HITS' HIGH FIVE: OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER

Like the Dodgers' opening day barrage of runs, the music industry was full of news last week. Today, though, while we’re thinking home runs, hot dogs and cold beer, the one sports term we can’t shake is “hockey puck.” So while we mourn the loss of Don Rickles—did you see the heartfelt tribute from our neighbor Jimmy Kimmel last night?—here are the HITS High Five stories of the week.

Universal Music Group and Spotify have struck a new, multi-year global license agreement that opens the door for exclusives and an IPO for the streaming service.

Warner Music U.K. exec Max Lousada will step into the post of CEO, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group, at the beginning of the new fiscal year in October.

Rob Stringer’s debut week as Sony chief is on fire with Harry Styles’ first solo single and The Chainsmokers’ first full-length blowing up out of the gate.

Former Republic West Coast EVP/GM Tom Mackay is heading to Sony where he will be President, Sony Music Film and Television A&R.

Kendrick Lamar revealed the iTunes pre-order of his new album, due 4/14 via TDE/Aftermath/Interscope.

HITS LIST: AROUND
THE MAYPOLE
The biz springs into motion. (5/13a)
MALONE, WALLEN APPEAR NOT TO NEED "HELP" ACHIEVING MILESTONE
A genre-obliterating collab (5/13a)
RAJ KAPOOR: STACKING THE STARS, MAKING THE ACMs SHINE
Producer putting the finishing touches on Thursday's show. (5/13a)
WHAT'S NOT TO "LIKE?" HUGE STREAMS FOR KING KENDRICK
No longer keeping his diss-tance. (5/13a)
NEW RELEASES: "HELP" ARRIVES, SWIFT EXTENDS STREAK
Post, Morgan and the ever-popular POETS (5/13a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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