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Dave Kendall, Former Creator/Host of MTV’s Alternative Music Show ‘120 Minutes,’ Has Died
Gil Kaufman (15/07/2026)
The British VJ helped boost indie and alt rock on the video network from 1989 to 1992.
Dave Kendall, the British VJ who helped bring the sounds of the alternative rock nation into millions of homes in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the host and guiding force behind MTV’s influential 120 Minutes, has died at age 68. The news was shared by fellow former MTV talking head and 120 Minutes host Matt Pinfield, who paid tribute to his friend and colleague in a post on Tuesday (July 14).
“Dave was one of the true believers,” wrote Pinfield on Instagram. “Long before alternative music found its way into the mainstream, he was there every week on 120 Minutes, introducing people to bands that would go on to define an era. He didn’t just host a show. He gave a home to music that deserved to be heard. He loved the music, respected the artists, and connected with fans in a way that always felt authentic. That’s a rare gift.” Pinfield gave no cause of death.
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According to his bio, Kendall began his career as a journalist and editor, writing profiles and reviews for American and British newspapers and magazines including Melody Maker, Spin and the New York Post. After relocating from his native England to New York, he was hired by MTV to create 120 Minutes. He went on to spend seven years as a writer, producer, presenter and news reporter at the video music channel that once had tremendous star-making power.
In his role as host of 120 Minutes from 1988 to 1991, Kendall helped to promote a variety of alternative acts who went on to great fame, including premiering the video for Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in September 1991. The show continued with Pinfield as host from 1995 to 1999, and then enjoyed a brief 2011-2012 revival, before being canceled by sister channel MTV2 in 2003.
Following his MTV run, Kendall went on to host and co-produce the nationally syndicated talk show Music Scoupe, as well as to host the internationally simulcast 1994 concert Soccer Rocks the Globe and anchor the Woodstock ’94 pay-per-view. In addition, Kendall worked extensively in radio, writing and hosting local and nationally syndicated shows. He also created an early video streaming site (alterworld), worked in content development at Soundbreak and had a seven-year DJ residency at New York’s Limelight; he released the mix CD A Voyage Into Trance, Volume 2, in 2002.
Kendall moved to Bangkok in 2011 to host and produce the travel show Destination Thailand. Beginning in 2017, he edited and wrote stories for the Bangkok Post.
Extra Time: These Spain and Argentina World Cup Jerseys Will Arrive Before the Big Game
Tim Chan (15/07/2026)
Order these official team kits online and have them delivered or ready for pickup before Sunday's World Cup final match.
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.
The big match is set with Spain taking on Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals.
Spain stunned defending runners-up France in Tuesday’s semifinal soccer match, while Argentina scored in extra time to take down a determined England squad. Now, one of the youngest stars in the sport — 19-year-old Lamine Yamal — will face off against a soccer legend — 39-year-old Lionel Messi — in Sunday’s match.
Whether you’re cheering for La Roja or La Selección, you still have time to order a team jersey in time for the World Cup final. We’ve found options for Spain and Argentina World Cup jerseys that you can order online for fast shipping.
Where to Buy Argentina Soccer Jersey In Time for World Cup Final
Adidas is the official jersey provider of the Argentinian Football Club at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but jerseys on the Adidas site won’t ship for a few weeks.
SHIPS IN ONE DAY
Argentina National Team adidas 2026 Home Replica Jersey
Try buying an Argentina World Cup jersey on Fanatics instead. The merch site says this replica jersey (seen here) ships in one business day.
The jersey features the blue and white stripes inspired by the Argentina flag, along with a gold Adidas crest, FIFA crest and the logo of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The jersey is available in unisex sizes small to XL (anything larger is sold out as of this writing).
MESSI JERSEY
Lionel Messi Argentina National Team Adidas 2006 Bringback Home Jersey
Messi fans can pick up this jersey inspired by Argentina’s 2006 World Cup kit.
While the familiar blue and white stripes remain, it’s worth noting that the jersey bears the number 19, which Messi wore early in his career. This jersey also ships in one business day and it’s available in sizes small to 2XL.
FOR PICKUP OR DELIVERY
Forever 21 Women's Mesh Oversized Argentina Soccer Jersey Tee
Walmart has this Argentina-inspired jersey, available in a trendy, oversized fit.
From the Forever 21 collection at Walmart, the women’s jersey is available for same-day in-store pickup or next day delivery in most cities. Even better: it’s marked down to just $12, with multiple sizes still available.
FAN-MADE MERCH
Soccer Jersey Football Supporter Fan Shirt
Amazon Prime members can get this fan-made T-shirt delivered with free, next-day shipping online. The shirt is made from a moisture-wicking material with a touch of spandex for stretch.
Choose from sizes small to 2XL. There’s also an alternate design with bold and graphic chevron stripes that you can pick up here. The next day shipping is only for Amazon Prime members. Not a Prime member? Get a 30-day free trial here to test out the service and use it to get your Argentina or Spain jerseys shipped and delivered in time for the game.
Amazon Prime members can also get a free trial to Fox One right now, to livestream the Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final match online for free. Claim the deal here.
Where to Buy Spain Soccer Jersey In Time for World Cup Final
You can also find Spain national team World Cup jerseys online, with items shipping in time for Sunday’s match.
SHIPS IN ONE DAY
Spain National Team Adidas 2026 Pre-Match Top
This pre-match shirt is available on Fanatics and the site says it ships in one business day.
This slim-fit shirt is inspired by the kits worn by the Spanish players during pre-game warmups and training sessions, and it comes with a breathable, sweat-wicking material. Choose from sizes small to 2XL.
ON SALE NOW
Spain National Team Adidas 2026 Pre-Match Jersey
Just in time for the World Cup final, Fanatics has this Spain jersey on sale for 17% off online.
The officially-licensed kit celebrates the team’s rich history with a deep red and white colorway. The shirt comes in a slim fit with “Climacool technology” to keep you cool and breezy. This jersey is available in sizes small to 2XL and ships in one business day.
SAME DAY DELIVERY
FIFA World Cup 2026 Spain FIFA 26 Jersey
Walmart has this red and yellow Spain jersey that the site says is officially licensed by FIFA.
The jersey features a simple design that puts your team and country front and center, along with the FIFA 2026 logo. This is available for same-day pickup at your local Walmart store, though Walmart+ members can get fast, same-day delivery to their door. I just tried adding this to cart in Los Angeles, and it gave me a delivery time of just 51 minutes — the fastest shipping time of any item on this list.
Not a Walmart+ member? Get a 30-day trial for just $1 to take advantage of the free shipping, grocery discounts, gas discounts, streaming perks and more. See details here.
SAME-DAY DELIVERY
Adidas Spain 2026 Home Jersey Hook T-Shirt
Need a Spain jersey fast? Dick’s Sporting Goods has this Adidas “Espana” T-shirt available for same-day delivery or in-store pickup (in select regions).
This officially-licensed crewneck comes in blue or white online, with the red and yellow team graphics screen-printed on the front. This comes in small to XXL.
SHIPS OVERNIGHT
Adidas Men's Tabela 23 Jersey
Amazon doesn’t currently have any Spain national team jerseys that will ship in time for Sunday’s match, but the site does have this sporty Adidas shirt in a similar red colorway.
The slim-fit shirt is sustainably made from 100% recycled materials so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your body — and hopefully channeling good vibes for a Spain win. Multiple sizes are available for this Adidas shirt. A bonus: since it’s not Spain-branded, you can always wear it post-World Cup on a run or to the gym.
Sunday’s World Cup final pits the two best teams in the world against each other. Argentina is looking to defend its title from 2022, while Spain is looking to hoist the World Cup trophy for the first time since 2010.
D.C. Cracks Down on Ticket Resellers: Council Passes Bill to Protect Fans From Scammers, Inflated Prices
Taylor Mims (15/07/2026)
The RESALE Act would cap resale prices, ban speculative ticketing, require ticket resellers to acquire licenses and more.
The DC Council in Washington, D.C., has passed one of the most comprehensive ticketing regulation bills in the country. On Tuesday (July 15), the council voted unanimously to give final approval to The RESALE Act, which includes a host of consumer protections — from a resale cap of 10% on concert tickets to requiring ticket resellers to acquire a license if they advertise more than 50 tickets in a year.
Championed by councilmember Charles Allen, the RESALE Act includes several measures that have been proposed or enacted in various states across the U.S. This includes the 10% resale cap, ticket price transparency for fans — so buyers can see the full price of tickets from the beginning of the sale — and the banning of speculative ticket sales and advertising (speculative tickets are tickets that the reseller does not actually possess).
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As of June 2026, 20 states across the U.S. have introduced similar legislation on resale and speculative ticketing. But D.C.’s coalition of advocates for the RESALE Act — including the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the Fix the Tix Coalition, which is made up of more than 30 live music and event industry organizations and local promoters and venues — lobbied for additional laws not typically seen in similar bills around the country. Audrey Fix Schaefer, NIVA’s board president and director of communications for I.M.P., 9:30 Club and The Anthem in D.C., tells Billboard she hopes the RESALE Act will “become model legislation throughout the land.”
The RESALE Act will also require any ticket reseller that advertises 50 or more tickets a year to register with the district and obtain a license. According to advocates of the bill, requiring this will increase oversight and accountability in the secondary marketplace, as well as inform buyers if they’re purchasing from a professional reseller or a casual fan. When tickets are being resold on the secondary market, the seller will also be obligated to provide the original price of the primary ticket for purchasers to view.
“It is pretty phenomenal that the city thought this was important enough that they’re investing in a new section of the licensing office to” handle the licensing registrations, Fix Schaefer says. “They put it in the budget.”
The RESALE Act will also prohibit surveillance pricing, which prevents ticket sellers from using consumers’ personal data to manipulate or personalize prices. The bill ensures the District has the authority and resources necessary to hold bad actors accountable.
Councilmember Allen, who authored the RESALE Act, said in a statement, “People are sick of big tech wringing more and more money out of them. DC is a leader here and I expect many other jurisdictions to step in once they see we can save our residents money and keep more dollars in our local economy instead of propping up big tech.”
“Black Cat has always been proud of our city and its music scene, and is excited to see DC become one of the first places in the nation where bands can set concert prices with confidence and fans will be free from price gouging,” added Catherine Ferrando, vp and co-owner of independent D.C. venue Black Cat.
Following yesterday’s final Council approval, the RESALE Act will advance through the remaining steps of the District’s legislative process before it can take effect. The act will need to be signed by Washington, D.C., mayor Muriel Bowser, who has shown support for the bill. Once a bill is signed by the mayor, D.C. legislation is shared with both chambers of the U.S. Congress, which have 30 days to either veto the legislation or allow it to become law without interference. If the mayor signs the RESALE Act and Congress doesn’t block it, the law would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
Bad Bunny Moves to Overturn Ruling in Reggaeton Case: ‘They Have Assembled a Frankenstein’
Bill Donahue (15/07/2026)
The superstar says a judge overlooked a fatal flaw in the massive lawsuit before he allowed it to move ahead toward a jury trial.
Bad Bunny wants a judge to reconsider a recent ruling that refused to dismiss a sprawling lawsuit over the origins of reggaeton, arguing his accusers are citing a “Frankenstein” copyright.
The ruling, issued earlier this month, said only a jury could decide whether reggae duo Steely & Clevie own the dembow rhythm — the boom-ch-boom-chick beat heard in almost every reggaeton song. The judge’s decision likely means years more of litigation in the massive case, which targets Bunny and dozens of other artists over nearly 2,000 songs.
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But in a motion Wednesday (July 15), attorneys for the reggaeton superstar pleaded with the judge to overturn that ruling, arguing that the case has a fatal flaw that had not been properly acknowledged.
“Plaintiff’s supposed selection and arrangement does not exist in any single work,” writes Kenneth Freundlich, the star’s lawyer. “They have assembled a ‘Frankenstein’ across three separate songs.”
The huge case, filed in 2021 by Cleveland “Clevie” Browne and the heirs of Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson against Bunny, Karol G, Daddy Yankee and many others, claims their 1989 song “Fish Market” is the ultimate source of dembow. But it also asserts ownership over two later songs called “Dem Bow” and “Pounder (Dub Mix II)” — both of which were allegedly based on “Fish Market” and helped spawn the sound of reggaeton.
In the ruling earlier this month, the judge said that only a jury could decide whether the dembow rhythm is copyrightable. But in Wednesday’s motion, Bad Bunny’s lawyers said it had overlooked one thing: that Steely & Clevie’s alleged proprietary beat does not exist entirely in any of the three songs that allegedly spawned it.
“The consequence of this omission is concrete, and it is not merely a case management problem: Plaintiffs are asserting exclusive rights in a supposed selection and arrangement that does not exist,” Freundlich writes.
If the judge declines to review his own ruling, Bad Bunny wants an alternative route: The right to immediately appeal the ruling to a federal appeals court before the complex case gets bogged down in discovery and an eventual trial.
“Resolving it now may appreciably shorten the time, effort, or expense of conducting the proceedings, especially where what lies ahead is an [infringement] analysis of over one thousand works,” the star’s attorneys write.
In a statement to Billboard, Steely & Clevie’s attorney Stephen Doniger said it was “disappointing that defendants continue to push their false narrative” about dembow: “Defendants offer nothing new and no basis for reconsideration. We hope the court will quickly deny this motion.”
R. Kelly Asks Trump Administration for Prison Release in Official Clemency Petition
Rachel Scharf (15/07/2026)
A lawyer for the disgraced R&B star has already been publicly lobbying the president for more than a year.
R. Kelly’s legal team is ramping up efforts to lobby President Donald Trump for clemency as the singer serves a decades-long prison sentence for sex crimes.
Case filings before the Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney show that the disgraced R&B star (Robert Sylvester Kelly) has a pending petition for commutation of his 31-year prison sentence for racketeering, sex trafficking, child pornography and enticing minors for sex. A presidential commutation would wipe Kelly’s sentence but leave his conviction intact, as opposed to a full pardon.
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The actual text of the clemency petition, first reported by the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday (July 14), was not available. It’s not clear exactly when the application was submitted, only that it was at some point in 2026. Kelly’s lawyer did not return a request for details on Wednesday (July 15).
Historically, the Pardon Attorney’s office has conducted a structured, multi-level review of clemency applications before deciding whether to send a recommendation along to the White House for a final decision. Trump, however, has been known to break with this tradition and grant pardons and commutations unilaterally based largely on lobbying within his inner circle. As Mark Osler, a leading clemency attorney and law professor at the University of St. Thomas told Billboard last year, “The mechanism is falling apart.”
Kelly’s legal team seems to understand this; even before filing an official clemency petition, his lawyer, Beau Brindley, has been publicly appealing to Trump directly for relief. Last June, for example, Brindley said in a statement to Billboard that Trump “is the only one with both the power and the courage” to set Kelly free.
The attorney has also not given up on securing Kelly’s release through the court system. While the former singer’s appeals have all been rejected by higher courts, Brindley is still pursuing a new trial in Chicago. He argued in a series of court filings last year that jailhouse officials were trying to kill Kelly, though a judge quickly rejected his calls for immediate release.
Brandy, Rita Ora & Leonardo Nam Talk About How Their Characters Evolve In ‘Descendants: Wicked Wonderland’ | Billboard News
Stefanie Tanaka (15/07/2026)
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland cast members Brandy, Rita Ora and Leonardo Nam discuss how their characters have evolved in this fifth installment to the Descendants film franchise, how being parents has influenced how they see their characters and predict the film’s viral moment. Brandy From a mistake? Leonardo Nam What are we talking about? Rita Ora […]
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland cast members Brandy, Rita Ora and Leonardo Nam discuss how their characters have evolved in this fifth installment to the Descendants film franchise, how being parents has influenced how they see their characters and predict the film’s viral moment.
Brandy
From a mistake?
Leonardo Nam
What are we talking about?
Rita Ora
Mistake.
Brandy
You can tell we loved it.
Rita Ora
No words. There’s not enough words.
Leonardo Nam
Each time they present a script and a story, I’m always amazed by what Disney does. They kind of elevate the universe and they kind of open up this universe and franchise in a way that is mind blowing, but makes sense.
Rita Ora
I just was so excited to be coming back, and then obviously reading the script and working on a song with Brandy, like our duet for me, is my favorite selfishly on the soundtrack.
Brandy
Me too.
Rita Ora
We’ve always wanted to do a song together, and you know we didn’t record it together, but like it just was so exciting to film it on the day. We spent a whole day doing it. It was like a whole day.
Brandy
It was so great, and we supported each other. It was just a great vibe and experience, and I want to do more stuff. Me too, please.
Leonardo Nam
Yes. Oh, I’m here for it. Yes, please.
Rita Ora
You heard it first, Billboard.
Brandy
It was so beautiful to approach it as a mom because I am a mom and I love being a mom. I think that’s a part of my superpower is because I’m a mother, and I love the queen that she is, the friend that you see her become with the Queen of Hearts and how she takes control in this this new film and what she’s doing and I love it. I’m happy to be a part of something this special.
Watch this video above!
How Much Did Jay-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ & ‘Blueprint’ Streams Rise Over Yankee Stadium Shows?
Andrew Unterberger (15/07/2026)
On this week's Trending Up, Jay's pair of classic albums see major gains with his showcase concerts in his hometown, while "Wonderwall" threatens a Hot 100 re-entry and more.
Welcome to Billboard Pro’s Trending Up newsletter, where we take a closer look at the songs, artists, curiosities and trends that have caught the music industry’s attention. Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.
This week: Jay-Z’s triumphant homecoming at Yankee Stadium leads to big catalog gains, while a ’90s Britpop classic eyes some major chart moves, Sienna Spiro has another rapidly growing hit and more.
Jay-Z’s Historic Yankee Stadium Run Doubles ‘Reasonable Doubt’ and ‘Blueprint’ Streams
Over the weekend (July 10-12), Jay-Z made history with a record-breaking run of shows at The Bronx’s Yankee Stadium, celebrating 30 years of his career and Reasonable Doubt debut album, as well as the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint. Featuring an eye-popping list of surprise guests, including Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter, Rihanna, Eminem, Jaz-O, Slick Rick, Usher, Jeezy and more, Jay-Z easily dominated social media timelines and news headlines. And the chatter has also turned into legitimate streaming increases.
According to Luminate, streams for the Brooklyn legend’s debut LP jumped 94% to over 2.075 million official streams over the first four days of this tracking week (July 10-13), which accounts for all three sold-out nights of Jay’s Yankee Stadium stand. He dedicated the first night of his mini-residency to Reasonable Doubt, bringing out Beyoncé for a soulful rendition of “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and Nas for “Dead Presidents.”
Night Two was dedicated to The Blueprint, with Jay playing the whole classic album — and bringing Slick Rick out for “The Ruler’s Back” and Eminem for “Renegade” — sans “Takeover.” Before Jay’s Yankee Stadium shows (July 3-6), the 2001 LP ligged 1.1 million official on-demand U.S. streams. By the following week (July 10-13), that figure vaulted 118% to over 2.4 million official streams.
With more stadium shows set for Paris, London and Los Angeles, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Jiggaman’s streams in the weeks to come. — KYLE DENIS
Will ‘Wonderwall’ Never Cease? Oasis’ Unofficial England Football Anthem Threatens Hot 100 Return
Today was gonna be the day that England soccer fans saw their squad return to the World Cup finals for the first time in 60 years, with the team leading Argentina 1-0 in their semifinal matchup with under 10 minutes to go in regulation. But the country’s dreams of a triumphant country-wide singalong of Oasis‘ “Wonderwall” — the song which England has adopted as its unofficial World Cup anthem this year — were dashed by two late Lionel Messi-assisted Argentina goals to steal the match 2-1, ending England’s incredible, Gallagher Bros-soundtracked tournament run.
Even without a major bump today, the Britpop classic would already have a good chance of returning to the Billboard Hot 100 next week. Official on-demand U.S. streams for “Wonderwall” have been rising throughout the tournament, up from 3.8 million for the tracking week ending July 2 to 5.1 million the following week, a gain of 34%, according to Luminate. Those numbers have risen even higher this week, with the song racking up 4.6 million over the first four days of the tracking week (July 10-13) — up 67% from the same period the prior week — with particular spikes coming after England’s quarterfinal victory over Norway on Saturday (July 11).
Now, all eyes turn to the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. On this side, the song could make its first Hot 100 appearance since 1996, when it peaked at No. 8 — highest-reaching of the band’s three career entries on the chart. On the U.K’s Official Charts, however, the song has already climbed all the way back to No. 11 (from No. 32 the week before) and could have a real chance at rising to the No. 1 spot next week — which would mark the British anthem’s first-ever visit to the chart’s apex, having originally peaked at No. 2 (under Robson and Jerome’s “I Believe”/”Up on the Roof” double A-side) in 1995. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER
Fat Papi Turns TikTok-Accelerated ‘Reasons to Get a Bob’ Trend Into Streaming Success
Sometimes, you don’t even need a dance trend to get TikTok to latch onto your song — any viral video will do. On June 5, user @/ jocelynmeiere posted a clip listing “reasons to get a bob” while showing off her short-cut hairstyle. There aren’t any actual reasons listed in the video; instead, she shakes her bob to the beat of Fat Papi’s “Freaked Out” — which dropped on June 4 — building on the long-running Internet ecosystem of bob jokes. As her original clip surpassed 52 million views, user @/jocelynmeiere continued to push the trend, steadily building momentum to a fever pitch over the past two weeks. By July 7, Fat Papi posted a video to his official TikTok account, writing, “I can’t believe a girl with a bob is the reason my song is [at] 8 million streams.”
During the week of June 26-July 2, “Freaked Out” collected 657,000 official on-demand U.S. streams, according to Luminate, with that figure leaping 241% to 2.24 million official streams the following week (July 3-9). “Freaked Out” also jumped 25% in streaming activity from the four-day period of July 3-6 to the four-day period of July 10-13, topping out at 1.85 million streams. The official “Freaked Out” sound plays in over 2.6 million posts on TikTok and over 55,000 Instagram Reels.
With celebrities like RAYE starting to hop on the “reasons to get a bob” trend, expect “Freaked Out” — which is currently No. 3 on Shazam’s U.S. Top 200 — to continue its upward trajectory. — KD
A “Great” Start for Sienna Spiro With New Single
It’s been a major stateside breakthrough year for British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro, who cracked the Hot 100’s top 20 this year with breakout hit “Die on This Hill,” and quickly visited the chart with twice more with additional hits “You Stole the Show” and “The Visitor.” Now, she’s also got a top 10-charting Billboard 200 album to her name with her official debut LP Visitor — which includes all three of those prior hits — as well as a fourth Hot 100 entry with the set’s new single, “Great Expectations.”
The smoky ballad got off to a fine start on streaming in its release week, helped by a ‘60s-retro-heavy music video and a BBC Live Lounge performance, as well as extensive pre-release TikTok teasing of the song from Spiro. She has continued to promote “Expectation” heavily on the platform, with various fan edits of it with TV dramas like House of the Dragon and The Summer I Turned Pretty also helping to fan the viral flames, and propel the song to a No. 91 debut on the Hot 100.
It should climb even higher next week, as the ballad’s official on-demand U.S. streams have already risen 45% over the first four days of this tracking week (July 10-13) from the same period the prior week, according to Luminate — and Spiro isn’t letting up on the promo at all, performing it on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon earlier this week. It becoming another major hit for Spiro seems an increasingly reasonable expectation at this point. — AU
Cardi B Calls Her Daughter Her ‘Real Life Bestie’ In Birthday Post
Cata Balzano (15/07/2026)
Kulture, Cardi and rapper Offset’s firstborn daughter, turned 8 on July 10.
Cardi B is having a proud mom moment while celebrating her daughter Kulture’s 8th birthday.
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The Grammy winner posted a series of photos on her Instagram of her firstborn at different moments of the celebration. The carousel included shots from a photoshoot of Kulture in her birthday dress; posing in front of a private plane and in front of the pool at her birthday party; snapshots of Cardi and her family at Universal Studios; and various pictures in front of a four-story rainbow Care Bears-themed birthday cake.
The singer included a message in the caption that said, “Happy birthday to my sweet beautiful firstborn @kulturekiari …just the most kind hearted girl in the world ..My real life bestie …Shout out to @universalorlando A TIME WAS HAD !! Ooo and of course @thecakegirl for the amazing cakes.”
The New York City rapper has four children: three with rapper Offset and one with New England Patriots player Stefon Diggs. In September 2025, the artist released her latest album, Am I the Drama?, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking her second time atop the chart following her debut album, Invasion of Privacy.
After Kulture was born in 2018, Offset released his debut solo album, Father of 4, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in February 2019.
While daughter Kulture, 8, son Wave Set Cephus, 4, and daughter Blossom Belle Cephus, 1, are Cardi and Offset’s three children together, he also has three children from previous relationships. In 2024, Cardi B filed for divorce from the hip-hop artist and gave birth to their daughter, Blossom, shortly after.
Following her split from the Migos member, Cardi began dating New England Patriots player Stefon Diggs. They share an 8-month-old child, her youngest, who was born in November 2025.
16 Songs That Bring Championship Energy to Every Moment
Walaa Elsiddig (15/07/2026)
From timeless anthems to today's biggest hits, these songs deliver confidence, momentum and celebration—perfect for every big moment, presented by MLB
There are moments that call for more than just a great song—they demand records that amplify anticipation, celebrate achievement, and bring people together. Whether powered by triumphant guitar riffs, booming 808s, infectious pop hooks, or timeless hip-hop production, these tracks capture the feeling of rising to the occasion and embracing the spotlight.
From iconic anthems that have energized generations to today’s viral hits shaping the cultural conversation, this playlist spans genres, eras, and audiences while sharing one thing in common: they soundtrack moments where confidence, momentum, and excitement take center stage. Consider these the songs built to keep the energy high from the first pitch to the final celebration. Get in the vibe with the playlist HERE, presented by MLB.
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor Few songs embody determination quite like “Eye of the Tiger.” Built around one of rock’s most recognizable guitar riffs, the track steadily escalates into an adrenaline rush, making it a timeless soundtrack for moments that demand grit and resilience. Its enduring presence across sports, film, and pop culture has cemented it as an anthem that continues to energize generations.
Who Told You That – Tucker Wetmore Tucker Wetmore leans into laid-back confidence on “Who Told You That,” turning rumors into a feel-good country anthem driven by infectious hooks, bold attitude, and easygoing charm. Crisp guitars, driving percussion, and a radio-ready chorus give the track an effortless momentum. It’s the perfect soundtrack for summer road trips, ballpark afternoons, and celebrating the win.
Goosebumps – Travis Scott With hypnotic bass, atmospheric production, and Travis Scott’s signature larger-than-life delivery, “Goosebumps” captures the anticipation that builds before unforgettable moments. A streaming powerhouse that has become a live-show favorite, its slow-burning intensity creates the kind of electric energy that keeps audiences locked in from start to finish.
Ohtani – Eladio Carrión Named after one of baseball’s most recognizable global stars, “Ohtani” channels elite performance through razor-sharp lyricism and sleek trap production. Eladio Carrión uses the reference as shorthand for excellence, ambition, and consistency, while the track became a standout within Latin hip-hop for its clever writing and cultural relevance.
BOOKER T– Bad Bunny “Booker T” thrives on swagger, confidence, and undeniable momentum. Powered by hard-hitting production and Bad Bunny’s charismatic performance, the song became a fan favorite that reinforced his global dominance. Its larger-than-life energy and instantly recognizable beat make it feel tailor-made for moments that demand maximum hype.
Find a Way – A Tribe Called Quest
A Tribe Called Quest’s “Find a Way” blends smooth jazz-influenced production with effortless chemistry, delivering a reminder that perseverance doesn’t always have to come through volume. Its laid-back groove and thoughtful lyricism have helped the track endure as a beloved classic, representing creativity, optimism, and timeless artistry.
DEGENERE – Myke Towers featuring Benny Blanco “DEGENERE” pairs Myke Towers’ melodic confidence with Benny Blanco’s polished, infectious production, creating a track that balances swagger with undeniable replay value. Its blend of Latin rhythms and modern pop sensibilities helped fuel strong streaming performance while showcasing the global reach of today’s Latin music landscape.
Poetry in Motion –SiR&Anderson .Paak “Poetry in Motion” lives up to its title with silky instrumentation, effortless grooves, and two artists operating at the top of their craft. SiR’s smooth vocals paired with Anderson .Paak’s unmistakable charisma create a track that celebrates precision and flow, earning praise from fans for its musicianship and understated cool.
American Cars – Noah Kahan “American Cars” pairs reflective storytelling with driving guitars and a soaring chorus, capturing the nostalgia, freedom, and quiet introspection that define so many summer moments. Warm, anthemic, and effortlessly singable, it’s a track built for open roads, golden hours, and memories that linger long after the season ends.
Just Wanna Rock – Lil Uzi Vert Clocking in at just over two minutes, “Just Wanna Rock” wastes no time delivering pure energy. Jersey club-inspired production, relentless tempo, and an infectious chant transformed the track into a viral phenomenon across social media and live events, making it one of the defining crowd-hyping records of its era.
What We Do – Freeway featuring JAY-Z & Beanie Sigel “What We Do” captures the relentless hustle that defines chasing greatness. Anchored by Just Blaze’s triumphant soul-sampling production and standout performances from Freeway, JAY-Z, and Beanie Sigel, the track has become a revered hip-hop classic whose urgency and resilience continue to resonate more than two decades later.
In Your Eyes – Alesso, OneRepublicand “In Your Eyes” showcases OneRepublic’s gift for crafting uplifting pop-rock anthems with soaring melodies and polished production. Driven by Ryan Tedder’s emotive vocals and an expansive chorus, the song radiates optimism and forward momentum while reinforcing the band’s reputation for emotionally resonant, arena-sized songwriting.
Motion Party –BossManDlow “Motion Party” is fueled by booming bass, quotable bars, and the confident delivery that has quickly made BossMan Dlow one of rap’s fastest-rising voices. The track’s infectious energy and growing popularity across streaming platforms and social media capture the excitement of an artist building undeniable momentum.
Iconic by Mistake – LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT & KATSEYE Bringing together three of K-pop’s most talked-about acts, “Iconic by Mistake” delivers glossy production, infectious hooks, and a message rooted in confidence and self-belief. The collaboration generated significant buzz among global fans, highlighting the genre’s ability to unite powerhouse talent while celebrating individuality and ambition.
Gemstone – Don Toliver Don Toliver’s “Gemstone” shines through atmospheric production, hypnotic melodies, and his unmistakable vocal style. The track balances luxury and ambition with a cinematic soundscape, reflecting the confidence of an artist who continues to expand his influence while delivering music built for immersive, high-energy moments.
Shabang– Drake “Shabang” pairs Drake’s effortless charisma with sleek production that balances swagger and celebration. Built on memorable flows and polished sonics, the track reinforces his ability to dominate cultural conversation while delivering the kind of infectious energy that naturally fuels communal moments and repeat listens.
Chris Stapleton, Ashley McBryde, Steve Earle to Perform at NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards
Jessica Nicholson (15/07/2026)
The awards are set for Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium.
The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is adding to its star power with newly-announced performances from Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton.
The awards ceremony is set for Sept. 22 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and will honor some of the top songs and songwriters of the year. The show will also feature performances from writers and/or artists including Jacob Davis, Ray Fulcher, Ben Johnson, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps, Lydia Vaughan, Neil Medley and more.
Vince Gill will be honored with the Kris Kristofferson lifetime achievement award, Paul Williams will be honored with the NSAI President’s keystone award, while Pendergrass will be celebrated as songwriter of the year and Riley Green will be feted as songwriter-artist of the year.
Other honors to be presented during the evening include accolades for song of the year, the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards and the legendary song award.
Stapleton and McBryde are both previous honorees in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category, with Stapleton being honored in 2024 (“White Horse”), 2022 (“You Should Probably Leave”), 2021 (“Starting Over”), 2018 (“Broken Halos”) and 2014 (the Luke Bryan-recorded “Drink A Beer”). McBryde was honored in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category in 2022 (“Never Wanted to Be That Girl”) and 2021 (“One Night Standards”).
Earle’s 1986 album Guitar Town is considered a classic, especially in the Americana genre, while his song “Copperhead Road” was named an official state song of Tennessee in 2023. In 2020, Earle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and he was made a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2025.
Tickets for the event go on sale starting July 17 10 a.m. CT at ryman.com.
