Category: News

Earlier today, JID dropped the video for “Kody Blu 31,” a cut from his new album, The Forever Story. In the video, JID is seen with his family packing up a house, enjoying lunch outdoors, and taking a family portrait.

The song itself is equally as personal. In an interview with Ebro Darden on Apple Music 1 Radio, JID revealed that he sampled audio of his father singing at his grandmother’s funeral, and his mother chanting.

“The way it starts is actually at my grandma’s funeral,” J.I.D said. “I have the actual footage. I’m sitting there crying, holding the phone, recording this, because I know it’s a big moment. A couple years before that, we lost my other grandma on my mother’s side. This is my dad’s mother we lost. Recording this, my dad is singing his heart out on this recording.”

JID continued, breaking down the song’s intro, explaining “At the beginning of the song, if you listen to it, the first 15, 20 seconds, you could hear my whole family singing. You could hear my momma say, ‘Thank you, Lord.’”

You can watch the video for “Kody Blu 31” here.

The Forever Story is out now via Dreamville and Interscope. Stream it here.

Sealing the deal on their two-movie contract, Netflix is following up the Lindsay Lohan-starring Falling For Christmas with a rom-com called Irish Wish. The Ireland-set film stars Lohan as a bridesmaid named Maddie at the wedding of her best friend (yay!) and the love of Maddie’s life (boo!). Maddie makes a wish, wakes up engaged to her love, and then discovers that this world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Classic case of Wish Remorse.

According to Variety, Falling For Christmas director Janeen Damian will also direct and write Irish Wish. Damian has served as executive producer and/or writer on several Hallmark and made-for-TV rom-coms, like The Christmas Waltz, A Royal Christmas, Crown For Christmas, and A Princess For Christmas. Her foray into Ireland marks a rare departure from Christmas-based romantic goofballery. Unless the wedding is in Ireland and at Christmas, which is totally possible.

This is pure speculation, but the lack of pronouns in the plot synopsis at least leave the door open for this to be a romance between two women. They might also be leaving their options open since they haven’t cast anyone else. Again, speculation.

At any rate, good for Lohan! She’s been missing from the mainstream scene since the very Schrader-ish Paul Schrader movie The Canyons in 2014, so it’s high time for a bit of a Renaissance. First she’ll take over Christmas, then Ireland, then the world.

(via Variety)

(SPOILERS for this latest Rap Sh!t episode will be found below.)

Season one of Rap Sh!t is now in the books, and in just eight weeks, Shawna and Mia (played by Aida Osman and KaMillion) achieved many of the early goals they set out for as a new rap duo. They secured not one but two successful records with “Seduce & Scheme” and “Nann Badder.” Their songs were played in clubs and they were also invited to industry parties. Shawna and Mia have plenty to be excited about as season one comes to a conclusion, but their future is also in question now.

The aforementioned events in the finale of season one are soundtracked by records for the ladies. They’re songs that will boost your confidence and even make you want to shake something if that’s your vibe. Nonetheless, these records perfectly encapsulate the world that Shawna and Mia live in and hope to thrive in as well.

What Songs Were In The Season On Finale Of Rap Sh!t.

In addition to Shawna and Mia’s trademark records, “Seduce & Scheme” and “Nann Badder,” playing in the episode, there are three records that soundtracked biggest moments in this episode of Rap Sh!t. The first two are Kiddo Marv and Dreezy’s “Do It” and Saucy Santana and Renni Rucci’s “Money.” These two songs, along with “Seduce & Scheme,” soundtrack Mia’s time at a strip club. She heads out there with two of her friends for a moment of fun after the frustrating moment with Shawna during their performance in the last episode. It’s also during this scene that Mia records a video for Instagram that makes her fans think that she and Shawna had a split. The second is Steve Lacy’s “Infrunami” which can be heard after Mia hits it off with a fellow Miami rapper. He certainly piques Mia’s interest and the stacks of cash he gave her also boosted his chances.

The soundtrack for this week’s episode also includes the following songs:
City Girls — “You Tried It”
Josh Levi — “Vices”
Tokyo Jetz — “Just Ride”
Foogiano — “Dead In Miami”
Big Boss Vette — “Heavy”
Chelly Flame — “Bandz”
Jackboy — “Hate the B*tch”
Yung Miami — “Rap Freaks”
King Bucc — “Scam B*tch”

HBO Max’s ‘Rap Sh!t’ airs on Thursdays at 9:00pm EST.

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

Ahead of his upcoming album, Luv 4 Rent, Smino has dropped a new single called “24-8.” On the track, Smino delivers introspective rhymes over a chill, whistletone-ridden beat.

“I parked on Parker road / I took the route that’s hella scenic / Bare my heart on all these songs / And leave my soul all on all the speakers,” he rap-sings.

Upon the release of the song, Smino has taken to social media to show an open letter to fans, detailing what he’s been through in the time leading up to the album.

“It been a while…,” he said. “I Spent Alotta time becoming a better fren to myself..I spent Alotta time searching for time I already had…I spent Alotta time tryna make this shit perfect only to realize the only perfect things come from God and just being myself is perfect bc I come from God Himself…I spent Alotta moments wondering if I even gave a f*ck about dropping Music bcuz in dis world…it seems like the talent isn’t appreciated as much as the ‘Challenge’ or the moment..”

While he has not revealed an exact release date for Luv 4 Rent, Smino teased in his letter that the album will arrive in “Droptober,” a term he has used over the years when sharing music in October.

Check out “24-8” above.

Shygirl is the complete opposite of her name when it comes to her musical content. Sexual freedom and having her desires met are recurring themes, and her new single “Nike” adds to that.

In the drum-heavy, uptempo jam the English rapper follows the instructions of her partner when he says “Nike, just do it.” Despite the charming accent, there is certain firmness to her delivery that makes it hard to imagine any lover telling her “no.” The visual element, backed by the signature A Colors Show monochromatic background, allows her sensual dancing to be the sole focal point of the performance.

“Nike” is the latest offering from Shygirl’s forthcoming debut album Nymph, set to release on September 30. Prior to “Nike,” she released “Coochie (A Bedtime Story),” “Come For Me,” and “Firefly” all this year. In 2021, the 29-year-old collaborated with Mura Masa on “Bbycakes” and “Hollaback B*tch,” FKA Twigs on “Papi Bones,” Slowthai on “BDE” and released her own record “Cleo.”

Back in 2020, Shygirl shared the 7-track EP Alias. If her previous offerings are any indication, the South London artist has more bedroom bars in store for her listeners.

Check out the A Colors Show performance of “Nike” above.

Nymph is out 9/30 via Because Music. Pre-order it here.

Here’s something to keep in mind. Even though the press tour for Don’t Worry Darling has been bumpy, it’s still possible, even likely, that the movie will absolutely rule. It looks gorgeous with all its 1950s Technicolor vibes, Florence Pugh is a consistent powerhouse, and the trailers make it look like a worthy descendant of The Stepford Wives.

Apparently those trailers weren’t sexy enough for director Olivia Wilde, though. She recently told the AP, “The MPA [ratings agency] came down hard on me and the trailer at the last second and I had to cut some shots, which I was upset about because I thought they it took it up another notch. But of course we still live in a really puritanical society. I do think the lack of eroticism in American film is kind of new. Then when it comes to female pleasure, it’s something that we just don’t see very often unless you’re talking about queer cinema.”

This was in response to the supposition that the initial trailer caused a stir because it shows Harry Styles’ character start to go down on Pugh’s character. It was enough of a thing that Pugh responded to how absurd it was, because it’s truly absurd. Sex is in all sorts of trailers, so it’s beyond strange that anyone would care that it exists in an ad for a [checks notes] R-rated movie. In a way, that response has put Wilde into a corner — having to promise that the film delivers even more provocative stuff than a totally vanilla sex act between consenting, married adult characters. No wonder she’s proclaiming that she tried to get wilder stuff into the ads.

Still, it’s a good thing she didn’t succeed. A little mystery can go a long way. Don’t Worry Darling hits theaters September 23rd.

(via AP)

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian‘s divorce has been all but quiet and amicable. Today, Ye took to Instagram to share screenshots of an alleged conversation between him and Kardashian. The two appear to be arguing about where their children will attend school.

In one post, it looks like Kardashian has texted Ye, asking, “Can u please stop.”

The outgoing text, likely sent by Ye, says “No. We need to talk in person. You don’t have say so of where the kids go to school. Why you get say [so?] Cause you half white?”

In another post, Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, seemingly communicates to Ye by way of text from Kardashian.

“From my mom- PLEASE Tell him to stop mentioning my name,” the incoming text reads. “I’m almost 67 years old and I don’t always feel great and this stresses me to no end.”

Ye appears to reply, saying, “Y’all don’t have [say] so over my black children and where they go to school. They will not do playboy and sex tapes. Tell your Clinton friends to come get me. I’m here.”

In another post, Ye shared a screenshot of an Instagram story posted by model Victoria Helena. The caption reads “Don’t let Kris make you do playboy like she made Kylie and Kim do. Hollywood is a giant brothel. Pornography destroyed my family. I deal with the addiction. Instagram promotes it. Not gonna let it happen to Northy and Chicago.”

A new season of The Kardashians premieres September 22 on Hulu. Though the trailer doesn’t touch a lot on the KimYe divorce, Kardashian teases “such a season of independence,” adding, “I really feel like I’ve found my personal confidence.”

Just as multiple pyramids are scattered across the continents, another wonder of the world has found its duplicate.

Behold: Spanish Stonehenge.

The megalithic structure located in the Valdecañas reservoir of Spain owes its reemergence to Europe’s severe drought continuing to drastically reduce water levels. However, this is not its first surprise appearance.

The Dolmen of Guadalperal (the site’s official name) was first discovered in 1926 by German archaeologist Hugo Obermaier. According to Reuters, Obermaier’s find was deliberately flooded for a rural development project nearly 40 years later. Since then it has peaked up from its watery grave a total of four times. It last reappeared during another time of drought in 2019.

Like its Celtic predecessor, the origins of Spanish Stonehenge are shrouded in mystery.

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As a video from Good Morning America explains below, the formation of 150 standing stones dates back to 3000 BC, though its creators are unknown. What it was used for is anyone’s guess—some theories suggest it was a sacred tomb, others claim it to be a solar temple.

As Europe endures months of its worst drought in 500 years, other bygone relics have risen up from the water’s descending surface. On Aug 19, Reuters reported that 20 sunken Nazi warships from World War II were visible along the Danube River in Serbia. An ancient bridge not seen since the 1950s also reemerged in Yorkshire, England.

Of course, Europe isn’t the only area being affected. The same month, a buddhist statue thought to be 600 years old appeared in China’s dwindling Yangtze River. Even Texas’ Dinosaur Valley State Park uncovered rare dinosaur tracks previously hidden beneath layers of water and sediment.

While it’s fun marveling at the historical spectacle, hopefully these discoveries from the past can also serve as warnings for the future in an effort to help limit climate change. Even the greatest stone monuments can be rebuilt. The same cannot necessarily be said for our planet.

It’s back-to-school time and that means new school supplies, a trip to Target for clothes and social media channels flooded with photos of kids holding chalkboards. Over the past decade, back-to-school photos with kids standing on their doorsteps with signs with their name, grade, year and teacher have been ubiquitous on social media.

There’s nothing wrong with the photos, they’re a cute way for parents and kids to mark the passage of time. For most parents, it’s a way to remember that it all goes by way too fast.

However, for the “perfect” parents out there who like to flaunt their Instagrammable lifestyle, they’re another way to show off their “flawless” first days on social media.

In an attempt to show parents they don’t have to fall for the myth of perfection on social media, Jeni Bukolt—a mother of two boys age 8 and 12 from Waxhaw, North Carolina—posted a first-day photo of herself looking burnt out and wearing sunglasses. School hadn’t even begun yet.

“Mom’s first day of school,” the handmade sign read. “I am 42 years tired. I’ll probably miss a school ‘theme’ day. I really like sleep. Please don’t ask me to volunteer. But I will buy you supplies.”

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See on Instagram

“I make signs for my kids each year but lately I’ve thought about how I always feel behind, as though I’m failing (in some way),” Bukolt told Today. Clearly, other parents feel the same because it was a hit with a lot of them on Instagram.

A lot of comments were from parents who thought the photo was a breath of fresh air during a stressful time of year. “Brilliant, you speak for millions!” cathycole wrote. “May we all survive the drop off/pick up lane,” merakifitnessandpole added.

“I thought maybe if I can create a lighthearted moment, some other moms will laugh and understand we’re all in this kind of struggle together. Like, let’s have empathy for each other,” Bukolt told Good Morning America.

Bukolt hopes her post builds an “empathy bridge” between parents. She’d also like to shine a little reality on the parents who feel judged on social media.

“I also feel like when you look at social media, there’s all these, [picture perfect] worlds,” she added. “It’s not the true story. And some people think like, ‘Oh, they have it better or they’re perfect,’ and this is an opportunity to say no, we’re all real human beings … we’re all in the struggle together.”

But of course, there were some humorless parents who thought her post wasn’t supportive of teachers or her two sons. So Bukolt made a follow-up where she explained that she was just having fun.

“For the keyboard warriors… yes I do have a job, yes I love my kids and no, I don’t hate teachers. Back to work. Have a great day!” she wrote.

See on Instagram

Parenting is hard and we all fall short of glory at times. Kudos to Bukolt for making us feel a little less alone and letting us know that some folks have already accepted their imperfections on the first day.

“If other moms can get a good laugh about it, then that makes my heart happy,” she said.

Turning 30 marks the beginning of pure adulthood. Gone are the days making the same questionable choices from our 20s, and our stupid teenage years are even more a relic of the past. This is the time when Mother Nature says, “I’m not joking around, it’s time to take some things seriously. Like, for real.”

As friend groups shrink and waistlines expand, not to mention as careers or lifestyles go through major changes, the fourth decade can feel a bit overwhelming. Especially as there’s still the misconception that somehow, as if by magic, you’ll have everything figured out by that 30th birthday. And if it hasn’t, then it’s too late. Talk about pressure.

In truth, we’re always just figuring things out and we move along. Thirties are no different. But it does help to traverse this new territory with knowledge. Luckily, the internet is a great place to crowdsource that sort of thing.

A Reddit user (perhaps a brave 29-year-old) recently asked the online forum, “What is your advice for somebody entering their 30s?”

People gave some amazing answers. Unsurprisingly, health (of all kinds) was a popular topic. But there were also a lot of unexpected gems, particularly when it comes to dealing with the “hard stuff.” Our 30s might be challenging, but with them come their own special rewards.

Check out these 14 bits of wisdom. Even if you’re well into your 30s—or beyond them—they offer some valuable reminders.

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1.

“Life is not over. Not married yet & want to be??? Still time to find a decent partner, & your experience & maturity can help.” – @Bakanasharkyblahaj

2.

“Friends will make kids and settle down – make sure to visit them and don’t shy away from playdates and birthday parties.” – @theteenyemperor

3.

“You should have started planning for your 50’s about 5 years ago. Get to it. And by planning, I don’t mean just retirement. Obviously retirement, but also getting to know yourself and what you want to do with your life. You have to be honest with yourself, find out what ACTUALLY matters for you, and start working towards that. Get rid of the dumb notions you had when you were a teenager. Find your balance between spiritual and material things. Not talking about religion, but social connections, feelings, experiences. Friends and family are important, as is material comfort.” – @robervalladraodeChoc

4.

“Don’t worry if you haven’t achieved your life goals or decided what career you want by now, it’ll come soon. I didn’t start Uni (nursing school) until my early 30’s. Spent a few years traveling the world first.” – @I-stop-pucks

5.

“Hate to be the one to bring this up, but start mentally preparing for the inevitable major loss events that will soon begin to accumulate in your life. If you don’t have a healthy perspective regarding death, start working on that asap. See a therapist if necessary. Losing your parents is the first big one for most.” – @Captainmikkl

6.

“If your friend group hasn’t already got smaller, be ready for it to. Don’t take it personally. Some people just don’t have the energy to hang out as much as they used to and others are entering different phases of their life like moving, different careers, or even procreating for some reason.” – @Drrodeze

7.

“If you keep it up in another ten years you can do the 40s.” – @Theymakemewearpants

8.

“Stretch. Moisturize. Start accumulating cash.” – @Sea-type694

9.

“If you have unresolved issues or find yourself ruminating over shit that happened years ago, go and see a therapist.” – @noodlefishmonkey

10.

“Enjoy. When I turned 30 I became confident enough to stop auditioning what I wanted to say in my head first in case it sounded stupid and just say it. Life became a lot more fun.” – @Markedmo

11.

“Take care of your teeth. By the time you’re in your 30s tooth decay starts to be a problem. Brush and floss regularly. Go to a dentist twice a year. Keep on top of this. It’s easier to fix tooth decay problems early on, before they become a crisis.” – @Hyndis

12.

“Have fun! Too many people treat their 30s like their lives are over, but in reality, they can be a lot like your 20s – just with more money and experience, and ideally less worrying about what others think of you. Pandemic aside I’ve loved my 30s so far (38 now). Never had more fun.” – @Zenstation83

13.

“Start taking care of yourself and make it a habit. Getting to your late 30s and realising you are putting on weight, have a sore back and can’t run 100 feet without getting out of breath sucks. If you work an office job, just make the gym a regular routine and make sure you stretch.” – @Devrij68

14.

“Things get harder as they get easier. But you’re in a position to handle it and you have the experience and knowledge to keep going where this happening to you in your twenties would have been catastrophic. You’ll spend these years finding what makes you happy, realizing you’ve been chasing probably the wrong thing. Be ready to pivot, restart, readjust, and be open and communicating with those in your life as you go through your joys and challenges. This is a transformative decade.” – @Orbax