Camila Cabello surprised fans with a piano-ballad rendition of “Torn,” the single that became Natalie Imbruglia’s breakthrough hit on U.S. radio in 1998, at a pair of shows in Australia this week (Aug. 27 and 30). Explore See latest videos, […]
Chalino Sánchez, the “King of Corridos,” would have turned 65 on Aug. 30. While his tragic murder in May 1992 ended his life, his musical legacy continues to thrive.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
Thanks to technology, some of his timeless recordings are being brought back to life through collaborations with other artists. Fifteen of Sánchez’s tracks, owned by Cintas Acuario — a label based in Long Beach, California — are being reimagined for a new project.
“I bought the songs from him; they’re mine. That’s how we did business,” Pedro Rivera, owner of the label, shared exclusively with Billboard Español. (Rivera is the father of regional Mexican music stars Lupillo Rivera and the late Jenni Rivera.) “We respected each other deeply. Chalino was one of the most loyal men I’ve ever met — he always kept his word.”
Trending on Billboard
The first release from this project is “Rigo Campos,” a song written more than 30 years ago by Mario Quintero, the lead singer of Los Tucanes de Tijuana. Chalino recorded his own version back in the day, but the two never met in person. Now, through the magic of technology, they’re singing together in a music video that premiered on Thursday, Aug. 28.
“It took over three years from the first meeting to today’s release,” Quintero, thrilled by the song’s reception, told Billboard Español. It has already become a trending topic in Mexico. “Unfortunately, I never got the chance to meet Chalino… [But] technology made it possible for Los Tucanes and Chalino to appear together in the video as if he were still here.”
Sánchez rose to fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s with his corridos in the California music scene. His raw, unpolished voice and straightforward style resonated with migrant communities and working-class listeners. Songs like “Nieves de Enero,” “Alma Enamorada” and “Baraja de Oro” became classics.
On May 16, 1992, he was murdered in Culiacán, Sinaloa, after a performance. He was only 31 years old.
Quintero, who as the leader of Los Tucanes heads one of the most respected norteño and corrido groups in the market, spoke to Billboard Español about “Rigo Campos,” the current restrictions on corridos in Mexico, and even a possible World Cup anthem in the works:
Billboard Español: What are the Origins of “Rigo Campos”?
Quintero: The song is based on a well-known event in Tijuana, I think it was around 1991. It was talked about a lot on the news in both Mexico and the U.S. Back then, we were just starting out, and even to this day, I draw inspiration from real-life events. I wrote the song, and it became popular locally. I used to go to record stores to check out new releases and see if anyone had recorded one of my songs. One day, I was surprised to find the song on a cassette by Chalino Sánchez. I remember opening it and seeing that it credited him as the author. My excitement immediately turned to disappointment. Turns out, he had heard it from us, liked it and recorded it with Cintas Acuario. The song was already registered to me, so we cleared everything up.
How did this particular collaboration come about?
Juan Rivera [Pedro Rivera’s son] reached out to invite me to take part in this album they’re producing with Chalino’s songs. I thought it was such an exciting idea, and of course, I was honored to include my song. It took over three years from our first meeting to now releasing “Rigo Campos.” We’re overjoyed with the public’s response. Unfortunately, I never got to meet Chalino. There was this one time he had a press conference in Tijuana, but we were busy working and couldn’t go. I had wanted to thank him for recording my song, but the opportunity never came up. Now, through technology, we were able to bring him back to life in the video, and it’s as if he’s really there with us. It was a huge effort by the teams at Cintas Acuario and Master Q Music to make it happen. The hardest part was bringing Chalino’s essence into the present, but they nailed it.
Why do you think Chalino’s legacy endures so many years after his death?
Chalino had this unique ability to take well-known songs and make them his own with his distinctive style. That’s what made him so successful. Of course, he was also heavily criticized, but people couldn’t ignore his authenticity. He wasn’t trying to imitate anyone — he was born to be an original, and that’s why he’s still such a massive influence in norteño and banda music. Producing this song was such a fulfilling experience. Listening to his voice straight from the original tapes, you realize how powerful it was. He didn’t need backing vocals; he was naturally in tune and simply incredible. Back then, there wasn’t the technology we have now, so hearing him sing was truly special. Recording this duet with him now feels like a dream come true. It didn’t happen before, but it’s happening now — and that’s what matters.
What do you think of the current bands and restrictions of corridos in Mexico?
We love corridos, but we also respect the rules in every place we perform. We understand the situation. The problem isn’t with corridos themselves; there are broader social issues at play. I think the authorities have good intentions, and we always follow any rules or restrictions. For example, at our recent show at the Auditorio Telmex in Guadalajara, we weren’t allowed to perform any corridos. Of course, some fans wanted to hear them, but we respect the law. At the end of the day, the law is the law, and we have to follow it as citizens. Where we’re allowed to perform corridos, we will. Where we’re not, we’ll just play “La Chona” three times, or “El Tucanazo,” or “Me Gusta Vivir de Noche.” We’ve got plenty of songs in our repertoire.
Speaking about “La Chona,” it’s become a major hit and played in many sporting events. Any plans to use it during the World Cup?
As the composer of “La Chona,” it’s such an honor and a privilege to see it still going strong. Every day, we get videos from all over the world of people dancing and singing along to it. When we first recorded it, I didn’t even like the song that much — I preferred others. But it carved out its own place, and now, more than 30 years later, new generations are still loving it. For the World Cup, we’re working on a project that I think fans are going to love. In the meantime, we’re heading to Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala and Bolivia this year, and next year we’ll be taking our music to Spain. Europe is becoming such an important market for regional Mexican music.
A few days ago you played for over 100,000 people. Why do Los Tucanes still draw big crowds?
I think we’ve earned the love of our fans through our music and the way we are. Los Tucanes are one of those groups that can do it all — romantic songs, corridos, cumbias — we mix norteño music with other genres. I think that’s why we have such a special place in people’s hearts. There are also people who grew up listening to our music but never got to see us live, so they come to our shows now. And it’s so touching to see multiple generations at our concerts — parents, kids, even grandparents. It’s such a blessing.
Looking for new family movies to watch? This Billboard Family calendar is a roundup of 2025 kid and family movie releases that should be appropriate for most ages. To help people find picks that the entire family can enjoy together, […]
Google has warned Gmail users to update their passwords and take extra safety measures after a group of hackers accessed a massive database containing account holders’ information.
There are about 2.5 billion Gmail users, and changing passwords regularly is a helpful tool in protecting sensitive data. Additionally, account holders can utilize other security methods, such as two-step verification, to confirm their identity, providing an extra layer of security.
Google has advised users to be aware of suspicious activity and protect themselves, as hackers have employed various intrusive methods to trick account users into sharing their passwords and other sensitive data.
In a news release, Google’s Threat Intelligence Group said it issued an advisory to organizations about a widespread data theft campaign carried out by a hacker tracked as UNC6395. From Aug. 8 to at least Aug. 18, the hacker targeted Salesforce customer accounts through compromised OAuth tokens linked to the third-party application Salesloft Drift.
How did hackers access the data?
“The actor systematically exported large volumes of data from numerous corporate Salesforce instances. GTIG assesses the primary intent of the threat actor is to harvest credentials. After the data was exfiltrated, the actor searched through the data to look for secrets that could be potentially used to compromise victim environments,” the team said.
On Aug. 20, 2025, Salesloft and Salesforce revoked all access to the Drift tokens and removed the app as a precaution due to a pending investigation. Salesforce said the incident was not linked to a flaw in its core platform.
Google also disclosed that in June, a different group, UNC6040, briefly accessed one of its own Salesforce accounts, which contained contact information for small and medium-sized businesses. The company stated that the attackers only obtained limited data, including business names and contact details that were mostly already publicly available.
Who are the ShinyHunters?
“We believe threat actors using the ‘ShinyHunters’ brand may be preparing to escalate their extortion tactics by launching a data leak site (DLS),” a blog post by Google Threat Intelligence Group noted.
“These new tactics are likely intended to increase pressure on victims, including those associated with the recent UNC6040 Salesforce-related data breaches.”
ShinyHunters, which takes its name from the Pokémon franchise, formed in 2020 and has since targeted major companies, including AT&T Wireless, Microsoft, Santander and Ticketmaster, according to The Independent.
President Donald Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris on Thursday, according to an official letter detailing the cancellation of the security detail, which CNN obtained.
Former President Joe Biden had extended Harris’ protection for another year shortly before leaving office in January, according to several insiders familiar with the previously undisclosed agreement, which is now being made public, CNN reported.
The standard six-month post-vice-presidency coverage for Harris ended July 21. Trump announced the cancellation, effective Sept. 1, in a letter titled “Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security” on Thursday.
“You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris,” the letter reads.
A Secret Service official also confirmed the news, per CNN.
Could losing Secret Service protection jeopardize Harris’ upcoming tour?
The move comes just weeks before Harris kicks off her multicity book tour in September to promote her new memoir, 107 Days, which delves into her short presidential campaign and is set to be released Sept. 23.
“The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” Kirsten Allen, a Harris senior adviser, told CNN.
Former vice presidents, their spouses and children under 16 generally receive Secret Service protection for up to six months after leaving office, as mandated by a law passed by Congress in 2008. Recent administrations have extended this period due to heightened security threats, according to CBS News.
‘This is another act of revenge’
Federal law states that a vice president can receive temporary, extended Secret Service protection beyond six months “if the Secretary of Homeland Security or designee determines that information or conditions warrant such protection,” CBS News reported.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted a threat assessment on Harris and did not find anything threatening or alarming that would warrant extending her security coverage, according to sources familiar with the matter, per CBS News.
Harris left office more than seven months ago, at the conclusion of the Biden administration in January. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, lost his Secret Service protection on July 21, per CNN. Harris will lose the agents assigned to protect her and her property in Los Angeles, according to the BBC.
The news has prompted other California officials, such as Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, to speak out on the issue.
“This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more,” Bass initially told CNN, which first broke the story.
Legendary DJ Funk Flex caused some confusion with his fans when he recently announced that he’s hosting his “last show on Hot 97.” Flex went to Instagram on Thursday to reveal the vague statement that caused quite a stir among people who have been listening to his show for decades.
DJ Funk Flex said he’s hosting his ‘last show’ on Hot 97
In his statement on Instagram, Flex said he will host his “last show on Hot 97 at 7 PM” on Monday: “ALL THINGS COME TO AN END! END OF AN ERA THAT I ENJOYED VERY MUCH! I SUPER ENJOYED IT ALL! I WILL MAKE THE LAST SHOW A GREAT ONE! APPRECIATE EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED ME OVER THE YEARS!” the longtime radio host wrote in all caps.
In a follow-up comment, Flex said his “next move will shock.” Assuming that Flex is officially done on Hot 97, fans started sending their tributes and well-wishes to the DJ.
According to Vibe, 50 Cent also responded to the statement, saying, “I can’t even process this … Funk Flex been #1 since I can remember.”
Several other celebrities, including Jadakiss, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, also paid tribute as they assumed that Flex is moving on to a new chapter.
Is DJ Funk Flex actually leaving HOT 97?
Turns out that Flex is not really leaving the popular radio station. TMZ reported that Flex is only moving to a different time slot for his show. According to the outlet, the show will air from 5-10 p.m. after Monday.
Hot 97 is also moving Nessa Nitty’s show to the 1-5 p.m. slot, per VIBE. DJ Drewski will go from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., while DJ Camilo will spin from 4-5 p.m. The station has also released DJ Enuff, TMZ reported.
Canadian retailer Ssense is filing for bankruptcy protection after lenders tried to force a sale of the company, according to a memo sent to employees on Thursday. CEO Rami Atallah and his brothers Bassel and Firas founded the Montreal-based platform in 2003. It is known by fashion fans for featuring designer brands and independent labels alike, as well as for its popular biannual sales.
Ssense executives say they didn’t consent to the attempted sale
The company said creditors want to put Ssense for sale under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, which allows corporations owing creditors over $5 million to restructure their finances while continuing to operate. Instead, the company filed its own CCAA application “to protect the company, keep control of our assets and operations, and fight for the future of the company,” according to The Business of Fashion.
“We are deeply disappointed in this decision, which we believe does not serve the long-term interests of our 1,000+ employees, vendors and partners,” a Ssense spokesperson said about the attempted sale, according to Vogue Business.
Atallah stated that the company has been collaborating with financial and legal advisors to develop its own restructuring plan.
“The court will decide which path we follow, likely within the next week,” he said in the memo. “Until then, our focus remains clear: protect value, stabilize the business, and set up a restructuring plan to secure our future.”
The impact of Trump’s tariffs
The company cited recently imposed tariffs and import fees as a significant hurdle. The Trump administration has imposed a 35% tariff on goods imported from Canada into the United States, effective Aug. 1. The closure of the “de minimus” exemption takes effect on Friday. It previously allowed packages under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.
Earlier this year, some Ssense customers began receiving notices to pay duties due to cross-border shipments.
“We are here today because the rules of the game have changed,” Attallah said in the memo. “What happens next depends on the ruling of the CCAA proceedings, but our determination is unwavering. Now, more than ever, we need focus and commitment.”
Ssense had already faced economic hardship. The company’s sales fell by 28% in the first half of 2025, and it laid off over 100 employees in May, according to The Business of Fashion.
“Our mission is more relevant than ever: to discover and champion emerging creative talent. With a loyal global customer base, strong brand recognition, and the resilience of a digital-first model, we believe in the fundamental strength of our business,” Ssense’s spokesperson said. “This process will give us the time and stability we need to restructure on our terms, protect the interests of our employees and partners, and emerge stronger for the future.”
Black people who live in Scotland are taking over TikTok! What they’re uploading isn’t necessarily grabbing users’ attention. From their Scottish accent to their terminology, the fact that they’re natives to Scotland that’s sparking widespread curiosity.
Welcome to ‘Black Scottish TikTok’
According to BET, one of the people who helped put the Black Scottish community on people’s radar is Torgi Squire, better known as @starboysobersfitness. Squire posted a video of himself describing the weather that day in Scotland, which went viral with just under 4 million views and counting. People were also struck by Squire’s striking resemblance to Sterling K. Brown.
Soon after going viral, Squire published a welcome post for new followers with a caption that read, “Yes, this accent comes in melanin too, welcome to black Scottish TikTok.”
@starboysobersfitness Yes, this accent comes in melanin too, welcome to black Scottish Tik Tok. @ABI💫 @Court @BashTheEntertainer #scottishtiktok #blackscottishtiktok #relatable #wecomeinmelanintoo #US ♬ original sound – Starboy|Fitness
“Guys, the entertainment on that last post the last 24 hours has been crazy, but welcome to Black Scottish TikTok,” Squire said. “I’m going to slow down so that y’all can understand me. My new trans-Atlantic followers are having a hard time following along. At least that’s what they’re saying in the comments.”
He continued by answering some “frequently asked questions” from folks: “Number one, yes, I am Black. Yes, I am Scottish. I am not Sassenach, I am not Irish, I am not Welsh. Forty-three years born and raised in Scotland. 100% Scotch beef right here. Anyway, I’m not sure how this got to America—me complaining about the weather, but welcome. Black Scottish TikTok isn’t just me either. It’s a number of Black Scottish creators. I’m going to tag some, you can blow up their comment section as well ’cause the love from the U.S. has been crazy.”
‘Black Scottish TikTok’ is bringing people together
Squire tagged fellow Black Scottish creatives @abiakinn, @ceexcc and @bashtheentertainer. Each of their latest clips features educational videos that answer questions that many Americans have been inquiring about, including Scottish streetwear.
“Black Scottish TikTok” is quickly becoming a digital bridge between cultures. What started as people fawning over their Scottish accents has turned into a space for connection, laughter and education about Black identity in Scotland.
Shopping Subscribe to newsletter Newsletter Partner Entertainment Film Television Unscripted Interviews Books Culture Small Business Blavity U Blavity Brands 21Ninety Travel Noire Home & Texture AfroTech Talent Infusion Blavity Fest Blavity House Party Digital Cover Newsletter Partner Loading… explore Culture […]
Dozens of employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staged a walkout on Thursday, joining supporters in a protest of changes made to the agency under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House and appointed Kennedy, the CDC and other public health agencies have seen staff firings and layoffs, policy changes that experts warn are dangerous, and even violence directed toward public health workers.
Protests, resignations and firings at the CDC
CDC employees walked out and joined supporters outside the organization’s headquarters in Atlanta in a “clap out” protest, in which the crowd clapped in addition to marching and holding signs. A host of changes inflicted on the agency led to this moment. The immediate motivation for the protest was to show support for three top CDC officials who resigned from the agency over objections to changes made by Kennedy concerning vaccine policies and were escorted out of the building on Thursday. The resigning experts say that new vaccine restrictions are being implemented without reviewing data and warn that they could endanger public health.
HAPPENING NOW: CDC staff members are greeted by supporters as they stage a walkout at their headquarters in Atlanta in protest against the damage being done to the agency by conspiracy theorist RFK Jr. pic.twitter.com/2EiQxqUzHO— Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) August 28, 2025
The resignation of senior leaders at the CDC comes after Trump fired CDC Director Susan Monarez on Wednesday, only weeks after she had been confirmed by the Senate and taken over the agency. Her firing came after clashes with Kennedy; Monarez reportedly refused to carry out Kennedy’s orders to fire several experts from the CDC or to implement vaccine restrictions that Kennedy, a long-time vaccine skeptic, supported. Through her lawyers, Monarez said that she prioritized “protecting the public over serving a political agenda.” Monarez has been replaced for now by Jim O’Neill, who currently serves as a deputy to Kennedy at HHS. The White House, meanwhile, is defending Trump’s firing of Monarez for not being “aligned with the president’s mission to make America healthy again.”
Karoline Leavitt on firing CDC Director Susan Monarez.: “She was not aligned with the president’s mission to make America healthy again.”(Monarez was nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate less than a month ago.)pic.twitter.com/wWYtDqUdZd— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) August 28, 2025
Layoffs and violence at the CDC prompt opposition
This tumultuous week at the CDC comes as the agency and the nation’s public health infrastructure have seen significant turmoil under the leadership of Trump and Kennedy. Within days of taking office in January, Trump froze various operations of the CDC and other public health agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Earlier this month, hundreds of CDC employees were laid off, including employees who worked in violence prevention, just days after a reported vaccine skeptic targeted the CDC in a shooting that killed an Atlanta-area police officer.
After the shooting, employees at the CDC and many others pointed the finger at the anti-vaccine rhetoric of Kennedy and others as stoking violence against medical experts and public health workers. Hundreds of HHS employees signed a letter to Kennedy, accusing him of being “complicit in dismantling America’s public health infrastructure” and calling him out for “repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information.” The letter urged Kennedy to revise his rhetoric and policies to ensure the safety of HHS employees and the public.
So far, it seems Kennedy has no intention of dialing back his anti-vaccine rhetoric and policies, with the president’s backing. As experts warn of risks to the public and dangers to public health workers, employees at the CDC are likely to continue pushing back against the agenda of Kennedy and Trump.
Stay up to date on exciting projects and upcoming events from the Black Promoters Collective.
©2025 Black Promoters Collective (BPC) All Rights Reserved.
