1. Chance the Rapper, with 'Acid Rap' Mixtape, Meets the Legal Black Hole Around Unsigned Artists (From the Magazine)

    August 14, 2013 12:08 PM EDT Nearly a decade after the mixtape wars of the mid-2000s, the format still resides in an awkward limbo for retailers, distributors, artists and labels. Many retailers stopped carrying mixtapes after the RIAA proved litigious against the sale of ...

  2. Macy Gray Signs with APA for Representation

    August 13, 2013 8:21 PM EDT Singer, songwriter and actress Macy Gray has signed with APA for representation in all areas. She was previously represented by Creative Artists Agency. Gray has released six albums over her career, including her best selling 1999 debut, “On How ...

  3. Lady Gaga vs. Katy Perry: Superstar Digital Song Sales Showdown

    August 12, 2013 7:14 PM EDT This week could be a historic one for digital song sales. New singles from Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are heading for big debuts on Billboard's Digital Songs chart next week -- and both should rack up major sales. Perry's new single &q ...

  4. Estelle Partners with BMG to Launch New London Records (Exclusive)

    August 12, 2013 1:50 PM EDT English R&B singer/songwriter Estelle has announced the launch of New London Records, an independent label in partnership with BMG, with whom she's worked as a writer since 2003. Estelle will release the second and third volumes of he ...

  5. Odd Future Announce Second Annual Carnival

    August 12, 2013 10:44 AM EDT Hip-hop collective Odd Future has announced that their second annual OFWGKTA Carnival will take place on November 9th at the Park at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, reports Rolling Stone . Members Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean will headline, w ...

  6. Asking Alexandria, Tye Tribbett Heading for Top 10 on Billboard 200

    August 09, 2013 8:53 PM EDT As previously reported, folk-rock duo the Civil Wars seem to be set for its first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart week with its new self-titled release. Industry sources suggest the album might bow with 105,000 copies sold through the wee ...

  7. Shakira Hits Six-Month High on Social 50 Chart

    August 09, 2013 2:44 PM EDT Shakira bounds into the top five on the Social 50 chart, rising 10-2 to hit her highest position in over six months. (She was last this high on the Feb. 9-dated chart, when she was No. 1.) This week's move is owed to Shakira’s fans love of ...

  8. Highlighting the Importance of (and Their Love For) Rappers' Jewish Lawyers

    August 09, 2013 1:17 PM EDT It's no longer just overbearing Jewish mothers that are imploring their loved ones, "Why don't you find yourself a nice Jewish boy?" Now when rappers get into trouble with the authorities, there's only one person they ne ...

  9. Chart Moves: Buddy Guy's Best Week Ever, Imagine Dragons' Sales Stay Steady, Bruno Mars' Top 20 Streak

    August 09, 2013 9:30 AM EDT This week on the Billboard 200, Robin Thicke nabbed his first No. 1 album -- a little over a decade after his debut. "Blurred Lines," led by the smash single of the same name, opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 177,000 cop ...

  10. Chart Moves: Robin Thicke's Rare Double No. 1 Achievement, Maroon 5's New Top 10 Hit on Hot 100

    August 09, 2013 9:15 AM EDT As previously reported , Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a whopping ninth week. The song also earns the largest airplay audience ever on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, racking up 219.8 million in a ...

  11. Universal Music Launches Caroline International, Michael Roe, Jim Chancellor To Head-Up

    August 08, 2013 8:56 AM EDT The Universal Music Group has launched Caroline International, an independent distributor and label services provider; and has named Michael Roe and Jim Chancellor to head the London-based operation. Roe, who founded the international arm of EMI ...

  12. The Civil Wars Heading for No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart

    August 07, 2013 8:23 PM EDT Folk-rock duo the Civil Wars is heading for its first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart next week. Industry sources suggest the act's self-titled second album may sell around 100,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Aug. 11. ...

  13. Billboard Argentina Launches

    August 07, 2013 6:25 PM EDT Billboard will debut its first Spanish-language edition with Billboard Argentina, which launched this week. The monthly, glossy publication will be Billboard’s 5th international property joining Brazil, Russia, South Korea and Japan. Billboard A ...

  14. Robin Thicke Thickens Hot 100 Run To Nine Weeks; Sets Audience and Sales Records

    August 07, 2013 1:51 PM EDT Robin Thicke, the newly crowned Billboard 200 champion holds steady atop the Billboard Hot 100 for a ninth week with “Blurred Lines” (featuring T.I. and Pharrell), which is numerically notable since its the longest run at No. 1 by a solo male ar ...

  15. Robin Thicke Gets First No. 1 Album On Billboard 200, Five Finger Death Punch at No. 2

    August 07, 2013 11:02 AM EDT Slightly more than 10 years after his debut album was released, Robin Thicke has scored his first No. 1 album. "Blurred Lines," his sixth studio effort, starts atop the Billboard 200 with 177,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen Sound ...

  16. Independent Study: Decon Records

    August 06, 2013 5:52 PM EDT Label: Decon Records Founded: 2003 Location: New York, NY Number of Employees: 4 at label, 18 at agency Biggest Release: Pusha T, Fear of God II: Let Us Pray ( Soundscan: 49,000) Next Release: Boldy James, My First Chemistry Set ( Oct.) Distr ...

  17. George Duke, Multi-Faceted Keyboardist, Dead at 67

    August 06, 2013 1:18 PM EDT George Duke, the Grammy-winning jazz keyboardist and producer whose sound infused acoustic jazz, electronic jazz, funk, R&B and soul in a 40-year-plus career, has died. He was 67. A representative for Duke said the performer died Monday nigh ...

  18. 'Love Potion No. 9' Singer Sues Over Clovers' Name

    August 05, 2013 1:54 PM EDT Harold Winley sang "Love Potion No. 9" and other hits with the R&B group The Clovers in the 1950s, but now the 80-year-old says another group is trying to keep him from performing using the band's name. Winley says he was in h ...

  19. Biz Video: The 3 Charlies of C3 on Lollapalooza's Record-Breaking Success, 'Over-Sponsorship,' Global Expansion

    August 05, 2013 1:40 PM EDT “It’s rare that we’re ever in the same town, let alone the same place at one time,” Charlie Jones said as his C3 founding partners Charlie Walker and Charles Attal joined him backstage at Lollapalooza Sunday afternoon (Aug. 4). Sitting down wit ...

  20. Five Finger Death Punch, Backstreet Boys Heading for Top 10 on Billboard 200

    August 02, 2013 8:43 PM EDT Robin Thicke is seemingly a lock to earn his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart next week, industry sources say. His latest set, "Blurred Lines," was released on July 30 and might sell between 135,000 and 140,000 copies by th ...

  21. One Direction Returns to No. 1 on Social 50; Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande Hit Top 10

    August 02, 2013 12:30 PM EDT One Direction reaches the No. 1 spot for the fourth time on the Social 50 chart,  thanks to excitement generated by the debut of the group's "Best Song Ever." The Social 50 ranks the most popular artists on YouTube, Vevo, Facebook ...

  22. Chart Moves: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' Top 40 Airplay Feat, Swift and Sheeran Return

    August 02, 2013 9:15 AM EDT As previously reported, Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" holds down the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an eighth week and One Direction scores its highest charting single ever, as its "Best Song Ever" debuts at No ...

  23. Chart Moves: Guns N' Roses 'Hits' Longevity Milestone, 'Pitch Perfect' Still Selling Strong

    August 02, 2013 9:00 AM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Selena Gomez triumphed with her first No. 1 album , as "Stars Dance" started atop the list with 97,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Last week's leader, Jay Z's "Magna ...

  24. Robin Thicke Aiming for First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart

    July 31, 2013 8:08 PM EDT After scoring his first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with "Blurred Lines," Robin Thicke now has his sights set on the top slot of the Billboard 200 albums chart. The new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 will be revealed ...

  25. DMX Files for Bankruptcy

    July 31, 2013 9:42 AM EDT It's been a tough month for DMX. Yesterday (July 29), the rapper filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Manhattan. According to the Wall Street Journal , the 42-year old, born Earl Simmons, owes $1 to $10 million in debt with only $50,000 in as ...

  26. Selena Gomez Knocks Jay Z From Top of Billboard 200 With First No. 1 Album

    July 31, 2013 9:40 AM EDT This week, Selena Gomez collects her first No. 1 title on the Billboard 200 with the arrival of "Stars Dance." The Hollywood Records release sold 97,000 copies in its first week -- a career-high frame for the singer, according to Ni ...

  27. Vine Arrives: Viral Twerk Video Helps Year-Old Rap Song Rocket Up Charts

    July 30, 2013 2:42 PM EDT Twitter’s six-second videoclip app Vine had its first major hit as a promotional platform this week by helping a 15-month-old song go viral and rocket up Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Songs. The track, “Don’t Drop That Thun Thun,” release ...

  28. Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, Alabama Shakes, Joey Bada$$, Others Added to ‘Beautiful’ in Vegas (Updated)

    July 29, 2013 11:49 AM EDT Twelve additional bands will be announced today for the debut Life Is Beautiful festival in Las Vegas taking place October 26th & 27th; Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, Alabama Shakes, Cults, Joey Bada$$, Smith Westerns, Nico Vega, The Dig an ...

  29. Marc Anthony, Rich Gang Aiming for Top 10 on Billboard 200 Chart

    July 26, 2013 7:54 PM EDT As previously reported, Selena Gomez is heading for her first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart next week. Industry sources suggest her new release, "Stars Dance," could sell between 90,000 and 100,000 copies by the end of the t ...

  30. Iron Maiden Tops Hot Tours With Revenues of $19 Million

    July 26, 2013 12:28 PM EDT English heavy metal band Iron Maiden earns the No. 1 Hot Tours ranking this week with $19 million (US$) in box office revenue reported from its summer tour in European cities. The Maiden England World Tour originally kicked off last year with a ...

  31. Chart Moves: Finatticz Fly; Danielle Bradbery Bows; Panic! At The Disco Lead Host Of Rock Debuts

    July 26, 2013 11:54 AM EDT As previously reported, Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," featuring T.I. and Pharrell, tallies a seventh week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the chart's longest reign this year. Who else makes notable moves on the H ...

  32. Demi Lovato Hits Social 50 Chart High

    July 26, 2013 9:15 AM EDT Demi Lovato makes a 15 position leap to No. 2 on the Social 50 chart, prompted by the release of the official Vevo video on July 17 for her new single "Made in the USA." The title garnered 8.8 million worldwide views during the chart ...

  33. Chart Moves: Pet Shop Boys Score Highest Charting Album In Nearly 20 Years

    July 26, 2013 9:00 AM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Jay Z held at No. 1 for a second week as "Magna Carta… Holy Grail" sold another 129,000 copies (down 76%). He easily barred the arriving Sara Bareilles from a second No. 1 album as her &qu ...

  34. Frank Ocean Cancels Australian Tour With Vocal Cord Tear, Told to Rest

    July 26, 2013 3:07 AM EDT Frank Ocean has canceled his sold-out Australian tour after suffering with throat problems on opening night. A trip to the doctors has revealed he has a tear to one of his vocal chords. The rising R&B star had launched his inaugural tour Dow ...

  35. From The Billboard Archive 8/7/1965: Bob Dylan Plugs-In At Newport, Clive Davis Gets A Promotion, The Supremes Play the Copa

    July 25, 2013 11:15 PM EDT This issue from the Billboard archive dated August 7, 1965 features a bright orange logo and bright color photos on the cover -- a massive change from our previous From the Archive column from Nov. 14, 1908.   No longer are circuses, theater an ...

  36. Diane Warren to Be Honored at Musexpo 2014

    July 25, 2013 10:17 PM EDT Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren will be honored as the International Music Person of the Year Award at the 2014 Musexpo. The industry confab takes place at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel from April 6-9. Warren, the founder of Reals ...

  37. Robin Thicke Links Longest Hot 100 Reign This Year

    July 24, 2013 2:43 PM EDT Robin Thicke notches a seventh week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Blurred Lines" (featuring T.I. and Pharrell), establishing the longest command for a Hot 100 topper this year. Meanwhile, Bruno Mars tallies his 10th top five ...

  38. Former Employees File Lawsuit Against Nacional Records' Tomas Cookman

    July 23, 2013 11:39 PM EDT Two former female employees of the Los Angeles-based indie Latin label Nacional Records filed a lawsuit yesterday (July 22) against its founder Tomas Cookman. The complaint contained 15 charges against Cookman that included sexual harassment, wr ...

  39. Radio & Records: How SoundOut, HitPredictor, RateTheMusic, Mscore Help Radio Get A Handle On the Hits

    July 23, 2013 1:55 PM EDT Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” may be exactly that at the moment, but what if top 40 had a crystal ball to predict which Dragons track was next to breathe fire at the format? For many PDs, that crystal ball already exists in the form of such res ...

  40. Todd Glassman Replaces Jacqueline Saturn as Head of Epic Promotions (Source)

    July 22, 2013 6:03 PM EDT Todd Glassman has been named Epic Records' head of promotions replacing Jacqueline Saturn who is leaving the company, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.   Glassman formerly worked as SVP of promotions at Island Def Jam o ...

  41. From the Magazine: Lessons to Be Learned from the 'Magna Carta' App's Privacy Snafu

    July 22, 2013 4:15 PM EDT THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN BILLBOARD MAGAZINE GET THIS WEEK'S ISSUE RIGHT HERE Jay Z might have the hottest album and mobile app on the market right now, but the flip side of his success includes claims of consumer privacy invasion by t ...

  42. Priority Records Relaunches Through Capitol, Insurgency; Michael Cohen Named President (Exclusive)

    July 22, 2013 8:00 AM EDT Capitol Music Group and Insurgency Music have formed a joint venture to re-launch iconic imprint Priority Records. A pioneering independent force in rap music during its initial heyday whose roster included such West Coast hip-hop legends as ...

  43. Sara Bareilles Heading for No. 2 Debut on Billboard 200

    July 19, 2013 6:20 PM EDT Singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is heading for No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart next week with her new album, "The Blessed Unrest." Industry sources say the set should sell around 65,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Ju ...

  44. Chart Analysis: Jay Z's 'Magna'-ificent Week on the Hot 100

    July 19, 2013 3:19 PM EDT As Jay Z scores his lucky 13th No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with Magna Carta… Holy Grail , extending his mark for the most leaders among soloists in the chart's 57-year history, he likewise updates his already impressive resume on the Billbo ...

  45. Chart Moves: Lorde First Lead Female in Alternative Top 10 Since 1997; Timberlake's 'Night' Dawns; Viral Videos Spike J. Dash, Finatticz

    July 19, 2013 2:36 PM EDT As previously reported, Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," featuring T.I. and Pharrell, spends a sixth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake's "Holy Grail," from Jay-Z's new Billbo ...

  46. Bob Marley Hits Top 10 on Social 50 Chart For First Time

    July 19, 2013 9:00 AM EDT Bob Marley breaks into the top 10 on Billboard's Social 50 chart for the first time. The Social 50 ranks the most popular artists on YouTube, Vevo, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, Wikipedia, Myspace and Instagram. The chart's methodolog ...

  47. Bob Marley Hits Top 10 on Social 50 Chart For First Time

    July 18, 2013 8:53 PM EDT Bob Marley breaks into the top 10 on Billboard's Social 50 chart for the first time. The Social 50 ranks the most popular artists on YouTube, Vevo, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, Wikipedia, Myspace and Instagram. The chart's methodolog ...

  48. Chart Moves: Florida Georgia Line's Slow Chart Climb, Alexis Spight Hits No. 1

    July 18, 2013 8:23 PM EDT This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart, Jay Z jumped in at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with "Magna Carta Holy Grail," selling 528,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It was the fourth No. 1 in a row that w ...

  49. Pitchfork Fest 2013: Bigger Headliners, More Sponsors, Elaborate Production, Killer Mike and El-P's New Beer

    July 18, 2013 6:35 PM EDT Now in its eighth year, the Pitchfork Music Festival has growing pains like any other festival. It's likely to sell out a capacity of 54,000 tickets across three days at Chicago's Union Park. It also has a record sponsor count that� ...

  50. Timbaland, Ole Sign Co-Venture Publishing Deal

    July 17, 2013 7:09 PM EDT ole has entered into a music publishing co-venture deal with Timbaland, the writer, producer and artist, who has worked with such artists as Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Usher, Eminem, Ludacris, Kenye West, No Doubt, the Bla ...

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