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Simone Biles retreats from X after heated feud with Riley Gaines
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[/media-credit]In a dramatic twist to a high-profile social media clash, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in Olympic history, has deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account following an intense feud with former NCAA swimmer and women’s sports activist Riley Gaines.
The spark
It all ignited in early June, when Gaines criticized Champlin Park High School in Minnesota for featuring a transgender athlete—a girl born male—in their state championship-winning softball team. Gaines’s post read, “To be expected when your star player is a boy”, which Biles—an outspoken advocate—saw as public shaming and bullying.
Biles responded with fire, tweeting that Gaines was “truly sick… straight up a sore loser”, referencing a tie with trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022. She added: “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.”
Backlash and apology
Immediate backlash followed. Critics argued Biles had veered into body shaming and personal attacks. Within days, Biles issued a public apology: she acknowledged she had let emotion override empathy and emphasised her goal was not to politicise trans participation, but to defend kids—especially trans kids—from being singled out unfairly.
The exit from X
Then, quietly yet decisively, her X account disappeared. TMZ reported the deletion came shortly after the conflict escalated—Gaines even suggested it was a reaction to overwhelming ridicule.
Gaines confirmed the move on X, saying: “Sad to see such a phenom go down like this”. Though Biles retains her presence on Instagram and Threads, her departure from X marks a rare retreat into silence.
Reflection and resilience
On Instagram, Biles posted a cryptic story: “Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive.” It’s a quiet testament to how public pressure and personal missteps can become crucibles for growth.
What it all means
This episode underscores three truths:
1. Public figures walk a tightrope
Biles was intent on defending trans youth, but her personal barbs eclipsed the message, drawing criticism even from her own support base.2. Social media can fuel both empowerment and collapse
It allowed Biles to weigh in on a divisive issue—but also forced her into a defensive stance and ultimately off the platform.3. Personal reflection over public posturing
Her apology and Instagram post suggest Biles is turning inward, seeking strength from adversity more than external validation.Final threads
Simone Biles’s fall—and subtle comeback—speaks volumes about the complexity of today’s cultural battlefield. When even an Olympic champion is accused of crossing a line, it reminds us how nuanced conversations about fairness, identity, and respect have become. Her deactivation of X is not just a retreat—it’s a recalibration. The cryptic message hints at hard-earned wisdom: maybe the most powerful statement is silence.
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Brandy and Monica announce ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour: See dates
1998 is calling; The Millennials are going to eat!
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[/media-credit]Three hours ago, Brandy and Monica have announced their first co-headling tour ‘The Boy Is Mine’ featuring fellow R&B stars like Kelly Rowland famously part of Destiny’s Child, Muni Long and the winner of ‘American Idol’, Jamal Roberts. The celebrated duo will embark on a twenty-four-city arena tour, starting in Cincinnati on October 16 and ending on December 7 in Houston.
About the tour, Brandy said, “This really is a full-circle moment. Monica and I coming together again isn’t just about the music—it’s about honouring where we came from and how far we’ve both come. ‘The Boy Is Mine’ was a defining chapter in R&B, and to share the stage all these years later is bigger than a reunion—it’s a celebration of growth, sisterhood, and the love our fans have given us from day one.”
Monica added, “The love that ‘The Boy Is Mine’ continues to receive means everything to me. This tour is a celebration of our history, our impact, and the fans who have grown with us. Brandy and I have been on our own unique journeys, and coming back together in this way is a reminder of the power of respect, strength, and real music. We’re giving the people what they’ve been asking for, and doing it with grace, love, and purpose. God’s timing perfectly aligned us.”
Check out the arena tour schedule below.
Thu 10/16 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Fri 10/17 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Sat 10/18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sun 10/19 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Thu 10/30 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
Fri 10/31 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sat 11/01 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
Sun 11/02 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Fri 11/07 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sat 11/08 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Sun 11/09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Thu 11/13 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Fri 11/14 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
Sat 11/15 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at BJCC
Sun 11/16 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Thu 11/20 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri 11/21 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Sat 11/22 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Sun 11/23 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum*
Sat 11/29 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sun 11/30 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Fri 12/05 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Sat 12/06 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
Sun 12/07 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
*Muni Long Not Appearing -
Cash Cobain, breakout American producer-artist known for popularising Sexy Drill, announces debut headlining tour: See dates
Will you attend?
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[/media-credit]Earlier today, successful American producer-artist Cash Cobain announced his debut headlining tour, ‘Party with Slizzy’ in partnership with Monster Energy. Six hours ago, the ‘Calling For You’ producer released the official music video for his track, ‘Sick n Tired with OnlyHeaven’. The video opens with Cobain and a friend sitting on a sofa as they watch a young lady (Marni), who appears to be someone who piqued his interest, on Instagram with another man. Subsequently, he heads to the club to enjoy himself.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKb1_7wNR4M&h=315]
According to the information received, ‘The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Party with Slizzy’ will feature special guests (not to be revealed until closer to the start date of the tour, September 7). The milestone tour will kick off with a hometown show and travels through twenty-two additional dates across the United States and Canada. Check out the dates below.
The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Party With Slizzy
Sep 07 – New York, NY – Pier 17
Sep 09 – Washington, DC – The Howard Theatre
Sep 10 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
Sep 11 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
Sep 12 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
Sep 14 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
Sep 15 – Dallas, TX – The Echo
Sep 17 – Phoenix, AZ – Walter Studios
Sep 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Echoplex
Sep 19 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
Sep 20 – Las Vegas, NV – Area 15
Sep 22 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
Sep 24 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Sep 25 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Sep 28 – Denver, CO – Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
Sep 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Oct 01 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave II
Oct 02 – Chicago, IL – Avondale Music Hall
Oct 04 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre
Oct 05 – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix Concert Theatre
Oct 07 – Montreal, QC – Club Soda
Oct 08 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
Oct 09 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s PlaceAnd before we get out of here, the Slizzy master himself has a message for his fans: “What’s good! It’s the Slizzy, Cash Cobizzy, I’m coming to your city so you can party with the Izzy. I’m so excited to partner up with The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour bc the energy is going to be on a trillion! Hope you’re ready.” – Cash Cobain
More about Cash Cobain:
The tour follows a breakout year for the Bronx artist-producer, who sold out the Brooklyn Paramount last fall in his biggest headlining show to date and brought his signature Sexy Drill sound to the stage at his own Slizzy Fest, a hometown concert last spring at Irving Plaza that drew thousands and was shut down mid-performance due to overwhelming demand. With his name now joining the ranks of past Outbreak Tour alumni like 21 Savage, Latto, and Post Malone, Cash Cobain enters this next chapter of this legendary concert series poised to bring the Slizzy movement to a national stage.
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Apple shares ‘Big Man’, a short film starring English-Ghanaian music star Stormzy: Watch
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[/media-credit]Four days ago, Apple released a short film shot entirely on an iPhone 16 Pro called ‘Big Man’ starring British music star rapper-songwriter Stormzy exclusively through its YouTube channel to its twenty million subscribers.
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[/media-credit]According to the description, “the fictional story of Tenzman, a world-weary musician, and the two bright, joyful kids who come into his life by chance. Soon the trio find themselves on a journey together — one that will reveal a better way forward for them all.”
Check out the twenty-minute film directed by the Oscar-winning creator, Aneil Karia. It has over five million views and counting.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUrLMJQf2Bw&h=315]
About the new step into a new space for the award-winning British Grime superstar, he said, “Music is my first love, but film is my second. #Merky Films is something I’ve been dreaming about for ages.”
Stormzy says it is “a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art” and “a natural next step for everything we do at #Merky – sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard.”
If it is your first time coming across the first Black British rapper to headline the Glastonbury Festival in 2019, there is no way it could be your fault. We may judge the people in your life, though.
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Dodgers commit $1M to support families affected by Los Angeles immigration raids
In a powerful display of community impact, the Los Angeles Dodgers have pledged one million to assist families affected by recent federal immigration raids across Greater Los Angeles. The donation will be directed through partnerships including the California Community Foundation and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, providing legal assistance, mental‐health support, and essential services.
This initiative marks the Dodgers’ first public response since widespread criticism emerged. Fans and civic leaders had urged the team to take a stand after ICE operations targeted Latino neighborhoods—prompting protests at Dodger Stadium and a petition backed by unions and community groups. The pressure intensified when singer Nezza performed the US national anthem in Spanish before a game, defying team staff and spotlighting the issue.
Dodgers President Stan Kasten emphasised the organisation’s responsibility to the community, stating the pledge represents “a leading role on behalf of those affected”. The announcement followed the team’s refusal to allow federal agents into Dodger Stadium parking lots during a raid—an action widely reported and lauded.
Teams from across Los Angeles have joined in solidarity. Angel City FC and LAFC previously endorsed immigrant communities, whilst Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and player Kiké Hernández voiced strong support for Latino families.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the donation a sign of unity in challenging times, and Congressman Jimmy Gomez underscored the importance given the Dodgers’ large Latino fan base.
This move not only addresses immediate needs but also signals a shift in how major sports franchises engage with social issues, reinforcing the Dodgers as a pillar of civic responsibility in Los Angeles.
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Lizzo comes clean: “I tried Ozempic… But that’s not what did it”
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[/media-credit]Pop powerhouse Lizzo, 37, recently settled speculation once and for all—yes, she did try Ozempic and other GLP‑1 medications early in her weight‑loss journey, despite previously dismissing those rumours. But in a heartfelt and empowering chat on Trisha Paytas’ Just Trish Podcast (June 19), she made one thing crystal clear: The drugs weren’t the driving force behind her transformation.
“It’s just the science, for me, calories in vs. calories out… Ozempic works because you eat less food… but if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it’s the same thing”, Lizzo admitted.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwDpqwcNWbQ&h=315]
The vegan exit that changed everything
Lizzo revealed a major insight: she had been vegan for a decade—loading up on fake meats, rice, bread—and consuming a staggering 3,000–5,000 calories daily without feeling full. But a return to whole foods—lean beef, chicken, fish—sparked real change:
“I was actually full and not expanding my stomach by putting a lot of fake things in there that wasn’t actually filling me up,” she explained.
Since pivoting her diet in 2023, Lizzo reports shedding 16% body fat and reducing her BMI by roughly 10.5 points.
Not just physical — A mental shift, too
Lizzo emphasised her journey wasn’t just about exercise or diet—it was a mindset reset. She ditched distractions like sugary treats, daily Starbucks runs, and emotional eating. Instead, she narrowed in on sustainable habits and self-love.
In her own words, she’s moved from body positivity to body neutrality:
“I’m not going to lie and say I love my body every day… some days I adore my body, and others when I don’t feel completely positive.”
It’s clear: this glow-up is built on consistency, self-awareness, and hard work.
Owning the Ozempic narrative — And defending others
Rather than shame those who use GLP‑1s, Lizzo defended them. She called out fatphobia and urged compassion:
“It’s a drug to help somebody with something they’re struggling with. Telling someone they’re cheating is fatphobic”, she told the podcast audience.
Her transparency aims to dismantle stigma around weight‑loss medications and affirm that resilience and science go hand in hand.
What this means for you — And her fans
It’s okay to pivot. Lizzo’s shift away from veganism wasn’t a failure—it was insight. Drugs aren’t cheating. If a tool helps you, it’s valid. Personal journeys vary.
Lizzo reminds us: “Everybody’s body is different. Find out what works for you”.
Final verse
Lizzo’s most recent chapter is about liberation—not conforming to expectations, but embracing truth. She mixed trial and error (including Ozempic), whole foods, calorie awareness, mental discipline, and a new mindset. The result? A healthier, happier, more authentic version of herself—and maybe, a powerful message for her fans too.
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Jussie Smollett announces engagement to boyfriend Jabari Redd
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[/media-credit]On June 20, 2025, just a day before what would have been his forty-third birthday, former Empire star Jussie Smollett proposed to his boyfriend, actor Jabari Redd. He shared the happy news via Instagram, captioning a series of photos, “I’ll be spending my birthday with my Fiancé… He said YES.” The images captured a touching moment—from Smollett getting down on one knee to Redd’s emotional “yes,” followed by hugs, champagne, and a close-up of the ring.
A new chapter after challenging years
This joyous engagement marks a major turning point in Smollett’s life—especially after years of legal turmoil stemming from the 2019 hate‑crime incident. Though initially convicted in December 2021 and sentenced in March 2022, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his convictions in November 2024, citing due‑process concerns, and he later settled a civil suit by donating $50,000 to charity.
The engagement signals a hopeful new beginning amid resilience and ongoing redemption.
From screen partners to life partners
Smollett and Redd met whilst working on Jussie’s film The Lost Holliday, where Smollett directed and starred alongside Redd. He cast Redd as his character’s partner, describing the film as “a message of hope and resilience”.
That on‑screen chemistry has now blossomed into an off‑screen commitment, underscoring the bond they’ve nurtured both personally and creatively.
Why this matters
Representation: This is a high-profile same‑sex, Black engagement in Hollywood, contributing positively to LGBTQ+ visibility.
Personal Triumph: Smollett is turning a chapter marked by personal and public trials into one defined by love and affirmation.
Cultural Impact: With film colleagues, family, and friends celebrating, it shows a community rallying behind his new journey.
In summary
Jussie Smollett is embracing a new life direction. Engaged to Jabari Redd, he’s stepping forward into love, creative collaboration, and personal healing. As they celebrate this milestone, they’re also sharing a story of resilience, hope, and next-chapter beginnings—personally and professionally.
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‘Magic Fufu’ producer King Iced to release Fuji-themed single ‘Feelings’ featuring Yugoszn
King Iced is making waves as a talented Nigerian-born producer, artist, and composer, best known for his breakout track ‘Magic Fufu’. Born and raised in Festac Town, Lagos, he launched his musical journey driven by a desire to express himself and escape reality on his terms.
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[/media-credit]Over time, he’s distinguished himself not just as a performer but as a versatile producer shaping Afrobeats, Afro-Fusion, N-Pop, and Afro-Rave sounds. His composition, released November 16, 2024, “Magic Fufu” marked King Iced’s breakthrough, showcasing his dual role as artist and producer.
The song earned early praise for its layered percussion, inventive synth lines, and infectious groove, earning airplay in Lagos clubs and catching the attention of the Afrobeats scene beyond Nigeria.
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[/media-credit]King Iced’s Spotify profile shows he’s not a one-hit wonder. Aside from “Magic Fufu,” he’s released other singles that explore different textures within Afropop and fusion styles. While those tracks aren’t all individually named in available data, the fact that they’re live on major streaming platforms tells us:
He’s consistent and prolific in output.
He’s developing a different style informed by both modern pop sensibilities and traditional African soundscapes.
His catalogue signals a willingness to experiment across beats, moods, and different sonic palettes.
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[/media-credit]King Iced is set to premiere a deeply emotional single, “Feelings”, on June 27, 2025, in collaboration with rising artist YUGOSZN. This pairing is generating buzz—YUGOSZN brings velvety vocals, while King Iced delivers his genre-fluid production finesse and Afro-R&B lyricism.
Listening to previews, the track delves into themes of vulnerability and emotional honesty. RollingHype notes it “taps into raw emotion” and highlights the matching fusion of artistic voices from Lagos to the world stage. Industry trackers have already included “Feelings” in their “pre-save” roundups, signalling confidence in its chart potential.
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[/media-credit]Across interviews and local coverage, both artists are frequently described as self-made artists, balancing songwriting, beats, and production duties. Rather than relying heavily on studios, they both take a hands‑on approach, crafting their sound from recording through mix and master.
With both artists having roots in Festac Town—an area known for artistic vibrancy—the echo is in the music, which reflects both local flavour and global texture. That duality shapes their identity as independent artists with international reach.
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The GRAMMYs add “Best Album Cover” category, spotlighting visual storytelling in music
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[/media-credit]In a move that feels long overdue yet perfectly timed, the Recording Academy has officially introduced a new GRAMMY Award category: Best Album Cover. Finally, the unsung visual architects behind the music—the photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, and creative directors—will get their moment on music’s biggest stage. As someone who’s spent decades writing about the artists pushing boundaries in sound and style, I’ve always believed the album cover is more than just packaging. It’s a portal. A first impression. A declaration of identity and intent. From Lil’ Kim’s ‘Hard Core’ to Burna Boy’s ‘Twice as Tall’, these visuals become part of the cultural conversation. They tattoo themselves into our collective memory.
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This new category is a nod to the power of design in shaping how we feel about music before we even hit play. It celebrates the unsung creatives behind the bold, bizarre, and beautiful artworks that elevate records into experiences. And in an era where digital streaming dominates, it’s a poetic reminder that aesthetics still matter. With this addition, the GRAMMYs aren’t just rewarding sound—they’re embracing the full creative package. This is major for visual artists globally, especially those innovating across continents in places like Lagos, Johannesburg, Seoul, and Kingston. It creates an exciting new path to recognition for talents whose work defines the visual culture of music.
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To the next generation of art directors sketching in dorm rooms, studios, and underground collectives—this is your time. Your canvas just became GRAMMY-eligible. Now, let’s see which covers turn heads and change the game.
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Dua Lipa’s engagement ring: A love letter written in gold
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[/media-credit]Dua Lipa, the reigning Pop diplomat of disco-infused bops and unapologetic glamour, is officially off the market—and the ring? It’s as intentional as her career moves. Sources close to the British-Albanian global star Dua Lipa confirm that her now-fiancé, ‘Masters of the Air’ actor Callum Turner, went the extra mile when it came to crafting the perfect engagement ring. We’re told Turner didn’t just waltz into any jeweller with a vague idea. Instead, he held heartfelt conversations with Dua’s sister, Rina Lipa, and a few of her closest friends—ensuring that every glimmer on her finger would reflect her essence.
The result? A radiant-cut diamond set in a sleek, chunky gold band that beams with modern royalty. It’s not just a rock—it’s a relic. It’s minimalist yet striking, much like Dua herself: timeless with a hint of rebellion, glamorous without trying too hard.
Seen recently wearing the ring in a close-up selfie, Dua’s glow wasn’t just from her natural highlighter. Love, clearly, looks good on her.
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In an era when celebrity engagements often feel like staged press releases or fleeting PR campaigns, this union feels rooted in something real. It’s the kind of gesture that makes fans swoon not just for the romance, but for the respect—a man who asked the women who know her best what she’d say “yes” to. The couple, who kept their relationship relatively low-key until now, is rewriting what intimacy looks like in the spotlight: Private, purposeful, and steeped in authenticity. For Dua Lipa, who’s always marched to the beat of her own bassline, this chapter seems right on tempo. And for the rest of us? It’s another reminder that the most stunning things in life are the ones that are made just for you.