Publishing date: Jan, 07, 2022
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. Gunna releases Drip Season 4, pinkpantheress wins BBC Sound of 2022 poll, Kanye confirms Yeezy x Gap x Balenciaga collab—this is what you missed this week.
#1
Gunna Shares ‘Drip Season 4’ Album Ft. Future, Young Thug, Lil Baby & More
Atlanta rapper, Gunna, has returned with DS4, the highly-anticipated follow-up to his Drip Season mixtape trilogy. The mixtapes were his first offering to fans under the moniker “Gunna” and are a favourite amongst longtime fans. The growth since his mixtape era is real, DS4 is stacked with some of hip-hop’s biggest names making it the most features on a Gunna album ever. He shared the album artwork and tracklist earlier this week, both designed by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, naming Future, Young Thug, Roddy Ricch, Lil Baby, and more as features. Chloe Bailey is the only female on the album for a slower tempo love song (as lovey as Gunna can get) that interpolates R&B classics “They Don’t Know” by Jon B. and “Nice & Slow” by Usher. Fans were quick to point out a track was missing from last night’s release, “Pussy Power” feat. Drake is not on the album. Not to worry, it’ll likely be on the deluxe and then played everywhere for the next six months until you can’t forget the words.
#2
PinkPantheress Named BBC Sound of 2022 Winner
The viral sensation that is pinkpantheress is starting off 2022 strong taking home the win for BBC Music Sound of 2022. The annual poll aims to predict which artist will make the biggest impact in the upcoming year. Previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith, and Florence, and The Machine. Pinkpantheress is in good company amongst winners and nominees, the runner-ups for this year include London rapper Central Cee and pop singer Mimi Webb. In a statement, pinkpantheress says she couldn’t be happier and hope she can fulfill people’s expectations of her this year.
#3
Kanye West Confirms Yeezy, Gap, and Balenciaga Collaboration
New year, new antics for Kanye West. He’s had a busy 24 hours revealing a budding romance with Uncut Gems star Julia Fox via Interview magazine. The two-paragraph article features Fox telling readers all about their second date at a very low-key restaurant called Carbone while they had an equally low-key photoshoot during dinner. Complete with a Cinderella moment after when Fox walked into a hotel suite full of clothes picked by Ye for her. All perfectly captured in photos that have no doubt flooded your social media feed. The timing feels calculated as Kanye took to Instagram this morning to announce a collaboration between his Yeezy Gap line and fashion house Balenciaga. Titled Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga, the collab will be available worldwide this year (first drop is slated for June) alongside continued Yeezy Gap releases. The creative director of Balenciaga, Demna, says the partnership gives both him and Kanye an opportunity to craft “utilitarian fashion for all.”
#4
Grammy Awards Officially Postponed
It’s hard out in these Omicron-variant streets, the Grammy Awards have been postponed for the second year in a row due to COVID concerns. Set to take place on January 31st at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as Staples Center), music’s biggest night will likely be rescheduled to April or May. Trevor Noah is still scheduled to host, and the Academy is hopeful for a full show with a live audience (unlike last year’s scaled-down and socially distanced show) but only time will tell. Read more about the 2022 Grammy nominees here.
#5
BTS’ V Makes First Solo Appearance On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
BTS member, V, leads the Billboard Emerging Artist chart this week with his single “Christmas Tree” nabbing the No. 1 spot. This marks his first solo No. 1 on the Billboard charts and makes him the third BTS member to top the Emerging Artist chart joining bandmates RM and Suga. Fans are still feeling the Christmas spirit because his solo single debuts at No. 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking his first solo entry on the chart. There’s no denying the power of BTS but as more and more individual k-pop artists appear on popular US charts it signifies exciting growth for fans of the genre and artists alike.