Drake & The Weeknd Close Out 2022 with Two Albums Selling Over 1M
Drake and The Weeknd have a long history, and now they’re following parallel paths. The two Canadians became the only artists to post two albums that sold the equivalent of one million albums in 2022. The Weeknd also capped 2022 by posting the most listened-to song in Spotify history, as “Blinding Lights” exceeded 3.3 billion plays.
Sports Betting Launches in Ohio
The time has finally come. Sports betting is live in the state of Ohio. Effective at 12:01 am on Jan. 1, the state enabled in-person and digital sports betting. To kickoff the new market, FanDuel enlisted the help of Pro Bowl receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The former Bengals star will place the ceremonial first bet at the new retail establishment at Belterra Park Cincinnati as it opens its doors on Jan. 5.
Outkast Teases 2023 Reunion
“So Fresh and So Clean” came out nearly 20 years ago, but it’s still a certified banger. Now, Outkast is interpreting it literally with a new tweet that suggests the duo may be back in 2023. The stylized images show Big Boi and André 3000 sitting in a shoe-shining station and the caption “Fresh for the new year.” The photos were taken by Jim Fiscus, who previously received the International Photo Awards for his shots of the iconic group.
Cristiano Ronaldo Signing Brings Huge Social Media Boost to Al-Nassr
Following the termination of his contract with Man U, Cristiano Ronaldo has found a new home and secured a major bag. The Portuguese footballer’s new deal will net a reported $206.9 million per year, including commercial appearances. The club has already seen the demonstrated effect of its investment. The team’s Instagram page had 800,000 followers prior to the signing and already boasts 6.5 million.
Crypto Surges to Start the New Year
Crypto had a tough 2022, to say the least. With the turn of the calendar, there is possibility in new beginnings. Bitcoin ($16,689) and Ethereum ($1,214) both saw increases in value to kickstart the new year. Similarly, metaverse gaming tokens, such as ApeCoin and Axis Infinity, jumped off with a 6% bump.
Gangsta Boo Dead at 43
The rap community lost one of its game changers on Monday. Former Three 6 Mafia member Gangsta Boo was found dead in her Memphis home on Jan. 1. She won an Oscar with the group for the song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” in Hustle & Flow. The rapper had told Billboard that she was working on new music for 2023. While the cause of death is not yet known, drugs are suspected. She was 43.