Apple’s $500 Billion Power Play & Hip-Hop’s Independent Kings: The Ultimate Showdown! ????????

? Spill the Tea: February 24, 2025 Edition ?

Good morning, tea sippers! Get comfy because we’ve got a fresh brew of hot news straight from the headlines, some sizzling hip-hop tea, and a whole lot of flavor to start your day right. Grab your cup – it’s time for Spill the Tea!

Apple’s Bold $500 Billion Plan to Revamp the U.S. Economy ????

First up, big news from the tech giant that’s taking a massive step to boost the U.S. economy. Apple just announced a $500 billion investment plan. That’s right – half a trillion dollars! The company is looking to create 20,000 new jobs in fields ranging from AI to research & development to manufacturing. Oh, and did we mention they’re opening a new facility in Texas and a brand-new manufacturing academy in Detroit?

This move is huge for Apple, and not just because it’s going to mean a lot of new jobs. Apple is doubling down on their commitment to creating a sustainable, tech-savvy workforce in the U.S., and they’re hoping to keep America ahead in the global race for tech innovation. What do we think? Apple’s gotta be serious about the future if they're putting their money where their mouth is – and this kind of investment could very well be the start of a tech renaissance in the U.S.

So, how does this affect you, the everyday person? Well, if you’re looking for a job or even an internship in tech, this could be your golden ticket. Apple is making it clear that innovation, job creation, and economic growth are their top priorities.

Source: The Guardian (Read more here).

The Stock Market’s Wild Ride: Wall Street’s Latest Woes ????

Hold on tight, folks – it’s been a rocky week on Wall Street. Major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are experiencing some serious turbulence. Why, you ask? It all boils down to the ongoing concerns over tariffs and the uncertainty it’s causing in the global economy.

Investors are feeling the heat, with market volatility at an all-time high. But don’t worry, if you’re not an investor, this may not affect your day-to-day as much… unless, of course, you’re planning to check your retirement accounts anytime soon. In that case, grab a glass of water and try to breathe through it – the market’s highs and lows are all part of the ride.

But as we all know, nothing stays down for too long in the market, and we’re betting that Wall Street will find its footing sooner rather than later. Keep an eye on it, and maybe take a little extra time to research before making any big decisions.

Source: The Guardian (Read more here).

Congo Hits Pause on Cobalt Exports: What’s Going On with the Supply Chain? ???

Next up, a major international update: Congo is putting the brakes on cobalt exports for four months! That’s right, the world’s biggest producer of cobalt has decided to take a little time off to address an oversupply in the global market. Why should we care about cobalt? Well, it’s the key ingredient in electric vehicle batteries and smartphones – two things we all use daily.

This is a huge move because cobalt plays such an important role in the green energy revolution. By halting exports, Congo is trying to stabilize the price and supply of cobalt, which could have ripple effects on the global market. If you're eyeing a new EV or smartphone, this could mean some price fluctuations ahead.

As the world continues to shift to electric cars and renewable energy sources, expect more of these “supply chain disruptions” to pop up. Just a little something to think about when you’re swiping your card next time you’re shopping for tech gadgets!

Source: Reuters (Read more here).

LaRussell’s Independence is Winning the Game ????

Now, let's switch gears and talk about something a little more local but no less exciting. Have you heard of LaRussell? The Bay Area rapper is making waves in the music industry, and it's not because of a major label backing him. Nope – this artist is all about independence.

LaRussell’s rise to fame has been fueled by his authenticity and self-made grind. He’s built his career from the ground up, bypassing traditional routes to success and going directly to his fans through platforms like Kickstarter. His label, Good Compenny, is about creating a community of artists who are all about making real music and pushing boundaries.

He’s proving that it’s possible to get noticed in the music industry without all the big-name contracts and flashy endorsements. The key? Realness. And he’s bringing it with every release. LaRussell’s message to artists? “You don’t need to sell your soul to make it big.”

If you’re into music that comes from the heart (and doesn’t follow the cookie-cutter mold), LaRussell is a name you’ll want to remember.

Source: SFGate (Read more here).

Drake & PartyNextDoor’s New Hit Album: Taking Over the Billboard 200 ????

Alright, hip-hop fans, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – Drake and PartyNextDoor just dropped their latest collaborative album, "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U," and it’s already making waves on the charts. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling a whopping 246,000 equivalent units in its first week alone.

If that number doesn’t get your attention, we don’t know what will. For those of you already singing along to the tracks, it’s no surprise that this duo has come together to create something big. Drake’s ability to dominate the charts is nothing new, but with PartyNextDoor in tow, this project is filled with all the smooth beats and catchy hooks you’d expect from two of the most talented artists in the game.

So, if you haven’t already, you might want to queue this one up for your next playlist – it’s bound to be a fan favorite for months to come.

Source: HipHopDX (Read more here).

Kanye West Shows Love to SZA: Top 5 Artists Right Now ????

In case you missed it, Kanye West recently took a moment to shout out SZA. That’s right – Kanye, the man with one of the most eccentric personalities in the music industry, has placed SZA in his top 5 artists right now. His words? “She’s killing it, top 5 artist right now.”

Coming from Kanye, that’s a big deal. SZA’s rise in the music world has been nothing short of spectacular, and it’s clear that even industry giants are recognizing her talent. With S.O.S., her latest album, dominating charts and drawing widespread praise, it seems like Kanye is just the latest in a long line of fans who can’t get enough of her music.

SZA, you’re officially on top – and it looks like the industry is taking notice in a major way.

Source: HipHopDX (Read more here).

BMG Signs Major Deal with Sabotage’s Estate: Preserving a Hip-Hop Legacy ????

And last but certainly not least, a major publishing deal has been struck between BMG and the estate of Sabotage, the Brazilian hip-hop legend. The deal will help preserve Sabotage’s legacy and bring his iconic music back to the forefront of the hip-hop world.

For those unfamiliar with Sabotage, he was one of the most influential figures in Brazilian hip-hop before his tragic passing. His unique style blended Brazilian rhythms with hip-hop in a way that set him apart from his contemporaries. Now, thanks to this deal, Sabotage’s music will continue to inspire new generations of fans and artists alike.

It’s heartwarming to see legends being honored and their music living on. Big ups to BMG for recognizing the power of Sabotage’s legacy and giving it the attention it truly deserves.

Source: BMG (Read more here).

Wrapping It Up: That’s a Wrap for Today’s Tea ????

And there you have it, folks – your daily serving of the hottest news and freshest hip-hop updates. From Apple’s massive investment in the U.S. economy to Drake and PartyNextDoor’s chart-topping success, it’s clear that 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you’re keeping up with tech, business, or music, there’s something for everyone in today’s tea.

Stay tuned for more, and remember – we’ll be here to keep you updated with all the latest buzz, served hot and fresh. Until next time, keep sippin’ and spillin’ with us!