For 50 Cent, this show marks the first of two UK appearances in 2025; the New York rap icon will also headline TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow from July 11-13 alongside Fontaines D.C, Snow Patrol, and Gracie Abrams. 

Scotland, you don’t wanna miss this! I’ll be headlining @trnsmtfest this July. Tickets on sale Friday pic.twitter.com/ZtAp1fP84F

— 50cent (@50cent) December 3, 2024

Widely regarded as one of Hip-Hop’s most influential figures, 50 Cent continues to make waves in the industry. Recently, he made headlines for declining a $3m offer to perform at a Donald Trump rally in New York during the US Presidential Election, a decision that aligns with Hip-Hop’s political roots.  

The Tottenham show marks 10 years since his most recent, and first independent, album ‘Animal Ambition’. Despite debuting at No.4 on the US Billboard 200 with 47,000 sales in its first week – modest figures compared to the multi-platinum success of ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and ‘The Massacre’ – ‘Animal Ambition’ represented a significant milestone in independent artistry.

His departure from Interscope Records reflects a movement among artists to embrace independence, utilising streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube to distribute music globally and engage directly with fans through social media. Independent releases not only provide artists with creative freedom but also a greater share of revenue, reshaping the music industry and the role of record labels. 

For Mary J. Blige, the one-off gig follows her North American headline tour in early 2025 and November release of her 15th studio album, ‘Gratitude’. The record blends soulful R&B with Hip-Hop elements and marks a return to her roots. Fans can expect to hear live performances of tracks from this album at the Tottenham show, as well as her earlier hits including songs from the monumental ‘What’s the 411?’ album, released in 1992.

Although ‘Gratitude’ did not achieve huge commercial success, the album reinforces Bilge’s musical journey throughout her 3-decade long career. This year, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, alongside legends like Cher and Ozzy Osbourne, a title which the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul undoubtedly deserves. 

The music of #RockHall2024 Inductee @maryjblige mirrors universal experiences in love and life, providing a soundtrack to our triumphs as well as our heartache. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul pours her whole heart into these anthems, with encouraging notes of hope… pic.twitter.com/8H41WkJSn3

— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) November 10, 2024

Joining Hip-Hop and R&B stars, Davido will grace the Tottenham Hotspur stage ahead of his upcoming album ‘5ive’ dropping early next year. This follows his highly anticipated ‘Timeless’ record, released in 2023, which fused Afrobeats with global pop elements.

Known for hits like ‘Dami Duro’ and ‘Fall’ – the latter of which become one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs in Billboard history – Davido has been a pioneer in elevating Afrobeats on the world stage and July 2023 will see him bring his signature style to the UK. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Davido (@davido)

Consequently, the July 2025 show promises to be a monumental event for fans, uniting three trailblazing artists whose legacies have defined Hip-Hop, R&B, and Afrobeats. As a result, be sure to set your alarms for 10am Friday and secure your spot at this once-in-a-lifetime experience hosted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Could it be @JustinBieber vs. @JessGlynne for this year's Christmas Number 1? #XmasNo1 https://t.co/tq8THYdZ0l

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) November 23, 2020

Jess has previously had seven UK Number 1’s, which is the most ever for a British Female solo artist. Her new festive song is in the running for a Christmas UK Number 1 hit. Signed CD and Vinyl copies of the single will be available to purchase from Amazon UK from the 18th December, a week before the Christmas Number 1 is revealed.

Official Charts have reported Jess to have said about her new Christmas song, “I chose ‘This Christmas’ by Donny Hathaway as I love the tone of this record and I’m thankful that Amazon Music have given me the opportunity to do my own version of it for them. This year has been such a hard one and there’s no doubt this Christmas is going to be difficult for so many people. Music is so important as it gives us moments of escapism and I think more than ever having an uplifting feel good song is so necessary.”

Bieber has had recent success with his new release ‘Holy’ featuring Chance the rapper, taken from his sixth ‘new era’ studio album, which went straight to Number 1 in the UK’s Official Trending Chart. Speaking about his new Christmas cover, Bieber said to NME, “‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ has always been one of my favourite songs to celebrate the holidays and I’m excited to team up with Amazon Music to share my own version, with my fans.” 

As well as these two tracks exclusive to the streaming service, other artists taking part in the programme include Mary J Blige, who has covered Whams ‘Last Christmas’ and Jamie Cullum who is releasing a version of ‘In The Bleak Mid Winter.’ Lennon Stella has also joined the programme with her rendition of the Carpenter’s song ‘Merry Christmas Darling,’ along with Carrie Underwood who’s releasing her original track ‘Favourite Time Of Year.’

The vice president of Music Industry at Amazon Music, Ryan Redington said to NME, “This Christmas season, it’s important for us to bring our customers more reasons to smile, and to create ways for them to connect with their favourite artists while at home with family.”  Katie Perry was the artist to put out a festive tune through the Amazon original series with ‘Cozy Little Christmas,’ which peaked in the charts at number 22. Last year Ellie Goulding celebrated her first chart topper in four years with her rendition of the Joni Mitchell song, ‘River’ which went straight to Number 1.

Patrick Clifton, head of Amazon Music UK  told NME, “After Katy Perry’s top forty Christmas Original in 2018 and Ellie Goulding’s ‘River’ topping the charts last year, we’re really excited for our listeners to hear Jess Glynne’s take on the Donny Hathaway classic, as well as the rest of the collection of Christmas Originals that will connect music fans with some of their favourite artists.”