The music industry has been working overtime to merge resources in wake of the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County. During the 2025 Grammy Awards, artists, labels, and more raised millions toward the efforts. Many artists have hit the recording booth to pull in revenue. You can’t forget the massive FireAid LA Benefit concert.

Now, Weyes Blood has announced her plan to assist survivors of the natural disaster. Over on Instagram, the “Hearts Aglow” singer announced her clothing collaboration with the American Red Cross to raise money toward the LA fires relief.

For a limited time, supporters can purchase a custom t-shirt, designed with visual artist Sharada Tolton, which will help provide food and shelter to those impacted.

“As a love letter to my beautiful, irrevocably changed neighborhood of Altadena I’ve teamed up with @SirenShores and @EverpressHQ to create this limited edition tee for the @americanredcross,” wrote Weyes Blood. “100% of profits will go directly to providing food, shelter, and support to those impacted by the California fires. I know it’s been a month but just like my story, there’s still so much to be done, and so much uncertainty of where things will land in the future.”

Weyes Blood’s collaborative t-shirt with the American Red Cross will only be available until February 27. Find more information here.

As is always the case after the trade deadline, the week following features the start of the NBA’s buyout market, as veterans on expiring deals that weren’t traded (or were acquired by teams for the express purpose of adding draft assets) find themselves on the open market.

This year, there are a handful of big names that figure to be available for contenders to sign for the minimum. Buyout players rarely make a major impact on teams, as they usually are on the buyout market for a reason, but sometimes they need to prove themselves in a different role to prove they can still impact winning in some way. This year, the player that is most in need of a career rejuvenation is Ben Simmons, as the former No. 1 overall pick has not been doing much for the Nets this season (6.2 points, 6.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds per game in 33 appearances) before reaching a buyout to end his frankly disappointing tenure in Brooklyn.

As he looked for a new home, Simmons had to seriously consider what team would give him a chance to prove himself again to the league, because few view him as a player who, even on the minimum, would be a valuable asset to a contender. On Saturday, Shams Charania brought word that he will be heading to Los Angeles to join the Clippers, a team that has had a penchant for reviving careers (most notably Russell Westbrook) in recent years — and somewhat ironically joins a team with James Harden, who he was traded for in a swap of disgruntled stars years ago.

Now, Simmons issues are the polar opposite of Westbrook. For the former MVP, effort and intensity has never been the question, but channeling that effectively and understanding his own personal limitations was the challenge. For Simmons, the question is far more existential, regarding his desire to play basketball at the highest level and if he can physically hold up with persistent back issues and mentally hold up to pressure moments. With the Clippers in the thick of the playoff race in the West, the opportunity will certainly be available to Simmons to prove himself in that environment if he can crack the L.A. rotation. S

Rihanna’s super fans (The Navy) has been begging her to release new music. So, when a new audio recording of the “Lift Me Up” singer surfaced online, they were overjoyed. However, they quickly realized something was off.

In a now viral post on Instagram (viewable here), users were taken back when they listened to Rihanna discussing lavish purchases she made across her career. But, it turns out the audio is actually an AI-generated clip of Rihanna’s voice and not the entertainer herself. Shortly after the post gained traction on the platform, Rihanna chimed in to slam it.

“Who [the f*ck] is this talking,” wrote Rihanna in the comment section.

Although the creator did not respond to Rihanna’s question. Nor have they taken down the post that flaunts Rihanna’s supposed assets (which allegedly include a massive mansion, private jet, jewelry collection, and luxury vehicles) after being called out.

Instead, the comment section is now flooded with angry Rihanna fans.

“Rih, would never boast like this. Real fans know wassup,” penned one user.

“AI is soooo scary, because whattt,” chimed another.

If you are interested in an authentic Rihanna recording, soon enough her musical contribution to the Smurfs movie soundtrack will hit streaming platforms.

As a global pop star, Ariana Grande draws in a lot of attention. However, the “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” singer isn’t always fond of it–especially as it relates to her private life.

Yesterday (February 7), during the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Grande’s love life was the center of conversation. As host Chelsea Handler poked fun at trending topics, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s budding romance became the butt of a joke.

“It is so nice to see some of our most beloved child stars all grown up and thriving,” said Handler. “Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande are all nominated tonight. And now Ariana has even found love with a munchkin.”

The snarky remark had a shaky landing within The Barker Hangar. Handler swiftly brushed it off, saying: “That’s good news, everybody.”

While Grande and Slater seemed annoyed by Handler’s comedic chops, users online were amused by her wicked sense of humor.

Following both Grande and Slater’s respective divorces in 2024, their coupling sparked outrage online.

Slater addressed that pushback in a sit-down with GQ.

“There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening,” he said. “So it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love.”

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater has not publicly addressed Chelsea Handler’s joke at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards.

Back in August 2024, Oasis announced their highly-anticipated onstage (and in-studio) reunion. Now, their Oasis Live 25 reunion tour is nearly months away. However, the UK show run has hit yet another snag.

According to NME, in an effort to combat bots and resellers Oasis has canceled thousand of tickets to their forthcoming show. In any other circumstance, their actions would be applauded fans online claim to have been hit the hardest by yesterday’s (February 7) action.

Across X (formerly Twitter), Oasis supporters shared notifications that their purchases were voided seemingly by mistake.

“If 2025 could actually get any worse – now I don’t even have this to look forward to anymore. Denying legit fans their tickets,” wrote one user.

“So what’s this complete sh*t show? Sat on my laptop for hours on general sale day to secure just TWO tickets for ONE gig, and you’re telling me I’m a bot and a tout,” penned another.

While supporters are encouraged to contact Ticketmaster’s customer support line if they are experiencing this issue, the company made their stance against the shows’ promoters Live Nation and SJM have standing firm in its decision to nixed tickets.

“Only use the official resale partners,” said a representative for the companies. “Selling tickets through unauthorized resale platforms will breach these T&Cs and those tickets may be cancelled. Terms were specifically established to limit resale of tickets on unauthorized ticketing platforms for profit.”

Oasis has not issued a response to the pushback from fans.

After the animated Lego film Piece By Piece underperformed at the box office, Universal Pictures has pulled the plug on Pharrell Williams’ According to Variety, the project, which was retitled Golden after a name-change from Atlantis, “did not live up to its developed conceit,” and will be pulled from the studio’s release schedule. Directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind), the film would have been released in theaters on May 5 and featured among its cast Halle Bailey, Quinta Brunson, Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Anderson .Paak, and Jaboukie Young-White.

In a joint statement, Williams and Gondry told Variety, “When all of us got into the editing room, we collectively decided there wasn’t a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned. We appreciate all the hard work of the talented cast and crew. While we’re disappointed we can’t deliver this film, we have incredible partners at Universal and will collaborate in a different capacity again soon.” The movie has reportedly cost the studio $20 million in sunk cost, but the studio will absorb the hit instead of releasing it.

In explaining the differences between Golden and Piece By Piece, Pharrell told Empire magazine in November, “Piece By Piece is about my life, whereas Golden is about a neighborhood that I grew up in. I’s a musical expedition set in the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach. It’s a coming-of-age story about self-discovery and pursuing your dreams, but it’s so much more magical than that. It’s a celebration of Black life, Black culture, and most importantly, Black joy.”

While it’s somewhat disappointing we won’t get to see the completed vision, especially with such a dynamite cast, Pharrell still has other film projects in the works — and everybody already got paid. And hey, even if Piece By Piece bricked at the box office (sorry), it’s still in line to potentially win him an Oscar.

The Best New Hip-Hop This Week includes albums, videos, and songs from 2 Chainz, Larry June, Tyga, and more.

On the eve of Kendrick Lamar’s big star turn at Super Bowl LIX and just a week removed from the Grammys, it’s relatively quiet on the new release front — but not completely silent.

Saba & No ID shared the latest single from their long-awaited collaborative project, “Woes Of The World.”

LiAngelo Ball — AKA GELO — added a New Orleans legend to the remix of his breakout single “Tweaker,” which now features Lil Wayne.

Pardison Fontaine and Cardi B reconnected on a record for the first time in six years with “Toot It Up.”

And IDK and Denzel Curry continued their longstanding collaborative chemistry on their new release, “S.U.”

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending February 7, 2025.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Krept & Konan — Young Kingz II

The long-running British rap duo nod to their 2013 breakout mixtape, penning an earnest sequel consisting of 18 tracks with appearances from UK rap pioneers like Chip and Ghetts, alongside appearances from dancehall veterans Popcaan and Sizzla. It’s a remarkably accessible project for stateside listeners and Brit-rap newcomers, with moody beats and vivid storytelling rhymes running the gamut from more contemporary drill style to chill afrobeats.

Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist — Life Is Beautiful

The Alchemist lays down an impressive spread of his signature production for the two rappers’ cross-coastal collaboration. The lush sound beds give the laid-back lyricists plenty of space for their hazed boasts and low-key luxury lifestyle raps. The surprise here is how easily 2 Chainz adapts to the chill-guy format perfected by rappers like June, Curren$y, and Dom Kennedy, but don’t overlook the elevation of June’s pen to keep up with the weathered vet.

Luhh Dyl — Intrude

A Detroiter who has built a solid local buzz over the past couple of years with his projects The Ticket and Cart Music, Dyl jukes expectations of the Michigan style that’s grown in popularity for the last decade. While he certainly bears many hallmarks of his surroundings — a motormouthed, waterfall flow that often overruns the beats, a standoffish outlook on his home municipality — he rejects others. He’s alarmingly sincere compared to featured artists like Sada Baby, Tee Grizzley, and Veeze, and he takes pride in making staunchly anti-club cruisers. Intrude peaks when it speeds up to accommodate its guests, but Dyl proves he’s plenty compelling on his own.

Tyga — NSFW

It’s Tyga. You know what you’re getting.

However, if that idea turns you off of this polished package of unabashed party tunes, you haven’t been paying attention. Tyga’s improvement in the pen department has gone largely unheralded over his last handful of releases (it’s subtle), but really shouldn’t be overlooked. The man knows his business and takes it seriously enough that you know it’ll hit the spot — he’s the In-N-Out Burger of West Coast party rap. There are fancier/healthier/tastier options… but sometimes you just want In-N-Out.

Singles/Videos

The Underachievers — “Brand New”

Y’know, it’s weird. I can’t remember the last time the Flatbush duo came across my radar, which is weird because associated acts like Flatbush Zombies and Pro Era seemingly never leave it for too long. A quick browse on Tidal tells me their last album came out pre-pandemic (2019’s Lords Of Flatbush 3) and they’ve sprinkled a handful of single, both solo and as a duo, over the past year or so, but this is the first one that broke through the noise. They still sound engaged, and if they’re making a comeback this year, consider my curiosity piqued.

Flyana Boss — “Airplane Mode”

Flyana Boss offers a fascinating case; unlike most acts with massively viral hit singles that seemingly lose momentum, they’ve been fairly consistent releasing new music. None of it has been an overt attempt to recreate the magic of “You Wish,” nor has it outright rejected their fun, poppy aesthetic. Maybe the zeitgeist moved on while they were living life, but personally, I would really love to see another one catch on for them. “Airplane Mode” isn’t it, but it’s an exuberant, catchy anthem that feels primed for a streaming TV placement.

P-Lo — “Had To” Feat. E-40 & Too Short

The Bay Area favorites team up again for a burping, lurching flex anthem. With NBA All-Star landing in NorCal next week, it makes sense that the Warriors partners are putting some new music out ahead of the festivities. It’s a regionally-appropriate effort, more likely to resonate with locals than the tourists — but hey, considering how things have gone up there over the past 20 years, maybe we do need a reminder of just which folks are which. For The Soil, the All-Star-themed album from Golden State Entertainment (the Warriors’ actual record label), drops on February 12 featuring ALLBLACK, Goapele, Rexx Life Raj, and the previously released “Players Holiday” with a who’s-who of Bay talents.

ZelooperZ & Real Bad Man — “Sweet Celine”

LA-based producer Real Bad Man & Detroit’s ZelooperZ united today to release their joint album Dear Psilocybin, which is every bit as trippy as it sounds. The Bruiser Brigade-repping ZelooperZ is a rather buzzy name on the underground “weird rap” scene, earning praise and collaborations from the likes of Boldy James, Earl Sweatshirt, and The Alchemist, and Real Bad Man grants him the perfect canvases to work out his left-field ideas. See what the hype is with their previously released single “Sweet Celine” and check out the album here.

Jordyn Simone wants to tell both sides of the story. That’s the goal with her new EP Remember When. The six-track EP is the official debut for the Los Angeles-based singer who first saw the spotlight following an appearance on The Voice back in 2019. Next came performances at SXSW as well as Live Nation Urban’s Black History Showcase, Rhythm & Vibes, and more. Six years after her appearance on The Voice, Simone is making her arrival known with Remember When.

The six-track projects features a male collaborator on each track. Singers Dende, Lekan, Phabo, Reggie Becton, TA Thomas, and Joseph Solomon — who are rising in the R&B world — stand beside Simone on records to offer a male perspective to the moments in romance that she sings of. In the end, Remember When offers a balanced look into love, lust, and loyalty.

Together with the release of Remember When, we spoke to Jordyn Simone as a part of our weekly Uproxx Music 20 series to learn more about her influences, inspirations, and aspirations.

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What is your earliest memory of music?

I’ll never forget my earliest memory of music! I was singing my first solo in church and the cable fell out of the microphone — I was mortified, BUT my dad ran from the back of the church to reattach it so I could continue my performance. A moment of childhood embarrassment turned into a lesson of perseverance that I’ll always hold close to my heart.

Who or what inspired you to take music seriously?

My dad is a phenomenal gospel vocalist and I grew up going to every church service, choir rehearsal, and revival with him. It started out as me being the biggest daddy’s girl ever but turned into my own passion and calling. Since finding my own voice, I’ve known music is what I was made to do. So I’ve dedicated my life to growing and evolving as a musician from the early age of 10.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?

I took piano classes for 3 years as a child and hated it haha! But now as a singer/songwriter it would be the most helpful thing in the world if I could play. Being able to create music through multiple channels would unlock a new level of creativity that I would love! It’s something I definitely want to pick back up when I have a little more free time.

What was your first job?

I’ve spent my entire life in the arts. It’s all I know and it’s what I am good at, so my first job is rooted in what I do best! I started working at an artist development studio teaching vocal lessons, performance workshops, and songwriting classes. I enjoy spreading knowledge and passion to the next generation of creatives. It gives me an even deeper sense of purpose.

What is your most prized possession?

As cheesy as it sounds, my prized possession is my family. My parents and my sister are the most important thing in the world to me! All my life they have been the driving force of my creativity, supporting every release, performance and opportunity that’s come my way. They’ve
nurtured me as a woman and as a creative. I owe them the world and will give it to them one day.

What is your biggest fear?

I hate elevators! A huge metal box that moves from floor to floor is crazy to me. No vibeeee!

Who is on your music Mt. Rushmore?

Such a great question! Rihanna, Jill Scott, Brandy, and Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins.

You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!

MORNING: Go workout, get a breakfast burrito with chorizo and bacon, take a long shower then go shopping. Then I want to get my hair done (preferably something long and red) — a good lil’ bussdown.

AFTERNOON: Take a FAT nap, wake up, go to the studio (preferably with someone from that Mt. Rushmore up there), make the biggest hit of my career, and take some tequila shots to celebrate!

NIGHT: Dinner with the gworlss, somewhere nice that we have to dress up, order every entrée on the menu to taste, and head to a speakeasy or dive bar with a fire DJ (preferably one that plays R&B, hip-hop, and amapiano only). Dance my heart out with my besties and get free tequila shots for the rest of the night.

Is that too much to ask for????

What are your three most used emojis?

, , and .

What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?

James Fauntleroy. His approach to songwriting is a science that needs to be studied. I have to make a song with him!

If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?

Ohh that’s so hard! I can’t think of a TV show, but a movie popped into my head immediately. I want to be in the sequel of One Of Them Days starring me and my manager Megan. I really feel like we could carry that sequel! Issa, call me.

Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?

Keke Palmer. I’m such a huge fan of the multidimensional career she’s had. She’s lived 10 times and she’s only in her 30s. That, on top of her being the funniest, most meme-able person in the world easily makes her my favorite celeb! Her episode on the Steve Harvey Talk Show explaining The Titanic, goes down as one of the funniest interviews of all time.

Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.

Sweets are better than savory foods and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on.

What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?

A song that makes me feel more alive than any song I’ve ever heard before is “Freakum Dress – Live from The I Am… World Tour“. The amount of times I’ve done lip-syncing live performances in the mirror at 2am to that song has forever altered my brain chemistry. The intersection of rock and R&B is a hidden gem that Beyoncé conquered with that arrangement and inspires me to push the boundaries more in my music.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?

I’ve only performed in a handful of cities. There are so many more for me to experience before I can accurately answer this question but the city I’m most excited to perform in is South Africa. 1. Because I’ve engaged with so many amazing South African followers online that really connect with my music and 2. Because I love Amapiano more than anything

You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.

The festival would be somewhere in Africa, either South Africa, Nigeria, or Ghana and the lineup would consist of all my favorite new age R&B artists. The focus would be bringing R&B to Africa. FLO, Leon Thomas, Joyce Wrice, Elmiene, and Dylan Sinclair.

What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?

I’d be an actor or a TV host. God didn’t give me this crazy personality for nothing.

If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?

Future! I’m working so hard for my future self. Setting the building blocks for what I want my future to look like. I would love to see how that hard work and sacrifice comes to fruition.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking the wrong people. Find your people and love on them.

It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

I want my legacy to transcend music. I want to be involved in all facets of entertainment and grow from an artist to a creative pioneer. I want a multidimensional career. I want people to know that I took every risk I possibly could and hopefully inspire them to do the same in their lives.

Remember When is out now via Boom.Records. Find out more information here.

More than a month has passed since the Landman season finale, which was actually the most recent time that a new episode of a Taylor Sheridan show streamed or aired. This year will, however, bring The Madison to continue the Yellowstone saga, and at some point, more news about the in-development Beth and Rip spin off should materialize to keep the Dutton leg of the story going. First, however, Paramount+ will finish the prequel side of Yellowstone with 1923‘s second and final season.

In addition to Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren (as Jacob and Cara Dutton), this series co-stars Landman‘s Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Strafford, who will be armed this season along with both Jacob and Cara as the ranch is under siege. That’s a familiar refrain in Yellowstone territory, and promotional material has emphasized Jacob’s revelation that “[o]ur way of life is under attack.” This season, Brandon Sklenar’s Spencer will be making his way back to the fam, and new cast members include Jennifer Carpenter, Augustus Prew as Paul, and Janet Montgomery. A pressing question also awaits.

When Will Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 Season 2 Come Out?

Sunday, February 23. Paramount+ recently provided an updated synopsis:

In the second season of ‘1923,’ a cruel winter brings new challenges and unfinished business to Jacob (Ford) and Cara (Mirren) back at Dutton ranch. With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer (Sklenar) embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana. Meanwhile, Alexandra (Schlaepfer) sets off on her own harrowing trans-Atlantic journey to find Spencer and reclaim their love.

The Sheridrought has will soon be over, and the final rodeo will begin.

NBA All-Star Weekend always features a number of musical performances, both at the events themselves and at various parties and concerts throughout the host city. This year in San Francisco, the NBA has tapped Noah Kahan, Zedd, and The Chainsmokers for a three-night concert series at Pier 48, while TNT and American Express have Chance the Rapper performing at their Road Show (also at Pier 48) on Thursday night.

As for performances at the events themselves, we’re still waiting on the official lineup for the usual performance at halftime of the All-Star Game — which figures this year to be a performance between the first two games of the new mini-tournament and the final. However, on Friday we did learn one performer that will take the stage at the Chase Center, as GELO (aka LiAngelo Ball) will take the stage on Saturday night for his first televised performance, per Shams Charania.

It’s not his first performance at a sporting event, though, and the NBA and LiAngelo will hope it goes better than his appearance at the Commanders-Lions playoff game where his performance of “Tweaker” did not gather rave reviews. Perhaps he will bring out Lil Wayne for the remix of the song (which released this week), which might help his live show to share the stage with a more seasoned performer.