Megan Thee Stallion has earned herself a long list of achievements in her career. She’s a Grammy-winning artist who’s also seen her debut album, Good News, go platinum. The Houston native also has a pair of chart-topping songs to her name. By all means, Megan is a superstar whose name is recognizable all over the world, but with her latest release, she’s looking to take that even further. The rapper joins K-pop BTS group to deliver a remix of their No. 1 single, “Butter.” On it, she slides through for a smooth verse that is sure to elevate the song.
The remix could give Megan her third No. 1 single if her addition is enough to pull the song back up to the top of the charts. Prior to the remix, “Butter” spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1. After “Permission To Dance,” another song the band released this year, interrupted the streak “Butter” put up on the charts, the latter returned to No. 1 where it would stay for two more weeks, making BTS the artist to both spend the most overall and consecutive weeks at No. 1 in this year.
The road to the arrival of Megan’s “Butter” remix was not as smooth as the Houston rapper probably hoped it would’ve been. The rapper was forced to petition for the song’s release earlier this week in court after her label 150 Certified Entertainment attempted to block her from dropping it. The filing specifically requested an “emergency relief from the Court before this Friday, August 27, 2021, to allow her new music to be released this week as previously scheduled.” Hours after the petition was filed, a judge ruled that Megan was cleared to share the remix.
You can listen to the remix in the video above.
Megan Thee Stallion is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Megan Thee Stallion has earned herself a long list of achievements in her career. She’s a Grammy-winning artist who’s also seen her debut album, Good News, go platinum. The Houston native also has a pair of chart-topping songs to her name. By all means, Megan is a superstar whose name is recognizable all over the world, but with her latest release, she’s looking to take that even further. The rapper joins K-pop BTS group to deliver a remix of their No. 1 single, “Butter.” On it, she slides through for a smooth verse that is sure to elevate the song.
The remix could give Megan her third No. 1 single if her addition is enough to pull the song back up to the top of the charts. Prior to the remix, “Butter” spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1. After “Permission To Dance,” another song the band released this year, interrupted the streak “Butter” put up on the charts, the latter returned to No. 1 where it would stay for two more weeks, making BTS the artist to both spend the most overall and consecutive weeks at No. 1 in this year.
The road to the arrival of Megan’s “Butter” remix was not as smooth as the Houston rapper probably hoped it would’ve been. The rapper was forced to petition for the song’s release earlier this week in court after her label 150 Certified Entertainment attempted to block her from dropping it. The filing specifically requested an “emergency relief from the Court before this Friday, August 27, 2021, to allow her new music to be released this week as previously scheduled.” Hours after the petition was filed, a judge ruled that Megan was cleared to share the remix.
You can listen to the remix in the video above.
Megan Thee Stallion is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion has some sure-fire audio heat dropping in 48 hours. The hip-hop superstar has announced plans to release a must-hear “Butter” remix with Korean pop heavyweights BTS. Megan Thee Stallion + BTS’ ‘Butter’ Remix Coming Stallion went to her Instagram page to deliver the massive news to followers. Barring any setbacks, […]
More than a year after she initially cited issues with her label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, Megan Thee Stallion once again found herself at odds with the company. A report from TMZ revealed that the Houston native was forced to petition for the release of her upcoming remix of BTS’ hit song “Butter” after the label attempted to block her from dropping the track. The documents specifically requested an “emergency relief from the Court before this Friday, August 27, 2021, to allow her new music to be released this week as previously-scheduled.” Luckily for Megan, she got just that.
According to Variety, a judge ruled that Megan is cleared to share the remix of BTS’ chart-topping track, allowing the song to arrive this Friday. In documents, her teamed noted that the attempted blockage violated rules that were set in another, similar case. Last year she sued 1501 Certified Entertainment and accused them of blocking her from dropping 2020 EP Suga. Megan won that case and the EP was delivered on March 6, 2020.
“The release of new music from Pete is vital to maintain her status as a relatively new but still up and coming artist,” documents read. “Absent immediate help from the Court, Pete’s art will be impacted, the release of the song derailed, and Pete’s goodwill, reputation, and overall career will suffer detrimental, undesirable, and irreversible harm.”
The ruling comes after Megan shared the freestyles “Outta Town” and “Tuned In.”
Megan Thee Stallion is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Megan Thee Stallion has been embroiled in an ongoing battle with her initial label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, and label head Carl Crawford. The label has reportedly been blocking the rapper from releasing music on her own terms, and though it looked like she was close to a new deal in the beginning of 2021, things still seem shaky for the Houston star, legally speaking.
According to a new report from TMZ, Megan is back in court today trying to get the chance to release her remix of BTS’ latest smash hit, “Butter.” According to the label, they don’t think her collaboration with the biggest K-Pop band of all time will be good for her career. Megan argues they are just trying to block her release in order to get a payoff. In her mind, a remix of “Butter” will be instrumental (heh) in expanding her international fanbase.
Last March, Megan sued the label for blocking her release of new music and was able to get an order that prevents them from controlling her release schedule. She’s now citing that previous order in her new suit, alleging that 1501 blocking the “Butter” remix is another violation. Hopefully Megan will win this one, because hearing her verse on “Butter” will make my summer.
Weeks after releasing their summer song “Butter,” BTS returned with their third single of the year, “Permission To Dance.” The song is co-written by Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol and it’s been a favorite of many. One of them is Elton John, who hopped on Twitter to share a cover of the track.
In the video, Elton John takes on the song’s chorus, singing, “When the nights get colder, and the rhythms got you falling behind,” before adding, “Thanks BTS, and Love to the ARMY.” His cover also seems to be a response to a video of BTS’ RM singing the part on “Permission To Dance” that says, “When it all seems like it’s wrong, just sing along to Elton John.” After RM completes the line, he swipes the camera away as if Elton John was beside him to continue the song. Only hours after uploading the video, John uploaded his.
The cover arrives after BTS earned the longest-running No. 1 song of the year with “Butter,” which it continued to do just last week. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” previously held the title for the longest-running chart-topper of this year.
You can watch the videos from BTS’ RM and Elton John above.
BTS has been achieving milestone after milestone lately, and now they’ve just tallied another one: The group had their first BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge performance today. They performed two of their own songs — “Dynamite” and “Permission To Dance” — and as is tradition, they also did a cover. The group chose “I’ll Be Missing You,” the classic single from Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy) and Faith Evans.
According to BBC Radio 1 presenter Adele Roberts (via Metro), Suga’s Korean rap on the song translates to:
“We’re now used to our routines taken away
But still can’t give up living on
We’re more worn out because we don’t know where this ends
We’re an island we made ourselves because we couldn’t trust each other
Hope an end comes for this tiring pandemic virus
Negative thoughts can sometimes be a minus
I knew it wasn’t the end so I couldn’t say bye
When that day comes, will say ‘hi’ like nothing happened. […]
I hate this world, our traces became memories
I just empty my mind, trust without conditions
I fill it every day with just loneliness
Not like the longing that encircles me
We miss you, baby
Whenever it may be
Here’s hoping we meet again, I promise.”
The group said of the performance, “It’s been almost two years we haven’t seen the ARMYs. It’s like 700 days and it’s the first time ever because sometimes we meet them three times, twice a day, and now it’s been a year or so. We miss all of you, BBC, Armys, everyone abroad
and in Korea, too. It’s kind of like a message to all of you.”
Ahead of the performance, Roberts said in a press release (as Consequence notes), “[BTS] have been so passionate, so supportive, and have hoped for a Radio 1 Live Lounge since the first time we played the band. Four years later, BTS have broken records, barriers, and boundaries. That dream is now going to be a reality. I’m beyond excited for us to finally be hosting the biggest boy band in the world!”
Watch BTS cover “I’ll Be Missing You” above and find their “Dynamite” and “Permission To Dance” performances below.
Now that the world is eagerly rushing a return to normalcy after over a year of shutdowns, cancellations, and rigid social distancing rules, the need for music to keep everyone’s spirits up is more integral than ever.
Since music serves as a snapshot of our life experiences, the Song Of The Summer plays a huge role in remembering and cherishing those moments. (I’ll never forget the summer before eighth grade thanks to Rihanna’s “Pon De Replay.”) If 2021 is as massive in real life as it is in theory, this year’s summer hit could be etched in our memories forever.
While we have the power to christen our own Song Of The Summer, there is often one song that the mainstream unofficially dictates as “the one.” This song is inescapable, often catchy, gives you the feeling of being carefree, and sometimes, it’s incredibly danceable. What better way to kick things off than with a prediction of what that coveted track will be?
Here’s a list of 10 potential “songs of the summer.”
Justin Bieber – “Peaches” Feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon
The sweet and tangy vibe of the Billboard chart-topper basically oozes fun in the sun, so this pick should be a given. Its continent-trotting chorus — where Biebs mentions hitting up Georgia, California, and his Canadian home up-north — also provides inspiration for listeners’ safe, CDC-regulated summer travel plans.
Dua Lipa – “Levitating” Feat. DaBaby
Lockdown didn’t allow Dua Lipa to have the summer anthem she deserved in 2020 after releasing the Grammy-winning albumFuture Nostalgia last spring. However, the rap remix to her hit “Levitating” continues to sit pretty on the 2021 charts, so there’s a chance her reign will finally hit. (Better late than never!) The song’s disco-heavy energy also capitalizes on the country’s collective yearning for better, simpler times.
Doja Cat – “Kiss Me More” Feat. SZA
Doja Cat owned summer last year with her ‘70s inspired “Say So,” so another hit for the singer/rapper during the sunny season would be most apropos. As with “Levitating,” “Kiss Me More” has old-school club vibes (with an interpolation of Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical”) that brings throwback themes to the forefront, while Doja’s slick-tongued rap and SZA’s laid back swagger modernize the tune.
Kali Uchis – “Talepatía”
In a sea of chart-topping anthems, this is somewhat a dark horse in the competition. However, given the song’s theme about a long-distance lover, it works perfectly given our socially-distanced circumstances. The TikTok-favorite found on Uchis’ sophomore album, “Talepatía” also comes equipped with production befitting of her Colombian heritage, which provides a different sound for those cross-country, top-down road trips.
Olivia Rodrigo – “Good 4 U”
Unlike other Song Of The Summer selections which utilize the disco/R&B sound, the pop-punk style is strong with “Good 4 U.” With Hayley Williams-levels of enthusiastic aggression overlaying the entire track, Rodrigo shows her range as a performer. Plus, if she rules the summer, it’s proof that the *future* Grammys Best New Artist nominee is a singer for all seasons. (Remember, she had winter on lock with “Drivers License.”)
Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open”
The soulful, smooth, and silky song evokes vintage vibes (do we see a pattern here?), which is perfect for ditching our collective present-day COVID-19 nerves for a few minutes. The inviting, sensual lyrics could provide listeners with the courage to begin a potential summer fling, or to have a chill evening with that special someone…
“Twerkulator,” City Girls
…but if you’re trying to live out #VaxxedGirlSummer or #ShotGirlSummer to the fullest, look no further than “Twerkulator.” Thanks to long-awaited sample clearance (it uses Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock”), the Miami rap mainstays released their highly-anticipated song just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. It certainly may be time for the twerkulator, so shake what ya mama gave ya.
Nicki Minaj – “Itty Bitty Piggy”
If you’re looking to be on your boss b*tch tip this summer, allow Nicki Minaj to give you the anthem. Now that the streets are opening back up, Onika’s enduring hit from her now-streamable mixtapeBeam Me Up Scotty is a perfect contender for the coveted Song Of The Summer honor, especially since it continues to “go awf” 12 years after its initial release. The Queen of Rap could still be on top.
BTS – “Butter”
With synthy, ‘80s-drenched production, the Bangtan Boys’ latest dance-pop anthem (released May 21) hit DSPs just in time for the change in temperature, and is sure to keep things “hot like summer” for both their diehard fans and casual listeners.
Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten”
Though it was released in 2004, the English singer’s euphoric pop track was given new life thanks to a trap-friendly TikTok remix (“Like Yhop” by Esco featuring Shawn P). The original musical breath of fresh air has been heavily praised since the dance challenge popped off. Many hope that Summer 2021 is a reintroduction to freedom, and we’re ready to (safely) “feel the rain on [our] skin” again.
Honorable Mention: Whatever Drake Drops
Drake had the summer season in his clutches at least two times in the past. 2016 was the year of “One Dance,” and 2018 gave us “In My Feelings.” Given what he teased fans with his March EP Scary Hours 2, we don’t have any doubts that Certified Lover Boy will provide some sort of summer anthem whenever it drops. Kudos to you, Drake, for keeping us on our toes.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
In a new cover story for Rolling Stone, BTS addressed one of the things that’s most concerning to their fans who know about South Korea’s mandatory military service: If this looming draft will break the group up? Due to the active tensions between North and South Korea, this 21-month army term is required for all men to start before their 28th birthday, and group member Jin turned 28 last December.
That month, though, the government issued a directive that “a pop-culture artist who was recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to have greatly enhanced the image of Korea both within the nation and throughout the world” can defer their enlistment until the age of 30. “I think the country sort of told me, ‘You’re doing this well, and we will give you a little bit more time,’ ” Jin said of the law, telling Rolling Stone further that he considers serving to be “an important duty for our country. So I feel that I will try to work as hard as I can and do the most I can until I am called.”
He also said he hopes the group will continue to have the success they’re currently experiencing — even if it means without him. “I have no doubt that the other members will make a good decision because, you know, this is not something that I can tell them what to do,” he said. Even if they continued on without him for a while, he added: “I’ll be sad, but I’ll be watching them on the internet and cheering them on.”
Even with the two year grace period, the military requirement remains a concern for the group at large: RM is turning 27 soon, J-Hope is 27 and Suga is 28, too. Who knows if the government will further modify the draft, or if the band will find a workaround, but so far, that requirement seems like the only thing that might slow the success of BTS. Read the full cover story here.
Over the past few days, Conan O’Brien and BTS have found themselves in a bit of a situation. A few days ago, clip from a South Korean variety show surfaced, in which BTS’ J-Hope misidentified O’Brien as “Curtain” before he and his bandmates realized the error and had a laugh about it. O’Brien featured the clip on Conan and playfully got upset with the group. Now, the saga continues: Today, J-hope offered an apology to O’Brien, which he has accepted.
Taking to the official BTS Twitter account, J-Hope wrote, “Sorry,,,,, Curtain [kissing face emojis] @ConanOBrien.” He then used a subsequent tweet to tack on a selfie of himself pouting his lips. O’Brien responded with humor, of course, replying, “In Hobi’s defense, Curtain makes about as much sense as being named Conan.”
O’Brien made it clear on his show that there were no hard feelings about the mishap, as he said through laughter, “I’ll get you, BTS. Oh I’ll get you good. And by that, I mean I’ll silently resent you. I have no power to do anything to you. You’re going to go on to have huge success. I’m very old and on the way out and you guys are pretty much running the world. So when I say I’ll get you, I just mean I’m gonna stew in my own juices for quite a long time, and you’ll be vastly unaware.”
When the nights get colder, And the rhythms got you falling behind 
