Alternative Says Yes
Following the recent top 10 success of Icona Pop’s “I Love It” on the Billboard Hot 100 comes another Swedish pop confection: Trio NONONO makes its first chart appearance with the anthemic, synthesizer-driven “Pumpin’ Blood” (Warner Bros.), which enters Alternative at No. 39 and Rock Airplay at No. 43. KITS San Francisco leads with 71 plays for the song through Aug. 11, with 27 spins during the Aug. 5-11 tracking week, according to Nielsen BDS. While the act is preparing its debut album, it will enjoy extra exposure through the song’s inclusion in Samsung’s new ad campaign.
Doe B Is A ‘Find’
Montgomery, Ala., rapper Doe B is nearing his first Billboard chart appearance, as “Let Me Find Out” (Grand Hustle/CMB/Interscope) approaches Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop. Fifty-one stations in the format spun the song last week, translating to 2.1 million in audience, while its remix video, featuring T.I. and Juicy J, has been viewed more than 1.3 million times on Vevo since its June 2 premiere. (The 22-year-old MC is also known for sporting a patch over his right eye after surviving a gunshot wound in 2009.)
Little Brother, Big Hit
Taking cues from older brother Gerardo Ortiz, 17-year-old Kevin Ortiz is enjoying a quick climb on the regional Mexican scene. Following recent live shows and TV appearances, his single “Un Minuto,” written by the elder Ortiz, rises 26-22 on Regional Mexican Airplay. Signed to Bad Sin, Ortiz is recording his debut album.
‘Joy’-ful Noise
Ruth La’Ontra gains momentum just beneath Gospel Songs with “Count It All Joy,” her debut single. The 20-year-old singer is the worship leader at the Come As You Are Evangelistic Center in her hometown of Aberdeen, N.C., where her father, Arvetra Jones Jr., is the co-pastor. Signed in April to the Tyscot label, La’Ontra is currently working on her debut album.
Reporting by Wade Jessen, Amaya Mendizabal, Rauly Ramirez and Gary Trust.