How Kendrick Lamar's pgLang is building a creative empire

Streaming revenue has surpassed $20 billion, driving global growth in the recorded music industry. With platforms like Spotify and Apple Music leading the way, streaming now accounts for the majority of industry earnings. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Georg Szalai, this trend underscores digital music’s dominance and its lasting impact on the industry’s financial landscape.

Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang is reshaping the creative landscape by merging music, film, and brand storytelling unconventionally. Co-founded with Dave Free, the company prioritizes artistic integrity and cultural impact over traditional industry norms. As Fast Company’s Amy Farley reports, pgLang’s innovative approach is attracting top talent and brands, proving that creativity can thrive beyond the mainstream.

Disney’s Snow White is projected to open with $50 million, while Robert De Niro’s mob drama Alto Knights is struggling to make an impact. Despite being a highly anticipated live-action remake, Snow White is tracking below past Disney blockbusters, while Alto Knights faces an underwhelming debut. As Rebecca Rubin reports for Variety, these numbers suggest shifting audience preferences in both fantasy and crime dramas.

A viral debate on TikTok is questioning whether NYC influencers are losing their originality. Critics argue that many creators produce repetitive, predictable vlogs, sparking a broader conversation about content diversity. As The Verge’s Mia Sato reports, this highlights both the growing demand for fresh storytelling and the increasing pressure on influencers to stay relevant.

TikTok’s ad prices are declining as brands scale back spending due to regulatory uncertainty and a potential U.S. ban. Advertisers remain cautious, reducing demand and lowering ad costs. As Digiday’s Sam Bradley and Krystal Scanlon report, this shift creates an opportunity for brands willing to take the risk and secure premium placements at a discount.

Fast food chains like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are turning to AI-powered ordering systems, thanks to Nvidia. These systems are designed to speed up service, reduce errors, and improve efficiency, signaling a broader shift toward automation in the industry. As reported by The Wall Street Journal’s Isabelle Bousquette, major brands are increasingly investing in AI to enhance operations and customer experience.

Hollywood is facing growing competition as new cities lure film and TV productions with tax incentives, lower costs, and diverse locations. Cities like Atlanta, Vancouver, and London are becoming top industry hubs, challenging Los Angeles’ dominance. As The Hollywood Reporter’s Etan Vlessing explains, this shift is reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

Brands are increasingly using playful feuds as a marketing tactic, leveraging social media battles to engage consumers and strengthen loyalty. From fast food chains to fashion labels, companies are turning competition into a branding tool. As The Wall Street Journal’s Patrick Coffee reports, these strategic rivalries are reshaping modern marketing.

Retailers are rethinking the discount shopping experience by prioritizing design and aesthetics. This strategy, known as the "designification" of value shopping, draws in a broader audience and drives higher sales. As Hunter Schwarz reports for Fast Company, stores like Dollar General and Five Below prove that a well-designed retail space can boost customer engagement and revenue.

As AI and automation take center stage, design leaders are debating whether traditional design roles are losing relevance. With companies prioritizing efficiency over creativity, the industry faces a critical turning point. According to Mark Wilson for Fast Company, design must evolve to stay essential—or risk being overshadowed by technology.