The FWB Top 20 Countdown [06-14-26]
Summer is heating up and so is the playlist. This week's Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown delivers a mix of superstar collaborations, fresh releases, and songs that have been taking over speakers, streams, and social feeds. From Drake's continued dominance and Baby Keem's explosive rise to standout records from Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, and Tyla, the countdown showcases the tracks listeners are talking about right now. Whether you're discovering a new favorite or checking to see where your anthem landed, here's a look at the biggest songs in rotation this week on 93.1 JAMZ.
Here’s this week’s Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown:
- 20 – Rick Ross, French Montana, Max B – Minks In Miami
- 19 – Justin Bieber – Speed Demon
- 18 – Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
- 17 – Tyla ft. Zara Larsson – SHE DID IT AGAIN
- 16 – Shaggy ft. Robin Thicke – Looking Lovely
- 15 – DaBaby – Pop Dat Thang
- 14 – DJ Khaled ft. Future & Lil Baby – One of Them
- 13 – Don Toliver – Body
- 12 – Isaiah Rashad – Same Shit
- 11 – J. Cole – Legacy
- 10 – Bruno Mars – I Just Might
- 09 – Drake – 2 Hard 4 The Radio
- 08 – Bossman Dlow ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Motion Party (Remix)
- 07 – French Montana & Max B – Ever Since U Left Me
- 06 – Dave ft. Tems – Raindance
- 05 – PinkPantheress ft. Zara Larsson – Stateside
- 04 – Drake – Janice STFU
- 03 – Chris Brown – Obvious
- 02 – T.I. – Let Em Know
- 01 – Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd – Good Flirts
Did your favorite track make the list? Follow along every week with the Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown and stay connected with everything happening
Dream Doubles Pickleball Challenge Brings Community, Competition, and Scholarships Together at Madison College
Looking for a fun way to get active, connect with the community, and support local students? Madison College is serving up all three with the Dream Doubles: Ultimate Pickleball Challenge on Saturday, June 27, at Pickleball Kingdom in Sun Prairie.
The event is designed for everyone, from first time players who have never picked up a paddle to experienced competitors looking for a challenge. Hosted by the Madison College Alumni and Friends Network, the event will raise funds that help create educational opportunities and support pathways for students pursuing higher education.
Why Pickleball?
Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in America, and the growth has been especially noticeable throughout the Madison area. According to event organizer and Capital Area Pickleball Association ambassador Jimmy, local pickleball courts have grown from just a handful of locations to more than 200 courts throughout the region.
Part of the sport's appeal is its accessibility. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, making it easy for beginners to learn while still offering enough strategy and skill to challenge experienced players.
"It doesn't matter if you're new to pickleball or advanced," Jimmy explained during a recent interview on 93.1 JAMZ. "It's for everybody."
Something for Every Skill Level
The Dream Doubles Pickleball Challenge features multiple activities throughout the day:
Gold Medal Challenges and Beginner Social
From 9 a.m. until approximately noon, participants can enjoy a variety of fun skills based challenges, including target games, accuracy contests, and interactive activities designed to introduce people to the sport.
Even better, the Beginner Social includes instruction from experienced pickleball trainers who will teach the rules, techniques, and fundamentals of the game.
Best of all, participation in the Beginner Social and Gold Medal Challenges is completely free.
Pickleball Scramble Tournament
For players looking for competition, the afternoon session features a Pickleball Scramble from noon until 2 p.m.
The scramble includes:
- Intermediate Division
- Advanced Division
- First, Second, and Third Place Awards
- Opportunities to compete alongside and against former collegiate athletes
Registration for the scramble is just $20.
Special Guests and Community Partners
The event will feature appearances from former Badger athletes and local sports figures, creating unique opportunities for participants to play alongside accomplished competitors.
Several organizations have partnered with Madison College to make the event possible, including:
- Capital Area Pickleball Association
- UW Credit Union
- BaseCamp Fitness
- Madison College Fitness and Recreation Center
- Madison College Fitness, Wellness and Recreation Program
- WolfPack Athletics
The Madison College mascot Woofie is also expected to make an appearance throughout the day.
Supporting Madison College Students
While the pickleball action will certainly be exciting, the event's mission goes beyond the court.
Funds raised through registration fees, sponsorships, and donations support Madison College initiatives that help students access affordable education and reduce financial barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing their academic goals.
Madison College continues to provide affordable pathways to higher education while helping students build careers without taking on overwhelming debt.
Event Details
Dream Doubles: Ultimate Pickleball Challenge
📅 Saturday, June 27
📍 Pickleball Kingdom, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
⏰ 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
🏓 Beginner Social & Gold Medal Challenges: Free
🏓 Intermediate & Advanced Pickleball Scramble: $20
Whether you're a seasoned player, curious beginner, or simply looking to support a great cause, the Dream Doubles Pickleball Challenge offers a fun day of fitness, community engagement, and friendly competition.
Kuda Brown Live Performance | Local Love Live at Madison Extracts | 93.1 JAMZ
Kuda Brown pulled up to Local Love Live at Madison Extracts and delivered a powerful performance filled with real life stories, perseverance, faith, family, and Madison pride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCDG9GLsGPQ
Hosted by DJ Fusion and recorded live in front of an audience, this performance showcases why Kuda Brown continues to be one of the most respected independent artists representing the 608. From lyrics about overcoming struggle and sleeping on benches to messages about fatherhood, faith, and believing in your dreams, this is the kind of authentic hip hop Local Love was built to spotlight.
Local Love Live is a free monthly showcase highlighting independent artists and spoken word performers from Madison and throughout Wisconsin. Every performance is recorded live and featured across 93.1 JAMZ platforms, giving local artists an opportunity to share their stories and music with a larger audience.
🎤 Featured Artist: Kuda Brown
🎙️ Hosted by DJ Fusion
📍 Recorded Live at Madison Extracts
📻 Featured on Local Love Sundays at 10 PM on 93.1 JAMZ
Kuda Brown Shares His Story, Music, and Vision on Local Love Live
Madison's independent music scene continues to thrive, and few artists have supported that movement as consistently as Kuda Brown.
During the latest edition of Local Love Live at Madison Extracts, Kuda Brown sat down with DJ Fusion to discuss his musical journey, the growth of Blue Island Empire, and what drives him to keep creating music that connects with listeners.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6uglJXE2Y4
Although originally born in Chicago, Kuda Brown has spent most of his adult life in Madison and proudly considers the 608 home.
"This is definitely home," he explained during the interview. "I'm from Madtown. This is my home."
That hometown pride has helped make him one of the longest running supporters of Local Love, a program dedicated to showcasing independent artists from Madison, Dane County, and across Wisconsin on 93.1 JAMZ.
Known for his versatility, Kuda says he intentionally avoids staying in a single lane creatively. His recent single "Soon" reflects that mindset.
"I get bored if I stay in one lane," he said. "If I do a few softer songs in a row, it's time for me to turn up and switch it up a little bit."
The conversation also touched on one of his more personal records, "Paranoid." Kuda shared that the song was inspired by a difficult period in his life where trust became a challenge after being let down by people he once considered close friends.
"It's not paranoid like being scared," he explained. "It's more like not knowing who you can trust."
That honesty and authenticity continue to resonate with listeners who appreciate music rooted in real life experiences.
Kuda also discussed his independent label, Blue Island Empire, which he launched around the same time Local Love began. While he has worked with other artists in the past, he currently focuses on developing his own brand and catalog.
Looking ahead to Summer 2026, Kuda's primary focus is expanding his visual content. While he already has a strong collection of music, he recognizes the importance of video in today's music landscape.
"You've got the work," DJ Fusion told him. "You just need the videos."
Kuda agreed, noting that reels, music videos, and social content are essential tools for reaching new audiences in 2026.
As Local Love continues to highlight artists making an impact in Wisconsin, Kuda Brown remains an example of consistency, authenticity, and dedication to the craft.
Watch the full interview and performance now and follow Kuda Brown on social media to stay connected with his latest releases and upcoming projects.
Want Your Music Featured on Local Love?
Local Love is 93.1 JAMZ's platform for independent artists from Madison, Dane County, and throughout Wisconsin. Every Sunday night at 10 PM, DJ Fusion showcases local talent and provides opportunities for artists to gain radio exposure.
To submit music for consideration, artists must provide:
• Professionally mixed and mastered music
• Original content they own the rights to
• Clean, radio friendly lyrics
• Songs between 1:30 and 5:00 in length
Artists should submit:
• Clean MP3 version
• Instrumental MP3 version
• EPK with bio and social links
• High resolution press photos
Email submissions to Fusion@MadtownJamz.com
Learn more and submit your music at:
https://www.madtownjamz.com/local-love/
Local Love airs every Sunday night at 10 PM on 93.1 JAMZ.Kuda Brown Shares His Story, Music, and Vision on Local Love Live
THE FWB Top 20 Countdown [06-06-26]
Another week means another stacked edition of the Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown on 93.1 JAMZ. From chart heavy hitters to surprise collaborations, this week's list brings together some of the biggest names in hip hop, R&B, and pop.
Leading the charge this week are artists like Drake, J. Cole, Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Bruno Mars, alongside rising stars and fan favorites including Tyla, Bossman Dlow, Don Toliver, PinkPantheress, and Baby Keem.
Rick Ross, French Montana, and Max B team up on "Minks In Miami," while DJ Khaled recruits Future and Lil Baby for "One of Them." Drake makes multiple appearances this week with both "2 Hard 4 The Radio" and "Janice STFU," proving once again that he's still dominating playlists everywhere.
R&B fans are getting plenty of love as well. Chris Brown lands on the countdown with "Obvious," Ariana Grande delivers emotion on "Hate That I Made You Love Me," and Bruno Mars brings smooth vibes with "I Just Might."
International flavor continues to make its mark with Tyla and Zara Larsson connecting on "SHE DID IT AGAIN," while Dave and Tems bring a powerful collaboration with "Raindance."
Here's this week's Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown:
- 20 - Rick Ross, French Montana, Max B – Minks In Miami
- 19 - Justin Bieber – Speed Demon
- 18 - Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me
- 17 - Tyla ft. Zara Larsson – SHE DID IT AGAIN
- 16 - Shaggy ft. Robin Thicke – Looking Lovely
- 15 - DaBaby – Pop Dat Thang
- 14 - DJ Khaled ft. Future & Lil Baby – One of Them
- 13 - Don Toliver – Body
- 12 - Isaiah Rashad – Same Shit
- 11 - J. Cole – Legacy
- 10 - Bruno Mars – I Just Might
- 09 - Drake – 2 Hard 4 The Radio
- 08 - Bossman Dlow ft. Megan Thee Stallion – Motion Party (Remix)
- 07 - French Montana & Max B – Ever Since U Left Me
- 06 - Dave ft. Tems – Raindance
- 05 - PinkPantheress ft. Zara Larsson – Stateside
- 04 - Drake – Janice STFU
- 03 - Chris Brown – Obvious
- 02 - T.I. – Let Em Know
- 01 - Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd – Good Flirts
Did your favorite track make the list? Follow along every week with the Friends With Benefits Top 20 Countdown and stay connected with everything happening
Tory Lanez Loses Emergency Court Bid But Judge Leaves Door Open For Another Attempt
Tory Lanez suffered a setback in his ongoing legal battle against California prison officials after a federal judge denied his emergency request for court intervention. However, the ruling was based on procedural mistakes rather than the substance of his allegations.
Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, is currently incarcerated and pursuing a civil rights lawsuit alleging retaliation and harassment by prison personnel. His legal team requested a temporary restraining order that would have limited interactions with a specific correctional officer and prevented what they described as retaliatory actions connected to his lawsuit.
According to the court's ruling, the request failed to meet the legal requirements for emergency consideration. U.S. District Judge Dolly Staton found that Lanez's attorneys did not adequately notify the defendants before seeking emergency relief. The court noted that communications cited by the defense occurred weeks earlier and did not justify bypassing normal notification procedures.
The judge emphasized that the ruling was not a decision on whether Lanez's allegations were true or false. Instead, the denial was based entirely on procedural deficiencies in how the motion was filed.
Lanez's attorneys also sought permission to submit certain documents under seal. That request was denied as well after the court determined they failed to comply with local filing rules requiring both redacted and unredacted versions of sensitive materials.
The broader lawsuit includes claims that Lanez faced retaliation after filing grievances and legal complaints against prison staff. Court filings reference concerns about his safety and mention a previous stabbing incident that nearly cost him his life while incarcerated.
Despite the setback, the judge specifically left open the possibility for Lanez's legal team to refile the emergency request if they correct the procedural issues. That means the underlying allegations remain active and could still receive judicial review in the future.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in federal court, even high profile cases can be delayed by technical errors. The claims themselves have not been dismissed, but Lanez's attorneys will need to follow the court's requirements before seeking emergency protections again.
#ToryLanez #HipHopNews #PrisonReform #CelebrityNews #FusionAfternoons
Jay-Z Sparks Debate After Seemingly Taking Shots At Drake, Ye, Nicki Minaj And More During Roots Picnic Freestyle
ay-Z may have delivered one of the most talked about moments of the year during his appearance at the 2026 Roots Picnic.
Before launching into his highly anticipated headlining performance in Philadelphia, the Roc Nation founder surprised fans with an acapella freestyle that quickly sent social media into detective mode. Almost immediately, listeners began connecting several of the bars to ongoing tensions involving Drake, Ye, Nicki Minaj, Dame Dash, and Tory Lanez.
The most discussed lyrics appeared to be directed at Drake. In the freestyle, Jay referenced publishing ownership, contracts, and industry success. Fans interpreted the bars as a response to recent subliminal comments allegedly aimed at him during Drake's ICEMAN run. The message seemed clear: Jay was reminding everyone that ownership and longevity matter just as much as chart positions.
Jay also appeared to address longtime rival Dame Dash. Their complicated history dates back decades, and the new lyrics quickly generated reactions online. Dame didn't stay quiet for long, sharing an AI generated image portraying Jay as the cartoon character Goofy in what many viewed as a direct response to the freestyle.
Other lines seemed aimed at Ye and Nicki Minaj. Listeners connected the Ye references to previous comments involving Jay's children, while the Nicki bars sparked widespread debate among fans trying to determine exactly what prompted the remarks. As with most Jay-Z lyrics, the conversation quickly shifted from what was said to what was meant.
What makes the moment particularly interesting is that Jay-Z rarely engages in public feuds these days. When he does speak, people tend to pay attention. That reality helped turn a brief freestyle into one of the biggest hip hop stories of the weekend.
Whether these bars lead to responses from Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ye, or anyone else remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jay-Z reminded the entire culture that a few carefully chosen bars can still dominate headlines faster than a social media post.
The Roots Picnic performance may be over, but the debate over who caught the biggest shot is just getting started.
#JayZ #Drake #HipHopNews #RootsPicnic #FusionAfternoons
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County Brings Jay Leno, Tyrese and Star Power to Madison for Annual All White Party
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County All White Party Returns June 27 With Celebrity Lineup and Purpose Bigger Than the Party
The biggest summer event in Madison is back, and this year the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is taking things to another level.
During an interview on 93.1 JAMZ with DJ Fusion, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County CEO Michael Johnson announced the return of the annual All White Party happening June 27 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Madison. While tables are officially sold out, individual tickets are still available for just $75.
And this year’s celebrity lineup is massive.
“We’re expecting somewhere between 2,500 to 3,000 people,” Johnson said during the interview. “We got an all star lineup.”
Headliners currently announced include legendary comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who will perform a 30 minute comedy set, along with actor and singer Tyrese Gibson, who is expected to perform music and participate in VIP experiences throughout the weekend.
The event will also feature appearances from Woody McClain, best known for portraying Bobby Brown, hip hop legends Crucial Conflict, Do or Die, rapper Benzino, and actor Jamal Woolard, known for portraying The Notorious B.I.G.
Johnson also teased additional celebrity announcements still to come, including a well known R&B group planned for the Sunday brunch experience.
But for Johnson, the event is about much more than celebrity appearances and photo opportunities.
“At the end of the day, we got to raise a half a million dollars for our young people,” Johnson explained.
Funds raised from the All White Party directly support several life changing programs operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, including what Johnson says is one of the largest college preparatory programs in Wisconsin. The organization currently employs full time staff inside Madison schools helping students graduate and continue into college.
“Just on Thursday, 331 of my kids, we had a college signing day,” Johnson shared proudly. “We announced all the different colleges and universities that they’re going to.”
The organization also supports daily meal programs for youth, early childhood education, and the nationally recognized workforce development center that teaches students skilled trades including plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.
Johnson highlighted success stories already coming from those investments, including students securing family sustaining careers and graduating debt free from college programs.
“This is about raising money for young people,” Johnson said. “But the other component is you don’t see a lot of Black talent that come to Madison. So I want to show this city that you can bring in Black entertainers, and you can do amazing things, and you can raise money.”
The All White Party has grown into one of Madison’s most talked about annual events, drawing attendees from across Wisconsin and neighboring states. Johnson says approximately 20 percent of ticket buyers this year are traveling from out of state, helping transform the event into a growing regional attraction.
DJ Fusion praised Johnson’s commitment to both culture and community during the interview.
“The Boys and Girls Club has always been an important organization nationwide, but especially here in Madison and Dane County,” Fusion said. “Under your leadership they’ve been able to do amazing things.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County All White Party takes place June 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater on State Street in Madison. Tables are sold out, but individual tickets remain available for $75.
For tickets and full event details visit bgcdc.org/whiteparty.
#FusionAfternoons #BGCdane #AllWhiteParty #MadisonWI
Kennedy Cares Week 2026 Brings Madison Together to Support Kennedy Elementary Students and Families
From May 25 through June 1, the community is coming together for Kennedy Cares Week, an annual initiative focused on supporting students, families, and neighbors connected to Kennedy Elementary School. Now in its 17th year, the event continues to grow into one of Madison’s most meaningful examples of community driven support for local youth.
This year’s focus centers around a powerful new initiative: the Kennedy Community Van Project, designed to help students and families overcome transportation barriers that can make getting to school and accessing resources difficult.
According to Bridget from Kennedy Elementary, the mission behind Kennedy Cares Week has always been rooted in community care and support.
“It’s a week that’s all designed and dedicated to giving back to our community and making sure that kids know that we take care of our own.”
The initiative is being organized through the Kennedy Family Support Network, a nonprofit organization created to ensure that no student falls behind because of circumstances outside their control.
Why Transportation Matters for Madison Families
Transportation challenges affect more families than many people realize. For some, it may mean unreliable transportation to school. For others, it may involve balancing work schedules, limited access to vehicles, or difficulties reaching after school programs and community resources.
Bridget explained that transportation repeatedly surfaced as one of the biggest needs among Kennedy families.
“One of the things that families point to is that transportation can be really challenging, both getting kids to and from school, but also to community events and to different area organizations.”
The new Kennedy Community Van Project aims to directly address that issue by providing reliable rides for students and families who need support. The van is expected to officially launch in September 2026.
The project is about much more than transportation. It represents a long term investment in student success, attendance, family stability, and community connection.
According to the organization’s mission, every Cougar deserves a seat in class, and the van program was built to make that possible.
Kennedy Elementary Students Share What Makes Their School Special
During an interview on 93.1 JAMZ with DJ Fusion, several Kennedy Elementary students spoke about what makes their school feel supportive and welcoming.
Students highlighted the friendships, caring teachers, inclusive environment, and opportunities available at the school.
One student shared:
“They take care of children with special needs, children with disabilities really well.”
Another student described Kennedy as:
“A friendly area. You can make lots of friends. The teachers are really nice to you.”
Others mentioned activities like soccer fields, Gaga ball, ropes courses, and the many opportunities students receive throughout the year.
The interview painted a picture of a school community built on compassion, inclusivity, and genuine support for students.
Kennedy Cares Week Reflects Madison’s Community Spirit
For Bridget and the Kennedy team, Kennedy Cares Week is about more than fundraising. It is about showing students that their community believes in them.
“This tends to be my favorite time of the year where we really get to see our kids come alive and support others, show the heart that they have.”
That community support has already been visible through partnerships with local organizations, churches, volunteers, and families who continue stepping up year after year.
Now, the goal is to rally even more support behind the Kennedy Community Van Project so students can access school consistently and families can stay connected to important resources across Madison.
How to Support Kennedy Cares Week
Community members can learn more, donate directly, and support the Kennedy Community Van Project by visiting:
Kennedy Family Support Network Official Website
Additional information and community coverage can also be found through 93.1 JAMZ.
Every donation helps move the project closer to launching daily transportation routes for students and families beginning in September 2026.
Kennedy Cares Week runs through June 1, reminding Madison that when a community shows up for its youth, everybody wins.
