Techish is back! This week, Abadesi and Michael kick off the episode with the backlash over Stormzy’s McDonald’s collaboration. They also break down Meta’s latest layoffs and how performance reviews play into the mix. Then, they take a look at the rising cost of concert tickets—why are prices for artists like Beyoncé skyrocketing? Finally, they discuss the future of DEI in corporate America and what these shifts mean for the people driving the work forward. Chapters 00:25 Stormzy’s McDonald’s Collaboration Sparks Backlash09:49 Meta Lays Off “Low Performers”16:03 Cowboy Carter Tour:
Live Nation Urban has shared its recent investment in Breakr, a leading marketing and tech platform. Breakr is the focal point for music, creators, and technology. It allows music labels, creative agencies, and brands to quickly pay and contract independent online content creators to promote songs and services. The investment came from the Black Lily Capital Fund, a new venture fund created by Live Nation and Live Nation Urban to support early-stage music companies founded by Black entrepreneurs. “Our investment reflects our belief in the founders, in the transformative power
Legendary hip-hop MC RAKIM is entering fintech with his new platform, Notes. The artist created a platform with the hope of helping artists capitalize on their creative projects and gain financial independence. Recognized by many as one of the greatest MCs of all time, RAKIM rose to fame as one-half of the rap duo Eric B. and Rakim. Now, he has launched an AI-powered platform as a one-stop shop for music, money, and knowledge for artists and creators. “Independent urban music artists and creators often struggle to gain financial stability
In this Techish episode, hosts Abadesi and Michael chat about tech’s latest spite-fueled innovation, the buzz around the inauguration and crypto ball, and what Trump’s second presidency could mean for the intersection of tech and politics. And, of course, they tackle the big question on everyone’s mind: why is dating such a mess these days? Chapters 00:40 Gas Founder Creates App To Spite Snapchat04:00 Tech Giants at the Inauguration08:52 Rappers Perform at the Trump Crypto Party12:50 Meme Coins Are a Scam14:25 TikTok’s Future: Sale or Ban?19:33 Doomed To Reschedule Hinge
Drake has retracted the petition he filed against Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) after alleging both parties of boosting the numbers of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track ‘Not Like Us. Yesterday, Journalist Bryson “Boom” Paul announced on X that Drizzy’s Frozen Moments, LLC withdrew a petition with the Supreme Court against Spotify and UMG on January 14. Frozen Moments, LLC will cease the legal proceedings at no financial expense to both parties. Spotify previously filed an opposition but did not protest the withdrawal; UMG, however, “reserved its position on the matter,”
Singer Jason Derulo is set to join will.i.am’s FYI.AI creative collaboration platform company, Celebrity Access reports. will.i.am is the founder and CEO of the company and appointed Derulo as the Ambassador and Intelligent Media Leader at FYI.AI. “Jason’s passion about AI, his enthusiasm and optimism about the intersection of technology and creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and community reach make him a fantastic addition to the FYI team to help shape our creative strategy going forward,” will.i.am said. What will Jason Derulo do at FYI.AI? Derulo will work with will.i.am and other
Memphis rapper GloRilla, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods, has funded a new tech-enabled media center at her alma mater, Melrose High School. On December 18, 2024, the Memphis native donated $25,000 to fund the creation of a modern, tech-enabled media center. This space, which will serve students and the surrounding Orange Mound community, will be named the Gloria H. Woods Media Center in her honor. “The fact that I have the ability to do it now warms my heart,” GloRilla said during her visit. A Media Hub for Literacy and Learning
Grammy-winning artist Usher is giving back to the Atlanta community with the launch of a new initiative aimed at empowering young creatives, as first reported by Billboard. Usher Opens Content Studio In Atlanta On December 9, the R&B icon officially opened the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab, a content studio located at the Whitehead Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta. The studio launch featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marks the start of a broader program to create creativity and innovation among local youth. The studio offers 14-to 24-year-olds hands-on experience
Canadian rapper Drake has filed a pre-action petition in New York State court against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify USA Inc., accusing the music giants of artificially boosting the streaming numbers for Kendrick Lamar’s song, Not Like Us. According to Drake, the alleged scheme was part of a strategy to amplify Lamar’s track at his expense. Claims of Artificial Inflation Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, asserts that UMG employed bots and discounted licensing rates to mislead listeners about the song’s popularity. Released in May 2024, Not Like Us broke
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and multifaceted creative force whose career spanned over seven decades, passed away on November 3, at the age of 91 in his Bel Air home. A Pioneering Force in Music Known for producing Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, Jones’ work transcended genres and generations. Collaborating with icons like Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Ella Fitzgerald, he earned 28 Grammys and a record-breaking 79 nominations. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy
