We live in a society where the slightest hint from an artist on social media could signal something bigger. Extrapolations have been made from artists following each other, leaving a comment or a like, showing up in the studio on an IG story (which is actually a bit more than “slight”), and more. One of the most damning indications of something new happening has been when an artist wipes their Instagram, a carefully curated collection of images and videos that tell a story of an artist. When such a thing is wiped, it usually signals a rebrand or something new happening.
Skrillex just wiped his Instagram of all but two pieces of content. The oldest is a December 2019 post where he’s playing live and accidentally kills the mixer; the second is a more recent post that was shared a day before #BlackOutTuesday, a clip of a song with Ty Dolla $ign, Ant Clemons, Virtual Riot, and actress/activist Nia Miranda speaking about police brutality.
According to a post on r/skrillex, he’d actually removed all but six of his posts as recent as this past Saturday. A newer post in the Reddit community alerted us that he’d taken it a step further, though exactly when isn’t particularly clear.
This is definitely an indication of something coming, but we can’t know what it will be. And longtime Skrillex fans know to keep their expectations in check, because we never know what he’s got in store.
So keep an eye on his socials to be the first to learn what he’s planning.
Instagram has become a popular platform for the Black Live Matter movement, with supporters using the social network to demand justice, express solidarity, support businesses, amplify voices, and raise awareness. But while a revolution rages on the surface, Instagram is reconciling how it treats equality at the core.
“In the last few weeks, we’ve seen an incredible movement happening around the world. As these important conversations have come to our platform, we’ve seen communities on Instagram mobilizing,” CEO Adam Mosseri wrote in a blog post.
“At the same time, we’re also hearing concern about whether we suppress Black voices and whether our products and policies treat everyone equally,” he continued, highlighting the irony that “we’re a platform that stands for elevating Black voices, but at the same time Black people are often harassed, afraid of being ‘shadowbanned’ and disagree with many content takedowns.”
For years, users have complained of stealth banning—the act of blocking someone and/or their content in such a way that they don’t realize it’s happening. Instagram promised more information “soon” about the types of posts it avoids recommending. The company, which has previously taken steps to curb online bullying and bolster mental health, is turning its focus toward underrepresented groups at and on Instagram.
“We need to better support the Black community within our own organization, as well as on our platform,” according to Mosseri, who outlined four key elements for change:
Harassment: Address safety inequalities on and off the site and fill gaps in products and policies
Account verification: Adjust current criteria to ensure inclusivity
Distribution: Review how content is filtered on Explore and Hashtag pages
Algorithmic bias: Investigate how internal technology enforces inequality
“This work is going to take some time, but we’re going to provide updates over the next few months—both about what we learn and what we address,” Mosseri said. “These efforts won’t stop with the disparities people may experience solely on the basis of race; we’re also going to look at how we can better serve other underrepresented groups that use our product,” including the LGBTQ+ community and body positivity activists.
Julie Tan Names And Shames Netizen Who Sent Her Lewd Instagram DMs
By LEE WEI LIN
BROUGHT TO YOU BY 8 DAYS This is definitely not how you should be sliding into someone’s DMs.
It’s not uncommon these days to have complete strangers slide into your DMs, but what should you do when they start sending you unsolicited lewd messages?
The latest celeb to come forward with her experience with thirsty fans is Julie Tan. Over the weekend, the actress shared a screenshot of her conversation with a stranger, who started off the conversation with a not-so-subtle “Can I lick your * everyday and born babies (sic)”. Julie then responded with “Who gave you the rights to talk to me like that. (sic).”
1 of 2Gross Instead of backing off, the stranger went on to say that Julie was “too gorgeous for [him] and asked her if she could let us marry and born babies (sic)”. He later wrote in Chinese: “I didn’t mean it. Please forgive me. I live near Singapore and I enjoy visiting [your country]. I don’t even need to take a plane, and I can go [to Singapore] by car. You were a child actress, right?”
Julie didn’t respond and instead, posted a screen cap of the conversation on her IG Stories on June 13. “Here’s the dilemma,” she wrote. “Instead of understanding the discomfort it gives to women, it actually encourages him because he now has an ongoing conversation with me. But if I ignore him, he will continue to think that there are no consequences.”
2 of 2You go girl She soon posted a screenshot of his profile, writing: Mothers how would you feel knowing your son wrote this. Fathers, would you be okay with someone sending this to your daughter? Would you be okay knowing this is how your friend or colleague spends their free time?
When contacted by 8days.sg, Julie declined to comment on her post.
For those who think that this is a good idea, here’s a tip: just because the internet provides a cloak of anonymity, doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get away with harassment of any sort online.
Under the Protection From Harassment Act, intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress is a crime and those found guilty can be subjected to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.
She is known for her street looks and casual outfits, but she also knows how to switch things up all while remaining true to her original sense of style. The Poosh founder can truly rock anything and turn the most basic items into an outfit, from plain white tees and pajamas to — most recently — a flannel that fans say belongs to Scott Disick.
Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian at a club in April 2015 | Denise Truscello/WireImage
Kourtney Kardashian wore the shirt in a recent Instagram photo
Kardashian took to Instagram on June 14 and shared a photo of her hugging a lamb while sporting the flannel. The same day, a fan page posted the picture alongside a photo of Disick in a similar shirt. The caption read, “KOURTNEY IS REALLY WEARING SCOTT’S FLANNEL!”
Fans commented on the similarities in the comment section, with one person writing: “When I saw that shirt, I raised an eyebrow.” Someone else seemed a bit skeptical, though, saying, “I hope that’s his flannel.”
As of writing, neither Kardashian or Disick has addressed the speculation.
According to Us Weekly, the photo was taken in Wyoming, where Kardashian is reportedly vacationing with Disick, their three kids, and the rest of their family.
“They’re all having a fun time doing family activities like swimming, etc,” an insider told the outlet.
The trip comes just weeks after Disick joined Kardashian and their kids for a vacation to Utah for Memorial Day weekend. The Utah getaway came on the heels of Disick’s split from Sofia Richie, whom he began dating in 2017. E! News reported at the time that Richie had called off their relationship so Disick could focus on issues that led to him spending time in rehab in late April.
“Sofia thinks Scott has a lot on his plate right now and thinks it’s best for them to be apart so he can focus on himself. She is only looking out for him and his best interest and it was primarily her decision for them to split,” the source shared. “Sofia has been spending time with her family and has taken the majority of her stuff out of Scott’s house.”
As he works to better himself, the E! News source also said he had been leaning on Kardashian for support.
“Kourtney knows how to handle Scott and he is always in a better headspace when he gets to spend time with his kids,” the insider continued, referencing the Utah trip. “She has really been there for him since his rehab exit, and has had a lot of sympathy towards him.”
Kourtney Kardashian’s romantic relationship with Scott Disick ended years ago
Kardashian and Disick dated off-and-on between 2006 and 2015. The Poosh founder broke up with Disick for good when he was seen partying with a group of women, including an ex-girlfriend. But despite their split, the two have remained friends and continue to co-parent their children.
“The truth is, my problems shouldn’t affect the kids,” Disick said in a 2019 interview with Us Weekly. “Just because their mother and I couldn’t make it as a perfect, romantic couple shouldn’t have anything to do with the kids. They don’t deserve our mistakes, so we figured out a way.”
It’s amazing to see them in this space after everything they’ve been through. Keep it up, you two.
Airbnb has compiled a list of 10 most-liked Airbnbs on Instagram @ Airbnb
Now that our thoughts are turning to travel again, Airbnb has decided to give us some inspiration. It is looking back to the summer of 2019 and has unveiled the top 10 most-liked homes from its Instagram account, which just might help to fuel your wanderlust.
This traditional fisherman’s boathouse sleeps four and is located on Firopotamos beach on the Greek island of Milos. It has a large king-sized bed and a queen-size bed and is fully organic and ecological. The bungalow has a kitchen, bathroom, shower, wi-fi and satellite TV.
This traditional fisherman’s boathouse is located on the beach @ Airbnb
This modern Scandinavian home looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean and is based in Møre og Romsdal, Norway. It sleeps eight people in four bedrooms and has a jacuzzi on the porch, two living rooms with TV, and a playroom for the children. Barbeque equipment is provided and a fishing boat can be used upon request, subject to availability.
This Scandinavian home looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean @ Airbnb
The air-conditioned apartment is located in Bellagio, and guests have access to a heated swimming pool from June to September that overlooks the lake and a garden. It sleeps four people and has a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower and washing machine. A laptop-friendly workspace is provided and the apartment has a fast wi-fi connection.
The air-conditioned apartment is located in Bellagio @ Airbnb
Casa Volta was inspired by the old Italian vaults that have a cool space under them. It has a pool and is located in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms, and guests can walk just a couple of minutes through lush greenery to a wild private beach.
Casa Volta was inspired by old Italian vaults @ Airbnb
This remote cabin in Hordaland, Norway, comes complete with views of Sandvin Lake. It sleeps two people, and there is a shared kitchen and bathroom in the main house. For those who are up for an adventure, the Trolltunga mountain is just a hike away.
This remote cabin comes complete with views of Sandvin Lake @ Airbnb
Guests can stay at a private room for two at Lilypad Palm Beach, a luxurious floating villa in New South Wales. Overnight stay packages include tasting plates and champagne on arrival, dinner, breakfast from The Boathouse Palm Beach, on-board wine cellar, 24-hour concierge service and use of the stand-up paddleboards and fishing gear.
This floating villa is available for overnight stays @ Airbnb
‘Cliff House’ is a holiday home that sleeps six people and occupies the top floor of a waterfront-positioned house on Bannisters Head, New South Wales. It offers great views over the rocks and out to the water and has a front balcony, fully-equipped kitchen and a selection of cookbooks. It has a TV/DVD player, board games, music speaker, washing machine, dryer and an outdoor shower for when guests come back from the beach.
The holiday home occupies the top floor of a waterfront-positioned house @ Anson Smart/Airbnb
The Highlands is a three-bedroom home in the Niagara escarpment region of Beaver Valley in Ontario, with sunset views over Lake Eugenia. Situated on seven acres, it is surrounded by cedar trees and sleeps eight people. It has an open concept living, kitchen and dining room, kitchen and a full suite of appliances, including a waffle-maker, slow cooker, blender and fondue set.
This Airbnb offers sunset views over Lake Eugenia @ rainaandwilson/Airbnb
This wooden house floats in the jungle treetops of Ubud, with views of the local rice farms. It sleeps four people and has semi-open walls, natural textures and finishes. It is not suitable for children and is recommended for more able-bodied guests, as it includes a rope bridge to the entrance door, steep rail-less stairs to the second storey and an open pool with a high drop from the pool’s edge.
It has an open pool with a high drop from the pool’s edge @ Airbnb
Heazille Barn is located in eight acres of fields and woodland in Devon. It has an open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchen, and its oak-beamed windows offer fantastic views of the valley and Killerton Woods. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the barn sleeps four people in two bedrooms.
It offers fantastic views of the valley and Killerton woods @ Airbnb
Bay Area Rapper Big Mister’s Music Video Going Viral on YouTube
With over ONE MILLION views Big Mister is making a huge impact and growing a large following throughout the Bay Area. Big Mister, a rapper out of San Jose California has passed the 1 million view mark on YouTube for his song Northern Cali Ambitions, a remake of Tupac’s My Ambitions As a Rider.
In an interview with Big Mister, he stated he was inspired by the energy that Tupac’s track put out in the mid 90’s when he was 1st introduced to Tupac’s hit album All Eyes On Me. For him, the song never lost it’s energy and he always felt connected to it, so being in close contact with a music producer Filthy Fill of DND music, he decided one day to reach out and ask if he can remake the track. He got back to Big Mister telling him to check his email and when he heard the remake he was 100% satisfied and shocked. He was about to be a part of one of many remakes that he knew was going to be a hit. As he was in the middle of a non stop buzz on social media he wanted to make sure he didn’t waste the beat with just a normal rap song, so he did a lot of thinking about who he should ask to feature on it. He reached out to the biggest Mexican rapper out of the Bay Area known as Big Tone, surprisingly, he reached back and blessed him and agreed to write a 16 bar verse out of love of music and did it for no charge. Big Mister said it was a blessing. At this point Big Mister had to really think hard on the projects next move so what he did was put out a post letting his followers know about the beat and the feature with Big Tone. Big Mister asked his followers who else should he put on the track, and he stated there was over a 100 recommendations of local rapper’s but he decided to invite Benny Blanco on the track, a local rapper that he was in close contact with.
Big Mister knew whomever he put on the track it would help them get exposure as well. He wanted to make sure he blessed the right people. Although many artists were qualified to be on the track, the last artist he invited was the most interesting story about this song. He invited Kassandra Rose a rapper/singer out of san Jose who was not discovered yet. Originally Big Mister had another female artist in mind, unfortunately that person was one of the many rap artists out of the Bay Area who got a strong buzz on social media and let it get to their heads forgetting where they came from and that person ignored the messages he said he still went around and asked other people who could relay the message to her and they then replied with a price on a feature that was unreasonable. Obviously it didn’t work out, so he remembered his cousin Jessica mentioning her friend Kassandra Rose. He wanted to make a statement and bring out a young female artist from his same home town who he knew had potential to blow up if put on the right project. He said Kassandra Rose was happy and appreciated him inviting her on the track and she got to work immediately. He sent her the details of lyrics and the original track to vibe off with instructions which she read the instructions like a straight A student and she replied back, “I got you!”
Big mister said a week later she sent a rough draft of the chorus and he listened to it several times and thought it was really nice. Her voice was on beat but wasn’t going to fit with the feeling he was looking for so he said he had to think of a way to tell her without discouraging her because he knew she could do what he’s looking for. So he reached out to her telling her it’s tight but sounds too sweet like a Mariah Carey song and that’s not going to work for this track. Big Mister said she was a sport and did not get discouraged, in fact, it’s still an inside joke between them two. When she got it right it was off to be mixed and mastered. The song was mixed and mastered at Red Eye Recording Studios in San Jose, CA. where most of Big Mister’s vocals are also tracked at. Big Mister said he remembers sending her the finished track and how stoked she was to hear it upon completing the track they finished it off with a video done by Benny Blanco. The graphics for the single was done by Chris Anthony one of the best graphics designers in California. And with all of that Big Mister is off to his next big move in the music industry. His portrayal of music and video intertwined is up there with some of the greatest rap stars of all time and we look forward to hearing his next track soon!
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KJ Apa has spoken out after being accused by a comedian of being “so silent” about anti-racism and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Riverdale star said he doesn’t feel the need to share all his opinions on social media, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less true to him.
Comedian and YouTuber Elijah Daniel questioned Apa’s perceived lack of involvement earlier this month on Twitter.
Referring to Apa’s role in The Hate U Give, the 2018 film adaptation of a bestselling Young Adult novel about racism and police brutality, Daniel wrote: “I love that movie but I do have a question, completely unrelated to the beef I formerly had with him, if KJ was the co-star of that movie why is he so silent? He has such a massive young audience and got paid to be in a movie about police brutality and … posted a black square?”
Apa responded in a recent tweet, telling Daniel: ”I don’t need to post about my opinions and beliefs in order for them to be real to me. I support black lives – but I don’t feel it’s necessary to prove to people I do by posting my attendance at these protests.”
On 2 June, Apa, like many Instagram users, posted a black tile on his Instagram account. The gesture was meant to express support for Black Lives Matter, and for anti-racism in general.
He has also recently shared on his Instagram Story a video of Tupac Shakur delivering a powerful speech during the 1993 Indiana Black Expo.
Nonetheless, while some supported Apa’s approach, others felt he was missing out on an opportunity to support the movement through his platform.
Apa has 18.3 million followers on Instagram and 2.1 million followers on Twitter.
“Posting on social media is not to ‘prove’ anything. It’s to spread awareness and give resources to your followers to help,” one person wrote in response to Apa’s message. ”With someone that has such a big platform, one would think to use it to make a difference.”
“I hope you realise that ‘I don’t need to post about my opinions and beliefs in order for them to be real to me’ just shows how privileged you really are,” another person tweeted in part.
Airbnb has compiled a list of 10 most-liked Airbnbs on Instagram @ Airbnb
