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What’s Popular On Streaming Now

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Netflix

Every single week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable.

10. The Narrow Road To The Deep NorthPrime Video/Amazon series

Jacob Elordi’s most low-key project of the past few years (they can’t all be salacious bathtub lore) is nonetheless earning completist views. Here, he portrays WWII POW Lieutenant Colonel Dorrigo Evans who survives by reliving memories of his true love. If this series gets too heavy for you, remember that he also has more Euphoria on the way, too. Oh wait… Wuthering Heights could be fluffier? Oh nevermind, just enjoy the dude’s work, alright?

9. The Handmaid’s TaleHulu series

Well, it looks like there’s no chance in hell for Nick and June after his betrayal, and that’s only one of about 821 threads existing before the series finale. This past week included June’s “reunion” with Serena Joy as well, and yeah, let’s just say that nobody is getting to Paris anytime soon. No matter what happens in this show’s endless hellhole, The Testaments sequel series will be coming from showrunner Bruce Miller to pick up more tales from a crumbling Gilead.

8. AndorDisney+ series

The greatest Star Wars show will return with Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor. The second season will take place over four years while Cassian continues his rebel-hero evolution in the face of the imperial threat as the show pushes forth toward Rogue One territory. In addition to Luna, this story will continue with Ben Mendelsohn (as Orson Krennic), Forest Whitaker (as Saw Gerrera), Stellan Skarsgård (as Luthen Rael), and Denise Gough (as Deedra Meero) among the ensemble cast.

7. Your Friends And NeighborsApple TV+ series

A second season is already in the works, and that vote of confidence from Apple TV+ means that there will be more of a post-Landman Jon Hamm onboard as a former hedge funder (and former securely married man) who takes matters into his own hand after his life crumbles. Soon enough, he’s robbing his wealthy neighbors. James Marsden has already been announced to join the show next season, and please let them get into a fight where they splash into an infinity pool together. It’s everything I haven’t seen from these two together yet in a TV show.

6. The Four SeasonsNetflix series

This ain’t The White Lotus because one set of privileged travelers decides to end their miserable relationship right then and there. And you know what? Good on ’em. Unfortunately for the rest of the pairings, their little worlds are shaken up, so let the bittersweet comedy begin. Tina Fey co-created and stars in this series along with Steve Carrell and Colman Domingo, and you might just see some of your friends in this series that is funny, although not in the LOL type of way.

5. MobLandParamount Plus series

As the saying goes, this is Tom Hardy’s world, and we’re just… enjoying it. A lot. This first season has reached the midpoint with Hardy already putting feelers out there for a second season that would go “international.” And during that interview, Hardy also joked about not being cut out for romcoms, and good on him for knowing his strengths (Although I do not think that Peaky Blinders fans would be upset about a romcom that revolves around Alfie Solomons and Tommy Shelby?) Back to the current subject, this Guy Ritchie series is delightfully Shakespearean with delicious curtain chomping on all fronts, including from Helen Mirren.

4. The RehearsalMax series

So, Nathan Fielder took the most unsubtle swing at Paramount Plus over those removed Nathan For You episodes, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to top himself this week. There’s a chance that he will be able to succeed, however, with an episode called “Pilot’s Code” and this description: “Nathan experiments on animals – and himself.” Eeek?

3. HavocNetflix movie

Again, two Tom Hardy titles are appearing on this list, which shows you where the Internet’s priorities lie. This film also happens to be the first taste of The Raid franchise director Gareth Evans’ overall deal, and the film’s frontman is typically great as a jaded detective who is tangling with underworld baddies, including Timothy Olyphant, after a drug deal gone wrong. Speaking of which, the streaming world is also receiving multiple heaping helpings of Olyphant in the near future, including Apple TV+’s Stick and FX’s Alien: Earth.

2. The Last Of Us – HBO series streaming on Max

Well, Pedro Pascal’s Joel is down for the saddest count, which is fine because the dude also needs to film about 10 other projects, including Avengers: Doomsday, and Bella Ramsey will keep carrying the torch as Ellie. Meanwhile, Pascal has been doing his best to keep any toxic fans from piling onto Kaitlyn Dever (who portrays Abby), but he might have broken a few hearts as well with a post-mortem shoutout on Instagram while writing, “Thank you, scene partner. You little miracle.” And also, showrunner Craig Mazin has confirmed, “This is not the last we will see of Joel.” So there.

1. YouNetflix series

Nobody is having a better time rolling out this final season than a dancing Penn Badgley. Stalker Joe amassed quite a death toll over five seasons, and now, it’s time to find out how he fares against Madeline Brewer’s Final Girl, Bronte. Thank goodness that Netflix didn’t run with a split season to finish this series because that halfway point was devastating enough, and unfortunately, Dr. Nicky does not appear in the flesh to finish his story, but cameos from many of Joe’s victims do torture him, and some faces from the past even appeared in the flesh. It was a good-bad run that ended with perhaps the most fitting line possible. Goodbye, You.

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R.E.M. Re-Releases ‘Radio Free Europe’ As Part Of Their New Benefit EP In Honor Of ‘World Press Freedom Day’

R.E.M. may not be there when you want them. But the band finds a way to pop up exactly when they are needed. Whether that entails helping fans to emotionally cope with a global pandemic or other complicated feelings, R.E.M. has a song to help supporters power through just about everything.

Today (May 3) in honor of World Press Freedom Day and R.E.M.’s disdain for government censorship R.E.M. has re-released their breakout 1981 debut single “Radio Free Europe.”

As part of their benefit EP, Radio Free Europe 2025, in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty services (RFE/RL) R.E.M. shared two Never-before-released remixes of the tune. The first rendition marked R.E.M. marked a reunion with longtime collaborator Jacknife Lee; the second is Mitch Easter’s 1981 version.

In a statement R.E.M.’s singer Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills as well as RFE/RL’s president & CEO Stephen Capus, discussed the EP’s significance.

“Whether it’s music or a free press – censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere,” said Stipe. On World Press Freedom Day, I’m sending a shout-out to the brave journalists at Radio Free Europe.”

Mills continued: “Radio Free Europe’s journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know you’re doing your job when you make the right enemies. Happy World Press Freedom Day to the ‘OG’ Radio Free Europe.”

Capus closed, by adding: “To me, R.E.M.’s music has always embodied a celebration of freedom: freedom of expression, lyrics that make us think, and melodies that inspire action. Those are the very aims of our journalists at Radio Free Europe — to inform, inspire, and uphold freedoms often elusive to our audiences. We hold dictators accountable. They go to great lengths to silence us — blocking our websites, jamming our signals, and even imprisoning our colleagues.”

Listen to “Radio Free Europe 2025 (Jacknife Lee Remix)” by R.E.M. above. Continue below to view their Radio Free Europe 2025 benefit EP tracklist.

Tracklist

1. “Radio Free Europe 2025 (Jacknife Lee Remix)”
2. “Radio Free Dub (Mitch Easter 1981 Remix)”
3. “Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single)”
4. “Sitting Still (Original Hib-Tone B-Side)”
5. “Wh. Tornado (From Cassette Set)”

The Radio Free Europe 2025 EP is available on streaming platforms now via Craft Recordings. But the limited-edition 10-inch orange-vinyl pressing won’t drop until 9/12. Find more information here. Proceeds from all vinyl sales will go to RFE/RL.

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Doja Cat Fans Are Demanding That She Release Her Previously Vaulted Song ‘Crack,’ And She Will Oblige

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Doja Cat has a love hate relationship with her fans. At one point, the “Say So” rapper even lost 250,000 online followers after airing out her grievance with them.

But every now and them Doja Cat lets her guard down for an intimate moment with her hive. Yesterday (May 2), Doja Cat broke free from working on her forthcoming album, Vie, to address a viral request from users. Over on X (formerly Twitter), Doja Cat agreed to release her previously teased song, “Crack.”

“It’s not the lead [for ‘Vie’],” she wrote. “I’m just giving it to the people who asked for it.”

Doja continued: “No relation to the album whatsoever.”

First off of the release of her F1 soundtrack tune “Lose My Mind” with Don Toliver, Doja fans can assume it will be a little while before “Crack” hits streaming platforms. But Doja’s mere confirmation is enough to hold most fans over.

Outside of “Crack,” Doja Cat’s album follow-up to Scarlet and Scarlet II: Claude will feature 16 new tracks. Several of those records including “Jealous Type,” “Lipstain,” and “Acts Of Service.”

At this time, Doja Cat has not revealed Vie’s official release date. For the time being, supporters are expected to exercise patience.

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Neil Young’s First Album With Chrome Hearts, ‘Talkin To The Trees,’ Will Be Released Sooner Than You Think

Neil Young has hit the ground running with his touring band, Chrome Hearts. Back in February, the “Sweet Joni” musician confirmed their summer 2025 tour dates.

Yesterday (May 3), the group announced their debut studio album, Talkin To The Trees. For Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts’ lead single, “Lets Roll Again,” the group delivers a lyrical jab at Elon Musk and his company Tesla.

“Build something special, that people need / Build us a safe way for us to live / Build us something that won’t kill our kids / Build us something that runs real clean / Come on America, let’s get in the race / China’s way ahead, they’re making clean cars / If you’re a fascist, get a Tesla / If you’re a democrat, taste your freedom,” sings Young.

While the track was initially debuted at 2025 Light Up The Blues charity show for Autism Speaks, supporters now know that there is more musically goodness to come.

Continue below to view the official tracklist and artwork for Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts forthcoming album, Talkin To The Trees.

Tracklist

1. “Family Life”
2. “Dark Mirage”
3. “Fire Fire of Winter”
4. “Silver Eagle”
5. “Lets Roll Again”
6. “Big Change”
7. “Talkin to the Trees”
8. “Movin Ahead”
9. “Bottle of Love”
10. “Thankful”

Artwork

Instagram

Talkin To The Trees is out 6/13 via Reprise Records. Find more information here.

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‘She The People’: Everything To Know About Tyler Perry’s First Comedy Series For Netflix

she the people
netflix

Since signing his mega-deal with Netflix, the wildly successful Tyler Perry has directed an Oscar-nominated film (The Six Triple Eight) and created a hit drama (Beauty in Black). He’s also working on Madea’s Destination Wedding, the 13th installment in the real MCU, the Madea cinematic universe.

But fans of his TV comedies like House of Payne and For Better or Worse are most excited for Perry’s first Netflix sitcom. Here’s everything we know about She the People.

Plot

Created by Tyler Perry and Niya Palmer, She the People follows politician Antoinette Dunkerson (played by Terri J. Vaughn), who wins her election to become the lieutenant governor of Mississippi. Once in power, “she must figure out how to thrive under a sexist and condescending governor, while attempting to keep her family in line now that they’re all in the public eye,” according to the official logline.

One of the show’s behind-the-scenes talents is Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, Georgia who also joined the Biden administration as a senior advisor. She shared her experience as an executive producer.

In a recent post on Instagram, Vaughn revealed what She the People means to her. “This is so much BIGGER than me! I’m proud of what this show represents. I’m proud of who I get to represent with. I’m proud of the stories, the representation and of course the laughter,” she wrote, adding, “Thank You ALL for being a part of my Dream!!”

She the People sounds far enough away from depressing real-life politics to be an entertaining watch.

Cast

She the People is led by Terri J. Vaughn, who previously appeared in Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls (she also played Lovita on The Steve Harvey Show!). The cast also includes Jo Marie Payton, Jade Novah, Drew Olivia Tillman, Tré Boyd, Dyon Brooks, and Robert Craighead as a familiar-looking governor.

netflix
netflix
netflix

Release Date

The first eight episodes of She the People premiere on May 22, followed by the next eight on August 14.

Trailer

You can check out the She the People trailer below.

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André 3000’s Search For His Missing Notebook Unintentionally Sparks Album Speculation Online

Andre 3000
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After fans had finally given up on the idea of André 3000 releasing a solo album, he announced New Blue Sun. While the Grammy Award-nominated project was an instrumental body of work and not a rap release, supporters found unique ways to embrace it.

With André 3000 teasing music, the wait for a follow-up should not be much longer. But a new online post from André 3000 seemed to suggest his sophomore release would arrive soon. Over on Instagram, the musician begged his followers to help him locate his missing notebook. In the post (viewable here), André 3000 had a poster designed describing what folks should keep an eye on for. But, instead of taking the upload at face value, users are now under the impression that this is a clever marketing ploy to build anticipation for André 3000’s next album.

“Is André 3000 rolling out a rap album,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement shared with Stereogum, André 3000’s representative shut down the viral speculation. According to the insider, André is simply looking to track down his lost blue two-toned notebook, which was last seen in Amsterdam.

“Black sketches and notes inside,” reads the poster. “Last seen in Amsterdam Noord on March 29.” So, if you have any information about the item’s whereabouts feel free to reach out to the team at [email protected].

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When Does ‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Season 2 Episode 1 Come Out?

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AMC

The Last Of Us‘ second season is bringing high human emotion amid zombie drama over on HBO, but the infected will soon rise elsewhere. AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City will head back into Manhattan after Maggie (Lauren Cohan) screwed over Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and promptly regretted her decision, thanks to a guilt trip from Hershel. Luckily for the audience, those second (and third thoughts) will keep this arm of the franchise going before Daryl Dixon wakes up again in Europe.

The urban jungle will have been grinding in the show’s absence with new characters portrayed by Dascha Polanco (Orange Is The New Black) and Kim Coates (Sons Of Anarchy), so it’s time to consider when the cockroach-laden action will begin again.

When Does The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 Episode 1 Come Out?

Sunday, May 4 at 9:00 pm EST. The debut episode, “Power Equals Power,” will arrive concurrently on AMC and AMC+ in line with the following description: “In the war for control of Manhattan, Maggie and Negan find themselves trapped on opposite sides.”

During a recent Screenrant interview, Jeffrey Dean Morgan commented upon Negan’s ongoing evolution from reprehensible villain to survivor of a long-lived redemption tour. The Supernatural veteran then teased how “this year, we’ll find out yet another side of Negan and his relationship, and how that works with Maggie in this world of post-apocalyptic New York. And, you know, the story continues. It’s going to be a fun year.”

How so? Lucille 2.0 will be featured prominently, and she is surely the reason that Negan has regained his swagger in this trailer, so that the redeemed villain can cope with being betrayed after his long-lived redemption tour. However, that same trailer culminated with Maggie holding onto that wire-wrapped weapon, and all bets are off on predicting how that happens.

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The Best New Hip-Hop This Week

key glock, Aminé, Quavo(1024x450)
Getty Image/Merle Cooper

The Best New Hip-Hop This Week includes albums, videos, and songs from Aminé, Key Glock, and Quavo.

Even light weeks like this one have their gems. For reference, just check out Rico Nasty’s latest Lethal single, “Butterfly Kisses.”

Then, Samara Cyn dropped her own thoughtful single, “Bad Brain,” while on tour with Smino.

Meanwhile, the F1 soundtrackhttps://uproxx.com/music/samara-cyn-bad-brain/ paired Don Toliver and Doja Cat for the high-octane “Lose My Mind.”

Aminé continued the rollout for his album 13 Months Of Sunshine with the fittingly breezy “Vacay.”

And Quavo reunited with his late partner-in-rhyme Takeoff on “Dope Boy Phone.”

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending May 2, 2025.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Benny The Butcher — Excelsior

Benny the Butcher

Benny puts out music at a slower pace than many of his Buffalo-bred brethren, but the quality of his releases remains consistently high. Following up 2024’s Everybody Can’t Go, Benny touches down with a seven-track release of epic beats and muscular bars, with appearances from Boldy James and Styles P.

Boldy James & Real Bad Man — Conversational Pieces

Boldy James

You know what they say: “If it ain’t broke…” Boldy and RBM displayed sharp, complementary chemistry on their 2022 team-up Killing Nothing, so why not go back to the well? Boldly tends to shine the most when he links up with a single producer for a full project (just see last year’s The Bricktionary for proof), so you know Conversational Pieces brings out his best. Conway, Dreamcastmoe, and El-P put in helpful appearances, but it’s the Boldy show over Real Bad Man’s woozy, smoke-laden beats.

Key Glock — Glockaveli

Key Glock

Memphis stalwart Key Glock has been promoting Glockaveli for quite some time, and the final product does not disappoint. Surprisingly, Glock goes totally solo for the duration of the 18 tracks, but unsurprisingly, he lives up to the lofty ideal presented by the project’s title. While I might hesitate to compare him directly to the late, great Tupac, the revolutionary rap legend’s influence is clear, even with the stylistic, regional, and generational differences between the two MCs.

Le$ — Water Under The Bridge

Le$

Le$ is clearly on a mission to release an album a month in 2025; just 30 days after dropping Million Dolla Dreams (which itself arrived just about a month after Dollas & Sense), the Houston native follows up with another collection of dreamy, easy riding rap ruminations building on his habit for soul, funk, and the finer things in life.

Ro$ama — Orange Tape

Ro$ama

Fans of BigXthaPlug, That Mexican OT, and Maxo Kream who feel that the Texas trio just hasn’t put out enough material of late (which, fair, but mighty greedy) will surely enjoy Ro$ama’s seven-song offering. BigX’s acolyte has plenty of potential, and a similar gift for boastful but introspective storytelling, sharing that same off-kilter self awareness.

Singles/Videos

1999 WRITE THE FUTURE — “Timeless” Feat. The Pharcyde

The title track from the four-song EP released today from the 88rising-backed production collective, “Timeless” is emblematic of the full project, which pairs LA alt-rap pioneers Pharcyde with an eye-opening collection of dynamic beats that give the old-school faves a whole new sound.

2 Chainz — “The ATL Experience” Feat. The Isley Brothers

Okay, here’s something that I wasn’t expecting but that I need more of ASAPtually. The Isleys are here more for atmosphere than anything, but what an atmosphere it is. 2 Chainz is on like his third or fourth career revival/evolution and as a big fan of his pairing with player talk purveyor Larry June earlier this year, I’d like to think the Bay Area boss rubbed off on him a little. I’m looking forward to more of the backpack rap-ification of 2 Chainz.

Bia — “We On Go”

Something different from the Beantown native, who has built a reputation for feel-good get-money anthems. Here, she’s got a little more edge, with a militant chant of a chorus, some aggressive bar work, and a synthesized rock guitar that makes this sound more like fight music than most of what she’s known for. A welcome swerve.

Connie Diiamond — “Letter To My Fans”

Directly addressing her supporters, Connie Diiamond opts for a more confessional approach on this single than the upbeat drill she’s known for. It’s an interesting direction for her to take, and the inspirational, gospel-inflected chorus promises even more artistic growth as the Bronx native looks to build her following.

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‘Landman’ Season 2: Everything To Know So Far About The ‘Tornado’ Of Turmoil Coming To Taylor Sheridan’s Oil Saga (May 2025 Update)

landman-lg-billy-bob
Paramount+

Taylor Sheridan is all clear for landing on new series, both this year and beyond. The Madison will be the future of the Yellowstone saga later this year, and 1944 will further trace Dutton roots after 1923‘s series finale last month. Sure, there’s a current drought in the Sicario scribe’s televised flow that is being answered by Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, but there’s no substitute for Sheridan with those who adore Neo-Westerns or his standalone series.

Speaking of which, let’s not waste any more time and follow the Texas tea on what to expect from Landman‘s second season.

Plot

Paramount Plus

All signs are pointing toward a big shift for Billy Bob Thornton’s frontman, Tommy Norris, becoming the actual frontman of M-Tex following Monty Miller’s (Jon Hamm) untimely death. This plan was already outlined near the end of Landman‘s first season with Demi Moore’s Cami suggesting that she would like Tommy (who would prefer to sell M-Tex) to continue Monty’s legacy in what is perhaps some ill-advised immortality quest.

First thing’s first: is Monty really dead? Well, Jon Hamm has already confirmed no return for his character after Monty was clarified as dead by series-co-creator Christian Wallace. Additionally, Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that “funeral scenes” are being filmed in Jacksboro, and it’s hard to imagine that the show would be doing so for any other character.

Further emphasis on Tommy’s more complicated existence came from Thornton to Variety (he admitted that Tommy will never want “to stop being a Landman,” but he knows that carrying out Cami’s wishes is “the right thing to do”) and during a recent Deadline panel. Not only will Tommy have to adjust to dressing slightly fancier and doing the tycoon thing rather than a guy taking speculation-related risks in the oil field, he will have to educate Cami:

“Since she doesn’t really know the oil business that well, I’m there with her to show her how these people operate,” Thornton said. “You can know something intellectually but what are the street smarts behind it? I know how to deal with these people she’s going to have to deal with. I just tell her, ‘Look, some of these deals you can take but when it gets really weird and difficult, let me know because I know these guys.’”

Thornton added, “He goes from having a job that’s really difficult and a job that’s very dangeorus to having two.” Now comes the stormy lowdown: “Now I’m kind of executive and a landman and a family man in the midst of this tornado. It makes for some pretty interesting stuff I have to say.” And don’t forget that Tommy will still need to navigate the relationship between M-Tex and the cartel run by Andy Garcia’s Galino.

Not only is Tommy dealing with professional upheaval, but Hamm previously told Hollywood Reporter that Tommy has quite the stack of responsibilities going forward, both in his new professional role and while juggling family drama from ex-and-current-flame Angela (Ali Larter) along with Aynsley (Michelle Randolph) and Cooper (Jacob Lofland).

Cast

Paramount Plus

Billy Bob Thornton will remain the only Tommy Norton in town. He will be joined by 1883 veteran Sam Elliott, who we all know is very good at wearing cowboy hats along with that infamous ‘stache.

Again, there will be no Jon Hamm to be found. Demi Moore, however, will have an expanded role and will (this is such a strange detail) have some type of action scene, which was revealed by a casting notice searching for a “running double” for Moore.

Other returning cast members include Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, and Jacob Lofland with probable ongoing turns from Paulina Chávez, James Jordan, Andy Garcia, and Kayla Wallace.

Release Date

A current absence of new Sheridan seasons might make the wait feel longer, but with filming already in full swing, Landman could return in late 2025 or early 2026.

Trailer

Without official footage, this is a bittersweet place to relive the cameo from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

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Uproxx Music 20: Jai’Len Josey Is The ‘New Girl’ With A High Ceiling Ahead Of ‘Serial Romantic’

Jai'Len Josey 'Uproxx Music 20' image
BANVOA/Merle Cooper

I first heard Jai’Len Josey’s music about four or five years ago. I stumbled across her name and decided to press play on a few tracks before dozing off for the night. One of the first songs I heard by her was “Can You Do It For Me?” — a standout from her impressive debut EP Illustrations. Vocals like Josey has are hard to come by nowadays in music, so when you do, it’s only right that you celebrate them.

In the years following Illustrations, Josey has worked hard toward reaching a simple but meaningful goal: “My one goal is having a large amount of people listen to my music,” she tells Uproxx over a Zoom call. “My goal is to find the next stepping stone that pushes me to where I’m supposed to be or where my dreams and my goals are. That’s bigger stages, bigger audiences, [and] more people listening to my music.”

I could go all day telling you how talented Jai’Len Josey is, but it’s time we let the music speak for itself. Her latest single “New Girl” officially kickstarts the campaign toward her upcoming debut album Serial Romantic, executive produced by the legendary Tricky Stewart. Guided by an infectious groove and a sultry sway, Josey sings about giving into “feeling like a girl” with lines that drip with confidence and excitement toward a new potential love interest.

With “New Girl” out now and Serial Romantic on the way, we placed Jai’Len Josey under the Uproxx Music 20 spotlight to learn more about her influences, inspirations, and aspirations. Scroll down to discover the best of Jai’Len Josey.

See Previous UPROXX MUSIC 20 Interviews:

What is your earliest memory of music?

My earliest memory of music is my mother cleaning. She would be cleaning the house to so many different things. She’s from Detroit and their radios were weren’t segregated at all. So she would be cleaning the house to, Earth, Wind and Fire, but then the next would be Fleetwood Mac. One would be Aretha Franklin, and then the next one would be Elton John. She was cleaning the house to a lot of things, and that’s my earliest memory of music.

Who or what inspired you to take music seriously?

I was really loud, so it wasn’t more so what inspired me, [but] what was going to get all of this energy out of me. I was just very obnoxious, very loud. My mom saw it and decided to put me in different classes growing up. I was in the youth ensemble of Atlanta. My high school, Tri Cities High School, had so many music programs for music theater, so that’s how it was. I was always inspired by what my mom did back in the day. She worked at So So Def and LaFace Records for a minute. I was always inspired by that I’ll say, but I was really just loud. I didn’t really know I could hold a tune until somebody told me that I could hold a tune.

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 can get around on the piano. I create my own beats, so I can do a little some something. I would more so want to dive into actually learning the piano. I had piano lessons when I was a kid, but it never really stuck. I could do an arpeggio, or whatever, but I more than that? Probably not. I think what I would want to really, really learn is piano

What was your first job?

My first job was on Broadway. I left college to go work on Broadway, that was my first job. But a legitimate nine to five I’ve never had, I’ve been blessed to not have to have that. SpongeBob on Broadway [was the play].

What is your most prized possession?

My dignity. Oh no, my mental health! That’s my most prized possession. If I ain’t saying that, then I would say my dog. If I’m not saying that, then I would just say my family.

What is your biggest fear?

Spiders.

Who is on your music Mt. Rushmore?

In no particular order, Stevie Nicks, Brandy, Beyoncé, and Aretha Franklin.

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

I am buying a whole new wardrobe, booking a first class flight to Japan, buying souvenirs… Dang, the flight to Japan will take up all my time. Yes, a long flight. Let’s go back: Wardrobe, a new hairstyle, I’m gonna just get my whole thing together. I’ll get my lashes, my hair, a facial. I’m gonna pay my bills. I’ll buy a town house or a condo or a house. I could buy a house and pay it off that day. 24 hours? I will make the time to do all of that. I don’t need to do a house viewing, I don’t need none of that. I would make it happen in that day. Basically, I would do all the things that I need to do because an unlimited amount of money right now will be heavenly.

What is the best song you’ve ever made?

There’s an unreleased song that I have called “Stupid Man Of Mine” and it’s been floating around because I gave it to someone. It always finds its way back to me, and they’re like, “Oh my gosh, this is, this is you?” or “I heard the song being played in the studio.” I was truly in love with the person that I was talking about, but I didn’t realize that the relationship was fueling some of the best lyrics I’ve ever put down on paper. I was told that they’re keeping my voice on the record, so it’ll be out. It just won’t be published by me. It’ll be out by somebody else, a producer who wants to put it on their compilation album.

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

A Doechii feature.

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

I need to be in an episode of Sex In The City. I just need the streetlights. I need to be carelessly walking down Fifth Avenue or Manhattan. I just need to not have a care in the world, an iced coffee with more cream than coffee, a fresh hairstyle, fresh lashes, heels, some mules on, and a nice, cute little summer dress just walking to nowhere — maybe a date that might happen at the end of the night. I really need to be an episode like that. I really, I want that to be my life at some point. Just come to me for the script. Bring the film crew, that’s it.

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

Prince’s personality. Just the embodiment of knowing who you are and knowing that you’re hot sh*t or a diva, as many would say. I think that that’s cool. I’ll be watching the YouTube videos of like Aretha Franklin giving shade, or Prince giving shade, like little looks that may happen. It brings them down to earth and it’s like, you know what? I be looking like that when some somebody say something crazy, you know? I just like Prince’s personality because it’s like, okay, he’s a human.

The idea of a celebrity is starting to morph as well. People are more so gravitating to people who they can see themselves in rather than somebody who’s out of reach. For the fact that, the sun is humongous, so it’s likethere’s enough sun to go around that they could find their way and be a celebrity in the same light as the person that they’re looking up to. I like seeing the real sides of celebrities.

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

Aliens, and this is my whole spiel: Nobody could ever change my mind about the stars and the ocean. Nobody could ever change my mind about Bigfoot. Nobody could ever change my mind about ghost, spirituality, and weird things like that. I believe that everything is possible. I think that we are sitting on this humongous rock and it’s floating for some odd reason, and I think that that is crazy in itself. If there is proof for that, then there has to be proof for the other crazy things: aliens, the Loch Ness Monster, if dinosaurs can be a thing, then you think that vampires can’t be? I mean, maybe vampires is a stretch, but I mean just supernatural things. Nobody can ever change my mind about the supernatural.

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

Nina Simone’s “Little Girl Blue.” I love it because it paints such a beautiful picture. Her playing the piano at the beginning sounds very childlike, and then it goes into her legitimately showing her skills of being a pianist. The lyrics follow the same summary of it as well. I think it’s one of the pretty songs that I’ve ever heard, and I’ve been listening to it since I was a child. It’s such a gorgeous song. I love it. No notes, just all 10s.

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?

New York was a great crowd. I think it’s because I performed there when I was a child, so coming to New York to perform again was like being home. I think a city that I’m really most excited to perform in again would be New Orleans.

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.

I gotta do it in my hometown, I’m having the festival in Atlanta. I’m bringing out Victoria Monét, SZA, and Brandy as the headliners. Durand Bernarr — and you know how they have different stages? I’ll have Samaria joy on the jazz stage. We’ll have a special guest of Mariah The Scientist, because I love her down, and Summer Walker. [They’ll] do a joint set because they’ll feed off of each other.

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

I would be a marine biologist. I was really good at science and I loved water. I love water, I live by a lake. I won the science fair when I was in high school. If [singing] wasn’t my lane, it would be marine biologist. I love bioluminous. I like those type of things. I like jellyfish, things like that.

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

I don’t want to go back five years into the past because I like Jai’Len with her frontal lobe fully developed, so I don’t want to do that. I will probably go five years into the future.

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

Stop eating those freaking dumplings. I was living in New York, and I was living above a dumpling shop, and I was going H.A.M. I feel like now I work out so much just to avenge my younger self and I’m just like all of this could have been avoided if I just would have stopped eating those dang dumplings. If we’re playing yeah, but if we’re being serious, I probably would just tell her to have patience or be understanding and grateful of the stepping stone you are on right now because a plethora will come. More will come now.

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

Therapy. I want it to be remembered in a therapeutic way. I would want people to immediately feel the frequencies that run through the songs when they listen to my music. It has helped me with therapy. Music has been my therapy, so I would hope and pray that in 2050 people are also feeling healed by my music.