NEWS ROUNDUP: Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Pitchfork & More

By Jasmine Williams

Rihanna Snaps Back

Rihanna has publicly accused Snapchat of victim shaming after the social media app displayed an advertisement the referenced Chris Brown’s 2009 brutal assault of the mega-star. The ad, for online game, “Would You Rather?!” makes light of domestic abuse by asking viewers if they would choose to “Slap Rihanna” or “Punch Chris Brown?” After fans pointed out the despicable ad spot Rihanna used major Snapchat competitor, Instagram, to make a statement, posting:

“I’d love to call it ignorance but I know you ain’t that dumb! You spent money to animate something that would intentionally bring shame to DV victims and made a joke of it!!! This isn’t about my personal feelings, cause I don’t have much of them…but all the women, children and men that have been victims of DV in the past and especially the ones who haven’t made it out yet ….you let us down! Shame on you.” -Rihanna

Snapchat responded with an apology and has since blocked the advertiser. On the same day that Rihanna made her statement, Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat decreased by 7%. Don’t mess with RiRi!

The Pitchfork Lineup is Here! And, Lauryn Hill is Back?

Any fan of Ms. Lauryn Hill will tell you, she never really left. However, years of super delayed shows, on-stage tirades, and uneven performances have given the former Fugees member a shaky reputation when it comes to live shows. Now, Pitchfork Music Festival has upped the ante by putting the spotlight on Hill for the 2018 edition of the fest which also marks twenty years since the 1998 release of her seminal (and singular) studio album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The controversial artist headlines Sunday’s lineup. Although the spot is being billed as an “anniversary performance,” there’s no telling what will actually happen on stage, especially given the fact that Hill has not always been friendly to her caucasian fans and Pitchfork isn’t exactly known for their diverse crowds.

The 2018 Pitchfork music festival runs from July 20th through 22nd in Chicago and also includes Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett, Big Thief, Fleet Foxes, Blood Orange, Chaka Khan and many more.

Other Highlights:

Yo La Tengo’s fifteenth album, There’s a Riot Going On, is out today! Arcade Fire premiered a short film this week while Courtney Barnett, Vic Mensa, and David Byrne all debuted new music videos. Jack White will be playing a “no phones allowed” show at Warsaw in Brooklyn on March 23rd. To gain access to tickets for the Greenpoint concert you have to purchase tickets for this summer’s Gov Ball. MTV is doubling down on their shaky reboot of TRL. Earlier this week Say Anything debuted a new song at SXSW. Tour announcements abound from Fleet Foxes, Liz Phair, La Luz, Beck, Culture Club, and many more, coming to a venue near you. A signal switch in airwaves may be coming soon - IHeartMedia has filed for bankruptcy. In local news, DIY Brooklyn venue, Silent Barn, is closing on April 30th.

NEWS ROUNDUPRihanna Snaps Back, Lauryn Hill to Headline Pitchfork Festival and More