Fortnite is bringing Bruno Mars into the virtual spotlight as the headliner for Season 9 of its Fortnite Festival. The Grammy-winning artist will perform on a flashy new Main Stage with neon lights and a sleek design when the season launches on June 18. He joins a growing list of big-name acts who’ve taken the stage in the game’s music-driven events.

Editor’s Note: Fortnite keeps blurring the lines between gaming and pop culture, and this move is no exception. By featuring Bruno Mars—a global music icon—Epic Games is doubling down on its strategy to keep players engaged with live, interactive entertainment. For fans, it’s another chance to experience a virtual concert without leaving their couch, and for the game, it’s a smart way to stay relevant in a crowded market. Win-win.

R. Kelly, the disgraced singer currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for sex crimes, is pushing harder for temporary release after a recent reported overdose and hospitalization. His legal team seems to be framing this as a health-related plea, though skepticism remains high given his convictions and past behavior.

Editor’s Note: Kelly’s latest bid for freedom—citing health concerns—adds another layer to his ongoing legal saga. While medical emergencies are serious, many will question whether this is a genuine crisis or a strategic move. Either way, it keeps his controversial name in the headlines, reminding the public of the unresolved tension between his legal battles and the victims’ demand for justice.

Rapper Coi Leray has welcomed her first child—a baby girl—with fellow artist Trippie Redd. She shared the happy news by giving fans a peek at her newborn, calling her "mini best friend."

Editor’s Note: Fans of the two musicians have been buzzing about their relationship, and now the arrival of their daughter adds a new chapter to their story. It’s a sweet moment for the couple, and the public’s curiosity about their family life is only going to grow. Plus, it’s always refreshing to see a little joy in the celebrity news cycle.

A new deep dive into 2000s pop culture highlights how megastars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Rihanna didn’t just dominate the charts—they reshaped music, fashion, and celebrity itself. The book Hit Girls argues these artists set the blueprint for modern pop stardom, blending personal branding with cultural influence in ways we’re still feeling today.

Editor’s Note: Love them or hate them, these women didn’t just make bangers—they rewrote the rules. Their impact stretches beyond music into how fame works now (hello, social media empires and fan armies). If you’ve ever wondered why today’s pop landscape looks the way it does, this is your backstory.

Kanye West—or should we say Ye?—has fans scratching their heads again. Despite rumors that he’s tweaking his name once more (this time to just "Y"), it turns out he’s sticking with "Ye," the name he legally adopted back in 2021. The confusion started when some eagle-eyed fans spotted what looked like another name change, but it seems to be more smoke than fire.

Editor’s Note: Kanye’s name changes (and near-changes) might seem trivial, but they’re part of his larger, unpredictable public persona. For fans and pop culture watchers, it’s another quirky chapter in the ongoing saga of Ye—keeping everyone guessing, as usual. Whether it’s a branding move, personal reinvention, or just his signature chaos, it’s a reminder that with Kanye, the only constant is change (or the illusion of it).

A new biography on the Talking Heads by Jonathan Gould misses the mark, offering little real insight into the iconic band while also unfairly dismissing the vibrant New York music scene of the late '70s that helped shape them. Fans hoping for a deep dive into the band's legacy might be left disappointed.

Editor’s Note: The Talking Heads were pioneers, and their story is deeply tied to the creative energy of New York in that era. A shallow or dismissive take on them—or the scene that birthed them—doesn’t just fail readers; it undersells a pivotal moment in music history. If you’re a fan, this book might not be worth your time.

After a legal battle that dragged on for years, songwriter Amy Wadge—who co-wrote Ed Sheeran’s hit Thinking Out Loud—can finally breathe easy. She described the copyright lawsuit, which accused the song of copying Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On, as something that "haunted" her for over a decade. With the case now closed, she’s relieved to put the stress behind her.

Editor’s Note: Copyright lawsuits like this one have become all too common in the music world, often leaving artists in limbo for years. Wadge’s relief highlights how draining these legal fights can be—not just financially, but emotionally. The outcome also reinforces how tricky it is to define "inspiration" vs

Nick Cave revealed he turned down Morrissey’s request to collaborate on a new song, describing the lyrics as an "unnecessarily provocative and slightly silly anti-woke screed." While Cave praised Morrissey as "probably the best lyricist of his generation," he made it clear he wasn’t interested in fueling the song’s divisive tone.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about two iconic musicians disagreeing—it’s a snapshot of how artists navigate political and cultural divides in their work. Cave’s refusal highlights the fine line between artistic provocation and outright polarization, especially in today’s hyper-charged climate. For fans, it’s a reminder that even legends have boundaries.

Sheffield metal band Malevolence isn’t just about crushing riffs and record-breaking crowdsurfing (901 people in one show—yikes). Their music tackles heavy themes like mental health and toxic relationships, but they’ve also become accidental prophets—dropping Keep Your Distance right before COVID lockdowns hit. Now, as they break into the mainstream, they’re calling out the recycled racism and online hate that still plagues the metal scene, proving their lyrics aren’t just for show.

Editor’s Note: Malevolence is more than a metal band—they’re a voice for uncomfortable conversations, both in their music and in confronting the ugliest parts of their own scene. Their timing with Keep Your Distance was eerie, but their willingness to challenge racism and toxicity head-on is what really makes them stand out. In a genre often criticized for its insularity, their rise feels like a wake-up call.