I made my way out to the West Coast this week to work out of the HITS office. The décor and ambiance immediately brought me back to the weekend I spent in a Baltimore jail in my early 20’s. Nothing screams “you are wanted” like working from the bosses’ stained couch (and I have NO idea what or whose stains those are). I was able to catch both L.A. Clipper games, which were blow outs, but great games nonetheless.

I also went to KIIS’ Wango Tango show. Yes, I know it’s a Pop station, but the lineup was very reminiscent of most Rhythm shows… if they were fortunate enough. Big Sean made an appearance, followed by sets from Nick Jonas, Calvin Harris, Ne-Yo and David Guetta. Kanye West closed the show and killed it. He had the crowd going crazy from beginning to end. No drama, just hit after hit. He definitely has super star written all over him.

And speaking of Def Jam, Rick Sackhiem, Noah Sheer and Scott Maness have Rihanna’s “BBHMM” (Roc Nation) inside the Top 10, as well as Kanye’s “All Day” (G.O.O.D.). They also have Jeremih f/Flo Rida’s “The Night Belongs to U!” at #41; it’s sure to debut this coming week.

I played golf on Saturday with Gary Spangler from Republic. Let’s just say he’s much better at promo. WOW… Anyway, he, Davey Dee and Stef Cole are en fuego with their roster of hits. The Weeknd’s “Earned It” (XO) holds at #1 for another week, and Nicki Minaj “The Night Is Still Young” (YMCMB) debuts at #28, gaining 530 spins. Tove Lo’s “Talking Body” (Island) is at #30. Stay tuned for two records that they’ll drop in the very near future. Expect big artists with very impressive features.

At RCA, John Strazza, Inca and Lori G have Tinashe’s “All Hands on Deck” at #17, increasing 160 spins, and Kid Ink f/Dej Loaf’s “Be Real” (Alumni/88Classic) leaping #26-21, adding 385 spins. It’s having another great week and should grab 10 more stations, including the Cumulus chain. They also debut Pitbull f/Chris Brown’s “Fun” (Mr.305/Polo Grounds) at #33; it was up 280 spins and this too grabbed the Cumulus chain this week. Alyxx Dione f/Jason Derulo’s “Chingalinga” is still developing, and continues to grab new stations each week. Their summer is only getting busier, as they have a laundry list of new tracks coming. They impact Deorro X Chris Brown’s “Five More Hours” this week, and have ASAP Rocky, Mark Ronson f/Mystikal, Miguel and Chris Brown & Tyga coming quick!


Ayelet Schiffman and James White at Columbia take J. Cole’s “Wet Dreamz” (Roc Nation) inside the Top 25 this week; it was up 160 spins. Dillon Francis & DJ Snake’s “Get Low” (Mad Decent) moves to #34, up 53 spins. OMI’s “Cheerleader” (Louder Than Life/Ultra) was up 245 spins, moving to #45. It’s sure to debut this coming week, and it’s currently taking off at Pop as well. They’re impacting Dej Loaf f/Lil Wayne’s “Me, U & Henne$$y” next week.


Epic’s Sujit Kundu has taken Jidenna’s “Classic Man” (Wondaland) to another level. It exploded this week, gaining 500 spins, and is now at #19. Ciara’s “I Bet” is at #22, with Fifth Harmony f/Kid Ink’s “Worth It” (SYCO) right behind at #23. The latter tacks on 120 spins, and continues to climb at Pop. Future’s “Commas” is at #31, up 50 spins. Janelle Monae & Jidenna’s “Yoga” (Wondaland) continues to develop at both Urban and Rhythm.

Lee L’Heuruex and Warner Bros. continue their march towards Top 5 with Jason Derulo’s “Want to Want Me” (Beluga Heights). Up another 250 spins this week, it moves to #8. The sales are still huge, as it sells 100k+ singles a week.

Largest Increases:
1) Nicki Minaj “The Night Is Still Young” YMCMB/Republic
2) Jidenna “Classic Man” Wondaland/Epic
3) Kid Ink f/Dej Loaf “Be Real” Alumni/88Classic/RCA
4) Pitbull f/Chris Brown “Fun” Mr.305/Polo Grounds/RCA
5) Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea “Pretty Girls” RCA

The Pulse:
1) Nicki Minaj “The Night Is Still Young” YMCMB/Republic
2) Kid Ink f/Dej Loaf “Be Real” Alumni/88Classic/RCA
3) OMI “Cheerleader” Ultra/Columbia
4) Jeremih f/Flo Rida “Tonight Belongs To U!” Def Jam
5) Dillon Francis & DJ Snake “Get Low” Mad Decent/Columbia