Drake files a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group in New York, Wizkids “Made in Lagos” makes African history after re-entering the Billboard charts, Gunners confirm Gabriel Jesus requires surgery for ACL injuries. Stay informed with our Rave News Summarywhich summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to stay informed, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
1. Drake files a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group in New York
Drake’s New Lawsuit Against UMG Over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”:
“Just three days after UMG originally published the recording and image, Drake was targeted by armed intruders at his Toronto home in the equivalent of 2024’s ‘Pizzagate’.”https://t.co/EVhVle8tsx pic.twitter.com/fMwDvoWQLp
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 15, 2025
On Wednesday, January 15, Drake filed a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) in the Southern District of New York, accusing the label of defamation and harassment. The lawsuit stems from Kendrick Lamars diss track, “Not like us,” which Drake claims caused significant damage to his reputation. According to the filing, UMG exploited the song through aggressive marketing, despite knowing that the lyrics falsely portrayed Drake as a “criminal pedophile.” The complaint also cited the song’s inflammatory cover art and detailed security breaches at his Toronto residence that forced him to take his son away. Adonisfrom school due to safety concerns.
Drake further claimed that Universal Music Group’s actions were motivated by ongoing contract negotiations, suggesting that the label wanted to leverage its tarnished reputation to secure more favorable terms for Lamar. The lawsuit also implicated Spotify and iHeartMedia in a scheme to fortify things “Not like us” using bots and manipulative practices. The rapper initially filed two state lawsuits against UMG in New York and Texas. While the petition was withdrawn in New York, a second hearing will take place in Texas later this month, highlighting the strained relationship between Drake and his former label.
2. Wizkid’s “Made In Lagos” Makes African History After Re-Entering Billboard Chart
Wizkid’s album “Made In Lagos” re-entered the Billboard World Album chart this week at number 24.
It is now the first and only African album to enter the charts in six different years:
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 pic.twitter.com/t6Zy4mlFh3— BASITO (@itzbasito) January 14, 2025
Wizkid’s critically acclaimed fourth studio album, “Made in Lagos,” continues to break barriers. The album has made history by re-entering the Billboard World Album chart for the sixth consecutive year, an unprecedented feat for any African artist. This remarkable achievement cements the album’s status as a global phenomenon and a testament to the enduring power of Afrobeats music.
Since its release in 2020 “Made in Lagos” consistently ranks on the Billboard World Album chart, demonstrating its immense commercial success. The album’s impact extends beyond Africa, with significant achievements in the United States, including a debut on the Billboard 200 and an impressive 100-week run on the Billboard World Album chart. The hit single “Essence,” of Tamsplayed a crucial role in the global success of the album, especially the remix featuring Justin Bieberpeaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record for the highest-charting Afrobeats song.
3. Britain’s Princess of Wales says her cancer is in remission
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, announces that she is in remission from cancer. pic.twitter.com/QeBsIvP3Zg
— Popbasis (@PopBase) January 14, 2025
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middletonannounced on Tuesday that her cancer is in remission, sharing the news during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was being treated. In a statement on social media, she thanked everyone who supported her Prince William during their challenging journey. During the hospital visit, Kate met other patients, offered words of encouragement and shared her own experiences with cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales stressed that while she is in remission, she will continue her gradual return to public duties. This positive news comes after a challenging year for the royal family, marked by health concerns for both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales.
4. South Africa: Kwaito legend Doc Shebeleza has passed away
Legendary kwaito artist Doc Shebeleza has passed away at the age of 51 🕊
— DJ Mag (@DJmag) January 15, 2025
Renowned Kwaito star Doc Shebelezaborn Victor Bogopanedied at the age of 51. His manager, Shakes Mavundlaconfirmed the news, stating that Shebeleza died last Thursday around 10:30 am after being discharged from hospital earlier this week. Known for his electrifying hits and significant contributions to the kwaito genre, Doc Shebeleza had been battling a life-threatening illness for several months, including a recent stay in intensive care. In December, his family sought financial help to cover essential medications, underscoring the challenges he faced in his final days.
Born in Soweto, Doc Shebeleza rose to fame in the 1990s with hits such as “Ghets Ghetsa” And “S’kumfete,” becoming a household name and a source of inspiration for younger artists. In addition to music, he devoted himself to philanthropic efforts, such as building homes for underprivileged communities. His legacy was then immortalized Cassper Nyovest paid tribute to him in 2014 with the hit single ‘Doc Shebeleza’. His death follows that of a fellow artist Winnie Khumalo earlier this week, marking a somber moment for the South African music industry.
5. Gunners confirm Gabriel Jesus needs surgery for an ACL injury
Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus will undergo surgery in the coming days 🤕 pic.twitter.com/492ayYJkY8
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 14, 2025
Arsenal have confirmed that Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus will undergo surgery following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. Jesus was forced off the pitch after 41 minutes and subsequent assessments and scans confirmed the severity of the injury. In a statement the club said: “Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation program.” The injury is a major blow to the Arsenal side as they look to maintain the momentum in their Premier League title challenge.
The injury leaves Mikel Arteta with limited attack options, such as Kai Havertz is now the only available striker. Jesus was in good form before the setback, scoring six goals in his last seven appearances. Of Eddie Nketiah sold to Crystal Palace and Travel Nelson loaned to Fulham, Arsenal’s attacking strength is seriously affected. The club are reportedly stepping up efforts to sign a striker in the January transfer window to fill the void left by Jesus’ absence.
Featured image: @champagnepapi/Instagram
Our Weekday News Digest summarizes five of the hottest news topics worldwide, including celebrity news from Hollywood to Nollywood, the latest trending global headlines from US reports to today’s top African news, and the top sports stories in 2024.
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