Kendrick Lamar becomes the 1st rapper to surpass 100m Spotify monthly listeners.
Hip Hop star, Kendrick Lamar has made history as the first rapper to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify, joining an exclusive group of just nine artists, including Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars. This milestone follows widespread acclaim for his recent Super Bowl Halftime performance, which significantly boosted his streaming numbers. His ongoing hip-hop rivalry with Drake has also contributed to the surge in his popularity, driving millions to revisit his discography. Lamar’s commercial success remains strong, with projections indicating that three of his albums—good kid, m.A.A.d city, DAMN., and GNX—will simultaneously rank in Billboard’s Top 10. Fans have flooded social media with praise, celebrating his unparalleled achievement and influence in the music industry. With his legacy continuing to grow, Lamar’s latest milestone further cements his status as one of the most dominant figures in modern hip-hop.
Kendrick Lamar officially becomes the first rapper to surpass 100 million monthly listeners in Spotify history. pic.twitter.com/ewZBMmVpf3
— chart data (@chartdata) February 17, 2025
Netflix star, Kim Sae-ron found dead in her home by her friend; aged 24.
South Korean actress, Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her Seoul home on Sunday at the age of 24. According to police, a friend discovered her body and reported it, with authorities suspecting suicide as no signs of foul play were found. Kim rose to fame with her breakout role in the 2010 film The Man from Nowhere, which earned her a Best New Actress award at the Korean Film Awards. She later won Best Actress in 2015 for A Girl at My Door, showcasing her versatility across various roles. However, her career stalled after a 2022 drunk-driving incident, for which she was fined 20 million won ($13,800) and faced intense public scrutiny. Struggling to secure roles, she last appeared in Netflix’s Bloodhounds (2023), though much of her part was reportedly edited out. Fans and industry figures have mourned her tragic passing, reflecting on her talent and early success.
Kim Saeron has died at the age of 24. pic.twitter.com/YQNgc1UT2A
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 16, 2025
D’Angelo set to perform his full set on stage for the first time in 9 years.
RnB legend, D’Angelo is set to make his long-awaited return to the stage at the 17th annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. The festival, scheduled for May 31 to June 1 at The Mann in Fairmount Park, boasts a star-studded lineup featuring Meek Mill, Lenny Kravitz, GloRilla, and Tems. Jeezy will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of his 2005 album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. However, the biggest surprise is D’Angelo, who hasn’t performed for a full audience in nearly a decade. His last notable appearance was a 2021 Versus at an empty Apollo Theatre. At Roots Picnic, the four-time Grammy winner will be backed by The Roots. While his last album, Black Messiah, was released in 2014, he recently collaborated with Jay-Z on The Book of Clarence soundtrack. Raphael Saadiq hinted last year that D’Angelo’s fourth album is coming soon, and fans are thrilled about his long-overdue return to the stage.
D’Angelo will perform a full set in front of an audience for the first time in nine years at this year’s Roots Picnic.
Full details here: https://t.co/Xeyikh9qEj pic.twitter.com/6ArIGzT3MF
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 17, 2025
Zoe Saldaña opens up on committing her years for the making of Avatar sequels.
Hollywood star, Zoe Saldaña rose to global fame as Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar (2009), a record-breaking blockbuster. She reprised her role in the 2022 sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, which grossed over $2 billion worldwide. With the franchise spanning over a decade, the highly anticipated third instalment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is set for release on Christmas 2025, followed by Avatar 4 in 2029 and Avatar 5 in 2031. Reflecting on her journey, Saldaña shared in Deadline’s video series that she was 28 when she filmed the first movie and will be around 53 or 54 for the final one. She called it a “gift” to revisit Neytiri and be part of a story that resonated deeply, including with Amazonian communities who saw themselves represented in Cameron’s vision. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this groundbreaking sci-fi saga, set to continue for years to come.
Zoe Saldaña on the journey of making the ‘AVATAR’ sequels:
“I was 28 when I signed on to do 5 films and will be 54 when we finish”
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/cSoFKbvL7D
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 17, 2025
Vybz Kartel to receive the MOBO Impact Award at the 2025 MOBOs.
Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will receive the prestigious MOBO Impact Award at the 2025 MOBO Awards, recognizing his significant influence on dancehall and Caribbean music. The ceremony, set for February 12 at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, marks his return to the UK following his release from prison last year after 13 years behind bars. Acquitted in July, Kartel quickly reestablished himself, headlining the Freedom Street concert in December and earning his first Grammy nomination for Party With Me. Kartel’s recognition by the MOBOs is particularly notable, given his past visa denial in 2011, which prevented UK performances. The MOBO Awards, the UK’s premier celebration of Black music since 1996, previously revoked his 2004 nomination over controversial lyrics. Now, with his impact acknowledged, Kartel is preparing for another milestone—his Wireless Festival debut in July alongside Drake and Burna Boy. His return ensures the 2025 MOBO Awards will be a highly anticipated event.
Dancehall superstar #VybzKartel will be honoured with the “MOBO Impact Award” at this year’s ceremony set for Tuesday, February 18.
The MOBO Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant cultural impact.@MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/XjBTXS1uqV
— The Tropixs (@Tropixsofficial) February 17, 2025
