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MUSIC NEWS
🎵 Music News – Justin Bieber's Surprise Album Drop: Swag
If you’ve followed the highs, lows, and headlines of Justin Bieber, you know his journey has been anything but ordinary. On Friday, July 11, 2025, Bieber shocked fans by dropping a surprise album titled Swag, announced less than 12 hours before its release.
The release marks Bieber’s first full-length album since 2021’s Justice, which was followed by a period of silence as he faced a series of physical and mental health struggles. He notably canceled most of his Justice tour dates due to Lyme disease and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome—a rare neurological disorder that causes facial paralysis and painful rashes.
In 2023, amid these personal challenges, Bieber sold the rights to his music catalog in a deal reportedly valued at $200 million (Billboard). However, the sale came with consequences: legal complications and contract disputes ultimately led to a $31.5 million settlement paid to his former manager, Scooter Braun.
Adding to the pressure, rumors of marital issues with wife Hailey Bieber circulated online, sparked by a comment Justin made about her potential Vogue cover. While both have spoken candidly about their imperfect but evolving relationship, public speculation continued to build.
But Swag tells a different story—one of healing, reflection, and creative rebirth. The album blends moody alt-pop with acoustic demos (“ZUMA HOUSE”), alt-rap collabs (featuring Gunna, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain, and Lil B), and even comedic skits with Druski as Bieber’s therapist. Tracks like “DAISIES” and “DEVOTION” explore the complexities of marriage, while “BUTTERFLIES” turns a tense encounter with paparazzi into a soulful reminder of what really matters:
“When the money comes / And the money goes / Only thing that’s left / Is the love we hold.”
While no official radio single has been confirmed, insiders suggest “DAISIES” could be the standout. Here at Gem State Promotions, LLC, we’ve chosen to feature “Walking Away”—a heartfelt track reportedly written for Hailey. For us, it's also a reminder of strength: sometimes, the most powerful move is knowing when to walk away. 💔🎶
Explore more featured tracks and emerging artists at www.gemstatepromo.com.
🎶 Record-Breaking Crowd Welcomes Post Malone and Jelly Roll for Unforgettable Night of Music
According to early reports, last night’s concert drew a record-setting crowd of over 336,000 enthusiastic music fans. Opening the evening was face-tatted rapper-turned-country artist Jelly Roll, who kicked off the energy with crowd favorites like "Need a Favor” and "I Am Not Okay.” Between songs, Jelly Roll paused to express heartfelt gratitude to fans, often citing “God’s grace” as part of his journey.
He brought down the house—figuratively—at Albertsons Stadium with a surprising but crowd-pleasing cover of Garth Brooks’ "Friends in Low Places.” (A subtle nod to Brooks’ own legacy, as the country icon launched the major concert series at Boise’s Albertsons Stadium back in 2019 with a historic two-night run.)
Next up: the Fourth of July-born showman himself, Post Malone. Bursting onto the stage amid flames and sky-high pyrotechnics, Malone powered through a high-octane, two-hour set that included hits like the explicit chart-topper "Rockstar,” the viral anthem "I Had Some Help,” and the crowd-favorite "Sunflower.”
Midway through the set, Jelly Roll returned to join Malone onstage for a performance of their fan-favorite collaboration "Losers.” During the emotional moment, Malone turned to the crowd and shared:
*“If you’ve ever felt like a loser, that makes **in’ three of us tonight, ladies and gentlemen.”
As the night ended, Post Malone left the crowd roaring with his signature blend of rock, country, and hip-hop energy.
With college football season fast approaching, Albertsons Stadium remains under construction for key upgrades and new projects designed to enhance the student-athlete and fan experience. As of now, there’s no official word on when the venue will host another major concert.
But one thing is clear—after welcoming the Big Ass Tour and previously hosting the legendary Garth Brooks, the bar has been set sky-high. Until then, music lovers across the region will be recovering from an unforgettable night and eagerly awaiting the next big announcement.
Photo Courtesy Idaho Statesman
🎶Freddie Records Signs Tejano Icon David Lee Garza y Los Musicales - Celebrating over four decades of musical legacy
The journey of Tejano music has come full circle for Freddie Records. On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the Corpus Christi-based label officially announced the signing of Tejano legend David Lee Garza y Los Musicales—a monumental moment for the genre and the label alike.
With a career spanning over four decades, 31 albums, a Grammy, two Latin Grammys, and countless unforgettable performances, the addition of David Lee Garza marks a powerful new chapter in an already storied legacy.
In a press release from Freddie Records, David Lee Garza shared:
“For years, I would see all these great artists recording for Freddie Records, and I said, ‘One day, we will be part of the Freddie Records family.’ That day is finally here.”
Born in Jourdanton, Texas, and raised in nearby Poteet, Garza began playing the accordion at just 8 years old under the guidance of his father, Tony A. Garza. Throughout his career, Garza has helped launch the careers of some of Tejano’s most recognizable voices, including Ramiro “Ram” Herrera, Oscar G., Ben Ozuna, Mark Ledesma, Jay Perez, and the late, great Emilio Navaira.
“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary David Lee Garza y Los Musicales to the label,” said Freddie Martinez Jr., Co-President of Operations and Artist Relations at Freddie Records. “They are without a doubt one of the greatest Tejano groups of all time. Through years of hard work and dedication in the studio and on the road, they’ve created a unique sound and style that’s all their own. Coupled with the accordion virtuosity of David Lee Garza, their sound is undeniable. There’s no one else that sounds like DLG y Los Musicales.”
Now officially signed, DLG has already begun work on a brand-new music project under the Freddie Records banner. With a renewed mission to reach new fans while continuing to serve their loyal base, their next album is slated for release later this summer. The project promises to stay true to their roots—delivering heartfelt, dance-driven Tejano music that continues to resonate across generations.
Stay tuned as Gem State Promotions, LLC follows this exciting project closely. For updates, news, and the upcoming music release, visit:
🌐 www.gemstatepromo.com
🎶 The Legacy Continues: Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz Sign with Freddie Records. Story: Eteve Gonzalez
The legacy of Grupo Mazz is coming full circle with a new chapter in Tejano music history — this time, through Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz, now officially signed to the iconic Freddie Records.
In a press release from the Corpus Christi-based label, the announcement was made official on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as Freddie Martinez Jr., President of Operations and Artist Relations at Freddie Records, welcomed Mike Gonzalez and his band to the Freddie Records family.
This partnership marks a powerful return to roots — the very same label that helped launch countless hits for Mike’s father, the legendary Jimmy Gonzalez of Grupo Mazz.
“Joining the Freddie Records family is surreal,” Gonzalez shared in an exclusive interview with Gem State Promotions, LLC. “The last time I recorded there — in the studio we called ‘The Red Room’ — was nearly seven years ago. And just last week marked seven years since my father’s passing.”
According to the label, Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz are currently in pre-production on their Freddie Records debut. The album promises to honor the timeless sounds of Jimmy G while forging a bold new musical path.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz,” said Martinez Jr. “Mike’s connection to the music — and to Jimmy’s legacy — is unmatched. He’s built a solid band that shares the same passion to both honor and innovate. We’re excited to be part of this next chapter.”
When asked what fans can expect from the upcoming release, Gonzalez said:
“I told Freddie Jr. that I want Tejano fans to hear these tracks and immediately feel that Jimmy Gonzalez influence. One of the greatest lessons my dad taught me was to pour 100% passion into your craft. If it doesn’t feel right, you fix it until it does. That’s the standard he lived by — and now it’s my job to carry that forward.”
Gonzalez emotionally reflected on returning to the place where he and his father created so many unforgettable hits:
“I’ve been waiting for this moment — to come back to Freddie Records, to that same studio. Now I get to continue what my father and I started. The legacy lives on… but there will never be another Jimmy G.”
The band’s first single and music video are expected to drop in late summer, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. The full album is slated for a fall release, and will serve as both a tribute and a statement — driven by authenticity, musical excellence, and deep generational pride.
“This album will carry my father’s influence in every note,” Gonzalez said. “The Iconiczz and I are pouring everything into this project. The legacy continues.”
🎤 Freddie Records Welcomes Rene Ramirez y Maduro with New Single “Mentiras”
It’s a busy season for Corpus Christi-based record label Freddie Records. Fresh off the major announcement of signing Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz, the label shows no signs of slowing down—now unveiling their newest addition: Rene Ramirez y Maduro.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, radio stations across the nation debuted the group’s latest single, “Mentiras”, a powerful ranchera written and produced by the group’s founder and frontman, Rene Ramirez. Described as "a very mainstream and catchy ranchera," the track is already turning heads and gaining traction among fans of the genre.
According to a press release issued by Freddie Records last week, Rene Ramirez y Maduro is being hailed as “the future and rising talent of Conjunto-Regional music.”
The band Maduro features five talented members, including Ramirez himself. While they continue work on their upcoming full-length album, plans are already underway for a promotional tour spanning the United States and La República Mexicana.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rene Ramirez y Maduro, and don’t forget to stream or request their new single, “Mentiras,” available now.
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