Month: August 2025

Today’s Sound Check is a first, as rising country star Bailey Zimmerman steps up to the mic to choose between his favorites of the genre. While longtime viewers may have gotten used to rappers like Offset and LaRussell or R&B singers like Blxst and Giveon, Bailey is our first country singer — which means host Jeremy Hecht gets to branch out.

Here’s how it works: Jeremy plays two songs for the guest artist, who has to choose one and explain their choice, giving Jeremy a chance to learn their musical taste. Jeremy then has to guess the artist’s life anthem, the song they’d take to a desert island, which the guest wrote down earlier on a piece of paper. Our production team has also given him a decoy song, and Jeremy has to guess which is correct based on what he’s learned in the previous rounds.

Funnily enough, there are still just enough rap songs to keep Jeremy more or less in his comfort zone — and get Zimmerman out of his. MGK vs Moneybag Yo, Eminem vs BigXThaPlug, and Drake vs J. Cole are among the matchups. Will Jeremy put another hashmark in his W column with the switchup?

Watch Bailey Zimmerman take on the Sound Check challenge above. New episodes of Sound Check drop every Wednesday at noon ET/9 a.m. PT on Uproxx’s YouTube.

The nominations for the 2025 MTV VMAs have been announced, and Lady Gaga is this year’s leader, with 12 nominations including Artist of the Year, Best Album, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year.

Meanwhile, the next most-nominated artists are Bruno Mars, with 11 nominations, and Kendrick Lamar, with 10. Rosé and Sabrina Carpenter are tied behind them for eight each.

In addition to the usual categories, MTV has added Best Artist categories for country and pop, nominating Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Morgan Wallen for the former. The nominees for Best Pop Artist include Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Justin Bieber, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae.

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on Sunday, September 7 at 8 PM ET on CBS, MTV, and Paramount Plus. Fan voting is open through September 5 at 6 PM ET at vote.mtv.com. See below for the full list of nominees.

Video of the Year

Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

Artist of the Year

Bad Bunny
Beyoncé
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Song of the Year

Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Billie Eilish – “Birds of a Feather”
Doechii – “Anxiety”
Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
Gracie Abrams – “I Love You, I’m Sorry”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
Lorde – “What Was That”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Tate McRae – “Sports Car”
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

Best New Artist

Alex Warren
Ella Langley
Gigi Perez
Lola Young
sombr
The Marías

Best Pop Artist

Ariana Grande
Charli XCX
Justin Bieber
Lorde
Miley Cyrus
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae

Best Collaboration

Bailey Zimmerman with Luke Combs – “Backup Plan (Stagecoach Official Music Video)”
Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton – “Pour Me a Drink”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Selena Gomez, benny blanco – “Sunset Blvd”

Best Pop

Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With a Smile”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”

Best Hip-Hop

Doechii – “Anxiety”
Drake – “Nokia”
Eminem – “Somebody Save Me” Feat. Jelly Roll
GloRilla – “Whatchu Kno About Me” Feat. Sexyy Red
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
LL Cool J – “Murdergram Deux” Feat. Eminem
Travis Scott – “4×4”

Best R&B

Chris Brown – “Residuals”
Leon Thomas & Freddie Gibbs – “Mutt (Remix)”
Mariah Carey – “Type Dangerous”
PARTYNEXTDOOR – “N o C h i l l”
Summer Walker – “Heart of a Woman”
SZA – “Drive”
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

Best Alternative

Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song”
Imagine Dragons – “Wake Up”
Lola Young – “Messy”
MGK & Jelly Roll – “Lonely Road”
sombr – “Back to Friends”
The Marías – “Back to Me”

Best Rock

Coldplay – “All My Love”
Evanescence – “Afterlife (From the Netflix Series Devil May Cry)”
Green Day – “One Eyed Bastard”
Lenny Kravitz – “Honey”
Linkin Park – “The Emptiness Machine”
twenty one pilots – “The Contract”

Best Latin

Bad Bunny – “Baile Inolvidable”
J Balvin – “Rio”
Karol G – “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
Peso Pluma – “La Patrulla”
Rauw Alejandro & Romeo Santos – “Khé?”
Shakira – “Soltera”

Best K-Pop

aespa – “Whiplash”
Jennie – “Like Jennie”
Jimin – “Who”
Jisoo – “Earthquake”
Lisa – “Born Again” Feat. Doja Cat & Raye
Stray Kids – “Chk Chk Boom”
Rosé – “Toxic Till the End”

Best Afrobeats

Asake & Travis Scott – “Active”
Burna Boy – “TaTaTa” feat. Travis Scott
Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max (Fly) (Remix)”
Rema – “Baby (Is It a Crime)”
Tems – “Get It Right” Feat. Asake
Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
Wizkid – “Piece of My Heart” Feat. Brent Faiyaz

Best Country

Chris Stapleton – “Think I’m in Love With You”
Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood – “I’m Gonna Love You”
Jelly Roll – “Liar”
Lainey Wilson – “4x4xU”
Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”
Morgan Wallen – “Smile”

Best Album

Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Kendrick Lamar – GNX
Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Best Long Form Video

Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Bad Bunny – “Debí Tirar Más Fotos (Short Film)”
Damiano David – “Funny Little Stories”
Mac Miller – “Balloonerism”
Miley Cyrus – “Something Beautiful”
The Weeknd – “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

Video for Good

Burna Boy – “Higher”
Charli XCX – “Guess” Feat. Billie Eilish
Doechii – “Anxiety”
Eminem – “Somebody Save Me” Feat. Jelly Roll
Selena Gomez, benny blanco – “Younger and Hotter Than Me”
Zach Hood – “Sleepwalking” Feat. Sasha Alex Sloan

Best Direction

Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Charli XCX – “Guess” Fe Billie Eilish)
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”

Best Art Direction

Charli XCX – “Guess” Feat. Billie Eilish
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Lorde – “Man of the Year”
Miley Cyrus – “End of the World”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”

Best Cinematography

Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Miley Cyrus – “Easy Lover”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”

Best Editing

Charli XCX – “Guess” (featuring Billie Eilish)
Ed Sheeran – “Sapphire”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching” (From F1® The Movie)

Best Choreography

Doechii – “Anxiety”
FKA twigs – “Eusexua”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
Zara Larsson – “Pretty Ugly”

Best Visual Effects

Ariana Grande – “Brighter Days Ahead”
Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
Tate McRae – “Just Keep Watching” (From F1 The Movie)
The Weeknd – “Hurry Up Tomorrow”

MTV Push Performance of the Year

Aug 2024 – Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Sept 2024 – Ayra Starr – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Oct 2024 – Mark Ambor – “Belong Together”
Nov 2024 – Lay Bankz – “Graveyard”
Dec 2024 – Dasha – “Bye Bye Bye”
Jan 2025 – KATSEYE – “Touch”
Feb 2025 – Jordan Adetunji – “Kehlani”
Mar 2025 – Leon Thomas – “Yes It Is”
Apr 2025 – Livingston – “Shadow”
May 2025 – Damiano David – “Next Summer”
June 2025 – Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song”
July 2025 – Role Model – “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out”

While ASAP Rocky fans impatiently await word on the release of his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, at the very least, they can follow his moves on the big screen thanks to his flourishing acting career. While his matchup with Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s Kurosawa remake Highest 2 Lowest is right around the corner, the trailer for another film starring Rocky in a pivotal role came out today.

In the trailer for A24’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Rose Byrne plays a frazzled single mom forced to move into a motel when her upstairs neighbor’s leaky bathroom falls into her apartment (can you say, “lawsuit?”). Conan O’Brien is her seemingly disengaged therapist, while Rocky plays a fellow motel dweller who invites her back to his room for some late-night… ahhh… viewing.

He’s a pretty charming guy in general, so it seems believable that he’d be able to convince this older woman to make an ill-advised liasion — and he can do scumbag well enough that you believe he’d try. If I had to choose between the two, I’d go with Highest 2 Lowest, but I’m a sucker for pretty much all Kurosawa remakes.

You can watch the If I Had Legs I’d Kick You trailer featuring ASAP Rocky above. The movie is out in October.

Savvy travelers have been slipping away to Vidanta Riviera Maya for years — drawn by its jungle-lined paths, peaceful luxury, and a sense of play you don’t always find at polished resorts. Between the lush boutique water park, Jungala Aqua Experience, and JOYÀ — Cirque du Soleil’s only permanent show in Mexico, complete with a multi-course dinner — the experience here goes beyond your typical beach escape.

I was lucky enough to spend a few days at Vidanta and was truly blown away, not just by the luxury, location and service, but the fun and whimsy that you don’t often find at a resort of this size and caliber. Whether I was floating past waterfalls on the lazy river, lounging at an upscale beach club, or getting dressed up for a night of aerial acrobatics and champagne, Vidanta struck a rare balance: relaxed but refined, imaginative but grounded, and a place I can’t wait to return to.

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Vidanta Riviera Maya is the ultimate fusion of luxury, culture, and adventure. With pristine beaches, world-class dining, and access to incredible experiences like the Cirque du Soleil Joya show, this resort is the definition of paradise. Perfect for both relaxation and exploration, it’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a truly immersive experience.

With six separate hotels on property, over 15 bars and restaurants, on over 1000 acres of pristine paradise – this property doesn’t feel like your traditional Mexican resort getaway. With luxe touches, celebrity guests, and incredible beaches, this is truly a resort for those in the know.

IN-HOUSE FOOD AND DRINK:

Dining at Vidanta Riviera Maya is anything but boring. From tacos and margaritas under swaying palms to sushi, steaks, and indulgent in-room dining, there’s something for every craving—and then some. You can snack barefoot at a beach shack, dress up for a night out near the JOYÀ theater, or wander the Salum Market for sunset cocktails and casual bites. With bold flavors, playful vibes, and more variety than you’d expect from one resort, eating here is half the fun.

Here were some of my favorites:

Gong

Dinner at Gong was hands down my favorite meal at Vidanta Riviera Maya. The space is sleek and serene, with warm wood accents, glowing lanterns, and an atmosphere that feels both elevated and inviting. The menu blends flavors from across Asia, and every dish I tried—from the fresh, delicate sushi to the rich, flavorful filet—was perfectly executed. I sipped a beautifully balanced cocktail while soaking in the calm, almost transportive vibe of the restaurant. It felt like stepping into another world for the evening—refined, peaceful, and completely memorable. If you’re only splurging on one dinner while you’re here, make it this one.

La Cantina

La Cantina at Vidanta Riviera Maya, set within the vibrant Salum Market and Beachside Eateries, brings classic Mexican comfort food to life in a modern yet deeply rooted setting. The colorful ceramic tiles and polished wood details create an inviting atmosphere that honors tradition without feeling dated. I savored fresh, creamy guacamole, a tasing menu of Mexican favorites, alongside expertly made margaritas—simple but elevated flavors that lingered long after the last sip. It’s the kind of place that feels like a celebration of Mexico’s rich culinary soul, making it one of my favorite spots on the property.

Quinto

Breakfast at Quinto was the kind of buffet that makes you want to try everything—twice. Set in a beautiful two-story space with sweeping ocean views, it offered an almost overwhelming spread: tropical fruit, fresh pastries, chilaquiles, waffles, smoked salmon, made-to-order omelets, and more. I filled my plate, grabbed a cappuccino, and settled in by the window to watch the light shift over the water. The setting felt polished but relaxed, and the sheer variety made it easy to linger. It was one of those vacation breakfasts you actually remember.

AMENITIES:

Resort-Wide Amenities:

Multiple Pools – Including private pools for specific hotel guests and beachfront pool areas.
Jungala Aqua Experience – A luxury water park with slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and private cabanas.
Cirque du Soleil Joya – The first resident Cirque du Soleil show in Mexico
Spatium Spa – A high-end spa offering massages, hydrotherapy, and wellness treatments.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Course – A professionally designed 18-hole golf course.
Fitness Center – State-of-the-art gym with personal training and group classes.
Shopping Plaza – Boutiques featuring designer clothing, souvenirs, and local artisan goods.
Private Beach Club – Exclusive beachfront lounging with food and beverage service.
Fine Dining & Casual Restaurants – Over a dozen restaurants serving international and local cuisine.
Luxury Transportation – Complimentary resort shuttles and transportation between resort areas.
Concierge Services – Custom experiences, dining reservations, and personalized recommendations.

ROOM TYPES:

I stayed in a One-Bedroom Suite at the Jungala Park Hotel which was not just larger than my apartment back home, but the epitome of jungle-chic. With a large bedroom with private balcony, huge bathroom, kitchen, dining room, guest bath, large living area and another spacious balcony running the length of the suite — this was one of my favorite hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in.

Room Amenities:

In-Room Features:
Spacious Living Area – A comfortable lounge area with a plush sofa and seating.
Private Large Balcony – Offering scenic jungle or water park views.
Luxury Bathroom – Spa-like features with a rainfall shower, soaking tub, and designer toiletries.
Mini-Kitchen – Equipped with a small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and sink.
24-Hour Room Service – A full menu available for in-room dining.
Turndown Service – Nightly service with fresh linens and evening treats.

BEST THINGS TO DO/EAT/DRINK WITHIN A 10-MINUTE WALK/SHUTTLE RIDE:

Jungala Aqua Experience

Jungala Aqua Experience isn’t your average water park. With more adult touches, like cocktails, muted stylish colors, and gourmet food options, it is a must-visit for thrill-seekers or those who just want to spend a day in a lazy river with a drink. With water slides, the aforementioned lazy river (my favorite), and plenty of places to relax (pro tip: book a private cabana), it’s the perfect place to cool off and have fun.

Beach Club

Spending an afternoon at the Vidanta Beach Club is the ultimate way to unwind in style. With beautiful pools, private cabanas, and direct beach access with stunning ocean views, it feels like your own little slice of paradise. The service is next-level attentive without being over the top—they make you feel like the only guest that matters. I loved sipping expertly made cocktails, especially the Aperol Spritz from the roaming cart that adds a fun, festive vibe. The fresh, flavorful food pairs perfectly with the ocean breeze. This exclusive spot is available to Grand Luxxe and Grand Bliss guests, making it a must for those seeking chill luxury.

BEST THING TO DO WITHIN A 20 MIN SHUTTLE RIDE:

JOYA Cirque de Soleil

Seeing the JOYÀ dinner show at Vidanta Riviera Maya was one of the most exciting nights I’ve had in a long time. It’s Mexico’s first Cirque du Soleil resident dinner show—and the only permanent Cirque du Soleil show in the country until Ludo, a new water-themed production, debuts in November 2025 at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. The theater’s cozy, immersive setting makes you feel like you’re part of the story from the moment the lights go down. The acrobatics and performances are absolutely breathtaking—full of energy, creativity, and moments that seriously wowed me.

The dinner was just as impressive as the show. The menu itself is part of the experience—with edible menus, dishes infused with smoke, and even a treasure box course that feels like uncovering a delicious secret. The plating is playful and full of surprises (but I don’t want to give away too much!). The flavors were spot-on, perfectly balanced, and paired seamlessly with the pacing of the show. It was a total sensory experience—great food, amazing entertainment, and a vibe that kept me smiling all night. Definitely a must if you’re visiting Vidanta.

BED GAME: 9/10

The beds are ultra-comfortable with plush mattresses and high-quality linens that make sinking in after a day of exploring pure bliss. I loved opening the balcony doors to let in the fresh air and listen to the gentle sound of passing rain — it was the perfect way to unwind and fall asleep peacefully.

SEXINESS RATING: 9/10

Vidanta’s modern design, chic atmosphere, and incredible service create a stylish and romantic vibe. Whether it’s a sunset dinner by the beach or a spa treatment, there’s no shortage of moments to make you feel like you’re in a luxurious, sexy escape.

VIEWS/PIC SPOTS:

Vidanta Riviera Maya is packed with seriously Insta-worthy spots. Whether it’s the lush jungle paths, colorful gardens, or the sparkling pools, every corner feels like a photo op waiting to happen. The beach views of the turquoise Caribbean? Total postcard vibes. And the Salum Market area is full of bright, fun details that pop on camera. Honestly, whether you’re snapping sunrise from your balcony or chasing golden hour by the water, your feed is gonna thank you.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT:

The best time to visit Riviera Maya is between November and April when the weather is warm and dry. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beach, the pools, and the outdoor activities without worrying about the humidity or rain that often hits in the summer months. Shoulder seasons will likely have less crowds, and I’d even recommend rainy season as rain on the jungle-like grounds is very cozy and often doesn’t last too long.

IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING:

The resort is enormous – which for most people is a plus – but it could feel a bit overwhelming for some travelers. It’s massive, and while the layout is stunning, getting from one area to another sometimes requires a bit of walking—or waiting for a shuttle. This could be a minor inconvenience if you’d rather have less movement during your stay.

BOOK HERE:

Book your stay at Vidanta Riviera Maya here.

Back in May, indie pop singer Samia released her third studio album, Bloodless to critical acclaim. And while “Bovine Excision” and “Lizard” have garnered plenty of attention for the album, her latest release looks back to her 2020 debut The Baby and her viral 2023 NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert.

“Pool” is the opening track from The Baby, but made or a moving finale to her Tiny Desk set — so moving, that fans have made that version of the song go viral all over again on TikTok. In thanks for their support, the singer has released an official, “Stripped” rendition of “Pool.”

The TikTok trend for the song is based around the lyric“ How long do I have left with my dog / ’til I start forgetting shit? / How long ’til we’re rich / And then we’re not, and then we’re rich? / How much longer ’til I’m taller? / How much longer ’til it’s midnight? / How much longer ’til the mornin’? / Are my legs gonna last? / Is it too much to ask?” Fans have used the song as backing music for everything from their existential breakdowns (fitting) to their daily fit checks (unhinged). All of it has only served to help raise awareness of the Tiny Desk set and bring more awareness to a rising star.

Listen to Samia’s “Pool (Stripped)” above.

Big Thief‘s new album Double Infinity is coming soon, so they’ve shared a double single release, consisting of “Grandmother” and “Los Angeles,” following up July’s “All Night All Day.”

The first single, “Grandmother,” features multi-instrumentalist Laraaji, who also contributes haunting vocals, and captures the wistful experience of getting older. “So what’s the use of holding? / It’s unfolding, we’re all insane / We are made of love / We are also made of pain,” Adrianne Lenker sings. However, she as she notes in the chorus, there’s a positive outcome to the bittersweet experiences, “Gonna turn it all into rock and roll.”

The second is “Los Angeles,” which uses the titular city as an object metaphor for the constant changes life makes without changing the character of things. “Feels like it’s been ten years, has it only been two years?,” Lenker sings, “Two years feels like forever but I know you without looking / You call we come together even without speaking.”

Double Infinity, the band’s upcoming album, was recorded over three winter weeks in New York City, according to the press release. The nine-hour sessions were largely improvised, recorded live, and produced, engineered and mixed by longtime Big Thief collaborator Dom Monks.

You can listen to “Grandmother” and “Los Angeles” above.

Double Infinity is due on 9/5 via 4AD. You can find more info here.

No apologies for the headline on this one; you name your album after food, you deal with the food puns. Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist are hitting the road in support of their new joint project Alfredo 2. They’ll have a few openers: Jalen Ngonda, MAVI and Sven Wunder.

Alfredo 2 is, of course, the follow-up to the duos Grammy-nominated 2020 joint project Alfredo. It was released alongside a short film and the single “1995.” Over the weekend, they released a second video, for the song “A Thousand Mountains,” which you can check out above, a video game that you can play while you listen. Check it out here.

Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, August 8 at 10AM local time, with a presale beginning August 6. You can see the tour dates below.

Freddie Gibbs And The Alchemist Tour Dates: Alfredo 2

09/20 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia
09/22 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
09/25 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
09/26 – Dallas, TX @ Gilley’s Dallas – South Side Ballroom
09/27 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston – Music Hall
09/28 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater
10/03 – Tampa, FL @ Ritz Ybor
10/04 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
10/05 – Orlando, FL @ The Beacham
10/10 – Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz
10/11 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
10/12 – Washington, DC @ Echostage
10/17 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
10/18 – Detroit, MI @ Masonic Jack White Theatre
10/24 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
10/26 – Santa Ana, CA @ Observatory Orange County
10/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
10/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
10/31 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre
11/01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union
11/06 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
11/07 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
11/09 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield

Alfredo 2 is out now via Virgin Music Group. You can get more info here.

Hayley Williams‘ rebellious streak gets deeper in the video for “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party.” The standout from the collection of songs she released last week — which is, nonetheless, not considered an album — gets a grainy visual in which Williams strolls the streets of her native Nashville, subtly rebuking its shortcomings while still expressing hope for its future.

The video features a cameo from Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones, who is the second-youngest member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Jones made headlines when he was expelled in April 2023 for violating decorum rules by leading a gun control protest on the House floor after the 2023 Covenant school shooting. He was later reinstated as an interim representative and won a special election that won back his seat full-time. He was re-elected in 2024.

His casting in the video certainly lines up with many of Williams’ other political statements. Her band, Paramore, was known for protesting what they viewed as unjust laws or stumping for what they see as needed ones. Even the first chorus of “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party” takes shots at a local “racist country singer’s bar,” which some fans and publications have connected to recent comments she made to Stereogum in which she named “Morgan Wallen’s” as her least favorite country star’s bar. Whew.

You can watch the “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party” video above.

August 22 will be a big day for Texas rapper BigXthaPlug. That’s when he’s releasing his third album, I Hope You’re Happy, he announced on Instagram.

According to the press release that followed, the project will see him continue to experiment with country music, as we’ve heard him do on songs like “All The Way” with rising country star Bailey Zimmerman, “Holy Ground” with Jessie Murph, and “Home” with Shaboozey.

While hearing his new album will be largely country-influenced may throw off some of his day-one fans, it should come as no surprise for anyone familiar with the heartland. As a Texas native, BigX was likely exposed to as much country music via the radio, rodeos, and local commerce as he was by rappers like fellow Dallas natives Big Tuck and Dorrough, so, it makes sense that country flourishes come out in his own music.

BigX wouldn’t be the first rapper to delve deeper into the connections between country and hip-hop. While Lil Nas X arguably kicked off the most recent set of collaborations between country artists and rappers, you can look to artists like Nelly as true pioneers of the “country-rap” (or “rap-country,” if you prefer) subgenre, which has included names like Bubba Sparxxx, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, and more.

I Hope You’re Happy is due on 8/22 via UnitedMasters. You can find more info here.

Offset’s third studio album, Kiari, has a release date, at long last. The former Migo announced the release date, August 22, along with the cover art, features, and tracklist. The album will feature appearances from Offset’s “Style Rare” collaborator Gunna, JID (who appears on the previously released “Bodies“), John Legend, Key Glock, Teezo Touchdown, Ty Dolla Sign, YFN Lucci, and YoungBoy Never Broke Again.

Offset has been sharing singles from the project since December, when he released the video for “Swing My Way.” He followed up in February with “Ten,” then released “Bodies” in June. Most recently, he dropped the video for “Professional,” shortly after dropping by Uproxx Studios to take on the Sound Check challenge.

The title for Kiari is taken from Offset’s government name, Kiari Kendrell Cephus. It’s his first full-length release since 2023’s Set It Off, which featured Don Toliver, Future, Latto, Travis Scott, and Offset’s ex-wife, Cardi B. Set It Off debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, led by singles “Jealousy,” “Fan,” and “Worth It.” Will Kiari be able to surpass its predecessor? We’ll find out in a couple of weeks.

See the tracklist below.

Offset Kiari Tracklist

01. “Enemies”
02. “Pills” Feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again
03. “Professional”
04. “Back In That Mode” Feat. YFN Lucci
05. “Different Species” Feat. Gunna
06. “Bodies” Feat. JID
07. “Love You Down”
08. “Run It Up” Feat. Key Glock
09. “Set It Off”
10. “Folgers”
11. “All Of My Hoes”
12. “Calories”
13. “Checkmate”
14. “Backends Fasho”
15. “Prada Myself” Feat. Teezo Touchdown
16. “Never Let Go” Feat. John Legend
17. “Favorite Girl” Feat. Ty Dolla $ign
18. “Move On”

Kiari is due on 8/22 via Motown Records. You can find more info here.