Welcome to the latest episode of the Billboard.com Pop Shop Podcast, Billboard’s weekly half-hour audio breakdown of the Billboard charts, hottest music news and year’s biggest musical events. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard.com associate editor Jason Lipshutz and Billboard co-director of charts Keith Caulfield every Tuesday on the free Pop Shop Podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in iTunes (click here to listen to the previous episode).
On this week’s very special episode — it’s Jason’s final show as a Pop Shop Podcast co-host! — singer-songwriter stops by to discuss his rising single “Wasn’t Expecting That,” signing to Ed Sheeran’s label and taking advice from a folk-pop superstar. Before that, Jason and Keith break down some interesting action on the Hot 100, including Shawn Mendes’ first Top 10 hit, Drake’s “Hotline Bling” moving closer to No. 1 and new debuts from Sia and Sam Smith. Later, the guys discuss Fetty Wap’s No. 1 album debut, a loaded week for new releases and Janet Jackson aiming for No. 1 next week. All that, plus soon-to-be hits, a double chart stat of the week, and a tender farewell from Jason, who is leaving Billboard after five years to start his own rival music podcast! (Only half-kidding). Never fear, though: the guys reveal who will be taking his place as the Pop Shop Podcast bravely soldiers on!
Listen above, and check back soon for an iTunes download link. Click here to rate the Pop Shop Podcast on iTunes! And be sure to sound off about this week’s episode in the comments section below!