Month: February 2021

Can we get a round of applause for Nikki Fried, the Florida Agriculture Commissioner? On Monday, she stood up and defied an order from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to fly flags at half-staff when Rush Limbaugh’s body is laid to rest.

“Once the date of interment for Rush is announced, we’re going to be lowering the flags to half-staff,” DeSantis said Friday at a news conference, adding the honor is “what we do when there’s things of this magnitude.”

Limbaugh, 70, died of complications from lung cancer last week.

Giving Limbaugh the honor of having flags flown half-staff is controversial given his six-decade career of fanning the flames of intolerance. Limbaugh is believed to be one of the architects of modern conservatism and did so by making targets of people of color, women, and the LGBT community.

Back in the ’80s, Limbaugh celebrated the deaths of gay men from AIDS with a bit on the show called the “AIDS Update.” He aired a parody song called “Barack, the Magic Negro,” after Barack Obama announced he was running for president in 2007.

Limbaugh was also a fierce critic of feminism, saying it was “established so as to allow unattractive women access to the mainstream of society.” He also popularized the derogatory term “Feminazi.”

Recently, he championed the conspiracy theory that Joe Biden didn’t win the 2020 election.

Democratic Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz called the governor’s decision, “an embarrassment to Florida.”

“Rush Limbaugh weaponized his platform to spread racism, xenophobia and homophobia across the nation,” she said in a tweet. “His constant hateful rhetoric caused untold damage to our political landscape.”

The move was also against the state’s flag protocol which says it should be flown at half-staff “in the event of the death of a present or former official of the Florida State government or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from Florida who dies while serving on active duty.”

Fried’s decision is a harsh, but deserving rebuke of DeSantis and Limbaugh, an opportunist whose life should not be celebrated.

“Lowering to half-staff the flag of the United States of America is a sacred honor that pays respect to fallen heroes and patriots. It is not a partisan political tool. Therefore, I will notify all state offices under my direction to disregard the Governor’s forthcoming order to lower flags for Mr. Limbaugh – because we will not celebrate hate speech, bigotry, and division,” she said in a statement.

“Lowering the flag should always reflect unity, not division, and raising our standards, not lowering them. Our flags will remain flying high to celebrate the American values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all,” she continued.

Desantis’ decision to commemorate Limbaugh after his death is an attempt to legitimize a man whose divisive politics and intolerance should never be accepted. Fried is brave to step up and condemn the decision at a time when many would be quiet out of respect to the recently deceased.

But why does anyone owe Limbaugh respect in death given how he behaved in life?

Back in January, Saweetie tapped Doja Cat for the joint single “Best Friend,” a sizzling celebration of every woman’s irreplaceable partner-in-crime. Now to future promote their track, Saweetie and Doja Cat have partnered with Telsa to gift a Model S car to a few lucky fans in a giveaway contest.

Announcing the official “Bestie In A Tessie” giveaway in a video posted to Instagram, Saweetie shared the news. “I am doing a huge giveaway. I’m not only giving away one, but two brand-new Teslas,” she said. “They’re sleek, they’re sexy, and they’re hella spacious.”

Speaking about her decision to hold the giveaway, Saweetie said: “My Icy family has shown so much love towards the ‘Best Friend’ track and I’m hyped to return the love to two lucky fans with these two Teslas.”

While Saweetie’s most recent collaboration was with Doja Cat, it seems as though the rapper may be collaborating with another groundbreaking hip-hop artist. Earlier this month, Cardi B’s sister Hennessy spilled some news about a possible joint track with Saweetie. According to Hennessy, Cardi and Saweetie’s managers are in talks about a mysterious project that the two are working on, meaning that a new single could be on the way.

See Saweetie’s official announcement above.

The contest winners will be announced 4/16. Enter the giveaway here.

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

Justin Bieber released a new album last year, Changes, which wasn’t my favorite thing from the pop star because it didn’t really seem to indicate much change. But you know what does? The new music he’s released since then, a stream of singles like “Holy,” Lonely,” and “Anyone” that are moving, melodic, and portray a more mature singer who is grappling with his past while looking toward the future. Personal growth, we love to see it — especially in massive celebrities.

Anyway, it’s unclear if these new songs are leading toward a larger release, but we did get a chance to see Bieber try them out live today during a special livestream performance he did as part of Spotify’s Stream On event. It was a huge day for the streaming platform who announced a series of new initiatives, including a new Hi-Fi lossless streaming tier and an exclusive podcast co-hosted by Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama.

Back to Justin, he kicks off the medley with “Holy,” which has major worship band vibes in the best way (though no sign of Chance The Rapper is sad), then moves into an alien landscape VR backdrop for the heart-tugging “Lonely,” complete with a very cool AutoTuned breakdown and dance block from Bieber at the end. Finally, his band rejoins for a performance against a backdrop of blue waves and smoke for “Anyone.” Aside from being a great chance to hear these songs live, the set is also a model for what livestream shows could look like in the future: Great visuals, shorter sets, and a live band accompanying. Watch the performance above.

After the Supreme Court issued a one-line ruling allowing New York state prosecutors access to Donald Trump‘s personal tax returns on Monday, the former president lashed out in a frothing statement that would’ve been right at home on his now-banned Twitter account. In a lengthy rant actually titled, “Statement on the Continuing Political Persecution of President Donald J. Trump,” the one-term Commander in Chief accused state prosecutors of “headhunting” by trying to “take down their political opponents” like they do in “third-world countries.”

Despite personally picking at three of the current justices sitting on the Supreme Court, Trump called the decision to open his tax records “fascism” as he launched into his signature style of playing the martyr. He even found time to fit in the “Big Lie” that he actually won the 2020 election, which he did not. Via Mediaite:

The Supreme Court never should have let this “fishing expedition” happen, but they did. This is something which has never happened to a President before, it is all Democrat-inspired in a totally Democrat location, New York City and State, completely controlled and dominated by a heavily reported enemy of mine, Governor Andrew Cuomo. These are attacks by Democrats willing to do anything to stop the almost 75 million people (the most votes, by far, ever gotten by a sitting president) who voted for me in the election—an election which many people, and experts, feel that I won. I agree!

Obviously, the SCOTUS decision has Trump rattled, and according to his former attorney/fixer Michael Cohen, the defeated president should be worried. While discussing Trump’s tax records on MSNBC, Cohen said the real estate mogul should look into a “custom made jumpsuit, because it does not look good for him.”

You can watch Cohen’s remarks below:

(Via Mediaite)

High alcohol beers like old ales, strong ales, and rich, robust, warming beers are currently having their day in the sun. In part because it’s been cold lately. And in part because… well, just about everything has left us in need of a few extra ABVs.

What is an old ale, you ask? Technically, an old ale is one of the offshoots of the strong ale family. These beers are rich, malty, and usually pretty dark in appearance. They’re typically on the very high end of the ABV range (for beer) and vatted to really let the flavors sharpen.

“It’s a traditional English old ale style with some sweetness, malt, dark fruits, and little bitterness to balance it out,” explains Isaac Rice, lead bartender at Urban Farmer in Philadelphia. “This rich style beer is great for cold weather, but still has some welcome fruit characteristics like figs and raisins.”

To find the best old ales, strong ales, and other warming beers to drink as winter closes out, we asked a handful of our favorite bartenders for their picks. Check them below and stay toasty until the eventual winter thaw.

Founders Curmudgeon

Andy Printy, beverage director at Chao Baan in St. Louis

Founders Curmudgeon is one of the few I’m familiar with in this category. It’s brewed with molasses and then aged in oak barrels. It’s malty and has a lot of rustic dark fruit and sweet lumber. With the near 10% ABV, it almost drinks as a barley wine, so pace yourself.

Average Price: $12 for a six-pack

Delirium Tremens Noel

Charles Hardwick, former bartender at The Aviary in New York City

Delirium Tremens Noel. Great on the tongue, long malty finish, a great balance of fruit and spiciness. Lively yet warming to the insides. A good fireside quaff.

Average Price: $24.49 for a 4-pack

Cigar City Opal

Anthony Aviles, general manager at Jack Dusty in Sarasota, Florida

Cigar City Opal – a reddish color that is almost hazy as it pours. It’s malty and super-rich but very light on the palate. Although it has baking spice flavors such as vanilla, toffee, etc. it doesn’t coat your mouth after each sip making for the perfect winter beverage.

Average Price: Currently unavailable

Old Speckled Hen

Daniel Burns, bartender at Elixir in San Francisco

Old Speckled Hen is one of my favorite beers of all time. It’s best on draft — where you can taste the full effect of the nitrogen pour. It’s got a creamy texture with earthy caramel flavors makes it a great rainy day pint.

Average Price: $10.99 for a six-pack

Bell’s Third Coast Old Ale

Aaron Polsky, founder of LiveWire Drinks in Los Angeles

I must be getting old, because this is another genre that I’m out of the loop on, but if I were blind-shopping at a store I would definitely go with Bell’s, another brewery that only puts out incredible beers. The one old ale that I know they make is Third Coast. It’s rich, malty, and full of warming caramel flavor perfect for winter drinking.

Average Price: $14.99 for a six-pack

Theakston Old Peculiar

Frederic Yarm, USBG bartender in Boston

Theakston’s Old Peculiar is an amazing match to winter with its darker and dried fruit notes. I find chocolate, raisin, cherry, toffee, nutty, and licorice flavors with an earthy, herbal finish that feels akin to a Belgian Dubbel.

Average Price: $14.99 for a six-pack

Smuttynose Really Old Brown Dog

Benjamin Pozar, bartender at Fogo de Chao in Philadelphia

Smuttynose Really Old Brown Dog fits the bill for this one. It has a delightfully dark character of caramel toffee and dried red fruits. It might be a brown ale, but the high alcohol and malty, rich flavor ticks all the old ale boxes.

Average Price: $9.99 for a Six-pack

Cigar City Big Sound

Denise Padin’ Cuevas, bartender at Siro Urban Italian Kitchen in Orlando

Cigar City Big Sound Bourbon Barrell Aged Scotch Ale. It is made in Tampa and is dark with sweet toffee notes and finishes with flavors of caramel and malt. It is one of my favorite winter beers. Technically a Scotch ale, it’s definitely in the strong ale family.

Average Price: Gift Set for $49.99

Writer’s Picks:

Harviestoun Ola Dubh 12

This 8% ABV Scottish old ale is matured in Highland Park whisky barrels. The result is a warming beer with hints of milk chocolate, sweet caramel, and roasted malts, perfectly suited for cold-weather drinking.

Average Price: $11.99 for a 12-ounce bottle

North Coast Old Stock Ale

This is a bold, warming winter beer. It’s 10.2% ABV and brewed with malts and hops, all imported from England to give it an authentic British-style flavor with hints of sticky toffee pudding, figs, and buttery caramel.

Average Price: $12.99 for a 4-pack

Great Divide Hibernation Ale

This aptly named beer pretty much sums up how we wish we could spend the winter months. Since we can’t make like a bear and sleep until spring, we’ll drink this warming, malty, rich, caramel-filled brew instead.

Average Price: $9.99 for a six-pack

Founders Curmudgeon’s Better Half

This sequel to the popular curmudgeon ramps up the flavor by aging it in bourbon casks that once housed maple syrup. The result is a richer, sweeter, maple candy-filled old ale.

Average Price: $18.49 for a 4-pack

With lockdowns being lifted in various cities across the country, businesses are beginning to open back up — including casinos. Young Thug traveled to Las Vegas over the weekend to indulge in the now-open casinos, much to the disappointment of his wallet. After a weekend of gambling, Thugger said he was out over $800,000.

The rapper took to social media to reveal how much money he lost in Las Vegas. “Man, Vegas just won $800,000 from me, man,” Thugger said in a selfie video posted to his Instagram Stories. “Man I threw liquor everywhere in the motherf*cker.”

While the rapper managed to lose the equivalent of a luxury home in just one night, Thugger estimated that he was losing much more than that at the beginning of the pandemic. At the time the live music industry shut down, Thugger was bringing home hundreds of thousands of dollars per show. “The money that I get for the shows — let’s just say I get 500,000 — if I don’t do these ten shows, that’s 5 M’s,” he said in an April interview with Big Boy. “Then I don’t make five million til June, and then I might spend a million, I might spend two million just on this quarantine sh*t.”

See Thugger address his losses above.

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

Draymond Green was the center of a bit of controversy on Saturday night, as he got ejected with 10 seconds to play after picking up two technical fouls while arguing the officials decision to grant Charlotte a timeout when he thought he had forced a jump ball.

At the time, Golden State was up 100-98, but after the two technical free throws by Terry Rozier, it was a tie game, the Warriors were without their best defender, and Charlotte had the ball with a chance to win and plenty of time to dial up a winner. Rozier did just that, hitting a tough fading jumper from the left corner to give the Hornets a 102-100 win. After the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Green “crossed the line” and earned his ejection, which was a pivotal moment in the closing seconds.

On Monday, Green spoke with reporters and agreed with his coach, noting that as he’s moved away from the emotions of the moment, he’s recognized that he was “dead-ass wrong” to pick up the second technical and get tossed, via NBC Sports Bay Area.

“It’s changed over the past couple days,” Green told reporters Monday about his perspective on the end-of-game incident. “I’d say immediately after that game I was kind of pissed off, just on my feelings on the whole situation, on how the first tech went down more so than the second tech were my initial feelings. Anger that came from the situation. As I sat and I thought about the situation and reassessed as I had time to let the whole thing marinate and digest — I was dead-ass wrong. And not that I was wrong, like I said, for the first tech per se, but once I had the first tech I can’t get the second tech. So I was a bit disappointed. I’m still a bit disappointed in myself because I think that whole situation bothered me. I know for sure it did.”

It’s good to see Green show this kind of perspective and while it doesn’t exactly help the Warriors immediately, it’s clear that Green recognizes that he has to find a way to rein in his emotions in critical moments and, once he’s picked up that first T, he can’t keep going and earn a second to get tossed (and in this case, give Charlotte free throws to tie the game).

After his breakout 2020 album Live Forever put him on the map as a welcome force in the world of indie rock, Bartees Strange has been steadily gaining more and more fans due to his eclectic mix of rambunctious punk, tender R&B, and even country-leaning tinges that might be credited to his Oklahoma roots. Bartees Strange is a band anchored by their namesake, Bartees Cox, who serves as the primary songwriter and frontman for the group.

Co-signed not just by Uproxx, but by renowned tastemaker NPR, the band was invited to participate in one of the radio platform’s signature Tiny Desk concerts. Due to recent safety concerns because of COVID-19, however, this show is part of a subseries that was filmed at home, and for this band that means they’re streaming to you from a Washington, DC basement. There’s no tiny desk in the shot, but plenty of instruments and plants, as the basement setting is actually where the band practices IRL.

Whipping through a medley of songs off Live Forever, the band kicks off with “Boomer” before moving into “Mustang,” followed by “In A Cab” and finishing the set out with “Flagey God.” In some brief banter in between songs, Bartees also recommends some music he’s been enjoying, by Yves Tumor and Aaron Dessner. Though we can’t go to a Bartees Strange live show for a few more months now — or maybe even until next year — this Tiny Desk show is a nice holdover. Check it out above.

Few cities are as obsessed with protecting the architectural identity of their cityscape as San Francisco. It’s why even the brand new buildings in the city retain San Francisco’s iconic Victorian-inspired bay windows, and why someone in the city thought it would be cool to move a 139-year-old Victorian House six blocks from its original location rather than let it get destroyed. According to NBC News, The Englander House, one of the city’s many historic buildings, was moved from its original location of 807 Franklin St. to 635 Fulton St. this weekend, traveling through the dense streets of San Francisco at a pace of one mile per hour.

If you’ve spent any time in San Francisco you probably have exactly two thoughts: 1). Of course, this happened in San Francisco (LA would’ve just blown it up) and 2.) How?! San Francisco is built on over 40 hills, so how exactly does anyone manage to move a six-bedroom two-story 139-year-old house a quarter-mile across that kind of terrain?

Phil Joy oversaw the big move and told the San Francisco Chronicle that the whole process took years to plan and required 15 different city agencies to agree, and the removal of signs, trees, and other obstacles. The move cost the home’s owner $400,000 in moving costs and fees, which sounds surprisingly cheap to move an 80-foot-long house. A 48-unit, eight-story complex will be built on the house’s old site, and the Englander will be turned into a 17 unit building at its new location.

Check out a time-lapse of the move below as well as some alternate angles.

Killer Mike, who recently closed his Atlanta barbershop due to safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is delaying re-opening the shop after a nearby shooting damaged the windows. However, in the social media post announcing the delay, he clarified that the shop was not the target of the shooting, blaming it on “Black men who could not shoot for sh*t.” He also stated he wasn’t upset, but indirectly admonished the perpetrators to think about the consequences of their actions.

“Last night at 1am (non biz hours) while I was in the booth I got a call ‘Mike the OG Store windows were shot out,’” he explained. “It was not a personal attack but it was black men who cud not shoot for shit shooting at one another. I am not upset as property can be replaced. I am sorry to my customers as this will continue pause the re launch of the OG SWAG Shop barber Shop & store. I wanna say to the brothers tho: Please consider what would have happened if one of y’all actually hit one another. The jail, the lawyer fees, the funeral cost and two black families loss. I’m glad y’all cud not hit the side of a barn with a shot gun cuz this am y’all all are alive.”

Mike recently appeared on ESPN to talk about the importance of ownership and financial responsibility, explaining how seeds planted by prior generations of his family allowed him the economic freedom to expand the family’s wealth. He also recently launched his Greenwood digital banking platform to help give other Black people access to the same wealth-building tools and expanded his business interests into the world of cannabis alongside his Run The Jewels partner El-P.