ON THE BMM COVER:
RICO WADE
ATL legend (6/17a)
KEN & FRIENDS FILL THE FORUM
High times in Inglewood (6/21a)
BEADS! FEEDS! TIKTOK EXPANDS TAY'S ERAS TOUR HUB
Collect 'em all (6/20a)
FESTIVAL FORECAST: IT'S MUDDY OUT THERE
Sloshing through the fun (6/20a)
WELCOME TO ATLANTA
Black Music Month in the ATL (6/18a)
THE GRAMMY SHORT LIST
Who's already a lock?
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
INDIE DISTRIBUTION'S RISE TO GLORY
The discovery engine is revving higher.
1
JUSTIN ESHAK & IMRAN MAJID: Their Island is hopping as Sabrina’s two smashes go nuclear ahead of album drop, tour and Chappell Roan breaks big. “Please” proceed, gentlemen.
2
LUKE COMBS: Sony Nashville (WME) superstar’s back in the fast lane with new Fathers & Sons set, tour. Randy and Kappy suggest you buckle up.
3
CHAPPELL ROAN: There’s a lot more than “Luck” involved as Island (Wasserman) rookie hits the big time with multiple tracks streaming, new album due—and BNA chatter grows. Her Roan is just starting.
4
KENDRICK LAMAR: Rap superstar’s Juneteenth “Pop Out” L.A. powwow at the Forum brings rival gangs together, honors Nipsey, other community giants. Drake says he would’ve attended, but it was his bowling night.
5
ZACH BRYAN: Warner (WME) country disruptor is in the “Pink” as latest track rolls along and anticipation for new album grows. Aaron and Tom say this is just the calm before the strum.
6
PESO PLUMA: Prajin (CAA) Música Mexicana marvel jumps back in the ring with sophomore set, ÉXODO. The gloves are off this time.
7
GRACIE ABRAMS: Interscope (CAA) siren returns with buzzing new set—will she leave expectations in the dust? We hear she’s got the Secret sauce.
8
MARY CATHERINE KINNEY: The chatter is deafening as longtime Spotify Nashville exec is said to eye key role in Republic’s Music City play. She’s got the CORPS competencies.
9
EMINEM: Shady/Aftermath/Interscope rap god’s “Houdini” can’t escape huge streams, spins as fans await splashy summer set. That’s why the Shady is a champ.
10
SCOOTER BRAUN: Mega-mogul and HYBE exec officially retires his management biz after 23 years. In related news, Justin Bieber’s pastor is frantically googling “merch splits.”