GRUNGECAKE

Category: Trending

  • All about Mia Khalifa’s new viral body chains

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    Mia Khalifa, media personality and entrepreneur, is once again turning heads — not for scandal, but for sparkle. Her brand, Sheytan, co‑founded with creative partner Sara Burn, has just unveiled its latest collection of luxury body chains, officially named BODYCHAIN’D. Khalifa took to Instagram earlier this week to showcase two stunning new designs: The Cushion Crystal Waist Chain and the Marquise Crystal Waist Chain, each priced at approximately $160. Both pieces are handcrafted in Florence, Italy, using 18‑carat gold vermeil and faceted Italian crystals that promise to be water—and sweat‑proof—branding them boldly “Swim proof, Sweat proof, F** proof”.

    Accompanied by a sultry series of photos and videos, Khalifa modeled the cushion‑cut chain herself and captioned the reveal with pride, noting its Italian craftsmanship. The post has since exploded online, amassing over 750,000 likes, 8,000 comments, and 175,000 shares—a viral reaction that only underscores her marketing savvy and fanbase engagement. Though many know her from her brief stint in adult entertainment more than a decade ago, Khalifa has been rebranding herself as a fashion-forward tastemaker. Sheytan — Arabic for “devil”—channels this shift. The brand is framed not only as jewelry, but a “universe”: A platform for feminine power, self‑charged expression, and collaboration.

    The BODYCHAIN’D launch reflects Sheytan’s ethos of artistry over fast fashion. Pieces are made in small, mostly women‑owned ateliers in Florence and the United Kingdom, each step intentionally handcrafted. The brand takes special pride in transparency “We know the human hands who are touching each product”, reads its manifesto.

    In a world quick to judge her past, Khalifa is leaning into a future where confidence shines loudest—even around the waist.

  • BET suspends Hip‑Hop Awards and Soul Train Awards indefinitely

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    In a major shift, Black Entertainment Television (BET) has indefinitely suspended its two key award shows—the BET Hip‑Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards—on its linear television platform. The announcement was made in an interview with Billboard, where BET CEO Scott Mills confirmed that, whilst these shows won’t appear on BET’s cable channel for now, they are not permanently cancelled.

    Mills emphasised that the decision reflects broader trends in media consumption, noting that the network is exploring digital-first formats for these franchises. “It’s less about them being gone forever and more about reimagining them for today’s changing media landscape”, he said. BET still plans to invest in cultural celebrations: It continues to air events such as the BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Stellar Awards.

    The move follows a steep decline in live television audiences across award shows. Nielsen data shows ratings for televised award ceremonies have fallen by more than thirty per cent since 2015, whilst the 2025 BET Awards saw a fifty per cent drop in viewership compared to the previous year. The BET Hip‑Hop Awards in 2024 had already scaled back significantly, staging a much smaller event at a Vegas nightclub with limited reach. Meanwhile, the Soul Train Awards failed to appear on the 2024 schedule, quietly disappearing without explanation.

    For years, the BET Hip‑Hop Awards stood as a rare televised platform celebrating Hip‑Hop artists—from heavyweight producers to underground lyricists—whilst the Soul Train Awards honoured the legacy of Soul, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Hip-Hop culture dating back to 1987 under the influence of Don Cornelius.

    Fans and industry observers are now left wondering how these storied ceremonies will take shape in the streaming era. As one Reddit commentator noted:

    “Award shows seem to be falling off these days … I’m sure having the BET Awards is enough regardless”.

    Ultimately, whilst the shows have gone dark on linear television for now, BET indicates that their legacy may yet live on—just in a different form.

  • ‘The Pickup’ trailer promises high-stakes comedy, action, and star power: Watch

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    The newly released trailer for ‘The Pickup’ teases a thrilling blend of action, sharp humour, and star-studded performances. Set to premiere on 6 August, the film stars Eddie Murphy as Russell and Pete Davidson as Travis—two mismatched armoured truck drivers whose routine day takes a perilous detour.

    What begins as a standard cash pickup spirals into a high-octane battle when the pair are ambushed by a crew of ruthless criminals. At the centre of the heist is Zoe, portrayed by Keke Palmer, a charismatic yet dangerous mastermind whose ambitions extend far beyond the money inside the truck. The tagline—“It’s pros vs cons. They’re armed but she’s dangerous.”—captures the cat-and-mouse dynamic driving the plot.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIcga73lPFE&h=315]

    From the trailer, Murphy’s seasoned comedic timing meshes with Davidson’s quirky, offbeat delivery, promising plenty of laugh-out-loud exchanges amid the chaos. Palmer’s Zoe, meanwhile, commands attention with a mix of wit, menace, and unpredictable charm, making her both the film’s main antagonist and one of its biggest draws. Director and production details are still under wraps, but ‘The Pickup’ appears to balance action sequences — from street chases to tense standoffs—with character-driven banter. The mismatched-partners trope, paired with a formidable female villain, adds a fresh twist to the crime-comedy genre.

    If the trailer is any indication, audiences can expect a fast-paced story where alliances shift, plans unravel, and survival depends on thinking — and acting — fast. With Murphy, Davidson, and Palmer at the helm, ‘The Pickup’ looks poised to deliver an entertaining ride that’s equal parts danger, comedy, and charm.

    The film hits cinemas on August 6, giving viewers just enough time to place their bets: Will the pros outwit the cons, or will Zoe walk away with more than just the cash?

  • Paris Jackson challenges Michael Jackson Estate over lavish legal payouts, demands transparency and oversight

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    Paris Jackson, 27, has filed a court motion challenging how her late father Michael Jackson’s estate has been managed—especially focusing on a series of controversial legal payments. In her petition, Paris accuses the estate’s executors of approving “premium payments” to outside law firms for 2018 alone amounting to approximately $600,000–$625,000 in unrecorded or late‑approved attorney time, often referred to as “uncaptured time”. She labels these fees as lavish gratuities and alleges a “lack of oversight” and opaque accounting practices that undermine beneficiary trust.

    In her motion, Jackson seeks court‐mandated disclosure of documents relating to legal costs paid between 2019 and 2023 and requests that future payments be held pending court approval. She also proposes appointing a third executor to ensure independent oversight of the estate’s ongoing administrative and financial management.

    Executors John Branca and John McClain strongly defend their record. In filings dated July 15, they assert that these premium payments were justified given their success in rescuing the estate—assumed to be more than $500 million in debt at Michael Jackson’s death—and achieving major financial gains, including a roughly $300 million return on a previously $50,000 EMI stake. They affirm that such compensation is standard in the entertainment industry and was previously approved by the courts.

    Supporters of Paris’ position include observers who describe the situation as typical of fiduciary mismanagement. Reddit commenters, for instance, portray lawyers exploiting vulnerable beneficiaries, with one remarking, “another scheme is the trustee creating phony firms… hiding their connection… and profiting.” Though anecdotal, these comments echo widespread unease.

    Jackson’s motion will be weighed at a court hearing (scheduled for July 16 in prior filings), where a judge may decide whether the beneficiaries should be shielded from unchecked legal expenses or whether the executors’ actions merit continued trust. If confirmed, Paris’s concerns may prompt a meaningful change in estate oversight.

  • South Korean actor Song Young‑Kyu found dead at 55 following DUI scandal

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    South Korean actor Song Young‑Kyu, aged fifty-five, was tragically found dead inside his parked car in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, a city just south of Seoul, at approximately 8 AM KST on August 4, 2025. An acquaintance discovered him and alerted authorities, who confirmed there were no signs of foul play or a suicide note at the scene. Young‑Kyu had recently been involved in a drunk‑driving incident on June 19, allegedly driving from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu with a blood alcohol level above South Korea’s legal limit. He was sent to prosecutors and lost roles in multiple productions, including the stage production Shakespeare in Love and television dramas ‘The Defects’ and ‘The Winning Try’.

    With a three‑decade career starting in a children’s musical in 1994, Song appeared in theatre, film and television—including over fifty productions. He was best known internationally for playing Chief Choi in the 2019 blockbuster ‘Extreme Job’. Additional credits include roles in series such as Narco‑Saints and Big Bet, as well as supporting performances in titles like ‘Hwarang’, ‘Casino’, ‘Toxic’ and ‘Land of Happiness’ (2024).

    He is survived by his wife and two daughters. According to reports, Song had been living apart from his family for some time, possibly amid mounting personal and professional stress. The actor’s passing has sent shockwaves through fans and the entertainment community in South Korea, where public scrutiny and scandal often exert heavy emotional tolls on celebrities. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, though authorities state there is no immediate reason to suspect criminal activity. His funeral was scheduled for August 6 at Hambaeksan Memorial Park.

    Song’s unexpected passing comes at a time of ongoing debate over the pressures faced by public figures in South Korea, particularly following public missteps—as seen in comparable high-profile celebrity deaths in recent years. His fans remember him as a versatile character actor whose dry wit and understated performances left a lasting impression on Korean cinema and TV.

  • Soulja Boy arrested on weapons charge hours after celebrating 35th birthday in Los Angeles

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    Rapper DeAndre Cortez Way—better known as Soulja Boy—was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The LAPD pulled over the vehicle he was riding in around 2:30–2:50 AM near Melrose and Genesee Avenues in the Fairfax district. During the stop, officers reportedly found a gun inside the car; Way was arrested as a passenger and later booked just after 6 AM at the Wilshire Division jail on a felony weapons charge.

    The arrest came mere hours after Soulja Boy celebrated his thirty-fifth birthday at Poppy nightclub in West Hollywood, sharing party footage and videos via Instagram that showcased dancing crowds and selfies, including a post captioned, “I don’t need no security”. Earlier that same day, he premiered new tracks on Twitch, promoting his most recent album, ‘The Influence’, released in February 2025.

    This isn’t straightforward legal trouble for the rapper: In April 2025, he was ordered by a California jury to pay nearly $4 million in compensatory damages to a former assistant who alleged sexual assault and false imprisonment. Way publicly denied the allegations and his legal team pledged to appeal the verdict, citing cultural bias in the trial. Soulja Boy is no stranger to weapons-related incidents. The LAPD previously arrested him on a firearm charge in 2014 and again in 2016, whilst on probation, when a weapon was found at his Hollywood Hills residence.

    At the time of reporting, the LAPD and Way’s representatives had not released further details or public statements about whether he has since been released or retained legal counsel. In summary, Soulja Boy’s arrest on Sunday, August 3 follows a night of birthday festivities in Los Angeles and adds to a history of legal controversies, especially concerning firearm possession and civil litigation. At this time, no official comment has been made by law enforcement or his team.

  • Sha’Carri Richardson arrested on domestic violence charge ahead of USA Track & Field Championships 2025

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    Olympic and world champion sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, 25, was arrested on July 27, 2025, at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, facing a fourth‑degree domestic violence assault charge following an altercation with her boyfriend, fellow sprinter Christian Coleman. According to police reports, Richardson and Coleman engaged in a heated verbal argument after passing through TSA security. An arresting officer and airport footage showed Richardson allegedly pushing Coleman multiple times, causing him to fall into a column. She also reportedly threw a pair of headphones at him.

    Coleman declined to press charges or cooperate further, stating he did not wish to be officially identified as a victim. Despite his refusal, Richardson was booked at the South Correctional Entity in Des Moines, Washington, on the evening of July 27 and released the following afternoon, July 28. Just days after the incident, she appeared at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Richardson advanced through the preliminary round of the women’s 100 metres, clocking 11.07 seconds to finish second in her heat. However, she later withdrew from the semifinals, as well as the 200 metre event.

    Richardson holds an automatic berth in the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, thanks to her win as world 100 metre champion in 2023. USA Track & Field acknowledged being aware of the incident but has issued no formal comment thus far. Richardson’s rising star continues to navigate turbulence off the track—from Olympic medals in Paris 2024 (silver in the 100 m, gold in the 4×100 m relay) to fallout from her airport arrest. The legal outcome and her future competition status remain uncertain as the investigation proceeds.

  • American Eagle clarifies intent after backlash over Sydney Sweeney “Jeans/Genes” ad

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    American Eagle Outfitters has issued a firm statement addressing the controversy surrounding its recent Fall 2025 campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans”, included ads where “Jeans” was crossed out and replaced with “Genes”, prompting widespread criticism. In one particularly scrutinised clip, Sweeney states: “Genes are passed down… often determining traits like hair colour, personality, and even eye color. My genes are blue,” before the voice-over delivers the tagline.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK8s3iqL99c&h=315]

    Critics argued the imagery and wordplay—especially the featuring of a blonde, blue‑eyed white woman—evoked eugenics, Nazi propaganda, and white supremacist symbolism. Social media users and cultural commentators described the campaign as tone‑deaf, regressive, and sexualised.

    In response, American Eagle posted:

    “’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”

    //www.instagram.com/embed.js

    Reactions to the statement were deeply divided. Some praised the company’s emphasis on inclusion and personal style, whilst others saw it as dismissive of legitimate concerns, criticising the refusal to acknowledge the double entendre more directly. Despite the firestorm, the campaign appears to have spurred retail interest: American Eagle’s stock price reportedly rose by around 10–18% following the ad launch on July 23, perhaps reflecting heightened attention even amid controversy. As the debate continues to unfold, the ad raises broader questions about how fashion brands navigate sensitive cultural and political terrain—especially when using provocative wordplay and imagery in high‑profile campaigns.

  • Listen to Yeat’s new EP ‘Dangerous Summer’

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    After a whirlwind July that saw surprise festival cameos, a viral Drake co-sign, and a Lyrical Lemonade stage takeover, Yeat is keeping the momentum blazing with his new EP ‘DANGEROUS SUMMER’. Featuring collaborators like FKA twigs, Don Toliver, and SahBabii, the project is a cinematic, genre-bending evolution of his sound—teasing the sonic direction of his highly-anticipated LP ‘ADL (A Dangerous Lyfe)’.

    The Cole Bennett-directed video for lead single ‘Put It Ong’ plays like a twisted fever dream. In it, Yeat moves through a chaotic carnival flanked by ballerinas in clown makeup—visual metaphor meets avant-garde horror. Shot with real alligators by Harmony Korine in Florida and designed by the experimental collective EDGLRD, the project’s cover art pushes creative boundaries, matching the intensity of the music.

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

    Yeat’s rollout included cryptic nuclear-fallout-style signage across cities, foreshadowing a new chapter in the twenty-five-year-old’s career. Coming off a string of global performances—including a 120,000 plus crowd in Romania and a Clout Festival finale in Poland—Yeat continues to solidify himself as a genre-defiant visionary.

    This drop follows the chart-smashing success of ‘Lyfestyle’, his first #1 on the Billboard 200, which sold over 89,000 units its first week. Since then, Yeat’s been unstoppable—remixing Drake’s ‘Feel No Ways’ at Coachella, releasing ‘The Bell’, and collaborating with Anyma on ‘Work’. His recent European tour, including his first headlining London show, earned high praise from The Guardian for its visceral energy.

    If ‘Dangerous Summer’ is any indication, Yeat isn’t just riding the wave—he’s designing the current.

  • Chance the Rapper’s upcoming album ‘Star Line’ is a sonic vessel of diasporic liberation, technological evolution, and Chicago grit

    His longtime collaborator, Brandon Breaux, made the cover art.

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    Six years. That’s how long Chance the Rapper has been away from full-length storytelling. But time away hasn’t dulled his edge. With ‘Star Line’, he returns sharper, bolder, and more dialled into purpose than ever—an evolution painted in soul, wrapped in diaspora, and embedded with revolutionary tech.

    Created with longtime sonic chemist DexLvL, Star Line doesn’t just reflect where Chance has been—it defines who he’s become. Travelling through Ghanaian coastlines, Jamaican hills, and global art fairs, Chance’s journey echoes Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African vision: building community, commerce, and culture for Black people everywhere. Still, this isn’t escapism. It’s grounded in the unshakable soil of Chicago and his unique relationship with Black identity—something Chance has never commodified but rather cultivated with care.

    Visually, that cultivation extends through Brandon Breaux, who once again links arms with Chance to design the album’s artwork. The collaboration—spanning over a decade—has birthed an iconic visual canon. Together, they’ve never needed industry approval. They’ve always been too busy building their language—unapologetically Black, imaginatively free.
    Then there’s the innovation. ‘Star Line’ is the first album with an NFC-enabled CD that taps into Bluetooth speakers. Yes, you tap the CD and it plays. That’s the kind of Black futurism Chance is investing in—albums as living artefacts, merch with embedded meaning. The merch drop via starlinegallery.co includes these NFC-enabled CDs and more—each item infused with unlockable content.

    The album’s lead single, ‘Tree’ featuring Lil Wayne and Smino, flips India.Arie’s ‘Video’ into a new-age anthem of liberation. Cannabis, here, isn’t stigmatised. It’s power. The self-directed video, set in a Black women-owned dispensary, imagines a future where cultivation equals sovereignty—where Black women run the farm and the fortune.

    This isn’t just music. It’s movement. And ‘Star Line’ is the vessel. ‘Star Line’ will hit all digital retailers on August 15.