Month: September 2022

Shygirl is the complete opposite of her name when it comes to her musical content. Sexual freedom and having her desires met are recurring themes, and her new single “Nike” adds to that.

In the drum-heavy, uptempo jam the English rapper follows the instructions of her partner when he says “Nike, just do it.” Despite the charming accent, there is certain firmness to her delivery that makes it hard to imagine any lover telling her “no.” The visual element, backed by the signature A Colors Show monochromatic background, allows her sensual dancing to be the sole focal point of the performance.

“Nike” is the latest offering from Shygirl’s forthcoming debut album Nymph, set to release on September 30. Prior to “Nike,” she released “Coochie (A Bedtime Story),” “Come For Me,” and “Firefly” all this year. In 2021, the 29-year-old collaborated with Mura Masa on “Bbycakes” and “Hollaback B*tch,” FKA Twigs on “Papi Bones,” Slowthai on “BDE” and released her own record “Cleo.”

Back in 2020, Shygirl shared the 7-track EP Alias. If her previous offerings are any indication, the South London artist has more bedroom bars in store for her listeners.

Check out the A Colors Show performance of “Nike” above.

Nymph is out 9/30 via Because Music. Pre-order it here.

Here’s something to keep in mind. Even though the press tour for Don’t Worry Darling has been bumpy, it’s still possible, even likely, that the movie will absolutely rule. It looks gorgeous with all its 1950s Technicolor vibes, Florence Pugh is a consistent powerhouse, and the trailers make it look like a worthy descendant of The Stepford Wives.

Apparently those trailers weren’t sexy enough for director Olivia Wilde, though. She recently told the AP, “The MPA [ratings agency] came down hard on me and the trailer at the last second and I had to cut some shots, which I was upset about because I thought they it took it up another notch. But of course we still live in a really puritanical society. I do think the lack of eroticism in American film is kind of new. Then when it comes to female pleasure, it’s something that we just don’t see very often unless you’re talking about queer cinema.”

This was in response to the supposition that the initial trailer caused a stir because it shows Harry Styles’ character start to go down on Pugh’s character. It was enough of a thing that Pugh responded to how absurd it was, because it’s truly absurd. Sex is in all sorts of trailers, so it’s beyond strange that anyone would care that it exists in an ad for a [checks notes] R-rated movie. In a way, that response has put Wilde into a corner — having to promise that the film delivers even more provocative stuff than a totally vanilla sex act between consenting, married adult characters. No wonder she’s proclaiming that she tried to get wilder stuff into the ads.

Still, it’s a good thing she didn’t succeed. A little mystery can go a long way. Don’t Worry Darling hits theaters September 23rd.

(via AP)

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian‘s divorce has been all but quiet and amicable. Today, Ye took to Instagram to share screenshots of an alleged conversation between him and Kardashian. The two appear to be arguing about where their children will attend school.

In one post, it looks like Kardashian has texted Ye, asking, “Can u please stop.”

The outgoing text, likely sent by Ye, says “No. We need to talk in person. You don’t have say so of where the kids go to school. Why you get say [so?] Cause you half white?”

In another post, Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, seemingly communicates to Ye by way of text from Kardashian.

“From my mom- PLEASE Tell him to stop mentioning my name,” the incoming text reads. “I’m almost 67 years old and I don’t always feel great and this stresses me to no end.”

Ye appears to reply, saying, “Y’all don’t have [say] so over my black children and where they go to school. They will not do playboy and sex tapes. Tell your Clinton friends to come get me. I’m here.”

In another post, Ye shared a screenshot of an Instagram story posted by model Victoria Helena. The caption reads “Don’t let Kris make you do playboy like she made Kylie and Kim do. Hollywood is a giant brothel. Pornography destroyed my family. I deal with the addiction. Instagram promotes it. Not gonna let it happen to Northy and Chicago.”

A new season of The Kardashians premieres September 22 on Hulu. Though the trailer doesn’t touch a lot on the KimYe divorce, Kardashian teases “such a season of independence,” adding, “I really feel like I’ve found my personal confidence.”

Just as multiple pyramids are scattered across the continents, another wonder of the world has found its duplicate.

Behold: Spanish Stonehenge.

The megalithic structure located in the Valdecañas reservoir of Spain owes its reemergence to Europe’s severe drought continuing to drastically reduce water levels. However, this is not its first surprise appearance.

The Dolmen of Guadalperal (the site’s official name) was first discovered in 1926 by German archaeologist Hugo Obermaier. According to Reuters, Obermaier’s find was deliberately flooded for a rural development project nearly 40 years later. Since then it has peaked up from its watery grave a total of four times. It last reappeared during another time of drought in 2019.

Like its Celtic predecessor, the origins of Spanish Stonehenge are shrouded in mystery.

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As a video from Good Morning America explains below, the formation of 150 standing stones dates back to 3000 BC, though its creators are unknown. What it was used for is anyone’s guess—some theories suggest it was a sacred tomb, others claim it to be a solar temple.

As Europe endures months of its worst drought in 500 years, other bygone relics have risen up from the water’s descending surface. On Aug 19, Reuters reported that 20 sunken Nazi warships from World War II were visible along the Danube River in Serbia. An ancient bridge not seen since the 1950s also reemerged in Yorkshire, England.

Of course, Europe isn’t the only area being affected. The same month, a buddhist statue thought to be 600 years old appeared in China’s dwindling Yangtze River. Even Texas’ Dinosaur Valley State Park uncovered rare dinosaur tracks previously hidden beneath layers of water and sediment.

While it’s fun marveling at the historical spectacle, hopefully these discoveries from the past can also serve as warnings for the future in an effort to help limit climate change. Even the greatest stone monuments can be rebuilt. The same cannot necessarily be said for our planet.

It’s back-to-school time and that means new school supplies, a trip to Target for clothes and social media channels flooded with photos of kids holding chalkboards. Over the past decade, back-to-school photos with kids standing on their doorsteps with signs with their name, grade, year and teacher have been ubiquitous on social media.

There’s nothing wrong with the photos, they’re a cute way for parents and kids to mark the passage of time. For most parents, it’s a way to remember that it all goes by way too fast.

However, for the “perfect” parents out there who like to flaunt their Instagrammable lifestyle, they’re another way to show off their “flawless” first days on social media.

In an attempt to show parents they don’t have to fall for the myth of perfection on social media, Jeni Bukolt—a mother of two boys age 8 and 12 from Waxhaw, North Carolina—posted a first-day photo of herself looking burnt out and wearing sunglasses. School hadn’t even begun yet.

“Mom’s first day of school,” the handmade sign read. “I am 42 years tired. I’ll probably miss a school ‘theme’ day. I really like sleep. Please don’t ask me to volunteer. But I will buy you supplies.”

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See on Instagram

“I make signs for my kids each year but lately I’ve thought about how I always feel behind, as though I’m failing (in some way),” Bukolt told Today. Clearly, other parents feel the same because it was a hit with a lot of them on Instagram.

A lot of comments were from parents who thought the photo was a breath of fresh air during a stressful time of year. “Brilliant, you speak for millions!” cathycole wrote. “May we all survive the drop off/pick up lane,” merakifitnessandpole added.

“I thought maybe if I can create a lighthearted moment, some other moms will laugh and understand we’re all in this kind of struggle together. Like, let’s have empathy for each other,” Bukolt told Good Morning America.

Bukolt hopes her post builds an “empathy bridge” between parents. She’d also like to shine a little reality on the parents who feel judged on social media.

“I also feel like when you look at social media, there’s all these, [picture perfect] worlds,” she added. “It’s not the true story. And some people think like, ‘Oh, they have it better or they’re perfect,’ and this is an opportunity to say no, we’re all real human beings … we’re all in the struggle together.”

But of course, there were some humorless parents who thought her post wasn’t supportive of teachers or her two sons. So Bukolt made a follow-up where she explained that she was just having fun.

“For the keyboard warriors… yes I do have a job, yes I love my kids and no, I don’t hate teachers. Back to work. Have a great day!” she wrote.

See on Instagram

Parenting is hard and we all fall short of glory at times. Kudos to Bukolt for making us feel a little less alone and letting us know that some folks have already accepted their imperfections on the first day.

“If other moms can get a good laugh about it, then that makes my heart happy,” she said.

Turning 30 marks the beginning of pure adulthood. Gone are the days making the same questionable choices from our 20s, and our stupid teenage years are even more a relic of the past. This is the time when Mother Nature says, “I’m not joking around, it’s time to take some things seriously. Like, for real.”

As friend groups shrink and waistlines expand, not to mention as careers or lifestyles go through major changes, the fourth decade can feel a bit overwhelming. Especially as there’s still the misconception that somehow, as if by magic, you’ll have everything figured out by that 30th birthday. And if it hasn’t, then it’s too late. Talk about pressure.

In truth, we’re always just figuring things out and we move along. Thirties are no different. But it does help to traverse this new territory with knowledge. Luckily, the internet is a great place to crowdsource that sort of thing.

A Reddit user (perhaps a brave 29-year-old) recently asked the online forum, “What is your advice for somebody entering their 30s?”

People gave some amazing answers. Unsurprisingly, health (of all kinds) was a popular topic. But there were also a lot of unexpected gems, particularly when it comes to dealing with the “hard stuff.” Our 30s might be challenging, but with them come their own special rewards.

Check out these 14 bits of wisdom. Even if you’re well into your 30s—or beyond them—they offer some valuable reminders.

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1.

“Life is not over. Not married yet & want to be??? Still time to find a decent partner, & your experience & maturity can help.” – @Bakanasharkyblahaj

2.

“Friends will make kids and settle down – make sure to visit them and don’t shy away from playdates and birthday parties.” – @theteenyemperor

3.

“You should have started planning for your 50’s about 5 years ago. Get to it. And by planning, I don’t mean just retirement. Obviously retirement, but also getting to know yourself and what you want to do with your life. You have to be honest with yourself, find out what ACTUALLY matters for you, and start working towards that. Get rid of the dumb notions you had when you were a teenager. Find your balance between spiritual and material things. Not talking about religion, but social connections, feelings, experiences. Friends and family are important, as is material comfort.” – @robervalladraodeChoc

4.

“Don’t worry if you haven’t achieved your life goals or decided what career you want by now, it’ll come soon. I didn’t start Uni (nursing school) until my early 30’s. Spent a few years traveling the world first.” – @I-stop-pucks

5.

“Hate to be the one to bring this up, but start mentally preparing for the inevitable major loss events that will soon begin to accumulate in your life. If you don’t have a healthy perspective regarding death, start working on that asap. See a therapist if necessary. Losing your parents is the first big one for most.” – @Captainmikkl

6.

“If your friend group hasn’t already got smaller, be ready for it to. Don’t take it personally. Some people just don’t have the energy to hang out as much as they used to and others are entering different phases of their life like moving, different careers, or even procreating for some reason.” – @Drrodeze

7.

“If you keep it up in another ten years you can do the 40s.” – @Theymakemewearpants

8.

“Stretch. Moisturize. Start accumulating cash.” – @Sea-type694

9.

“If you have unresolved issues or find yourself ruminating over shit that happened years ago, go and see a therapist.” – @noodlefishmonkey

10.

“Enjoy. When I turned 30 I became confident enough to stop auditioning what I wanted to say in my head first in case it sounded stupid and just say it. Life became a lot more fun.” – @Markedmo

11.

“Take care of your teeth. By the time you’re in your 30s tooth decay starts to be a problem. Brush and floss regularly. Go to a dentist twice a year. Keep on top of this. It’s easier to fix tooth decay problems early on, before they become a crisis.” – @Hyndis

12.

“Have fun! Too many people treat their 30s like their lives are over, but in reality, they can be a lot like your 20s – just with more money and experience, and ideally less worrying about what others think of you. Pandemic aside I’ve loved my 30s so far (38 now). Never had more fun.” – @Zenstation83

13.

“Start taking care of yourself and make it a habit. Getting to your late 30s and realising you are putting on weight, have a sore back and can’t run 100 feet without getting out of breath sucks. If you work an office job, just make the gym a regular routine and make sure you stretch.” – @Devrij68

14.

“Things get harder as they get easier. But you’re in a position to handle it and you have the experience and knowledge to keep going where this happening to you in your twenties would have been catastrophic. You’ll spend these years finding what makes you happy, realizing you’ve been chasing probably the wrong thing. Be ready to pivot, restart, readjust, and be open and communicating with those in your life as you go through your joys and challenges. This is a transformative decade.” – @Orbax

Jay-Z’s rise from a young, aspiring rapper in the Marcy Projects of Brooklyn to a billionaire owner of multiple profitable companies is normally lauded by the hip-hop community and the world at large. However, some recent comments of his regarding the word capitalism and how it is used towards Black people have caused many to scratch their heads or flat out disagree with the 4:44 artist.

In a Twitter Spaces with journalist Rob Markman on Wednesday (August 31), Hov addressed critics who he feels are trying to downplay all he has accomplished. “Before it was the American Dream: ‘Pull yourself up by your bootstraps. You can make it in America.’ All these lies that America told us our whole life and then when we start getting it, they try to lock us out of it. They start inventing words like ‘capitalist.’ We’ve been called ‘n****rs’ and ‘monkeys’ and sh*t. I don’t care what words y’all come up with. Y’all gotta come with stronger words.”

While it is safe to assume he had good intentions, the execution and misunderstanding of capitalism did not go over well with fans. While many acknowledged his mindset and comments are misguided, other fans used this opportunity to make a statement about celebrities at large.

Check out some of the many reactions from fans above.

Well, well, well. If it isn’t our old pal, speculation.

According to The Wrap, Netflix is considering moving up the timeline on charging subscribers less money in exchange for watching advertisements. If the rumor is true, we could see ads on the streamer as soon as November.

“We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower priced, ad-supported tier and no decisions have been made. So this is all just speculation at this point,” said one Netflix spokesperson.

Putting away the pitchfork for a moment, there are some obvious positives and negatives here. On the plus side, Netflix is intent on capping the amount of money they take from any one company so we don’t see the same ads over and over and over, and the current plan is to have about 4 minutes of advertising per hour of series time. Movies would also get a brief pre-roll of ads. That’s really not so bad in the grand scheme of things, considering that you’ll be paying less out of pocket for access to your Stranger Things and your Squid Game. The final plus side is that you can avoid the ads by paying what you’re already paying. For now.

On the negative side, there are going to be ads on Netflix. Granted, the same goes for Disney+, which will also roll out ad-supported tiers fairly soon. After years of disrupting, we’ve finally come full circle to reinventing cable TV. Great work, everyone.

(via The Wrap)

Rian Johnson — known for playing Bryan on BoJack Horseman — wants to assure us all that he’s not done with Star Wars.

“I’ve stayed close to Kathleen [Kennedy] and we get together often and talk about it,” he told Empire regarding the long-gestating, promised trilogy. “It’s just at this point a matter of schedule and when it can happen. It would break my heart if I were finished, if I couldn’t get back in that sandbox at some point.”

That echoes Kennedy’s statements from earlier in the year, stating that the project was still being developed, that they “loved” Johnson, but that they had to prepare the films with a 3-to-5-year lead time. The other villain of the story: Chris Evans’ cable knit sweaters. Specifically, the success of Knives Out, which prompted Johnson to make two sequels to the popular whodunnit for Netfix. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery lands in December, with the second sequel currently slated for 2024.

These comments are a bit of a no-brainer, although it’s hopeful to hear that Kennedy is still on board. Given that Johnson is “even more proud” of The Last Jedi than he was on its release, and that this is Star Wars we’re talking about, it would be a shock if Johnson didn’t want to keep playing in that Tatooine-sized sand box. Still, given the corporate-feeling retconning of the follow-up to The Last Jedi, Johnson is smart to get a guaranteed three films instead of subbing in for one. Maybe if we all drink enough green milk, he’ll make them sooner rather than later.

(via Empire)

This Fall is looking to be a promising season for West Coast hip-hop. Today, rapper YG has announced his third studio album, I Got Issues, for later this month.

Ahead of the upcoming album, YG has already released three singles — “Scared Money” with J. Cole and Moneybagg Yo, “Run” with Tyga, 21 Savage, and BIA, and the solo track, “Toxic.”

Earlier this year, YG spoke about the creative process for this album during an interview with Power 106. He revealed that the album will be introspective and show how he’s grown while he’s been in isolation throughout the pandemic.

“It’s just the growth of me, my headspace, what I’m on in life,” he said. “And I think the whole COVID pandemic sh*t, I hated it, but I also look at it as like this sh*t kinda helped me get to where I’m at mentally.”

Also during the interview, YG said his new music is reflective of where he is at this moment in time. “The music is just gonna be my truth, as far as my life right now.”

Check out the album artwork below.

I Got Issues is out 9/30 via Def Jam. The album will be available to pre-save and pre-order on 9/9.