NEWS
OVO Sound rapper Preme has attacked the idea that Kendrick Lamar destroyed Drake‘s career in their feud.
Posting a screenshot on X of Drizzy’s “Nokia” at number one on Apple Music’s Top 100: Global chart ahead of Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” and “Luther,” Preme wrote: “They said we were dead. They said it was over. They said Super Bowl was checkmate.
“They said he should take a few years off and disappear. Back on top even while beefing with the label and it’s only April! This why yall hate the boy.”
He later added: “The best revenge is success.”
The 39-year-old rapper, who is more of a member of Drake’s entourage these days than an active musician, is best known for his 2014 single “DnF” which featured the 6 God and Future.
Despite “Nokia” reigning supreme on Apple Music, Kendrick still has the edge over Drake on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Compton native’s “Luther” collaboration has now spent six consecutive weeks atop the chart, while “Not Like Us” and “TV Off” are also in the top 20.
His Canadian rival has seen his commercial success suffer a downturn since their beef erupted last year, but “Nokia” — the standout from his joint album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U — is offering a glimmer of hope that the tide may turn.
The ’90s-inspired call-and-response track initially debuted at number 10 on the Hot 100 and quickly fell out of the top 10. But on this week’s chart, it sits at number 7 after rising four spots — and may continue to climb the chart thanks to its recently released music video.
If Drake does manage to dethrone Kendrick (or whoever is occupying the top spot) on the Hot 100, it will be his first chart-topping single since 2023’s “First Person Shooter” — coincidentally the song that set the stage for their long-simmering rivalry to ignite.
NEWS
The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
