Publishing date: Aug, 06, 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. Kanye West live-streamed Donda again, Justin Bieber is curating a Las Vegas experience, and Aaliyah’s music is finally coming to streaming platforms—this is what you missed this week.
#1
Kanye West Livestreamed ‘Donda’ again, But Didn’t Drop The Album
After living in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for two weeks to continue working on Donda, Kanye West held a second listening party and it was full of surprises. So let’s discuss. He started off with a live stream leading up to the party and had visits from The Lox, Chance The Rapper, Jadakiss, and more. He napped. He exercised. He slept. Finally, he played his album in a way that felt more like a concert and theatrical performance than a listening party. He refined songs from the first draft of the album and played the highly-anticipated track featuring The Weeknd and Lil Baby. He didn’t stop there, putting everyone from Playboi Carti and Fivio Foreign to Jay Electronica and Griselda on the new and improved Donda. There was a flashmob! Clouds! Flames! And for the jaw-dropping finale, Kanye ascended into the cloud-filled sky of the arena to his song “No Child Left Behind.”
#2
Beyoncé’s Ivy Park Launches Denim Campaign With Glynn Turman
Ivy Park introduces denim to the world with the help of actor Glynn Turman and his granddaughter Melinda Siegel. Best known for his on-screen roles Turman is also a highly skilled cowboy. He’s a US Team Roping Champion finalist and the co-founder of a western-style summer camp for at-risk youth. The campaign video, shot on Glynn’s Southern California ranch, celebrates black cowboys and girls, their heritage, and their impact on American rodeo—which is often overlooked.
#3
Travis Scott Signs Movie Production Deal With A24
If you thought Travis Scott couldn’t possibly do any more collabs this year, think again. McDonald’s, Nike, Jordan, Dior, Fortnite, Reese’s Puffs—and now A24. Scott’s Cactus Jack Films inked a deal with the production company this week to produce multiple movies. He teased the first project on Instagram posting a co-branded script with the project name blacked out. Scott’s reps have since confirmed that the project titled Utopia is also the name of his upcoming album. We have so many questions. Is it a short film? Will there be merch? Who will star in it? We’re patiently waiting.
#4
Aaliyah’s Music Will Finally Be Able To Stream
After being out of circulation for the last two decades, the late Aaliyah’s music catalog will be coming to streaming platforms this month. One In A Million is the first album to be released on August 20th, followed by Aaliyah in September, and I Care 4 U, and Ultimate Aaliyah in October. The 20-year wait for this re-release is due to legal issues and uneasiness between Aaliyah’s uncle, Barry Hankerson, who owns her masters, and Aaliyah’s mother, Diane Haughton, who controls her estate. Hankerson is also the founder of Blackground Records, the label under which many Aaliyah albums were released, and seems to have rebranded for the occasion. The Instagram for Blackground Records 2.0 shared news of the release with the hashtag #AaliyahIsComing.
#5
Justin Bieber And Friends To Host Three-Day Experience In Las Vegas
How do you feel about Las Vegas? Hold that thought. How do you feel about Las Vegas with a curated three-day experience by none other than the Biebs himself? Because it’s an entirely real possibility this fall. Bieber has partnered with Pollen for a travel experience that’s so much more than a concert. The musical lineup hasn’t been announced yet but Bieber is headlining and fans get to partake in some of his favorite activities like skateboarding and poolside partying. Justin Bieber & Friends, The Vegas Weekender is giving me Hangover energy with a better soundtrack.
Like what you saw? Here’s more:
Rihanna Is A Billion Dollar Baby
Kanye West Reunites With Jay-Z For ‘Donda’
Pop Smoke’s Posthumous Album ‘Faith’ Features Pharrell, Kanye West & More