Drake initiates legal action against Universal Music Group and Spotify.
Canadian rapper, Drake has taken legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify, accusing them of manipulating the music market to boost Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, “Not Like Us”, while suppressing his own work. In a petition filed with the New York Supreme Court, attorneys for Drake’s Frozen Moments LLC claim UMG used bots to inflate streams for Lamar’s track, creating false popularity. They also allege Spotify misdirected users searching for Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy to Not Like Us instead. The petition demands UMG and Spotify preserve documents as Drake prepares for a potential lawsuit. UMG denied the accusations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” The feud between Drake and Lamar escalated this year with both releasing diss tracks, including Not Like Us, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and amassed 900 million Spotify streams. Drake alleges UMG’s actions unfairly harmed his career and other artists under the label.
https://twitter.com/phil_lewis_/status/1861164807589695576
Lana Del Rey has announced the release date for her new album.
American singer, Lana Del Rey has announced a new album, The Right Person Will Stay, set for release on May 21, 2024. Collaborating with producers Jack Antonoff, Drew Erickson, and likely Luke Howard (known for producing her father Rob Grant’s debut album), Del Rey revealed the project on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the “13 tracks” they created together. The album precedes her performance at Stagecoach, Goldenvoice’s country music festival, where she hinted at a shift in her sound. Earlier this year, Del Rey suggested her next album would explore country influences, saying, “The music business is going country. It’s happening.” A lead single, “Henry, Come On”, is expected ahead of the album’s release, though no date has been confirmed. The Right Person Will Stay follows Del Rey’s 2023 album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and coincides with her recently announced 2025 U.K. and Ireland stadium tour.
https://twitter.com/popbase/status/1861154843244798105
Ayra Starr’s 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe) surpasses 600 million streams on Spotify.
Mavin Records star, Ayra Starr continues to redefine excellence in the music industry, cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars. Her debut album’s deluxe edition, 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe), has surpassed 600 million streams on Spotify, making it the second project by a Nigerian female artist to achieve this milestone. Remarkably, both albums crossed the 600 million mark—The Year I Turned 21 and 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe)—belong to the “Commas” crooner, showcasing her exceptional talent and global reach. These achievements highlight her ability to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide. Ayra Starr’s success story is one of continuous growth and groundbreaking accomplishments. With her blend of creativity, innovation, and artistry, she is not only setting records but also carving out a lasting legacy as a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.
https://twitter.com/albumtalkshq/status/1861030594383093895
Courtney Vance replaces Lance Reddick as Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
Hollywood veteran Courtney B. Vance has been cast as Zeus in Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Disney+, succeeding the late Lance Reddick, who passed away in March 2023. Vance expressed his honor in taking on the role and paid tribute to Reddick, saying, “I’ll be giving my brother, Lance, who left us too soon, a heavenly hug.” The series, based on Rick Riordan’s popular books, follows young demigod Percy Jackson as he navigates a world of Greek myths and monsters. Walker Scobell stars as Percy, with Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri portraying Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood. Season 2, adapting Sea of Monsters, will expand the cast to include Andra Day as Athena, Tamara Smart as Thalia Grace, and Daniel Diemer as Tyson. Co-showrunner Dan Schotz praised Vance’s casting, calling him a “legend” who honors the series and Reddick’s legacy.
https://twitter.com/discussingfilm/status/1861108203850781030
Kendrick Lamar releases beautiful visuals for his new song, “Squabble Up.”
Rapper, Kendrick Lamar has unveiled the music video for “Squabble Up,” the second track from his surprise album GNX, released last Friday. Directed by longtime collaborator Calmatic, the video showcases Lamar performing in a mysterious green room adorned with a single crystal chandelier. The backdrop features satirical vignettes, including mosh pits, street fights, and exaggerated squad poses, creating a dynamic visual narrative. Among the highlights is a humorous moment where Lamar holds a book titled How to Be More Like Kendrick for Dummies, possibly a playful jab at a fellow rapper. The video, rich in nods to Los Angeles and Compton, pays homage to icons like Nate Dogg and Ice-T while referencing Menace II Society and the Compton Christmas Parade. GNX, Lamar’s first album since 2022’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, features SZA, Jack Antonoff, Mustard, and others. Lamar is set to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
https://twitter.com/nfr_podcast/status/1861111101309460750
