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. 

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.

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”

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.”

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.