It’s difficult to consider Netflix’s The Sandman without also acknowledging the saga’s long path to being a Netflix series. For 30 years, the comic book series has had both a profound and a highly individualized effect upon millions of readers who watched a stream of other Neil Gaiman adaptations come and go. The author has also been forthright about fending off many attempts to bring his most enduring creation to life off the page. Then the pandemic hit, and an Audible version carved out a window to complete the saga’s graphic novel volumes, and in 2022, a long-gestating Netflix series was so well-received that a bonus episode (which might hit differently now) was offered after the fact.
That renewal likely almost didn’t happen, since the show is so expensive to make with endless (as opposed to The Endless siblings) post-production phases. Yet positive news did arrive, and the wait began for filming completion amid strike-related interruptions, followed by ongoing VFX phases.
Fast forward to now, and Netflix has suggested that more news about The Sandman will come during this month’s Geeked Week, but there are complicating factors at work. Last week, the Dead Boy Detectivesspin off was cancelled after that show’s rabid audience apparently wasn’t large enough to sustain more. So, The Sandman characters who did crossover cameos will now make their sole home on the flagship series for however long it lasts.
Is there more trouble on the horizon, though? Variety recently reported that “Disney is hitting pause” on a planned Graveyard book movie from director Marc Forster. While reporting this development, the trade news publication referred to sexual assault allegations (against Gaiman), reported by Tortoise Media, that are the subject of an ongoing investigation in New Zealand. Variety also specifies that Graveyard Book‘s movie has not been cancelled entirely, but Disney declined to comment on the subject when contacted.
For that and other wide-ranging reasons, those who watched Netflix’s The Sandman await updates, so let’s talk about what we know.
Cast
A crop of new Endless siblings will join the second season. They include Delirium (Esmé Creed-Miles of Prime Video/Amazon’s Hanna), Destiny (Adrian Lester of BBC One’s Hustle), and the estranged “The Prodigal”/Destruction (Barry Sloane of Longmire).
They join returning siblings Dream/Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), and Desire (Mason Alexander Park).
The series also stars Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer and Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven. There’s no word on whether the TV show will bump up The Corinthian’s return plan vs. the graphic novels, so that we can see Boyd Holbrook again. Never say never in a realm of non-linear storytelling.
Plot
Various hints indicted that The Sandman‘s second season would largely adapt the fourth graphic novel, Season of Mists, while introducing a revolving door of characters. Additionally, Redanian Intelligence reported episode titles that promised more of Gwendoline Christie’s Lucifer, hopefully to get more face-time against Tom Sturridge’s Dream/Morpheus:
– “The Song of Orpheus”
– “More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Hold”
– “Brief Lives”
– “Family Blood”
– “The Ruler of Hell”
– “Season of Mists”
Gaiman previously confirmed that Lucifer’s revenge would be a major component to the season, and “we’re going to be having the rematch and Morpheus is going to be going back to hell.” We should also expect to see plenty of Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s Death, especially after the warm fan reception to her also-warm version of the character.
In light of the cancellation of Dead Boy Detectives, we should not expect the hypothesized spin off with Johanna Constantine (Jenna Coleman) to happen. A spin off for the terminally popular Death might not be entirely off the table if the second series receives as much viewership as the debut, but we simply do not know the outcome of other involved factors, or what will figure into Netflix’s thought process on whether a third season will happen.
Release Date
No precise release date has been articulated yet, but Netflix previewed a Geeked Week trailer that suggests we will be hearing more between Sept. 16-19.
Trailer
Ditto the above date range on possible footage and/or a teaser.
Since we don’t have a trailer yet, let’s look back at Dream’s enduring friendship with Hob, which really should have been discussed more when The Sandman first debuted on Netflix.
For a bonus, here is Dream being cute (don’t tell anybody — he has an a-hole reputation to uphold) with Dream.
“Moi,” Central Cee’s ode to the tough times, and celebration of overcoming them.
Flo Milli’s “Wet Dreams,” which arrived with a suitably NSFW video.
And Megan The Stallion’s latest international team-up, “Neva Play,” which pairs her with Korean pop sensation RM.
Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending Friday, September 6, 2024.
Albums/EPs/Mixtapes
Chow Lee — Sex Drive
Chow Lee
Delayed for a few weeks, Chow Lee’s new album arrives to continue the summer of sexy drill kicked off by his partner-in-rhyme, Cash Cobain. Operating in the same sophomorically horny mode, Chow offers 19 tracks, with guest spots from Cash, Bay Swag, Anycia, and Flo Milli.
G Herbo — Big Swerv
G Herbo
After avoiding jail time in his fraud case, the Windy City veteran aims to bounce back with a new set of 14 tracks, bringing along a list of friends including 21 Savage, BabyDrill, Chief Keef, Rob49, Sexyy Red, and Skilla Baby for the ride.
LL Cool J — The FORCE
LL Cool J
At 56 years old and 14 albums deep, LL Cool J’s legacy is cemented — which means that now, he’s just playing for the love of the game. That’s a good thing for hip-hop fans, because it means LL is reaching deep into his bag, sharpening his skills, employing fellow Queens native Q-Tip for production, and tapping guests ranging from peers like Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Nas, and Snoop Dogg to contemporary hitmakers Eminem, Rick Ross, and Saweetie.
Singles/Videos
Boldy James — “Super Mario”
This might be the most Detroit I’ve heard Boldy sound in months. Chalk that up to Antt Beatz’s production, which pairs precisely with James’ laconic flow.
Connie Diiamond — “Let Me See Something” Feat. Dusty Locane
Earlier this week, I wrote about how women in rap have BEEN spitting, but how fans have downplayed their contributions. Exhibit A: Connie Diiamond, who offers exactly the lyrically-focused, hard-edged street rap certain heads say they want, but somehow conveniently manage to overlook or forget about when it comes time to support women in rap. It’s almost like it’s really just about putting women down in general.
Lola Brooke — “No One Else” Feat. Jeremih
Exhibit B, and you can’t even lie and say this one’s too new for you to have heard of. Lola Brooke had a solid viral run with “Don’t Play With It,” but has since seen her popularity wane — which doesn’t make any sense, because the quality of her raps and her beat selections have remained consistent. “No One Else” nods to hip-hop’s Golden Era while remaining very modern sounding, anchored by a smooth flow and velvet vocals from Jeremih.
Powers Pleasant — “Shmoke” Feat. Ferg & Armani Caesar
The former Beast Coast producer tries his hand at the Jersey club style that’s been dominating the airwaves, combining it with good ol’ NY club horns and aggressive performances from Harlemite Ferg and Griselda first lady Armani Caesar, who has proven to be versatile as hell.
Quavo — “If I Fall” Feat. Ty Dolla Sign
You know, I wouldn’t have pegged Quavo for a guy to appear on the Transformers soundtrack, but if this is the beginning of a hard nerd turn for the Atlanta hitmaker, I’d be down! Have him show up at WWE events and comic conventions, start streaming video games on Twitch, and showing off his vinyl figure collection — heck, it worked for T-Pain.
Rome Streetz — “Starbvxkz” Feat. Daringer
You know what you’re getting when it comes to Griselda affiliates: Gritty, double entendre-riddled street raps over some of the grimiest production you’re likely to hear in modern hip-hop. This single comes from Rome and Daringer’s joint project, Hatton Garden Holdup, due for release on October 4.
Samara Cyn — “Chrome”
Exhibit C! Look, man, my point is, there’s plenty of different approaches to rap, and women are handling all of them well. If you can’t find any to like, consider that maybe you’re just a misogynist — then go to therapy and work on that, because that’s not cool. Samara Cyn continues to edge her way into my continued affection, meanwhile, building on the goodwill she built up with the soulful “Moving Day” and “Katana.”
Wale — “Ghetto Speak”
Our boy from the DMV is back with two new singles this week, putting out a video for the bluesy “Ghetto Speak.” With all the focus on bars being back this year, it’s only right that Wale should be rolling out another project to remind those who only know him for “Diced Pineapples” that he was easily in the running alongside peers like Drake, Kendrick, Cole, Sean, and KRIT, and shouldn’t be left out of any conversation involving wordplay experts to this day.
The first song on Gap Year, viral star Laila!‘s first-ever full-length release, is the appropriately themed “Talent Show.” Framed as — and perhaps even recorded during — a talent show performance, the song opens with Laila! introducing herself to a chattering audience before captivating them with her quiet, crisp vocals and precocious poise.
That’s a fitting way to introduce both the song — and Laila! herself — to an audience intrigued by the 18-year-old’s breakout… and her biography. Born Laila Smith in Brooklyn, New York, she had a massive legacy in the world of hip-hop, even before her song “Not My Problem” took over TikTok algorithms earlier this year. As fans clamored to learn more about her origins, they discovered the most surprising provenance for her prodigious talent: her dad, Yasiin Bey, also known as Mos Def.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Laila! herself downplayed the familial connection prior to her come-up; although we’re technically about three generations deep into hip-hop’s 50-year history and therefore awash in second-generation rap success stories — think Jaden Smith, Destroy Lonely, Domani Harris, and Coi Leray — it’s still considered something of a drawback to have a well-known artist parent in pursuit of music stardom.
On Gap Year, Laila! firmly establishes that she never needed a leg up in the first place — “Not My Problem” and its predecessor, “Like That!” were viral faves even before anyone knew her pops made “Ms. Fat Booty” — displaying a strong artistic identity of her own. If there was any established star that she could be said to draw from stylistically, a solid argument could be made that she’s been inspired more by Solange Knowles.
The melodies and self-produced instrumentals of tracks like “R U Down?” and “Could Be” bear similar stylistic hallmarks to tracks from Knowles’ 2016 project A Seat at the Table and its 2019 follow-up When I Get Home. Stripped-down production, stacked, stock synths, and vocal melodies halfway between hums and hymns define Laila!’s approach; when she does rap, it’s in more contemporary styles than her father’s “fluid even in staccato” flow.
Of course, the elder Smith’s extensive experiences with the business of rap could lend themselves to accelerating Laila!’s success — or at least, keeping her away from the pitfalls that often delay, derail, or outright destroy peers’ musical aspirations. From all appearances, Laila!’s pursuing her career as an independent artist — for now — so any advice or protection is even more invaluable as she navigates the music business.
But “Not My Problem,” as far as anyone can tell, was a hit because listeners loved it — as evidenced by Cash Cobain sampling it on his own megamix, “Problem.” Likewise, while some curiosity about Laila!’s connections may have helped fuel the anticipation and enthusiasm for her debut, the most important connections for her now will be the ones with her fans. Gap Year will go a long way toward forging those bonds, and proves she’s got the talent to stand on her own, well outside her legendary dad’s shadow.
Nostalgia sequels are great when you are a longtime fan of a movie, but if you’ve never seen Beetlejuice, all of this Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hype surely means nothing to you. So if you’re trying to keep up with all the demure trends, you might as well watch the first and see what all the fuss is about.
The original move hit theaters in 1988 and helped launch Winona Ryder into superstardom and bring the goth girls front and center. Ryder stars as Lydia, a stubborn teen who moves into a haunted home with her family. Eventually, Beetlejuice, played by Michael Keaton, is summoned and all hell literally breaks loose. Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Catherine O’Hara also star.
You can stream Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, on Max and Hulu.
Burton said he returned to the Beetlejuice universe after 36 years because he needed that time to figure out what exactly Lydia would be up to. “It’s been asked from the very beginning, but nothing clicked. Truly, it couldn’t have happened until now,” he told Collider, explaining that he wanted to revisit Lydia all these years later and didn’t want to rush it. “It’s not something I could have done back then; it’s only something you could do once you experience those things yourself.”
There’s a Taylor Swift lyric for every occasion. Feeling down after a long day at work? “Shake it off.” Breaking up with an ex-, this time for good? “We are never, ever, ever getting back together.” Suddenly realize 10 minutes into what you thought was your first viewing of Alien Resurrection that you already watched the movie when it first came out but it was so boring that you forgot everything about the plot? “I think I’ve seen this film before.”
If you’re Jacob Elordi (and lucky you if you are), there’s even a Taylor Swift lyric to describe the plot of your new movie.
On Swift Horses — not to be confused with Swift’s “White Horse” — stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Will Poulter as Muriel and Lee, a newlywed couple in the 1950s whose life of domestic bliss is interrupted by Lee’s Vietnam War veteran brother, Julius (Elordi). According to Deadline, “A dangerous love triangle is quickly formed,” but before anything can happen, Julius moves to Las Vegas and begins a romantic relationship with a male co-worker, Henry (Diego Luna).
Still, what about that spark between him and Muriel?
“The first scenes that we filmed were the scenes we had together, so we got all of that done with — when we were apart, we had put the groundwork in,” Edgar-Jones told Vanity Fair about the character dynamics in the film, to which Elordi added, “I believe Taylor Swift calls it an invisible string.”
Deep down, I always knew Jacob Elordi was a folklore fan. Good luck finding a cardigan that will fit him, though.
On Swift Horses premieres at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7.
As we head towards autumn and the weather grows colder (especially at night), you’re going to want to crack open a bottle of whiskey to sip and warm you from the inside out. And while a classic 80-proof bottle or 100-proof bottled-in-bond expression likely has enough heat to make you feel warmer, if you want that cozy feeling while you sit outside at the end of the summer backyard fire, you’re going to want something with a little more oomph. By that, we mean a cask strength bourbon.
For those unaware, cask strength bourbon is bottled straight from the cask without any water to dilute it and proof it down. Also referred to as barrel strength or barrel proof, cask strength bourbon is known for its high alcohol strength (usually between 110-130 proof) and bold, potent flavor profile. Like all bourbon, it should have a variety of flavors like caramel, vanilla, oak, dried fruits, and various spices. Many drinkers enjoy this high-proof whiskey with a splash or two of water to truly open up all the aromas and flavors.
Now that you’ve learned a little bit about cask strength bourbon, it’s time to find some to drink. Fear not, we won’t make you traipse through the aisles at your local liquor store to attempt to find worthy bottles. We did the work for you. Keep scrolling to see our favorite cask strength bourbons to warm you up this autumn. As a bonus, we ranked them for you as well.
This award-winning cask strength bourbon is made with the same high-rye mash bill as its classic straight bourbon. Taken directly from the barrel after maturation, this mellow, sippable whiskey is uncut and non-chill filtered. It’s bottled at a potent 59.7% ABV. You might enjoy it more if you add a splash or two of water to open it up.
Tasting Notes:
This amber-hued whiskey begins with a nose of caramel, vanilla beans, charred oak, and gentle peppery rye spice. The palate continues this trend with a ton of baking spices mixed with maple candy, sweet toffee, vanilla beans, and oak. The finish is long, dry, and has lingering warmth for minutes afterward.
Bottom Line:
This complex, sippable whiskey is surprisingly complex for its price point (and high alcohol content). It’s a bold, warming whiskey for the chilly nights ahead and a decent gateway into the cask strength world.
Now is your chance if you haven’t tried any of New Riff’s whiskeys. Its limited-release Barrel Proof bourbon is made with a mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. Matured for at least four full years, it’s non-chill filtered and uncut. The result is a complex, flavorful whiskey you’ll come back to again and again.
Tasting Notes:
A lot is going on with this bourbon’s nose. There are noticeable hints of brown sugar, toasted vanilla beans, toffee, oaky wood, and peppery rye spice. Sipping it reveals notes of vanilla beans, cinnamon candy, mint leaves, dried cherries, spicy rye, and charred oak. The finish is spicy, long, and very warming.
Bottom Line:
New Riff’s Barrel Proof expression is another great choice if you enjoy a high-rye bourbon’s warming and spicy feel. That is if you can find it as it’s only a limited-release expression.
There aren’t many cask strength bourbons more well-known than Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. While not as over-the-top as some cask strength bourbons on the market, Maker’s Mark ranges between 108 and 114 proof. It’s uncut and non-chill filtered. This means that even with its high alcohol content, it remains the same easy-drinking, mellow, caramel, oak, and vanilla-filled whiskey you expect from Maker’s Mark.
Tasting Notes:
There’s a ton of oak on this whiskey’s nose. It’s followed close behind by aromatic toasted vanilla beans, treacle, butterscotch, and gentle spices. There’s more of the same in the best way possible on the palate. You’ll notice hints of rich, indulgent caramel candy, sweet corn, vanilla beans, raisins, cinnamon, and more rich, charred oak. The finish is long, toffee sweet, and very warming.
Bottom Line:
While you’ll still want to add a splash or two of water to open it up, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is a high-proof whiskey that remains soft and sippable thanks to the recipe featuring red winter wheat.
You’re going to pay a little more for this expression, but it’s totally worth it. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is a popular whiskey for a reason. The most recent release (the distillery’s 11th release) was matured for up to fourteen additional months in port wine casks. Arguably the brand’s most popular release, it’s bottled at a potent, memorable 119.8-proof. Yet it still retains the brown sugar, toffee, and dried fruit flavors Angel’s Envy drinkers have come to expect.
Tasting Notes:
Nosing it reveals scents of toffee candy, fresh leather, orchard fruits, candied orange peels, and gentle wintry spices. It’s a very inviting nose that urges you to take a sip. Slowly drinking it reveals flavors like caramel apples, orange peels, toasted vanilla beans, sticky toffee, peppery rye, and rich oaky wood. The finish is a mix of caramel, fruit, and warming spices.
Bottom Line:
This complex, sippable whiskey is sure to warm your bones on the chilliest of fall evenings. It’s a perfect symphony of caramel sweetness, fruit, and baking spices.
There’s a chance you’ve never tried a whiskey from Still Austin. This ends now. The Texas-based distillery has been crafting award-winning whiskeys since it opened in 2017. One of its best is Still Austin Cask Strength Bourbon. Bottled at a “grow-hair-on-your-chest”118-proof, this award-winning whiskey has a mash bill of 70% corn, 25% rye, and 5% barley. It’s well-known for its complex flavor profile featuring fruity, sweet, spicy flavors you’ll want to savor from the first sip.
Tasting Notes:
This is a very complex cask strength whiskey, and it begins with the nose. There are aromas of toasted vanilla beans, candied cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon candy, and oaky wood. The palate is loaded with memorable flavors like candied nuts, butterscotch, stone fruits, raisins, cracked black pepper, and charred oak. The finish is spicy, and warming, and leaves you wanting more.
Bottom Line:
If you’ve never branched beyond one of the big boys, now is the time. Still Austin’s cask strength bourbon is complex, layered, and not to be missed.
Nevada’s Frey Ranch has made a name for itself in the last few years because of its high-quality, award-winning whiskeys. One of its best is its Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon. This whiskey is made with the brand’s same flagship four-grain mash bill. But instead of proofing it down to 90-proof, it’s uncut and bottled at a robust 120-132-proof. It’s called “Farm Strength” in reference to the fact that all the ingredients were grown onsite at the distillery’s farm.
Tasting Notes:
A winner of multiple awards, this cask strength bourbon begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, cinnamon candy, caramelized sugar, and rich oak. The palate is a mixture of candied orange peels, pecans, ripe peaches, vanilla beans, toffee, dried cherries, and oaky wood. The finish is a warming, mellow balance of sweetness and spice that you won’t soon forget.
Bottom Line:
If you already enjoy Frey Ranch’s classic bourbon, you’ll really love the high-proof, cask strength version. All the flavors are there, you just might need a splash or two of water to open them up fully.
This award-winning, sought-after bourbon is only released three times per year (in January, May, and September). And while all the releases are subtly different, it’s well-known for its wheat bourbon mash bill. Non-chill filtered and uncut, it’s matured between six and eight full years in charred oak barrels before being bottled.
Tasting Notes:
Complex aromas of maple candy, cinnamon sugar, vanilla beans, toffee, raisins, and oak greet you before your first sip. The palate is a mix of sweet treacle, dried fruits, candied pecans, toasted vanilla beans, caramelized sugar, and oak. The finish is soft, and warming, and lingers for a while.
Bottom Line:
Like all wheated bourbons, Larceny Barrel Proof remains soft and mellow even with its high-proof. This is a whiskey to be savored on an unseasonably cool fall evening.
Knob Creek is one of those brands that seems to produce nothing but notable, reasonably-priced whiskeys. When it comes to high-proof expressions, we love its limited-release Knob Creek Cask Strength 12-Year. Matured for at least twelve full years in charred oak barrels, it’s uncut and bottled at a potent 120.5-proof.
Tasting Notes:
A lot is going on with this whiskey’s nose. There are aromas of cinnamon candy, caramelized sugar, toasted vanilla beans, prunes, and gentle spices. Sipping it brings forth notes of spicy cinnamon candy, toasted vanilla beans, sticky toffee pudding, crème brulee, and charred oak. It finishes with a spicy, warming heat that will make you want to go back to it again and again.
Bottom Line:
If you already enjoy Knob Creek (or you simply like cask strength whiskeys) add this one to your list. If you can find it, snatch it up and savor it for its spicy, warming complexity.
If you were to ask a random group of bourbon drinkers and bartenders to tell you the best, affordable cask strength bourbon, you’d get more than your fair share touting the appeal of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. This barrel proof whiskey is made with a blend of Wild Turkey 6, 8, and 12-year-old stocks. Known for its mellow, easy-drinking nature, it has no water added to proof it down before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, you’ll find aromas of cracked black pepper, candied pecans, raisins, toasted vanilla beans, honey, and a herbal, almost mint-like scent. One sip and you’ll be immersed in a world of caramelized sugar, pipe tobacco, maple candy, vanilla beans, and peppery rye. The last sip is a warming blend of sweet toffee and peppery rye.
Bottom Line:
For the price, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. If you’re already a fan of Wild Turkey 101, it would behoove you to grab a bottle of this surprisingly complex, sippable whiskey.
If you only buy one bottle on this list, make it Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Release three times per year (in January, May, and September like Larceny), the overall recipe and flavor profile varies per batch. But consistency is key, and when you crack open a bottle, you’ll be met with a barrel proof version of the brand’s popular Kentucky Straight Bourbon featuring a balanced, complex, highly memorable flavor profile.
Tasting Notes:
Caramelized sugar, treacle, butterscotch, candy apples, orange peels, and oaky wood are all prevalent on this whiskey’s nose. It’s an appealing start and a window into what’s in store. The effortlessly balanced palate features toffee candy, brown sugar, toasted vanilla beans, cracked black pepper, cinnamon red hots, dried fruits, and oak. The finish is a symphony of warming, lingering flavors.
Bottom Line:
This is a very nuanced, complex whiskey. One that not only requires you to add a splash or two of water to open up. But one that you’ll need to sample multiple times while still finding new and exciting aromas and flavors.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice resurrects Tim Burton’s demonic entity we all know and love and brings him into the 21st century, where his antics can finally be judged by the world’s harshest critic: by a goth Gen Z girl.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brings back Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, along with newbies Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe for another round of supernatural shenanigans starring that poltergeist. Early reviews seem to imply that the sequel is a welcome addition to the Burton universe. But is there a post-credits scene that could possibly imply there is more to come? Nope! Sorry.
While the movie does not include any kind of post-credit scene, there is a short tribute to the movie’s cast that rolls during the credits, should you choose to stay in the theater.
Before he joined the sequel, Keaton was unsure if the legacy should be revisited. “The only thing I worried about was, should we have left it alone? You know? Should we have just said that: ‘Don’t touch it. Just walk away. Go make your other movies,’ which we did. So, for me, it was a big roll of the dice.” After 36 years, it seems like people are still looking to see Keaton in a dusty old suit.
Did you know there’s over 600,000 official islands in the world? Many of these, of course, go unexplored and completely inhabited due to their location and access.
That poses the question, what are the “best” islands? At first thought, the islands of Hawaii or the Bahamas may come to mind, but then you remember there’s St. Kitts, the US Virgin Islands, and even Japan.
With over half of the year behind us, adding an island getaway to your travel itinerary would be a boss move. That’s why we asked seasoned travel writers and global DJs to tell us their favorite islands so you can start crossing some of the 600,000 off your list.
If we’re talking tropical environments, there’s no place more beautiful that I’ve traveled to than Wakaya Island in Fiji. It’s a private island resort that spans 3,300 acres of land, including jungle landscapes, rocky hilltops, and pristine beaches. And you’ll be one of 10 guests on average on the entire island. Whether you want to soak in the sun in your own private patio space, hit the gentle waves in a kayak, explore the marine life with a snorkeling excursion, hike to the top of the island for a majestic view, or learn traditional Fijian cooking techniques and cultural customs, this serene space offers something for every mood. Waking up here almost brought me to tears each morning as I wandered through the palm trees and sand, taking in the azure water surrounding me. Wakaya Island, Fiji is truly something special.
I also couldn’t leave out Providenciales. The bluest water I’ve ever seen was in Turks & Caicos, on the main tourist island of Providenciales, not to mention the fine white sand beaches with sand soft enough to make you wanna take a nap in it. The vibe of the island itself is lively with tons of luxury resorts and villas, but you can still find local spots and plenty of adventure — I recommend doing a catamaran and snorkeling tour to get a close-up look at the barrier reef. Providenciales is the epitome of a tropical paradise, and you’ll be in an instantly good mood the second you step on the island.
One of my absolute favorite places in the whole world just so happens to be Honshu, Japan. I’ve been there a handful of times and every time I leave I always have this feeling that I didn’t have enough time there.
There’s so much to see, the people are amazing, the food is unbelievable. There are so many different dishes to taste and eat at each meal. The whole culture really sets it apart from any where else on Earth. It’s my favorite place – and island – to go to.
I was raised in Florida so for me, beaches are a part of my DNA. It is definitely difficult to choose a favorite island, but I would have to say Naxos in Greece. I first visited this little slice of heaven in 2022 with my girlfriends and it quickly turned into my ideal paradise. The best part of Naxos is the extremely fresh Mediterranean food – the island is famous for its production and exportation of olive oil, honey, cheese, wine, and more nationwide. I also loved renting a car for just 25 euros a day and driving the peaks and valleys of this large islet.
While exploring we discovered hidden beaches where we visited local shops and ate delicious gelato. Naxos is a cheap destination in comparison to Greece’s more popular islands, and we were able to rent chairs on the beach every day with full service for around 10 euros. Santorini and Mykonos were both so fun and exciting, but with the crowds of tourists and overpriced meals, Naxos was a much-needed break. I can literally still feel my feet in the sand while sipping on delicious white wine, and watching the sunset on the relaxed beaches.
Of all the islands I’ve visited on Earth (admittedly just a few), I’d say my favorite has to be Honshu of Japan! I’ve had the pleasure of going to Tokyo and a few other surrounding cities a couple times for both tour stops and just for vacation, and Honshu has always brought me so much peace and relaxation. It’s also a great place to stop in Asia because the routing is easier from Los Angeles!
I’ve only been during the winter time but the crisp winter air, sometimes with rain, with the hot steaming food is unmatched. From ramen to Japanese barbeque, every meal was heavenly. That said, the mayo tuna onigiri from Family Mart or 7-Eleven is great too; it’s my go-to snack. Shoutout to 7-Elevens in Asia!
I always visit Disneyland Tokyo whenever I can too. The entry ticket price is substantially cheaper than in America, parks are very clean, and food options are more varied, so I always have such an awesome experience!
I also want to mention how easy and cheap it is to get around the city with public transportation!
BRKLYN (@brklynmusic): Catalina Island, California
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: TBD
BRKLYN
One of our favorite islands is Catalina Island off the coast of California. Descanso Beach, with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear water, offers a perfect spot to unwind. The rhythmic sound of waves provides a soothing backdrop as you enjoy activities like drinking pacificos and simply basking in the sun. For a decent culinary experience, we recommend the Bluewater Avalon, offering fresh seafood with a nice ocean view.
Sunset viewing from the Avalon Harbor is cool, casting crazy colors over the Pacific. Getting to Catalina is easy via a ferry ride from where we live in Newport Beach. Once there, we like to get an Airbnb, where the gentle sea breeze carries the melody of distant waves, making it an ideal spot to create music.
Golf enthusiasts can indulge in a round at the Catalina Island Golf Course, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic ocean vistas. This place is incredible and it is a must visit.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Morrison, CO (10/26); Chicago, IL (10/31); Philadelphia, PA (11/5)
FLAMINGOSIS
Japan was really dope. Went there for my first time back in 2019 for an Asia tour. Really loved the izakaya restaurants (get the karaage, okonomiyaki and/or takoyaki) and was pretty culture shocked at how polite everyone was and how clean everything was in general. Spent my time in both Osaka and Kyoto and highly recommend taking the train between both cities (and getting a bento box at the train station while you’re at it). Hit up the Dotombori canal to take a picture with the Glico running man in Osaka and Circus Tokyo club in Tokyo if you wanna jam to some city pop music.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Chicago, IL (9/14); Brooklyn, NY (9/19); London, UK (10/11)
WHIPPED CREAM
My favourite islands right now are between Vancouver Island, Canada, Big Island and Oahu. For now, I’ll go with Oahu, Hawaii. My favourite thing is going up to North Shore and swimming all day, catching the sunset, and watching the Surf waves. I enjoy the company on the island the overall vibe and feeling I get being there. I love getting fresh fruit from fruit stands and just hanging out. I always go to Hawaii when I feel like I need a soul reset.
Josh Teed (@joshteedmusic): Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Rootbound Festival (8/9-12); Lost Lands Festival (9/20-22)
JOSH TEED
My favorite island that I’ve visited so far has without a doubt been Vancouver Island in Canada! You can fly right into the island, but if you’ve got the time, I really enjoyed taking the ferry from Vancouver. The scenery as you float in amidst all of the little islands and inlets around it is unreal!
Once you’re there, you’re greeted by some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and beautiful views of oceans, mountains, and forests! When I’ve been up, it’s been for gigs so I haven’t necessarily had the most time to explore, but I would highly recommend checking out Mt. Douglas and the surrounding park, and some of the great food Victoria has to offer!
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Les Mathes, France (9/6); Thornville, OH (9/20); Oberhausen, Germany (10/12)
DIRTYPHONICS
My favorite island is “Île de Ré”, an island off the west coast of France. The island is popular for its bicycle paths, beaches backed by sand dunes and pine forests, salt marches, and its 17th-century fortifications.
I’ve been going there with my family for the past 20 years. To get there, you drive over an iconic bridge and leave the world behind. Being on the island is the perfect getaway and contrast to the fast life of touring and the bling of Los Angeles. It gives me balance and helps me focus on simple yet essential things in life: family, healthy fresh foods, and giving myself some time to relax.
There are many different landscape on the island and each has its own smells and vibe. From biking through the salt marshes on your way to the beach to the famous ice creams of “La Martinière” with flavors including oyster, mojito or even Smurf!
I have so many memories there but one of my favorite thing to do is to have a picnic on the beach at sunset with wine grown on the island, fresh seafood, vegetables from the markets and cheeses of course.
Parra for Cuva (@parra_for_cuva): Samothraki, Northeast Greece
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: San Francisco, CA (10/4); Denver, CO (10/5); New York, NY (10/11)
MAX HARTMANN
My first thought when I read this was the beautiful Island Samothraki located in Northeast Greece. It’s pretty unknown for many travelers as the infrastructure on the island is not the best. Therefore, it has the most beautiful hikes I have seen in my life. You can swim naked in little ponds fed by waterfalls. The island is also known for its legendary Goa-Trance Festivals.
Second place goes to the Capo Verde located west to the coast of Senegal. My girlfriend and I were in Capo Verde for a local festival and had the chance to discover the biggest Island, Ilah Santiago. I would recommend renting a car and driving from Praia to Tarrafal as you will cross many interesting small villages and see local life with stunning scenery.
My last recommendation would be the islands of Samoa. Located in the Polynesian Ocean, Samoa has been one of the most interesting travel experiences I’ve ever had. Since we knew a local we were able to stay in a very small village in the house of the mayor. We slept two weeks in this house which had a roof but no walls so it was basically outside. It has been an amazing experience to meet all incredibly friendly locals and drive around the island. It always felt like time was running much slower in Samoa.
I’d have to say that my favorite island in Koh Larn off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand. Pattaya is a crazy partying city that doesn’t really sleep, so I found that taking day trips to Koh Larn was an excellent way to break away from that when I felt the need to. I would walk over to the beach and catch a ferry which takes about 40 minutes and costs 30 Baht which is about $1. Once on the island I would spend the whole day walking around, eating and taking in the views.
For food, I would stop and eat at random places and eat small meals, but all the food I had there was excellent, especially the seafood. The beaches are amazing, it’s super easy to get around and the locals are very friendly. Like most of Thailand, it’s very affordable. One of my favorite things was going up to Big Buddha Viewpoint and catching the sunset.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: San Diego, CA (10/5)
WHETHAN
Back in 2018, I had an insane opportunity to join Skrillex on a trip to this island called Phuket. We had CDJs set up in the living room, we rode on jet skis, we boated around from island to island, we spent like four or five days there and it was pure vacation vibes from start to finish.
It felt like the first time I was able to hang out with Skrillex outside of the studio, and got to know more about the man himself rather than sound techniques. The food was amazing too. I still remember dining at this restaurant perched at the edge of some super tall cliff. We had this insane view of the sunset and the whole night was pure bliss. It wasn’t a work trip at all, it was just a straight-up vacation. I’ll never forget my time on that island.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: London, UK (8/24); Los Angeles, CA (9/21); Austin, TX (11/15)
ARGY
I grew up in Rhodes, Greece, which is this amazing island famous for its super clear beaches, ancient ruins, and, of course, that giant statue, The Colossus! You can’t escape the smell of grilled seafood and all kinds of Greek meaty goodies coming from the local spots – it could turn a vegetarian!
Rhodes feels like a step back in time, like it’s still living in its prime days of the ’80s, but in the best possible way. You’d need at least a week to cover the basics, and trust me, you’re gonna want a car to explore all the cute little villages around. If you’re not into the whole party scene and want a chill vibe without too many ‘cool’ people around, Rhodes is your go-to. It’s a total sensory overload in the best way with its stunning views, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you think I’m overselling it, ask the countless armies that have been trying to take it over for the last two thousand years!
If you love all things dim sum and dumplings, architecture, kind locals, and exploring big cities, Hong Kong needs to be on your list. The food is unmatched, the public transportation is easy to navigate, there’s plenty of ways to get around, and so many things to explore while in town, even if just for a short amount of time.
Whether you’re heading to Hong Kong to party at Clockenflap, the largest outdoor music festival in Hong Kong or to experience the wonders of Hong Kong’s giant McDonalds, there’s more to unpack than just your luggage when you get to the city.
To help you navigate this dense and exciting city, we’re breaking down where to eat, sleep, and — most importantly — play in Hong Kong.
PART I — Where To Stay
Cordis Hong Kong
Hong Kong has always been on my radar, and when I decided to do a solo cruise throughout Southeast Asia with Holland America, I knew I didn’t just want to swing through Hong Kong without truly exploring it. I wanted to spend a few days digging deep into the city to see what it has to offer, from the food to the culture.
When it came to choosing the right hotel, I was looking for something convenient with five star hospitality and access to public transportation. Just moments from the Mongkok tram station is the Cordis Hong Kong, making it the ideal location for getting around the city quickly. The Cordis Hong Kong has strong WiFi, a fitness center, bars, restaurants, and my personal favorite, an outdoor heated pool right in the heart of Kowloon. Some hotel bars and restaurants can be lame, but the Cordis is actually equipped with a Michelin star Cantonese restaurant, so some of the best food in the city is right within the hotel. The hotel is luxurious and modern, with offerings of wine tastings at the Ming Cellar (over 400 bottles).
Quick tip: if you’re planning to explore the street food scene, be sure to have cash on you.
Red Cherry Bakery
Hong Kong, North Point, Tong Shui Rd, 16號f 舖
Pick up the famous pineapple bun when exploring Hong Kong’s bakeries. Don’t let the name fool you, these treats actually don’t have pineapple in them, but rather look slightly like a pineapple because of the design on the bun.
Opened in the late 1960s, Sun Heung Yuen was, and still is, well-known for what may seem like typical American items, but with a Hong Kong twist. When my guide first suggested getting French toast and an egg and beef sandwich for breakfast, I’m not going to lie, I was slightly disappointed. I didn’t come all the way to Hong Kong to get an egg breakfast sandwich and French toast like I’m sitting at Denny’s. I was quickly humbled when I saw they serve a special kind of French toast that is super fluffy and light (think of the viral, super fluffy Japanese pancake). The beef and egg sandwich was on toasted white bread, with fresh, fluffy eggs with Asian seasoned marinated beef, sprinkled with spices. We threw in a few local dishes that I saw the people next to us eating like the pork knuckles with red fermented bean curd and noodles.
When you’re heading to Hong Kong, one of the things that you have to try is tofu pudding. It’s a bouncy, gelatinous, silky tofu pudding that you sprinkle with a little bit of cane sugar. It’s done with black soy bean milk. This is one of the best places to try tofu pudding. Kung Wo also has an interesting story, with one side of the restaurant serving old-school classics for people who prefer a nostalgic, traditional style. The other side was opened by the owner’s daughter, who put a modern, young twist on some traditional dishes, drawing in a younger crowd.
One thing you definitely have to try while in Hong Kong is rice rolls, which were high on my list. Hop Yik Tai is known for their silky, chewy rice rolls smothered in sesame sauce, a little soy sauce, sweet plum sauce, and a bunch of sesame seeds. They’re made fresh daily and trust me, you can tell.
For some of the best wonton soup in the city, Lau Sum Kee is the place to try it. They’ve been open since the 1950s and serve juicy wontons in a rich, flavorful broth with noodles and a little bit of shrimp roe. They still work the noodle dough in a traditional manner using a bamboo pole, transferring over an incredible texture for their pork and prawn noodles. They have a container of pickled radishes on the table to snack on and add a crunch, in addition to the best chili sauce from Yu Kwen Yick, so be sure to load up on that. It’s locally made and so delicious. You could practically drink it with a straw.
If I’m being honest, the Stanley Market is definitely hit or miss. You have to weed through some cheaply made items or corny souvenirs to find some hidden gems, but they’re there. There are local artists, some handmade items, painters, and even some delicious food if you know where to find it. Behind the fruit stand when you first arrive at the Stanley Market is a hidden restaurant where you can try their famous fish balls and wonton soup, washed down with some fresh coconut water from the fruit stand.
PART III — What To Do
Public Transportation
After such a long flight from the States — especially if you’re coming from the East Coast — it feels good walking around and stretching your legs. That said, the public transportation in Hong Kong is really simple to use. You don’t even have to stress about buying tickets because if you find the blue scanners, you can just scan your credit card.
I will always recommend a food tour in a new city. It’s one of my all-time favorite ways to explore a new country or city, and it can be challenging to know where to start when you’re looking for the best dishes. Having a local, especially a private guide, to show you around is worth the money. Shout out to Agnes with a Walk in Hong Kong.
She showed me around the Grassroots area, where there are countless delicious dishes, locally owned food stands and restaurants, and some truly hidden gems that gave me such a phenomenal taste of the city. In addition to showing me some of the best food, she was able to share some history with me about the regrowth of the city after a massive fire, the neighborhood background, sightseeing, and offer suggestions on what I shouldn’t miss while in town.
Enjoy some spectacular views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. You can ride the funicular railway, aka the Peak Tram, up to the top of the hill to get an incredible view of the city landscapes, the harbor, and Kowloon.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
Repulse Bay
If you’re looking to try your hand at windsurfing or surfing, or just want to soak in some sun at the beach, Hong Kong has beautiful beaches along the coast and the harbor. One of them is Repulse Bay along the southern side, with gorgeous views of the shore. An ideal location to soak up all the vitamin D!
Check out the beautiful fishing village of Aberdeen Harbor. This is a great area to board a sampan and take a little ride around to see some of the colorful fishing boats in the village.
If you tend to go for beer and pubs when spending a night out, check out Carbon Brews Central. They have a bunch of craft beers in Hong Kong along Wyndham Street with nearly 30 beers on top, in addition to some pub food. It started in Tokyo and expanded to Hong Kong, bringing the love of craft beer to Hong Kong.
Cardinal Point has a stunning terrace with some beautiful city views of the skyline and the sparkling city lights. Sip on cocktails made from fresh ingredients like beetroot, lime leaf, dill, coconut, pineapple, melon, poblano, and more to pair with some light snacks while you take in the view.
If you’re looking for a unique, different kind of vibe, Dragon i is the perfect spot. It’s more a night club, featuring showgirl type performances and dancers, with a party atmosphere. This is definitely more of a higher end spot, with Vegas vibes, generally featuring live music.
All-in-all, Hong Kong has a lot to offer. From transitional and modern takes on food with a bustling nightlife, to surf and architecture, Hong Kong surprised me in many ways!
Perhaps more so than Raygun and Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, the biggest star of the 2024 Olympics was probably Snoop Dogg. He was all over the place and did a bit of everything during the games. Now, it looks like he wants to get some games of his own going.
“One thing I wanna do is have the Hood Olympics. There’s a lot of homies from the hood that could run a 10.2, that could high jump, throw the javelin, backflip, swim good, jump over gates and hurdle, you know what I’m saying?
I just wanna make it available for the athletes from the hood that didn’t make it, that probably have certain ramifications, but they still were athletic and they still were good. So, I want to bring that component in and, hopefully, we’ll be able to make it make sense.”
Snoop certainly made out well at the non-hood Olympics: Last month, he re-shared a post that said, “Snoop Dogg, a top rapper, gets over 40 m rubles [about $447,000] daily for his presence at the Paris Olympic Games. Snoop also lives and parties in Paris for free, all to bring more attention to the Olympics. Almost every top broadcast features Snoop. He attends all major Olympic events. For 17 Olympic days, he’ll earn nearly $9 million.”
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