Latest news with #musiccareer
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Gun thug 'Lil S' continues to rap on Instagram and TikTok from his cell
A convicted criminal, Shaun Ventre, has gained notoriety on social media as he pursues a music career from behind bars. Serving a 16-year sentence since February 2023 for his role in a drug trafficking operation and possession of a firearm with a silencer and ammunition, Ventre has turned to rapping under the moniker "Lil S". Despite being jailed, videos began circulating on Instagram and TikTok, of him rapping from his cell following the shutdown of his original TikTok account. He often appears on camera in sportswear rapping about crime and his life. Ventre, 25, whose most recent address was listed as Cable Street in Formby, posted a number of the videos, filmed on illegally smuggled in smart phones, on his TikTok and Instagram pages. READ MORE: The 10 best mobile games you can play for free - and number 1 will surprise you READ MORE: 5 retro RPGs you can play right now guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again - you won't have heard of one of them After the Liverpool Echo alerted TikTok to his activity on their platform, his account was shut down for violating rules against filming within prison. Despite this, the Liverpool Echo understands Ventre created a new account within hours of the original being taken down. In a particular video shared online, Ventre can be heard rapping about a "Glock with all the features" and his upbringing in Huyton. With two Instagram accounts amassing over 30,000 followers, his profile suggests it is "run by management", yet numerous videos appear to have been illicitly recorded during his time in custody, reports the Liverpool Echo. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here A spokesperson for TikTok told the ECHO the company had taken action against the account used by Ventre following a review by its moderation teams. It also said it relies on prison staff and law enforcement to identify and notify the use of accounts from prison. Despite repeated attempts to contact Meta, the company did not reply to the ECHO, with one of Ventre's account bios reading: "Fire in the pad. Real rap no cap!! L36 on the map." An investigation has since been launched into Ventre and his social media activity by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), with disciplinary action to be taken if necessary. The MoJ explained the HMPPS Digital Media Investigation Unit (DMIU) has located the relevant social media accounts and submitted takedown requests, with all reported incidents of social media misuse being investigated by the DMIU, who identify and work with social media companies to take down such material. By the time the MoJ began investigating, TikTok had already removed the account without the need for a takedown request. Ventre has managed to gain more than 100,000 views on several of his videos on Instagram, with a prison spokesperson telling the ECHO: "We have launched an investigation into these videos and have requested their removal. 'Any prisoner found with contraband, such as a mobile phone or recording equipment, is breaking the law and could face extra time in prison.' The inmate, who will serve up to 50% of his 16 year sentence before he is released on licence, refers to his previous convictions in his song lyrics. Across various "freestyles", Ventre makes repeated references to his life as a drug dealer, with lyrics including "since I was a kid I pushed crack on the pavements, if I get nicked, no comment, no statement". Ventre also makes reference to his conviction for firearms offences. These include "where I'm from you have to learn how to shoot" and "Glock 19 with the extended clip". According to the wannabe musician, he is putting the life of crime behind him, stating "f**** up the trap, now it's onto the music game". Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Ventre was jailed following two separate investigations, one run by Lancashire Constabulary which looked into a county lines plot in Blackpool and a second by Merseyside Police after a gun was found in a Merseyside home. The probe in Blackpool, carried out as part of Project Adder - the local response to disrupting drug gangs, followed reports that a county line was operating between Merseyside and the Lancashire seaside town. Officers received intelligence that class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine, were being dealt, while children and vulnerable people were being coerced into the gang's criminal activities. Ventre was one of 12 people charged in connection with the probe in the early months of 2022. However it wasn't the first time Ventre was involved in a county lines plot. As a 21-year-old he travelled between Liverpool and Macclesfield to distribute drugs to his network of dealers. Ventre, who was of no fixed abode at the time, was spotted leaving the house of a vulnerable man he had been using as a base of operations. Officers stopped Ventre in a Mercedes and was found in possession of nearly £1,200 in cash, while a quantity of designer clothing worth more than £700 and a graft phone was on a car seat. A woman Ventre was with was found with more than 100 street wraps of heroin, two wraps of crack cocaine and a bag of powder cocaine. Ventre denied any involvement in dealing and claimed all of the money and clothing had been given to him by other people - stating he lived on the generosity of others. He was jailed for four years at the time, meaning he fell straight back into a life of crime while out of prison on licence. He was also confirmed as a suspect in a gun probe after a self-loading Beretta pistol and bullets in a house on York Road in Huyton in November 2021. He was later charged with firearms offences and his cases were joined together when he was sentenced at Preston Crown Court two years later.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Bieber Played His New Album for His Friends, Claims ‘Source'
Justin Bieber's new album could already be in the works, and a major music career update might be on its way. A source claimed that Bieber, who has been ditching church for months, has been 'prioritizing' his career as his and Hailey Bieber's divorce rumors remain afloat. However, in the face of speculation, the couple attended a Martin Garrix concert in Los Angeles. After that, the singer reportedly hung out with his 'homies' and even played his new album for them until the early morning hours. The U.S. Sun exclusively learned that Justin Bieber has been focusing on his music career, and a new album might be closer than fans thought. The pop singer released his hit album, 'Justice,' in 2021 and went on a hiatus from the music scene. However, a source claimed that he now wishes 'to focus on the music.' The Biebers were together at Coachella earlier this year and attended Martin Garrix's L.A. concert over the weekend, but parted ways afterward. According to the insider, Bieber headed to West Hollywood's members-only The Bird Streets Club without his wife. There, he reportedly joined his 'homies' and 'played his new album' for them until the early morning hours. After this, the group seemingly went to the Sunset Marquis Hotel, where he remained 'in the recording studio' and eventually spent the night at the hotel. The source further claimed that the musician has prioritized his 'new album' as he 'juggle[s] everything at the moment.' While Justin Bieber remains focused on revising his music career, Hailey has also extended her support by looking after their son. The Rhode founder, who recently landed $1 billion deal for her brand along with a Vogue cover, has been 'doing her best.' The source claimed that the mom of one 'is focused on baby Jack and staying healthy' and has been frequenting the Alo Yoga gym. The update regarding Bieber's career came after fans and friends expressed concerns about his Instagram post. The post Justin Bieber Played His New Album for His Friends, Claims 'Source' appeared first on Reality Tea.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Bieber in Creative Rut but Still Moving Forward, ‘Source' Claims
Justin Bieber is reportedly handling turmoil in both his personal and professional lives. Amid divorce rumors with his wife, Hailey Bieber, the 'Peaches' singer is also in the middle of the toughest dry spell of his music career. An exclusive Substack report outlined a surprisingly raw portrait of the pop icon, shedding light on his current situation. Rob Shuter's latest exclusive article on Substack suggested that Justin Bieber is going through a creative block in his music career. The report claimed that this stagnation has shut down his ability to write new songs. One longtime collaborator told Shuter, 'He used to hear a beat and light up.' However, they added, 'Now he just stares at the piano. Nothing comes.' Sources close to the pop singer described the stark shift in his demeanor to Shuter. They claimed that the pressure to live up to his past hits has left Bieber feeling adrift when it comes to his music. A source described him as being 'in his head.' They continued, 'There's pressure, personal stuff, and this cloud of uncertainty about who he is as an artist.' While the artistic uncertainty has fueled the headlines, the never-ending speculation about his marriage continues to take the front seat. Though Justin and Hailey Bieber have continuously shut down rumors in their own ways, onlookers cannot help but speculate trouble in their paradise. Crushing all gossip, the couple attended the Martin Garrix concert in Los Angeles. They also recently looked happy and in love together on their Spain trip. However, those close to Bieber cannot help but worry about his mental health struggles. A source clarified, 'He's not giving up,' adding, 'But right now, he's lost.' For millions of his fans, Justin Bieber's music brought them together. Hence, they have not lost the hope that he will find his way back to his art again. Originally reported by Ishika Mishra on Reality Tea. The post Justin Bieber in Creative Rut but Still Moving Forward, 'Source' Claims appeared first on Mandatory.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rob Thomas Signs With Universal After Two Decades at Atlantic Records
Rob Thomas is entering a new chapter in his career ahead of the release of his first non-holiday album since 2019, as the three-time Grammy-winner and Matchbox Twenty singer has left his longtime label Atlantic for a new deal with Universal Music Group's Universal Records. Thomas officially signed with Universal back in April. News of the switch-up arrives officially on July 11, and with it Thomas will drop two new songs, 'Hard to be Happy' and 'Thrill Me.' His fifth solo album All Night Days comes out September 5. The change to Universal marks a major turn for Thomas, who'd previously called Atlantic his home for the last 20 years, releasing four solo solo albums there (and a Christmas collection), as well as five albums with his band Matchbox Twenty. (The band's contractual obligations to Atlantic have been fulfilled, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.) More from The Hollywood Reporter Nicole Scherzinger Says Liam Payne's "Happy Place" Was Making 'Building the Band': "He Loved to Help" Why Wet Leg's Rhian Teasdale Can't Stop Writing Silly Love Songs Yungblud Announces New Documentary 'Yungblud: Are You Ready, Boy?' (Exclusive) 'The day I left Atlantic, Universal picked me up,' Thomas tells THR. 'There was very little of the Atlantic family I knew left there. In this short time, me and my new UMG team have hit the ground running. It feels invigorating and I owe [Republic Collective CEO] Monte Lipman for picking me up without me having to spend a day swinging in the wind. No one leaves their label and goes to a bigger label.' Thomas also mentioned the deal during a recent livestream on Twitch hosted by his musician son, Maison Thomas-Eudy. Speaking from backstage at a corporate gig in San Francisco, he reiterated how Atlantic 'wasn't my people anymore,' since the label's overhaul of the past several years, which included Elliot Grainge take over last fall. Thomas said the label had a 'different vibe' and that he 'worked out a nice deal with Elliot to get out.' Thomas said on the stream that he texted Lipman soon after, writing, ''Just so you know, I'm gone from Atlantic,' and he wrote right back and goes 'Welcome to Republic!'' An insider with knowledge of the deal says the singer left Atlantic because of 'a different metric' for success in the modern day music label landscape. 'There's no love lost because we all understand how the business works. But you put your heart and soul into your art.' A rep for Atlantic didn't respond to request for comment. All Night Days marks Thomas' sixth solo album following 2019's Chip Tooth Smile and 2021's holiday record Something About Christmas Time. Thomas previewed another All Night Days track, the sweepingly romantic ballad 'Thrill Me,' at a January benefit gig for Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a non-profit he founded with his wife of 25 years Marisol Thomas, which supports no-kill animal shelters and animal rescues. 'Hard to be Happy' is an upbeat track that opens with chirping birds and catchy chords but concedes that lows are part of everyday life with lyrics like, 'If I feel like crying, it's just a temporary low. Don't try and comfort me, let it go.' Outside of the album, The U.S. leg of Thomas' The All Night Days Tour will kick off in Atlanta on August 1 and wrap with a performance at the YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles on September 6 to celebrate the album's release. Thomas will then head Down Under in October, playing seven dates in Australia before kicking off his first ever solo run in New Zealand, with three theater shows in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. As well as supporting All Night Days, the tour will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Thomas' debut solo record …Something to Be, which spawned Grammy-nominated hits 'Lonely No More' and 'This Is How a Heart Breaks.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Party in the U.S.A.' to 'Born in the U.S.A.': 20 of America's Most Patriotic (and Un-Patriotic) Musical Offerings Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Greta Thunberg's sister distances herself from her 'very different' sibling and reveals she wants to make people feel 'uplifted' while her older relative focuses on campaigning against Israel
Greta Thunberg 's little-known sister has spoken out about her relationship with the climate activist in rare comments after footage of her singing went viral. Bea Ernman, 19, told Swedish outlet Hänt that she was finding her time in the limelight 'fun' after MailOnline revealed how she had changed her name and was pursuing a career as a performer. She acknowledged she is often mentioned in the same breath as her famous older sister, 22, who made international headlines last month as she tried to sail to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid in an audacious awareness campaign. Asked how she feels about the comparisons, she reflected: 'I think it happens to all people who are in the spotlight. 'But there you have such different things you do and you have completely different careers, so in the end it will be very different.' The young singer was pithy in her assessment of how they were as people: 'Very different.' Ernman came out of the shadows earlier this summer when she shared clips of herself singing in Stockholm. She said she has been performing since childhood and at the age of just 19-years-old is now putting the final touches on her first album. 'It's very cocky,' she told Hänt. 'I want people to feel uplifted when they listen to it.' The album is expected to be released later this year. Previously known as Beata Thunberg, the performer has started using her mother's maiden name, perhaps in an effort to put some distance between herself and her controversial older sibling, or echo the artistic flair running through the family. Bea's mother is Malena Ernman, a former Eurovision contestant and mezzo-soprano opera singer. Her father is Swedish film producer and screenwriter, Svante Thunberg. Bea is following in the footsteps of her successful parents - and sister - while insisting she wants to carve her own path. She acknowledged the attention can be overwhelming, but said that being an artist is 'about being seen, being on stage and getting attention'. While the Thunberg sisters have not shied away from building public profiles, Greta has in the past recognised the strain it can take. In 2019, she acknowledged the toll her work took on her sister when she admitted, 'the one who suffers is my sister'. 'The people who write threats and hate to me do it to the whole family, even to her. 'The difference between me and the people who are left at home is that I am always travelling, inaccessible. People don't know where I am staying, where I sleep at night, where I am. I have no daily life. 'But for my sister at home, who tries to have a daily life … she is much more reachable.' Bea, now old enough to embark on her own journey, judged that her 'voice was built from pain' as she reflected on a recent performance at Stockholm's Musikaliska - the same concert hall where Albert Einstein received his Nobel Prize over a century ago. She revealed on Instagram that the path to becoming a star has not been easy. Some in the audience 'looked scared' while others 'covered their ears', she said. Still a teenager, she has already built up enough resilience to take it on the chin. 'I don't care if people love my artistry or hate it, as long as I make them feel something,' she wrote. 'Not pity. Love or hate. That's the point of being an artist.' Greta has been supportive and protective of her little sister in the few comments made publicly. After Bea performed a rendition of her single Bara Du Vill (a Swedish phrase that translates to 'Only if you want') on Swedish TV in 2019, Greta plugged the song on her own Instagram and expressed admiration for 'my super talented sister' on Facebook. She reiterated her stance months later, while calling for kindness towards Beata. After her famous speech at the United Nations climate summit made her a household name, Greta - then 16 - told Swedish news outlet Dagens Nyheter how her 'wonderful and strong' sister had to bear the brunt of her activism work. When she was 13, she performed a rendition of her single Bara Du Vill (a Swedish phrase that translates to 'Only if you want') on Swedish prime-time TV show Bingolotto. Beata is pictured here at a music festival in Stockholm in 2019 Despite the hateful messages that were directed at Beata, she continued supporting Greta by showing up for the older Thunberg's Fridays for Future - or School Strike for Climate - action that turned the spotlight on the Swedish activist in 2018. In 2020, Beata was cast opposite her mother when she was chosen to play a young Edith Piaf in a musical, Malena depicting the French singer in her later years. 'I have been dancing and singing for as long as I can remember,' Beata reacted to the casting announcement, according to news agency DPA. 'To be able to perform her immortal music is a dream come true,' she said, referring to the iconic songstress Piaf. Greta has taken a vastly different path, becoming a recognisable face at the front of a number of activist campaigns. Thunberg shot to fame aged 15, in 2018, when she started skipping school in protest of Sweden's climate policies. Her School Strike for Climate garnered international attention, building a platform for the teenager to go on pressuring world leaders to do more to mitigate the impacts of climate change. More recently, Greta has piled criticism on Israel for its conduct in the war with Hamas in Gaza, and in June sailed from Sicily towards the beleaguered Palestinian enclave in an effort to raise awareness and deliver a symbolic amount of aid to the civilian population.
