1 KENDRICK LAMAR: pgLang/Interscope Rap luminary storms back into the spotlight with Drake-dissing diatribes—and earns massive streams. What’s not to “Like?” | |
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2 ROBERT KYNCL: WMG boss hails strong Q2 earnings—including a 30% spike for publishing—and success of Zach, Benson and Teddy, who could be company’s next superstars. It’s a “Beautiful” thing. | |
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3 DUA LIPA: With her Future Nostalgia at 4.3m ATD and Barbie still in the pink, Warner diva, Dugi and team are ready for a Radical run. Call it a Lipa faith. | |
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4 BILLIE EILISH: With Hard and Soft impact imminent and arena playbacks in conjunction with Live Nation, Darkroom/ Interscope star, House Janick and her Wasserman crew—led by Sara Bollwinkel and Tom Windish—prepare to Hit the gas. | |
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5 CARIN LEON: Post-Stagecoach signing contest for Latin phenom hits a fever pitch, as multiple majors escriban los cheques. Could this close at close to $40m? | |
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6 MERCK MERCURIADIS: With Concord out of the running and Blackstone the top bidder, Hipgnosis boss looks to be holding the winning ticket. He’s got a Songs Fund in his heart. | |
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7 TOM MARCH: The Tower starts to simmer with new Ice Spice on the way, Good Neighbours inking—which Brit boss says is Capitol, old bean. Forward, March! | |
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8 LARRY JACKSON: If you sensed some gamma. rays, it may have been disruptor boss speaking at Milken conference. Smart is the new Sexyy. | |
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9 CINDY MABE: UMGN boss Mabe be feeling slightly Tuckered out after high-stakes signing derby for Back Blocks country phenom Wetmore—but he looks set to “Wind Up” with her. | |
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10 CRAIG MARKS: Esteemed music journo experiences a career nadir as it sinks in that he now works for HITS. That’s gonna leave some Marks. | |
