GRUNGECAKE

Category: Music

  • GRAMMY winners Jon Batiste and Andra Day release visual for ‘Lean on My Love’: Watch

    Last week, multiple GRAMMY winner Jon Batiste released a black and white visual for ‘Lean on My Love’ featuring fellow GRAMMY winner and celebrated powerful vocalist Andra Day. From the first line, he sings about his special person taking the high road for too long and his desire for her to lean on him to be the bedrock/sweet spot for her. It’s a beautiful song about presence, reliable support, and wanting your partner(s) to heal. Watch the David Henry Gerson direction below. It’s from his brand new ninth studio album ‘Big Money’ out now.

    Batiste, who also won his first Academy Award or Oscar in 2020, begins his ‘Big Money: Jon Batiste Plays America’ tour in support of his album on August 27. He will also co-headline at The Muny with Diana Ross. How incredible is that?!

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj0wm9cMXm8&h=315]


  • Watch Florence + The Machine move briskly through green pastures in ‘Everybody Scream’

    Fittingly so, their forthcoming album ‘Everybody Scream’ comes out on Halloween Day (October 31, 2025).

    Four days ago, English Indie Rock band Florence + The Machine shared the official music video for ‘Everybody Scream’. Against a green pasture, the lead singer, Florence, walks in a bright red dress, brassiere, and matching heels, as a man rides backwards on a galloping horse—perhaps a symbol of disorientation. Eventually, her crew falls in line and walks with her, before ending up in a pub with the horseman. Ironically, in the howff, the people appear to be possessed by spirits. Notably, my thoughts are proven in the outro:

    “The witchcraft, the medicine, the spells, and the injections
    The harvest, the needle protect me from evil
    The magic and the misery, madness and the mystery
    Oh, what has it done to me?
    Everybody scream”

    Watch the Autumn de Wilde direction for the single produced by Juliet Naylor. The band has been nominated for GRAMMYs seven times. Perhaps, they’ll take one home in 2026.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03iBgkXb1EE&h=315]


  • Doja Cat features rapping persona in 80s-inspired jam ‘Jealous Type’: Watch the video

    Three days ago, American superstar Doja Cat released the elaborate official music video for her eighties-inspired track ‘Jealous Type’. In the stunning visual, the genre-blending artist often referred to as the “Queen of Pop-Rap” explains what spawned the insecurity she’s experienced, linked to the ex-girlfriend of the person in question:

    “Said, “You wanna do what now with who?”
    I don’t need a pin drop or text tonight
    I ain’t even coming out with you
    You don’t wanna show me off to your ex or your friends tonight
    Nigga, you must be on Molly ’cause y’all ain’t kick it when we started up
    And if she really was a friend like you said she was
    I would’ve been locked in, but I called your bluff”.

    Watch the eye-popping video directed by Boni Mata below to see her strut her stuff in a leopard print swimsuit. The single is from her forthcoming album ‘Vie’, set to release on September 26, 2025.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv1MwS56aCo&h=315]


  • Ciara and Tyga take us to Randy’s Donuts for ‘Dance With Me’: Watch

    Singing in her signature, breathy soprano vocals we’ve all come to love and recognise, Ciara unleashes her latest bop ‘Dance With Me’ featuring Tyga. The catchy upbeat track is about a couple enjoying each other’s company by dancing and effortlessly burning calories. In the visual, the American Pop-R&B superstar dons three looks, including a loose-fitting powder-pink ensemble, leaning into the South Central aesthetic—specifically the Chicano’s Cholo way of dressing. Before the video ends, the ‘Level Up’ singer appears in the world-famous Randy’s Donuts parking lot in Inglewood, California. Check out the music video below.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGLuMoaVG1E&h=315]


    And last but not least, American basketball point guard Russell Westbrook makes a quick cameo. The single is from her brand new nineteen-track album, ‘CiCi’, out now.


  • Listen to Capital Cities’ newest track ‘Late to School’

    Their music often marks personal shifts for me. Here’s to another adventurous decade ahead, maybe?

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    In time for the school year, American Indie Pop duo Capital Cities has released their latest track, ‘Late to School’ today. On the self-produced composition, Ryan Merchant (vocals, keyboard, guitar) and Sebu Simonian (vocals, keyboard) enchantingly sing about being tardy to school, making up the rules, and not wanting to be stuck in a system that keeps them from being spectacular. Knowing their background, or foundation, as catchy songwriters who wrote jingles, the song sounds like it was probably made for a young person’s cartoon series.

    It’s been nearly five years since we covered any of the band members, but we’re back in full swing with support.

    [media-credit name=”Spotify” link=”https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gwpcMTbLWtBUlOijbVpuu?si=Sl8yz88iQy6De6YebCBGyQ” width=640 align=”center”][/media-credit]

    If you didn’t know, Capital Cities is the first post on this version of our website, dating back to 2011 when we had the awesome opportunity to spend time with the band and interview them before the release of their classic debut album, ‘In a Tidal Wave of Mystery’.


  • Boiler Room and Patrón Tequila team up to champion artists at the top of their game with an exclusive series

    Boiler Room, a global music platform known for connecting club culture and local music communities to the world and Patrón Tequila, the world’s number one super-premium tequila¹, are igniting the music scene with a new global partnership. As leaders in their respective worlds, both Patrón and Boiler Room choose craft over convention, celebrate authenticity, and deliver unforgettable experiences like no other. United in these shared values, this partnership comes to life through a bespoke event and content series in nightlife hotspots Ibiza, London and Los Angeles.

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    Each Boiler Room x Patrón show will be co-produced with globally renowned artists fusing local soundscapes, community, and craftsmanship in dynamic spaces designed to leave a lasting mark. As Boiler Room’s official global tequila partner, Patrón will power these live experiences, connecting music lovers and club-goers at key cultural hubs.

    The first highly anticipated Boiler Room x Patrón Tequila event will debut in Ibiza on Thursday, August 14, featuring a meticulously curated lineup by a very special guest. Expect a celebratory collision of Latin and afrodiasporic rhythms: from amapiano to afro house, dembow to champeta. Against the backdrop of Ibiza’s electric nightlife, the event will host multiple artists playing back-to-back eclectic sets that embody the culture and community. As with all Boiler Room shows, fans worldwide can immerse themselves in this collaboration by tuning into performances on Boiler Room TV and accessing performance clips by following along on social media. For a chance to attend the exclusive Ibiza launch event, fans of legal drinking age can sign up at blrrm.tv/patronibiza.

    To make the experience even more special for fans at home, each Boiler Room x PATRÓN event will include a custom content series featuring intimate, behind-the-scenes interviews with headlining artists. These pieces blend honest conversation with vivid visual storytelling to understand how these artists bring their ideas to life.

    “Patrón Tequila’s journey through music has thrived for more than three decades—we’re not just observing the scene, we’re actively influencing it”, said Roberto Ramirez-Laverde, Global Senior Vice President, Patrón Tequila. “Our partnership with Boiler Room is the next beat in our deep-rooted commitment to music and culture. Guided by our shared belief—that greatness comes from leading with authenticity, not following the crowd, together we’re creating spaces where greatness rises as music, community, and spirits converge—delivering memorable moments that move culture forward.”

    A closer look at the partnership…

    Multi-City Global Activations: An exclusive event series presented by PATRÓN will bring unparalleled live music experiences to key cultural hubs, including Ibiza, London and Los Angeles. These Boiler Room x PATRÓN broadcast events are created in collaboration with artists who authentically embody the shared spirit of both brands. Following each live event, performances and content will be made available on Boiler Room TV and digital channels, extending the experience to a global audience.

    Exclusive Content Series: Beyond the live events, an in-depth, behind-the-scenes content series for fans to follow along at home that dives into the creative process of our collaborating artists will offer fans an intimate look into their creative journeys, showcasing how artists are elevating their craft and celebrating new milestone moments with Patrón El Alto.

    Elevated Patrón El Tequila Experiences: Each private event will feature dedicated Patrón bars and custom cocktail menus, with the new Patrón El Tequila as the featured offering. This impressively rare and masterfully aged tequila, primarily crafted with Extra Añejo and blended with Añejo and Reposado tequilas, each aged to their maximum potential, represents the pinnacle of perfection. The prestige tequila category is indeed experiencing remarkable growth, projected to double in size by this year as consumers increasingly trade up for higher quality sips and luxury bottlings such as Patrón El Alto. This makes it the perfect pour for celebrating the standout moments that define this cultural partnership.

    “This partnership feels inevitable in the best possible way”, said Jack Hart, VP Partnerships at Boiler Room. “Both Patrón and Boiler Room have always championed creativity and craft in music. We’re taking that shared mindset into this series by celebrating some of the more forward-thinking artists in our world.”


  • GRAMMY-nominated singer Khalid releases new single ‘In Plain Sight’ from his forthcoming album ‘After the Sun Goes Down’

    “What’s the tea about him?/Said he was just a friend”

    [media-credit name=”Courtesy” width=686 align=”center”][/media-credit]

    Today, GRAMMY-nominated artist R&B star Khalid released a new single called ‘In Plain Sight’ about the lies that the person he’s seeing tells him, claiming the other person is just a friend, but they’re talking about dinner plans. In November 2024, the music star confirmed his sexuality (or confessed that he was romantically linked to another man) after being allegedly outed by a former lover, to which he responded, “I am not ashamed of my sexuality”. ‘In Plain Sight’ doesn’t explicitly mention the cheating partner’s pronouns, but it is the first time I’ve heard Khalid sing “flirting with you again” the way he did. Check out the uptempo record produced by Mattman & Robin, Savan Kotecha, and ILYA below, and continue to anticipate the coming out of his new album ‘After the Sun Goes Down’.


    For the 91 Rules-directed visual, he debuts a new hairstyle, wears matching painted fingernails, and boots with shorts that appear to cover his knees in the first scene. About the release, Khalid says, “This chapter is about taking my power back, living in my truth, and being able to express myself freely. I’m excited for my fans to experience this new era with me, not just musically, but personally.”

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBif-MlukZ0&h=315]


  • Compton-born musical genius Steve Lacy returns from 3-year hiatus with ‘Nice Shoes’: Listen

    “Life is but a stain, it’s not a tattoo/Temporary pain, it’s lame to chase youth”

    [media-credit name=”Courtesy; Richie Talboy” width=640 align=”center”][/media-credit]

    Over what sounds like a popular video game sample paired over hypnotic drums and bass, Steve Lacy, the GRAMMY-winning Alternative R&B artist, seems to let out some of his deepest thoughts and feelings as he describes during the bridge. Opening the new song with lyrics taken from his intrusive thoughts, perhaps, he sings, “If I had a dollar for the friends I would fuck, I could buy a pair of really nice shoes”.

    On the second verse, The Internet guitarist adds that his nether regions have hardened simply from the thought of holding hands with the person he admires and describes himself choking on a gust of wind, which is admittedly intense and makes me curious. Now, I want to see an official music video to see how he (or the director) may depict that part.

    Well, it has been three years since the edgy creator blessed his fans with new music. We’re looking forward to hearing his forthcoming album, ‘Oh Yeah?’. There’s no release date yet because it is still a work-in-progress according to his publicist, but with a new Rolling Stones cover (September 2025), we know it’s eventually going to be released. In the interim, listen to ‘Nice Shoes’. It is not safe for work.

  • Hear Reggae royalty Skip Marley’s new song ‘In Our Sight’ produced by Supa Dups

    “Action me watch and not intention”

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    Keeping the classic groovy Reggae rhythms his grandfather was known for, Jamaican royalty artist-producer Skip Marley delivers a new uplifting record called ‘In Our Sight’. The GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum artist croons lines like, “We need a likkle support, protect the land now”, calling for leaders to rise and Babylon to fall, and a hopeful hook, “Side by side, victoy’s in our sight/We gotta keep on believing/Don’t stop striving while our hearts still beating.” Hear the catching Supa Dups-produced song below. You may recall the highly-recognisable sample from legendary R&B/Soul star Al Green’s classic song ‘Love and Happiness’, released in 1972.


  • Kiernan AKA Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibz’ Mostoane murder trial confirmed for 2026

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    A highly anticipated trial has been scheduled for five men accused of the February 2023 murders of South African rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his close friend and chef, Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane. The killings, which occurred outside the now-defunct Wish Restaurant on Florida Road in Durban, stunned the nation. On August 13, 2025, it was announced that the trial will proceed in two phases: July 20 to August 21, 2026, and October 5 to November 6, 2026. The scheduling follows delays necessitated by outstanding pre‑trial matters and the appointment of a presiding judge.

    The accused—Lindokuhle Thabani Mkhwanazi, Lindani Zenzele Ndimande, Siyanda Eddie Myeza, Mziwethemba Harvey Gwabeni, and Lindokuhle Lindo Ndimande—face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, attempted murder, and firearm and ammunition-related offences. Pre‑trial proceedings have been marred by delays and courtroom tensions. In July 2025, Judge Jacqueline Henriques sharply criticised both the state and defence for procedural shortcomings, emphasising that additional witness statements were required before certifying the trial as ready. The State is preparing to call approximately forty-five witnesses, supported by evidence including CCTV footage, vehicle tracking, ballistics reports, and banking records.

    Eyewitness protection has also been a priority. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Lawrence Gcaba confirmed that, invoking Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the State will withhold the identities and statements of additional witnesses for their safety. However, it was agreed the defence would receive these statements six weeks prior to trial commencement.

    As the country awaits the unfolding of this high‑profile trial, authorities continue working behind the scenes to ensure due process, witness safety, and a fair hearing for all parties involved.