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New York Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Says He’d Pay $7,500 to See This Music Legend Perform Live

New York Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Says He’d Pay $7,500 to See This Music Legend Perform Live

Michael Saponara (04/06/2026)

The cheapest tickets on the resale market for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden are currently going for more than $7,000.

Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks sit three wins away from the immortality of clinching the franchise’s first championship in 53 years after a Game 1 victory in the NBA Finals over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.

With Knicks fever at an all-time high in NYC, prices for the cheapest seats at Madison Square Garden are going for a staggering $7,500 each on resale markets for Game 3, when the NBA Finals returns to the Big Apple for the first time this century next week.

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Brunson was asked during his media availability on Thursday (June 4) if there was any artist he’d pay that astronomical amount of cash to see perform in concert. For JB, there’s one artist: none other than the King of Pop. “That’s a good question. A live Michael Jackson performance,” Brunson told The Associated Press.

Obviously, that wouldn’t be possible for Brunson, as Michael Jackson died in June 2009. MJ has been back in the news in a major way in recent months, as the King of Pop’s Michael biopic has been a smash hit at the box office since being released on April 24.

According to The Numbers via ScreenRant, the blockbuster has grossed a staggering $856.5 million globally as of June 2. Jackson is played by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, who stars in the role as the legendary musician.

Brunson led the Knicks with 30 points to steal Game 1 105-95 against the Spurs on the road. Plenty of NYC celebrities made the trip to support the blue and orange, including Fat Joe, Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet.

Game 2 is slated for Friday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Watch the clip of Brunson below.

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Here’s How Olivia Rodrigo Feels About Possibly Collaborating With Sabrina Carpenter Someday

Here’s How Olivia Rodrigo Feels About Possibly Collaborating With Sabrina Carpenter Someday

Hannah Dailey (04/06/2026)

The star shared that her dream collaborators include PJ Harvey & Fiona Apple.

Five years ago, the idea of Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter linking up in the studio would’ve been outrageous — but you never know what the future holds.

In her new Dazed cover story interview, Rodrigo was asked about whether she’d ever work on a song with her fellow Gen-Z pop star, and she didn’t shoot it down. “Oh, gosh,” she said with a laugh. “I mean, I’m open … I’m open to all types of collaboration.”

The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series alum also named the artists she personally dreams of teaming up with. “I’ve been listening to a lot of PJ Harvey lately. And Fiona Apple,” she told the publication. “I think those two were just doing something so special and raw and unfiltered. I would love to meet and hang with them.”

It’s not the first time someone has asked Rodrigo about Carpenter recently. Half a decade ago, the two ladies were thrown together in the center of public discourse after Rodrigo released 2021 debut single “Drivers License,” which describes how an ex broke up with her to be with “that blonde girl,” whom fans determined to be Carpenter. In response, the Girl Meets World star dropped tracks such as “Skin” and “Because I Liked a Boy.”

But now, Rodrigo says of Carpenter, “I think she’s great,” as told to British Vogue in March. “I’m so happy for all of her success too. I love the album she’s put out … people just get weird and clickbaity. It’s all love, though. I’ve talked to her many times.”

As for whether she’d work with Lorde — someone whom Rodrigo has cited many times as a musical hero — she told Dazed, “Oh yeah, she’s amazing. Pure Heroine definitely informed the way I think about songwriting. I love the new record she put out.”

See Rodrigo on the cover of Dazed below.


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Jim Jones Thinks Jay-Z ‘Spared’ the People He Dissed at Roots Picnic: ‘I Wanna See the Yankee Stadium Freestyle’

Jim Jones Thinks Jay-Z ‘Spared’ the People He Dissed at Roots Picnic: ‘I Wanna See the Yankee Stadium Freestyle’

Angel Diaz (04/06/2026)

The Harlem rapper speculated that the NYC freestyle will be on par with Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech.

Jim Jones has an interesting theory when it comes to Jay-Z‘s “Roots Picnic Freestyle” that has set the rap world on fire.

During a recent episode of his YouTube show IFC News, the former Roc-A-Fella affiliate (he never had a solo deal with the imprint) stated that he thinks that Jay-Z “spared” those affected and that it’s just a warm-up in preparation of Jigga’s upcoming run of shows at Yankee Stadium in July.

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“I will say this,” the Harlem rapper began. “Outta everything I’ve heard — from my experiences and seeing him engaged throughout the years — he spared them a little bit. He didn’t even hit them with too much. … He still managed to obliterate a lot of people. But let’s see what happens. A callout is a callout. You say somebody’s name, it goes on forever, no matter who starts it.”

He then added that he expects a freestyle when he kicks off his three-show run in the Bronx next month. “I wanna see the Yankee Stadium freestyle,” he said. “I think that’s when he’s gonna turn up. The Roots Picnic was cool, but I do believe the Yankee Stadium freestyle will be something like the Martin Luther King ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.”

Jim has first-hand experience battling Jay-Z and he’s been on both sides. He and his fellow Diplomat members Cam’ron and Juelz Santana were signed to Roc-A-Fella during the Nas beef where they obviously sided with their label boss. However, he also found himself going up against Jay after he criticized his Def Jam presidency during an episode of BET’s Rap City, which then led to Jigga jacking the “We Fly High” beat to respond.

You can watch the entire episode below.

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Becky G Suggests a Taco Spin-Off & Says ‘You Can’t Even Enjoy That’ While Eating Spiciest Wing on ‘Hot Ones’

Becky G Suggests a Taco Spin-Off & Says ‘You Can’t Even Enjoy That’ While Eating Spiciest Wing on ‘Hot Ones’

Cata Balzano (04/06/2026)

The Chicana proved she can take the heat while answering questions about her childhood & career in Latin music.

Becky G has officially joined the list of famous Latin artists who took on the Hot Ones challenge.

The artist (real name: Rebbeca Marie Gomez) — a self-proclaimed spicy food enthusiast — shared her excitement with Hot Ones host Sean Evans about finally getting to be on the show, saying: “This is my Super Bowl.”

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The Mexican-American singer came in confident in the most recent episode of the wing-sauce franchise, sharing a story with Evans of the spiciest food experience she has ever had.

“I remember being about 7 years old, and I was triple-dog-dared by a family member to bite a chili and rub it around my lips for 30 seconds,” she said. “My lips got so big, and I definitely had a reaction of sorts — but I got my 10 dollars.”

From Garlic Delight to The Last Dab: Thermageddon, Becky got candid with Evans as he asked her a round of questions about her childhood, her favorite Selena Quintanilla song, and shifting from an early career in English to becoming a Spanish-language pop star.

“The amount of research that you do for these is crazy,” she exclaimed when Evans asked if she still frequented Kelso Ranch Market, a supermarket in Los Angeles, to eat a paleta de sandía (watermelon popsicle) after school. “I remember shooting the ‘Becky From the Block’ video there and thinking I was hot sh–,” she recalled of the video, which included a Jennifer Lopez cameo.

“Becky From the Block” played a key role in introducing Becky to a wider audience with millions of YouTube views and establishing her as an emerging bilingual artist in 2013. Eventually, she released “Shower,” her breakout global hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 16 in 2014.

Though she was seemingly surprised by how hot some of the sauces actually are, she managed to get to the end of the challenge, with a few candid reactions along the way. “You can’t even enjoy that,” she said to Evans after biting into the 10th wing. She also suggested a taco spin-off to the host instead of just sticking to wings.

Watch the Hot Ones episode with Becky G.

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Dharius Surprises on New Album With Regional Track ‘Ey Mezcal’ Feat. Christian Nodal: ‘We Must Adapt’

Dharius Surprises on New Album With Regional Track ‘Ey Mezcal’ Feat. Christian Nodal: ‘We Must Adapt’

Sigal Ratner-Arias (04/06/2026)

The iconic rapper talks about his foray into música Mexicana as part of Directo Hasta Arriba Vol. 2.

Mexican rapper Dharius surprised his fans by venturing into regional Mexican music on his new studio album, Directo Hasta Arriba Vol. 2, which is set to release Thursday (June 4) at 8 p.m. ET.

Accompanied by mariachi, an introduction of guitar melodies and the collaboration with Christian Nodal, the song “Ey Mezcal” breaks norms by showcasing Dharius in a romantic light, using language very different from what he typically employs in his songs.

“This is the first album where I dared to experiment with other genres. I used to be very closed off, only wanting to make rap,” says the artist, who was a member of the iconic group Cartel de Santa years ago.

The 14-track album includes titles such as “Top Top,” “El Cumbión,” “Cuando Te Toca” and “Bien Perro,” and also features collaborations with other prominent Mexican rap artists, including C-Kan, La Santa Grifa, Kami Mami, MC Davo and Gera MX — all of them representatives of the new generation of that musical genre that has significantly grown in Mexico in recent years.

Born in Monterrey, the cradle of norteño music, Dharius (real name Alan Alejandro Maldonado) started rapping at the age of nine, setting himself apart from his schoolmates. “I remember my classmates would go to school festivals wearing boots and cowboy hats, while I showed up with baggy pants,” says the 41-year-old artist, who now supports young rappers through his own record label, El Clan Records.

Between 1999 and 2013, he was part of Cartel de Santa, one of the most prominent groups in the rap scene in Mexico, and in 2014 he debuted as a solo artist with the album Directo Hasta Arriba, which featured songs like “Te Gustan Malos,” “Hey Morra” and “La Durango.” Directo Hasta Arriba Vol. 2 marks his fifth solo album.

In an interview with Billboard Español, Dharius delves into his career, explains why he’s venturing now into regional Mexican music and reveals that Nodal actually “raps and does it well.”

How hard was it to be a rapper in a place like Monterrey?

It definitely wasn’t easy in a place traditionally known for norteño music. However, we have to give credit to Control Machete, who turned rap into a phenomenon here; it was the band that paved the way for the rest of us. They gave us hope that we could make a good living doing this.

You were part of another very important group in the genre. Was it difficult to build a solo career?

I made five studio albums with Cartel de Santa, I was with them since I was 17. And yes, when I started working on ideas for my own compositions, it was tough at first, but little by little, I found my rhythm. Today, I’m on my fifth solo album.

How does it feel to now be a reference point for the new generation of the genre?

Since they started, I’ve been following them and their careers; I respect them a lot. C-Kan is from Guadalajara, MC Davo and Gera MX are from Monterrey like me, but there’s also my friend Santa Fe Klan from Guanajuato. This shows how much rap and hip-hop have opened up in Mexico. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I think this is a great moment for the genre.

What made you decide to venture into regional Mexican music on this album?

This is the first album where I dared to experiment with other genres. I used to be very closed off, only wanting to make rap. That has changed because we need to adapt. In Monterrey, there’s a strong culture of cumbia and vallenato, and that influences you. Plus, my aunt is a mariachi singer, so I’ve been exposed to that kind of music since I was little.

How did the collaboration with Christian Nodal happen? Was it through Gera MX, with whom he recorded “Botella Tras Botella”?

The first time we talked, yes, it was through Gera MX. He [Nodal] had a rap track he wanted me to record — you should know he raps and does it well; in fact, he has the title of one of my albums, Mala Fama, Buena Vidha, tattooed on him —but time passed, and it didn’t happen. “Ey Mezcal” is a song I wrote about two years ago. I had the chance to show it to Christian in Monterrey and he liked it, but we hadn’t been able to coordinate to record it. Finally, it happened: he called me, we went to the studio and we made it happen. Honestly, I’m very happy with the results.

How do you see the landscape for women in Mexican rap?

I think it’s very promising. There are many talented women. In fact, Kami Mami is featured on this album. She’s from Guadalajara and sings, writes and raps excellently. I also have two female rappers signed to my label, El Clan Records, who are about to finish their albums. I think we’re 20 years behind the United States in that regard, but streaming platforms are helping the growth of Mexican rap.

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Jermaine Jackson Asks to Wipe $6.5 Million Assault Judgment: ‘I Did Not Rape Plaintiff’

Jermaine Jackson Asks to Wipe $6.5 Million Assault Judgment: ‘I Did Not Rape Plaintiff’

Rachel Scharf (04/06/2026)

The Jackson 5 member says he didn't hear about the claims in time to avoid a default judgment.

Jermaine Jackson has, for the first time, filed court papers denying that he raped a session musician coordinator in 1988 — and he wants to axe a $6.5 million judgment in her lawsuit.

The Jackson 5 member, who has also had a prolific solo career with Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Daddy’s Home”, “Let’s Get Serious” and “Do What You Do,” was found liable by default last month after failing to respond to Rita Butler Barrett’s sexual assault and battery claims for more than two years. But on Tuesday (June 2), Jackson said he didn’t ignore the claims on purpose.

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“I did not know this lawsuit was pending in time to respond,” wrote Jackson in a court declaration, obtained by Billboard. “I did not rape plaintiff. I did not sexually assault plaintiff. I deny the material allegations of the complaint, deny liability and dispute damages. I request the opportunity to defend this case on the merits.”

Barrett, a music contractor who worked with Jackson in the late 1980s, sued the singer in 2023 under a one-year legislative window that allowed rape victims to bring claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. She alleged that in the spring of 1988, Jackson showed up at her Los Angeles-area home unannounced, forced his way through the door and violently raped her.

Barrett’s attorneys obtained a $6.5 million default judgment after trying and failing to serve Jackson at an Encino address and then publishing multiple notices in the Los Angeles Times. Yet Jackson maintains that all this was ineffectual because he lives abroad in Bahrain, and the newspaper notices used his “obsolete former legal name.”

Jackson changed his name in 2013 to “Jermaine LaJuane Jacksun.” His attorney, Bret Lewis, argued in a Tuesday motion that notices using the old name “Jermaine Jackson” were not enough to alert the singer to Barrett’s claims.

“This is not a case of a defendant ignoring papers actually received,” wrote Lewis. “It is a case of constructive notice stacked on constructive notice, under an obsolete former legal name, despite public records showing defendant’s correct legal name and plaintiff’s own service evidence pointing away from California and toward an overseas location.”

The motion urged Judge Elaine W. Mandel to vacate the $6.5 million default judgment and allow Jackson to fully defend himself against Barrett’s allegations. The judge is set to consider this request at a June 30 hearing in Los Angeles.  

Barrett’s lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment on Thursday (June 4).


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Here’s Where to Buy Affordable Tickets to XG’s 2026 WORLD TOUR: THE CORE Online

Here’s Where to Buy Affordable Tickets to XG’s 2026 WORLD TOUR: THE CORE Online

Amina Ayoud (04/06/2026)

This is the second world tour XG has embarked on.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Japanese vocal group XG, otherwise known as Xtraordinary Genes, is going to embark on the North American leg of THE CORE world tour this winter.

The K-pop-adjacent act’s trek began on Feb. 6 through Feb. 8 in Yokohama, Japan. The “GALA” singers — consisting of members Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Juria, Cocona, Maya and Harvey — will be making their first stop in the States on Nov. 3 in Oakland, Calif., at the Oakland Arena, before heading to Los Angeles, Chicago, Ontario, Dallas and more, before wrapping on Nov. 22 in Mexico City, Mexico, at Arena Ciudad de Mexico.

This is the second time the musicians have gone on a world tour, with their last journey round the globe taking place in 2024. So if you’ve been dying to see XG live, we’d advise you to jump on tickets before they’re gone for good.

Keep reading to find affordable ticketing options for the North American stops on XG’s WORLD TOUR: THE CORE online.

Where to Buy Affordable Tickets to XG’s 2026 XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE North American Leg

Where to buy affordable tickets to XG's WORLD TOUR: THE CORE North American shows online.

OFFICIAL TICKETING

Ticketmaster


As of this writing, pricing for seating to the Japanese group’s world tour on Ticketmaster is pretty budget-friendly at certain venues. Tickets currently go for as low as $55.40. This is the lowest pricing we’ve seen thus far on XG tickets. If you’re looking for an up-close view, floor seats are available for $400+. The ticketing service offers a fan guarantee, which allows for cancellations, refunds or exchanges within 24 hours of booking, subject to certain exclusions.

Where to buy affordable tickets to XG's WORLD TOUR: THE CORE North American shows online.

EDITOR'S PICK

StubHub


StubHub is a great option when searching for reasonably priced seating. As of this writing, we have seen tickets for the group’s world tour go for as low as $77. That said, competition for seating is strong, and tickets at this price are scarce. When searching on StubHub, you’ll find certain venues labeled with a “great value” badge that indicates pretty hefty markdowns on tickets. For example, the group’s Oakland, Calif., show at Oakland Arena seems to have the best pricing right now, according to StubHub.

The platform makes buying tickets easy with its “FanProtect Guarantee,” which protects your purchases with authentic tickets and refund policies. Plus, if your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you will receive a credit worth 120% of the amount you paid, or the option of a cash refund.

Where to buy affordable tickets to XG's WORLD TOUR: THE CORE North American shows online.

PROMO CODE

SeatGeek


SeatGeek is another ticketing site with inexpensive options for XG’s 2026 WORLD TOUR: THE CORE. The Japanese act’s Chicago show at the United Center features seating for as low as $69. Spots closest to the stage are around $200+. Right now, you can use promo code BILLBOARD10 at checkout to receive $10 off for new members. The ticketing service features a Buyer Guarantee that ensures smooth ticket purchases every time.

Where to buy affordable tickets to XG's WORLD TOUR: THE CORE North American shows online.

PROMO CODE

Vivid Seats


A great option for price-conscious ticket shoppers is Vivid Seats. The site has a slew of affordable options on prime venues such as the United Center in Chicago for $64 or the group’s Oakland Arena show in Oakland, Calif., for $67. To sweeten the deal, you can use our promo code BB30 to snag $30 off your purchase for new members only. The ticketing service offers a “100% Buyer Guarantee” policy that vows your transaction will be secure, that your tickets will be delivered before your event, and that your tickets will be valid and authentic. 

More savings can never be bad. You can grab stubs to XG’s set through TicketNetwork with the code BILLBOARD150 to save $150 off orders of $500. TicketNetwork has $72 seats for the act’s Chicago show at the United Center. If you don’t have the funds to buy your tickets just yet, you can also buy the tickets on the website now and pay later with help from Affirm. Plus, the site includes all-in pricing that lets you see exactly what you’ll be paying upfront (fees included).

Where to buy affordable tickets to XG's WORLD TOUR: THE CORE North American shows online.

BEST SEATING

Gametime


We’ve also found that Gametime has great pricing and tons of seating for the vocal group’s world tour. Tickets are going for as low as $66 at some venues. Gametime’s in-depth maps show that there are still ample seats available for spots on the floor or higher up. The site will also notify you when certain venues/dates feature deals, allowing you to find the best pricing every time.

Given how in demand XG’s North American dates are, seating can be sparse, and ticket values can be high. Gametime guarantees the lowest prices, event cancellation protection and on-time ticket delivery for a smooth ticket-buying experience every time, no matter the occasion.

Ahead of their North American stops, XG will also be performing at Head in the Clouds 2026, a festival showcasing Asian talents happening on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. You can buy tickets for the occasion here.

Check Out Dates for XG’s 2026 North American Tour

Nov. 3: Oakland, Calif. @ Oakland Arena
Nov. 5: Los Angeles, Calif. @ Crypto.com Arena
Nov. 9: Chicago, Ill. @ United Center
Nov. 12: Hamilton, ON @ TD Coliseum
Nov. 14: Newark, N.J. @ Prudential Center
Nov. 17: Dallas, Texas @ American Airlines Center

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David Bisbal Returning to ‘Operación Triunfo’ as a Judge for Spanish Singing Competition’s U.S. Debut

David Bisbal Returning to ‘Operación Triunfo’ as a Judge for Spanish Singing Competition’s U.S. Debut

Jessica Roiz (04/06/2026)

It's a full-circle moment for the Spanish artist who launched his career on the TV show in 2001.

David Bisbal will be a judge on Operación Triunfo, set to make its U.S. debut on Telemundo this summer.

Bisbal is the first judge and artist to be revealed, following the announcement of Mexican actress Natalia Téllez as the show’s host. This marks a full-circle moment for the Spanish singer/songwriter, who launched his international career on the first season of Spain’s Operación Triunfo in 2001 as a runner-up to the winner, Rosa López.

“This was where my career began and my life changed forever,” said Bisbal in a press statement. “It is an honor for me to be part of this moment, and I am excited for the opportunity to support, motivate, and witness the musical growth of this new generation of talented artists with big dreams.”

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The celebrated TV talent competition show first aired in Spain in 2001 and follows a group of aspiring singers who coexist in an “academy,” where they receive professional training and compete in weekly competitions.

Now, a new version is coming to the U.S.

“‘Operación Triunfo’ is a format with an incredibly strong legacy and a proven emotional connection with audiences of all ages, particularly younger generations, many of whom were not consuming traditional broadcast television. Over time, it became a true cultural phenomenon in Spain,” Javier Pons, chief content officer & head of Telemundo Studios, previously said to Billboard. 

He continued: “The essence of ‘Operación Triunfo’ will remain intact, as it is central to its global success … The magic of [the reality show] lies in the fact that it transcends a traditional singing competition, emerging instead as a true platform for transformation”.

News of Bisbal as judge comes on the heels of the artist announcing his Eternos Tour, which will kick off Dec. 9 at The Wiltern in Los Angeles and wrap Dec. 19 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.

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Hollywood Unlocked’s Jason Lee Talks Namesake Show’s Move to BET & Upcoming Impact Awards: ‘Culture Is Not a Monolith’

Hollywood Unlocked’s Jason Lee Talks Namesake Show’s Move to BET & Upcoming Impact Awards: ‘Culture Is Not a Monolith’

Gail Mitchell (04/06/2026)

"I think oftentimes we become enslaved to brand culture or to corporate culture where we have to act in a certain way," Lee tells Billboard.

When Hollywood Unlocked presents its sixth annual Impact Awards on Friday (June 5), a new honor will be introduced. Grammy-winning “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle will accept the media company’s inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award. The Tiffany Haddish-hosted ceremony will take place at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and stream live (7 p.m. PT) via the Zeus Network.

Proceeds from the Impact Awards will benefit the Hollywood Cares Foundation. Established by Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee, the nonprofit organization supports “underserved youth in Black and Brown communities.” Lee tells Billboard that the foundation received a $13 million grant from California’s Gov. Gavin Newsome this year to build a youth center that will provide services such as after-school programs and support for young people in crisis.

Lee describes the Impact Awards as a “spirit-filled room” embracing achievement, cultural impact and empowerment. The evening’s additional honorees include Tyler Perry (Innovator Award), Kehlani (Fearlessness Award), Kirk Franklin (Inspiration Award), RZA (Culture Award) and Bozoma Saint John (Pioneer Award).

Multiple Grammy winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will serve as musical director for a performance lineup featuring Chlöe, Donald Lawrence, Jekalyn Carr, Joyner Lucas, Kierra Sheard and Sheléa. Capping the celebration: a tribute to gospel legend Richard Smallwood. Prior Impact Award honorees include Cardi B, Don Lemon, Whoopi Goldberg and Floyd Mayweather.

In the walk-up to the awards ceremony, Lee has also been busy moving Hollywood Unlocked’s popular The Jason Lee Show to a new home. The CEO’s namesake show is now the flagship series for BET Creator Studio, described by the cable network as a digital-first “dedicated space where culture-forward creators come to amplify their content.”

In the two months since its April 8 premiere, the series — now in season four — has welcomed guests ranging from Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA to actress Jenifer Lewis. Lee recently went toe-to-toe with entrepreneur and Roc-A-Fella Records cofounder Damon “Dame” Dash during a rollicking sit-down. New episodes arrive every Wednesday via BET.com and BET’s YouTube channel.

High on Lee’s guest wish list are Barack and Michelle Obama, Rihanna and Queen Latifah. “In the past, we’ve had Jemele Hill, Terrell Owens and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — a real broad spectrum,” Lee tells Billboard. “Culture is not a monolith. I think oftentimes we become enslaved to brand culture or to corporate culture where we have to act in a certain way. Sometimes my message may come out messy because I need to make sure the whole world hears it. But at the the end of the day, we try to cover it all and provide space to people that we’re just uniquely interested in.”

During its evolution, The Jason Lee Show has been affiliated with iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks, Fox Soul, Revolt TV and the Zeus Network. The decision to join BET, says Lee, was easy. “This licensing deal is consistent with every deal I’ve had because self-ownership is important to me,” he explains. “To be able to create this collaborative relationship where we could bring the spice and virality of our show to such a legacy cultural brand and retain ownership is amazing.”

Lee, who also serves as the vice mayor of Stockton, Calif., is well aware of the current climate in which DEI and journalistic freedom are under attack, and that BET is no longer Black-owned, first sold to Viacom in 2001 and now owned by Paramount Skydance as of this year. However, Lee is “hopeful that the Paramounts of the world, and all of those that do have the resources and capability, understand that the obligation of giving people what they want isn’t to decide what they want — it’s to invest in what’s already proven. And BET has been a proven brand for decades.”


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Drake’s Sound Engineer OVO Noel Reveals Original ‘ICEMAN,’ ‘MAID OF HONOUR’ & ‘HABIBTI’ Tracklists

Drake’s Sound Engineer OVO Noel Reveals Original ‘ICEMAN,’ ‘MAID OF HONOUR’ & ‘HABIBTI’ Tracklists

Michael Saponara (04/06/2026)

Drizzy's unreleased grail "Vital" was slated to land at HABIBTI at one point.

It’s been three weeks since Drake trampled the rap game with three albums, and ICEMAN has remained atop the Billboard 200 since then. OVO affiliate Noel gave fans a look behind the curtain of Drizzy’s creative process on Thursday (June 4), revealing the original tracklists to his ICEMAN, HABIBTI and MAID OF HONOUR trifecta.

Noel, who serves as Drake’s sound engineer, posted the albums on three separate spreadsheets in the studio with sections for mix, clean, approval, master and notes about each track. ICEMAN‘s tracklist remains pretty much unchanged compared to the final version that arrived on May 15.

Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Janice STFU” was elongated from “Janice” and “Firm Friends” appears to possibly have been renamed from “Can’t Play Switzerland.”

MAID OF HONOUR didn’t undergo any changes to the tracklist, while HABIBTI swapped “Vital” for “Classic.” “I’m Spent” featuring Loe Shimmy also appears to have been a late addition to the project.

Diehard OVO fans may remember hearing about “Vital” as it has roots dating back to when Drake performed it in New Zealand on the Boy Meets World Tour in 2017. “Vital” remains a grail for fans as it never received an official release but eventually leaked online circa 2020.

ICEMAN earned a second week atop the Billboard 200, earning 225,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the week ending May 28. It’s Drake’s sixth project to have multiple weeks at the summit.

“Janice STFU” also topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a second straight week, while the track earned Drizzy his 14th Hot 100 No. 1, breaking a tie with Michael Jackson for the most among male soloists.

Find the photo of the tracklists here.

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