GRUNGECAKE

Category: Pop Culture

  • 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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  • TIME names WNBA star player Caitlin Clark TIME 100’s ‘Athlete of the Year’

    Caitlin Clark has been named “TIME 100’s Athlete of the Year for 2024”, a testament to her transformative impact on women’s basketball and sports culture. The twenty-two-year-old phenom has shattered records and redefined the fan experience during her illustrious career at the University of Iowa and now in the WNBA. Clark’s electrifying performances have captivated audiences, setting attendance and viewership records. She led Iowa to the 2023 NCAA Championship game, during which nearly ten million viewers tuned in—a milestone for women’s college basketball viewership. Her unparalleled scoring ability, including a record-breaking 191 points in the 2023 NCAA tournament, solidifies her as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

    Beyond statistics, Clark’s influence extends to boosting the sport’s visibility. Her games consistently draw massive live audiences, and she’s been credited with bringing newfound attention and respect to women’s basketball. TIME’s recognition celebrates her not just as an athlete, but as a cultural icon who has elevated women’s sports to unprecedented levels.

    From her collegiate stardom to her professional journey, Caitlin Clark continues to inspire young athletes while breaking barriers in sports. This accolade cements her place in history as a trailblazer redefining what’s possible on and off the court.

  • Miss America pageant’s operating company files for bankruptcy

    According to Bloomberg, Miss America Competition LLC owes an estimated four million dollars. The company seeks protection from its creditors, based on a filing made in the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Florida (West Palm Beach Division) on November 22. The business has faced difficulties maintaining cultural relevance in a post-feminist world. The Miss America pageant, as of now, is still scheduled between December 31, 2024, and January 5, 2025. Madison Marsh of Colorado will crown her successor, as the court ruled the pageant could continue operation with the ongoing litigation.

  • Taylor Swift rumoured to feature on Kendrick Lamar’s highly-anticipated next album

    According to the trending news online, Taylor Swift is rumoured to feature on Kendrick Lamar’s forthcoming album. Transparently, we do not have any inside information about what’s been swarming on the internet. If the globally recognised American recording artists do, it would be a reunion (of sorts). If you recall, the pair collaborated in 2014 on the American superstar’s track ‘Bad Blood’ from her incredible album ‘1989’ (originally). Let’s stay tuned to see if the two will release the alleged record or collaborate next year. It would be interesting to see if Kendrick Lamar releases his highly-anticipated album ahead of the Super Bowl or afterward.

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  • Lindsay Lohan shares new details about ‘Freakier Friday’, the sequel to ‘Freaky Friday’

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    Yesterday (November 17), Lindsay Lohan was a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Although she talked with Jimmy Fallon about other things like her memorable sketch on SNL and her famous secret handshake from The Parent Trap, Lohan discussed reconnecting with Jamie Lee Curtis for the sequel ‘Freakier Friday’ scheduled to release in August 2025.

    “Jamie and I, even at the table read, we were just smiling so big. I don’t think we were acting well because we were so happy. But, the movie is funny. It’s really funny.”

    Lohan also told Fallon that the band her character Anna Coleman fronted in the first film, ‘Pink Slip’, will reunite in ‘Freakier Friday’.

    “I’m telling you, it’s going to be a monster hit. I’m not going to tell you what it’s called because we’re in the middle of making it, but there are some old favourites played in this movie.”

    She continued, “Anna is grown up now. She has a teenage daughter, so there’s a lot going on in that relationship. Although Anna has calmed down a bit since she was a teenager.”

    Watch the clip, from 4:17 to see the American superstar spill the beans.

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  • Chidimma Adetshina—Nigerian beauty queen—to lose South African identity and travel documents

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    According to a BBC report, Chidimma Adesthina will lose her South African identity and travel documents. The Department of Home Affairs investigated her case after becoming a Miss South Africa pageant finalist. In August, she withdrew from the race. Her mother has been accused of committing “identity theft” to become a South African national.

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    The Department of Home Affairs announced the withdrawal of her identification papers to a parliament committee on Tuesday.

    In related news, Miss Universe is in Mexico representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition happening on November 16. She will compete against Mia le Roux, who won this year’s Miss South Africa contest.

  • Watch Shyne explain how he was “set up to be the fall guy” after 1999 nightclub shooting in new documentary trailer

    This week amid all the endless accusations against Sean Combs, also widely known as “Diddy”, Moses “Shyne” Barrow appears in Hulu’s documentary trailer to share his side of the story. In the official two-minute thirty-second trailer, the former Bad Boy Records artist and politician recounts the night his life changed forever. He was convicted of first-degree assault, which left three people injured. His former label CEO, Combs was charged with felony. Subsequently, Barrow served ten years in prison and was deported back to his home country, Belize.

    Last year, the two appeared onstage together before the Belizean rapper performed his hit records ‘Bonnie & Shyne’ and ‘Bad Boyz’ in London, England at a charity event. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs introduced him. If you’re asking yourself, “Why would Shyne continue to be seen or align himself with the main he claims set up him?” He has said that it was solely for the benefit of his country.

    “He was in the position at that time to give scholarships and maybe to invest. I would not deny attempting to bring the investment to Belize and bring the contributions to education.”

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    That’s good for Shyne because I can’t say that I know many people who would be so forgiving and selfless. I am glad he is his country’s Music and Goodwill Ambassador for that reason! He is Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives.

    It will be available for streaming exclusively on Hulu on November 18. Watch the official documentary trailer for ‘The Honorable Shyne’ below.

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  • Newcastle will be MOBO Awards’ host city next year

    Thw 2025 MOBO Awards is coming to Newcastle, England

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    The iconic MOBO Awards is excited to announce it is coming to the city of Newcastle for the first time ever! The ceremony is set to kick off the 2025 awards season, coming to you live from the Utilita Arena Newcastle on February 18, 2025. A passionate city bursting with pride, Newcastle is renowned for its charming Geordie spirit, as well as its vibrant nightlife and eclectic live music scene. Known for its rich industrial heritage, iconic landmarks like the Tyne Bridge, and its fervent football culture with Newcastle United, the city embodies both history and vibrancy. MOBO are delighted to be expanding to the North once again, continuing its tradition of bringing the MOBO Awards, along with exceptional music, talent, and culture, to cities and regions United Kingdom-wide.

    Ahead of the ceremony, MOBO is collaborating with Newcastle City Council to bring MOBO Fringe Festival – a series of activities and events celebrating Black music and culture in the host city, organised by the Council with members of the local community, North East music organisation, Generator, Glasshouse Centre for International Music, and Northern Roots. This year’s collaboration with Sheffield City Council resulted in a three-day programme leading up to the 2024 MOBO Awards – with a talent showcase, a music industry panel offering insight to creative talent, producers and industry execs, alongside the involvement of over 100 schools, exploring the impact of Black music and culture through a range of educational activities.

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    Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: “Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture, and a dynamic sense of community alongside an electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city. We are honoured to bring the MOBO Awards to this iconic destination, eager to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East. Beyond the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will be engaging with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful programme that highlights the significant cultural influence of Black music. Newcastle, get ready for a time to remember!”

    North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I’m thrilled to welcome the MOBO Awards to a new home in our region – just the latest major event putting North East England on the international map for culture. I know the Awards and the MOBO Fringe Festival across venues in Newcastle and Gateshead will be a huge inspiration for a new generation of young and emerging musicians working here in the North East.”

    Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “I am honoured that our city has been chosen to host such a prestigious and exciting event. Newcastle is a warm, welcoming and inclusive city. Our city is more diverse than ever before and our ever-developing music scene is a reflection of that. We know that being involved in music has enriched the lives of so many people who live here and provided them with opportunities they may never have otherwise had. And this ethos is firmly embedded in the MOBO Awards, so making Newcastle their home in 2025 seems the perfect fit.”

    In February, the 2024 MOBO Awards took place in Sheffield, hosted by Babatúndé Aléshé and Indiyah Polack, with Zeze Millz as the roaming co-host. Potter Payper, Central Cee and RAYE scooped top prizes of the night; alongside Ghetts who was honoured with MOBO Pioneer Award, Sugababes received MOBO Impact Award, and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill was acknowledged with MOBO Paving The Way Award. The ceremony featured live performances by Soul II Soul, Ghetts, Sugababes, Cristale, Byron Messia, King Promise and Camidoh, plus an electrifying 30 Years of UK Garage Set by DJ Spoony.

    For close to thirty years, MOBO has been proudly celebrating and elevating Black music around the world. Its legacy has seen MOBO be pivotal in supporting the growth of Black music and culture on a global scale, championing homegrown talent, and celebrating artistic excellence in genres such as Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Grime, Drill, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, African music, Electronic/Dance, Alternative music and beyond.

    Since its inaugural ceremony in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, MOBO Awards has become a calendar staple in the United Kingdom and its iconic trophy is now one of the highest accolades in music. The Awards have honoured music stars such as Central Cee, Stormzy, Janet Jackson, Little Simz, Davido, Rihanna, RAYE, Wizkid, Beyoncé and JAY Z, whilst also helping to elevate the careers of rising stars in the industry.

    Recognising its unique position in popular culture, MOBO has also expanded beyond music to celebrate talent in the arts and media. It awarded an Inspirational Award to Hollywood star Idris Elba and acclaimed British filmmaker Steve McQueen, Best Media Personality to Chunkz and Yung Filly, and Best Performance In A TV Show/Film to Kane Robinson (Kano) for his role in ‘Top Boy’ at 2022’s ceremony.

    The impact of the MOBO Group extends far beyond the annual awards show. MOBO is deeply committed to promoting social change and inclusion, supporting the development of young talent, and advocating for diversity across the entertainment industry and beyond. Through mentorship programmes, partnerships with educational and charitable organisations, and career development opportunities with leading organisations, MOBO has been a driving force for positive change.

    By championing creativity, providing platforms for new voices, and advocating for equality, the MOBO Awards and the wider MOBO Group continue to inspire and empower talents and communities across the United Kingdom and beyond.

  • Taylor Swift officially endorses Kamala Harris

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    Yesterday, Taylor Swift endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The American superstar wrote on Instagram, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election.” Her 283 million followers or others could not leave a message since the popstar limited comments on her post.

  • Watch The Weeknd’s new music video teaser, shot on iPhone 16 Pro: See behind-the-scenes photos

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    Today, we received an exciting email from Apple detailing its new product, the all-new iPhone 16 Pro. In the email, the world’s leading tech company shared The Weeknd’s music video shot for his latest single ‘Dancing in the Flames’ on the device.

    Not only did the director, Anton Tammi, and his director of photography, Erik Henrikkson, execute incredibly well, but the visuals also looked stunning!

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    According to the press release, the iPhone 16 Pro features a larger display and the thinnest borders ever on any Apple product. The pro camera system brings all-new creative features, including the ability to record in 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision for smooth slow-motion video capture — on perfect display in the forthcoming music video for ‘Dancing in the Flames’. Four new studio-quality mics preserve true-to-life recorded sounds, Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background elements from speech, giving users three voice options: In-Frame Mix, Studio Mix, Cinematic Mix, and so much more. iPhone 16 Pro also features the powerful A18 Pro chip, a huge leap in battery life, and comes in four stunning titanium finishes: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium. 

    Last week, The Weeknd revealed the title of his forthcoming album, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, which marks the culmination of his acclaimed trilogy. Following ‘Dawn FM’ and ‘After Hours’, this album is set to elevate his artistic narrative, encapsulating existential and self-referential themes that have captured the imagination of fans. The anticipation surrounding this final chapter is palpable, as it promises to be a powerful testament to The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist.

    The Weeknd’s official music video for ‘Dancing In the Flames’ will come out on Friday, September 13.

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