Publishing date: Sep, 10, 2021
If you’re anything like us, we see an interesting headline during our daily scroll—pause to read it—but then keep scrolling without reading the actual story. So at the end of each week, we’re rounding up all the buzziest, news-worthy headlines you might have missed. Think of it like the “saved” feature on Instagram but for news instead of aesthetically pleasing photos. Arlo Parks won the 2021 Mercury Prize, Drake’s ‘CLB’ out-streamed Kanye’s ‘Donda’, and Jorja Smith collaborated with Sasha Keable—this is what you missed this week.
#1
Kendrick Lamar Joins Baby Keem on New Song “Range Brothers”
When “Family Ties” was released I knew it was just the beginning of collaborations between Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar (they’re also cousins) and I was right. Baby Keem released his album Melodic Blue which is the follow-up to his 2019 Die For My Bitch album and the first time he’s brought his cousin on to tracks with him. You can listen to the song here and they kept the cousinly love going on “Vent” as well. Lamar is gearing up for his own album release and even though the date remains unknown I expect to hear more Keem x Lamar on it.
#2
Arlo Parks Wins The 2021 Mercury Prize And The Music World Reacts With Praise
Arlo Parks—who happens to be our January 2021 Cover Star—won the prestigious Mercury Prize earlier this week for her debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams. She gave a heartfelt speech at the ceremony and tweeted that she used to ride past the ceremony’s venue as a kid—a full-circle moment. She received many congratulations on Twitter from The London, Symphony Orchestra, Alfie Templeman, Ghetts, Wolf Alice, and more. Who needs flowers when you have a flurry of Tweets? The modern-day way of sending a “congratulations” card.
#3
Sasha Keable Recruits Jorja Smith For New Song “Killing Me”
Jorja Smith is skilled in the art of putting me in my feelings with her music and her new collaboration with Sasha Keable is no exception. Titled “Killing Me” (no Jorja, you’re killing ME) the two soul singers talk about moving on from failed relationships and finding strength in themselves. So, sad girl music but with a silver lining. The release was accompanied by a music video directed by Olivia Rose that emulates a traditional duet through the female gaze to match the theme of women realizing their worth. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
#4
Drake’s ‘Certified Lover Boy’ Out-Streamed Kanye’s ‘Donda’ In 3 Days
The CLB vs Donda debate continues but when it comes to streaming numbers, a clear winner has emerged. According to Rolling Stone, Certified Lover Boy out-streamed Donda’s first week numbers in just three days. Donda was streamed 423 million times in the first eight days after release and CLB hit over 430 million streams in just three days. This data is pulled from the United States, so it’s still up for debate in other countries. It’s a good thing Drake’s Toronto mansion is notoriously huge so it will still fit his head if it gets bigger from all these wins. He also took it upon himself to play Kanye’s unreleased track “Life Of The Party” on which Kanye disses Drake. LOL. I need some popcorn to watch this feud continue.
#5
Pinkpantheress Shares “Just For Me” Music Video
Pinkpantheress, a UK artist that has seen TikTok virality in 2021, just released the music video for her song “Just For Me.” The Mura Masa produced single is one of her songs that’s all over TikTok and was just sampled by Central Cee for his song “Obsessed With You.” Pinkpantheress has a unique sound combining garage with bedroom pop and her lyrics are captivating. The music video shows her on stage performing to a crowd of sad-looking young people. Sounds exactly like the Gen Z loner vibe demographic that found obsession in the single. Along with TikTok, I’m eagerly awaiting more pinkpantheress music.