Month: July 2020

It’s an exciting time for Hannibal fans. With the show now streaming on Netflix, and during a time when audiences are still predominantly stuck at home, there’s a palpable sense of renewed interest in the psycho-thriller food-porn series that was abruptly axed by NBC back in 2015 after its third season.

While fielding questions from Collider on what it would take to make a fourth season happen, Hannibal creator and showrunner Bryan Fuller spoke candidly about his efforts to jump start the show again. While revealing that the rights to the Hannibal characters is somewhat of an issue, the biggest struggle has been getting another network to bite on reviving the show. According to fuller, the cast (including stars Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy) is ready to go, so it’s just a matter of scoring that green light. However, Fuller seems particularly optimistic now that the series is streaming on Netflix, which he hopes sparks enough interest to bring the show back:

I’ve knocked on every door and rang every bell. Martha [De Laurentis] and I, every couple of years, pick up our bags and go door to door and see if anybody’s interested in revisiting. The biggest hurdle is that we were somebody else’s show. What I love about Netflix platforming the show now is there’s an opportunity for it to be seen as a Netflix show and maybe that will reconfigure their appetite, so to speak. But nobody has said anything to me, and believe me, like the nickel hooker on the red light district I am hanging out the window, waving my legs. They know I’m ready.

Of course, Hannibal fans should be aware that Fuller has been talking about his season four hopes for several years. The showrunner also has a reputation for signing onto new series only to abandon them over “creative differences.” He made an ugly exit from American Gods, and he walked away from Star Trek: Discovery before production on the first season even began. But if Hannibal is proving to be an audience draw on Netflix, which is known for giving its creators plenty of creative space, that could be just the right recipe for the long-awaited revival.

(Via Collider)

A dozen foreign language films have been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, including Babel and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but only one has won: Parasite, earlier this year (even if it feels like nine years ago). It was the second consecutive year that a non-English-language movie was nominated for the Academy’s biggest prize after Roma, and according to Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos, Parasite wouldn’t have won without Alfonso Cuarón’s black-and-white stunner paving the way.

“I think Roma had a lot to do with that for Parasite this year. I think the idea that a foreign-language film had 10 Oscar nominations and won three, and the crossover awards categories for foreign-language film, I think really opened the door for Parasite to be as successful as it was,” Sarandos told Variety. He also believes that Netflix’s Okja, from Parasite director-writer Bong Joon-ho, made people “more receptive” to Korean films:

In this year’s second quarter, the share of non-English content viewing rose 33% in the U.S. from the previous year, per Netflix, a metric that controls for factors such as subscriber growth and higher viewing during the pandemic.

Sarandos is making a big claim here, that Netflix played a key role in raising the profile of foreign-language films (looking forward to Criterion’s response!). But I think we can all agree on one thing: Polish erotic thriller 365 Days is going to win Best Picture next year.

(Via Variety)

The best new hip-hop albums coming out this week include projects from Benny, Black Thought, Dai Burger, Drewboy, Shoreline Mafia, and Sleepy Hallow.

With the summer in full swing, it seems any number of rising artists are throwing caution to the breeze to release projects into the ongoing climate of uncertainty, just to maintain some semblance of normality. With touring frozen, many artists are relying on streams from a fickle audience that listens for a week or two and moves on, which may seem like an untenable prospect.

However, with the relative dearth of big names dropping into the normally packed season while promo plans are on hold, this may be the perfect time for newcomers and talents on the cusp to finally make a mark and build the groundswell to become certified stars when the shows are back on. The names above vary from underrated vets (Black Thought) to hungry rookies (Sleepy Hallow), but all are worth checking out.

Here are all the best new hip-hop albums coming out this week.

Benny Presents Black Soprano Family — The Respected Sopranos

Despite being the only member of the core Griselda Records trio without at least an EP release out so far this year, Benny cedes his spotlight here to his BSF labelmates Heem, Jonesy, Loveboat Luciano, and Ricky Hyde. The quintet is overseen by DJ Drama and his classic Gangsta Grillz series drops, while the production on singles “Da Mob” and “It’s Over” seemingly promise a similar experience to the grimy, soulful, throwback sounds Griselda fans have become accustomed to.

Black Thought — Streams Of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane And Abel [EP]

The latest installment of Black Thought’s Streams Of Thought series arrives amid some truly horrible news for The Roots founder and lead MC. His fellow Roots crew member Malik B has passed away, leaving Thought to reflect on how his friendly rivalry with his partner-in-rhyme helped turn him into one of the best rappers in the game, hands down. He’ll continue to earn that reputation here, over beats produced by Sean C.

Dai Burger — Dessert [EP]

We last heard from unapologetic New Yorker Dai Burger in 2019 with the release of her sophomore studio album, Bite The Burger. While Dai Burger is still simmering just below the surface of New York’s mainstream rap scene, she’s got all the tools to become one of the genre’s star attractions. Dessert once against finds her wisecracking her way over some truly undeniable beats, while dropping the occasional insightful gem in the process.

Drewboy — Personality

A new-ish rapper hailing from the streets of Philadelphia, Drewboy’s high-energy freestyles captured the attention of fellow native Meek Mill, as well as Meek’s MMG business partner Rick Ross, who reportedly expressed interest in signing the rowdy youngster after meeting him at a local radio station. Drewboy is still a largely unproven talent but with aspirations to trade bars with DaBaby, he certainly has the energy to attract — and keep — the attention needed for survival in the once-again raucous rap scene.

Shoreline Mafia — Mafia Bidness

After bubbling on the West Coast underground circuit for the past four years, the party rap quartet is finally releasing their major-label debut this weekend, a culmination of three mixtapes, a set of wild tours and festival appearances, and a burgeoning fan base thirsty for more of their hedonistic, just left-of-gangsta-style raps. With Fenix Flexin apparently returning to the fold alongside Master Kato, OhGeesy, and Rob Vicious, they appear to once again be at full strength and ready to keep the turn-up turning up with their debut, which features 03 Greedo, Drakeo The Ruler, Duke Deuce, Lil Yachty, Wiz Khalifa, and YG, among others.

Sleepy Hallow — The Black House [EP]

Debuting earlier this year with Sleepy For President, the Brooklyn drill MC is working to keep the momentum from his driving studio album introduction going — along with seizing some of the attention the drill scene has received since Pop Smoke’s breakout, death, and posthumous album release. Fellow drill star Sheff G appears twice on the five-track EP, which also features Jay Guwapo and “Don’t Panic 2,” the sequel to one of his President-ial standouts.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

A.G. Cook may not be a household name, but he’s the mastermind behind some of today’s biggest releases. Most notably, the producer worked with Charli XCX for her recent quarantine album How I’m Feeling Now and her acclaimed effort Pop 2, as well as Jónsi’s upcoming LP Shiver. Highly prolific, Cook debuted the short EP Airhorn last month under the moniker DJ Lifeline and now he’s gearing up for an even bigger project.

On Thursday, Cook shared the 7-minute chilled-out megamix “7G” and announced an eponymous release. Per his sound, 7G is nothing but conventional. Keeping in line with the number seven, 7G features seven discs, each with seven tracks which combine to form an impressive 49-song effort. Along with boasting some originals, 7G features remixes of songs by Taylor Swift, Sia, Smashing Pumpkins, Blur, and more. The producer also tapped well-known artists to lend vocals on the project like Caroline Polachek and Tommy Cash.

Listen to “7G” megamix above and see AG Cook’s 7G cover art and tracklist below.

Disc 1 – A. G. Drums
1. “A-Z”
2. “Acid Angel”
3. “H2O”
4. “Drum Solo”
5. “Nu Crush”
6. “Gemstone Break”
7. “Silver”

Disc 2 – A. G. Guitar
1. “Gold Leaf”
2. “Being Harsh”
3. “Undying”
4. “Drink Blood”
5. “Lil Song”
6. “Beetlebum” (Blur cover)
7. “Superstar (Live At Secret Sky)”

Disc 3 – A. G. Supersaw
1. “Mad Max”
2. “Illuminated Biker Gang”
3. “Soft Landing”
4. “Overheim”
5. “DJ Every Night”
6. “Car Keys”
7. “Dust”

Disc 4 – A. G. Piano
1. “Oracle”
2. “Note Velocity”
3. “Windows”
4. “Feeling”
5. “Waldhammer”
6. “Polyphloisboisterous”
7. “Anything Could Happen”

Disc 5 – A. G. Nord
1. “Behind Glass”
2. “Oohu”
3. “The Best Day” (Taylor Swift Cover)
4. “Triptych Demon”
5. “Official” (Charli XCX Cover)
6. “Crimson”
7. “Life Speed”

Disc 6 – A. G. Spoken Word
1. “Could It Be”
2. “The End Has No End” (The Strokes Cover)
3. “No Yeah”
4. “Green Beauty”
5. “Unreal”
6. “2021
7. “Hold On”

Disc 7 – A. G. Extreme Vocals
1. “Today” (Smashing Pumpkins Cover)
2. “Chandelier” (Sia Cover)
3. “Idyll” (Life Sim Cover)
4. “Show Me What”
5. “Somers Tape”
6. “Crimson And Clover” (Tommy James And Shondells Cover)
7. “Alright”

7G is out 8/12 via PC Music. Pre-order it here.

Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Johnny Depp’s libel trial against British tabloid The Sun (over an April 2018 article that labeled Depp as a “wife-beater”) has seen many jaw-dropping revelations over the past three weeks. Of particular relevance to this discussion are allegations that Amber Heard had an extramarital affair with Elon Musk. Although Musk and Heard later had a relationship, she denied the cheating allegations and pushed back at the long list of other male celebrities (including James Franco and Billy Bob Thornton) that Depp’s side raised as possibilities for other alleged affairs.

For days after the Musk allegations arose in court, the SpaceX CEO stayed silent, but over the weekend, the New York Times published a profile of Musk, who responded, “I definitely was not having an affair with Amber while she was married to Johnny, this is totally false.” A bit later, he added, “If Johnny wants a cage fight, just let me know,.”

Columnist Maureen Dowd noted that Musk appeared “mischievous” and giggled, so in all likelihood, he was joking and doesn’t really want to throw down in a Pay-Per-View fight, but hey, he could always rethink things, right? If that happens, then John Kavanagh — who coached former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor — will gladly sign up to train the Tesla titan.

“If you need a coach let me know @elonmusk,” tweeted Kavanagh. He then admitted, “I kinda hope he’d throw me a Tesla if I do a good job.”

Granted, this wouldn’t be a fair fight regardless of whether or not Musk specifically trained for the occasion. After all, Depp has been known to fall asleep while eating ice cream, so he’s probably not walking around in fighting shape. But you never know… Jack Sparrow could get scrappy.

Still, former Bodog Fight bantamweight champion Tara LaRosa tweeted support for Kavanagh’s idea, calling it “outstanding.” Yeah, this fight 99.99% will not happen, but maybe they’ll decide to do something tamer, like a flag-football match for charity or something.

Beyonce is at a level of fame where it’s not necessary for her to aggressively promote her work; If she puts out something new, the world will excitedly share the news for her. So, she doesn’t tend to give a ton of interviews or do a lot of promo. However, with Black Is King premiering tonight on Disney+, she decided to make a rare TV appearance to talk about the project.

She provided a pre-recorded clip of her talking about Black Is King to Good Morning America, which aired this morning. Between shots of her speaking from her home are some clips from the movie. Beyonce says in the video:

“Black Is King is finally here. I’m so excited you guys get to watch it tonight on Disney+. It’s been a year in the making. I worked with a diverse group of very gifted directors and actors and creatives from all over the world to re-imagine the story of The Lion King. The narrative unfolds through music videos, fashion, dance, beautiful natural settings, and raw, new talent.

But it all started in my backyard. So, from my house, to Johannesburg to Ghana to London to Belgium to the Grand Canyon, it was truly a journey to bring this film to life. And my hope for this film is that it shifts the global perception of the word ‘Black,’ which has always meant inspiration and love and strength and beauty to me. ‘Black Is King‘ means Black is regal and rich in history, in purpose, and in lineage. I hope y’all love it, I hope you enjoy, and I hope y’all see it tonight.”

Watch Beyonce’s Good Morning America appearance below.

While Kehlani is hard at work on the deluxe version of her latest album, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, the Bay Area singer attempted to keep fans sated with the release of the sexy video for her latest single, “Can I.” While the original version of the song features Tory Lanez, Kehlani announced on Twitter that his verse would be removed from the deluxe version of the album as a response to Tory allegedly shooting Megan Thee Stallion.

The video for “Can I” plays with the increased popularity of content-sharing sites like OnlyFans as Kehlani browses a webcam-esque site, showing love to the women whose videos she comes across. As the precautionary coronavirus lockdown affected average folks’ jobs, more and more women found sites such as these to be a valid alternative for income, leading to increased acceptance — at least on social media — and a huge shout-out from none other than Beyonce, prompting OnlyFans to reach out to the Houston singer to start an account.

Ironically, some of the most successful accounts haven’t been posting sexy photos, instead opting to provide fans business advice or exclusive musical content. However, sex always sells. The reputation of such content sites remains salacious, but thanks to co-signs from Beyonce and Kehlani, more and more fans are seeing that as a good thing.

Watch Kehlani’s “Can I” video.

Kehlani is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Unless you’re an essential worker, your work life is probably a mostly remote set up at this point. COVID-19 has caused us to ditch the cubicle and office environment for one that includes your bed, pets, kitchen, and bathroom. It’s kind of great, but… it gets old really fast.

You know what never gets old? The beautiful pink sandy beaches and rolling waves found on the island of Bermuda. And thanks to a new travel campaign, launching in tandem with the opening of the island’s international borders, your new office view for the next year could double as a vacation getaway. In an effort to jumpstart their economy, the island is offering full-year residencies for visitors 18 and over to work remotely while enjoying the island life in the wake of COVID-19.

“The trend towards remote working has been accelerated by COVID-19,” Bermuda’s Minister of Labour, Jason Hayward, said in a statement on the new initiative. “Visitors can reside in Bermuda without seeking employment on the island and will promote economic activity for our country without displacing Bermudians in the workforce.”

In addition, Bermuda is also lengthening its regular tourist visa from 90 to 180 days. So if a year away from the states sounds like a little too much time in paradise, you can just escape the stressful holiday season and head back home come 2021.

To qualify for a stay, you must be 18 or over, have health insurance, and proof of employment or enrollment in higher education, as well as pay a one-time registration fee of $263. Applications will officially open on August 1st.

UK crooner Jorja Smith first broke out onto the scene in 2018 with her highly-regarded debut record Lost & Found. The singer has since remained relatively quiet, returning in June with a silky-smooth cover of a jazz track for a compilation by renowned label Blue Note Records. Now, Smith has once again offered a track for a compilation, this time for Roc Nation’s benefit record Reprise.

Smith shared the compelling number “By Any Means” Thursday. The lead single for the social justice-oriented Reprise compilation, Smith’s track addresses the history of pain and oppression that has lead to today’s Black Lives Matter movement. “I can see the change, feel the heat of the fire / If you can feel the pain then you know you’re alive / Both feet on the line,” she sings.

In a statement about the track, Smith says: “The inspiration behind ‘By Any Means’ really came from going to the Black Lives Matter protest and leaving thinking, what can I do to keep this conversation going? It’s not just a post on social media, it’s life.”

Roc Nation’s upcoming Reprise release aims to raise awareness over issues of mass incarceration and racial injustices. Proceeds from the compilation will benefit the nonprofit organizations The Gathering for Justice, NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice, Equal Justice Initiative, and the Cop Accountability Project.

Listen to “By Any Means” above.

Incredibly, incarcerated Watts rapper 03 Greedo has yet another new project on the way despite being locked up for the past two years. Much of his post-imprisonment prolificacy is due to his pre-imprisonment productivity; Greedo’s collaborators have noted how quickly he records new songs, often speeding through in one take and moving onto the next. This impulse served him well upon receiving his sentence. He hit the studio with a succession of producers to record as many projects as he could to keep his fans fed during what may end up being a long time away.

The latest of those projects is Load It Up, Vol. 1, which is produced in its entirety by fellow LA native Ron-Ron, the driving force behind the city’s new wave of talent which includes Greedo, Drakeo The Ruler, and Shoreline Mafia. The pair introduced their new collaboration with lead single, “Home Vlone,” releasing a spooky visualizer to highlight the track’s eerie synths and distorted bass. It’s a late-night banger, the sort of track that fills the space in the party where it seems like things are winding up but no one’s quite ready to leave.

Greedo’s other post-incarceration projects include Netflix And Deal with Kenny Beats, Meet The Drummers with Travis Barker, and Still Summer In The Projects with Mustard.

Press play on 03 Greedo and Ron-Ron’s “Home Vlone” above.

Load It Up, Vol. 1 is due in August via Alamo Records.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary Warner Music Group.