Tame Impala’s first studio album in five years, Deadbeat, debuted at No. 1 on six Billboard charts – including Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Alternative Albums, Top Dance Albums (their first appearance on the tally), Vinyl Albums, and Indie Store Album Sales – and reached No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Deadbeat marks Tame Impala’s first release on Columbia Records, and it earned 70,000 equivalent album units in its first week, with vinyl sales setting a personal best for the Kevin Parker-led project. The album’s tracks also dominated the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, occupying eight of the top 25 spots, highlighted by “Dracula” at No. 1 and “My Old Ways” at No. 3, while 11 songs from the record appear on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Additionally, Tame Impala made their debut appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with “Dracula” reaching a new peak of No. 33, while “My Old Ways” and “Loser” debuted at Nos. 56 and 91, respectively. (Billboard)

On Wednesday (October 29), Mumford & Sons revealed the details of their sixth studio album, Prizefighter, which is set for release on February 13, 2026 via Island Records. The 14-track record was produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner at Long Pond Studios, and features high-profile collaborations with Gracie Abrams, Hozier, Chris Stapleton, and Gigi Perez. The project includes the recently released lead single, "Rubber Band Man," with Hozier, as well as tracks like "Here" with Stapleton, and "Badlands" featuring Abrams. “We feel like we’re hitting our prime as a creative force,” said frontman Marcus Mumford of the new album. “We’re putting everything we have into this now, and we’re using everything about our experience so far to embrace exactly who we are. We’re comfortable in our skins these days. And ‘Prizefighter’ is us going for it – serious and playful, sometimes bruised and always hopeful. We’re nowhere near done yet. I’m more excited to be in this band than I’ve ever been.” (NME)

Reneé Rapp has postponed her third concert on her current Bite Me Tour due to an ongoing illness, delaying her scheduled hometown show on Wednesday (October 29) in Charlotte, North Carolina to November 7. After previously rescheduling performances earlier this week in Atlanta and Tampa to November 4 and 5, Rapp told fans in her Instagram Story that she is still not able to perform. “As of right now, I still don’t have a voice,” she wrote. “I’m recovering slowly but still not in a place where I am able to perform safely tomorrow night at my hometown show- I am so sorry and heartbroken that I have to postpone.” Rapp assured fans that “all original tickets will be valid for the new date,” while adding that she is “taking this time to recover and then next week I will give you the best version of me. The best version of this show that | love so much. The show you deserve to see.” (Rolling Stone)

Busta Rhymes is honoring his longtime friend D’Angelo, who passed away on October 14 from pancreatic cancer, with a new tribute song titled “Magic,” in which he raps over D’Angelo’s 2000 track “One Mo’Gin.” Reflecting on their 34-year friendship, Busta recalled meeting D’Angelo in 1990 during A Tribe Called Quest studio session, and he praised the late R&B singer’s reserved yet powerful presence and unique impact on music. “When it was time for him to actually speak – when you heard him sing or play the keyboard — it magnified the polar opposite of how quiet he was,” Busta recalls. He described D’Angelo as a transformative artist who left a profound legacy felt deeply in the music community. “There have been a lot of soulful artists who played and sang that came before him and came after him,” Busta says, before adding, “But the impact was nowhere near the level that he was able to do it on just three albums across 34 years.” (Billboard)

For the first time since February 1990, there are no rap songs in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40, ending a historic streak of over 35 years. This shift follows Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s former chart-topping hit, “Luther,” falling off the chart entirely due to recent Billboard rule changes removing long-charting songs that fail to reach certain criteria. The last time there weren’t any rap songs in the Top 40 was February 2, 1990, when Biz Markie’s eventual Top 10 hit, “Just a Friend,” reached No. 41 on the chart. When the track jumped up to No. 29 the following week, that began a Hot 100 streak of rap songs in the Top 40 that would last for the next 35 years, eight months and three weeks. The highest-charting rap song is currently YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “Shot Callin” at No. 44, with tracks by Cardi B and BigXthaPlug also in the high 40s. (Billboard) 

A judge denied Dan Bernad's emergency request for sole custody of his 19-month-old son Somersault with singer Sia this week. Court documents show the judge ruled insufficient evidence existed for emergency relief. Bernad filed the October 27th motion claiming Sia is "an unfit and unreliable parent struggling with substance abuse and addiction" while requesting $77,245 monthly child support. Sia responded October 28th, declaring "I have been fully sober for over six months and working my program which includes weekly testing and a sober companion." The current custody arrangement continues, giving Sia primary custody with limited monitored visits for Bernad. Sia alleged Bernad's requests are "directly tied to financial gain rather than a genuine effort to foster a meaningful parental relationship with Summi," noting she has paid him $300,000 since their March separation. (Story URL)

Drake has officially filed a notice of appeal following the dismissal of his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping song, “Not Like Us.” The case was dismissed on October 9 by District Judge Jeannette Vargas, who ruled the track as a “nonactionable opinion” made in the context of a rap battle, thus not defamatory. Drake originally sued UMG in January, alleging the label defamed him by promoting the song, and filed an amended complaint after UMG’s motion to dismiss. Drake’s legal team are expected to provide their arguments over the basis of the appeal in a filing that will be submitted soon, while releasing the following statement: “This confirms our intent to appeal, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing that filing in the coming weeks.” UMG has yet to publicly comment on the appeal. (Variety)

Seventeen new performers and presenters, including Jim Carey, Janelle Monáe, Avril Lavigne, Donald Glover, Mick Fleetwood, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Perry, Mike McCready, and Nancy Wilson, have been added to the lineup for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on November 8 in Los Angeles, boosting the roster of special guests participating in the event to 37. These announcements follow the addition of Chappell Roan and the Killers earlier this week, joining previously announced artists including Beck, Brandi Carlile, Doja Cat, Elton John, Flea, Iggy Pop, Missy Elliott, Olivia Rodrigo, and Questlove. They will all be on hand to honor the Rock Hall’s 2025 class of inductees featuring Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes, as well as a series of special honorees. The 40th annual event will take place at the Peacock Theater, and will stream live on Disney+, with a condensed primetime special airing on ABC on January 1. (Variety)

On Monday (October 27), Miguel announced the dates and details of his 2026 North American and European tour in support of his latest album, Caos, which dropped on October 23, coinciding with the Grammy-winning R&B singer’s 40th birthday. The international jaunt will kick off on February 10 in Atlanta, hitting major cities like Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles, before concluding the North American leg on March 21 in Houston, followed by U.K. and European dates in April. Jean Dawson will join him as the opener for the North American dates, while Channel Tres will open the L.A. show. An artist pre-sale launches on Wednesday (October 29), followed by a general on-sale on Thursday (October 30), with special VIP packages available that include behind-the-scenes tours, access to soundchecks, and Q&As with Miguel. (Rolling Stone)

Flavor Flav has been named the official hype man and sponsor for the USA Bobsled and Skeleton teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, bringing his high-energy support and financial backing to the athletes. “The partnership is a blessing. It’s cooler than 'Cool Runnings.' It’s Coolest Runnings,” Flav said while referencing the 1993 comedy film about the Jamaican bobsled team. The 66-year-old Public Enemy rapper, who previously supported the U.S. women’s water polo team at the 2024 Paris Summer Games, recently visited the teams in Park City, Utah, where he tried bobsledding, impressing athletes with his speed and enthusiasm. “Flavor Flav embodies the same grit, dedication, and pride that define our athletes, and we’re excited to have him bring that excitement to our team and fans across the country,” USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Aron McGuire said in a statement. Flav plans to travel with the team to the Games in February and continues to actively support Olympians beyond just cheering from the sidelines. (Billboard)

Drake is facing a class-action lawsuit in Missouri accusing him and influencer Adin Ross of promoting the “deceptive” and allegedly illegal online casino Stake.us, which misled consumers by marketing itself as a harmless social casino despite operating as a real-money gambling platform. The complaint, filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, alleges that Stake.us’s dual-currency system enables real-money gambling, while also claiming that Drake and Ross often gambled with platform funds rather than their own money, intentionally misleading fans during livestream promotions. “When Ross and Drake purport to gamble online with Stake.com, they often do not do so with their own money despite telling the public in Missouri and elsewhere the opposite,” the filing states, while arguing that “Stake’s influencer marketing, especially through Drake and Ross, is directed, among others, at teenagers in Missouri and in other states.” Representatives for Drake, Ross, and Stake have yet to make official statements about the lawsuit. (Rolling Stone)

Chappell Roan and The Killers have been announced as guests at the 40th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. While Roan herself won’t be eligible for induction until 2042, she will be on hand to induct Cyndi Lauper into the Rock Hall, with the young singer revealing that she auditioned with “True Colors” for America’s Got Talent when she was 13 (she didn’t get selected). The Killers – who are eligible for induction in 2028 – will join a star-studded lineup including Beck, Doja Cat, Elton John, and others to honor this year’s inductees: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes, along with Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for Musical Influence, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye for Musical Excellence, and Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for Lifetime Achievement​​. The ceremony will stream live nationwide on Disney+, while ABC will broadcast a primetime special featuring highlights from the event on January 1, 2026. (Billboard)

Jack DeJohnette, the acclaimed jazz drummer known for his work with Miles Davis during his influential “electric period,” died on Sunday (October 26) at the age of 83 from congestive heart failure. “He was very comfortable and at peace,” said Joan Clancy, DeJohnette’s longtime assistant, who confirmed the musician’s death, while adding that “he was surrounded by his wife, Lydia, family, and friends” when he passed. Beginning piano in childhood before switching to drums at 18, DeJohnette rose through Chicago’s avant-garde scene to play with legends like John Coltrane, Charles Lloyd, Bill Evans, and Joe Henderson.

In 1969, he replaced Tony Williams in Davis’ band, contributing to groundbreaking albums such as Bitches Brew, and historic live performances by Davis’ so-called “Lost Quintet.” “It was great to play with Miles, because Miles loved the drums,” DeJohnette said in 2009. “Everything came from the drums. He liked boxing, he was a big boxing fan, and he saw drums in jazz as having similar aspects.” After leaving Davis, DeJohnette led his own projects and collaborated with the likes of Freddie Hubbard and Sonny Rollins, earning two Grammy awards while securing a lasting legacy as a musical innovator and NEA Jazz Master. (Rolling Stone)

On Sunday (October 26), Reneé Rapp announced that she has postponed two of the final North American dates of her Bite Me Tour due to illness. The 25-year-old pop star revealed in an since-expired Instagram Story that doctors advised her to prioritize resting her voice and giving her body time to recover. Rapp postponed her October 26 show in Atlanta and October 27 gig in Tampa, which have already been rescheduled to November 5 and November 4, respectively, with original tickets remaining valid. “In my career I have never had to do this before — but I have to reschedule tonight and tomorrow’s shows,” Rapp wrote. “I’ve been pushing through an illness but my body has finally given out. My doctors have told me that it isn’t safe to perform due to the need for vocal rest and physical recovery." Rapp’s show on Wednesday (October 29) in Charlotte is still set to take place as scheduled. (People)

On Monday (October 27), Demi Lovato announced the dates and details of her 2026 North American It’s Not That Deep Tour. The 23-date arena tour is in support of Lovato’s ninth album, It’s Not That Deep, which dropped on Friday (October 24). The jaunt will feature opening act Adéla, and will stretch from April 8 in Charlotte, N.C. to May 25 in Houston, while stopping in major cities including Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Toronto, New York, Chicago, and Dallas. “I can’t wait to get back on the road with you and dance to these songs together night after night,” Lovato wrote, while adding, “this is gonna be so much fun, i can’t even contain it… SEE YOU SO SOON.” Lovato previewed her first headlining tour in three years with an underplay performance at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Saturday (Oct. 25). An artist pre-sale starts Thursday (October 30), followed by a general on-sale beginning Friday (October 31). (Billboard)

Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced on October 3 to 50 months in prison for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, with his release expected on May 8, 2028, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, factoring in time served and good behavior. Acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs has appealed the sentence, though prospects for success are slim. At sentencing, Judge Arun Subramanian told Combs that “there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” while encouraging the disgraced entertainment mogul to devote his future to supporting victims of domestic violence. “The same power you used to hurt women, you can use to help them,” he said. “I’m counting on you to make the most of your second chance.” Despite the conviction, lead counsel Marc Agnifilo said Combs hopes to “make something special out of his life,” while adding that getting involved in music again is “way down the road.” (Variety)

Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” tops the Billboard Hot 100 for a third consecutive week, while her album, The Life of a Showgirl, simultaneously leads the Billboard 200 for the third straight week. This marks another historic achievement for Swift, as she becomes the first artist to debut at No. 1 on both charts while maintaining that dominance for three consecutive weeks. This milestone adds to Swift’s record as the only artist to achieve seven simultaneous No. 1 album and single launches. Swift also places three other songs in this week’s Top 10, as “Opalite” drops two spots to No. 4, while “Elizabeth Taylor” remains at No. 5, and “Father Figure” holds at No. 6. With those multiple Top 10 hits, Swift sets a record by claiming her seventh career week with at least four of the Top 10 songs on the Hot 100 chart, topping Drake’s mark of six.

In other significant moves in this week’s Hot 100, two acts crack the Top 10 for the first time in their career, as Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” jumps nine spots to reach No. 8, and Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” surges eight slots to claim No. 10. Elsewhere in the Hot 100 Top 10, HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, rises one spot to No. 2, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” moves up one slot to No. 3, Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” vaults up eight places to No. 7, and Morgan Wallen’s “I Got Better” surges seven spots to No. 9. (Billboard)

On Friday (October 24), Florence + the Machine announced the dates and details of their 2026 North American Everybody Scream Tour. The 23-date arena tour is in support of the English indie pop group’s sixth studio album, Everybody Scream, which will be released on October 31, marking their first record since 2022’s Dance Fever. The jaunt kicks off April 8 in Minneapolis and wraps with a two-night stand in Los Angeles on May 19-20, while hitting major cities across the U.S. and Canada, including Chicago, Toronto, Boston, New York, Miami, Atlanta, and San Francisco. The North American tour follows a series of European dates in early 2026, and will feature special guest opening acts Rachel Chinouriri, Sofia Isella, CMAT, and Mannequin Pu**y at select dates. An artist presale starts on Monday (November 3), followed by a general on-sale on Wednesday (November 5). (Rolling Stone)

On Saturday (October 25), Lana Del Rey opened her set at Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’ charity concert with a heartfelt cover of his classic, “The Needle and the Damage Done,” at Painted Turtle Summer Camp in Lake Hughes, California. She told the audience as she strolled on stage, “I thought we’d get started with a little bit of Neil,” before delivering a faithful rendition of Young’s Harvest standout, followed by performances of her own hits, including “Arcadia,” “Video Games,” and “Norman Fu**ing Rockwell,” plus her first solo performance of “Let the Light In.” The show marked Del Rey’s final scheduled live performance of 2025, with her country-inspired album delayed until next year. The benefit concert also featured performances by Beck, John Mayer, and Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, in support of the Painted Turtle, which provides summer camp experiences for kids with serious medical issues, and Bridge School, which provides education to children with severe speech and physical disabilities. (Rolling Stone)

Bad Bunny was honored as Billboard’s Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami on Thursday night (October 23). Bad Bunny was presented the honor by fellow Puerto Rican superstar – and EGOT winner – Rita Moreno, with the 93-year-old entertainment legend saying “it moves me from the bottom of my heart” to give Benito the award. Bad Bunny delivered a heartfelt, unscripted acceptance speech that celebrated his personal journey while honoring fellow musicians who paved the way before him. “I still don’t understand, among so many artists, why me?,” he said, while adding, “But I’m grateful. God wanted me to receive it because it doesn’t feed my ego. I receive it without arrogance, very humbly, and I will remain the same.” Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking achievements include having the first all-Spanish album to top the Billboard 200 and claiming Spotify’s most-streamed album, with the global superstar also set to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. (Rolling Stone)