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Kendrick Lamar Beats Drake For Album Of The Year At BET Awards With “GNX”

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On a night filled with amazing performances and awards that were rightfully doled out, Kendrick Lamar took home one of the most prestigious accolades of the BET Awards, Album of the Year. Faced with some tough competition from the likes of Drake, who was nominated for his work on $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U with PartyNextDoor, Kendrick’s GNX closed in with the final comments section. And while both albums have made plenty of waves this past year, it was apparent that GNX had the staying power to push it over the top enough to set itself apart from the pack.

From the moment the nominations began rolling in, fans and critics were already beginning to whisper that Kendrick was the favorite and that they were right. GNX did more than take over playlists and own every room he entered, he engaged in conversations, pushed the boundaries of his craft and produced the kind of masterful art that lives with you long after the music stops. The album displayed Drake’s easy chemistry with PartyNextDoor, who provided silky-smooth grooves and irresistible hooks perfect for late-night playlists. But up against GNX, the nuance of Kendrick’s work just had to win. Instead of an upset, the win registered as the perfectly logical final chapter of Lamar’s incredible year.

This should also interest you: Kendrick Lamar Shakes Up Atlanta With Playboi Carti Surprise On “Grand National” Tour

Maybe because it felt so particularly earned, given that it was Kendrick Lamar’s return to the BET Awards stage. The artist has been an enigma in award shows in recent years, but he turned it up last night. Arriving on the stage with grace and humility, Kendrick tearfully accepted the award and credited BET for “always doing right by the culture.” His presence was a compelling reminder of his tie to the community and his reverence for the platform that has honored Black excellence for decades.

With the strength of that in mind, GNX appears ready for further recognition, it already has a shot for the 2026 Grammy Awards. If last night’s victory is any indication, Kendrick’s artistic momentum won’t be waning any time soon. Ultimately, both artists presented outstanding work and contributions, but the GNX Project served as a firm reminder of what happens when innovation, authenticity, and cultural resonance are combined, it’s exactly what Album of the Year is supposed to exemplify and celebrate.

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“Kiss” by Zekiizo sparks a feisty dance with the moody charm of a tumultuous love vibe

Zekiizo

Zekiizo’s new single, “Kiss,” tells a candid story that is anything but sweet or straightforward as it dances into an intoxicating whirlwind of emotional chaos when a fresh romance collides with the ghosts of the past, leaving audiences eager to hit replay. What makes “Kiss” unique is its fearless embrace of the imperfections and complexities in relationships, all wrapped in an infectious and irresistibly pleasurable sound.

With feel-good production and an upbeat rhythm, “Kiss” might initially come across as a perfect anthem for a late-night drive. However, a closer listen reveals its moody grit and unapologetic honesty. This is not your average love song; it explores the mutual rewards that keep a connection alive, even if it’s built on a shaky foundation. Zekiizo dives into the complicated aftermath of heartbreak, capturing the dynamic thrill of transitioning from an old relationship into something new, and examining the emotionally charged space where lust and intimacy often overshadow logic.

There’s a gritty edge to the song, conveying a confident, almost self-centered frankness that feels refreshingly honest; neither party emerges entirely innocent or unscathed, but this lack of perfection adds to the charm. The lyrics hint at something more unsettling, pulsing with playful intensity, while the beat grooves with electronic-meets-indie influences, precisely the genre-blurring signature that Zekiizo is becoming known for. It’s seductive, a little off-kilter, and knowingly problematic, which is what makes it resonate so deeply.

From her Boston roots to the creative sprawl of New York City, Zekiizo has carved a unique niche for herself that defies easy categorization. “Kiss” feels like a culmination of her bold sonic vision: emotionally unfiltered, sonically vibrant, and dripping with attitude. Whether you’ve just come out of a breakup or are in the middle of a fling with someone new, this track will strike a nerve of exhilarating yet unsettling nature of new love.

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Feisty, flawed, and utterly addictive, “Kiss” encapsulates the sound of reckless rebound energy wrapped in a perfect pop disguise. Zekiizo isn’t just creating music that vibes; she’s vividly narrating the complexities of love, pushing sonic boundaries while delivering stories that resonate on a human level, reaffirming her status as an artist to watch, and we’re here for it.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Zekiizo’s Kiss on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Zekiizo | Instagram | TikTok

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Indie

Secret Garden Gathering triumphantly dazzles with its newest release, “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn”

Secret Garden Gathering

Welcome back! Thirteen years after disappearing into obscurity, Secret Garden Gathering reemerges like an enchanting dream with their hauntingly beautiful new single, “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn.” Drawn from a part of their upcoming live EP Is-Y-Deri’, a name whispering of ancient forests and introspective revelations, marks not just a revival but signifies the reckoning sound of a band that has been both reborn and weathered by time. It serves as a cathartic tribute to life’s intricacies, celebrating something beautifully bruised and defiantly resilient amidst struggle, making every moment of silence worthwhile.

Recorded in a frostbitten cottage nestled deep in the Welsh mountains, the setting feels deeply integrated into the essence of the track. From the opening chords, “You are the Darkness after my Dawn” envelops the listener in a spectral intimacy that is delicate, cinematic, and entirely immersive. The arrangement showcases a raw vulnerability, blending jazz-soaked rhythm with folk-rock undertones, as if the band is gently revisiting and illuminating fragmented memories.

The song unfolds like a story being retold, beginning with a quiet and contemplative ambiance that gradually escalates towards a thunderous crescendo, fronted by soaring vocals that convey deep emotional resonance. This is further enhanced by gritty, grunge-inspired guitar layers that encapsulate the ache of nostalgia and the strange nature of melancholy. The piece symbolizes the transition from summer to twilight, reflecting the enduring impact of lost love.

Secret Garden Gathering has not just made a return; they have revitalized something exceptional, a rare artistic voice. “You are the Darkness after my Dawn” illustrates that time away has not weakened their creative expression; instead, it has broadened their artistic palette. The result is a dream-rock ballad characterized by a cinematic scope, deeply rooted in the complexities of human experience, poised to stir even the most subdued aspects of the soul.

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CLICK HERE TO STREAM Secret Garden Gathering’s You Are the Darkness After My Dawn on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Secret Garden Gathering | Instagram

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