Music Biz Headlines: Drake Smashes More Records, Turns 40 With Help of Backstreet Boys
And in more Drake news, his "Janice STFU" copyright accuser has dropped the lawsuit less than two weeks later. Also: Jay-Z names himself Super Bowl Halftime Show performer, Macklemore launches Free Palestine tour and more.
Drake is back in multiple headlines this week, from celebrating his milestone 40th birthday with Backstreet Boys to breaking yet more records with his streaming and sales numbers.
Elsewhere, Neil Young sues Donald Trump (again), WIN's flagship global conference heads to Toronto, and Backstreet Boys reveal the buying power of Millennial nostalgia..
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music news headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Drake Becomes First Act to Surpass 350 Million RIAA-Certified Units, With 30 New Certifications
Drake also extends his record with 18 diamond plaques. — Michael Saponara, Billboard Canada
Drake Lawsuit Over ‘Janice STFU’ Dropped By Accuser Less Than Two Weeks Later
A songwriter has abruptly dropped a case claiming Drake's smash hit was "literally identical" — claims the star called "manufactured and baseless." — Bill Donahue, Billboard
Drake Sings ‘I Want It That Way’ With Backstreet Boys at 40th Birthday Bash
The famed boy band are surprise guests at Drizzy's lavish birthday party in NYC. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard Canada
The Florida-formed boy band has booked a record-breaking 12 concerts at Rogers Centre for early 2027. — David Friend, Toronto Star
Concert Posters Are Forcing Canadian Venues Into the Battle Against AI Art
"It's not supporting our local artists, who are just as important as the musicians in our community." — Liz Worth, Exclaim!
Some Toronto Nightclubs are Fiighting Back Over Smart GlasseAs the devices become more popular, music venues are moving to ban them. — David Friend, Toronto Star
Worldwide Independent Network To Celebrate 20th Anniversary in Toronto at WINCON 2026
The international trade org for independent music, WIN brings its flagship global conference to Toronto, Nov. 9-11, joining forces with CIMA's Label Summit and Make It Music conference.International. — Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
Feist, Rufus Wainwright, Serena Ryder to Perform at Leonard Cohen Anniversary Concert in Toronto
The three major Canadian acts will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the late legendary artist’s passing at Meridian Hall on Nov. 7. — Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Empanadas Ilegales Invite You to Feel the Music on Laboratorio Tropical
If you’ve been to a Canadian folk music festival over the last couple of years, the odds are pretty good that you’ve heard the frenetic, psychedelic, jazzy, and salsa-influenced sounds of Empanadas Ilegales. — Nathan Caddell, Georgia Straight
International Music Biz Headlines
Jay-Z to Headline 2027 Super Bowl Halftime Show: ‘GOAT’s Out of the Bag’
After producing the halftime show alongside Roc Nation since 2020, the rapper gives himself the nod for the Feb. 14 Super Bowl. — Katie Atkinson, Billboard
Jack Antonoff Knocks Ed Sheeran for Caving to Billionaire’s Demand to Drop Macklemore
Jack Antonoff said Ed Sheeran should’ve canceled his tour instead of caving to pressure to drop Macklemore over the rapper’s pro-Palestine comments. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone
"There will be no peace until there's equality," the Marvel actor told the crowd. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard
Dua Lipa and Mustafa Talk About Their Ongoing Friendship 'Dictated Through Lines of Poetry'
Over the weekend, the Sudanese-Canadian artist joined the British pop star at London’s Literature Festival at Southbank Centre. — Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
The haunted track is the first new music from Gosling and musical partner Zach Shields in 17 years. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard
Fleetwood Mac: The Chain Documentary Sets Apple TV Premiere Date
The fully authorised documentary directed by Frank Marshall will premiere globally on 29 January 2027, featuring the band members’ perspectives on the music, relationships and history behind one of rock’s most successful groups. — Paul Cashmere, Noise11
''How On Earth Is This Man Not Sweating?'
Director Brett Morgen discusses the 1978 David Bowie performances he has turned into a concert film. — Dave Simpson, The Guardian
Stray Kids' Label JYP is Worth Over $1B. Is it About to Sell a 50% Stake?
A Japan-linked investment group says it plans to launch a tender offer for up to 50% of K-pop company JYP Entertainment. The NEXROC Group and SVCV, Inc. said in a press release sent to Korean media on October 26 that they are considering an offer for between 25% and 50% of JYP’s issued shares. — Music Business Worldwide
Talking Heads Prepping Career-Spanning Coffee Table Book ‘New Feeling’
The first authorized book from all four members of the group is due out next May. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard
As agents go mainstream, some publishers are hoping that people will pay for content tailor-made for AI—not humans. — Kate Taylor, Wired
