GRUNGECAKE

Category: News

  • 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.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg-R6lt6PV8&h=315]

  • US airlines ordered to ignore ‘X’ gender-neutral passport markers amid federal policy clash

    In a move that heightens tensions around gender identity and travel bureaucracy, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has instructed US airlines to ignore the “X” gender marker on passports, demanding instead that travellers hold a passport marked “M” or “F”.

    The “X” marker—introduced for non-binary or gender-neutral identification, actually introduced in 2022 during the Joe Biden administration—is being sidelined under an executive order from Donald Trump. The order—titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”—lays down the policy that only the male and female sexes exist at the federal level.

    Existing passports bearing “X” remain technically valid, but the new policy creates a disparity: Those renewing or applying for a US passport must choose either “M” or “F”, based on what the administration designates as “biological sex at birth”.

    Legal advocates caution that the shift may sow confusion—especially at airline check-in desks or border crossings—since travellers holding an “X” marker could encounter questions even if their documents remain lawful.

    Critics argue the policy abandons practical recognition of non-binary and gender-diverse individuals in favour of a stricter binary framework.

    One attorney noted the effect: “They are trying to throw us into a state of reactivity so that we’re not able to focus on practical advocacy and the material needs of our communities.”

    For travellers and industry alike, the directive introduces a layer of uncertainty. Airlines must now align operationally with CBP’s guidance despite the international norm—and the personal reality for many—of non-binary gender markers. Meanwhile, the broader policy battle over how federal systems recognise gender continues.

  • Beyoncé turns heads whilst shopping in Qatar wearing traditional hijab (See photo)

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    The music icon was spotted earlier this week in Doha, Qatar, stepping into a sleek, all-black ensemble paired with a traditional headscarf. According to reports, she visited a location of Yves Saint Laurent inside one of the city’s major shopping malls, wandering through the store’s windows and browsing, though she wasn’t seen walking out with bags in hand.

    It’s an interesting moment on several levels. First: The look. Beyoncé opting for a headscarf and full-coverage outfit is more than a fashion statement—it nods to local cultural norms and shows a kind of respect or awareness in how she presents herself abroad. Second: The context. With her tour wrapped up and less in the public concert mode, this more subdued shopping appearance gives us a peek at one of her quieter “off-duty” moments—even if she can’t quite hide.

    Some questions for us to chew on: Was this purely leisure, or perhaps part of a larger trip? (There are reports she’s travelling with her partner, JAY Z, though he wasn’t spotted in the store.)

    Also, will this influence her aesthetic going forward? Artists often lean into travel-inspired elements in their next big project.

    In any case, Beyoncé’s Qatar outing reminds us how celebrity, culture, travel, and fashion continue to mix in unexpected ways. She still commands attention—just maybe from a quieter aisle.

  • Kim Kardashian opens up about “really sad” moment during relationship with Pete Davidson

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    Kim Kardashian recently revealed a deeply emotional memory from her time dating Pete Davidson, saying there was a moment she felt he was being treated unfairly and that it left her heartbroken. The 44-year-old shared the story during her appearance on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast with Alex Cooper, describing how Kanye West’s 2022 music video for ‘Eazy’ played a big role in that moment.

    In the video, Kanye’s depiction of Davidson—using claymation to show him being kidnapped and buried alive—was something Kardashian said made her “feel really sad”.

    She explained:

    “That really wasn’t fair for him… I felt so sad and sorry for him.”

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6wCuvvaRPI&h=315]

    She spoke of Davidson’s composure in that difficult moment, saying he told her, “Don’t worry, it’s all good”, or at least tried to act that way.

    Kardashian admitted that the episode affected her approach to dating going forward: She’s wary of anyone she becomes close with being vulnerable to scrutiny or attacks from exes. She noted that it’s easier “if I just, maybe stay away” from people who might end up in that kind of position, though she also acknowledged that she can’t live her life with total avoidance.

    She added that currently it’s more of a “non-issue”, and she doesn’t expect Davidson—or others—to say something, but she can’t entirely predict what might happen. Kardashian and Davidson dated from October 2021 to August 2022.

    This candid reflection gives insight into how public relationships, personal boundaries, and past family dynamics continue to shape how Kardashian thinks about romance and emotional safety.

  • D4vd’s former landlord hires private investigator in ongoing Tesla corpse case

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    In a perplexing and tragic turn of events, the landlord of the Los Angeles home previously rented by rising artist D4vd has reportedly engaged a private investigator to dig deeper into the discovery of a teen’s remains in the trunk of D4vd’s impounded Tesla.

    The remains belonged to fifteen‑year‑old Celeste Rivas, whose body was recovered weeks ago in a case that has shocked music fans and the public alike. Whilst the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) continues its official investigation, the homeowner, Mladen Trifunovic, has expressed frustration at being left in the dark. He states that he “hasn’t heard anything from police” and that the private investigator is working, but has no findings to share yet.

    Trifunovic also emphasised his desire to “respect both the LAPD’s investigation and the memory of the victim.” The police, for their part, say this remains an open, ongoing case. They have confirmed that D4vd is not currently a suspect, and that the cause and manner of Rivas’ death have not yet been determined. Law enforcement has noted that the fatality likely occurred weeks before the remains were found.

    The relationship—if any—between Celeste Rivas and D4vd remains murky.

    As the homeowner’s private investigation proceeds alongside the LAPD’s efforts, the music community and the public await clarity and justice for Rivas and her family. The case underscores the collision of fame, tragedy, and legal scrutiny—and raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in high‑profile investigations.

  • Kevin Federline claims Britney called Justin Timberlake night before their wedding

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    In a juicy turn from his upcoming memoir ‘You Thought You Knew’, Kevin Federline alleges that on the eve of his 2004 wedding to Britney Spears, she made a surprise late-night phone call to ex Justin Timberlake. He says he was blindsided by the call, confronting Britney and warning her he wasn’t going through with the marriage if she wasn’t truly past Justin.

    According to Kevin, Britney brushed off his concern, framing the call as a “final send-off” to close that chapter. He admits that, back then, he was deeply in, but he was unsettled by what he took to be lingering feelings. Britney’s team has pushed back. They argue Kevin is leveraging her name to boost publicity around his memoir, especially as his child support obligations have ended. They stress her focus is on their sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, and accuse Kevin of sensationalism.

    This revelation opens fresh cracks in a relationship long subjected to public scrutiny, raising questions about motive, memory, and ownership of narrative. Kevin, now wielding the role of chronicler, appears eager to peel back layers of romance, doubt, and secrecy. Britney, meanwhile, seems positioned to guard her version of events, prioritising the welfare of her children over the shifting tides of talk.

  • TikTok star Mainly Mannie reveals HIV diagnosis and faces $4K monthly treatment costs

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    TikTok creator Mainly Mannie publicly revealed an HIV diagnosis in mid-October, sharing the news via videos made in a hospital setting. He explained that he lost his ability to walk before discovering the diagnosis, and as of his update, he’s in rehabilitation trying to relearn movement. He emphasised that, after beginning treatment, he feels “way better” and closer to his former self, saying, “I feel like me.”

    The cost of his treatment is steep: Roughly $4,000 per month, which prompted Mannie to launch a GoFundMe campaign. So far, donations—including small and large contributions—have already totalled over $12,000. In the videos, he expresses gratitude, acknowledging that the generosity gives him hope for “a better future”.

    What interests me about this moment is how it lives at the intersection of vulnerability, public identity, and health justice. Mannie is a content creator with a platform—he’s able to tell his truth, but he also confronts medical costs that many people face behind closed doors. The spectacle of needing crowdfunding for essential treatment underscores structural gaps in healthcare systems, especially for marginalised or precarious earners.

    At the same time, his disclosure carries social weight: It challenges stigma around HIV, normalises conversations about chronic illness, and reminds followers that “internet fame” doesn’t insulate one from suffering. But with that comes risk—criticism, invasion of privacy, judgment.

    I see this as a kind of reckoning: Mannie is asking his audience to witness him in his brokenness, to see both the body and the person. Whether or not people rally, his act of showing up as flawed is itself a form of courage.

  • Nicki Minaj faces loss of $20M Hidden Hills home over assault judgment

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    Nicki Minaj may be in danger of losing her Los Angeles mansion—valued at about $20 million—to satisfy a court judgment stemming from a 2019 assault claim. The plaintiff, Thomas Weidenmüller (who had worked in security at one of Minaj’s concerts in Germany), alleges that Kenneth Petty—Minaj’s husband—struck him unexpectedly, breaking his jaw and requiring eight surgeries. A default judgment awarded Weidenmüller $503,318 in damages. The plaintiff, Thomas Weidenmüller (who had worked in security at one of Minaj’s concerts in Germany), alleges that Kenneth Petty—Minaj’s husband—struck him unexpectedly, breaking his jaw and requiring eight surgeries. A default judgment awarded Weidenmüller $503,318 in damages.

    Weidenmüller’s legal team says repeated demands for payment were ignored, prompting them to petition the court to put Minaj’s Hidden Hills estate up for sale. The property reportedly carries a $13,258,000 mortgage lien and a homestead exemption of approximately $722,151, leaving an estimated $6 million of equity–more than enough, according to the papers, to satisfy the judgment and accrued costs.

    Attorneys for the plaintiff argue that Minaj’s considerable net worth (estimated between $150 million and $190 million) underscores her ability—and obligation—to settle. Minaj and Petty, as of the latest report, have not publicly responded. This development adds a legal dimension to Minaj’s public narrative. Whether the court approves a forced sale, or Minaj arranges payment another way, remains to be seen.

  • D’Angelo, the iconic 4X GRAMMY-winning R&B/Soul legend, has passed away

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    GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter D’Angelo has died at age 51, <a href="http://TMZ reports. The cause of death is being reported as pancreatic cancer, with the announcement coming Tuesday morning in New York City.

    Bursting onto the scene in 1995 with ‘Brown Sugar’, D’Angelo helped redefine the sound of modern Neo-Soul, blending raw vocal emotion with deeply layered musicianship. Over his career, he earned four GRAMMY Awards—including Best R&B Album for ‘Voodoo’ (2001) and ‘Black Messiah’ (2016), and honours for ‘Really Love’ and ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’. His ‘How Does It Feel’ video remains a cultural touchstone for its starkness and vulnerability.

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

    Colleagues across genres remember him as a rare creative soul. He worked with JAY Z, Q-Tip, and Snoop Dogg, among others, forging bridges between Hip-Hop, Soul, and Experimental soundscapes. Just last year, Raphael Saadiq revealed that D’Angelo was working on new material—“six pieces”, he said, and with renewed enthusiasm.

    He is survived by two sons and a daughter. Notably, his first child’s mother was singer Angie Stone, who passed away earlier this year in a car accident. The void his absence leaves is both musical and human—for fans, for family, and for a generation who heard in his voice something larger than genre.

    In the coming days, we can expect to hear more reflections, tributes, and archival reissues. For now: Rest in peace, D’Angelo—Your music still speaks.

  • Andra Day, ex-manager locked in high-stakes legal war over royalties

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    GRAMMY Award-winning performer Andra Day and her former manager, Jeffrey Evans, are now suing each other for what looks like six-figure (and possibly million-dollar) sums, centered on alleged missing royalties, contract breaches, and accounting disputes.

    In court documents obtained by TMZ, Day accuses Evans and his companies—Buskin LLC and BassLine Management—of “misappropriating her funds” and treating her career finances as their own. Included in her claims: $600,000 withheld from her Warner Bros debut album funds in 2015; failure to segregate her publishing income into a separate account; and extravagant spending covered by her resources.

    This alleged mismanagement, she says, spans a fourteen-year relationship: She signed with Evans in 2011 (introduced via Stevie Wonder’s wife) and only formally terminated the agreement in March 2025.

    On terminating the deal, Day filed notice she intended to sue for breach of contract and is seeking roughly $1,599,903.98.

    Evans, for his part, claims he acted above board. In his filing, he says his companies provided annual financial statements and have already paid Day more than required under the contract. He counters that he is owed around $850,000.

    This legal duel pits two narratives: One of a rising artist allegedly deprived of revenue she’s due, and another of a manager asserting his own right to compensation. Neither side seems ready to back down. Stay tuned—this could get messy (and public).