GRUNGECAKE

Category: News

  • Killer Mike announces new album ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners & Saints’: See tracklist

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    Killer Mike, the famous Atlanta-native rapper I watched on my television screen as a young person in the ‘Kryptonite’ video, announced his next album: Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners & Saints. The album has ten records and features fellow musicians Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden Adonica Nunn, Jori, Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles, Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Key Glock and Project Pat.

    Less than thirty minutes ago, about the album, Killer typed the following message to his Instagram followed by two million people,

    “When I was growing up an important part of church service was people having the opportunity to stand up and give public testimony on their trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

    After the celebratory atmosphere that followed MICHAEL I was reminded that tribulations never cease, but God is always with me and this is a testimonial of my tumultuous times, my trials, and my continued triumph in spite of doubt, outright hate, and fear.

    I am here to speak to and with my fellow sinners and Saints this Friday at Midnight ATL time. Pre save link in bio!”

    The multiple GRAMMY Award-winning star’s next album will be out on Friday, August 2. If you are in New York City on Wednesday, July 31, you can see the Hip-Hop star celebrate and perform live at his residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club. The show starts at 10:30 PM local time.

    ‘Michael & The Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners & Saints’ tracklist

    1 Bussin Bricks Intro

    2 Nobody Knows (featuring Anthony Hamilton, Jordan Alyssa, Troy Durden & Adonica Nunn)

    3 Humble Me

    4 Higher Level (featuring Jori & Adonica Nunn)

    5 Exit 9 Scenic Route (featuring Offset, Blxst, Lena Byrd Miles & Troy Durden)

    6 Lord Prepare Me (featuring Bellygang Kush, Jane Handcock, Adonica Nunn)

    7 Slummer 4 Junkies (featuring Lena Byrd Miles, Alicia Peters-Jordan, Jori, Adonica Nunn, Jordan Alyssa & Troy Durden)

    8 Had to Go Get It (featuring Troy Durden)

    9 ’97 3-6 Freestyle

    10 Still Talk’n That Shit (featuring Key Glock & Project Pat)

  • Lady Gaga confirms engagement to longtime boyfriend Michael Polansky: See video

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    According to PEOPLE Magazine, global popstar Lady Gaga confirmed her engagement to her longtime boyfriend, Michael Polansky. The article states that the thirteen GRAMMY Award winner introduced the entrepreneur/tech investor as her fiancé to French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal shared in a video he posted to his TikTok on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

    @gabriel_attal

    Thank you Lady Gaga for your stunning performance at the opening ceremony. It was breathtaking. 🤩🫶

    ♬ son original – Gabriel Attal

    https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js

    The couple have been together since 2020 and went public shortly after. He has been present for her public engagements, including her performance for President Joe Biden’s inauguration (2021) in Washington, DC. She was engaged to marry twice before her relationship with Michael Polansky —to Christian Carino and Taylor Kinney.

    Lady Gaga was in Paris to perform at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

  • The 67th Annual New York Emmy Awards nominations announced

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    The 67th Annual New York Emmy Award nominations were announced on July 26, 2024, at the LIVE with Kelly and Mark studio at WABC-TV. Hosting the announcement was NY Emmy Awards Chair and PIX 11 Senior Correspondent Mavin Scott. Presenting the nominations were NJ Burkett – WABC-TV, Virginia Huie – Newsday, Jonathan Inoa – WXTV Univision 41, Errol Louis – Spectrum News NY 1, Monica Morales – PIX 11, Jessica Moore – WCBS-TV, Fernando Cardenas Pena – HITN, Lisa Salvadorini – News 12, Marvin Scott PIX 11, Allan Villafana – WNJU Telemundo 41, Sarah Wallace – WNBC-TV and MaryAlice Williams – NJ PBS.

    The 2nd Annual NY Emmy Sports Awards Ceremony will take place on October 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel and the 67th Annual Emmy Awards will be presented on October 26 at the New York Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway New York, New York 10036. The 67th Gala is divided into two ceremonies, The Creative Arts Ceremony and the 67th Annual NY Emmy Awards Gala.

    The lists of nominated entries for all three ceremonies are attached via this link.

  • Mars Food and Nutrition expands portfolio with the launch of Ben’s Original Street Food

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    Ben’s Original, proudly part of Mars, is expanding its portfolio and launching its latest innovation, Ben’s Original Street Food, taking the industry leader in rice known for its side dishes to the centre of the plate. This new range of entrées is now available across North America in four delicious, bold flavours. And for a limited time, United States fans have the chance to win a Ben’s Original Street Food lunch delivery right to their doorstep, plus, they can enter to win a grand prize trip to New Orleans for a unique culinary experience.

    The Ben’s Original Street Food innovation delivers convenience and is the perfect solution for those days when you’re short on time but you’re craving a tasty and flavour-packed dish. Ready in just ninety seconds in the microwave, each bowl of Ben’s Original Street Food is bursting with mouthwatering flavours that transport your taste buds around the world. These convenient and delicious options are packed with fibre and protein, making them the perfect satisfying dish for busy schedules. They are also a versatile choice for lunches, quick dinners and late-night cravings.

  • Ben’s Original™ Street Food Jamaican Jerk Style Red Beans & Rice with Chicken: A bold jerk flavour with chicken, long grain rice, vegetables, red kidney beans and jerk seasoning in a hearty bean and rice bowl.
  • Ben’s Original Street Food Gumbo with Chicken Andouille Sausage: A comforting gumbo stew with zesty chicken andouille sausage, long grain brown rice, tomatoes, celery, okra and peppers.
  • Ben’s Original™ Street Food Fried Rice with Vegetables: A delicious rice bowl with savoury soy sauce, long grain rice, and vegetables including carrots, corn, peas and red bell peppers.
  • Ben’s Original™ Street Food Bean & Rice Burrito Bowl: Mexican-inspired flavours in a hearty bowl with long grain rice, corn, black beans, poblano peppers and tomatoes.

    • “We are excited to introduce our newest innovation that responds to the changing needs of consumers”, said Angie Madigan, Vice President of Marketing at Mars Food & Nutrition North America. “With Ben’s Original Street Food, we are offering delicious meals that suit their fast-paced lifestyles. This innovation puts Ben’s Original at the heart of the plate, not just the side. We are increasing our presence at retail stores.”

    According to Square’s Spring 2024 Quarterly Restaurant Report, “Midday food spending has decreased 3.3% nationally compared to 2019.” To reinforce the importance of a delicious workday lunch and celebrate the new Ben’s Original Street Food, the brand is inviting all busy fans to replace their sad lunches with a delivery of Ben’s Original Street Food right to their doorstep.

    Starting today at 11 AM EST, Ben’s Original will be delivering its new Ben’s Original Street Food product in real-time to select fans in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to their homes or workplaces until 6 PM EST, or while supplies last. Fans across the United States. who aren’t located in these cities will also have a chance to receive samples via mail. For a chance to receive a Ben’s Original Street Food entrée by delivery or mail, fans can submit details about their bland and boring lunches by visiting this link or by checking out @bensoriginalusa on Instagram.

    Participants will also have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a grand prize trip to New Orleans for a memorable culinary experience. While in New Orleans, the winner and a guest will be able to participate in a New Orleans Food Tour in the French Quarter where their tastebuds can explore a variety of local fare and flavors. Fans can simply snap a picture of their Ben’s Original Street Food entrée and share it on their Instagram, tagging @bensoriginalusa and using the hashtag #BensOriginalStreetFoodSweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize.

    Investment in this new range of ready meals is part of an exciting next chapter for Mars Food & Nutrition and its mission to enable healthier and more flavourful eating to become part of people’s daily lives. Mars Food & Nutrition is redefining the future of eating and accelerating its growth to support a world where more people can access healthy and tasty food.

    By investing in innovation across its brand portfolio, Mars Food & Nutrition has brought award-winning new products to consumers’ plates, including Ben’s Original™ Plant Powered, Ben’s Original™ 10 Medley and Ben’s Original™ One Pan Creations. It has also been acquiring fast-growing trailblazing businesses such as Kevin’s Natural Foods, a nutritious meal company helping to empower even the busiest people to eat clean without sacrificing flavour.

    Ben’s Original Street Food comes hot on the heels of the launch of the brand’s new cupboard-ready meal range in the United Kingdom, including Ben’s Original Lunch Bowls, a healthy range of tasty grain and vegetable bowls that can be enjoyed hot or cold, and Ben’s Original Favourites, a range of ready to eat, delicious rice-based dishes with familiar flavours from popular meals across the world.

  • NBA Africa and Agence Française De Développement launch Youth Development Programme in Kenya

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    NBA Africa and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France’s inclusive public financial institution committed to financing and technical assistance for projects that improve the lives of people in developing and emerging economies, today announced the launch of the Jr NBA & AFD Basketball Experience in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Basketball Experience is a youth development program that will feature weekly basketball and life-skills sessions to educate Kenyan youth about the importance of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

    The initiative builds on NBA Africa and AFD’s existing Basketball Experience programming in greater Casablanca, Morocco and Lagos, Nigeria, and aims to use basketball as a platform to promote social inclusion and inspire secondary school children as change makers in their local communities.

    To celebrate the announcement, NBA Africa and AFD today unveiled two refurbished outdoor basketball courts at Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) in Nairobi and hosted a basketball clinic for 150 boys and girls ages sixteen and under. The refurbished courts are expected to benefit more than a thousand boys and girls from the surrounding communities.

    The unveiling was attended by French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, AFD Kenya Country Director Bertrand Willocquet, NBA Kenya Senior Director and Country Operations Lead Michael Finley and NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations Kita Matungulu.

    “At AFD, we are team players. We strongly believe that greater impacts can be reached when we work together and connect”, said Willocquet. “The NBA was our first partner in the field of sport for development. Together, we have launched the Jr NBA & AFD Basketball Experience program that seeks to promote youth empowerment and improve access to sport for all.”

    “The launch of Jr NBA & AFD Basketball Experience reflects our commitment to making basketball more accessible to Kenyan youth and teaching them about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle”, said Finley. “Our selection of the KAS as the venue also speaks to our commitment to developing elite talent in Kenya. We thank AFD for sharing that commitment and look forward to positively impacting the boys and girls who participate in this program in the months and years to come.”

    The Jr NBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. Last year, Jr NBA programming directly reached more than 170,000 youth across Africa.

  • Lawrence Taylor, football Hall of Famer, arrested for failing to report address changes

    This week, Lawrence Taylor faced another arrest for not following conditions imposed on him as a registered sex offender. According to TMZ, the former football legend (ex-New York Giants star) turned himself in on Wednesday evening around 5 o’clock. He was jailed for failing to report changes linked to his residence. He was released Thursday morning (July 18). In 2021, he was locked up for a similar offence.

    His attorney, Mark Eiglash said the following in a statement:

    “My client, Lawrence Taylor, will be pleading ‘Not Guilty’ to the recent charges”, Eiglarsh said. “As with the previous incident involving the same allegations, Mr Taylor did not knowingly commit any criminal offense. This situation is a significant misunderstanding.”

    “We are confident that, once the prosecutors review the exculpatory evidence demonstrating Mr. Taylor’s innocence, he will once again achieve a favorable outcome.”

    Taylor was declared a sex offender in 2011 for being intimate with a sixteen-year-old girl.

  • Primary Wave Music and Downtown Music Services announce ‘Dinner at Mancini’s’

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    Today, Primary Wave Music and Downtown Music Services announced the release of ‘Dinner at Mancin’s’. In celebration of what would have been the late legendary composer’s hundredth birthday, the Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate. Thus, the release of a Lo-Fi celebratory retrospective twenty-six track album coming out Friday, August 30. The project features forty-plus of the top beatmakers, producers and instrumentalists across the Lo-Fi, Chill-Hop and Alternative Jazz universe from over fifteen countries, including Louk, Hippo Dreams, Melatone, UKDD, Nosmoh, Oatmello, and more. All twenty-six tracks will be mastered by Lo-Fi legend Glimlip, creating the perfect tribute, in honour of Henry Mancini’s musical legacy. The first single, ‘Lujon’, performed by Louk featuring Paul Grant, Jonah Levine, and time●bender, is now available to stream. 

     

    Dinner at Mancini’s Track List

    Days of Wine & Roses – Clifford & Paul Grant
    Peter Gunn – l’eupe
    Pink Panther – Soul Food Horns, Jonah Levine & luv pug
    Lujon – Louk featuring Jonah Levine, Paul Grant & time●bender
    Kelly’s Tune – Azayaka & Soul Food horns
    Slow & Easy – Nosmoh & Slug featuring Jonah Levine & luv pug
    A Quiet Gass – Rinze & Howden
    A Profound Gass – Howden, Signature D & Calvin Bennet
    Session At Pete’s Pad – Slug & Clifford
    Moon River – Jazzinuf, Hippo Dreams & Noé Mina
    Moon River (Reprise) – Slug & luv pug featruing time●bender, Louk & Jonah Levine
    Blue Satin – Anton, Superglue & Tonion
    Theme For Losers – Superglue & Anton
    Fluter’s Ball – UKDD, Paul Grant & Louk
    Tinpanola – Strehlow, Noé Mina & Slug
    Meglio Stasera – Soul Food Horns & Matt Wilde
    Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Louk, Søren Søstrom, Lazy Lief, Paul Grant & Farnell Newton
    Brief & Breezy – Ben Jammin’ Beats, Erwin Do, Farnell Newton & Berezy
    Baby Elephant Walk – 9ick, Slug & Rasmus Sørensen
    Dreamsville – 9ick, Soul Food Horns & Rasmus Sørensen
    The Brothers Go to Mothers – 9ick, Tamuz, Shaan Ramprasad, Rasmus Sørensen & Carlos Abril
    Mr Lucky Goes Latin – Noé Mina, delaney & Melatone
    Blue Mantilla – Oatmello, Hoffy, Louk, Paul Grant & Jonah Levine
    Sorta Blue – DYVN, overthemoon & Howden
    Oddball – Tah. / Ødyssee, Blumen / DLJ & Shoganai
    Champagne & Quail – Enluv, Club Diego, Honey mtn & Slug

    On Saturday, September 28, the Library of Congress in Washington, DC will honour Henry’s hundredth with a special concert event at the Library of Congress’ ‘Coolidge Theater’.

  • EMPIRE partners with León Y Sol Tequila

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    EMPIRE, the largest privately held vertically integrated independent record label, publisher, and distributor in the United States, has entered a multi-year strategic partnership and taken an equity stake in León Y Sol Tequila to bring music and the spirit of innovation together. The partnership debuted at EMPIRE’s annual brunch in celebration of the 2024 BET Awards and together the powerhouse label and rich tequila brand aim to amplify the creative community and cultural initiatives.

    EMPIRE was founded in San Francisco by Ghazi in 2010 as an alternative to the major label ecosystem and was quickly regarded as a tastemaker in the industry. Today, the label is a global force leading the charge across music, creative, a forward-thinking business model, and technological advancements based on consumer behaviour.

    León Y Sol was also founded in San Francisco making this collaboration seamless. It is a premium tequila brand crafted with traditional Mexican techniques and a modern twist, appealing to sophisticated consumers who appreciate quality spirits. With its smooth taste and elegant packaging, León Y Sol represents the new wave of luxury tequila brands, where a progressive liquor is born of ancient technique and the extraordinary influence of terroir. The product is available in 3,500 US outlets and online at leonysol.com.

    EMPIRE Founder/CEO, Ghazi, says: “EMPIRE and León Y Sol share a passion for creativity and community. Together we aim to celebrate our city’s vibrant culture and spirit by blending together the best of music and tequila for an unforgettable experience that brings people around the world together.”

    Alexandra Moore, EMPIRE’s Chief Business Officer, says “This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to build a distinguished brand in the tequila industry. Together, we are poised to redefine the market and deliver an unparalleled experience to our customers.” Moore will also be joining León Y Sol’s Board of Directors as part of the transaction.

    The Mahamat’s, founders of León Y Sol, say, “Tequila and music are about pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable moments. Our partnership with EMPIRE is a game-changer. Together, we’re not just blending spirits; we’re blending cultures and smashing expectations. We’re set to ignite a revolution in the tequila world, as we take bold steps to deliver unique, exhilarating experiences from the San Francisco Bay Area to beyond. This is just the beginning.”

    In the spirit of celebration and commitment culture, EMPIRE and León Y Sol offer a premium experience just in time for summer. Stay tuned for more elevated experiences to come that will suit every community from The Bay to the corners of the globe.

  • Post Kendrick Lamar’s explosive diss track ‘Not Like Us’, Mustard announces next single ‘Pray For Me’

    Mustard’s next album, ‘Faith of a Mustard Seed, is set to release on July 26, 2024.

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    Mustard, the award-winning producer and artist, returns with his second single, ‘Pray For Me’, from his highly-anticipated fourth studio album. Fresh off the heels of the release of his first single ‘Parking Lot’ featuring Travis Scott, ‘Pray For Me’ cements Mustard’s comeback after a five-year break, showcasing his rap debut with a deeply personal and vulnerable track.
    ‘Pray for Me’ opens with a Gospel-infused melody, setting a profound tone for Mustard’s introspective lyrics. The song begins with heartfelt tributes to influential figures from his upbringing, intertwined with prayers as gestures of respect. Mustard honours the collaborators who have been pivotal to his success, incorporating a recurring Gospel chorus of ‘Pray for Me’, which inspired the song’s title.

    As the track progresses, Mustard addresses the significant losses and challenges that have shaped his life. Midway through, the song transitions into a reflective narrative where Mustard delves into the origins and themes of his forthcoming album, ‘Faith of a Mustard Seed’. Drawing inspiration from the late Nipsey Hussle’s words and the biblical reference that “with the faith of a mustard seed, God will allow you to move mountains”, Mustard shares how his unwavering faith has helped him overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth.

    In addition to his reflections, Mustard offers insights into his spiritual journey and how faith has deepened his bond with his mother. The song culminates with an uplifting rhythm and melody, leaving a lasting impression on listeners and reinforcing the album’s message of perseverance and steadfast belief.

  • ‘Your Monster’: “A romantic-comedy-horror film about falling in love with your inner rage” (See official teaser poster)

    In the Caroline Lindy-directed movie, Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera) gets dumped by her boyfriend (Edmund Donovan). Bringing their long-term relationship to an end whilst she was recovering from surgery at her family’s home, he added insult to injury by going forward with a musical they developed together. It’s not all lost, though. She got something out of it — a new fuzzy “monster” friend (Tommy Dewey) living in her closet who encouraged her to follow her dreams, open her heart and fall in love with her inner rage.

    The movie stars Melissa Barrera, Tommy Dewey, Edmund Donovan, Kayla Foster, and Meghann Fahy. Kayla Foster, Shannon Reilly. Melanie Donkers, Kira Carstensen, and Caroline Lindy produced the film.

    Please see the official teaser poster in all its glory below. It is creative. Isn’t it? It will be in theatres only on October 25, 2024.

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