GRUNGECAKE

Category: Music

  • Dua Lipa’s engagement ring: A love letter written in gold

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    Dua Lipa, the reigning Pop diplomat of disco-infused bops and unapologetic glamour, is officially off the market—and the ring? It’s as intentional as her career moves. Sources close to the British-Albanian global star Dua Lipa confirm that her now-fiancé, ‘Masters of the Air’ actor Callum Turner, went the extra mile when it came to crafting the perfect engagement ring. We’re told Turner didn’t just waltz into any jeweller with a vague idea. Instead, he held heartfelt conversations with Dua’s sister, Rina Lipa, and a few of her closest friends—ensuring that every glimmer on her finger would reflect her essence.

    The result? A radiant-cut diamond set in a sleek, chunky gold band that beams with modern royalty. It’s not just a rock—it’s a relic. It’s minimalist yet striking, much like Dua herself: timeless with a hint of rebellion, glamorous without trying too hard.

    Seen recently wearing the ring in a close-up selfie, Dua’s glow wasn’t just from her natural highlighter. Love, clearly, looks good on her.

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    In an era when celebrity engagements often feel like staged press releases or fleeting PR campaigns, this union feels rooted in something real. It’s the kind of gesture that makes fans swoon not just for the romance, but for the respect—a man who asked the women who know her best what she’d say “yes” to. The couple, who kept their relationship relatively low-key until now, is rewriting what intimacy looks like in the spotlight: Private, purposeful, and steeped in authenticity. For Dua Lipa, who’s always marched to the beat of her own bassline, this chapter seems right on tempo. And for the rest of us? It’s another reminder that the most stunning things in life are the ones that are made just for you.

  • Sabrina Carpenter’s provocative new album imagery sparks debate on power, ownership, and art

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    Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album rollout is bold, glossy, and deeply provocative—but not everyone is clapping. The internet is ablaze following the release of two suggestive images from her Instagram. In one, a plush pup’s powder-blue collar dangles a heart-shaped tag that reads ‘Man’s Best Friend’. In another, Carpenter herself is on all fours, being pulled by the hair by an unseen man. Both photos are artfully styled, lit like a seventies Playboy Magazine spread with the raw texture of a Polaroid—but the content has critics and survivors of domestic violence raising their eyebrows.

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    What does it all mean?

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    Some interpret the visuals as a satirical reclaiming of femininity and subservience. Others see them as tone-deaf in a world where women’s bodily autonomy and safety are constantly debated. What’s clear is that Carpenter is shedding her Disney skin once and for all—leaning into a femme fatale persona that’s both seductive and controversial. Fans speculate the imagery plays on the metaphor of obedience, loyalty, and power dynamics in relationships. With the collar and tag reading ‘Man’s Best Friend’ juxtaposed with a human woman posed like a pet, the imagery undeniably challenges the viewer. Is she mocking the idea of ownership, or reinforcing it?

    Carpenter’s music has matured—sonically and thematically—over the years, and this rollout suggests she’s unafraid of pushing limits. But in an era where representation matters and trauma lives online forever, not everyone sees it as empowering. Whether it’s satire, symbolism, or shock value, one thing’s for sure: Sabrina Carpenter has everyone talking—and in today’s crowded Pop landscape, that might be the point. Let the music speak next.

  • Watch Nigeria’s Olamide official music video for ’99’ featuring Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn and Daecolm

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    Yesterday, Nigeria’s beloved artist Olamide released the official music video for his new song ’99’ featuring Seyi Vibez (who people felt was biting Asake’s style in 2022), his protégé and breakout star Asake, Nigerian hitmaker Young Jonn and Southern African artist Daecolm, who has a soothing voice. Throughout the music video, behind-the-scenes clips of each respective artist, sprinkled throughout, of them living their best lives with musical collaborators (Asake and Central Cee onstage and Seyi Vibez and Soulja Boy sharing space), business partners (Olamide and Empire Distribution Founder and CEO Ghazi), and more. The record is from his forthcoming album eponymous album. The self-titled album is set to come forth (June 18) and will feature seventeen bold tracks.

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    Honestly, when I saw an official music video uploaded to YouTube, I became curious to see if Asake would appear in it with a performance shot of his own, but he wasn’t. I am not going to lie. It was a bit disappointing, but that is the hopeful spirit in me. In February 2025, the GRAMMY-nominated Nigerian superstar reportedly left YBNL to start his imprint, Giran Republic, allegedly translated to “a slang term popular in his home state of Osun, which loosely translates to a person who moves differently, a boss, or a leader.”

  • Watch Tiwa Savage’s official music video for Tamia-sampled track ‘You4Me’

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    A day shy of a week, Tiwa Savage shared the official music video to her latest single, ‘You4Me’. In the Liam S Gleesen-directed visual, the Lagos-born “Queen of Afrobeats” glides over the sampled track that mentions her lover and their affection, showcasing the beauty of being with an incomparable, one-of-a-kind partner that you adore. The record is from her forthcoming studio album titled ‘This One Is Personal’. Check out the music video below and stay tuned for more from the legendary artist.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec7T6Buwh3g&h=315]  

    If you are going to be in London this week, you may want to see Tiwa Savage perform ‘You4Me’ and more from her upcoming album live at fellow artist Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre on June 14.

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    More about Tiwa Savage:
    If you aren’t familiar with Tiwa Savage’s pen work, she has written GRAMMY-nominated records for Beyoncé’s ‘The Lion King: The Gift’, Fantasia, and Babyface and sang backing vocals for the late iconic R&B megastar Whitney Houston and the late English pop culture icon George Michael. She has collaborated with artists ranging from Sam Smith and Chris Martin to Brandy, Nas, Wizkid, Davido, Craig David, and the late iconic global superstar Bob Marley. Few artists can claim to have performed at King Charles’ coronation concert or graced the digital cover of Billboard magazine. In 2024, Tiwa Savage expanded her creative horizons, making her acting and producing debut on ‘Water & Garri’, truly proving that her ambitions know no bounds. 

  • Seth MacFarlane channels Frank Sinatra for latest album ‘Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements’: Listen

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    Did you know Seth MacFarlane — the man who created the American animated show, ‘Family Guy’ — makes music? Today at 10 AM EST, I received an email from Republic Records detailing the 5X GRAMMY-nominated vocalist’s latest release: a new mini-documentary and new album rightfully called ‘Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements’. Impressed, to say the very least, when the Academy Award-nominated writer, director and producer shared this album, it debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Chart. What’s even more enchanting about this story is the twelve-track album was comprised of never-before-heard arrangements created for Frank Sinatra by his legendary collaborators Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa. According to the well-written press release, MacFarlane will also bring this album to the stage in Los Angeles with a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 17, 2026.

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    How did MacFarlane get his hands on the arrangements? As explained in the mini-documentary below, he worked with Frank Sinatra’s son, Frank Sinatra Jr, on ‘Family Guy’ before he passed away. They bonded then. We are so glad he connected with the Sinatra Estate and family and we assume that having the influence he has helped a lot.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf-l8dwdbZA&h=315]

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    The press release also shared that “MacFarlane acquired the entire Sinatra music archive in 2018”, and that he brought these “remarkable arrangements to life with a 70-piece orchestra, featuring world-renowned musicians from Los Angeles and London, conducted by acclaimed British conductor John Wilson, and produced by MacFarlane’s longtime musical collaborator Joel McNeely. Every song on the album was recorded as a live performance with this ensemble at George Lucas’ famed Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California.”

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    Seth MacFarlane is set to perform throughout three nights at the Voltaire at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 3-5. If you’re going to be in town and you enjoy live music like this, you should go and see the spectacle. If I were around or still living in Las Vegas, I would enjoy myself. If any of you go, let me know and share some clips from the show.

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    More about Seth MacFarlane:
    Seth MacFarlane’s talents encompass every aspect of the entertainment industry. His musical portfolio includes his previous eight studio albums: ‘Music is Better Than Words’, ‘Holiday for Swing’, ‘No One Ever Tells You’, ‘In Full Swing’, ‘Once In a While’, ‘Great Songs From Stage & Screen’, ‘Blue Skies’, and his most recent, ‘We Wish You The Merriest’ – a duet Christmas album with longtime collaborator Liz Gillies, which came on the heels of their twelve-track ‘Songs From Home’ record, a passion project completed entirely during quarantine that showcases the ability to create art in isolating times. His critically acclaimed albums have earned him five (5) GRAMMY nominations, and several #1 debuts on the iTunes Jazz and New Release Jazz pages. With a profound appreciation for standards and the ‘Great American Songbook’, MacFarlane has performed with legendary composer John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl, duetted with Barbra Streisand, and joined numerous renowned symphonies including Boston, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, and the National Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, he was featured in Logic’s record-breaking track ‘Self Medication’ and made a surprise musical appearance during Logic’s College Park Tour.
     
    At twenty-four, MacFarlane became the youngest showrunner in television history when his animated series ‘Family Guy’ aired on Fox. The show, which just celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, has garnered him five Emmys and makes him the tied record-holder for most voice-over Emmy wins of all time. MacFarlane also serves as co-creator, executive producer, and voice actor on the fan-favourite animated series American Dad! He also created, executive produced, and stars in the Emmy-nominated space adventure series, ‘The Orville’.
     
    On the feature side, he wrote and directed Ted, Ted 2, and A Million Ways to Die in the West. MacFarlane also hosted the 85th Academy Awards – where he was nominated for Best Original Song for Ted – and Saturday Night Live. Through his production company, Fuzzy Door, MacFarlane is currently gearing up for the second season of Peacock’s Ted, in which he will reprise the voice of the iconic, foul-mouthed teddy bear. He is also producing Paramount’s upcoming The Naked Gun, in theatres on August 1, and Peacock’s upcoming series The Burbs starring Keke Palmer.

  • Hear Orlando-based artist TALII’s new “soft-girl era” single ‘Do Whatever’

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    It has been six long years since we last covered TALII, the multi-talented singer-songwriter from Florida who had just dropped her seductive single, ‘Front Seat’. At the time, mainstream music was caught in an infatuation with island-tinged, Tropipop production—cue Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ era or Taylor Swift’s slight sonic pivot on her monumental 2012 release ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. EDM had taken the industry by storm, dominating charts and soundscapes alike.

    Fast forward to now: The soundscape has shifted. So has TALII.

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    Under new management and with renewed clarity, the promising Alternative R&B artist reemerges with ‘Do Whatever’—a lighthearted yet intentional record that embodies freedom and feminine ease. It’s airy and unbothered, built on vibes, confidence, and fluidity, like a woman twirling through life on her own terms. If ‘Front Seat’ was her flirtation with sensuality and control, ‘Do Whatever’ is the empowered exhale—the reminder that liberation can sound like a sweet melody and a carefree beat.

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    Three years ago, she released ‘Pointless Numbers’, a tender offering for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a crowd—or worse, in their own phone. The track quietly resonated with listeners experiencing emotional turbulence, where hundreds of contacts couldn’t fill a void. It was more than a song; it was a digital embrace. TALII paired it with a real phone number and message that welcomed fans into her world—her tribe. The “TALII Tribe”, to be exact. It was a smart, grassroots way to connect before Instagram Channels were a thing, giving fans a sense of intimacy, direct updates, and community.

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    Now, TALII seems more sure of herself than ever—radiating an artist’s grace, backed by experience and intention. ‘Do Whatever’ doesn’t beg for attention. It just deserves it.

    And we’re here for all of it.

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    Editor’s Note (May 30, 2025, 4:50 PM SAST): TALII used to spell her name with all caps. According to new management, the stylings or the spelling of her name has appeared as “Talii” lately. Therefore, when addressing the artist from this day forward, kindly make a note.

    We thank you in advance.

  • Play Burna Boy’s vocalnic banger ‘TaTaTa’ featuring Travis Scott more than once

    A$$, A$$, A$$: The African Edition

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    Today, globally-recognised GRAMMY-winning superstar Burna Boy shares an exciting new single from his forthcoming album, ‘No Signs of Weakness’. On the hot track produced by Chillz Chilleaux, the Port Harcourt legend playfully (and critically) sings about something that could kill a man (and happens to be meaty “ass” or “nyash” according to the lyrics). Adding more flames to the hotboy fire, America’s globally influential superstar Travis Scott ends his verse by assuring his audience that only baddies could accompany him in one of his luxury cars or his presence. The record also famously samples Scott at a live event, from a clip that has gone viral as far back as three months ago.

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    The new track ‘TaTaTa’ arrives after Burna Boy’s soothing love song ‘Sweet Love’—released over two weeks ago. Listen to the infectious party track below, more than once.

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    Before we go, we dare you to learn the words and perform each verse—like the artists involved.

  • Sydney’s suburban bad boys ONEFOUR share new track ‘Luxford’: Watch the video

    It’s Australia’s first official Drill act, yorga.

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    With quaint yet interesting Australian accents, Mount Druitt’s menacing musical group ONEFOUR rap about the possibly incriminating details of their lifestyles with blurred faces in their latest music video, ‘Luxford’. According to the press release received, the Australian government may have it out for these guys and is “trying everything to stop them.” Hey, the group does have tracks with some established artists like Mabel and fellow Drill artists Headie One (‘Gang Ties’), Nemzzz (‘Spinnin’), and Abra Cadabra (‘Movie’).

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    Last year, ONEFOUR opened for Aussie superstar The Kid LAROI on tour in 2024. They are the first Islander community collective to achieve this feat! Check out the dimly lit music video below. The single is from the group’s forthcoming debut album ‘Look At Me Now’. The album will be released in weeks (June 13).

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    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al3x_Met8yg&h=315]

  • Watch Ghana’s impressive Asakaa superstar Jay Bahd’s engrossing official music video for ‘Ka Si Manim’

    It’s the dance moves for meee.

    Two months ago, Ghanaian Asakaa superstar rapper Jay Bahd released the official music video for his explosive fan-favourite track ‘Ka Si Manim’, which has over one million views on YouTube today. In the music video, the young Kumasi legend stands amidst many Ghanaians (everyday people and fans alike) to show the level of support he has from home, how they move to the music, and how they protect themselves in the eyes of danger (using pets, cutlasses or machetes, wooden baseball bats, fire, and more.

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    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDExrSRlC-U&h=315]

    Watch the music video above, directed by Jesse Philmz. The fast-moving visual keeps your mind occupied.

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  • Nigeria’s Burna Boy releases new single ‘Sweet Love’: Watch the video

    The Port Harcourt-bred global superstar is back in his loverboy mode!

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    Nigeria’s Burna Boy released the official music video for the romantic ‘Sweet Love’ two weeks ago. In the love song, the GRAMMY-winning global superstar icon opens the lyric, stating he wants to shield a woman’s heart from danger and to be more than a stranger to her. Perhaps, the artist knows himself, and feels he could be with her, get everything right every time, and not make a mistake. I’ll be rooting for you, my brother!

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj6pI4HjiTk&h=315]

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    Check out the Major Seven-produced single ‘Sweet Love’ from his highly-anticipated eighth studio album ‘No Signs of Weakness’ above.

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