Over the past few weeks, album sales, or the lack thereof, have been hotly debated online amongst music fans. Today’s music climate revolves around streaming metrics. While artists such as Drake, Taylor Swift, and Bad Bunny pull in record-breaking numbers on each platform, they’re not being compensated in kind. For mid- and smaller acts, that pot shrinks significantly.
To aid recording artists in understanding their earnings, on Monday, October 30, Billboard added a royalty calculator for Spotify and Apple Music. Here’s how to calculate the royalties for streaming payouts.
The tool, developed by the legal and consulting firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, offers multiple calculations based on data gathered from direct source payers. Although the formulas are based on United States models, international artists are encouraged to use the software as a reference.
After considering four key points (total payout for the number of streams, sound recording payout, mechanical royalties, and performance royalties), the estimated total is provided in an itemized breakdown.
For example, the results of a Spotify search calculate several rates based on the servers’ paid tier, ad-supported tier, and other tiers. This is also the case with Apple Music. An example on the site compared the earnings from one million streams on both platforms. The song on Spotify brings in $3,700 for sound recording owners, $591 for mechanical royalties, $506 for performance royalties, and $2,279 remains with Spotify. On Apple Music, the payout is estimated at $7,085 for sound recording owners, $899 for mechanical royalties, $819 for performance royalties, and $2,551 given to Apple.
Billboard’s Spotify & Apple Music royalties calculator is available online. Find more information here.
City Girls’ official first week sales for their new album RAW are here, and at least its debut isn’t as bad as people thought it would be, although it’s still surely disappointing and disheartening. Moreover, they sold 10K album-equivalent units in its first week, making their chart entrance at No. 117 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. People initially thought it would be 6K based on projections, which caused media figures to clown the Miami duo. However, they had plenty to express on the matter, and did so recently during their appearance on The Breakfast Club. While sales don’t really matter at the end of the day, it’s easy to say that as a fan, and not as an artist trying to reach many people with your art.
“It’s tough times,” JT of the City Girls explained to the radio show’s hosts. “You get what you put in, in this s**t. And I feel like, collectively, we didn’t do what we had to do to promote the album. But if you don’t go hard with promoting your s**t, and putting it in people’s face, it’s like, of course it’s going to miss people.”
“Right now, stunting ain’t cool, because people broke,” JT continued, who’s coming out with a solo album soon. “I feel like we have a bad timing thing. I feel like our timing, and our management, is poor. We’ve got poor management, poor timing- like, it’s really never no strategy. We just out here, like, why the f**k are we at The Breakfast Club a week after our thing dropped?” Overall, these are very important questions to ask, and it’s crucial to identify that the City Girls took some responsibility but also looked at factors external to them.
Whatever happened here, it’s clear that they’re somewhat unbothered by these jokes, but still recognize that they need a different approach. Whether that has to do with their team or their own choices is a question that will surely dominate their next planning moves. But one flop doesn’t necessarily make you irrelevant, and as a huge group online and at festivals, they’ll need to really bounce back with something special. On that note, check back in with HNHH for more updates and the latest news on the City Girls.
Megan Thee Stallion says Cardi B provides her with an unprecedented level of freedom when they are collaborating with one another. Speaking with Billboard for a recent interview, Megan reflected on her working relationship with Cardi. The two recently connected for the single, “Bongos.”
“She literally just let me do me,” Meg explained. “This is the second time she’s sent me a song, and I’ll be like, ‘Friend, can I do whatever I want to do on the beat? I’m finna put two verses on here, alright?’ She always let me do whatever I want to do creatively.”
Megan Thee Stallion & Cardi B Takeover The MTV VMAs
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 12: Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion perform onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV)
She continued: “I just appreciate that so much because sometimes people try to give you a direction and they want you to do what they want you to do, but she’s like ‘Megan, what you think?’ She’ll ask me what I think about this song like, ‘OK, how you think we could make it better? What should we do next? Just do whatever you wanna do and then we’ll piece it together.’” Megan also noted that the two have become friends, despite Cardi being “shy” when they first met. In the time since, she’s gotten to know the “the real her.”
Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion Collaborate On Bongos
Prior to working on “Bongos,” Megan and Cardi also teamed up for the 2020 hit single, “WAP.” That song went on to reach the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. The release of their latest collaboration comes as both Cardi and Megan gear up for the release of new albums. Megan recently parted ways with record label 1501 Certified Entertainment and looks to drop her first project since, while Cardi will be sharing her long-awaited sophomore album in 2024. Be on the lookout for further updates on new music from the artists on HotNewHipHop.
Drake has received an invite to a sweet 16 in Texas in a very unique way. The mother of 15-year-old Miya Garcia purchased a billboard on I-10 in Houston inviting the rapper to attend the December party in Corpus Christi. The decision was made after Garcia declared that the thing she wanted most for her birthday was for Drake to attend. “I love his music, I love his style. He’s really inspiring,” Garcia told a local Fox affiliate.
Thousands of cars travel the busy interstate every date. However, the news is already blowing up on social media. It shouldn’t be too long before Drizzy is made aware of the viral endeavor. However, at the time of writing, Drake is yet to respond to the news.
Meanwhile, Drake has been busy despite his self-declared break from music. The rapper was recently spotted filming a video on top of Scotiabank Arena, the home of his beloved Raptors and Maple Leafs. However, it’s unclear if the video is for a song from the recently released For All The Dogs or a new surprise project. While fans theorized that it could be for his #1 hit, “First Person Shooter”, the lack of J. Cole in the footage puts a damper on that idea. What do you think the video is for? Let us know your theories down in the comments.
However, speaking of For All The Dogs, the album has dominated the Billboard charts. 22 of the album’s songs debuted in the Hot 100 this week, led by “First Person Shooter” at #1. However, For All The Dogs tracks also landed at 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 29, 32, 36, 37, and 42. Furthermore, the album landed at #1 on the Album 200. It knocked off Morgan Wallen’s One Day At A Time, which had somehow returned to #1 for a third stint atop the chart. For All The Dogs will likely remain atop the charts for the next few weeks. However, it could face competition from a couple of major releases scheduled for November.
Kanye West’s October 27 concert in the Northern Italy city of Reggio Emilia is “very unlikely” to go ahead, according to sources who spoke with Billboard Italy. Witnesses spotted the stage at RCF Arena being dismantled while Kanye was also reportedly returned to the United States. The concert was originally scheduled for October 20 but was abruptly pushed back a week without explanation.
While the concert was never officially announced, it had been heavily promoted by Vivo Concerti. However, the event was heavily protested by both local feminist and anti-fascist groups. Of course, West’s Italian trip has been plagued by controversy. Furthermore, West was reportedly unable to acquire the building permits necessary to complete construction in time of his mid-October timeframe. Most people had expect the concert to be the launch of West’s rumored collab album with Ty Dolla $ign.
In other news, Ye 2024 is officially dead. The rapper’s attorney told Rolling Stone that West “is not a candidate in 2024” last week. While he never officially announced his campaign, West had hired a campaign staff that included far-right personalities such as Nick Fuentes and Milo Yiannopoulos. However, reports from the campaign, that set itself into motion late last year, painted a picture of chaos and infighting. There were also some dubious legal issues as well. Yiannopoulos reportedly bought the domain for the campaign’s official website while serving as an intern for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a congresswoman from Georgia. Furthermore, it he allegedly used a credit card registered as an expense account with Greene’s fundraising efforts.
However, the definitive statement from West’s attorneys kills any chance that there will be another pop culture event like Ye 2020. It’s unclear how many votes West actually received as he never officially appeared on any ballots. However, his campaign was certainly a notable part of the election cycle. That means that 2024 will continue on its trajectory of being a rematch of 2020 between Biden and Trump for the Presidency.
Wale has been dropping hits ever since he first gained local recognition in 2006 after releasing “Dig Dug (Shake It).” 17 years and seven impressive studio albums later, the MC has maintained consistency in the industry. He has an impressive discography, and just added a brand new single, “Max Julien,” to his roster. Despite nearly two decades of success, Wale is not resting on his laurels. Over the years, he delivered many bangers that cemented his name in the culture. From his 2011 single, “That Way,” to 2019’s “On Chill,” the newest Def Jam signee has proven that he is a certified hitmaker.
Wale achieved a platinum certification with this slow burner, which became one of the biggest hits from his fourth album, The Album About Nothing. “The Matrimony” features a smooth and melodic production, creating a laid-back atmosphere that complements the introspective lyrics. Wale’s verses are heartfelt, and Usher’s vocals add a soulful dimension to the track, enhancing its emotional impact. Upon its release, “The Matrimony” was an instant favorite for couples and fans of romantic songs. It peaked at number 70 on the Hot 100 chart, and number 17 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.
6. “Bag of Money” Ft. Rick Ross, Meek Mill & T-Pain (2012)
As soon as it dropped, “Bag of Money” was received with open arms by fans of Hip Hop and R&B. The song was released as a single from MMG’s second compilation album, Self Made Vol. 2, and is one of its standout tracks. All three rappers delivered memorable verses on the song, and T-Pain’s backing vocals, laced with auto-tune, made it truly catchy. Additionally, the song’s production features a bass-heavy beat, enhancing the song’s energetic and danceable vibe. “Bag Of Money” peaked at number 64 on the Hot 100 chart. It missed out on the top spot on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop chart by one position, peaking at number two.
“My PYT” is one of many acclaimed Hip Hop and R&B blended hits by Wale. On the track, he features uncredited vocals from singer Sam Sneak. Throughout “My PYT,” Wale delivers smooth and poetic verses, showcasing his admiration for the woman he is addressing. Featuring a laid-back yet groovy production, “My PYT” blends Hip Hop and R&B elements seamlessly. Additionally, the chorus of the track interpolates lyrics and melody from the hook of Michael Jackson’s 1982 song “P.Y.T.” Following its release, Wale’s “My PYT” peaked at number 54 on the Hot 100 chart. It is one of the rapper’s most commercially successful songs and has sold over one million units, earning a platinum certification from the RIAA.
4. “That Way” Ft. Jeremih & Rick Ross (2011)
“That Way” was released as the seventh single from Maybach Music Group’s compilation album Self Made Vol. 1. Wale, with his smooth flow, delivers verses that highlight his appreciation for a woman’s allure. Additionally, Jeremih lays soulful vocals in the chorus, infusing a melodic and romantic feel to the track. Rick Ross also contributes a verse in his signature tough that complements the theme of the song. “That Way” was received positively, and praised for its catchy melody and the chemistry between the three artists. The song’s commercial success took it all the way to number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Wale released “Lotus Flower Bomb” in 2011, and it remains one of his most recognizable hits. The romantic Hip Hop track was released as a single from Wale’s sophomore studio album, Ambition. Upon its release, it received widespread acclaim for its smooth production, heartfelt lyrics, and Miguel’s soulful vocals. In their respective parts of the song, Wale and Miguel use the metaphor of a lotus flower bomb to describe the intoxicating presence of the women they sing about. Moreover, the combination of Wale’s poetic verses and Miguel’s buttery vocals creates a captivating atmosphere, capturing the essence of infatuation and desire. All things considered, the song’s commercial success was not a surprise. On the Hot 100 chart, it peaked at number 38 and went on to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.
2. “On Chill” ft. Jeremih (2019)
One of his more recent hits, Wale released “On Chill” in 2019. The track gained significant popularity soon after it was released. On the track, Wale addresses the complexities of modern relationships, exploring the blurred lines between romance and casual connections. In addition, he expresses a desire for emotional intimacy and a stable relationship. Jeremiah’s emotive vocals in the chorus add depth to the track, capturing the longing and vulnerability in Wale’s verses. “On Chill” peaked at number 22 on the Hot 100 chart, and is one of the rapper’s most successful songs to date.
On “Bad,” Wale, assisted by Tiara Thomas, tells the story of a complicated romantic relationship. The song explores themes of love, desire, and emotional vulnerability. The song’s production features a sensual beat, creating an atmosphere that complements the intimate lyrics. Soon after it was released, “Bad” became a commercial hit. Reaching number 21 on the Hot 100 chart, it also became Wale’s highest-charting single on the chart. It is widely regarded as one of the rapper’s best songs and a favorite of many fans.
Drake’s For All The Dogs has made its presence felt in dozens of Billboard charts. Aside from the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 where it’s dominated, it’s also made waves elsewhere. He returned to the top spot on the Hot Latin charts for the third time with the Bad Bunny collaboration “Gently.” He also took back the number one spot on the Artists 100 where he’s spent 38 weeks at the top, second only to Taylor Swift.
Another chart the album has touched is the Hot 100 Producers Chart. Though Drake himself isn’t a producer his album did shake up the list regardless. One of his most frequent collaborators on the album BNYX rocketed to the very top of the chart for the first time. He worked on 6 songs from For All The Dogs, most notably “IDGAF” with Yeat and “Rich Baby Daddy” with Sexyy Red and SZA. He’s also getting points for his production work on the Travis Scott song “MELTDOWN” which is still on the Hot 100. Check out a tweet he made celebrating Hot 100 success below.
Even saying that Drake dominated the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 is an understatement. For All The Dogs pulled in over 400k units in its first week, totaling the 4th biggest first week of the year so far. He nearly sold more copies than the entire rest of the top 10 combined. And yet his Hot 100 performance was even more dominant.
The entire 23-song tracklist of For All The Dogslands in the top 50 of the Hot 100 this week. That includes 7 of the top 10 songs and 14 of the top 20. Numerous artists like Yeat, J. Cole, and Sexyy Red earned their highest chart placements to date as a result of their appearances on the album. What do you think of BYNX topping the Hot 100 Producers chart for the first time following the release of For All The Dogs? Let us know in the comment section below.
Drake’s commercial success is completely unrivaled in all of music. His new album For All The Dogs had an absolutely massive first week. His more than 400k sales comfortably put the album at the top spot on the Billboard 200. The sales of For All The Dogs alone nearly totaled more than the entire rest of the top 10 combined. Now, further propelled by his new album Drizzy finds himself rising to the top of even more Billboard charts.
The first is the Hot Latin Songs chart. Drake found himself at the number one spot with his new song “Gently,” which features Bad Bunny. It’s the third time he’s topped the chart following his previous collab with Bad Bunny “MIA” and a collaboration with Romeo Santos, “Odio.” For Bad Bunny’s part, he topped the chart for the 13th time which ties Shakira for 4th most all-time in the chart’s history. The same song also made its debut on the Hot 100 this week, placing at number 12. It’s worth noting that 8 of the 11 songs ahead of it on the charts also belong to Drake. Check out some more information on this week’s Hot Latin Songs chart below.
Drake also shot up to number one on the Hot Artists chart. Even before the release of the album he was hovering in the top 10. Last week he placed at number 8 on the chart and jumped over artists like Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and Olivia Rodrigo to take the very top spot. He’s spent 38 weeks at number one, which is second all-time only to Swift herself.
Drake also debuted the entire tracklist of For All The Dogs in the Hot 100. He owns 7 of the top 10 spots on the chart and all 23 songs on the tracklist are inside the chart’s top 50. What do you think about Drake achieving even more success in the wake of For All The Dogs dropping? Let us know in the comment section below.
Drake is one of the biggest artists of all time. Although some people find his newest material to be underwhelming, there are plenty of people out there who love everything he does. Overall, he is a massive artist, and that will never change. In fact, his latest release, For All The Dogs, is yet another example of just how massive of an artist he is. He just sold 400K units in his first week and he has the number one album in the world. Moreover, he is going to have the biggest song in the world, and we are still waiting to see which track it will be.
With this new album release, much has been made about how Drake is about to tie Michael Jackson for the most number one records ever. Of course, this is a massive record. Jackson was the “King of Pop,” and some felt like his record could never be broken. However, it is now going to eventually be beaten by Canada’s greatest export. With the record now within Drake’s grasp, he is now taking to Instagram, where he can be seen mimicking one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic looks.
In the Instagram story above, you can see Drake with a drink in his hand. Moreover, he has a special bedazzled white glove on. Overall, it is pretty easy to make the leap that he is trying to mimic Michael. Drizzy is someone who is well aware of his records. After all, he got a tattoo of himself on Abby Road with the Beatles after he surpassed them. Consequently, it should not be surprising to see him do this.
Soon, Drake will one day beat the record outright, or at least we assume he will. Let us know what you think of Drizzy and his latest album, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists.
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign are teaming up to give fans something great. Ty Dolla $ign recently debuted a new version of Kanye’s and Nicki Minaj’s collab for “New Body,” updating the song and creating buzz surrounding his upcoming album with Ye. The highly anticipated track was first previewed in Switzerland last month, and fans can hardly wait now that it’s circulating the internet again. The song was supposed to appear on Kanye’s 2019 album Yandhi, however it never dropped. As Nicki Minaj previously has stated in previous interviews, her and Kanye didn’t see eye to eye when Ye made his pivot into religious music and wanted Nicki to re-record her verse. However, now that new music from Ye is on the way, and Ty Dolla $ign has been teasing it, we may get that track sooner than later.
Now, Dolla $ign and Kanye are reportedly hunting for a distribution partner for their upcoming collaborative album. According to sources close to the project, Billboard reports that the duo is currently weighing five different offers from potential distributors. A decision regarding the partnership is expected to be made by West soon. The anticipation surrounding this musical endeavor is definitely high. Their joint album was originally slated for release on Friday, October 13. However it’s been pushed back and is now expected to drop in the upcoming weeks.
Despite the album’s apparently non-controversial lyrical content, several label executives have already declined the opportunity to distribute the project. This is allegedly due to the antisemitic remarks Kanye West began making around the same date one year ago today. However, industry insiders have revealed that it may feature some of Kanye West’s best work in years. As far as Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign, the two have musical synergy for sure. In fact, they have history that goes back years. For example, their most recent collaboration was “Junya Pt 2” on Ye’s 2021 album, Donda. Moreover, their previous joint efforts include Ty Dolla $ign’s “Ego Death” in 2020 and West’s tracks “Everything We Need” in 2019, “Real Friends” in 2016, and “Only One” in 2014.
The timing of the album’s release, in the midst of a regionally significant crisis, presents a unique challenge. For both the artists and potential distributors. The question of how the music will be received, especially against the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere, remains a topic of industry debate. As the artists and potential distributors navigate this challenging terrain, they are faced with the conflict. The task of balancing artistic expression with sensitivity to the global issues that have captured headlines. Let us know if you’re ready for new Dolla $ign and Kanye below!
(@BNYX) 
