GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • DJ Unk, known for ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’, passed away at 43

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    Atlanta’s Hip-Hop community is mourning the loss of DJ Unk, born Anthony Leonard Platt, who passed away on January 24, 2025, at the age of forty-three. His wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed his death on Facebook, requesting privacy during this difficult time. The cause of death has not been disclosed. DJ Unk rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with his debut album, ‘Beat’n Down Yo Block!’ released in 2006 under Big Oomp Records. The album featured the hit singles ‘Walk It Out’ and ‘2 Step’, both of which achieved significant chart success. ‘Walk It Out’ reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, whilst ‘2 Step’ climbed to number four on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.

    His music was notable for its energetic beats and danceable rhythms, contributing to the popularity of Snap music, a subgenre of Hip-Hop that emerged from Atlanta in the early 2000s. The remixes of his tracks featured collaborations with prominent artists such as André 3000, T-Pain, and Jim Jones, further cementing his influence in the Hip-Hop community.

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    In 2008, DJ Unk released his sophomore album, ‘2econd Season’, which included the single ‘Show Out’. Although the album did not replicate the commercial success of his debut, it showcased his continued dedication to his craft and the Atlanta music scene. Despite facing health challenges, including a heart attack in 2009, DJ Unk remained active in the music industry. He released his third album, ‘Fresh Off Dem Papers’, in 2017 and continued to perform and produce music, leaving a lasting impact on fans and fellow artists alike.

    Big Oomp Records, the label that played a pivotal role in DJ Unk’s career, paid tribute to him, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of DJ Unk, a legendary DJ, rapper, and producer whose legacy will continue to inspire.”

    DJ Unk’s contributions to Atlanta’s Hip-Hop scene have left an indelible mark, and his music will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

  • New York enacts groundbreaking paid prenatal leave law

    New York is now the first state in the country to mandate paid leave specifically for prenatal care.

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    In a significant step forward for parental rights and workplace equity, New York has enacted a new law granting paid prenatal leave for expecting mothers. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law on Friday, marking another progressive milestone for the state in supporting working families. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, offering a new layer of support for mothers-to-be across New York.

    A nation-leading policy

    New York is now the first state in the country to mandate paid leave specifically for prenatal care. This groundbreaking policy allows expecting mothers to take time off work to attend vital prenatal medical appointments without risking their income. Under the new law, employees will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid leave to accommodate prenatal health needs, which is in addition to the state’s existing paid family leave benefits.

    The paid prenatal leave initiative aims to reduce stress and promote healthier pregnancies by allowing women to prioritise their medical care. It also underscores New York’s commitment to gender equity in the workplace by addressing a critical gap in parental leave policies.

    Championing maternal Health

    Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of the law in her remarks, stating, “This is about ensuring every expecting mother has the support she needs to have a healthy pregnancy. We’re leading the nation in recognising that prenatal care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

    The legislation aligns with growing advocacy for better maternal health outcomes in the United States, where maternal mortality rates have raised alarms in recent years. By enabling pregnant employees to take paid leave for prenatal care, New York is addressing barriers to access, such as financial constraints or rigid workplace policies, which often prevent women from receiving adequate care.

    Support and criticism

    The law has received widespread praise from maternal health advocates, labor unions, and women’s rights organisations. Groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union and the National Partnership for Women & Families have lauded the move as a transformative measure to support women and families.

    However, some business groups have expressed concerns about the potential financial burden on employers, particularly small businesses. Critics argue that the policy could lead to increased costs and logistical challenges for companies already navigating New York’s existing paid family leave requirements.

    How it will work

    The new policy will be integrated into the state’s paid family leave system, which is funded through employee payroll contributions. Expecting mothers will need to provide documentation from their healthcare providers to qualify for the leave. The benefit will be available to full-time and part-time employees who meet the eligibility requirements under the state’s paid family leave program.

    The law’s phased rollout gives businesses time to adapt, and state officials plan to provide resources and guidance to help employers comply with the new requirements.

    A step toward broader change

    New York’s paid prenatal leave law could serve as a model for other states. Advocates hope the policy will spark a national conversation about the importance of comprehensive leave policies that address the unique needs of parents and families.

    As the law’s implementation date approaches, New York will likely face close scrutiny from policymakers and advocates nationwide. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for similar legislation in other states, further advancing the cause of maternal health and workplace equality.

    For expecting mothers in New York, this law represents not just financial relief but also the promise of a healthier and more equitable future.

  • Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship

    On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship”, aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are neither United States citizens nor lawful permanent residents. This move challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all individuals born on United States soil.

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    The executive order specifies that individuals born thirty days after its issuance, or on February 19, 2025, will not be granted United States citizenship if their mother was unlawfully present in the country, or in a temporary status such as a student or tourist visa, and their father was neither a United States citizen nor a lawful permanent resident at the time of birth. The order faced immediate legal challenges. Attorneys general from 22 states, along with civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups, filed lawsuits arguing that the executive order violates the 14th Amendment. On January 23, United States District Judge John C Coughenour in Seattle temporarily blocked the order, describing it as “blatantly unconstitutional”. This ruling prevents the order’s implementation for fourteen days, pending further hearings.

    The Department of Justice has announced plans to “vigorously defend” the executive order, setting the stage for a significant legal battle over the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the future of birthright citizenship in the United States. This development has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that the order could render affected children stateless and strip them of their rights. Supporters, however, contend that it is a necessary measure to address unlawful immigration. Further hearings are scheduled, including one on February 6 to consider a preliminary injunction.

    The outcome of this legal battle will have profound implications for immigration policy and the interpretation of constitutional rights in the United States.

  • New York’s Wet announces co-headline tour with Julie Byrne, shares new single ‘Coffee in the Morning’

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    Today, Wet (Kelly Zutrau, Joe Valle and Marty Sulkow) announced their co-headlining tour with Julie Byrne and shared a new short single called, ‘Coffee in the Morning’ from their forthcoming album ‘Two Lives’ due in the Spring of 2025. If you’re wondering what inspired the album’s name, it was when Kelly Zutrau was with the producer Buddy Ross (Frank Ocean, Haim) in Portland, Oregon. At first, the pair struggled to make new music until she received confirmed news about her pregnancy. Immediately after, the singer-songwriter feared her world would come crashing down, and she wrote the lyric that day, wishing she could live two lives. The album is “a document of the uncertainty that surrounds life’s major transitions.”

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    The joint tour, spanning eight days, will begin in May with shows across the country, including Kelly Zutrau’s home state, Massachusetts. The tickets for the tour go on sale next week on Friday, January 31, at 10 AM local time.

    Upcoming Live Dates co-headline with Julie Byrne

    5/7 – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
    5/8 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
    5/10 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theatre
    5/11 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
    5/16 – Chicago, IL @ Outset
    5/28 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage
    5/29 – Brooklyn, NY @ 99 Scott
    5/30 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair

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  • Cosmo Pyke’s ‘Great Dane’ lyrics (English)

    Read the lyrics to English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and artist from Cosmo Pyke’s ‘Great Dane’ in English.

    Difficulty however was always a challenge to William
    And he wanted Joan back, he liked Joan
    She was quiet and shy, and amenable, and dependable
    And he was a god in her eyes”
    There I lay, beside the Great Dane
    A stray in the south, obsessed by your mouth
    And you’ve, been away for the fall
    I’ve barely seen you at all
    Impressions over you blew like Bikini Atoll
    Shallow pain, but it’s not deep down
    Cigarettes while you’re asleep now
    I’ve taken less care, I feel weak now
    You said you was flying to Milan in about a week now
    I don’t mind to reignite the fire
    Besides from that weed we light
    And if you try to ask me why the fact
    That I’ve lied and you’re tired of that
    Well I don’t blame
    I only claim to be in a state that closure was the way
    She exposed my name
    And now I’m supposed to tell you
    All them times and in the place but
    I’m still developing
    Enveloped in the elephant of the room I’m already in
    I don’t give a-, it’s irrelevant
    Been away for the fall
    Barely seen you at all
    You’ve come and see me at school
    And you’ll realize that I’m no fool
    Shallow pain but it’s not deep down
    Cigarettes while you’re asleep now
    When I’m taken less care, I feel weak now
    You said you was flying to ja-, in about a-, oh no
    But I don’t mind to reignite the fire
    Besides from that weed we light
    And if you try to ask me why the fact
    That I’ve lied and you’re tired of that
    I don’t blame, I’m only claim
    In a state that closure was the way
    She exposed my name and shame now
    Times is in their place but
    I’m still developing
    Enveloped in the elephant of the room I’m already in
    I don’t give a fuck, it’s irrelevant
    Been away for the fall
    Barely seen you at all
    You come and see me at school
    And you’ll realize that I’m not
    Different girls with the same issues, chains, pearls and tissues
    Would you change if I claimed I miss you
    Words I love you is misused
    A struggle and pissed you, just wanna cuddle and kiss you
    Now I’m double muddled and pissed too
    New dawn, new day
    A reflection of our time, for Pete’s sake
    Generations of mobile phones
    Even though these girls hormones are most unknown
    Implants, at 14, she was lookin fresh apart from her weave
    I prefer natural on girls
    Even when I think about you now I have to gag and hurl
    But not physically
    Think about you with another man it sickens me
    And I’m sure that you haven’t
    Even if you have, then I’m sure that I’d have him
    I said I’m sure that I’d smack him
    Like the end of a party everything stop happenin’
    Maybe her brain had mutated
    Even though they’re in the past she be sedated but
    I don’t mind to reignite the fire
    Besides from that weed we light
    And if you try to ask me why
    That I’ve lied and you’re tired of that
    I don’t blame, I only claim to be in a state that closure was the way
    She exposed my name and shame
    And now I’m supposed to tell you all them times and the place but
    I’m still developing
    Enveloped in the elephant of the room I’m already in
    I don’t give a-, it’s irrelevant
    “Miss Eveschon was shattered but she made her way to the background
    The curtains dividing the platform from a whole were drawn
    For no other reason than the Mr. Weastonburry enjoyed drawing them back
    The clock struck eight, and Mr. Weastonburry
    With his own inimitable air of providing
    The most important items of the
    Evening’s entertainment, drew them back
    Miss Eveschon gave a gasp of horror
    For there on the platform was the wooden table
    The altar she supposed, and on it was Hector
    Her Hector, whom she had left asleep by the fire
    Now spirited here by some infernal means and standing motionless
    Not moving a muscle or twitching a whisker, hypnotized
    And behind the altar was Miss Parend
    Looking more witch-like than ever, hatless
    Her white hair falling about her face
    Wearing a long black coat and leaning on a stick
    Then came the culmination of the horror
    For the witch hobbled to the edge of the platform
    Looked down into the well of the hole
    Fixed her dim lit eye on Miss Eveschon
    And said in a voice that froze the flattering Miss Eveschon

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  • Selena Gomez teases new music, fans eager for upcoming releases

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    Selena Gomez has sparked excitement amoung her fans by hinting at new music in the works. The superstar and actress took to social media to share a cryptic post featuring what appeared to be a behind-the-scenes studio session, accompanied by the caption, “Something special is coming.” Fans quickly speculated about a possible album or single, with many expressing their anticipation online. This comes after the success of her recent singles and her critically acclaimed album ‘Rare’. Gomez’s recent focus on mental health advocacy and heartfelt lyrics has endeared her to audiences, making this new era of music highly anticipated.

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  • The Weeknd’s album release delayed due to wildfires

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    The highly anticipated new album by The Weeknd has been delayed as devastating wildfires impact production timelines and distribution logistics. The artist, known for his chart-topping hits and cinematic visuals, has expressed concerns over the safety and well-being of those affected by the fires, particularly in regions critical to his album’s rollout. In a statement, The Weeknd emphasised the importance of prioritising human lives over business, noting that the delay allows his team to regroup under safer conditions. Fans have been understanding, with many taking to social media to support the decision. The new release date is yet to be announced.

    The Weeknd has posted this to his official X account.

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  • PsychoYP announced as official artist for SXSW 2025

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    Nigerian Hip-Hop sensation PsychoYP has been officially announced as a showcasing artist for the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, set to take place in Austin, Texas, from March 10 to 15. This inclusion highlights PsychoYP’s rising influence in the global music scene and offers him a platform to reach a broader international audience. PsychoYP, known for his dynamic style and innovative approach to Hip-Hop, has been instrumental in shaping the sounds of various artists, including collaborations with Ghanaian producer Yung D3mz. His participation in SXSW 2025 underscores the festival’s commitment to featuring diverse and emerging talents from around the world.

    The SXSW Music Festival is renowned for its eclectic mix of artists and serves as a significant springboard for musicians aiming to expand their reach. PsychoYP’s performance is highly anticipated and is expected to be a highlight of the festival, further solidifying his position in the international music industry.

    PsychoYP’s track ‘Violation’ was added to the festival’s official playlist on Spotify.

  • Iraqi parliament legalises marriage for 9-year-old girls, sparking outrage

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    In a controversial move, the Iraqi Parliament has passed a law allowing girls as young as nine-years-old to marry. The legislation, based on certain interpretations of Islamic law, has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally. Advocates of the law argue it aligns with religious and cultural traditions, but detractors claim it violates fundamental human rights and perpetuates child exploitation. Human rights organisations and activists warn that the law undermines efforts to protect children and could worsen gender inequality in Iraq. Many have called on international bodies to pressure the Iraqi government to reconsider the legislation. This development highlights ongoing debates over the intersection of cultural practices, religious law, and modern human rights standards in the region.

  • Trevor Noah set to host GRAMMYs for the fifth time

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    Trevor Noah is set to host the GRAMMY Awards for the fifth consecutive year on February 2, 2025, at the crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year’s ceremony will also focus on raising funds for wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders. Noah, renowned for his tenure as host of The Daily Show from 2015 to 2022, has seen increasing viewership during his previous GRAMMY hosting stints, with the 2024 broadcast peaking at 16.9 million viewers. In addition to hosting, he is nominated for Best Comedy Album for ‘Where Was I’.

    Beyoncé leads the nominations with her album ‘Cowboy Carter’ and song ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’, whilst Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Charli XCX also have multiple nominations. The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST.