MNOTW: Kendrick lands in Ghana for album release, Apple discontinues iPod & more

Music News of the Week is a quick round-up on both major and minor happenings in the world of music.  This week’s news includes events from Kendrick in Ghana, the discontinuation of the Apple iPod, a street in Harlem which has been dedicated to Big L & more

KENDRICK SHUTS DOWN GHANA FOR ALBUM RELEASE

The timing of this trip for Kendrick and the country itself is paramount, with Ghana fast becoming the most sought after destination, especially for music fans and the diaspora at large. On the very same evening as the release of his latest album ‘Mr Morale & The Big Steppers’. The best rapper alive shut-down cities across Ghana with rumours of music videos being shot on the continent and images from a private listening session, hosted by Spotify on the night of the release.

APPLE DISCONTINUES FIRST IPOD MODEL

After 21 years, Apple has announced that the beloved iPod has been discontinued. The original iPod, released in 2001 had the capacity to store 1000 songs––monumental for its time. “Today the spirit of the iPod lives on,” says Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide marketing. “We’ve integrated an incredible music experience across all of our products, from the iPhone to the Apple Watch to HomePod mini, and across Mac, iPad, and Apple TV.” Today the iPods legacy lives on through other products like the iPhone.

WHAT WENT DOWN AT KOJEY’S SELF-CURATED STAGE AT THE GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL

Over the weekend at The Great Escape Festival, a programme of knowledge sharing workshops and panel discussions took place–welcoming festival-goers to learn more about what it takes to make it in the industry. Kicking off with a talk led by grime legend and label head of Butterz, Elijah, his iconic yellow post-it notes to life to share his insights on demystifying the music industry. The line-up included the likes of Rachel Chinouriri, Kwoli Black, Jelani Blackman, Bawo, Maddie and many more incredible acts.

GHOSTFACE KILLAH RECEIVES HIS OWN DAY IN NYC

As Ghostface Killah celebrated his 52nd birthday, the legendary rapper was honoured by the City of New York with his own day. May 9 will officially be considered Ghostface Killah Day, awarded by Mayor Eric Adams at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the rapper’s new coffee shop, Killah Koffee in Staten Island.

WATCH JORDSS PERFORM AN ENTRANCING DJ SET IN THE ALPS

Looks like everyone was having the time of their lives out in the Alps last week and so was Jordss as she played at one of the highest parties in the world. Catch the Jordss effect at a high altitude via her post on Instagram: “So I did a set on the weekend at the highest party in the world at the top of alps with someone willie bouncing to Julio bashmore. Possibly the most fun I’ve had DJing ever 😍…”

BIG L RECEIVES HONOURED WITH CEREMONIAL STREET RENAMING IN HARLEM

More than two decades after his untimely death, the legendary rapper was honoured with a ceremonial street renaming in Harlem. News of the tribute was announced earlier this month, after the team behind the official Big L documentary, Street Stuck, launched a petition campaign. “It took a whole lot of effort and Support to get to this great point but as a collective we made it happen,” the Instagram announcement read.