Music

Drake might have spent a pretty penny during his recent stay in New York City. According to Page Six, the rapper stayed at the Mark Hotel, one of the most expensive hotels in North America.

His 10,000-square-foot room was complete with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, four fireplaces, a steam room, a balcony with a great view and a dining room that could hold 24 people. It reportedly cost $75,000 a night.

As reported, Drake was in New York City for his shows at the Apollo Theater, during which he brought out 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert and Dipset. After the first night, per Page Six, he rented out Casa Cruz and hosted a party at the members-only venue. Night two ended with dinner at Cucina Alba in Chelsea.

“He pulled out all the stops with food, drink and gifts to thank them all for their unwavering support over the years,” an insider told the publication. “It was extremely exclusive.”

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Mel B fans watched her undergo military training in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, and the Spice Girls singer recently revealed she joined the show to continue to heal from an abusive relationship.

Mel told Byrdie she thought “long and hard” about joining the reality show and wondered if she was strong enough to meet its demands.

“When you’ve experienced abuse, as I have, it’s a long journey to bring back your old self because you’re riddled with self-worthlessness. You’ve got no confidence — you experience shame, guilt, and PTSD,” she said. She eventually convinced herself to give it a try by telling herself, “This is going to come full circle for me.”

What kept Mel going throughout the demanding show was telling herself, “I’m doing this to prove to myself that I’m on my healing journey, and I want to help every survivor know that you can still do things and love yourself.”

Mel left the show on her own terms in the third episode, saying she felt accomplished.

“I’m so proud I did it because we don’t talk about abuse enough, and it’s everywhere,” she said. “We all know somebody who’s been through it, whether it be yourself, a family member, or a next-door neighbor.”

She added, “The more we talk about it, the more we can take action.”

Mel reflected on when she first opened up about being a victim of abuse, noting she’s glad views have changed since then: “I spoke up in 2015 when nobody wanted to publish my book or discuss abuse. Now, in England and worldwide, people are talking about it more. I’m proud of the progression.”

Special Forces airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

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Chase Rice‘s new song, “Bench Seat” — and its accompanying video — were inspired by a friend who was going through a tough time.

“My buddy was in a really dark place, to the point where he was ready to end his own life,” he explains. “It took a lot for him to take me back to that moment, but when he told me what stopped him it stopped me in my tracks: his dog came and laid his head on his lap, and that connection saved him.”

The music video is essentially a short film that tackles addiction, substance abuse and self-harm, and even comes with a warning that it’s only meant for mature audiences.

“For the first time in my career, I could envision the whole video as I was writing the song,” Chase recalls. “I wanted to shine a light on the topic of mental health because this is something that makes way too many people feel alone and especially when addiction becomes part of the picture, one bad moment can have horrible consequences.”

Chase is also taking the opportunity to encourage anyone who’s struggling to visit WannaTalkAboutIt.com or call or text 988 if in crisis.

“Bench Seat” is one of only three solo writes on Chase’s I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell album, which comes out February 10.

If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or by visiting 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee has linked up with the new band GXTP for a song called “Contraband.”

GXTP, which stands for “guns and toilet paper,” features songwriter and producer Poo Bear, who’s often worked with Justin Bieber, as well as Triple Sixx and Sasha Sirota.

“It all stems from the pandemic and a poem,” says Poo Bear. “At the time there was a shortage of guns and toilet paper. I read a poem by our partner Triple Sixx, and I said to him, ‘This poem feels like a rock song, brother.’ We ended up turning that poem into a band.”

In addition to playing drums on “Contraband,” Lee appears in the song’s accompanying video, which is streaming now on YouTube.

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Chris Janson‘s first new music on Big Machine has finally arrived. Just like his chart-topping hit “Done,” the new single, “All I Need Is You,” is a tribute to his wife, Kelly.

“There are so many things we all want,” Chris says, before quoting a couple things mentioned in the song’s beginning lyric. “We’ve all gotten caught up in the biggest buck of the season, the newest Chevrolet, or whatever’s caught our eye — and that’s half the fun of living.”

“But when you strip it back,” he continues, “when you look at what really matters, it comes down to that one ride-or-die person who believes in you and your dream, no matter what happens. I’m blessed because my person is my wife, my manager, and my best friend.”

In late September, Chris announced he was leaving his longtime label, Warner Nashville, to sign with Big Machine. The “Buy Me a Boat” hitmaker promises there’s “so much more music coming this year.”

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Papa Roach has shared a new version of “Cut the Line,” a track off the band’s latest album, Ego Trip.

The updated recording features guest vocals from Beartooth frontman Caleb Shomo, who also contributes a new verse. You can listen to it now via digital outlets.

Ego Trip, the 11th Papa Roach album, was released last April. It also includes the singles “Kill the Noise,” “Stand Up” and “No Apologies.”

Papa Roach will hit the road in continued support of Ego Trip on the Rockzilla tour with Falling in Reverse, Hollywood Undead and Escape the Fate, launching in February.

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It’s Friday! Let’s see who’s out with new tunes …

Rita Ora released the new song “You Only Love Me” and the music video, which is about her getting married. She did confirm her marriage to director Taika Waititi to the British radio show Heart Breakfast. Rita said she is “officially off the market,” and her private ceremony was “just nice and perfect.” 

Adam Lambert released his “glam rendition” of Billie Eilish‘s “Getting Older” and said in a statement, “This is one of my favorite Billie tracks and I’m honored to put my own spin on it.” This song and other covers from Adam will appear on his new album, High Drama.

Sam Smith dropped the music video for “I’m Not Here to Make Friends” in celebration of releasing their new album, Gloria. The video shows Sam traipsing around a party in lavish outfits, such as an overflowing pink gown, before leaving in a car as everyone chases after them. 

charlieonafriday is out with “That’s What I Get,” which is a continuation of his hit song “Enough.” This time, he realizes he called off a relationship too soon and regrets it.

Surf Mesa is back and out with “City Of Love,” which features Selah Sol. The song is about moving to the big city for a fresh start, but they can’t let go of the past.

Poo Bear‘s new band GXTP joined forces with Mötley Crüe‘s Tommy Lee for “Contraband.” They also unleashed the music video, which shows them working on the single and jamming in the recording studio.

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Jake Owen‘s ushering in 2023 with a brand new track called “My Boots Miss Yours.”

“My boots miss yours/ What ya say we get ’em back together/ Make a little trail of clothes and leather/ Let ’em hang out on the bedroom floor/ My boots miss yours,” the Florida native sings in the uptempo two-step.

“It’s a new year, so it’s only appropriate that we put out some new music to go with it,” Jake says. “I’ve loved this song from the moment I heard it; excited to finally share it with you today.”

He’s also partnering with Texas boot maker Lucchese to give away a pair of engraved cowboy boots; four tickets to a headlining show, including a meet and greet; and an autographed guitar. You can find all the details on Jake’s socials.

He also hints that “My Boots Miss Yours” is just the beginning of more new music set to come out later this year.

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