Month: April 2021

People thought that Westside Gunn would retire from rapping at the end of last year and focus on the other interests. This was due to a tweet he posted in September, in which he tweeted, “Only 3 more months left and I’m still at peace with my decision but this will be a dope 3 months I promise u that #FLYGOD.” But the rapper changed his mind at the beginning of the new year, saying there’s “more work to do” in his rap career. He even went ahead and announced his next album, which is entitled Hitler Wears Hermes 8: Sincerely Adolf.

With the full-length effort very much en route, Westside shares his latest singles, “Julia Lang” and “TV Boy.” The former is named after the founder of the genderless lifestyle label VEERT. They also appear beside Westside in the track’s accompanying video, which sees the rapper, his crew, and Lang kicking it at a studio as the Griselda rapper lets off a string of sharp raps. As for “TV Boy,” the song boasts production from frequent collaborators Daringer and Beat Butcha, who help create a grimy track for Westside to strut his stuff.

You can listen to both tracks in the videos above.

On Thursday, Major League Baseball will have Opening Day as the 2021 season gets underway, and it will be the first regular season MLB games with fans in the stands since 2019, as stadiums around the country are open to a limited capacity of fans based on local guidelines. The one exception is in Texas, where the Rangers will open the season and have a full capacity of fans after Texas’ governor lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in the state.

Only the Rangers are opening the stadium all the way up, as the Astros will continue to operate at a limited capacity, and while they will require masks it is far from the suggestion of the CDC for how to handle events under current guidelines as the vaccine rollout continues across the country. On Wednesday night, ESPN aired an interview with president Joe Biden in which Sage Steele asked him about the Rangers allowing a full stadium of fans, and he didn’t mince words about his feelings on the matter.

“That’s a decision they’ve made, I think it’s a mistake,” Biden said. “They should listen to Dr. Fauci and the scientists and the experts, but I think it’s not responsible.”

Other topics broached in the interview were the vaccine rollout, Biden encouraging people who have concerns to get the vaccine, and him offering his support should Major League Baseball decide to pull its All-Star Game out of Atlanta due to the new voter restriction laws that were passed in Georgia, which Biden called “Jim Crow on steroids.” Eventually, Biden hopes to get back to full capacity stadiums, as he was asked about the NFL’s plan which he mentions is months out and offers at least more time for the vast majority of the population to get vaccinated, but urges teams to follow the science and the recommendations of experts until we get to that point with limited capacities to limit another surge of the virus.

Atlanta’s Deante Hitchcock has been one of the most active hip-hop acts in 2021. The bulk of his work has came from his revived series New Atlanta Tuesdays, which sees him freestyling over new and old rap songs. He continued it today with a bars over Spillage Village’s “Baptize.” Just like the other songs in the series, Deante shares the new freestyle with an accompanying video. In the latest, the rapper can be found in hotel where talks to himself in the mirror before sitting fully-clothed in a tub full of water, once again impressing with his lyrical skills.

The freestyle is the fifth track Deante has dropped in 2021 as part of the new series. He began with bars over Lil Wayne’s “Let The Beat Build” and continued with a wild take on SpotemGottem’s “Beat Box.” Then he took on Drake’s No. 1 song, “What Next,” and his most recent saw him rapping over Outkast’s classic track “Roses,” off their 2004 album Speakerboxx/The Love Below.

Along with the string of freestyles, Deante has also teased a new album to be released in the near future. Until then, you can revisit his debut album, Better, which he released in 2020 and updated this year with a live version that came with videos of the performances.

You can listen to the freestyle in the video above.

There are moments as a parent that stand out, and there are moments as a human that stand out, and when those two realities converge, it makes for pure magic.

One such magical moment was captured and shared on TikTok and has been viewed by millions in just one day.

Master Sergeant Michael Fisher is an instructor with the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program. He has spent the past nine months sharing sweet videos on Tik Tok of himself and his adorable 1-year-old granddaughter, Abby, but yesterday he shared something completely different. In his official role as Master Sergeant, Fisher gave his son his first salute as a Second Lieutenant.

And as he explained the pride he felt, the emotion in his voice took us straight to his heart.

“I’ve watched you grow and mature and become the man that you are today,” he said. “You have always been respectful, by saying ‘Yes sir.’ ‘No sir.’ ‘Yes, ma’am.’ And ‘No, ma’am.’ A salute is a sign of respect. It is a privilege to render you your first salute.”

He raised his hand in salute, then added, his voice cracking, “But it is a greater honor to say ‘Congratulations, sir, on your commissioning.'”

The moment was clearly significant for this father and son for personal reasons, but it was also significant that it took place between two Black officers.

Though racial diversity is fairly representative of the general population in lower officer ranks of the military, the upper ranks are lacking in such diversity. In fact, the higher in pay grade you go, the more white the demographics become.

As this chart from the Defense Department shows, at the top of the pay grade for active enlistment officers, 92% are white and 5% are Black.

defense.gov

For the reserves, the trend is similar, with white officers making up 100% of the top pay grade.

defense.gov

As Master Sergeant, Michael Fisher is an upper-ranked non-commissioned officer. His son’s rank of Second Lieutenant is the first commissioned officer ranking. (This site has a breakdown of how the rankings work, and what the letters below the bars on the chart mean.)

The Defense Department’s own report acknowledges that racial minorities are underrepresented in both senior non-commissioned officer ranks and as well as higher commissioned officer ranks. The report also explains why that’s a problem:

“Appropriate representation of minorities in military leadership positions is increasingly important in the context of the nation’s demographic trends. The non-Hispanic White population is expected to decline from 199 million in 2020 to 179 million in 2060, while the rest of the U.S. population continues to grow. The population of people who are two or more races is projected to be the single fastest-growing racial or ethnic group, followed by Asian and Hispanic Americans. Thus, if military leaders are to mirror the racial and ethnic composition of the Service members they lead and the American public they serve, DoD must ensure that all Service members have access to opportunities to succeed and advance into leadership positions.”

Here’s hoping this new Second Lieutenant will have every opportunity to rise in the officer ranks, if he so chooses.

Meanwhile, we’ll watch this video a few more times and just for the feels. There’s something about someone in uniform in a formal situation trying to hold it together that just tugs at the heartstrings every time. And seeing this career military man honoring his son with his first salute as an officer—and hearing his voice break as he does so—it’s just so touching.

Thank you, Master Sergeant Fisher and Second Lieutenant son, for your dutiful service.

The Philadelphia 76ers have spent much of the month post All-Star playing without the services of Joel Embiid. Embiid missed their first game after All Star due to contact tracing after he and Ben Simmons’ barber tested positive, and in his first game after that he suffered a knee injury that, happily, wasn’t as severe as it appeared.

Still, the Sixers have been cautious in making sure he isn’t rushing back and he has missed the last three weeks of action. On Wednesday there was some good news on the Embiid front as Shams Charania reported that, barring a setback, Embiid will make his return to the court on Saturday night against the Timberwolves.

We will have to await official word from Doc Rivers and the Sixers to confirm, and it will likely be deemed a “gametime decision” in the lead up. But it’s great news that one of the MVP frontrunners prior to the injury is on his way back, and not a moment too soon for a Sixers team that just dropped back-to-back games to contenders in the Clippers and Nuggets. Still, Ben Simmons and company managed to keep Philly in a tie atop the East by going 6-3 in their star big man’s absence — with one more game they should win against the Cavs to come before his return against Minnesota.

March 31 is a day that will forever remembered in hip-hop history: On that date in 2019, Nipsey Hussle was tragically shot and killed at his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles. His death shook the music world, leaving many to grieve a loss that came at the height of his career. On the two-year anniversary, his longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, took to Instagram to honor him.

“The Day Of Ermias’ transition changed the course of my life forever,” she wrote in the post. “2 years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time. Grief and Healing have been constant companions on this journey.” She added, “In Honor of His life and demonstration… May all of Heaven exalt Your name for all You did on Earth and beyond. Brave and Beloved Soul, Ermias. You are missed deeply. You are loved immensely. You will forever be. I love you eternally,” before signing off on the message with “Your Boogie (blue heart emoji).”

A few weeks ago London shared the special contribution she made to Nipsey’s debut album, Victory Lap. “Fun fact: the voice that says ‘victory lap’ on the album is me,” she said in a post to her Instagram story. London can also be heard on another of the album’s tracks, “Real Big.”

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

Before The New York Times revealed the Department of Justice was investigating him over a sexual relationship with an underage girl, Matt Gaetz had other big news: He was thinking of leaving Congress. What would he do? Become a TV pundit, obviously. He initially just floated Newsmax as a possible new home, but he later told The Daily Beast he had talked to other far right outlets, such as OANN, even Fox News. The latter, at least, shut that down, saying they’re just not that into him.

“No one with any level of authority has had conversations with Matt Gaetz for any of our platforms and we have no interest in hiring him,” a Fox News spokesperson told publication, not mincing words.

Gaetz had suggested otherwise. “There is not a single conservative television station I haven’t had a passing conversation with about life after Congress,” he bragged to The Daily Beast. “I have neither received nor solicited offers from any of them. But yes, I’ve talked to either executives, producers or hosts at Newsmax, OAN, Fox, Fox Business, Real America’s Voice and probably others I’m forgetting in this moment as I focus intently on refuting false accusations against me.”

He might be busy with that for a while. On Tuesday night, a few hours after the New York Times piece broke the story, he went on Tucker Carlson Tonight to tell his side of the story — a side that involved a convoluted tale of extortion involving the FBI. Even Carlson didn’t seem to buy it, not the least because his guest, in the middle of one of his long monologues, suddenly brought up 20-year-old accusations he’d faced involving sexual misconduct — allegations Carlson was quick to shoot down as unfounded.

So maybe whatever happens, Gaetz will rebound at Newsmax or OANN — provided they aren’t sued out of existence by Dominion Voting Systems for spreading misinformation about the 2020 election.

(Via The Daily Beast)

Social media has spent the last day relentlessly dragging Matt Gaetz, who has spent the last handful of months being investigated over an alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old. But they took a break because Ben Shapiro said something. The far right commentator and incorrigible speed-talker weighed in on the controversial election laws recently passed by Georgia Republicans, which have been seen as blatant attempt to suppress Democratic votes. He, of course, didn’t think they were a big deal, even bizarrely comparing infamously long Election Day lines to waiting on rides at Disneyland.

On his Daily Wire show, Shapiro laid into critics of the laws, which has included such high profile figures as Tyler Perry, Mark Hamill, even Delta Airlines. Shapiro brushed off each critique, but paused when he got to the issue of long voting lines, which were frequently documented during November’s election and which sometimes see voters waiting more than 10 hours just to cast a ballot.

More than 10 hours? Big deal, thought Shapiro. “Voter suppression doesn’t involve long lines, any more than long lines at Disneyland are ride suppression,” he averred.

Shapiro, of course, didn’t even allude to the epic length of some voting lines. So some people reminded him.

Others pointed out that he was employing one of the most popular argumentative tricks among conservatives: create a false equivalency.

People cracked other holes in his logic.

Some mocked him doing an “Ayone? Bueller? Bueller?” while recording a podcast in a room by himself.

And there were plenty of height jokes, which fair enough. (He’s claimed he’s 5’9, which he definitely is not.)

And there were other jokes.

And there were some who resented the idea of every month or so having to remember the existence of Ben Shapiro.

In a little under two weeks, Brockhampton will release their seventh album, Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine. It’s a project that their fans have spent months waiting for, even guessing its title thanks to a helpful hint from the band’s head producer, Romil Hemnani. Brockhampton finally announced it would drop on April 9, and as that date gets closer and closer, the group returned with the album’s tracklist.

Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine comes equipped with 13 songs as well as features from Danny Brown, ASAP Rocky, ASAP Ferg, Charlie Wilson Sogone Soflex, Jpegmafia, and Baird. The news comes mere hours after the group revealed they would release two albums in 2021 before calling it quits. Brockhampton’s lead vocalist, Kevin Abstract, shared the news on Twitter, writing, “2 brockhampton albums in 2021 – these will be our last.” He also said there was more on the way. “New single tmrw night [presumably Friday at midnight]. Summer time vibes,” he revealed. “Ride around with the windows down with ya best friend singing super loud to the chorus type vibe – shows the other side of the album. See Yal tmrw.”

You can check out the full tracklist below:

1. “Buzzcut” (Feat. Danny Brown)
2. “Chain On” (Feat. Jpegmafia)
3. “Count On Me”
4. “Bankroll” (Feat. ASAP Rocky And A$ASAP Ferg)
5. “The Light”
6. “Windows” (Feat. Sogone Soflex)
7. “I’ll Take You On” (Feat. Charlie Wilson)
8. “Old News (Feat. Baird)
9. “What’s The Occasion?”
10. “When I Ball”
11. “Don’t Shoot Up The Party”
12. “Dear Lord”
13. “The Light Pt. II”

Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine is out 4/9 on Question Everything/RCA Records. You can pre-order a limited edition box set here.

Dick Van Dyke has always been known for being an affable, warm-hearted man in a business that’s often defined by the difficult and self-absorbed. Lately, he’s developed quite the reputation of being incredibly youthful for the ripe old age of 95.

Recently, he was captured singing “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” from his film of the same name at a deli.

Two years ago, he was captured dancing in a department store.

Here’s Van Dyke dancing to “Step in Time” from “Mary Poppins” at 90.

Dick Van Dyke Dancing age 90

www.youtube.com

Van Dyke is best known for playing Burt the chimney sweep in Disney’s 1965 classic “Mary Poppins” but has had a long, storied career which includes his groundbreaking ’60s sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and the films “Bye Bye Birdie” and “A Night at the Museum.”

In his memoir “Keep Moving” he says that the love of dance has kept him young. “If I am out shopping and hear music playing in a store, I start to dance,” he writes. “If I want to sing, I sing. I read books and get excited about new ideas. I enjoy myself. I don’t think about the way I am supposed to act at my age — or at any age.”

Van Dyke is impressing people again, this time with his generosity, although he probably didn’t want anyone to know. On Tuesday afternoon he was caught by a cameraman handing out wads of cash to job seekers at the Malibu Community Labor Exchange in Los Angeles.

According to its website, The Malibu Community Labor Exchange is “a community-created nonprofit organization that provides an organized and supportive place for the people of Malibu to hire and be hired, creating opportunities for the unemployed to build independence and self-sufficiency through work.”

Malibu is an extremely affluent beachside community that’s known for being a laid-back enclave that caters to celebrities.

Van Dyke stunned the job seekers by pulling up in his car and passing out cash to the people waiting in line.

The actor’s generosity comes at a time when many are experiencing hard times due to the COVID-19 virus.

It’s unknown how much money that he handed out, but photos taken at the Labor Exchange showed the recipients were excited to see him. The actor wore track pants, sneakers, a green fleece jacket, and a kiss-patterned face mask for protection.

Van Dyke is no stranger to giving back to the community. For over 20 years he has worked as a volunteer at Los Angeles’ century-old shelter, The Midnight Mission. He has also been a spokesperson for the National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation and the Cell therapy Foundation.

Recently, Van Dyke has worked as a consultant on Disney’s “Wandavision” which plays homage to “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” He’s also recently appeared in “Mary Poppins Returns” and the TV series “Kidding,” alongside Jim Carrey.