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What's your favorite new song this week?

It's an exciting week in music, with top musicians across all genres releasing buzzworthy new songs, albums, collaborations, and more.

Ice Spice has announced his highly anticipated debut album, Y2K!. The 10-song set features the previously released singles “Phat Butt,” “Think U the S— (Fart)” and “Gimmie a Light.” “Think U the S— (Fart)” is Ice's highest-charting solo Billboard Hot 100 hit to date. Y2K! also features collaborations with Travis Scott, “Oh Shhh…,” Gunna, “Bitch I'm Packin',” and Central Sea, “Did It First,” the last of which debuted at #62 on the July 27 Hot 100.

Meanwhile, Post Malone continues to roll out his F-1 Trillion by teaming up with two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year winner Luke Combs for a new collaboration called “Guy for That.” MGK also teamed up with Jelly Roll this week for “Lonely Road,” while Calvin Harris reteamed with Ellie Goulding for “Free.”

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Halsey brought the nostalgia with “Lucky,” which referenced the chorus of Britney Spears' 2000 hit of the same name. “When I was 5 years old, I felt like Britney was always singing directly to me,” the girls said in the video, rocking pink hair and wearing T-shirts that read “Lucky” across the front. “24 years later, those words mean something different. I love you forever.”

This is just the tip of the iceberg, we'd love to know what your favorite music drops were this week! Check out our Friday Music Guide here and let us know in the poll below.

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Apple Music for Artists Adds Monitoring for Over 40,000 Radio Stations

Apple Music for Artists now lets you track radio plays from over 40,000 stations around the world. Here's a little peek at what's new:

Apple says it offers radio monitoring of 40,000 radio stations in more than 200 countries and territories. Radio Spins data is integrated throughout the Apple Music for Artists experience, allowing artists to see which stations and territories are playing their songs. The Trends page provides more granular data, such as which stations are playing an artist's music the most and which songs from an artist's catalog are being played the most across all monitored stations.

The radio monitoring is powered by Apple's Shazam music recognition technology, which Apple acquired for a reported $400 million in December 2017.

Radio play data is updated daily, but new data releases or updates allow at least 48 hours for them to appear in the Apple Music for Artists dashboard. Radio Plays in Apple Music for Artists display data from over 40,000 tracked terrestrial and digital radio stations and do not include plays on Apple Music Radio, which are grouped under Plays.

The addition of songs played on radio comes after Apple added real-time analytics to Apple Music for artists last year, giving them an immediate view into their fans' listening habits. The “What's Listening to Now” widget will be added to the service in November 2023, giving artists an in-depth look at trends for their tracks over the past 48 hours. Its features include “Maximum Listeners,” which highlights the top listeners over a 48-hour period, and “Average Listeners,” which highlights the average number of listeners over the same period. The widget also includes a snapshot of the artist's top six most-played songs under “Top Songs.”

These features bring Apple Music for Artists more on par with Spotify for Artists, which is always a good thing.

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Grammy Awards CEO sends letter to members urging them to vote with purpose

Harvey Mason Jr. attended the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images (Courtesy of the Recording Academy)

Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. made one thing clear to Recording Academy voters: “There is no room in our organization for such bias, rancor or mindless voting.”

The writer, producer and executive sent a letter to Academy Awards voters on Friday, urging them to vote with purpose for the 2025 show.

“Last Grammy season, I heard Grammy voters say they had not taken certain artists seriously since a performance they saw over a decade ago. I was shocked and upset by it. Our organization has no room for such bias, resentment or careless voting. What matters is the accomplishment and quality of the work during the year. That's all!” he wrote.

Mason Jr. added, “There should be no other reasons for your vote. If you take into account an artist's past work, reputation, race, gender, label, manager, number of friends on the project, or any of that stuff, then you're not doing your job. Please LISTEN and rate the music, as I know most of you already do!”

The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with nominees announced on November 8. The first round of voting will take place from October 4 to October 15, with the final round of voting taking place from December 12 to January 3, 2025.

Beyonce and Taylor Swift are among the artists set to be nominated in the show, which will air live on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Read Mason Jr.'s full letter below.

To all Grammy voters:

Typically, I don't share any Grammy voting information until the ballots are released, but this year is different. I want to make sure you understand how important it is that you vote, and that you vote with intention and integrity.

Everyone knows the Grammy Awards are the most coveted awards in music because it's an honor bestowed by your peers. It's not a popularity contest. Nominees and winners aren't chosen by critics, fans, or Academy staff. They're chosen by you, the 12,000+ music creators who are voting members of the Recording Academy.

You are a Grammy voter. Your votes are tallied by Deloitte and published as the year's best in music, celebrated, and recorded in history. Your choices change the trajectory of people's careers and lives. So you owe it to your peers to vote intentionally, thoughtfully, with pride and purpose.

Last Grammy season, I heard Grammy voters say they had not taken certain artists seriously since a performance they saw over a decade ago. I was shocked and upset by it. Our organization has no room for such bias, resentment, or careless voting. What matters is the accomplishments and quality of the work during the year. That's all that matters.

Your vote should have no other considerations. If you are considering an artist's past work, reputation, race, gender, label, manager, number of friends involved in the project, or anything like that, you're not doing your job. I know most of you already do this, but please listen and rate the music. You are what makes the Grammys special.

Music is a force for good in the world. Music changes moods, opens hearts, and unites the world. Music moves us to action. And the Grammys are a way to honor those who work so hard to make music. Next February, those who make music all over the world, and all those who love music, will be watching to see who the Grammy voters will honor. All eyes will be on you, on us. I hope you will make your vote count. Don't wait until Grammy season, I hope you prioritize your responsibility now. I hope you will evaluate music carefully, prepare to vote mindfully and purposefully, and encourage your fellow voting members to do the same. Your peers in the music world are counting on you.

respectfully yours,

Harvey

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Grammy Awards CEO sends letter to members urging them to vote with purpose

Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. made one thing clear to Recording Academy voters: “There is no room in our organization for such bias, rancor or mindless voting.”

The writer, producer and executive sent a letter to Academy Awards voters on Friday, urging them to vote with purpose for the 2025 show.

“Last Grammy season, I heard Grammy voters say they had not taken certain artists seriously since a performance they saw over a decade ago. I was shocked and upset by it. Our organization has no room for such bias, resentment or careless voting. What matters is the accomplishment and quality of the work during the year. That's all!” he wrote.

Mason Jr. added, “There should be no other reasons for your vote. If you take into account an artist's past work, reputation, race, gender, label, manager, number of friends on the project, or any of that stuff, then you're not doing your job. Please LISTEN and rate the music, as I know most of you already do!”

The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with nominees announced on November 8. The first round of voting will take place from October 4 to October 15, with the final round of voting taking place from December 12 to January 3, 2025.

Beyonce and Taylor Swift are among the artists set to be nominated in the show, which will air live on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Read Mason Jr.'s full letter below.

To all Grammy voters:

Typically, I don't share any Grammy voting information until the ballots are released, but this year is different. I want to make sure you understand how important it is that you vote, and that you vote with intention and integrity.

Everyone knows the Grammy Awards are the most coveted awards in music because it's an honor bestowed by your peers. It's not a popularity contest. Nominees and winners aren't chosen by critics, fans, or Academy staff. They're chosen by you, the 12,000+ music creators who are voting members of the Recording Academy.

You are a Grammy voter. Your votes are tallied by Deloitte and published as the year's best in music, celebrated, and recorded in history. Your choices change the trajectory of people's careers and lives. So you owe it to your peers to vote intentionally, thoughtfully, with pride and purpose.

Last Grammy season, I heard Grammy voters say they had not taken certain artists seriously since a performance they saw over a decade ago. I was shocked and upset by it. Our organization has no room for such bias, resentment, or careless voting. What matters is the accomplishments and quality of the work during the year. That's all that matters.

Your vote should have no other considerations. If you are considering an artist's past work, reputation, race, gender, label, manager, number of friends involved in the project, or anything like that, you're not doing your job. I know most of you already do this, but please listen and rate the music. You are what makes the Grammys special.

Music is a force for good in the world. Music changes moods, opens hearts, and unites the world. Music moves us to action. And the Grammys are a way to honor those who work so hard to make music. Next February, those who make music all over the world, and all those who love music, will be watching to see who the Grammy voters will honor. All eyes will be on you, on us. I hope you will make your vote count. Don't wait until Grammy season, I hope you prioritize your responsibility now. I hope you will evaluate music carefully, prepare to vote mindfully and purposefully, and encourage your fellow voting members to do the same. Your peers in the music world are counting on you.

respectfully yours,

Harvey

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Fuerza Regida drops “Pero No Te Enamores” and more: Best New Latin Songs

Anna Weber, Penske Media

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard's Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week's picks below.

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Fuerza Regida, Perro No Te Enamores (Street Mob Records/Rancho Humilde)

Harnessing the savage spirit of Collados Belicos and the dancefloor frenzy of EDM, Fuerza Regida's latest project, Perro No Te Enamoles, is a bold and unprecedented fusion of regional Mexican bravado and Jersey club action. With lyrical theatricality and unapologetically “fuckboy” charisma, frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP) tells a gritty story with every bass drop and brass blast, guiding listeners into a bold new chapter they've dubbed “Jersey Collados.”

Produced in Colombia and Mexico City, the irreverent 15-track album is a perfect blend of electronic music dynamism and the soulful undercurrent of musica mexicana. They tapped producers Gord (best known for working on Drake's Baltimore club hit “Sticky”) and Synthetik, the man behind Lil Uzi Vert's Jersey club smash “Just Wanna Rock,” whose cutting-edge production style has brought Mexican music into the main room.

The album's focal track, “Nel,” begins with a stirring vocal and builds to a seductive crescendo before abruptly changing direction, entwining the pulsating pulse of Jersey club beats with powerful reggaeton. “Sofía,” a synergistic powerhouse featuring Major Lazer and Alok, showcases the frenetic flair that characterizes Fuerza's approach while capturing dance music's global resonance. The album culminates with the bombastic, guitar- and brass-driven “Jesús,” the powerful traditional corrido lines of “Belinda,” and the thrilling drill-influenced track “Freestyle.”

The San Bernardino band's innovative leap into Jersey corridos does more than just blend two different genres; it carves out a new niche in the musical lexicon and proves that barrio and dancehall can indeed share a unique, resonant pulse. — Isabella Raygoza

Piso 21 & Ozuna “Fichaje del Año” (Warner Music Mexico)

In their first collaboration, Piso21 and Ozuna deliver a new song that will make any woman feel more confident. On “Fichaje del Año” (translated as “Deal of the Year”), the Colombian group and Puerto Rican artist sing about being the perfect woman, but their partner doesn't realize it. “He doesn't say anything/ Seeing your beauty/ You're the perfect woman/ But he treats you normally/ He doesn't deserve you/ Remember you're the perfect woman,” she sings in the chorus. Produced by ICON, Jowan and Loro, the pop-reggaetón cut features smooth requintos and a gentle reminder that it's important to love yourself above all else. “You have to let go and accept that it's not your place.” […] “He doesn't know how lucky he is to have you,” the song continues. — Jessica Royce

Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos “Angel” (Grupo Frontera)

While this isn't the first time bachata and Mexican music have come together, it is the first time Grupo Frontera and Romeo Santos have teamed up to create a song. Their first collaboration is a delicate, entrancing bachata song that sees Santos's soothing, velvety voice meet Payo's melodic voice. “Ángel” sings about love and commitment that transcends time and circumstance. Produced by Santos, Edgar Varela, and Casta, the song primarily features traditional bachata sounds, but listen to the end to hear Frontera's signature norteño accordion orchestrating the ultimate fusion of norteño and bachata. — Griselda Flores

Fabiola Rouda: “Que Te Vaya Bien”

Guatemalan singer-songwriter Fabiola Ruda delivers a soul masterclass with her new song, “Que Te Vaya Bien” (Good Luck), an exquisite, nostalgic ballad brimming with sentiment. Combining elements of soulful blues and gospel, the song showcases Ruda's powerful vocals as she gracefully sings about letting go of a love story and hoping for happiness. Ruda composed this emotional song accompanied by acoustic guitar and produced in her home country by Frank Castillejos and David Suarez. — Ingrid Fajardo

Elsa y Elmer “Ké MaL” (Sony Music Mexico)

Elsa Carvajal, better known by her project Elsa y Elmar, debuted “Ké Mal” this week, a pop song perfect for gushing about heartbreak. “It's a pity that in life we ​​met when we were ready/Your life now has a labyrinth/It's a pity that we don't want the same,” sings the Colombian star, wistfully, over the syncopated rhythms of electric guitar and drums. Produced by Elsa and Julián Bernal, “Ké Mal” is the fourth single from her new album PALACIO, due for release on August 30th. It's a great complement to the previously released “entre las libros,” “palacio <3" and "VISTO," featuring Álvaro de Luna. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Monsieur Perinet feat. Bejuco “Jardín del Paraíso” (5020 Records)

Colombian Monsieur Perrine will join Afro-Colombian soul group Bejuco to represent Colombia at the COP16 Biodiversity Summit with the song “Jardín del Paraíso”. Featuring marimba and the sounds of Colombia's rich Pacific coast and inspired by the ancestral songs of the region, this beautiful environmental ode invites you to immerse yourself in the sounds of mangroves and the depths of nature. The song was released in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund to coincide with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, raising awareness of the impacts of climate on these important ecosystems and their respective communities. The interpretations, musical arrangements and music video create an experience that puts the spotlight on the artists' roots while encouraging the conservation of these natural treasures. — Luisa Calle

Listen to more Latino picks from our editors in the playlist below.

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Megan Fox shows off belly in Machine Gun Kelly's new music video – Music News

Megan Fox has sparked pregnancy speculation after appearing with a bump in her partner Machine Gun Kelly's latest music video.

In her new music video for “Lonely Road,” a collaboration with country singer Jelly Roll, the “Jennifer's Body” actress plays the pregnant partner and appears in several scenes with a bump.

In one notable scene, MGK is seen kissing her lips and stomach before being handcuffed by police after robbing a bank to settle some financial problems.

Though the story is fictional, the promo does include some real-life parallels, including an appearance by Jelly Roll's wife, Bunny Zo, who touches on her well-publicized fertility struggles.

The story ends eight months later with Megan taking her baby daughter to visit the rapper-turned-singer in prison.

The baby is introduced as Baby Violet Laika in the end credits, and her mother, Anna Cejka, posted the video to her Instagram Stories with the caption, “My baby in the final scene.”

After MGK shared the video on Instagram on Friday, he was inundated with comments asking whether Megan was actually pregnant or just wearing a prosthetic for the article. Neither he nor Megan have responded to the speculation.

The Transformers star has three children with ex-husband Brian Austin Green, while MGK has a 15-year-old daughter, Casey, with an ex-girlfriend.

Megan and MGK (whose real name is Colson Baker) began dating in 2020 and got engaged in 2022. During an appearance on the podcast “Call Her Daddy” in March, Megan confirmed that they had ended their engagement but did not clarify the status of their relationship.

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Snoop Dogg to carry Olympic torch in Paris ahead of opening ceremony – Music News

Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic torch outside Paris ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday.

The “Drop It Like It's Hot” rapper was one of the final Olympic torchbearers, carrying the torch through the streets of Saint-Denis and past the Stade de France Olympic stadium.

Video footage shows Snoop, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, putting his own spin on the role by walking the route in white sportswear and gold shoes, dancing and waving to fans.

The hip-hop legend posted a photo of himself holding a torch outside a sports stadium on Instagram, which he captioned with, “Did some stuff today (fire emoji) #FollowTheDogg (sic).”

Other torchbearers running with him in Saint-Denis included French rapper MC Solar, French actress Laetitia Casta and retired Ukrainian pole vaulter Sergey Bubka.

Snoop, 52, took part in the torch relay representing his hometown of Los Angeles, which will host the Olympics in 2028.

While in Paris he will work as an Olympics correspondent for the US network NBC.

The Paris 2024 Games officially open on Friday evening, with more than 10,000 athletes due to gather on boats on the Seine for the opening ceremonies.

Lady Gaga and Celine Dion are scheduled to perform a duet of Edith Piaf's “La Vie en Rose” during the event.

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Kesha teases 'beautiful' first album as an indie artist – Music News

Kesha says her “beautiful” next album feels like listening to her debut album all over again.

The “Tik Tok” hitmaker is preparing to release her first album as an independent artist under Kesha Records, and is happy to have control over her own work following a lengthy legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke.

In an interview with Paper magazine, Kesha said, “This is the first album that I'm making where I'm in 100% control of everything. It feels like my first album.”

“It's a sacred feeling. I feel like it means a lot. It's really beautiful and I can't wait to share it. This may be the most beautiful time of my life!”

The 37-year-old singer even claims the album will be even better than his 2010 debut hit, “Animal.”

Kesha said, “I'm so excited. The people I worked with got to capture this moment and make it available for others to hear. Making this album has been a deeply life-changing and meaningful experience, but it's also been the most fun I've ever had.”

“If you thought 'Animal' was funny, wait a minute.”

The singer released her first indie single, “Joyride,” earlier this month, and said it helped her recapture the emotions she felt while making “Animal.”

“I've never felt the same way in my life as I did when I was making music out of pure joy,” Kesha said. “But it's even more exciting because it's my life, because it's truly 100 percent me.”

“It feels so good to step into your own worth and power and not let your mind or the outside world tell you you are anything other than who you are.”

“It's almost inevitable that whether you love or hate Joyride is entirely my fault.”

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Luke Steele is Lost Without Empire of the Sun – Music News

Luke Steele has fondly recalled his former Empire of the Sun bandmate Nick Littlemore embarking on a solo career.

The 'We Are The People' hitmakers are back with their first new album in eight years, 'Ask That God', and Luke reveals that things just aren't the same without his collaborators after deciding to end their partnership during the coronavirus pandemic.

Luke told The Sun: “We're rejuvenated and ready to go. After 'Two Vines'[their 2016 album]we were pretty worn out and everything just fell apart. Nothing was coming together.”

“When the pandemic started, I was adamant that 'I'm done, I'm done, I'm quitting.' I told Nick, the management and the record company that the band was over. I was never going to make another record. And so I quit.”

The 44-year-old artist continued, “I made a solo album and moved to Northern California, and slowly I started to realize what I'd been missing and what it was that was so beautiful about Empire in the first place.”

“You work with other people and you're like, 'That's great, but it doesn't work with Nick,' and then you start getting obsessed with Empire again.

“Afterwards, Nick and I went back into the studio and it was an amazing experience. The hardest thing about being in a successful band is that there's so much extreme pressure.”

“With Empire, if the spirit is right, it sounds like nothing else. We've done a few albums before, but with this record we've broadened it out, which feels good.”

Luke has promised fans that with his relationship with Littlemore now stronger than ever, there won't be another eight-year wait for the electronic musician pair's next album.

He said: “Our relationship is the best it's ever been. We both have families now and when we go into the studio we just put our heads into the work. The beginning was the hardest – there was so much emotion, ambition and ego built up.”

“But I love the way we work now. We're hungrier than ever and we know what we're doing. We've made four albums and hundreds of songs. I have three or four folders of Empire rarities. We're really passionate about our work and we're very proud of it. We're always trying to find the next rare gem.”

“That's why fans won't have to wait eight years for an album after 'Ask That God'. We're trying to keep the train moving.”

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Megan Thee Stallion is headlining this weekend's Broccoli City Music Festival, which is heading to Audi Field in Washington, DC

Broccoli City Fest returns to the capital this weekend for a massive two-day music event.

WTOP's Jason Fraley previews Broccoli City Fest at Audi Field (Part 1)

Broccoli City Fest returns to the capital this weekend for a massive two-day music event.

Megan Thee Stallion performs at the Reading Music Festival in England on Aug. 26, 2022. Hip hop is taking center stage at this summer's Essence Festival of Culture, which is celebrating the genre's 50th anniversary with performances from Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion and Jermaine Dupri. The four-day festival is scheduled to run from June 30 to July 3, 2023 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Scott Garfitt, File) (Scott Garfitt/InVision/AP)

Megan Thee Stallion performs at the Reading Music Festival in England on Aug. 26, 2022. Hip hop is taking center stage at this summer's Essence Festival of Culture, which is celebrating the genre's 50th anniversary with performances from Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion and Jermaine Dupri. The four-day festival is scheduled to run from June 30 to July 3, 2023 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Scott Garfitt, File) (Scott Garfitt/InVision/AP)

This year, the festival will be held for the first time at Audi Field in Southwest Washington, DC.

“We're really excited to be in this new venue,” festival co-founder Jermon Williams told WTOP. “We started at The Bullpen and have grown to St. Elizabeth, RFK (Stadium), FedEx (Field) and now for the last two years back to RFK again. So the move to Audi Field was really about elevating the fan experience. We wanted to reinvent and redefine what it means to experience the festival.”

He's grateful to have had Events DC run on the grounds of RFK Stadium in the Northeast for the past few years, but Audi Field offers many new opportunities for the festival in terms of both production and facilities.

“Audi Field has state-of-the-art facilities and really allows us to utilize the stadium and the surrounding area of ​​the stadium,” Williams said, “so we can set up the festival with the Jumbotron, that big screen, so it's an experience comparable to an awards ceremony where you can see the talent interacting backstage. … Also, amenity-wise, we provide air-conditioned restrooms and seating for the audience. I don't think we've had seating options in 11 years.”

The opening will be a pre-party on Friday at the Echo Stage, hosted by nine-time Emmy nominee Issa Rae.

“We're really excited that she's going to be hosting it,” Williams said. “Anyone can join.”

The official two-day music festival kicks off on Saturday and will be headlined by three-time Grammy Award winner Megan Thee Stallion, with a stellar lineup including PartyNextDoor, Lil Yachty & the Concrete Family, Friday and Teezo Touchdown. Hosts include Desi Banks, Funny Marco, Bryson Tiller and Trapsoul Karaoke, with introductions by Raye.

As if that wasn't enough, Sunday will see a second day of music, headlined by four-time Grammy-nominated rapper Gunna and this year's Best New Artist Grammy winner Victoria Monette, with performances from a host of rising stars including Sexy Red, Key Glock and hosted by Soulection Radio's Joe Kay.

How does Broccoli City always have a knack for finding the “next big” artist?

“It starts with us being fans of music culture in general,” Williams said of co-founders Marcus Allen and Brandon McCutchen. “Being a fan, for me, there's a natural desire to discover new music. It's also important to have a great team, a young and amazing team, that share that passion, because now we get real-time advice and insight on new artists. Beyond the headlining artists, it's always about how do we enrich the lineup?”

As a result, over the past decade the festival's reputation has grown as has attendance.

“The precursor to Broccoli City Fest was an Earth Day block party we did in Los Angeles called Global Cooling, which featured Kendrick Lamar as the opening act and drew 500 to 600 people,” Williams said. “Going back to BC Fest, the first one in 2013 drew 5,000 people, and by 2016 it had grown to 13,000 and by 2018 it had grown to 30,000. … This year we're expecting 25,000 people per day for a total of 50,000 people. We're really excited about that.”

Click here for more details.

WTOP's Jason Fraley previews Broccoli City Fest at Audi Field (Part 2)

Listen to our full conversation here.

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