New Levels Strike Global Partnership With Virgin Music Group, Signs Hooligan Hefs & More

SYDNEY, Australia — New Levels steps on up with an extension to its global partnership with Virgin Music Group, and the signing of several acts, including the celebrated hip-hop artist Hooligan Hefs. Explore Savage See latest videos, charts and news “Extending the partnership with Virgin Music Group is a major step for New Levels,” Edmonds tells Billboard via email.

“Over the past four years, Virgin has consistently brought real global value to our operation: world-class infrastructure and a team that moves with speed and care. This extension is about scaling what works and taking New Levels to new levels.” Alongside the new partnership, New Levels re-signs Larissa Lambert and welcomes new signings Hooligan Hefs and CV, while continuing to develop emerging acts Open Till L8 and Rops1.

Hailing from Doonside in Western Sydney, Hooligan Hefs celebrates the new deal with the release of a fresh single, “Whistle,” featuring New Zealand hitmaker Savage (“Swing,” “Freaks”). “Whistle” blows its tune ahead of Hooligan Hefs’ first tour of the United States, a run that includes a spot on the 2026 Rolling Loud hip-hop festival bill, presented May 8-10 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL.

Recognized as one of Australia’s most commercially impactful rap exports and a pioneer of Australian drill, Hooligan Hefs (real name: Simeona Silapa) has amassed upwards of 500 million combined streams.