Ahead of releasing his first album in more than a decade, Smokey Robinson sat down with Billboard News to discuss the creative process of his latest effort, Gasms.
The Grammy winner tells Billboard‘s executive director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell, that Gasms was a laborious journey that took between five and six years to make. “‘Orgasm’ is the first word I think people think about. That’s probably the most important one,” he quips. “I thought it would cause controversy, and people would say, ‘What is he talking about?’ and it did. People say, ‘What is it about?’ I say, ‘I want you to listen, and you tell me what it’s about. It’s about whatever you want it to be about. I left it like that.”
Spearheading Gasms were Robinson’s two first singles, “If We Don’t Have Each Other” and “How You Make Me Feel.” The inception for the latter found him behind the piano, where he whipped up the song’s melody. “I was tinkering around with the piano one day, and I just started to sing that to myself,” he recalls. “I wanted a modern-day sound to it.”
With a decorated career spanning over 60 years, the revered singer-songwriter also spoke on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Having a fistful of songs sampled in the past — most notably “Much Better Off” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for A$AP Rocky (“Jukebox Joints” ) and Kanye West (“Devil in a New Dress”) — Robinson expressed delight in the genre’s growth.
“I’m not surprised that hip-hop has lasted for 50 years because when we first started Motown, there were people saying this music is ridiculous and it would never work. There are always those people — skeptics. Those are normally people of a different age era.”
He later adds: “There are kids making some wonderful music and they always has been.”
The Christian County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday evening.
Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole says a man and woman were involved in a domestic violence incident at the Christian County Courthouse on the Ozark Square.
The man shot the woman, and a deputy came out of the courthouse and shot the man.
The man and woman were taken to a hospital.
The sheriff confirmed that the suspect has died from his injuries.
Last year was important for the expansion of SB19. Not only did the Philippines’ reigning pop kings expand their worldview with their first English single, “WYAT (Where You At),” and visited cities throughout North America, Asia and the Middle East on their Where You At world tour, but saw their rising impact on charts like Billboard’sHot Trending Songs chart when they became just the second-ever act to top the real-time Twitter-powered tally. In 2023, the members have taken it upon themselves to expand their individual music careers, including the solo debut of eldest member Josh Cullen.
The rapper-singer-dancer showcased his full range of talents on his first single “WILD TONIGHT” while embracing an image much darker than SB19’s beloved Pinoy-pop style. Adopting a vampire concept, the 29-year-old lets loose both visually in the music video and musically by changing his vocal styles and approaches throughout the track. “WILD TONIGHT” marks significant growth from the more restrained energy Josh previously showed when he hopped on the remix to “Sofa,” recorded with his cousin and fellow Filipino musician Ocho the Bullet. Cullen was clearly ready to unleash something much more powerful with the star saying that “WILD TONIGHT” is just the first stroke in his burgeoning solo career.
Just when SB19’s adoring fans—affectionately known as A’TIN—thought they could pin Josh down as P-pop’s dark and wild party boy, the star switched things up with his heavier second single, “Pakiusap Lang,” that embraced edgier hip-hop and R&B beats sound while sharing his acting skills in the accompanying music video that explores the twists and turns in a complicated relationship.
Before the release of “Pakiusap Lang,” and as rumors buzz that SB19 is gearing up to release new music ahead of their fifth anniversary in October, Josh found some time to sit down for Billboard to reflect on his solo career and what makes up his musical viewpoint in these 20 Questions.
“Honestly, if I could have a vacation right now, I totally would,” Cullen laughs when he thinks about how far he and his bandmates have come in these past years. “Still, I love what we’re doing and know I have to work hard to make it happen.”
Read on for more from Josh Cullen including new stories from his career, first musical memories, hints about future releases and more.
1. Where are you living and working from right now?
At the moment, I don’t have a fixed location as I’ve been prioritizing my passion for music and exploring new experiences. Though I’ve come a long way in my personal and professional life, I know that there is still much more to learn, discover, and achieve. I’m eager to see where this journey takes me and I’m committed to working tirelessly towards my aspirations.
2. You’ve made your solo debut with “WILD TONIGHT.” Can you explain the significance of this moment for you and the meaning of the title?
As an artist, I chose to title my solo debut “WILD TONIGHT” because I wanted to convey a sense of unleashing the beast or the fun inside oneself at night. It’s about how a vampire might seek revenge or how a normal person might embrace their wild side. I think the title is significant because it represents a sense of liberation and escape from the mundane aspects of daily life. It also encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and uniqueness. To me, “WILD TONIGHT” conveys a sense of excitement, energy, and a bit of danger. It invites people to join me on a journey of self-expression and exploration.
3. Your fans might be surprised to hear you both rapping and singing. Did you want to make sure of all sides of yourself with this first single?
I wanted to make sure that my fans get a glimpse of all sides of myself with this first single. I wanted to showcase everything—from my music to dance, rap to singing, creativity, choreography and every little detail to be at its fullest potential. I have been working hard, perfecting my craft and waiting for the perfect opportunity to come forward. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for to show the world what I’m truly capable of. I’m excited to share this new chapter of my journey with them and hope they enjoy the music as much as I did creating it.
4. Going off the song title, “WILD TONIGHT,” can you recall your craziest night out?
When it comes to the craziest night out I’ve ever had, one experience definitely comes to mind. It all started innocently enough with my friends inviting me out to chill and grab a bite to eat. However, things quickly escalated when everyone ended up getting super drunk, myself included, and by the end of the night, I found myself in a situation where I was two hours away from home and had no idea how to get back. In the end, I ended up hopping on a bus and riding home, having my autopilot body switch activated. Looking back, it was definitely a wild night and not exactly what I had planned when I first agreed to hang out with my friends. But it’s a story that I’ll always remember!
5. What’s the first album or piece of music you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?
I don’t quite remember the exact title, but I believe it was a Linkin Park album that I bought. I bought it on CD format because that was the most common way to buy music back then. I remember being so excited to have my own copy of the album and being able to listen to it whenever I wanted. It was a really important part of my younger years and I still have fond memories of listening to it on repeat.
6. You wrote and composed “WILD TONIGHT.” Tell us about how you worked on the lyrics.
Working on the lyrics was a bit of a struggle, to be honest. I wanted to make sure the vampire concept was in there, but also have it relate to real life. I was stuck on the first verse for days and couldn’t come up with anything that felt right. But then, one night at 3 a.m., I had this crazy dream with the perfect lyrics and melody for the first verse. I was like, “Oh, shit, I gotta record this now!” And it turned out to be exactly what I needed.
As for the pre-chorus, I also hit a roadblock and was struggling to come up with something catchy. I started brainstorming and thought to myself, “What’s something people will easily remember and sing?” I was running out of ideas and was like, “Fuck it, let’s try this even if it sounds stupid.” That’s when I decided to throw in the “La-la la la” part. It was a crazy idea, but it ended up being the most catchy and memorable part of the song.
All in all, I’m really proud of how it turned out and I hope the people can feel the passion and love that went into creating it.
7. You also co-produced the single. What’s your background with music production?
My background with music production is pretty limited. I don’t really know much about music theory or anything like that. But I’ve dabbled in it a little bit and have been able to pick up some things along the way. I wouldn’t say I’m a pro or anything, but I think what I’m good at is having a good ear and being able to make good judgments about the sounds and overall vibe of the music. And you know what, I’m glad that my cousin Ocho [the Bullet] who is just as crazy as me, has co-produced the single with me. It’s been a fun journey working together and bouncing ideas off each other. We’re not afraid to experiment and push boundaries, which has led to some really unique and exciting sounds in the final product. Plus, being a performer for a long time, I have a good sense of what makes a great song and I think my experience on stage has given me a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to producing music. So even though I don’t have a formal education in music production, I’m confident in my abilities and my passion for music always drives me to learn and improve.
8. There are a lot of interesting concept photography for “WILD TONIGHT.” Tell us about creating the visuals for the single.
For the visuals I really wanted to incorporate a lot of storytelling, representations, and metaphors. I didn’t want to just spoon feed people with the answers. I had a lot of ideas and wanted to make sure every detail had a purpose, even down to the easter eggs. With the help of my production team, we were able to execute everything we wanted to do, from the CGI to the vampire traits. I’m really proud of how everything came together and I think it really adds another layer to the song.
Shout out to my amazing production team, YouMeUs, for bringing my vision to life and giving me the quality that I’ve been longing for. They were able to understand my ideas and help me execute them in a way that exceeded my expectations. Without them, the visuals for “WILD TONIGHT” wouldn’t have been possible.
9. How did your hometown/city shape who you are?
Imus, Cavite is the place where I grew up and it definitely had a huge impact on shaping who I am today. The people, the culture, and the environment all played a role in my upbringing. It’s where I experienced my firsts, my successes, my failures, and my challenges. It’s where I developed my values, my principles, and my perspectives. Living in Cavite taught me to be resilient, resourceful, and determined. It also taught me to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding. The experiences and memories that I have from my hometown are invaluable and have been instrumental in shaping who I am as a person and as an artist. It is where I began loving street food as well.
10. What was the first concert you saw?
The first concert I saw was the Dream K-Pop Fantasy Concert 2012 featuring Girls’ Generation. As a fan of SNSD, it was a dream come true to see them perform live. They were one of my inspirations as an artist, and seeing them perform gave me a better understanding of the music industry. The concert was a memorable experience, and I still remember the energy and excitement of the crowd. It was definitely a pivotal moment in my music journey.
11. What was the biggest lesson you learned from SB19’s first world tour?
The biggest lesson I learned from SB19’s first world tour was how powerful music can be in bringing people from different cultures and backgrounds together. It was incredible to see how fans from all over the world connected with our music and performance, despite language barriers. The tour opened my eyes to the diversity of music and how it can transcend boundaries.
12. Did SB19’s world tour influence how you approached your solo debut?
Although the tour didn’t directly inspire my current song “WILD TONIGHT” it gave me a lot of inspiration for my future music. Being able to experience the different locations and cultures we visited on tour was a valuable experience that I have already drawn from in my future songs. Overall, the tour was an unforgettable experience that helped shape my approach to music and creativity.
13 Did the other SB19 members share feedback or their feelings about you debuting solo with “WILD TONIGHT”?
To be honest, other members didn’t provide specific feedback or express their feelings about it. However, they were all very supportive and encouraging. They commented positively on the music video and were happy with my solo endeavors.
14. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
My go-to karaoke song is “Martyr Nyebera” by Kamikazee, a popular rock band from the Philippines. The intro of the song actually sounds like The Flintstones theme, which is pretty cool. Whenever I sing this song, I go all out and even do some head banging. It’s a really fun and energetic song to sing; it always gets the crowd going.
15. Are these new singles indicating more solo music is coming from you?
Yes, I’ve been working on a lot of songs. I was actually surprised that I’ve managed to compose a lot of songs in a short period of time. I will be releasing more songs that would allow people to get to know me better as an artist.
16. What’s at the top of your professional bucket list?
My ultimate professional goal is to make a meaningful impact on the Philippine music scene, particularly with OPM [Original Pinoy Music]. I’m passionate about contributing to the growth and recognition of our distinct musical heritage, and I’m determined to share it with a wider audience both locally and internationally. Additionally, I hope to inspire those who, like me, dream big and show them that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible.
17. What’s one thing even your most devoted fans don’t know about you?
I didn’t make it to the hospital. I was born inside a car, ha!
18. What’s your message to fans who have been supporting SB19 and you?
I just want to say a huge thank you to all the A’TIN and BBQs out there who have been supporting us and me personally. It means the world to me to have such an incredible fanbase behind us, whether it’s for my solo projects or for SB19 as a group. The dedication and love that you have shown us are beyond words. Your unwavering support has helped us reach new heights, and we are forever grateful for your endless encouragement. You guys are the best, and we are honored to have you as part of our family.
19. Can you share anything about SB19’s plans for 2023?
While I can’t spill all the beans just yet, I can tell you that we’re cooking up something big for everyone. You can definitely expect a bigger comeback and possibly a bigger tour. We’re putting in a lot of effort and creativity to make sure it’s a great experience for everyone. We’re really excited about it and can’t wait to share more details soon. So, stay tuned and keep an eye out for more updates from SB19!
20. What else do you want to share with Billboard readers this time?
As a representative for OPM and Pinoy pop, I would like to extend an invitation to all the Billboard readers out there to watch out for more exciting music from us. We are thrilled to bring our unique sound and talent to the global scene, and we can’t wait to show the world what we’re capable of. So, please, lend us your support by checking out other amazing artists and groups from the Philippines as well. We have a lot of incredible talent here, and we’re confident that you’ll find something you’ll love. Thank you for your time and we hope to see you soon!
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors each week — is powered by five noteworthy albums and more.
The list kicks off with Eslabon Armado’s sixth studio album, Desvelado, home to 16 tracks that were mostly written by frontman Pedro Tovar (who is currently No. 1 on the Hot 100 Songwriters Chart). The set also includes eight collabs, such as the Peso Pluma-assisted smash hit “Ella Baila Sola,” the norteña-tinged cumbia “Quédate Conmigo” with Grupo Frontera (fresh off a Bad Bunny team-up), and the soon-to-be breakup anthem “Tomando Tequila,” with Jhayco’s raspy vocals taking center stage. Eslabon reels in artists the group has previously recorded with, including Junior H and DannyLux, for duets.
Colombian singer-songwriter Mike Bahía also delivers his new 12-track album Contigo — the third and final installment in the album trilogy that gave life to Navegando (2019) and Contento (2021). Together, the titles of these three albums form the phrase “Navegando Contento Contigo” (Sailing Happy With You), a name and concept that serve as a reflection of and dedication to the incredible journey that is his musical career and the people who have supported him thus far.
Meanwhile, Monsieur Periné (composed of the Colombian duo of Catalina García and Santiago Prieto) also dropped a new studio album called Bolero Apocalíptico, and Spanish singer-songwriter Niña Pastori, released a 10-song collection called Camino.
Vote for your new favorite release below, followed by our weekly New Music Latin playlist:
Whether it’s television, film, music, theater, gaming or philanthropy — all of which he has hands in, by the way — Jordan Fisher thinks prioritizing productive conversations through art is the foremost way of making positive change.
The 29-year-old actor, who just a few hours later would travel to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre downtown to star as Anthony in Sweeney Todd on Broadway, spoke with Billboard behind the scenes of Friday afternoon’s (April 28) Global Citizen Now humanitarian summit in New York City. Sitting backstage with a coffee in hand, he very passionately expressed the importance of empowering creators to facilitate discussions among their followers, whether they’re artists, YouTubers or Twitch streamers. (“Did that answer your question?” he jokes after thinking out loud for six minutes straight. “I am my mom’s son, I’m so sorry.”)
“Global Citizen’s goal for equity or aid where poverty’s concerned is obviously a mountain to climb, and they’ve done such beautiful work already,” he told Billboard of the summit leaders. “I think the only thing that’s going to help us get to the next level and continue to progress a world where our grandkids and great-grandkids can actually do well is empower everyone.
“You don’t need a platform to make a difference,” he continued. “That’s evident in the power of streaming and gaming, and that tangibility between someone sitting behind their phone or computer and feeling part of a community through a person that’s a very normal person that’s also playing video games or talking about films or doing reactions or reviews.”
Friday’s event included discussions on climate change, abortion access, protecting protesters in Iraq and Kenya, promoting female workplace equity and more. Katie Holmes helped introduce the proceedings and encouraged viewers to spread awareness of Global Citizen Now’s message, Busy Philipps called for more inclusion of reproductive health storylines in entertainment and the reinstatement of Roe v. Wade, and French President Emmanuel Macron joined in via video chat for a conversation on implementing global sustainability policies.
Toward the end of the summit, Fisher participated in a panel titled “The ‘Good’ Life,” during which he emphasized how valuable endorsements from influencers and artists are when it comes to making positive change in any regard. “We live in a very creator-based economy and marketplace right now,” he said onstage. “Consumers can sniff it out, they’re smart; That little touch of authenticity goes a long way. We can use each other to empower and move forward.”
“Artists already have the most useful toolkit already to make change,” the Brooklyn-based artist told Billboard prior to his panel appearance. “Art speaks. Artists have always had a way of speaking about humanity and impacting people.”
In the near future, Fisher’s artistic power will take shape in the form of his tenure in Sweeney as well as his new music, which he confirms to Billboard will be arriving sometime this year. “When we get to have those kinds of conversations, and they’re presented in a way that’s translatable for people, it does a lot more good than people think,” he added. “It’s why I’m here today, sitting on this couch and drinking a cold brew a couple hours before a Broadway show. It’s remarkably important.”
People unveiled its annual “The Beautiful Issue” on Friday (April 28), with Lizzo, Olivia Rodrigo, Dolly Parton and more making the 2023 list.
While Melissa McCarthy is the issue’s cover star ahead of her starring turn as Ursula in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, Lizzo and Parton are each part of the magazine’s “A Year of Beautiful” feature, along with the likes of P!nk, Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, Riley Keough, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Elizabeth Banks, Margot Robbie, Michelle Yeoh, Florence Pugh, Ali Wong and more.
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Rodrigo, meanwhile, kicks off the yearly “Beauty at Every Age” list. The 20-year-old hitmaker is followed by fellow musicians Halle Bailey (23), Latto (24), Zara Larsson (25), Doja Cat (27), Meghan Trainor (29), JoJo (32), SZA (33), Jhené Aiko (35), Lindsay Lohan (36), Ashley Tisdale (37), Mel B (47), Alanis Morissette (48) and Tanya Tucker (64). Living legends like Pat Benatar, Bonnie Tyler, Charo, Bernadette Peters and Gladys Knight go on to populate the upper echelon of the list in their confident and gorgeous 70s.
In another section, Kelsea Ballerini speaks about her divorce from ex-husband Morgan Evans and how the “turmoil” of the split inspired her latest EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat. “When I sing ‘Penthouse,’ it’s a guttural moment with every woman in the room relating to some heartbreak,” the country singer says. “It’s a really healing thing.”
Elsewhere, Taylor Swift poses with her cats Benjamin Button, Olivia Benson and Meredith Grey for the “Beauties and Their Beasts” segment, while Demi Lovato, Victoria Beckham, Selena Gomez, Mandy Moore, Jennifer Lopez and more all write letters to their younger selves in a feature called “Cuties to Beauties.”
People‘s “The Beautiful Issue” is out on newsstands now.
The iconic Tiffany & Co. has reopened it flagship store in New York on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, and to celebrate, they threw a party with several notable musicians and celebrities in attendance for the opening-night festivities.
Jimin took a break from promoting his debut solo album FACE and showed up to the Tiffany blue carpet in a black-on-black tuxedo ensemble with stain lapels, a diamond-encrusted flower brooch and leather shoes. Later in the evening, Jimin was joined by Pharrell Williams, who arrived in a multicolored ensemble, leather pants, chunky boots and angular sunglasses. The pair smiled for a photo together — a welcome treat for BTS ARMY who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the K-pop group’s yet-untitled collaboration with Pharrell, which the all-star producer teased in 2022.
Katy Perry, meanwhile, was an attraction at the Tiffany & Co. reopening — she took to the stage in a fitted strapless gown (in Tiffany blue, of course) to perform a series of smashes from her catalog, including her breakthrough hit “I Kissed a Girl,” “Never Really Over” and “Firework.”
Elsewhere on the blue carpet was Anitta, who fiercely posed in an undone tuxedo and white button-down look; Zöe Kravitz, who took a sweet candid with friend Hailey Baldwin; newlyweds Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham; and actress Florence Pugh. Anya Taylor Joy, Blake Lively, Tiffany Haddish, Jacob Elordi and Tracee Ellis Ross were also among the famous faces in attendance.
See all the celebrities and musicians at the Tiffany & Co. flagship reopening in the photos below.
Drake and 21 Savage’s “Spin Bout U” lifts to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rap Airplay chart dated May 6, extending Drake’s record for the most leaders in the list’s history.
In the April 21-27 tracking week, “Spin” accumulated 20.5 million airplay audience impressions, according to Luminate.
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The song is Drake’s chart-leading 41st Rap Airplay No. 1, pushing him 28 leaders ahead of the next-closest act, Lil Wayne, with 13. (Rap Airplay began as a weekly survey in February 1999.)
“Spin” is 21 Savage’s fourth Rap Airplay ruler, and his and Drake’s second each of 2023, following their “Rich Flex,” which led for five weeks beginning in January. It’s their third together overall; the pair also reigned with “Jimmy Cooks,” for two weeks last November.
Most No. 1s, Rap Airplay: 41, Drake 13, Lil Wayne 10, Kanye West 9, Jay-Z 8, Nicki Minaj 7, 50 Cent 7, Cardi B 7, T.I. 6, Chris Brown 6, Nelly
Drake first topped Rap Airplay with “Best I Ever Had” in 2009, while 21 Savage first reigned as featured on Post Malone’s “Rockstar” in 2017.
The latest, April 29-dated Billboard Hot 100 shows “Spin” at No. 45, after hitting No. 5 upon its debut in November. In addition to its radio airplay, the song earned 7.5 million official U.S. streams in the April 14-20 tracking week.
Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss, the parent album of “Spin,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November and has earned 1.7 million equivalent album units to date.
Reggaetón is becoming one of the most popular genres of music globally, but how did it get there and, more importantly, who are the women making their mark in the male-dominated genre?
The latest episode of Billboard Explains dives into the women who are carving their own paths within the genre, breaking barriers and setting new records within the space.
Reggaetón started in Panama and later continued evolving in Puerto Rico, combining elements of reggae music, Latin dancehall and hip-hop influences through the 1990s. Tego Calderón and more led the first wave of the genre, while Daddy Yankee brought the genre to the masses in 2004 with his hit “Gasolina.”
Ivy Queen, also known as the first lady of reggaetón, was the first female artist to break barriers within the genre. She got her start at a club called The Noise in Puerto Rico, where she was the first woman to ever step onto the stage and won in her very first battle. Her rebut single “Muchos Quieren Tubarme” stemmed from her performance at the club and cemented her status as a reggaetón star. In the time since, artists like Becky G, Natti Natasha and more have popped up, with Karol G and her album Mañana Será Bonito marking the first time an all-Spanish language album by a female artist reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
According to The Daily Cannon host, the Facebook Watch show — which also stars Willow and Jada Pinkett Smith’s mom Adrienne Banfield-Norris — being axed was a “good” thing, particularly in light of Will Smith‘s viral slap at the 2022 Oscars.
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“If there was no Red Table Talk, then he wouldn’t have slapped the sh– out of Chris Rock,” he said, according to Entertainment Tonight, referring to the Facebook series as “that toxic table.”
“That was royalty, Will and Jada. Then they brought it to the table,” Cannon went on. “I don’t want to know all this sh– about y’all. I just want to mind my Black-owned business. I don’t want to be up in everybody else’s kitchen. Keep that sh– to y’all selves.”
Over the course of Red Table Talk‘s 129 episodes, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star joined his family multiple times to talk about their personal lives. In one memorable 2020 segment, he and his wife opened up in a one-on-one conversation about their private separation and the latter’s ensuing “entanglement” with singer August Alsina.
Cannon’s aversion to hearing about the Smith family’s private business is a bit ironic considering how public he’s been over the years about his own life — particularly his belief in “consensual non-monogamy” and the dozen kids he’s birthed with six different women, five of whom have been born since last summer.
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