Victoria Monét chatted with Billboard on the red carpet of Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players & Live.

Mario chatted with Billboard on the red carpet of Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players & Live.

Dana Droppo chatted with Billboard on the red carpet of Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players & Live.

DDG chatted with Billboard on the red carpet of Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players & Live.

Larry Jackson chatted with Billboard on the red carpet of Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players & Live.

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.

What’s not to love about BLACKPINK? Jennie, Rosé, Lisa and Jisoo make up one of the hottest girl groups in pop. To celebrate the group’s seventh anniversary, we put together a list of some of the best merchandise that you can find at Amazon, Etsy and other major retailers.

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BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK Share Personal Reflections Ahead of ‘Unreal,’ Historic Headlining Set at…

Official BLACKPINK merch tends to sell out on the group’s website and official Amazon store, but if you’re looking for more gear to celebrate all things BLACKPINK, we’ve collected some alternatives for BLINKs everywhere.

Below, see our roundup of merch including lightsticks, apparel, jewelry and other must-have items for anyone who stans BLACKPINK.

Amazon

Buy: BLACKPINK OFFICIAL LIGHTSTICK VER.2 $62

The next time you see BLACKPINK live, be sure to have a light stick handy. The light stick pictured above includes Bluetooth so you can jam away to BLACKPINK’s music. Find more options at Walmart and Etsy.

Aeropostale

Buy: Official BLACKPINK LOVESICK GIRLS Black Short Sleeve T-Shirt $29.99

The “Shut Down” tee is sold out at Aeropostale, but this “Love Sick” tee has a similar design. The Amazon shirt is available in sizes XS-6XL.  

Walmart
BLACKPINK Quartz Crossbody Bag
$25

Carry your ID, lip gloss, cell phone and maybe a few other small items in this crossbody bag from Walmart available in three colors including pink, black and an iridescent shade. The bag has a zipper opening, interior zipper pocket and chunky silver hardware on the front. Click here for more BLACKPINK bags and backpacks.

Aeropostale
Aeropostale BLACKPINK Pink Venom Graphic Tee
$15.98 $39.95 60% off% OFF

Break out the tanks and tees, the dead of summer is here! Aeropostale’s “Pink Venom” tee “Pink is almost out of stock, so you’ll have to act fast before it sells out. The graphic tee pairs perfectly with jeans, shorts, skirts and more. Click here for a “Pink Venom” logo tee, and here to shop customized BLACKPINK tank tops.

Amazon

Buy: G-Ahora Kpop BLACKPINK Bracelet $14.99

“Diamonds on my wrist, so he call me ice cream.” It might not be diamonds, but this stainless steel bracelet will make a cute little gift for a BLINK who likes jewelry.

Amazon

Buy: Tyrse Gift Set For Blink $14.99

Unfortunately, the All Access Box is currently out of stock at Amazon, but this BLACKPINK gift set is an alternative option with some of the same items. The set is loaded with more than a dozen BLACKPINK stickers, buttons, pins, a keychain and phone finger ring stand.

BLACKPINK The Album Tracklist Hoodie
$54.99

Get cozy in this black hoodie from Amazon. The hooded sweatshirt features the group’s name on the front and the track list of The Album.

Etsy
BLACKPINK Crown T-Shirt
$19.79 $21.99 10% off% OFF

Not interested in a hoodie? These Etsy shirts are available in sizes XS-XXL.

Amazon

Buy: Bioworld Blackpink Tiara Logo Black Bucket Hat $19.99

Keep the sun out of your eyes while showing love to BLACKPINK in this stylish bucket hat featuring a pink tiara graphic.

Zazzle
BLACKPINK Phone Case
$27.08 $36.10 25% off% OFF

The BLACKPINK Casetify collection came and went, but you can find a variety of customizable iPhone cases and Android phone cases at retailers such as Zazzle, Society 6, Redbubble, Amazon and Etsy.

Daebak
Daebak BLACKPINK Slides
$67.99

The faux fur slippers from H&M’s BLACKPINK collection — which includes biker shorts, a crop tank top and crop hoodie, shoulder bag and a faux leather beret — are sold out, but if you’ve been looking for BLACKPINK footwear, the weather is definitely warm enough to slip into a pair of faux leather slides,

Amazon

Buy: Blackpink Micro Pop Stars, Mystery Surprise Figures 4 Pack – 3” Kpop Idol Dolls – Features Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé – $39.98

Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé and Jennie get dolled up in the form of 3-inch figurines dressed in interchangeable outfits and removable accessories that you can mix and match.

BLACKPINK Monopoly
$99

YG Entertainment’s BLACKPINK Monopoly edition comes complete with a specialized game board and money that features images of your favorite BP members.

Amazon

Buy: Silph PLC Kpop BlackPink Trading Photocard Binder, 400 Photocard Holder Book with Sleeves Gifts for Boys & Girsl – Photocard Album $15.99

Keep your BLACKPINK photocards organized in this 9.6-inch x 7-inch binder, which has 50 pages and can hold up to 400 cards.

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.

Whether you’re back-to-school shopping or giving your bedroom a summer refresh, the right pillows can make all the difference in getting a better night’s sleep. From aligning your spine and promoting better sleep posture to reducing tossing and turning, snoring, and even improving digestion, you’d be surprised just how important pillows are to your sleep routine.  

Finding the perfect pillow can change the way you sleep, and if you feel like treating yourself to a luxury-style upgrade at an affordable price, Sobel Westex pillows are currently on sale.

Shoppers can save up to 40% off the brand’s Sahara Nights Back and Stomach Sleeper Pillow, the Soft Side Sleeper Pillow and Hotel Sobella Side Sleeper Pillow at Amazon.

Amazon

Buy: Sobel Westex: Hotel Sobella Soft Side Sleeper Pillow | Hotel and Resort Quality, 300 Thread Count 100% Dobby Cotton | Down Like Fill, Gentle Support, Plush, Queen (1 Pack) $52.55

The hypoallergenic, 300-thread count pillows are featured in over 8,500 hotels and two million hotel beds around the world. The Soft Side Sleeper Pillow is 12% off at Amazon and the Sahara Nights Back and Stomach Pillow $55.90 (7% off). You can save an additional 20% by applying the instant coupon at checkout.

After testing out the Sahara Nights Back and Stomach Sleeper and Side Sleeper pillows for a full month, my neck and back pain have already improved. On a typical night, I’ll use the Sahara Nights pillow with a couple Ralph Lauren logo pillows ($13.44) — and if I really want to raise the comfort stakes, I’ll throw in a Back and Stomach Sleeper Pillow.

As a frequent traveler, getting a good night’s sleep in a hotel can be challenging, and it usually has something to do with pillows. They’re either too large, too small or just plain uncomfortable, but finding the right pillow can be dream come true.

These hospitality-approved (and Billboard-approved) pillows are machine washable with 100% cotton casing for breathability, plus they won’t fall flat thanks to a “cutting edge design.”

Ready to go update your bedroom? Don’t forget the bedding! Click here to shop bed in a bag deals.

The second round of voting is now open for Billboard‘s Latin Power Players’ Choice Award, featuring the top 15 executive nominees voted by their peers.

Voting is open to all Billboard Pro members, both existing and new, with one vote per member. Vote below.

The new peer-voted award will run alongside Billboard‘s annual Latin Power Players list of the genre’s most influential executives. This new Latin Power Players’ Choice Award will honor the executive in the genre whose peers believe has had the greatest impact across the music business over the past year, from recording and publishing to managing and touring and beyond.

Voting is open to all Billboard Pro members, both existing and new, with one vote per member.

Billboard launched its first Players’ Choice Award with the Power 100 list earlier this year, followed by the Country Power Players’ Choice Award that concluded in June and the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award, whose winner will be announced Tuesday (Aug. 8).

The second round of voting runs through Aug. 17 to narrow down the top 15 nominees into the final five top executives.

The third round of voting will begin Aug. 18, to select the winner from that list. Voting concludes Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Vote here:

The second round of voting is now open for Billboard‘s Latin Power Players’ Choice Award, featuring the top 15 executive nominees voted by their peers.

Related

The new peer-voted award will run alongside Billboard‘s annual Latin Power Players list of the genre’s most influential executives. This new Latin Power Players’ Choice Award will honor the executive in the genre whose peers believe has had the greatest impact across the music business over the past year, from recording and publishing to managing and touring and beyond.

Voting is open to all Billboard Pro members, both existing and new, with one vote per member. Vote here.

Billboard launched its first Players’ Choice Award with the Power 100 list earlier this year, followed by the Country Power Players’ Choice Award that concluded in June and the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players’ Choice Award, whose winner will be announced in August.

The second round of voting runs through Aug. 17 to narrow down the top 15 nominees into the final five top executives. The semifinalists are:

  • Fabio Acosta (Founder of Vibras Labs)
  • Nelson Albareda (CEO of Loud and Live)
  • Noah Assad (Co-Founder, CEO of Rimas Entertainment)
  • Lex Borrero (Co-Founder, CEO of NEON16/Ntertain)
  • Alejandro Duque (President of Warner Music Latin America)
  • Jorge Ferradas (CEO of FPM Entertainment)
  • Jimmy Humilde (Founder, CEO of Rancho Humilde)
  • Walter Kolm (Founder, CEO of WK Entertainment)
  • Federico “Fede” Lauria (Founder, CEO of Dale Play Records/Lauria Entertainment)
  • Alexandra Lioutikoff (President of Universal Music Publishing Group Latin America & U.S. Latin)
  • Jesus Lopez (Chairman, CEO of Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula)
  • Jorge Mejia (President, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Latin America & U.S. Latin)
  • Guillermo Rosas (CEO of T6H Entertainment)
  • Afo Verde (Chairman, CEO of Sony Music Latin-Iberia)
  • Pedro Zamora (President, Founder of Zamora Entertainment)

The third round of voting will begin Aug. 18, to select the winner from the final five executives. Voting concludes Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Vote now and if you are not yet a member of Billboard Pro, join here.

Megan Thee Stallion said she has suffered daily since rapper Tory Lanez shot her in the feet three years ago in a written statement read during Lanez’s sentencing, which will stretch into Tuesday.

“Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace,” Megan said in a statement read by Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta. “Slowly but surely, I’m healing and coming back, but I will never be the same.”

The hip-hop star, who testified during the trial, said she struggled with whether she would appear to give the statement in person, but said she “simply could not bring myself to be in a room with Tory again.”

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She asked that her absence not be taken as a sign of indifference, and urged Judge David Herriford to issue a stiff sentence.

The judge had been expected to sentence Lanez Monday at a hearing that often can take only a couple of hours, but Herriford had attorneys for the two sides argue each factor of his potential sentence, and allowed seven witnesses to give statements on Lanez’s charitable giving, his childhood trauma, and his status as father of a 6-year-old son.

Prosecutors are asking a judge to hand down a 13-year sentence to the 31-year-old Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson. Lanez was convicted of three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

Lawyers for Lanez said in a sentencing memo that he should get only probation and be released from jail to enter a residential substance abuse program. They plan to appeal his conviction.

Megan testified during the trial that Lanez had fired the gun at the back of her feet and shouted for her to dance as she walked away from an SUV in which they had been riding in summer 2020. The pair had left a party at Kylie Jenner’s Hollywood Hills home.

Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, a Christian minister, choked back tears in court Monday as he told the judge about his wife, Luella, dying just a few days after showing the first symptoms of a rare blood disorder that would lead to her death when Lanez was 11.

“I don’t think anybody ever gets over that,” he said of their youngest child, Lanez. “But his music became his outlet.”

Other witnesses talked about Lanez nearly constant charitable giving even before fame and money from music came to him in 2017.

The mother of his son, Raina Cassagne, called him “the most supportive father, the funnest father.”

Dozens more wrote letters to Herriford, including rapper Iggy Azalea, who asked the judge to hand down a sentence that was “transformative, not life-destroying.”

The judge said Lanez’s son, who is 6 years old, also sent in a handwritten letter, but Herriford did not describe it further.

A chaplain from Los Angeles County jail appeared in court and said that Lanez has led daily prayer groups that have eased tensions in the protective custody unit where he is being held.

Herriford made findings in favor of each side Monday, leaving little indication of what sentence he will give.

He found that Megan was an especially vulnerable victim when she was shot, but that Lanez was not especially cruel or callous in firing at her, legal factors that could influence his decision.

Herriford said that he will consider Lanez’s charitable giving and glowing statements made about him as a pillar of his family and community.

But the judge also said he would consider what prosecutors called attempts by Lanez, through social media posts and in song lyrics, to intimidate Megan and to cast doubt on whether she was shot at all.

Herriford said Lanez also had a clear lack of remorse, but said he won’t allow that to be a factor because the rapper has a right to maintain his innocence.

Megan, in her statement, cited the absence of remorse, saying Lanez “has blamed the system, blamed the press, and as of late has tried to take advantage of his childhood trauma.”

Sonstar Peterson also grew emotional when he expressed his regret for rising in court after jurors returned with their verdict and denouncing the “wicked system” that led to his son’s conviction. Deputies wrestled him from the courtroom at the time.

“I want to personally apologize to you,” he told the judge Monday. “It was an overwhelming time.”

Lanez began releasing mixtapes in 2009 and saw a steady rise in popularity, moving on to major-label albums. Megan Thee Stallion, now 28, was already a major rising star at the time of the shooting, and her prominence has surged since. She won a Grammy for best new artist in 2021, and has had No. 1 singles with “Savage,” featuring Beyoncé, and as a guest with Cardi B on “WAP.”