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Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

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Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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From Palio to Plushies: Madonna's 67th Birthday Blends Medieval Traditions with Modern Trends

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The Queen of Pop just proved she's still the ultimate trendsetter even when it comes to birthday cakes. Madonna rang in her 67th birthday with a luxurious Italian getaway capped off by an enormous Labubu-themed cake, continuing her reign as pop culture's most unpredictable icon.

A Dream Realized in Siena

Madonna, affectionately called "Madudu" on her birthday cake, shared video footage Monday of her dream birthday celebration in Siena, Italy, where she finally witnessed the historic Palio di Siena horse race that occurs annually on August 16. 

"My Dream for many years has been to watch the Palio horse race that takes place on my birthday since 1482!!" she captioned the social media post.

 The footage shows the star alongside boyfriend Akeem Morris and daughters Lourdes and Mercy taking in the "sacred ritual" of the bareback urban horse race alongside thousands of spectators.

Labubu Mania Hits the Material Girl!

After the race and a spectacular fireworks display, Madonna was surprised with a massive pink birthday cake featuring an elaborate edible Labubu sculpture, the latest collectible plushie craze that's taken celebrity circles by storm. 

The creepy-cute goblin figurine has become the accessory of choice among pop stars, with Lady Gaga recently declaring herself a "human Labubu" and BLACKPINK's LISA gifting the dolls to coworkers. Not everyone's onboard though Reneé Rapp recently called the trend "so f–king ugly" when asked to sign one.

The Meaning Behind the Madness..

At 67, Madonna continues to model how aging artists can maintain cultural relevance while staying true to their personal passions. Her choice to celebrate with both centuries-old traditions (the Palio race dates back to medieval times) and cutting-edge pop culture trends (Labubu mania) shows her unique ability to bridge generations and genres. The celebration also comes as her long-awaited biopic starring Julia Garner remains in development, proving the icon's story continues to captivate audiences.

Legacy in Motion!

While other artists might slow down at 67, Madonna's still setting trends whether she's fulfilling lifelong dreams in Italian piazzas or embracing the latest plushie craze. The Labubu cake might be temporary, but her cultural impact remains permanent.

Watch Madonna's birthday festivities unfold on her social media channels!!

From Palio to Plushies: Madonna's 67th Birthday Blends Medieval Traditions with Modern Trendsfrom-palio-to-plushies-madonnas-67th-birthday-blends-medieval-traditions-with-modern-trendsEbrunida KaradagAug 21, 2025The Queen of Pop just proved she's still the ultimate trendsetter even when it comes to birthday cakes. Madonna rang in her 67th birthday with a luxurious Italian getaway capped off by an enormous...