Shawn Mendes announces a new album, “Shawn”; to be released in October.
A new era for Shawn Mendes is on the horizon. The pop superstar has announced his return with a new studio album, “Shawn,” after a four-year break. On Wednesday, the “Lost In Japan” singer revealed that his self-titled album will be released this fall. Alongside the album announcement, Mendes shared an Instagram video of the album trailer for the track “Isn’t That Enough” and explained why this project holds special meaning for him. In the caption, he wrote, “Music really can be medicine. Two years ago, I felt lost, and last year, I couldn’t enter a studio without anxiety. Now, having completed 12 beautiful songs feels like a gift.” The album is set to be released on October 18 and is Mendes’ first full-length release since canceling his 2022 Wonder tour for mental health reasons.
Shawn Mendes announces his new album ‘Shawn.’ Out October 18th. pic.twitter.com/JOdg0nd1BX
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 31, 2024
Kanye West hints at the release date for “Vultures 2”, deletes it later.
It seems that the long-awaited release date for Vultures 2 by Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Ty Dolla $ign may not happen as planned. On Wednesday (July 31), Ye’s YZY website stated that all orders were fulfilled, and the album was set to drop on Friday. Originally announced in January, Vultures 2 was supposed to be released on March 8 as the second of three album volumes. However, that date passed without the album’s release, and only the cover art was shared the next day. Ye later claimed in an April 24 interview with Justin Laboy that the album would come out on May 3, but it didn’t. Ty has been teasing its release, mentioning in May that it could drop anytime. Listening events are scheduled in Asia next month, but the release date has been removed from Ye’s website, causing fans to doubt its arrival.
Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign's new album 'VULTURES 2' will allegedly be released this Friday, August 2. pic.twitter.com/hdODaT5wBA
— chart data (@chartdata) July 31, 2024
Vybz Kartel’s murder conviction overturned, released after 13 years.
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been released from prison after a judge ruled against a retrial for murder charges. Kartel was first arrested in 2011 along with three others, accused of murdering Clive “Lizard” Williams. In 2014, he underwent a 64-day high-profile trial in Jamaica, which ended with a life sentence and a minimum of 35 years, later reduced to 32 and a half years. However, his conviction was overturned by London’s Privy Council due to juror misconduct. The defence argued that a juror offered others a bribe for an acquittal, which was not adequately addressed by the trial judge. This oversight led the Privy Council to deem the convictions unsafe. On July 31, 2024, Jamaica’s Court of Appeal ruled Kartel would not face a retrial. Celebrating his release, Kartel shared a photo on Instagram and thanked God, while fans expressed their excitement on social media.
Vybz Kartel is officially a free man 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/5uddTv4mVK
— RNB RADAR (@RNB_RADAR) July 31, 2024
Rema’s album departs the Billboard World Albums chart after 103 weeks.
With his debut single just over a year old, Rema has rapidly become a symbol of commercial success, achieving milestones in a short time that usually take decades. His album “Raves and Roses,” featuring the global hit “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez, is the most streamed Nigerian album on Spotify. It recently exited the Billboard World Albums chart after an impressive 103-week run. This makes it the second African album with the most weeks on the chart, following Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos,” which spent 137 weeks there. Rema’s quick rise highlights his significant impact on the global music scene.
JUST IN: Rema’s “Rave & Roses” departs the Billboard World Albums chart. 📊
— It charted for 103 Weeks, meaning Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” record of 137 WEEKS remains unbroken. pic.twitter.com/MXTP3ooxuQ
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) July 31, 2024
“Not Like Us” becomes the fastest rap song to surpass 600m Spotify streams.
Nearly three months after the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, the hip hop genre has greatly benefited from the rivalry. The intense beef between the two artists has drawn significant attention and engagement from fans, further solidifying the impact of their rivalry on streaming platforms and highlighting the continued popularity of hip hop. Kendrick Lamar’s latest diss track, “Not Like Us,” has surpassed 600 million streams on Spotify, making it the fastest hip hop track to reach this milestone. This achievement has pushed Lamar’s song ahead of Drake’s “God’s Plan,” which previously held the record.
Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' has now surpassed 600 million streams on Spotify 🔥🏆
It becomes the fastest rap song EVER to achieve this milestone surpassing 'Gods Plan'. pic.twitter.com/NvyWB7Q5FG
— Hip Hop All Day (@HipHopAllDayy) July 31, 2024
