In recent months, Bob Dylan’s social media presence has been as eccentric and inscrutable as the music icon is in real life. But the 83-year-old Nobel Prize winner outdid himself on Wednesday (February 26), by randomly sharing an old 2016 video of Machine Gun Kelly rapping at an Orlando Record store, leaving MGK and everyone else shocked and confused. "Wtf," wrote MGK over a screenshot of Dylan's post on his Instagram Stories. "this was not on my 2025 bingo card." The rapper elaborated on the unusual experience in a video where admits that he was just questioning if he was going in the right direction on his new album when a friend told him, “Bob Dylan just posted a video of you.” “I’m like, ‘There must be another Bob Dylan. Whatever,’” Kelly responded. After seeing the clip was shared by THE Bob Dylan, MGK was honored. “Just the originator of doing everything opposite of what people wanted him to do, randomly posting a video of me back in the day rapping in a vinyl shop,” he said. “Just trust the signs, man. That was so cool. I’m so grateful. So random." (People)

Usher will deliver the keynote address at Emory University's 180th commencement on May 12. The Grammy-winning R&B legend will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the university during the ceremony. “I have spent my life following my spark — my passion — and trying to support young people as they find and follow their own passions,” Usher said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to these incredible Emory students as they graduate and prepare to make their mark on the world.” Usher’s New Look non-profit provides assistance to underprivileged teens, and his organization has partnered with Emory University’s Goizueta Business School to help prepare high school students for college. “New Look fills a critical need by stepping up to help students realize their potential,” says Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. “Emory University has been proud to partner with this incredible organization over the years.” (Billboard)

At the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night (March 2), Queen Latifah will lead a special tribute to the late Quincy Jones during the ceremony. “One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones,” says Oscars executive producer Raj Kapoor. “We’ve planned and curated this beautiful moment that we hope will uplift the room, that will celebrate the spirit of Quincy and all of his greatness.” In addition to the tribute to Jones, who was posthumously awarded an honorary Oscar at the 15th Annual Governors Awards in November, this year’s Oscars will also include a Wicked medley by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, along with performances by Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye, along with a special appearance from the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and a prominent, on-stage presence by the Academy Awards Orchestra throughout the ceremony. (Variety)

On Thursday (February 27), Halsey released their new punk rock-influenced single, "Safeword," accompanied by a daring dominatrix-themed music video directed by Lana Jay Lackey. Halsey teased the release of “Safeword” on X throughout the week, building the anticipation for their first new material since the October 2024 release of the musician's fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator. Halsey's new single represents a bold departure from the poppier sound of the last record, with a blistering, edgy tone to the standalone track that is enhanced by the power dynamic at play in the erotically-charged music video. Halsey’s For My Last Trick: The Tour gets underway in May, with the singer sharing what fans can expect during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show. “I really like putting on a big show. The show can be quite aggressive. I’m like a little demon. I get out there and have to exorcise some stuff.” (Rolling Stone)

Sabrina Carpenter is expanding her Short n’ Sweet Tour with a series of new North American dates later this year. The two-time Grammy winner just announced that she will perform multiple-night stands in Pittsburgh, New York, Nashville, Toronto, and Los Angeles this fall. The shows will feature special guest opening acts Olivia Dean, Ravyn Lenae, and Amber Mark at select dates. The newly announced shows follow the release of the deluxe edition of Short n’ Sweet, which features Carpenter dueting with one of her musical heroes, Dolly Parton, on her No. 1 hit, “Please Please Please.” Carpenter's fall tour kicks off on October 23 in Pittsburgh, and includes a special Halloween show at Madison Square Garden, before finishing up with a trio of shows at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles from November 20-23. Pre-sales start on March 4, with general on-sales beginning on March 7. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (February 25), Lauryn Hill took to Instagram to pay an affectionate tribute to the late Roberta Flack, whose iconic rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” inspired the Fugees’ Grammy-winning version. In the post, Hill recalled that “Whitney Houston once said to me that Roberta Flack’s voice was one of the purest voices she’d ever heard.” She described Flack's impact on her, saying she “moved me and showed me through her own creative choices and standards what else was possible within the idiom of Soul.” Flack transformed “Killing Me Softly” into a Grammy-winning hit in 1973, and Hill said Fugees “wanted to honor the beauty and brilliance of this song and her performance of it to our generation.” Hill closed her post, which featured a carousel of elegant photos of Flack, with “Rest in Grace Beloved One. 🌹 “ Both Fugees and Flack’s versions of  "Killing Me Softly" were included on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time list. (Rolling Stone)

During a recent interview with Hit Network while on tour in Australia, Billie Eilish revealed her future plans to return to the studio while suggesting she might add more dates to her ongoing Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour. The multiple Grammy and Oscar-winning pop superstar was asked about her creative plans for 2025, and Eilsih expressed her excitement about working on new music, as well as potentially extending her world tour. “Definitely getting back into the studio and doing stuff,” she shared about her upcoming plans. “I definitely have more tour. Probably more than I’m even scheduled for that’s going to come, which I’m excited about.” Eilish has a series of Hit Me Hard And Soft Tour dates in Australia, Europe, and the UK over the coming months, with her last scheduled show set for Dublin on July 27. But based on what Eilish revealed in the interview, additional live dates might be announced soon. (Billboard)  

The sequel to the award-winning 2019 documentary, Leaving Neverland, titled Surviving Michael Jackson, will soon be available on YouTube in the U.S. and Canada. Little Dot Studios, an All3Media company, has obtained the exclusive U.S. and Canadian rights to the sequel, which will debut on Real Stories, their premium documentary YouTube channel. The hour-long follow-up, directed by Dan Reed, will update the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse when they were minors. It will also provide exclusive access to court hearings, showcasing the ongoing legal battle and the backlash faced from Jackson's global fanbase. HBO, the producer of the two-part, Emmy Award-winning 2019 doc, is not affiliated with the sequel, after losing a 2020 legal battle against the Jackson estate. (Variety)

On Wednesday (February 26), the initial list of performers and presenters were announced for the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event. The lineup of live performers features Gracie Abrams, GloRilla, Tyla, Megan Moroney, Ángela Aguilar, aespa, and Muni Long, with each artist set to be honored with various WIM awards during the ceremony. The event will take place at 10 p.m. ET on March 29 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, and will be hosted by Laverne Cox. Presenters at the event include Tanner Adell, Julia Michaels, Mickey Guyton, Kali Uchis, Madison Beer, Summer Walker, and Zara Larsson, with more special guests to be announced. Erykah Badu is also set to receive the Icon Award, JENNIE of BLACKPINK will be recognized with the Global Force Award, and Meghan Trainor will accept the Hitmaker Award. The announcement for 2025’s Woman of the Year is coming soon. Tickets are currently on-sale, while the event will be broadcast live on VIZIO WatchFree+. (Billboard)

Drake has unexpectedly cut short his Anita Max Win Tour in Australia and New Zealand, canceling the final four performances due to an undisclosed “scheduling conflict.” A representative for the rapper says, “we are actively working on rescheduling these dates along with adding some additional shows,” while assuring fans that previously purchased tickets will remain valid with refund options available. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,” added the representative. “Drake and the entire team have had an incredible time doing these shows and are excited to return soon. We look forward to sharing the rescheduled dates with you as soon as possible.” The tour began in February with shows in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, where Drake made headlines for generously gifting fans with cash. Despite the tour interruption, Drake released a collaborative album with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, on Valentine’s Day, which debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his 14th chart-topping album. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (February 25), over 1,000 artists, including Damon Albarn, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Tori Amos, joined forces to release a 47-minute silent album titled, Is This What We Want?, to protest AI using their work illegally due to proposed changes in the UK's copyright laws. The titles of the 12-tracks on the album reads, "The British government must not legalize music theft to benefit AI companies.” A description on the album’s Spotify page reads: "In late 2024, the UK government proposed changing copyright law to allow artificial intelligence companies to build their products using other people’s copyrighted work - music, artworks, text, and more - without a license. The musicians on this album came together to protest this." Notable musicians like Billy Ocean, The Clash, Radiohead’s Ed O'Brien, Imogen Heap, and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer are also part of the project, with all proceeds from the album going towards the Help Musicians charity. (People)

Isley Brothers songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Chris Jasper has died at the age of 73. Jasper’s family announced his passing in a Facebook post on Monday (February 24), one day following his death, which was a result of cancer that the musician was diagnosed with in December. Jasper, a Juilliard School of Music alum, joined the Isley Brothers in 1973, and helped transition the vocal trio into a successful band that garnered several Billboard Hot 100 hits and 12 albums that charted on the Billboard 200. After the group disbanded in 1984, Jasper co-founded Isley-Jasper-Isley with fellow band members Ernie and Marvin Isley, achieving further chart success with hits like “Caravan of Love.” His solo music career also flourished on the strength of celebrated club tracks like “Superbad” and “The First Time.” Jasper's immense contributions to R&B and popular music were recognized with inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. He leaves behind a lasting musical legacy and is survived by his wife and three sons. (Billboard)

Tickets for Fyre Festival II, which is organized by convicted fraudster Billy McFarland, are now on sale, with extravagant ticket and hospitality packages available ranging from $1,400 to $1.1 million. McFarland served nearly four years of prison time after being convicted of fraud charges related to the infamous first Fyre Festival in 2017, which was plagued with disastrous planning issues and deceitful promotion. The destination festival is scheduled to take place on Isla Mujeres in Mexico from May 30 to June 2, and the event’s website promises “boundary-pushing excursions by day” and “intimate beach-side performances by night,” while the as-yet-unannounced lineup will be “led by international and local talent.” Despite McFarland’s past legal troubles, he is looking forward to the event. “I’m sure many people think I’m crazy for doing this again,” he said in a statement. “But I feel I’d be crazy not to do it again. The new team and I have amazing plans for Fyre 2.” (Rolling Stone)

A judge in England has cleared all members of the 1975 from personal liability in the dispute with a Malaysian festival over an onstage kiss between frontman Matty Healy and bassist Ross MacDonald. The judge tossed out the claims targeting the four members of the group, ruling that the charges were “bad as a matter of law and there is no reason why” they should go to trial. While the group was cleared of individual liability in the case, the lawsuit can proceed against the 1975's corporate entity, The 1975 Productions LLP, which signed the contract with the festival. The dispute stems from an incident during the band's set at the Good Vibes festival in Kuala Lumpur in 2023, where Healy was critical of Malaysia's harsh same-sex relationship laws and he shared a controversial onstage kiss with his bandmate. The gesture resulted in the festival's complete cancellation, and Future Sounds Asia subsequently brought a breach of contract lawsuit against the band. (Rolling Stone)

Gracie Abrams is set to receive the Hal David Starlight Award at the 54th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner on June 12 in New York City. This award honors “gifted young songwriters who are making a significant impact in the music industry with their original songs.” It was established in 2004, and named after acclaimed lyricist Hal David, known for his chart-topping collaborations with Burt Bacharach. The 25-year-old Abrams has garnered Grammy nominations for Best New Artist in 2024 and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2025 for “Us,” which features her good friend, Taylor Swift, who herself received the Starlight Award in 2010. Abram’s 2024 album, The Secret of Us, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, and produced two Top 20 hits, “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “That’s So True.” The organization's career-spanning songwriting honor, the Johnny Mercer Award, has yet to be revealed, while the 2025 SHOF inductees include George Clinton, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Mike Love, Tony Macaulay, and members of The Doobie Brothers. (Billboard)

Beyoncé has once again partnered with Levi's for Chapter 2 of their REIIMAGINE campaign, which showcases the 35-time Grammy winner clad all in denim and taking part in a high-stakes pool match against Timothy Olyphant. Beyoncé is sporting Levi’s new line in the clip, including the Ribcage Wide Leg jeans, Braided Vest, and Spade Trench, all styled with custom embellishments. “There isn’t another wardrobe piece that evokes comfort, modern elegance, classic Americana attire, and nostalgia the way denim does,” Beyoncé says of the brand partnership in a press release. “And when I think of all those things, I think of Levi’s.” Beyoncé’s track, "LEVII'S JEANS,” from her Album of the Year-winning Cowboy Carter, soundtracks the ad, which is called "Pool Hall." Kenny Mitchell, global chief marketing officer of Levi's, says that the new ad “honors our heritage while breaking new ground, giving fans a chance to personalize their Levi’s and express their unique style.” (People)

On Monday (February 24), the American Music Awards announced that they are making a comeback this year after being on a hiatus since 2022. The 2025 AMAs are set to take place on Memorial Day, May 26, at 8 p.m. ET. The award show will be relocating to Las Vegas this year for the first time, and will be aired on a new network as well, with CBS handling the live broadcast while the ceremony will stream on Paramount+. After picking up the AMAs following the end of a long-term deal with ABC, CBS aired an introductory one-off broadcast, the “American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special,” last October. While specific details about this year’s AMAs have yet to be announced, the timing of the show hints at a potential tribute to the country's troops during the broadcast. The AMAs last regular broadcast in 2022 occurred during its traditional fall timeframe, but the show’s upcoming Memorial Day airdate marks a fresh start for the iconic music awards show, which was created by Dick Clark in 1974. (Variety)

In a new interview with InStyle, Lady Gaga shared some creative insight into her highly-anticipated new album, Mayhem, during a chat with Spotify’s Head of Global Editorial, Sulinna Ong.  Gaga previewed two new songs in their candid discussion, "The Beast" and "Perfect Celebrity," with the Grammy-winning singer revealing how ballroom culture inspired her new material. “I was always inspired by the tremendous amount of grace, freedom, expression and joy of ballroom culture,” Gaga said. “There are these spaces in the world where there’s an ability for the community to express and experience joy, even when life is not treating them that way. I can’t think of a place where I’ve seen more resilience than in a ballroom.” Mayhem is set to drop on March 7, and a day ahead of its release, Spotify will be hosting a Little Monster Press Conference on Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m. ET, where Gaga’s fans can ask Mother Monster questions about the album and her upcoming headlining performance at Coachella in April. (Billboard)

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning soul and R&B vocalist known for hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” has passed away at 88. Elaine Schock, Flack’s representative, confirmed the singer’s death was due to cardiac arrest, following her ALS diagnosis in 2022 which “made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak.” Flack’s big commercial breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” in his 1971 film, Play Misty for Me, leading the song – and Flack’s debut record, First Take – to reach Number One on Billboard’s album and singles charts. The tune would go on to win the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973, and Flack and Donny Hathaway would also win a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo for their hit collaboration, “Where Is the Love” that same year.

Flack’s version of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” hit No. 1 in 1973 and went on to win Record of the Year at the 1974 Grammys, as she became the first artist to win that category two years in a row. Flack was deeply involved in political movements throughout her life, and dedicated herself to music education with the establishment of the Roberta Flack School of Music. Flack won a total of four Grammys, and she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, saying of the experience: “When I met those artists and so many others in person and heard from them that they were inspired by my music, I felt understood.” (Rolling Stone)

On Monday (February 24), Wu-Tang Clan announced the initial dates and details of their upcoming "Final Tour." The legendary Staten Island hip-hop crew has dubbed their 27-date trek, Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber, which marks the beginning of their farewell journey on the road together. The tour kicks off in Baltimore on June 6 and finishes up in Philadelphia on July 18, and Wu will be joined by special guest opening act Run the Jewels for the entirety of the run. RZA, the group's founder, suggests that this tour will eventually stretch over a couple of years and expand into multiple countries, while featuring songs the crew has never performed live. “This is a special moment for me and all my Wu brothers to run around the globe together one more time and spread the Wu swag, music, and culture,” RZA said. “Most importantly to touch our fans and those who have supported us throughout the years.” Tickets for the tour will go on sale on February 28 with no pre-sales. (Variety)

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaboration “Luther” claims the top spot on this week’s Billboard Hot 100. The joint track rises one spot to reach No. 1, replacing Lamar’s chart-topper from the previous week, “Not Like Us,” which drops to No. 2. “Luther” becomes SZA’s third No. 1 hit of her career, while it's Lamar’s sixth leader overall, and the Grammy-winning rapper’s fourth different track to top the Hot 100 over the past 11 months. Lamar’s rival Drake debuts two songs in this week’s Top 10, as “Gimme a Hug” comes in at No. 6, and “Nokia” at No. 10, with both tracks coming from the Canadian hip-hop superstar’s Billboard No. 1 album with PartyNextDoor, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U.

Elsewhere in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” moves up one spot to No. 3, Lamar’s “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay, drops a slot to No. 4 and his “Squabble Up” remains at No. 5, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” holds at No. 7, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” drops two spots to No. 8, and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” slides down one slot to No. 9. (Billboard)

Oasis' former Christmas single, "Whatever," is on track to secure its first UK No.1, thirty-one years since it was originally released in December 1994. The re-issued standalone single – which was just released on a limited-edition colored vinyl 7-inch – is competing with Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” for the top spot this week on the UK singles chart. Noel Gallagher reminisced about filming the music video for “Whatever,” revealing that he got lost and didn’t know where the shoot was taking place. “I was very drunk that day,” he recalled. “I’d been out the night before to the pub. I woke up in a bus shelter in Maida Vale.” Oasis recently announced an upcoming Record Store Day release of a special 15th anniversary edition of their 2010 compilation album, Time Flies… 1994 – 2009. The legendary Britpop group's highly-anticipated 2025 reunion tour begins with a run of stadium gigs in the UK and Ireland this summer, followed by a string of sold-out dates in North America. (NME)

In an interview with NME, John Lydon criticized Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and the Sex Pistols reunion tour. The punk legend called Swift "incredibly dull" while speculating that “she’s going to be another one of those that ends up in Vegas, because that’s the only place left and that’s no future at all, is it?” The Public Image Ltd. frontman also was critical of Lady Gaga, whom he used to admire. “Lady Gaga was a massively layered and textured presentation – very Bowie era and pop music at its finest,” Lydon said, but that changed recently. “I don’t like her as a human being,” he says. “I don’t think she projects anything healthy. I don’t feel her heart in it.” He also disparaged the Sex Pistols reunion tour, dismissing it as a "karaoke presentation" while referring to his replacement, singer Frank Carter, as a “poor sausage,” and labeling his former bandmates – Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook – as The Three Stooges. (Rolling Stone)

Shakira's concert in Medellín, Columbia on Monday (February 24) was postponed due to safety concerns after the stage roof at Estadio Atanasio Girardot was damaged “during the assembly process of the show.” Shakira took to social media to express her regret, while saying the safety of performers, crew, and the audience comes first. Plans for rescheduling the concert for later in 2025 are underway. (Billboard)

Jessica Simpson announced on Friday (February 21) that she is returning to music with a forthcoming EP, Nashville Canyon, and released the project’s lead single, "Use My Heart Against Me." The collection is set for release on March 21, and marks Simpson’s first release of new music in 15 years, dating back to her 2009 holiday album, Happy Christmas. (Billboard) 

Voletta Wallace, mother of the Notorious B.I.G., passed away at 78. She died of natural causes while in hospice care in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Wallace played a crucial role in her son's life and maintained the rap icon’s legacy after his death, writing a memoir in his honor and accepting posthumous awards on his behalf. (Variety)

In a new cover story feature for Harper's Bazaar, Rihanna reflects on her highly-anticipated ninth album and expresses optimism and pride in finally creating music that aligns with her artistic vision after a nine-year hiatus following 2016’s chart-topping, Anti. “This feels right,” Rihanna says of her new project, which fans have dubbed, ‘R9.’ “It feels like it digs right into where I need to be, and I want this. This body needs to come out, and I’m ready to go there. This is becoming my new freedom.” RiRi emphasized that the album is “not going to be commercial or radio digestible,” and will instead reflect “where my artistry deserves to be right now.” Rihanna didn’t provide any specific details or potential release date for ‘R9,’ but insists that when it does arrive, it will be worth waiting for. “It has to count. It has to matter,” she says of her forthcoming album. “I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put up anything mediocre.” (Rolling Stone)