Month: July 2021

It’s been five years since Gallant saw his rise as an R&B singer begin thanks to the release of his debut album Ology. The project was widely celebrated for the singer’s songwriting and vocal presence throughout its sixteen songs. Gallant’s streak of impressive releases would continue with his sophomore album Sweet Insomnia and his second EP, Neptune, which he released earlier this year. The Maryland native continues to promote the project, which is filled with great music across eight tracks, with a brand new video for “Dynamite” with Brandy.

It begins with Gallant soulfully singing on the roof of a skyscraper that overlooks a serene city that surrounds him. While things around him are peaceful to start off, it becomes clear that something has gone wrong. Brandy later joins him on the roof to passionately sing her verse on the song. As they complete the song, a volcano that sits in the far distance erupts, shooting lava into the sky, and pushing the city Gallant stands above towards a state of destruction.

The video is the second Gallant’s released in support of his Neptune as it follows an effort for the EP’s lead single, “Comeback.” In addition to Brandy’s appearance on the project, Neptune also boasts strong appearances from Arin Ray and VanJess.

You can watch the visual for “Dynamite” above.

Neptune is out now via EMPIRE. Get it here.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic took a year of social activities away from our lives. One of them includes birthdays as big celebrations were forced to be downsized in fear of spreading the virus. As a result, many people on social media have joked about repeating a year of life in order to celebrate it the right way. However, for Lil Uzi Vert, it seems like he’ll actually spend another year at the same age, thanks to something he discovered on his birth certificate.

The rapper believed he would be turning 27 on Saturday, July 31, but after his mom found his birth certificate, it turns out Lil Uzi Vert will remain 26 for another year. “Wait wtf I’m turning 26??? My mom found my birth certificate,” he wrote in a post to Twitter. A fan responded, “Damn bro so you was 18 but really 17,” to which Uzi replied, “Yes WTFFF!!!” This of course shifts his accomplishments a bit as it means the Philly rapper was only 20 years old when he dropped his breakout mixtape Luv Is Rage. He also celebrated what was actually his 21st birthday by releasing The Perfect LUV Tape the following year.

Lil Uzi’s discovery comes after he reinstalled his pink forehead diamond and got a new tattoo on his tongue. On the music side of things, he recently joined Trippe Redd in a video to their latest collaboration, “Holy Smokes.”

You can check out Lil Uzi’s tweets above.

Lil Uzi Vert is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Geraldo Rivera’s been on quite a pro-vaccine tear lately as the Delta variant heats up, and fellow Fox News talking head Tucker Carlson continues to spread anti-vaxxer misinformation. And Geraldo means business, too, while appearing unafraid of offending his colleagues. Earlier this week, he went off on “arrogant, selfish” unvaccinated Americans while supporting banning them from public spaces, and on Wednesday’s edition of The Five, he got in Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld’s faces as the trio squared off on the issue.

Geraldo began by echoing his stance that not vaccinating against Covid-19 is “an arrogant, selfish, reckless act.” He added that this is “caveman stuff,” which Watters didn’t agree with, and Greg Gutfeld countered with a lecture about how calling people names won’t change anyone’s mind. Well, this didn’t calm Geraldo down, and things grew explosive.

Via Mediaite, here’s what else went down:

“You come into my grandchildren’s house and you’re not vaccinated,” replied Rivera, “I’m gonna kick you in the ass.”

“It’s your house,” said Gutfeld. “Don’t let ’em in.”

From there, a circular argument began, and Gutfeld eventually tried to rope in an anti-immigration stance by pointing out that many undocumented immigrants aren’t vaccinated. That didn’t go over splendidly with Geraldo, and Gutfeld accused him of “try[ing] to crap on Americans because it makes you feel good.” He then added that he doesn’t want to go to Geraldo’s house, so there. And Geraldo responded, “I’m not going to invite you.”

Well, at least Rivera and Gutfeld agree on something.

(Via Mediaite)

As the January 6 Select Committee hears testimony (which has thus far included Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn not-so-subtly declaring that a “hitman” was responsible for inciting the insurrection) this week, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-SC) is coming under fire for his actions as a speaker at Trump’s “Stop The Steal” rally. In the above video, Brooks (who was later endorsed by Trump for a Senate run) declared, “Today is the day that American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass.” And as it turns out, Mo Brooks also curiously decided to wear body armor while speaking at this rally.

Following this event, a MAGA mob of Trump followers pushed their way into the U.S. Capitol. It was a violent event that left 140 cops injured and five people dead. During his speech, Brooks delivered remarks about how “our ancestors sacrificed their blood” for freedom, and he asked the crowd if they would do the same.

Well, in an interview with Slate’s Jim Newell, Brooks disclosed the little body-armor detail. He expressed a desire for an investigation into why House Speaker Nancy Pelosi didn’t make sure that the Capitol Police were better prepared to fend off attacks on January 6, and then this happened:

[T]o prove his point about preparation, he revealed a new detail to me: that because of a tip he’d received about potential violence, he’d been wearing body armor at the very same Ellipse speech…

“I was warned on Monday that there might be risks associated with the next few days,” he said. “And as a consequence of those warnings, I did not go to my condo. Instead, I slept on the floor of my office. And when I gave my speech at the Ellipse, I was wearing body armor.”

Oh boy. That’s not exactly an explicit admission of prior knowledge of the insurrection, but it looks… not good. Meanwhile, NPR is reporting that the DOJ has declined to defend Brooks in court on any allegations that he helped to incite the insurrection. In other words, Mo Brooks probably shouldn’t be bragging to reporters, but for whatever reason, that’s exactly what he’s doing.

(Via Now This, Slate & NPR)

In the last year, Young Dolph has shared two projects with fans, those being his 2020 solo effort, Rich Slave, and this year’s Dum And Dummer 2 with fellow Memphis rapper Key Glock. While both were well-received efforts, they also came before attempts from Dolph to walk away from the rap game. The first instance came last summer, less than a month before the release of Rich Slave when the rapper expressed his desire to spend more time with his family as a reason for quitting rap. While he returned months later for Dum And Dummer 2, Dolph doubled down on retirement just days after releasing the project. That announcement was also short-lived, and Dolph explained why in a recent interview.

“I can’t do it, real talk. I can’t do,” he admitted during a sit down on DJ Scream’s and Big Bank’s “Big Facts” podcast when he was asked about retiring. “It’s like I’m the spokesperson for all of the street n****s and all of the n****s that’s on some independent sh*t … And really come in the game on some sh*t… The n**** that really want to do this sh*t, like, I don’t really wanna tie myself to no major label—do this sh*t on my own. I’ma hustle this sh*t. I’ma grab that.”

He added, “It’s just like with everything else. You got some n**** who don’t really want to take the route that everybody else take… The n**** that be like I’ma do this sh*t like my way. I can’t let those folks down. It’s like I’m they motivator. They be needing that sh*t.”

You can watch the entire podcast episode with Young Dolph in the video above.

Simone Biles pulling out the Olympics women’s team gymnastics competition and the Individual All-Around, citing her mental health, has been perhaps the biggest story in sports this week. Across the sports world and beyond, Biles has also received support from various athletes and entertainers, including Cavaliers forward and mental health advocate Kevin Love.

On his Instagram, Love posted a message in support of Biles and others who have openly shared their struggles with mental health.

“Understand this … by being open about your struggles, you flip vulnerabilities into victories. The mental freedom comes in knowing once you put yourself out there, the other side is a reward of community and belonging,” Love wrote. “To Simone and others who have openly shared their story…You are helping many. Continue to lean into discomfort and vulnerability. Don’t deny your story — defy the ending.”

“To those who aren’t venturing out into the “Arena”…we are all raised to believe emotions aren’t worthy of our attention. I recall reading a fitting term once: “emotion-phobic.” This isn’t a way to live. Your perspectives are understood but NO ONE benefits from withholding compassion.”

Over the last several years, Love has become among the many prominent advocates for mental health in sports. Along with the likes of tennis star Naomi Osaka, Spurs wing DeMar DeRozan and many others, Love has of the most open athletes in documenting his struggles with mental health, most notably in a Player’s Tribune essay where he disclosed having a panic attack at halftime of a game.

As Love notes, having these conversations is important in letting people know they aren’t alone in dealing with mental health struggles, particularly when those known for their physical toughness show some of this vulnerability and that they too seek help.

Welcome to SNX DLX! Prepare yourself because this is a wild one — the most packed release week of the summer. Yes, you’re probably going to catch multiple L’s this week. We know that stings, but our hope is that you’re still able to land a dope pair of sneakers because the offerings this time around are insane. Piet Parra Dunks? Yup. A Travis Scott Nike drop? Uh-huh! The latest must-have release from AMBUSH? You better believe it. Also as a reminder, since SNX publishes on Wednesdays we want to let you know that next week Monday, August 2nd is Yeezy Day.

What’s dropping? Probably not DONDA. But it is probably going to be a whole lot of Yeezys.

If you’ve been holding your sneaker money all summer waiting for that special once-a-year drop that earns a spot amongst a special silhouette’s very best colorways, this is that week! Let’s get into this week’s best sneakers — after that, hit up our roundup of the streetwear brands you need on your radar to close out 2021.

Ready? Let’s go!

Nike WMNS Dunk High Black and White

How it took Nike THIS long to come up with a straight-up Black and White pair of the WMNS Dunk is beyond us, but we’re glad it’s here. There isn’t much to say here, it’s a classic leather high-top SB Dunk in a panda-like black and white color scheme, it’s such an obvious hit that Nike should’ve dropped this in WMNS sizing years ago.

Which is why it’s no surprise it’s already sold out on Nike SNKRS. The WMNS Dunk High Black and White is out now with an aftermarket price hovering just above $150. Pick up a pair at StockX, eBay, or your favorite aftermarket site.

Nike Dunk High 1985 x UNDERCOVER Gym Red

This high-top Dunk from UNDERCOVER’s Jun Takahashi combines genuine black leather overlays over a pebble embossed nubuck upper in Gym Red with a paint-splattered midsole, and… it’s just beautiful. The Dunk’s black and red colorway release alongside a matching UNDERCOVER apparel collection. If you’re looking at this shoe and noticing it doesn’t quite look like your average Dunk, good eye. Takahashi utilized the 1985 Dunk silhouette for this iteration, giving the shoe a slight vintage edge.

The Nike Dunk High 1985 x UNDERCOVER Gym Red is out now for a retail price of $150. Pick up a pair on aftermarket sites like StockX and eBay.

Fragment Design x Travis Scott Air Jordan 1

The raffle for Travis Scott’s latest Jordan 1 collaboration begins this week! If this isn’t one of the most hyped releases of the summer, it’s definitely the most hyped release of the week. This time Cactus Jack’s Jordan 1 design comes courtesy of Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design label and features a leather Sail, Black Military, and Blue Shy upper with a Shy Pink midsole and an oversized backward swoosh.

As far as Travis Scott Nike’s go, this is easily one of the best.

The raffle for the Fragment Design x Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 is set for July 29th with a retail price of $200 for the shoes. Watch the Travis Scott webstore for more updates or pick up the pair at GOAT or Flight Club if they hit the aftermarket.

Nike Dunk High x AMBUSH Flash Lime

AMBUSH’s Yoon Ahn is killing it right now, and her latest Nike collaboration is my personal favorite drop of the week. Sorry Travis Scott, but this is Yoon Ahn we’re talking about. Inspired by motorcycle culture and Tokyo’s nightlife, this high-top Dunk features a Flash Lime leather upper with an extended Swoosh, reimagined proportions co-branded sock liners, and an embossed AMBUSH logo at the heel.

The Dunk High x AMBUSH Flash Lime is set to drop on July 30th for a retail price of $180. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Nike SB Dunk Low Light Soft Pink

We’ll try not to be too mad at Nike for waiting until the summer to drop this Light Soft Pink iteration of the Dunk Low, despite the fact that its pastel colorway looks like it was practically made for Easter weekend. Featuring a leather upper that combines Soft Pink and Lime Ice, this pastel-infused Dunk is a must-cop if you love a colorful fit.

The Nike Dunk Low Light Soft Pink is set to drop on July 31st for a retail price of $100. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.

Nike SB Parra Dunk Low Abstract Art

Frequent Nike collaborator, the Amsterdam-based artist Piet Parra consistently delivers some of the best Dunks out there, and this week’s Abstract Art Dunk Low continues that trend with what is probably his most artful sneaker to date. Based on the skateboarding Federation Kits Parra was tapped to design for Nike for this year’s Olympic Games, the Abstract Art features abstract geometric color block paneling over a white upper with a contrasting black Swoosh.

The insoles, as well as tongue tags, are also fully illustrated, this sneaker is more art than it is shoe! We’re still going to wear the hell out of it.

The Nike SB Parra Dunk Low Abstract Art is set to drop on July 31st for a retail price of $110. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app, or pick it up on the aftermarket at GOAT.

Nice Kicks x ASICS GEL-Lyte III Nice Cream

ASICS has linked up with retailer Nice Kicks for a pair of GEL-Lyte III’s inspired by the bright pastel colors of a classic ice cream parlor. The sneaker’s color palette pulls from the soft tones of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream with emerald green-tinted accents, which are supposed to resemble vintage glassware.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a classic ice cream scoop without a cherry on top, which Nick Kicks attempt to add via a hang-tag. Overall, it’s a cute pair of shoes.

The Nice Kicks x ASICS GEL-Lyte III Nice Cream is set to drop on July 30th for a retail price of $130. Pick up a pair at Nice Kicks.

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.

David Letterman’s run as a late-night host came to an end in 2015 after 33 years, and since then, he’s hopefully been relaxing a little bit, although we’ve seen him return for more in-depth interviews in Netflix’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. One of the most popular segments on his show, though, will live on at TBS, which is aiming to increase its unscripted offerings. According to Deadline, Stupid Pet Tricks is happening as a standalone show, and the surely energetic endeavor will be hosted by Sarah Silverman.

That segment, believe it or not, ran for three decades, here and there and never predictably, and Letterman’s Worldwide Pants production company is involved with him helping to executive produce this show. Expect a “parade of pets” doing their bizarre things and a live audience to react and judge accordingly. Here’s more from Deadline:

Stupid Pet Tricks, the series, promises to retain all the original segment’s charm, silly fun and appreciation for the often-absurd bond between humans and their animal friends, with Silverman infusing it with a quirky vibe. Each episode will feature a parade of pets … in the quest to be crowned with the coveted title of Stupidest Trick of the Week.

The show should arrive fairly soon, given that production will begin sometime in 2021. While we’re on the subject, allow me to express a sigh of relief that “Creepy Dave” isn’t getting a dramatized solo show or anything. I wouldn’t be mad to see more of Rupert Jee and the Hello Deli, though. While we wait for Stupid Pet Tricks to arrive, please enjoy this dog who said, “Obama.”

(Via Deadline)

One would think that, after an NBA Finals run for the Phoenix Suns, that Chris Paul would be back with the Suns for next season. He has a player option he can pick up, but also could decline that and hit free agency, with Phoenix holding his Bird rights that would allow them to go over the cap to re-sign him.

From the outside at least, one would also think that Suns owner Robert Sarver would know what was going on in some way. But in an interview Sarver did with Burns and Gambo on 98.7 Arizona Sports in Phoenix, Sarver said he does not know what Paul will do with his player option. And when asked if there was anything the Suns could to bring him back, he said “We’ll see next week I guess, right?” (via Kellan Olson).

Paul has leverage with the Suns here. He was instrumental in elevating the Suns to a team that was up 2-0 in the NBA Finals and made the playoffs for the first time since the Steve Nash era. If declines his player option (worth $39.9 million) in pursuit of a multi-year deal, the Suns would have little recourse to replace him and would need to consider a big offer for the 36-year-old.

What Sarver is saying here isn’t necessarily bad, but it certainly isn’t inspiring any confidence for Suns fans that the team is handling this situation with the care it really deserves. There are plenty of teams (including the Lakers, Mavs, and pretty much any other team connected to Kyle Lowry at the moment) that would have significant interest in Paul should he decline his option and Phoenix balks at his asking price. This has be priority No. 1 for them this summer and these comments from Sarver don’t seem to indicate that Phoenix is approaching it as much. Or, for a more charitable reading, Sarver himself isn’t really thinking about it in the way he arguably should be and is truly just deferring to general manager James Jones.

DaBaby has already spent plenty of time in headlines due to homophobic comments he made about HIV/AIDS during his Rolling Loud set over the weekend. For the most part, the rapper has faced a lot of criticism for the bizarre rant, but a few names have oddly decided to stand in support of his words. This includes Boosie Badazz who delivered a rant directed at Lil Nas X while also showing some support for DaBaby.

“Lil Nas X want to perform naked for charity,” he said. “Like bruh? They don’t tell them nothing. They should be picking sides. You don’t tell his little f***** ass nothing. That’s the most disrespectful muthaf*cka in the world. He said he wanna get naked on stage.” He added, “N**** they got kids that watch that sh*t. Trying to put that sh*t on all them children. Go viral, n****. Go suck a d*ck on IG b*tch. That n**** said he’d get naked for charity and y’all talking about f*ckin’ DaBaby This man say he gonna get naked for charity in front of all these muthaf*ckin’ children. That n**** disrespectful like a muthaf*cka.” He concluded, “Get f*cked in the ass, n****. Go suck a d*ck on IG, b*tch.”

Boosie’s comments come over a year after he claimed Dwayne Wade was going “too f*cking far” in supporting his trans daughter, Zaya. It was incidents like these, among others, that fans brought up in their response to Boosie on social media.

You can watch a video of Boosie’s rant above and check out fans’ thoughts on it below.