Can’t keep up with the current stream of news? We get it, it’s not easy. But you can count on us to keep you in the loop about this week’s internet drama. Skip the doom-scrolling and read on for a bite-size recap of all the headlines you might have missed over the past seven days. Below, a rundown of all the top stories you need to know from Jan. 20 to Jan. 27.
Hans Zimmer Commissioned To Rework Saudi’s National Anthem
التقيت اليوم بشخص يعتبر من أعظم الموسيقيين في عصرنا الحاضر…الأسطورة Hans Zimmer …تناقشنا كثيرا في العديد من المشاريع المستقبلية التي أتمنى أن ترى النور قريبا… ومنها إعادة توزيع النشيد الوطني السعودي بآلات مختلفة وأيضا عمل مقطوعة موسيقية بمسمى Arabia مستوحاة من بلدي الغالي… pic.twitter.com/KoI26t4iRl
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 20, 2025
Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer has been approached to create a new arrangement of Saudi Arabia’s national anthem. The Gulf State’s current national song, Aash Al-Malik (Long Live the King), was composed in 1947 by Egyptian musician Abdul Rahman Al-Khateeb at the request of late King Abdulaziz. In addition to the anthem, Zimmer is reportedly in discussions to work on several other projects, including a Saudi-inspired musical, a major concert date, amongst many other high-profile collaborations as part of the kingdom’s efforts to expand its cultural influence both regionally and globally.
The Princess of Jordan Is Expecting Her First Child
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Une publication partagée par Queen Rania Al Abdullah (@queenrania)
Princess Iman bint Abdullah II of Jordan and her husband, Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, are expecting their first child nearly two-years after the couple said “I do.”
The exciting piece of news was shared by Princess Iman’s mother, Queen Rania, on Instagram to her 10.5 million followers, by way of a picturesque snap of the parents-to-be, with a heartfelt caption. “Both are dear to my heart, but the one to come is even more precious… May God bring it to a blessed end. Two is a couple, three is a blessing,” she wrote. In the image, only their silhouettes and Iman’s growing baby-bump are visible.
The announcement comes mere months after the Princess’ brother, Crown Prince Hussein, and his wife Princess Rajwa , welcomed their first daughter, who was named Iman after her aunt.
ElGrandeToto and Travis Scott Spotted Jamming Together in Paris
Moroccan rapper ElGrandeToto was recently spotted rubbing shoulders with Travis Scott in Paris. Both in town for Paris Men’s Fashion Week, clips of the two artists together circulated online, immediately going viral across the region. It’s hard to say whether those clips were the only moments they shared, or if there’s more behind the scenes, either way, we can’t help but wonder if they took the opportunity to hit the studio whilst they were both in the French capital at the same time…
A$AP Rocky’s Assault Trial Commences in Los Angeles
A$AP Rocky is currently on trial for an alleged assault incident in 2021, where he is accused of shooting at former friend and fellow artist, Terell Ephron, near a Hollywood hotel. If convicted, the rapper, born Rakin Mayers, faces up to 24 years in prison on two felony charges. The trial, which began on Friday in Los Angeles, saw the prosecutor describing Mayers as the aggressor who orchestrated the shooting after a disagreement. The defense, however, claims the gun was merely a prop and suggests the case revolves around jealousy and attempted extortion by Ephron. The Grammy-nominated rapper, also known for his relationship with Rihanna and his influence in the fashion industry, has pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, video evidence and text messages were presented, with Ephron claiming he was shot at, resulting in grazed knuckles. Authorities found no bullet casings at the scene, though Ephron later produced two he allegedly found later. The trial features a jury of seven women and five men, and is set against the backdrop of a pivotal time in Mayers’s career, with upcoming roles as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala and in a Spike Lee film.
Egyptian Singer-Rapper Lella Fadda Releases Debut Album
A household name in Egypt’s soundscape, singer-rapper Lella Fadda has just released her first full-length project, dubbed Magnün. Produced by fellow Egyptian, artist Abyusif under Abu Recordings— that, amongst others, counts the likes of Saint Levant, Bayou, and Nour in their roster of talents— the 11-track album paints a different picture of the artist, showcasing a bolder, braver, and more unapologetic persona that was previously unseen.
One of the strongest, and most experimental, projects to have come out from our neck of the woods since the beginning of the year, Fadda takes us on a 25-minute-long journey that reaffirms her presence in the region’s scene while also setting a new standard for femcees across the Arab world. Our favorite song so far? Oletlo La2a.
North West Raps in Japanese on FKA Twigs’ new album
Seems like North West, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s 11-year-old daughter, is keeping up with her Duolingo lessons. The child prodigy made an appearance on FKA twigs’s latest album Eusexua, on the track Childlike Things, where she not only shows off her rap skills, but also flexes her Japanese. Her verse basically translates to: “Hello, My name is North-chan / From California to Tokyo / Jesus, the King / Praise the Lord / Jesus is the one and only true God.”
North recently opened up in an Interview chat with her mom talking about her faith and her love for Japan, which probably inspired some of her lyrics. She shared a story about a family trip to Italy with her dad and siblings, where she felt a strong vibe to bring everyone closer to God, especially when they encountered some creepy statues. North also rapped in Japanese on her dad’s 2024 album Vultures, and now she’s working on her own debut album, Elementary School Dropout—yep, a nod to Ye’s The College Dropout.
Also Read: The Best Arabic Tracks of 2025 So Far