Tech

SOURCE LATINO: TikTok Serving as a Launchpad for Regional Mexican Artists to the Billboard Charts

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TikTok Serving as a Launchpad for Regional Mexican Artists to the Billboard Charts

With Raggaeton remaining a dominant force on TikTok, Karol G, and Shakira’s “TQG” found a way to break through and become the top trending Latin song on the platform last week. Traditional and regional Latin genres that don’t get as much radio airplay have seen improved commercial success because of TikTok.

Regional Mexican music, a catch-all word that incorporates genres like norteo, corridos, and banda, is leading the charge. This genre went from being absent to a mainstay on the Billboard charts, in part due to the success of regional songs on TikTok. Both “Soy Él Unico” by Yahritza y Su Esencia and “Botella Tras Botella,” which first gained popularity as an original sound on TikTok, debuted at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021. “Botella Tras Botella” (344k video productions) by Christian Nodal & Gera.MX was the first regional Mexican hit to chart on the Hot 100.

Mexican regional music is having a big year on TikTok, and Peso Pluma, a 23-year-old singer, is leading the push. Peso Pluma, who has over 1.6 million TikTok followers, is behind some of the year’s biggest hits, such as the Natanael Cano collaboration “PRC” (261k video creations), which gained popularity thanks to a dance that utilizes the song’s distinctive trumpet hook, and the Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma joint effort “Ella Baila Sola,” which generated over 470k video creations.

@odalysve Esoeren el final @Natanael Cano ♬ PRC – Peso Pluma & Natanael Cano

Peso is currently in the spotlight thanks to his collaboration with Yng Lvcas, “La Bebe,” which generated over 40k creations and peaked as #2 on TikTok’s list of the week’s most popular songs. Peso Pluma has five singles that have reached the Billboard Hot 100 as a result of TikTok, including “PRC” (#64), “La Bebe” (#26), and “Ella Baila Sola,” which recently reached the highest-charting position for a regional Mexican song in chart history at #17.

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Hit-Boy Shares Wild Kanye West AI Version Of “2 Certified” From “SURF OR DROWN” Album

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Thanks to the ever-increasing powers of artificial intelligence, music lovers will no longer have to imagine what their favourite artist would sound like singing a song outside of their discography. Instead, computers are becoming able to mimic the vocals of some of the industry’s biggest names and use them to recreate other popular tracks. While the technology obviously isn’t widely available at this time, Hit-Boy was able to use it on Monday (April 10) to create a Kanye West AI version of his and Avelino’s “2 Certified” collaboration.

The catchy song arrived on last month’s SURF OR DROWN, which finds the producer also wearing his rapper hat. Besides his foreign guest feature, Hit-Boy also tapped names like Nas, Dom Kennedy, Curren$y, Jay 305, and more to work with him on the 11-track effort. Now that it’s had some time to digest with fans, the multi-talent put a twist on one of our favourite titles. “AI is getting insane,” he declared via Instagram yesterday. “@kanyewest rapping ‘2 Certified’ sounds too [crazy] 🤯.” In the accompanying video, we see Hit-Boy sitting in the studio, nodding along as West’s computer-generated voice spits out the lyrics.

Hit-Boy Puts Ye’s Vocals on “2 Certified”

“I’ma need all the amenities / You made a lil’ pape, I went at their neck and made history / Dumbin’ out on my own beats / Hot like I threw ’em in grease,” he rhymes without missing a beat. “The one, not the two or the three / I’m watchin’ the numbers increase.” As the father of four raps “2 Certified,” Hit-Boy can be heard saying, “That shit is wild!” Elsewhere in the studio, others gave a similar reaction, obviously amazed by the technological process taking place in front of them.

In the original post’s comment section, viewers seem torn between begging for another collaboration between West and the producer and pointing out the realities of how chilling AI is becoming. “Dope but it’s scary times,” one person wrote. “AI too cold,” another chimed in. “Lol and all these [videos] making me want Kanye on so much more music😅.” Revisit the original cut of “2 Certified” featuring Avelino below, and tell us which version you prefer in the comments.

Revisit the Surf or Drown Fan Favourite

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Doja Cat Responds To Losing Blue Tick On Twitter

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Doja Cat has lost her blue tick on Twitter. The 27-year-old singer has made headlines recently for her strange behavior on social media. Her online antics have been the subject of scrutiny from all sides, even her fans. Still, Doja seems to remain unbothered, frequently tweeting things that seem altogether nonsensical. However, taking one look at her Twitter feed will tell you all you need to know about why she is acting the way she does. “This illuminati sh*t is so funny to me,” Doja tweeted. “I’m gonna keep doing deliberate weird ass shit just to make those people uncomfortable. I’ve fr found a new outlet of joy.”

The “Illuminati sh*t” that Doja refers to is the seemingly endless deluge of people online that are trying to connect her antics to the Illuminati. The accusations seem to have started when the singer shaved her head. Since then, she has made many appearances in over-the-top makeup looks. Conspiracy theorists think that the Illuminati have something to do with it. Not one to miss out on the fun, Doja took it and ran with it. The singer’s social media outlets have become odder and odder since the conspiracy theories started. It’s clear that she couldn’t care less.

Doja Loses Her Verification

Now, it appears that Twitter has removed Doja’s blue verification tick. It’s unclear why it happened at this point. However, the removal of a blue tick from such a huge celebrity comes as no surprise. Twitter has been a mess for months now. Since Elon Musk took over, many changes have been made. Almost all of them have received some serious backlash. Even Doja herself called Elon Musk out about it. Most recently, Musk has come under fire for the implementation of Twitter Blue. The subscription service allows users to pay for the blue tick, which was previously only available to notable figures.

“Having a blue tick now means theres a higher chance that you’re a complete loser and that you’re desperate for validation from famous people,” Doja tweeted. Many fans trolled her for losing her blue tick, too. “wait ew ur not verified go away normie,” one tweeted. “Since u ain’t famous anymore follow back don’t be shy,” another said. What do you think of Doja losing her blue tick? Is Twitter over? Let us know in the comments below!

Nick Cannon Set to Host New Radio Show ‘The Daily Cannon’ on Amp

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Nick Cannon Set to Host New Radio Show 'The Daily Cannon' on Amp

Nick Cannon is turning his talents to radio, specifically Amazon’s live radio app Amp.

The Daily Cannon, a new morning program presented by Nick Cannon, will debut on Amp on Monday, April 24, at 9 a.m. EDT, according to an announcement made by the live radio app from Amazon. The multidimensional talent will serve as a cultural ambassador as he headlines each raw and uncensored show with personally selected new R&B, hip-hop, and pop songs; the inside scoop on celebrity and culture news; and conversations with today’s best musicians, newsmakers, and Amp innovators.

The Daily Cannon on Amp is a cutting-edge radio show that has been redesigned for a live audience that is primarily social. With Amp, listeners can ring in and have live chats with Cannon on the app, allowing him to interact with them in real-time.

The Daily Cannon 1080x1080 1

“I’m excited to be joining the next generation of live audio entertainment on Amp. Having a place where I can directly connect with listeners five days a week to spotlight the hottest emerging artists, chat about the latest and greatest in music and entertainment, and share real-time announcements in my world and beyond will make The Daily Cannon a show you don’t want to miss,” said host Nick Cannon. “There’s a magical thing that happens when entertainment is unedited and live, and I am excited for our journey ahead.”

Programs on Amp feature a diverse range of emerging and established hosts across the talent spectrum, including artists Nicki Minaj, Halsey, NBA YoungBoy, Joe Budden, NBA star Draymond Green, and artist, producer, and TV personality Kandi Burruss. Anyone can create their own live shows using just their phone.

Ncredible and Justin “Freeze” Fostar are responsible for producing The Daily Cannon. Ben Sumpter and Nick Cannon are the executive producers. The Weiss Agency’s Heather Cohen, Michael Goldman’s management, Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein’s legal counsel, and Michael Goldman are members of Cannon’s team. Bobb & Lezcano Lezcano.

The Amp app can be downloaded in the U.S. iOS App Store here.

The post Nick Cannon Set to Host New Radio Show ‘The Daily Cannon’ on Amp appeared first on The Source.

Elon Musk Paints over ‘W’ on Twitter Headquarters Sign, now reads ‘Titter’

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Elon Musk Paints over W on Twitter Headquarters Sign now reads Titter

Even though April Fools Day was over a week ago, the jokes apparently have not stopped for Elon Musk. Over the weekend, the eccentric Twitter CEO apparently defaced…his own business’s sign.

For reasons completely unclear, Musk had covered up the “w” on the company’s sign outside of its headquarters in San Francisco. While some assumed that it was a routine maintenance or repair issue, it appeared that Musk had done it….just because.

However, while some fans thought that the stunt was funny, the building’s landlord was apparently not having it, stating that the sign could not be altered from its previously-approved design.

Apparently Musk (or one of his staff) may have found a loophole in the contract that allowed them to paint the “w” the background color of the sign (white). While some people were unsure whether the painting was the work of vandalism, Musk proudly took credit on Sunday on (where else?) Twitter, showing off the new sign.

No word if the social media platform will officially be changing its name any time soon.

The post Elon Musk Paints over ‘W’ on Twitter Headquarters Sign, now reads ‘Titter’ appeared first on The Source.

Lil Durk Says A.I. Could Never Replace Him

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One of tech’s most significant recent developments in music either motivates fans for the future or scares artists due to its potential dangers. While A.I. deepfakes (involving pictures, voices, statements, and beyond) are more prevalent than ever, many artists spoke out against its malpractice. The most recent to do so is Lil Durk, who spoke with HipHopDX about artificial intelligence that can replicate parts of the creative process. One day, some believe, A.I. will be able to fully replicate an artist’s sound. Just look at the recent controversial A.I.-generated Jay-Z verse that had fans, small artists, and the industry at large concerned.

Despite those legitimate fears and the threats artificial intelligence replicas pose to copyright and artists’ livelihood, The Voice says a fake voice could never replace him. Not only that, but the Chicago storyteller treated the issue as a tool to use wisely, not as a definite benefit or plight to the music world. “I heard them AI deep fakes usin’ my voice, it’s wild what tech be doin’,” he expressed to the publication. “I think AI gon’ change how we make music, but ain’t nothin’ gonna replace the real deal, them raw vibes and emotions we bring. Just gotta make sure we use it right, ya know? Keep our essence alive.”

Lil Durk Talks A.I. Amid NFT-Sneaker Hybrid Collection

Interestingly enough, Durkio knows a thing or two about these new waves of tech. For example, he also spoke to HipHopDX about his NFT-centered “phygital” sneaker collection, NXTG3NZ. Basically, the concept revolves around purchasing a digital NFT, which then allows for a customized experience in copping a physical model of the product. During his conversation with the hip-hop news org, he also chose which moment of his career he’d like to immortalize in NFT form if given the chance.

“I’d pick the time I sold out United Center in my hometown [in 2022], the energy was unreal,” the 30-year-old stated. “That night was somethin’ else, and I’d love to share that vibe with the fans, let ’em feel what I felt on that stage.” Sure, NFTs aren’t any less controversial than this A.I. tech in some circles, but Durk clearly cares more about the righteous execution of these innovations rather than their proliferation at face value. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Durk.

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Cash App Creator Bob Lee Stabbed to Death in San Francisco

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Cash App Creator Bob Lee Stabbed to Death in San Francisco

Bob Lee, the creator of Cash App, was found fatally stabbed early Tuesday (Apr.4) near downtown San Francisco.

NBC reports San Francisco Police Department responded to a stabbing victim around 2:35 a.m. on Tuesday and found Lee suffering from the wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he would die.

At the time of his death, Lee operated as the Chief Product Office of MobileCoin.

“Bob was a force of nature. Helped to birth Android and CashApp into our world,” Joshua Goldbard, the CEO of MobileCoin told ABC7 News. “Moby was his dream: a privacy protecting wallet for the 21st Century. I will miss him every day.”

There have been no arrests made in Lee’s death.

The post Cash App Creator Bob Lee Stabbed to Death in San Francisco appeared first on The Source.

Elon Musk Singles Out The New York Times By Taking Their Verification Away

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Elon Musk is someone who is known for being a bit sensitive online. Overall, his entire crusade to buy Twitter has felt like a way to increase his popularity. However, it has ultimately done the opposite. From his cringy boomer memes to his painstaking desire to be taken seriously, Elon has overstayed his internet welcome. Moreover, it does not help at all that he has ruined the platform with some of his policies. One of those policies involves the verification badge that has allowed public figures to stand out from impersonators or parody accounts.

Now, anyone can be verified. This means I can go on Twitter, name myself “Elon Musk” and get myself verified. Subsequently, I could dupe various people into thinking I’m the Tesla billionaire. It’s all very ridiculous and many celebrities like LeBron James have stated that they refuse to pay for the service. This is significant as April 1st marked the day in which Elon promised to strip people of their legacy verification badges. Although Musk is giving some accounts a grace period, there is one organization that he is singling out.

Elon Musk Speaks

Of course, we are talking about none other than the New York Times. Elon Musk hates the newspaper, and on Sunday, he went off on them and their journalistic practices. “Also, their feed is the Twitter equivalent of diarrhea,” Musk wrote. “It’s unreadable. They would have far more real followers if they only posted their top articles. Same applies to all publications.” These comments were made after the media company made it clear that they would not pay for verification. If you want the golden verification that is reserved or big organizations, you have to pay $1,000 per month. For many, this is just a wild cash grab and is not worth it.

Of course, there are thousands of people out there who are siding with Elon, clapping up a storm over his latest decision. At this point, though, it is hard to see this as anything other than a temper tantrum. Let us know what you think of Elon Musk and his management of Twitter, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from the tech world.

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Disney Fires Entire Metaverse Division

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No company is stranger to cost-cutting efforts, but Disney’s latest efforts have employees wondering who’s next on the chopping block. The house of mouse has fired an entire division, and this is only the beginning. Disney’s 2023 box office earnings have already topped a billion dollars just three months into the year, and the company wants to continue to capitalize on its earnings and cut costs. The Next Generation Storytelling & Consumer Experiences group, responsible for Disney’s Metaverse efforts, only accounted for about 50 employees. That is disturbing considering that Disney plans to lay off a total of 7,000 people.

These cuts come as part of an effort to restructure the company by Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney. After Bob Chapek was abruptly fired in 2022, he stepped in as interim leader. Many may remember that Iger was the head of Disney during some of its most pivotal moments. It was under his leadership that the company acquired both Pixar and Marvel Studios. Iger was also at the helm when Disney acquired Lucasfilm. These were arguably some of the most important decisions made in the history of the entertainment business. It’s undeniable: Iger is a formidable leader with unmatched success. It’s really no surprise that he was asked to step in after Chapek was let go.

More Disney Layoffs Coming: Who’s Next?

Bob Iger’s bloodbath began with a memo sent out on February 8th. In this memo, he detailed his plans for cuts and tried to lighten the blow with some kind words. “The difficult reality of many colleagues and friends leaving Disney is not something we take lightly,” he said. “It also makes it all the more difficult to say goodbye to wonderful people we care about. I want to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to every departing employee for your numerous contributions and your devotion to this beloved company.”

Iger plans to finish the 7,000 aforementioned layoffs by summer. Having already dismantled several divisions, it’s clear he has no problem doing what needs to be done to keep Disney on top. The next victims of this restructuring effort remain unclear; however, Iger has made it clear that these cuts will affect high and low-level employees alike.

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Warner Music Set to Layoff 270 Employees ‘For Long-Term Success’

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Warner Music Sweden

Warner Music Group has announced to its staff that they will eliminate 270 jobs. Variety obtained a memo to the company from CEO Robert Kyncl, detailing the desire of the company “to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us, we need to make some hard choices in order to evolve.”

In the memo, Kyncl wrote, “Every decision has been made thoughtfully by our operators around the world, who considered the specific needs, skills, and priorities of each label, division, and territory, in order to set us up for long-term success.”

Details on which department or positions that they layoffs will touch are currently unannounced, but the total of the company that will be impacted is 4%.

You can read the full memo on here.

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