Lizzo CRASHES OUT Over Low Album Sales & Bad Promo

 

Tasha K analyzes the recent struggles of artist Lizzo regarding the marketing and promotion of new music. The discussion focuses on the challenges artists face navigating social media algorithms to connect with audiences and the impact that online personal branding choices can have on a music career.

Drake Disses Joe Budden on ‘ICEMAN’ | Joe Responds

In this segment of The Joe Budden Podcast, Joe Budden and his co-hosts discuss the rapper Drake and his recent musical output, specifically focusing on the track "ICEMAN." The conversation highlights the following key topics:

• The "Breakup" and Reconciliation: Joe Budden jokingly reflects on his complicated relationship with Drake, noting that he previously thought their "feud" was permanent. He expresses appreciation for Drake mentioning him in his music, framing it as a professional "service" that generates buzz and discussion for the podcast (0:28-3:12).
• Lyrical Analysis: The hosts discuss Drake's lyrical approach on the new tracks, specifically noting that he seems to be addressing various individuals in his life. Joe admires Drake's ability to weave personal grievances into his music, noting that Drake is "fighting with the pillars" of the industry, which signals his potential move to becoming an independent artist (4:05-6:28).
• The LeBron James Connection: A significant portion of the discussion centers on Drake's perceived betrayal by LeBron James. The hosts debate whether LeBron's appearance at the Kendrick Lamar "Pop Out" show constitutes a genuine slight against Drake or if it was merely a strategic political move for LeBron as an LA icon. Joe argues that from Drake's perspective, it feels like a violation of their friendship, while other hosts suggest that LeBron is simply a rap fan who enjoys music events (6:37-12:12).
• Final Takeaway: The hosts conclude that the album serves as a platform for Drake to "get everything off his chest" regarding these relationships. They agree that it is a compelling narrative for the audience to witness Drake processing these lessons and personal conflicts through his art (12:13-12:58).

Steve Harvey SLAMS Diddy for hurting Lori Harvey? Ray J's GRIM prognosis. Latto & 21 Savage POLYship

This video from Empressive covers several entertainment news headlines:

• Latto and 21 Savage (0:00 - 5:24): The video discusses rumors regarding Latto's relationship with 21 Savage, noting that she recently had a child with him. The host speculates on whether they are in a polygamous relationship or if 21 Savage has divorced his wife, Kiana Joseph.
• Steve Harvey and P. Diddy (5:25 - 10:53): The host analyzes Steve Harvey's recent comments condemning P. Diddy's behavior. This follows historical context about Diddy dating Steve Harvey's daughter, Lori Harvey. Steve Harvey uses the recent controversy surrounding Diddy as a cautionary example of how men should treat women.
• Ray J's Hospitalization (10:54 - 12:59): The video reports on Ray J being hospitalized following a boxing match with Super Hot Fire. The host questions the decision to participate given Ray J's health history and notes that there are investigations into whether the fight was pre-arranged.

Every Failed Comeback of 2026 So Far

This video, created by The 8 Series, examines why 2026 has been a difficult year for several artists attempting comebacks in an increasingly challenging music landscape. The creator highlights multiple high-profile artists who released new projects this year but failed to achieve significant commercial success or chart performance.

Failed Comebacks of 2026 (So Far):

• Ari Lennox (0:18-1:51): Her independent album Vacancy debuted at number 172 on the Billboard 200, failing to connect with a broader audience after her departure from Dreamville.
• LMA (1:53-3:18): Despite a personal push with her album Do You Still Love Me?, it peaked at only number 44, signaling a struggle to maintain her previous chart dominance.
• Gnarls Barkley (3:19-4:36): After an 18-year hiatus, their final album Milana failed to chart entirely on the Billboard 200.
• Jack Harlow (4:37-5:54): His pivot to a neo-soul sound on the album Monica resulted in a disappointing number 40 debut and failed to sustain public interest.
• Justine Skye (5:55-7:10): Her EP Candy failed to generate significant buzz or chart on any major Billboard lists.
• Charlie Puth (7:11-8:25): The album Whatever is Clever landed at number 46, labeled by critics as forgettable despite the media attention surrounding his personal life.
• Swae Lee (8:26-9:47): His long-awaited solo album Same Difference failed to debut on the Billboard 200.
• M.I.A. (9:48-11:08): Her gospel-inspired project MI7 received minimal mainstream attention and did not chart.
• Vanessa Carlton (11:10-12:15): Her seventh studio album Veils did not chart, marking a quiet return despite some positive critical reception.
• Akon (12:16-13:21): Despite his global history, his 2026 album Beautiful Day failed to make an impact on Billboard charts or streaming platforms.

The video concludes that even established stars face immense difficulties in 2026's oversaturated streaming climate, where past legacy does not guarantee current relevance.

2026 AMAs RECAP! All the Must-See Moments (and What Didn’t Make It to TV!)

This video recap covers the major highlights and star-studded moments from the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs), hosted by Queen Latifah.

Key Highlights of the Night:

• BTS' Triumphant Return: After a four-year hiatus for military service, BTS opened the show with a pre-taped performance of "Hooligan" and appeared in person to accept three awards, including Artist of the Year (0:31-0:56).
• Taylor Swift's Absence: Despite entering the night as the most-nominated artist with eight nominations, Taylor Swift did not attend the event and received zero wins (0:02-0:11).
• Nostalgic Reunions: The show featured a Black Eyed Peas reunion (2:20-2:35) and a performance by the Pussycat Dolls, who celebrated their 20th anniversary with a hits medley (3:14-3:43).
• Lifetime Achievement: Music legend Billy Idol was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award (4:09-4:27).
• Red Carpet Moments: Queen Latifah made a red carpet appearance with her family (1:09-1:24), while Tiana Taylor and Hillary Duff shared insights into their family lives and upcoming projects (5:17-6:00).

Other notable appearances included Riley Green (1:29-1:56) and Hootie & the Blowfish (1:58-2:09), reflecting on their career milestones.

Drake - ICEMAN ALBUM REVIEW

In this review of Drake's ninth solo album, Iceman, Anthony Fantano gives the project a 2/10 rating. He characterizes the album as a deeply bitter, obsessive, and hollow response to the public Kendrick Lamar feud and recent industry challenges, rather than a compelling musical evolution.

Key takeaways from the review include:

• Thematic failures: Fantano argues that the album relies heavily on stagnant grievances and forced martyrdom, making it feel like a "temper tantrum" (25:51) rather than a cohesive artistic statement. He notes that the record confirms criticisms of Drake being a "numbers-obsessed" artist rather than one focused on quality (11:06).
• Production & Songwriting: The reviewer critiques the album's structure, noting a frustrating dependency on sudden beat switches when Drake runs out of ideas (13:36) and pointing out that many of the features—specifically Molly Santana—are some of the worst of his career (16:59).
• Lyrical Content: Fantano highlights the track "Make Them Remember" (8:30) as a prime example of the album's obsession with the past, noting that many of the disses feel outdated or petty years after the events occurred (9:06).
• Album Highlights & Lowlights:
  • Favorite Track: "Whisper My Name" (15:01) for its eerie, cold-blooded atmosphere, despite the follow-up flow switch.
  • Least Favorite Track: "Make Them Know" (23:45), which Fantano describes as the most rancid track on the project, concluding with an "anime villain" narrative that he finds particularly cringe-worthy (25:35).

Fantano concludes that while Iceman isn't necessarily his worst album technically, it is his most "sorry-ass" record to date (24:43), representing a significant low point in his discography.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Prenup Could Be Worth Billions | The TMZ Podcast

This episode of The TMZ Podcast, hosted by Branson Quirke and Kay McCabe, covers two main celebrity news stories:

1. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Potential Prenup (1:03 - 9:49)

• The hosts discuss reports that the couple may be drafting a prenuptial agreement ahead of their wedding.
• They analyze the state-by-state differences for such agreements, noting that Rhode Island is considered a strong fit for high-net-worth individuals like Taylor Swift, while New York is viewed as riskier due to judicial scrutiny.
• The hosts reflect on the necessity of prenups for celebrities as a form of financial "savings" and protection, regardless of the romantic nature of the relationship.

2. Brad Pitt and Zahara's Graduation (10:22 - 16:22)

• The discussion turns to reports that Brad Pitt did not attend or contact his daughter, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, for her recent graduation from Spelman College.
• The hosts highlight that Zahara and her siblings have reportedly dropped the "Pitt" surname, reflecting the ongoing estrangement within the family.
• While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, the hosts express disappointment that the parents' inability to resolve their issues has impacted the child's significant milestones.

Community Engagement (16:26 - 17:51)

• The episode concludes with the hosts addressing viewer comments regarding the topics discussed, further emphasizing the public interest in these high-profile personal lives.

Drake And LeBron James Get Into HUGE FIGHT?! | TMZ TV Ep 5/15/26

This episode of TMZ covers a variety of entertainment news stories from May 15, 2026. Here are the key highlights discussed so far:

• Drake's New Music: Drake has released three surprise albums, including Iceman, which features aggressive lyrics aimed at several figures in the industry, including Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, DJ Khaled, ASAP Rocky, and LeBron James (0:02-3:14).
• Charli XCX Incident: Charli XCX accidentally gave her husband, George Daniel of The 1975, a concussion during the filming of a music video after throwing a salt shaker that struck him in the head (0:29-3:59).
• Ryan Lochte's Viral Moment: Former Olympian Ryan Lochte addressed internet chatter regarding his appearance, noting that it has been 14 years since the 2012 Olympics and he remains unbothered by comparisons to other public figures (4:07-5:39).
• Kardashian Birthday Party: Kim Kardashian hosted an elaborate, Pokémon-themed birthday party for her son, Psalm (5:43-6:37).
• Jack Schlossberg's Stunt: JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, attempted to serve a subpoena and offer Tylenol to RFK Jr. outside the HHS building in DC, though he was turned away (6:44-8:27).
• Lady Gaga's Procession: Lady Gaga held a funeral procession at The Grove in Los Angeles to mark the conclusion of her tour and promote her concert film (8:34-9:20).
• Sir Paul McCartney on Unity: Paul McCartney shared his perspective on how The Beatles' song "Hey Jude" helps bridge political divides among his audience (9:24-11:45).
• NFL Schedule Trolling: The hosts discussed the Los Angeles Chargers' creative and roast-filled 2026 NFL schedule release video, which included a jab at TMZ (11:49-12:43).
• Matthew McConaughey's Peru Trip: The actor discussed his 1996 experience living in Peru for 22 days to rediscover his identity, which he jokingly refers to as his "Matteo" phase (12:47-14:14).
• Waymo Issues in Atlanta: Residents in an Atlanta suburb are dealing with Waymo autonomous vehicles getting stuck in loops in their neighborhood (14:18-15:23).
• Celebrity Sightings: Little TJ shared his experience sitting next to Marisa Hagerty at a Lakers game (15:26-15:43, 17:15-18:08).
• Melissa Joan Hart's Fitness: Melissa Joan Hart impressed fans with her dedication to working out in heels while on set (15:46-17:12).
• Lorde's Tour Gimmick: The hosts discussed Lorde's unique performance choice of singing while running on a treadmill during her tour (18:09-19:35).

Mariah Carey: How She Created More #1 Hits Than Any Other American (Exclusive Interview)

This exclusive interview with Mariah Carey, hosted by Danyel Smith for The New York Times, explores the legendary artist's creative process, her evolution as a songwriter, and her experiences in the music industry.

Key Highlights:

• Early Inspirations and Craft: Carey discusses her childhood exposure to music, her mother's influence as an opera singer, and the moment she realized she had an "ear" for melody (1:57 - 2:38). She reflects on how she began by writing poetry and later transitioned into songwriting.
• Creative Process: She explains that her songwriting is often a "channeling" experience, preferring solitude for heartfelt moments (4:35 - 5:11). While she enjoys collaborating—specifically highlighting her successful partnerships with Jermaine Dupri on hits like "Always Be My Baby" and "We Belong Together" (5:18 - 5:58)—she often writes alone to pour her feelings onto the page.
• Deep Cuts and Personal Narratives: Beyond the chart-topping singles, Carey highlights meaningful album tracks such as "Petals" and "Close My Eyes" (7:27 - 8:09). She views "Close My Eyes" as a significant reflection of her personal evolution.
• Recognition as a Songwriter: The conversation addresses the long-standing issue of Carey being under-credited as a songwriter. She expresses her frustration that the industry has often failed to acknowledge her as a "singer-songwriter" who produces her own records (9:30 - 9:52).
• Reflections on Industry Awards: Carey candidly discusses her feelings toward the Grammys, noting that she has felt "scammed" and overlooked by the organization despite her success, though she has found peace in her own belief in her talent (8:40 - 9:26).

The interview concludes on an empowering note, with Carey embracing her identity and skill as a seasoned songwriter (10:45 - 11:08).

Is There Too Much Music? w/ Milana Lewis | Billboard On The Record

This episode of Billboard On The Record features host Kristin Robinson in conversation with Milana Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Stem. They examine the implications of the massive volume of music—over 100,000 songs—being uploaded to streaming platforms daily (0:00 - 1:47).

Key Discussion Topics:

• The History of Over-Saturation (0:03 - 8:00): Milana Lewis traces the current state of the industry back to the post-Napster era, noting that the rise of social media, digital piracy, and the evolution of YouTube and SoundCloud transformed how music is distributed and consumed.
• The Impact of AI and Functional Music (11:32 - 16:00, 47:00 - 49:00): The discussion explores the rise of AI-generated music and "functional" audio (like white noise), debating whether these should be valued or monetized the same as human-made music.
• Artist Discovery and Marketing (17:22 - 27:14): Lewis argues that while it is technically easier to release music today, it is harder to be discovered. She highlights that artists are now forced to become media creators and marketers to cut through the noise, often "fighting volume with volume" through viral clips and social media strategies.
• Streaming Fraud and Algorithmic Manipulation (20:36 - 31:44): The pair discusses the prevalence of bot farms and bad actors trying to game the system, leading to a discussion on how streaming services use data to detect unnatural patterns.
• The Future of Streaming (38:52 - 46:00): They touch upon Streaming 2.0 initiatives, such as royalty thresholds—which Lewis supports as a way to prioritize "career artists" over hobbyists—and how labels are shifting their focus toward distribution.

Advice for Artists:

• Intentionality: Lewis emphasizes that artists should aim to be intentional with their rollouts rather than just chasing volume (42:33).
• Picking a Distributor: When selecting a partner, she advises signing with a specific person or team rather than just a company, ensuring they provide the specific type of support (marketing, international reach, or financial investment) that the artist needs (46:00 - 52:00).

Rising star of South African music Tyla to headline US World Cup opening • FRANCE 24 English

This video highlights the meteoric rise of the South African music sensation Tyla. Here is a summary of her journey and current status:

Career Milestones:

• Grammy Success: In 2024, at age 22, Tyla became the youngest African artist to win a Grammy award (0:02-0:09). She has since secured a second Grammy for her song "Bush to Start" (1:02-1:04).
• Global Reach: She is currently South Africa's most streamed artist and is credited with bringing significant global attention to South African music (1:06-1:26).
• Upcoming Performances: Tyla is set to represent South Africa by headlining at two opening ceremonies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Background and Influence:

• Early Life: Born in Eden Vale, Tyla attended Eden Glenn High School, where she was recognized early for her artistic talents, including being named best singer and best actress in her 2019 yearbook (0:16-0:38).
• Musical Style: Fans adore her signature "popiano" style, which is a fusion of amapiano, pop, and afro beats (1:11-1:15).
• Cultural Impact: Beyond her music, Tyla has a massive social media presence. Her influence has inspired young fans like 13-year-old Trisha May, who is part of the "Tigers" fan club and motivated by the artist's path (1:37-2:02).