SZA dropped off a new music video for her 2022 SOS track “Snooze” today. In the video, the St. Louis-born performer is joined by several celebrity guests. Benny Blanco, Young Mazino, Woody McClain, and even Justin Bieber star as her various love interests, portraying the ebbs and flows of their relationships. The songstress even tries out a fling with a robot before ultimately finding the right man. Fans are ecstatic to see how far SZA has come, and appear to be loving the new video.
The ending of the video also features a snippet from an unreleased track, reportedly titled “OD.” She teased the new visual earlier this month, previewing her robot romance along with the unreleased track. “Bts from snooze video but not snooze audio,” she captioned the clip. It’s unclear when fans can expect the official release of the new song, however, listeners are hopeful that it could appear on the deluxe edition of SOS.
In February of this year, SZA revealed that the deluxe edition of SOS will feature 10 new tracks. “After I do the deluxe, I’m hoping to be able to accept that this chapter is done,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to actually feeling proud of myself and not just smiling and nodding at accolades but really feeling it internally and knowing that I’m good enough.” A fake tracklist for the album later circulated, but the artist quickly shut it down. An official tracklist and release date for the deluxe edition of SOS has yet to be confirmed.
The announcement of the deluxe album also came just after SZA kicked off her SOS tour, which has seen her make over 35 stops around the world. She made her way across the U.S. and Canada before setting off on the international leg of the tour in June. She’ll be making a return to North America next month, leading with dates in Miami, Nashville, Philly, and more. The tour is expected to close at the end of October with a performance in Phoenix. Keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on SZA.
Scooter Braun has been the subject of recent headlines pertaining to his high-profile clients. Throughout the past few days, rumors have circulated about Braun parting ways with some of his biggest artists. The famous manager, executive, and entrepreneur has been involved in the careers of Kanye West, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and many more. In addition to his SB Projects company, which handles the management of notable artists, Braun founded Schoolboy Records. He is also involved with TQ Ventures, Mythos Studios, RBMG Records, and the eSports team 100 Thieves.
Further, Braun founded the holding company Ithaca Ventures, which South Korean entertainment company Hybe Corporation acquired. Following the acquisition, Braun became the CEO of Hybe’s American branch. Aside from recent news, his most publicized business deal occurred in 2019 when Ithaca Ventures acquired Big Machine Records, giving him ownership of Taylor Swift’s master recordings. The purchase led to a highly publicized dispute between the two, and their debacle continues to loom over the latest stories about Braun.
Scooter Braun parting ways with some of his most prominent artists has led to mass speculation over possible causes. As of today, there is little information from official sources about why artists are leaving Braun’s management. Some speculate discrepancies between Braun and his clients, while other sources report that he is allegedly leaving management altogether. His latest tweet from two days ago reads, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.” Aside from that tweet, very few of these reports are official. Here are some artists who have left Scooter Braun behind, including those who still have yet to confirm their status with their manager.
US businessman Scooter Braun (L) and Canadian singer Justin Bieber arrive for YouTube Originals’ “Justin Bieber: Seasons” premiere at the Regency Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles on January 27, 2020. (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR / AFP) (Photo by LISA O’CONNOR/AFP via Getty Images)
One of Scooter Braun’s career-defining moves as a manager was discovering a 13-year-old Justin Bieber. Since 2008, the two remained closely connected throughout their careers as Braun helped Bieber reach superstar status at a young age. Puck News initially reported that Justin Bieber was seeking new management and had not spoken to Braun in months. Despite the report, Bieber is reportedly still under contract with his longtime manager, and neither party has issued statements regarding their status. Some news outlets claim Bieber has left Braun’s management, while others have refuted those statements.
Demi Lovato
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Demi Lovato performs onstage during the OBB Premiere Event for YouTube Originals Docuseries “Demi Lovato: Dancing With The Devil” at The Beverly Hilton on March 22, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for OBB Media)
After four years of management, Demi Lovato has parted ways with Scooter Braun and SB Projects. According to Billboard, the “amicable” split was a mutual decision. Lovato initially signed with Braun in 2019, and he managed her through the releases of her most recent albums, 2021’s Dancing With the Devil… the Art of Starting Over, and 2022’s Holy Fvck. Her departure from Scooter Braun’s management was the first to be in this recent string of reported splits with his other clients.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 24: Recording artist Ariana Grande performs onstage at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 24, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Ariana Grande’s supposed split from Scooter Braun’s management was reported the same day news outlets were made aware of Demi Lovato’s departure. There are conflicting reports on whether Ariana Grande is actually leaving her manager. Billboard cited sources that were certain of the split, while Variety’s unnamed sources refuted those claims. Braun has managed Ariana Grande’s entire music career, starting with her debut album Yours Truly. The singer has been actively promoting the album’s 10th anniversary with the help of SB Projects. The company’s social media posts coincided with the news of her departure. Although neither Braun nor Grande has commented, People claims that the pop star left SB Projects on “friendly terms.”
Idina Menzel
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 11: Idina Menzel performs onstage during the CNN Heroes Gala 2016 at the American Museum of Natural History on December 11, 2016 in New York City. 26362_011 (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Turner)
In addition to news surrounding splits from Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Ariana Grande, Scooter Braun had other clients leave his management this year. Broadway star and film actress Idina Menzel parted ways with her former manager in January. She initially signed with SB Projects in 2019. Although her decision to walk away from Braun is unrelated to the most recent developments, many of his biggest clients have parted ways with him this year alone.
J Balvin
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: J Balvin performs on NBC’s “Today” at Rockefeller Plaza on August 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Much like Idina Menzel, J Balvin signed with Scooter Braun in 2019 and also parted ways with him earlier this year. In May, the Latin superstar ended his deal with Braun and is now managed by Roc Nation. His exit from SB Projects has only added to the latest drama in the Scooter Braun saga. J Balvin and Menzel were the first to walk away this year. Balvin’s departure points to a pattern where Braun sees many of his biggest clients consecutively part ways with his historical management empire in a short time.
Overall, many of the artists who have allegedly left Scooter Braun as a manager still have yet to comment. However, it appears that the businessman and executive is keeping himself busy. He seems to be focusing on his role as CEO of Hybe America. One possibility is that Braun is turning his attention towards K-Pop as BTS is Hybe’s biggest artist. Another theory is that he continues growing his repertoire with other artists and companies. Hybe recently signed Ozuna and acquired Quality Control Music, the label known for artists like Migos and City Girls. While Scooter Braun has parted ways with many of his high-profile clients, he still has a roster full of notable names like Zac Brown Band, Quavo, YG, The Kid Laroi, and more.
In the music industry today, it’s rare to see artists find managers that they’re able to work with as they evolve for more than a few years. Of course, there are exceptions like Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun. They’ve been together since the Canadian was just a young boy from Stratford, Ontario sharing singing videos in his living room. Due to his many health struggles, Bieber has taken some time out of the spotlight as of late. On Friday (August 18), reports began circulating via Puck that he and Braun haven’t spoken in several months.
According to the original gossip tip, the “Baby” hitmaker has been shopping around for new management options. Rumour has it that lawyers are even involved. However, just hours after that news hit the net, Entertainment Tonight shared an exclusive report stating that Braun and his client have no bad blood between them. “Justin and Scooter are still working together. Justin is not taking meetings to look for new management. The two recently worked on something together,” multiple people have told the outlet.
It’s unclear exactly what they’re cooking up, but the last time we heard from the vocalist was early on in 2023. At the time, he joined Future to bring back everyone’s favourite R&Bieber vibes on Don Toliver’s Love Sick album. Their joint effort is called “Private Landing,” and has left fans hoping we’ll hear the 29-year-old revisit his Journals era. Months before that, he and the Cactus Jack artist connected on another hit single, “Honest.”
While there have been questions raised about the status of his relationship with one of his longest-standing clients, Scooter Braun’s talent roster definitely isn’t hurting. Apart from having both The Kid LAROI and Ariana Grande under his wing, the industry executive also recently signed rising rap diva Kaliii. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin hosted an exclusive white party at his luxurious Hamptons residence, attracting A-list celebrities to celebrate Independence Day. The star-studded event, attended by industry titans, models, and influencers, featured exquisite cuisine, high-end beverages, and impromptu musical performances. With attendees like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Travis Scott, and Justin Bieber, Michael Rubin’s annual party became […]
What was expected to be one of the biggest headlining performances in Coachella history unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations on Sunday (April 16) evening. First it was announced hours before Frank Ocean was due to go on stage that his set wouldn’t be a part of the YouTube live stream. The California native was also an hour late and left many confused with his haphazard setlist. The majority of reactions pouring in online have been largely critical of the performer. Of course, he was likely nervous prior to taking to the stage for the first time since 2017.
It’s since been revealed that Ocean suffered an injury while biking ahead of his concert. This reportedly lead to several last-minute changes. Some sources report that he almost didn’t go on at all. Others tell of a giant ice rink that was never used for its intended purpose. As music lovers continue to ponder what this means for his headlining set during Coachella weekend two, another artist is using their platform to applaud the 35-year-old for his efforts. Late on Monday (April 17) night, Justin Bieber shared an Instagram photo from in the crowd at Ocean’s show, sharing his thoughts in the caption.
Justin Bieber Praises Frank Ocean’s Controversial Headlining Performance
“I was blown away by Frank Ocean’s Coachella performance,” the Canadian crooner wrote while giving the “Nikes” artist his flowers. “His artistry is simply unmatched, his style, his taste, his voice, his attention to detail.” According to Bieber, watching his fellow singer this past weekend left him feeling “deeply moved.” He added, “It made me want to keep going and get better as an artist. He continues to set the bar high and gave me a night I will never forget! Thanks Frank.”
To keep the peace, the Journals hitmaker turned off his comment section, preventing any potential haters from further bashing his friend. As Complex notes, Ocean himself described his first attempt at headlining as “chaotic,” though he did hint that a new album is locked and loaded in his arsenal, generating at least some excitement amid the disappointment. Do you agree with Justin Bieber’s opinion of Frank’s show? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music news updates.
Frank Ocean wrapped up the first weekend of Coachella this past Sunday (April 16) with his first live performance in years. Most people seem to agree that his set did not go well. An injury and last-minute changes to the stage setup appear to have been at play, but regardless, the show was what it was. If you ask Justin Bieber, though, what it was was pretty terrific.
Bieber was apparently in attendance, as she shared a photo from the set on Instagram. He also praised Ocean’s performance in the caption, writing, “I was blown away by Frank Oceans Coachella performance. His artistry is simply unmatched, his style, his taste, his voice, his attention to detail.. I was deeply moved. It made me want to keep going and get better as an artist. He continues to set the bar high and gave me a night I will never forget! Thanks Frank.”
Before this, Bieber and Ocean had some shared history. Ocean (credited as Lonnie Breaux) co-wrote “Bigger” from Bieber’s 2009 debut EP, My World. Ocean and Tyler The Creator also apparently wrote a song for Bieber’s 2012 album Believe that ultimately didn’t make the cut, Tyler revealed in 2013. Bieber and Jaden Smith also covered Ocean’s “Thinking About You” in 2011.
