Nicki Minaj shares a heartfelt holiday message on Twitter, inspiring fans with words of peace, gratitude, and faith
ll talk has been about Nicki Minaj and her chart-topping "Pink Friday 2" album, released on December 8. But today, Minaj extended a touching holiday message to her fans via Twitter, offering a message of hope, peace, and encouragement during the festive season. The message reads:
"Dear All,
This holiday season, may you be given the gift of feeling complete and being in perfect peace, lacking nothing emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally. Needing nothing, wanting for nothing. Gratitude. Unspeakable joy. May you receive the text or call that you’ve been hoping for. May you smile from ear to ear, on the inside and out.
May you trust God’s timing. He has you. Tell Him you can no longer do it without Him. Then watch. Sit back. Be still. Allow yourself to be surrounded in the awesomeness that is God.
Be encouraged. May the people who genuinely regard you highly and want to see you at your best be in your life from this day forth. May you have the discernment and the wisdom to know who those people are, and the strength to say goodbye to all others. It’s your time to be happy and free. Free from guilt. Free from all the burdens you’ve carried that were never your cross to bear.
Oh, magnify the Lord! For He is worthy to be praised.
He and only He is worthy."
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Anderson .Paak’s breakout hit from Malibu reaches a major milestone, celebrating its Platinum status after captivating fans for nearly a decade.
nderson .Paak's Come Down, released on January 10, 2016, as part of his critically acclaimed album Malibu, was certified Platinum by the RIAA. The single, known for its infectious funk groove and high-energy delivery, became a standout track in Paak’s discography, further establishing his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and funk. The certification recognizes over 1 million units sold or equivalent streams in the U.S., demonstrating the song’s enduring popularity over the years.
"Come Down" was produced by Hi-Tek, a producer known for his work blending hip-hop with soul and jazz elements. The track's success was bolstered by its prominent bassline and powerful, rhythmic vocals, making it a crowd favorite during live performances.
In its lyrics, Paak reflects on personal struggles while maintaining an air of celebration, turning adversity into energy that fuels the track’s danceable rhythm.
The music video, released later in 2016, has accumulated over 26 million views on YouTube, enhancing the song's visual appeal. Directed with a party-like atmosphere in mind, Paak takes inspiration from Ernie Barnes' iconic Sugar Shack painting, translating its vibrant depiction of African American life into the video's energetic setting.
"Come Down" also found broader success through its use in commercials and TV placements, such as a 2017 Google Pixel ad, which helped introduce the track to wider audiences. Paak’s live performances, including at the 2016 BET Awards and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, played a significant role in the track’s popularity, making it a pivotal moment in his career.
Paak’s background is rooted in his eclectic upbringing and musical influences. Born Brandon Paak Anderson in Oxnard, California, he broke into the industry with a series of projects before gaining widespread recognition with Venice (2014) and Malibu (2016). His fusion of genres—soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B—was influenced by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Dr. Dre, the latter of whom mentored him after featuring Paak on his Compton album. Since then, Anderson .Paak has continued to evolve as a musician and performer, culminating in various collaborations, including his Grammy-winning project with Bruno Mars as part of Silk Sonic
Kylie Minogue reveals her Tension Tour 2025 with dates across Australia, Asia, and the UK, starting in February.
ylie Minogue has officially unveiled her Tension Tour 2025, which promises to be her biggest tour since 2011, covering key cities in Australia, Asia, and the UK, with more dates expected to be announced soon. This tour follows the release of her 17th studio album Tension II and is set to kick off in Australia on February 15, 2025, with UK performances in May. The Tension Tour coincides with the release of the album’s lead single "Lights Camera Action," dropping on September 27, 2024.
Fans attending the tour can expect not only her latest tracks from Tension II but also an array of hits from her iconic catalog. VIP packages will offer exclusive perks, including pre-show events, early entry for merchandise shopping, and commemorative items, giving fans a premium experience.
Australia:
Asia:
UK:
With additional dates for Europe, North America, and South America expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, this tour will be a global celebration of Kylie’s music career.
Tickets for the UK dates go on general sale on September 27, 2024, aligning with the release of her new single.
Lights, Camera, Action, Lovers—Tension II is coming October 18.
ylie Minogue has officially announced her 17th studio album, Tension II, set for release on October 18, 2024. Following the success of her 2023 album Tension, the upcoming album introduces nine new tracks, with the lead single, “Lights Camera Action,” arriving on September 27, 2024. Kylie excitedly shared on social media: “LOVERS …. TENSION II … The sequel with NINE new tracks will be yours on October 18th!”
Tension II Tracklist:
In addition to the album, Kylie has announced a 2025 world tour, kicking off in Australia before reaching the UK and beyond. Fans can pre-save “Lights Camera Action” and pre-order Tension II via her official website. Tickets for the Tension Tour will be available starting September 27, coinciding with the single's release.
Kylie’s global Tension Tour will include major stops across Asia, Europe, North and South America, with UK dates confirmed for May 2025. Fans will get a chance to experience both her new music and beloved hits, with performances that promise to continue the exhilarating energy of the Tension era.
We'll be updating this list as new records are announced, so check back often! *Originally published on July 11, 2024.
his comprehensive calendar provides a snapshot of some of the most anticipated albums set for release in the coming months. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates as more albums are announced.
September 20:
September 24:
September 27:
October 4:
October 11:
October 15:
October 18:
October 25:
November 15:
Several artists have confirmed they are working on albums or have completed them, but there is no official release date yet:
July 12:
July 17:
July 19:
July 26:
August 2:
August 9:
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
September 6:
September 13:
Cloud Baby
Cloud baby
She wants a cloud baby
Of her own
Silver linens, whisper precious
Something to love so easily
Secretly, longingly
She wants it for herself, just herself
Nobody else
She wants it for herself, just herself
She wants the whole world
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
Maintenance Phase
Sometimes I get up, saying I never meant to start
Making mornings all about recovery
From A to B
Deceiving you is hard, turning into someone else
Even turning out a friend of none
Only one
Watching endless dreamlands can be depressing
Though I say I want, I want it all
Counting down the hours with no ending
Though I say I want, I want it all too much
Defending all this time I’m spending on my own
It’s not as though I meant to lose myself
Inside myself
I’d like to grow a spine, even show a little strength
Heaven knows it’s been a tricky year
Many years
Watching endless dreamlands is depressing
Though I say I want, I want it all
I find myself retreating and regressing
Is this the way, the way I wanna be?
Ooh, it’s just the maintenance phase
Ooh, it’s just the maintenance phase
Ooh, it’s just the maintenance phase
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
Spring Cleaning
I’ve been taking out the rubbish, the packets, the papers, the pieces of all my lives
I’ve been shaking out the covers, the corners, the gutters, the dust from the undersides
I’ve been thinking of the reasons to make and to break all the patterns of the years before
Starting afresh, it’s like turning over
Gathering, gathering the ashes
Gathering, gathering, gathering the ashes
It’s the season for sweet things
It’s the season for grieving
It’s the season for growing seedlings
Spring Cleaning
I’ve been mixing up the past with the present, the future’s a mountain of emails
I’ve been pouring in suggestions and questions, from every direction into each of my ears
I’ve been putting down the same piece of paper, the same piece of paper in the same drawer
I’ve been hoping I’d return to the drawer, to a room, to a flat that was better than before
Still turning
Ah—
Gathering, gathering the ashes
It’s the season for sweet things
It’s the season for grieving
It’s the season for sorting and sweeping, renewing and weeping
Searching and needing, and complex feelings
Finishings and beginnings
Chucking out the old and in with the new, you –
Spring Cleaning, oh
Spring Cleaning
Spring Cleaning, oh
Spring Cleaning
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
It’s Happening Again
Coat tails
Riding them off into the sunset
Bag swinging
Thinking you’d nailed the getaway
It was gratifying
A gratifying waste of time
For you see, a creature of habit am I
Oh it’s happening, it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, it’s happening again
Burnt out
After the most deliberate fade into the background
Hands down
One of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life
And so it seems
There’s always a way, yes a way of starting over
Though it gets harder ever time
Oh it’s happening, it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
Oh it’s happening, yes it’s happening again
And there I was waiting for the warrior within
To rise instead of me
And save me from myself of course
Human reasons for mistakes
And remaining the same
While wanting to change
Oh ooh
Explore all tracks from Talking To Myself:
1. Maintenance Phase
2. Spring Cleaning
3. Cloud Baby
4. It’s Happening Again
Jhené Aiko's debut album Souled Out reaches Platinum status a decade after its release, with several singles also achieving Gold and Platinum milestones.
decade after its original release, Jhené Aiko’s debut studio album Souled Out has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA, marking over one million units sold. Originally released on September 9, 2014, Souled Out is a deeply personal and spiritually charged record that blended elements of neo-soul, ambient pop, and alternative R&B. The album introduced Aiko's unique style to a broader audience and solidified her as a key voice in contemporary R&B. Its success was immediate, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with first-week sales exceeding 70,000 copies.
Over time, Souled Out has continued to resonate with fans, earning several additional RIAA certifications in 2024. “Eternal Sunshine” and “Remember” have both achieved Gold status. “Eternal Sunshine” stands out as one of Aiko’s most poignant tracks, with its reflective lyrics exploring themes of memory and loss. Despite not charting on the Billboard Hot 100, the track has steadily grown in popularity, amassing over 60 million streams on Spotify and more than 25 million views on YouTube. Similarly, “Remember,” with its haunting melody and introspective lyricism, also reached Gold status, bolstered by its place in the hearts of Aiko’s dedicated fanbase.
In addition to these Gold certifications, three tracks from Souled Out—“W.A.Y.S.,” “Blue Dream,” and “Spotless Mind”—have gone Platinum. “W.A.Y.S.,” an acronym for “Why Aren’t You Smiling?”, was written in memory of Aiko’s brother, Miyagi, who passed away in 2012. The song, which is a heartfelt tribute to his memory, has become one of Aiko’s signature tracks and a fan favorite during her live performances. The track’s enduring message of resilience and personal strength has helped it accumulate over 100 million streams on Spotify, making its Platinum certification a significant milestone.
“Spotless Mind” and “Blue Dream” have similarly maintained strong listener engagement over the years. “Spotless Mind,” with its dreamy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, explores themes of love and personal growth, and its music video has amassed over 30 million views on YouTube. The track now boasts over 150 million Spotify streams, solidifying its place in Aiko’s catalog as one of her most beloved songs. “Blue Dream” also reached Platinum status, underscoring its slow but steady rise in popularity. Both songs reflect Aiko’s signature style—ethereal, deeply personal, and rooted in emotional complexity.
These certifications come at a time when Jhené Aiko’s career has continued to evolve and flourish. Her 2020 album Chilombo earned three Grammy nominations, including one for Album of the Year, further cementing her status as a key figure in modern R&B. Chilombo featured a blend of her signature introspective lyricism with more experimental elements, such as the use of sound healing techniques like crystal singing bowls. Aiko’s ability to consistently innovate while staying true to her core sound has made her one of the most respected and influential artists in the genre.
In addition to her solo work, Aiko has also become known for her wide range of collaborations with top artists across different genres. She has worked with the likes of Big Sean (with whom she formed the duo TWENTY88), Drake, Childish Gambino, and John Legend. Her versatility and skill in seamlessly moving between genres—whether it be R&B, hip-hop, or alternative music—have earned her widespread acclaim.
Green Day's Dookie hits 20x Multi-Platinum RIAA certification with 20 million copies sold.
September 16, 2024, Green Day’s iconic album Dookie achieved an incredible milestone—being certified 20x Multi-Platinum or 2x Diamond by the RIAA, marking 20 million copies sold. Originally released in 1994, Dookie has remained one of the most influential albums in the history of punk rock and alternative music. This major certification upgrade reflects its enduring appeal over three decades, a rare feat.
Dookie was the album that catapulted Green Day from underground punk to global superstardom, thanks to hits like “Basket Case,” “When I Come Around,” and “Longview.” These singles dominated alternative rock radio in the mid-'90s and helped the album peak at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1995 and has been praised for its raw energy, catchy melodies, and irreverent lyrics—qualities that have kept it relevant to both longtime fans and newer generations.
The album’s influence stretches beyond its commercial success. Dookie is often credited with bringing punk rock into the mainstream, inspiring countless bands that followed. Its blend of pop-punk hooks and rebellious spirit made it a defining soundtrack for a generation of disaffected youth, and its songs continue to resonate in live performances, where Green Day consistently draws massive crowds.
With Dookie now at 20x Multi-Platinum, Green Day’s legacy as one of the most important rock bands of the past few decades is more solidified than ever. Fans and newcomers alike are reminded of the album’s impact, proving that even after 30 years, Dookie still rocks as hard as ever.