GNX officially debuts at no.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart (dated Dec. 7), marking his fifth consecutive chart-topping album. The project earned 319,000 equivalent album units in its first week, making it the sixth-largest debut of the year. GNX was driven primarily by streaming, recording the third-biggest streaming week for any album in 2024, and the second-largest debut streaming week overall, behind Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department. The success of Lamar’s unexpected drop on Nov. 22 has further cemented his dominance in the industry. Elsewhere, the Wicked film soundtrack debuts at No. 2, marking the highest debut for a musical adaptation of a stage show. Lamar, who previously topped the chart with albums like DAMN and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 9, 2025.
https://twitter.com/rapalert6/status/1863318419275235557
Moana 2 shatters projections, grossing $386 million worldwide.
Disney’s latest release, Moana 2 exceeded expectations with a massive $386.3 million worldwide opening, including $300.8 million from its first weekend. The sequel recorded the second-largest global opening of 2024, behind only Deadpool & Wolverine ($444.1 million), and the second-highest international opening of the year. Its five-day Thanksgiving haul of $221 million set a new record, nearly doubling the previous high set by Frozen 2, marking the biggest five-day debut in history. The film also achieved the highest opening for Walt Disney Animation. Internationally, Moana 2 earned $165.3 million from 48 markets, opening at No. 1 in all but China. It set animated opening records in several countries, including France and Egypt, and had the top opening weekend for a Disney Animation or Pixar film in Australia. It also claimed the biggest Thanksgiving opening in U.S. history.
https://twitter.com/discussingfilm/status/1863268295635324964
Pheelz teams up with Olamide, Poco Lee and DJ YK Mule for his latest release.
Nigerian producer-turned-singer Pheelz, fresh off his Pheelz Good II EP and having contributed to Usher’s Ruin, has dropped a new hit titled “5AM in OJO” Freestyle. The upbeat track features YBNL boss Olamide, rising star Polo Lee, and popular street DJ YK Mule. With its infectious rhythm and dynamic vocal blend, “5AM in OJO” is bound to get listeners on their feet. The collaboration between these talented artists results in a vibrant and energetic anthem, showcasing their impressive musical prowess. Perfectly timed for the festive season, the song’s lively energy and catchy beats make it an ideal soundtrack for celebrations. The record promises to be a crowd favorite, lighting up parties and gatherings everywhere.
https://twitter.com/the49thstreet/status/1863301525390438543
Indian actor, Vikrant Massey announces plan to retire from acting next year.
In a surprising announcement, actor Vikrant Massey revealed he will retire from acting after 2025. The 37-year-old, known for his roles in 12th Fail, The Sabarmati Report, and Sector 36, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Monday morning. Massey expressed deep gratitude for the support he’s received over the years and explained that it’s time for him to “recalibrate” and focus on his family, citing his roles as a husband, father, and son. He confirmed that his upcoming projects, including Zero Se Restart, will be his last on screen. “2025 will be the last time we meet on the big screen,” he wrote. Fans and colleagues alike have expressed their shock and admiration, flooding social media with heartfelt messages of support.
https://twitter.com/letscinema/status/1863410744257298529
Scott Ridley’s Gladiator II surpasses $310 million in the global box office.
Despite strong competition from Wicked and Moana 2, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II dominated international markets and crossed a major milestone in its second weekend. The sequel earned $111.2 million domestically, surpassing the $100 million mark just days into its release, despite the challenge of competing with family-friendly blockbusters. The film made $30.7 million in its second weekend and $44 million over the five-day Thanksgiving period. Globally, Gladiator II has earned $320 million, outpacing expectations. With a $250 million production budget and $100 million in marketing costs, the sequel is off to a strong start but will need continued box office success through December and into January to remain profitable. The film follows the success of the original Gladiator, which grossed over $460 million and won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
‘GLADIATOR 2’ crossed $310M globally.
The film had a $250M budget. pic.twitter.com/mSCvvSEoYl
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) December 1, 2024
