TOP STORIES Billboard's 2018 Country Power Players List Revealed: The Industry's Most Influential  As Nashville continues to evolve, the 100 movers, shakers and influencers on Billboard's fourth annual Country Power Players list drove a $1.3 billion business in 2017, thanks in part to fans (finally) embracing streaming. Lil Wayne's Lawyer Confirms Cash Money Settlement, Rapper Now 'Owns His Assets, His Music and Himself'  Lil Wayne's attorney Ron Sweeney of Sweeney, Johnson & Sweeney LLC has confirmed the rapper has reached a settlement with Cash Money Records, shying away from details other than that his "client is happy" and now owns his rights again. Why the Music Business Is Betting Big on Bilingual Tracks  In the wake of “Despacito,” labels are now bullish on once-risky tracks that swing evenly between English and Spanish -- but crafting them is far from easy. Spotify Offers Managers, Artists Advances to License Music Directly to Its Streaming Service: Exclusive  Spotify has offered advances to a number of managers and indie acts in exchange for licensing their music directly to the streaming service, sources tell Billboard. Warner Music Nashville A&R Cris Lacy On Signing Kenny Chesney, Competition In Nashville & More  Music Row's biggest Kenny Chesney fan, Warner Music Nashville senior vp A&R Cris Lacy, on breaking new acts and diversity and competition in Nashville. Sony Music & Jonathan Master Partner for SamePlate Joint Venture: Exclusive  Sony Music Entertainment and Jonathan Master partner in SamePlate joint venture. Why the Music Industry Is Still Rooting For Tidal, Despite Chronic Payment Issues  Tidal, Jay-Z’s streaming service, has become notorious for late payments to labels, but the music industry has largely kept quiet about the matter, banking on its forward-thinking partnership deals and a higher-priced $19.99/month premium audio tier. Universal Chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge To Be Honored At Songwriters Hall of Fame  Grainge’s support of Universal’s songwriters and writer-artists is reason enough for the Songwriters Hall of Fame to present him with the Howie Richmond Hitmaker Award, bestowed on an individual who has been responsible for a substantial number of hit songs for an extended period. Industry Vet Michael Mauldin on Why 'It's Time to Bring Back the Black Music Association'  Industry veteran Michael Mauldin launches campaign to establish the Black American Music Association. At Midem Snap & Geffen Execs Sing Praises of Snapchat Promotion; Scooter Braun Playfully Prods  All talk of tech and music aside, one could argue the highlight of Geffen Records president Neil Jacobson and Snap VP of partnerships Ben Schwerin's conversation at Midem on Wednedsay was when pal Scooter Braun got up to ask a question from his seat in the audience. Epic's Sylvia Rhone, Roc Nation's Azim Rashid to Chair Living Legends Awards Gala  The Living Legends Foundation has revealed the 2018 honorees for its Living Legends Awards Gala. The 22nd annual event will take place at Hollywood’s Taglyan Cultural Complex on Oct. 5.

Sign Up For Billboard's Free Newsletters, Breaking News Alerts and Digests Here.

Follow Billboard.biz       Editorial Contact: Editorial  Sales Contact: Joe Maimone