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Rave News Digest: Kendrick Lamar Drops Surprise Album “GNX”, Wizkid’s “Morayo” Makes History On Apple Music Chart, Verstappen + More

Rave News Digest: Kendrick Lamar Drops Surprise Album “GNX”, Wizkid’s “Morayo” Makes History On Apple Music Chart, Verstappen + More

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Kendrick Lamar drops surprise album “GNX,” Wizkid’s “Morayo” makes history on the Apple Music Chart, Max Verstappen wins title as George Russell triumphs in Vegas. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.

1. Kendrick Lamar drops surprise album “GNX”

Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar has shocked the music world with the unexpected release of his new album, “GNX.” Dropped without warning last Friday, the 12-track project marks Kendrick’s first release under his label and multimedia company, pgLang, following his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment. The album features collaborations with SZA on the track “Luther,” as well as production from heavyweights like Mustard, Rascal, DJ Dahi, and Jack Antonoff. A minute-long teaser accompanying the release shows Kendrick floating in space alongside vintage car models, offering a surreal glimpse into the project’s themes.

This latest drop adds to the mounting excitement for Kendrick’s upcoming performance at Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome. Fans are already dissecting the album’s themes and wondering how the “GNX” era will unfold both musically and visually.

2. Wizkid’s “Morayo” makes history on Apple Music Chart

Afrobeats sensation Wizkid has set a new record in the global music industry with his latest album, “Morayo,” as all 17 tracks from the album simultaneously dominate the top spots on the Apple Music chart. This unprecedented achievement cements Wizkid’s position as a globally recognized icon in the Afrobeats genre and highlights his rising influence in the international music scene.

The album’s success follows a series of remarkable milestones for Wizkid, including his chart-topping singles “Piece of Me” featuring Brent Faiyaz and the vibrant “Kese (Dance.)” His dominance on the Apple Music chart is a testament to the global appeal of African music and the growing power of Afrobeats on the world stage.

3. South Africa: Black Coffee named World’s Best DJ 2024

Renowned South African DJ and music producer Black Coffee has been named the World’s Best DJ for 2024 at the prestigious Golden Moon Awards. The announcement was made by Nightlife International on social media, celebrating Black Coffee’s continued dominance on the global music stage. Known for his unique Afro-house sound and deep, soulful grooves, Black Coffee, whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, has cemented his position as a cultural icon and visionary. “A pioneer and a cultural ambassador, Black Coffee continues to inspire millions, pushing boundaries and connecting the world through his music,” Nightlife International shared in their tribute.

The award underscores Black Coffee’s remarkable influence and global reach, as he consistently captivates audiences with his genre-defying sound. Adding to South Africa’s triumph at the awards, rising star DESIREE, born Palesa Desiree Shilabje, was named the World’s Breakthrough Artist for 2024. The recognition of both artists highlights South Africa’s growing impact on the global music scene.

4. Kanye West sued for assault

Kanye West is facing a lawsuit for allegedly assaulting model and former America’s Next Top Model finalist Jenn An during the 2010 filming of a music video for La Roux’s “In for the Kill” at Manhattan’s Chelsea Hotel. In a complaint filed in federal court and obtained by Rolling Stone, Jenn claimed West choked her, subjected her to “pornographic gagging,” and directed an aggressive scene for what she described as his “own production.” According to the filing, Jenn alleged West singled her out upon arriving on set, saying, “Give me the Asian girl,” before towering over her, forcibly choking her with both hands and engaging in acts emulating BDSM and forced oral sex.

The model accused West of yelling, “This is art. This is f****** art. I am like Picasso,” during the alleged incident, leaving her in distress and struggling to breathe. She stated that no one on set intervened, and she later realized her face was “covered in saliva and smeared makeup.” Jenn is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, naming Universal Music Group as a co-defendant for allegedly planning West’s appearance and failing to address her claims. In a statement, Jenn highlighted the systemic abuse faced by women in entertainment, expressing hope that her legal action will hold abusers accountable and inspire change in the industry. Neither West nor Jenn appears in the final version of the “In for the Kill” music video, and the rapper has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

5. Max Verstappen wins title as George Russell triumphs in Vegas

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship with a measured fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as Mercedes’ George Russell claimed a commanding victory. Russell held off teammate Lewis Hamilton, who surged from 10th on the grid to finish second, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc took third and fourth. Verstappen’s performance behind the Ferraris was enough to secure the title, as his closest rival, Lando Norris, managed only sixth for McLaren. This left Norris 63 points adrift with just 60 available in the final two races.

Verstappen’s calm drive mirrored the dominance he has displayed throughout the season. Russell controlled the race from the front, with Hamilton executing an impressive comeback strategy to secure second after a late pit stop. The Ferraris, though competitive early on, faltered with tire struggles, allowing Mercedes to dominate. McLaren’s Norris took the fastest lap, narrowing their constructors’ gap with Ferrari to just 24 points. Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda also claimed valuable points in the top ten.

Featured Image: @nfr_podcast/X


Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide–including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from American reports to top African news today, and the best sports stories in 2024.


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