GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Trump order: Google to change map names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali

    In a move reflecting recent federal directives, Google has announced plans to update its mapping services to align with President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness”. This order mandates the renaming of several prominent United States geographical features, including reverting Denali to Mount McKinley and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Google’s decision follows the Department of the Interior’s announcement that these name changes are effective immediately for federal use. The company stated that it will implement these updates on Google Maps once the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) reflects the changes in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). For United States users, the Gulf of Mexico will be labeled as the Gulf of America, whilst international users will see both names displayed. Similarly, Denali will be labelled as Mount McKinley across all platforms.

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    The renaming of Denali has been a subject of contention for decades. Originally named Mount McKinley in 1896 after President William McKinley, the peak was officially renamed Denali in 2015 by the Obama administration, honoring the indigenous Koyukon Athabascan name meaning “The Great One”. President Trump’s recent executive order reverses this decision, reinstating the Mount McKinley designation. The Gulf of Mexico, a vital body of water for the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, has been recognised by its current name for centuries. President Trump’s executive order renames it the Gulf of America within United States federal usage, citing its significance to the nation’s economy and heritage. This change has elicited varied reactions domestically and internationally. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico.

    Google’s adherence to these federal naming conventions underscores the complex relationship between technology platforms and governmental directives. As these changes are implemented, they highlight the ongoing debates surrounding national identity, historical recognition, and the role of digital platforms in reflecting or challenging official narratives.

  • Nigerian man extradited to United States for alleged sextortion leading to South Carolina teen’s death

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    A Nigerian man has been extradited to the United States to face charges in connection with an alleged sextortion scheme that authorities say led to the tragic suicide of a South Carolina teenager. The case highlights the growing dangers of online exploitation and underscores the urgent need for increased digital safety measures. According to federal prosecutors, twenty-two-year-old Samuel Ogoshi was transferred from Nigeria to the United States and is now facing charges related to the extortion of seventeen-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan. The indictment alleges that Ogoshi and his co-conspirators targeted teenage boys by posing as young women on social media, coercing them into sending explicit images, and then threatening to distribute the content unless a ransom was paid.

    DeMay, a promising high school student, was allegedly one of the victims of this scheme. Investigators say that after being blackmailed, he tragically took his own life in March 2022. His case has drawn widespread attention to the rise of online sextortion, particularly among young males who often feel too ashamed or afraid to seek help. Law enforcement officials have emphasised the importance of awareness and education in preventing similar tragedies.

    “Sextortion is a growing crime that preys on the vulnerabilities of young people”, said a spokesperson from the FBI. “We urge parents, educators, and communities to have open conversations about online safety.”

    Ogoshi faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a minor and cyberstalking. If convicted, he could face severe penalties under United States federal law. The extradition was made possible through collaboration between United States and Nigerian authorities, marking a significant step in international law enforcement efforts to combat cybercrimes. This case also serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and the devastating consequences that can follow.

    Authorities continue to encourage victims of sextortion to come forward, emphasising that help is available and that they are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing online exploitation, resources such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) are available for assistance.

  • Lady Gaga announces next album ‘Mayhem’

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    Lady Gaga has officially announced the release of her seventh studio album, titled ‘Mayhem’, scheduled to debut on March 7, 2025. The album comprises fourteen tracks and marks a return to her Pop roots, featuring previously released songs like ‘Disease’ and ‘Die with a Smile’, a collaboration with Bruno Mars. Lady Gaga describes “Mayhem” as an exploration of chaos and transformation, aiming to create something new and beautiful from past influences. She likens the creative process to “reassembling a shattered mirror.”

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    The album’s cover art, unveiled on January 27, 2025, features a black-and-white photograph of Lady Gaga with disheveled black hair, her face slightly distorted behind shattered glass, reflecting the album’s themes of chaos and reconstruction. In addition to the previously released singles, Gaga plans to debut the third single from ‘Mayhem’ during a commercial break at the upcoming GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025. Following the album’s release, she is set to headline Coachella in April 2025. ‘Mayhem’ is now available for pre-order, and fans eagerly anticipate this new chapter in Gaga’s musical journey.

  • JAY Z’s Roc Nation announced groundbreaking partnership with South Korean fintech company Musicow

    JAY Z’s Roc Nation has announced a groundbreaking partnership with South Korean fintech company Musicow to launch the first Music Equity Service Provider in the United States. This innovative platform will allow United States music fans to acquire partial ownership of songs by their favorite artists and earn a share of the generated revenue.

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    The platform enables artists to fractionalise their royalty revenue and sell shares of their tracks to individual investors, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Roc Nation Vice Chairman Jay Brown stated, “The music industry is evolving into a shared ecosystem where fans and creators can earn together. Our mission is not only to support and empower artists by providing the tools and services they need to build a better music ecosystem but also to give everyone access to the financial opportunities the music industry offers.”

    Musicow CEO Woo Rhee added, “Partnering with Roc Nation is an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and redefine the future of our industry. I’m confident that together, we have the vision, expertise, and enthusiasm to create transformative progress and unlock limitless potential.”

    The platform is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2025. Early registrants may receive ten toward their Musicow wallet. This partnership aligns with Roc Nation’s ongoing efforts to empower artists. In August 2024, the company announced that partnered independent artists would maintain ownership of their masters under Roc Nation Distribution, providing tools and guidance to leverage technology and the music business.

    Founded in 2016, Musicow has been a pioneer in music royalty trading, allowing fans to invest in their favorite songs. This collaboration with Roc Nation marks its first major expansion into the United States market. By introducing this platform, Roc Nation and Musicow aim to create a more inclusive and financially rewarding environment for both artists and fans, reflecting the evolving landscape of the music industry.

  • Snoop Dogg loses over 500,000 followers after Trump Crypto Ball appearance

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    Snoop Dogg has faced significant backlash after performing at the Crypto Ball, an event associated with President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Following his appearance, he lost approximately 571,800 followers on Instagram and 17,177 on X (formerly Twitter). In response to the criticism, Snoop Dogg addressed his followers on Instagram, stating, “For all that hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right; stop worrying about mine. I’m cool, I’m together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black.” This incident has sparked discussions among fans and the public, especially considering Snoop Dogg’s previous criticisms of artists who associated with Trump.

  • Stream SAINt JHN’s new Tay Keith-produced single ‘Poppin’

    May the God of Abraham make other women as secure as the woman who inspired this song.

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    Recently, Brooklyn-bred genre-defying Guyanese-American rapper-singer stylish rapper and singer SAINt JHN (pronounced “Saint John”) released a catchy new song about meeting an emotionally intelligent woman from the valley who doesn’t seem bothered by his relations with other women. From the onslaught, the eclectic creative raps about what he enjoys when in bed and doesn’t show any signs of weakness or hypocrisy to the calibre of women he tends to keep around. Selfishly, I wanted to hear more rage in his ad-libs and moments where he projected his vocals like he does on ‘Body On Me’ or any of his other masterpieces, but this will do. Stream the vivacious Tay Keith-produced track below to hear what’s on his mind these days. We are anticipating the arrival of his next album, ‘Festival Season’.

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    Two days ago, From the Block released his performance video for the song, which has received mixed reviews online. Watch it below to see how fresh his outfit is.

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  • East London’s rising star TeeZandos shares official visual for ‘Old Me’: Watch

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    Standing out front on Turnham Road in London, TeeZandos, dubbed the “Princess of Drill”, the reflective piece covers a wide array of topics (her experiences in the bando, making someone shook to come to the hood, not knowing how the fake shit feels and looking in the mirror and seeing authenticity), including the phoney people in her life. As expressed through her Spotify profile, the Homerton, East London artist “burst onto the scene in 2019 with her viral hit, ‘Need Focus’”. Although the ‘Artist’ rapper had an alarming dark moment, recently making fans and others worry about her mental health, she seems to be back in good spirits and showcasing more of her femininity in ‘Old Me’.

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    Did you miss out on the Instagram Stories posts? You could read them for yourselves on Reddit. In short, the artist seemed to have survivor’s guilt and said that when she prayed to Satan, she had happiness and everything she wanted.

    Adding that when she prays to God, she doesn’t get anything. I could imagine her God-fearing fans disagreeing with her statements and probably stopped supporting her. However, I have shown grace to many artists who fight their many battles, and I feel, at least, we have someone who seems to be open and honest about dabbling in all deities — and it might be why God doesn’t respond how she hopes. Based on what I’ve come to learn about the God of all gods, He is a jealous God; she seems to be playing a blasphemous game. I don’t know her personally, but hopefully, it isn’t all for engagement and entertainment purposes.

    Before concluding her posts, she also talked negatively about herself, asking her fans to forget she exists because “rap failed, trap failed, [and] life failed.” Signing out with an action item, asking her followers to remove her from their following list.

    If it is a plea for help, I hope she can get through what she’s going through peacefully and that the young woman allows herself to be patient — with herself and others around her.

    Check out the music video below to see how the 2024 MOBO Awards nominee cleans up and, most importantly, hear her ferociously raw bars.

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v0RDJGCgq0&h=315]

  • 2Baba and Annie McCaulay divorce news

    Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has announced his separation from his wife, actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. In a recent Instagram post, 2Baba revealed that the couple has been separated for some time and has initiated divorce proceedings. He expressed his intention to share his side of the story with his fans in an upcoming press release. Following the announcement, there was speculation about the authenticity of the post, with some suggesting that 2Baba’s Instagram account had been hacked. Initially, a message was posted on his Instagram Story claiming the account had been compromised and that efforts were underway to regain control. However, 2Baba later clarified in a video that his account was not hacked, confirming that the separation announcement was genuine.

    The news has come as a surprise to many fans, as 2Baba and Annie have been regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples. They have been married since 2012 and share two children together. The couple’s relationship has been in the public eye for years, and this development marks a significant moment in their personal lives. As of now, there has been no official statement from Annie Macaulay-Idibia regarding the separation. Fans and well-wishers are awaiting further details, which are expected to be provided in 2Baba’s forthcoming press release.

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    This announcement has generated widespread discussion across social media platforms, with many expressing their support for both individuals during this time. The entertainment industry and fans alike are keenly observing the situation, hoping for amicable resolutions for the couple.

  • Skai Jackson welcomes first child, Kasai: A beautiful new chapter

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    Beloved actress and advocate Skai Jackson has stepped into a new role—motherhood. The multi-talented star, known for her roles on Disney Channel and her inspiring presence off-screen, welcomed her first child, a beautiful baby boy named Kasai. The news was announced on Skai’s social media accounts, where she shared a heartwarming photo of herself cradling baby Kasai in her arms. The tender moment was accompanied by a caption that read, “My heart has never been fuller. Welcome to the world, Kasai. You are my greatest blessing.”

    Fans, friends, and celebrities alike flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages and well-wishes for the new mom. Zendaya, a close friend and former Disney Channel peer, commented, “He’s perfect, Skai! So proud of you.” Other stars like Yara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, and Keke Palmer also shared their love and support.

    A journey into motherhood

    At just twenty-three-years old, Skai Jackson has already achieved incredible milestones in her career, from starring in hit television shows to becoming a best-selling author and an advocate for social change. Now, she embarks on an entirely new adventure—raising her son, Kasai. Whilst details surrounding her pregnancy were kept private, Skai’s journey into motherhood has been described as “a transformative experience” by those close to her. According to sources, Skai has been surrounded by a supportive circle of family and friends throughout the pregnancy, and she is excited to balance her new role as a mother with her professional endeavours.

    A name with meaning

    The name Kasai, which means “pure” and “unspoiled” in several languages, holds deep significance for Skai. She expressed in her announcement post that she chose the name to reflect the hope, love, and joy she feels for her son. “Kasai represents a fresh start, a new life full of possibility. He is my light in every way”, she shared.

    What’s next for Skai Jackson

    Even as she embraces motherhood, Skai Jackson remains dedicated to her passions. Sources close to the actress hint at upcoming projects, including a return to acting and a possible children’s book inspired by her journey as a mother. In the meantime, Skai is taking time to bond with Kasai and enjoy these precious early moments. She has also expressed gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support. “Thank you for all the love you’ve shown me and Kasai”, she wrote. “This is just the beginning of a beautiful chapter.”

    As Skai embarks on this exciting new phase, it’s clear that her resilience, love, and determination will make her an amazing mother. Congratulations, Skai, on this joyous new chapter!

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  • Spotify and Universal Music Group expand partnership with new agreement

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    In a landmark move that reflects the evolving nature of the music industry, Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced an extended and enhanced partnership. This new deal not only renews their longstanding collaboration but also includes a direct agreement between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) in the United States. This development underscores the deepening relationship between the streaming giant and the global music powerhouse.

    A step towards innovation

    The updated agreement promises to advance the shared goal of innovation within the music streaming landscape. According to statements from both companies, the partnership aims to create new opportunities for artists whilst delivering enhanced experiences for Spotify users worldwide. By working together, Spotify and UMG hope to address critical challenges in the industry, such as artist discovery, fair compensation, and the expansion of global reach.

    UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge emphasised the importance of this renewed collaboration, stating, “This partnership represents another step forward in shaping a more sustainable music ecosystem. We’re excited to deepen our efforts with Spotify to benefit artists and fans alike.”

    A direct publishing agreement

    One of the most notable aspects of this new deal is the direct agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group in the United States. This move aligns with industry trends that prioritise streamlined relationships between streaming platforms and publishing entities. Such agreements often lead to more efficient royalty payments and better support for songwriters, who are vital contributors to the music ecosystem.

    Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek commented on the agreement’s potential to drive innovation, saying, “By expanding our collaboration with Universal, we’re ensuring that creators continue to thrive while delivering exceptional listening experiences to millions of fans globally.”

    What this means for artists and songwriters

    For artists and songwriters represented by UMG and UMPG, this deal could mean greater visibility on the platform and more personalised promotional opportunities. Spotify’s data-driven approach to music recommendation and playlist curation will likely be leveraged to spotlight UMG’s extensive catalog in new and innovative ways.

    Additionally, the agreement could lead to more equitable royalty structures, particularly for songwriters, whose compensation has historically been a contentious issue in the streaming era. The inclusion of UMPG in the deal suggests a focus on ensuring that creators at all levels of the value chain benefit from the growing dominance of streaming.

    A broader industry implication

    This agreement is significant not just for Spotify and Universal, but for the music industry as a whole. It signals a continued shift towards closer collaboration between streaming services and major music companies, a trend that could reshape how music is marketed, consumed, and monetised.

    Whilst the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the strategic implications are clear. This partnership positions both Spotify and UMG as leaders in fostering a more interconnected and sustainable music ecosystem.

    Looking ahead

    As the music industry continues to adapt to rapid technological advancements, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in defining its future. Spotify and UMG’s renewed agreement sets the stage for exciting developments in artist promotion, fan engagement, and content innovation. For the millions of users who rely on Spotify to discover and enjoy music, and for the creators who drive the industry forward, this deal marks a promising step towards a more dynamic and inclusive music landscape.