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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Best Albums of 2025, So Far
From Central Cee and Little Simz to Miley Cyrus and Xzibit, we parse through the best music of 2025. We are halfway through 2025, and what a year it's been so far. If anything, it's been a year of firsts: PSG finally took home the coveted Champions League crown — all without Messi, Neymar, or Mbappé — Tottenham won a trophy (OK maybe not a first, but a first in a long while), and Naomi Girma became the first million-dollar women's footballer when she joined Chelsea. Oh, and the revamped and expanded Club World Cup is underway. Advertisement It's been a bit less 'first' centric in the music world, however. Kendrick Lamar is dominating the summer with his Grand National tour, but, after 'Not Like Us' was inescapable last year, we don't exactly have a song of the summer for 2025. A year out from beef with Drake, is it safe to say the closest thing we have to a summer anthem is 'Nokia?' C'mon, it is seriously infectious. Besides those two superstars, other artists from across the world have put their mark on 2025. Little Simz and Central Cee are holding it down for the United Kingdom while we await albums from Dave and Skepta. Stateside, we got a surprise announcement that Clipse is releasing a new project, which will certainly feed the streets, and we are patiently waiting for projects from a range of artists, including AmirSaysNothing and A$AP Rocky. Advertisement Even though anticipation is high for what the rest of the year has to offer, there has been a variety of music, from Memphis rap to pop-rock, that has impressed us through June. Here's Urban Pitch's best albums of 2025 so far… Little Simz — Lotus Little Simz reasserted herself as one of the preeminent artists in today's music landscape with her new album, Lotus. She has always experimented with sound and her latest offering is a blend of alternative rock, fierce bars, and soulful piano all with the theme of blooming from the mud. She made this statement without her good friend and right-hand producer, Inflo. Together, they crafted incredibly artful projects, including her Mercury Prize-winning album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, and its follow up, No Thank You. Earlier this year, Little Simz sued Inflo over a $2.2 million loan he didn't repay. Simz' pain at the broken friendship is evident throughout Lotus. It's clear 'Thief' is dedicated to the betrayal and the musical conversation. 'Blood' with fellow British MC Wretch 32 is about a falling out with a brother figure. The line 'You're not for the culture, you're just for the cult' on 'Hollow' is especially scathing. Advertisement There's also no Cleo Sol, another frequent collaborator and Inflo's wife, on Lotus either. The singer and Little Simz created bright moments like 'Woman' and 'Selfish,' but the features on the new album were still plenty strong. Nigerian singer Obongjayar, who also assisted her with the critically-acclaimed 'Point and Kill,' appears on two tracks, including the riveting 'Flood.' 'Blue' with the one and only Sampha touches the heart. The love song 'Only' with Lydia Kitto is lighthearted and, combined with the playful 'Young,' they bring balance to the heaviness of the album. The single 'Free' remains the firm beacon of hope. That's what makes Little Simz so magical is that even though she has been through so much, including racism, sexism and the betrayal of a friend, she maintains the brightest of smiles while assuring fans that if she can come out on top, they can too. Xzibit — Kingmaker The King is back! Xzibit released his first album in more than a decade in the form of Kingmaker. The project is thoughtful and fierce as the West Coast veteran reflects on the importance of keeping real ones in your circle and dominating your space while staying grounded by family and faith. Advertisement The production is signature West Coast (DJ Battlecat's beat for 'Shut Yo Mouth' is iconic) sprinkled with cinematic soundscapes, reflective reverbs and a bit of jazz. There's a variety of guests, including Dr. Dre, Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, Compton Av, JasonMartin, Lorine Chia, and X's fellow Serial Killers member B-Real. Jenn Em's smooth vocals bring 'Been a Long Time Pt. 2' to a lighter place as Xzibit confronts those who called his career over. Tre Capital, Xzibit's son, is featured on 'End of the Day' for his first official placement on one of his dad's albums and he brings his own vulnerability to elevate the project. The title track and album closer showcases Xzibit rapping with a fierce hunger to share his message. It's clear that this music isn't for himself, but for others who need to hear encouragement to live in their own sense of purpose and peace. It's quite a beautiful thing. Aminé — 13 Months of Sunshine Aminé released his first solo album since 2021's TWOPOINTFIVE, and the Portland, Oregon artist delivered. Showcasing how he's grown creatively from his breakout hit, 2017's 'Caroline,' Aminé presents 13 Months of Sunshine as 16 tracks of groovy goodness and a tribute to his Ethiopian heritage. Advertisement The African country utilizes the slogan to let the world know summer doesn't stop there. There are clips of Aminé's father offering life lessons throughout the project that make it extra heartfelt. The singles 'Vacay,' 'Arc De Triomphe' and 'Familiar' are all here. But 'Feels So Good' lives up to its name and 'Be Easier On Yourself' is a reminder to self — and to others — to do just that. 'Doing The Best I Can' is a standout track where Aminé's father talks about his effort to lead the family and the artist then offers his own reflection on the sentiment over a stripped down piano track. The album might feel a little literal, but sonically it's engaging and overall it's uplifting, exactly what sunshine is supposed to do. Miley Cyrus — Something Beautiful Miley Cyrus' artistry has gone through many phases from her Hannah Montana days to her pop reign and her brief foray into hip-hop all while holding onto her country roots, but she seems to have found confidence in embracing the unexpected on Something Beautiful. The album comes off 2023's Endless Summer Vacation that featured the anthem 'Flowers' and reflective 'Used To Be Young.' Advertisement The new project is pure drama and is bolstered by instrumental moments that don't just fill space, but create clear emotions as Cyrus showcases how she's embraced the fact that she doesn't fit into a box. The transitions are immaculate as the album weaves between genres. The title track is jazz-infused with horns and a gentle bass line that is interrupted by crashing guitar riffs as Cyrus declares her obsession for a love interest. There is a clear '80s pop influence with braggadocious synth-heavy tracks like 'Walk of Fame' and 'Every Girl You've Ever Loved,' which comes with a superstar appearance from Naomi Campbell. 'Easy Lover' has a tinge of blues as Cyrus wrestles with affection that is equal parts addicting and toxic. She bares her soul on the snappy 'Golden Burning Sun' where she daydreams about a lover and 'More To Lose' draws listeners in when she relatably croons 'My tears are streamin' like our favoritе show tonight, tonight / Memories fade likе denim jeans.' Something Beautiful is a thrilling sonic journey that is a raw singular journey that also invites others to be our own beautiful selves no matter what that definition might be. Bad Bunny — DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS Bad Bunny made DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS as a tribute to his Puerto Rican heritage. The album title translates to 'I should have taken more photos' and is about capturing moments. Benito traded in commercial pop sensibilities for a return to his roots and the musical voyage is utterly contagious. Advertisement The opener, 'NUEVAYoL,' is an immediate departure from his signature sound and jumps into a fiery salsa, but it invites the listener into who he is as an artist and bridges the gap between the concrete jungle of New York and the bright playas of Puerto Rico. It's not long before 'VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR' features reggaeton and draws listeners in with repeated lines like 'Voy cazando y muero perreando,' a reference to pioneering Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Angel & Khriz and their early 2000s song, 'Cazando Voy.' Another standout reggaeton track is 'KETU TeCRÉ' where Bad Bunny flexes his vocals as he has second thoughts about a girl he got involved with with a witty reference to Toy Story. Elsewhere, 'BAILE INoLVIDABLE' or 'Unforgettable Dance,' has an outer space feel before jumping into lively horns. 'WELTiTA' with Chuwi's gentle vocals is smooth and feel-good. The plucky strings of 'TURiSTA' are inviting as Bad Bunny ponders a woman who was just a 'tourist' in his life, reflecting the greater conversation of what it means to visit a beautiful place like Puerto Rico versus calling the place home. 'VeLDÁ' ends with a looming soundscape that would fit right into Vince Staples' divisive Big Fish Theory album. 'DtMF' is the title track with a communal feel featuring bomba drums and a crowd of voices joining Bad Bunny as he reflects on his journey. When Bad Bunny announced the tour for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, there weren't any United States dates. Some people were confused as to why he wouldn't capitalize on such a lucrative market. But it's a further extension of the theme that Bad Bunny is doing what he wants to for himself and his people. Key Glock — Glockaveli: The Don Key Glock had his work cut out for him when he named his album Glockaveli: The Don, based on Tupac's posthumous classic The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, which was released under the pseudonym Makaveli. The Memphis rapper doesn't exactly have the same reputation as the late legend, who lives on in history as a street poet with uplifting songs like, 'Keep Your Head Up' and 'Dear Mama.' But Key Glock shows a new level of artistry with this project. Advertisement He taps into a higher power right away with the intro track, 'Hallelujah,' which is backed by a choir as he raps about getting money like his late mentor, Young Dolph, taught him to and he compares himself to Jesus Christ for how he gives back to his community. Glock showcases his signature fierce flow throughout with the backdrop of thumping 808s and smooth trap snares. There's no shortage of motivational bangers ('No Sweat,' 'Again'), but the soulful samples (Rickie Boger's 'Slow Down' on the title track and Erykah Badu's 'Didn't Cha Know' on 'Badu') and ethereal background vocals ('Made a Way' and 'Don Dada') help bring the project from the trenches to a spiritual place. E.M.E — Foreigner Afrobeats is the hottest genre in the world right now and Denver-based and Nigeria-bred E.M.E is the rising star to watch. His debut album, Foreigner, is solid. The project opens with a word from his mother about how E.M.E was born sickly and now is a miracle walking into his destiny. From there, fast-paced rhythms and E.M.E's strong, smooth vocals take listeners on a journey through love, home and finding your purpose. Advertisement The single 'One Day' is a standout track that's slowed down a bit as E.M.E envisions his ascent in the industry and how he is going to be a well-known name. The fame won't be for himself, but for the Believers — his friends, family and fans — who he wants to inspire to live out their dreams. E.M.E is a student of the game and on 'Movie,' he references J Hus' hit song 'Did You See' while giving some insight into his life overcoming struggle but now enjoying a life of luxury. Later on 'Don Dada,' there's another cool reference to Gucci Mane's 'Wasted' where he spits the iconic line 'Rockstar lifestyle, might not make it.' There are more reflective moments on 'Lost Souljah' and 'Back to Sender.' 'Yey Yey' is bolstered by a booming bass that rivals YG's 'BPT' while Danae Simone's soothing voice on 'Soul Ties' balances out the project nicely. Central Cee — Can't Rush Greatness Central Cee took three years between his popular mixtape, 2022's 23, and his debut album, Can't Rush Greatness. That's an eternity in today's rap game. He has been far from silent since then, but the title of Can't Rush Greatness lets fans know that he took this moment seriously and held himself to high expectations while resting in the confidence of what he's already built. And Cench put out a valiant effort. Advertisement Can't Rush Greatness is bolstered by the Shepherd's Bush rapper's penchant for making hits while embracing his role as the bridge between the United Kingdom and United States. 'GBP' with 21 Savage and 'Band4Band' with Lil Baby have been inescapable this year, but 'Ten' with Skepta and 'CRG' with Dave are equally impressive and show that Central Cee hasn't forgotten his roots. Besides relying on his ability to create bangers, Cench showcased his vulnerability on songs like the mesmerizing 'Limitless,' which interpolates Skepta's 'Bullet From a Gun,' and the dynamic 'Walk In Wardrobe,' produced by Dave. The way Central Cee expresses range on Can't Rush Greatness while staying true to the confidence and swagger that got him here make the album one of the best so far this year. Alright! Mereba — The Breeze Grew a Fire A lot has happened in Mereba's life since the 2019 release of her debut album, The Jungle is the Only Way Out. Perhaps most significantly, she became a mother. The singer released an emotive project in her return to music via The Breeze Grew a Fire. The album was fittingly released on Valentine's Day and explores several types of love between romantic partners and family. The lead single and album opener, 'Counterfeit,' is bouncy and upbeat with a witty message about the importance of authenticity in relationships. From there, the project is simply smooth as it slinks between the funky 'White Doves,' the ethereal 'Out of the Blue' and the mesmerizing 'Hawk' where she spits a few bars. Mereba proves herself as a true artist who draws her audience into her heart and soul. Ovrkast. — While the Iron is Hot East Oakland rapper and producer Ovrkast. released quite an exciting half-hour of music in the form of his sophomore album, While the Iron is Hot. While he's established himself as a master of the lo-fi sound, this album jumps into the action right away with the dizzying jazzy 'HOT!' Then 'truth?' gives a glimpse into the purpose of the album as Ovrkast. spits about finding his place in the world. Advertisement The beat drop on 'Small Talk' is impeccable and the thumps of the bass and gritty sample of Biggie Smalls' 'Gimme The Loot' are balanced perfectly by soft horns and Samara Cyn's ethereal voice. The rest of the project has a fairly chill vibe with lots of piano and a prayer of protection at the end of 'SPIKE LEE.' But there's moments of hype like the energetic 'MAVKAST!' with North Carolina MC Mavi and the slap-tastic 'Strange Ways' with the illustrious Vince Staples. There's so many sonic layers on While the Iron is Hot and only one song is more than three minutes long. Ovrkast. is on track to be in the conversation of this generation's genre-bending artists like Little Simz, Tyler, The Creator, and Pharrell. Wretch 32 — HOME? While Wretch 32 might not get the commercial acclaim as some of his peers or the new rap stars, his place in UK rap history is cemented. After nearly two decades in the game, he doesn't have much to prove and it's evident on HOME? that he feels a sense of belonging and freedom at this point in his career. But the question mark in the title shows the conversation is ongoing as he considers his role as a father, artist, and son of immigrants. Advertisement The album isn't even really a rap album. It opens with the cinematic 'Transitional Chapter' featuring fierce drums and soulful horns. There's lots of feel good vibes paying homage to Wretch 32's Jamaican heritage. Skip Marley gives a major co-sign with his appearance on 'Nesta Marley' complete with a reference to Dido's 'Thank You' as a reminder that 'It's not so bad.' The rap moments are fierce and worthy of conversation. 'Seven Seater' with Mercston and Ghetts is fire. The single 'Black and British' with Little Simz and Benjamin A.D analyzes the complexity of identity and is another standout track. 'Home Sweet Home' is a fitting semi-title track where Wretch 32 and Grime vet Kano trade thoughtful verses about not feeling at home in England. Kano utilizes soccer to ponder nationalism and race, saying he would rather rep Jamaica's Reggae Boyz than England's Three Lions. He also reflects on how Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford must feel as Black players, especially after receiving plenty of racial abuse following their performances at the 2020 EURO finals. The line 'go black home, you'll be all white in the morning' shows why Kano is one of the best to ever do it. One of Wretch 32's lines on 'Me & Mine' might summarize the whole project. 'Although I had the choice of choosing Ps, I chose peace of mind.' Wretch 32 has probably had his fair share of opportunities to sell out in his career, but here he stands with confidence and clarity that money can't buy.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
‘I Shouldn't Have Gone': Jagmeet Singh Apologises To Drake After Kendrick Concert
Last Updated: Jagmeet Singh publicly apologised to Drake for attending a Kendrick Lamar show in Toronto after Drake called him a 'goof.' The most intense dispute in modern rap history has erupted in recent years, leading to several legal lawsuits and a stunning uprising against their mutual record label. Drake is most likely not feeling too good after Kendrick Lamar received a lot of love from his hometown of Toronto during the Compton rapper's co-headlining performances there last week alongside SZA. He is, thus, venting his frustration on the New Democratic Party's former federal leader, Jagmeet Singh, who was spotted at one of Lamar's performances. The former federal NDP leader apologised late Sunday night only hours after Drake shared a screenshot of a private Instagram message to Singh in which the rapper labelled the politician a 'goof." Drake merely wrote, 'You're a goof," to the politician in his most recent message. Previous messages included a thank-you note for Drake's follow in 2019 and since-deleted stories Singh had previously posted about Drake. Images of Singh during the performance began to circulate online by Sunday night. Singh quickly apologised for the comments and explained on social media. Writing on his personal Instagram story, he said: 'I went for SZA, not Kendrick, I was born in this city, I love this city. But real talk, I get it. I shouldn't have gone at all. For me, it'll always be Drake over Kendrick." canadian politics are not real why are drake and jagmeet singh fighting — Liz ✿ | lime skittle (@ElizabethRenzie) June 16, 2025 Lamar led a show in Toronto last week alongside SZA, his first in Drake's city since their high-profile dispute began. These were the only Toronto shows in their Grand National Tour. It is not known which night Singh attended Lamar's show. The audience appeared to be quite receptive, pleading for Lamar to perform an encore of his popular diss song 'Not Like Us' as well as giving it a two-minute ovation. Drake singled out Singh and said nothing else about the performances or Toronto's affection for Lamar. The former coworkers-turned-foes have been embroiled in a highly visible conflict for more than ten years, beginning with Lamar's public taunts of Drake in 2013. The altercation became far more intense last year when both released diss tracks, including Lamar's Grammy-winning song 'Not Like Us.' Drake and fellow Toronto rapper Smiley released a new song on Friday while Lamar performed for the Toronto audiences. He notably maintains his moniker as 'the 6ix God," a reference to Toronto residents referring to the city as 'the 6ix" in the new song.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Where's the music that meets this moment? Black artists are stepping up
It's been one year since Kendrick Lamar took the Kia Forum stage in Inglewood for 'The Pop Out: Ken and Friends,' the first in a series of highly publicized victory laps that have come at the expense of his deflated rival, Drake. Their rap battle began more than a decade ago, and the two heavyweights exchanged subtle lyrical jabs until the gloves came off in the winter of 2023. By the following spring, they were exchanging a flurry of scathing diss tracks, each diving deeper into the other's personal life. The fight was competitive until K-Dot landed the haymaker. It wasn't the chart performance of 'Not Like Us' that declared Lamar the winner. No recording artist has more Billboard Hot 100 entries than Drake. In fact, he has more appearances on the chart than Michael Jackson, Elvis and the Beatles combined. When it comes to talent and commercial success, Drake is unquestionably among the greats. The reason Lamar was able to knock him out was because Drake's authenticity couldn't take a punch. That's not just my score card. That's what the culture was feeling. Lamar performed 'Not Like Us' five times during that Juneteenth show last year and dropped the accompanying music video on the Fourth of July. By the time Vice President Kamala Harris was playing it at her first rally as the presumptive Democratic nominee in Atlanta, every sporting event in America was playing that song. Yes, the 'A-minor' double entendre was catchy, and it is always good to have Mustard on the beat. But what elevates 'Us' is the same thing that grounds the artist who wrote it — an unapologetic defense of the culture and the people from which the art originates. As the saying goes: 'Everybody wants to sing our blues. Nobody wants to live our blues.' For Lamar, the decadelong rap battle stems from his lifelong disdain for gangster cosplay and the vacuous monetizing of Black culture. As the diss tracks between the two progressed, it was clear Drake was still trying to win a rap battle — while Lamar was inspiring a conversation beyond their beef, rap music and even the entertainment industry. At the heart of Lamar's surgical evisceration of Drake's brand of artistry is a question all creatives must ask of themselves at some point: What am I doing this for? * * * Few inflection moments in American history have shaped our society quite like the convergence of war, technological advancement, old-fashioned prejudice and artistic expression during the summer of 1969. From the Apollo moon landing and Woodstock to the Stonewall riots and the Harlem Cultural Festival, there wasn't a disciple or demographic that was not directly affected over that stretch. It was during the summer of 1969 when the great Nina Simone gave a concert on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta after the school's most famous alumnus — the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — had been assassinated the year before. Simone joined other artists there to offer the students encouragement. That summer she also debuted the song 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black' and performed it during the Harlem Cultural Festival. Her contemporaries Donny Hathaway and Aretha Franklin soon recorded their own versions of the song — not because of its chart success, but because of its purpose. 'An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times,' Simone said after her Morehouse performance. 'How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist.' Indeed, after Bob Dylan asked 'how many years can some people exist before they're allowed to be free?' in his 1962 protest song, 'Blowin' in the Wind,' Sam Cooke was inspired to declare 'it's been a long time coming, but I know change is gonna come' in 1963. The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham pushed Simone to write her first protest song in 1964: 'Mississippi Goddam.' By the summer of 1969, she was known as much for her work in the civil rights movement as for her music. Simone still wrote songs about love, heartache, those sorts of things. However, the reason her legacy still looms large today (the Irish singer Hozier named his third EP after her in 2018) is that Simone was also willing to use her art to reflect the times. Not sure if you've looked around the country recently, but the times we live in are a-changing. And just as was the case in the summer of 1969, the summer of 2025 finds the U.S. at a convergence of war (Ukraine-Russia/Israel-Gaza-Iran) and technological advancement (especially artificial intelligence) and old-fashioned prejudice (indiscriminate ICE raids). However, in this updated version of America, the White House has taken over the Kennedy Center, has cut off National Endowment for the Arts grants, has threatened the broadcast licenses of news networks and is holding a guillotine over Big Bird's head. Because of President Trump's unprecedented hostility toward long-standing cultural and academic institutions, there is a question of how far tech and media executives will allow today's artists to reflect the times we're living in. 'I think it's hard today to get a feel for the totality of what people are feeling because there's so much out there to consume,' documentarian and author Nelson George told me. 'The Chuck D who's 25, right now, I don't hear him. The Tracy Chapman of this era. Do we really not have voices that are saying something or are we not getting access to those people? All those songs from other moments in history, I'm surprised there hasn't been an anthem for this time yet.' Comedian Roy Wood Jr. said he feels that in his line of work, 'resistance humor or educating humor' works best in television because 'TV is a reflection of who we are, where I feel like movies are what we wish we could be or were.' The host of CNN's 'Have I Got News for You' also said because of the political climate we're in, instead of challenging us to learn or grow as a culture, TV executives are 'canceling a lot of the shows that really focused on serious societal issues because there's a pushback against those types of topics.' Big Sean, whose 2013 project with Lamar is pegged as the starting point of the Drake beef, said there was significance to Lamar's 'pop out' appearing on Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S. 'I feel like being Black is awesome.… We worked as a people to get there, to feel like that,' he told me. 'That's why I'm so thankful for the people that said I'm Black and I'm proud.' And that James Brown vibe is the type of art Big Sean said he is currently working on, the kind that uplifts and gives listeners hope. Lamar's Juneteenth show was livestreamed on Prime and became Amazon Music's most-watched production. For Ben Watkins, creator of the Prime TV series 'Cross,' the success of Lamar's performance — along with his Super Bowl show and current tour with SZA — is proof there is a hunger for authentic Black artistic expression in this current political environment. As he was putting together the TV show, Watkins said, he told everyone involved: 'I'm going to do a Black man with swagger, I'm going to show D.C. to its fullest and I'm going to honestly talk about some of the controversies and contradictions of a Black cop.' The reaction? 'That sounds great to us.' 'Cross' premiered the week after the 2024 election and for 100 days it was among Prime Video's top 10 most-watched series. Grammy winner Ledisi said she wasn't planning on writing a political anthem when she began composing 'BLKWMN' for her latest album. However, her tribute to the resolve of Black women was embraced as an anthem after its release in February. 'I wasn't thinking of any of that, just creating,' she told me. 'When you're truly creating … you just have an intention of releasing whatever that feeling is. I'm glad it resonated with the times.' Even before the song took off, Ledisi unexpectedly found herself in the middle of social media attacks for daring to sing the National Black Anthem at this year's Super Bowl. That's why when she sang a couple of lines from one of Lamar's anthems during a recent tour stop in Chicago, I couldn't help but feel it was more a word of encouragement for herself and the predominantly Black audience than it was a nod to a commercially successful track. That week Trump announced plans to resurrect names from the Confederacy on public land. Just hours before Ledisi took the stage, 'No Kings' protesters came marching by, followed closely by local police. Their chants echoed loudly throughout the North Loop, their passion forcing those shopping and dining near the river to take notice. The concrete walls and thick glass designed to rebuke Chicago's winter could not keep out the cries of the people. Later that night Ledisi, whose Nina Simone tribute album was nominated for a Grammy in 2021, looked up in the balcony, smiled — and visibly exhaled. 'We gon' be all right,' she sang to a full Chicago Theatre house. 'We gon' be all right.' * * * Few inflection moments in American history have shaped our society quite like the convergence of war, technological advancement and old-fashioned prejudice during the summer of 1865. The second round of the Industrial Revolution was on the horizon, the Confederacy was on its last legs, and the first Juneteenth celebration was born. However, while the Civil War was all over, racism managed to emerge from the wreckage unscathed. In fact, a Confederate journalist by the name of Edward A. Pollard began working on a revisionist history book that painted the South as noble and slavery as unimportant to their way of life. Pollard's piece of fake news, 'The Lost Cause: A New Southern History of the War of the Confederates,' was completed before President Andrew Johnson had even declared the war officially over. And to this day there are elected officials from former Confederate states who repeat untruths about the war that originated from Pollard, an enslaver. Today there are state holidays in honor of men who fought against this country because for some white people it still feels better to believe Pollard's lies about the Confederacy than to accept the truth about America. Historically this is where creatives have come in, using artistic expression to fill in the gaps in our understanding of one another. Sometimes the art is profitable. A few times it hits No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller list or Billboard chart. More often than not, it is underappreciated. However, art that reflects an authentic lived experience is always necessary. It is both the spark that can ignite a fire and the coolant that prevents us all from overheating. Over the last century, each time it seems the world was falling apart — be it war, famine or disease — it was always the artists who kept us laughing, hoping and believing. A year ago, on Juneteenth, Kendrick Lamar took the Forum stage for what was initially viewed as a victory celebration. And it was … though he didn't do it for himself. KDot did it for 'Us.' @LZGranderson
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Drake's DM To Jagmeet Singh After Kendrick Lamar Gig
If the start of this year proved anything, it's that Kendrick Lamar undoubtedly won his long-running beef with Drake, which all came to a head last year. In case you missed it, the two became embroiled in a heated exchange of seriously brutal diss tracks. And while you can read a full breakdown of the feud here, all you really need to know is that Kendrick is the one who emerged from the battle triumphant. After all, his song 'Not Like Us' — where he literally calls Drake a pedophile — ended up winning five Grammys this year, with an audience full of A-list stars heard enthusiastically singing along to and applauding the song when Kendrick one week later, Kendrick rubbed salt in the wound when he performed 'Not Like Us' at his Super Bowl Halftime Show, where he went viral for directly looking into the camera with a smile as he quipped: 'Hey Drake!'Kendrick's victory lap ended up being so prevalent that it even got a shoutout during this year's Oscars, when host Conan O'Brien quipped: 'We're halfway through the show, which means it's time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.'For the record, Drake has vehemently denied the pedophile allegations. But more than a year after it started, it looks like Drake hasn't moved on from the Kendrick feud — and he left people cringing when he shared a screenshot of a DM that he sent to a Canadian politician who attended Kendrick's recent concert in Toronto. Former New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh was pictured at the show, and on Sunday, Drake, who is also Canadian, revealed to his 142 million Instagram followers that he'd messaged Jagmeet: 'You're a goof.' It's worth noting that the two had communicated once before, with Jagmeet messaging Drake in October 2019 to thank him for following his April 2018 and August 2020, the politician had mentioned Drake in his Instagram story, but Drake did not acknowledge these. Jagmeet has not interacted with Drake at all on Instagram since 2020. But Drake's post probably didn't get the response that he hoped it would, with many expressing their confusion and second-hand embarrassment at the star for messaging Jagmeet in the first place, let alone sharing the screenshot with the world. Reacting to the post on a Reddit forum, one person wrote: 'I think there's nothing left to laugh about in this saga he comes up with something. This is so sad and pathetic.''The funniest thing is that DRAKE is the one setting himself up to be laughed at even more over a year later. I genuinely don't understand it. He needs to log off,' somebody else added: 'Drake can really give the Midwest a run for its money with how corny he is 🤦🏾♀️ How one singular man can be this embarrassing is beyond me.'One more said: 'Sharing the DM's himself is peak loser behavior,' while somebody else asked: 'why is he setting himself up i deadass dont understand.''The fight is over, it was a devastating knockout, but somehow, months later, Drake is still on the canvas punching himself in the head,' another claimed.'whats the deal with Drake exposing himself as a sensitive loser in his ig stories???' one more comment adds.'im baffled by how he continues to embarrass himself about this. jesus christ,' somebody else wrote, while another quipped: 'Kendrick probably doesn't even think about him anymore.' While people were overwhelmingly on Jagmeet's side in this saga, he took to his own Instagram story on Sunday night to defend attending Kendrick's gig and align himself with Drake. 'I went for SZA not Kendrick,' Jagmeet's post began, referencing Kendrick's tour mate. 'I was born in this city. I love this city. But real talk, I get it. I shouldn't have gone at all.''OVO and Drake have lifted up this city and [Canada],' Jagmeet went on. 'For me it'll always be Drake over Kendrick.' What do you make of the whole situation? Let me know in the comments below!
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jagmeet Singh apologises to Drake after being called 'goof' for attending Kendrick Lamar's concert
Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh has apologised to rapper Drake after being publicly called a 'goof' on Instagram. The comment came following Singh's appearance at Kendrick Lamar's Toronto concert, where Lamar performed his viral diss track 'Not Like Us' to loud support from the crowd. Drake shared a direct message sent to Singh reading 'You're a goof,' referencing the politician's attendance at a show by his current musical rival. The diss, posted publicly, quickly circulated across political and entertainment media. Photo: Instagram In a social media statement, Singh clarified that he attended the show to see SZA and not Kendrick Lamar. He wrote, 'I shouldn't have gone. I was there for SZA, but I should've thought it through. It's always Drake over Kendrick for me.' Singh's tone aimed to cool tensions while reaffirming his support for the Toronto-born artist. Photo: Instagram Singh, a Member of Parliament and former leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, was reportedly mistaken for another attendee at the Toronto event. However, the resemblance was strong enough to spark a reaction from Drake during the height of his ongoing feud with Lamar. At the concert, Kendrick Lamar performed 'Not Like Us' to a standing ovation, reportedly lasting over two minutes, with fans chanting for an encore.
