Tomorrow (March 21), Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are set to release the collaborative album I Said I Love You First, which will be Gomez’s first LP since 2020’s Rare. Ahead of that, the pair shared a behind-the-scenes teaser for their upcoming “Younger And Hotter Than Me” video.
Based on what Gomez and Blanco say in the video, it appears the song and the visual will reflect on Gomez’s younger days. Furthermore, the video features multiple shots of a set featuring furniture covered in white sheets. People online were quick to notice that the layout of the room looks just like the living room from Wizards Of Waverly Place, the show that initially put Gomez in the pop culture spotlight.
Blanco recently described the writing and recording process for the album, saying, “She’d wake up, I’d have a pen out, and I’d write what was on her mind. Then we’d go into the other room and create it, and it became a song. It was such a cathartic and therapeutic experience. All the songwriting, it’s all our friends. There’s no, like, ‘Man, we’re gonna get in with this person for the first time — I wonder how this is gonna go.’ We also kept this one really close to the chest, because I feel like it was so important for it to be written exactly how we wanted it and to feel exactly how we wanted it to feel.”
Check out the teaser above.
I Said I Love You First is out 3/21 via SMG Music/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records. Find more information here.
“Of course, she can talk a little bad now and then,” she said. “I told her, I said, now, I don’t cuss. I don’t make fun of Jesus. I don’t talk bad about God, and I don’t say dirty words, on camera, but known to if I get mad enough.”
In the original version of “Please Please Please,” Carpenter sings, “Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another / I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherf*cker.” That line is changed to “heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another / I beg you, don’t embarrass me like the others” in the clean(er) version with Parton.
Parton also shared her excitement for working with artists like Carpenter, Beyoncé, and, most impressively, The Wiggles.
“I think that’s been the greatest joy is just thinking, ‘Yay, Beyoncé wants to sing with me! She wants to sing my song!’ Yeah, absolutely. Which train do I get on that’s going to get me there the quickest?” she said.
You can listen to Sabrina and Dolly sing “Please Please Please” above.
Last month, A24 announced that their 2012 movie Spring Breakers — starring Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine — would be getting a special, one-night-only IMAX screening. That was set for yesterday (March 19), and Selena Gomez, alongside fiancé and musical collaborator Benny Blanco, surprised the audience at a New York screening (as Variety notes).
At the screening, Blanco said he and Gomez wanted to do something special for attendees, so they shared with them a new song from their upcoming album I Said I Love You First, called “Bluest Flame” (here’s a short clip).
Gomez also told the audience (here’s a video), “Thank you so much. This movie means the world to me, and just that you guys are here, it’s so special. I’m so grateful for you guys and hope you enjoy everything that we put together. So, thank you guys.”
Gomez recently said of the movie, “It was wonderful. It was so long ago now, but I think that was one of the moments in my life that I felt like, ‘Oh, this is what art can feel like.’ Not just the typical way I had been doing it my whole career. That’s when I got the bug. So to be honest, I’m just happy to be a part of such an audacious, special, and important movie.”
Severance is one of the most expensive TV shows ever, but that’s alright. Millions of people, including Sabrina Carpenter and SZA, are tuning in, which adds up to plenty of new subscribers for Apple TV+. This week, many of those viewers also began to wonder how long the second season finale was due to whispers of competing lengths, as reported on X/Twitter.
Fortunately, Ben Stiller was happy to set rumors to rest and reassure viewers that there will be time to address every lingering mystery (except the ones that he and showrunner Dan Erickson have saved for a third season, that is).
How Long Is The Severance Season 2 Finale?
As noted above, inquiries were going wild, including from one social media user who wondered, “I keep seeing this on here but AppleTV says it’s 45 minutes and there’s so much left to happen I NEED it to be 76 minutes.” In response, Stiller duly confirmed, “It is 76 minutes”
On Apple TV+’s interface, the correct runtime is currently listed:
https://tv.apple.com/
If you were wondering what will come next, Stiller has assured IndieWire that there will not be another three year wait (if a third season happens), and much of the second season delay was due to The Hollywood strikes. Then “[i]t took us a little bit to regroup, and the show, we shot for 186 days on Season 2,” he revealed. “Editing takes a while, but thank goodness the audience was there when we came back.” And the rest is Innie and Outie history.
There’s no place like The Bay. Even the local sports teams know this; it’s why you’ve seen NBA teams like the Golden State Warriors team up with local labels and artists like EMPIRE and P-Lo, who recently recorded an anthem for All-Star Weekend with hometown heroes E-40 and Too Short.
Vallejo viceroy LaRussell sees the action, and he wants in. Today, he shared his latest in a long, never-ending stream of singles, called “Nothin Like It.” On Twitter, he called the upbeat jam the “new season anthem for the SF Giants” and in its video, he performs just outside Oracle Park in an orange-and-black Giants windbreaker jacket, showing his team spirit.
The song celebrates the local MLB franchise, with lyrics like, “We get it done, strikes and home runs / You feel the ground shakin? The Giants finna come.” The chorus proclaims there’s nothing like catching a game at Oracle Park, while the bridge puts a hyphy spin on the ol’ Seventh Inning Stretch classic, “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.”
So far, there’s nothing from the Giants that suggests “Nothin Like It” is part of the franchise’s official marketing, but knowing LaRussell, his unstoppable hustle could very well ensure it’s getting played at the Park sometime very soon.
You can watch LaRussell’s video for “Nothin Like It” above.
Neither a hurricane nor well-placed gunshot wounds could keep Dexter Morgan down. Showtime’s enduring serial killer refuses to succumb to his own mortality, and as a result, Paramount Plus decided to run with multiple (in addition to New Blood) spin offs, including Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection. The former finished rolling out a first season earlier this year, but the latter is one that blood-slide fans have really been looking forward to seeing. Sure, we’ll probably receive another objectively awful series finale that we’ll also forgive, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
This revival series will introduce an array of new faces including Krysten Ritter (as Mia Lapierre) and David Dastmalchian (as Gareth), who have posed together for Instagram as “goth fam.” They will be joined by Peter Dinklage (as Leon Prater), Uma Thurman (as Charlie), Eric Stonestreet (as Al), Steve Schirripa (as Vinny), and Neil Patrick Harris (as Lowell).
Filming has been ongoing in not only New York City but also Miami, which could alternately point toward an ongoing investigation into Dexter’s misdeeds or perhaps his utter stupidity in returning to the scenes of his crimes. Maybe both? That guess is as good as any right now, but today, we’re here to talk about which characters will make their (both logical and unlikely) returns.
Dexter Morgan: You know it. Michael C. Hall, baby. Although Patrick Gibson served the younger serial killer’s origin story well, the baton will be passed to the present day again, and Hall previously remarked to Variety that he found it as “unbelievable” as everybody else that Dex lives by popular demand. He then remarked, “There’s something about this world, something about this character that captivates people.”
Harry Morgan: Yes. James Remar will return as Dexter’s (extremely dead) adoptive dad, Harry Morgan (after Christian Slater did prequel duties). No clues have confirmed whether he’ll be a ghost or a zombie in this series.
Harrison Morgan: Yep. Jack Alcott will presumably keep Dexter’s son trekking down the Dark Passenger path, although I remain miffed that no treadmill references were made in New Blood.
Debra Morgan: Sadly, no. Jennifer Carpenter recently told People that she was sitting this season out after ghosting-it in New Blood. “I feel like I’ve completed that box. I’m proud of it,” she divulged.
The Trinity Killer: Yes, although this one doesn’t seem possible. John Lithgow confirmed that Arthur Mitchell remains alive despite being (fittingly) bludgeoned with a hammer by Dexter, and Lithgow will “come back sort of as a phantom, as he gradually comes to life on a hospital bed.” A Trinity Killer prequel is also in the works from universe chief Clyde Phillips.
Angel Batista: Yes. David Zayas’ fedora wearing detective (who could use a promotion) will return after being portrayed in Original Sin by James Martinez.
Hannah McKay: Nope. Yvonne Strahovski’s fellow serial killer, who finished raising Harrison, succumbed to pancreatic cancer before New Blood, according to Harrison. No reports have surfaced regarding a surprise comeback, either.
James Doakes: Dammit, we will not see a reprisal of “surprise motherf*cker” to the scene. This franchise can bring almost everybody back from the dead, but it cannot work miracles. 🙁
It looks like not everyone has turned on Drake in the wake of the onslaught of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Sexy drill poster boy Cash Cobain pays homage to Drake’s breakout hit in the video for his fan-favorite viral track “Dunk,” which he released today, seven months removed from his debut album Play Cash Cobain.
Since the song’s called “Dunk,” it only makes sense that it’d be basketball-themed, but Cash and director KZA go a step further, taking inspiration from the clip for Drake’s 2009 single “Best I Ever Had.” In both videos, the rappers play the coaches of women’s basketball teams, with Cash remixing Drake’s “motivational” halftime speech to his team to reference the title of “Dunk,” encouraging his players to do just that despite the obvious flaw in his plan.
However, things do turn out a little bit better for Cash’s team than they did for Drake’s, which “lost” their game. Likewise, I’m sure the reception for the “Dunk” video will probably be better than it was for “Best I Ever Had” (people complained the video didn’t match the song, which… I’m not sure they were really listening).
The throwback nod works pretty well alongside the Soulja Boy sample on “Dunk,” highlighting the New Yorker’s penchant for repurposing the past to make something different from his peers.
Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm-and-blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.
Since the last update of this weekly R&B column, we’ve received plenty of music and news from the genre’s artists.
SZA starred as Catwoman in a State Farm advertisement and Davido took a step closer to his upcoming album 5ive with his new single “Be There Still.” 4Batz returned with his new single “Mortal Kombat,” and Lauryn Hill gave big co-signs to Doechii and Samara Cyn at the 2025 Jazz In The Gardens Festival.
Here are the new music releases you need to listen to:
4Batz — “Mortal Kombat”
With his sophomore project en route, Dallas native 4Batz gets the ball rolling with his new single “Mortal Kombat.” The track positions him as a fighter in love who goes above and beyond to preserve a relationship, even when he’s to blame for its possible demise.
Raiche — “Girls A Gun”
After kicking off her 2025 with “Standards,” Raiche takes a step closer to her next project with “Girls A Gun.” The fiery anthem captures the singer standing firm on her self-worth and setting boundaries for her own benefit. “‘Girls A Gun’ is my empowerment anthem — I wrote it when I was done with being pushed around,” she said about the song in a press release. “Sometimes, you just gotta speak up and let ’em know what’s what!”
Cautious Clay — “Tokyo Lift (5am)”
Cautious Clay announced his upcoming album The Hours: Morning with “Tokyo Lift (5am).” The new single re-creates a calm morning after a night of wild fun. “‘Tokyo Lift (5am)’” is a song I wrote about a time I spent out at a karaoke bar until 5 AM,” said about the song in a press release. “This particular night was perfect; the music was perfect, the drinks were flowing, and everyone was completely losing track of time. The energy and sonics of this song is something I really wanted to match the feeling of one of those nights.”
Zyah Belle — “About Time” Feat. Ben Reilly
The incomparable Zyah Belle is back with new music as she recruits Ben Reilly for their new single “About Time.” The groovy single captures the duo’s realization about the feelings they share and the actions that follow afterward. “‘About Time’ is the soundtrack to the moment you finally make your move,” Belle said about the song. “This song is about breaking the ice and taking that chance. It’s flirty, fun, and full of that ‘butterflies in your stomach’ energy.”
Chikoruss — “Bestfriend”
Montreal singer Chikoruss keeps his hot streak alive with his new single “Bestfriend.” The bouncy and intoxicating record amplifies Chikoruss’ determination to break out of the friendzone with a woman he has his eye on. “While making this song, I was thinking about what I would say to a female best friend who I liked more than a friend,” he said about the song. “So, this became an ode to me pouring out my feelings while I’m drunk or letting the liquor talk.”
Khalil — “Hard To Explain” Feat. Dee Gatti
Sacramento singer Khalil closed 2024 with a pair of singles, “Change Of Plans” and “No Surprise V2,” and now he’s back in 2025 to pick up where he left off. He returns with “Hard To Explain” alongside Fort Worth singer Dee Gatti, a collaboration he says he’s “glad we could make happen.”
JayDon — “I’ll Be Good”
LA singer JayDon, who is just 17 years old, recently signed a deal with Usher and LA Reid’s label Mega and celebrated the feat with a new song. “I’ll Be Good” arrives as a sweet blend of nostalgic and modern R&B. The new song is the latest single from his upcoming EP Me, My Songs and I set for release later this year.
Josh Levi — “Feel The Bass (Prelude)” Feat. Beam
With his debut album on the way, Josh Levi builds up the hype for it with “Feel The Bass (Prelude)” alongside Beam. Pulsating synths carry the uptempo track that Levi says “represents the adrenaline, energy, and the vibration that is to come in my debut album.” He adds, “This one is for all the people that like to feel music in their veins and are ready to ride along with me into something special.”
ABIR — “Made 4 U”
Moroccan-born and Los Angeles-bred singer ABIR shares her second single of the year with “Made 4 U.” The track joins “Butterflies” as singles from her upcoming EP First Quarter. As for “Made 4 U,” ABIR uses the song to share a heartfelt message to a lover whom she sees as a blessing from God for her to share her unique love, loyalty, and trust.
No Guidnce — Confessions Of A Loverboy
British R&B boyband No Guidnce touch down with their new EP Confessions Of A Loverboy. The five-track project is a bold and emotionally-driven release that blends traditional and contemporary R&B. The new project is highlighted by “Lovers To Enemies,” which the group calls “a real boyband anthem.”
Eli Derby — “Cadillac Dreams”
DMV singer Eli Derby’s first entry of 2025 arrives in the form of his new single “Cadillac Dreams.” The fresh track is the result of a moment of reminiscing which led to Derby making the record that he says sounds like “the ’60s.”
The first day of spring is officially tomorrow, March 20. Saturday Night Live is set to kick the new season off strong, too: Today, they announced the hosts and musical guests for some upcoming episodes.
The March 29 show will be hosted by Mikey Madison and feature Morgan Wallen as musical guest. Then, on April 5, Jack Black is hosting and the musical guests are Elton John and Brandi Carlile. Finally, on April 12, Jon Hamm is hosting and Lizzo is the musical guest.
Wallen famously has a bit of a bumpy history with SNL. He was supposed to be the musical guest on October 10, 2020, but the show ended up dropping him after videos of him maskless at a party during peak COVID surfaced. Then, he actually appeared as musical guest on the December 5 episode that year. (Not long after that, he found himself in more hot water after a video of him using a racial slur surfaced.)
Meanwhile, Lizzo made her SNL debut in 2019, then was both host and musical guest in April 2022, then she returned as musical guest in December 2022.
As for John, he’s been on the show surprisingly infrequently: He was a musical guest in 1982, then he was host and musical guest in 2011, and that’s it. Then there’s Carlile, who was a musical guest in 2021 and 2022.
Erykah Badu is working on something. In February, she and The Alchemistteased some new music they’re making together, with Earl Sweatshirt also in the mix. Still, it wasn’t clear exactly what they were doing: A song, an EP, and album? Well, it turns out the answer is album.
A new feature from Billboard notes the project, which will be Badu’s first album in 15 years, will be produced entirely by The Alchemist. The piece also notes the project has “been taking up most of” Badu’s time, and that she “says she can’t wait until she’s done.”
Badu also spoke about her thoughts on modern-day hip-hop, saying:
“[The thing I like about rap right now] is the same thing I liked about rap when I first met it. Rap is the people. Hip-hop is the people. It’s the folks. It’s the tribe. I have the luxury of experiencing having children who I watch grow up and love and encourage very much, and I cannot separate them when I see artists who are that age coming up. That’s how they feel. They are continuing the tradition.”
She admits, though, that she doesn’t follow rap like she used to, but that her children keep her in the loop.
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