Month: May 2021

“I haven’t done one of these in so f*cking long,” J. Cole says at the beginning of his recently released LA Leakers freestyle. You might not know it, as he displays an athletic flow to take on multiple generations of classic hip-hop beats. The freestyle begins with Cole spitting a sinewy verse over Souls Of Mischief’s Golden Era staple “93 Til Infinity” before DJs Justin Credible and Sour Milk switch the beat, pushing Cole to keep going over Mike Jones’s 2005 hit “Still Tippin.” He serves up a double-time flow that Twista would certainly approve of, with breath control that would bring a smile to Black Thought’s face.

Cole spoke on his improvement process in his documentary Applying Pressure: The Off-Season, as well as in his recent cover story for Slam magazine, comparing it to training for a basketball season — something he’d know plenty about, as he was apparently offered a training camp tryout by the Detroit Pistons and recently signed a multi-game contract for the new created Basketball Africa League’s Rwanda team. All this is in preparation to release his new album The Off-Season, the long-awaited follow-up to his 2018 album KOD, which releases on Friday, May 14.

Watch J. Cole’s LA Leakers freestyle above.

We’re less than a month away from the God of Mischief’s big return in Marvel’s Loki and if you weren’t already excited, a new poster revealed on the official twitter account is here to help. The poster depicts Loki (Tom Hiddleston) on the face of a clock, surrounded by three new characters, an image of his former princely self, and an animated clock that has left many more than a bit confused.

i hope this does not come off as dramatic but if i don’t know more about the friendly cartoon clock in the corner by the end of the day i will burn down a building https://t.co/uh4mLn6DLq

— Brian Grubb (@briancgrubb) May 12, 2021

Good news for curious parties (and innocent buildings), we’ve got answers for some of your questions, starting with “what’s with all the clocks?”

Much like WandaVision before it, the upcoming Loki mini-series is all about alternative dimensions and time. The show takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame, and follows the alternate version of Loki, who has created an entirely new timeline in an attempt to get the upper hand on his fate. However, not everyone is okay with that — including the Time Variance Authority.

The Time Variance Authority, or TVA, is the organization in the Marvel universe imbued with the power to monitor and eliminate timelines in order to ensure cross-dimensional peace. They are also responsible for disciplining those who tamper with time which, in this case, includes Loki, who is forced to work alongside the team in order to fix the various timelines.

The TVA is generally portrayed as comedically bureaucratic, as seen in Owen Wilson’s performance of the bureaus’ high-ranking Mobius M. Mobius in the trailer — which is almost as good as Tom Hiddleston’s 2013 impersonation of him. However, it doesn’t stop them from being pretty extreme, with soldiers known as “hunters” on their payroll, one of which is located to Loki’s left in the new poster. In addition to hunters and Mobius, the TVA is also comprised of judges such as Judge Ravonna Lexus Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who can be seen to the right of Loki and just above Mobius. It’s also worth noting that in the comics, Ravonna is romantically involved with Kang the Conqueror, who is slated to be the main villain in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and has close ties to the Fantastic Four — much like the TVA itself.

This, of course, leaves just the animated clock in the bottom with a big question mark over them. No, this is character is not part of a Cuphead crossover but is rather the TVA’s mascot, Miss Minutes! While not an established Marvel character, merchandise of Miss Minutes has already hit Amazon, confirming her identity. According to the listing, “Miss Minutes knows everything, even back to the beginning of time,” which sounds both fascinating and eerie.

Of course, this doesn’t answer all of your questions. We’ll have to wait until June 9 to see what lies ahead for our old pal Loki and phase four of the MCU. However, with all the time travel and cross-dimensional talk across nearly all of the MCU’s various stories, we’re certain Loki is a vital piece in a much bigger puzzle.

Loki will be available to stream starting June 9 over on Disney+.

The Biden administration was prevented from inserting a $15 per-hour federal minimum wage in its $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package in February due to a ruling by the Senate parliamentarian. It was the closest the federal government has come to raising the minimum wage to a level that activists have been fighting for over the past decade.

However, an unusual set of circumstances have aligned that could push the private sector into creating a de facto $15 minimum wage without any government mandate.

The restaurant business was shaken on Monday when Chipotle announced it was raising its current average wage of $13 an hour by another two dollars, bringing it to around $15. The change should be in full effect by June.

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The Newport Beach, California-based company currently has 2,800 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada and employs nearly 100,000 people. The chain is looking to expand by another 200 restaurants this year.

Chipotle made the move to get a competitive advantage over its fast-food rivals at a time when there is a labor shortage in the restaurant business. Many people in the industry lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and a lot of them aren’t returning due to low wages, childcare conflicts, closed schools, and an increase in unemployment benefits.

The restaurant chain believes that it can pay for the increase in labor costs by raising the prices of its food by a modest 3%.

Chipotle hopes that a pay raise along with new programs that put employees on track to become store managers within four years, earning an attractive $100,000 a year salary, will lure the best employees away from other chains.

“Wage inflation is real and employee availability is very tough and Chipotle is trying to stay ahead of the curve and maintain its human capital advantage by moving average wages to $15/hour by June,” explained Jefferies restaurant analyst Andy Barish in a research note to clients.

“This raises bigger questions as demand is surging and some people have left the industry and/or are on the ‘sidelines,’ given the current Federal unemployment supplements that run until September,” Barish added.

Chipotle’s move to stay ahead of the curve could prompt other businesses to raise their minimum wage to the $15 an hour range just to stay competitive.

A similar change is happening in the world of big-box retailers. Target and Amazon both upped their minimum wage to $15 an hour, pressuring Walmart to do so for about a third of its employees.

Chipotle’s decision shows how giving workers a raise can create a win-win situation for both owners and employees. Chipotle will now get to hire the cream of the crop when it comes to restaurant workers, and by implementing new programs that put workers on a management track, will also benefit from lower turnover.

It’s also a great business move because there are a lot of consumers who want to spend their money at businesses that take good care of their employees. The wage increase gives consumers another reason — besides the awesome guac —for people to choose Chipotle over other fast-casual Mexican restaurants.

This week on UPROXX Sessions, New Jersey “Anti-​Pop” rapper Dolo Tonight comes through to deliver a buoyant performance of his celebratory single, “Graduation.”

Dolo Tonight describes himself in one interview as “Bill Nye-meets-Cartoon Network-meets-a rapper, all in one” and that seems like a pretty fair summation. He’s got a bubbly, cheerful bent to his sound — he’s more Chance The Rapper than DMX — bopping along with a melodic flow and a smile on his face as he raps about regular guy situations like breakups and dropping out of school to pursue music (the impetus behind “Graduation”) rather than shootouts and illicit pharmaceutical sales. He might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but he was able to build enough of a following to pique the interest of producer Michael Ashby and secure a contract with Asylum.

Watch Dolo Tonight’s UPROXX Sessions performance of “Graduation” above.

UPROXX Sessions is Uproxx’s performance show featuring the hottest up-and-coming acts you should keep an eye on. Featuring creative direction from LA promotion collective, Ham On Everything, and taking place on our “bathroom” set designed and painted by Julian Gross, UPROXX Sessions is a showcase of some of our favorite performers, who just might soon be yours, too.

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

On Saturday, three of the all-time greats from the NBA’s modern era will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, as Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Kobe Bryant are enshrined in Springfield, along with Tamika Catchings, Kim Mulkey, Rudy Tomjanovich, and others. This particular Hall of Fame class has long been anticipated, but the ceremony will carry a special weight to it as an opportunity to once again honor the legacy of Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash last year.

Michael Jordan will serve as the current Hall of Famer inducting Bryant into the Hall, a fitting choice after we learned of their closeness at Bryant’s memorial service and Jordan recently revealed his final conversation with Kobe in which the two texted about family and Bryant’s coaching (with Kobe being incredibly on-brand and bragging about how they were blowing a team out). Along with Jordan, Vanessa Bryant will also speak at the ceremony, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, which will surely be an emotional moment for all.

The delayed ceremony to honor these three legends is going to be a special one and having Vanessa Bryant, along with Jordan, on hand to speak on Kobe’s legacy on and off the court will be tremendous. The enshrinement ceremony will be broadcast live on ESPN from 5:30 to 8 p.m. ET.

Kississippi, the moniker of Philadelphia-based songwriter Zoe Allaire Reynolds, is gearing up for a release that’s been a long time in the making. Since dropping her folk rock debut 2018 album, the songwriter has started to lean more into a more pop-oriented sound. Now, Kississippi returns with the slow-burning single “Big Dipper,” reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s early catalog.

“Big Dipper,” a song which Kississippi says was written “between old homes, airplanes, and balconies,” officially heralds her sophomore album Mood Ring. “Big Dipper” arrives as the second-released single off the project, which was first previewed with the buoyant 2020 track “Around Your Room.” The new lovelorn single opens with a tender piano melody, eventually opening up to an expansive chorus that showcases the singer’s soaring vocals. “You say baby, please / But I know it ain’t easy to love me / So I’ll just let you be / I still miss you only when I’m lonely,” she sings.

Kississippi’s upcoming album came to life with the help of a handful of indie rock collaborators. She worked with musicians like Bartees Strange, Illuminati Hotties’ Sarah Tudzin, Phoebe Bridgers’ bandmate Marshall Vore, and Death Cab For Cutie collaborator Andy Park.

Watch the “Big Dipper” video above and find the Mood Ring art and tracklist below.

1. “We’re So In Tune”
2. “Moonover”
3. “Dreams With You”
4. “Around Your Room”
5. “Heaven”
6. “Twin Flame”
7. “Play Til You Win”
8. “Wish I Could Tell You”
9. “Big Dipper”
10. “Hellbeing”

Mood Ring is out 6/6 via Triple Crown Records. Pre-order it here.

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

Welcome to SNX DLX, our weekly roundup of the best sneakers on the market. This week, we’re finally out of Nike fan-boy/girl territory as Adidas and New Balance actually bring something to the table. That’s not to say this week doesn’t bring some fire Jordans along with it — every week brings fire Jordans, without fail — but we’re happy to see Yeezy, Adidas, and New Balance actually dropping something worth copping after last week’s weak showing.

As of right now, we’re out of collaboration-heavy offerings. No Supreme, Union, Palace, or any other dope retailer team-ups, with the exception of this week’s highlight which comes from Nike and Los Angeles-based streetwear brand UNDEFEATED and pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, right as Bryant’s estate has severed ties with Nike. This means we might be looking at one of the final Kobe Protros, at least for the time being.

Let’s jump in!

UNDEFEATED Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Hall of Fame”

First teased last year, this week brought the highly anticipated release of UNDEFEATED’s collaborative Nike Kobe 5 Protro Hall of Fame. Featuring a metallic gold upper with Laker purple detailing on the tongue, lining, sole, and heel branding, with an inner gradient Swoosh and faux-snakeskin paneling, a reference to Kobe’s Black Mamba nickname, the Hall of Fame is simply one of the finest Kobe 5 Protros to ever drop.

The Undefeated Nike Kobe 5 Protro is set to drop on May 12th for a retail price of $190. The raffle is already closed on this one, so pick up a pair at GOAT.

Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer Pink

We’re big fans of Jaden Smith’s sneaker output thus far, and young Jaden is at his best when he’s getting weird with his designs — like this new hot pink version of the Vision Racer. The Vision Racer is a unique New Balance silhouette, it combines the 1700 and X-Racer silhouette for something that looks like it should be worn by a fashionable race car driving alien.

Featuring a hot pink upper with reflective detailing and a weird faux-platform midsole, the Vision Racer sports some VISION branding underneath a translucent icy outsole.

The Jaden Smith New Balance Vision Racer Pink is set to drop on May 14th for a retail price of $150. Pick up a pair at New Balance.

Air Jordan 5 Low Wings

Made in celebration of the Jordan Wings program, which offers education and mentorship opportunities for youth around the world, the Air Jordan Wings features a low-cut silhouette with gilded accents, embroidered branding on the tongue and heel, and a lace attachment that’s meant to evoke a graduation tassel. Diploma seal graphics appear on the insole, giving this pair a celebratory look that is fitting as a dope-as-hell graduation present for the class of 2021.

Forget those kids though, give us the shoes and we’ll find something to celebrate! We’re kidding, but don’t let the collegiate quality of these sneakers dissuade you, this black and gold colorway is a sleek look.

The Air Jordan 5 Low Wings is set to drop on May 14th for a retail price of $190. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Air Jordan 1 Shadow 2.0

Another week, another fire pair of Jordans, this week brings the high top Air Jordan 1 Shadow 2.0, which sports a black leather upper with Light Smoke Grey suede overlays, a white midsole, and a black rubber outsole. The 2.0 sits atop a rubber cupsole with Air cushioning, a black Jordan Wings logo on the lateral collar, and a grey wraparound swoosh.

The 2.0 is a redesign of the OG Jordan 1 Shadow, which sported darker grey tones, more black, and looked, well, more like a shadow. The 2.0 version might look less Shadow-y but it’s a better, more modern design.

The Air Jordan 1 Shadow 2.0 is set to drop on May 15th for a retail price of $190. Pick up a pair at GOAT or Flight Club.

Adidas Yeezy 500 High Sumac/ Tactical Orange

Yeezy brand has dropped so much fire this year that we’re probably going to have to re-do our ranking of the best Yeezys from last year. This week brings two brand new colorways of the high top 500 silhouette, both featuring an earthy mix of tans, beiges, and browns, accented with rich blues and reds against a mixed mesh and suede upper.

Ye has been mixing up his usual Yeezy brand color palette this year, and while he’s still keeping things heavy on the earth-tones, they’re getting a vibrancy here that makes each silhouette look fresh.

The Adidas Yeezy 500 High Sumac and Tactical Orange are set to drop on May 15th for a retail price of $150. Pick up a pair at the Adidas webstore or via Yeezy Supply.

Lucus Puig Adidas Puig PK Primeblue

Made in partnership with pro skater Lucas Puig, the Puig PK Primeblue is a brand new high-performance silhouette made from Parley ocean plastic inspired by Puig’s hometown of Biarritz France. The design plays off of the Adidas Puig, but swaps out the more rugged design for a softer and lighter weight Primeknit upper with hazy green accents, and wavy detailing on the tread and heel.

The sneaker sits atop an EVA midsole for added comfort and cushioning with an Adiprene sock liner for a snug performance-focused fit. We’re big fans of sustainable sneaker and we’re glad to see the trend spill over into the high-performance sneaker domain.

The Adidas Puig PK Primeblue is out now for a retail price of $110. Pick up a pair at the Adidas webstore or at select skate retailers.

Nike AJKO 1 Chicago

Jordan heads are either going to love or hate this one and, to be honest, we’re still a little torn ourselves. But hey, it’s a light week so we’re going to go ahead and shout out the Air Jordan KO 1, which is a redesign of the OG Air Jordan 1 with a canvas and leather upper, which provides a more comfortable fit than a traditional pair of Jordan 1s.

Canvas on a Jordan, what’s next Nylon?! A Primeknit or mesh upper? All jokes aside, Nike tried to ease the pain of mixing up the upper fabrics by dropping this in the classic Chicago colorway. If you love the shape and look of Jordans but never found the sneaker very comfortable, the AJKO might be for you.

The AJKO 1 Chicago is out now a retail price of $140. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app, or aftermarket sites like StockX.

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Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.

The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame’s 2021 class of inductees was announced this morning, and naturally, most of the artists honored are pretty excited. I say “most” because it seems Todd Rundgren doesn’t really care all that much. As Billboard notes, his response to the news was a simple statement that doesn’t convey his feelings about the situation: “I’m happy for my fans. They’ve wanted this for a long time.” This comes a few months after he told the publication, “It’s no secret I don’t care about [the Hall Of Fame].”

Rundgren also expressed disappointment about artists who aren’t historically known for making rock music getting into the Hall, saying, “I’m a big Dionne Warwick fan, but name me one Dionne Warwick rock n’ roll song. While I’m aware of Fela Kuti, I can’t name a single musician who’s ever cited him as a principal influence. Year by year it makes even less sense, so why would I be more excited about it or suddenly change my mind? Why don’t they just start inducting blues guys? Why do they have to go to Dionne Warwick or Mary J. Blige?”

He went on to note, “True halls of fame, to me, are for retirees and dead people, because your legacy has been established. I’m too busy working to worry about my legacy — and plan to continue working until whenever.”

Read more from Rundgren here.

In a rare moment for The View, co-hosts Meghan McCain and Joy Behar were in agreement that congressional Republicans are headed down a dark path after holding a voice vote to oust Liz Cheney from her leadership role on Wednesday after she refused to participate in the “Big Lie” that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election. In a panel discussion on the contentious vote, Behar praised Cheney for refusing to back down and show fealty to Trump after he incited the January 6 insurrection. Via Mediaite:

“[Cheney] is the Joan of Arc standing up to the heretics at this point, and she is very lonely in that position,” Behar said. She added, “It’s refreshing to see someone stand up to the QAnon party who is not afraid to lose her job like the rest of those cowards who are shivering and quivering in the corner. This is just another big lie that they’re perpetuating on the American people.”

McCain, who has been a surprisingly vocal critic of the attacks on Cheney and launched a fiery rant on her party’s loyalty to “Cheeto Jesus” last week, focused her attention on Trump’s choice to replace Cheney’s congressional leadership role: Elise Stefanik. According to McCain, Stefanik should know that the GOP is “bleeding millennials” and continuing to hitch the party to Trump will only exacerbate the problem.

“Power for some people is better than being able to sleep at night,” McCain said. “I don’t think she believes what she’s saying. I think she’s doing this for power.”

(Via The View on Twitter)

The Golden State Warriors’ path to a postseason run goes straight through the play-in tournament. The Dubs are locked into a spot in the tournament, although it is not clear if they will participate in the 7-8 game or the 9-10 matchup. Either way, for a team that is used to having home-court throughout the postseason, any sort of success would come by way of an underdog bunch making a run.

It’s easy, then, to make some sort of link between these Warriors and the beloved “We Believe” team from the 2006-07 season that finished in eighth place, took down the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks, and eventually bowed out to the Utah Jazz. Draymond Green was asked about this on Tuesday night following the team’s 122-116 win over the Phoenix Suns and made clear that he doesn’t particularly like that comparison.

“They had they thing and we got ours,” Green said. “The We Believe days are over. We’ve won three championships, I’m not no part of no We Believe team.”

Green made clear that he has tons of respect for the guys who made up that squad and how they laid the foundation for what the franchise has turned into today, but ultimately, that sort of underdog mentality just does not work for him.

“We got f*cking Steph Curry on our team,” Green went on to say.

If there is one way that these two teams are similar, it’s how they closed their respective seasons. The We Believe Warriors won their final five games of the season and came out on top in nine of their last ten, while these Dubs have won four in a row and six of their last seven with home games against New Orleans and Memphis to close out the year.