When news broke on Wednesday afternoon that Damian Lillard had been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, the overall reaction around the league was shock. There had been nothing linking the Bucks to a serious pursuit of Lillard, as the only rumblings about any talks happening had been linking the Raptors and, to a lesser degree, the Bulls to conversations about Dame — while Miami remained the preferred destination, but not one Portland would really engage with.
Ultimately, the three-team deal that emerged saw the Blazers choose a deal that brought Deandre Ayton, Jrue Holiday, a future first, and a pair of pick swaps to Portland. Holiday is expected to be moved again to a contender, although the timetable on him ending up with a new team is still to be determined as it’s possible the Blazers could wait until closer to the trade deadline to see if any contenders become desperate for a high-level point guard. In any case, the trade represented a seismic shift leaguewide, but particularly in the East where the Bucks cemented their place as favorites and the Heat now must head back to the drawing board.
Still, losing Jrue Holiday is not an insignificant departure for the Bucks, as his presence was considerable in helping them win a title in 2021, authoring one of the great individual plays of that Finals with his Game 5 steal in the closing seconds, with a lob to Giannis Antetokounmpo on the other end. While many of us were thinking about the terrifying prospect of Lillard playing alongside Giannis and how that will stretch defenses to their limit, Giannis was torn about the trade. While excited to play with someone Lillard’s caliber, he also wanted to keep focus on losing Jrue and what that means on and off the court for Milwaukee in his first comments to Chris Haynes.
“Jrue is my f–king brother for life. I love his family. I love him. I appreciate him. I wish him nothing but the best. He blessed me with a f–king championship,” Antetokounmpo told B/R. “He’s the one who made that huge steal in Game 5 of the Finals. I went to battle with him multiple times. F–k basketball. F–k the media shit. This guy is my brother for life, and it’s always going to be like that. He’s going to thrive wherever he ends up.
“Now at the same time, I’m excited to have Dame. He gives us a chance to win a championship. I’m excited to play with the caliber of player that he is. He can score the ball in his sleep and shoot the lights out.
“It’s a bittersweet day for the city of Milwaukee. You get Dame, who is a great player, but you lose a great guy. Jrue took us to the promised land. I’m 10 years in now. I know it’s a business. At the end of the day, Jrue will alway be be my brother for life. He’s one of the best human beings I’ve been around. But we’ve got to focus on the goal to win the championship. Dame wants this. He’s hungry to win, and he’s going to push us. I’m very happy to have him on our team.”
The reality of trading for a superstar like Lillard is you don’t get to do that without giving up a very important piece of your team to do so. Giannis had made it clear to the Bucks this summer that he wanted them to do what they needed to in order to give them the best shot at winning titles long-term, or else he wouldn’t be considering an extension. Trading Lillard was the resounding response from the Bucks, but it came at the cost of Holiday which, as Giannis notes, is a considerable loss.
Holiday was their backcourt leader as a terrific passer and defender, his off-court impact is hard to quantify as he has long been known as one of the great people in the NBA and is a regular in voting for best teammate in the league from his peers. His leadership and presence on and off the court will be missed, and it’s not a surprise that Giannis would want to make that abundantly clear in his first public comments on the trade.
However, it’s hard to deny that the Bucks got an upgrade in Lillard overall, and particularly addressed their biggest postseason need by getting an elite scoring guard to space the floor and provide much more space for Giannis. The one knock on Holiday was his scoring efficiency in the postseason, which further cramped the spacing for Antetokounmpo and made the Bucks offense easier to slow down in the playoffs. Lillard will change that calculus considerably for defenses, and Lillard is, himself, well regarded as a teammate and locker room presence, even if he’s not exactly where he wanted to be after his trade request.
Age is not just a number, it’s a concept around which a network can expand its reality dating show universe. The Golden Bachelor’spremiere proves that. Sure, the show may spend an inordinate amount of time trying to convince audiences that the over-60 crowd isn’t just a bag of bones shuffling their walkers to an open grave, but when it’s not obsessed with overcorrecting TV’s ageist track record, it actually has mass appeal. There’s Gary, a tall, fit, salt-peppered hunk so in touch with his emotions that he’s not afraid to shed a tear with each pan to camera. There’s a gaggle of women – some whose Boomer status we seriously question – who are smart, funny, and unafraid to put it all on the line for love. And then there’s Jimmy Kimmel’s aunt.
That’s right, Aunt Chippy was so puzzled by the idea that TV audiences would tune in to watch a 73-year-old retiree woo dozens of women by laughing over their shared bedtimes and bad knees that she pulled some strings and got herself an invite. She doesn’t stay long, but man, what a show this would be if she did.
Instead, the same formula that’s come to define Bachelor Nation installments stays intact. There are the limo reveals, intimate sit-downs, a tense rose ceremony, and enough champagne (and now orange juice) to keep the night flowing. Hopefully, for these seniors, it doesn’t flow too long. And look, age jokes may be in bad taste, but this first episode seems hellbent on reminding us that these women aren’t dead yet – despite no one arguing the opposite. We get it: second chances are inspiring, these contestants have lived experiences that make them even more interesting than a 20-something marketing executive from Missouri, and that woman with the egg basket is just as horny as a 30-year-old LA native named Kimberly. Let’s quit congratulating ourselves on this diversity push and give these women a chance to write their own narratives.
To that end, we’ve rounded up our thoughts on who’s getting a rose, who isn’t, and if Gary’s pacemaker can handle all the flirting to come.
First Impressions
Gary Age: 73 Occupation: Grieving his late wife
Gary doesn’t get a limo, but his entrance is just as memorable – a James Bond-esque get-ready-with-me moment that ends not with golden cufflinks but with hearing aids. We learn that Gary’s wife of 40-something-odd years passed away suddenly due to a bacterial infection. They were high school sweethearts and, though six years have gone by, Gary doesn’t seem as emotionally ready to move on as we’d expect him to be to star in a show like this. Does he need a reality TV series and a couple of dozen strangers fawning over him, or would therapy and a hobby be a better coping mechanism? Time will tell.
Edith Age: 60 Occupation: Serving on these senior hoes
Edith did not come to play. She brought props, she brought personality, and she packaged it all in a bit of golden saran wrap that basically screamed, “I’m not like these other girls.” From here on, she will only be referred to as the Confetti Queen.
Ellen Age: 71 Occupation: Missing her friend, Roberta
Ellen’s a retired teacher from Florida who gave us our first mention of pickleball – the low-impact sport that’s basically tennis for old people – just eight minutes into the episode. But the most memorable thing about Ellen is her friend Roberta. The pair have watched every season of The Bachelortogether and the only reason Roberta isn’t here instead is because she’s busy fighting cancer. (Or, you know, she has a partner already. We don’t know Roberta’s life.) Either way, #ThisIsForRoberta
Sandra Age: 75 Occupation: Swearing like a sailor
Sandra’s idea of breaking the ice is inviting Gary to witness how she manages her anxiety attacks – with a bit of deep breathing and a whole lot of whispered, “Fuuuuucks.” It’s actually pretty therapeutic. You should try it.
Leslie Age: 64 Occupation: Inspiring that one song by Prince
Leslie came dressed as a bargain store granny just so she could reveal her smokin’ bod, and flowing locks, and tell Gary she absolutely doesn’t need him. That’s feminism. She also drops one of the coolest fun facts we’ve ever heard on this show: She’s the origin story of Prince’s “Sexy Dancer.” Gary cannot handle this woman.
Theresa Age: 69 Occupation: Making every day her birthday
When Theresa steps out of the limo in nothing but a black silk robe, she tells Gary it’s her birthday – which may be true, but it’s also the perfect set-up for her to flash a bit of her birthday suit off camera. She’s not really naked of course (she “has six grandsons!”) but boy does she squeeze every last drop of opportunity out of the bit, sharing birthday cupcakes and practically guilting Gary into giving her a rose. Game recognizes game, Theresa.
April Age: 65 Occupation: Chicken enthusiast
In case Gary couldn’t picture what growing up on a farm must be like, April from Florida brought a visual aid – a basket of fresh eggs that served as some kind of confusing sexual ice breaker. She followed it up with an ass-spanking chicken dance and some strange bird calls, all of which Gary seemed to eat up like, well, chicken feed. April feels poised to go far on this show simply because her level of weird is both entertaining and drama-flaming – she’s already got some haters in the group – but Gary should be on guard. She’s had three men desperately in love with her in her past. Where are they now? Fertilizer for her chicken coop?
Faith Age: 60 Occupation: Biker babe to beat
Faith is cool – like ride up on a Harley, strum an original folk tune kind of cool. The other girls are right to be wary, especially since she seems to have such an easy time of revving up Gary’s rusty old engine. She gets the first impression rose and a good tongue down before bed.
Kathy Age: 70 Occupation: Walking and sh*t talking
We couldn’t tell you a thing about Kathy except that she hates April, which is exactly why Kathy needs to stay in the Bachelor residence for as long as she possibly can. We need her candor, her no bullsh*t attitude, her willingness to forgo gimmicky first impressions in favor of a great dress, and a steady gait. Stand your ground, Kathy. We’re with you.
Marina Age: 60 Occupation: Finding ways of injecting the word “dope” into everyday conversation
Marina really wants to impress her granddaughter. That’s the only reason we can think of as to why she utters the word “dope” so many times in the show’s premiere. Eventually, she uses her ignorance of Gen Z slang to bond with Gary, the two having a laugh over made-up words like “rizz.” This is the kind of content we were hoping for when they told us the next Bachelor would be on social security.
There were a handful of women who also received roses (or were let go) over the course of the night, though they got less airtime. Nastascha, age 60, both excited and terrified Gary with her introductory laughing exercise. Renee, age 67, performed a cheer routine. Susan, age 66, came dressed as a pageant queen. And Slyvia, age 64, claimed to be Penelope Cruz’s doppelgänger. (Spoiler: she wasn’t). Some bland blondies were sprinkled throughout, but altogether, this premiere felt refreshingly diverse and certainly poised to deliver the kind of alcohol-fueled catfights and emotionally charged breakups fans have come to expect from the Bachelor universe.
But we stand by our earlier statement: It needs more of Jimmy Kimmel’s aunt.
The Rolling Stones have a big comeback underway. Over the course of the past few weeks, the British rock legends released two new singles — “Angry,” which is accompanied by a music video starring Sydney Sweeney, and “Sweet Sounds Of Heaven,” a collaboration with Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga. Both of these songs will appear on the band’s upcoming 26th album, Hackney Diamonds.
As the band’s comeback has garnered much buzz, their album will likely produce a large payout. The Rolling Stones’ catalog proves to be illustrious with several hit songs and critically acclaimed albums in their repertoire. And the band owns all of the music they’ve recorded since 1971. In an interview with Wall Street Journal Magazine, the band’s lead vocalist said he doesn’t plan to sell the band’s catalog. He suggested that he may donate parts of the Stones’ catalog earnings to charity.
He noted that he plans to leave some money to heirs, however, “the children don’t need $500 million to live well. Come on.” he said. He continued implying that he would like to make an impact with the band’s money. “You maybe do some good in the world.”
Hackney Diamonds is out 10/20 via Geffen. Find more information here.
Madame Tussauds‘ wax figures are a hit or miss. But the latest one is uncanny. Today (September 28), the famed wax museum’s Nashville location unveiled a figure of country music sensation Kacey Musgraves.
The replica of Musgraves is wearing a white lace jumpsuit, and is accessorised with a nose stud, gold rings, and hoop earrings, recreating her look from the 2019 Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo.
“What an honor, I never even knew I wanted this to be a bucket list moment.,” said Musgraves in a statement. “You all did an amazing job.”
As pictures of the wax figure have surfaced online, fans also can’t help but note its resemblance to the singer.
“If the mic wasn’t there, I would’ve struggled to find which one was the figure,” said one fan on Twitter.
If the mic wasn’t there, I would’ve struggled to find which one was the was figure https://t.co/sxq9Wc18Ab
According to a press release, the statue took six months to create with work of 20 London-based artists.
“As a country music icon, there is no better artist we’d like to welcome to the Madame Tussauds Nashville family than Kacey Musgraves,” said Marketing Manager for Madame Tussauds Monica Jackson in a statement. “She is one of country music’s most beloved stars and we’re honored for guests to welcome and sing with her at our attraction.”
Fans can visit Madam Tussauds Nashville beginning tomorrow (September 29) to see the wax figure.
Pursuing happiness is humanity’s universal aspirations and, many argue, a fundamental piece of a fulfilling life. While the very definition of happiness is, of course, subjective, one thing many of us (especially if you are reading this list) have in common is that travel plays a significant part in our pursuit. Because while we may not all be able to live in a place with incredible quality of life and recreation opportunities – we sure can visit them.
A destination that might not yet be on your radar for “happiness travel” is Utah, but according to WalletHub’s 2023 ranking of “Happiest States in America”, it’s number 1. Considering several factors such as economic, social, emotional, and physical health, this ranking might be surprising to those who haven’t spent much time in the Beehive State. But as a frequent traveler to Utah – I totally get it.
Emily Hart
The recreation opportunities alone are enough to put Utah at the top of any “top ____” list in my book. The large state is geographically diverse, with options for adventure and awe around every corner. Unsurprisingly, it has more national parks than almost any other state (save for California and Alaska), 43 state parks, over 15 ski resorts, and even a lake nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies.”
If you aren’t yet convinced to book a flight to SLC and hit the road, here are my top 10 outdoor adventure destinations in Utah to change your mind:
Canyonlands National Park — Near Moab
Emily Hart
Canyonlands National Park, in my opinion, doesn’t get as much due as some of the other parks in Utah – and that’s part of what makes it so great. The massive National Park – with four distinct districts spread over 300-thousand acres – is rugged and unique. Most visitors experience Canyonlands via The Island In The Sky District, the most accessible just ten miles north of the outdoor mecca Moab. Here, you can hike the Shafer Trail and famous Mesa Arch, drive White Rim Road (with a 4×4 only), camp, head into the backcountry, or admire the massive panoramic views from the multiple viewing areas.
Where to stay nearby:
Head into Moab to stay at the newly opened Field Station Moab, a hotel centered around adventure stocked with outdoor equipment and professional outdoor guides.
Where to grab a drink nearby:
I love to grab a brew at Moab Brewery whenever I’m in town.
Arches National Park — Moab
Emily Hart
Just 5 miles north of Moab is one of the nation’s most unique and memorable National Parks – Arches. With over 2,000 documented natural stone arches (the largest concentration in the world) in just 119 square miles – there is something remarkable everywhere you turn here.
Hike the surprisingly challenging Delicate Arch trail or to the more mellow Double Arch before entering Devils Garden. The park road is stunning on its own – just be sure to secure a timed entry vehicle reservation before your visit. Reservations are released on a rolling basis three months in advance, with a limited number available the day before entry at 6 p.m. MDT on recreation.gov.
Where to stay nearby:
On my next visit, I’d love to stay at Red Cliffs Lodge on the gorgeous Highway 128 Colorado River Scenic Byway. The lodge offers suites and cabins with rustic Western decor framed by striking red cliffs and impressive amenities.
Less than 10 miles from Canyonlands, you’ll find another geological wonder (they are everywhere here y’all) – Dead Horse Point State Park. One of 43 state parks in Utah, Dead Horse Point is consistently one of the most visited. The Dead Horse Point overlook is legendary, with panoramic views of the Colorado River and nearby Canyonlands National Park — the kind of place that makes you feel small in all the right ways.
Renting a yurt in Dead Horse Point State Park is next on my Utah bucket list. With a two-night minimum stay, the yurts are spacious and convenient for all the action in the park.
I’ve had many conversations with fellow travelers and friends who said they took a trip to “all the Utah National Parks,” – but when I ask them what they thought of Capitol Reef, they realize they missed one. While not the “least visited Utah National Park” – that title goes to Canyonlands, it’s not as easy to get here; you likely won’t just “be in the area” – you have to want it. And I always do.
Home to part of the “Waterpocket Fold” – a geological feature described as a “wrinkle” in the earth’s crust that extends for 100 miles; enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and uniquely historic pick-your-own fruit orchards and famous fruit pies available at the Gifford Homestead during your visit.
Where to stay nearby:
Stay in Torrey for convenient access to the park at a short-term rental or one of the many standard hotels. I’d love to spend some nights at the elevated and modern Skyview Hotel on my next visit.
Where to grab a drink nearby:
Head south on the breathtaking Scenic byway 12 to Boulder and the only Utah restaurant ever selected as an outstanding restaurant finalist in the James Beard Awards – Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm.
Bryce Canyon National Park — Southern Utah
Emily Hart
Ask any seasoned National Park traveler what their favorite park in Utah is, and you’ll likely hear Bryce Canyon. It may not get as much fanfare as the enormously popular (and nearby) Zion National Park – but it is unique among any park in the NPS system. The vibrant geological formations and hoodoos – the park’s signature feature – are otherworldly and awe-inspiring to walk above, around, or below. And with elevations averaging between 8,000 and 9,000 ft, winter here might be even more spectacular with the juxtaposition of snow on the rocks.
Hike Rim Trail, Sunset to Sunrise Point, Navajo Loop, and Queens Garden or Mossy Cave to be transported into another dimension entirely.
Where to stay nearby:
Rent a vintage Airstream modern cabin, or bring your RV/van to the nearby Yonder Escalante. Enjoy nightly movies on the big screen in vintage cars, the pool and hot tub with a view, and the tasty food and drinks available onsite.
Zion National Park is one of the top-visited National Parks in the United States, and for good reason. The park in Southwestern Utah is home to the famed Angel’s Landing hike (don’t forget your permit), The Narrows, and Observation Point. Zion Canyon is one of the most awe-inducing places one can visit in the United States, hands down, stretching for 15 miles at depths up to 2,640 ft.
Where to stay nearby:
Snag a room at the only “in-park” lodging at Zion Lodge. The lodge offers cabins, hotel rooms, and suites.
This Utah State Park is close to the perennially crowded Bryce Canyon but with a fraction of the crowds and all of the beauty. Named after Kodak Kodachrome Film after a 1949 National Geographic Society expedition that photographed it using the film – this park is jaw-dropping. I felt like the only person left on earth hiking Angel’s Palace Trail, photographing the sandstone spires and chimneys, and watching for wildlife.
Where to stay nearby:
Rent a cottage, treehouse, or larger home – some with private hot tubs – at the luxurious Stone Canyon Inn in nearby Tropic.
Where to grab a drink nearby:
The Stone Hearth Grille at Stone Canyon Inn is a favorite, with fresh dishes, a great atmosphere, a lively crowd, and an extensive wine list.
Park City
Emily Hart
I have spent years traveling all around Utah, but until recently, I had never spent much time in Park City. Known for its world-class skiing and upscale vibes, I wasn’t sure what it would offer a non-skier like me. But after a recent trip during the shoulder season, I regret spending so much time not in Park City. The views are immaculate, the town is charming, the lodgings are upscale, and most importantly – the access to outdoor recreation is unparalleled. Hike, mountain bike, or stand-up paddleboard during the off-season, then head to Main St. for shopping and fine dining.
Where to stay:
I loved my stay at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City. The historic Norweigian-inspired luxury ski hotel has excellent restaurants, impeccable service, a sumptuous spa, and views from every vantage point.
Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” the palatial Bear Lake, on the border of Utah and Idaho, is a year-round destination – but shines in the summer months. Spend days boating, beach lounging, hiking, and jet skiing on deep turquoise waters that will seem to transport you far out of Utah.
Where to stay nearby:
Glamp at the upscale Conestoga Ranch in luxury tents or wagons. All have plush mattresses, rustic elegant furnishing, ample amenities, and some with en suite bathrooms.
Where to grab a drink nearby:
Stay on property at Conestoga Ranch for drinks at The Campfire Grill. The timber-framed, open-air space offers lake views, and the beer and wine lists are carefully curated.
Bonneville Salt Flats — Western Utah
Emily Hart
You’ve undoubtedly seen photos of the Bonneville Salt Flats in Northwestern Utah. The otherworldly landscape created as a result of the evaporation of Lake Bonneville is a legendary image in the American West. The vast salt pan is the perfect backdrop for photography and stargazing, but what it’s really known for is speed.
The Bonneville Speedway, on the National Register of Historic Places, is an area of the salt flats predetermined for motorsports. Several land speed records have been made here, as the flat and smooth surface creates the perfect conditions.
Where to stay nearby:
There isn’t a ton nearby, as this is a remote area, often a stopping point between two other destinations or made as a day trip from Salt Lake City. The best nearby option is to head to Wendover in Nevada and try the KOA or Best Western.
Where to grab a drink nearby:
Your best bet is to bring your brews to enjoy while visiting this pristine landscape, likely unlike anything you have ever experienced before.
If you take a look at any list of “best IPAs,” you’ll see a lot of the usual suspects. That’s because, even though there are over 9,000 breweries in the US with many of them cranking out an IPA or two, names like Ballast Point, Russian River, Bell’s, and Stone always seem to find their way to the top of the list. And that’s fair on some level — those beers are great. But while we love all of those breweries and their IPAs, we also want to celebrate the countless lesser-known, high-quality IPAs just waiting to be discovered.
The most difficult thing is finding these proverbial beer-soaked diamonds in the rough. There’s no way you could sample all of the thousands of IPAs on the market. Though, to be fair, it woul be fun to try. Lucky for you, the experts are here to help. Who better to let you in on the best lesser-known IPAs than beer writers, brewers, and beer professionals themselves?
We asked a handful of these folks for help, and they were gracious enough to let us in on their favorite under-the-radar IPAs. Keep scrolling to see the underrated beers they tell their friends and family to try.
Modist Tea Label
Modist
Garth E. Beyer, Certified Cicerone and owner of Garth’s Brew Bar in Madison, Wisconsin
Teal Label from Modist is a west-coast style IPA that has regional distribution but should be nationally distributed given how damn good it is. You don’t often read ‘crushable’ and ‘West Coast IPA’ together. But there’s no better way to describe it.
Tasting Notes:
It brings forward a very traditional malt base of Maris Otter Pale Ale malt and then gives itself a modern hop twist that gives this an eclectic dance of flavor between juicy (pineapple, primarily) and West Coast resin (pine tree, anyone?).
Mo’ Simcoe from Cellarmaker is a lesser-known IPA that deserves more attention. The berry and fruit character from the Mosaic paired with the dankness of Simcoe sets this IPA apart for me.
Tasting Notes:
This complex IPA has notes of honeydew melon, lemongrass, guava, mango, and a nice kick of dank, floral, bitter hops at the finish.
Kros Strain’s Fairy Nectar IPA is a great lesser-known IPA. It’s a favorite around Nebraska and should be on everyone’s IPA radar. This New England-style IPA is known for its juicy, fruity, citrus-filled flavor profile.
Tasting Notes:
It’s citrusy, smooth, and still has that hoppy bitterness characteristic of an IPA. Whenever a person tells me they don’t like IPAs, I tell them to give this a taste. When I meet an IPA fan from out of town, I tell them to give this a try.
A beer that is likely lesser known to newer beer drinkers in the often-overlooked category of Black IPA is Wookey Jack from Firestone Walker. This brew was originally made in 2012 and occasionally returns on special releases for those of us who still remember.
Tasting Notes:
It is super unique for an IPA with roasted malt character and spicy rye that melds with the grapefruit and pine of the hops.
Certainly, the best seasonal IPA would be the Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. This beer has morphed into being their fresh hop IPA which is only available in the fall. But if I was going to pick a lesser-known IPA, I’d go with Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye. This 6.6% ABV Rye IPA is complex, lightly spicy, and highly memorable.
Tasting Notes:
This complex, surprisingly well-balanced IPA gets a ton of peppery spice from the use of rye, but also has a nice malt presence and has a nice kick of lightly bitter, floral hops.
Kuhnhenn DRIPA
Kuhnhenn
Duncan Kral, innovation brewer at Half Acre Beer in Chicago
ABV: 9.5%
Average Price: Limited Availability
The Beer:
My favorite lesser-known IPA is Kuhnhenn Brewing Co. DRIPA. This ‘double rice’ IPA has (you guessed it) lots of rice in the grain bill to help boost the ABV and provide a crisp, dry finish.
Tasting Notes:
It pours a brilliantly clear golden and explodes out of the glass with citrusy grapefruit hop aromas. Be careful with this one. Its 10% ABV is so well hidden you’ll think you’re drinking a session IPA. But it packs a punch.
I grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati and as an Ohio boy, I have to mention my favorite IPA: Truth from Rhinegeist in Cincinnati. It’s my Platonic ideal of what an IPA should be.
Tasting Notes:
Truth has a firm bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt which includes Vienna, Pilsner, flaked rye, and red malts. The nose is accented with the scintillating brilliance of the hops which include Amarillo, Citra, Simcoe, and Centennial lending the beer tropical fruit aroma with grapefruit and mango notes with a dry finish.
Heretic Anthem by Devil’s Logic is easily my top choice for West Coast IPAs I’ve sampled locally this year. It’s brewed with Citra, Vic Secret, and Nelson Sauvin hops.
Tasting Notes:
Bursting with lively citrus and tropical notes, it carries subtle pine undertones. The beer has a solid yet clean malt body and assertive ABV to balance it all out.
I love Gravemaker from Holy Mountain which is a collaboration with Cervezaria Transpeninsular in Ensenada, Mexico. It’s brewed with Buzz Pale from LINC malt, and Azacca hops giving it a balanced, highly drinkable flavor profile.
Tasting Notes:
This is a great IPA. It’s fruity, light in body, and with a very clean malt presence. It ends with a nice hit of piney, resinous hops to tie everything together nicely.
Residue of Design East Cost IPA, brewed by Lucky Cat Brewing Co, is an exciting mash-up of the East Coast and West Coast styles. Easy to drink and doesn’t get the love it deserves.
Tasting Notes:
This mashup of east and west is filled with fruit flavors, sweet malts, and citrus notes, and finishes with a nice bitter, floral, dank flourish. It’s a well-balanced underrated IPA.
“I look at myself as an expressionist, like a surrealist artist,” says Jesse Boykins III. The alternative R&B singer – whose sound stretches from classic soul to the accented, off-center elements of electronic – is known for his unique exploration of where music and fashion intersect.
“I explore a lot of different sounds and soundscapes and I try to explore a lot of different ways of communicating my emotions,” he notes. “I went to school for jazz, so I explore a lot of different genres of music — I’m open to hybridizing and blending things, mixing and matching elements together, and making things that might not seem like they’re going to make sense, make sense.”
Born in Chicago, Boykins spent part of his childhood surrounded by his fly-as-hell uncles while living in Jamaica, which ultimately shaped his perception of clothing. At first, the artist, director, music producer, and clothing designer tried to tone it down when returning to the U.S., but he eventually found his footing by expressing himself in whatever way felt best.
“I’m very big on curating things and trying to bring comfort to things that might normally feel uncomfortable,” he continues, speaking on his aesthetic. “I think that’s something that’s needed right now — people being okay with finding comfort in discomfort. That’s what I lean into in my art.”
Today, Boykins sets the tone in how he dresses the same way he does with his music — with unapologetic flair. After a run of new singles – including the recent “Go With The Feeling” – Boykins is set to drop a full-length album, New Growth, next month.
We hit up Boykins to talk about his curated sense of style and how he showcases that in his music and live performances, the kind of pieces he likes to collect, his personal perception of the world’s view on style and fashion, and more.
You have a very curated sense of style. What’s your personal style philosophy?
I like how things feel, so I usually start with feeling. I want to feel down to textures and different fabrics. I really love wool and cashmere, and I really love tweed. I try to get things along the lines of things that I connect with as far as that’s concerned. And then some people tell me I dress like either I’m homeless or I’m a millionaire. I take that as a compliment, I call it “vintage bedroom.”
That’s my speed right there. Like I just got out of bed, but I could go to the Met Gala.
I feel like that’s starting to become more popular too on the red carpet and especially with younger generations. They’re all about the comfortability, but also making it stylish.
That’s always been a part of my expression is to make sure of that. They say beauty is pain, I don’t agree. That’s not really my thing. I feel like you just want to be peaceful, as peaceful as you can make it. So that’s what I try to do in my style, try to make sure that I feel good, I’m at peace with what I’m wearing.
When did you first become interested in fashion and style and how have you connected it over the years with your music?
I think I was like five years old. I grew up in Jamaica, and my uncles are all pretty stylish dudes and were in a reggae band. My father was also a very stylish person who had the Gucci glasses with the safari hats, the 13 gold chains, the three gold teeth, and tried different patterns and stuff. So I was around it really early on and I used to dress like them.
When I moved to the states, I had to kind of change a little bit because I had to conform because of where I was living. I wasn’t trying to look like fresh meat out here so I adapted. And then when I moved to New York for college, I went back to my childhood in a sense where I felt free to express myself in whatever which way I could because New York is the scene that sense.
Have you have you connected that to your career in music?
Fashion has pretty much has been part of my life for a long time. And I think that aspect of exploration, trying new things, and learning the history of certain things is also a practice I have in my music. I explore a lot of different sounds and soundscapes and I try to explore a lot of different ways of communicating my emotions. I went to school for jazz, so I explore a lot of different genres of music. I’m open to hybridizing and blending things, mixing and matching elements together, and making things that might not seem like they’re going to make sense, make sense, so they kind of are parallels for me. I try to practice that as much as I can.
A lot of times when I’m making the music, I see what it looks like before it’s even finished and that’s down to what I’m wearing, what it smells like, where are we at, what the environment is like. I’m very big on curating things and trying to bring comfort to things that might normally feel uncomfortable. And I think that’s something that’s needed right now. People are okay with finding comfort in discomfort, and that’s what I lean into in my art.
How do you determine how you style your outfits for your live performances?
Oh, that’s easy. That’s based on movement. I do a lot of movement on stage, so a lot of times I’m trying to find things that can flow with me, that add another depth or another layer to my expression. I also layer a lot on stage. So in a sense, I’m “molding,” taking off molds and molds of me while I’m performing, and I think that adds to the storyline and makes the experience more memorable. Like,”Aw, man, he had an outfit on in this song and he took the jacket off and then he had this crazy shirt under the jacket, and then took the shirt off, had this skin-tight snakeskin.”
I like that aspect of it too. I try to make everything feel synthetic — so I try to make that as memorable as possible.
So who would you say are some of your style icons over the years?
Vivienne Westwood. Anything having to do with ’70s rocker energy. So Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, that aspect of them being so resourceful with what they had and still making it so flavorful and impacting so many different cultures of people. I also love Jean Paul Gaultier as a costume designer specifically. The Fifth Element, I love the styling and the costume design in that film. Also, the first Blade Runner. The styling on that and the costume design on that movie were very good.
Would you say when you’re out shopping, do you find yourself more going to new clothes or it kind of sounds like with some of these style icons and the mood that you just stated, it could be a little bit more vintage, like thrifting?
Yeah, to me I have no real formula for that. I think a lot of the newer designs are templates of older things that I would rather get the best quality of. That’s always my goal is to get the best quality. I actually design clothes as well, and so I might see a template I like, but I might not like the fabric, or the waistline cut, or I might want to shift it and change it to something else. So I do a lot of customization stuff too.
The seamstresses and the designs I work with, for me it’s just constant aspirations for the best quality. That can be vintage, or should I find a Guess original, it doesn’t matter. To me, it’s like just my eyes, what I’m paying attention to, what speaks to me.
Tell me a little bit about the most recent projects that you recently designed and are currently working on.
I designed my merchandising and stuff for my other album. I’m doing that now for my new album, but I’m also doing a capsule collection in conjunction with my album. And so my album cover is one of the designs I did with one of the partnering designs I work with. So it’s a one-on-one outfit, and we’re doing a couple of looks to embody what the clothing of the album looks like as far as fabric, cuts, and textures. It’s highly inspired by West African, Senegalese slash Japanese cut, and then some futurism in there. I sought inspiration from Jean Paul Gautier and Vivienne Westwood. It’s kind of like the hybrid between these things.
Also, clothes I’ll be wearing on stage and I’ll make sure that they get seen more than one time.
I know that your new album comes out in October. Are there going to be any pieces of clothes that fans would be able to wear as well? Are they going to be merchandised?
Yeah, maybe. I hope so. My goal is always to be able to share the things that I create. So that’s always an intention, but like I said, it’s really about quality and partnerships, and all these other things. So I’m just more in the state of making things and putting them into the universe and seeing what the universe brings back to me. That’s where I’m at with self-releasing my album and not really asking for any help financially from any labels or anything like that. I’m really figuring out what it is I want and what my vision is based on what I’m willing to give and then I can go from there. I’m trying to practice that across the board. I would love for that to be a thing. Currently, it’s just really in the beginning stages. It’s like I’m in incubation and my album coming out is the start of me coming out of the incubation.
Do you have any advice or strategies for someone who’s looking to carve out their own style identity?
Oh, for sure. First, do whatever the fuck you want. All right?
Do whatever the fuck you want.
If you want to wear a blazer top with a plaid skirt with furry socks and grass slippers, tap in it. I feel like adventuring in a space where there are no consequences is where you take the most advantage of adventure. You’re trying on different outfits, it’s not like skydiving. If you put on an outfit and you don’t feel good in it after you try it on, you put on another one. Explore as much as you’d like.
I would also say do some research. If you like a designer, look up why you like that designer. Try to find out why you like them. Who’s their favorite designer? What was their claim of fame? How do they feel about where the state of style and fashion is and what’s their perspective? What was their childhood like? Do some research, do some digging, and you’ll find more connectivity to what it is you feel so drawn to subconsciously and you’ll embody it more.
You mentioned if somebody likes a designer reach into that. Lean into that. Who are some designers and brands that you think are taking chances right now that are impressing you personally?
I like Marni a lot, I like Bottega, I like Bode, I like Aime, Leon Dore, but then I like traditional. I like Guess originals a lot, what they’ve been doing lately, just practical things. As far as footwear, I really like Reese Cooper, I like this company in Italy called Cassia. I got a lot of friends who do streetwear stuff. I really like Daily Paper a lot. I’m a big fan. I got a couple of pieces from them that I wear a lot. Most of the stuff I get is one-on-ones where I go to these boutiques and there is only one shirt to be found from 1930. And I’m like, well, it’s mine now. I’m very much in a collection mode.
For example, I don’t wear dresses, but I have a lot. I collect them. I got all these different colors and textures just because I want to see why and how they’re made. I have all this interest in the history of things, so that’s what I’m drawn to more than, oh, this is hot and new and everybody’s wearing it so I should get it too. That’s not really my energy.
In your personal opinion, do you see that there’s a change in the way people dress and the fashion sense throughout the world? Do you think people are more aware of their style nowadays?
That’s a great question. I think the pandemic really affected how people look at clothing and I think it turned more into uniform-based things. That’s why Essentials is so successful. Jerry Lorenzo really has it figured out. Designers like him who make things uniform based. So it’s easier for people to pick what they’re going to wear every day. I think that’s a lot of what I see happening. People have designed their own lifestyle as far as what a uniform means to them. And with that, everything else is easier to make decisions, or it’s easier to find yourself in a ritualistic space, or having these things that you go to that you find comfort in or you feel safe in.
I think people’s style is becoming way more intentional than it was other than thinking they have to look “cool.” That’s a part of it, but it’s like I got to feel good in this and I got to feel like it’s speaking to me and I’m being genuinely how I feel right now and not trying to put on a show for people. The pandemic kind of shifted that when people were just home and they were in pajamas all day. They’re like, okay, now we get to go back outside. I would love to be in pajamas all day. I’d rather just be in clothes that feel like I’m at home. So I think there’s a bridge happening between the two worlds, which is the really high fashion couture stuff, and then the really practical essentials of the world. Companies like that who do really well at making clothing that is super well cut, produce really good products, and not have a logo all over the place.
Which artists over the decades have you personally thought had the best style?
Steve Lacy definitely understands what he wants to portray and what he wants to express in his style. He’s definitely in the explorative mode and he’s curated as far as the designs he likes and things like that. Channel Tres for sure. He got the crop top game on smash. And as far as in general, if I zoom out, I don’t know. I really love Prince. He’s one of my favorites. I mean, he’s at the top. I think about Kanye and the Yeezy, Dark Fantasy, and Saint Pablo eras. What Pharrell’s doing right now with Louis Vuitton and how he’s having the conversation in his music and in his visuals is great. Tyler, The Creator is another one that goes crazy. He’s highly stylish. He definitely understands what it is he’s trying to express in his style. I’m damn sure he doesn’t got no stylist.
A mother on TikTok shared a heartfelt moment when her 9-year-old daughter opened up about her self-image concerns, wondering about her appearance as she grows up. The story was a wonderful example of a mother delicately dealing with an issue that far too many young women face. It was also a difficult moment because the conversation brought up the mother’s body issues as well.
The conversation happened while the two were clothes shopping at Target. “My 9-year-old’s saying she’s fat, and this is because she has to wear adult sizes versus kids ’cause she’s really tall, just like me,” Mackenzie Waddell told her 222,000 followers.
“She kept calling herself ‘fat’ and that she had too big of a butt and that the other kids her age don’t have to wear adult clothes,” Waddell continued. “I reminded her that I, too, had to wear adult clothes when I was her age ’cause I was really tall just like she is.”
Im so devastated that she feels that way about herself. 💔
The discussion led to a question that was hard for the mother to hear.
“… she asked me if she was gonna look like me when she grew up. And I asked her, ‘Do you mean big like me? When you grow up?’ And she said, ‘Yes. I’m not trying to be mean mom, but I want to look like Aunt Sarah, not you,’” she recalled.
Her daughter’s remarks hit her right in the heart, but she responded with perfect composure. “I kept a brave face and said, ‘As long as you are happy and healthy, and you love yourself, that’s all that matters. No matter what size you are,” Waddell said.
The mother was sure not to take it personally, but it still cut close to the bone. “And was I hurt? Yeah, I was. But she didn’t mean to hurt me. It just really sucked. Yeah,” she concluded.
The post went viral, receiving over 1.7 million views and over 2,000 comments. The most popular commenter thought that Waddell should tell her daughter to avoid commenting on people’s weight.
“You should tell her she hurt your feelings. She needs to know. You did a great job supporting her in how she feels. She has to learn that skill also,” Char8201 wrote.
However, many women responded with nothing but love for how Waddell handled such a challenging situation. “You responded beautifully, momma. She’s still learning and these are the moments where we provide that guidance, even when it hurts,” Mavv13 wrote. “Oh mama. Thank god she feels comfortable to talk to you openly,” tirrelltribe added.
After the tremendous response to her video, Waddell responded with another post, educating people about how one’s weight doesn’t necessarily mean they eat unhealthy. “A lot of people like to assume that plus-size people don’t know how to eat healthy or are unhealthy. When, in fact, we’re not,” Waddle said.
She added that her daughter lives a healthy lifestyle but avoids having conversations about weight with her because “That’s what traumatized me.”
Is rap less dominant now because rock is more prevalent or because rap is turning into rock? This will be a fun quandary to ponder as more and more prominent hip-hop artists expand their purview, following ostensible rappers like Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty in dabbling in experimental sounds of alt, psych, and heavy metal.
That number apparently now also includes Kevin Abstract (because of course it does). Per Stereogum, at the former Brockhampton frontman’s first solo show in six years, he played tracks from what may very well be his own rock project. According to Stereogum’s Tom Breihan, the established genre-bender went full-on grunge at his show at the Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, rocking out with a full band and playing nine new songs including “Blanket,” the song he teased earlier this week with his “Sleepover” trailer.
This one sounds very New Wave-y, like if someone listened to nothing but The Cure for a year straight.
It sounds like Abstract certainly has enough material for a new solo album, and from these early previews, it’s beginning to look like we might have to switch sections for our coverage. It’s also encouraging to see some of the hottest contemporary hip-hop acts branch out, making room for both new faces on the scene and new (read: reclaimed) sounds under the Black music umbrella.
Kim Kardashian has a reported net worth of $1.8 billion, but she’d trade it all away to crack open a cold one with the boys.
OK, probably not, but on the season four premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians, Kardashian drank a beer for what she claims is the first time. Or is it???
During a family trip to Cabo, Kendall Jenner offered everyone a brewski. “I’ve never had a regular beer,” Khloé Kardashian admitted, pre-feud. “I have had a beer but only in Jamaica. A Red Stripe — and I loved it. I’ve never had a Corona or I guess an American beer. Is Corona American? I have no idea.” (It’s not.) Kim also revealed that she isn’t familiar with this whole beer thing. “I don’t think I would like it,” she said before taking a sip. “Oh! It’s kinda sweet.”
I almost believe Kardashian when she says “I’ve never had a beer” based on the SpongeBob-like way she holds the bottle in the episode…
hulu
… but according to Delish, “fans were quick to bring out the receipts proving that Kim has in fact tried beer before. In a slideshow shared to X, a.k.a. Twitter, one user pointed out that Kim has not only tried beer, but was photographed drinking one in full-on lederhosen with momager Kris Jenner, carrying Guinness pints, and doing a keg stand.”
The photos could be staged, but not the keg stand. There’s video proof.
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BREAKING: Footage has leaked from Kevin Abstract’s secret concert last night in Los Angeles 
