Joey Purp x Thelonius Martin Kick Off 'Champagne Seats' With "Make The Lakers"
Summary
Joey Purpis cooking up his first round of new music since 2023'sHeavy Heart, Vol. 1.
Kicking it off with lead single 'Make The Lakers,' the Chicago talent is teaming back up with his frequent production partnerThelonius Martinfor a collaborative project titledChampagne Seats.
The EP is fully produced by Martin – who also worked on Purp'siiiDropsmixtape in 2016, producing three of the songs on the tracklist, as well as Purp's debut album,Quarterthing,in 2018. The EP spans seven songs. Find the full tracklist below.
1. V103 Intro2. Make The Lakers3. Some More4. Gelato5. Champagne Seats6. Don't Take It Personal7. I Came I Seen
Stream 'Make The Lakers' on Spotify and Apple Music now, and expect Champagne Seats to land on streaming services come June 6.
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Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Pastor Norman Hutchins, American Gospel Star, Dies Aged 62
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Pastor and gospel singer Norman Hutchins has died at the age of 62, his family said. Hutchins died at home in California on Friday after a long battle with diabetes and kidney failure, according to gospel radio station Praise 102.5. Who Is Norman Hutchins? Born in Dover, Delaware, Hutchins began preaching at just 8 years old and was ordained by age 12. He launched his solo music career in 1992 with Sparrow Records and went on to release 10 albums across Sparrow, JDI, and IR Records—seven of which charted on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart. But his music career took off after signing with JDI Records in 1999, producing hits such as "Nobody But You," "Battlefield," and "Spontaneous Praise, Vol. 1." He went on to become one of the gospel's most-inspirational voices. Hutchins earned multiple Dove, Stellar, and Grammy nominations, with signature songs like "Jesus I Love You" and "God's Got a Blessing" becoming gospel staples. In addition to his music, Hutchins was a pastor and founder of Frontline Ministries in Dover. He also served as minister of music at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. He held a master's degree in biblical counseling and a doctorate in church administration. Hutchins faced serious health challenges over the years, including temporary blindness and kidney failure caused by diabetes. In 2014, he revealed to Path MEGAzine that his wife had donated a kidney for him. A portrait of Norman Hutchins. A portrait of Norman Hutchins. Norman Hutchins via Facebook. Following his death, tributes have poured in from across the gospel music community, honoring his enduring legacy as a gospel icon and minister. The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals remembered Hutchins as "a voice that stirred our souls and a heart that truly worshipped," saying that his music and ministry will "continue to inspire generations." A joint statement from Hutchins' family, IR Record Label, and HD Global Media Group described him as a "gospel giant" and a "beacon of faith" whose award-winning songs like "God's Got a Blessing" and "Emmanuel" brought hope and healing to countless lives. They expressed gratitude for the love and support received and asked for continued prayers as they mourn his loss and celebrate a life "well-lived in service to God." His wife, Karen Hutchins, called him "my greatest source of inspiration," highlighting the deep love and faith they shared, and expressing comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on. New Life Community Church, which had scheduled a book signing and live performance with Hutchins, announced the event's cancellation and called him "a vessel of hope and inspiration to many across the world," offering prayers and condolences to his family and ministry team. GSSL Radio praised Hutchins as a "gospel trailblazer" and "faithful servant" whose songs and spirit became part of the "soundtrack of our faith." They encouraged his supporters to take comfort in knowing he "fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith." Hutchins is survived by his wife and three children. What People Are Saying The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals said in a statement on Instagram: "The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals mourns the passing of the incomparable Norman Hutchins—a voice that stirred our souls and a heart that truly worshipped. His songs lifted countless lives and his legacy will forever echo in the halls of gospel music. We honor his ministry, his message, and the music that will continue to inspire generations." A joint Facebook statement from Hutchins' family, IR Record Label and HD Global Media Group, said: "It is with profound sadness and with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of multi award-winning gospel artist, Bishop Dr. Norman E. Hutchins, Sr., a gospel giant who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. was a cherished gospel artist, a beacon of faith, and a powerful voice whose music touched countless lives with messages of hope, love, and salvation. "Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having inspired generations through his soul-stirring albums, award-winning songs like God's Got a Blessing, Emmanuel, God Is Able, etc., and his dedicated ministry with Frontline West Ministries. His unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel through music brought light to many, and their testimony of faith will continue to resonate in hearts around the world. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and the gospel community during this time. We ask for your continued prayers for Bishop Norman Hutchins' family, loved ones, and all those touched by his music as we mourn this great loss and celebrate a life well-lived in service to God. "May we find comfort in knowing that Bishop Norman Hutchins is now resting in the presence of our Savior, singing praises forevermore. Rest well, Dr. Hutchins." His wife, Karen Hutchins, said in a statement: "Norman was not only my husband and partner in ministry but my greatest source of inspiration. His faith, strength, and love touched every soul he met. Though my heart is heavy, I am comforted knowing his legacy of hope and healing will continue to shine through the lives he changed." New Life Community Church said on Facebook: "It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Bishop Dr. Norman Hutchins earlier today. His family has given us permission to post this notice. "In light of this heartbreaking news, the Book Signing and Live Musical Performance scheduled for Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at New Life Community Church has been canceled. "Our hearts are heavy as we mourn this tremendous loss. Dr. Hutchins was not only a gifted artist and man of God, but a vessel of hope and inspiration to many across the world. "We extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and ministry team, and we are praying for them during this difficult time. May God's peace and comfort surround all who were touched by his music and ministry. Please join us in honoring his memory and keeping his family uplifted in prayer." GSSL Radio said in a statement on Facebook: "It is with profound sorrow that GSSL Radio extends our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bishop Norman Hutchins—a beloved worship leader, gospel trailblazer, and faithful servant whose music and ministry left an indelible mark on the world. From anthems like "God's Got a Blessing" to his unwavering commitment to excellence in ministry, Bishop Hutchins was a vessel of healing, hope, and Holy Ghost power whose voice helped shape the soundtrack of our faith. "To his loving family, devoted church, and all who cherished him—we stand with you in prayer. May the peace of God comfort you in this time of loss, and may you find strength in knowing that Bishop Hutchins has received his crown of righteousness. He fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. His legacy lives on through every note sung, every soul reached, and every life changed."
Business Insider
6 hours ago
- Business Insider
Addison Rae and the art of the rebrand
The business of being Addison Rae was booming. It was March 2021, and the then-20-year-old had recently become the world's top-earning TikTok star, dancing and lip-syncing her way to nearly 80 million followers and a vast portfolio of brand deals. She'd dropped out of school at Louisiana State University to sign with an agent and move to LA, was preparing to launch her own cosmetics line, and had already secured a second season of her Spotify-exclusive podcast. That summer, she'd make her film debut in Netflix's "He's All That," a role that would lead to a multimillion-dollar deal with the streamer. There was only one thing left to do: Become a pop star. But when the single and music video for Rae's debut single " Obsessed" dropped that month, listeners were anything but. The song was panned as phoned-in influencer slop. "This is proof that nowadays it's so easy to get into the music industry by using the clout you have," one YouTube commenter wrote. Critics weren't much kinder. "'Obsessed' proves she should stick to lip syncing," Langa Chinyoka wrote for entertainment blog Popdust. While the song's reception was almost unanimously negative, the real inciting factor was Rae's audacity to release original music at all: How dare an influencer best known as a purveyor of corny TikTok dance trends envision herself as an actual artist worthy of any stage bigger than an iPhone? Back then, no one could have predicted Rae's debut album, "Addison," would arrive Friday amid a flurry of praise from pop heads and critics alike. Four years after "Obsessed" became a spectacular flop, Rae has masterfully rebranded as the music industry's newest "It" Girl. This time, her strategy is working: her face is back on major magazine covers, she's collaborating and associating with pioneering pop stars like Charli XCX and Rosalía, and is being anointed " the new pop princess" by fans on social media. Against all odds, Rae has pulled off a rare pivot, trading a massive but unenthusiastic audience of passive social media scrollers for critical acclaim and a passionate niche of die-hard fans. As Walden Green wrote for Pitchfork, "Addison Rae has achieved something arguably more impressive than success: coolness." How did she do it? Act I: Flipping the script Rae is hardly the first celebrity to switch lanes, but the transition from TikToker to bona fide celebrity is particularly difficult — just ask Charli D'Amelio or Bella Poarch, both of whom boasted more followers than Rae in 2020, but have so far failed to parlay social-media fame into traditional Hollywood prestige. Lili Colwell, the vice president of digital at Night, a talent representation platform for online creators, said her clients face greater stigma when transitioning into a new discipline, as skeptics often assume that influencers are lazy trend hoppers, not creative forces in their own right. "They don't give these people enough credit," Colwell said. "They're like, 'Oh, they have no talent.'" Growing an audience on TikTok demands a constant churn of content. Rae recently told The New York Times' Popcast she was posting "ridiculous amounts of videos" at her peak popularity, sometimes up to 12 videos per day. Meanwhile, carving a fruitful path in the music industry demands discernment and a distinct point of view. The biggest stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé deploy tightly controlled communications strategies to keep their brand identities compelling and consistent. Tara Goodwin, a PR expert and founder of Goodwin Consulting, said for Rae to be taken seriously beyond social media, it was essential that she rejected TikTok's ethos of oversaturation and began sharing with more intention. "On TikTok, she had random posts all the time, never any rhyme or reason," Goodwin said. "Now, it's very curated, it's very strategic." In May 2025, Rae only shared 12 videos on TikTok for the entire month, mostly to promote music videos that were painstakingly styled, shot, and edited — a far cry from the off-the-cuff, low-effort clips that defined her early days on the app. Now, if she's going to lip sync or dance, it's to her own songs. Taking a step back from algorithmic ubiquity not only gave Rae more control over her narrative but also added a crucial layer of mystique to her persona — a key element in transforming her reputation from regular Louisiana girl with a knack for nailing TikTok dances to an aspirational, slightly unknowable celebrity and artist. "She's releasing bits and pieces to intrigue the audience and make them want more," Goodwin said of Rae's current social media strategy. "She's actually now creating a story." Online and in interviews, Rae has managed to sell her rebrand as an earnest progression in her creative coming-of-age. She told The New York Times that, after her TikToker days of hustling for mass appeal and millions of followers, she can finally afford to take risks. "I have this luxury now to be able to play and explore," she said. The fact that it's taken four years for Rae to re-emerge with a different, more adventurous musical persona only makes this arc more convincing. Her evolution didn't happen overnight; instead, Rae's dogged commitment to her new vision is a selling point. "She's no longer just an influencer making music — she's a pop artist who happens to come from an influencer background." Sara Andréasson, PR expert Rae has proudly told news outlets about how she convinced Columbia Records to give her another chance after the failure of "Obsessed" by presenting an elaborate mood board that laid out her new sound and aesthetic in buzzwords ("intense," "glitter"), colors (aquamarine, hot pink), and iconic pop performances. She has been working to personify that character ever since, with every carefully selected public appearance, red carpet look, and new song revealing another layer of her new self-mythology. Sara Andréasson, cofounder of Michele Marie PR, told Business Insider that this strategy has created demand and curiosity. "She's no longer just an influencer making music — she's a pop artist who happens to come from an influencer background." Act II: Finding a backer During her TikTok reign, Rae told BI, "You are who you hang out with." Though she was speaking at the time about how close she was with her family, the statement has become a key tenet of the Rae Rebrand. Rae's music earned its first major stamp of approval from the alt-pop star Charli XCX, who, after hitting it off with Rae in a studio session, asked to contribute a verse to "2 Die 4," a ringtone-era throwback track that was included on Rae's 2023 EP "AR." Before Charli XCX had her major crossover moment in the summer of last year with the ubiquitous acid-green rollout of her album "Brat," the British singer was known as a platinum-selling songwriter for other artists and an ahead-of-the-curve pop prophet in her own right. Her interest in supporting and collaborating with Rae, whom she'd also recruit for the remix of her "Brat" single, "Von Dutch," around the same time, legitimized Rae's artistic pursuits. DJ Louie XIV, a music critic and host of the Pop Pantheon podcast, said he's "keen to ascribe agency" to Rae, even if it could seem like her fame has been propelled by her shrewd choice of collaborators. It's not that he believes Charli is pulling the strings — it's that he trusts her eye for talent. "Maybe I'm buying the hype," he told BI, "but I think if Charli sees something in her, that means something to me." Rae's connection to Charli introduced her to a wider audience, made her more chic by association, and staved off doubts about her staying power. As Brat Summer raged on, Rae took a page out of Charli's cool-girl playbook, crashing parties and smoking cigarettes with club kids, and winning respect from celebrated songwriters like Lorde and Lana Del Rey. To top it off, she generated buzz when she joined Charli onstage for surprise performances during the singer's tour stops at Madison Square Garden and Coachella, and cheekily announced her album release date via a pair of pink underwear while performing the "Aquamarine" remix with Arca at the festival. Act III: Dressing the part Having good style is relatively easy; making your fashion serve a narrative purpose is harder. Rae is largely focused on the latter, using her outfits to signal her new priorities. Gone are the Brandy Melville sweatpants and backward baseball caps that made her look laid-back and accessible, like the average girl at Erewhon. Instead, she's worked closely with Interview magazine fashion director Dara Allen to execute a series of looks that aren't simply pretty or well-fitted, but edgy, flamboyant, and evocative. Rae savvily uses her clothing to evoke movie stars and pop icons and project herself into that lineage, landing a series of indelible fashion moments, from her pap walk in a baby tee accessorized with Britney Spears' memoir to the white satin lingerie set she wore for her VMAs red carpet debut, which Vogue described as "'Swan Lake' meets Las Vegas showgirl." Andréasson, who has experience dressing A-list celebrities for events, said Rae's style evolution stands out for its use of surrealism and storytelling. Rae in 2021. Gotham/GC Images Rae in 2024. XNY/Star Max/GC Images "She does a great job avoiding the costumey elements of nostalgia and instead reinterprets it with modern tailoring and fresh beauty choices," Andréasson said. "Nostalgia only works when it's recontextualized, and Addison seems to understand that." In a media landscape where rewearing a historic Marilyn Monroe gown or recreating a memorable look from a '90s sitcom are easy ways to score headlines, Rae has avoided the plug-and-play approach. Her style may be full of references, but crucially, she doesn't mimic other celebrities or copy exact outfits. Instead, she prefers to arouse a broader feeling of familiarity. For example, Rae cited the 2006 friendship comedy "Aquamarine" as an inspiration for her song of the same name and her mermaid-inspired look for the 2024 CFDA Awards — not in terms of the movie's content or plot, but in how watching it made her feel. "I wanted to find what aquamarine meant to me," she said. Act IV: Living up to the hype Rae's flair for refracting nostalgia through her own original lens is evident in her new music as much as in her aesthetic. Her debut album "Addison" is full of dreamy, mid-tempo pop that flirts with its influences, from Madonna's "Ray of Light" and Björk's "Post" to Spears' "Blackout" and Del Rey's "Born to Die." As the tracklist dances between decades, genres, and moods, Rae's personal touch fills the gaps. This kaleidescopic technique isn't always radio-friendly, but Rae no longer seems to be aiming for immediate chart success (none of the album's five singles have yet cracked the Billboard Hot 100's top 40, with "Diet Pepsi" peaking the highest at No. 54). And why should she? If there's anyone who knows the drawbacks of an abrupt rise to fame without a sensible plan to sustain it, it's Rae. Instead, she and her team are executing a strategy that prioritizes artistic legitimacy and real staying power, something Rae hinted at in a recent interview with Elle. "I feel like I've surpassed Addison Rae," she said. "It's just Addison now." Going mononymous is a shorthand for prestige: think Madonna, Cher, Beyoncé. Rae hasn't earned that level of name recognition yet, but if her journey thus far is any indication, her ambition, marketing savvy, and willingness to play the long game are not to be underestimated — at least, not anymore. "Back in the '50s, people were discovered in Hollywood by sitting at a lunch counter on a stool. TikTok was her stool," Andréasson said. "It's going to fade away, and all of the new things that she's doing are what she's going to be known for. That's just going to be a postscript in the Addison story."
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Elvis Crespo, Elena Rose, Kapo & More: Vote for the Best New Latin Music This Week
This week, Billboard's New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music, including a handful of new albums by Belinda (Indómita), Elvis Crespo (Poeta Herío) and Óscar Maydon (Rico o Muerto, Vol. 1). Mexican star Belinda further expands her música mexicana foray with a full-length album, her first música mexicana project that follows a handful of singles she's released over the past few years that marked her 'Beli Bélica' era. 'I dreamed it, I shouted it and I cried it in silence. Today I sing it,' she wrote in an Instagram post when announcing the release of the LP. 'It is for all those who dare to be themselves. Thank you for so much love!' More from Billboard Belinda's 'Indómita' Album & More Best New Music Latin Jon Bellion Was Tired of Songwriters Getting 'Paid F-king Dirt' - So He Flipped the Script With 'Father Figure' The Weeknd Wanders Through Purgatory in 'Baptized in Fear' Music Video Meanwhile, merengue star Elvis Crespo released Poeta Herío, the first album under indie label Puntería Records. About the set, the Puerto Rican hitmaker said in a statement: 'This album came from my soul. It's a project that emerged from a time in my life when I felt deeply hurt due to a separation. I transformed that pain into what I know how to do — music — and it became my form of therapy.' Other new releases this week including Ozuna's 'Sirenita,' Elena Rose's 'SINTIGO,' Kapo's 'Korazong' and Bad Gyal's 'Da Me.' Morat's Ya Es Mañana won the latest best new Latin music release poll with nearly 60% of the vote. Which release this week do you think is best? Give these new releases a spin and vote for your favorite new Latin music release below: Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
