GRUNGECAKE

Category: News

  • Rihanna’s ‘R9’: Breaking boundaries and defying genres

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    After nearly a decade since her critically acclaimed album ‘Anti’, Rihanna is poised to make a groundbreaking return with her ninth studio album, tentatively titled ‘R9’. In a recent interview, she revealed that this project will defy traditional genre classifications, marking a significant evolution in her musical journey.

    Addressing long-standing rumours, Rihanna dismissed the notion that ‘R9’ would be a Reggae album, stating, “Way off! There’s no genre now. That’s why I waited.” This departure from genre constraints reflects her desire to create music that authentically represents her personal and artistic growth over the past years. She emphasised the importance of this evolution, noting that after such a prolonged hiatus, the new music “needs to count… It has to matter.”

    Throughout her time away from the music scene, Rihanna has been exploring various musical directions, ensuring that her new work aligns with her current artistic vision. She expressed confidence in the direction of ‘R9’, stating, “I feel like I’ve finally cracked it.” This sentiment suggests a deep personal connection to the project, hinting at a body of work that is both innovative and reflective of her journey. Whilst fans eagerly await a release date, Rihanna has remained focused on ensuring that ‘R9’ meets her high standards. She has been candid about the challenges of balancing her multi-faceted career, including her successful ventures in fashion and beauty, with her passion for music. This careful approach underscores her commitment to delivering a project that resonates deeply with her audience.

    In addition to her musical endeavors, Rihanna has embraced motherhood, welcoming two sons, RZA and Riot, with her partner A$AP Rocky. This new chapter in her personal life has undoubtedly influenced her artistry, potentially offering fresh perspectives and themes in her upcoming work. As anticipation builds, it’s clear that ‘R9’ represents more than just a new album; it’s a testament to Rihanna’s artistic evolution and her refusal to be confined by expectations. Fans can look forward to a project that challenges conventions and offers an authentic glimpse into the mind of an artist unafraid to redefine herself.

  • Pope Francis’ health in critical condition

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    Pope Francis, the eighty-eight-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is currently in critical condition following a severe asthmatic respiratory crisis. The Vatican reported that this episode necessitated the administration of high-flow oxygen and blood transfusions due to anemia and low platelet counts. Despite being alert and spending time in an armchair, his prognosis remains guarded.

    The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties. He was subsequently diagnosed with double pneumonia and a complex lung infection. Doctors have expressed concerns about the potential for sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection, though no evidence of it has been found thus far. Given his age and medical history, including the removal of part of his right lung in his youth, Pope Francis is particularly vulnerable to respiratory ailments.

    In light of his hospitalisation, the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not lead Sunday prayers for the second consecutive week. This marks a significant deviation from his usual duties, as he has rarely missed public appearances due to health issues in the past. The global community has responded with an outpouring of support and prayers for the Pope’s recovery. Messages have come from various religious and political leaders, as well as from the faithful worldwide. The Vatican continues to provide updates on his condition as the situation develops.

  • Splice spotlights South Africa’s most popular genres with new sample pack series

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    During the week, Splice announced its new sample packs spotlighting South Africa’s signature sounds; spanning several local genres like Afro House, Amapiano, Gqom and Afro Tech. On the platform, a new “Afro” genre was added to the Splice “Create” tool — allowing music makers (producers, songwriters and instrumentalists) to use the samples with Splice AI. The company worked alongside Kooldrink (Tyla, Aluna), Dr Feel (Defected), Afro Tech duo Kususa (Defected, Get Physical, Armada), and legendary guitarist Themba Mokoena (Sibongile Khumalo, Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka) to record everything at one of Johannesburg’s premier recording studios, Jazzworx.

    According to the comms, in 2024 Afro House was the third fastest-growing genre for Splice users in Johannesburg, with a spike in downloads of over 200%. Afro House draws attention from international producers and ranks in the top ten of Splice’s most searched-for genres.

    “Partnering with Splice has been an amazing opportunity to elevate the authentic sounds of South Africa”, said Kususa. “We’re very excited to share our pack and hope that it inspires other producers.”

    “We’re excited to bring these South African sounds to creators around the world. Genres like Afro House, Afro Tech, and amapiano are shaping the future of music,” said Kenny Ochoa, Splice, SVP of Content. “The team had an incredible time working with these local musicians to capture the energy of South Africa and Johannesburg and the result is electric.”

    Splice Sessions: South Africa is available now and includes:

    Ngoma Afro House || Pack Creator: Dr Feel
    Amapiano Pop || Pack Creator: Kooldrink
    Ebusuku Gqom Sounds || Pack Creator: Hugo Tenza
    Afro House Yethu || Pack Creator: Frigid Armadillo
    Afrotech Kalahari || Pack Creator: TAU

    To satisfy the global market by capturing each region’s sounds, instruments, and culture, the company released sample packs from Senegal and Anguilla.

  • Rock the Bells Cruise announces first wave of artists

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    Rock the Bells, the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture founded by LL Cool J, has announced the first wave of talent joining the 2025 “Rock the Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” cruise, which is returning for its third annual sailing on October 27, 2025 for another four days of non-stop Hip-Hop. This experience is inspired by classic Hip-Hop for Hip-Hop heads. This cruise has sold out within a week in the previous two years and has accumulated a waitlist of over 20,000 cruisers.

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    The initial wave of talent includes The LOX, Da Brat, GZA, Lupe Fiasco, MC Lyte, Fabolous, Xzibit, Dead Prez, The Pharcyde, Paul Wall, Buckshot & Smif-N-Wessun, Onyx, Nappy Roots, Kool G Rap, MC Sha-Rock and Ed Lover with a cast of DJs that set the tone for the cruise, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mannie Fresh, DJ Paul, J Period, DJ Evil Dee, DJ Kool, DJ R-Tistic and Rock the Bells Radio’s own DJ Scratch, Technician the DJ, DJ Chuck Chillout, and DJ Epps.

    This cruise will also feature an epic lineup of comedians including Affion Crockett, Guy Torry, Tony Roberts, and Lance Woods.

    “Rock The Bells Cruise” is in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals at sea. Setting sail from Miami to Bimini on October 27-October 31, 2025. The “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering an immersive Hip-Hop experience aboard Norwegian Jewel.

    Rock the Bells elevates Hip-Hop’s legacy through music, fashion, art, and community engagement. The brand honors the genre’s history and highlights its impact on culture, from the streets to the global stage. The Rock the Bells Cruise connects fans, artists, creators, and tastemakers, building a space where the authenticity of Hip-Hop thrives and its stories are told.

    The week-long cruise will sail from Miami and make one stop in the Bahamas at Bimini.

    “Rock the Bells is back on the water, bringing the energy, the music, and the culture to new places. This cruise is more than an experience—it’s a movement. And trust me, we’re just getting started.” – LL Cool J, Founder of Rock the Bells

    “The Rock the Bells Cruise is all about celebrating the culture with icons that have not only laid the foundation throughout the past 50+ years but continue to push it forward. This event is for the community, and we are happy to help put together. If you are a Hip-Hop head then you can’t miss this ship because Nappy Roots said it best “We’re gonna have a good day!” – Jeff Cuellar CEO of Sixthman

  • French Electronic superstar duo Justice extends North American tour with appearances at Bonnaroo, Red Rocks Ampitheatre and more: See dates

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    Today, GRAMMY-winning French Electronic superstar duo Justice have announced another string of dates on their ever-expanding ‘Justice: Live’ tour in support of last year’s monolithic ‘Hyperdrama’ album. Since its critically-acclaimed debut at Coachella last year, the band have cemented their legacy as an unmissable live act with a live production that Rolling Stone declared “deserves to go down in history.” The new shows, which include headline dates in Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Maryland’s iconic Merriweather Post Pavilion and spots at Bonnaroo and Electric Forest, add to an expansive schedule that already, includes CRSSD Festival, Kilby Block Party, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and more.

    The new dates arrive on the heels of the duo winning the GRAMMY for Best Dance/Electronic Recording in honour of ‘Neverender’ (featuring Tame Impala), which was already amid of a steady ascent at Alternative Radio with a new peak of #3 this week. The band also recently made their Billboard Hot 100 debut for ‘Wake Me Up’, their collaboration with The Weeknd from his number one ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ album.

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    Justice: Live tour dates

    Newly announced dates

    June 5 – Budweiser Stage -Toronto, ON
    June 6 – Place Bell – Montreal, QC
    June 7 – The Stage at Suffolk Downs – Boston, MA
    June 10 – Stage AE – Outdoor – Pittsburgh, PA
    June 12 – Merriweather Post Pavilion – Columbia, MD
    June 14 – Bonnaroo Festival – Manchester, TN
    June 17 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
    June 19 – Electric Forest Festival – Rothbury, MI

    Previously announced dates

    March 1 – CRSSD Festival – San Diego, CA
    March 5 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Dallas, TX
    March 6 – Moody Center – Austin, TX
    March 8 – M3F Festival – Phoenix, AZ
    March 12 – Palacio de los Deportes – Mexico City, MX
    March 29 – Estereo Picnic – Bogota, Columbia
    April 3 – Movistar Arena – Buenos Aires, Argentina
    April 7 – Movistar Arena – Santiago, Chile
    May 18 – Kilby Block Party – Salt Lake City, UT
    May 21 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA SOLD OUT
    May 22 – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA
    May 23 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA SOLD OUT
    May 25 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO SOLD OUT
    June 28 – Lido Sounds Festival – Linz, Austria
    July 4 – Open’er Festival 2025 – Gdynia, Poland
    July 6 – Les Eurockéennes – Belfort, France
    July 10-12 Mad Cool Festival – Madrid, Spain
    July 11 – NOS Alive – Oeiras, Portugal
    July 16-20 – Electric Castle – Bontida, Romania
    July 17 – Colours of Ostrava 2025 – Ostrava 3, Czechia
    August 6-11 – Sziget Festival – Budapest, Hungary
    August 8 – Grape Festival 2025 – Trečín District, Slovakia
    August 10 – Pula Arena – Pula, Croatia
    Aug 17 – Pukkelopop Festival – Hasselt, Belgium
    Aug 21-24 – V and Bar Fest – Chateau-gontier-sur-mayenne, France
    Aug 23 – Rock en Seine – Saint-cloud, France

  • Nutella creator Francesco Rivella, 97, passes away

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    Francesco Rivella, the Italian chemist celebrated as the “Father of Nutella”, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 97. His death coincides with the tenth anniversary of Michele Ferrero’s passing, the founder of the Ferrero company. Born in Barbaresco, Italy, in 1927, Rivella earned his degree in bromatological chemistry from the University of Turin. At 25, he began his career with Ferrero in 1952, joining the company’s “chemistry room”, where he played a pivotal role in developing new confectionery products.

    Rivella’s most notable achievement was transforming the original hazelnut and chocolate paste, Giandujot, into a creamy spread. This evolution led to the creation of SuperCrema in 1951 and eventually Nutella in 1964. Throughout his tenure, he collaborated closely with Michele Ferrero, contributing to the innovation and perfection of several products that have become household names.

    Beyond his professional endeavors, Rivella was a friend of writer Primo Levi and served as president of the Order of Chemists of Piedmont. After retiring, he dedicated himself to fruit farming and the traditional Italian sport of pallapugno in Alba. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren. His funeral was held in Alba, and he was laid to rest in his hometown of Barbaresco.

  • Post Malone announces ‘Big Ass World Tour’ with Jelly Roll: See dates

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    Post Malone and Jelly Roll have announced their joint tour, spanning various festival dates in European cities, including Budapest (Hungary), Prague (Czechia), and Paris, France. Some users on X seem underwhelmed with the news, saying that it isn’t a world tour if it visits a few countries.

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    The tour will begin on August 8 in Romania. Check out the list of confirmed shows below.

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  • South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, has passed away at home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul

    Because of the negative public sentiment around the actress’s name linked to a DUI, Kim Sae-ron couldn’t land new roles, and this seems to be the reason why some news outlets are pointing towards a possible suicide.

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    Kim Sae-ron, an award-winning South Korean actress (24), has died in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, at home. The police say they found no signs of forced entry or criminal activity in a statement to AFP. The authorities have launched an investigation into the unfortunate death. Kim Sae-ron was known for her roles in ‘A Brand New Life’ in 2019 (marking her debut), ‘The Man from Nowhere’, ‘The Neighbor’ and her most recent role in the Netflix original series ‘Bloodhounds’ (2023). According to a report on AllKPop, she planned to return to acting through a theatrical play called ‘Dongchimi’ in 2024 after facing the consequences of a DUI (a 20 million fine won for causing an accident, which converts to $13,800), but she dropped out. At the time, Kim Sae-ron cited health concerns for her departure. Based on a statement from a reported close source, the actress shared that she filmed for a music film called ‘Guitar Man’ in November 2024.

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  • Madonna confirms the arrival of new album ‘Confessions 2’

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    Last Thursday, Madonna shared the release of her new album, ‘Confessions 2’. In the post, the living musical legend took to Instagram to let all nineteen million plus of her devoted fans know she is putting her “heart and soul into [her] new music and [she] can’t wait to share it with [us].” The collage features photos of her in-studio with producer Stuart Price and is soundtracked with her song ‘Future Lovers’.

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    It is the follow-up to the Queen of Pop’s 2005 album, ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’.

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  • Drake to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival 2025 in London’s Finsbury Park

    PARYTNEXTDOOR, Summer Walker, Burna Boy, and Vybz Kartel have been announced as special guests.

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    In the morning, we received an email sharing the exciting news about Drake’s unprecedented headlining shows spanning three days in London at Wireless Festival’s twentieth-anniversary edition. The global superstar will perform three different set lists to give proper attention to his vast catalogue of genre-blending chart-topping hits! We haven’t been to a music festival all year, but we feel this one would be the one to go down in the books. When’s the last time you’ve seen something like this happen? Never, and that’s why it’s exhilarating in concept.

    If you are a fan of Big Boy’s Neighborhood show, you’ve probably heard about Tariq Cheriff’s interview. During the interview, the festival co-owner discussed wanting to book Drake as a headliner for Rolling Loud for many years without success. Surprisingly, Cheriff explained that he wanted to do something similar for Drake (like this Wireless Festival deal), but allegedly it wasn’t enticing enough according to his team. Explicitly, the founder shared that a European festival may steal the

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    “They were like, ‘You need to make it special.’ Well, alright, [let’s do] three nights of Drake. You [can] be the headliner for three nights”, Cherif said to Big Boy.

    “I heard a certain festival in Europe is about to steal our idea.”

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    Before then, Cheriff said, “I feel like Drake’s ducking us. I got no beef with Drake. I like Drake. I think he’s a great artist… We’ve been trying to book Drake forever. We even offered Drake three nights of Drake once.”

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