GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Saudi Arabia hits high note: Lang Lang and the Saudi Music Commission launch Kingdom’s first-ever Summer Piano Intensive

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    Saudi Arabia is about to raise the curtain on a brand-new era in Classical music education. In a historic move, the Saudi Music Commission—one of eleven cultural engines driving the Kingdom’s creative renaissance—has joined forces with globally celebrated pianist Lang Lang to launch the country’s first-ever Summer Piano Intensive.

    Kicking off on June 29, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh, the month-long program promises to be more than a music camp—it’s a catalyst for transformation. Just thirty of the Kingdom’s most promising young pianists have been handpicked to study under some of the most revered talents in the classical world, many of whom have trained at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and the Norwegian Academy of Music.

    Hand-selected by Lang Lang from his Young Scholars Program, this elite faculty is delivering a rigorous curriculum that fuses foundational technique, genre exploration, and performance mastery. Each week builds on the last—culminating in an unprecedented three-day mentorship with Lang Lang himself, followed by a collaborative concert that will see rising Saudi stars share the stage with the maestro.

    Lang Lang, no stranger to the Kingdom, shares his passion for the programme’s mission:

    “This is more than a milestone. It’s a celebration of the power of music to connect, to inspire, and to create lasting change.”

    As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its creative capital, this programme isn’t just about piano—it’s about vision, legacy, and the harmony between culture and opportunity. With the Summer Piano Intensive, the Saudi Music Commission isn’t just teaching music; they’re conducting the future.

  • Listen to global music icon Kesha’s new single ‘The One’ from her forthcoming album

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    Today, global music icon Kesha released her new single called ‘The One’ ahead of her forthcoming album entitled ‘.(Period)’ on July 4 through her record label. On the track produced by Zhone and Kesha, the Los Angeles-born artist reflects on the transformative realisation that self-love holds greater significance than seeking validation or affection from others. The song captures a personal journey of empowerment, emphasising the importance of inner strength and self-worth. It follows up her last single ‘Attention’ featuring Pop music disruptor Slayyyter and rising English singer-songwriter, Rose Gray—both joining the larger-than-life singer-songwriter on tour. Her upcoming tour, ‘The Tits Out’, starts next week—on July 1 in West Valley City, Utah. Kesha’s show dates in New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum are sold out. Check out the tour dates below.

    Kesha & Scissor Sisters: The Tits Out Tour
    North America 2025

     

    July

    1 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre ^
    3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre ^
    5 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum ^ (SOLD OUT)
    6 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ^
    8 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion ^
    10 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ^
    12 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre ^
    13 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre ^
    15 – Nashville, TN – Riverfront Park – Ascend Amphitheater ^
    16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^
    18 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center ^
    19 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre #
    21 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage #
    23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden * (SOLD OUT)
    24 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center #
    26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake #
    28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center #
    29 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts #
    31 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater #
     

    August

    2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater #
    3 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek #
    5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion #
    7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre #
    9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre #
    10 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre #

    September

    28 – Columbia, MD – All Things Go †
     
    ^ w/ Slayyyter
    # w/ Rose Gray
    * w/ Vengaboys
    † Festival Appearance

    Kesha: The Tits Out Tour
    EU/UK 2026

    March 2026

    4 – Berlin, DE – Uber Eats Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
    6 – Paris, FR – Zénith Paris
    7 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live
    9 – Antwerp, BE – Lotto Arena
    11 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
    13 – Manchester, UK – Aviva Studios
    14 – Manchester, UK – Aviva Studios
    16 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton
    17 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton
    19 – Wolverhampton, UK – The Civic Hall
    21 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena

    Her 5X RIAA platinum classic, ‘Your Love Is My Drug’, experiencing viral renaissance with over one million TikTok videos created and one billion views in the past month, more than fifteen years after its original release.

  • Philadelphia 76ers select VJ Edgecombe with third overall pick in 2025 NBA Draft

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    VJ Edgecombe, 19, was named the 2024-25 Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big 12 Second Team honours after producing 15.0 points on 43.6-percent shooting (34.0% 3FG, 78.2% FT), 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 32.7 minutes in thirty-three games during his lone collegiate season. His sixty-eight steals last season were tied for the fourth-most throughout the conference and set the all-time record by a freshman in programme history.

    The Baylor product led all Big 12 freshmen in scoring whilst also ranking third in both rebounds and assists among the conference’s freshmen class. He produced six games of at least twenty points at the collegiate ranks, including a career-best thirty points on 8-of-13 shooting (11-12 FT) against Kansas State on January 22. Edgecombe also had at least three makes from beyond arc on seven occasions last season, shooting at least 50.0-percent from deep in five of those contests.

    Edgecombe’s versatility was on full display at the college ranks, having finished the 2024-25 campaign as one of seven players nationwide – and one of only two freshmen – to average at least 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.

    A member of the Bahamian National Team at the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Edgecombe reached the 20-point mark in two of the team’s four games, averaging 16.5 points on 57.1-percent shooting (38.5% 3FG) and 2.0 steals in FIBA competition. He was also named the New York Gatorade Player of the Year in consecutive years from 2022-24, in addition to being selected as a 2024 McDonald’s All-American prior to attending Baylor.

  • Anna Wintour begins search for new Head of Editorial Content at VOGUE US, signalling new era for American fashion media

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    After decades of steering American fashion through seismic cultural shifts and industry reinventions, the ever-iconic Anna Wintour is officially beginning her search for a new head of editorial content at VOGUE US. At seventy-five, the British-born fashion legend—who became Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE in 1988—remains at the helm globally, continuing her role as Chief Content Officer for Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director for VOGUE.

    What does this mean for the most powerful seat in American fashion media? Simply put: Evolution.

    Wintour’s decision to step back from the day-to-day editorial oversight of VOGUE US whilst maintaining her global vision speaks to the shifting tides within media and fashion. It’s a modern move—one that echoes the current demand for inclusivity, innovation, and strong digital-native storytelling. Whoever fills the role will not only shape the voice of VOGUE in America but will also need to speak fluently across platforms, cultures, and communities, continuing the legacy Wintour cemented while carving out a new chapter.

    There’s no denying her influence: From bringing American designers to the world stage to front-row power politics that blurred the line between fashion and entertainment, Wintour’s fingerprints are on nearly every defining style moment of the last four decades. But this handoff isn’t a goodbye—it’s an invitation. An open seat at a table she built.

    For those of us watching the intersection of fashion, media, and culture closely, this move is more than a leadership shuffle—it’s a rare, pivotal moment. As fashion continues to diversify and decentralise, VOGUE US has the chance to become even more reflective of the global stage it commands. And Wintour, with her unmistakable bob and sunglasses, still has the final word.

    Let the new era begin.

  • Gifted Ohio rapper Hodgie shares new track about fatherhood ‘There For You’

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    As God would have it, Ohio native artist Hodgie recently fathered twin daughters and dedicated this new song to the new experience. The piano-laden production is called ‘There For You’, produced by A&R/producer Sahil Datta and it mentions God rocking his world and doubling his load, the need to be their protector, working late to provide for them, poking fun at himself because he can’t dance well, and anticipating the moments he can tell them about their grandfather and ancestors. Check it out below and get emotional if you need to… We’d prefer it that way alongside your support with replays.

  • Bronx rising rapper ScarLip’s debut EP ‘Scarred B4 Fame’ feels incomplete (Review)

    I believe she can do better.

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    Less than a week ago, Bronx-bred rapper ScarLip, who rose to fame quickly through social media due to a controversial live video where her boyfriend said she was pretty “sometimes” and several complaints about her promotional antics, particularly involving her music video ‘She’s Hot’ and ‘Peggy’, has finally released her debut effort ‘Scarred B4 Fame’ after being signed to a major label for two years. Aside from viewing her incredible even-toned chocolate-like skin tone and hearing her unique voice here and there as I scrolled on my phone, her music wasn’t the focus. Instead, she became a poster girl attached to sensationalism. Wanting to give her a fair chance and come to my conclusions about her as an artist, I opened Epic Records’ email promoting her latest project. The email prettily gave the reader a summary of who she is, listing her famous mentor, Swizz Beatz (linked to hardcore rapper-turned glossy star, Eve), and legendary New York-born supporters like Cardi B and Busta Rhymes, the private industry event in anticipation of this project, and her recent interview with ABC News journalist, Juju Chang.

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    The seven-song EP includes features from Hip-Hop titan Lil Wayne, GRAMMY winner Anthony Hamilton, and ScarLip’s take on Mary J Blige’s hook from Ludacris’ 2006 hit, ‘Runaway Love’.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0M_pgAcpb8&h=315]

    As for how I feel about the project—aside from the smart title—it didn’t carry the same energy or excitement as earlier tracks like ‘Glizzy Gobbler’ and ‘This Is New York’. It was an underwhelming experience, in comparison.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZPD1LwgQkY&h=315]

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    I was hoping for bigger moments—like hard-hitting radio anthems that speak to her core fans and skits that connect the songs to her story. That kind of detail could’ve pulled us in even more, the same way she does in her interviews and on her deeper pieces like ‘Therapy’, ‘Foster Care’ and ‘Suicide Awareness’.

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

    Music critics understand the desire for artists and their labels to showcase different sides of an artist, but in this instance, I think the timing and execution were off. With her current buzz, it would have been smarter to play into the controversy and feed her loyal fans first with context, presented creatively.

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    ‘Scarred B4 Fame’ runs just over twenty minutes. To me, it feels languid (or slow) and emotionally distant—something late artists like Lil Peep, Juice WRLD, XXXTentacion, the promising rapping model Chynna, and even DMX knew how to deliver, building huge fanbases and mainstream success. ScarLip has the look, the voice, and the support. But the real question is: Can she tap into that same depth? I’ll stay patient and wait for her debut album before forming more opinions. Hopefully, by then, she’s fully tapped into her voice—as other Emo-Rap stars have. She’s got a clear lane, industry support, and one of the best labels behind her.

  • Raq Baby, the Atlanta-based Chicago-born rising star, shares new track ‘Mental Breakdown’

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    After wrapping his run with SahBabii on his Resurrection Tour, Atlanta-based rapper Raq Baby unleashes his brand new track called ‘Mental Breakdown’. On the track, he talks about making it out of the hood or his previous circumstances, the essential need to never get caught slipping without a strap, drilling and the reality of a rival using his name for clout. If you are an international reader, it might be your first time reading his name, but he’s achieved feats like earning #8 on Apple Music’s All Genre Albums Chart and #3 on the Hip-Hop/Rap Chart.

    Before the month is over, Raq Baby will embark on another headline show in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 27, which sold out in less than forty-eight hours. In addition, the Chicago-born artist recently sold out his first headline shows in Chicago and Atlanta and is set to play Flex Fest next month in Denver, Colorado, alongside Quavo.

    According to the comms, there may be an official music video underway. In the meantime, let’s stream the official audio below to catch his vibe.

    Editor’s Note (June 25, 2025, 11:00 PM EST): At the time of writing this article, the music video wasn’t available. Now, it is! You can watch the rising star perform his latest track in a multi-car garage.

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  • Sean “Diddy” Combs prosecutors drop kidnapping, attempted arson and sex trafficking charges

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    According to TMZ, in an exclusive report, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ prosecutors have dropped the kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex traffic charges against him. In a stunning development at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan, prosecutors have abruptly dropped charges of kidnapping, arson, and parts of the aiding and abetting sex trafficking allegations just one day before closing arguments, TMZ reports.

    According to court filings, the government informed Judge Arun Subramanian that it is working to “streamline” jury instructions, following his guidance. As a result, prosecutors will no longer pursue the claim that Combs forced former employee Capricorn Clark through a lie-detector ordeal, nor the alleged kidnapping of ex-girlfriend Cassie at the London Hotel. Allegations tied to the attempted arson involving Kid Cudi’s car have also been removed, as the prosecution failed to show Diddy’s direct connection to the incident.

    Despite these significant cuts, prosecutors clarified they will retain other serious sex trafficking elements. They argue that coercion does not require physical restraint or commercial sex acts, and insist that prior consent—even if withdrawn—is still valid grounds for forced labour or trafficking.

    Defence attorneys have long championed the “reasonable doubt” strategy. After resting their case without calling a single witness—opting instead to highlight texts and stipulations—they signalled confidence that the prosecution’s case was slipping.

    Meanwhile, jurors prepare for closing arguments with a now leaner, more focused indictment, dramatically reshaping the trial’s final hours.

    As the clock ticks toward a verdict, the stakes remain sky-high. Will the refocused charges hold—or will Diddy evade convictions on all counts? Expect a gripping courtroom drama as closing statements are delivered this week.

  • Simone Biles retreats from X after heated feud with Riley Gaines

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    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.

  • Maya Lin’s masterpiece returns to inspire new generation through POV encore presentation: Watch the trailer

    [/media-credit] Maya Lin examining inverted water table being fabricated for the Civil Rights Memorial she designed to be installed in Montgomery, Alabama. She is pictured here at the granite fabricator in Barre, Vermont in 1988.

    Sometimes, we forget the power of a name until it’s carved into something sacred. When POV announced the return of ‘Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision’ to PBS this July, it felt like a divine reminder of what it means to turn pain into permanence, grief into granite, and identity into iconography. The encore broadcast of Freida Lee Mock’s Academy Award-winning documentary isn’t just a look back—it’s a reintroduction to a legacy that still pulses in the heart of American memory.

    Back in 1995, Lin’s story gripped the nation. A twenty-one-year-old Yale student, barely out of undergrad, emerged from the shadows with a design so raw, so revolutionary, it reshaped how we honor the dead. And now, nearly thirty years later, her Vietnam Veterans Memorial remains one of the most visited and emotionally resonant places in the United States—not because it demands attention, but because it commands stillness.

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    ‘Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision’, which will air on POV Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10 PM on PBS (and streamable until October 20), unpacks Lin’s artistic process, the political firestorm that followed her selection, and how a soft-spoken Asian American woman became a national symbol of quiet rebellion. This isn’t just about architecture—it’s about agency. It’s about how the intersection of art, race, gender, and grief shaped one of the most important cultural conversations in United States history.

    Executive produced by Eileen Harris Norton and co-presented with CAAM, the film continues to remind us: Art doesn’t just reflect who we are—it reveals who we should be. Lin didn’t ask permission to speak for a generation. She earned it. And her vision, strong and clear as ever, still reaches across age, identity, and ideology to say: We were here. We mattered.

    This re-airing couldn’t come at a better time. In a world desperate for clarity, Lin’s work whispers what headlines can’t: Healing is possible—when we listen, when we remember, and when we build something greater than ourselves.