NEWS
During a recent interview with Curtiss King, Terrence “Punch” Henderson discussed Kendrick Lamar and Drake, providing fans with some exclusive insight into their viral battle.
At one point in the interview, for example, he was asked about the Compton rapper's verse on "Like That" with Future and Metro Boomin. According to him, he heard about it from Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith first, and later called Kendrick to check in.
“[The energy] had been bubbling for a while. We had been pretty close-mouthed about it […] He played the record for Top [Dawg]. I talked to Top and he told me a little bit about the record so I hit Dot like, ‘It’s going down?’ He said, ‘Yeah, we’ll see what’s up.’ [He was] laughing," Punch recalled.
“People think that this is so serious but it’s funny," he continued. "This n***a is from Compton, California, bro. Where he grew up, it’s serious over there — you getting shot at, you getting home invasions, you getting gang wars. We’re talking about music, bruh, so it’s funny! So I hear the record and I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s up. It’s go time now, baby.'”
This isn't the only part of the battle Punch reflected on, however. He also looked back on the original version of Kendrick's Drake diss "Euphoria," revealing that it used to be longer and far more intense. Ultimately, he says he was able to talk the artist out of some of his more explosive and damaging disses before he unleashed the final version.
“I don’t know the length, but there was definitely a version that was longer than what the world got. There was a lot of stuff that didn’t make it on there," he said. “There was just some things in there that I didn’t think would have been beneficial in the long run to put in there. So I gave him my input on that and he took some of those things out.”
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
