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Miley Cyrus Reveals The (Not So) Foolproof Method To Prevent Fans From Hacking Her Music Drive

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Miley Cyrus can buy herself flowers, but the “Something Beautiful” singer’s hefty bank account does not seem to protect her from cyberattacks. With her forthcoming album slated to drop later this month, Cyrus is keeping her eyes out for hackers.

Today (May 6), Miley Cyrus revealed her new singular method to prevent her music from leaking online. During Cyrus’ Something Beautiful private preview event with Spotify Cyrus joked about her not so foolproof defense strategy.

“I have a whole note that says ‘Don’t hack me,’ on my phone.” said Cyrus (viewable here courtesy of Pop Crave). “[Oh my God] you all are probably going to try and hack me.”

Cyrus then laughed about if the kind message to potential mischief doesn’t work. “Well, all my demos are on YouTube,” she added. “So, if you ever wanted to them [they are there].”

Attendees then chimed in by shouting out the tracks they have enjoyed online to Cyrus’ dismay. “She I told you, you all hacked me,” she responded. “Listen, just love me released music, ok?”

Like many other musicians including SZA, Cyrus has frequently fought off hackers. The constant leaks of Cyrus’ music even led supporters to believe Cyrus released an album of experimental music under the name Clara Pierce.

For now, unless Cyrus officially shares something, she is begging fans to ignore releases from any other sketchy source.

Something Beautiful is out 5/30 via Columbia Records. Find more information here.

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Leikeli47 Shares Her Velvety Smooth ‘Soft Serve’ Video And New ‘Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only’ Album Release Date

Since taking off her signature banana face mask, Leikeli47 has been having a ball. So much so that, now the “Chitty Bang” rapper is taking supporters behind the scenes of one.

Today (May 6), Leikeli47 revitalized the anticipation surrounding her previously announced album, Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only. To match the velvety smooth nature of her new single, “Soft Serve,” for its official music video Leikeli47 and director Dana Rice transports viewers into the tantalizing world of LGBTQ balls.

As she raps, “Soft, serve / lick it up / J’adore mi amor / Taste the fame, feed me more / Say my name, I assure / I’m the light, I’m the lore,” the screen fills with glamorous shots of queer folks strutting their stuff for a panel of judges. While earning top scores is the desired outcome, everyone has already snatched the grand prize–supporters at home’s praise.

Back to the album (Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only) in which this track is set to appear on. Initially, it was slated to drop in October 2024. Now, fans should expect to hear it on streaming platforms next month.

Watch Leikeli47’s official music video for “Soft Serve” above.

Lei Keli Ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only is due out via 6/13 via Acrylic /Hardcover. Find more information here.

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Halsey Will Release A New Song With Evanescence’s Amy Lee Soon, And Yes They Are Absolutely ‘Freaking Out’ About It

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Imitation is supposedly the highest form of flattery. For Halsey, musical homages are at the root of their new The Great Impersonator album. But the “Safeword” singer’s venture into the sonic past has led Halsey to a fun future collaboration.

Today (May 6), Halsey announced their new song with Evanescence’s frontwoman Amy Lee in an exciting post on Instagram (viewable here).

“‘Hands That Feeds’ a song by Halsey & Amy Lee,” wrote Halsey. “Out May 9th for @BallerinaMovie @lionsgate.”

Halsey gushed about the forthcoming track in a private text sent (obtained by Billboard) to supporters. “Here is something to hold you over … (the answer is yes, I am freaking out about it),” wrote Halsey.

Fans echoed Halsey’s excitement.

“What an incredible day for elder emos everywhere,” penned one user.

“I’m going to be so insufferable when this comes out,” chimed another.

“Best day ever for sad girlies,” added another.

Even the social media manager for the film’s Instagram shared their joy. “Vengeance never sounded so sweet,” wrote the account.

Halsey and Amy Lee are a match made in millennial music heaven.

From The World of John Wick: Ballerina starring Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves is set to hit theaters on June 6. Find more information here.

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Michelada Fest 2025 Has Been Canceled With Organizers Citing Artist Visas ‘Uncertainty’ And The ‘Rapidly Changing Political Climate’

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Latin music fans in the Midwest are upset. Today (May 6), organizers of the Chicago’s Latin music, Michelada Fest, announced this year’s installment previously scheduled for July 19 and 20 will no longer be held.

In a statement posted on its official website, organizers of Michelada Fest 2025, which was set to be headlined by Anitta, Grupo Firme, Danny Ocean, and Luis R. Conriquez, outlined why they decided to cancel the event.

“With sad hearts, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel Michelada Fest 2025,” read the announcement. “Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we’re no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists.”

The post continued: “Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.”

According to organizers refunds for ticket holders that purchased directly on the festival’s website or with Ticketon will automatically be sent to the original form of payment over the next 7-15 business days.

Read the full statement from the organizers below.

With sad hearts, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel Michelada Fest 2025.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding artist visas and the rapidly changing political climate, we’re no longer able to guarantee the full experience we had dreamed up for you with all your favorite artists. Although we tried to push through, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to deliver the full lineup as planned.

Your trust, time, and hard-earned dollars mean everything to us, and we believe in giving you the experience you deserve.

Refunds are our top priority. Full refunds will begin immediately to everyone who purchased tickets through our website or Ticketon. Refunds will go back to the original form of payment. Please allow up to 7-15 business days for processing.

This was not an easy decision for us to make. For seven years, we’ve poured everything into this festival to create something truly special for our community. Last year was our most incredible celebration yet, and we were ready to make this year even bigger, with more energy, creativity, and corazón. But as independent organizers, we can’t afford to take on a big risk with so much uncertainty ahead.

Canceling this year’s fest affects more than just us. It also impacts the local vendors, small businesses, artists, and community partners who help bring this fest to life–people we care about deeply and who are essential to the festival’s spirit and success. We are endlessly grateful for each and every one of you. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your support.

We’re heartbroken by the greater impact this will have on our involved community, with ripple effects reaching our neighborhoods, local economy and the culture we’ve built together. But despite this setback, we remain committed to our values. Michelada Fest will always be a safe place where our community comes together, united by pride and love of our culture and music. That won’t ever change. We’ll keep showing up, giving back, and uplifting our people in every way we can.

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Playboi Carti Claims He Was ‘Banned’ From The 2025 Met Gala, But Fans Are Skeptical He Was Even Invited

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As music and fashion have become more closely entwined than ever in recent years, rappers have begun receiving invites into rooms previously unimagined. For instance, at last night’s Met Gala, the guest list ran the gamut from critical darlings like André 3000 to fan favorites like Future and Megan Thee Stallion, along with Met fixture ASAP Rocky.

One rapper who didn’t make it in — and seemed pretty upset about it — was Playboi Carti, who instead posted photos of his outfit on his secondary Instagram page, writing in the caption: “MET GALA BANNED ME FELT LIKE WE GOT KICKED OUT OF PROM BUT WE GOOD.” He also acknowledged his date for the night, self-declared blogger and model Giovanna Ramos, writing, “@ft.gioo WITH ME IM A HAPPY MAN F*CK EM”

Their ensembles were allegedly put together by the brand Chrome Hearts, according to Carti’s tags, and while they stretched the Met’s proposed theme of Black Dandyism, it’s not like all that many of the accepted guests were on-theme either (or even knew what it was).

However, some fans online are pretty skeptical of his declaration, openly wondering whether Carti was even invited (Chrome Hearts certainly isn’t one of the legacy design houses that normally warrants an invite to the fashion event of the year). Maybe next year, Carti.

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Does ‘Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters’ Season 2 Have A Release Date Yet?

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Humanity cannot quit Godzilla. That much has been true since the nuclear lizard’s 1950s introduction, but he’s been ubiquitous lately. Not only is a Godzilla Minus One sequel in the works, but blockbusters will keep coming from Legendary’s Monsterverse, and Legendary’s partnership with Apple TV+ (which is always building its sci-fi supply) will yield more fruit, too.

A second season of Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters has been filming since last year after Kurt and Wyatt Russell portrayed Lee Shaw in different timelines, and the show hasn’t clarified whether Kurt will return for the second season after portal shenanigans resulted in an open-ended fate with no dead body to be seen. Ambiguity abounds there, but we do know that Kong will be heavily featured if not the outright star of the show’s next chapter, and one of the most important questions remains.

Does Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters Season 2 Have A Release Date On Apple TV+?

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Nope. However, Apple TV+ recently revealed on Instagram that filming is complete as of March 18: “Pay no attention to the destruction in the background. That’s a wrap on Monarch Season 2.” Presumably, a heavy post-production phase awaits with a 2026 second season arrival likely.

Notably, that image does emphasize destruction at Skull Island (with Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, and Takehiro Hira signaling an official send off), but otherwise, that tells G-Fans nothing about whether their main guy will surface. However, there’s always room for Godzilla, and Apple TV+ surely knows that backlash would arrive without a cameo or more.

Also, Apple TV+ has additional spin offs on the way for this franchise, and Wyatt Russell has emphasized that there will be so many monsters in Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters‘ second season, so yeah, do not worry, G Fans. Your dude will be back. Sometime.

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‘Euphoria’ Newcomer Rosalía Feels Inspired By The Show’s Cast, Including Zendaya And Sydney Sweeney

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Rosalía has been making cinematic music videos for years, but her official acting debut will be in Euphoria season 3. It’s a role the “New Woman” singer takes very seriously, as she revealed at the Met Gala on Monday.

“It’s my first job. I’m learning. I’m figuring it out,” Rosalía told Vogue livestream co-hosts Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim. “It’s been very inspiring to be with these amazing actors. It’s great.”

The show’s “amazing actors” include Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Eric Dane, and 2025 Met Gala co-chair Colman Domingo, as well as fellow newcomers Marshawn Lynch and Sharon Stone.

“If there’s anything that excites me as much as creating a good melody or writing a great lyric, it’s becoming a better performer every day,” Rosalía said in a statement when her casting was announced. “Euphoria has been my favorite series over the last few years and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to be acting alongside all of these incredibly talented people that I admire so much and contributing my ‘granito de arena’ to bring Sam’s vision to reality to make magic. I can’t wait to share what we’re doing!!! Besitos, Rosi.”

Euphoria season 3 is expected to premiere in 2026.

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Rihanna’s Next Album Won’t Be Delayed By Her Newly Announced Pregnancy, She Assures

Rihanna stole the show at the Met Gala yesterday (May 5) when she showed up and flaunted her previously unrevealed third baby bump. Congratulations to her and ASAP Rocky, of course, but some can’t help but wonder what this means for the release of Rihanna’s highly anticipated upcoming album. Well, per Rihanna herself, progress on the project will be unaffected by the baby.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight (video above), the interviewer asked if the baby will put the album on pause, given that she’s been working on it recently. The singer responded, “No… maybe a few videos, but… I can sing.”

She was also asked how she’s feeling and she responded, “I’m good. I’m shockingly feeling OK and not too overwhelmed at the moment. […] I’m tired. I’m excited.” The interviewer also wondered if Rihanna’s recent new Savage X Fenty bridal collection was her hinting that wedding bells are in her future, but she shut that down, noting that it wasn’t the brand’s first bridal line and adding with a laugh, “No, girl, you know I don’t keep secrets very well.”

Meanwhile, Rocky said of the big pregnancy reveal, “We were tired of holding that, and it was time to show the people what we was cooking up. I’m glad everybody’s happy for us, because we’re definitely happy.”

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Acoustic Sounds’ Bob Marley Collection Isn’t The Average Anniversary Reissue

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When it comes to the vinyl revival currently spanning the music world and bringing back appreciation of physical media in the streaming era, the first and last name in the vinyl game might just be Acoustic Sounds. The long-running label, started by Chad Kassem in 1986, was one of the earliest (or one of the last, depending on how you look at it) purveyors of music on the vinyl record format, contracting with record label to press re-releases of their classic albums from Acoustic Sounds’ Kansas City-based plant.

The label’s standing in the record industry stems from its founder’s insistence on the strictest quality standards, from using only high-quality formats to his requirement of producing the reissues solely from master tapes. A true audiophile, Kassem explained his process during a phone call on a long drive from Lafayette, Louisiana to New Orleans for the city’s Jazz Fest. The occasion: to discuss Acoustic Sounds’ upcoming re-release of six classic Bob Marley albums this spring to commemorate what would have been the reggae legend’s 80th birthday.

“I believe keeping it all analog is the most organic, natural way to hear music,” he proselytizes. “It’s warm, it’s rich, it’s smooth, it’s romantic, it draws you in. It’s emotional, whereas CDs are cold, clinical, sterile, bright, and they push you out of the room. The LP draws you in, you want to stay in the room. I’ll cry frequently listening to the LP. I’ve never shed a tear listening to a CD. One of my sayings is, ‘You put on a CD, and even dogs leave the room.’”

Clearly, this is the right man for the job of ensuring Marley’s legacy receives the treatment it’s due. After all, Marley was basically the man who introduced the world to the tiny island nation of Jamaica, his homeland, and its homegrown musical genre. Songs like “Three Little Birds,” “Jammin,” and “No Woman, No Cry” have become global staples, instantly recognizable around the world… and with Acoustic Sounds’ upcoming reissue, they’ll be available for the first time at the quality Chad Kassem believes — no, knows — will do them justice.

“When I negotiate with the artists, whether it’s Steely Dan or Bob Marley, before we even get into the numbers, I say, ‘Listen, part of the deal is I require the original master tape, and if I can’t get that, then there’s no deal,’” he declares. “‘We don’t have to waste each other’s time. If that’s going to be a problem, then I’ll move on to another artist or another project.’ Most of the time, they understand, and they like the idea of having somebody to try to make it sound as good or better than it’s ever sounded before.”

When it comes to working with such a legend, he says, all the approvals come straight from the top: Marley’s eldest daughter, Cedella Marley, the acting director of the Bob Marley Foundation and the CEO of the Bob Marley Group.

“She’s got the last say and approves everything, so everything I ask for or do, it goes to the top, and it gets communicated to her, and they approve it,” Kassem says, gushing, “I feel like they’re very, very interested on and know everything that’s going on, and that they know who they’re dealing with and what kind of quality I’m going to bring to their great catalog.”

“We’re proud to work with one another, and they know that they’re in good hands, like I’m going to treat their original masters with the utmost love and care that it deserves so that people can hear it,” he continues. “Hopefully it’ll sound better than they’ve ever heard it before.”

As part of the process, Kassem visited Jamaica, making the customary reggae fan’s pilgrimage to Bob’s childhood home on 9 Mile Road, where he was struck by the warmth and diversity of the Jamaican people.

“I went to Tuff Gong, looked at their pressing plant, and met the people that worked there,” he recalls. “They showed me everything: their rehearsal hall, their offices, the recording studio. I love the colors, man. I love the murals painted everywhere. That was cool.”

“They have this club called the Kingston Dub Club, and it’s way up on a cliff like a mountain,” he continues. “You have to pretty much take your life in your hands to drive up there, because it’s very dangerous. It’s so busy that people start parking their cars at the bottom of the fricking hill. There’s cars on both sides of the road all the way up. You get up to the top, and the music’s just pounding, man.”

He continues, “It’s just beating. It’s just bouncing. You’re overlooking the whole city of Kingston, the lights, and chilling, man. You feel the vibe. That’s another thing they use a lot in Jamaica is the word ‘vibes.’ Don’t kill my vibe. I don’t know if people say this, but if they have, you’re vibing up there.”

That vibe is what he hopes to bring back with his high-quality reissues of the Marley classics Catch A Fire, Burnin’, Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Kaya, and Uprising. While the formats for each will vary, they’ll all be available in Super Audio CD, which provides a higher bit rate and longer playing time than conventional CD and LP formats. Some will even be available as reel-to-reel tapes for hardcore collectors.

With so many options, Chad has a couple of suggestions for neophytes to Marley’s music.

“Of course, Exodus is probably the one that, if you were only going to buy one or you wanted to pick one for somebody and you wanted to represent Bob, I would say that would be Exodus,” he recommends before adding, “For me, though, I love Natty Dread, and really, I love them all. Rastaman Vibrations, most people wouldn’t pick this, or it’s not the most popular, but I had the cassette back when I was 13 or whenever it came out, and it’s like an album. It’s not like you’re listening to greatest hits. Maybe some of it’s a bit sentimental, but I like it. It’s not the hits. It’s like, it’s an album, and it flows. That’s my favorite. Exodus would probably be the one people would answer, and probably the one that I would feel safest recommending to somebody. I could just turn ‘Jamming’ on and just crank it and then who needs drugs?”

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The Roots, Jazmine Sullivan, And A Mystery Guest Headline The 2025 Blue Note Jazz Festival

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The long-running Blue Note Jazz Festival returns this Labor Day Weekend (August 29-31) with one of its most star-studded lineups yet. Headlined by The Roots, Jazmine Sullivan, artist-in-residence Robert Glasper, and a mystery guest, the festival returns to The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California, with tickets going on sale Friday, May 9 at 9 AM PT/12 PM ET. Presale tickets will be available starting Wednesday, May 7. You can find more information here.

In addition to the high-profile headliners, this year’s billing includes some of Black music’s biggest stars, from hip-hop icons like Big Daddy Kane and D-Nice to rising R&B singers like Baby Rose and Infinity Song. Sway and Heather B of the Sway In The Morning Show will host, and a slew of afterparties will give concertgoers plenty to do even after the main performances.

In the press release, Glasper — who will be hosting an Opening Dinner & Concert on August 28 — said, “Black Radio Experience and Robtober are the platforms I use to bring all my favorite artists and collaborators together as one big family reunion and this year is no different! I’m honored to be part of such an amazing community and bring that community back together for another dope weekend in Napa.”

You can see the full list of performers below.

Blue Note Jazz Festival