Nicki Minaj and Cardi B's Feud, Taylor Credits George Michael, Nicole and Keith Split

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B Feud Erupts Online

The long-standing rivalry between rap giants Nicki Minaj and Cardi B recently escalated into a highly public exchange across social media platforms. The renewed animosity followed the successful release of Cardi B's new album, Am I The Drama?, which has been shattering chart records. The tension was ignited when Minaj took to X, initially highlighting her own prior chart successes before seemingly taking direct aim at Cardi B's achievements and challenging her legitimacy.

Cardi B quickly responded to the provocative posts, humorously noting that the drama interrupted her domestic routine of baking ribs and brownies: "Naaaa cuz I was really baking ribs and making blondie brownies and here come this btch bothering me on a damn Monday." She then turned the conversation toward industry benchmarks, arguing that Minaj, being sixteen years into her career, should be comparing her sales figures to contemporaries like Rihanna and Taylor Swift, rather than focusing on a younger rival. The exchange became intensely personal after Minaj allegedly referenced Cardi B's pregnancy, leading Cardi to retaliate by making serious, unverified claims about Minaj's health and fertility struggles.

Taylor Swift's New Album Credits Late Icon George Michael

Taylor Swift has revealed a legendary name will feature on the songwriting credits of her eagerly awaited new album, The Life of a Showgirl. The late global superstar George Michael, best known as the frontman of Wham! and for his monumental solo career, has been listed as a writer on the track “Father Figure.” This credit is an acknowledgement of interpolation, as Swift's song incorporates musical elements from Michael’s iconic 1987 single of the same name.

The album, which consists of twelve tracks, is set for release on Friday, with "Father Figure" appearing as the fourth song. The inclusion of the credit, which places Michael alongside Swift’s frequent partners Max Martin and Shellback, immediately sent shockwaves across social media, where fans celebrated the unexpected bridge between two distinct pop eras.

ICYMI:

• Spotify’s founder & CEO, Daniel Ek, is stepping down. He will transition to the role of executive chairman.

• Doja Cat has announced her new world tour, Tour Ma Vie, kicking off in November and continuing through to November 2026.

Electronic Arts Acquired in Record $55 Billion Leveraged Buyout

The global video game publisher Electronic Arts (EA), known for popular franchises like EA Sports FC and The Sims, has been sold to a private consortium for $55 billion. The buyers include the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. This marks the largest leveraged buyout in history, turning EA into a private company after buying all public shares at a 25% premium ($210 per share). EA CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in his position and described the deal as a "powerful recognition" of the company's work.

However, this acquisition has raised concerns among industry analysts. The leveraged buyout involves financing the purchase with about $20 billion in debt, which will need to be paid off with EA's future earnings. Experts caution that this financial burden might force EA to focus heavily on cash flow from its top games, potentially leading to cuts in staffing or reduced investment in key upcoming titles like Battlefield 6 to cover its debt obligations.

POP FACT: On this day in 1971, the Walt Disney Resort in Florida officially opened its doors. To this day, the park attracts over 58 million visitors a year.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Separate

After nearly two decades of marriage, celebrated actress Nicole Kidman and country music star Keith Urban have separated. The split was confirmed by Variety on Monday, following reports that the couple has been living apart since June. While an unnamed source suggested to the New York Post that "Sometimes relationships just run their course," another source told People that Kidman is "desperate to save the marriage," having reportedly been "fighting to save the marriage." Kidman and Urban, who met in 2005 and married in Sydney in 2006, share two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. Urban is believed to have moved out of their Nashville residence.

ICYMI:

• Taylor Swift has become the first female artist in history to surpass 100 million RIAA-certified album units.

• A new ‘The Simpsons’ movie is set for release on July 23rd, 2027.

• HUNTR/X (Audrey Nuna, EJAE, Rei Ami) are set to make their live performance debut of ‘Golden’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on October 7th.

• Tiffany ‘New York’ Pollard has come out as non-binary in a new interview with Pink News.

— Katie Macbeth

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