Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Robbie Williams has released an updated edition of the Official FIFA Anthem ‘Desire’ before the World Cup Final, teaming up with Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini for the new recording.
The singer was appointed the official Music Ambassador for football’s international governing body last summer. Soon afterwards, he released the single alongside Laura Pausini, making it the first official FIFA anthem in history.
Williams and Pausini debuted the track live last July before Chelsea faced Paris Saint Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Williams later performed it with Scherzinger at the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Williams has now unveiled a fresh edition of the song before appearing at the closing ceremony for the 2026 World Cup. Unlike the original recording, which only included Williams and Pausini, this version also welcomes the Pussycat Dolls singer. All three artists take turns singing before combining their voices during the emotional chorus.
The trio will deliver their first live performance of the song together during Sunday’s closing ceremony on July 19.
UK viewers can follow the event on BBC One. It will take place at New York New Jersey Stadium shortly before Spain face Argentina. Post Malone, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Hudson are also scheduled to appear, with around two billion viewers worldwide expected to tune in.
Shakira and Burna Boy helped launch the tournament’s opening ceremony last month by performing ‘Dai Dai’. Future, Katy Perry, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Ellie Goulding have also appeared throughout the competition. Goulding performed before England defeated Norway 2 to 1 in the quarter finals.
Sunday’s World Cup final will also introduce the tournament’s first Halftime Show alongside the closing ceremony. Coldplay singer Chris Martin organised the performance, which will follow a format similar to the Super Bowl and include appearances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
The occasion will benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which hopes to generate $100 million, or £74.5 million, to improve access to education and football for children around the world.
However, the decision to add a Halftime Show has divided supporters. The Cure frontman Robert Smith is among its critics, posting the hashtag “#pleasejustfuckoff” on Instagram before later commenting on the possibility of Donald Trump presenting the trophy to the champions.
Before Spain and Argentina meet in Sunday’s final, England and France will compete for third place tomorrow, Saturday July 18.
Williams also has other connections to football beyond his work on the FIFA anthem. Last month, he was announced as Port Vale FC’s Foundation Ambassador and official front of shirt partner.
The pop star has supported the club throughout his life and agreed to a two year partnership. His ‘RW’ logo will appear on the front of Port Vale’s home and away kits during the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons.
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Dame Dash has become one of the most efficient haters in the game as of late. He wastes no time getting into The Art of Dialogue interview chair, especially when it pertains to matters involving Jay-Z.
Of course, Jay-Z had a pretty successful weekend, breaking numerous records during his three shows at Yankee Stadium. Fans of the legendary artist were excited about these performances, especially with all of the guests who came out to support. It was a great moment for hip-hop, and it feels as though Jay has an album on the horizon.
However, Dame Dash was not impressed. As we reported yesterday, Hov's former business partner found a way to hate on Beyoncé and Nas's appearance. Now, Dame is claiming that Jay-Z's performances had no real impact on popular culture.
In the latest clip from his interview with The Art of Dialogue, Dame Dash argues that only "urban" outlets were covering the Jay-Z shows. He says the New York Times and even TMZ didn't care to report on what was going on at Yankee Stadium. These claims from Dame Dash are demonstrably false, as the New York Times published a glowing review of all three shows.
That didn't stop Dame from pushing the envelope in his criticisms. He eventually said that Jay-Z can't even compare himself to Kanye West. "Jay is not in the same league as Kanye," he said.
While Kanye West is on a bit of a World Tour right now, it's clear that his shows are not as culturally relevant as what Jay did at Yankee Stadium. Ye stans and Jay haters probably don't want to hear that, but this past weekend was living proof.
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