South Korean entertainment giant HYBE is teaming up with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder to launch a new boyband.
Announced on February 20, the project will kick off with a global talent search, with HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun and Ryan Tedder at the project’s helm. Per Billboard, a training programme fusing HYBE’s K-pop development programme and Tedder’s creative direction will commence in Los Angeles after members of the group are chosen.
Tedder has a history of working with HYBE acts, including the with company’s US-based girl group KATSEYE for ‘Debut’, Japanese band &TEAM for ‘Dropkick’ and Korean boyband TXT for ‘Back For More’. The new boyband initiative also comes after HYBE America debuted KATSEYE last year, launched in partnership with Geffen Records.
“Artists under HYBE have consistently reached impressive global milestones, dominating charts year after year,” Bang Si-hyuk said in a statement, per Billboard. “Especially with KATSEYE, we’ve demonstrated that our K-pop methodology is successful in the US mainstream market. Launching a new boy group in collaboration with Ryan Tedder will be another step in continuing our legacy within the music industry.”
Meanwhile, Tedder said that he is “thrilled to partner with HYBE on this new exciting project”. The musician added: “Bang and his team have proven to be the best fan-engaging creatives out there and we want to build a group that is the most fan-focused on earth with the best music imaginable.”
Applications for trainees are now open to individuals of all nationalities between the ages of 13 and 23. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the coming year, and applicants are required to submit a photo portfolio, performance videos and a personal introduction video.
NEWS
Ice Spice has released her new single “Pretty Privilege,” marking a noticeable shift from her signature New York drill-inspired sound. But the change in style isn’t the only thing that’s getting people talking. Fans are once again speculating about the rumored tension between her and Cardi B, a topic that first gained attention when a snippet of the track appeared online.
For those who missed it, Cardi B had previously gone on a rant that included jabs at Ice Spice and her manager. Not long after, Spice previewed “Pretty Privilege,” which featured the lyric, “She might talk s**t on the ’Gram, but she won’t talk it to my face.” That line quickly sparked debate among listeners, with many believing it was aimed at the AM I THE DRAMA? rapper.
This added fuel to speculation that a rivalry might be brewing. During the phone call in question, Cardi B criticized Ice Spice while speaking to her manager, James Rosemond Jr. She later apologized for her remarks about Latto and claimed that Rosemond Jr. was responsible for leaking their private conversation.
Now that the full version of “Pretty Privilege” has been released, Complex reports that other theories have emerged. Some fans believe the song might actually target Brooklyn rapper Stunna Sandy, whom Spice was said to call out in her earlier track “Baddie Baddie.” On that record, she rapped, “I know that she wants to be me / But she is not doing it well,” leading to renewed discussions about hidden disses.
While talk of a feud between Cardi B and Ice Spice isn’t new, both artists have publicly denied having issues in the past. Even so, online chatter continues to shape how fans perceive their relationship. Aside from that controversial phone call, there’s no real evidence to suggest they’re actually on bad terms.
Still, as speculation keeps circulating, the story might take new turns. Whether it’s genuine tension or just fan-driven drama, it’s clear that the Internet has played a big role in keeping the conversation alive. For now, Cardi and Ice Spice don’t seem particularly close, but time will tell if the rumors fade or resurface once again.
