Amazon Stock Dips Despite Beating Quarterly Expectations
Amazon announced net sales of $187.8 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024 on Thursday, narrowly besting analyst expectations. This news – due much in part to holiday shopping – was primarily driven by a 10% year-over-year growth in North American sales and an increase in Prime shipping speed. Record-breaking events on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday also proved catalysts for Amazon, eventually taking the lead in a long-standing revenue race with Walmart, which is projected to report revenue of $180 billion for the last quarter on Feb. 20. Despite the positive report, Amazon’s stock dipped as much as 12 points in extended trading after closing Thursday at 238.83 due to a drop in the projected revenue for Q1 2025.
Spotify, Warner Music Agree to ‘Artist-Centric’ Multi-Year Deal
On the heels of a profitable 2024 and 10% stock surge, Spotify is continuing the hot start to 2025 by partnering with Warner Music Group on a multi-year agreement focused on recorded music and music publishing. The deal is said to strengthen the relationship between both fans and artists while delivering innovation through music and video. In addition to introducing new content models for fans, the deal focuses on “artist-centric” royalty models.
Los Angeles Rams to Host First NFL Game in Australia in 2026
As all eyes focus on New Orleans for this weekend’s Super Bowl, the NFL is already looking ahead to Australia in 2026. The Los Angeles Rams will make history next year, playing host to the league’s first-ever football game in Australia. Taking place at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the NFL is yet to announce both the date and the Rams’ opponent.
Gucci & Creative Director Sabato De Sarno Part Ways
Following two years of service, Gucci Creative Director Sabato De Sarno is stepping down from his post at the Italian luxury label. According to Vogue Business, Gucci’s in-house design studio will handle this month’s Milan Fashion Week presentation as an official successor is yet to be named. De Sarno previously held titles at Valentino and Prada before taking the helm at the Florence fashion house.
Rihanna Returns to Music Through ‘Smurfs’ Movie Soundtrack
In the nine years since releasing her six-time Platinum album Anti, Rihanna has remained relatively quiet on the music front, building a billion-dollar empire in Fenty and giving birth to two children. This year, that sonic silence will stop in theatric fashion. A new trailer for Smurfs finds RiRi in cartoon form covering Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 chart-topper “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” The Paramount movie, set to release in July, promises new music from the Barbados superstar, who is said to not only star in the film but also serve as a producer.
Portland’s WNBA & NWSL Teams Partner for $150M Training Facility
The appetite for investing in women’s sports is sweeping the nation and taking shape in the Pacific Northwest. The Portland Thorns and the yet-to-be-named Portland WNBA expansion franchise are partnering to build a $150 million training facility for both teams. The privately funded project is the first for American sports as teams from two different professional sports leagues will both train in the Populous-designed facility, which is said to be 12 acres in size.
Legendary Hip-Hop Producer & Executive Irv Gotti Passes Away
Irv Gotti, co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at the age of 54. A DJ, record producer, and industry executive, Gotti is credited for beatmaking on Jay Z’s debut album and later launching the careers of DMX, Ja Rule, Ashanti, and more. Throughout his storied career, the former Def Jam exec produced various Billboard Hot 100 favorites for the likes of Fat Joe and Jennifer Lopez while releasing various platinum projects through his Murder Inc. label.
Lil Wayne Joins LiAngelo Ball for ‘Tweaker’ Remix
LiAngelo Ball — former professional basketball player and middle brother to Lonzo and LaMelo — has emerged as one of the most viral artists of the still young year. His hit song “Tweaker” has charted on the Billboard Hot 100, resulting in a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam. This weekend, the Ball brother, Gelo, will get his biggest assist through a guest verse from Lil Wayne on the song’s official remix. It’s worth noting that “Tweaker” is heavily influenced by early 2000s New Orleans hip-hop, a location both Wayne and this weekend’s Super Bowl call home.
Nike Reveals ‘Black Label’ Collection for NBA All-Star Weekend
Amping up for NBA All-Star Weekend in The Bay, Nike is highlighting its most notable basketball ambassadors by way of a very limited “Black Label” collection. Dressed in noir tones and premium materials, signature models made for the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Sabrina Ionescu, LeBron James, Ja Morant, and Victor Wembanyama will be released in San Francisco to quantities numbered by the year each athlete was born. The premium pairs will be sold at flagship Nike and Foot Locker locations in San Francisco.
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