I was up in NYC last week to visit clients, listen to new music and go to the City Of Hope charity event. A number of labels have some exciting new tracks coming, which will make for a busy but electric second quarter.

The City Of Hope event was really amazing. Reps from every label were in attendance, and it was a real “who’s who” of the industry (and then there was me). An amazing amount of money was raised for cancer research, and they did a very special piece on Vince Pelligrino, whom we lost a few short months ago. HITS prexy Todd Hensley and I made the rounds, kissing ass and shaking a lot of hands. I met a number of new people in the biz from the digital world to artist management to programming, and I’m certainly looking forward to the opportunity to attend next year.

The dominance at the top of the chart continues this week, as Gary Spangler, Davey Dee and Stef Cole flip-flop at #1. The Weeknd’s “Earned It” takes the spot, as Natalie La Rose f/Jeremih’s “Somebody” slides down to #2. Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” climbs into the Top 10, up 440 spins. Nick Jonas’ “Chains” (Island) is at #24, and Tove Lo’s “Talking Body” (Island) is just outside the chart at #43. Charles Hamilton f/Rita Ora’s “New York Raining” was up 140 spins; it should chart in the next two weeks.


Rick Sackhiem, Noah Sheer and Scott Maness at Def Jam are certainly making moves. Big Sean f/Drake & Kanye West’s “Blessings” rises to #11, gaining 310 spins. Meanwhile, Kanye West’s “All Day” moves to #13, up 350 spins. Rihanna’s “BBHMM” was the big winner, climbing #24-15, tacking on an additional 1070 spins! They‘re officially impacting Jeremih f/Flo Rida’s “Tonight Belongs to U!” next week.

At RCA, John Strazza, Inca and Lori G have Tinashe’s “All Hands on Deck” inside the Top 20 and gaining 200 spins. Martin Garrix f/Usher’s “Don’t Look Down” is just getting started. Next week, they’re impacting both Kid Ink f/ Dej Loaf’s new track, “Be Real,” and Pitbull f/Chris Brown’s “Fun.” Also be on the lookout for Deorro X Chris Brown’s “Five More Hours,” which is super hooky and a great spring/summer sounding track. By the way, the video for Mark Ronson f/Mystikal’s “Feel Right” is amazing! You will not be disappointed.

Ayelet Schiffman and James White at Columbia have T.I. f/Chris Brown’s “Private Show” (Grand Hustle) at #22, up 90 spins. Right behind, at #23, is Snoop Dogg’s “Peaches N Cream” (iAmOTHER/Doggy Style), which adds another 195 spins. Dillon Francis & DJ Snake’s “Get Low” is making a lot of noise, as it’s featured in the Furious 7 movie, as well as a Taco Bell commercial. The iTunes sales are Top 30, and it was up 120 spins. Speaking of spin gains, the Empire cast’s “You’re So Beautiful” was up by 40. They’re impacting J. Cole’s “Wet Dreamz” this week, and it’s poised to have a great first week. Make sure you’re familiar with Omi “Cheerleader.” It’s a reggae-sounding record that is perfect this time of the year and has a proven track record in a number of other countries; it’s the #1 Shazam record worldwide.

Sujit Kundu and Epic are really heating up, as they take Ciara’s “I Bet” to #27 this week, up 110 spins. In addition, they have Jidenna’s “Classic Man” (Wondaland) at #33, up 135 spins, and they debut the Future’s “Commas” at #39. This latter continues to develop at Urban as well. They’re impacting Janelle Monae & Jidenna’s “Yoga” (Wondaland) this week. Make sure to check out the video, which they just sent on Monday.


Lee L’Heureux and Warner Bros. inch Jason Derulo (Beluga Heights) closer to the Top 10; it’s at #12 this week, up 333 spins.

And Bob Weil and RAL continue to build Jordin Sparks f/2 Chainz’s “Double Tap,” as it sits at #38.

Largest Increases:
1) Rihanna “BBHMM” Roc Nation/Def Jam
2) The Weeknd “Earned It” XO/Republic
3) Ariana Grande “One Last Time” Republic
4) Kanye West “All Day” G.O.O.D./Def Jam
5) Jason Derulo “Want To Want Me” Beluga Heights/Warner Bros.

The Pulse:
1) J. Cole “Wet Dreamz” Roc Nation/Columbia
2) Rihanna “BBHMM” Roc Nation/Def Jam
3) Dillon Francis & DJ Snake “Get Low” Mad Decent/Columbia
4) Jidenna “Classic Man” Wondaland/Epic
5) Pitbull f/ Chris Brown “Fun” Mr.305/Polo Grounds/RCA