive messages through their lyrics. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song For Your Playlist: “Tarde o Temprano”

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Labor Day weekend is promising to be filled with slashed prices on everything from bedding, furniture and even celebrity-loved brands. Immaculate actress Sydney Sweeney was recently named the brand ambassador of HeyDude, and deemed it her “favorite shoe option” in a press release while praising how the footwear brand “never sacrifices style for comfort.”

To celebrate the long weekend, HeyDude is offering an additional 30% off its sale section that’ll score you up to 68% off total on bestselling styles. To get the extra discount, you’ll need to enter the code SUNNY at checkout. Men’s and women’s styles are up for grabs, including shoes for walking, the beach and wide feet. You can also find discounts on statement shoes including a bold metallic style that’s less than $25 — and quickly selling out.

Shoes start out at $14, and with steals like this, you can expect sizes to sell out quickly. Keep reading to discover the best HeyDude Labor Day deals going on now.

What Are the Best HeyDude Labor Day Deals?

Below, ShopBillboard rounded up a mix of major deals on top-rated shoes for men and women that’ll help inspire your shopping session.

brown floral heydude men's flip flops

Phoenix Tropical (Men’s)

$13.99 $39.99 65% off

Buy Now

Slide your feet into these tropical-themed flip flops that are 65% off. Whether you’re walking along the beach or just grabbing your mail, these shoes feature a soft memory foam sole to support your feet in total comfort. You can also take advantage of the adjustable strap to make sure your feet are snug and secure.


white and black heydude shoes

Wally Tuxedo (Men’s)

$20.99 $64.99 68% off

Buy Now

These tuxedo shoes will give you double the formal wear thanks to the tuxedo graphic upper. You can choose from two shades — black or white — and give your feet a more dressed up appearance beyond the classic Oxford style look.


gray and white mesh heydude women's shoes

Wendy Sport Mesh (Women’s)

$27.99 $64.99 57% off

Buy Now

Pick up the Wendy Sport Mesh and indulge your feet in total cozy bliss. When on, you’ll be met with a foot-hugging foam that’ll give a nice, cushy feel for your feet. Included are a pair of removable laces that’ll transform the shoes from slip-ons to a sleek pair of boat shoes you can wear to the office or a lunch date.


black and white cow print Heydude shoes

Karina Cow (Women’s)

$27.99 $69.99 60% off

Buy Now

Forget your casual shoes and say hello to your new statement-making shoes. Rather than go for the typical cheetah print, the Karina Cow puts the farm animal on display and comes with glitter accents that’ll bring the sparkle to your feet.


beige and white heydude men's shoes

Wally Stretch (Men’s)

$24.49 $64.99 62% off

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Keep things casual and affordable with these Wally Stretch loafers for less than $25. Made with a neutral gray upper, you can easily pair these shoes with trousers, joggers and jeans to give a more put-together vibe even if you’re just running errands.


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Wendy Metallic Shine (Women’s)

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It’ll be impossible for your feet not to shine in a pair of metallic HeyDudes. Built with a flexible outsole that’ll bend and move with you, the outsole was also designed with a lightweight material that won’t have you feeling weighed down as you commute.


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Karina Boho Crochet (Women’s)

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Give the classic black sneaker look a boho twist with this crochet style. Featuring a crochet fabric exterior for a more delicate appearance, the shoes also come with a memory foam insole for extra cushion and support. If you have your own insoles, then the pair was designed to be able to effortlessly remove the included one.


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Wally Fish Camo (Men’s)

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Consider these fish-patterned shoes a major catch not just for its statement-making pattern, but its adjustable ties and loafer-inspired construction that’ll add a touch of preppiness to your look. They’re also washable making it easy to keep your shoes always looking fresh and out-of-the-box new.


In addition to providing you with stellar deals on shoes, HeyDude has also garnered recognition beyond celebrity approval. The footwear brand has debuted a mix of collaborations that received praise and admiration from fans of entertainment and sports. Some of the more recent collections include an exclusive pair of Beetlejuice shoes that are almost out of stock, as well as college football styles and an official NASCAR collab.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best platform boots, Ugg slipper dupes and comfortable sandals.

The summer may be coming to a close, but the high-profile releases from some of the giants of African music don’t appear to be slowing down at all.

Asake continues pushing his own sonic boundaries, tapping an array of international collaborators — including Travis Scott, the UK’s Stormzy, and Brazil’s Ludmilla — for his third studio album, Lungu Boy, a triumph of both expanding musical horizons and fully embracing your status as an innovator on the scene. The Nigerian hitmaker scored his first No. 1 on Billboard‘s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with “Active,” featuring Scott.

And renowned British-Nigerian producer London, whose artist name is Thisizlondon, has been behind some of the biggest Afrobeats hits in recent years, from Rema‘s Billboard Hot 100 No. 3 smash “Calm Down” to Ayra Starr‘s “Bloody Samaritan.” Now, he’s getting in front of them by recruiting Starr and 6LACK for his refreshing debut single “PINACOLADA,” and collaborating with Olamide and Alpha P on the latter’s “W.”

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But those are just a few of the artists who have released big tracks in August. We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and find your new summer soundtrack with our Spotify playlist below.

Asake feat. Wizkid, “MMS”  

Asake waxes philosophical on “MMS,” a highlight from Lungu Boy which stands for “Mr. Money Sound.” Asake chants “O ye ọlọun” in the chorus (meaning God understands in Yoruba) over P.Priime’s jazzy production, as he restores faith in listeners who feel overwhelmed with life’s twists and turns by reminding them about the path God has already put them on. Meanwhile, Wizkid reflects on losing himself, especially after the death of his mother last August, and finding his purpose as one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars. “As a young striving artist in Lagos, I have always been waiting for the right song, so when the opportunity came it was a no-brainer,” Asake told Apple Music about collaborating with one of his “musical inspirations.” 

JayO, “Suns Out”  

JayO reworks the “suns out, buns out” summer slogan for the hook of his latest seasonal anthem. Skittering hi-hats and hypnotic synths, courtesy of producers WHOSDAT and RZ, underline the British-Nigerian AfroR&B artist’s smooth melodies. “Suns Out” is sure to soundtrack the last day parties of the summer (ugh, don’t remind us it’s almost over).  

Efosa, “FEEL IT”  

After co-writing Darkoo’s summer smash “Favourite Girl” – which features Rema on its recent remix – British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Efosa drops his own sensual number. On “FEEL IT,” Efosa makes the case for why a woman should be with him, with his suave vocals doing most of the convincing. The drill-esque syncopated drums mimicking his heartbeat (“Do you feel it?” he repeatedly asks her) give the ballad’s woozy synths an upbeat edge. 

Omah Lay, “Moving”  

Omah Lay pursues happiness while struggling with hardships on his latest single “Moving,” from his sophomore album Clarity of Mind, which is slated for release this winter. The propulsive percussion and resonant rhythms drive the track’s sense of urgency, which reaches a fever pitch at the bridge when he chants, “You can tell that I ran out of time/ Unavailable a lot of times.” And the affecting music video gives “Moving” a more profound meaning. “I am telling the story of how illegal immigrants travel to Europe through the desert, through Sahara…. Home is really bad where we can’t stay at home,” he said in a recent Billboard News interview. “I’m telling the story of the whole world, where everybody’s looking for some place to find peace of mind, some place to just call home and feel relaxed.”   

Thisizlondon, Ayra Starr & 6LACK, “PINACOLADA”  

Thisizlondon taps frequent collaborator Ayra Starr and 6LACK for his debut single “PINACOLADA,” crafting a tantalizing concoction of Starr’s self-confident, vibrant delivery and 6LACK’s laidback R&B vocals that he’s lent to plenty of other Afropop records, like the remixes of Omah Lay’s “Damn” and Spinall and Fireboy DML’s “Sere.” “I wanted to create a vibe that captures the essence of summer — something that’s both chill and energizing,” Thisizlondon said in a press release.  

Asake feat. Ludmilla, “Whine”

Mr. Money Worldwide has finally arrived at the peak of his powers — and he’s clearly having fun. No song off his excellent new album exemplifies that better than “Whine,” in which producer Sak Pase flips Mary J. Blige’s 1992 classic “Real Love” into a joyful celebration of the ecstasies of love, and Brazilian singer Ludmilla adds a South American flair and a largely Portuguese verse to a track that is positively bursting with vibes. It’s the most euphoric track of his career so far.

Asake feat. Stormzy, “Suru”

This isn’t the first time Asake has linked up with a British rapper — and not even the only instance on this album — but this collaboration with Stormzy is a deeply emotional appreciation of how far each of them have come to reach where they are, and an acknowledgment of the sacrifices that were made by those around them along the way. It’s summed up by the first line of Asake’s hook — “My mama tell me say surulere,” surulere meaning “patience is rewarding” in Yoruba — and each of their verses, which center on their families’ role in their success. But maybe the best line is in the outro, when Stormzy acknowledges the hard work, too: “This was not a dream, it was more like a plan I believed in.”

Darkoo feat. Rema, “Favourite Girl”

We featured Darkoo’s original version of “Favourite Girl,” which featured Dess Dior, back in May. But this new remix with Rema brings the track to even greater heights, as the Afro Rave leader adds his own flavor with an exuberant verse that oozes self-confidence. The remix transforms what was already a great song into one that will fill dance floors to capacity for years to come — and is one of the best songs of the summer.

Oxlade & Fally Ipupa, “IFA”

Oxlade has always had a great ear for melody, and a talent for engaging with unexpected harmonies and layers in his vocals. “IFA” is very much in that lineage, as he croons over a laid-back Afrobeats drum pattern. But it’s the Congolese icon Fally Ipupa who comes through and takes this song to the next level, with his distinctive tenor bringing an entirely different flavor as he croons in French of a woman he would love to keep. It’s a great team-up, and a reminder that Oxlade remains one of the more creative hitmakers of his generation.

Alpha P feat. Olamide & Thisizlondon, “W”

The young Nigerian singer Alpha P taps two of the biggest names around for this wistful love song, in the YBNL chief Olamide and the in-demand producer Thisizlondon, the latter of whom crafted the perfect vibe for Alpha’s soaring melodies. And Olamide, known for so long for his hip-hop roots, perfectly meets the moment with his verse, both melodic and filled with his patented punch lines. The track is one of the best earworms of the year by far.