Latest news with #Snooze
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
‘Not SUGA, but my friend Min Yoongi': El Capitxn reveals BTS member offered to cover costs for vocal treatment
The world counts down to BTS' SUGA's official military discharge on June 21, 2025. At the same time, a deeply personal essay by one of his closest collaborators is going viral. It offers a rare look at the man behind the stage name. On June 15, fans were moved by a blog post sharing a preview from producer El Capitxn's upcoming essay collection, We're Still in the Interlude. The excerpt traces his emotional journey from idol to producer. It centres on the powerful bond he shares with BTS' Min Yoongi. The piece resonates widely due to its raw revelations and previously unknown stories about the BTS member's role in helping the producer rebuild his life. El Capitxn's darkest days Born Jang Yi Jung, El Capitxn first entered the K-pop scene as the main vocalist of boy group HISTORY in 2013 under LOEN Entertainment. However, after the group disbanded in 2017, he faded from the idol spotlight and faced an identity crisis. It led him to distance himself from music altogether. In the essay, he candidly recalls this period as emotionally paralyzing, describing it as a time when no words, music, or people could bring him solace. He transitioned into songwriting and production under the moniker El Capitxn. He admits that the change felt hollow at first, until SUGA re-entered his life in an unexpected way. The power of Snooze and a simple invitation One turning point came when El Capitxn co-produced SUGA's 2023 D-DAY album, particularly the track Snooze. He described the song as something that could have brought him the comfort he once desperately needed. Soon after, he received an invitation from SUGA to appear on his YouTube talk show, Suchwita. While the appearance seemed casual on the surface, El Capitxn says it was transformative. Their conversation, full of laughter and reflection, helped him confront a part of himself he had long suppressed: his voice, his story, and his lost dreams. SUGA's quiet promise Though El Capitxn had previously declined an offer to join HYBE as an in-house producer, he says their friendship never wavered. What followed were moments of personal support, not for publicity or fanfare, but out of genuine care. In one especially moving part of the essay, he recalls SUGA urging him to sing again. "I like hearing you sing," Yoongi told him. "If you're going to keep singing, fix your throat first. I'll cover any costs. That wasn't BTS' SUGA speaking, it was my friend, Min Yoongi." Moreover, El Capitxn even jokes that he sometimes calls SUGA' dad.' "I always say this, 'Maybe it was my real dad who raised Jang Yi Jung, but it was producer SUGA who raised El Capitxn,'" he wrote. From broken dreams to global credits Since finding his footing again, El Capitxn has emerged as one of K-pop's most trusted producers. As the founder of the production team VENDORS, he has worked with artists including PSY, IU, NCT, TXT, and BTS. After producing the D-Day album with SUGA, their collaboration deepened when he joined Agust D TOUR D-DAY in 2024. He appeared as a DJ and behind-the-scenes support. Meanwhile, El Capitxn's full essay collection We're Still in the Interlude is to be published on June 23, 2025.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Benson Boone Makes Hot 100 History
Benson Boone is actively promoting three singles from his forthcoming album, American Heart. 'Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else,' 'Mystical Magical,' and 'Momma Song' all appear on multiple Billboard charts at the moment, but none are performing nearly as well as the track that started it all for him. 'Beautiful Things' broke Boone into the mainstream and has become a historic smash for the pop singer. It is still present on the Hot 100 this week, even though the musician stopped promoting the tune long ago. Amazingly, it lives in a loftier position than both 'Sorry I'm Here for Someone Else' and 'Mystical Magical,' the first two official singles from his forthcoming sophomore full-length. This frame, 'Beautiful Things' rises from No. 14 to No. 10, reentering the most competitive space on the Hot 100. As it climbs, the track reaches a milestone that only a handful of songs in history have achieved. 'Beautiful Things' has now lived on the Hot 100 for 70 weeks. It's just the tenth track in the more than half-century-long tenure of the ranking to reach that landmark figure. Boone is currently tied with 'Snooze' by SZA as the ninth-longest-running winner ever. With its seventieth frame scored, the tune breaks out of a tie with 'How Do I Live' by LeAnn Rimes and 'Save Your Tears' by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, both of which disappeared from the tally after 69 stays. As Boone continues to up his career-best each week, the record for the longest stay on the Hot 100 is also frequently reset. 'Lose Control,' the breakout smash by Teddy Swims, debuted on the chart in 2023, and it's still present today. This time around, in its ninety-third stint on the tally, it returns to the top 10 as well, pushing from No. 11 to No. 8. It's highly likely that 'Beautiful Things' will break its tie with 'Snooze' in just a few days and earn a seventy-first turn on the Hot 100. When it does, it will tie with 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey — and from there, it could continue to climb. Also ahead of 'Beautiful Things' on the list of the longest-charting successes in Hot 100 history are all of the following tracks: 'Heat Waves' by Glass Animals (91 weeks), 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd (90 weeks), 'Radioactive' by Imagine Dragons (87 weeks), 'Sail' by Awolnation (79 weeks), 'Levitating' by Dua Lipa (and in some instances, DaBaby) (77 weeks), and 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz (76 weeks). How far Boone will be able to progress with his pop smash is yet to be seen, but he may soon tie, and even pass, the biggest wins from Mraz, Lipa, and DaBaby.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hailey Bieber parties with Kylie and Kendall Jenner after Justin's steamy duet with SZA
Hailey Bieber stepped out with Kylie and Kendall Jenner a day after supporting her husband Justin Bieber's steamy duet with SZA at Kendrick Lamar's Grand National Tour stop. The Rhode founder partied with the reality stars to celebrate Kylie's KHY x Dilara Findikoglu clothing drop at The Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles on Saturday night. She appeared in good spirits in a video shared via Kylie's Instagram Stories, which showed her wearing a nude long-sleeve mini dress. Hailey, 28, accessorized with a neutral-colored purse and styled her hair in a slicked-back bun. She sipped a drink while greeting another guest, as Kendall, 29, danced beside her. Kylie, 27, shared another clip of her party guests taking a shot, however, Hailey didn't appear to join the fun. Hailey enjoyed a night out after supporting Justin, 31, during his surprise appearance at SZA and Lamar's LA tour stop on Friday. A viral video showed him performing on stage with the R&B songstress, 35, to her 2022 hit 'Snooze.' The 'Peaches' crooner was seen singing with his eyes closed as SZA approached him, tenderly touched his chin and sang, 'You just too important / Nobody do body like you do.' Justin responded by smiling, grabbing the 'Kill Bill' songstress's hand and kissing it before she walked away. Several people took to social media to praise SZA's warm gesture amid the pop icon's alleged mental health concerns. 'I love how SZA was there for him—not just present, but truly helping him through whatever he was going through in that moment,' one person commented. 'She knew he needed to be brought back to himself, and she poured into him, strengthened him ,' they added. 'A true friend hold your head up baby. The reassurance is amazing and he's looking better. We miss you, Bieber,' another gushed. In recent months, Justin has sparked fan concern over his recreational drug use and alleged financial woes. Amid additional reports that the 'Baby' singer is dealing with money issues, an insider told Page Six that his wife is 'the breadwinner now.' However, sources close to Justin insisted he isn't dealing with financial burdens.
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Leon Thomas is ready for the moment with new album
Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment of musical appreciation. 'I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I'm really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's released his 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL' album on Friday. 'Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I'm on are ordered, and it's just my time to show the world what I can do.' After winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,'' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both originals and remixes. 'It's God's plan ... Coming from the world of acting, I'd had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,' said Thomas of 'Electric Dusk' which dropped in 2023. 'That really built me, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.' The 31-year-old, who's produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top ... and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? It was very organic ... I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many ... weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. ... There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. Associated Press
Winnipeg Free Press
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Leon Thomas is ‘ready for the moment' with new album ‘MUTT Deluxe: HEEL'
NEW YORK (AP) — Leon Thomas is such a believer of speaking dreams into existence that the artist-producer has been patiently awaiting — yet expecting — his current moment of musical appreciation. 'I feel like this is like a 20-year-long, overnight success, and I'm really enjoying just the process. I feel ready for the moment,' said the alternative R&B artist, who's releasing his 'MUTT Deluxe: HEEL' album on Friday. 'Not to get too spiritual, but I feel like the steps I'm on are ordered, and it's just my time to show the world what I can do.' After winning a Grammy last year as co-producer on SZA's song 'Snooze,' Thomas is now experiencing his own solo success. The single 'MUTT,' from his 2024 critically acclaimed sophomore album of the same name, reached No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts, including Hot R&B Songs, Adult R&B airplay and R&B Streaming Songs. It also peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100, boosted by a recent Chris Brown-remix that will appear on the deluxe. Once known for his role on the Nickelodeon series 'Victorious' of the 2010s, the R&B-rock-funk artist recruited heavyweight features for 'HEEL,' including Big Sean, Kehlani and Halle Bailey. Nine new songs were added, both originals and remixes. 'It's God's plan … Coming from the world of acting, I'd had my fair share of fame and taste of what the high life felt like. But starting off with my debut album, really having to grind and play really small rooms and build from scratch was such a humbling experience,' said Thomas of 'Electric Dusk' which dropped in 2023. 'That really built me, and I wouldn't trade that experience for the world.' The 31-year-old, who's produced songs for Drake, Kanye West, Toni Braxton and Babyface, spoke with The Associated Press about stepping into the spotlight, vulnerability and being protective of Ariana Grande. The conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. AP: How have you managed the transition from in-demand producer to solo artist? THOMAS: I prayed on this. I did the internal work to be ready for what comes with the spotlight. And, I don't know, I'm just taking it one step at a time. I learned a lot from working behind the scenes, though. I was able to watch everybody's climb to the top … and it was good to be a fly on the wall to a lot of my friends' greatness before I had an opportunity to climb the mountain myself. AP: How did your 'Rather Be Alone' collaboration with Halle Bailey come together? THOMAS: It was very organic … I played her the record and she really resonated with it, and I feel like you should write your life, and you should find ways to use your experience as the paint on the canvas. And I think both of us were going through pretty crazy breakups. So, I think it was important to lead with that song because it's like the truest record right now on the project. AP: It seems like this era of R&B doesn't embrace vulnerability like in earlier decades. Why where you both so transparent? THOMAS: It's a generation of filters. But I think some of the craziest and most viral moments are without any of the bells and whistles. And that's the whole Catch-22. It's like there's lots of technological advancements, but I think things that are real, that really like celebrate the human experience, will always be celebrated. AP: How were you able to successfully break out of the Nickelodeon box and transition into music? THOMAS: It's really hard being a Black male coming from the Nickelodeon-Viacom space because this is epic branding all over the world. I mean, this is like 80 countries … that are kind of fed that image of you. So, I think for me, the biggest thing was really taking the time to study acting. Even when I stepped over into music, it's not like I just jumped into it because I had some fans who grew up watching me. I decided to study under the legendary Babyface, started working with Ty Dolla $ign, Boi-1da, Drake — I was around some epic legends in the field, and I feel like the best teacher is experience. AP: Do you ever reminisce with Adriana Grande about your time as 'Victorious' castmates? THOMAS: We finished our last two years of high school together in a small classroom with one teacher and spent many … weekends hanging out and watching movies and kicking it. That's really my friend, and I'm so proud of her. … There's so much growth that happened, and I am very protective over her and she's the same about me. And it's just good to have real friends in this (industry) — it can be kind of tricky. ___ Follow Associated Press entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at @GaryGHamilton on all his social media platforms.
