Latest news with #God'sPlan
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Drake breaks RIAA record with 10 Diamond certifications across singles and collaborations
Drake has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the artist with the most RIAA Diamond certifications ever — a total of ten. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed the news on May 28, announcing that his singles 'Hold On, We're Going Home' and 'Best I Ever Had' have now reached Diamond status, joining an already impressive list. With this update, Drake's Diamond-certified catalog also includes hits like 'God's Plan,' 'One Dance,' 'Hotline Bling,' Travis Scott's 'SICKO MODE,' 'Life Is Good' with Future, Lil Wayne's 'Love Me,' and Chris Brown's 'No Guidance.' These achievements place Drake ahead of Garth Brooks and Post Malone, who each hold nine Diamond certifications. The RIAA celebrated the milestone with a social media post showcasing all 10 plaques. Drake now stands as the first artist to hit double-digit Diamond certifications across both singles and albums. An 11th certification may be on the horizon, with 'Nice for What' currently certified 9x Platinum. Fans quickly reacted on social media. 'You just simply can't say anything bad about this,' one person wrote. Others used the occasion to reference Drake's ongoing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar, commenting, 'Looks like the 20v1 didn't work out!' Beyond the certifications, Drake continues to stay active. In February, he released his collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PARTYNEXTDOOR, with two tracks still charting on the Billboard Hot 100. This summer, he's scheduled to headline all three nights of Wireless Festival in London from July 11–13 and is also planning the return of OVO Fest in Toronto. Drake's consistency and dominance show no signs of slowing down.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Drake confirms return of OVO Fest in summer 2025
Drake has confirmed OVO Fest is returning in 2025. The 'God's Plan' hitmaker was a surprise guest during Central Cee's concert at History in Toronto on Saturday (24.05.25). As well as performing 'Nokia' from his joint LP with PartyNextDoor, '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U', he revealed his label's music event, which he founded in 2010, and last took place in 2022, will be back this summer. Drake said from the balcony: 'I'll see you this summer, by the way. OVO Fest will be back this year.' Teasing grime star Central Cee's appearance at the festival, he went on: "We'll need you there for that. 'That guy right there, that's my f****** brother. I've seen this guy from day one, a humble spirit, a hard worker. This man observed all he needed to observe. This guy put the work in, made the songs. He's one of the best people I know. The realest.' The 2022 OVO Fest featured performances from fellow rappers Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Meanwhile, Smiley recently teased Drake is working on new music. The 27-year-old rapper - who is signed to the 'Hotline Bling' hitmaker's record label, OVO Sound - claimed in a video on his Instagram Stories that Drake, 38, has been working on new material during events, as well as on the set of Drake's 'Nokia' music video. Smiley - whose real name is Alexander Morand, said in the clip - which was shared by Drake: "Brother, I'm telling you, I seen him the other day. 'We're at a party and he was in the other room by himself eating pasta with wired headphones writing music while we have a whole party going on. He's on a different mode right now. 'Even at the 'Nokia' video shoot, during breaks, he had a bunch of producers and he was just recording. "So he's in that crazy mode, right now. (sic)' Smiley - who collaborated with Drake on 'Over The Top' in 2021 - made the comments just weeks after Drake confirmed he is working on a new album, which he spilled is "a slap" on Adin Ross' livestream on Kick. Drake said: "Thank you to everybody that's streaming the album. Every time, every journey. Working on a new album, it's a slap." Asked if it's a solo record, he replied: "Yeah." '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U' was released in February and was an instant chart-topper. The five-time Grammy winner's confirmation of a new LP came just months after he told the crowd during his 'Anita Max Win' tour at RAC Arena in Peth, Australia, in February that he is working on an untitled LP, which he described as a "one-on-one talk" with his fans. Drake said of his first solo LP since 2023's 'For All the Dogs': "I got a new album coming out on Valentine's Day with PARTYNEXTDOOR. It's called '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U.' 'And you know, eventually when the time is right, Drizzy Drake alone by himself is gonna have to have a one-on-one talk to y'all. "When the time is right, I'll be back with another album, a one-on-one conversation with y'all that you need to hear."
Winnipeg Free Press
15-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
U.S. academics warn Drake suit could have ‘dangerous' ripple effects on rap music
TORONTO – Four U.S. academics say a 'dangerous' precedent could be set for rap music if Drake wins his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group. New documents filed in a New York court ask the presiding judge to dismiss the 'God's Plan' rapper's case against his own label over their role in Kendrick Lamar's hit 'Not Like Us.' The submission was made on Wednesday by a group of criminology and law professors who have published studies on rap history and how the music is used in court cases. The academics say diss tracks are 'hyperbolic forms of creative expression,' and that taking them literally could encourage further racial prejudice in the legal system. At issue are the lyrics of Lamar's 'Not Like Us,' in particular a line in which Drake says he's falsely branded as a pedophile. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Drake's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The group of academics does not directly reference Lamar's use of 'certified pedophiles' in their court documents, but they warn that if Drake succeeds in his suit, it could threaten U.S. free speech protections. Their filing states that the documents were prepared independently of either party. They say Universal's counsel indicated it would not oppose the motion, while Drake's legal team did not respond. 'A thorough understanding of (rap lyrics) is necessary not only to assess the defamation claim at issue in this case but to prevent the harms that arise when courts treat rap lyrics as confessions or factual representations,' the academics wrote. Drake's original lawsuit alleges that Universal's actions in publishing and promoting 'Not Like Us,' a song that it says also calls for 'violent retribution' against Drake. It cites incidents at his Toronto home, including intruders shooting a security guard and two attempted break-ins. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He also alleges the song damaged his reputation and his brand's value before his contract renegotiation with the company this year. It further alleges UMG — the parent record label for Drake and Lamar — chose profits over the safety of its artists. Lamar is not named in the suit. Universal Music Group is one of the largest labels in the world, with many smaller labels under its umbrella. Drake is signed to its Republic Records division, while Lamar is part of Interscope Records. — with files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2025.
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Neuroscientist says this surprising hack can help you instantly focus — and it's not what you think
Bach to the future: Neuroscientist says a centuries-old classical tune could be the secret to crushing your to-do list. To instantly get in the zone, Friederike Fabritius, MS, author of 'The Brain-Friendly Workplace,' swears by listening to 'Goldberg Variations.' The hour-and-a-half-long 1741 classical piece by Johann Sebastian Bach has been her go-to concentration hack for decades. Advertisement 'When I have to focus, I always listen to [that] same song and I instantly get into flow,' Fabritius told Parade in a recent interview. 3 To instantly get in the zone, Friederike Fabritius, MS, author of 'The Brain-Friendly Workplace,' swears by listening to 'Goldberg Variations.' pixelrobot – 'You can actually condition your brain to get into flow and focus by always listening to the same music when you want to focus. It creates a ritual for your brain and a very strong connection.' Advertisement Fabritius' strategy is simple: play the same music every time you need to concentrate, and your brain will learn to associate those first few notes with 'time to focus.' But is Bach really the best study buddy? According to Dr. Erin Hannon, a psychology professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, classical music is a solid choice — but it's not the only option. Hannon told Parade that she recommends music with a 'slow to moderate tempo, with moderately predictable pitch and rhythmic structure and lower levels of chaotic noise and dissonance, such as screaming.' Advertisement 3 Fabritius' focus hack is a no-brainer: Hit play on the same tune every time you need to buckle down, and your brain will get the memo. Pixel-Shot – In other words, the less chaotic the tune, the easier it is to stay on task. But what works for one person might not work for another. Hannon also pointed out that music's impact on mood and focus can be different for everyone, and 'there is probably no one genre of music that can help with focus' for all of us. Advertisement A 2022 survey backs that up. According to the survey by OnePoll on behalf of CSU Global, people who listen to music while studying were more likely to have a GPA above 3.2. 'Listening to music while studying can be an extremely helpful tool for some students in improving their focus,' said Dr. Christina Agvent, program director of teaching and learning at CSU Global. 3 A study by OnePoll for CSU Global found that students who crank up the tunes while studying are more likely to hit a GPA over 3.2. Tomasz Zajda – The report also found that younger students were more likely to plug in their earbuds while studying — 58% of 18- to 25-year-olds said they listen to music while studying, compared to just 41% of those aged 58 to 76. And it's not all classical. Respondents named 'Riverside' by Agnes Obel and Drake's 'God's Plan' among their favorite study jams. For Fabritius, though, Bach's 'Goldberg Variations' is the ultimate focus anthem. Advertisement 'You should not listen to loud, busy disco or techno music,' she said. 'Classical music that's soothing and peaceful — hopefully without lyrics — supports focus rather than something that can additionally distract you.' So the next time you're struggling to concentrate, maybe forget the pop hits and give Bach a shot.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boi-1da Gives Drake Some Love in Acceptance Speech at 2025 Juno Awards
Drake has had a challenging year, due to being widely seen as the loser of a high-profile diss battle with Kendrick Lamar, but he got a strong show of support at the Juno Awards in his native Canada on Sunday (March 30). His friend and frequent collaborator Boi-1da (pronounced Boy Wonder) sang his praises in accepting an International Achievement Award. Drake wasn't present at the ceremony, which was held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. 'I'm extremely humbled by this award and just to be mentioned among the legendary names as well – man I can't even describe it,' the producer (who was born Matthew Jehu Samuels) began. 'I want to have a huge shout-out to my brother Drake, the greatest rapper of all time, the greatest artist of all time and he's from Canada – Drizzy Drake – that's my brother. More from Billboard Tate McRae Sweeps 2025 Juno Awards, But Isn't at the Ceremony to Accept: Full Winners List Morgan Wallen Abruptly Walks Off 'SNL' Stage Before Show's End, Posts Cryptic Message from Airplane Morgan Wallen Returns to 'SNL' With Performances of 'I'm the Problem' & 'Just in Case': Watch 'Listen…Drake, love you bro, we started this together, we did this together, I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Drake and all the sacrifices he made, all the doors he kicked down for a lot of people man, so shout-out to Drake. Thank you for life, man, I love that guy.' Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the future producer moved to Canada when he was three and grew up in Toronto. His first production work was at age 18, when he worked on two tracks on a Drake mixtape (Room for Improvement). Boi-1da won his only Grammy to date as the co-writer of Drake's 'God's Plan,' which was voted best rap song. The producer has been nominated for 19 Grammys, including six times for album of the year, for his work on Eminem's Recovery, Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Drake's Views, Kanye West's (now Ye's) Donda and Beyonce's Renaissance. Boi-1da has received two Grammy nods for record of the year, for 'God's Plan' and Rihanna's 'Work' (featuring Drake), and one song of the year nod, also for 'God's Plan.' He has been nominated twice for producer of the year, non-classical. This International Achievement Award was his first Juno Award or nomination. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
