Hear the first track from Drake's follow-up to "Take Care."
Drake wants fans to know where he's from on his new single.
"Started from the bottom, now we're here," he raps on "Started From the Bottom," the first taste of his upcoming album, the follow-up to "Take Care."
"I feel sometimes that people don’t have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn’t consistent with actual events," the former "Degrassi: The Next Generation" star wrote in ablog post announcing the track. "I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve. I am proud of every part of my past and I’m excited for this song to find a place in your life as well."
He bowed the song online on SoundCloud on Friday night, opting for "the site I started on" rather than a radio or press release. "Started from the Bottom" is off to a fast start with fans: it's been played over 79,000 times on the streaming service so far.
"Take Care," Drake's second studio album, has moved over 2 million copies worldwide, bowing at No. 1 upon its Nov. 2011 release.
Unless something highly unexpected happens, Justin Bieber will collect his fifth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart next week with "Believe Acoustic." Industry sources say that the set could sell between 180,000 to 190,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Unless something highly unexpected happens, Justin Bieber will collect his fifth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart next week with "Believe Acoustic." Industry sources say that the set could sell between 180,000 to 190,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sunday, Feb. 3.
"Believe Acoustic" might be the only album to sell in excess of 100,000 this week. The next biggest set looks to be Andrea Bocelli's new Passione, which may move around 85,000.
Should "Believe Acoustic" debut at No. 1, it will follow Bieber's earlier chart-toppers "My World 2.0" (2010), "Never Say Never: The Remixes," "Under the Mistletoe" (both in 2011) and last year's "Believe."
The new album may also give Bieber a No. 1 album in four consecutive years -- something only nine earlier acts have done in the nearly 57-year history of the Billboard 200 chart.
Sources indicate that "Believe Acoustic"'s digital sales will be particularly robust, with upwards of 70% of its debut coming from downloads. Digital pre-orders of the set were strong as well -- they may equate to 35% of the set's digital sales debut.
Other albums set for top 10 bows next week include Tegan & Sara's "Heartthrob" and Local Natives' "Hummingbird."
The "Gangnam Style" video star sits down for a candid interview
As a girl group member, solo singer, and a special co-starring role in "Gangnam Style" (the most watched YouTube video ever,) HyunA has become one of the most visible and in-demand stars of K-pop. But before “Gangnam Style” was even released, HyunA was making waves racking up millions of views on YouTube for her enchanting music videos that display her unique balance of sexy and cute charms. The viral nature of singles like "Bubble Pop!" (with 47 million views), "Ice Cream" (35 million), plus 4minute’s "Volume Up" (14 million), prove an interest further than just K-pop fans.
Yet all things seemed to move into hyperspeed with her appearance in PSY’s “Gangnam Style” video as the rapper’s gorgeous dance partner. With over one billion views, HyunA inadvertently was lodged into the international consciousness. HyunA and PSY released a collaboration version of the mega-popular track with almost 250 million views; the second most-viewed K-pop video of all-time.
HyunA has blossomed into a true superstar in the past years and the good company she keeps laid the ground for a successful pathway. it may surprise many to know she originally debuted as part of the ultra-successful Wonder Girls group in 2007 (she raps the bridge in single “Irony”). She left the group due to health reasons that year, but ultimately landed with Cube Entertainment where she debuted with 4minute. Later she found the opportunity to promote as a solo artist and even with exciting unit projects like the Trouble Maker sub-unit, with labelmate Hyunseung of boy band Beast, and Dazzling Red with other K-pop all-stars.
HyunA took time to talk to Billboard in a rare interview. Watch the video to get a behind-the-scenes look at her photoshoot, plus read on to learn about collaborating with PSY for her music video and whether she plans on debuting in America. Plus, be sure to read our bonus questions below including plans on 4minute’s comeback this year.
THE Q&A :
You had an exciting 2012. What was last year like for you? I have so much to be thankful for in 2012. When I look back at last year, I was such a lucky person. I was extremely happy as I was able to perform on all kinds of stages and meet/work with new people. It was interesting to work with a lot of international directors and producers.
"Gangnam Style" surpassed a billion views! You had a large popularity in K-pop before the music video, but did it help you gain more recognition in foreign countries? First and foremost, I just want to thank PSY. I received more than I can ever ask from him that it actually worries me. I am worried that I might inconvenience or have inconvenienced him because I received so much love and attention because of him. But as long as I work hard and get good results, I think everything will connect.
Do you have plans to debut in the States? I can't specifically talk about my plans, but it is true that positive ideas are being discussed. It is all because of PSY and I have been very lucky. I think people are taking more interest in me because I’ve been getting a lot of exposure lately. In order for me to jump on the opportunity [should it arrive], I need to be prepared. I am putting in a lot of hours studying English. I think I'd fit in quickly. I mean, my vision of the U.S. is limited because I can only see or learn things from here, but I want to go experience it all.
Every time you release a video on YouTube, it goes viral! What do you think it's about you that fans worldwide love?I think PSY opened a lot of doors for K-pop artists. During our performances, I can tell that our audiences have tripled lately. I think there’s going to be a lot of artists that are going to start breaking down barriers and paving ways for K-pop artists to crossover. I don’t really get intimidated about trying out new things on stage. I can go from doing an electronic track to hip-hop to even folk songs. I think people like that variety in me. Honestly, I don’t think I’m exceptionally pretty or talented. But the advantage I have is that the performances I do can only be done by me. When most people see me in person think I’m either really small or skinny. I think people are more attracted towards my personality, smile and energy [once they get to know me]. People tell me they like my personality more than my face [Laughs].
PSY appeared in your "Ice Cream" video. What was that like? Honestly, I felt really bad asking him for a favor! Especially because he was so busy with promotional activities overseas. I did not want to burden him by asking whether or not he would want to make a cameo appearance in my video. But he thought nothing of it! He was back in Korea for a commercial shoot, while I was shooting for my music video so the timing worked out perfectly! You can see from the video, but we ad-libbed the entire opening scene. It wasn’t hard acting like I was mad at him for eating my ice cream, because he really enjoyed it!
You worked with producer Shinsadong Tiger for your singles "Change,"“Bubble Pop," and "Trouble Maker." But for your latest track, “Ice Cream,” you worked with producer Brave Brothers. How was it working with a new producer? I wanted to embark on new endeavors. It’s easier to work with people that are familiar with me and my musical style, but I wanted to really challenge myself and do new things. I focused on areas that I never tried out before. I participated in composing and writing for one of the tracks in my latest album, which was fun.
Do you have a favorite solo song? I don’t have a favorite between "Change," "Bubble Pop" and "Ice Cream." I was able to show different charms through all my solo tracks. People were able to see a new side of me in the "Ice Cream" music video. All my songs are dear and meaningful to me!
So far, fans have seen your hip-hop side as well as your writing and composing talents. Is there a specific genre that you would like to try out next? I don’t stick to one genre or color when I work. I listen to everything and keep up with new releases, and during the process, I pinpoint out what I don't like and what I like, which allows me figure out my own musical style. I want to focus on what I’m good at to show my best qualities. It was a crucial step for me to include a ballad track in my album. "Very Hot" is another meaningful track, because I participated in writing and composing.
Do you play any instruments? I am interested in piano. Luckily, I know how to play a little because my mom sent me to piano lessons since I was a child--although, I quit in the middle. I don’t think I would even try to learn now if I didn’t have any basic fundamentals.
What is the difference between 4Minute's HyunA and solo artist HyunA? 4minute's HyunA is still me. I’m able to do solo activities because there is 4minute. [My bandmembers] are the ones that complete me as an artist; they are like my family. We spend more time with each other than we do with our own immediate family members. Of course, we weren’t that close in the beginning. All of us aren’t very sociable nor talkative; we are all somewhat introverted. I don’t have that many friends, so I like to keep the ones that I really care for close to me. When we are promoting as a group, we focus on our teamwork and the harmony of our each individual characteristics. I can’t tell you exactly when, but 4minute’s album will come out sometime this year.
Describe 22-year-old HyunA. I am a very confident and honest woman. I don’t usually dress up for my daily activities or when I meet my friends. I don’t wear a lot of makeup. There is a huge discrepancy between my onstage and offstage persona. I like to be provocative and enthralling when I’m on stage. But because that "sexy HyunA" image is so embedded that most people think that I would be like that offstage, which isn’t true.
What are some common misconceptions of HyunA? Every time I hear that I crave for attention, it hurts a little. I cry a lot alone out of frustration. But then again, I know it is something only I can have. So I’m just going to use that to my benefit and try out different makeup, hair and stage costumes. Honestly, I am more known to the masses for my performances, not for the amount records I sold. I consider myself a visual performer. It would be nice if I can do both, but that is why I have my members to cover my flaws. Our synergy effect when we are together is really good. People get nervous when they have too much. I don’t have enough to be nervous. I just have really good people around me. I think people with a lot of good friends are emotionally rich. I like working with good staff members and performing on good stage. If I cared about every criticism towards me, it would be exhausting. I just know I have to try really hard in everything that I do.
How do you respond to those who say you're overrated? I get a lot of support and help from all the amazing people around me. It’d be amazing if everyone loved me, but I guess I will get that as long as I work hard. These days I’ve been thinking that I should always remain the same. For example, just because I’m crossing over to the States, I don’t want to start all over and try to be someone else. I just want to be me and show what I have been doing for all these years. I just want to be relaxed and have the opportunity to meet a lot of different kinds of people.
What kind of platforms would you like to perform on in the near future? The year-end award shows in the States are really over-the-top and grand. I want to be part of all kinds of award shows in Korea, but it would be awesome if I can participate in award shows in foreign countries.
Where is your go-to place in the States? What do you like to eat? I prefer to eat pizza over Korean food so American food fits my palette pretty well. I go to In-and-Out [Burger], because the franchise is not in Korea. When we [4minute] go to the States, In-and-Out is the first thing we eat when we get off the plane.
Is there a fan you remember the most? I can’t really pick one specific fan. We went to Brazil and London for our "Cube United" concert and that was just beyond awesome. Especially in London, it felt like I was part of the movie "Love Actually." I love the ambiance of London. In Brazil, one of the fans fainted and was carried out. Because we never saw her again, she lingers in my mind. We were so worried. It took us about 30 hours to get to Brazil, but it was all worth it because the amount of love they showed us. They were really passionate.
What are you interested in these days other than music? I am very into fashion. The sneakers that I wore during "Ice Cream" promotions, I picked and re-designed myself. I am interested in stage costume as well. I think it’s because I’m just curious about so many things. I love learning new things. During photo shoots, staff members that know me well always hands me the camera. The TV series that aired last year on OTV called “4Minute’s Troublemaker” was mostly shot by me. One of the episodes aired 20 minutes of footage that I filmed! I also like collecting scented candles. I light them up according to my mood. I prefer aroma, jasmine and bergamot. I like displaying my collection and just looking at them!
What are your goals for 2013? I would like to continue the way I am, but I would also like to take up new ventures and improve myself. I get praised and reprimanded all the time. I hope to better myself this year. I think my heart grows bigger each year. When I go to bed, I always recollect my thoughts and look back at what I did for the day. In 2012, I met a lot of good people. I think I learned a lot in 2012 working hard with my staff members.
Another Super Bowl is upon us, and that means another star-studded halftime show. For this Sunday (February 3) at Super Bowl XLVII, Beyoncé is prepping an epic set that is rumored to include a Destiny's Child reunion and new material of her own, but what about the past? Break out the beer and wings, and watch as we countdown the ten most spectacular Super Bowl halftime performances ever.
Disagree with our picks? Tell us in the comments!
10. Paul McCartney, 2005
A purported "safe choice" by the NFL following the previous year's "Nipplegate," McCartney signaled the transition from contemporary pop acts to older rock gods performing at halftime. Atop an X-shaped stage made of video projectors, the Beatle first warmed up with "Drive My Car." He then followed up with "Get Back," before trading his guitar for a piano during a fireworks-laden rendition of the Wings' Bond theme, "Live and Let Die." Saving his best for last, McCartney signed off with "Hey Jude," during which the 84,000 in attendance at Jacksonville's Alltel Stadium all joined in for the iconic coda.
9. Diana Ross, 1996
Diana Ross may be one of popular music's original divas, but the Supreme singer capped off her Halftime duties in Tempe, Arizona with a gesture so grand, it was practically absurd. Ross ended her Motown-hit-studded performance, which included "Baby Love" and "You Keep Me Hangin' On," by exclaiming, "Oooh, here comes my ride!" She then flew off in a helicopter with her arms wide open, kicking up her heels ecstatically during the very appropriate finale, "Take Me Higher."
8. Madonna, 2012
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Riding a huge buzz for her then-forthcoming album "MDNA," Madonna charged into her Super Bowl XLVI halftime performance as the quasi-gladiatorial captain of a cheerleading squad that included LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Cee Lo Green. Amid Roman soldiers, Madge entered the field on a golden throne to belt out longtime favorite "Vogue" before being joined by LMFAO for a "Party Rock Anthem"/"Sexy And I Know It" infused take on her 2000 hit "Music." Sure, the Material Girl slipped a bit while dancing in those thigh-high heeled boots, but her Super Bowl gig's most talked about moment when M.I.A. and Minaj joined her for new single “Gimme Your Luvin’.” It happened fast, but everyone watching at home certainly saw M.I.A.'s mischievous middle finger. However, Madge's epic "Like A Prayer" finale, aided by Cee Lo and large robed choir, ensured that the 12-minute spectacle ended with the focus right back on the music.
7. The Rolling Stones, 2006
Considering the fact that the veteran Brits are behind one of the best-known kickoff jams, "Start Me Up," it was natural that the Rolling Stones featured the hit, which reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 in 1981, during their 2006 halftime show. On a stage built to look like the Stones' iconic lips logo, Mick and co.'s 12-minute set was rounded out by "Rough Justice" and the classic "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." But in the post-wardrobe-malfunction halftime world, the NFL opted for a five-second tape delay that allowed censors to mute parts of "Start Me Up" and "Rough Justice" deemed too sexually explicit.
6. Aerosmith, 'N Sync & Britney Spears, 2001
Through Steven Tyler's musical career has been recently sidelined by a stream of band and personal issues, he and Aerosmith were first-round picks back in 2001. Besides the show's hard-rocking headliners, 2001's epic halftime opened with 'N Sync's "Bye, Bye, Bye." The two bands traded songs and verses until the stage exploded with the addition of Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly for a show-stopping rendition of "Walk This Way."
5. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, 2009
In 2009, the Boss beckoned viewers to step away from the guac and "put the chicken fingers down" before proceeding to rock Tampa for the next 12 minutes. Though Bruce turned down several prior invitations to perform at the Super Bowl, Springsteen's set was proof that good things come to those that wait. The E-Street Band rocked through a four-song set of crowd favorites, but the biggest hit came when Jersey's finest slammed into a TV camera with his crotch during "10th Avenue Freeze Out."
4. Michael Jackson, 1993
3. U2, 2002
Less than five months after the tragedies of September 11, U2 brought the heart-shaped stage from their Elevation tour to the gridiron. The band kicked off with "Beautiful Day," but it was their 9/11 tribute that captured the most attention. As they played "Where the Streets Have No Name," a scrolling backdrop featured the names of all of the victims who perished in the attacks and Bono finished the song by opening his jacket to reveal the stars and stripes in its lining.
2. Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake, 2004
It was the day that the phrase "wardrobe malfunction" entered the American vernacular. Debate about whether Justin Timberlake accidentally or "accidentally" exposed Janet's little Jackson has raged since that Houston halftime. FCC fines have been assessed, thrown out and appealed in judicial court, and the court of popular opinon will be in sessions for years. But bedazzled breast or not, you have to admit that J&J put on a pretty kick-ass show. It's a shame all anyone remembers is the last two seconds.
1. Prince, 2007
Long known for erotically-charged performances, Prince was a curious halftime choice only three years post-Nipplegate. While he did wield that purple, unpronounceable-symbol-shaped guitar in an unabashedly phallic way, the ecstatic genius of Prince's performance was the way he actually played the instrument. The rocker powered through his own classics ("1999," "Let's Go Crazy") and the classics of others ("Proud Mary," "All Along the Watchtower"). But the explosive coda was "Purple Rain," which had the stadium full of testosterone-pumped football fanatics waving their arms and howling in falsetto.
