Tyla’s debut album becomes the 3rd African album to be certified gold in the U.S.
South African Grammy winner, Tyla continues to make waves internationally, achieving another remarkable milestone. The “Water” hitmaker’s debut album, TYLA, has been certified gold in the United States, selling over 500,000 units. This achievement follows reports that the album became the most-streamed release by an African female artist on Spotify in 2024. Tyla’s success places her in elite company, joining Nigerian stars, Wizkid and Rema as the only African artists with RIAA-certified albums in the U.S. Since her debut on the global stage, Tyla has consistently showcased her talent and elevated African music on the world stage. Her achievements not only celebrate her artistry but also highlight the growing influence of African artists in the international music industry. Tyla’s rise continues to inspire fans and solidify her status as a trailblazer for African music.
African albums certified Gold in the US 🧡📀
• Wizkid – Made in Lagos
• Rema – Rave & Roses
• Tyla – Tyla 🆕 pic.twitter.com/ADbjF3Q5mT— 49th. (@the49thstreet) December 9, 2024
J. Cole celebrates a decade of 2014 Forest Hills Drive with 8 bonus tracks.
American rapper, J. Cole is marking the 10th anniversary of his iconic 2014 Forest Hills Drive album by releasing eight bonus tracks from the album’s sessions, previously exclusive to vinyl and CD. The “10 Year Anniversary Edition,” featuring all the bonus songs, is available digitally and through Cole’s Inevitable webstore, alongside his career-focused audio series, Inevitable. Cole revealed on Instagram that 2014 Forest Hills Drive was initially conceived as a double album, with these bonus tracks part of the original lineup. The reissue is available in two versions: a “10 Year Anniversary Edition” with a blue-tinted cover and songs like “Home Soon” and “Die Together,” and an “Alternate Cover” edition with new artwork and tracks like “Keep Heaven Dancing.” Limited to 2,014 copies, the vinyl editions complement the digital release, containing all 8 bonus tracks. This follows Cole’s recent release of his classic mixtapes on streaming platforms.
J. COLE
2014 FOREST HILLS DRIVE 🏠
(10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)8 NEW TRACKS:
HOME SOON
DIE TOGETHER
JUDGEMENT DAY
WINTER WONDERLANDKEEP HEAVEN DANCING
BLACK MAN IN HOLLYWOOD
OBVIOUSLY
MILESOUT NOW 🚨 pic.twitter.com/TnZN8TkoeB
— Cole World (@JColeVillle) December 9, 2024
Normani reveals plans to release her sophomore album next year.
While Normani’s long-awaited debut album, Dopamine, dropped earlier this year, the 28-year-old RnB star is gearing up for another release. She has just promised that fans won’t endure another lengthy wait for her sophomore effort. Speaking at Spotify’s Wrapped party, she revealed plans to release a new album in 2025, alongside festivals, a tour, and more frequent music releases. “I’m putting things out and moving more this year, instead of over-preparing,” she said. Inspired by her current experiences, Normani wants to channel her present-day emotions into her next album. “Dopamine was created over four to five years, reflecting my past, but now I have so much happening that I want to share.”
Beyond music, Normani stars in the upcoming film Freaky Tales, which may release widely in 2025. She described the project as a refreshing creative outlet, providing balance while working on new music. Dopamine debuted in June, peaking at No. 91 on the Billboard 200.
Normani to release a new album in 2025 (via Rolling Stone). pic.twitter.com/syLvCHP2ru
— chart data (@chartdata) December 9, 2024
Chris Evans will reportedly join Robert Downey Jr. in MCU’s Avengers: Doomsday.
Hollywood star, Chris Evans is set to rejoin the MCU alongside Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Doomsday, according to The Wrap. While it’s unclear if Evans will reprise his iconic role as Captain America or take on a new character, his return marks an exciting twist for Marvel fans. Evans last appeared as Captain America in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, which concluded the character’s storyline, with Anthony Mackie taking up the mantle. Downey Jr.’s surprising comeback as Doctor Doom, confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con, appears to have opened new possibilities for the franchise. Evans recently returned to the MCU as Johnny Storm in this summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine, reviving his Fantastic Four role from the Fox era. Thanking Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy for the opportunity, Evans described the experience as “incredible” and praised the trio as “the nicest guys.”
Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr will both return to the MCU in ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’
In theaters on May 1, 2026. pic.twitter.com/HlQOpYxfol
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 9, 2024
SZA teases the release of her long awaited SOS deluxe, Lana.
RnB star, SZA is celebrating the two-year anniversary of her acclaimed album SOS with a teaser for its deluxe edition, officially titled Lana. The singer shared a playful trailer on Instagram, sparking excitement among fans as 2024 draws to a close. The clip features SZA wandering through a forest before humorously pausing to answer nature’s call, all while an unreleased track samples The Isley Brothers’ “Voyage to Atlantis” in the background. Captioned “Clock starts now. Happy anniversary,” the post commemorates SOS while hinting at the deluxe version’s imminent release. SZA had teased the project as early as February 2023, describing it as “a whole other album” with 7–10 new tracks. Though initially targeting a Fall 2023 release, SZA recently assured fans during a livestream with Kai Cenat that Lana will be released before the year ends, heightening anticipation for an official release date.
https://twitter.com/chartingsza/status/1866271756224250360
