Category: News

The 2023 Final Four begins in earnest on Saturday in Houston, and the 2023 NCAA Tournament already made some history. By the Elite Eight, every No. 1 seed was gone, and the highest-seeded team remaining in the field is No. 4 seed UConn. While the Huskies clearly have the pedigree and advanced metrics of a team that would be a very “normal” national champion if that comes to fruition, the bracket essentially turned upside down and, along with it, the best of the best in terms of NBA draft prospects are largely absent when the basketball world turns its eyes to Houston.

Without spoiling the mock draft below, only one player in the top 30 will participate in the Final Four, and many of the top prospects in this class either operated entirely outside of the collegiate structure or missed the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Alas, there is still plenty of game tape to monitor and some of the prospects listed in this space jumped or fell based on March performances.

The very top of the board hasn’t changed, and probably won’t, but the 2023 NBA Draft is intriguing in many ways, and here is a pre-Final Four check-in on where things stand.

(Note: Draft order as of March 28)

1. Detroit Pistons – Victor Wembanyama (C/F, Metropolitans 92)

While at least some of these picks are informed by which team is choosing, Wembanyama is not. He is going to be getting his named called No. 1, regardless of team. In this instance, Detroit wins the top prize of the 2023 draft and gets to add a generational talent to the mix.

2. Houston Rockets – Scoot Henderson (G, G League Ignite)

It would take a very particular situation for a team to pass on Henderson at No. 2, at least from my personal viewpoint. Houston doesn’t qualify under that premise, and if anything, it’s probably time for the Rockets to invest in a true lead guard. There are some questions about Henderson’s shooting and overall efficiency, but he’s a clear No. 2 here.

3. San Antonio Spurs – Brandon Miller (F, Alabama)

Miller had a truly awful NCAA Tournament performance but, at least for now, neither that ugly ending nor his off-court questions are scaring teams away. His size and shooting project to translate, and Miller’s passing vision and overall tools are intriguing.

4. Charlotte Hornets – Amen Thompson (G, Overtime Elite)

This isn’t the most team-specific pick in the world but, hey, it’s early. Amen Thompson isn’t the cleanest fit with LaMelo Ball, but he’s a tremendous athlete and has incredibly appealing raw tools. The lack of shooting and offensive role when opponents can slow things down is scary, but the upside is tantalizing.

5. Portland Trail Blazers – Ausar Thompson (G/F, Overtime Elite)

His brother is largely seen as the superior prospect, based in part on Amen’s insane athleticism and twitchiness. Ausar is also a very good athlete, though, and he currently has more offensive appeal, craft, and shooting projection. Portland could go just about anywhere here, but Ausar shouldn’t be slipping out of the top ten.

6. Orlando Magic – Cam Whitmore (F, Villanova)

Orlando probably doesn’t need another 6’7 forward with shot creation upside as much as they need other things. With that said, Whitmore consistently seems to be in the top half of the lottery and his athleticism and size are intriguing.

7. Indiana Pacers – Jarace Walker (F, Houston)

Walker probably won’t be an offensive star in the NBA, and his role is a bit unclear on that end. There is a lot to like, mind you, but the real investment comes on defense with his 7’2 wingspan and impressive feel and reactivity.

8. Washington Wizards – Cason Wallace (G, Kentucky)

This isn’t my favorite-ever fit or anything, but Wallace should be a lottery pick in my view. His defense is incredibly appealing, and Wallace might get the annual Kentucky bump after the way he was strangely utilized in Lexington. Washington may not be the team, but someone should be taking him in this relative range.

9. Utah Jazz – Anthony Black (G/F, Arkansas)

It’s easy to fall in love with Anthony Black and how he views the game. He has great feel and great size. He knows where to be and how to get there. The questions are whether he’s athletic enough to translate it all and whether his shot will go in. There seems to be a lottery floor, even if he can be polarizing.

10. Orlando Magic (via Chicago) – Gradey Dick (G/F, Kansas)

Like most teams, Orlando could use a shooter and Dick might be the best bet in the class. He is extremely dynamic as a floor spacer, and Dick is also capable of creating his own offense. Defensively, it might be a bit dicey, but he did improve during the season and has real length on the wing.

11. New York Knicks (via Dallas) – Nick Smith Jr. (G, Arkansas)

It’s hard to find the best spot for Smith. He was one of the top-ranked recruits in the country out of high school and seemingly on the way to a top-10 landing spot. Now, he could go outside the lottery and it wouldn’t be surprising after a bunch of injury absences and on-court struggles. His scoring appeal remains, but it’s messier now.

12. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers) – Jordan Hawkins (G/F, UConn)

Hawkins is very easily the best prospect remaining in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. This would’ve probably felt high for him a few weeks ago, but Hawkins has played extremely well and has an easily translatable skill set. His shooting is the primary appeal, but he knows how to move off the ball and could be solid on defense at the NBA level.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder – Taylor Hendricks (F, UCF)

Because he played at UCF, Hendricks isn’t exactly famous just yet, but he is widely considered to be a top-15 guy in the class. Evaluators that view Hendricks as a potential pick in the top half of the lottery really believe in his development ability as a scorer. Others are more tied to his clear projection as a havoc-creating defender who is 6’9 with the ability to shoot. Regardless, there is a lot to like.

14. Toronto Raptors – Keyonte George (G, Baylor)

George definitely has appeal in some scouting circles as a potential top-10 pick, but others point to his very middling efficiency as cause for concern. Baylor was an interesting system to evaluate him next to a handful of veterans but, going back to his high school tape, George’s appeal as an on-ball guy is pretty clear.

15. Atlanta Hawks – Kris Murray (F, Iowa)

Murray could slot in for about 10 teams in this draft, maybe more. He’s a 6’8 forward who can really shoot it and won’t take much off the table. Murray also doesn’t need the ball to succeed at the next level, making him a snug potential fit with the Hawks.

16. Los Angeles Lakers (via New Orleans) – Jalen Hood-Schifino (G, Indiana)

He’s not a nuclear athlete, but Hood-Schifino is 6’6 with the ability to shoot, pass, and affect the game in myriad ways. He didn’t play well in the NCAA Tournament, but that shouldn’t scare anyone away. He’s a potential lottery pick.

17. Golden State Warriors – Rayan Rupert (G/F, New Zealand Breakers)

Like many players in this range, there is a split on Rupert’s appeal as a first-rounder. His defense and feel are undeniably strong, though, and the Warriors seem like a team that could maximize his offensive talents in the right situation.

18. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota) – Maxwell Lewis (G/F, Pepperdine)

Lewis isn’t a mainstream name for non-draft consumers, but he’s 6’7 with shot creation and athleticism. He also played on a pretty bad Pepperdine team and struggled late in the year, but Utah can take some swings and somebody is going to fall in love with what Lewis could become.

19. Houston Rockets (via LA Clippers) – Leonard Miller (F, G League Ignite)

It is hard to find a consensus with Miller, but he had a great close to the season in the G League. There have always been fans of his work as a 6’10 forward with intriguing physical tools, but his production improved and he’s still young.

20. Brooklyn Nets – Kobe Bufkin (G, Michigan)

Some believe Bufkin could still consider going back to Michigan to be “the guy” next season, but he also seems to be a pretty safe first round pick at this juncture. Bufkin was highly efficient this season in Ann Arbor, improving as the season went along, and he is a good passer and finisher with NBA-level athleticism. Whether he goes ahead of teammate Jett Howard is up for debate, but Bufkin seems to still be rising on boards.

21. Miami Heat – Dariq Whitehead (G/F, Duke)

It’s always a bit tough to figure out what Miami might do, but Whitehead falling here opens a clear door. He is a former top-ten high school recruit with real offensive flashes during his freshman season at Duke. Injuries and defensive struggles might push him down, but Whitehead also might kill it on the pre-draft circuit if he’s healthy.

22. Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix) – Brice Sensabaugh (G/F, Ohio State)

Sensabaugh’s season ended prematurely with a knee injury but, provided that isn’t a concern, he should be a top-25 pick. His shot-making chops are very impressive at this early stage, and it wouldn’t be hard to fall in love with that for a wing player from a blue blood program.

23. Portland Trail Blazers (via New York) – Dereck Lively (C, Duke)

Candidly, I don’t think Lively is going to fall this far by the time the process is over. His tools on the defensive end are just too appealing as a seven-footer with great movement skills and, even with offensive questions, he has starting center potential with upside beyond that.

24. Sacramento Kings – Colby Jones (G/F, Xavier)

A lot of teams should consider Jones in the back half of the first round. He is the archetype of a wing-sized player who does a lot of things well and doesn’t struggle with much of anything. That kind of player falls too far sometimes and, well, Jones isn’t terribly sexy. But he projects as a long-time rotation wing.

25. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland) – Jett Howard (G/F, Michigan)

Howard was looking like a potential lottery pick before cooling off late in the season. He is very interesting as a 6’8 shot creator, but the lack of supporting characteristics brings questions.

26. Memphis Grizzlies – Terquavion Smith (G, NC State)

Smith might’ve gone higher in last year’s draft, but he didn’t do anything to really fall in 2023 either. The questions are obvious when it comes to his very slender frame and efficiency challenges, but Smith can really score and projects to be interesting as a potential sixth man who can create his own shot.

27. Utah Jazz (via Philadelphia) – G.G. Jackson (F, South Carolina)

With three picks, Utah takes a swing here. Jackson doesn’t even turn 19 until December and he had a very weird season after reclassifying. He’s going to take a while, but the Jazz can bring him along slowly and in a strong system.

28. Charlotte Hornets (via Denver) – Jaime Jaquez Jr. (G, UCLA)

Jaquez is not a high-ceiling player in the slightest and it should surprise no one if he slips into the 30’s or even the 40’s. With that said, he’s appealing as a tough, two-way player with size and sky-high basketball IQ that would fit a lot of places.

29. Indiana Pacers (via Boston) – Kyle Filipowski (C/F, Duke)

Filipowski has a lot of fans around the league and, if a team buys into his shooting, he could go considerably higher than this. He’s a seven-footer with incredibly high feel and impressive skills, though Filipowski’s defense is a big-time question mark at the next level.

30. LA Clippers (via Milwaukee) – Sidy Cissoko (G/F, G League Ignite)

He’s something of a developmental selection at this point, but Cissoko checks a lot of interesting boxes. He just turns 19 later this week and Cissoko has size and defensive tools to go along with appeal from his basketball feel.

As far as anyone knows, Harry Styles is single. The “As It Was” singer was seen smooching Emily Ratajkowski in Tokyo, but they’re not “together” together. (I’m still pulling for her and Eric Andre.) Harry is a busy guy and all, but if he’s ready to settle down, Julie Bowen is waiting.

The Modern Family actress appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show this week to discuss her affinity for Styles and the sign she made for him when she saw him live with her kids. What did the sign read? “Harry, I’m old, but I know what I’m doing.” Bowen explained, “I think, like, he could do worse than me! I mean I’m not the youngest, but I think I could show him a good time.”

“Everybody should have a crush on Harry Styles,” she said. “Come on.” Bowen went on to say she checks her direct messages “nightly” to see if he has “slid into” her DMs yet. “Harry, if you’d like to slide into my DMs, just do it. It’s right there,” she said. But she later admitted, “No, I don’t think he knows I exist.”

I’m positive Styles has seen at least one episode of Modern Family, and therefore knows who Bowen is, because everyone has seen at least one episode of Modern Family. It’s a classic “background” TV show. But — and this is very important — has he seen Happy Gilmore? I’m leaning towards no.

Styles was two years old when the golf comedy came out, and considering he’s been famous since he was a teenager, he hasn’t had a lot to downtime to watch old Adam Sandler movies. (It hurts to call Happy Gilmore “old,” because it means I’m old, but I have to be honest with my old-ass self.)

If Styles want an education on Sandler’s filmography, forget Julie Bowen. Slide into my DMs (where we can discuss You Don’t Mess with the Zohan).

(Via Decider)

There was a time, if you can believe it, when Staten Island’s own Pete Davidson was just a background character on Saturday Night Live. Now, the comedian has gone where no other recent SNL alum has gone before…to talk smack on a podcast while wearing a beanie.

To be fair, Davidson has been through a fair share of scrutiny throughout his final years on SNL. It all began when Davidson embarked on a whirlwind engagement with Ariana Grande back in 2018. Since then, he was linked to Kim Kardashian, EmRata, and even…Ice Spice? Turned out that one was false, though. But not far-fetched!

So why is everyone so interested in Davidson’s love life? He sure as heck doesn’t know! Davidson sat down with Jon Bernthal to have an honest discussion about stardom in the internet age, and how the media circus around Davidson’s love life confuses him. “I’m in my 20’s and I’ve dated people. And for some reason, that’s very crazy and interesting to people. I don’t think it’s interesting,” he began. He then added that it has been hard for him to be taken seriously due to his obsession with his personal life.

Davidson continued, saying that he is just a regular guy who meets his many potential suitors at his place of work. “I’m not, like, flexing, you know what I mean? And these people that I’ve dated, I met them at work. I wasn’t in anyone’s DMs, no one was in mine. I worked at one of the five Hollywood epicenters of where you meet people and that’s how it happened,” he explained. This is true, mostly because it’s hard to imagine any sort of instance where Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson would have actually met besides when she hosted SNL. What if they had a chance encounter at Whole Foods?!

Despite the increase in interest, Davidson still believes that he is acting and dating a regular amount, and anyone who cares this much is the real weirdo. “I’ve been in show business for, like, half my life almost — for 14 or 15 years and on a national TV show. In 12 years I’ve dated 10 people. I don’t think that’s that crazy, but to some people, that’s very interesting. That became all anyone would talk about.” Surely it’s not all we all talk about. But hey, it’s either this or Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial, so leave it up to the readers!

The comedian then admitted that he felt like a “loser” when his dating life was brought up on SNL. “When it’s your own show, and I’ll be sitting in the back watching the cold open and [it’s] topical political humor or whatever in the culture, and they’re making fun of you and you gotta walk out and do a sketch next and hit your mark — the show just made fun of you, so why are they going to laugh at you? They just dogged you,” he explained. “It was a really difficult thing to do. You feel insecure. You feel like a small person,” he added. He left the series in 2022 after almost eight years.

While the comedian is still making headlines, he has been trying to keep it pretty low-key since leaving SNL last year (after the Kardashian breakup). Now, he has his own show alongside Edie Falco, where there probably won’t be any romance rumors there. Unless Furio Guinta shows up.

The full episode of Real Ones with Jon Bernthal is up on his Patreon, but you can check out a preview here.

(Via US Weekly)

Because he has been famous for several decades and is one of the most prominent professional athletes of all time, most of us have learned things about LeBron James that have nothing to do with his ability to be good at basketball. One of those things is that, despite his remarkable wealth from both his playing career and his myriad of business ventures, James is one of the cheapest people in the world. Here’s a clip of Dwyane Wade roasting him for that:

It is extremely funny that James does not push back against this in any way, shape, or form, going as far as to make up the phrase “falsely true” in an effort to confirm that Wade is right. And on Friday afternoon, James hopped onto his Twitter account and leaned into the bit, with the subject being his blue check on the website. James is one of numerous folks who is verified on the website and will lose his check on Saturday due to some changes Elon Musk is making in an effort to make the site profitable.

James could, of course, spend some cash on Twitter Blue to keep that check, but that would require forking over cash, and he isn’t into doing that.

The only thing that needs to be corrected is that Twitter Blue costs $8 a month, which, if James isn’t willing to spend $5, he sure as hell is not paying $8.

Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.

Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of March below.

Elton John — Honky Château (50th Anniversary Reissue)

1972’s Honky Château is an iconic Elton John release (it’s the one with “Rocket Man“). It turns 50 this year and it’s getting an anniversary edition to celebrate. This reissue features outtakes from the original session tapes and “an eight-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and an essay featuring interviews from those who were there at the time.”

Get it here.

Tom Waits — Closing Time (50th Anniversary Reissue)

Closing Time, while not a major commercial hit back in its day, has gone on to be one of Tom Waits’ most beloved albums. Well, it turns 50 this year, and now it’s available in both black and clear pressings, and was given a half-speed remaster at the iconic Abbey Road Studios.

Get it here.

Miles Davis — Miles Davis: The Electric Years

Miles Davis had a long, productive career, but perhaps his most beloved run was from the late ’60s to the mid-’70s. Vinyl Me, Please is commemorating that era with The Electric Years, which includes seven iconic Davis albums: In A Silent Way (1969), B*tches Brew (1970), A Tribute To Jack Johnson (1971), Live-Evil (1971), On The Corner (1972), Big Fun (1974), and Get Up With It (1974). Aside from the albums themselves, also included are listening notes and even an original podcast.

Get it here.

KMD — Black Bastards (30th Anniversary Reissue)

MF Doom’s Metalface Records is celebrating the 30th anniversary of KMD’s sophomore album, Black Bastards. For those unfamiliar, KMD was a hip-hop trio that featured Zev Love X, who would later go on to achieve greater recognition as… yes, MF Doom. So, this reissue is an absolute must-have for Doom stans.

Get it here.

Sharon Van Etten — Tramp (Anniversary Edition)

Of her now-decade-old album (the first one that Aaron Dessner ever produced), Sharon Van Etten said in a statement, “About a year or two ago, Naomi Yang (of Galaxie 500) reached out to me after she rediscovered a video that we had made together in 2011, during the making of Tramp, just before the album’s release. It was for the song ‘Serpents.’ The timing was uncanny, approaching the anniversary of Tramp. Thinking about my time in New York while in the bubble of Los Angeles and my home. Thinking about how restless I was, and now settled down and stable. Thinking about how Aaron Dessner took a chance on me after I messaged him with a fury of demos. He could see through the hiss and crappy vocals on my GarageBand demos, and that I had something to say. He gave me the confidence to be loud and to scream my rage and feel founded and justified in my own pain. He gave me more tools to find catharsis in my work. I have carried that with me ever since.”

Get it here.

Bob Marley — 78th Birthday Reissues

Bob Marley would have turned 78 this past February and his estate is going big with marking the occasion. A bunch of his albums have been re-released as part of limited-edition pressings straight out of Jamaica, via Marley’s own Tuff Gong label. If you only get one album, you can’t go wrong with the Legend compilation, which is widely regarded as one of the best albums ever.

Get it here.

Flaming Lips — Fight Test and Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell

Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is an all-time classic, but don’t forget the two EPs Flaming Lips dropped at around the same time, too: Fight Test and Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell. The band is reissuing those now and this is the first time they’re both available on vinyl, meaning fans are finally able to fill a Wayne Coyne hole in their LP library.

Get it here.

The Police — Greatest Hits (Reissue)

The Police have a ton of hits, so picking up a compilation album from the group is a safe bet. Greatest Hits was originally released in 1992 and features iconic tracks like “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” and “Every Breath You Take.” This reissue was remastered at Abbey Road and is pressed on heavyweight black vinyl.

Get it here.

Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello — The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello

We’re now about two months removed from the death of vintage pop icon Burt Bacharach. During his storied career, he counted Elvis Costello among his frequent collaborators, and now, The Songs Of Bacharach & Costello celebrates the three-decade professional relationship they enjoyed. This edition includes remastered tracks, previously unreleased songs, and a moving 10,000-word essay from Costello on his late friend.

Get it here.

Pink Floyd — The Dark Side Of The Moon (Deluxe Box Set)

It could be argued that The Dark Side Of The Moon is the most famous/successful album ever; It’s been on the Billboard charts for nearly 20 total years now. Dark Side turns 50 this year and a massive new anniversary edition comes with goodies like a book, CD and Blu-ray editions, and an LP of The Dark Side Of The Moon – Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974.

(The rainbow has always been there, by the way.)

Get it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

(Yellowjackets spoilers will be found below, obviously.)

Well, it took over a season to get there, but Yellowjackets ladies went full-on cannibal (this season doubles down on darkness) in this week’s episode, aptly titled as “Edible Complex.” This was coming, obviously. We knew from the very beginning of the show that hunger would fully set in, and someone would be eaten, and after Jackie’s ear (as recapped by Jessica Toomer) became Shauna’s pregnancy-craving snack last week, this shouldn’t be too surprising. Yet the manner in which this buffet happened still managed to shake viewers.

Why? For one thing, the scene was set to a Radiohead song (which our own Phil Cosores has discussed in depth, and Wongo Okon also detailed the music of this week’s episode). For another, the ladies only hesitated for a few minutes when they walked out to Jackie’s funeral pyre, and there she was, slow roasted for them. Shauna declared that either her unborn child or Jackie would want them to eat her (“[s]he wants us to”), and it. was. on.

A full-on feast (interspersed with a more ethereal fantasy banquet) went down, and the survivors tore Jackie’s corpse to pieces while poor Coach Ben acted as the audience POV, possibly while worrying that he’s next (although we do know that he survives). He couldn’t resist another peek, and neither could viewers.

It was a lot to witness, and this brings the full gravity of Shauna’s adult personality and relationships into a more terrifying place. I know people are afraid of cult-leader Lottie these days, but man, Shauna and Jeff are not to be overlooked. Naturally as well, viewers took to social media while reacting to the shock of seeing cannibalism actually materialize on the “cannibal show.”

And an audience is forever changed by what they’ve witnessed.

‘Yellowjackets’ airs Sunday nights on Showtime and streams two days early on Fridays.

This year marks half a decade since the multiplatinum-selling girl group Fifth Harmony announced their hiatus. Nonetheless, Lauren Jauregui, one of the five young women that helped carry the group to several top 10 albums and platinum singles, is looking forward. Prior to her formal debut solo single, Jauregui collaborated with the likes of Steve Aoki (“All Night”) and Halsey (“Strangers”), the latter of which became her first Billboard Hot 100 entry as a soloist. “Expectations,” her 2018 official launch, showcased Jauregui’s soulful rasp and formidable vocal ability. Drawing comparisons to Amy Winehouse, “Expectations” marked a pivotal moment for Jauregui and her solo career.

An EP titled Prelude, Jauregui’s first body of work as a soloist, followed in 2021. The moody, introspective project featured collaborations with Vic Mensa (“Scattered”) and 6LACK (“On Guard”) — darker complements to lighter tracks in her burgeoning solo discography like “Lento,” her reggaeton collaboration Tainy which scored remixes from Rauw Alejandro and Pabllo Vittar alike. Last year, Jauregui released the standalone single “Always Love,” and her newest single, the somber and self-reflective “Trust Issues,” picks up where that song and live performance music video left off. Featuring production credits from Malay, “Trust Issues” finds Jauregui returning to the stripped-back nature of “Expectations” and tracking the evolution of her emotional maturity over the past few years.

To coincide with the release of “Trust Issues,” Lauren Jauregui Zoomed in for quick chat with Uproxx about her plans for 2023, the writing process for “Trust Issues,” and how her time in the industry since her Fifth Harmony days have impacted her current outlook on her life and career.

Where was your head at when the idea for “Trust Issues” first came to you?

I was actually in Bali when I wrote it, and I was on this ten-day writing camp situation that I went to right after a breakup. I think that “Trust Issues” was just me thinking about the next chapter of my life. I had worked up a lot of personal trust issues over the course of a lot of different relationship dynamics, some self-inflicted, some just residually left over from past heartache, or things that had happened to me in my life. So, I was just assessing where I was at and thinking about how if I were to get into another relationship, I’d have to just be cautious and mindful because I wasn’t all the way healed yet. All of my songs are pretty introspective and just figuring out how I’m feeling about things. I feel like “Trust Issues” is definitely one of those where I’m just like, “Listen, I’m not ready for a relationship at that point in my life. I know we all got trust issues, but it wouldn’t really be fair to you to get into anything right now.”

The song’s outro is such a surprise. What was the writing process for “Trust Issues?” How was this song constructed?

I wrote it with PJ. The producer is Malay, and, well, JP was also a part of it, too, when we were over there in Bali. [The outro] makes you jolt a little bit, and you’re like, “Wait a minute. Is this the end of the song? Is it the bridge?” And then it ends very abruptly, which I feel makes people want to replay it because they get to the point where they’re like, “Wait, is that it?” When I got back to the States, Malay really put his hands on it and added the strings. I think PJ and I were just on the same page when we were writing. The relatable issue is that everybody’s got trust issues, I think, and that just came out.

There’s a lyric in which you sing, “Fighting feeling helpless. Oh, darling, I knew this would come.” Those feelings of helplessness and inevitability really drive “Trust Issues.” Where did you pull those emotions from?

I think it’s self-sabotaging as well… where you already put a precedent on how something is going to play out, which is a part of having trust issues because you have these remnants of a past situation in your mind. Then, you project that onto the situation that you’re in currently. Sometimes when you’re unhealed, it’s that kind of, “Oh, I knew this would happen” thing, where it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. You didn’t really give this person a chance because you weren’t really ready to dive into something.

Sounds like taking accountability for your own actions is a recurring theme here.

I tend to do that all the time in my lyrics. I’m very self-reflective and I like to give that perspective because for me, the process of writing is very much coupled with my healing process and learning from my own mistakes. A huge part of growing is self-awareness. I think a lot of mainstream music, or a lot of music in general, lacks self-awareness because most people are just exploring their feelings in the moment. While I do that too, I always try to take accountability. That’s something that I really love about myself; I’m able to see myself clearly, like when I’m the one fucking up or when I have this pattern that I’m repeating or whatever. I tend to be very harsh on myself for being aware and not doing better. But that’s also part of the process, becoming aware of your shadow and being able to incorporate it into the new self that you’re creating.

“Trust Issues” is a gorgeous vocal showcase. Who are your influences when it comes to vocal performance and interpretation?

I have so many people who inspire me. I grew up with a lot of Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé, like, heavily influenced by them. Beyoncé in her articulation of things and her use of backgrounds. Also, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Céline Dion. I used to sing the shit out of all their songs growing up. Of course, Amy Winehouse.

The music video for “Trust Issues” is basically just you writing and recording the song. It’s simple and very effective, what spurred you to make that choice?

I was really inspired by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” video. I had this idea of the last thing that you all got from me was the live performance of “Always Love,” which is very glammed up, very diva energy. In the beginning of the [“Trust Issues”] video, you see me come out of that reality and into my reality, which is just me stripped down in the studio writing a song. And so, I just like that juxtaposition and that vulnerability and that rawness to convey the energy of “Trust Issues.”

How has the pandemic — and life in general since — impacted your healing process, and by extension, your writing process?

I feel like my process for this upcoming album is definitely going to get the gist of what I’ve been going through for the past three years, for sure. I’ve just been living life and experiencing things, and I feel like I have a lot better grip on who I am as a person. In turn, I feel like that’s going to reflect in the music when the process begins. I’ve made stuff sporadically here and there and I’m still in my introspective bag. I think I’m always going to be in that, but I’m getting to tour and being able to perform for people. I’ve also been ignited with a want to create more things that people can vibe to and just move to and be able to get lost in as well. So, I think there’s going to be more of that incorporated amongst the thoughtful stuff in my album.

You’ve dabbled in everything from pop and R&B to reggaeton and alternative. What sounds can we expect to hear from you next?

I do a lot of shit [laughs]! Definitely still sticking to my pop and R&B roots. There’s always a soulful element to everything that I create. Being that I’m a singer-songwriter, a lot of the stuff just comes from my heart. So, there’s a wide range of “genre” that I tap into depending on how I’m feeling. There’s also a lot more rhythmic energy, there’s a lot more movement. They’re mid-tempo, they’re not crazy upbeat songs, but they do have a groove and they will have you moving.

I know your fans have been waiting with bated breath for your official debut album. Any word on what’s on the docket concerning an album and a tour?

I’m definitely going to be in the studio and I’m going to be writing. I only have that goal for the rest of this year: to work on this album. It could come to me in a month, it could come to me in six months. I have no idea what’s going to happen. I have ideas thematically for things that I want to explore, but I haven’t done anything concretely yet. It’s up in the air until I get my ass in the studio.

How have your past experiences in the industry, whether that be with Fifth Harmony or in your career after the group’s hiatus, impacted your approach to both music-making and being a businesswoman and pop star?

I’ve learned a lot about being a businesswoman and about this industry in general and how it works. I’ve had my failures and I’ve had my mistakes made. I was really young when I got into the industry. I didn’t really have a lot of mentors or people who guided me on how to move. So, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. But I feel like I’m so grounded right now, and I have such a great team around me who really sees me and is mentoring me and guiding me in ways that I trust and allow me to relax into my creativity. All I ever really wanted was to be able to create from an authentic place and that’s a lot more difficult than it should be, I think. But I feel like I’ve gotten to a point now that I’m independent and I have full creative control, and I’m able to really move in ways that align with my spirit, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Who in the contemporary pop culture sphere has been in inspiring you as a creative lately?

There are so many incredible people right now just making incredible music. I’m always very inspired by the R&B girls like SZA, Kehlani, Summer [Walker], Jhené [Aiko], those are the four that I have in rotation the most. I’m also very inspired by female rap. Right now, there’s so many incredible baddies doing incredible shit through their bars. I love writers. I love people who share their stories and who articulate their stories in a playful, colorful, interesting way.

If you could describe what 2023 holds for you and your fans in just three words, what would they be?

More music, bitch.

DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz mixtape series may be “The most important mixtape series of all time,” in his opinion, but all eyes are on his seventh studio album, I’m Really Like That. With a guest list of star-studded guest features, the Jack Harlow-assisted track “Mockingbird Valley” is catching the ears of listeners.

As the rapper begins to heat up in the song’s first verse, DJ Drama injects in his typical fashion, but this time to give listeners a history lesson. “Do y’all remember when I told y’all I found this kid from Kentucky? And he was gonna be the one,” screams the Drama before adding, “Why would you ever doubt me?”

Harlow then gets right back into the Don Cannon-produced pocket. Across the song, Harlow name-drops some of his famous friends, including Cole Bennett, but he wants everyone to know that the bright lights haven’t changed him. Rapping,”Hollywood done turned me right into a multi-hyphenate / And still, I play it cool, I don’t get hype for sh*t / I’ma let you talk, but wait ’til I finish / Yeah, we gettin’ cake, but all the time we spent together’s what the icin’ is / [Don] Cannon put some life inside this beat, that’s why it’s loopin’ while I’m writin’ this
Y’alls whole personality self-righteousness, and I don’t like that sh*t,” Harlow tries to walk the thin line between humanity and arrogance.

Listen to the full song above.

I’m Really Like That is out now via Atlantic/Generation Now. Find more information here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

A big part of the reason Tyler The Creator’s last album, Call Me If You Get Lost resonated so powerfully with rap fans a couple of years ago is that it does double duty as both an album and a worthy installment to DJ Drama’s longrunning Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. For much of the past two decades Gangsta Grillzserved as a launching pad and rite of passage for many of rap’s biggest names.

So, of course, when Tyler wanted to get back to rapping as a craftsman, he tapped the curatorial talents of DJ Drama — to great effect, I might add. And their creative chemistry continues on DJ Drama’s own new album, I’m Really Like That, which dropped today. In fact, the album opens with “Legendary,” a nostalgic review of Tyler’s breakout from internet sensation to Billboard fixture and two-time Grammy Award winner.

In addition to Tyler’s spirited intro, I’m Really Like That also features posthumous features from Nipsey Hussle and Trouble, appearances from Drama’s Generation Now artists Jack Harlow and Lil Uzi Vert, and a veritable who’s-who of both grizzled vets (Gucci Mane, Rick Ross) and rising stars (LaRussell, Symba).

Listen to DJ Drama’s “Legendary” featuring Tyler The Creator above.

I’m Really Like That is out now via Generation Now and Atlantic. Get more info here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Earlier this week, House Republicans oddly decided to hold a hearing on Washington D.C.’s criminal code as the nation was still dealing with the Nashville school shooting. Ever the dutiful soldier, Lauren Boebert went to town berating D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen for decriminalizing public urination. She was extremely insistent on getting to the bottom of this very serious pee-related matter.

Here’s the thing: public urination was never decriminalized. It’s still a criminal offense in the current code, which Boebert should know because she voted against a revised code that was brought before Congress in the fall. The now-viral exchange baffled Late Night host Seth Meyers, who is used to Boebert not knowing what she’s talking about, but this was a whole new level.

“Are you not capable of doing a Google before appearing at committee hearings in Congress?” Meyers asked. “Or does Boebert think doing a Google is also slang for public urination?”

Still in disbelief, Meyers continued to hammer the jarringly uninformed Boebert. Via The Wrap:

“I can’t even begin to wrap my head around how dumb this is,” Meyers mocked. “She had to be corrected by the witness about a bill she voted on. There’s a good chance she doesn’t even know she’s in Washington, D.C. right now. She probably needs one of those mall maps that tells you where you are, except for the entire country.”

After wrapping up his astonishment, Meyers floated a theory at what’s really going on even though the very clear and obvious explanation is that Boebert just isn’t very smart.

“Here’s my theory,” Meyers said. “I think Lauren Boebert’s staff hates her and gave her bad information as a prank.”

The Late Night host then proceeded to float a scenario where Boebert’s staff get her to criticize a bill sponsored by “I.P. Mapantz.” It could happen.

(Via The Wrap)