Year: 2022

The Weeknd kicked off 2022 by releasing his sixth album, Dawn FM. While it didn’t debut at No. 1 on the album charts, The Weeknd’s latest is still one of the strongest releases of the year, with 16 tracks and contributions from Jim Carrey, Tyler The Creator, Lil Wayne, Quincy Jones, and more. However, just two months after the album arrived, an “original” tracklist for Dawn FM surfaced and earned enough attention to warrant a response from The Weeknd himself.

The tracklist, which was said to be the “original” list of songs for Dawn FM, includes all of the tracks from the official album — with the exception of the song “How Do I Make You Love Me?” Additionally, it features four unheard songs: “Lost City,” “Euphoria” with Ariana Grande and Ty Dolla Sign, “Eat My Heart” with Kali Uchis, and “Heaven’s Gates.” This tracklist left many disappointed, as they would’ve loved to hear the collaborations with Ariana, Ty, and Kali. However, The Weeknd soon arrived to clear the air. “I love every single one of these artists but this is beyond fake. XO,” he wrote in response to a tweet about the tracklist.

The Weeknd’s clarification comes days after he unveiled the full dates for his After Hours Til Dawn tour with Doja Cat.

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

Conference tournament week has more than delivered already, with a number of close games, big comebacks, and buzzer-beaters with everything on the line. With major conference tournaments beginning, the drama was only just getting started and the ACC Tournament delivered in its second round action on Wednesday.

After Boston College stunned Wake Forest to possibly knock the Demon Deacons out of the NCAA Tournament (Wake entered the day as part of Joe Lunardi’s Last Four In), Clemson nearly produced another upset in Brooklyn against Virginia Tech. The Hokies held an 11-point lead with seven minutes to play, but scored just seven points from that point on, allowing the Tigers to steadily reel them in and force overtime at 66-66.

Once again, Virginia Tech took an early lead in overtime, but saw Clemson claw their way back into the lead with 30 seconds to play. Some free throw woes on both sides kept things to a two-point game with seven seconds on the clock as the Hokies brought the ball up the floor and Darius Maddox made a nylon delivery at the buzzer to keep Virginia Tech’s ACC Tournament dreams alive.

The Hokies needed a lot of help and a deep ACC Tournament run to have any semblance of a shot at the NCAA Tournament, and while it’s still a long shot that they make it to the Big Dance, they still have a pulse thanks to Maddox’s heroics at the buzzer.

Jim Jordan is an elected lawmaker, but he doesn’t appear to do much lawmaking. Instead he appears to spend most of his time spouting pro-Trump talking points on TV, being a nuisance during congressional hearings, and making dunkable tweets. His viral tweets follow a similar pattern: He writes something short yet combative, all but begging for derision. And derided they are, with everyone hopping on such classics as him claiming that Dr. Fauci will “ban” people saying “Merry Christmas,” that the GOP had become more blue collar, and his state of Ohio should “ban all vaccines mandates,” including the many ones that aren’t controversial with anyone.

On Wednesday, he outdid himself, by doing next to nothing. His tweet had but one word: “Trump.”

What was the occasion? Was it the former president “joking” about a plan to turn Russia and China on each other that was so moronic not even a child would say it in public? Was it because he was begging his supporters for money again, this time because his private plane went kaput? Was it his effusive praise for a wildly unpopular world leader who launched a baseless invasion on a neighboring country? Who knows how the mind of Matt Gaetz’s bestie works?

Whatever the intention, it worked. Like clockwork, everyone made fun of Jim Jordan. Some responded with their own one-word tweets.

Others inferred meaning he may not have intended.

There were other jokes.

In any case, Jordan is busy trying to dodge the House Select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, probably because he’s done such a poor job pretending he wasn’t involved in it.

(Via Raw Story)

Major League Baseball isn’t coming back anytime soon, as the owners continue to refuse to budge in labor negotiations with the players association, with commissioner Rob Manfred announcing on Wednesday they were canceling two more series, meaning no games will be played through April 14.

As such, anyone seeking a baseball fix has to turn elsewhere, and luckily the college baseball season is underway to scratch that itch. Down in Oxford, Mississippi, Ole Miss is one of the nation’s top teams, boasting a No. 2 ranking in the country after a 10-1 start to the season, and the Rebels entered Wednesday night expected to cruise to a win over a winless Alcorn State team. The Braves trailed 3-1 in the bottom of the second when they allowed Peyton Chatangier to reach first base, who proceeded to go first move to second and seemingly get picked off for it.

However, he got under the tag at second base and, from there, was gifted two more bases and a run by an asleep at the wheel Braves defense.

It is one of the weirdest sequences you’ll ever see on the diamond, as Chatangier recognizes that, for whatever reason, the third baseman for Alcorn State has strolled out to near second base, allowing Chatangier to outrun both he and the catcher to third. With the catcher straying up to third in an effort to cut off the runner, he then has a wide open path to home plate for an early insurance run that Ole Miss probably wasn’t going to need but helps the cause all the same.

Last month, Kendrick Lamar, along with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J Blige, and Anderson .Paak, performed at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Lamar’s portion of the show was rather short, as he only played “M.A.A.D. City,” “Alright,” and a cover of “Forgot About Dre” with Eminem. One of those songs, “Alright,” has become one of Kendrick’s most impactful songs, often used during social justice protests. However, according to a recent episode of Alex Pappademas’ Spotify podcast The Big Hit Show, the song almost didn’t appear on his landmark 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly.

Sounwave, who co-produced “Alright” and other songs on the album, joined The Big Hit Show podcast to share the story behind the song. Sounwave was approached by Sam Taylor, a Sony Music executive, as he sat in a meeting that featured Pharrell playing beats for Kendrick and others. “I just remember my guy, Sam Taylor said, ‘Hey come check this one out,’” Sounwave recalled. “He takes me to another room and he plays me the skeleton of ‘Alright.’”

“And I just remember my jaw drop,” Sounwave continued. “It was just like literally just the 808s and the keys, and Pharrell had the melody of ‘We going be alright.’ And I was like, ‘Bro what is this?’ Oh my goodness, I’m freaking out. And I immediately run, I was like, ‘Dot, you have to come hear this.’”

Kendrick himself loved what he heard, but the next task was finishing the song and making sure it was a cohesive fit with the album. While completing the song was a breeze, making it fit on was difficult at first.

“It was super amazing, super fitting, sonically it was not, like no matter what we did, it just could not fit with the rest of the album,” Sounwave explained. “But we loved that record so much that I said, ‘Okay, I’m not letting this record die.’”

Thankfully, after some minor changes and some additional contributions from famed producer Terrace Martin, “Alright” found its place on To Pimp A Butterfly, and the rest is history.

You can listen to the full episode of The Big Hit Show here.

Truth, they say, is stranger than fiction. Just look at Pete Davidson. The comic performer has one of the most interesting lives in showbiz. On SNL he mostly either talks about or plays versions of himself. He’s a sex magnet who’s dated everyone. He so enraged Kanye West (by dating his ex-wife) that the rapper made a deeply troubling video about him (that Davidson loved). It only makes sense for that life to become the stuff of fiction.

That’s one way of saying that he’s getting a comedy series where he plays a fictionalized version of himself. As per Deadline, SNL honcho Lorne Michaels is producing a show tentatively called Bupkis, about a Pete Davidson-like human played by Pete Davidson himself. It’s being compared to Curb Your Enthusiasm, but it also sounds quite a bit darker. Deadline says it’s been described as a “raw, unflinching, fictionalized version of Pete Davidson’s real life,” which will “include a mixture of grounded storytelling with absurd elements depicting an unfiltered view through Pete’s eyes.”

Davidson’s life, of course, isn’t always lighthearted. There’s tragedy amidst the comedy. His father, a firefighter, died in service during the September 11 attacks, when he was only seven. He’s struggled with mental illness. That pain has fueled his comedy, and his monologues often find him trying to find the humor in his sometimes difficult existence. He’s also played a fictionalized version of himself, in Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island. That said, how much more strange could a fictionalized version of Davidon’s life be when the real deal’s already bizarre? But if anyone can find a way to make his life even weirder, it’s Pete Davidson.

(Via Deadline)

Scotch whisky might be the most intimidating segment of whisky there is. It comes from far away, it’s more expensive, and it has its own lingo. There are “blended whiskies,” “blended malts,” “single malts,” and “single grain” whiskies all with different vintages, age statements, and editions. And just like that, we’re in the weeds.

That all becomes especially apparent when you walk into a whisky joint and spot a sea of bottles stacked behind the bar. Where to start? Are blends bad? Should you go with “Any Glen”?

We’re here to help you navigate the whole scene. First, check out our rankings and blind tastings for some guidance. Next, scroll down to see what a few well-known bartenders suggest at their bars when drinkers are overwhelmed. It’s a good list that may lead to your new favorite pour.

Bunnahabhain 18

Andrew Guerin, bartender at Bourbon O Bar in New Orleans

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $190

Why This Whisky?

My pick is Bunnahabhain 18. The complexity leads to finding new flavors in every pour. The smoke never overpowers the malts. The caramel sweetness pokes through in harmony with some subtle baking spice notes. And I’ll be damned if it doesn’t warm you up a bit, too.

The Glenlivet 12

Heather Buelna, head bartender at Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay in San Diego

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $50

Why This Whisky?

Single malt scotch can really run the gamut in flavors, smokiness, and peaty qualities. We always lean toward The Glenlivet 12 as a great entry to single malts. It introduces many of the qualities that single malts are known for without being too in your face with any of them. Plus, it has a nice price point. Some of these scotches can get very expensive.

Port Charlotte 10

Evan Hosaka, lead bartender at The Dorsey Cocktail Bar in Las Vegas

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $77

Why This Whisky?

Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10-year Islay Single Malt by Bruichladdich is one I always suggest for peat fans. It’s my favorite for a cold winter or early spring night because of the warm smokiness, malt sweetness, and the hints of varied fruits that sneak up on the palate.

Oban 14

Joshua Scheid, beverage manager at REX at The Royal in Philadelphia

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $80

Why This Whisky?

I’m really into Oban 14 Year and I love to have guests try it. I love a nice smoky scotch, and this one is backed up with nice hints of spice and sweet fruits that make it super luxurious.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt

Mariza Sabino, general manager at Dirty Habit in San Francisco

ABV: 44%

Average Price: $190

Why This Whisky?

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve is my recommendation. Every so often, I enjoy a mild cigar and the Cigar Malt is built for it. There’s a gentle sort of warm spice, like a bit of nutmeg and vanilla, under a mid-palette of honey and cedar. It makes me think of a warm room, on a cold winter’s night, by a fireplace with a heady cigar and a great single malt, listening to Etta James. Even if you’re not a smoker, guests can appreciate the nuanced, rich flavors.

Aberlour A’Bunadh

Subhash Sankar, head mixologist at Alaia Belize in San Pedro Town, Belize

ABV: 60-65%

Average Price: $115

Why This Whisky?

There’s a reason this whisky is a favorite of drinkers and bartenders alike. This cask strength (around 120 proof) single malt scotch is aged completely in Oloroso sherry casks from Spain. The result is a surprisingly sweet and bold whisky with notes of sticky toffee pudding, toasted vanilla beans, cinnamon, candied orange peels, ginger, and dried cherries. It’s warming, sweet, and highly memorable.

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12

Charles Bement, sommelier and beverage director of B. Hospitality in Chicago

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $75

Why This Whisky?

Balvenie Double Wood 12 Year is an expression I always suggest. This scotch has great notes of honey and vanilla that make it a very comfortable sipping whisky. Slightly more ‘oomph’ than something like The Macallan but not super peaty like Laphroaig and Lagavulin.

Lagavulin 16

Aaron Ramirez, lead bartender at Mr. C Beverly Hills in Los Angeles

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $80

Why This Whisky?

Lagavulin 16 is a whisky I always mention to fans of smoky whisky who aren’t sure what to drink. It’s the perfect scotch to drink on a cold winter or early spring night. The peaty flavor is full-bodied and very intimidating. With notes of tobacco, vanilla, and sherry spice. It’s sure to warm you up even in sub-zero temperatures.

Bowmore 15

Samantha Seltzer, beverage and service manager at Royal Boucherie in Philadelphia

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $85

Why This Whisky?

Bowmore 15 is one of my go-to recommendations. Matured first in bourbon barrels then Oloroso sherry casks, this Scotch whisky is rich and warming with supple notes of caramel, toffee, dark cherry, and classic Bowmore smoke. What’s not to love?

Aberfeldy 12

Annie Pierce, bartender and co-owner of Law Bird Bar in Columbus, Ohio

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $45

Why This Whisky?

Aberfeldy 12 Year is my personal go-to for single malt and one I suggest to guests. It’s so deftly balanced between the heather and honey, toasty cereal malts, layers of fruit, and subtle smoke and spice. It also sings in a cocktail, whether you’re riffing on a classic or pairing it outlandishly (we’re currently using it with beets, orange oil, and bitter chocolate on the menu at Law Bird). It not only shines bright but plays well with others.

Ardbeg Ten

Rob Krueger, bartender at Bar CHRYSTIE in New York City

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $58

Why This Whisky?

I love an Ardbeg Ten-Year-Old. It’s full-on with peat and smoke but balanced with malty sweetness and huge complexity of aromas and flavors from toasted marshmallow to citrus and tropical fruit to bacon and brine. It’s rich in texture, being non-chill filtered, so the flavors have lots of time to play on the palate. It’s a rich sipper which gives you plenty to think over.

The Macallan 18

Ron Manlapid, bartender and mixologist at Menlo Tavern in Menlo Park, California

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $399

Why This Whisky?

I always recommend The Macallan 18, neat. With sweet notes of honey, you taste the malt, but not so abruptly that it’s off-putting. It’s pricier but well worth it.

Donald Trump has spent his entire life playing the part of a rich guy, but whether or not it’s simply an act has always been ambiguous. His businesses have declared bankruptcy at least six times. The Apprentice, which made him even more famous and may have even helped get him elected, was reportedly a much-needed comeback, arriving at a fallow time. Since leaving the White House in disgrace, he’s had to worry about armies of debtors who were finally coming for him. There’s a chance, after his numerous financial and legal headaches, all he’ll have left are his presidential and TV pensions. And on top of everything else, he needs a new private plane.

As per Politico, the former president’s plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday night after his speech in New Orleans. (That’s the one where he “joked” about a plan to trick Russia into a war with China that only a very dim child would think smart.) Somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes after taking off, the crew was forced to turn around and return to the Big Easy rather than its destination of Mar-a-Lago, the resort where he now mostly resides. After some scrambling, Trump was lent another plane.

Jump a few days and all of a sudden Trump is begging his supporters for money.

Shortly after news of plane troubles belatedly broke on Wednesday, Raw Story reported, an e-mail was sent to supporters which begged for some scratch. “Do you remember Trump Force One?” the email began. “Before becoming the greatest President of all time, I traveled the Country in my plane, known as Trump Force One. I have a very important update on my plane, but I need to trust that you won’t share it with anyone: my team is building a BRAND NEW Trump Force One.”

The e-mail, with its request not to tell, say, the press about his plane woes, drew suspicion from his critics. “Self proclaimed billionaire Donald Trump, who never seems to have a dime of his own, sent an email asking his supporters to pay for Trump Force One shortly after breaking down in a donor’s plane that was flying from New Orleans back to Palm Beach,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Trump has a history of begging his often cash-strapped supporters for dough. Last year it was reported that the $75 million he’d raised to prove the 2020 election was stolen from him instead lined his own pockets.

Still, perhaps this will be the thing that convinces his loyal fans that maybe he’s not actually as wealthy as he claims. Or, you know, not even this will.

(Via Politico and Raw Story)

The New Orleans Pelicans have solidly moved into play-in position in the Western Conference, opening up a 1.5-game lead on the actively tanking Portland Trail Blazers for 10th (and a two-game edge on the rebuilding but more competitive Spurs).

Leading the way for the Pelicans climb up the standings since their dreadful 1-12 start is Brandon Ingram, who has taken another step forward this season as not only a scorer but becoming a better facilitator and offensive engine overall. The addition of CJ McCollum has given New Orleans a formidable 1-2 punch on the offensive end, and they’ve been able to put some impressive performances together early in their partnership.

For the next week-plus, however, McCollum will have to take on the role of being a solo leading man in New Orleans after the Pelicans announced Ingram would miss at least a week with a hamstring strain.

The good news for the Pelicans is that they aren’t being pushed much for that 10-seed, but this certainly puts a damper on their chase for the 9-seed in an effort to host their first play-in game. New Orleans has not fared well without Ingram this season, posting a rather unsightly 2-13 record when he’s been out of the lineup, but will hope that McCollum’s presence can mitigate the damage done to their ability to keep the offense rolling.

When looking at the great party capitals of Europe, Glasgow falls somewhere between the youthful chaos of Manchester (or Madchester as it’s commonly known) and the chic style and sexy kink of Berlin’s darkest dancefloors. It’s a top tier club scene that also features tons of great food — landing it in a real sweet spot.

Below, I put together a guide to help you eat, drink, and rage your way through Glasgow on any given weekend. But the options the city offers are endless. The best plan is to meet (or make) some friends, find a starting point, make more friends, and see where the night takes you. Bringing it back to Manchester and Berlin, Glasgow has the chillest vibe of the three and it’s really, really easy to connect with fellow partygoers as your night moves along.

Pre-dinner Drinks — The Finnieston

The Finnieston neighborhood is slightly west of the center of the city. It’s walkable (about a mile) from Merchant but you might want to take a cab or Uber. The overall vibe of the neighborhood is East and South Asian immigrant meets hip. There are great East Asian restaurants in between cocktail bars, trendy seafood and steakhouses, and beer bars. You could theoretically spend your whole night bouncing around the neighborhood and probably end up at an underground speakeasy if you make the right friends along the way.

Or you could just pop into The Finnieston for a killer martini on way to another part of the city. The Finnieston has a superb drinks menu with tons of innovative cocktails that lean into the beauty of Scottish terroir. They’ll also make you a classic cocktail of your choice that’s certain to be impeccable. Hell, you can even grab a couple of oysters if you’re a little peckish.

The overall feel of the place is bustling. There will be a few tables with couples drinking wine, a few tables of friends getting ready for the night, and a few solo cocktail drinkers looking for a fun time. It’s a good mix and you can feel the anticipation of a good night ahead while sitting at the bar sipping on your martini.

You can find The Finnieston here.

Dinner — The Anchor Line

Heading into Merchant City, the center of Glasgow, is definitely the play if you don’t get pulled into some other direction by your new friends at Finnieston. If you’re planning to make it to 3am, it’s probably best to get some calories in your body to absorb alcohol and fuel your dancing later.

The Anchor Line, right on St. Vincent Street in the center of the center of Glasgow, is a great stop on any night out. The place has an old-school art-deco feel with a pretty large bar and seating area up front and a big dining room behind it. On a weekend night, you’ll need a reservation or you might have to wait to get lucky at the bar (once sitting at the bar, you can order from the full menu).

The play here is to order a martini and oysters as a starter. Again, the martini will be on point and the oysters will be super local and fresh. From there, the menu is a mix of classic Scottish remixed with luxe twist. Think petite filet steaks served with grilled cherry tomatoes, lobster mac with seaweed powder, a steakhouse burger with locally smoked cheddar and raised beef, and just copious amounts of fresh seafood from all around Scotland.

In short, you’ll be in for an elevated meal with deep Scottish roots, a killer old-school bar scene, and tons of people to meet or just people-watch with. Expect to pay around $30-$50 per person for food and a drink.

Make a reservation for The Anchor Line here.

Cocktails — The Gate

Okay, it’s time to truly get a drink or two in. Heading a little further east on Merchant, you’ll hit the Trongate neighborhood or Barras Market. There, you’ll find a small door next to a sex shop with “The Gate” in neon above it. Inside, you’ll find one of the best cocktail and whisky bars in the city. The crew behind the bar train by going to Islay for retreats and Berlin to mix drinks. The crowd is a great mix of locals from the neighborhood and the cool kids in the know.

While the bespoke cocktails really do shine, especially the ones with local ingredients from the countryside, the whisky list cannot be ignored. There’s a deep selection of classic whiskies behind the bar. There are also new offerings you might not have heard of because they’ve not started exporting them yet. The point is, don’t be afraid to order a cocktail and a Glencairn with a good pour, it’s a pretty common sight at the bar.

All of that said, The Gate’s Boulevardier (pictured above) is spot on and made with Craigellachie instead of bourbon, giving the drink an almost fruity vibe. Speaking personally, I love it.

You can find The Gate here.

Club — Nice ‘n’ Sleazy

If you only have one night to party in Glasgow, then you have to hit at least two clubs. In the northwest corner of Merchant City, you’ll find Nice ‘n’ Sleazy. On the surface, this looks like a student pub/dive bar (with Mexican “street food”) that’ll be brimming with very drunk/high people when you walk in, even early-ish in the night. But you’ve gotta head down to the basement for the real fun.

Generally, there’ll be a show on in the basement that’ll range from a live band to a drag show to live poetry readings (there was an electronic dance party happening when I showed up). Most shows start between eight pm and midnight, depending on who’s performing. During that time, the vibe of the bar will go from drunken fun to crazy bacchanalia, again depending on who’s on that basement stage. If the show in the basement isn’t your vibe, you can always go back upstairs and chat up the throngs of people tying one (or ten) on at the bar.

You can find Nice ‘n’ Sleazy here.

Late Night — Sub Club

Sub Club — back in Merchant City right next to the Central train station — is the most iconic club in Glasgow. It’s somehow survived decades and remains one of the most important stops for DJs from all over the world. The actual club is shockingly small with a low ceiling — it’s in a basement, after all. You’ll also need to get tickets for Friday and Saturday night sets (it’s around $12).

Once you get through the line and the door, you’ll be entrenched in a sea of writhing bodies all moving to the same beat. It’s sweaty, drunken, and sexy while being a little disorientating (depending) how packed it actually is. Which is everything you want after a few cocktails.

Doors open at eleven pm and close at three am.

You can see the full schedule and buy tickets here.

The Morning After — Singl-end Cafe & Bakehouse Merchant City

It’s a pretty good bet that if you went to Sub Club, you didn’t leave until the whole party spilled out into the streets at three am. Then from there … well, that’s up to you.

The next morning, you’re going to need a recovery meal and Bloody Mary. If you’re still in Merchant City, head to Single-end Cafe. The bakery/breakfast spot will have everything you need from well-made coffee to piles of scones to brunch cocktails (after eleven am) and one of the best eggs Benny in the city. Order the “Stornoway Eggs” — a Benny that comes with nicely poached eggs over fried black pudding on a thick slice of baked in-house sourdough that’s toasted off and covered in a bacon-tomato jam. The hollandaise is spot on, making the whole thing the nourishment you need after a long night out.

There are also tons of cakes, bars, cookies, and great bread if that’s your scene. All of it is made in-house.

You can find Singl-end Cafe & Bakehouse Merchant City here.

Hair of the Dog — Chinaski’s

If it’s still Saturday, you’ll probably need a little hair of the dog before you tempt fate and go out for another round at the clubs later in the night. Chinaski’s — also in the northwest corner of Merchant City — is a speakeasy with pretty solid food and a cocktail menu. It’s the sort of place where you show up for a pint that turns into a whisky that turns into a meal that turns into more drinks as the DJs start to spin. And before you know it, you’re already out for a Saturday night party.

The joint doesn’t have a sign. You’ll just have to find the storefront with a soft teal paint job. If you make it inside for a little cocktail pick me up, it’s worth grabbing an espresso martini first. They’re pretty well done, with real depth and creaminess. Their New York sour is on point too.

If the weather is warm enough, you can post up in the back garden and let the day slip away while you eat, drink, and be merry. You’ll be sure to meet some people doing the exact same thing as you.

Inside, you’ll find a pretty damn good whiskey bar that leans towards American whiskeys, especially bourbon. Also, if you do end up getting drawn in, don’t sleep on the fish and chips– they’ll give a good base for another night out in the clubs of Glasgow.

You can find Chinaski’s here.

More Photos from Glasgow: