Today's Music Pulse
Drake Nears Record‑Breaking Billboard 200 Streak
Drake is closing in on Morgan Wallen’s record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to The Source. Forbes adds that this also matches Adele’s historic tally of debut‑at‑number‑one singles.
‘He Thinks so Differently’: AR Rahman on ‘Epic’ Collaboration with Hans Zimmer for Ramayana
AR Rahman has teamed up with Academy‑award‑winning composer Hans Zimmer to score Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic *Ramayana*. The two‑part film, starring Ranbir Kapoor, is being billed as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious projects with a budget of roughly ₹4,000 crore (about $480 million). Rahman describes the partnership as "epic," noting Zimmer’s global name will draw non‑Indian audiences. The movie’s first part is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, followed by the sequel in 2027.
Shakira and Burna Boy Unveil 'Dai Dai' World Cup Anthem Video with Messi, Mbappé Cameos
Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian Afro‑beat star Burna Boy released the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” on May 23. The four‑minute video, shot in Miami and directed by Hannah Lux Davis, opens with Lionel Messi, Kylian...
J Balvin Reminded Sueños Festival 2026 Why OG Status Still Has Muscle
Colombian reggaetón star J Balvin headlined the Sueños Music Festival 2026 on May 23 in Chicago’s Grant Park, delivering a one‑hour set that leaned on his classic hits rather than surprise guests. Songs like “Ginza,” “La Canción,” and “Que Calor” reminded fans why...
85th Birthday Tribute: 80 Iconic Dylan Covers Ranked
Bob Dylan turns 85 on Sunday. Five years ago, some of us got together to come up with a list of the 80 best cover versions of Dylan songs for @Variety, so this seems like a good time to resurrect...
UFO Releases Remastered Classic with Unheard Live Set
UFO's 'The Wild, The Willing and The Innocent' expanded reissue is out now, pairing a newly remastered version of the classic 1981 album with a previously unreleased Hammersmith Odeon live set newly mixed by Brian Kehew. https://t.co/vdHnngfzBQ
Hip‑Hop Icon Rob Base Dies at 59, Leaving Behind ‘It Takes Two’ Legacy
Rob Base, the Harlem‑born rapper who helped define hip‑hop’s crossover era with the 1988 hit “It Takes Two,” died at 59 on May 22, 2026, after a private battle with lung cancer. His death sparked an outpouring of remembrance from...
Van H
Van Halen's '5150 (Expanded Edition)' is out now, a 40th anniversary box set featuring over 90 minutes of previously unreleased live recordings and a remastered HD upgrade of 'Live Without A Net.' https://t.co/mUJ6y64105
New Book Traces How Dylan and the Beatles Reshaped Each Other and Music History
Author Jim Windolf has released "Where the Music Had to Go: How Bob Dylan and the Beatles Changed Each Other—and the World," a deep dive into the reciprocal influence of the two 1960s icons. The work blends biography, cultural analysis,...
The Game Salutes Drake’s Commercial Dominance With “ICEMAN” Trilogy
Los Angeles rapper The Game used an Instagram Story to celebrate Drake’s unprecedented commercial performance, sharing first‑week sales projections for the artist’s three‑album ICEMAN trilogy. The flagship album ICEMAN is projected to move 460,000 album‑equivalent units, while HABIBTI and MAID...
Who Gets to Be in the Room?
The San Francisco Symphony appointed Elim Chan as its music director, making her the first woman to lead one of America’s “Big 7” orchestras and the least‑proven choice in decades. Meanwhile, Chicago venues are locking patrons’ phones to create screen‑free experiences,...
1973 Country Hit, Written in 5 Minutes, Listed Among ‘Greatest Rock Songs' Of All Time
"Ramblin' Man" was written by Dickey Betts in just five minutes and released as the lead single from the Allman Brothers Band’s 1973 album *Brothers and Sisters*. The track arrived after the tragic deaths of founding members Duane Allman and...
Olivia Rodrigo Drops “The Cure,” Second Single From June 12 Album
Olivia Rodrigo released “The Cure,” the second single from her forthcoming album ‘You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love,’ citing it as her favorite track. The acoustic‑driven song signals a more experimental direction ahead of the June...
Watch Iron Maiden Perform Classic Tune for First Time in 38 Years
Iron Maiden opened the 2026 leg of its Run for Your Lives World Tour in Athens, Greece, marking the start of a European sweep that celebrates the band’s 50th anniversary. While the set list mirrored last year’s, frontman Bruce Dickinson...
DEAN DELEO's ONE MORE SATELLITE Completes Work On Second Album
Dean DeLeo’s side project ONE MORE SATELLITE has completed mixing and mastering its sophomore album, targeting a fall 2026 release. The ten‑track record features Stone Temple Pilots drummer Eric Kretz on one song, bassist Robert DeLeo on half the album, and contributions from...
BAD BRAINS' DARRYL JENIFER Announces New Instrumental Album 'The Weather Channel'
Founding BAD BRAINS bassist Darryl Jenifer is set to release his new instrumental album, “The Weather Channel,” on July 17 via Org Music in LP, CD, and digital formats. The record fuses exploratory jazz with elements of fusion, dub, psychedelia, and...
Charli XCX Shares ‘Playboy Bunny’, the Punky B-Side to New Single ‘SS26’
Charli XCX has dropped the punk‑infused B‑side “Playboy Bunny,” paired with her latest single “SS26.” The track is exclusive to a 7‑inch vinyl and her Instagram “b.sides” feed, deliberately bypassing streaming platforms. Charli explains the two songs act as sonic...
UPON A BURNING BODY Share "Voices In The Dark" & "A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing"
Texas metalcore band Upon a Burning Body released two new tracks, “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” and “Voices In The Dark,” from the deluxe edition of their upcoming album Blood of the Bull, slated for May 29. A music video for...
Charli XCX Unleashes Gritty Single 'SS26' With Runway‑to‑hell Video
Charli XCX released the single 'SS26' accompanied by a high‑concept Paris runway video that depicts a catwalk leading straight to hell. The track, co‑produced with A.G. Cook and Finn Keane, marks a stark shift from her dance‑heavy 'Brat' era and...
Bruce Springsteen Keeps Hope and Dreams Alive on Tour: 10 Best Moments From Cleveland
Bruce Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams tour reached its 17th stop in Cleveland, kicking off the final week of a seven‑and‑a‑half‑week, 20‑date trek that began in Minneapolis. The setlist remained unchanged after the band added the Clash’s “Clampdown” early...
Charli XCX Drops Cheeky ‘Playboy Bunny’ B-Side to ‘SS26’
Charli XCX has unveiled a cheeky pop‑punk B‑side titled “Playboy Bunny,” available only on her Instagram account and as a limited‑edition 7" vinyl. She explains the track is deliberately opposite in sound to her lead single “SS26,” serving as a...
SOUNDGARDEN Is Still 'In The Process' Of Finishing Final Album With CHRIS CORNELL: 'It's Very, Very Important To All Of...
Surviving members of Soundgarden are close to completing a posthumous album featuring unreleased recordings with late frontman Chris Cornell. The band is working with original producer Terry Date to flesh out decade‑old demos, some dating back to 2015, into finished...
JACK OSBOURNE Responds to Backlash About A.I. OZZY: "He Would Be Into This"
The Osbourne family has licensed Ozzy Osbourne’s likeness to Hyperreal and Proto Hologram to create a high‑fidelity AI avatar that can mimic his mannerisms and speech. Jack Osbourne addressed backlash, emphasizing the project’s tasteful intent and advanced technology. The avatar...
Boards Of Canada – Inferno
After a thirteen‑year silence, Boards of Canada returned with Inferno, an eighteen‑track, 70‑minute album that blends cinematic IDM with occult and hauntological themes. The record arrives amid heightened geopolitical tension and digital fatigue, offering a nostalgic yet unsettling soundscape. Their...
Spotify, Universal Music Group Ink Landmark AI Remix Licensing Deal
Spotify and Universal Music Group announced a licensing agreement that lets Premium subscribers generate AI‑powered covers and remixes of UMG catalog tracks. The paid add‑on, unveiled at Spotify’s Investor Day on May 21, is billed as a new revenue source...
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead Kick of Memorial Day Weekend with “Summertime Blues,” Special Guest and More
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) launched Memorial Day weekend with a high‑energy set on the Stone Pony’s outdoor Summer Stage in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The quintet wove together Grateful Dead classics, an Allman Brothers instrumental, and a rare Van...
Drake's Triple Album Drop Sets UK Chart Record, Dominates Top 10
On May 15, Drake unleashed three surprise albums—*Iceman*, *Habibti* and *Maid of Honour*—propelling him to a historic UK chart feat: the first artist ever to debut three studio albums inside the Top 10 simultaneously. The move sparked a streaming surge and reignited...
Ludacris Reunites With Dave Meyers for Wild “Pull Over” Music Video
Ludacris dropped the cinematic video for his new single “Pull Over,” released through DTP Records and Def Jam. The clip was co‑directed by veteran music‑video auteur Dave Meyers—who previously helmed “Stand Up” and “How Low”—and Cam Erickson. Featuring surreal humor, Ludacris appears...
Joey Bada$$ Returns With New Red Bull 60-Second Freestyle
Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ returned to Red Bull Studios for a new 60‑second freestyle, released on the brand’s Red Bull 1520 YouTube channel. The performance follows a high‑profile year that saw him drop his fourth studio album "Lonely At The...
Olivia Rodrigo, Vince Staples: 8 Songs We’re Talking About This Week
The New York Times highlighted eight new tracks released over Memorial Day weekend, featuring Olivia Rodrigo’s orchestral‑driven single “The Cure,” Charli XCX’s fashion‑infused rock‑pop “SS26,” and Vince Staples’ socially charged “White Flag.” Other notable songs include Katie Pruitt’s protest‑laden “Same...
Jake Worthington Announces Hiatus “To Work On Myself”
Traditional country singer Jake Worthington announced a hiatus on May 22, saying he needs time to work on himself for his family. The pause clears his tour schedule through late July, removing openings with Luke Combs in Montreal and Toronto as well...
Friday Spin Honors Rob Base with “It Takes Two”
A special Friday edition of #sundayspin in honor of the late Rob Base. From 1988, the 12” single of “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock is on the turntable for this #fridayspin.
McCartney's New Album Revives Classic Wings‑Era Magic
Here's my review of the very satisfying McCartney album... Paul McCartney Explores His Ever-Present Past in ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane,’ a Delightful Return to Wings-Era Form: Album Review https://t.co/g1bwdVhdjh via @variety
Arribazon Drops Motivational Single ‘I’ll Rise Up’ After Personal Tragedy
Jamaican artist Arribazon released the single “I’ll Rise Up,” a personal anthem born from a period of deep trauma and the death of fellow TikToker Niah Gang. The track, produced by Dejuan Records and Campsyde Entertainment, is positioned as a motivational...
Rob Base, Rapper Known for ‘It Takes Two,’ Dies at 59
Rob Base, the 59‑year‑old rapper behind the 1988 platinum hit “It Takes Two,” died on Friday after a private battle with cancer, his family announced via Instagram. The song, a collaboration with DJ E‑Z Rock, remains a cultural touchstone, earning...
Niall Horan Says Goodbye to Liam Payne on New Song ‘End of an Era’
Former One Direction member Niall Horan has released a new single, “End of an Era,” as a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate Liam Payne, who died in October 2024. The song, co‑written with longtime collaborators John Ryan and Julian...
Paul McCartney Looks Back in Splendor With a New Solo Masterpiece
Paul McCartney’s new solo album, *The Boys of Dungeon Lane*, arrives six years after his last release, offering a nostalgic look at his Liverpool upbringing. The 14‑track record features McCartney playing nine instruments, with minimal production support from Andrew Watt....
The Story of the One-Hit Wonder Band That Secretly Influenced the Entire Post-Grunge Movement
Local H’s 1996 breakout single “Bound For The Floor” vaulted the band into the mainstream, reaching #10 on the Mainstream Rock chart and #5 on Alternative Airplay. Their follow‑up album *Pack Up The Cats* was poised for a major push,...
ILLUMISHADE, Featuring ELUVEITIE Members, Returns With New Single 'Paralyzed'
Swiss modern‑metal outfit ILLUMISHADE has dropped the independent single “Paralyzed,” featuring ELUVEITIE vocalist Fabienne Erni and guitarist Jonas Wolf. The track pairs a crushing whammy‑driven riff with melancholic, hopeful lyrics about a lost love, showcasing the band’s cinematic metal signature....
Cam Newton’s Reaction to ‘Janice STFU’ And Athletes Push the ICEMAN Hit to Viral Status
Drake’s new album ICEMAN has quickly become a streaming powerhouse, with the track “Janice STFU” emerging as the breakout hit. The song’s layered references—including a Sopranos‑style sample and a Lykke Li interpolation—have sparked widespread analysis on social media. Former NFL MVP...
RAUNCHY Releases Lyric Video For New Single 'Frameworker'
After a 12‑year hiatus from studio releases, Danish metal veterans RAUNCHY have re‑entered the spotlight with a lyric video for their new single 'Frameworker'. The track serves as the first glimpse of the forthcoming album 'Prisoner', slated for later 2026...
DED Announces Deluxe Edition Of 'Resent'
Phoenix‑based metal band DED will issue a deluxe version of its September 2025 album “Resent” on July 3 through UNFD. The expanded set adds 11 previously unreleased tracks and demos, bringing the total to 23 songs, and includes the new single “Weapon”...
Charley Crockett Fans Left Confused After Another Project Disappears
Country singer Charley Crockett’s latest album *Clovis* appeared on streaming services on April 28, only to be blacked out and later removed entirely. At the same time, his documentary *A Cowboy in London* vanished from YouTube, leaving fans without access to...
5 Album Releases That Defined 1988
In 1988 a handful of albums reshaped the musical landscape, from Sonic Youth’s noise‑laden *Daydream Nation* to Public Enemy’s politically charged *It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back*. Pixies introduced a surreal edge with *Surfer Rosa*, while...
56 Years Ago Today, Merle Haggard Was at No. 1 With the Album (And Title Track) That Became a Cultural...
On May 22 1970 Merle Haggard’s live album Okie From Muskogee topped the country charts and crossed to #46 on the pop chart, earning CMA and ACM Album of the Year honors. The title track became a cultural flashpoint, resonating with small‑town Americans...
“This Ain’t It”: Zach Top Reveals Just How How Hard He Fought To Release His Breakout Hit
Washington‑born Zach Top burst onto the country scene in early 2024 with his retro‑styled single “I Never Lie.” After multiple major labels dismissed the track, indie label Leo33 signed him in September 2023, releasing the song as the second single from *Cold...
THROWN INTO EXILE Releases New Single 'Behind The Veil'
Los Angeles melodeath band THROWN INTO EXILE released the single “Behind The Veil,” debuting their BLKIIBLK era. The track, featuring new vocalist Joshua Santos, premiered on Matt Heafy’s “Chaos Hour” on SiriusXM Liquid Metal and is accompanied by an official...
JON SCHAFFER Shares Music Video For 'Full Spectrum Dominance' From SONS OF LIBERTY Project
Jon Schaffer, the founder of Iced Earth and Sons of Liberty, released a DazVideos‑produced music video for “Full Spectrum Dominance,” the lead single from his re‑imagined double‑album “Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2). The collection, blending the 2009 Brush‑fires Of The Mind LP and...
MALWAVE – “Forever Chemical”
Toronto‑based duo MALWAVE released their second single, “Forever Chemical,” a genre‑bending track that fuses psychedelic rock, dark synthwave, and post‑rock textures. The song opens with steady percussion and simmering synths, then layers clanging bass, shimmering guitars, and wordless vocal effects...
Relix Staff Picks: Ed O’Brien, Bill Orcutt & Mabe Fratti, Bleachers, Marisa Anderson, Thomas Dollbaum and More
Relix’s weekly Staff Picks playlist, now streamed through Qobuz, highlights the most compelling new releases of the past seven days. The centerpiece is Ed O’Brien’s sophomore solo album Blue Morpho, a four‑year project that fuses psychedelic folk with symphonic ambience and...
FLINN – “40 Blocks”
Portland‑based indie artist FLINN has dropped the lead single “40 Blocks” from his forthcoming album ARC, slated for July. The track weaves piano‑driven introspection with lush, synth‑laden production, reflecting the artist’s pandemic‑era challenges, the loss of his mother, home‑rebuilding, and new...