Canadian rapper and singer, shaping modern hip-hop and R&B
Drake has placed large bets on Argentina to win the World Cup, but recent outcomes have dampened his streak. The Drake curse is again under the spotlight as Argentina’s final faced a loss to Spain, following prior wagers on McGregor and the Patriots.
BTS has decided not to submit its ARIRANG album for the 2027 Grammys. The seven-member group has posted identical statements on Instagram emphasizing music should be heard for what it is, not defined by region or language. The Recording Academy says the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category aims to celebrate Asian pop artistry, while critics worry it could isolate Asian acts.
Filming for Sam Mendes’s four-film Beatles biopic is underway near Abbey Road, recreating the iconic crossing with cast members in period attire. Fans and residents have been drawn to the disruption as studios confirm the project’s 2028 release window, with actors adopting the Beatles’ image for promotional sequences.
A wave of new music sees artists blending genres and asserting creative independence. From Labrinth’s Cosmic Opera Act II to FLO’s Therapy at the Club and Shaboozey’s country-infused album, creators push for control over their work while embracing broader collaborations.
UK music charts have seen Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s Rein Me In extend its lead as the longest-running No. 1 in UK history, spending 19 non-consecutive weeks at the top. Reports from The Guardian, Reuters, Independent and BBC Business confirm the track’s record and discuss cultural implications amid streaming-driven fragmentation.
A federal jury has acquitted Lil Durk, Durk Banks, of conspiracy, murder-for-hire and stalking resulting in death after deliberations over three days. Co-defendants are convicted on stalking-related counts, while Durk remains jailed awaiting a separate racketeering trial.