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.

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New music from Kanye & Kid Cudi, Future, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne & More View this email in your browser Hey freddymac/freddymic, we've got you covered with the biggest songs, mixtapes and headlines delivered direct to your inbox. Check out this week's hottest items below. EXCLUSIVE OFFER 50% OFF STAPLES CENTER CONCERTS 72 HOUR FLASH SALE - Get 50% off STAPLES Center tickets when you use code: HIPHOP. Hip-hop takes over STAPLES Center on June 21st – 23rd and we have your exclusive HotNewHipHop offer to get 50% off tickets! Check out the line-up: JUNE 21ST: LL Cool J, Nas, Ludacris, Ne-Yo and Teyana Taylor JUNE 22ND: Chris Brown, SZA and Ella Mai JUNE 23RD: Rae Sremmurd, Meek Mill, Ferg, Nipsey Hussle, Playboi Carti, Kamaiyah, Wondagurl and Lil Pump Offer Expires June 13th at 11:59PM. Supply is Limited! Use code: HIPHOP BUY TICKETS Share Tweet 🔥 HNHH TV 🔥 VIC MENSA BREAKS DOWN "REVERSE" ON BETWEEN THE LINES Share Tweet HOTNEWSNEAKERS: TRAVIS SCOTT AIR JORDAN 4 CACTUS JACK, OFF-WHITE JORDAN 1 UNBOXING & MORE Share Tweet 🔥 FEATURES 🔥 KANYE WEST "YE" REVIEW Share Tweet Share Tweet 🔥 HOTTEST SONGS 🔥 NICKI MINAJ FEAT. LIL WAYNE - "RICH SEX"

TOP STORIES



Universal Music Group Strikes First Major Licensing Deal With Facebook
Facebook and Universal Music Group have entered into an unprecedented and global licensing partnership that will shake up how people listen to and share music on the social media platform.

Casablanca Records Co-Founder Larry Harris Dies
Seventies-era music executive Larry Harris, who along with his flamboyant cousin Neil Bogart co-founded the legendary disco and rock label Casablanca Records, died on Monday at age 70.

Billboard Chart & Magazine Dates Now to Align Closer to Release Week
Chart and issue dates will now be dated to the Saturday after charts post online and the magazine is published.

Court of Appeals Sides With Songwriters, Publishers on Fractionalized Licensing: 'This Is a Massive Victory'
As the music industry heads into the holiday season, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals just gave songwriters and music publishers a gift with its decision that the consent decree allows fractionalized licensing.

Blake Shelton Re-Ups With Warner Music Nashville: Exclusive
Blake Shelton has signed a new, long-term deal with Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville.

Universal, Sony Renew Licensing Deals With YouTube
Universal Music Group has reached a global, multi-year agreement with YouTube, the companies announced on Tuesday.

No Album, No Problem: How Rihanna and Justin Bieber Stayed on Top In 2017
Neither Justin Bieber nor Rihanna released an album (or even a solo single) in 2017, but both continued to lord over the pop world -- and manage to stay on the charts.

Ed Sheeran's 'Divide' Surpasses 1 Million Sold in U.S.
Ed Sheeran’s "÷" (Divide) album has surpassed 1 million copies sold in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music, marking the singer-songwriter’s third million-seller. ÷ is just the second album to sell a million copies in 2017.

Blake Shelton Re-Ups With Warner Music Nashville: Exclusive
Blake Shelton has signed a new, long-term deal with Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville.










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