Author: Rap Hooks

The latest trial in a long-running legal battle pitting T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris against toy company MGA ended in a loss for the power couple — but they’re still walking away with millions of dollars.  

Lawyers for T.I. and Tiny confirmed on Wednesday (July 1) that a federal jury rejected their request to tack additional damages onto the $18 million they previously won from MGA — the toy behemoth behind successful brands like Bratz and Little Tikes — for copying their teen pop group OMG Girlz with a line of “O.M.G.” dolls. At this trial, T.I. and Tiny argued that MGA should pay extra because the infringement was intentional and malicious. But the jury was unconvinced, rejecting the couple’s request to add so-called punitive damages.

In a statement to Billboard, the Harrises’ attorneys said they “appreciate the jury’s time and consideration but are disappointed in the verdict.”

“It’s clear from the evidence that MGA’s policies are inadequate to prevent this type of IP infringement and their document retention and collection procedures are equally as suspect,” said the musicians’ lawyers. “We will continue to fight for our clients’ rights and the rights of all creatives.”

Reps for MGA did not immediately return requests for comment on the verdict.

This was the fourth trial in six years of litigation over the O.M.G. dolls. T.I and Tiny began alleging in 2020 that MGA’s dolls ripped off the name, outfits and neon-colored hair of the OMG Girlz, a trio founded by the Harrises in 2009 and featuring their daughter Zonnique Pullins alongside Bahja Rodriguez and Breaunna Womack. MGA has consistently denied any infringement.

An initial trial in the case ended in a mistrial in 2023 due to improper testimony about racism, and a jury cleared MGA of all wrongdoing at a second trial the same year. But that verdict was wiped on appeal amid evolving Supreme Court precedent, teeing up a third trial in 2024. That time, a jury found that MGA intentionally copied the OMG Girlz and awarded $18 million in profits, plus $53 million in punitive damages for a total of $71 million.

Last summer, however, a judge wiped out the punitive damages after determining that the Harrises had not put forth “clear and convincing evidence of willful infringement or conscious disregard for the rights of others.” This led to a fourth mini-trial this month solely on the question of punitive damages, in which jurors sided with MGA on Wednesday and capped the verdict at $18 million.

New evidence has emerged in Pooh Shiesty’s robbery case alleging that the Memphis rapper forced Gucci Mane to sign his release from 1017 Records at gunpoint while on federal home confinement.

After Shiesty’s (born Lontrell Williams Jr.) bail was denied in Texas federal court in May, the “Back in Blood” rapper’s attorneys filed a motion to review his detention orders. On June 24, prosecutors responded with a filing, viewed by Billboard, that alleges they have strong proof of Shiesty’s guilt — including video footage of the alleged armed robbery and kidnapping, along with a copy of the “release of contract” Mane was allegedly forced to sign to free Shiesty from his label deal.

The prosecution claims that the footage shows Mane in the studio being forced to declare that Shiesty was “dropped” from 1017 and out of his contract. Prosecutors also allege that the video matches the victims’ accounts of the robbery, which took place in January at a Dallas recording studio. An 8GB USB drive was also put forth as evidence by the prosecution, with a photo of the device included in the court documents.

Prosecutors allege that the “release of contract” agreement constitutes a “full termination and release” of Shiesty from his deal with 1017 Records, which signed him in 2020.

“Reference is hereby made to the agreement between 1017 Global Music LLC (‘Company’) and Lontrell Williams p/k/a Pooh Shiesty (‘Artist’) dated as of April 1, 2020 (the ‘Agreement’),” the paperwork allegedly reads. “The following, when signed by Artist and by Company (collectively the ‘Parties’), will constitute a full Termination and Release of the Agreement by the Parties.”

Shiesty, along with his father, Lontrell Williams Sr., and rapper Big30 (Rodney Lamont Wright Jr.), were among eight individuals arrested on April 1 over the alleged dispute, which is said to have taken place on Jan. 10 in Dallas.

Prosecutors previously alleged that Shiesty and his co-conspirators drew guns and barricaded Mane’s team inside the recording studio while they forced Mane to sign the release. The group is accused of stealing jewelry, Rolex watches and cash during the alleged altercation.

Shiesty’s trial was originally set for July, before being pushed back to Feb. 22, 2027. The Memphis rapper remains in custody.

In the wake of Clive Davis‘ passing, much has been written by others about the music executive’s accomplishments — but Davis also recently discussed those accomplishments in his own words. Only a few months before his death, the industry legend sat down for a Zoom interview with a former executive who worked for him, in which he reflected on his long career.

Rick Bleiweiss — a former senior vp of sales for Arista Records and, before that, Island Records, who also served as a senior vp of marketing and field operations for Arista’s distributor, BMG Distribution — interviewed Davis in December. The interview is wide-ranging, covering his early career as a corporate lawyer and later transition to general counsel for Columbia Records before becoming president of that label in 1965.

From there, the interview covered some of his biggest signings and his dealings with the likes of Janis Joplin, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen and Santana.

Bleiweiss — who has since become an executive in the book publishing industry as well as a mystery author, with three books in the Pidnon Scorpion series, among other writings — also got Davis to talk in depth about his termination from Arista by executives from the label’s parent, BMG, and, even more revealingly, about his subsequent business demands in starting up J Records. Davis’ versions of those stories are even more detailed than last week’s memorial column on him by another former Davis executive, Charles Goldstuck. (Davis was also interviewed by his son, Fred Davis, in May at the Amplify Music Investment Summit.)

To watch the full almost 60-minute interview, follow this link, provided to Billboard by Bleiweiss.

Tencent Music, Billboard China and Billboard Korea have officially announced the winners of the inaugural cross-market fan voting initiative recognizing standout K-pop artists across four categories.

Based on the combined results from both the China and Korea voting channels, the final winners are:

Boy Group: SEVENTEEN 《THUNDER》

Girl Group: i-dle 《나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까 (Fate)》

Male Solo: THE8 《Cold Love》

Female Solo: NINGNING 《Ketchup And Lemonade (NINGNING Solo)》

The project combines editorial curation with fan participation. Nominees were selected based on their performance on the Tencent Music Korean Chart alongside recommendations from Billboard Korea‘s editorial team, with final results determined through fan voting. The awards recognize artists who demonstrated both strong chart performance and broad fan support.

The campaign featured four categories — Boy Group, Girl Group, Male Solo and Female Solo — highlighting both group and solo artists across the K-pop landscape.

In the Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China voting channel, EXO topped the Boy Group category with “Crown,” while i-dle’s “Fate” led the Girl Group category. THE8 earned the top spot in Male Solo with “Cold Love,” and NINGNING topped the Female Solo category with “Ketchup And Lemonade (NINGNING Solo).”

The final winners were determined by combining results from the China and Korea voting channels. Voting in both markets produced the same winners in the Male Solo and Female Solo categories. In the Korea voting channel, BTS’ “Body to Body” topped the Boy Group category, while BLACKPINK’s “JUMP” led the Girl Group vote.

The combined results highlight both the strong alignment in audience tastes across markets and the subtle differences in fan preferences, offering an interesting snapshot of how music resonates with listeners in different regions.

The inaugural cross-market initiative marks a new collaboration between Billboard China, Billboard Korea and Tencent Music, bringing together chart performance, editorial curation and fan participation in a cross-market initiative. The project also reflects a broader effort to explore new ways of connecting music fans across different markets through Billboard’s global network.

BRISBANE, Australia — Harvey Lister, president and CEO for the Asia Pacific and Middle East region, is calling time on a career in live entertainment that clocks in at more than a half century.

Lister will continue to support the company over the next 12 months in a senior advisor role, according to a statement issued this week by Legends Global, a role that sees him support the transition of the business and focus on several “major pipeline projects.”

With his decision, Lister frees up precious time to dedicate to his wife Margie, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease. Lister’s official departure date is June 30, 2027.

“The APAC region is performing strongly, delivering some of our best financial and operational results we’ve ever achieved which reflects what we are seeing right across the Legends Global group,” explains Lister in a corporate release. “It’s a good time to transition out of the business when it is at the absolute top, with a strong pipeline of projects into the future. I’m looking forward to assisting the transition of the business into safe hands with Peter Loxton and our long-term leadership team.”

At the same time, long-serving APAC/MENA COO Peter Loxton leads the region, effective July 1, reporting to Legends Global CEO, Dan Levy. Meanwhile, Paul Sergeant continues to lead the group’s activities across the Middle East and Asian regions as executive VP.

“I am honoured to be leading Legends Global (APAC) from today,” writes Loxton in a LinkedIn post. “Harvey didn’t hire me, he took a chance and backed me into a joint venture in 2011, we won a project and when that finished, offered me a job. Since then we, and the APAC team, have grown the business, faced many challenges and made a difference. My best wishes to Harvey and his family and I look forward to his guidance into the bright future ahead.”

Lister has been saluted on several occasions in recognition of his service to the arts, tourism, sport and to the venue management and events industries. One of the finest came five years ago, when Lister was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s 2021 Birthday Honours list. Just last year, he was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

From its regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, Legends Global books, operates and manages a
network of venues that includes Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong; and 50% ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Optus Stadium, Perth, plus arenas, theaters and convention centers across the region.

Lister cut his teeth as a store announcer at retailer Myer before a pivot into PR for two shopping centers. During a stint with 4IP radio, he created the Queensland Rock Music Awards. Then, in 1975, Lister launched a concert and event management business, working closely with promoters to tour live bands such as Sherbet, Skyhooks and AC/DC’s first ever tour.  

Years later, and after a series of mergers, Lister secured management for Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Cairns Convention Centre, Sydney’s Olympic Stadium (now known as Accor Stadium), a network of cultural centers and live theaters in Perth, Brisbane’s 52,000 seat Suncorp Stadium and the Darwin Convention Centre. 

Lister was a key figure in the 2019 merger of AEG Facilities and SMG, two of the world’s leading venue management and services companies, in a “game changer” deal for the live industry, he remarked at that time.

“Harvey is a ‘once in a generation’ visionary, and I was lucky enough to meet him in the early days of commercial radio in Brisbane in the early 1970s,” explains decades-long business partner Rod Pilbeam. “We shared a joint love of live entertainment and since then an amazing career, business, and lifelong friendship.”

Legends Global CEO Levy hailed Lister “for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the industry globally. “

As many can attest, he continues, “Harvey is never short on stories and he is held in the highest regard around the world in the live entertainment industry. Through hard work, commercial acumen, and sheer determination, he has created countless opportunities for artists, promoters, major government and venue owners, and business partners throughout his incredible 50-year journey.

“One of Harvey’s greatest legacies is a strong team of capable leaders and the successful business he has built across APAC and MENA. I look forward to developing that further with Peter Loxton and his leaders.”

At Sunday’s 2026 BET Awards, there were a lot of highlights, including Janet Jackson presenting Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year award, a jam-session tribute to late neo-soul star D’Angelo, and Cardi B’s motorcycle-riding victory lap. But the show-ending celebration of Living Legend Icon award recipient Lauryn Hill stood out as something truly special.

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are discussing the overwhelmingly positive response to Sunday’s show and what other awards shows might be able to learn from it. The biggest takeaway seems to be the welcome return of Lauryn Hill, who enthusiastically enjoyed performances of her songs by Doja Cat, SZA, Lizzo, Doechii, Queen Latifah, Nas and more, as well as three of her children: Selah, YG and Zion Marley. Hill also gave a beautiful speech and performed two songs — “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything” — to wrap up the loving tribute.

Listen to our full conversation about what the BET Awards got right below:

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Ella Langley two-steps her way back to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart with “Choosin’ Texas,” how the top three on the Hot 100 are all country songs by women — for the first time ever — and how the Toy Story 5 soundtrack debuts on the Billboard 200 this week, becoming the highest-charting Toy Story soundtrack yet.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)