GRUNGECAKE

Category: Music

  • Nelly Furtado quits music after body-shaming attacks: “I’m still a songwriter forever”

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    GRAMMY Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado has announced she is stepping away from performing “for the foreseeable future”, citing a wave of body-shaming attacks as a painful factor in her decision.

    Furtado made the revelation in an emotional Instagram post commemorating the 25th anniversary of her debut album ‘Whoa, Nelly!’. In that same message, she expressed gratitude for her longstanding fans, reflected on the joy of reaching newer generations, and explained that whilst she’s retiring from live shows, she will “identify as a songwriter forever”.

    She emphasised that although performing onstage has brought her joy (most recently at a Summer show in Berlin), the negative scrutiny over her appearance has taken a toll. In solidarity with her body-positive stance, she once performed at Manchester Pride wearing an oversized T-shirt adorned with a cartoon hourglass figure and the slogan “Better than ever”—a pointed rebuke of public commentary about her physique.

    She also looked back on her career with appreciation—to her collaborators, her touring years, and the unpredictable ways her music has been rediscovered over time. Furtado emphasised that her pivot to a new chapter doesn’t erase her creative identity, saying she still loves writing music and wants to explore “other creative and personal endeavours” more suited to this next phase of life.

    Fans responded with an outpouring of support, many lamenting the decision and celebrating her legacy in pop music. As one commented, “Forever an icon.”

    Whilst the announcement feels like a pause rather than a full stop, it underscores the pressure countless artists face when their art becomes conflated with personal image. For now, Nelly Furtado’s bold vulnerability stands as part of her lasting imprint—both as a musician and as a voice pushing back at the cruelty of appearance-based criticism.

  • Abuja’s rising star FirstKlaz shakes up Nigeria’s music scene with bold debut EP ‘Déjàvu’

    From the streets of Abuja to Spotify’s Greasy Tunes stage, rising Afro-Fusion artist FirstKlaz makes a bold entrance with his debut EP ‘Déjàvu’—blending northern rhythms, viral ambition, and fearless controversy on his path toward global recognition.

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    Earlier this month, fast-rising Nigerian star FirstKlaz released his seven-track debut EP entitled ‘Déjàvu’. It arrives as both a statement and a love letter to the sound of Northern Nigeria—and it confirms that the he is ready to move from internet buzz to industry attention.

    The musical project pairs the artist’s playful, genre-bending vocal style with traditional Arẹwà elements (Kalangu, Goje) and modern Afro-Fusion production, creating a compact project that feels at once rooted and restless.

    Born and raised in Abuja (Nassarawa State), the ‘Gen-Z Fuji’ artist rise has been notably humble. He cut his teeth posting viral clips and experimenting with what he calls a ‘Gen-Z Arẹwà’ aesthetic—a youthful reimagining of northern folk textures—and those grassroots beginnings show on ‘Déjàvu’: The songs still carry an intimate, DIY energy even as the production widens. Early singles from 2024 gave him a foothold; This EP tightens that sound into a focused artistic identity.

    Standouts on ‘Déjàvu’ have already emerged as streaming favourites. Tracks like ‘Soyaiya’ and ‘Gen-Z Arẹwàzobia’ have been singled out by reviewers and playlists as the EP’s strongest statements—earworms that blend fiddle-like hooks with modern percussion and clever, everyday lyrics. ‘Lili’, a cheeky number that name-checks Cardi B in its hook, has become central to his current push; The artist has been actively promoting the song on social media and even tagging Cardi B as part of that campaign.

    His true breakout, though, traces back to the ‘Gen-Z’ singles that circulated in 2024. The earlier ‘Gen-Z Arẹwà’ tracks are widely credited with bringing him to wider attention and establishing the persona listeners now hear on ‘Dejavu’—the playful storyteller who wears cultural specificity like armour and invitation. Review coverage of the EP highlights that continuity, noting how the project crystallizes the promise listeners saw in his earlier work.

    Collaboration is part of the EP’s DNA: Guest verses and co-productions from artists such as Jeriq and Zlatan add grit and texture across the tracklist, helping the project bridge indie credibility and commercial reach. Those features make ‘Déjàvu’ feel like a community record rather than a solo manifesto.

    Not everything around the release has been quiet. FirstKlaz has publicly accused established star Kizz Daniel of borrowing — or, as he puts it, “stealing” — elements of his sound, calling attention to what he describes as repeated instances of creative appropriation; clips of him addressing Kizz Daniel have circulated on social platforms and video channels. The charge is framed as an allegation from FirstKlaz and has provoked debate in online music circles.

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    On the live front, the sizzling new artist recently brought his band to Lagos for Spotify’s Greasy Tunes pop-up, performing to an enthusiastic crowd and earning a spot on the event’s Fresh Finds programming—an important signal that tastemakers are watching. Video and photo posts from the event show him working a stage and connecting the EP tracks to a live audience hungry for something new.

    Behind the scenes, team sources and the cheerful artist’s own social posts say ‘Déjàvu’ has been submitted for GRAMMY consideration for the 2026 cycle—a move that, if nothing else, demonstrates ambition and belief in the project’s global potential. The submission, the artist notes online, is for general consideration rather than a nomination. It’s a step many rising acts take to widen their profile.

    If ‘Déjàvu’ does for him what his early singles hinted it could, the EP will be remembered as the pivot when a young man with a phone and a vision started being treated like an artist to watch. For now, he’s capitalising on momentum by touring, pushing the spicy, shouty ‘Lili’ across platforms (and yes, tagging Cardi B), and leaning into the very public mix of praise, disputes, and live performance that marks a musician on the rise. Keep an ear on Abuja. FirstKlaz is making sure the rest of the world can’t ignore it.

  • Nigerian Hip-Hop star PsychoYP announces forthcoming single ‘Let’s Go!’

    It’s more than a party anthem.

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    Four days ago, Abuja, Nigeria-bred rapper PsychoYP announced his forthcoming song called ‘Let’s Go’. According to the post published earlier this week, it will be released on his birthday, October 28.

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    As described by his team, the ‘Active’ rapper, who is featured on ODUMODUBLVCK‘s album on a track called ‘Tiffany’, is “known for his signature fusion of Rap, Trap and Afrobeats, he’s built a movement that resonates across Africa and the United Kingdom. With ‘Let’s Go!’ he sharpens his sound produced by multi-platinum, Latin GRAMMY-nominated and 8x Billboard charting producer, TK Kayembe, which represents a key moment in his journey. The record is a high-octane anthem that blends African rhythms with Hip-Hop swagger, and its music video serves as a cultural statement piece, designed to capture the attention of fans across the globe.”

    About the upcoming single, the Rick Ross collaborator has shared “I’ve always been about pushing the culture forward. ‘Let’s Go!’ is me opening the door wider, showing that a Nigerian rapper can speak the language of the streets, the clubs, and the charts globally.”

    In the meantime, you can check out the official cover art and promotional post below. Watch this space for the song release.

  • Watch Jacksonville rapper Dumar 1K’s official visual for ‘Kutt Water’

    In the short visual for ‘Kutt Water’, Jacksonville, Florida rising star rapper Dumar 1K starts his morning off visually alongside a young woman in a split-screen treatment. The pair seems to relish cold beverages taken from separate refrigerators, and soon after, they put on VR glasses to enter another dimension where shorts and flesh dominate. In the song, the Real Boston Richey collaborator (’L’s and P’s’) talks about an attractive woman, who doesn’t share her body with others—a feat that appears to be a lost art. Based on Dumar 1K’s tumultuous upbringing in one of America’s most dangerous cities in recent times (but no longer is), it is a delight to see him in a jovial state as “he crafts a sound defined by aspirational storytelling and luxury-laced realism”, according to the Media & Public Relations representative at Epic Records.

    As described by his representative,

    “In 2024, he signed to Epic Records and Against Da Grain, marking a milestone year highlighted by his single ‘Penny Pincher’—which later earned a star-studded remix featuring G Herbo, Luh Tyler, and BLP Kosher. With collaborations alongside Real Boston Richey and Young Scooter, Dumar 1K continues to plant his flag as a bold new voice of Florida’s Hip-Hop wave, embodying his own mantra: “Blessed and highly flavoured.”

    Check out the official music video directed by Supadope below. It’s a Bounce music song made for the highly confident people worldwide.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KCJiuU3STE&h=315]

  • Nigeria’s Asake brings Afro-Fusion brilliance to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series: Watch

    The Nigerian star delivers a soulful, high-energy set that showcases his blend of Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano in an intimate performance.

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    Nigerian artist Asake delivered a spirited and soulful performance for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, blending infectious rhythms with heartfelt vocals in an intimate studio setting. The performance, released today, showcased the singer’s signature mix of Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano, reaffirming his place as one of the genre’s most innovative voices.

    Supported by a full live band—including talking drums, percussion, keyboards, and backup singers—Asake opened with ‘Sunshine’, immediately setting a vibrant yet reflective tone. His setlist also included fan favorites like ‘Lonely at the Top’, ‘Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)’, and ‘Remember’, each reimagined with live instrumentation that highlighted the warmth and depth of his sound.

    Throughout the twenty-minute session, Asake balanced energy and emotion, gliding effortlessly between Yoruba, Pidgin, and English lyrics. The performance gave listeners a glimpse into his artistry beyond studio production, revealing a more vulnerable, spiritual side of the star known for high-tempo hits and crowd-thrilling stage shows.

    Asake joins fellow Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Tems, who have appeared on Tiny Desk, signalling the growing influence of Afrobeats on global platforms. The performance not only celebrated Asake’s rise but also highlighted the continued worldwide appreciation for contemporary African music.

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    With his Tiny Desk Concert, Asake proved that even in a stripped-down space, his sound remains larger than life—radiating rhythm, soul, and unmistakable joy.

  • Hear Alternative R&B star Sampha’s new composition ‘Cumulus/Memory’

    “Love has a place for you here”

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    Yesterday, British-Sierra Leonean singer-songwriter and musician Sampha shared a new song called ‘Cumulus/Memory’. On the fresh track, the Alternative R&B star who owns one of the most recognisable voices, sings about love (”heart beating for two”), healing, relocating to the spacious motherland, trying to attain life-changing results like making it out of the sewer on ‘Cumulous’, and unconditional love, like loving someone whilst they don’t make any sense.

    For its second half, where the beat changes up to a faster, dancier tune, the gifted Scorpio (his birthday is a day after mine, November 16) details losing a pair of trainers, or sneakers, on the 293 bus route in London. Then, he goes on to sing about how he cannot let his lover leave him, nor can he lose them like he lost his expensive pair of Air Jordan sneakers.

    I know what it is to lose things with sentimental value, so this incredible composition hit a little different for me. If you ever needed a song to match the energy of your unconditional love for another person, it exists. Stream the nearly seven-minute composition co-produced by the GRAMMY-nominated artist and El Guincho below. It’s lovely.

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  • Watch R&B star Miguel’s cherry red visual for ‘Rip’

    “It hurts to be human”

    Yesterday, R&B star Miguel shared his latest music video, ‘Rip’, taken from his brand-new twelve-track album, ‘Caos’. In the cherry red visual, the new father tells the story about navigating through life, wondering where he is (heaven or hell), and sits amongst four individuals donning elaborate devilish masks as adult dancers are sprayed with money.

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    In the next scene, he hits the town in a convertible with two attractive women. Watch the creative video for the club track directed by the GRAMMY winner and his partner, Margaret Zhang (who is also the mother of his first child).

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  • June Returns With ‘Get Too Close’

    Houston-born singer-songwriter June continues her unstoppable ascent in the world of modern pop with her latest release, “Get Too Close.” Following the momentum of her acclaimed Supernova EP, which earned her airplay across Europe and solidified her reputation as a force in dance-pop, June once again delivers a sound that feels both deeply intimate and built for the big stage.

    At just 25, June has already distinguished herself as one of the most exciting independent voices in the scene. With over 275,000 monthly Spotify listeners, she has built her career from the ground up—writing, recording, and performing on her own terms. That independent streak runs through everything she releases, and Get Too Close is no exception: it’s bold, emotionally honest, and effortlessly magnetic.

    The track finds June exploring the tension between vulnerability and desire—the push and pull that comes when you’re drawn to someone who feels almost too close for comfort. Wrapped in shimmering synths, pulsing basslines, and her unmistakable, crystalline vocals, “Get Too Close” captures the very essence of her artistry: euphoric yet tender, cinematic yet personal.

     

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    A post shared by June (@junewmusic)

    Much like the Supernova EP—where songs like “Crave” and “Hands of Time” married house rhythms with heartfelt lyricism—Get Too Close showcases June’s ability to translate real emotion into a danceable, widescreen experience. It’s a continuation of her sonic evolution, balancing the polished glow of mainstream pop with the self-awareness of an artist writing from lived experience.

    June’s knack for connecting through sound has already taken her beyond streaming. Her records have recently found a home on European radio stations like Radio Hit DAB+, Basilicata Radio Due, and Radio Versilia FM, signalling her growing reach as a global artist. Meanwhile, her collaborations—including “Walking Away (Infinity)” with Matway (5.5 million+ streams) and “Divine” with Utope and Matway (2 million+ streams)—further highlight her versatility and international appeal.

    What makes June’s work resonate is more than just production or polish—it’s her fearless honesty. Whether she’s yearning on “Supernova” or treading emotional boundaries on “Get Too Close,” she invites listeners into a world where dance music and vulnerability coexist seamlessly.

    With this new release, June continues to define her own lane in pop—one where independence, emotion, and innovation collide. Get Too Close isn’t just another step forward; it’s proof that June’s light is only growing brighter.

  • Watch St Panther’s performance video for soulful R&B single ‘The Deal’

    If you listen closely, you may feel like you’re hearing inspiration from D’Angelo’s ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’, which would be a timely heartwarming tribute to the late multiple GRAMMY-winning music icon. He passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 14.

    Two days ago, St Panther (they/them) released a soulful R&B single called ‘The Deal’. Shot live at Haven Studio in Los Angeles, California, they sing about a partner who doesn’t seem to understand the full scope of their happenings, outsiders pushing them to change, and learning to let go and wanting to play the long game before times changed.

    Regarding the new single, St Panther said:

    “Now I’m not sure if it’s always right to, but I tend to put music where prolonged silences live. I’m not sure why it’s so hard to say what sometimes only music can, but in this case, I wish someone had known me better and wanted to write a song like Dido’s ‘White Flag’ shortly afterward, a song that said—if nothing else—my love was true.”

    Watch the performance video below, directed by Julian Budge, to see St Panther, their various longtime collaborators, and the forthcoming EP’s co-producer, McClenny (HER, Khalid, Jamila Woods). The single is taken from their forthcoming EP titled ‘Strange World’, set to release on November 7.

    If you’re new to this space and it is your first time coming across St Panther’s music, we premiered their song ‘Infrastructure’ from HBO’s Insecure five years ago. We’ve been mesmerised.

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  • Watch Ice Spice’s model-friendly music video for MIA-sampled ‘Baddie Baddie’

    Three days ago, Bronx-bred star rapper Ice Spice put out the official music video for her latest single, ‘Baddie Baddie’, which samples MIA’s larger-than-life record, ‘Bad Girls’, a song released thirteen years ago with over 200 million views on YouTube (Noisey’s upload of 145 million and 72 million from MIA’s official VEVO channel). On the track, the ‘Munch’ rapper takes aim at a man who was “begging to hit” and doesn’t really want her for who she is, but he sees her lifestyle as something to take advantage of if she lets him. In the next line, she mentions a fellow female rapper who might be inspired by her come-up and wants to be like her, but isn’t doing it well. Ice Spice doesn’t mention anyone by name, but the internet seems to think Stunna Sandy, who also wears tight curls, is the one.

    Watch the NYFW-centric music video, which documents some of the moments during the festivities and shows her relationship with South Sudanese-American supermodel/visual artist Anok Yai. Sunisa Lee and Bb Trickz also make cameos.

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    According to Ice Spice, someone purchased fake views for the music video, which now has over seven million views since its release on October 15. The music video is currently at #12 on YouTube’s Music Trending Chart.

    One comment under the music video says from a fan account says, “@parmik99 from 1 to 5 milliom in 37 minutes and 0 new comments.Dear Spice, don’ embaress yourself with bots”.

    Another fan @rick_bars, wrote, “Ice Spice is not Botting Door Dash is running ads on the video but, the ads team is not great lol. So it looks like this.”, a seemingly supportive comment.

    Before this release, Ice Spice collaborated with her former rival and fellow rapper Latto, called ‘Gyatt’, and later appeared on Kai Cenat’s popular Twitch account with over nineteen million followers.

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