1 KENDRICK LAMAR: Hip-hop giant takes the ball from JAY-Z for Super Bowl halftime show as “Not Like Us” racks up the yardage. Drake feels there should be a flag on the play. | |
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2 CHAPPELL ROAN: Island pop disruptor takes BNA at VMAs, storms the battlements with Joan of Arc-themed perf, gives the paparazzi hell, gets “HOT” look with Target pet spot. Is she about to Roan up the score again? | |
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3 VMAs: Star-studded trophyfest found everyone showing up—including Taylor, Post, Sabrina, Katy, Em, Chappell and a whole lot of viewers—as show earns biggest audience in four years, crazy social action. Bruce Gillmer is the (moon) man. | |
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4 LINKIN PARK: Warner’s returning alternative champs are Parked in Spotify’s global Top 5 as their “Machine” powers huge catalog action amid arena-tour kickoff. Manager Bill Silva, WME’s John Marx and teams find the “Emptiness” fulfilling. | |
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5 GIGI PEREZ: Indie phenom’s “Sailor Song” conquers the waves—and the streams—with manager Dana Salant at the tiller and an Island harbor in sight. Ahoy there. | |
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6 TATE McRAE: RCA siren looking more than “ok” with new single as viral activity surges ahead of drop. Full Stop, Nipper teams like the Tate of things. | |
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7 JENNIE: BLACKPINK star inks with Columbia along with her ODDATELIER company, with new music dropping in a few weeks. Ron, Jen and crew are ready to make this go K-boom. | |
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8 CMA: Country awards-show noms drop, as Morgan, Post, Cody, Stapleton, Jelly, Lainey, Shaboozey rank among big beneficiaries—and Beyoncé is notably absent. Who’s got boots on the ground? | |
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9 DAVID GRAY: UMPG exec has been on Team Sabrina since her days in the Mouse House—and now he’s her publisher as she proves stronger than “Espresso” in the marketplace with multiple smashes. Pretty Sweet. | |
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10 MIKE HARRIS: Nashville exec to lead the charge for House Lipman in Music City. He’s learned that sometimes hot chicken is served with extra schmaltz. | |
