Lil Nas X pleads not guilty to attacking police officers, Young Jonn and Wizkid set to release new single “SOFT,” Russell Westbrook renews vows with wife in Italy. Stay in the know with our Rave News Digest, which summarizes five of the hottest global news stories you need to catch up on, saving you time and energy. Consider it your daily news fix.
Here is a rundown of five of the hottest news topics…
1. Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty To Attacking Police Officers
Grammy-winning musician Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty to four felony charges after police say he assaulted officers who approached the singer while he was found wandering the streets of Los Angeles in his underwear https://t.co/hVFSG5eVGh pic.twitter.com/7r8U8hUiIe
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 25, 2025
Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty Monday to four felony charges, including three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer, following a bizarre early morning incident last week in Studio City. Prosecutors say the 26-year-old musician, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was walking naked on Ventura Boulevard around 6 a.m. Friday when police approached him. According to the criminal complaint, Hill allegedly charged at the officers, injuring three of them during the altercation. The charges mark a significant escalation from initial reports, which suggested only a potential misdemeanor investigation.
Hill was arrested at the scene and taken to a hospital under suspicion of a possible overdose before being transferred to jail, where he remained for three days. He was released on $75,000 bail with a condition to enter drug treatment. In court, defense attorney Christy O’Connor described the incident as “an absolute aberration” in the life of the artist, best known for his record-breaking hit “Old Town Road.” Lil Nas X is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on September 15. If convicted on all counts, he faces a potential sentence of more than 10 years in prison.
2. Young Jonn and Wizkid Set To Release New Single “SOFT”
YOUNG JONN × WIZKID
SOFT
PRODUCED BY RAGEE 🥁OUT ON FRIDAY🤩 pic.twitter.com/xGFsn3ojee
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) August 25, 2025
Afrobeats is set for another landmark moment this week as singer-producer Young Jonn joins forces with global icon Wizkid on a highly anticipated new single titled “SOFT,” dropping this Friday. The track is produced by Ragee, the mastermind behind multiple fan favorites on Wizkid’s “More Love, Less Ego” album, further fueling expectations that this collaboration could be one of the year’s biggest releases.
Young Jonn, whose hits like “Dada” and the acclaimed project “Jiggy Forever” have cemented him as one of Afrobeats’ most dynamic acts, steps into new territory by linking up with Wizkid, a superstar who continues to expand the genre’s international dominance. Blending Young Jonn’s vibrant energy with Wizkid’s signature smooth vocals, “SOFT” is already being hailed by fans as a potential chart-topper, with early snippets sparking excitement across social media. Beyond being a major musical release, the single underscores Afrobeats’ global rise and marks a cultural milestone for listeners eager to witness this powerhouse collaboration.
3. 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards Rescheduled For March 2026
The NFVF announces that #SAFTAs19 will take place in March 2026.
Theme: “One Story. One Industry. One Future.”
Together we celebrate SA’s screen legacy & shape the future
Click here for more: https://t.co/CSradG0pGJ
#NFVF #SouthAfricanFilm #OneFuture pic.twitter.com/PjvjYEPRM5— South African Film & Television Awards #SAFTAs (@SAFTAs_1) August 25, 2025
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has officially announced that the 19th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas19) will now take place in March 2026. According to a statement released by the NFVF, the decision followed leadership changes within the foundation and unforeseen delays, which opened the door for a period of “organisational renewal.” The shift is also intended to align the Saftas with the international awards calendar, allowing South African talent to be celebrated alongside major global film and television honours.
Acting NFVF CEO and Saftas Committee Chairperson, Dr. Rirhandzu Machaba, emphasized that the upcoming edition will be a pivotal moment for the industry, celebrated under the theme “One Story. One Industry. One Future: Celebrating South Africa’s Screen Legacy, Together.” Saftas19 will honour resilience, unity, and creativity within the local film and TV industry while paving the way for the milestone Saftas20 in 2027. In light of the rescheduling, eligibility has been extended to cover projects released between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, a once-off adjustment to accommodate the new timeline. Venue, broadcast details, and nomination announcements are expected in the coming months.
4. The Weeknd Reportedly Looks To Raise $1 billion Through Music Catalog
*THE WEEKND LOOKS TO RAISE $1 BILLION BACKED BY HIS MUSIC pic.twitter.com/Sr9Fi1MxYb
— JUNK BOND ANALYST (@junkbondanalyst) August 22, 2025
The Weeknd is reportedly aiming to raise a staggering $1 billion by leveraging his music catalog as collateral, according to a Bloomberg report. Rather than selling the rights to his chart-topping discography, the Canadian superstar, born Abel Tesfaye, is said to be using the value of his catalog to secure funding. Private equity firm Lyric Capital Group is leading the deal, which reportedly includes $500 million in senior debt, $250 million in junior debt, and $250 million in equity. Neither Tesfaye nor Lyric Capital has commented publicly on the reported negotiations.
The move comes as The Weeknd signals a major personal and artistic shift. Having hinted at retiring his iconic stage name, he recently spoke about closing the chapter on “The Weeknd” persona, citing a desire for reinvention and creative challenge. “You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all… It never ends until you end it,” he said. Despite his plans to leave the moniker behind, Tesfaye confirmed he has no intention of stepping away from music altogether. Instead, he’s preparing for new ventures, including film, and aims to keep evolving creatively while at the peak of his influence and commercial success.
5. Russell Westbrook Renews Vows With Wife In Italy
🥹 Russell Westbrook tears up as he and wife, Nina, decided to run it back on their vows in Italy! https://t.co/LzVo5Mbwpc pic.twitter.com/ZWz2VdFI9E
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 25, 2025
Russell Westbrook and Nina Earl reaffirmed their love with a heartfelt vow renewal ceremony in Portofino, Italy, nearly a decade after first tying the knot. The NBA star and his wife celebrated aboard a flower-adorned boat, surrounded by close family, friends, and their three children—Noah, Skye, and Jordyn. Both dressed in white, Westbrook chose a sleek blazer without a shirt. Earl stunned in an elegant gown paired with a diamond ring. The emotional ceremony, complete with string musicians and the sparkling Italian coastline as a backdrop, reflected the couple’s journey from college sweethearts to lifelong partners.
The two first wed in August 2015 at the Beverly Hills Hotel after meeting as standout athletes at UCLA, where Westbrook played basketball and Earl excelled on the women’s team. Over the years, Westbrook has credited his parents’ strong marriage as a guiding example for his own, while openly admiring Nina’s devotion to their family and her career as a licensed therapist. Their vow renewal not only celebrated the endurance of their relationship but also symbolized their shared growth as partners and parents. With nearly ten years of marriage behind them, the Westbrooks’ intimate Italian ceremony highlighted the enduring bond that continues to inspire those who follow their love story.
Featured image: Charlotte Rutherford for Rolling Stone Magazine
Our Weekday News Digest brings you a curated selection of the most compelling stories from around the globe. This week, we delve into the latest celebrity headlines, from Hollywood to Nollywood, explore trending global news, and highlight the most exciting sports developments of 2025.
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