Author: Rap Hooks

Blanco Brown has left Wheelhouse Records/BMG to start his own label, Trailer Trap.

Brown is best known for 2019’s massive viral hit and dance “The Git Up,” which spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and has been certified five-times platinum by the RIAA. In 2021, he and former labelmates Parmalee reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Just the Way.” As a producer and songwriter, he has also worked with Monica, Pitbull, Fergie and 2 Chainz, among others.

His last project released on Wheelhouse was a trio of EPs released in 2024: Heartache & Lemonade, Cedar Walls & Whiskey and Back 2 Basics.

“I felt like I was being shelved. When I looked around and I saw everything that was going on,” Brown tells Billboard. “There’s no hard feelings over at BMG, but for me to have creative control, be able to put out stuff whenever I want to, that’s what I would rather do.”  Brown also praised Jon Loba, BMG’s president of Frontline Recordings for The Americas, for his support, but says, “he still couldn’t get people outside of the label to believe in me as much as he did.”

BMG representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

Brown says his BMG partnership was a licensing deal, so he retains ownership of his masters, as well as his name, likeness and website.

Trailer Trap takes its name from the term Brown coined years ago to describe his blend of country and rap music. He plans to sign artists, but for now, he’s working on a new project that he will release on the label. “Sometime next year, I’ll be dropping a very great project,” he says. I wish I could tell you the title, but I can’t right now, because I’m in between two or three different titles.” Following the release of that project, he will turn his focus to signing artists.

Brown has been in the news lately following the success of Breaking Rust, an AI-assisted artist that reached No. 1 in November on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart for a thumping track called “Walk My Walk.” People noticed the stylistic similarities to Brown’s music, and that Abraham Abushmais, one of the creators possibly associated with “Walk My Walk,” had worked with Brown on his label debut, 2019’s Honeysuckle & Lightning Bugs.

Brown made and released his own version of “Walk My Walk” nearly two weeks ago, and then on Friday (Dec. 5) released what he called a “derivative” version that had some changed lyrics. He also released an AI-created video for the song.

“When I first heard [‘Walk My Walk’], I said, ‘Man, this right here has a lot of grit, and it reminds me of my tone, but he doesn’t sound like me. I can just tell that I inspired him,” Brown says. “But it’s like putting the two pieces together, knowing that somebody I mentored actually created [Breaking Rust]. Then it all started making sense, because people were actually hitting me in my inbox and saying, ‘Hey, man, this song that’s going up the charts, and it seems like it could be No. 1 soon, it has a little reminiscent feel of how you approach songs.’ And you know, that’s how it all started.”

Brown says he had never used AI to create any music or videos before, and aside from the “Walk My Walk” video, still doesn’t plan to, but knows he may be in the minority as AI’s usage grows. “I could care less how people create music. When I create music, it’s because I got to get it out of my soul, off of my chest,” he says. “For other people, it’s about money. It’s about making a dime. Just like the industry, the industry is all about money, all about making a dime.”

The singer adds that he will not be signing AI-assisted artists to Trailer Trap’s roster. It will be “real creatives in the flesh,” he says. “That’s the way God intended for it to be because music can heal, break or destroy you.”

Kenshi Yonezu’s “IRIS OUT” is back at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 on the chart released Dec. 10.

The Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc theme is back at the summit after two weeks, logging its tenth week atop the list after debuting at No. 1 on Sept. 24 with the highest point total of the year.

Debuting at No. 2 is Number_i’s “LAVALAVA.” The track appears on the trio’s album No.II (Deluxe), released digitally Dec. 1, and moved 28,431 downloads to enter at No. 2 for the metric, while coming in at No. 33 for streaming, No. 1 for radio airplay and No. 8 for video views.

DOMOTO’s “Ai no Katamari” bows at No. 3. Originally released in 2001 as the B-side to KinKi Kids’ 13th single “Hey! Minna Genki Kai?”, the track has been newly arranged and recorded following the group’s name change from KinKi Kids to DOMOTO. The track debuts with 37,175 downloads to rule the metric, while hitting No. 3 for radio and No. 10 for video. The original KinKi Kids version also climbs, rising 88-56.

Morning Musume.’25’s “Teka HAPPY no HAPPY!” launches at No. 4. The lead track from the long-running girl group’s 76th single entitled “Teka HAPPY no HAPPY! / Watashi no Lamentazione” sold 102,753 copies to debut at No. 2 for sales, and enters at No. 15 for downloads.

In other Billboard Japan chart news, songs by Mrs. GREEN APPLE rise following the Dec. 5 announcement of their year-end wins for both Song and Artist of the Year. “Lilac,” the Song of the Year, moves 24–21, “Darling” climbs 27–23, and “KUSUSHIKI” rises 32–24, among other gains. On the albums side, Snow Man — whose best-of set claimed Album of the Year and Top Albums Sales — also rebounds on the Hot 100 with “CHARISMAX,” jumping 26–13 as streaming increases to 137% of last week and downloads to 247%.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Dec. 1 to 7, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English X account.

Marc Anthony climbs back to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart through the Wisin pair-up, “Que Me Quiera Ma,” as the song lifts 2-1 on the chart dated Dec. 13.

“Que Me Quiera Ma” was released Sept. 25 though Bolero Records –Marc Anthony’s new label distributed by Sony Music Latin. It claims the top spot in its 10th week, after spending six weeks in the top 10. During the tracking week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, it registered 9.5 million audience impressions in the United States, a 7% increase, according to Luminate.

As “Que Me Quiera Ma” ascends to No. 1 on the overall Latin radio list, it swaps places with Prince Royce’s bachata cover of the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” which slips 1-2 with 8.6 million audience impressions, down 12%.

“Que Me Quiera Ma” marks Marc Anthony’s 15th No. 1 on Latin Airplay. The singer last claimed the top spot with “Mala” in 2022. Since then, he has charted four straight top 10, including the No. 3-peaking “Ale Ale” in July 2024.
Wisin, meanwhile, secures his 24th No. 1 three months after “Luna,” with Kapo, claimed the crown in September.

“Que Me Quiera Ma” also takes over the Tropical Airplay chart with an equal 2-1 jump. There, Marc extends record-breaking run with 38 No. 1s. The song joins another Marc song, his rendition of “Feliz Navidad/ I Wanna Wish You A Merry Christmas,” at No. 14.

For Wisin, the new No. 1 marks his sixth and first in over three years, since the four-week peaking “Soy Yo,” with Don Omar and Gente de Zona (July 2022).

Banda MS & Fuerza Regida Join Forces on Regional Mexican Airplay: Elsewhere on the Latin charts, Banda MS and Fuerza Regida’s second collab proves successful as“Seguro Le Dolió” claims the top spot on Regional Mexican Airplay, earning the weekly Greatest Gainer honor, for the largest jump in impressions.

“Seguro Le Dolió” rallies 8-1 after a 23% growth in audience impressions during the tracking period, to 6.4 million. The song earns Banda MS its 22nd No. 1, breaking from a tie with Intocable for the second-most champs, and trailing only Calibre 50’s 27 rulers. Regida captures its eighth No. 1

The song also earns Banda MS its first top 10 of the year on Latin Airplay chart, after a 15-4 surge.

Kehlani achieves a first No. 1 as lead artist on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart as “Folded” crowns the listed Dec. 13. The single, released and promoted through Atlantic Records, ascends from the runner-up spot after becoming the most-played song on U.S. panel-contributing mainstream R&B/hip-hop radio stations for the tracking week of Nov. 28 – Dec. 4, according to Luminate. For its coronation week, “Folded” improved 2% in plays compared to the prior frame.

As “Folded” enters the summit, it unseats Chris Brown’s “It Depends,” featuring Bryson Tiller, from the top after a nine-week reign. The former champ slips one rung after shedding 2% in weekly plays.

Prior to “Folded,” Kehlani landed in the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay penthouse via a feature on Cardi B’s “Ring,” which ruled for one week in November 2018. As a lead artist, Kehlani’s previous best showing was a No. 2 result for “Beautiful Lies,” a collaboration with Yung Bleu, in March 2022.

In addition to “Folded,” Kehlani claims two more songs on this week’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. They once again support Cardi B, but this time on the rapper’s “Safe,” which slides 7-8 on the chart (down 11%) after it peaked at No. 3 last month. Plus, Kehlani’s own “Folded” follow-up, “Out the Window” pushes 32-30 in its third week on the chart thanks to a 9% jump in weekly plays.

Elsewhere, “Folded” continues to make impact across a slate of airplay charts. It earns a fifth frame at its No. 2 high on the audience-based R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, where, despite settling for a silver medal again, it increased 1% to 21.1 million in audience listenership for the week. A former Rhythmic Airplay champ – it headed the list for a week in October – “Folded” backtracks 7-8 at that format (down 2%), but improved in plays on Adult R&B Airplay (up 13% for a 23-21 rise) and Pop Airplay (up 1%, though it reverses 30-31 in rank).

With its combination of leading support from the mainstream R&B/hip-hop and rhythmic sectors, plus the building results from adult R&B and mainstream top-40 pop stations, “Folded” repeats at its No. 9 best on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. There, it added 2% more in audience impressions for the tracking week, up to 36.1 million.

Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama — which was rebranded for this year’s event as Morgan Wallen‘s Sand in My Boots Festival — will not return in 2026, according to city officials and executives at AEG.

The mayor of Gulf Shores originally told the City Council that the 2026 version of the festival was canceled due to a lack of available artists, according to People. During a public meeting, Mayor Robert Craft said, “We will refuse to let them go back to the acts we’ve had before, so they couldn’t do it,” adding, “So they canceled the 2026 event but they’ve got time now to pursue the type of talent we want on our beaches, to invite the right audience that we want on our beaches.”

Craft later clarified his comments, issuing a written statement that read: “The city’s initial 10-year franchise agreement for the Hangout Music Festival was scheduled to conclude following the 2025 event. The city elected to defer consideration of the requested extension until the festival’s outcomes could be evaluated, with input from our residents.”

The country music festival began as Hangout Music Festival, created by A.J. Niland, Shaul Zislin and Lilly Zislin in 2009. In 2015, AEG-owned Goldenvoice entered a partnership to produce the festival and programmed the 40,000-person festival and continued operating the event through 2024 with headliners Lana Del Rey, Zach Bryan and ODESZA. Last year, the festival was rebranded with Morgan Wallen as the title artist, with support from Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, Hardy, T-Pain, Diplo, The War on Drugs, 3 Doors Down and Future Islands.

Craft added that “this year’s festival received overwhelming community support, and in late July, the City Council approved a two‑year extension” for the festival to return in May 2026. “However, the compressed timeline created by this decision did not provide organizers sufficient runway to produce a successful festival in 2026. As a result, the producers have elected not to proceed with a 2026 event.”

Officials with AEG issued their own statement about the festival, telling Billboard, “The decision to not move forward with a festival for 2026 was tied to Hangout Festival and the permitting approval timeline for the site. We will share news about future events at the site at the appropriate time.”

Craft noted that Gulf Shores officials expected the festival to return in 2027, noting, “We appreciate that they are being thoughtful in creating a lineup that will be impactful to our local economy. All parties are focused on planning a strong and well‑executed music festival, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2027.”

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.

It’s never too early to start planning your holiday shopping. With the holiday season quickly approaching, finding thoughtful gifts that won’t break the bank can feel like a challenge. To make your gift-giving stress-free and budget-friendly, we’ve put together a list of 17 gifts that are worth adding to your shopping list, all priced $10 or under.

From Rihanna-approved accessories to ear-safe headphones, this gift guide has something special for everyone, even music lovers. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends or colleagues, these affordable options are sure to bring a smile to someone’s face, without breaking the bank in turn. Keep in mind: Some of these gifts also make great stocking stuffers or white elephant gifts, like the Jessica Simpson Heart Ring set, the Tonymoly Head to Toe Superstars Mask Set and the E.l.f Reviver Lip Oil. From big gifts to dainty items, there is something for everyone on your list.

Scroll down and select one or more of your favorite gifts under $10. With this list, you’ll be sure to find something that’s both budget-friendly and special.

Polaroid Go Camera Clip

$5.49 $10.99 50% off

Buy Now at polaroid

A camera clip for your Polaroid camera.

---

This Polaroid Go camera clip is a physical accessory that attaches to your Polaroid Go camera, making your camera extremely portable. The clip is in red, black and white. With this clip, you can attach your camera to your bag, like a bag charm, keeping it at arm’s length every time for snapping key moments.

iPhone Fast Charger

$8.98 $29.99 70% off

Buy Now at walmart

A pack of two fast chargers.

---

There’s nothing worse than your phone dying out on you when you’re busy or in a rush. Gifting a fast charger like this two-pack from Walmart is perfectly practical and can save you or your loved one in a pinch. This charger is compatible with multiple iPhone models, specifically the 14, 13, 12 and 11.

Onn Eight Inch Tabletop RGB LED Ring Light with Tripod

$9

Buy Now at walmart

A rainbow ring light with a built-in tripod.

---

Snapping a selfie or taking a video for TikTok has never been so easy with this Eight Inch Tabletop Ringlight from Walmart. Retailing for $9, the ringlight flashes in rainbow hues or a clear, bright light that illuminates your videos or photos, making them look like they were taken professionally. The ring light comes equipped with a built-in tripod that gives stability to filming or snapping photos. It’s safe to say this will step up your content game tenfold.

20000 mAh Portable Charger Power Bank Dual USB Battery Pack

$9.99 $29.99 67% off

Buy Now at walmart

A battery pack in black.

---

This 20000 mAh Portable Charger Power Bank Dual USB Battery Pack is yet another charging item that you can take with you in a pinch. The brick is fast-charging and comes with a cable compatible with tons of tech, including the iPhone, iPad, Galaxy, Android, Pixel and Tablet. For $9.99, this charging bank is a no-brainer and a small item that would make an amazing stocking stuffer for the techie in your life.

ZOHAN Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones with Velvet Bag, Blue

$9.99

Buy Now at walmart

Bright blue over-the-ear headphones.

---

These noise-canceling headphones are just $10, and they’re on-par with some of the more pricey models we’ve seen. The ZOHAN wireless style comes in four total colors and sits over-the-ear. They offer effective noise-canceling to protect delicate ears from loud noises, ensuring safety. We’d recommend buying these for your little ones, but adults can partake too, obviously. 

Aolcev USB C Cable 66W Fast USB A to USB C Charging Cord 3.3FT

$9.99

Buy Now On Amazon

A beaded charging cord.

---

Who said tech had to be boring? This beaded charging cord is 3.3 feet, giving you a wide range of movement once your phone is plugged in. This is a USB-C Cable, meaning it is compatible with any device with a USB-C port. It’s also fast-charging, meaning you won’t have to spend too long plugged in. With all the colorful beaded accents, you’ll never mistake your charger for someone else’s ever again.

Logitech – M196 Lightweight Bluetooth Wireless Optical Mouse

$9.74

Buy Now at bestbuy

A wireless pink mouse.

---

This wireless mouse from Logitech is comparable to styles we’ve seen from top brands. The difference? This mouse is only $9.74. The wireless style is portable due to its compact size and pairs with your laptop or tablet in seconds via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for a dongle or port. It also comes in a cute pastel pink hue if you’re looking to make your gaming setup a little more fun.

Unisex Daily Essential Quarter Socks

$9 $14 36% off

Buy Now at lululemon

Ankle-length socks.

---

Socks as gifts can get a bad rep, but these ones from Lululemon will never leave you disappointed. The Quarter ankle-length sock currently retails for $9 and comes in a slew of stylish pastel hues, although our favorite has to be the white with pink stripes. The fabric used to make these socks is stretchy and breathable, meaning you won’t have to suffer the dreaded foot sweat for style.

Holiday Time 14.5 Oz Red Bow Ceramic Mug

$4.48

Buy Now at walmart

A cute holiday ceramic mug.

---

Mugs are a cozy and reliable gift that virtually everyone loves. They’re very useful and look great, especially when smattered with a ton of bows like this one from Walmart. This one’s made of ceramic, giving it durability, and comes with a large bow handle in a festive red hue.

Auden Women’s Arbor Plush Scuff Slippers

$10

Buy Now at target

Plush non-slip slippers.

---

If you or someone you love is a homebody, you have to gift them these ultra-cozy slippers from Target. The Auden Arbor Plush Scuff style comes in an array of colors, although we’re partial to the pink, and retails for just $10. The body of the slipper is made of a plush, heat-wicking faux-fur material and fixed with a velvet bow. The soles are non-slip, a much-needed touch for when you’re walking around the house.

Hello Kitty And Friends Sweetheart Blind Box Mini Tumbler

$9.05 $12.90 30% off

Buy Now at hot topic

A blind box inspired by Hello Kitty.

---

Blind boxes were all the rage this year. The mystery boxes are still likely on wishlists for kids and adults alike. If you’ve been tasked with gifting a trinket lover, then they’re sure to love this Hello Kitty And Friends Sweetheart Blind Box Mini Tumbler. The whimsical blind box is inspired by Hello Kitty and all her pals. You’ll have the option to pull one of six tumblers featuring all the beloved Sanrio characters on the front. The collectible is a unique keepsake and one we can see our readers decorating desks or shelves with.

Ulta Beauty x Mini Brands Pops Plush Keychains

$7.49 $9.99 25% off

Buy Now at ulta beauty

A mini plushie blind box from Ulta Beauty.

---

Like the blind box mentioned earlier, this Ulta Beauty x Mini Brands Pops Plush Keychains blind box comes with a collectible item, but with a twist. You’ll pull a keychain that can be attached to your bag or keys. The figure you pick will be holding a mini version of an Ulta Beauty product, a fun beauty lover-approved touch.

Tony Moly Head to Toe Superstars Mask Set

Buy Now ulta Beauty $10 $10

A set of sheet masks.

---

If you’re too busy to treat yourself or your loved one to a spa day, or you don’t want to shell out on expensive treatments, may we present you with Tony Moly’s Head to Toe Superstars Mask Set? Retailing for $10, the mask set comes with everything you’ll need to feel pampered, down to the soles of your feet. These masks are all scented and work to hydrate the skin.

Icon No Crease Hair Clip Set

$10

Buy Now at urban outfitters

Two hair clips with bows.

---

Flat hair clips have been utilized by the likes of Solange, Rihanna and more to add a stylish touch to their updos, or to keep their hair back while makeup is being applied. These $10 clips from Urban Outfitters are uniquely suited for both purposes thanks to the bow detailing. They also won’t put creases in your hair, leaving your updo dent-free. These make a cute stocking stuffer for the beauty and fashion-obsessed person in your life.

Kintion Pocket Mirror

$9.99 $14.99 33% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A pocket-size mirror.

---

If you’re on the hunt for a stocking stuffer, this pocket-sized mirror is a must-add to your cart. It’s the ultimate makeup essential for on-the-go touch-ups. With its built-in lighting, it provides just the right amount of light for flawless results.

Jessica Simpson Heart Ring Set

$8.96

Buy Now at walmart

A four piece of rings from Jessica Simpson.

---

If you’re looking for a dainty yet meaningful gift, consider adding this Jessica Simpson Heart Ring set to your cart. This versatile set allows you to layer the rings for a personalized, stylish look., featuring designs ranging from heart-shaped to star-shaped.

E.l.f Glow Reviver Lip Oil

$9

Buy Now at target

A lip oil from E.l.f.

---

Looking for a stocking stuffer beauty gift? This e.l.f Glow Reviver Lip Oil gives you an ultra-glossy look with a non-sticky formula. This lip oil glides effortlessly with its plush cushion applicator, giving your lips a luscious and hydrated shine. Plus, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free, making it a feel-good choice for your beauty routine.

Start your holiday shopping off right by adding one (or a few) of these affordable finds to your cart. You can also get creative and put together your own custom gift basket with all your favorite items. This is a great opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind gift that’s both meaningful and personal, giving it that extra special touch — whether they’re a Swiftie or a Sabrina Carpenter fan.

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard’s 50 unique gifts for music lovers, these top 10 musical instruments for kids, the best portable gadgets under $50 and Rihanna’s-approved Savage x Fenty holiday must-haves for all ages.