SEOUL, South Korea — On February 27, 2025, JENNIE, the BLACKPINK icon, invited 200 devoted fans to Rubify to celebrate the highly anticipated launch of her debut solo album, Ruby. The intimate gathering took place just days before the album's official release on March 7, allowing fans to connect with JENNIE as she opened up about her artistic vision.
During the event, JENNIE shared poignant stories about the creation of her music, emphasizing the deep emotional connection she has with each track on the album. "This album means everything to me—it’s my story, told through my voice and my vision," JENNIE expressed, underscoring the personal nature of her work. The artist drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s concept of the seven stages of life, which she wished to explore through her music—from innocence and love to power, reflection, and legacy. "It felt like the perfect way to introduce myself as a solo artist and show every side of who I am," she added.
Fans enjoyed more than just heartfelt anecdotes; they were also treated to the first listening of Ruby, which is already generating significant buzz. To set the mood, Spotify created immersive zones where attendees could share moments of joy, capture photographs, and participate in giveaways for exclusive Rubify merchandise.
"JENNIE’s solo activity has been incredible to watch," remarked Jungjoo Park, Spotify’s Head of Music, South Korea. "Ruby is already proving to be a defining milestone, and it was an honour to bring her enthusiastic fans together for this special event. We’re proud to help share this new chapter with the world—and remain committed to supporting Korean artists by providing them with a global platform and fostering connections with their fans." The anticipation surrounding JENNIE and her upcoming album definitely has fans and industry insiders abuzz.
While JENNIE’s event marked significant moments on the individual artist level, another noteworthy achievement unfolded shortly thereafter. On March 1, 2025, Drake achieved yet another milestone, officially becoming the first artist to surpass 110 billion streams on Spotify. This astonishing feat came on the heels of the release of his collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which had generated over 56.6 million streams on its first day alone.
The collaborative project launched to incredible acclaim; it quickly became the second-highest streaming debut of 2025, trailing only behind The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow. The album even opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Drake's continued dominance within the music industry by garnering 246,000 equivalent album units during its first week. This success places Drake among only three artists—including Taylor Swift and JAY-Z—who have achieved 14 chart-topping albums. He now sits just five albums shy of the Beatles' record of 19.
".@Drake becomes the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 110 billion streams across all credits," reported the account ChartData, signifying Drake's remarkable impact on music streaming.
Meanwhile, across the globe, Mitzi Josh has also been generating waves on streaming platforms with her new single, "Let Me Down Easy." Released on February 28, 2025, through GMA Playlist, the track features heartfelt lyrics reflecting the bittersweet reality of love on the verge of ending. The song has already been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds Philippines playlist, showcasing its budding popularity.
"The story behind [the song], it's about a couple na magbe-break na sila. Kumbaga, nanlalamig na ang pag-ibig nila sa isa't isa," Mitzi shared, offering insight on the emotional narrative of the song. She describes the track as capturing the wishes for one final moment together as feelings between the couple dwindle. The heartfelt composition is quickly finding its audience as listeners resonate with its themes of love and heartbreak.
The successes of JENNIE, Drake, and Mitzi Josh highlight the vibrant diversity within the streaming music industry. These milestones signify both personal and professional achievements for the artists involved, showcasing their unique contributions and the deep connections they forge with their listeners. Each of these artists' journeys is not only about transforming their stories through music but also about inspiring countless others along the way.