When the NFL announced that Bad Bunny would headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8, 2026, it should have been a celebratory moment: a recognition of one of the most globally successful and culturally significant artists of the modern era. Instead, the reaction from conservative corners of America has been nothing short of absurd. From politicians to pundits to former football players, the outrage over a Puerto Rican superstar performing at America’s biggest sporting event reveals more about their own insecurities and biases than it does about Bad Bunny or his music. The outrage machine kicked into overdrive almost immediately. Just this Tuesday, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the NFL’s decision “terrible” and suggested 82-year-old Lee Greenwood should perform instead, as though nostalgia were the only valid form of patriotism. Recently, Fox Nation host Tomi Lahren embarrassed herself by claiming Bad Bunny “is not an American artist,” only to be reminded (on her own show) that Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Even Donald Trump jumped into the fray, claiming he’d “never heard of him,” a statement that says more about Trump’s cultural ignorance than about Bad Bunny’s reach. Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson also chimed in on the brouhaha, telling Bunny to “keep his ass away” from the Super Bowl if he doesn’t “like America.” Nonetheless it’s a pattern we’ve seen before: manufactured outrage cloaked in nationalism and cultural insecurity.

Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Nonso Amadi has released his new single “Dive In,” serving as a prelude to his upcoming To Cry A Flood EP, set to arrive next month. The airy, catchy track finds Amadi reflecting on a past romantic encounter, blending emotional depth with his signature smooth sound. “Dive In” has already made an impressive debut at No. 42 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart .

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum artist PARTYNEXTDOOR returns with $$$ FILM, a visually stunning short directed by Kid Art that brings his hit collaboration with Drake, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, to life. The project, which topped both the Billboard 200 and Apple Music charts, is reimagined through cinematic scenes that explore love, lust, and the darker emotions behind the music. Featuring fan-favorite tracks like “OMW,” “Somebody Loves Me,” and “When He’s Gone,” the film blends electrifying performances with intimate behind-the-scenes moments, reaffirming PARTYNEXTDOOR’s status as one of R&B’s most influential voices.

Atlanta native and Dreamville rapper JID rolls out the official video for “ Sk8 ” featuring Ciara and Earthgang , a vibrant tribute to the city’s iconic skate culture. Directed by Maya Table , the video glides through legendary rinks like Golden Glide and Cascade , capturing Atlanta’s energy and community spirit. Packed with cameos from local legends including Jermaine Dupri , Kilo Ali , and Bijan Robinson , “Sk8” celebrates rhythm, movement, and hometown pride while spotlighting JID’s God Does Like Ugly era.

New York singer-songwriter Amber Mark premiered her new single “Don’t Remind Me” on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders. The track, featuring Anderson .Paak , is the final pre-release from her upcoming album Pretty Idea, out this Friday (October 10). It was co-written and produced by industry veterans Julian Bunetta , John Ryan , and Matt Zara .

Toronto singer-songwriter Beauty in the Riot steps into her own spotlight with her new 8-track EP To Do . The project showcases her soulful vocals, heartfelt lyricism, and genre-blending style, weaving elements of jazz, pop, and R&B . A true multidisciplinary artist, she channels her passion for both music (esp. on tracks like the syrupy "Toxoc Temptress" and the soulful "Lock & Key") into an expressive, cohesive body of work. 

Back in 2013, Robin Thicke ruled the airwaves with his chart-topping single “Blurred Lines”, featuring rapper T.I. and producer Pharrell Williams. Released as the lead single from his sixth studio album of the same name, the funk-infused R&B and pop track was crafted during a quick three-day studio session between Thicke and Pharrell. Inspired by a playful, flirtatious tone, the song was built around a funky bassline, syncopated cowbell rhythm, and catchy hook. Thicke has said that the song’s lyrics were about his then-wife, actress Paula Patton, and the duo’s chemistry fueled the song’s smooth, seductive energy. Commercially, “Blurred Lines” was a juggernaut. It dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks, becoming the longest-running No. 1 single of 2013 in the United States and topping charts in 25 countries. The track sold over 14.8 million copies worldwide, earned Diamond certification from the RIAA, and broke radio audience records. Despite its massive success, the song’s reception was divisive — critics accused it of promoting misogyny and “rape culture,” sparking one of the decade’s most heated pop culture debates. The controversy deepened after the release of its unrated music video, directed by Diane Martel, which featured topless models and was briefly banned from YouTube. “Blurred Lines” also became infamous for its fallout. A 2013 MTV Video Music Awards performance with Miley Cyrus drew widespread backlash, while a high-profile copyright lawsuit with Marvin Gaye’s estate found Thicke and Williams liable for infringing on Gaye’s 1977 hit “Got to Give It Up.” Yet despite its controversies, “Blurred Lines” remains a defining moment in early-2010s pop — a song that blended funk, R&B, and cheeky charm into a dance floor anthem that sparked global conversation. Whether remembered as a guilty pleasure or a cultural flashpoint, there’s no denying the impact of Robin Thicke’s biggest hit.

Eric Benét unveils the soulful visual for “Must Be Love,” his heartfelt duet with India.Arie from his new album The Co-Star, released June 6 via JBR Creative Group. The video beautifully captures the duo’s musical chemistry as they trade lines that explore the signs of true affection. Co-written by Benét, India.Arie, Darhyl Camper Jr., Rafael Dewayne Ishman, and Josh Green, the track blends timeless R&B warmth with modern elegance, showcasing both artists’ rich, emotive vocals.

Nigerian rap powerhouse Zlatan joins forces with rising songstress Qing Madi for the mesmerizing new single and video “Demons.” Set against a simple yet captivating backdrop featuring both artists performing before a hanging microphone, the visuals mirror the song’s introspective lyrics about battling inner demons and everyday struggles. Blending Zlatan’s signature lyrical intensity with Qing Madi’s ethereal harmonies, “Demons” delivers a hauntingly beautiful exploration of resilience and self-reflection.