Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” achieves a record-breaking 20th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, rewriting the mark for the longest reign over the chart’s 67-year history.

The song, originally released in 1994, surpasses the No. 1 runs of two hits that led the Hot 100 over one release cycle each: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” in 2024, and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, in 2019.

Carey claims the Hot 100’s No. 1 longevity record for a second time — In 1995-96, her and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” dominated for 16 weeks, a mark that stood on its own for more than 23 years, until it was tied by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, in 2017, and then passed by “Old Town Road.” (She, thus, breaks the record with a song released before “One Sweet Day.”)

Plus, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” logs its 77th week on the Hot 100, tying Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” as the longest-charted title ever by a woman artist.

A week earlier, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” returned to No. 1 on the Hot 100 to lead in a record-extending seventh holiday season. It arrived on Carey’s album Merry Christmas in November 1994 and, as streaming has grown and holiday music has become more prominent on streaming services’ playlists, it hit the top 10 for the first time in December 2017 and the top five for the first time in the 2018 holiday season. It led at last, prior to the past two weeks, over the holidays in 2019 (for three weeks), 2020 (two), 2021 (three), 2022 (four), 2023 (two) and 2024 (four). (Older holiday songs are eligible to appear on the chart each season.)

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” became Carey’s 19th Hot 100 No. 1, the most among soloists and one away from the Beatles’ overall record 20. It also made Carey the first artist to have ranked at No. 1 on the chart in four distinct decades (1990s, 2000s, ‘10s and ‘20s).

Meanwhile, holiday hits glisten in eight of the Hot 100’s top 10 spots, including the entire top five.

The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data, the lattermost metric reflecting purchases of physical singles and digital tracks from full-service digital music retailers; digital singles sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded from chart calculations. All charts (dated Dec. 20, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Dec. 16. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram. Plus, for all chart rules and explanations, click here.

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

 


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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.

Taylor Swift’s favorite football accessory is trending online — and we’re not talking about a Super Bowl ring.

The pop star was spotted wearing Mejuri’s Heirloom Ring during the AFC Championship game last January and as Variety pointed out, the “Fortnight” singer wore it almost every time she attended a Kansas City Chiefs game during that season.  

The dainty, $798 ring, features a semiprecious stone set atop a 14k band. Swift’s garnet ring is selling fast, according to the brand’s website, but the stone is also available honey quartz and re-stocked in London blue topaz while supplies last.

Mejuri 14k Gold Heirloom Garnet Ring

AS SEEN ON SWIFT

Mejuri 14k Gold Heirloom Garnet Ring

The beautiful statement ring features a medium-width yellow gold band with gently-raised ridges that surround a semi-precious stone. Since Mejuri uses all natural gemstones, every piece will be unique, ensuring a true keepsake that’s special to the wearer. Mejuri has the Swift-worn ring in stock and ready to ship right now in sizes 4 to 10.


Mejuri is a celeb-loved, affordable jewelry brand, and the Heirloom Ring is one of its brand’s bestsellers. The ring earned 4.8 stars on the company’s website from hundreds of customer reviews raving about the “stunning” and “elegant” design.

“The most beautiful everyday staple piece,” wrote on customer. Another shopper had been eyeing the ring for a while and finally decided to splurge, “I’m so glad I got it because it’s now a staple. Obsessed!” she wrote.

And of course, Swifties love it too. “I don’t have anything garnet so I treated myself,” reads a review from a self-proclaimed Swiftie. “It’s great. It fits so well. The stone is cut nicely and seated well. I like the design. Wear it all the time.”

Indeed, Mejuri says this Swift-worn ring is “the one that’s taking center stage in your jewelry box for years to come,” with the company adding that this piece is “destined for heirloom status.”

The Heirloom Ring is available exclusively at Mejuri’s website for $798, but if you’re looking for a more affordable version that doesn’t skimp on the sophistication, try this Oval Garnet and Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring from Blue Nile.

Oval Garnet and Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring In 14K Yellow Gold

ALSO CONSIDER

Oval Garnet and Diamond Accent Birthstone Ring In 14K Yellow Gold

$441 $490 10% off

Buy Now AT BLUE NILE

Get your choice of birthstone surrounded by an elegant 14k yellow gold band and diamond accents. Blue Nile currently has this ring on sale for 10% off and shipping for the holidays.


With football season in full swing, Swift’s ring could be headed to a suite at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs’ home arena soon. The singer has been spotted at multiple Kansas City NFL games this year to support fiance, Travis Kelce.

The engagement isn’t the only thing she’s celebrating this year: Swift just released her new docuseries, The End of an Era, which offers a behind-the-scenes glimpses of her record-breaking Eras Tour.

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.

Nothing beats the sound of a great record player, right? For music lovers, having a vinyl setup in your home is the ultimate way to enjoy your favorite albums, but with so many record players and turntables out there, it’s hard to find the perfect one.

Fear not, ShopBillboard has you covered. We searched high and low to find a selection of our favorite record players and turntables, including beginner options, something for seasoned record player aficionados, and even full-blown setups for those looking for a comprehensive setup. While you’re at it, why not check out our picks for sleek ways to store and display your record collection in your home or studio?

Now, you might be asking yourself, what is the difference between a record player and a turntable? In short, a turntable is standalone, while a record player comes with built-in speakers and tends to be more portable. Moreover, most record players and turntables are usually designed to stay in the home, although we do have some portable options listed below. Keep reading to shop our picks for the best record players and turntables.

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online

MOST AFFORDABLE

Portable Vinyl Record Player with Speakers

A portable vinyl record player built into a suitcase.


Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online

MOST AFFORDABLE

Amazon Basics Desktop Turntable Vinyl Record Player

A desktop-sized turntable.


If you haven’t noticed on your search for the perfect record player or turntable, the equipment can run you a pretty penny. Two of our favorite affordable starter options are the Amazon Basics Desktop Turntable Vinyl Record Player, retailing for $59.10, and the Portable Vinyl Record Player with Speakers, available for just $69.99. The Amazon Basics option is a mini model that fits just right atop a desk, optimal for entertaining or jamming out solo. The simplistic model is equipped with turntable basics like a built-in speaker for crisp and clear sound projection, Bluetooth connectivity and three speeds. The turntable is also suitable for use with various sizes of vinyl records up to 12 inches.

The Portable Vinyl Record Player is a little more pricey, simply because it’s portable, something you’ll see occasionally from record players. The portability comes from its packaging, a suitcase-esque construction that folds in on itself and latches in place, keeping your record player safe and secure. This pick is the more stylish option, what with the ruby red accents and vintage-inspired construction. Beyond its looks, the record player comes with two external speakers, AUX input, RCA output and headphone jacks for a more intimate listening experience.

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, online, editor's pick

EDITOR’S PICK

Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control, and Vibration Isolation – High Fidelity Vinyl Record Player

A classic turntable with an acrylic platter.


With a solid wood plinth, sleek minimalist design, and a pre-installed Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge (a rarity at this price point), the Fluance RT85 isn’t just a pretty face — it’s a sonic upgrade in every sense. It runs quiet, sounds rich and detailed, and feels built to last, thanks to premium components like an acrylic platter and vibration-dampening isolation feet.

The setup is refreshingly simple, the design looks great in any space, and the sound? Clear, crisp, and warm enough to make your favorite records feel brand new again. If you’re ready to graduate from your entry-level setup or just want premium performance without going full audiophile, this is your sweet spot. 

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online, vintage, gramophone

BEST VINTAGE STYLE

Gramophone Record Player Vintage

A vintage-inspired record player.


If you’re not a fan of the new-fangled look of record players, then this Artisam Gramophone Record Player is a good option for you. Available in white, green, wood and other colors, this three-speed record player has built-in professional stereo acoustic audio, which delivers an impressive amount of clear audio. The design is meant to replicate the look of a gramophone and gives any space it’s set in a touch of whimsy. The record player supports AUX/RCA, USB flash drive, FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online, bluetooth, connectivity

BEST BLUETOOTH

Turntables Belt-Drive Record Player with Wireless Output Connectivity

$104.68 $159.99 35% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A wireless turntable.


While some people can live without it, Bluetooth connectivity to your turntable or record player is pretty important for some. It allows users to wirelessly send music from their vinyl to any compatible Bluetooth speaker, headphones or sound system with ease. The best Bluetooth compatible option we’ve stumbled across is this effortlessly chic Turntables Belt-Drive Record Player. No turntable receiver is needed to hook up. The turntable includes both phono and line outputs, or audio signal strengths, that you can use to connect your devices, thus improving audio quality. Not only is the connectivity the best around, the model is also currently 35% off, just $104.68 on Amazon.

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online, speajers, bookshelf speakers

BEST FULL SETUP

ANGELS HORN Vinyl Record Player Hi-Fi System Bluetooth Turntable Players with Stereo Bookshelf Speakers

A Bluetooth record player with bookshelf speakers.


The ANGELS HORN Vinyl Record Player (available in wood and red) is known for its balanced and neutral sound. This sleek record player is equipped with an professional tonearm to ensure high quality fidelity, a stable metal platter for speed consistency with anti-skate preset and an adjustable counterweight. The external, two-speed belt drive (33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM) is designed to produce a quiet motor. You’ve also got two distortion-free bookshelf speakers that further amplifying your audio experience, which is always something we can get behind. The price is also extremely attractive, given you’ll be getting a record player and two quality speakers for the price of one.

vinyl, beginner, record player, all-in-one, decorative, affordable, sale, Amazon

BEST BEGINNER MODEL

XJ-HOME All in One Vinyl Record Player with 4 Treble/Bass Stereo Speakers

$159.99 $219.99 27% off

Buy Now On Amazon

An all-in-one vinyl record player.


Out of all the record players we’ve stumbled across, this XJ-Home model is the best for beginners. The all-around model is currently 27% off, that’s just $159.99 compared to the OG price of $219.99, and comes with everything you need to spin your records like a seasoned pro. The player spins at both 33 or 45 RPM speeds and can play any size vinyl up to 12 inches. It also allows wireless streaming from any smart device, including your phone or tablet. You can also connect external speakers or headphones for an enhanced audio experience. If all that didn’t sell you, the brick-inspired design on the facade is pretty sweet too. 

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online, seeying, vinyl, vintage

BEST PLATTER

SeeYing Vinyl Record Player

$169.99 $229.99 26% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A decorative SeeYing vinyl record player.


The SeeYing Vinyl Record Player is on sale for $169.99 (reg. $229.99) on Amazon, while it comes with a full record player with a stable die-cast aluminum platter with anti-vibration suspension. It comes with built-in four stereo speakers too. We love the vintage-inspired look of the wood trim, and the slim design which slides neatly into a bookshelf or sat on top of a table.

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online, Wicked, Glinda, Elphaba, pink, green

BEST SUITCASE

Crosley x Wicked: for Good Cruiser Plus Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth in/Out Suitcase Vinyl Record Player

$149.95 $159.95 6% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A Wicked-inspired record player.


What could be better than a record player stashed in a portable suitcase? Maybe a “Wicked”-themed suitcase. This portable model comes in a Glinda pink suitcase or an alternative Elphaba green model embossed with a whimsical witchy print. Beyond its stellar packaging, this record player also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, isolated full-range stereo speakers that minimize vibration and interference and an RCA output that allows users to connect to their stereo systems or headphones for a more private listening experience.

Record player, affordable, Amazon, gifting, shop, deal, online, colorful, green

BEST COLORFUL OPTION

Vinyl Record Player with 2 Stereo Speakers in Water Green

A colorful vinyl record player.


This Cotsoco Record Player features three-speed belt-driven turntable for splendid vinyl audio with a wide range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, AUX-in, RCA out, and headphone jack. It comes with two built-in speakers and a variety of colors, although the Water Green hue has to be our favorite.

watercolor, vinyl, record player, affordable, shop, online, Amazon

EVEN MORE COLORFUL OPTIONS

Watercolor Vinyl Record Player

A watercolor-inspired record player.


If our last entry wasn’t colorful enough, this watercolor-inspired record player might do the trick. The model retails for $79.59 and is nestled in a portable suitcase dappled with pastel hues like a watercolor painting. As for sound control, the player features an adjustable tone function allowing you to change your preferences from a deep bass to crisp highs, along with a single knob that allows you to customize the tone as you please.

The record player also comes with an effortless built-in Bluetooth receiver to wirelessly transfer music to your smartphone. The color scheme is reminiscent of cotton candy or a sunset, something that would look practically perfect in a teenager’s room.

For more product recommendations, check out our tips on how to clean your vinyl records and the best speakers for music lovers.

Award-winning production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, alongside 100 Billion Meals cofounder Tony Robbins, are helming a new global initiative to feed the hungry. “The Next Verse” marks the recording of a new fundraising song produced by Jam and Lewis that will take place Tuesday (Dec. 16) at the iHeart Theater in Burbank, Calif. The final song and video will premiere globally on Dec. 25 across all streaming platforms. And the song will air nationally on all iHeart stations.

The recording Tuesday will feature an array of stars that includes Dr. Dre, Janet Jackson, Sheila E., Darryl McDaniels of D.M.C., Aloe Blacc, Duran Duran, Pitbull, The War and Treaty, Andrea Bocelli, Sammy Hagar and Leona Lewis. While following in the vein of earlier charitable initiatives such as “We Are the World,” “The Next Verse” — as noted in the press announcement — “will be the first time ever, both live and remotely via Zoom, that celebrities and the public around the world can join in a creative effort of this magnitude.”

Robbins, who cofounded 100 Billion Meals with Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, commented in the announcement, “Hunger is one of the greatest solvable challenges of our time. No child should wonder where their next meal is coming from. This challenge exists to bring together the resources, the innovation and the collective will to deliver 100 billion meals and reshape the future of food for generations to come.”

In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Jimmy Jam notes that his and Lewis’ thought process went beyond just writing and producing the song. “We thought it would be fun to make it interactive,” he explains, “where people can add verses or do videos nowadays like with TikTok. Then that way, it becomes a living, breathing way to give. That way everybody can feel like they’re a part of it — not only in the creation of the song and subsequent versions of the song — rather than just watching us record the song on Dec. 16.”

The public can participate in “The Next Verse” initiative either by streaming the event live — at no cost — by registering at the 100 Billion Meals website, or via a $10 donation, which will provide 44 meals. Donors will have access to the full Zoom experience participating interactively with an artist. In addition, creators, choirs, classrooms and fans worldwide are invited to record and upload their own verse, hook or harmony to any social media platform tagging #TheNextVerse and @100BillionMeals. The official instrumental is available via the 100 Billion Meals website.

As for the writing of the song itself, Jam says, “We’re building the plane while we’re flying, and the 16th is going to be a nice landing.” He adds that the music and message behind the song were inspired by Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me.”

“This song is so simple; it’s literally five notes up and down,” adds Jam. “It starts off very quiet, goes into an anthem type of thing and then comes right back to where it started, which is kind of the circle of life. We just want it to feel like a universal statement.”

Among the artists Jam ticks off who have offered their talents on the writing front are Hagar, Duran Duran, Jack Antonoff, Amy Allen, Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi and Quincy Jones’ daughter Tina Jones.

“It’s been a great experience watching these Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame people all come together in this moment,” says Jam. “It’s been 40 years since this was last done. With problems owing to SNAP cuts and the food insecurity that’s happening right here in America, it just seems like the right time to do this.”

The goal of 100 Billion Meals is to deliver 100 billion meals over a decade. Thus far, 62 billion meals have been distributed in the three years since the non-profit’s inception. To ensure effective meal distribution, 100 Billion Meals is partnered with Feeding America, UNICEF, Food 4 Education, To Move Mountains, Dream Center and All Hands & Hearts.


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Nicki Minaj definitely has a problem with California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose recent comments about transgender children incited a storm of diss posts on X about him from the rapper — but he seems to have clapped back by invoking the words of Megan Thee Stallion.

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It all started with the politician’s Dec. 10 appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, where Newsom said that he wants “to see trans kids,” adding, “There’s no governor that signed more pro-trans legislation than I have, and no one’s been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ [community].”

Unimpressed by the prospective 2028 presidential candidate’s remarks, Minaj unleashed a storm of posts antagonizing him on Friday (Dec. 12). “Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids,” she wrote. “Haha. Not even a trans ADULT would run on that. Normal adults wake up & think they want to see HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids.”

“Gavin is the cute boy who got everything handed to him b/c of how cute & sexy & hot & smoking he was,” Minaj quipped in another post. “He thinks he’s Tom Cruise only difference is, his next mission IS impossible. He should get another leading role.”

In other posts over the next couple of days, the hip-hop star wrote that it’s the “end of the road” for Newsom and called him a “Career politician … nothing more than a Nicki Minaj ANTI.”

Newsom — who has a trans godson — hasn’t directly responded to the callouts, but he did post a video that many onlookers have interpreted as shade against Minaj. Captioned with only a mouth-zipped emoji, the montage compiles clips of Newsom and President Donald Trump — for whom Minaj has been showing more and more support online in recent weeks — set to Megan Thee Stallion’s Billboard Hot 100-topper “Hiss.”

The 2024 track is largely considered a diss track against Minaj, who certainly took offense to lyrics such as “These h–s don’t be mad at Megan/ These h–s mad at Megan’s Law” when Meg first dropped it. Minaj is married to and shares a son with Kenneth Petty, who was ordered to register as a sex offender after his conviction of attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl in 1995; Megan’s Law is a federal mandate that requires law enforcement to make information available about registered sex offenders.

That same lyric plays over a photo of Trump standing next to Jeffrey Epstein — who pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, and was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 — in Newsom’s video, which also includes newly released pictures of the president from Epstein’s estate.

Minaj appeared to respond to Newsom’s video by posting shortly afterward, “Oh gavvy Pooh the ppl behind you clearly don’t care about you” and “Pooh this won’t get the results you guys are hoping for … I can go 8 stages deeper.”

“Let’s wait…I think Gavvy’s still transitioning,” she added before sharing a fake, edited photo of herself putting Newsom in a headlock with her legs in a wrestling ring.


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Nick Jonas gave fans the first taste of his upcoming Sunday Best solo album on Sunday (Dec. 14), naturally, during one of his Sunday Best Brunch events in Toronto. The Jonas Brothers member and solo star dove into the moody ballad “Gut Punch” at the brunch while joined on stage by his non-JoBros younger brother, Franklin Jonas, and album collaborator JP Saxe.

“Gut Punch,” due out on Jan. 1, will appear on Sunday Best, Nick’s first full-length solo album in five years, an 11-track project exploring his life as a husband to actress Priyanka Chopra and dad to their daughter, Malti, which is due out on Feb. 6.

According to a release, Nick “shared an intimate conversation about the origins of ‘Gut Punch’ and the deeply personal themes woven throughout the album” at Sunday’s gathering, where fans also got an intimate, stripped-back performances of new songs, reworked favorites and a behind-the-scenes look into the personal stories that inspired the LP.

In an accompanying video describing “Gut Punch” in which an off-camera Chopra asked her husband pointed questions about his work, she wondered if there was a lyric on the record he was afraid to say out loud. “‘I hurt my own feelings,’” an emotional Jonas responded as the song’s chugging rhythm and acoustic strumming bubbled up and fans heard him sing the lacerating refrain, “Hit me like a gut punch/ I hurt my own feelings/ How did I get so good at being mean to myself?

In an earlier video, Jonas let the emotionally naked lyrics play out as he pointed to self-affirming phrases reminding listeners that they should give themselves a little more grace. “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be,” a silent Jonas nodded along to, before pointing to the mantras: “you don’t need to have everything figured out,” “you can’t be behind on your own timeline” and “you’re allowed to be proud of how far you’ve come.”

Jonas has been performing “Gut Punch” on the JoBros’ Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown anniversary tour, which has seven more shows left this year, including a Monday night (Dec. 15) gig at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

“I’m so excited to share these new stories, candid thoughts, quiet walks home in the city, and snapshots of my life over these past few years,” Jonas said in a statement announcing the follow-up to 2021’s Spaceman solo LP earlier this month. “And while this album was made over the course of the last two years, it was truly 33 years in the making.”

A release described the album as drawing inspiration from Jonas’ musical roots and early years singing in church choirs, “through unguarded storytelling and moments he has never previously shared publicly… [offering] listeners an intimate look into his world and [exploring] honesty, growth and rediscovery.”


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HYBE is making a bold move into Africa’s booming music market through a global management partnership with industry veterans Brandon Hixon and Colin Gayle, the Korean company announced Monday. 

The collaboration aims to amplify African artists, foster cross-cultural storytelling and create long-term creative pathways across the U.S., Asia and beyond. Under the initiative, HYBE will build a pipeline for emerging and established talent, sign new artists and provide comprehensive international support. Tyla, the Grammy-winning South African star behind hits including “Water” and “PUSH 2 START,” will be the first artist supported under the initiative. She’ll remain under the guidance of Hixon and Gayle, with HYBE adding global scale and resources to her team.

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Hixon and Gayle bring decades of experience championing African music globally, and their alliance with HYBE signals a new era of Black-led creative leadership joining forces with a global entertainment powerhouse. The partnership will deliver expanded resources in touring, marketing, digital strategy, multimedia production and brand partnerships, while enabling cross-artist collaborations within HYBE’s roster.

Hixon and Gayle bring decades of experience elevating African music on a global stage, and their partnership with HYBE marks a new chapter of Black-led creative leadership aligned with a major entertainment company. The alliance will provide expanded support across touring, marketing, digital strategy, production and branding deals, while also opening the door to collaborations with artists across HYBE’s global roster.

“Our work has always been about connecting great artists with the world in the right way,” said Hixon. “HYBE brings a global perspective that complements how Colin and I build. Together, we can help artists move freely and tell their stories on the biggest stages.”

“We’re entering a moment where African artists have unlimited potential,” added Gayle. “With HYBE’s collaborative support, we can help them expand their reach while staying true to the roots that make this music extraordinary.”

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African music’s global surge — fueled by Afrobeats, Amapiano and platforms like TikTok and YouTube — is driving demand for infrastructure that can scale internationally. IFPI’s 2025 Global Music Report underscores this momentum: Sub-Saharan Africa posted a 22.6% revenue increase last year, surpassing $100 million, while North Africa contributed to MENA’s 22.8% growth.

“We are thrilled to partner with cultural architects like Brandon Hixon and Colin Gayle, whose vision is essential to driving the powerful momentum of African artistry onto the global stage,” said Jason Jaesang Lee, CEO of HYBE. “This partnership represents a pivotal moment in HYBE’s global expansion strategy. By combining their expertise with our global network and resources, we will establish a strategic, sustainable bridge designed to amplify authentic African voices and artistry to fans across the world.”

In November, HYBE reported Q3 revenue up 38% year-over-year to 727.2 billion Korean won ($519 million), powered by concert income from BTS’ Jin, SEVENTEEN and TXT.


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Billboard News, presented by Amazon Prime, breaks down notable highlights from Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Holiday 100 Songs, including fan favorites from Katy Perry, Jonas Brothers and Wham!, to name a few. With festive sound cues and seasonal flair, the segment celebrates seasonal favorites and spotlights chart-topping moments, including Mariah Carey’s continued reign with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Tetris Kelly: Yes, it’s that time of year, and everybody’s playlist is full of holiday bops. Well, if you need suggestions, we’re breaking down some of the songs on Billboard‘s Greatest of All Time, Holiday 100 Songs presented by Amazon Prime. Getting cozy down in No. 79 is a holiday favorite by Katy Perry. 

Katy Perry: Well, you know, I guess if this was the tester, it went well. I love this song, and I created it especially for Amazon. 

Tetris Kelly: And the boy bands are represented with the Jonas Brothers at No. 70, NSYNC* at 64 and Jackson 5 at 42. Getting closer to the top of the ranks, we see contemporary faves like Ariana Grande at 19 and Justin Bieber at No. 17. This year on the Hot 100 Wham! has already peaked at No. 2, but on our all time list “Last Christmas” is at eight. And with multiple entries on the list, it’s no surprise Mariah Carey is No. 1 with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It’s a big year for Mimi as she continues to break chart records. 

Interviewer: Did you know you had a hit on your hands? 

Mariah Carey: I was just into the fact that I was, I was writing a Christmas song. It was from a different perspective, you know, than my usual songwriting. And I never imagined, like, well, first of all, I couldn’t think that far ahead in the future anyway, but I never imagined this moment with it. So it’s just really nice to be part of people’s holiday traditions. 

For those “Patiently Waiting” for new music from Eminem and 50 Cent, you might be in luck next year. The G-Unit mogul, who’s starring in the 2026 Street Fighter reboot, hyped the idea of having Eminem join him on the blockbuster’s soundtrack in an Instagram post over the weekend.

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“I’m gonna get @eminem on deck to make some music for this movie Street Fighter,” 50 wrote alongside a promo poster for the film featuring himself in the role of Balrog. “New Music on the way!

Former NBA star Quentin Richardson, Uncle Murda and Bow Wow hopped into the comments to congratulate 50 on the role.

Fans were hyped at the idea of 50 and Eminem reuniting in the booth. “‘Imma get Eminem to do a song’ that’s the best flex you can have lowkey,” one person wrote.

Another added: “50 cent got so much momentum right now it’s crazy.”

50 Cent performed his own stunts as Balrog and underwent intense training sessions for the role, per The Hollywood Reporter, which finds him playing a former boxer who serves as a security guard for the movie’s villain.

The star-studded cast is rounded out by Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, country singer Orville Peck and WWE superstar Roman Reigns (Joe Anoa’i).

50 Cent and Eminem last teamed up as guests alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg for “Gunz N Smoke,” which landed on Dre and Snoop’s Missionary collab album in December 2024.

Over the last two decades-plus, 50 and Em have frequently been running mates while joining forces for “Don’t Push Me,” “Patiently Waiting,” “Gatman & Robin” and “You Don’t Know,” to name a few.

Look for Street Fighter to hit U.S. theaters on Oct. 16, 2026.


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Carl Carlton, the Detroit-bred R&B/soul star best known for his 1981 funk hit “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” has died at 72. The singer’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, reported the news on his Facebook page on Sunday (Dec. 14), writing, “RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton singer of ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama.’ Long hard fight in life and you will be missed”; Carlton was born Carlton Hudgens. At press time Billboard had not independently confirmed Carlton’s death.

Carlton, who reportedly suffered a stroke six years ago, was born in the Motor City on May 21, 1953 and began performing at a young age under the name “Little Carl” Carlton. By 1964 he’d released his first singles for Lando Records, “I Think of How I Love Her” and “I Love True Love,” scoring local hits the next year with the songs “So What” and “Don’t You Need a Boy Like Me.”

After gaining attention with the first few songs, in 1968, Carlton signed to Back Beat Records, relocating to Houston to be closer to label founder Don Robey to release “Competition Ain’t Nothing,” which topped out at No. 36 on the Billboard R&B chart and quickly became a beloved hit on the U.K.’s Northern Soul scene.

Already a budding singing star, Carlton graduated from Detroit’s Murray Wight High School in 1970 and scored his first national hit in 1971 with “I Can Feel It.” After Robey sold his label to ABC Records, the latter released a compilation of Carlton’s early singles, You Can’t Stop a Man in Love. Carlton finally broke through in 1974 with his biggest hit, a cover of Robert Knight’s “Everlasting Love,” a dreamy, yearning disco-tinged soul burner that became his highest-charting, most enduring hit, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in November 1974.

The singer bounced around to a few labels in the late 1970s, landing at 20th Century Records in the early 1980s and releasing his most well-known hit, the lascivious, Leon Haywood-penned R&B jam “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built,She’s Stacked),” which earned Carlton a 1982 Grammy nomination for best R&B vocal performance, male. The song peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1981 and No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart.

According to Who Sampled, “Bad Mama Jama” has been sampled by a number of rappers, including Foxy Brown (“Big Bad Mamma”), BigXthaPlug (“Meet the 6ixers”), Flo Milli (“BGC”) and Das EFX (“Straight Out the Sewer”). Carlton released his fourth studio album, The Bad C.C., in 1981 and continued to record and perform for the next 20 years, dropping Private Property on Casablanca Records in 1985, which featured a cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and the snappy, proto-Prince funk groover “Slipped, Tripped Fooled Around and Fell in Love.” He followed that up with 1994’s Main Event and was quiet for more than a decade before issuing the gospel project God Is Good.

Listen to “Everlasting Love” and “Bad Mama Jama” below.


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