Tag: The Weeknd

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Hitting The Jackpot: The Albums Of 2023 Raking In Spotify Millions

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Come geek out as we unveil the estimated revenue streaming in from Spotify for this year’s hottest albums! The masterminds over at Music Industry How To have dipped their toes into the ocean of Spotify streaming data. The reason? To give us the scoop on 2023’s top albums when it comes to revenue. 

These albums might not have dropped this year, but they’re making bank in 2023 faster than you can blink. Music stars are dancing their way to your eardrums and your pockets!

And the revenue scorecard wasn’t scribbled in crayon. Nope, it’s a serious business involving song streams, payment per stream (approximately $0.004), and a whole lot of mathematical jazz. Every time you hit play, it’s like dropping some change into the artist’s digital piggy bank!

1. The Weeknd’s “The Highlights” Claims Number One Spot

Right now, we’ve got an album that’s topping the national charts and holding the number one position on this list of total streams. We’re talking about the 2021 release, “The Highlights” by The Weeknd!

The Weeknd’s album “The Highlights”. Credit: StockX

This album brings 23 billion Spotify streams and counting! How many earbuds does that translate to? And if that’s not enough to make your teeth clench, it’s pulling in over $9.2 million ($9,228,499 possibly) in the process! 

The pinnacle of this album – “Blinding Lights,” is the catchy track we can’t get out of our heads. However, it’s not just the most streamed song from the album, it’s a total hit in its own right. Originally unleashed as a 2019 single, it’s pulled in $1,468,012, all thanks to those 3.6 billion Spotify streams. Could we please take a moment to appreciate how many times that play button has been pressed?

Listen to” The Highlights” here!

2. Ed Sheeran’s Streaming And Revenue Triumph

Second place goes to…? Ed Sheeran‘s 2017 smash-hit release “÷ (Divide).” “ ÷ (Divide),” the album we’ve been loving has managed to clock over 13 billion Spotify streams. It’s been on a never-ending world tour in the digital universe, am I right? 

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Ed Sheeran’s album ÷ (Divide). Credit: Amazon

In addition, those Spotify streams are potential revenue sources. We’re talking about almost $5 million ($5,389,556 maybe). So, while you’re jamming to Ed’s tunes, his album is busy turning streams into dollars. 

The chart-topping cherry on this musical cake is the world-famous “Shape of You.” This song has demolished the Spotify charts with over 3.5 billion streams, and wait for it… a potential earning of $1,416,179!  Ed must be living the life of a king if he can turn streams into dollars like that! He’s practically a modern-day Scrooge McDuck.

Listen to÷ (Divide) here.

3. Eminem’s Return To The Limelight With “Curtain Call 2”

Eminem is back in the spotlight with his 2022 album “Curtain Call 2.” 

This awesome record makes its grand entrance, landing the third spot on the list of all lists. And just in case you’re wondering, we’re talking about total streams – yes, those eargasmic plays that make you lose yourself in your groove! “Curtain Call 2” earned $4.5 million (or maybe a few cents more, precisely $4,503,696 potentially) from 11 billion Spotify streams. Those zeros are rolling in like a parade!

Eminem’s 2022 album Curtain Call 2. Credit: Pitchfork

It’s time to flashback to 2010 when things were a bit more “Love The Way You Lie.” Eminem’s killer collab with Rihanna has been streamed over 1.2 billion times on Spotify, and this earworm is raking in as much as $488,554!

Listen to Curtain Call 2 here!

4. “Lose Yourself” Keeps Winning: Eminem’s 2002 Hit Still Strikes Gold

As a testament to Eminem‘s exceptional talent, he also took home fourth place with his 2005 album, “Curtain Call – The Hits.” Despite being almost two decades old, this piece is like the fine wine of music, only getting better with time! 

Eminem’s 2002 album “Curtain Call – The Hits.” Credit: Music Direct

Furthermore, this old-school gem is showing the young guns how it’s done, sitting pretty at the seventh spot on the national charts. It’s like it said, “Age is just a number, I’m here to rock those charts!” 

And now, for the big reveal!

“Curtain Call – The Hits” has danced its way to 10 billion Spotify streams! The whole world is plugging in their earphones just to vibe with Eminem. But who wouldn’t? Those streams add up to $4.1 million! That’s not pocket change, that’s a music empire!

But we’re not done yet! The superstar of this album, “Lose Yourself,” released in 2002, is still bringing in the cash. With over 1.8 billion Spotify streams, the “Not Afraid” rapper is turning every stream into gold coins. 

Before we move on to the next artist, would you like to know the amount of cheddar that equals? $724,233! Now that we know that, it’s safe to say that his lyrics are becoming true – “His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy” – but this time, it’s with the weight of Spotify streams and revenue!

Listen to “Curtain Call – The Hits” here.

Queen’s “Greatest Hits” Album Dominates Decades Later

The rock legends, Queen, are making a comeback like no other with their release “Greatest Hits”! This album, released way back in 1981, has resurfaced with a bang, taking fifth place on the charts! This decades-old compilation made its presence known among the top 20. Amazing!

Queen’s cover art for their album “Greatest Hits.” Credit: uDiscover Music

Queen’s music has received over 10 billion Spotify streams to date. It’s raking in $4.1 million (that’s a lot of zeros, and we’re not just talking about the stream count!). However, the ultimate jam that’s driving the Spotify frenzy is “Bohemian Rhapsody.” 

With this iconic masterpiece, originally released in their 1975 album “A Night at the Opera,” they are sweeping the streaming world by storm.

Queen’s cover art for their 1975 album “A Night at the Opera.” Credit: Amazon

Think about the genius behind this song earning roughly $871,854 from 2.1 billion Spotify streams. Such riches can be reaped by a rhapsody, who would have thought?

Listen to “Greatest Hits” here.

Olivia Rodrigo’s Album “Sour” Hits Big Money Notes

Zooming in at sixth place is Olivia Rodrigo’s chart-busting album of 2021 – “Sour”! 

But have you checked out the digits on this thing? 10 billion Spotify streams, people! Her music travels through the intergalactic jukebox, giving every alien a taste of Rodrigo’s musical magic. 

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Olivia Rodrigo’s cover art for her 2021 album “Sour.” Credit: Discogs

Nonetheless, this album’s not just a treat for the ears; it’s also making a serious dent in the wallet department. There’s nearly $4 million($3,954,628 potentially) hoofing its way into Rodrigo’s bank account. As we speak, those Spotify streams are having a field day, and this album’s money-making journey is far from done. Because our girl Rodrigo is dropping hints about a sophomore album!

Listen to “Sour” here. 

“Diamonds” Album’s Revenue Through Spotify Streams

The top ten are about to be explored like never before! The countdown continues with a sparkling entry that’s got us on our toes – it’s Elton John’s 2017 work of art, “Diamonds,” landing like a shining comet in seventh place. 

This greatest hits compilation album is practically showering with a potential earning of $3,632,250, all thanks to those Spotify streams. 

Elton John’s cover art for his album “Diamonds.” Credit: Kohl’s

But, here’s the real question that’s tickling our musical curiosity: Have you rocked out to “Diamonds” on repeat? And who wouldn’t want to earn the title of “Official Elton John’s Diamonds Dance Champion” by shaking a leg or two? 

As we journey through this musical galaxy, who else is pumped to discover what gems await in the top spots? I know I am!

Listen to “Diamonds” here.

Arctic Monkeys’ “AM” Album And Its Digital Wealth

In a smashing eighth place, we’ve got the 2013 album release, “AM” by the Arctic Monkeys. This brilliant piece has Spotify streams pouring in, perhaps making $2,816,270. 

In 2013, the Arctic Monkeys dropped “AM,” and suddenly, the music universe was in for a treat. Fast forward to today, and those Spotify streams are like a digital cash register, cha-chinging to a possible fortune. Isn’t that the kind of jackpot every band dreams of hitting?

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Arctic Monkeys’ cover art for his 2013 album “AM.” Credit: Amazon

And not a couple of pennies here and there. No, siree! I’m talking serious dough, the kind that could make even a pirate blush with envy. So, who’s streaming “AM” on repeat? Is your playlist filled with those Arctic Monkeys’ beats? And most importantly, have you contributed to that potential $2,816,270 fortune with your own streaming addiction?

Listen to “AM” here.

“Harry’s House” Album And Its Continuous Revenue Dance

Harry Styles and his 2022 album, “Harry’s House” is the talk of the town, holding down that ninth place with style and pizzazz. But how much revenue is this musical marvel bringing in from the valley of Spotify? 

The music is playing, fans are cheering, and Harry Styles owns the stage on his “Love on Tour.” But that tour ain’t just about music – it’s about bucks raining down too!  So, while Harry’s been busy making hearts swoon on tour, his album’s been pulling in those sweet Spotify streams, likely adding up to $2,342,310. 

Harry Styles’ cover art for his album “Harry’s House.” Credit: Hanna Moon

You see, as Harry Styles wraps up his spellbinding tour, his album is still rocking the virtual stage, pulling in those digital dimes with every Spotify play. A musical encore that never ends! 

Now, let’s toss in a sprinkle of humor, shall we?  What can $2,342,310 could buy? Maybe a yacht made entirely of glitter or a private island shaped like a guitar? But until then, raise a virtual toast to Harry Styles and his chart-topping groove – may the music keep playing and the revenue keeps rolling in!

Listen to “Harry’s House” here. 

The Power Of Charting: Lewis Capaldi’s Album Hauling In Millions

The numbers game is on, and Lewis Capaldi and his rockin’ 2019 album, “Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent,” is taking part in it! Right on the tenth spot of our chart, this record lugs in $2,243,310 from those groove-inducing Spotify streams. 

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Lewis Capaldi’s cover art for his album “Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.” Credit: Target

If any artist can get their album into the top ten, they’re not just breaking records, they’re making millions. Imagine an album that walks into that top-tier club and, voilà, they’re potentially scoring an average of $4.2 million from around 10.5 billion Spotify streams. They’re basically turning those streams into a gold rush!

Listen to “Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent” here.

A Spokesperson’s View On Albums’ International Popularity

A spokesperson for Music Industry How To commented on the findings, saying:

“The findings highlight the remarkable success achieved by several albums, showcasing the immense popularity and appeal they have garnered among listeners worldwide.”

“This study shows the power of music to captivate audiences and the ability of certain albums to resonate deeply with a diverse range of listeners. The results emphasize the continued importance of streaming platforms in shaping the success of modern-day music and the significant impact these albums have made within the industry.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

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When Lyrics Come To Life: AL’s Artistic Depiction Enhancing The Song’s Imagery

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Music lovers, let’s explore the bizarre world of artificial intelligence and song lyrics. Artificial intelligence might make the perfect lyricist… just as long as it doesn’t pen any songs about wanting to take over the world!

In a recent study by Pirate, the world’s top provider of rehearsal and recording facilities for artists, AI image generator MidJourney took center stage. This genius AI system went on an artistic spree, creating insane visuals based on iconic lines from mega-popular songs. Who knew AI could be so musical? I guess you could say it’s an AI symphony.

Harry Styles’ chart-topping hit “As It Was” and Taylor Swift’s empowering anthem “Anti-Hero” inspired this AI masterpiece. These lyrics were like potions, cooking up a rainbow of four hypnotic pictures for each prompt.

 Picture after picture, the AI model brought the meaning of these songs to life in ways you’ve never seen before.

But before we unveil the stunning creations, how do you think artificial intelligence interprets the emotions and stories woven into song lyrics? How does it transform words into captivating imagery that resonates with our souls? Well, for starters, AI might be able to interpret the lyrics as “All you need is love” and turn it into a shopping list for a romantic dinner!

As It Was, Harry Styles

Prompt: “In this world, it’s just us, You know it’s not the same as it was.”

Images conjured by AI are inspired by the soulful chorus lyrics of Harry Styles’ mega-hit, with over 2.4 billion streams on Spotify.

Ethereal scenes painted by the AI showcase couples immersed in a romantic twilight. In addition, satellites gracefully grace the canvas, adding otherworldly wonder. Does it feel magical to you?

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Generated Al image for lyrics to As It Was by Harry Styles. Credit: MidJourney

Now, what if the one you love genuinely becomes your universe? What if, in the vast expanse of the cosmos, it’s just the two of you against the world? In these mesmerizing images, the theme of love is brought to life so intensely that you feel as if you are the only two souls on Earth.

Anti-Hero, Taylor Swift 

Prompt: “It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.”

Taylor Swift’s latest hit from her album “Midnights” smashes records left and right. This single has grown to nearly one billion Spotify streams! It’s a musical trend that’s got everyone talking.

AI’s interpretation of the lyrics depicts a group of exhausted, downcast men dressed in superhero-style costumes, surrounded by a sea of debris. Whoa! A visually striking vision that perfectly matches the song’s dark themes of devastation and loss.

Generated Al image for lyrics to Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift. Credit: MidJourney

Combined with such vivid imagery, Taylor Swift’s lyrics have a powerful impact! It’s like a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie, where heroes face their darkest moments amidst chaos and destruction.

Die For You, The Weeknd 

Prompt: “Even though we’re goin’ through it, And it makes you feel alone, Just know that I would die for you.”

The resurgence of this song from The Weeknd’s 2016 album, “Starboy,” received a remarkable revival thanks to its original version and a popular remix featuring Ariana Grande. The combined streams of these two versions on Spotify have reached an incredible two billion times! Try to comprehend that number!

The innovative MidJourney engine has crafted a series of four captivating images, each depicting an embrace between a couple. And in one of the images, the woman sports a prominent skull tattoo, possibly inspired by the song’s haunting mention of death. In another image, she’s mysteriously playing guitar, adding an extra layer to the visual narrative.

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Generated Al image for lyrics to Die For You by The Weeknd. Credit: Journo Research

Now, let your imagination run wild! What is it about this collaboration that makes it so appealing? And what other surprises and hidden meanings lie within the artwork accompanying this musical work of art? Maybe the artwork is so appealing because it’s an optical illusion that looks like a pizza when you tilt your head sideways! Or perhaps the hidden message within the artwork is that everyone should take a break and have a slice!

Flowers, Miley Cyrus 

Prompt: “I can buy myself flowers, Write my name in the sand.”

Flowers, the sensational song released in January, has shattered records like a rockstar. It raced its way to one billion Spotify streams faster than any other song in history! What a powerful move!

The lyrics of the song appear to come to life through the artwork generated by artificial intelligence. What is the depiction of? A picturesque beach adorned with a beautifully arranged bed of flowers. It’s like stepping into a dreamy wonderland!

Generated Al image for lyrics to Flowers by Miley Cyrus. Credit: Journo Research

Among these enchanting images, two feature a lone person. And they seem a tad sad, which might contradict the song’s empowering and strong vibe after a heart-wrenching breakup. Isn’t that a curious twist?

Kill Bill, SZA 

Prompt: “I did it all for love, I did it all on no drugs.”

We’ve got a juicy story to share here! SZA, the queen of epic revenge anthems, dropped a track that could blow our minds. Once again, MidJourney decided to play it safe and adhere to its community guidelines. Some chorus lyrics were too intense for their taste, so they passed on, creating images based on them. Safety first, right?

But all hope is not lost. MidJourney found solace in a less violent line, “I did it all for love, I did it all on no drugs.” And man, did they turn it into a visual delight! Vibrant portraits of fierce women bursting with colors, with flowers, butterflies, and hints of psychedelia dominating the scene. It’s like entering into a world full of artistic brilliance!

Generated Al image for lyrics to Kill Bill by SZA. Credit: Journo Research

Are you able to visualize it? The bold strokes of paint, the hypnotizing swirls of color, and the blend of femininity and empowerment. It’s a celebration of love, passion, and self-expression.

Pirate Spokesperson’s Insights: Exploring The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Song Imagery

Commenting on the images, a spokesperson for Pirate said:

“These are lyrics that have been listened to and sung millions of times, becoming embedded in people’s minds and part of their daily lives, so it’s fascinating to see how an artificial intelligence creates imagery that ranges from the striking to the beautiful to the bizarre.

It reminds us that true human artistry is still an essential part of the creative process in music, but also that the advance of AI could help inspire new ways of thinking about the craft of writing songs. From a music artist’s perspective, AI can also help lower some of the costs associated with self-releasing music such as design for album art or even creating music videos.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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Festival Mania: Discovering America’s Most Celebration-Oriented States

States' Festival Obsession
Image source: Lyte Magazine, Jones Around The World.

As the spring festival season approaches, fans across the country are eager to attend live performances by their favorite artists. The entertainment industry is experiencing a surge in demand for its services. Live Nation, a leading entertainment company, reported outstanding results in 2022, and the trend continues in 2023, showing no signs of slowing down. However, festival interest varies by state.

1. Wisconsin

According to recent research conducted by online fashion retailer Boohoo, Wisconsin has the highest festival enthusiasm.

Wisconsin tops the list with the most festival-obsessed residents. It is renowned for its diverse and vibrant festival culture, with events celebrating music, food, culture, and the arts. These events draw large crowds from across the state and beyond. From Summerfest in Milwaukee, the world’s largest music festival, to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s biggest aviation event, Wisconsin offers a range of exciting festival experiences for all tastes and interests.

The world’s largest music festival, Summerfest. Credit: Katie Klann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Using Google Trends data from the past year, Boohoo analyzed search terms commonly used by festival attendees to determine the degree of festival obsession in each state. Each state was given a total score based on the combined search terms to identify the country’s most and least festival-obsessed states.

The study found that Wisconsin ranked as the most festival-obsessed state, with a score of 602, 40% higher than the national average. This is due to the high number of searches for festival-related terms, such as ‘festival’ and ‘festival near me,’ indicating a greater interest in festivals among Wisconsin’s population than in other states. Additionally, Wisconsin ranked eighth for the search term ‘summer festival.’

2. Ohio

Ohio is truly a festival lover’s paradise, and it’s no wonder it is ranked as the second most festival-obsessed state in the USA. With a remarkable total score of 594, Ohio achieves the highest proportion of its population eagerly searching for ‘festivals’ and ‘festivals near me.’ Its residents also display their passion for festivals by frequently searching for the phrase ‘festival,’ which ranks as the fifth-most searched term in the country.

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The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in Canton, Ohio. Credit: Ed Balint

But that’s not all; Ohio has an impressive lineup of festivals that attract visitors from far and wide. From the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the nation, to the Columbus Arts Festival, which showcases an array of visual and performing arts, Ohio has something for everyone. Other notable festivals include the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Cincinnati Music Festival, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. With such a diverse and vibrant festival scene, Ohio is a state worth visiting for all the festival enthusiasts out there!

3. Louisiana

Well, look at that! Louisiana sure knows how to get down and party. It’s no wonder it’s the third most festival-loving state in the country, with an impressive score of 587! And get this, folks, Louisiana has not one, not two, not three, but FOUR searches ranking in the top two nationwide.

That’s right, Louisiana takes the cake for the highest number of searches for ‘festivals 2023’ and comes in at a close second for ‘festivals’ in the whole country. Plus, Louisiana’s festival-goers are some of the most stylish around, as evidenced by their second-highest search levels for ‘festival outfits.’ Now, while Louisiana might not be searching for ‘fall festival’ and ‘summer festival’ as much as some other states, you can bet your bottom dollar they know how to throw a party any time of year!

2022 Essence Festival. Credit: Essence

In July 2022, the Essence Festival held in New Orleans featured primarily African American musical acts. It also featured speakers and seminars on social and cultural issues. Some famous performers who have played at Essence include Beyoncé, Prince, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, and Usher.

Watch a clip of Nicki Minaj’s performance at the 2022 Essence Festival below:

4. Illinois

Illinois stands tall in the national rankings, securing the fourth spot with an impressive score of 549, a staggering 28% higher than the national average. The Prairie State has established itself as a prime destination for those seeking to quench their thirst for fun and entertainment. This is evident from its inclusion in the top ten list for most search terms. Notably, ‘Music festivals’ and ‘festivals near me’ hold a prominent seventh rank on the national level, further emphasizing the state’s allure for festival-goers.

A music festival in Chicago, Illinois. Credit: Choose Chicago

But it doesn’t stop there! Illinois also boasts a commendable third and fifth rank for statewide searches for ‘festivals’ and ‘summer festival,’ respectively, adding to its already impressive reputation as a hub for cultural events. But it’s not just about attending festivals. Residents also take pride in their fashion sense, as is evident from their fourth ranking for ‘festival outfits’ searches. This further accentuates Illinoisians’ fashion-conscious nature.

North Dakota Has The Lowest Festival Score

While music festivals are a beloved pastime for many Americans, North Dakota seems to be lagging behind the rest of the country in festival enthusiasm. In fact, the state has the lowest festival score in the nation, at a measly 189 points. That’s 56% lower than the national average!

North Dakota residents aren’t as interested in searching for festival-related terms as their counterparts in other states. Regarding phrases like ‘festivals,’ ‘festivals 2023’, ‘summer festival,’ ‘festival near me,’ and ‘festival outfits,’ North Dakota scored a big fat zero – the only state to do so.

Iando Live is a music festival in North Dakota that occurs every July. Credit: North Dakota Tourism

Despite these lackluster results, there is one area where North Dakota does show some interest – music festivals. While it may not be the state’s top search term, ‘music festivals’ still ranks a respectable 21st overall. Perhaps some exciting music festivals are happening in North Dakota worth checking out!

5. Indiana and Kentucky

As we go along, let me enlighten you about this amazing entail. Indiana and Kentucky are not only neck and neck in their total score of 546, but they are also home to some of the most spectacular music festivals in the country! Indiana and Kentucky both landed in the top ten for the search terms ‘festivals’ and ‘festivals near me.’

However, both states scored similarly on each analyzed term. Indiana and Kentucky rank first and third in searches for ‘fall festival.’

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Three Rivers Festival is located in downtown Fort Wayne Indiana. Credit: Indy’s Child

Now, hold on to your hats, folks, because Kentucky is the place to be for music lovers! With the second-highest proportion of the population searching for ‘music festivals,’ you know you’re in for a treat. And let’s not forget about the fashionistas out there. Kentucky residents are on point with their festival outfits, ranking eighth compared to Indiana’s eighteenth place.

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Bourbon and Beyond Festival in Kentucky. Credit: Jones Around The World

Wait, there’s more! These festivals are not just ordinary gatherings. They feature some of the biggest names in entertainment, folks! So, get ready to jam out to your favorite artists while also taking in the vibrant festival atmosphere in Indiana and Kentucky.

6. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state that takes festivals very seriously and is known for its vibrant festival culture. According to recent rankings, Pennsylvania is the sixth most festival-obsessed state in the country, with a score of 541, which is 26% higher than the national average. It’s no wonder the phrase ‘festivals near me’ is one of the most commonly searched terms in the state, ranking third nationally.

Additionally, Pennsylvania is a popular destination for fall festivals. It ranks fifth in national searches for the term ‘fall festival’ and seventh for the general search term ‘festival.’ With such an intense festival scene, it’s clear that Pennsylvanians know how to have a good time and celebrate life’s joys with enthusiasm and style.

The Roots Picnic

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to one of the most electrifying events in the music industry – The Roots Picnic! Held annually by the iconic hip-hop band The Roots, this festival has taken the world by storm since its inception in 2008. Music fans from far and wide gather in Philadelphia to witness an unparalleled experience of pure musical ecstasy. With a lineup that spans a myriad of genres, ranging from the smoothest R&B to the soulful rhythms of hip-hop, The Roots Picnic is undoubtedly the ultimate celebration of music!

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Artists and podcasters will be in the 2023 Roots Picnic, set to take place from June 2 – 4. Credit: The Roots Picnic

This event has welcomed numerous prominent musicians and even celebrities over time. One such instance was in 2015 when Canadian R&B and pop sensation, The Weeknd, gave an unforgettable performance that displayed his exceptional vocal abilities. In 2016, R&B legend Usher delivered an energizing set, captivating the audience and getting them to sing and dance along. Singer Solange also put on a fantastic show in 2017 at The Roots Picnic, exhibiting her exceptional blend of R&B, soul, and funk.

Check out The Weeknd’s full concert at The Roots Picnic in 2015 below:

Made In America Music Festival

The Made In America Music Festival is an annual event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by renowned rapper and music mogul Jay-Z curated. The festival was first launched in 2012 and has since become a staple of the Philadelphia music scene, attracting some of the biggest names in hip-hop, rock, and pop.

The festival is held on Labor Day weekend and takes place on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a scenic area in the heart of Philadelphia. It features multiple stages and is known for its diverse lineup, with various artists taking the stage.

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Made In America Music Festival in Philadelphia. Credit: The Philadelphia Parking Authority

Over the years, the festival has featured performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Pearl Jam, J.Cole, Tyler, the Creator, Kanye West, Rihanna, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. In addition to music, the festival also features a variety of food vendors and other attractions, making it a true celebration of American culture.

Watch Tyler, the Creator’s performance at the 2022 Made In America Festival below:

7. Maryland

Maryland has secured the seventh position in festival participation, with a remarkable score of 540. The state has the third-highest level of online searches for ‘festival near me’ and the fourth-highest for the generic search term ‘festival.’

Moreover, Maryland ranks seventh among all states when searching for summer festivals, reflecting the community’s love of seasonal celebrations. What’s more intriguing is that Marylanders are not just festival-goers but also fashion-forward individuals who take their festival outfits very seriously. This is evident from the fact that searches for ‘festival outfit’ in Maryland rank eighth highest in the country.

Maryland Renaissance Festival. Credit: Judy McGuire from the Maryland Renaissance Festival

Maryland is a hub of festivity, culture, and fashion, with its residents actively participating in festivals and displaying a strong interest in festival-related searches.

8. Vermont

I’ve got some fascinating information to share about the festival scene in Vermont. It turns out that Vermont is the eighth most festival-obsessed state in the United States, scoring an impressive score of 534. That’s right, Green Mountain State takes festivals seriously. Vermont possesses the highest percentage of searches for both ‘music festivals’ and ‘summer festival’ in the country.

As searches for ‘festivals 2023’ and ‘fall festival’ were also among the top ten, ranking fifth and ninth highest, respectively. Clearly, Vermonters are always looking for the next big event to attend.

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Street performers on Church Street in downtown Burlington, Vermont, at the 2017 Festival of Fools. Credit: The Charlotte News

Interestingly enough, despite the high search levels for festivals, Vermonters did not seem to show much interest in ‘festival outfits.’ Vermont was the only state in the top ten to display such a lack of interest.

9. Michigan

Well, well, well, let’s dive into the magnificent state I call home – Michigan! Coming in strong at ninth place with a score of 532, Michigan is a state that has a lot to offer. Speaking of offerings, its residents and visitors choose to indulge in the plethora of summer festivals the state offers, making it the fourth most popular search in the state.

It is no surprise that festivals, in general, are a massive hit in Michigan. ‘Festival’ is the second most searched keyword in the state, ranking eighth place. Besides these, Michiganders also enjoy exploring music festivals and searching for nearby festivals, ranking ninth and tenth, respectively. Transitioning from festivals, Michigan boasts diverse activities and attractions that will undoubtedly leave you wanting more!

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Common Ground Music Festival in Michigan. Credit: Michelle Roberts

One major music festival held in Michigan is The Common Ground Music Festival. This event features a variety of performers from different genres of music and attracts music lovers from all over the state and beyond. The festival typically takes place over several days in July and has been running since 2000.

Over the years, the festival has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Jason Mraz, and many others. The lineup for the festival changes each year, with a mix of established and up-and-coming artists.

Check out Snoop Dogg’s 2015 performance at the Common Ground Music Festival below:

10. Colorado

Wow, how exciting is this? We have made it to the end of the list, and coming in at number ten is none other than the beautiful state of Colorado! It is worth noting that Colorado achieved an impressive score of 528, which is higher than the national average.

When it comes to searching for festivals, Colorado ranks third in the nation in terms of the proportion of its population searching for ‘festivals.’ The state also contains the fourth-highest percentage of searches for ‘festivals 2023’ and ‘festival outfits’ in the country. But wait, that’s not all, folks! As Colorado couldn’t get any cooler, the state’s residents also searched for ‘music festival’ and ‘summer festival.’ These queries ranked sixth and ninth-highest, respectively, in the entire country!

Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Credit: CU Presents

The Most Festival-Obsessed States: Boohoo Spokesperson Weighs In

According to a spokesperson for Boohoo: “United States residents search over five million times a year for the terms analyzed. The study reveals Wisconsin as the most eager for the 2023 festival season.

Louisiana residents search most for ‘festival outfits’ in the top ten. This finding suggests they are the most fashion-conscious in the study.

States known for partying, such as Nevada, Texas, and Florida, didn’t make the list. These states have well-known festivals, so there’s less need to use search or travel.”

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | LinkedIn

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The Weeknd Is Headed for Big Role on The Silver Screen

The Weeknd
The Weeknd. Image Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Abel Tesfaye, otherwise known as The Weeknd, is making headlines today. And the story is intriguing.

Something New for Weeknd Fans

Known for his impressive vocals and music skills, the Weeknd isn’t known as a star of the silver screen. However, that’s about to change. Tesfaye is preparing to step into the spotlight in an upcoming film. Aside from acting in the film, Tesfaye has written and will produce the screenplay.

Upcoming Film

The movie’s finer details are scarce, but we know that it’s cast with some famous actors. According to Variety, the cast of the film will include Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega. Many will recognize Koeghan from the feature, Banshees of Inisherin. And Ortega recently wowed in her performance as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix hit series Wednesday.

 A Formidable Cast & Creative Team

A talented cast is not the only asset making the upcoming film one to watch. This project has also attracted the talents of Trey Edward Shults, who will serve as the director. The news is good news for fans of Waves and It Comes at Night, as Shults has ties to both movies. And for those wondering whether The Weeknd will score the film, the answer is indeed but not alone. The Weeknd will be joined by OPN otherwise known as Daniel Lopatin who is a veteran of this. Lopatin’s experience includes working on scores for features Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler, and Good Time.

The Weeknd’s Work

With a well-known cast and experienced creative team, one can only wonder if Tesfaye can pull this off. As a television and film actor, Tesfaye is not altogether new to the industry. He has appeared in Uncut Gems although he has yet to receive a significant role like this one. Moreover, he has contributed to scores for major films such as Black Panther, Southpaw, and Fifty Shades of Gray. And he is set to appear in the upcoming HBO original series The Idol, where he plays opposite Lily-Rose Depp.

In Closing

It is always fascinating to see artists breaking new ground and discovering unique aspects of their craft. True artistry is often hard to quantify. And genuine artists are often multifaceted, constantly shifting, growing, and expanding, with no set parameters. So a shift is a celebration, as it provides a broader scope and insight into who these complex and creative souls really are. A big congratulations to Tesfaye on his upcoming projects. May he shine in that new capacity as he has through his music.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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FM Sports Trending

Top 10 Most Viewed Super Bowl Performances On YouTube

Super Bowl Performances Top 10
Image source: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the 2023 Super Bowl later today. It is always a must-see event for avid football fans, thanks to the performances of renowned musicians. By new research, the following moments in Super Bowl history have attracted the most attention from fans.

Online casino JeffBet conducted a study to determine which moment in the Super Bowl has been viewed the most by fans by looking at the NFL’s official YouTube page. Check out the top 10 performances below.

1. Shakira & Jennifer Lopez

It was the last major NFL event before the state was placed under lockdown during the pandemic that Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed at the 2020 Super Bowl LIV in Miami Gardens, Florida. This remarkable event showcased the fantastic performances of the two talented singers and served as a bittersweet goodbye to large-scale events before the pandemic engulfed the world.

The halftime show received over 260 million views. A combined 971 million views were recorded for the top 10 Super Bowl videos.

Watch here.

top 10
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show. Image source: Kevin Winter, Getty Images.

2. Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, & Kendrick Lamar

Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Bilge, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar were among the artists featured in the 2022 performance in Inglewood, California. Second on the list, this live performance has garnered over 154 million views since it was uploaded on Feb 14, 2022. It features a medley of rap classics, including the iconic “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

Watch here.

Eminem, Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent during the 2022 Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Image source: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images.

3. Beyonce & Bruno Mars

Closely following in third and fourth place are both moments from the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. Two videos were produced during this halftime show. One shows the performance of Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, which has attracted the third highest number of views at 153 million.

Watch here.

Super Bowl Performances Top 10
Beyonce and Bruno Mars perform at the 2016 Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show. Image source: YouTube, NFL.

4. Coldplay

Another video shows Coldplay, which has attracted 113 million views. The performance featured “Uptown Funk” and “Formation,” with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars joining Chris Martin on stage. This is the only time in history that a single Super Bowl appears twice in the top 10.

Watch here.

Coldplay performing at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show in 2016. Image source: YouTube.

5. Lady Gaga

Furthermore, the eclectic performance by Lady Gaga at the 2017 Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, ranks fifth, garnering almost 76 million. Lady Gaga’s performance was a medley of some of her most famous songs, including “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance.” She also paid tribute to David Bowie with a rendition of “Space Oddity” and a performance of “Telephone” with Beyoncé.

Watch here.

Lady Gaga performing at the 2017 Super Bowl Ll Halftime Show. Image source: YouTube.

6. Katy Perry

Next in line is Katy Perry, who hotly contested for the fifth-place spot. However, after her Super Bowl XLIX 2015 performance in Glendale, Arizona, with Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz on Sep 13, 2016, the performance of the Teenage Dream singer has received just over 75 million views, placing her in sixth position.

Watch here.

Super Bowl Performances Top 10
Katy at the Super Bowl XLIX 2015 performance in Glendale, Arizona. Image source: YouTube.

7. The Weeknd

On the remaining top 10 list, The Weeknd’s halftime show at the 2021 Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Florida, ranks seventh with 54 million views. During his halftime show, his promotional materials depicted a lavish affair, complete with shrimp cocktail, cigars, leather driving gloves, and iced Champagne.

Watch here.

Super Bowl Performances Top 10
The Weeknd performing during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl LV. Image source: Ashley Landis, AP, Shutterstock.

8. Prince

Taking the eighth spot on the list and garnering 49 million views is Prince’s performance of Purple Rain at the 2007 Super Bowl XLI in Miami Gardens, Florida. His performance featured a medley of his hits, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Baby I’m a Star,” and “Purple Rain.” In addition, it featured a collaborative guitar solo with Prince and the Foo Fighters’ guitarist, Dave Grohl. This is the only performance or video related to the Super Bowl before 2010.

Watch here.

Super Bowl Performances Top 10
Prince’s performing Purple Rain at the 2007 Super Bowl XLI. Image source: YouTube.

9. Maroon 5

Maroon 5, featuring Travis Scott and Big Boi, claimed the ninth for most viewed moments at the Super Bowl, while Justin Timberlake came in tenth. As of 2019, Maroon 5 has gained 20 million views following his performance at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia.

Watch here.

Maroon 5 performing at the 2019 Super Bowl LIII. Image source: Getty Images.

10. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake’s performance at the previous 2018 Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, Minnesota, gained 18 million views.

Watch here.

Super Bowl Performances Top 10
Justin Timberlake performing at the 2018 Super Bowl LII. Image source: YouTube.

One Of The Most Memorable Super Bowl Non-Performances

Among the 75 Super Bowl-related videos available on the NFL’s official YouTube Page, the study collected and analyzed data with a total view count of 1.3 billion. The first non-performance Super Bowl moment in the rankings is the highlights from the 2017 Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.

The infamous Tom Brady famously led the New England Patriots to a 28-34 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, resulting in one of the greatest comebacks in sports and Super Bowl history.

JeffBet Spokesperson’s Statement

According to a spokesperson for JeffBet, “The halftime show is a major draw of the Super Bowl, and all the performers that make the top 10 clearly gave performances that had a lasting impression. Rihanna’s long-awaited return to music will take place during the next Super Bowl, and it will be interesting to see if her halftime performance will amass a similar number of views online.”

The study was conducted by JeffBet, a new online casino and sportsbook provider founded in 2022. To provide quality entertainment to people who enjoy gambling, JeffBet aims to make it possible for those to engage in a thrilling online gaming experience that is safe, fun, fair, legal, secure, and safe.

Written by Nikiya Biggs | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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Travis Scott,The Weeknd & Tyga Spotted At The Encore

tyga-the weeknd-travis

Encore Las Vegas also known as Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is a lavish resort, casino, and hotel found on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The place is famous for its entertaining showcases that comprise musical acts, stand-up comedy, and vibrating nightclubs with acclaimed DJs. Needless to say, it’s a base definitely visited by most celebs, and recently 4 well-known stars showed up in the same lobby.

Travis Scott

travis scott
Travis scott spotted at the Encore. Picture shot : TMZ
Travis Scott Eminem Air Jordan 4 Encore
Image courtesy : @travisscott

First on the list was Travis Scott  who showed up around 4 in the afternoon. The Hip-Hop star was seen wearing Eminem x Air Jordan 4 sneakers which is probably among the rarest shoes ever made. In fact, Travis confessed that he owns one of the 50 pairs that were designed for Eminem’s close friends, which is approximately $44,000. Moreover, during his brief appearance, he tilted his head down and avoided the crowds before passed from sight.

Tyga

tyga
Tyga spotted at the Encore. Image credit : TMZ.com

 

No sooner later, Tyga appeared in the same lobby wearing white sweatpants and oversized t-shirt. The latter was accompanied with his physically fit boydguards. There was a brouhaha on his arrival as many women were eager to meet the rapper but he soon drove off too.

The Weeknd

the weeknd
The Weeknd at the Encore. Image credit : TMZ.com

A few minutes following this, The Weeknd came over and was greeting the guys from SHM and were getting into a conversation along for a couple of minutes before he head out with fai’s sister, Simi Khadra, a top model. Afterwards, the 32 year old singer made his way to Allegiant Stadium where he was performing on his ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ Tour. Of course, Travis made entrance there and was actually in Vegas the previous night, Tyga joined after and assisted from the Wynn field club.

Unfortunately, an incident happened when the show was over.  At 11 pm, A fire broke out at the venue, thankfully no one was hurt!

Swedish House Mafia

Swedish House Mafia unveil support acts for Paradise Again tour
Swedish House Mafia. Image via Getty for coachella
Swedish House Mafia – the legendary supergroup also hosted a concert that night at the Wynn field club. The Weeknd passed by after his concert. Check out their upcoming concert dates and make sure to book your tickets soon. 

In case you missed it, here’s a video of the star appearing at the Encore, Las Vegas.

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Written by Satina Bungsy

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Chris Brown Tops The Weeknd and Elvis’ R&B Records With “Breezy”

chris brown
Photo via Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET

Chris Brown set a new record with the release of his latest Album, Breezy. On July 8, Billboard announced that Brown captured the record for most hits on the Hot R&B charts. With the new record, Brown displaces The Weeknd, who previously held the top spot.

Brown now holds a total of 79 songs on the Hot R&B charts, while The Weeknd sits at 71. The pair are far removed from the rest of the heat, with Drake taking third place at 56 hits. Khalid is set at #4 with 43 hits and Bryson Tiller takes home 41 hit songs to round out the list.

In addition, Brown also overcame Elvis Presley’s record for most Hot 100 songs. He becomes the most decorated male artist in the category, with a whopping 112 entries on the charts. The achievement is all the more impressive when taking into consideration that the release of Breezy was on the same day as Baz Luhrmann’s new Elvis biopic.

Hit Singles on “Breezy”

Breezy earned immediate success upon release, with 72,000 units sold in the opening week. The album features a whopping 24 tracks, with nine tracks landing on the top charts.

“Psychic,” featuring Jack Harlow, was the most successful track from the new album, with 6.41 million streams in the first week. “Call Me Everyday,” featuring WizKid, narrowly missed the top spot with 6.39 million streams.

“Addicted” featuring Lil Baby, “Possessive” featuring Lil Wayne and BLEU, and “Closure” featuring H.E.R. also made an immediate impact with their release.

The other songs making the Hot R&B charts include:

“C.A.B (Catch A Body)” feat. Fivio Foreign

“Till the Wheels Fall Off” feat. Lil Durk & Capella Gray

“Sex Memories” feat. Ella Mai

“Need You Right Here” feat. Bryson Tiller

Expect Brown to extend the leads of his records with the release of the Breezy deluxe edition. He also kicks off the “One of Them Ones” tour on July 15 in North Carolina. Featuring Atlanta rapper Lil Baby, the tour will close out on August 27th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stay tuned to FMHipHop for more R&B and rap news, and give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter!

Written by Evan Montgomery

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Doja Cat Cancels Weeknd Stadium Tour Due To Vaping-Caused Tonsil Surgery

Doja Cat's Vaping Habit Made Her Cancel The Tour
Doja Cat vaping. Image source: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.

This past Friday (May 20), West Coast rapper Doja Cat made a regretful announcement via Instagram story.

Doja Cat Gets Real About Vaping

“Hi guys,” she typed to fans. “I wanted you to hear it from me first. Unfortunately I have to have surgery on my tonsils ASAP. The surgery is routine but the recovery is going to take awhile due to swelling. That menas I have to cancel my festival run this summer as well as The Weeknd tour. I feel horrible about this but can’t wait for this to heal and get back to making music and create an experience for y’all.”

https://twitter.com/TheWeekndFrance/status/1527758281053245442

Doja has had a particularly packed schedule in her career thus far, with an acclaimed Coachella and Billboard Music Award set being her latest workload. However, this upcoming tonsil surgery is all coming to a screeching halt. The news comes to a set of highly disappointed fans. The 26-year-old originally planned to share the stage with the Weeknd during his 3-month long After Hours Til Dawn Tour. In addition to this, Doja will be missing out on tomorrow’s Hangout Festival in Alabama and The Glastonbury Festival next month.

Troublesome Tonsils

The damaged tonsil hasn’t gone unaddressed by the “Like This” rapper already. Earlier this week, Doja Cat revealed on Twitter that vaping and some other bad habits may have worsened her throat. “Dr. just had to cut into my left tonsil,” she tweeted. “I had an abscess in it. My whole throat is fucked so i might have some bad news for yall coming soon. I was taking fuckin antibiotics but forgot that i was taking them and then i drank wine and was vaping all day long and then I started getting a nasty ass growth on my tonsil so they had to do surgery on it today” she continued to explain.

Following this warning, Doja tweeted extensively about her struggle with vaping addiction.

Obviously, Doja’s health is the most important thing. Still, this left many diehard fans feeling left high and dry.

 

 

Nonetheless, this unexpected break may be just what the ‘Hot Pink’ rapper needs. Since 2022 kicked off, Doja hasn’t been shy about her disdain for a life in the spotlight. She even went so far as to quit music before quickly restricting that statement.

With the upcoming months being all clear for her, hopefully, Doja can take this time to recalibrate and reflect. In the meantime, you can join social media to wish Doja Cat a speedy recovery.

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Dreema Carrington|IG: @dr3amgirl79|Twitter: @notdreema

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The Weeknd Threatens To Cancel Coachella, Says They Are Pocketing His Money

The Weeknd
The Weeknd KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES

Reportedly, The Weeknd could have cancelled on Coachella. He is the replacement for Ye. However, they are not paying him the same.

Ye was supposed to receive $8.5 million for appearing in Coachella. However, he did not accept the gig. He pulled out because he wants to focus on himself for a while, out of the spotlight. At least until he is over his family situation.

The replacement was decided to be The Weeknd. He is supposed to play on April 17 and 24. However, things were not doing so hot behind the scenes.

According to Page 6, the producers of the music festival are trying to pocket most of the money. They were trying to only pay The Weeknd “a few million” and pocket the rest.

This has caused negotiations to continue throughout the week between The Weeknd’s management and Goldenvoice, the producers of the festival. When Goldenvoice released that The Weeknd was going to appear on Wednesday, the negotiations were still happening. At the last minute, Goldenvoice agreed to pay the full amount. They could not have the main act cancel their performance twice.

The Truth about Ye

However, there is something that does not quite match up with reality in Page 6’s article. They claim that Ye is seeking external help for his mental condition and will be leaving the spotlight for a while. Jason Lee, Ye’s head of Media and Partnerships has already denied this claim. He is not leaving the spotlight.

That was the grounding statement of the entire claim. Without that, the entire premise falls apart. There is also just a general lack of logic to it. Goldenvoice does the announcement while negotiations are still happening. That shot themselves in the foot and they have to give The Weeknd the full payment? It just does not make sense for the producers of Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, to make that mistake.

Written by Justin Acosta

Twitter: @hahalacka

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Damon Dash Sides With Kanye, Says Hip-Hop Doesn’t Need Grammys

Damon Dash Grammys Critique Comes After Kanye's Cancellation
Damon Dash Grammys Critique Comes After Kanye's Cancellation. Image source: Bennett Raglin/Bet/Getty.

Damon Dash disapproves of the Grammys yanking Kanye West from the performance lineup. The rap mogul doubled down on his position when speaking to TMZ on Tuesday, saying that the Recording Academy shouldn’t judge artists. 

“I’m not trying to fit into somebody else’s system,” Dame said. He even went as far as to suggest that artists should create their own version of the award show.

“So we just create our own so we ain’t gotta worry about nobody else’s rules… It’s not for them to judge who’s hot. It’s for us. They really shouldn’t be giving us the awards. We should be giving them the awards. They gotta respect our culture.”

Damon Dash also expressed his disregard for the award show, saying that he and Ye “don’t give a f*ck about the Grammys” before following up with “We make our own Grammys.”

Kanye was barred from performing at this year’s Grammys due to his online behavior against ex-wife Kim Kardashian. However, he can still attend. Other celebrities have come to Ye’s defense, even Grammys host Trevor Noah.

Kanye and Dame Dash go way back, with Dame being the one to sign Ye to Roc-A-Fella Records in 2002. Ever since the two have maintained a close relationship.

Damon Dash’s Idea Gets Traction

Damon Dash’s idea for an artists’ version of the Grammys has picked up some steam. On Tuesday, J. Prince called on artists such as Kanye, Drake, and Nicki Minaj to protest the award show and perform an anti-Grammys concert.

In an audio message posted Tuesday on Instagram, the Rap-A-Lot Records founder voiced his disapproval over the situation. He compared the organizers to “slave masters” and likened the decision to snubs of artists such as Drake and The Weeknd.

J. Prince also commented on the reluctance of artists to take a stand for hip-hop culture. The artist said that he watched the Grammys “dictate our culture to their benefit” for over 30 years. He also remarked that artists would “complain, but never have the nuts to come together to do anything about it.”

To conclude his audio message, J. Prince acknowledged that he’s ready to face the consequences of his actions for the love of Hip Hop. The date and location of the concert would be the same as the awards show, April 3 in Las Vegas.

The call to action didn’t go unnoticed. Nicki Minaj commented “Respect” with a prayer emoji in response to the post, seemingly cosigning the idea.

The 2022 Grammy Awards will take place at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on CBS and Paramount at 8 p.m EST.

Written by Olan Bryant