Kehlani Signs with Wasserman Music for Global Representation

Kehlani has new representation…

The 28-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy nominee has signed with Wasserman Music for global representation.

KehlaniAgents Brent Smith and Eli Gelernter will serve as Kehlani’s representatives at the company.

The signing follows the singer-songwriter’s extensive world tour supporting her most recent album, Blue Water Road.

In 2017, Kehlani was awarded the Rulebreaker Award at the Billboard Women in Music event.

Kehlani is managed by David Ali at Above Ground Management and signed to Atlantic Records.

Cardi B Re-Teaming with Megan Thee Stallion for New Single “Bongos”

Cardi B is marching to the beat of her own drum

The 30-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar is joining forces with Megan Thee Stallion once again, this time on the new track “Bongos.”

Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, BongosCardi B’s new track will be released on Friday (September 8, with the new track available to be pre-saved now via streaming services Spotify and Apple Music.

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion unveiled the “Bongos” artwork with the announcement. The colorful visual shows the two rappers in coordinating blue and purple one-pieces and high heels, with their hair styled in playful, multi-colored curls, and lollipops in hand.

Cardi and Megan Thee Stallion haven’t shared further details yet, but this is their second collaboration — so fans are already hyped.

Their first song together — the NSFW smash hit “WAP,” released on Atlantic Records — spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020.

“Y’all remember when the FCC almost sued me cuz I performed WAP at the Grammys? What about when all the republicans literally harassed me over it? On the news everyday… Y’all remember? Oooohhh cuz I do,” Cardi reminisced over the summer.

Last week, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion won a court ruling tossing out a lawsuit that accused them of stealing the lyrics to “WAP” and Megan The Stallion’s “Thot Shit” from an earlier track called “Grab Em by the P—-.”

Last month, Cardi B also gave an update on her sophomore album that interestingly turned out to be a decoy — or maybe “Bongos” just came to be very recently.

“I’m not going to release any more collaborations,” she said for her Vogue México y Latinoamérica cover story. “I’m going to put out my next solo single. Right now, I’m working on the cover art and ideas for the next record because it’s definitely coming up. Everyone always tells me I should put the record out now. They did when I released ‘WAP’ [with Megan Thee Stallion] and when I released ‘Up,’ but I always let them know I’m not going to wait long after all these singles. So stay tuned because it’s coming out very soon.”

Sabrina Claudio Releases Cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Favorite Crime” Single

Sabrina Claudio has her favorite crime…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American singer has shared her take on “Favorite Crime” by Olivia Rodrigo.

Sabrina ClaudioFor the Cover Nation performance, Claudio transformed the Sour album cut into a breathy, sultry slow jam, singing, “Know that I loved you so bad/ I let you treat me like that/ I was your willing accomplice, honey/ And I watched as you fled the scene/ Doe-eyed as you buried me/ One heart broke, four hands bloody/ Those things I did/ Just so I could call you mine/ Oh, the things you did/ Well, I hope I was your favorite crime.”

Despite not being released as an official single like “Drivers License,” “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 U,” the song still managed to make an impact on the Billboard Hot 100 by debuting at No. 16 when Rodrigo released her smash-debut album back in May 2021.

At the time, all 11 of the LP’s tracks stormed the chart, while Sour itself debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spent five weeks at the top of the chart.

Meanwhile, Claudio is currently readying her fourth studio album Based on a Feeling, which is scheduled for release on May 6 via Atlantic Records as a follow-up to her 2020 holiday record Christmas Blues.

The singer opened up about what fans can expect from the new project last month while attending Billboard’s Women in Music 2022.

“The music is done. I’m just gonna say that,” she said on the red carpet. “Yeah, I’m just very excited. I haven’t released music in two years — actually, I haven’t been out of the house in two years!”

Kehlani Teams Up with Justin Bieber for New Single “Up At Night”

Kehlani’s stayin’ up with a special guest…

The 26-year-old part-Mexican American singer-songwriter has joined voices with Justin Bieber for the stunning new single “Up At Night.”

Kehlani

The grooving R&B jam, with Bieber stopping in for a guest verse, is the second single the pair has collaborated on, following their 2020 duet “Get Me” off of Bieber’s Changes.

At the onset, “Up At Night” sounds like many of Kehlani’s recent singles leading up to her new album — ethereal, smooth, and sultry. But by the time it reaches the chorus, the song ratchets up, with a kicked-back beat and some slick guitars bringing a vibe-driven dance feel to the track.

Once Kehlani’s finished letting their vocals shine on the infectious chorus, Bieber takes over, crooning about his romantic obsession, his energy perfectly matching Kehlani’s. “You’rе the light of my life, you’re my mеanin’/ Girl, you got what I want, what I needed,” Bieber sings.

In a statement, Kehlani gave fans some insight on the song’s meaning, while also offering props to Bieber for joining her on the single. “It’s about having a healthily obsessed relationship. You’re telling someone, ‘I love you so much it keeps me awake at night,’” she said. “I love what Justin did, and it’s such a fun one to dance to.”

“Up All Night” is the latest single off of Blue Water Road, Kehlani’s hotly anticipated third studio album.

Last week, the star announced that the album would drop April 29 via Atlantic Records, and shared that the album would be an “emotional journey, a sexual journey, and a spiritual journey.”

Cardi B Makes Recording Industry Association of America History with “Invasion of Privacy” Album

Cardi B has earned a spot in RIAA’s history books…

The 29-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar’s debut album, 2018’s Invasion of Privacy, has officially made Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) history once again.

Cardi BAll 13 songs on the album are now certified platinum or higher by the RIAA, making Cardi B the first female to achieve the feat.

The accomplishment further extends her initial record as the first female artist to have every track on an album RIAA certified Gold.

Her major-label debut LP with Atlantic Records is the gift that keeps on giving for Cardi, earning her a Billboard 200 No. 1, a 2019 Grammy for best rap album, a diamond-certified single “Bodak Yellow” and  two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles (“Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin), among other milestones for the rapper.

Invasion of Privacy was the top female rap album of the 2010s, according to the Billboard 200 Decade-End chart.

Cardi charted 13 songs (12 from the album, minus “Bodak Yellow” after its three-week stint at the top) on the Hot 100, allowing her to pass Beyoncé for the most simultaneous titles on the ranking by a solo female.

In April 2021, Cardi B celebrated the three-year anniversary of Invasion of Privacy with a sweet message on Twitter.

“Thank you everyone that’s been showing IOP love today .It feels like a birthday lols,” she tweeted. “I get real sweet and bittersweet memories when I listen to the album, I faced many challenges thru the process and after but the outcome was beautiful and successful. Love you forever.”

Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic Bringing Their Music & Retro Style to Fortnite

It’s a Fortnite to remember for Bruno Mars

The part-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic have joined the world of Fortnite by announcing that they’ve signed a deal to bring their smooth stylings to the virtual universe.

Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic, FortniteThe partnership between Atlantic Records and Fornite on the latest “Icon Series” will include in-game outfits for players, a new in-game “Icon Radio” station and an upcoming “Silk Sonic Cup” player tournament.

“When Fortnite asked me if I wanted to create an outfit for the game, I asked, ‘Are CGI muscles off the table?’ They said ‘no.’ I said ‘deal.’ I”ll see you on the Island,” Mars said in a statement, with .Paak cheekily adding, “When Fortnite agreed to give Bruno CGI muscles, I said, ‘I’m in. He could use the help, so I support it.’ And it makes me cool. Win, win.”

Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic, FortniteThe first “Icon Radio” station launched this week, allowing players to listen to all the songs on the duo’s debut, An Evening With Silk Sonic, in their cars, along with solo tracks from Mars and .Paak. Legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins serves as the radio station’s host.

The official “Silk Sonic Set” outfits — players can choose between a digitally jacked Mars or .Paak — are slated to launch on February 10 at 7:00 pm ET. They include signature accessories like Mars’ Sound Scepter Pickaxe, which can be worn as Back Bling, and .Paak’s Sonic Snare Back Bling and Boom Bap Pickaxe; Fortnite users can get early access to the new outfits and the pair’s signature “Silk Sonic Spray” by competing in the Silk Sonic Cup tournament, which kicks off on February 7.

Both performers are familiar to Fortnite users; .Paak performed a “Spotlight Concert Series” in the game in September 2020 and Mars’ “Leave the Door Open Emote” debuted in-game in April 2021.

The Icon Series skin line has previously featured collaborations with Ariana Grande and Marshmello, among others.

FKA Twigs Partners with Atlantic Records

FKA Twigs is crossing the Atlantic

The 34-year-old part-Spanish English singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, video director and actress, who released her mixtape Caprisongs last week, has “partnered with Atlantic Records for this next exciting phase of her art,” according to the announcement.

FKA Twigs

In the U.K., FKA Twigs will continue to release music via the Young label (formerly Young Turks) through Beggars Group.

“FKA twigs is the kind of artist you dream of signing — one with truly original vision, voice, and presence,” said Atlantic chairman-COO Julie Greenwald. “She’s among the most compelling talents, always pushing her creative envelope to deliver emotionally honest music that’s both intensely personal and universal. We’re thrilled that she’s chosen Atlantic to be her home as she continues on her fantastic musical adventure.”

“The progression of FKA twigs’ music over the past decade has been extraordinary,” said chairman-CEO Craig Kallman. “She’s never content to stay in one place – constantly crossing musical boundaries, embracing fresh sounds, telling new stories, and exploring what’s next. An amazing vocalist, songwriter, lyricist, and producer, she’s barely scratched the surface of her potential, and we’re incredibly excited to see what she’ll be bringing her fans in the years to come.”

FKA twigs to Release New Mixtape “Caprisongs” This Month

FKA twigs is mix(tape)ing things up…

After teasing new music on TikTok, the 33-year-old part-Spanish English singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, video director and actress has officially announced plans to release her upcoming mixtape Caprisongs on January 14.

FKA twigs

“CAPRISONGS is my journey back to myself through my amazing collaborators and friends,” FKA twigs wrote in her January 6 social media post, noting inspirations from London, Hackney, Los Angeles, New York and Jamaica.

FKA twigs was generous, also revealing the track list and features, including “Tears In the Club” featuring The Weeknd, and other songs featuring the likes of Jorja Smith, Daniel Caesar, Pa Salieu, Rema, Shygirl, Dystopia and Unknown T.

The project will mark FKA twigs’ first release since 2019’s Magdalene, which debuted at No. 54 on the Billboard 200.

“It’s my stubborn caprisun a– telling me to work thru my pain by delivering at work, don’t think just go studio and create, my saggi moon being the enigmatic temptress craving the club, to dance and to be social and my pisce venus hot mess disastrous heart falling in love all over again but this time with music and with myself,” she added about her upcoming release.

In 2021, Twigs was in the spotlight thanks to her collaboration with The Weeknd, which marked her first release under Atlantic Records, and her “cellophane” music video serving as an inspiration for Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”

While the avante-garde creator infuses myriad genres throughout her music, Caprisongs features mostly R&B and hip-hop artists, which may be telling of the project’s direction.

Noted Twigs, “i made you a mixtape, because when i feel you, i feel me and when i feel me, it feels good.”

Cardi B Signs Publishing Deal with Warner Chappell Music

Cardi B is celebrating a new deal…

The 28-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM), moving her catalog over from Sony Music Publishing.

Cardi B

The news, first reported by Variety, brings Cardi B’s recording and publishing under the Warner Music Group umbrella, as Cardi B has been signed to Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records since 2017.

A representative for WCM declined to comment, and representatives for Sony Music Publishing could not be reached at press time.

Cardi B’s move to WCM comes in advance of her highly-anticipated sophomore album, the follow up to Invasion of Privacy, her Grammy-winning debut album released in 2018.

She has released a bevy of successful singles since then, including the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s “Up” and “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion, and notches her latest feature, appearing on Lizzo‘s brand-new single “Rumors.”

WCM co-chairs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, alongside president of U.S. A&R Ryan Press, have signed a string of hit artists and songwriters recently, including Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars, Saweetie, 42 Dugg, Belly, Quincy Jones and Cab Calloway.

Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic Single “Leave the Door Open” Returns to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

Bruno Mars is back on top…

Leave the Door Open,” from the 35-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer and Anderson .Paak’s duo Silk Sonic, rebounds from No. 2 to No. 1 for its second week atop the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart.Bruno Mars, Ricky Regal, LacosteThe Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

“Leave the Door Open,” released on Aftermath/Atlantic Records, first reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 dated April 17 (five weeks ago). It returns to the top as it drew 17.8 million U.S. streams (down 4%) and sold 14,200 (up 38%, helped by its placement in the iTunes Store‘s 69¢ Pop Hits sale) in the week ending May 13, according to MRC Data. It also attracted 87 million radio airplay audience impressions (up 8%) in the week ending May 16.

The track adds a fifth week atop the Radio Songs chart, pushes 3-2 on Digital Song Sales and keeps at No. 10 on Streaming Songs.

Notably, the four-week absence from No. 1 on the Hot 100 for “Leave the Door Open” is the longest for a song since Post Malone‘s “Circles” waited four frames between its second and third weeks on top on the charts dated December 7, 2019, and January 11, 2020. The two tracks’ breaks between weeks at No. 1 mark the longest since Taylor Swift‘s “Shake It Off” reigned for two weeks and then spent eight frames at No. 2 (behind Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass“) before returning for two more weeks on top in September-November 2014.

The track concurrently leads Hot R&B Songs for an eighth week and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for a fourth frame; the latter two charts use the same methodology as the Hot 100.