Technology Archives - New Hip Hop News

Future, Flo Milli and GloRilla Among Top Songs Used in U.S. on TikTok for 2024

December 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

TikTok continues to reshape the music industry in 2024, cementing its role as the go-to platform for discovering new artists, promoting songs, and connecting fans to their favorite stars.

“In 2024, TikTok truly became the music industry’s primary launchpad for music, artists, and creativity. Every year, our global community discovers a new generation of emerging artists, creates new viral hit songs, and rediscovers classic tracks, propelling them into the charts worldwide. TikTok continues to be a space for discovery, self-expression, and fandom, empowering artists to build a global fanbase, engage with the community, and build their careers.”

– Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music Business Development, TikTok

With over a billion music fans on the platform, TikTok has become the epicenter for music culture, with users creating viral moments and driving songs to mainstream success. In the U.S., the Top 10 Songs generated 140 million TikTok creations globally, with Tommy Richman’s “MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS)” leading the charge. Rap and hip-hop thrived, with tracks like Lay Bankz’s “Tell Ur Girlfriend” and Flo Milli’s “Never Lose Me” reaching new heights on the Billboard and Spotify charts.

Sabrina Carpenter topped the U.S. list, with her viral songs “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Taste” generating over 15 million TikTok videos. Her incredible success was capped with six Grammy nominations for her album Short n’ Sweet, which she introduced to fans through a special TikTok in-app experience. Emerging stars like Shaboozey, Chappell Roan, and Benson Boone also leveraged TikTok’s viral power to elevate their careers, proving the platform’s transformative impact on the music industry.

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Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is Apple Music’s Global Song of the Year

December 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kendrick Lamar has reached a significant career milestone with his track “Not Like Us,” which has become the most-streamed global song of the year. The achievement marks the rapper’s first-ever No. 1 on the annual streaming chart, solidifying his place as a dominant force in the music industry.

The achievement comes as Lamar reigns over the entire Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. Overall, Kendrick has seven of the top ten spots in the Hot 100. The country’s No. 1 song is “Squabble Up,” followed by “TV Off,” “Luther,” “Wacced Out Murals,” and “Hey Now,” which rounds out the top five.

Apple Music unveiled its much-anticipated Replay 2024 experience today, offering subscribers a deeper look at their musical journey over the year. Integrated directly into the Apple Music app, Replay now includes expanded insights, shareable motion videos, and access to personal music highlights. The update enhances the annual feature, reflecting Apple Music’s commitment to creating a personalized and interactive music experience.

Subscribers on iOS 18.1 or later can access Replay via the app’s Home, New, or Search tabs, while users on earlier versions can visit the replay.music.apple.com microsite. New insights include “Top 100, 500, 1000 Listeners,” which shows rankings among fans of favorite artists, “Listening Streaks” highlighting consecutive playback days, and “Replay By Month” for a month-by-month breakdown of top tracks and albums. Fans can also discover their “Top Artist Streak” and revisit their “Date of First Play” for favorite music.

Apple Music also expanded Replay for Artists, now accessible via Apple Music for Artists. Musicians can review their total listener and streaming minutes, track Shazam success, and pinpoint top-performing cities. These tools allow artists to celebrate their year and engage with their audience by sharing customized insights through video or still assets.

Coinciding with the Replay launch, Apple Music revealed its 2024 Year-End Charts. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” emerged as the most-streamed global song, marking a career milestone as his first-ever No. 1 on the annual chart. On Shazam, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” took the top spot, while Dua Lipa’s “Houdini” became the most played song on global radio.

2024 saw record-breaking achievements for women in music, with 39 songs by female artists appearing on the Top Songs of 2024: Global chart. Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” led the way at No. 3, while Taylor Swift landed seven tracks on the list, including “Cruel Summer” in the top five. Rising stars like Shaboozey and Benson Boone joined veterans like Drake and Morgan Wallen, who each secured eight chart entries.

Shazam’s global chart featured newcomers, with Teddy Swims and FloyyMenor gaining significant recognition. Resurgent hits like Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” also made appearances, boosted by movie placements.

The Most-Read Lyrics and Top 100: Sing charts highlighted a surge in Japanese-language songs, with Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” dominating both lists. YOASOBI’s “アイドル (Idol)” and tuki.’s “晩餐歌 (Bansanka)” further cemented the global appeal of J-Pop.

A notable addition this year is the Shazam Global Radio Spins chart, led by Dua Lipa’s “Houdini.” Pop and country genres shone brightly, with tracks like Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” gaining traction.

From personalized Replay mixes to year-round features like Discovery Station and collaborative playlists, Apple Music continues to elevate the listening experience. Dive into Replay 2024 and explore the complete Year-End Charts on Apple Music today.

The post Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is Apple Music’s Global Song of the Year appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Apple Music Debuts Replay 2024 with New Insights and Year-End Charts

December 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The post Apple Music Debuts Replay 2024 with New Insights and Year-End Charts appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Joe Budden Theorizes That Apple Music Might Be Fueling Feuds Against Drake

November 20, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Joe Budden spoke at length about Drake and what’s next in the Toronto rapper’s career during the latest episode of his self-titled podcast. In doing so, he expressed his hope that Drake will return to making emotionally candid music while also suggesting that Apple Music may be beefing with him behind the scenes.

“In 2025, I would love to hear vulnerable Drake make a return,” Budden began. “Not mafioso Drake, not ‘No Face’ Drake, just tell us how you feel for real, once.” From there, the crew agreed that Drake candidly reflecting on the beef with Kendrick Lamar and his tumultuous year is unlikely. “The ‘No Face’ video came and went,” Budden remarked of Drake’s track from August. “You got high hopes for what this Drake-Party album’s supposed to be? I do because I love Party and R&B Drake, but I don’t think that’s gonna move the pendulum the way that it needs to.”

Drake Attends NBA Game Between The Thunder & Rockets

Dec 1, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Rapper, singer, and actor Drake watches the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets during the second half of an Oklahoma City Thunder game at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The group then turned to Apple Music choosing Kendrick Lamar as the Rap Artist of the Year. One of Budden’s co-hosts theorized that the technology company is feuding with Drake and that’s why they’re also collaborating with The Weeknd. “There’s some tech sh*t going on here. I think these companies are doing some other sh*t,” they said. Budden agreed while complaining that the companies are profiting too much off of Drake’s beefs.

Joe Budden Shares His Expectations For Drake

Drake is currently gearing up for the release of a collaborative album with PartyNextDoor. Further details are unavailable but it’s expected to release sometime in 2024. Check out Joe Budden’s full comments on Drake below.

Joe budden says for 2025 he wants to hear vulnerable drake music . And ice believes that Apple Music is playing dirty games against drizzy pic.twitter.com/WFOBCOfcyN

— joebuddenclips (@Chatnigga101) November 20, 2024

[Via]

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NBA and Houston Rockets Bring First-Ever Tech Challenge and Empowering Programming to AfroTech

November 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The NBA and Houston Rockets collaborated to bring exciting initiatives to the AfroTech conference in Houston from Nov. 13-16. One of the key highlights was the first-ever NBA Foundation Tech Challenge, where 25 students from local universities like the University of Houston, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University presented business ideas based on real-world challenges.

Houston Rockets CMO Julian Duncan judged the challenge, NBA All-Star Baron Davis, and Amplitude’s Nikki Lasley. Prairie View A&M took home the top prize, with each student receiving $1,000 and a scholarship funded by a $25,000 donation from Amplitude.

The NBA Foundation also sponsored 100 Houston-area students to attend AfroTech, giving them access to valuable networking opportunities and career insights from top tech professionals. On the Executive Stage, NBA President of Basketball Operations Byron Spruell, WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, and Rockets GM Rafael Stone participated in a panel discussing the intersection of tech and basketball, offering advice on career development.

Additionally, Baron Davis engaged in a Fireside chat about entrepreneurship and innovation, sharing his expertise on blending business and basketball.

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IBM and UFC Partner to Launch AI-Powered Insights Engine for Enhanced Fan Experience

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

IBM and UFC®️ have announced a groundbreaking partnership that will bring the power of IBM’s AI platform, watsonx, to the global audience of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. With this collaboration, IBM becomes UFC’s first-ever Official Global AI Partner, introducing a new dimension to live event viewing.

Central to the partnership is the development of the UFC Insights Engine, which will utilize IBM’s AI and data technology, including Granite large language models, alongside UFC’s extensive data feeds. This engine aims to provide UFC fans with real-time, advanced insights during live events, such as fighter tendencies, match projections, and potential victory outcomes. These insights will continuously update on-screen as live data rolls in, offering fans an enriched experience.

Expected to launch in early 2025, the Insights Engine will integrate branded stats and graphics into key UFC platforms. Fans can expect to see this technology across UFC Pay-Per-View broadcasts, pre-event programming, social media, and in-venue displays, reaching millions in 170 countries.

“This partnership with IBM is one of the most significant milestones for UFC and a game changer for how fans will experience our sport,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Head of Global Partnerships at TKO. “IBM is an iconic blue-chip, global brand with decades of experience in sports marketing. Together, we’re pioneering a product to revolutionize analytics and information in live sports. This partnership marks a pivotal win, not only for UFC and IBM, but also for fans around the world who will experience our sport in a whole new way.”

This partnership not only marks UFC’s expansion into AI-driven experiences but also IBM’s commitment to redefining fan engagement. Together, IBM and UFC are set to deliver real-time, data-driven content, enhancing viewer connection to each fight and offering unparalleled access to in-depth UFC fight information.

“Data and AI solutions like UFC Insights Engine built with IBM watsonx can offer current fans entirely new ways to connect with their favorite athletes and sports, while also building excitement among new generations of MMA fans,” said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at IBM. “Leveraging watsonx and our Granite models also allows UFC to enhance its digital operations and to harness the power of its extensive library of match data – all to the benefit of current and future fans.”

“IBM watsonx is synonymous with AI, and they have been leading the charge in this space from the beginning,” said Alon Cohen, Senior Vice President, UFC Research and Development. “UFC has been working on the concept of the Insights Engine for several years, and now we finally have the right partner in IBM with the depth of expertise in AI to bring it to life. We’re looking forward to rolling this out to our fans in the months ahead.”

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The Weeknd Is Teaming With Apple For An ‘Immersive’ Experience Dubbed ‘Open Hearts’

November 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Apple debuted an impressive new piece of technology earlier this year: Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset. They’re working on bringing some exclusive content to the platform, too, and that includes “Open Hearts,” a collaboration with The Weeknd.

A trailer was shared, and “Open Hearts” is described, “Journey alongside The Weeknd through a surreal, haunting cityscape in this electrifying sonic voyage.”

Currently, “Open Hearts” is scheduled for release via Apple Vision Pro (you can watch on a unit at an Apple Store if you don’t have your own) on November 15.

Apple previously described Apple Immersive Video as “a remarkable storytelling format that leverages 3D video recorded in 8K with a 180-degree field of view and Spatial Audio to transport viewers to the center of the action.” The collaboration with The Weeknd was announced at that time as well, although without specifics.

Tor Myhren, Apple’s vice president of Marketing Communications, also said at the time, “Apple Immersive Video is a groundbreaking leap forward for storytelling, offering Apple Vision Pro users remarkable experiences with an unparalleled sense of realism and immersion. From soaring over volcanoes in Hawaii and surfing huge waves in Tahiti, to enjoying performances by the world’s biggest artists and athletes from all-new perspectives, Apple Immersive Video revolutionizes the way people experience places, stories, sports, and more by making viewers feel like they’re truly there. It’s the next generation of visual storytelling, and we’re excited to bring it to more people around the world.”

Check out the “Open Hearts” trailer above.

TikTok Sued By Several States Over Adverse Effects to Mental Health of Children

October 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Whelp, the legal fight against TikTok rages. This time a bipartisan group of over a dozen state attorneys general, including those from New York, California, and the District of Columbia, have filed lawsuits against social media giant TikTok, citing harmful effects on teens and young users. The District of Columbia’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb, leading one of the lawsuits, accuses TikTok of misleading users by claiming its app is safe for children, despite its “addictive” features, and of operating an unlicensed virtual money transmission system. Schwalb stated, “TikTok is intentionally trying to addict young people to its platform” and referred to the app as “digital nicotine,” claiming it poses significant mental health risks, including depression, anxiety, sleep loss, and body dysmorphia.

Get this, Schwalb’s lawsuit also highlights TikTok’s virtual currency system, “TikTok Coins,” which allows users to buy virtual gifts during live streams, with streamers cashing out for real money. The lawsuit alleges that TikTok has profited substantially from this system, charging commissions as high as 50%. Schwalb contends that the platform’s lax age verification processes have allowed minors to access age-restricted features, leading to instances of exploitation.

Naturally, TikTok strongly denies these accusations, asserting in a statement, “We provide robust safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users, and have voluntarily launched safety features such as default screen time limits, family pairing, and privacy by default for minors under 16.” The company expressed disappointment that state attorneys general chose litigation over collaboration to address industrywide concerns.

Here’s their statement on X (formerly Twitter):

Our statement on today’s Attorneys General lawsuits:

“We strongly disagree with these claims, many of which we believe to be inaccurate and misleading. We’re proud of and remain deeply committed to the work we’ve done to protect teens and we will continue to update and improve…

— TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) October 8, 2024

This serious legal action against TikTok comes amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms for their impact on children. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other platforms, such as Snapchat and Facebook, which have faced accusations of enabling exploitation and fostering harmful content. In a broader context, TikTok is also fighting a new law that would ban the app unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells it to a non-Chinese buyer by January 19, 2024, a move TikTok argues violates the First Amendment rights of its users.

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Kerry Washington Becomes Investor in Spill, Black Owned Tech Platform

October 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kerry Washington is best known on the big and small screen but now you can add tech investor to her repertoire. The Scandal star has recently become an investor in Spill, a Black-owned social media platform that fosters connections, culture, and commerce. According to an exclusive report from TechCrunch, Washington provided financial backing as the platform approaches its second anniversary.

Washington has been an active participant and early adopter on the platform, perhaps by design, regularly hosting live video sessions called “tea parties” for her followers. Alphonzo Terrell, Spill’s founder, praised Washington’s engagement with the community, saying, “She’s incredibly accessible and knowledgeable, especially around these topics, and is not scared in any way, shape, or form about really engaging with people directly. I think it really does represent the kind of environment we want to cultivate on Spill … We’re all human here, too. Let’s connect.”

Get this, the actress shared her motivation for supporting Spill, explaining, “When I joined Spill as a user, I was amazed and inspired by how safe the community felt. I immediately wanted to support the growth of the platform, because safety is a powerful tool to foster honesty, creativity, connection, and community.” She went on to highlight how Spill prioritizes marginalized communities, adding, “In a digital world where marginalized groups, especially Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA folks, rarely feel prioritized, Spill stands out. I’m proud to be part of this community as both a user and an investor.”

What’s more, Washington hosted a voter registration-themed Tea Party on Spill, engaging her followers in discussions about the upcoming election and the vital role of voters in driving social and political change.

As for Spill users, known as “Spillionaires,” they can share posts that combine 90 characters of text with images, GIFs, or videos. The platform allows users to “Spill” their thoughts, share, comment, or quote posts. The Spillboard helps users stay updated on trending topics worldwide, while live conversations, games like Spades, and tea parties foster further engagement.

Spill is available for download on both iOS and Android.

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Why Artists Should Use AI Image Generators for Album Covers

September 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Album covers are crucial in defining a musician’s brand and visual identity. It is often the first thing fans see, giving them a glimpse of the tone and style of the music. AI image generators now give artists new tools to create stunning album covers.

These AI tools simplify the design process, making it faster and more accessible. This blog will explore why artists should consider using AI image generators for their album covers.

The Importance of Album Covers in Music

Album covers is more than just a visual accessory. It reflects the essence of the music and the musician’s vision. A striking album cover can make a memorable impression on listeners, adding depth to the music.

Iconic album covers like Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon or Nirvana’s Nevermind have become symbols in music history. The right album covers can engage listeners. They can build a stronger connection with your audience.

What Are AI Image Generators

An AI image generator is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to create images based on text prompts or existing visuals. You can simply describe your vision, and the AI generates artwork in minutes. Popular tools like Imagine Art allow users to experiment with different styles, themes, and concepts.

These tools are perfect for artists who want to create unique, eye-catching album covers without needing design skills.

Benefits of Using AI Image Generators for Album Covers

Here are the benefits of using an AI image generator to get album covers.

Cost-Effective

AI image generators offer an affordable way to create professional-quality album covers. Artists no longer need to hire expensive designers to achieve their vision. AI tools provide a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.

Time-Saving

AI speeds up the creative process. Instead of waiting for revisions or brainstorming with a designer, artists can generate high-quality album covers in minutes. This is especially helpful when working on tight deadlines.

Creative Flexibility

AI image generators allow artists to experiment with different styles and concepts. Whether you’re looking for something abstract, futuristic, or minimalistic, AI can generate endless options. You can refine these options to align with your artistic vision.

Customization

Despite being automated, AI image generators give users control over the final design. artists can adjust elements like colors, textures, and styles to match their music and brand. The customization options ensure the album covers is unique to the artist.

Consistency Across Platforms

With AI tools, artists can ensure their album cover looks great across all platforms, from streaming services to social media. AI-generated images are high-quality and easily adaptable, providing consistency in your visual branding.

How AI Has Changed the Way We Create NFTs

Before AI image generators, making album covers required hiring designers or using complex software for hours. AI has simplified this process. Artists can now create multiple variations of their artwork in seconds, saving both time and effort.

With tools like Imagine Art offering access to over 40 models and 90+ art styles, the possibilities are endless. AI ensures that no two designs are the same, allowing artists to stand out in a crowded industry.

AI Image Generators vs. Traditional Designers

AI image generators offer an alternative to hiring a traditional designer. While designers provide personalized insights and collaboration, AI tools are faster and more affordable. With AI, artists can produce multiple concepts quickly, without waiting for revisions.

On the other hand, designers might be better for complex, highly specific projects. AI is ideal for those who need flexibility, speed, and budget-friendly solutions.

How to Get Started with AI Image Generators for Album Covers

Step 1: Choose an AI Tool

Start by selecting an AI image generator. Popular options include Imagine Art, DALL-E, and Artbreeder. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and high-quality results.

Step 2: Upload Your Ideas or Image

If you have a specific idea or image in mind, upload it to the AI tool. You can also enter text prompts that describe the concept you want for your album covers.

Step 3: Choose Your Style

Select the style that fits your music. You can choose from abstract, realistic, or minimalistic designs. AI tools provide a variety of art styles to suit your vision.

Step 4: Customize the Details

Refine your design by adjusting colors, contrast, and textures. Some tools allow you to tweak the image further, ensuring that the final design aligns with your brand.

Step 5: Generate and Review

Once your settings are ready, generate your album cover. Review the different versions, and choose the one that best represents your music.

Step 6: Download and Share

Once satisfied, download your album cover. You can now upload it to your music platforms or share it on social media.

Conclusion

AI image generators are revolutionizing the way artists create album covers. These tools offer efficiency, creative flexibility, and cost-effective solutions. Whether you’re an established artist or a newcomer, AI empowers you to explore new creative possibilities. Ready to create stunning album covers? Dive into AI tools like Imagine Art and unlock the future of music visuals.

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