GRUNGECAKE

Category: News

  • Pakistan Airlines pilot lands on wrong runway, raising safety concerns

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    A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight recently landed on the wrong runway, raising concerns about aviation safety and operational protocols. The incident occurred when the pilot, reportedly miscommunicating with air traffic control, veered off the assigned landing path and touched down on an unapproved runway. Whilst no injuries were reported, the mishap has prompted an internal investigation by PIA and aviation authorities. Critics argue this reflects ongoing issues within the airline, including pilot training and adherence to safety standards. PIA has faced scrutiny in the past, and this latest incident underscores the urgency for improved oversight and procedural compliance.

  • The Weeknd donates $1 million to LA Wildfire Fund

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    In a generous act of philanthropy, Canadian artist The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) has pledged one million to the Los Angeles Wildfire Fund to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping across Southern California. The donation underscores The Weeknd’s continued commitment to giving back to communities in need, especially during times of crisis.

    The Wildfires: A growing crisis

    California’s wildfire season has grown increasingly intense in recent years, with the 2023 fires being some of the most destructive on record. These blazes have consumed thousands of acres of land, forced the evacuation of entire communities, and caused significant property damage. The environmental and human toll is immense, with many residents losing their homes and livelihoods in the blink of an eye.

    In response to the urgency of the situation, local relief efforts have been ramped up, and several high-profile individuals and organisations have stepped in to offer financial support. The Weeknd’s substantial contribution is part of this collective effort to provide immediate relief, rebuild affected communities, and help those who have lost everything in the fires.

    A longstanding commitment to charitable giving

    This donation is just the latest in a series of philanthropic efforts by The Weeknd. Over the years, the multi-platinum artist has supported various causes, including social justice initiatives, disaster relief, and health-related causes. His charity work is driven by a desire to help marginalised communities and those who are facing difficult circumstances.

    In 2020, The Weeknd donated $500,000 to support COVID-19 relief efforts, as well as another $300,000 to the Black Lives Matter movement. His contributions often go beyond the monetary, as he has also used his platform to raise awareness for a variety of causes, from racial equality to mental health awareness.

    A message of solidarity

    The Weeknd’s donation to the LA Wildfire Fund is a clear message of solidarity with the people of California, particularly those in the Los Angeles area who are experiencing the devastation of the fires firsthand. In his public statement, The Weeknd expressed deep sympathy for the affected families and communities, emphasising that the funds would help to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery support.

    He said, “I am deeply saddened by the impact these fires have had on the people of Southern California. As a member of this community, I feel it’s important to do what I can to help those in need. This donation is a small step, but I hope it can make a meaningful difference as we all come together to rebuild and support one another.”

    The role of the LA Wildfire Fund

    The LA Wildfire Fund, a key beneficiary of The Weeknd’s donation, plays a critical role in providing resources for those affected by the wildfires. The fund supports emergency response teams, provides immediate financial assistance to those displaced by the fires, and funds the long-term rebuilding efforts necessary to restore communities ravaged by the blazes.

    In addition to financial contributions, the fund also works to raise awareness about fire prevention, as well as the environmental and ecological impacts of these increasingly frequent disasters. Through collaborations with local government agencies, non-profits, and other organisations, the LA Wildfire Fund is at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the effects of future wildfires.

    The bigger picture

    The Weeknd’s $1 million donation is more than just a charitable contribution; it highlights the larger role that celebrities and public figures can play in mobilising resources for critical causes. In a world where natural disasters seem to occur with increasing frequency, the need for global cooperation and local support systems has never been more urgent.

    Photo: W Mag

    As The Weeknd continues to use his platform for positive change, his donation is a reminder that each act of kindness, no matter the scale, can have a significant impact in times of crisis. With the continued support of individuals like him, the hope remains that communities affected by the California wildfires—and similar disasters worldwide—can rebuild and recover, stronger than before.

  • Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis announce third annual Music Maker grants

    Presented by BMAC, ASCAP, and Wasserman Foundation

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    The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, proudly announce the third annual BMAC x Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Music Maker Grants, powered by ASCAP, to be awarded at a “ReStore & ReBuild LA” fundraiser on Wednesday January 29, 2025 in Los Angeles. Funds raised at the event will benefit the BMAC LA Fire Relief Fund, building on BMAC’s five years of direct economic empowerment programs and set to disperse immediate funds to residents and small businesses of the Los Angeles area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. Support and learn more about the fund via this link. BMAC and the legendary duo will also present their annual grants to emerging Black music talents selected from a nationwide search at the event, presented by BMAC, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, ASCAP, and Wasserman Foundation, with support from Amazon Music Rotation, Def Jam, Harbourview Equity Partners, and IAG. In addition to the opportunity to raise funds to support the LA Fires relief efforts, the event will provide an opportunity to support local Black-owned businesses in Los Angeles at a critical time.

    The yearly Music Maker awards launched in 2023 in honour of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’s induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and celebrated emerging songwriter/artist Mondaii as the first Music Maker Grant recipient. As part of a shared commitment to create equity in music, the Music Maker program provides financial support, mentorship, studio time and networking opportunities to Black music producers and songwriters from across the United States. The 2025 Music Maker Grant recipients will be announced at the event, and BMAC leadership and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will present the honours to the awardees.

    Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, BMAC Co-Founder + President & CEO says, “Black Music Action Coalition is proud to continue our partnership with the incomparable Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to celebrate the future of the music industry and to create a night of healing to raise funds for Los Angeles fire relief efforts. Our annual gathering, kicking off GRAMMY Week, is where we will announce this year’s BMAC x Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant recipients as well as raise funds to benefit the BMAC LA Fire Relief Fund, an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses of the Los Angeles area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires. We hope to address immediate needs of Los Angeles residents, support local businesses and musicians in need of revenue, and to continue our ongoing work to create access and opportunities for the the next generation of songwriters, producers and Artists, emphasising the importance of not only restoring businesses and rebuilding homes, but restoring hope and rebuilding the spirit.”

    Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis add, “Music is a divine art that has always played a vital role in healing during times of adversity. From ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ to ‘We Are the World’, ‘Wake Up Everybody’, and our own ‘Optimistic’, songs have the power to uplift and raise our spirits while also providing critical financial support for rebuilding. We encourage these young music makers to create the soundtrack for recovery and healing.”

    In 2024, the BMAC x Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Music Maker Dinner was a convergence of music industry titans and renowned artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Babyface, Flavor Flav and Victoria Monét. The night included an impromptu jam session of artists Teedra Moses, Tank, Babyface, Kenny Burns and Flavor Flav jumping up to join for Jam & Lewis hits, in addition to the presentation of the 2024 grant to recipients ZXIRE and Mikaili Ector and the announcement of the BMAC x Victoria Monet Music Maker Grant, expanding the Music Maker Grant platform. Prior events have been attended by the likes of Earving “Magic” Johnson, Giveon, Kenya Barris, Jesse Collins, Sugar Ray Leonard, Stokley, Holly Robinson Peete, Chante Moore, Harvey Mason Jr, Yvette Nicole Brown, Shawn “Tubby” Holiday, John “Big Jon” Platt, Stephen Hill, Alex Avant, and more. Since its announcement in 2022, the BMAC Music Maker Grant program has been featured in Variety, VIBE, HITS, and more.

    BMAC is an advocacy organisation formed to address systemic racism within the music business on behalf of Black artists, songwriters, producers, managers, agents, executives, lawyers and other passionate industry professionals. Since its inception, BMAC has provided direct economic relief and empowerment through partnerships with The Academy of Country Music via the ‘On Ramp’ programme, giving $1,000 a month and mentorship support to emerging Black artists and industry executives in Nashville, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame via the ‘Guaranteed Income Program’, giving $1,000 a month and mentorship support to emerging Black artists and industry executives nationwide, artist Gunna via the Gunna x BMAC 30349 Guaranteed Income Program, providing a $500K investment to support thirty families in need in Fulton County, Georgia, and more. With the annual Music Maker Grant, BMAC continues their efforts to reinforce and champion the contributions Black artists have made in shaping the history of our society.

  • Wendy Williams vehemently denies being cognitively impaired

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    In a recent interview on “The Breakfast Club”, former talk show host Wendy Williams, 60, vehemently denied being cognitively impaired, despite her 2023 diagnoses of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. She described her court-ordered guardianship as feeling like imprisonment, stating, “I am not cognitively impaired, but I feel like I am in prison.” Williams detailed her isolation in a New York care facility, surrounded by elderly patients, with restricted access to communication devices and limited contact with family. Her niece, Alex Finnie, supported her claims, highlighting the emotional toll of her confinement. Williams’ son, Kevin Hunter Jr, also emphasised her desire to return home, suggesting that isolation is more detrimental than her actual ailments.

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  • Barbie honours late R&B icon Aaliyah with collectible item on posthumous 46th birthday

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    Barbie has introduced a new collector’s doll honoring the late R&B icon Aaliyah, coinciding with what would have been her forty-sixth birthday on January 16, 2025. This addition to Barbie’s Music Collector Series pays tribute to Aaliyah’s enduring influence on music and fashion. The doll’s design draws inspiration from Aaliyah’s ensemble in her ‘One in a Million’ music video. It features a black faux leather outfit with studded lace-up details, a zippered vest, and signature sunglasses, capturing her distinctive style. Aaliyah’s brother, Rashad Haughton, collaborated with Barbie’s design team to ensure the doll authentically represents her legacy.

    Reflecting on their childhood, Haughton recalled, “I can vividly remember my sister playing with her favourite Barbie dolls for hours when we were kids. She would make them sing, dance, and perform little concerts.”

    He believes this tribute aligns with Barbie’s mission to inspire confidence and self-belief, qualities that Aaliyah embodied throughout her career.

    Aaliyah, often referred to as the “Princess of R&B”, made significant contributions to the music industry with hits like ‘Back & Forth’ and ‘One in a Million’. Her innovative sound and style continue to influence artists today. Barbie’s Music Collector Series has previously honoured legends such as Gloria Estefan, Elton John, and Stevie Nicks, and the inclusion of Aaliyah underscores her lasting impact.

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    Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, expressed hope that the Aaliyah Barbie serves as a powerful reminder to fans and collectors that, like Aaliyah, they can unlock their limitless potential and achieve their aspirations. The Aaliyah Barbie doll is available for purchase through digital retailers, including Mattel Shop, Walmart, and Amazon. This release not only celebrates Aaliyah’s legacy but also aims to inspire a new generation to pursue their dreams with confidence and authenticity.

  • Rick Ross hints at explosive collaboration with Nigeria’s PsychoYP

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    The global Hip-Hop community is abuzz as legendary rapper Rick Ross recently announced an upcoming collaboration with Nigeria’s rising Rap star, PsychoYP. Known for his deep, resonant voice and larger-than-life persona, Rick Ross, aka “The Boss”, described the partnership as a thrilling step in blending international sounds with Africa’s burgeoning Hip-Hop scene.

    In a candid video shared with fans, Rick Ross expressed his admiration for PsychoYP’s work, highlighting the Nigerian artist’s raw talent and the vibrancy he brings to the global Hip-Hop table. Ross emphasised that this collaboration is more than just a song—it’s a fusion of two distinct yet complementary styles, bridging continents through music.

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    PsychoYP: Nigeria’s Rap prodigy

    PsychoYP, a trailblazer in the African Hip-Hop movement, has been steadily making waves with his distinctive flow and genre-defying approach to Rap. Representing a new wave of African artists who are reshaping global music narratives, PsychoYP has carved a niche for himself through his relentless work ethic and undeniable talent. His partnership with Rick Ross marks a defining moment, not only for his career but also for Nigerian hip-hop’s recognition on the world stage.

    The promise of a global anthem

    Whilst details about the track are under wraps, fans expect a powerful blend of Rick Ross’s luxurious beats and PsychoYP’s vibrant energy. Ross teased that the song would showcase the “boss mentality” both artists embody, leaving listeners inspired and eager for more.

    This collaboration signifies a growing trend of international stars joining forces with African artists, spotlighting the continent’s immense creative potential. For Rick Ross, the partnership is a natural progression of his ongoing love for African culture and his efforts to foster connections across the global music scene.

    The growing influence of African artists

    As Afrobeats, African Hip-Hop, and other African genres continue to gain global traction, collaborations like this reinforce the idea that music transcends borders. Rick Ross and PsychoYP’s joint project exemplifies the universal language of Hip-Hop, resonating with audiences worldwide.

    The track is highly anticipated and poised to become a cultural moment, not just a song. Fans from Lagos to Miami are eager to witness this dynamic duo’s creation. Whether it becomes a club anthem, a motivational track, or a lyrical masterpiece, one thing is certain: the world is watching.

    Stay tuned as Rick Ross and PsychoYP prepare to unleash a collaboration that could redefine international Hip-Hop collaborations.

  • YouTube star MrBeast’s bold bid to acquire TikTok sparks industry buzz

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    Popular YouTuber and entrepreneur MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, the global short-form video platform. Known for his groundbreaking content and innovative business ventures, MrBeast’s potential acquisition would mark a seismic shift in social media ownership. With TikTok facing scrutiny and regulatory hurdles, the move could stabilise the platform while enhancing its creator-centric ethos. MrBeast’s established expertise in captivating Gen Z audiences aligns perfectly with TikTok’s user base. Whilst financial and operational challenges loom, this bold endeavour could redefine the future of digital entertainment. Industry insiders are watching closely as talks unfold.

    @mrbeast TikTok check your inbox @TikTok ♬ original sound – MrBeast

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  • Drake dismisses lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Spotify

    It looks like the lawsuit against UMG and iHeartRadio remains active.

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    Drake has officially withdrawn his legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify concerning Kendrick Lamar’s diss track ‘Not Like Us’. The petition, filed in November 2024, accused UMG and Spotify of artificially inflating the song’s popularity through methods like bots, undisclosed payments, and biased recommendations, alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and deceptive business practices. UMG and Spotify denied these allegations, asserting that fans determine music popularity. Whilst Drake has retracted this specific petition, a separate legal action against UMG and iHeartRadio, alleging defamation and pay-to-play schemes, remains active.

  • GRAMMYs to “proceed as planned” with the 67th annual awards

    The 67th GRAMMY Awards, scheduled for February 2, 2025, will proceed as planned in Los Angeles, despite the ongoing wildfires that have devastated the region. The Recording Academy has announced that this year’s ceremony will focus on raising funds for wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery of first responders.

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    In light of the crisis, several major record labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Group, have cancelled their GRAMMY Week events. The resources allocated for these celebrations are being redirected to support communities affected by the fires.

    The Recording Academy and its affiliated charity, MusiCares, have pledged $1 million to aid musicians and music industry professionals impacted by the wildfires. This initiative, known as the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, aims to address both immediate and long-term needs of those affected. Additionally, several celebrities have made significant contributions to support relief efforts. Beyoncé, through her BeyGOOD foundation, has donated $2.5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Relief Fund, targeting immediate relief and longer-term rebuilding within the Altadena/Pasadena communities.

    The GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live from the Crypto.com Arena, with organisers working closely with local authorities to ensure safety and efficient use of resources. The ceremony will not only celebrate musical achievements but also serve as a platform to support the city’s recovery and honour those who have risked their lives during this crisis.

  • K-pop group NewJeans sued by record label

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    In a significant escalation of the ongoing dispute between K-pop girl group NewJeans and their management label, ADOR—a subsidiary of HYBE—has filed a preliminary injunction to prevent the group from engaging in independent promotional activities without company approval. This legal action, submitted to the Seoul Central District Court, follows ADOR’s December 3, 2024, lawsuit seeking judicial confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contracts with NewJeans. The label contends that the group’s attempts to unilaterally terminate their contracts and pursue independent advertising agreements have caused confusion and potential harm to third parties, including advertisers.

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    The conflict became public on November 28, 2024, when NewJeans held a press conference announcing their departure from ADOR, citing “mistreatment” and “manipulation” by the agency. Member Hanni stated that ADOR “has neither the ability nor the will to protect” NewJeans, and that remaining with the agency would only prolong their psychological distress. In response, ADOR maintained that the exclusive contracts remain in full effect and expressed a desire for open communication with the group. The label emphasized that unilateral termination of contracts without proper legal procedures could undermine trust and investment in the K-pop industry.

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    Despite the legal proceedings, ADOR asserts its commitment to supporting NewJeans, stating that it continues to provide necessary resources and has plans for future activities, including a studio album release and fan meetings. The label has expressed its intent to fully communicate with the NewJeans members as these plans progress. This case highlights the complexities of artist-management relationships in the K-pop industry and may set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.