Author: Rap Hooks

Drake addresses what happened amid, and in the aftermath of, his fallout with Kendrick Lamar on new song “What Did I Miss?” — a track the Toronto rapper dropped unexpectedly at midnight (July 5).

On the surprise single Drake calls out those who turned their backs on him: “You n—-s just better not ask for no favors,” he warns. “It’s love for my brothers and death to a traitor.”

“I don’t give a f– if you love me/ I don’t give a f— if you like me/ Askin’ me ‘How did it feel?’/ Can’t say it didn’t surprise me/ Last time I looked to my right/ You n—-s was standing beside me/ How can some people I love/ Hang around pussies who try me?/ Let’s go,” says Drake, wrapping an introspective chorus with one question on repeat: “What did I miss?”

Later, he references sightings at Kendrick’s 2024 Pop Out show, lamenting, “It feels like nobody’s there until you start givin’ out two-tones/ And nobody cares until they in front of your tombstone/ Y’all been on that type of timing for too long/ Iceman, Tiffany blue stones/ I done made plenty s— right out of two wrongs/ S—, let’s go.”

On a third verse, he raps, “What did I miss?/ When I was looking at y’all and cooking with y’all/ And giving out verses and bookings to y’all/ Making sure wires were hit/ Man, what did I miss?/ When you was all in my crib lookin’ at hoes/ Word for word at all of the shows/ You always felt like this, man?/ What did I miss?”

“What Did I Miss?” was penned by Drake, produced by London Cyr, O Lil Angel, DJ LEWIS, FNZ, Elyas, GYZ, Tay Keith, OZ and Patron, and released via OVO/Republic on streaming services.

Ahead of the song’s premiere, fans caught an unannounced livestream on Friday that had Drake clocking in at an Iceman warehouse, where he went from sipping coffee on break to launching into a solo performance of the new track: first surrounded by rifles on the break room TV screen, and then among ice blocks in the warehouse freezer. The footage also had him driving an Iceman truck around the city and making small talk with fans approaching his vehicle: “Iceman, man, you already know,” Drake said at one point. “C’mon, bro, you already know.”

Drake didn’t upload the event to his channels after streaming, but fans captured and shared the clip across social media, speculating “Iceman” is his new album era.

Stream Drake’s new song “What Did I Miss?” below.

Kelly Clarkson‘s 4th of July opening of her Studio Sessions concert series, a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, was canceled shortly before she was expected to take the stage Friday night. The singer said both of her shows this weekend, scheduled for July 4 and July 5, would not go on.

Clarkson’s announcement was released around 6:30 p.m. local time. Ticketmaster lists her show time as 8 p.m.

“We have been working 24/7 to make Studio Sessions the most intimate and extraordinary experience with and for my incredible fans. I am beyond grateful that you always show up for me and I am devastated to have to postpone tonight and tomorrow’s opening at Caesars,” the pop star, who’s the original American Idol and now a daytime talk show host, wrote in a statement shared on Instagram Friday evening (July 4).

“The prep and rehearsals have taken a toll on my voice,” said Clarkson. “I want the shows to be perfect for y’all and I need to protect myself from doing serious damage so I am taking this weekend and next week to rest up so that we can deliver what you all deserve.”

She added, “The show is truly incredible. The musicians and singers are outstanding, and I want us all to start out strong.  I can’t wait to be back next weekend and show y’all what we’ve been working on.”

Kelly Clarkson: Studio Sessions was announced in early February. Clarkson expressed excitement about returning to Vegas following 2023 and 2024 residencies at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Her 2025 residency was set to kick off on the 4th of July and run through mid-August, before a break that would have her going back to The Colosseum for four dates in November.

Clarkson is now expected to open the show on Friday, July 11.

Morgan Wallen logs his 18th No. 1 — and the fourth from his album I’m the Problem — on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart as “Just in Case” ascends two spots to the top of the survey dated July 12.

The single surged 22% to 29.4 million audience impressions June 27-July 3, according to Luminate.

Wallen co-authored the song, and Joey Moi produced it.

The ballad becomes the fourth Country Airplay chart-topper among the 37 songs on Wallen’s blockbuster I’m the Problem, which has led Top Country Albums and the Billboard 200 in its first six weeks of release. The title track dominated for eight weeks beginning in April, “Love Somebody” ruled for three weeks in February, and “Lies Lies Lies” led for a week last November.

Notably, as we pass the halfway point this year, Wallen’s latest Country Airplay No. 1 marks his third of 2025 — no other act has more than one. In 2024, he became the first artist to roll up five leaders in a single year since the list launched in 1990: “Lies Lies Lies”; “Cowgirls,” featuring Ernest; Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Wallen; “Man Made a Bar,” featuring Eric Church, and Thomas Rhett’s “Mamaw’s House,” featuring Wallen.

Rhett’s Milestone 25th Top 10

Speaking of Thomas Rhett, he claims his 25th Country Airplay top 10 with his co-authored “After All the Bars Are Closed.” The single pushes 12-9 (19 million, up 15%). It follows “Beautiful as You,” which hit No. 2 in November. His first top 10, “It Goes Like This,” became his first of 20 No. 1s in October 2013.

Bryan’s Top 10 ‘Country Song’

Luke Bryan scores his 37th Country Airplay top 10 as “Country Song Came On” lifts 11-10 (18.1 million, up 8%). “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” awarded the American Idol judge his prior top 10 (No. 2 last October). His rookie entry “All My Friends Say” hit No. 5 in 2007, while “Rain Is a Good Thing” became his first of 26 No. 1s in 2010.

Bryan ties Reba McEntire for the 10th-most Country Airplay 10s (surpassing Garth Brooks’ 36). Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and George Strait lead the pack with 61 each.

David Joseph, longtime chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK, has been appointed CEO of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), beginning in September. Joseph brings over 17 years of leadership in the music industry, having transformed UMUK into a global force before leaving the biz completely late last year. Known for his collaborative approach, Joseph has also championed social impact initiatives, including neurodiversity in the workplace through UMG’s “Creative Differences” handbook and community advocacy as chair of the Grenfell Foundation. He served as executive producer of the Oscar-winning Amy documentary and has produced the acclaimed BRIT Awards. Joseph succeeds Andy Haldane and will lead the 271-year-old nonprofit’s global mission to drive social progress through ideas and action in education, the arts, manufacturing and commerce. “David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary,” said Lloyd Grossman, chair of the RSA. “We are thrilled that David will join us, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world.”

Chrysalis Records, part of the Reservoir group, bumped up Tina McBye to senior vice president of commercial music operations. Based in London, she will report to COO Alison Wenham and continue leading commercial music operations across the group, including Blue Raincoat Music, Blue Raincoat Artists and labels like New State and Tommy Boy. Since joining in 2023, Tina has built a robust department supporting releases, catalog acquisitions and neighboring rights management. With a background at PPL and PRS, she brings deep expertise in neighboring rights. “Since [McBye] joined the company, she has made an enormous and transformative contribution to the development of our operations capability,” said Alison Wenham, chief operating officer, adding that she’ll continue focusing on the Chrysalis roster but will also take the lead in shaping and overseeing commercial music operations across the broader Blue Raincoat Group.

Rusty Gaston, the CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s board of officers and trustees. Jody Williams Songs founder Jody Williams was reelected as board chair, while other re-elected executive officers include Vince Gill (president), Al Giombetti (evp), David Ross (secretary) and Ernie Williams (treasurer). Ross, Ernie Williams and Jody Williams were also reelected as trustees. Other returning trustees include Mark Bloom, David Conrad, J. William Denny, Rod Essig, Al Giombetti, Ken Levitan and Mary Ann McCready, while returning officers include Earl Bentz, Sara Finley, Becky Gardenhire, Lon Helton, Clint Higham, Cindy Mabe, Gary Overton, Jim Seabury, Bill Simmons, Clarence Spalding, Chris Stewart, Troy Tomlinson, Jay Turner, Marcus Whitney and Tim Wipperman. –Jessica Nicholson

NASHVILLE NOTES: PR executive Krista Dykes launched the podcast booking and publicity agency She Laughs Media. Dykes most recently served as senior media relations manager at PLA Media and served as media relations manager at the Country Music Association from 2015-2023 … Big Machine Label Group hired director of digital marketing Sarah Bertrand. She spent the last three years with UMGN, where she was a digital marketing manager … Ailie Birchfield joined MCA as a publicist, marking a return to the company. She served as director of media marketing when it was known as UMGN, prior to a 2021 move to New York. She also runs the Nashville-based PR firm The Birchfield Group. (Want more Nashville-centric industry news? Subscribe to Tom Roland’s Country Update newsletter here.)

WMA, a global digital marketing and creative agency, appointed Andy Saiker as head of PR, socia and marketing for the UK and Europe. Effective immediately, the Londoner will oversee the PR and social teams and help expand WMA’s global marketing operations in the region. He brings experience from Warner Music, BMG Production Music and most recently, TikTok, where as senior partnerships manager for the last few years he led successful campaigns like Team GB x TikTok and StemDrop. “Andy’s deep understanding of music and digital culture makes him an incredible addition to the agency,” said Crystina Cinti, global vp at WMA.

Sotaro Nishida is now executive officer and senior vp of audio at Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA), a newly established role in which he will lead both the consumer and professional audio divisions, focusing on expanding the company’s presence in the U.S. market.Previously CEO of Yamaha Unified Communications, Nishida brings over 20 years of global experience, including roles in Europe, Japan and Latin America. His leadership follows YCA’s 2024 integration of unified communications operations. Based in Southern California, Nishida is expected to drive growth in the U.S. market, building on Yamaha’s strong presence in live sound, commercial and home audio.

Wiles + Taylor, a Nashville-based entertainment business management firm, elevated Lizzy Stone and Amy Gellick to account manager as part of five internal promotions. Stone, who joined in 2018, is active in several industry organizations and was part of the 2024 ACM LEVel Up Cohort. Gellick, with the firm since 2016, serves on the boards of the Women’s Music Business Association and SOLID. Karla Stafford, a 20-year veteran of the firm, is now director of financial reporting and compliance, while David Zeigler and David Murray have both been promoted to business manager. Zeigler joined in 2018 and is known for his passion for live music and travel, and Murray, a CPA, has been with W+T since 2016.

Audacy is shutting down Pineapple Street Studios, its podcast production arm, as part of a broader restructuring effort, resulting in approximately 30 layoffs. Founded in 2016 and acquired by Audacy (then Entercom) for $18 million in 2019, Pineapple Street was known for producing original and companion podcasts for major streaming platforms, including House of the Dragon, Severance and The Last of Us. The closure follows earlier reports of a potential sale and the February departure of co-founder Jenna Weiss-Berman, who has since joined Paper Kite Productions. Audacy will continue select Pineapple Street projects under its newly formed Audacy Podcasts division, including The Severance Podcast, now produced in collaboration with Red Hour and Great Scott.

Zebralution, a digital music distributor, announced key leadership changes to support its global expansion. William Hallström has been promoted to head of international business development while continuing as svp for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics. In this dual role, he’ll connect global teams with the Berlin headquarters and strengthen international operations. Hallström, who reports to Michael Schick in Berlin, brings experience from Universal Music and Sony Music. Additionally, Harry Barrett joins as sales and marketing manager UK/Dance Stores, bringing expertise from IDOL, while Zhenya Ivanova, formerly a playlist editor at Spotify, becomes sales and marketing manager in the U.S., based in New York. Both Barrett and Ivanov report to Lisa Riepe, head of sales and marketing.

The California Copyright Conference (CCC) announced its newly elected officers and board of directors for the 2025–2026 season. Carolyn Soyars (Disney Music Group) will serve as president, joined by Jonathan Lane, Alexandra Guzman, Sarah Brockman and Janelle Hawkes in key officer roles. Re-elected board members include Kristina Benson, Reggie Calloway, and Cheryl Dickerson. New board members are Lily Kline-Koenig, Melanie Santa Rosa, Patrick Smith, and alternate Jack Mangikyan. Several members are continuing their second terms. CCC, founded in 1953, has over 300 global members and provides educational events and resources on copyright and music industry developments.

Last Week’s Turntable: Jody Gerson Joins Ancestry Board

BLACKPINK served up a sweet treat for BLINKs on Friday (July 4) when the K-pop group released a teaser that appeared to suggest new music on its social media accounts.

The clip itself is a simple one, featuring what resemble metallic pink racing marks speeding over a black screen as the music — thumping and club-ready — crescendos before it suddenly stops and a woman’s voice instructs “Jump” as the same word appears in dusty rose.

The post is captioned with a single question: “Ready to Jump?” No additional details were given.

Fans on the various social media platforms where the 17-second clip was shared were quick to express their excitement over what would be BLACKPINK’s first new music as a group since sophomore release Born Pink, which arrived in 2022 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Even Diplo jumped into the comments section on one of the Instagram posts, responding, “SO READY.”

YG Entertainment — the agency behind BLACKPINK — confirmed to Forbes in June that the quartet would debut a new song during the kickoff show of its upcoming global trek titled DEADLINE WORLD TOUR; the first two shows are set for July 5 and 6 at Goyang Stadium in Seoul, South Korea.

Fans first started suspecting that new music may be on the way when BLACKPINK launched a map of Seoul on its website on July 1. Several popular areas on the map were singled out, but two pins also hinted that something more was happening. The two pins read, “DO NOT JUMP,” kicking off the speculation that new music arriving would be called “Jump.”

BLACKPINK’s reunion comes after the quartet — comprised of ROSÉ, LISA, JENNIE and JISOO — took some time apart to focus on their own solo projects, from music to acting opportunities and more. Shortly after the teaser’s arrival Friday, ROSÉ acknowledged the superstar group’s return on Instagram. In a Story, she shared a video of clips featuring BLACKPINK performances. Above the visual, she wrote, “blinks, we’re coming back tomorrow.”

Check out the new teaser below: