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<figure id="figure-d0pf1u8ipmkpriyos"><img id="d0pf1u8ipmkpriyos" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2QH1wUgTjnCthJNYR0coM0xptAHEFoK0iEfrOrKNM3mOtNGJebafN71Dv9Qvin3D.png" alt="Bruno Mars Breaks Live Nation Single-Day Ticket Sales Record With 2.1 Million Tickets Sold" title="Bruno Mars Breaks Live Nation Single-Day Ticket Sales Record With 2.1 Million Tickets Sold" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Popstar Bruno Mars’ “The Romantic Tour” sold 2.1 million tickets on Thursday, the largest single-day ticket sales volume across North America, Europe, and the UK in Live Nation’s history, according to ticket sales figures shared with Forbes.<a data-mce-href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/martinadilicosa/2026/01/15/bruno-mars-breaks-live-nation-single-day-ticket-sales-record-with-21-million-tickets-sold/" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/martinadilicosa/2026/01/15/bruno-mars-breaks-live-nation-single-day-ticket-sales-record-with-21-million-tickets-sold/">Read More</a>

Bruno Mars Breaks Live Nation Single-Day Ticket Sales Record With 2.1 Million Tickets Sold

<figure id="figure-08anhlx8b9mkpsrs2o"><img id="08anhlx8b9mkpsrs2o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bGcc989Mt9TevqAqF7DFrsBqmKy09aGIv73ZwL3tb1VWznHUG4l69zwaOLiWhJh.png" alt="EL-JAY-TMZ-Tour-After-Dark" title="EL-JAY-TMZ-Tour-After-Dark" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="35%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>West Coast hip hop legend Yukmouth took the reins of the "TMZ After Dark" tour this weekend ... and he had the bus absolutely rocking.Yukmouth -- one half of the hip hop duo Luniz -- turned 'After Dark' into a rolling concert on wheels ... he brought the energy and staked his claim as one of the best celeb guest hosts we've ever had ... just watch the video and see for yourself.<a data-mce-href="https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/yukmouth-el-jay-after-dark-tour/" href="https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/20/yukmouth-el-jay-after-dark-tour/">Read More</a>

EL-JAY Featured on  "TMZ After Dark" tour with Yukmouth

<figure id="figure-daridqi7fcmkpsi0a4" class="selected"><iframe id="daridqi7fcmkpsi0a4" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sSoBFCUhsEc" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSoBFCUhsEc&amp;list=RDsSoBFCUhsEc&amp;start_radio=1" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sSoBFCUhsEc" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Listen to EL-JAY "LETTER 2 SELFhere: https://el-jay.com/product/el-jay-let...Follow EL-JAY TikTok: &nbsp; &nbsp;/ therealeljay_ &nbsp; Instagram: / Therealeljay Website: http://www.El-Jay.com/

EL-JAY - Letter 2 Self Video Now Airing on Vevo

<figure id="figure-9mkqzvi3dgmkprwxxv"><img id="9mkqzvi3dgmkprwxxv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1604HkGDoZkC3QScWIg9o4IbKYcHBMdSn75gNdnij9sUoR2Gv52DIunLxvTy2MUE.jpg" alt="R&amp;B HITMAKER ANDRE “DRE” HARRIS SIGNS GLOBAL PACT WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC" title="R&amp;B HITMAKER ANDRE “DRE” HARRIS SIGNS GLOBAL PACT WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1604HkGDoZkC3QScWIg9o4IbKYcHBMdSn75gNdnij9sUoR2Gv52DIunLxvTy2MUE.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>GRAMMY-Nominated Talent Boasts Current No. 1 R&amp;B Hit with Kehlani’s “Folded”Also Behind Chart-Topping Tracks for Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, Usher, Justin Bieber, &amp; MoreWarner Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), has signed a worldwide publishing deal with three-time GRAMMY-nominated R&amp;B songwriter and producer, Andre “Dre” Harris. Over his decades-long career, Harris has solidified his legacy by writing and producing for music legends including Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, Usher, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, and Robin Thicke, contributing to over 200 million records sold worldwide. With a catalog of era-defining R&amp;B hits, featuring Billboard Hot 100 smashes like “Caught Up” (Usher), “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” (Chris Brown), and “Oh” (Ciara), Harris has cemented his status as one of music’s most sought-after producers.&nbsp;Harris currently holds the No. 1 spot on Mediabase’s Urban Radio chart with Kehlani’s “Folded.” The smash hit simultaneously reigns atop Billboard’s Mainstream R&amp;B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and has spent seven non-consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 since its October release. The track is nominated for Best R&amp;B Song at next month’s GRAMMY Awards.&nbsp;Ryan Press, President, North America, WCM said: “For over two decades, Dre has continued to prove how master creators stand the test of time, most recently by helping craft one of last year’s most impactful global songs. Having known him for years, I’ve seen him cement his legacy as a true visionary – shaping the sound of a generation hit after hit. Driven by relentless innovation and a talent for creating timeless, boundary-pushing records, he’s inspired countless artists, from Chris Brown to Usher and Alicia Keys. Rooted in Philly but leaving a lasting mark worldwide, Dre’s impact continues to grow, and we’re proud to support his bold, creative vision.”Dre Harris shared: “I’m very excited to sign with Warner Chappell!! It feels good to have a team that sees my vision, and understands me as a creative. I’m looking forward to building something new with my Philly family – Ryan Press and X (Champagne).”Xavier Champagne, Senior Director, Urban A&amp;R, WCM added: “It’s hard to overstate Dre’s impact on R&amp;B music. For the past 30 years, he’s been one of the pillars who’s shaped and pushed the genre forward, and I’m incredibly honored that we get to partner and carry that legacy further together.”Harris began his career in the early 1990s, emerging from Philadelphia’s influential neo-soul scene alongside producer DJ Jazzy Jeff. During this time, he contributed to projects for legendary artists including Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Floetry. In 2000, he formed the songwriting and production duo, Dre &amp; Vidal, with producer Vidal Davis. The duo quickly found critical and commercial success, earning two GRAMMY Album of the Year nominations in 2005 for Alicia Keys’ The Diary of Alicia Keys and Usher’s Confessions. Both projects secured category wins: Usher’s Confessions for Best Contemporary R&amp;B Album and Keys’ album for Best R&amp;B Album. Dre &amp; Vidal received further recognition in 2009 for their work on Mary J. Blige’s GRAMMY-winning Best Contemporary R&amp;B Album, Growing Pains. In addition to their award-winning records and Hot 100 hits, the duo is credited with producing tracks for stars like Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, and Musiq Soulchild.Known for his signature style of blending live instrumentation with studio production, Harris has continued to be a sought-after collaborator since he began working independently as a producer in 2010. In recent years, his production credits span a diverse roster, including tracks for artists such as Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Kanye West, Melanie Fiona, Mali Music, and Pharell signee Cris Cab. He also notably co-executive produced Jill Scott’s No. 1 U.S. album Woman.&nbsp; &nbsp;

R&B HITMAKER ANDRE “DRE” HARRIS SIGNS GLOBAL PACT WITH WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC

<figure id="figure-xsbf0fv4qmkpr72n0"><img id="xsbf0fv4qmkpr72n0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31xXF1mZwKBOjzoWCEZZtdRJkjlqijZQkonV306YRVgVbnH2gfOcDRnVrPUhDb4I.jpg" alt="UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS JAMES STEVEN AS EVP & CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER" title="UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS JAMES STEVEN AS EVP & CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 40% 20%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="40%" data-positionY="20%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>NEW YORK, January 06, 2026 – Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the appointment of James Steven as its Executive Vice President &amp; Chief Communications Officer. Steven will be responsible for leading the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications functions of UMG’s operating companies worldwide. Effective January 26, he will be based in New York and report to UMG’s Chief Administrative Officer, Will Tanous.Tanous said: “I know first-hand the extraordinary skill and dedication James brings to strategic communications and storytelling. &nbsp;His love of music and his broad experience across media and technology makes him an ideal fit for UMG as we enter the next phase of growth, driven by strategic initiatives that will unlock new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and fans alike.”UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said: “We welcome James to UMG and look forward to his contributions. Given Will’s broadened role, it was important that we brought in a communications executive with experience and perspective – one who was able to step right in to help us continue to shape the future of music.”Steven joins from Warner Music Group, where he served as Chief Communications Officer for the past 10 years. During his tenure as an Executive Officer at WMG, he helped guide the company through a transformative period, including the 2020 IPO and a CEO transition in 2022. In addition to his role at WMG, he is currently a board member of the Recording Industry Association of America.Prior to WMG, Steven held senior roles at various PR firms, working with clients in the technology, entertainment, automobile, and food industries. Having joined Warner Music Group in London in 2007, he relocated to New York in 2012, rising to Senior Vice President, Communications &amp; Marketing, and then to his current role in 2015About Universal Music GroupUniversal Music Group exists to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS JAMES STEVEN AS EVP & CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

<figure id="figure-jwakgutcqmkpr0pzl"><img id="jwakgutcqmkpr0pzl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cMF3ljVRMfVMhRUsDMonqNaZMe4sIUNPP3cjN5Wmv8v8w3LkxpLsLeIYZIpKBrXW.png" alt="UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA LAUNCHES DEF JAM RECORDINGS CHINA IN CHENGDU, THE CAPITAL OF CHINESE HIPHOP" title="UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA LAUNCHES DEF JAM RECORDINGS CHINA IN CHENGDU, THE CAPITAL OF CHINESE HIPHOP" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA LAUNCHES DEF JAM RECORDINGS CHINA IN CHENGDU, THE CAPITAL OF CHINESE HIPHOP Together With Migu, A Leading Digital Content Platform Under China Mobile, UMG Opens Global Pathways for Chinese Hip-Hop Rooted in Local Culture CHENGDU, CHINA — January 20, 2026 — Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the launch of Def Jam Recordings China in Chengdu, widely regarded as the capital of Chinese hip-hop and a cultural powerhouse in Southwest China, marking the establishment of the Chinese division of its iconic hip-hop label. The launch further expands Def Jam’s global footprint and represents a significant new chapter in UMG’s long-term strategy in the Greater China market.Founded over four decades ago, Def Jam Recordings has been at the cutting edge of hip-hop culture, playing a defining role in shaping the genre as a global cultural force and consistently championing artists whose voices are rooted in their own communities, lived experiences, and cultural realities. With the launch of Def Jam Recordings China, UMG extends this legacy by creating a dedicated platform for Chinese hip-hop and urban music — supporting artists who express contemporary local stories through their own language, culture, and perspective, while connecting them with audiences around the world.Def Jam Recordings China will be headquartered in Chengdu, a city widely recognized for its vibrant music ecosystem and deep-rooted hip-hop culture. As one of China’s leading live entertainment markets and an emerging international cultural centre, Chengdu offers a fertile environment where street culture, live performance, and creative communities intersect, making it a natural home for Def Jam’s China operations.In recognition of the city’s long-standing hip-hop community, Def Jam Recordings China announced three acclaimed Chinese rappers as Special Guest Curators: Xie Di (谢帝), Yitai Wang (王以太), and Deng Dianguo “DDG” (邓典果DDG). Through their local influence, the curators will help identify, mentor, and spotlight emerging voices from across China, inviting new talent to participate in and contribute to the Def Jam Recordings China ecosystem.Alongside the launch, Def Jam Recordings China also announced its focus on ‘Guofeng Hip-hop’, a creative direction developed in close collaboration with Migu, a leading digital content platform under China Mobile. ‘Guofeng’ is a term widely used within China’s creative industries to describe contemporary music that draws from Chinese language, cultural references, and storytelling traditions, while engaging with modern production approaches and global music trends.This collaboration aligns with Migu’s recently announced Guofeng music strategy. Headquartered in Chengdu, Migu brings strong capabilities in digital music services, supported by China Mobile’s nationwide user base. Def Jam Recordings China and Migu will work together on music content development, talent discovery and incubation programs, marketing and distribution, live performances, as well as merchandise and street culture–driven expressions, with a shared focus on shaping Guofeng Hip-hop as a distinct creative category and positioning it within the global hip-hop conversation.Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Universal Music Group, said:“China is one of the most important and dynamic music markets in the world today, with a new generation of artists shaping culture both locally and globally. Launching Def Jam Recordings China reflects our long-term commitment to this market and our belief that Chinese hip-hop has a powerful role to play in the global evolution of the genre. Chengdu is a city where hip-hop culture has grown organically, supported by vibrant youth culture and strong creative community. By bringing Def Jam’s legacy and global network into China, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for local artists to connect with audiences worldwide.”Tunji Balogun, Chairman &amp; CEO, Def Jam Recordings, said:“Def Jam has always been built around dynamic voices — artists who speak directly from their own communities, languages, and lived realities. Def Jam Recordings China continues that tradition by putting local culture at the centre of the music. The goal is not to copy what’s worked elsewhere, but to support Chinese artists in defining hip-hop on their own terms, in ways that feel authentic, contemporary, and culturally grounded.”Timothy Xu, Chairman &amp; CEO, Universal Music Group Greater China, said:“We appreciate the support of the Chengdu government and our partner Migu. Def Jam Recordings China is designed as a platform that provides Chinese hip-hop artists with the tools, services, and global pathways they need to grow. From creative development and production to marketing, distribution, and live performance, we want to support artists at every stage of their journey. Most importantly, we hope to help Chinese HipHop and urban music travel beyond China — reaching international audiences while staying true to its cultural roots.”Zhu Hong, Chairman of Migu Music, said: “Guofeng has become a vital expression within China’s contemporary music landscape and an important driver of cultural innovation. Through our collaboration with Universal Music China, Migu Music aims to develop a distinctive Guofeng hip-hop brand that blends international influence with China’s evolving youth culture. By leveraging global distribution, we seek to bring Guofeng music more broadly, while supporting Chengdu’s development as an international city of music and the global impact of Chinese music culture.”Def Jam Recordings China was officially unveiled at a launch event held at Eastern Suburb Memory in Chengdu, a landmark cultural and creative district known for transforming industrial heritage into a vibrant hub for music, art, and youth culture. The event featured a curated exhibition celebrating Def Jam’s 40-year legacy, alongside participation from key figures across China’s hip-hop community — including artists, label founders, designers, venue operators, and cultural leaders — who gathered to witness the beginning of Def Jam’s new chapter in China.###About Def Jam RecordingsFounded in 1984, Def Jam Recordings has represented the cutting-edge in hip-hop music for more than 40 years. Def Jam began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York City’s vibrant street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop, pioneered by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. Over the following two decades, Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man &amp; Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and the inimitable Kanye West. Now in its fourth decade, Def Jam’s music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand – synonymous with creativity, quality and authenticity – encompassing a diverse roster of marquee and emerging stars that includes LL Cool J, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Teyana Taylor, Big Sean, and Jhene Aiko, among others. Today, Def Jam has reaffirmed its passion for and commitment to hip-hop and R&amp;B culture and has expanded its global brand reach to become the most-followed major label on all major social media platforms.About Universal Music GroupAt Universal Music Group, we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. UMG is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content. Featuring the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.About Migu Music Founded in 2014, Migu Music is a wholly owned subsidiary of Migu Culture &amp; Technology Co., Ltd., a digital content company established by China Mobile. Formerly known as China Mobile’s Wireless Music Base, Migu Music is responsible for the research, development, operation, and innovation of music and ringback tone services.In 2003, Migu Music pioneered the licensed digital music distribution model in China, and in 2018, it launched the world’s first video ringback tone service. With more than two decades of continuous innovation and technology-driven development, Migu Music has built the world’s largest operator-based short-video media platform, as well as one of China’s leading digital content experience and distribution platforms.Migu Music currently offers a catalog of over 40 million licensed tracks and serves more than 160 million users. With music at its core and video ringback tones as a key differentiator, Migu Music has recently upgraded its strategic positioning to become the “Home of Guofeng Music,” working with ecosystem partners to build the most professional, authoritative, and trend-leading platform dedicated to Guofeng music.

News

Bruno Mars Breaks Live Nation Single-Day Ticket Sales Rec...

EL-JAY Featured on "TMZ After Dark" tour with Yukmouth

EL-JAY - Letter 2 Self Video Now Airing on Vevo

R&B HITMAKER ANDRE “DRE” HARRIS SIGNS GLOBAL PACT WITH WA...

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP APPOINTS JAMES STEVEN AS EVP & CHIE...

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GREATER CHINA LAUNCHES DEF JAM RECORDINGS...