by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 25, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com
Rihanna, the pop sensation and ASAP Rocky, the rap artist, have been a center of attraction since their union was confirmed. Their life as parents to two adorable children, Rza and Riot, has become the talk of the town. In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Rihanna opened up about her experience as a mother and ASAP Rocky’s incredible journey into fatherhood.
Rihanna’s Unexpected Journey into Motherhood
Rihanna confessed that she had no idea how her family would shape up. She was caught by surprise with the way things turned out with Rocky and their two children. She said, “I couldn’t have predicted how my family would look, and I’m amazed at the life we’ve built together.”
ASAP Rocky – A Phenomenal Dad
In the same interview, Rihanna appreciated ASAP Rocky’s efforts as a dad. She praised him, saying, “I loved him differently as a dad. This is major, major like, it’s a turn on. It’s just like, ‘Wow! What a leader, what a great, patient, loving [dad].” She further added that her children are smitten with him. In her words, “My kids are obsessed with him. I’m just a background, I’m an extra.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s girls or boys; they love their dad differently, and I love to see it,” Rihanna expressed her joy.
The Journey of Rihanna and ASAP Rocky
Speculations about Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s relationship started circulating after Rihanna ended her relationship with Hassan Jameel in January 2020. They were spotted together frequently, which fueled the rumors. The rumors were finally put to rest when People confirmed their relationship in November 2020. Fans were ecstatic about the confirmation and couldn’t get enough of the couple.
The Arrival of Rza and Riot
The couple made headlines again in January 2022 when they announced they were expecting their first child, Rza. Rza was born on May 13, and they welcomed their second child, Riot, on Aug. 1, 2023. The arrival of the children added a new chapter in their lives.
ASAP Rocky on Fatherhood
ASAP Rocky shared his experiences as a dad in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. He said, “It’s so unexplainable. It’s just one of those things. I’m a member of our club now, like the dad club.”
“You see a dad, you see me. I’m playing on, I’m a full dad now. Being outside and working and being creative, it drives more energy for you…to think and soak things up like a sponge now that I’m a dad, because I have a whole ‘nother perspective.” He continued.
ASAP Rocky expressed his gratitude for his family and the joy he experiences every day. “You come home to heaven every day. I’m so thankful. God is good, man,” he concluded.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s journey into parenthood has been an exciting one. Their transformation into parents and their love for their children has been heartwarming. The couple’s life continues to be a trending topic in music news, and fans are eagerly waiting for more updates from them.
by Fabiola Noel | Dec 21, 2023 | Business News, Latest |
Photo by Azamat E on Unsplash
In a significant development in the realm of social networking, Meta has initiated testing a novel feature that would allow Threads posts to be displayed on Mastodon and other networks supported by the ActivityPub protocol. This announcement was made by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, stating that this interoperability of Threads will provide users with more options in their interactions and enhance content reach.
ActivityPub and Threads: A Catalyst for Decentralization
ActivityPub is a protocol that supports decentralized social networking. It is the force behind Mastodon, a renowned open-source social networking platform. The integration of Threads with ActivityPub is a notable advancement towards a more decentralized social network system. However, Zuckerberg refrained from shedding light on the specifics of this integration.
Initial Signs of Integration
Not long after Zuckerberg’s announcement, several users reported being able to follow Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, via various Mastodon clients. Nevertheless, his posts were not visible. Users were also able to search for Mosseri’s Threads profile on Mastodon by typing “@[email protected],” suggesting the possibility for searching other Threads profiles in the future.
Roadmap for Threads and ActivityPub Integration
The roadmap for integrating Threads with ActivityPub is still unclear, particularly whether users will be able to cross-post easily between Mastodon (or other ActivityPub-powered networks) and Threads or move their data around.
Threads was launched in July, and at the time, Mosseri stated that it wouldn’t have integration with the fediverse initially. However, he stressed that Meta was dedicated to integrating its newest platform with the decentralized social web.
Commitment to ActivityPub Integration
“We’re committed to building support for ActivityPub, the protocol behind Mastodon, into this app. We weren’t able to finish it for launch given a number of complications that come along with a decentralized network, but it’s coming,” Mosseri said while launching Threads.
Profile Verification on Mastodon
In August, Threads introduced a method for users to verify their profile on Mastodon. This was achieved through the addition of “rel=me” links — a way to establish a connection between two accounts by pointing links to each other.
Zuckerberg’s Announcement: A Move towards Decentralization
Zuckerberg’s recent announcement serves as the first real indication of Meta’s intent to make Threads a part of the decentralized social network system.
This integration could potentially grant users more control over their social interactions and broaden the reach of content. As Zuckerberg optimistically put it, this step of making Threads interoperable could lead to a more inclusive social network environment.
As Meta continues with its testing of Threads integration with ActivityPub, it becomes evident that the future of social networking is steering towards decentralization. This shift could potentially redefine how users interact and share content on social media platforms.
Final Thoughts
While it’s too early to predict how this integration will pan out, it’s undeniable that this is a significant step for Threads and for the broader goal of a decentralized social network system. As such, all eyes will be on Meta as it continues its journey towards creating a more flexible and inclusive social networking environment.
As Meta continues to push the boundaries of social networking, stay tuned for more business news and updates on the testing and future developments of Threads integration with ActivityPub.
by Derrick T Lewis | Dec 20, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
North West, the eldest offspring of renowned music artist Kanye West and reality TV star Kim Kardashian, has caught the attention of music enthusiasts with her recent appearance on her father’s collaborative album with Ty Dolla Sign titled “Vultures”. With her candid verses about the pressures of fame, North West is quickly becoming a notable figure in the music industry.
Unveiling of the Project “Vultures”
Despite the anticipation among fans, the streaming of “Vultures” did not commence at midnight as many had expected. Instead, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign chose to host yet another livestreamed listening event, this time in Las Vegas. The event featured North West, who had already garnered applause for her performance on a potential track from “Vultures” during a previous music event in Miami.
North West: “Miss Westie”
In the earlier event, North West introduced herself as “Miss Westie”. The moniker was again heard in the latest event, along with a new intro where Kanye West invited her onstage, stating, “Northie, come out and play!” This marked the beginning of North’s musical journey, showcasing her talents to the world.
New Track: A Collaboration with Charlie Wilson
The latest event also premiered a potential track from “Vultures” where North West joined forces with Charlie Wilson. The song begins with a clip from Sha’Carri Richardson, asserting her readiness both mentally and physically. Richardson’s power-packed statement, “I’m not back. I’m better.”, sets the tone for the rest of the track.
North’s Perspective on Fame
In the song, North West, only 10 years old, raps about the desire to escape from the spotlight of fame. She also communicates her pain to the listener and to a higher power, signifying her struggle with living under constant scrutiny. This personal touch not only makes her performance relatable but also makes a strong statement about the pressures of fame on young celebrities.
Reconciliation with Kid Cudi
Another surprise in the “Vultures” project was the appearance of Kid Cudi, who had previously had a public disagreement with Kanye West. This reconciliation suggests a promising outlook for the “Vultures” project, which marks the first full-length collaboration between Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign.
Although the “Vultures” project was initially announced to be released on a Friday, further recording took place after the Las Vegas Livestream, leading to a delay in the release. This has only heightened the anticipation among fans, who eagerly await the debut of the full project.
In Conclusion
North West’s venture into the music world, featuring her candid take on fame, has made an impact among fans and critics alike. With her unique voice and perspective, she is carving out her own niche in the industry. As the world awaits the full release of “Vultures”, one thing is clear – North West is a young star on the rise, ready to take on the music world.
by Laghe Andrews | Dec 14, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Hip-hop artist Lil Durk finds himself embroiled in a legal tussle with financial technology company, Exceed Talent Capital. The rapper, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is accused of fraudulent dealings involving the rights to his music track “Bedtime.” The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, seeks a hefty sum of $12 million in damages.
The Allegations
In court documents viewed by Music Business Worldwide, Exceed Talent Capital alleges that the rapper agreed to sell them the rights to “Bedtime.” This agreement was made despite an existing exclusive contract between Lil Durk and Alamo Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.
“Exceed Talent Capital acquired the “Bedtime” rights for $600,000, only to discover later that Durk had previously assigned the same rights to a third party.”
This alleged double dealing has landed the rapper in hot water, with the fintech startup seeking recompense for the hefty sum it paid for the rights.
The Fallout
Exceed Talent Capital claims that the fallout from the failed deal has caused significant harm to its reputation and relationships with partners and investors. The company had already paid $450,000 of the $600,000 owed when it was notified by Alamo Records about Durk’s exclusive recording agreement. The revelation forced Exceed to return the funds invested by third parties.
The list of defendants in the lawsuit extends beyond Lil Durk. Manager Andrew “Dilla” Bonsu, Only The Family Entertainment, Inc, OTF Label, and firm TTPMG are also implicated in the legal action.
Prior Partnership with Exceed
Before this dispute, Lil Durk and Exceed had announced a partnership in October last year. The partnership aimed to offer fans a “Trenches All-Access Pass,” akin to an NFT. This pass promised access to a private Grand Theft Auto roleplay server created by the rapper, which at the time had a waitlist of over 15,000 users.
Fans were offered lifetime access, limited edition in-game wearables, and a chance to invest in shares from proceeds of “Bedtime.” However, this partnership has taken a sour turn with the recent allegations.
The Music Industry’s Response
The music industry has responded with mixed reactions to the lawsuit. Last week, it was reported that the artist formerly known as Kanye West expressed interest in buying out Durk’s contract from Sony. This comes as a significant development, given the high-profile nature of both artists.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Lil Durk’s music career and his relationships with music labels and tech companies remains uncertain. The outcome of this case could potentially have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the intersection of music and technology.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings, particularly in industries like music where intellectual property rights are paramount. It remains to be seen how Lil Durk will respond to these allegations and what impact this will have on his career and reputation.
by Derrick T Lewis | Dec 12, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Photo by James Owen on Unsplash
Frank Ocean, the musical maestro behind hits like “Blonde“, has set the internet ablaze with a tantalizing sneak peek into his new music. A mere 23-second clip shared on his Instagram story has left fans hungry for more, eagerly anticipating the release of his new track.
The Return to the Studio
Ocean’s return to his creative sanctuary – the studio, has sparked immense excitement among his loyal fanbase. The heart of his musical genius, it’s here where he weaves together his enchanting melodies and profound lyrics, casting a spell on his audience. Dancing to his song in the studio, his joy and enthusiasm were palpable, further fueling the anticipation for his upcoming release.
Will the Track Ever See the Light of Day?
With the musical snippet shared in early November, fans are left wondering if this track will ever become a part of their playlists. Ocean, true to his mysterious persona, let the song play for just a minute on the @blonded account’s Instagram Story, leaving his audience yearning for more. In the snippet, he reflects on his “younger self”, a theme that has been recurrent in his previous works.
Educated Guesses and a Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
In the shared snippet, Ocean takes his audience on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his younger days. In the first line, he confirms someone’s assumptions to be “educated guesses”, a phrase that has intrigued his fans, leaving them wondering about the underlying meaning and context.
The clip has spurred fans to unofficially name the track “Younger Self”, as it seems to allude to a letter Ocean penned to his younger self back in 2011. The letter is a heartfelt plea to his past self, urging him to move forward confidently, for he would master his gifts and emerge stronger and wiser.
Ocean’s Musical Journey: A Quick Recap
It’s been a while since Ocean’s fans were treated to his last album – “Blonde”, released in 2016. Over the past seven years, he has occasionally released some singles like “Dear April” and “Cayendo” in 2020, offering fans a taste of his evolving musical style.
His performance at this year’s Coachella didn’t go as smoothly as expected. Fans weren’t just upset about the show not being live-streamed, but also about the late start and the stage setup that obstructed the audience’s view. Despite these hiccups, Ocean’s music continues to resonate with his fans, who eagerly await his new creations.
What Lies Ahead?
Two back-to-back music clips from Ocean certainly sound promising. As fans, we can only hope that this is a sign of more music to come. The world waits with bated breath, eager to once again lose themselves in the mesmerizing world of Frank Ocean’s music.
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