NEWS
In a surprising turn of events, renowned producer Metro Boomin has expressed his relief over the recent decision by Universal Music Group (UMG) to sever ties with TikTok. The news, which surfaced on Tuesday (January 30), revealed a disagreement leading to the removal of UMG's entire catalog from the popular social media platform. Reacting to the announcement, one Twitter user noted, "Wow, just like that, the TikTok era of music is over." Metro Boomin stumbled upon the tweet and responded with a GIF featuring LeBron James exclaiming, "It's About Damn Time," a sentiment shared by many in the music industry.
Furthermore, taking the opportunity to elaborate on his perspective, Metro Boomin later posted his thoughts on the matter. "I love the creativity and appreciation the kids show for the music on TikTok, but I don’t like the forced pandering from artists and labels that results in these lifeless and soulless records," he expressed. The producer's candid remarks shed light on the dichotomy within the music industry's relationship with TikTok. While acknowledging the platform's ability to showcase creativity and generate appreciation for music among younger audiences, Metro Boomin highlighted his disdain. He perceives the artificial and insincere approach by some artists and labels in creating content specifically tailored for TikTok.
Furthermore, the decision by UMG to part ways with TikTok has sparked conversations. People are debating about the evolving dynamics between the music industry and social media platforms. Metro Boomin's perspective adds a valuable voice to the ongoing discourse. Emphasizing the delicate balance between authentic artistic expression and strategic marketing efforts in the digital age.
Moreover, as the TikTok era undergoes a transformation with major players like UMG stepping back, it remains to be seen how this shift will impact the music landscape and the creative freedom of artists. Metro Boomin's candid take serves as a glimpse into the complexities of navigating the intersection of artistry and digital platforms. Urging for a more genuine and soulful approach in the creation of musical content for the next generation. What are your thoughts on this situation? Let us know on HNHH!
Dave Burgess, the guitarist, songwriter, and original member of the influential rock and roll group The Champs, has passed away at the age of 90.
An obituary confirmed that he died on October 19, 2025, in Dover, Tennessee.
Burgess became widely known as the creative force behind The Champs, the group that broke through with their 1958 instrumental hit Tequila. The track was first released as the B-side to Train to Nowhere, but radio stations quickly flipped the record and gave Tequila heavy play. In only a short time, the song climbed to the top of the Billboard pop chart and earned the first Grammy Award for Best R'n'B Performance.
Born on December 3, 1934, in Los Angeles, Burgess entered the music world during the early period of rock and roll. He took his stepfather’s last name and began recording as a solo performer before forming The Champs in the late 1950s. The group featured saxophonist Chuck Rio, whose real name was Daniel Flores, who wrote Tequila and delivered its iconic shouted line.
The Champs produced several hits throughout the late fifties and early sixties, but Tequila remained the song that secured their legacy. Its lasting popularity grew even stronger after it appeared in the 1985 cult film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, where it accompanied an unforgettable dance scene.
Outside of his time with The Champs, Burgess built a long career as a songwriter and producer. He was credited with more than seven hundred copyrighted works, and his creativity reached across multiple genres, influencing the sound of early American rock and roll.
Burgess is survived by his son, David. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deon, and his daughter, Charmaine. A celebration of his life took place on November 8 at Anglin Funeral Home in Dover.
