Shaboozey makes waves with two CMA nominations, including New Artist and Single of the Year.
haboozey’s journey into the spotlight has been nothing short of remarkable. This year, he’s made a significant impact with two major nominations at the 2024 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards: New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year for his hit song "A Bar Song (Tipsy)."
Hailing from Virginia with Nigerian roots, he’s defying traditional country music norms by fusing hip-hop, country, and rock. His breakout single, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," almost didn’t make it onto his album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, but once the track was finalized, it was clear they had something special. The song touches on the everyday struggles of working-class life, offering a brief escape through nightlife and partying, though it’s tinged with the realization that these are only temporary distractions. This mix of relatable storytelling and party anthem vibes helped the song climb to the top of multiple charts, including No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Immediately after the nomination announcement, Shaboozey took to Instagram to pay tribute to Beyoncé, who, despite releasing her country album Cowboy Carter on March 29, did not receive any CMA nominations. In his post, he wrote:
"That goes without saying. Thank you @Beyonce for opening a door for us, starting a conversation, and giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time!"
Shaboozey's rise is even more impressive considering his entry into country music at a time when diversity in the genre is being challenged and expanded. He credits artists like Beyoncé and Garth Brooks for inspiring him, and he’s expressed his desire to be a "pillar of music." His success is opening doors for a new generation of artists who don't fit the traditional mold of country music, showing that the genre has room for more diverse voices.
Beyond "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," his album, released earlier this year, has been a hit with listeners and critics alike, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. With over 400 million streams for his lead single and a growing fanbase, it’s clear Shaboozey’s unique sound resonates with listeners on a global scale.
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Lights, Camera, Action, Lovers—Tension II is coming October 18.
ylie Minogue has officially announced her 17th studio album, Tension II, set for release on October 18, 2024. Following the success of her 2023 album Tension, the upcoming album introduces nine new tracks, with the lead single, “Lights Camera Action,” arriving on September 27, 2024. Kylie excitedly shared on social media: “LOVERS …. TENSION II … The sequel with NINE new tracks will be yours on October 18th!”
Tension II Tracklist:
In addition to the album, Kylie has announced a 2025 world tour, kicking off in Australia before reaching the UK and beyond. Fans can pre-save “Lights Camera Action” and pre-order Tension II via her official website. Tickets for the Tension Tour will be available starting September 27, coinciding with the single's release.
Kylie’s global Tension Tour will include major stops across Asia, Europe, North and South America, with UK dates confirmed for May 2025. Fans will get a chance to experience both her new music and beloved hits, with performances that promise to continue the exhilarating energy of the Tension era.
We'll be updating this list as new records are announced, so check back often! *Originally published on July 11, 2024.
his comprehensive calendar provides a snapshot of some of the most anticipated albums set for release in the coming months. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates as more albums are announced.
September 20:
September 24:
September 27:
October 4:
October 11:
October 15:
October 18:
October 25:
November 15:
Several artists have confirmed they are working on albums or have completed them, but there is no official release date yet:
July 12:
July 17:
July 19:
July 26:
August 2:
August 9:
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
September 6:
September 13:
Cloud Baby
Cloud baby
She wants a cloud baby
Of her own
Silver linens, whisper precious
Something to love so easily
Secretly, longingly
She wants it for herself, just herself
Nobody else
She wants it for herself, just herself
She wants the whole world
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
Maintenance Phase
Sometimes I get up, saying I never meant to start
Making mornings all about recovery
From A to B
Deceiving you is hard, turning into someone else
Even turning out a friend of none
Only one
Watching endless dreamlands can be depressing
Though I say I want, I want it all
Counting down the hours with no ending
Though I say I want, I want it all too much
Defending all this time I’m spending on my own
It’s not as though I meant to lose myself
Inside myself
I’d like to grow a spine, even show a little strength
Heaven knows it’s been a tricky year
Many years
Watching endless dreamlands is depressing
Though I say I want, I want it all
I find myself retreating and regressing
Is this the way, the way I wanna be?
Ooh, it’s just the maintenance phase
Ooh, it’s just the maintenance phase
Ooh, it’s just the maintenance phase
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
Spring Cleaning
I’ve been taking out the rubbish, the packets, the papers, the pieces of all my lives
I’ve been shaking out the covers, the corners, the gutters, the dust from the undersides
I’ve been thinking of the reasons to make and to break all the patterns of the years before
Starting afresh, it’s like turning over
Gathering, gathering the ashes
Gathering, gathering, gathering the ashes
It’s the season for sweet things
It’s the season for grieving
It’s the season for growing seedlings
Spring Cleaning
I’ve been mixing up the past with the present, the future’s a mountain of emails
I’ve been pouring in suggestions and questions, from every direction into each of my ears
I’ve been putting down the same piece of paper, the same piece of paper in the same drawer
I’ve been hoping I’d return to the drawer, to a room, to a flat that was better than before
Still turning
Ah—
Gathering, gathering the ashes
It’s the season for sweet things
It’s the season for grieving
It’s the season for sorting and sweeping, renewing and weeping
Searching and needing, and complex feelings
Finishings and beginnings
Chucking out the old and in with the new, you –
Spring Cleaning, oh
Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning, oh
Spring Cleaning
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
It’s Happening Again
Coat tails
Riding them off into the sunset
Bag swinging
Thinking you’d nailed the getaway
It was gratifying
A gratifying waste of time
For you see, a creature of habit am I
Oh it’s happening, it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, it’s happening again
Burnt out
After the most deliberate fade into the background
Hands down
One of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life
And so it seems
There’s always a way, yes a way of starting over
Though it gets harder ever time
Oh it’s happening, it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
And there I was waiting for the warrior within
To rise instead of me
And save me from myself of course
Human reasons for mistakes
And remaining the same
While wanting to change
Oh ooh
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
Jhené Aiko's debut album Souled Out reaches Platinum status a decade after its release, with several singles also achieving Gold and Platinum milestones.
decade after its original release, Jhené Aiko’s debut studio album Souled Out has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA, marking over one million units sold. Originally released on September 9, 2014, Souled Out is a deeply personal and spiritually charged record that blended elements of neo-soul, ambient pop, and alternative R&B. The album introduced Aiko's unique style to a broader audience and solidified her as a key voice in contemporary R&B. Its success was immediate, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with first-week sales exceeding 70,000 copies.
Over time, Souled Out has continued to resonate with fans, earning several additional RIAA certifications in 2024. “Eternal Sunshine” and “Remember” have both achieved Gold status. “Eternal Sunshine” stands out as one of Aiko’s most poignant tracks, with its reflective lyrics exploring themes of memory and loss. Despite not charting on the Billboard Hot 100, the track has steadily grown in popularity, amassing over 60 million streams on Spotify and more than 25 million views on YouTube. Similarly, “Remember,” with its haunting melody and introspective lyricism, also reached Gold status, bolstered by its place in the hearts of Aiko’s dedicated fanbase.
In addition to these Gold certifications, three tracks from Souled Out—“W.A.Y.S.,” “Blue Dream,” and “Spotless Mind”—have gone Platinum. “W.A.Y.S.,” an acronym for “Why Aren’t You Smiling?”, was written in memory of Aiko’s brother, Miyagi, who passed away in 2012. The song, which is a heartfelt tribute to his memory, has become one of Aiko’s signature tracks and a fan favorite during her live performances. The track’s enduring message of resilience and personal strength has helped it accumulate over 100 million streams on Spotify, making its Platinum certification a significant milestone.
“Spotless Mind” and “Blue Dream” have similarly maintained strong listener engagement over the years. “Spotless Mind,” with its dreamy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, explores themes of love and personal growth, and its music video has amassed over 30 million views on YouTube. The track now boasts over 150 million Spotify streams, solidifying its place in Aiko’s catalog as one of her most beloved songs. “Blue Dream” also reached Platinum status, underscoring its slow but steady rise in popularity. Both songs reflect Aiko’s signature style—ethereal, deeply personal, and rooted in emotional complexity.
These certifications come at a time when Jhené Aiko’s career has continued to evolve and flourish. Her 2020 album Chilombo earned three Grammy nominations, including one for Album of the Year, further cementing her status as a key figure in modern R&B. Chilombo featured a blend of her signature introspective lyricism with more experimental elements, such as the use of sound healing techniques like crystal singing bowls. Aiko’s ability to consistently innovate while staying true to her core sound has made her one of the most respected and influential artists in the genre.
In addition to her solo work, Aiko has also become known for her wide range of collaborations with top artists across different genres. She has worked with the likes of Big Sean (with whom she formed the duo TWENTY88), Drake, Childish Gambino, and John Legend. Her versatility and skill in seamlessly moving between genres—whether it be R&B, hip-hop, or alternative music—have earned her widespread acclaim.
Green Day's Dookie hits 20x Multi-Platinum RIAA certification with 20 million copies sold.
September 16, 2024, Green Day’s iconic album Dookie achieved an incredible milestone—being certified 20x Multi-Platinum or 2x Diamond by the RIAA, marking 20 million copies sold. Originally released in 1994, Dookie has remained one of the most influential albums in the history of punk rock and alternative music. This major certification upgrade reflects its enduring appeal over three decades, a rare feat.
Dookie was the album that catapulted Green Day from underground punk to global superstardom, thanks to hits like “Basket Case,” “When I Come Around,” and “Longview.” These singles dominated alternative rock radio in the mid-'90s and helped the album peak at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1995 and has been praised for its raw energy, catchy melodies, and irreverent lyrics—qualities that have kept it relevant to both longtime fans and newer generations.
The album’s influence stretches beyond its commercial success. Dookie is often credited with bringing punk rock into the mainstream, inspiring countless bands that followed. Its blend of pop-punk hooks and rebellious spirit made it a defining soundtrack for a generation of disaffected youth, and its songs continue to resonate in live performances, where Green Day consistently draws massive crowds.
With Dookie now at 20x Multi-Platinum, Green Day’s legacy as one of the most important rock bands of the past few decades is more solidified than ever. Fans and newcomers alike are reminded of the album’s impact, proving that even after 30 years, Dookie still rocks as hard as ever.
Diplo earns new RIAA certifications for Thomas Wesley Chapter 1: Snake Oil and hit single "Heartbroken."
iplo just hit another career milestone with two new RIAA certifications that prove his ability to dominate across multiple genres. His 2020 album, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley Chapter 1: Snake Oil, has officially gone Platinum. This album was a bold experiment, where Diplo mixed country influences with his signature electronic sound. It featured collaborations with big names like Morgan Wallen, Thomas Rhett, and Orville Peck, and it clearly paid off—climbing to No. 7 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The project pushed boundaries, helping to blur the lines between country and electronic music.
One of the standout singles from the album, "Heartless" featuring Morgan Wallen, played a big role in its success. The track became a fan favorite, peaking at No. 16 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and gaining over 400 million streams on Spotify. It’s been a huge crossover hit, showing Diplo’s skill in bringing together different sounds and audiences.
But that’s not all. Diplo’s single "Heartbroken," featuring Jessie Murph and Polo G, also went Platinum. Released in 2023, this track isn't part of the Thomas Wesley project but continues Diplo's trend of fusing genres. "Heartbroken" blends pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements, and the emotional collaboration with Jessie Murph and Polo G struck a chord with listeners. It’s been a major streaming hit, further proving Diplo’s ability to adapt and thrive in any musical space he steps into.
Hozier celebrates major RIAA milestones with 'Would That I', 'Wasteland, Baby!', and 'Almost (Sweet Music)'.
September 11, 2024, Hozier celebrated a series of RIAA certifications. His hauntingly beautiful track "Would That I," originally released on February 28, 2019, reached Platinum status. Known for its intricate guitar work and lyrical depth, the song has become a fan favorite over the years, capturing the hearts of many with its delicate storytelling and emotional resonance.
The good news didn't stop there. Hozier's single "Wasteland, Baby!"—the title track from his 2019 album—was also certified Gold. The song, known for its slow-building, introspective vibe, perfectly encapsulates the themes of love and existential dread that define much of Hozier's work. Though not as commercially dominant as his earlier hits, its gradual growth in streams and its place as a centerpiece of his live performances made this milestone all the more significant.
Perhaps the most notable achievement came with the upgrade of "Almost (Sweet Music)" to 2x Multi-Platinum status. This upbeat, jazz-inflected track has been a major highlight in Hozier's catalog, widely loved for its celebration of classic jazz standards and its irresistible rhythm. It stands as one of Hozier's most commercially successful tracks to date, connecting deeply with both casual listeners and longtime fans.
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