Bia Teams Up with Tones And I & Diarra Sylla on FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023’s Official Walkout Anthem, “Bring It On”

Bia is helping bring it on

The 31-year-old half-Puerto Rican rapper has joined voices with Tones And I and singer-songwriter Diarra Sylla on FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023’s official walkout anthem, “Bring It On,” which was released in full on Friday, July 21.

BIAProduced by multi-Grammy-winner RedOne, the tune will play before all 64 games across the tournament and will enjoy sync opportunities on free-to-air commercial television in Australia. 

The triumvirate of artists represents “different continents and a variety of musical influences,” explains FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura, pointing out the tune will be used for future tournaments.

“By bringing together voices from Africa, Australia, Europe and North America, this song symbolizes how music – and football – can unite the world,” comments Samoura.

“Bring It On” premiered ahead of the opening match last Thursday, July 20 between New Zealand and former World Cup champion Norway at Eden Park, Auckland.

“Being able to bring different people and cultures together through music is just the best thing for me,” comments Bia, whose homeland is the reigning World Cup champion.

Though Senegal missed out this time, “there will be four African teams taking part and I will be proud to represent my country through music,” adds Sylla.

Omar Apollo Signs Global Publishing Deal with Concord Music Publishing

Omar Apollo is taking his music global…

The 25-year-old Mexican American bilingual singer has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.

Omar ApolloThe new partnership comes after Apollo’s major label debut album, Ivory (2022) via Warner Records, and a juggernaut soulful single “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All),” which recently landed at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The contract with Concord will cover his complete music catalog, which includes Ivory and future works.

“Omar has already proven himself to be one of the most exciting artists, pushing music forward,” Jeremy Yohai, senior vice president of A&R at Concord, said in a statement. “It’s been amazing working Omar together with Dylan [Shanks, management] and his current music success is only the beginning.”

“Working with Jeremy and the Concord Music Publishing team has been great,” adds Apollo.

The independent music publishing company also houses the works of acclaimed songwriters like The 1975, BIA, Daft Punk, and Duff McKagan, and represents the catalogs of legends such as Benny Blanco, Phil Collins, and Joan Sebastian among others.

Prior to Ivory, Apollo was already a force to be reckoned with. He carved out a space as a prolific, millions-streaming SoundCloud creator; entered the top 20 of Heatseekers Albums for both 2019’s EP Friends and 2020’s mixtape Apolonio releases; and earned two Latin Grammy nominations in 2021.

Plus, he’s been building a fervid, cult fan base that’s now ready for a mainstream breakthrough.

With a heady mix of pop-punk (“Talk”), delectable funk (“No Good Reason”), Spanglish trap (“Tamagochi”), and plenty of bluesy cuts in the new album, Apollo further testifies his genre-spanning prowess and song-crafting eminence and that’s equipped for global consumption. Proof? For starters, Ivory debuted at No. 1 of the Heatseekers Albums chart, and singles like “Evergreen” racked up about 66 million plays across streaming channels.

This year, the bilingual star made memorable appearances in major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and ALC Fest. He also guested on Good Morning AmericaThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and is preparing for another headlining tour Stateside that includes stops at Brooklyn’s King Theatre and Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.

J Balvin Reclaims Crown as Artist with Most Videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club

J Balvin is YouTube’s ’s Billion baller…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer’s “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” music video in collaboration with Black Eyed Peas has surpassed 1 billion views, officially making him the artist with the most videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club once again, according to the video platform.

J Balvin“Ritmo,” which was released on October 11, 2019, on YouTube, marks Balvin’s 12th entry as a lead, featured artist or collaborator. Prior to reclaiming the crown this week, Balvin was tied with Justin Bieber with 11 music videos each with a billion views.

In 2016, he became the first Latin urban artist to reach 10 digits with a video on the platform with “Ay Vamos.” He was only the third Latin artist to reach a billion views, following Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando,” featuring Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno, and Romeo Santos’ “Propuesta Indecente,” both in 2014.

Balvin also has one of the top five fastest videos to reach the billion-view mark with “Mi Gente,” surpassing the number in 103 days.

“Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” samples Corona’s ’90s hit “Rhythm of the Night,” fusing hip-hop and pop with Balvin’s incendiary and infectious take on reggaeton.

The track topped the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs and Hot Latin Songs

charts in 2020, becoming the Peas’ first leader on each ranking and Balvin’s first on the dance chart.

The video, which shows scenes from the Bad Boys for Life movie, now joins the Willy William-assisted “Mi Gente”; “X (Equis)” with Nicky Jam; “Con Altura” with Rosalia; “China” alongside Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and Ozuna; “No Me Conoce (Remix)” with Jhayco and Bad Bunny; “Ay Vamos”; “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny; “Ahora Dice” with Chris Jedi, Ozuna, and Arcangel; the Farruko-assisted “6AM”; and “Safari” featuring Pharrell Williams, BIA, and Sky in the billion-views club.

Bia to Perform at This Year’s Revolve Festival

Bia has resolved to revolve

Fashion retailer Revolve is partnering with Los Angeles hospitality company The h.wood Group to bring today’s biggest stars to Coachella’s most coveted party, including the 30-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/rapper.

BIARevolve Festival will be returning to La Quinta, Calif., on April 16 and 17 for its fifth year after a three-year hiatus.

In addition to Bia, other artists set to take the stage on Saturday (April 16) are Ty Dolla $ign and Jessie Murph, plus some special guest performances before Sunday (April 17), when Jack HarlowLatto, Iann Dior and Mills take the stage.

Willow will also be joining Sunday’s event as a special guest appearance.

Both days of the Revolve Festival will also include DJ sets by DJ Tay James and Zack Bia, Brittany Sky and Angel + Dren on Saturday, and Devin Lucien, Pookie | Honey and Angel + Dren on Sunday.

Revolve Festival

For nightlife enthusiasts, The h.wood Group will also be hosting a “Bootsy Bellows After Party” on Saturday night.

“Revolve Festival is our global cultural event, and the ultimate convergence of the lifestyle aspects we are most known for: fashion, music and fun,” Michael Mente, co-founder and co-CEO of Revolve Group, said in a press statement. “Our partnership with The h.wood Group allows us to explore this at the highest level, and to deliver bigger and better in all ways for fans, and our community. We can’t wait to bring this incredible lineup to the desert.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Revolve to throw the biggest activations during the festival weekend,” John Terzian and Brian Toll, co-founders of The h.wood Group, mirrored. “We are introducing the most epic lineup and award-winning talent to set the stage and bar high, while also bringing our world-renowned ‘Bootsy Bellows After Party’ to the same venue, rounding out the festivities. We really believe this will be where everyone will want to be.”

Additionally, Revolve Festival guests will have access to a number visually immersive, social media-ready installations, including experiences with partners Venmo and Spotify. Hawkers will be onsite as the official sunglasses partner.

Upon arrival, guests will be treated to organic pressed juices from popular Los Angeles-based health market Erewhon, delivered via Postmates, the official food delivery partner for Revolve Festival, and cocktails provided by Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila and tequila seltzers by the ready-to-drink partner, Onda. Daring Foods and a Good American ice cream truck will also on site, as well as drinks from exclusive energy partner, Celsius. Additional onsite partners include Zip and Pley Beauty.

“After nearly three years of hiatus, we are excited to showcase the incredible talent, brands, partners and content we believe our audience will be inspired by, and excited to celebrate with us,” Raissa Gerona, chief brand officer of Revolve said in a press statement. “Festival is a time our customer most looks forward to, so we always have to be there, and can’t wait to be back!”

See the lineup below, and shop the Revolve Festival Shop, curated with Zip here, between now and April 30.

BIA Earns Career-First RIAA-Certified Platinum Single

BIA is celebrating a significant career milestone…

The 30-year-old half-Puerto Rican rapper/singer and songwriter, whose real name is Bianca Miquela Landrau, has been name to the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) Class of 2021.

BIA

BIA is among 43 acts to receive their first gold, platinum or multiplatinum certification from the RIAA this year.

BIA’s hit single “Whole Lotta Money” was certified platinum this year, following its gold certification in December 2020.

But BIA isn’t the only Latinx artist to be honored…

CJ is celebrating a mult-plat hit….

The 24-year-old Puerto Rican rapper’s smash single “Whoopty” was certified multi-platinum this year after selling more than two million units.

“These awards celebrate some of the most special moments in our industry – when new voices emerge and find their place on the national stage,” RIAA CEO and chairman Mitch Glazier tells Billboard. “Music never stands still – and these dynamic breakthrough artists and the label teams supporting them are a big part of the reason why.”

A song or album reaches gold status when it achieves combined sales and/or streams of 500,000, platinum status for 1 million and multi-platinum status for 2 million or higher.

For the class of 2021, only titles released in 2020 and 2021 and certified in 2021 are eligible. Last year, 53 artists earned such a designation.

The news follows the September release of the RIAA’s half-year report that showed that recorded music revenues in the U.S. had experienced double-digit growth in the first half of 2021. Revenue grew 27% at retail over the first half of 2020 to %7.1 billion, up from $5.6 billion. Streaming accounted for 84% of all revenues.

RIAA First-Timer 2021 List
347aidan
42 Dugg
Alexander 23
BeatKing
BIA
Big Scarr
BIG30
Capella Grey
carolesdaughter
CJ
Coi Leray
Corpse
Curtis Waters
Dusty Locane
Elvie Shane
Erica Banks
Forest Blakk
Fousheé
Fredo Bang
Hotboii
Jackboy
Jelly Roll
Joel Corry
Joseph Black
jxdn
Kevo Muney
Lil Eazzyy
Lily Rose
Mooski
Morray
Nardo Wick
Nathan Evans
Olivia Rodrigo
Pooh Shiesty
Ritt Momney
Royal & the Serpent
Sada Baby
salem ilese
Sara Kays
SpotemGottem
Tai Verdes
Toosii
Zoe Wees

 

Go here for a full list of titles achieving gold, platinum and multiplatinum status for the first time:

 

Lourdes Leon Teases Her Ensemble for Upcoming Debut Appearance on Savage x Fenty Fashion Show Runway

Lourdes Leon is ready for the runway…

The 24-year-old half-Latina model, fashion designer and singer, Madonna’s daughter, is preparing for her Savage x Fenty debut.

Lourdes Leon

Leon is teasing her appearance in the third installment of Rihanna‘s annual lingerie extravaganza by revealing her eye-catching ensemble for the virtual fashion show, premiering September 24 on Amazon Prime.

Leon posed for a series of sultry shots, showing off her figure in a teal bra and matching panties, which were paired with thigh-high boots and a robe. She also rocked graphic eye makeup and a nude lip, while her dark hair was styled in an edgy updo.

The Savage x Fenty show will mark the second time Leon has graced a runwayLourdes Leon

In 2018, she walked for the first time in Gypsy Sport‘s Spring 2019 presentation during New York Fashion Week, visit Magazine.

As always, Rihanna recruited a star-studded lineup of models, musicians and more all representing a diverse group of backgrounds, body types and ages for the Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3.

This year, viewers can expect to see performances by NasDaddy Yankee, BIA, Jazmine SullivanRicky Martin, Normani and Jade Novah.

Plus, there will be appearances from more celebrities including Cindy CrawfordAdriana LimaBehati PrinslooEmily RatajkowskiGigi HadidIrina ShaykVanessa Hudgens, Troye Sivan, Jeremy Pope and more.

According to a press release, the event “will combine fashion, dance, music, and iconic architecture, highlighting the newest assortment of Savage x Fenty styles through subtle-yet-impactful scenic elements, lighting and filming techniques.”

All of the designs in the new collection will be available to shop at Savage X Fenty and in the Amazon Fashion store right after the show airs.

Earlier this month, Leon also made her debut at the Met Gala in New York City, wearing a sparkly fuchsia Moschino by Jeremy Scott ensemble — complete with a bikini halter top and matching skirt, both covered in sequin embellishments.

Her appearance at the 2021 Costume Institute Gala came after she covered the September issue of Vogue for the magazine’s feature story, “Generation America: The Models Changing an Industry.” She was photographed alongside Bella HadidKaia Gerber, Precious Lee, Anok Yai, Ariel Nicholson, Sherry Shi, and Yumi Nu.

“People think I’m this talentless rich kid who’s had everything given to her, but I’m not,” Leon told the magazine, explaining that she paid her own college tuition and lives in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick, away from the glitz of Hollywood.

“A teacher of mine made me understand movement in a whole new way,” she told the outlet of her passion. “You’re using your body to define the space around you — to change it. That’s a very naked form of expression.”

Cardi B Earns Nine BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations

Cardi B is on Cloud Nine

The 28-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar leads the nominees for the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards, alongside Lil Durk, and Megan Thee Stallion, with nine nods each.

Cardi B

Cardi B is up for Hip Hop Artist of the Year, alongside Drake, J. Cole, Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion and Tyler, the Creator.

Cardi B, nominated for Best Live Performer, Hustler of the Year and Beast Featured Verse for her appearance on Migos’ “Type Shit,” is also up for Best Collaboration, Song of the Year and Best Hip Hop Video for “WAP,” her chart-topping single with Megan Thee Stallion.

Meanwhile, her history-making chart-topping single “Up,” is nominated for Best Hip Hop Video and Song of the Year.

BIA, whose full name is Bianca Miquela Landrau, has earned two nominations this year.

The 30-year-old half-Afro Puerto Rican rapper/singer is up for Best Collaboration and Song of the Year alongside Nicki Minaj for “Whole Lotta Money (Remix).”

Xamã, the 31-year-old Brazilian musical artist who released the single “Câncer” with Luisa Sonza, is nominated for Best International Flow.

“Our 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards nominees span generations and are a representation of the talented individuals who elevate hip hop culture in creative and diverse ways,” said Connie Orlando, EVP specials, music programming & music strategy for BET, in a statement.

Nominees across 17 categories were selected by a voting body of music industry insiders.

The 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards will be taped at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta on Friday, October 1 and will premiere on BET on Tuesday, October 5, at 9:00 pm ET/PT. The show will simulcast internationally on BET Africa on Wednesday, October 6 AT 3:00 am CAT.

Voting for DJ of the year and best hip hop platform is now open at VoteHipHopAwards.com.

Here’s the complete list of 2021 BET Hip Hop Award nominees:

Hip hop album of the year
A Gangsta’s Pain, Moneybagg Yo
Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, The Creator
Culture III, Migos
Good News, Megan Thee Stallion
Khaled Khaled, DJ Khaled
Savage Mode II, 21 Savage & Metro Boomin
The Off-Season, J. Cole

Song of the year
“Back in Blood,” Produced by YC (Pooh Shiesty feat. Lil Durk)
“Late At Night,” Produced by Mustard (Roddy Ricch)
“Laugh Now Cry Later,” Produced by G. Ry, Cardogotwings, Roget Chahayed & Yung Exclusive (Drake feat. Lil Durk)
“Up,” Produced by Yung DZA, Sean Island, DJ Swanqo (Cardi B)
“WAP,” Produced by Ayo & Keyz (Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
“Whole Lotta Money (Remix),” Produced By London Jae, Beatgodz, Tee Romano (Bia feat. Nicki Minaj)

Hip hop artist of the year
Cardi B
Drake
J. Cole
Lil Baby
Megan Thee Stallion
Tyler, the Creator

Best hip hop video
Cardi B, “Up”
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
Chris Brown & Young Thug, “Go Crazy”
Drake feat. Lil Durk, “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Lil Nas X, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
Saweetie feat. Doja Cat, “Best Friend”

Best new hip hop artist
Blxst
Coi Leray
Don Toliver
Morray
Pooh Shiesty
Yung Bleu

Best collaboration
21 Savage & Metro Boomin Feat. Drake, “Mr. Right Now”
Bia feat. Nicki Minaj, “Whole Lotta Money (Remix)”
Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP”
DJ Khaled feat. Lil Baby & Lil Durk, “Every Chance I Get”
Drake feat. Lil Durk, “Laugh Now Cry Later”
Pooh Shiesty feat. Lil Durk, “Back in Blood”

Best duo or group
21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Chris Brown & Young Thug
City Girls
Future & Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Baby & Lil Durk
Migos

Best live performer
Busta Rhymes
Cardi B
DaBaby
Doja Cat
Megan Thee Stallion
Tyler, the Creator

Lyricist of the year
Benny the Butcher
Drake
J. Cole
Lil Baby
Megan Thee Stallion
Nas

Best international flow
Ladipoe (Nigeria)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Xamã (Brazil)
Laylow (France)
Gazo (France)
Little Simz (UK)
Dave (UK)

Video director of the year
Cole Bennett
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Director X
Hype Williams
Missy Elliott

DJ of the year
Chase B
D Nice
DJ Cassidy
DJ Drama
DJ Envy
DJ Jazzy Jeff
DJ Scheme
Kaytranada

Producer of the year
DJ Khaled
Hit-Boy
Metro Boomin
Mustard
The Alchemist
Tyler, the Creator

Hustler of the year
Cardi B
Drake
Lil Baby
Megan Thee Stallion
Saweetie
Yung Bleu

Best hip hop platform
Complex
Genius
Hip Hop DX
Hot New Hiphop
The Breakfast Club
The Shade Room
Worldstar Hiphop
XXL

Sweet 16: best featured verse
Cardi B, “Type Shit” (Migos feat. Cardi B)
Drake, “Havin’ Our Way” (Migos feat. Drake)
Jay-Z, “What It Feels Like” (Nipsey Hussle feat. Jay-Z)
Lil Durk, “Back in Blood” (Pooh Shiesty feat. Lil Durk)
Megan The Stallion, “On Me (Remix)” (Lil Baby feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
Roddy Ricch, “Lemonade (Remix)” (Internet Money feat. Don Toliver & Roddy Ricch)

Impact track
Black Thought , “Thought Vs Everybody”
Lil Nas X, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin, “We Win”
Meek Mill Feat. Lil Durk, “Pain Away”
Nipsey Hussle feat. Jay-Z, “What It Feels Like”
Rapsody, “12 Problems”

J Balvin’s “Ay Vamos” Video Surpasses the Billion-Views Mark on YouTube

J Balvin has a billion reason to smile…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer’s music video “Ay vamos” surpassed the billion-views mark on YouTube earlier this week, making him the first Latin urban artist to reach ten digits with a video on the platform.

J Balvin

Balvin’s milestone on YouTube also makes him the third Latin act to reach a billion views. In 2014, Enrique Iglesias became the first Latin artist ever to hit 1 billion with “Bailando” ft. Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno. In July, Romeo Santos‘ “Propuesta indecente” surpassed the mark as well.

On the Billboard charts, “Ay vamos” was Balvin’s first No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs (dated March 7, 2015) chart. The reggaeton anthem spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart and has sold 212,000 downloads, according to Nielsen Music.

The YouTube achievement comes days after Balvin notched his fifth No. 1 on Latin Airplay chart, with his track “Safari,” featuring Pharrell and BIA.

Up next, the “Bobo” singer is set to perform at the 17th edition of the Latin Grammys on Nov. 17. Balvin’s Safari is nominated for Best Urban Music Album.

J Balvin Releases “Safari” Music Video on YouTube

It’s a wild, wild world for J Balvin

The 31-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer has released the highly anticipated music video for his single “Safari” on YouTube.

J Balvin

Balvin had previously premiered the clip on on Apple Music in August.

Surrounded by female dancers in an intimate setting, Balvin, Pharrell and rapper BIA sing the reggae infused track featured on his latest album, Energía.

“Safari” is currently No. 21 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated September 10).

The steamy video was filmed during Memorial Day weekend in Los Angeles and directed by Grant Singer.

J Balvin’s “Bobo” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

It’s another chart topper for J Balvin

The 31-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer’s latest single “Bobo,” which broke Spotify and Vevo records after its release, rises 3-1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated July 2), earning him his third chart-topping hit.

J Balvin

“Bobo” reaches No. 1 in only its sixth charting week.

A 31 percent rise in streams helped push the song to the summit, earning the Streaming Gainer tag and increasing to 2.4 million U.S. on-demand plays in the week ending June 16, according to Nielsen Music.

YouTube claims the most clicks, with 69 percent of the overall streams. Over on the Latin Streaming Songs chart, “Bobo” reaches a new peak — rising 4-2.

“Bobo” is the second single from Balvin’s Energia album, which will be released June 24. Most recently, he spent 22 weeks atop Hot Latin Songs with the set’s lead track, “Ginza.”

Two additional preview songs from the album were released exclusively on Apple Music on June 17; “Safari,” featuring Pharrell, BIA and Sky, and “Malvada,” which could impact the charts dated July 9.