Latest Influencer News in 2026
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Big Revelation: Jojo Siwa Moved In With Ex-Girlfriend At 16
JoJo Siwa, the vibrant dancer and former reality child star, is reflecting on her past relationships with a newfound perspective. At 20 years old and living independently for the first time, she reminisces about her earlier decisions involving her romantic life. In a candid conversation on the \"Call Her Daddy\" podcast with host Alex Cooper, Siwa delved into her experience of living with a partner at a young age. She reminisced about her time with a then-16-year-old girlfriend, describing their romantic involvement as similar to a \"married couple,\" even though they were under Siwa\'s parents\' roof when she was only 17. Looking back, Siwa expressed amusement and introspection, realizing the significance of living together at a very early age. She humorously mentioned the concept of \"U-Haul lesbians,\" referring to the fast pace at which some relationships progress. According to her, \"Clearly, U-Haul lesbians are a very real thing. [I] was one without even knowing what one was.\" The former \"Dance Moms\" star admitted that their decision to live together stemmed from various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the summer season when they did not want to endure the heartache of being in a long-distance relationship. They lived together in California for nine months, and according to the star, they were a married couple at 17 and 16. However, as time passed, the relationship ran its unfortunate and heartbreaking course, leading to a breakup Jojo Siwa described as both challenging and liberating, stating that their split was \"so hard and so great at the same time.\" Acknowledging the potential pitfalls of such a living arrangement at a young age, Siwa\'s reflections align with her family\'s sentiments. She shared her mother\'s opinion that allowing a teenage partner to move in wasn\'t ideal, recognizing the complexities it introduced. In the interview, Jojo Siwa told Cooper, \"My mom says all the time, \'I should\'ve never allowed my 16-year-old\'s partner to live with us. That was not healthy for you, much less for her and her family. Someone should\'ve put their foot down, But no one at the time felt it was right to.\" Although Siwa did not name the ex-girlfriend she lived with, she openly discussed her subsequent relationships, notably with Kylie Prew, whom she met in 2020. Siwa publicized her relationship with Prew in 2021 during her appearance on the \"Tonight Show.\" Despite their closeness, the timing wasn\'t right, leading to a peaceful split in October of the same year. She revealed that one of the reasons behind their breakup was her constant hectic schedule. Siwa\'s breakup with Prew was amicable, and both remain good friends today. Aside from Prew, Jojo Siwa was also linked to internet personalities Avery Cyrus and Katie Mills. Siwa\'s journey through these relationships has left a mark, with trauma from past experiences influencing her approach to new romances. As a result of that trauma, Siwa stays single today. Amidst all that, Jojo Siwa remains optimistic about love\'s future, balancing her career focus on arts with a hopeful heart.
Donald Trump\’s Truth Social: A Roller Coaster Ride in the Stock Market
In a whirlwind of financial highs and lows, Donald Trump\'s Truth Social has taken the stock market by storm, experiencing a significant drop in value and casting doubts on its future prospects. The once highly praised social media venture, owned by Trump Media & Technology Group, faced a staggering $1 billion decline in Trump\'s stake value as its shares plunged by 21.5%. The revelation that Truth Social made a significant loss of $58.2 million in the previous year, along with BF Borger\'s, its auditor, disclosure of \"substantial doubt\" regarding its ongoing operations, has sent shockwaves through investors. Despite the initial market debut that valued the former US president\'s stake at approximately $4.88 billion, the recent sell-off saw its worth decrease to around $3.83 billion. The company\'s revealed financial figures paint a picture of its struggle to establish a footing in the ever-competitive social media landscape. With sales of just $4.13 million in the previous year, Trump Media\'s modest revenue increase in 2023 highlights its challenges in scaling up its operations while dealing with substantial losses. The auditor\'s warning about the company\'s ability to continue as a \"going concern\" emphasizes the unstable nature of Truth Social\'s financial standing. The company acknowledged that it is prone to heightened risks compared to other social media platforms due to its unique focus and the involvement of former President Trump. Despite these financial and political challenges, Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes expressed optimism about Truth Social operating as a public entity, highlighting its lack of debt and a significant bank reserve of $200 million. The company\'s merger with Digital World Acquisition and listing on the stock market boosted its valuation, turning it into a \"meme stock\" similar to other companies like the video games retailer GameStop. As reported by Bloomberg, the merger ranked Donald Trump among the world\'s 500 wealthiest people. However, John Rekenthaler, vice president for research at Morningstar, likened Trump Media to a cryptocurrency, suggesting that investors may be driven more by belief and affiliation rather than traditional metrics like cash flows, further contributing to its instability. As for former President Trump, whose fortunes are tied intricately to the performance of his company Trump Media, the stakes are high. With his looming legal challenges and the desire to regain the most prominent position in the US government, Trump\'s financial interests are closely dependent on the fate of Truth Social in the stock market. Trump\'s finances can keep afloat for the nearing elections and conquer every legal challenge his way. Financial losses would mean lesser legal funding, especially as he is bound to pay $454 million for a civil fraud case (although court judges provided him ten days to secure a $175 million bond). As Truth Social navigates through these rough times, its current situation serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of emerging technological ventures and the influence of market sentiment on valuation. Whether Donald Trump and Truth Social can prevail through these storms and emerge as competent players in the social media landscape remains uncertain. We can only wait to see how things will unfold for Trump and his company.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. VP Pick Nicole Shanahan Raises Eyebrows
In a political landscape marked by ever-changing alliances and ideological diversions, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made waves with his rumored choice for vice president. Nicole Shanahan, a vocal advocate for leftist criminal justice reforms and a notable donor to Democratic causes, has emerged as Kennedy\'s potential running mate, sparking both intrigue and skepticism. Kennedy, who recently distanced himself from the Democratic Party, citing the need for independence, now faces scrutiny for his VP selection, which some see as contradictory to his proclaimed political autonomy. Kennedy is an independent presidential candidate. However, his pick for a running mate raises eyebrows. Prior to aligning with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Nicole Shanahan\'s track record reveals consistent support for Democrats, including substantial contributions to President Joe Biden\'s campaign. According to reports, Shanahan\'s political contributions show a picture of her alignment with progressive ideals. Her donations to ActBlue, the Democratic National Committee, and her significant financial backing of Biden\'s 2020 political campaign highlight her commitment to the far-left Democratic values. However, Shanahan\'s advocacy for far-left criminal justice initiatives has drawn serious flak from various voters. Her involvement with Measure J in Los Angeles County, which redirects funds from law enforcement to community development and alternatives to incarceration, showcases her dedication to reforming America\'s justice system. In a notable interview, Shanahan emphasized the importance of mental health professionals in law enforcement scenarios, citing that the impact of George Floyd\'s tragic arrest may have turned out differently had a mental health professional been present in the act. Her stance on redirecting resources toward mental and social support services reflects her utmost support for progressive reforms in the criminal justice domain. Critics, including prominent conservative personalities like the Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, have raised concerns about Shanahan\'s support for George Gascon, a controversial figure known for his progressive approach to prosecution. Kirk labeled Shanahan as a \"far-left pick\" by Kennedy, suggesting that her inclusion could turn off independent voters concerned about rising crime rates. Furthermore, in an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Shanahan divulged to have donated $4 million to the pro-Kennedy PAC American Values and helped pay for the ad she assisted in producing. The ad showed a superimposed image of RFK in John F. Kennedy\'s 1960 presidential video campaign and aired during the 2024 Super Bowl, with which the Kennedy family was not pleased. Meanwhile, polling data indicates a curious trend surrounding Kennedy\'s candidacy. Despite positioning himself as an alternative to traditional party politics, Kennedy\'s presence in the race seems to be benefiting former President Donald Trump more than Joe Biden, particularly in key swing states. According to Newsweek, Shanahan claimed to be a \"lifelong Democrat\" and a supporter of their party\'s cause. As Kennedy prepares to officially announce his vice presidential pick, the spotlight remains on Shanahan and the implications her selection may have on Kennedy\'s campaign. Will this alliance strengthen Robert F. Kennedy Jr.\'s credentials or raise doubts among voters seeking a more centrist approach to governance? Only time will tell as the political race intensifies.
Donald Trump Social Media Fortune in Limbo Amid Financial Woes
Former United States President Donald Trump and his much-anticipated windfall from his social media venture, Truth Social, hangs in the balance as he goes through multiple financial woes. While investors have given the green light for Truth Social\'s public listing, Trump\'s stake is caught up in a heaping web of agreements and regulatory issues, leaving him uncertain amid mounting civil penalties, legal battles, and rising campaign costs. Donald Trump\'s hopes for a multibillion-dollar payday from the public listing of Truth Social face a significant hurdle in the form of lock-up agreements. These agreements, designed to prevent insiders from flooding the market with shares immediately after a listing, severely limit his ability to sell his shares promptly. This constraint comes right when Trump is fighting his pressing financial issues, including hefty legal fees and civil penalties of over $500 million. Financial instability threatens the former president as he struggles to leverage Truth Social\'s potential success for personal financial stability. With over $500 million in civil penalties and substantial legal fees piling up, Trump\'s ability to secure his financial future is becoming increasingly uncertain. The effort towards Truth Social\'s public listing has been facing legal and regulatory challenges. The merger between Trump Media & Technology Group and Digital World Acquisition Corp. has been delayed by multiple lawsuits, SEC investigations, and regulatory hurdles, adding layers of complexity to Trump\'s already unstable financial landscape. Additionally, Trump\'s stake in the success of his social media platform, Truth Social, is heavily tied to investors\' perception of his involvement and brand appeal. Any signs of waning interest or diminished engagement could adversely affect the company\'s stock value, potentially jeopardizing Trump\'s anticipated windfall. Trump\'s inability to cash out his shares immediately after the merger due to lock-up agreements and uncertain market conditions raises concerns about the actual value of Trump\'s shares in the future. With this uncertainty and his current financial obligations, the outlook of Donald Trump\'s finances is becoming all the more complicated. All these issues come up amidst his bid to \"Make America Great Again\" and work to claim his name as US president for a second time. These legal battles and financial challenges are expected to strain his campaign efforts and the people\'s perception of him, but is it enough to make him withdraw? With the attitude and mindset he has displayed over the years, we don\'t see Trump backing down any minute, and his supporters rally behind him despite the issues and multiple legal battles. The value of Trump\'s shares in Truth Social will be subject to the behaviors and sentiments of the \"MAGA meme stock investors,\" who may trade based on factors beyond traditional financial metrics, including their loyalty to Trump, beliefs about the company\'s potential, and reactions to news or events related to Donald Trump or Truth Social. Trump\'s social media venture, legal battles, and financial challenges give us a picture of his complex financial situation. And his supporters can only hope for the best to come.
Apple\’s Strategic Shuffle in China: Navigating Slumps, Charms, and Expansion in 2024
Tech giant Apple has always been in a great professional relationship with China. The company\'s products are heavily consumed by people in China year after year. According to IDC research, Apple was China\'s top smartphone in the market in 2023 for the first time, with a market share of 17.3%. However, according to Counterpoint Research, the first six weeks of 2024 have seen a slump in the iPhone sales record, amounting to a 24% drop. Apple fell behind Vivo, Huawei, and Oppo, with Huawei experiencing a 64% increase in sales. Hence, the company attributes the slump to two reasons—tight competition with the local company Huawei and the abnormally high sales in January 2023. In a tedious effort to reverse the country\'s deteriorating iPhone sales, Apple CEO Tim Cook launched a charm offensive in China coinciding with the opening of a new Apple store in Shanghai. The new Apple outlet costs a little over $11 million and is the biggest in China and the second biggest worldwide. The outlet is located in Jing\'an, the central district of Shanghai. Tim Cook arrived in the country Wednesday and promptly shared the news with his 1.68 million Weibo followers. In the Weibo post, Cook said, \"Nonghao Shanghai! I\'m always so happy to be back in this remarkable city.\" The CEO\'s schedule in Shanghai happened to be fully loaded day after day, starting with a traditional breakfast of dumplings and soy milk followed by a meetup with Zheng Kai, a local TV personality. Zheng Kai and Tim Cook paused for a selfie along the famous Bund waterfront. Additionally, Cook visited the studio of local director Mo Lyu, who the latter claims to be using Apple products in all stages of his creative process, from storyboarding with his iPad to shooting on an iPhone 15 Pro Max to editing with a MacBook Pro. The tech behemoth now has eight stores in mainland China\'s financial hub, Shanghai. Today, Apple has 47 stores in 24 cities all over mainland China, with Shanghai having the most stores. Tim Cook\'s visit to China highlights the country\'s profound significance to the tech company as a vital part of its manufacturing supply chain and biggest market overseas. According to Ivan Lam, counterpoint\'s Senior Analyst, \"China remains a critical market for Apple, particularly in the premium segment above $800, where it holds a dominant position.\" He adds, \"With Huawei\'s resurgence and other Chinese [phone makers] gaining traction in offline sales, Apple is proactively strengthening its offline presence, leveraging flagship stores as a key tool to promote high-end smartphones.\" In early April, Apple shared the news of expanding its research center in Shanghai in a bid to support its product lines. It plans to launch a new applied research lab in the city later this year. There\'s a lot in store for Apple and China in 2024, and the company can only hope that it signals the start of a rising sales record and improved business relations. As far as business is concerned, China remains to be at the heart of Apple. So, the company will take the necessary steps to regain its sales footing there.
Meta Outage Sparks Concern Among Users
Social media mogul Meta experienced a major worldwide outage, leaving millions of users unable to send messages, scroll their feeds, and post content. The global disruption appeared on March 20, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time in the US, although it hit parts of the UK, Europe, and Asia, affecting many nations. During the outage on Facebook, users were notified about expired sessions or account suspensions, prompting them to log back into their accounts. Messenger users were reported as unavailable, and others couldn\'t respond or send messages. Since the whole of Meta was disrupted, Instagram users also found issues posting comments, sending DMs, and scrolling their home feeds. Online services interruptions tracker DownDetector quickly reported the platform-wide disruption and the issues users faced while using the apps. The root cause of the global outage remains unknown, but it happened 15 days after a previous Meta outage caused by internal issues. Multiple users reported to DownDetector that Facebook experienced the most severe issues, unlike Instagram and Messenger. Over 67 percent of reports are associated with Facebook, 66 percent with Instagram, and 61 percent with Messenger. Additionally, DownDetector received over 550,000 reports for Facebook disruptions and 92,000 for Instagram. All these figures were reported during the peak of the outage. The outage wasn\'t the first time Facebook and Messenger went through issues, compelling its users to flock to Elon Musk\'s X (Twitter) to unload their Meta-related frustrations and check whether or not others are experiencing the same issues. Many users sought information and solutions on search engines like Google and Bing. They felt a surge of relief upon discovering that the outage affected millions of users, not just themselves. The hashtags #Facebookdown and #Instagramdown trended on Twitter, sparking a stream of scammers claiming to be able to solve the problem and help users regain their accounts. On the brighter side, others simply poked fun at the incident by creating hilarious memes centered on the apps, users, and Mark Zuckerberg. The White House National Security Council spokesperson claimed that the proper authorities monitored the incident and discovered no malicious cyber activities and threats. While the outage did not last more than 5 hours, it happened long enough to worry many people, especially those managing business and professional accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Meta may not have released an official statement on what caused the global outage. Still, its spokesperson Andy Stone tweeted on X, \"Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue ... for everyone who was impacted.\" Facebook is the most-used social media application, with over 2 billion monthly active users. The app\'s technical issues and outages do not stop it from becoming the number-one platform in the world. Fortunately, the outage was brief and did not result in any harm or damage to its users\' privacy and accounts. However, a more stable Meta platform in the future would provide greater reassurance to users.
Survey Reveals Growing Preference for Streaming Services Over Traditional Theaters
In today\'s leisure culture, many individuals dedicate their free time and holidays to indulging in endless movie marathons, whether on the grand cinema screens or online streaming services. The evolution of film consumption over the years reflects a dynamic journey—from the era of traveling shows, home projectors, and traditional cinemas to the advent of televisions, VHS, DVDs, and, now, online streaming services. Thanks to the internet\'s transformative power and constant evolutions, streaming platforms, like Netflix and Disney Plus, have emerged as a convenient option for viewers to catch the latest releases at their leisure, eliminating the need for trips to the theaters and the hassle of ticket queues. According to a recent online survey conducted by HarrisX on March 11-12, 2024, a significant 66% of adults in the US prefer waiting for movies to become available on streaming platforms and enjoy them anywhere they want, while 34% still opt for the theater experience. In an exclusive interview with IndieWire, HarrisX\'s VP, Alli Brady, said, \"The competition continues between streaming services and the Hollywood engine. While we still see evidence of loyal moviegoers in recent box office numbers, our study shows that 2 in 3 movie watchers prefer to stream movies at home.\" The poll revealed the motivation behind this shift, showing that 53% of those willing to wait on streaming platforms do so to avoid expensive cinema tickets, and 40% extend their patience to enjoy home ambiance versus in a theater. Further data shows that 19% are in favor of streaming to avoid distractions from other moviegoers, 15% prefer to ditch the inconvenient travel, 13% feel restricted by the movie selections, another 13% are not a fan of the inconvenient theater locations, 11% are limited by the availability of show times, and 8% want to avoid the trouble of selecting seats. Interestingly, the poll revealed that 30% of viewers stream films two or more times a week, and the same percentage claimed to go to movie theaters a few times a year. Are movie theaters bound to be a thing of the past, or will they thrive regardless of their reclining number of patrons? While homebodies have the poll\'s upper hand, several factors favor cinemas. Notably, 59% of respondents anticipate the cinematic experience, including the comfort of reclining chairs, 47% are up for the superior quality of surround-sound systems, and 39% seek a break from home distractions. The data indicates a substantial shift in consumer behavior regarding the consumption of the latest film releases, carrying significant implications for both film producers and cinema owners. This trend highlights the need for film producers to reevaluate their distribution strategies, focusing on partnerships with streaming services and creating content tailored to digital platforms. While the rise of streaming services has reshaped how people consume films, cinemas have the opportunity to adapt and evolve by focusing on what sets them apart -- the communal experience, high-quality audiovisual offerings, and unique events that enhance the overall enjoyment of watching movies on the big screen. Film producers and cinema owners can successfully navigate this evolving landscape by understanding and catering to changing consumer preferences.
Marvel\’s Ironheart and Wonder Man Still Set For Release
Fans eagerly anticipate Marvel Studios\' annual releases, especially Ironheart and Wonder Man. Still, the studio is currently undergoing significant behind-the-scenes adjustments, leading many to view 2024 as a comparatively subdued year for the MCU. With only Deadpool and Wolverine slated for theatrical releases and several other productions heading to Disney+, concerns have emerged about the franchise\'s course in the future. According to the Agents of Fandom, speculations have it that Marvel might scale back on sequels for movies that don\'t achieve blockbuster success. This uncertainty casts doubt on the prospects of Captain Marvel 3 and Ant-Man 4 and raises questions about the planned releases of Ironheart and Wonder Man. However, there\'s a glimmer of hope for fans. In an exclusive interview with Agents of Fandom discussing X-Men \'97, Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios\' Head of Streaming, Animation, and Television, unveiled an exciting lineup for the MCU this year. Winderbaum confirmed that Ironheart and Wonder Man are currently in production and undergoing the final editing stages. Although specific debut details were not disclosed, Winderbaum\'s words should reassure fans eagerly awaiting these projects. \"Yeah, absolutely. We\'re currently editing both of those shows. They\'re spectacular, they\'re amazing, and they\'re different… We\'re able to explore corners of the universe that are really exciting. Riri Williams is one of them, and I cannot wait for people to meet Simon Williams,\" Winderbaum shared during the interview. Dominique Thorne, the Ironheart lead, affirmed that filming has wrapped up, promising a lot of epic adventures in store for fans. Ironheart and Wonder Man were first announced in 2020 and are slated for release in 2024. Given the gap between the announcement and release dates and Marvel\'s reshuffling of its calendar, it\'s understandable why doubts have surfaced. We\'re glad Winderbaum\'s statements have brought much-needed clarity, and fans can now release their breaths. What are Ironheart and Wonder Man? Ironheart is a fictional superhero character published by Marvel Comics. The character, whose real name is Riri Williams, was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato. Ironheart first appeared in \"Invincible Iron Man\" #7 in 2016. Riri Williams is a teenage engineering prodigy who reverse-engineered her own version of Tony Stark\'s Iron Man armor in her dorm room at MIT. She caught the attention of Tony Stark himself after she built her own suit, and he endorsed her efforts by providing resources and support. Wonder Man is a fictional superhero character published by Marvel Comics. He was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck, and he first appeared in \"The Avengers\" #9 in 1964. Wonder Man\'s real name is Simon Williams, and he is featured in numerous comic book series, including solo adventures and team-up stories with other Marvel superheroes. He has also appeared in animated adaptations and video games, further solidifying his presence in popular culture as a beloved Marvel Comics character. While both characters have Williams as a surname, Marvel doesn\'t mention them being blood-related. Ironheart and Wonder Man are epic characters in the MCU, with distinct life stories and personalities, and we can barely wait to see them come to life on the screens.
Influencers To Bear Brunt Of Possible US TikTok Ban
There is an ongoing debate about whether or not to ban TikTok in the United States. U.S. lawmakers and the Biden administration are considering new legislative approaches to address concerns about the Chinese-owned app\'s operations in the country. According to wdet.org, social media influencers and content creators are watching the situation closely as they rely on platforms like TikTok for their business models and daily routines. Edwin Taylor, a 23-year-old food critic based in Detroit, goes by the name \"Ed Eats\" on TikTok and has over 28,000 followers. Taylor says that most of his income comes from his presence on social media apps such as TikTok. Taylor explains that various sources of income come with being a social media influencer. For example, the TikTok Creativity Program pays content creators to make videos over a minute long. Additionally, posting on social media allows brands to watch your videos, and they may reach out to you to promote their brand or business, paying you to do so. Taylor believes banning TikTok in the U.S. would be unfair to many people, including himself, who use it as a business tool or for entertainment. He added that TikTok is the primary source of news and trends for millions of Americans, and he sometimes prefers it over Google. Taylor thinks this shows how little control the U.S. government has over TikTok and why it wants to ban it so badly. Additionally, Taylor believes that U.S. lawmakers should focus on more significant issues instead of wasting time and energy on banning TikTok. In his opinion, many other important issues need attention and discussion. On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that brings the country closer to banning TikTok. The bill calls for ByteDance, the Chinese developer of the app, to divest from the company or be removed from U.S. app stores. The bill, dubbed \"Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,\" has received overwhelming bipartisan support, with 352 votes in favor. Only 65 voted against the measure.
Playboi Carti Excites Twitter Fans On New Single
The internet never falls short of putting somebody on a pedestal, including Playboi Carti. By pedestal, we mean trending or going viral. Day after day, multiple personalities and events trend all over social media for various reasons. Some days, they go trending in all social media platforms, while they trend in a platform or two on most days. American singer, songwriter, and rapper Playboi Carti is trending on Twitter for the upcoming release of his newest single after a hiatus of four years. Carti released his last album, Whole Lotta Red, in 2020. Hence, his single marks an excellent start to the year for his fans. After not hearing from him for years, many of his fans and listeners on Twitter are pumped for the single and are looking forward to the release of the entire album. Many fans first saw the news when Ye (Kanye West) posted a teaser of Carti\'s song and the release date on his Instagram account. To add to their excitement, they discovered Carti\'s alleged alternative IG account @playboikitty17, followed by Ye and the singer\'s primary account. Rap music enthusiasts are having the time of their lives, waiting for the Playboi Carti bomb to drop. Who is Playboi Carti? While Playboi Carti is relatively famous in his field, accumulating 11.8M followers on Instagram (despite having only one post) and 3.65M subscribers on YouTube, not everyone knows who he is. Jordan Terrell Carter, professionally known as Playboi Carti, is a prominent music personality and influential figure. His contribution to the progress of trap and rage music pushed him to the status of his fame today. He signed up with the record label Aweful Records in 2014 and later signed with AWGE, Asap Mob\'s record label. Carti gained attention from the masses following the debut of his eponymous mixtape. The mixtape peaked on the US Billboard 200 at number 12. Carti debuted his studio album Die Lit in 2018 and made it third on the Billboard 200. After a two-year hiatus, he released his next studio album, Whole Lotta Red, in 2020, as mentioned above. Rolling Stone and The Washington Post listed Whole Lotta Red as one of the greatest albums of 2020. On December 8, 2023, Carti confirmed the release of his 2024 album through an IG Story accompanied by a snippet of what many presume is his new track with DJ Swamp Izzo. Aside from a flourishing solo career, Carti founded the creative agency and record label Opium in 2019. The label is heavily characterized by dark and gritty production, reminiscent of the punk-rock era of the 70s and 80s. As a result, Carti and Opium amassed a cult following. He began rapping in 2011 under the Sir Cartier screen name, which he later changed to his current professional screen name in 2013. He kickstarted his career by uploading songs on SoundCloud. After meeting a producer in 2014, he joined his first underground record label. Following his decision to pursue music as a full-time career, Carti moved to New York City. He met ASAP Bari in NYC, who later introduced him to Rihanna\'s current partner, ASAP Rocky.