Publishing date: Aug, 13, 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. Frank Ocean launched his luxury brand Homer, Phoebe Bridgers covers Metallica, and Lizzo releases her single “Rumours” with Cardi B—this is what you missed this week.
#1
2021 MTV VMA Nominations Are Here
It’s almost that time of year when the biggest names in music gather for an award show. Kidding! That happens multiple times a year but it’s almost time for MTV’s Video Music Awards and the nominations were released this week. Coming in strong with seven nominations, Justin Bieber is up for multiple categories. Resident hot girl Megan Thee Stallion has six nominations. BTS, The Weeknd, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, and Polo G are also among this year’s nominees.
#2
Isaiah Rashad Releases “From The Garden” Music Video Ft Lil Uzi Vert
Isaiah Rashad’s long-awaited House Is Burning album is the gift that keeps on giving. He just dropped visuals for one of the most popular songs off the album “From The Garden” featuring Lil Uzi Vert. The vibes are chaotic and the visuals are compelling. Imagine walking down a club-filled street at night while people are intoxicated and bar hopping but times a 100. Oh, and that street is an endless loop with Rashad popping up everywhere. Not to mention the trippy kaleidoscope scene with Uzi that makes you question your own sobriety.
#3
Introducing Homer, Frank Ocean’s ‘Independent American Luxury’ Company
Things have been relatively quiet for Frank Ocean this year, up until this week. He announced the launch of Homer, described as an “independent American luxury company” and the brand’s first offering is a collection of fine jewelry. There are diamond-encrusted bracelets! Colored pendants! Gold rings! Homer has been in the works for over three years and the only way to purchase or see the collection is at the store in the New York Jewelry Exchange. The pieces are handmade in Italy and the diamonds are grown in the brand’s own laboratory—diamonds, they’re just like plants. The price points have range, pendants retail for $435, and luxury pieces like the “sphere legs high jewelry necklace” are close to a casual $1.9 million.
#4
Cardi B and Lizzo Team Up For “Rumors” Single
Lizzo has taken a break from entertaining fans on TikTok to drop her first single in two years. She tapped fellow female artist Cardi B for her return and the two started teasing their collaborative single “Rumours” on social media this week. The single and video have dropped and it’s giving big Aphrodite energy. There’s gold jewelry, gold dresses with lots of draping, Greek columns, and gold headpieces. Channeling their inner Greek Goddess for “Rumours,” Lizzo and Cardi B’s combined confidence is infectious.
#5
Phoebe Bridgers Makes Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’ Even More Haunting
Heavy metal band, Metallica, is reissuing their 1991 The Black Album in early September. In celebration, they’re also releasing The Metallica Blacklist which is a 53-track covers album by other noteworthy artists. Phoebe Bridgers shared her cover of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” for The Metallica Blacklist. A self-proclaimed Metallica fan, Bridgers said her version sounds almost Baroque taking inspiration from Billie Eilish and recording it right by the microphone. Bridgers joins Rina Sawayama, Weezer, J Balvin, The Neptunes, Miley Cyrus, and more in contributing to The Metallica Blacklist.
Like what you saw? Here’s more:
How Frank Ocean’s Debut Mixtape Signalled A New Era In R&B
Phoebe Bridgers’ Punisher Is A Chilling & Cathartic Sophomore Album
Best Albums Of 2021 So Far