Publishing date: Aug, 27, 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. Lil Nas X starts ‘nah he tweakin’ meme, Gorillaz releases a surprise EP, and Kanye West holds a third Donda listening event—this is what you missed this week.
#1
‘Nah He Tweakin’: Lil Nas X’s Instagram Comment Becomes A Viral Meme
You may have noticed that your Instagram feed was flooded with ‘nah he tweakin’ comments and memes this week. They seemingly appeared out of nowhere with no context or explanation. It started with an Instagram post from @rap announcing that Tony Hawk is selling skateboards infused with his blood and asked users in the caption how they felt about the product. A few users started commenting ‘nah he tweakin’ but it wasn’t until Lil Nas X commented it that the tagline went viral. In March, Lil Nas X released ‘Satan Shoes’ that contained a drop of human blood and faced controversy after the release. The similarity in concept for Hawk’s skateboard provides context as to why Lil Nas X would comment ‘nah he tweakin’ on the post. While the battle for celebrity blood-infused products will continue, there’s no denying Lil Nas X has a talent for virality.
#2
Kanye West Replaces Jay-Z With DaBaby & Recreates His Wedding At ‘Donda’ Event
The theatrics continued at last night’s third listening event for Kanye West’s forthcoming album Donda. Will we ever get the album? No one knows. Will he continue to tease us and make headlines every week? Absolutely. The event was held in his hometown of Chicago and there were many eyebrow-raising moments so let’s dive in. The opening song tentatively titled “Jail” used to have a Jay-Z verse that gave fans hope for a Hov and Ye reunion. Last night those dreams were crushed as DaBaby replaced Jay-Z on the song. First eyebrow raise. Kanye created a full-size replica of his childhood home and placed it in the middle of the stadium. He proceeded to set himself and the house on fire. Then Kim Kardashian walked out in a wedding dress with a veil, stood in front of Kanye wedding ceremony-style, and the lights cut out. While not on the album, Marilyn Manson was in attendance, and fans were equally displeased with his presence as they were with DaBaby’s feature. Manson has multiple sexual assault charges and DaBaby recently made misinformed comments about the LGBTQ community and HIV.
#3
Gorillaz Release Surprise EP ‘Meanwhile’ To Celebrate Notting Hill Carnival
Some artists tease albums before they drop, others quietly release them with no promotion and wait for the world to react. The Gorillaz did the latter and released a surprise EP this week featuring AJ Tracey, Jelani Blackman, AlicaÌ Harley. The three-track album titled Meanwhile is derived from the location Meanwhile Gardens, where the band delivered their first live performance in 2000. The surprise EP is part of their 20th-anniversary celebrations which will also include a series of album reissues later this year.
#4
Kacey Musgraves Releases Breakup Anthem “Justified” With Emotional Video
Kacey Musgraves announced her forthcoming album Star-Crossed and its corresponding 50-minute film this week. The album was described as “a modern-day tragedy in three acts” and her latest single “Justified” delivered the breakup anthem I didn’t know I needed. She goes on a long cathartic drive in her wedding dress through different environments to process a breakup. Relatable. Her journey also includes ripping up a piece of paper, crying, and lighting a joint. She promised tragedy and so far she’s delivered.
#5
Baby Keem And Kendrick Lamar Team Up On “Family Ties”
It’s a family affair for Baby Keem’s latest single “Family Ties” featuring his cousin Kendrick Lamar. The two rarely discuss their family relation but the single marks the first time they’ve collaborated sonically. Emphasizing just how strong the family ties are, the album art looks like an old family photo with everyone’s face blacked out except a teenage Kendrick and a young Baby Keem. The track comes with a music video featuring Normani. Both artists are gearing up for album releases and I, for one, can’t wait.