Category: News

As Black Lives Matter protests mounted over the summer, I argued that Marvel should put The Punisher to sleep because if one takes the character and contextualizes him against the past five years or so of current events, some hibernation for Frank Castle could only help matters. The Netflix show kinda didn’t know what to do with the guy amid ongoing mass shootings, and the TV show tried to move the ex-Marine beyond his core vigilante function (and extrajudicial ways) by softening him, which felt awkward at best. Yet law enforcement continues to misappropriate the antihero’s logo, which turned into a sloppy mess for the NYPD this past weekend (and this wasn’t even due to a Halloween costume, either, not that a costume-angle would have helped).

Here’s what happened, although a tweet-and-delete situation has occurred, so the NY Daily News has the details. Essentially, the NYPD’s 24th precinct tweeted out an image (which they later deleted) of two officers while praising them for arresting a robbery suspect. One officer was wearing a mask with The Punisher logo with an extra twist: the acronym DILLIGAF, meaning “Does It Look Like I Give a F*ck.”

“After observing a traffic infraction, @NYPD24Pct’s PO Kite & PO Rodriguez conducted a car stop,” read the original tweet. “[w]hich led to a foot pursuit & an arrest. It turns out that the suspect was operating a stolen vehicle & wanted for a past robbery. Great work.” This praise (which has now been yanked from Twitter) led to some “yikes” from users.

Yep, not a great look, especially with the added acronym on the mask. To further complicate matters, Frank Castle’s not only an ex-Marine, but also a former NYPD cop in his Ultimate Marvel incarnation. The character’s co-creator, Gerry Conway, who brought Frank Castle and his logo (along with John Romita Sr.) to life nearly 50 years ago, has attempted to point out that Castle harbors distaste for cops and military members using the logo for their own ends. Also, Castle is a one-man killing machine, who acts as judge/jury/executioner, and you name it. The NYPD probably shouldn’t want officers to walk around wearing The Punisher’s logo on a mask.

This issue (of The Punisher #13, where Frank Castle tells his fanboy-cops to get lost) is sure looking relevant right about now. As noted, though, the 24th Precinct deleted the offending photo without explanation, so… end of story?

(Via NY Daily News)

Justin Vernon has been active this election cycle with his For Wisconsin initiative, for which he has given performances and hosted conversations in an effort to get residents of his home state to vote. Yesterday, he, Big Red Machine partner Aaron Dessner, and other collaborators shared one more pre-election song, a cover of Aimee Mann’s “Wise Up.”

Dessner takes the lead on the track (which originally appeared in Jerry Macguire) while Vernon provides backing vocals. The video features a mix of the artists performing the track and Wisconsin B-roll. Joining Vernon and Dessner on the song are Mina Tindle, Jon Low, and Ben Lanz, as well as all of Dessner’s The National bandmates who aren’t Matt Berninger: Bryce Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, and Scott Devendorf.

Dessner shared a message alongside the video, writing, “We recorded this cover of Wise Up, one of my very favorite Aimee Mann songs, for beautiful Wisconsin. Her lyrics keep coming into my brain these days. The stakes couldn’t be any higher in this election and it may come down to a handful of votes. Text 56005 to VOTE.Thanks so much to Ben, Bryan, Bryce, Mina, Jon, Scott and Justin for joining me.”

Watch the Big Red Machine cover of “Wise Up” above.

During the Biden-Harris campaign stop in Atlanta, Georgia, the duo was dubbed “different” by their latest celebrity endorser, ATL hometown hero 2 Chainz. This was, of course, during the transition to his fan-favorite hit “I’m Different,” as he segued from telling the assembled crowd that he believed the Biden-Harris ticket offered something different. “I speak on being different,” he said. “I speak on embracing being different. And without further ado, ‘I’m Different.’”

Chainz also met his hero and the organizer of the rally, former President Barack Obama, posting a photo posing with Obama alongside a photo of his daughter holding a Biden-Harris sign on Twitter and posting a video of the former President giving elbow bumps to Chainz’s kids. “I know that I’m one of the best artists out but I’m also one of the best dads /husband /sons!” he wrote. “I was excited to meet @barackobama and even more excited to have my fam wit me.”

While 2 Chainz recently pushed back the release of his upcoming album So Help Me God, he’s remained visible appearing on Family Feud and Run The Jewels’ Adult Swim special, which also encouraged fans to vote in the 2020 elections today. Polls are currently open and you can find more information about your local polling place and ballot measures here.

It took 18 seasons of The Simpsons before The Simpsons Movie came out, so in that sense, Bob’s Burgers, now in season 11, is still ahead of the show it’s most often compared to. But in another sense: I want Bob’s Burgers: The Movie, and I want it now. The big-screen adaptation of the consistently delightful animated series was supposed to be released in July, but then the pandemic happened and theaters closed and… yeah.

Still, creator Loren Bouchard hopes Bob’s Burgers: The Movie (which is currently scheduled for April 9, 2021) is released in theaters, whenever it’s safe to do so.

“We talked about [streaming] as it pertains to the movie and we decided we really want the movie to come out in theaters because Bob’s is already on TV,” he told EW. “Of course, we want everyone to be able to safely see it in movie theaters. We don’t want anyone to put themselves at risk. But assuming there’s a point at which everyone can go back to theaters safely, we’re excited about Bob’s being seen in the theater, in the dark with other people, because that’s something we’ve never been able to do before.”

Bouchard also revealed that he and his team were working on a Bob’s Burgers short film that would have played before a Disney movie, similar to the Maggie Simpson-focused Playdate with Destiny prior to Onward. But unfortunately, the future is cloudier for My Butt Has a Fever. Yes, the pandemic deprived us of something called My Butt Has a Fever. “First of all, there are no theaters to release it into and, second of all, would anyone want to go see the Belcher kids sing a song called My Butt Has a Fever?” he said. “Of course, we’re hoping at some point it’ll be okay again, but talk about pre-COVID plans getting changed.” To answer your question, Mr. Bouchard: yes, I want to see the Belcher kids singing a song about butts, always.

(Via EW)

This week in the best new pop music saw some major releases from big artists. Ariana Grande shared her long-awaited album Positions, Dua Lipa offered an unexpected single, and Carly Rae Jepsen got ready for the holiday season.

Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop music. Listen up.

Ariana Grande — “Motive” Feat. Doja Cat

Ariana Grande dominated the internet this week when she dropped her sultry album Positions, earning Uproxx’s best new pop stamp of approval. The record also saw the anticipated collaboration with Doja Cat, “Motive,” where the two singers flex their vocal ranges over a shuffling beat while trying to figure out the intentions behind a suitor’s advancements.

Dua Lipa, Angèle — “Fever”

Though Dua Lipa released her sophomore album back in March, the singer has had no shortage of music in the last few months. After sharing an album of remixes, Lipa returns with the buoyant single “Fever.” The layered production boasts a medley of unconventional samples interlaced with Lipa’s soaring vocals and Angèle’s French musings.

Carly Rae Jepsen — “It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries”

Carly Rae Jepsen offered her own take on the highs and lows of the holidays with the buzzing song “It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries.” Explaining the meaning behind the track, Jepsen said: “I love the old-fashioned movies and the family traditions and the excitement of gifting presents and decorating the tree and and and… my list is endless. But each year the pressure to have the perfect Christmas always ends in tears. I call it ‘Christmas versus expectation.’”

Jonas Brothers — “I Need You Christmas”

The Jonas Brothers also ushered in the start of the holiday season this week with their soulful piano ballad, “I Need You Christmas.” “With having such a crazy year, we all really need something to look forward to,” they said in a statement. “The holidays [are] a time that brings us together and is something that brings us joy in the darkest of times. For us, this song stirs up memories of childhood snowball fights and finding the nearest hill to sled. It brings us back to spending time with family setting up the Christmas tree.”

Kai — “Get Me Good”

Kai has been working her way up in the music industry for several years and now, the singer has released her long-awaited debut EP Like Water and on it arrives the track “Get Me Good.” In a statement about her project, Kai wrote: “Like Water takes you on a visceral journey of a love found and a love lost with ebbs and flows in between. I believe that relationships are our greatest teachers. Some are meant to last forever, others are meant to teach us more about ourselves, even if only for a season.”

Benee — “Plain” Feat. Lily Allen, Flo Milli

After experiencing her global breakout this year, New Zealand musician Benee is gearing up for her debut album, Hey U, X. Sharing the Lily Allen and Flo Milli collaboration “Plain,” Benee said: “I wanted to make it a song someone could listen to when they find out their ex is with someone new. The feeling sucks, so I wanted ‘Plain’ to make ya feel like you have the upper hand. Lily and Flo Milli both have such cool sass, and both their verses really elevated the track!”

Bad Bunny — “Dákiti” Feat. Jhay Cortez

While Bad Bunny recently announced he was teaming up with the divisive shoe brand Crocs for a new design, it wasn’t the only collaboration the singer had in the works. This week, Bad Bunny tapped Jhay Cortez for the rhythmic single “Dákiti.” Over a low-key beat, Bad Bunny and Cortez trade verses about spending time with a love interest.

Wens — “Giant Bat”

Wens released her debut EP Lemoncholy earlier this year, but that hasn’t stopped the singer from releasing even more music. Sharing two tracks side-by-side this week, Wens explained that the double singles go “out to anyone who’s ever tried to or is currently trying to make long distance work. it’s hard as heck but if i could go back in time, i’d still do it all again.”

The Avalanches — “Interstellar Love” Feat. Leon Bridges

After cryptically announcing their next LP earlier this year, The Avalanches returned with a new single. Releasing the song “Interstellar Love” with Leon Bridges this week, The Avalanches’ Robbie Chater said: “Leon is an incredible singer, with just the most beautiful voice. He’s from Texas but we both happened to be in LA at the same time, which was lucky as he was on my all-time wish list. When we were in the studio, I told him the story about Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan and how her love-struck brain waves were sent out into space on the Voyager’s Golden Record. And this song came out of that.”

Empress Of — “You’ve Got To Feel” Feat. Amber Mark

Following her acclaimed record I’m Your Empress Of back in March, Empress Of launched her own label Major Arcana with the new single “You’ve Got To Feel.” Tapping Amber Mark to lend her hypnotic vocals, the single’s anticipatory beat offers a captivating juxtaposition to the lyrics which detail the pitfalls of our capitalistic culture.

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

The Grammy Award for Best World Music Album was introduced at the 1992 ceremony, but nearly 30 years later, the Recording Academy feels it’s time for a change. Yesterday, they announced that beginning with next year’s Grammys, the award will be known as Best Global Music Album.

The Academy explained the decision in a statement:

“As we continue to embrace a truly global mindset, we update our language to reflect a more appropriate categorization that seeks to engage and celebrate the current scope of music from around the world. Over the summer we held discussions with artists, ethnomusicologists, and linguists from around the world who determined that there was an opportunity to update the best world music album category toward a more relevant, modern, and inclusive term… The change symbolizes a departure from the connotations of colonialism, folk, and ‘non-American’ that the former term embodied while adapting to current listening trends and cultural evolution among the diverse communities it may represent.”

After the 2003 Grammys, the Best World Music Album award was split into two categories: Best Traditional World Music Album and Best Contemporary World Music Album. However, they were merged back into Best World Music Album for the 2012 ceremony.

This comes months after the Academy announced a slew of other changes, like the renaming of the Best Urban Contemporary Album category, which is now known as Best Progressive R&B Album.

Like many celebrities, Lady Gaga has been a vocal supporter of Joe Biden during this election cycle, and she helped give his campaign one more pre-election push by joining him at his Pennsylvania rally yesterday.

She performed solo piano renditions of “Shallow” and “You And I,” but before that, she gave an impassioned speech, in which she made reference to Trump’s infamous “grab ’em by the p*ssy” remark, saying, “Vote like your life depends on it, or vote like your children’s lives depend on it. Because they do. And to all the women, and all the men with daughters, and sisters, and mothers, everybody, no matter how you identify, now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters, or sisters, or mothers, or wives by any part of their bodies. Vote for Joe, he’s a good person. Thank you.”

Watch the performance above and find the full text of Gaga’s speech below.

“Hello everybody. How are you feeling? I know, it’s a lot. This is a big one, Pennsylvania. So if you’re here, you probably already believe in Joe Biden. I know I believe in Joe Biden. You probably already believe he’s the right choice over Donald Trump. You don’t need me to tell you why. Because, like me, you’ve experienced the last four years and have all the evidence you need to look at this choice and know in your heart, without any doubt, that Joe Biden is the right choice.

So, I’m gonna keep this very simple. If you believe in Joe Biden, and you haven’t already voted, make a plan to get to the polls tomorrow. Turnout is going to be critical. Get there early. Get there as early as you can. Wait it out, pack food, dress warm. Anything you might need. If you’re standing, if you want to sit in line, charge your phone. Bring a friend, or two. Bring your neighbor. A member of your family. And together, cast a vote for your country and be willing to do whatever it takes to stand up for what you believe in. This is your vote.

And guess what? We need all of you to vote. I know you’ve seen the polls. The record number of early and mail-in votes. It’s tempting to feel comfortable and confident and sit back, but now is not a time to feel confident and sit back. Right now it’s time for action. It’s time to muster our energy. Every ounce of us, every ounce of hope and optimism and enthusiasm. Every ounce of fear and frustration and discouragement. Now is a time to show up and vote like this country depends on it, because it does.

I want to remind you. Listen to me, I want to remind you and all the people who are listening. We all know that this thing may come down to Pennsylvania. We need you. We need your family, we need your friends. We need your heart. Vote like your life depends on it, or vote like your children’s lives depend on it. Because they do. And to all the women, and all the men with daughters, and sisters, and mothers, everybody, no matter how you identify, now is your chance to vote against Donald Trump, a man who believes his fame gives him the right to grab one of your daughters, or sisters, or mothers, or wives by any part of their bodies. Vote for Joe, he’s a good person. Thank you.”

For the past couple of weeks, The Daily Show has been counting down President Donald Trump’s 100 most tremendous scandals. Narrowing the list down to only 100 scandals must have been difficult, because as correspondent and segment host Roy Wood Jr. put it, “Scandals. Every president’s had one. But while most presidents are only known for one big scandal, Donald Trump has truly changed the game.” The list began with Trump trying to buy Greenland, and we’re off with “remember that” moments! Other highlights from four years of the Trump administration: picking a fight with teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Melania’s war on Christmas, breaking clearance protocols for his daughter and son-in-law, encouraging police brutality (only #57!), calling U.S. soldiers who died in combat “losers” and “suckers,” and tweeting all the goddamn time.

On Monday, the night before Election Day, The Daily Show finally got to the top 25. “These are the big ones. These are the scandals that are going to cement Donald Trump’s place in history books,” Wood, Jr. said. “Assuming history books are still allowed after November.” These are Donald Trump’s 10 most tremendous scandals.

10. Skipping intel briefs.
9. Attacking mail-in voting.
8. Encouraging Russian meddling.
7. Obstruction of justice.
6. Protecting Khashoggi’s killers.
5. Sexual assault.
4. Separating families at the border.
3. Ukraine quid pro quo.
2. Coronavirus response.
1. HE’S SOMEHOW STILL PRESIDENT.

Happy Election Day, everyone! You can watch 1-25 above, and the other 75 below.

You know what today is, right? It’s a big day for all of the US&A! By the end of the night, we may or may not know who won the presidential election — it actually seems unlikely that we’ll have a definitive answer — but it’s guaranteed to be a chaos-filled showdown until the end. And Borat (whose prank against Rudy Giuliani shook up the little world of Trump’s personal attorney) is here to help and hurt matters all the same time.

Here’s Sacha Baron Cohen’s Kazakhstan journalist character tossing out a final plea in an Election Eve video. He’s asking women not to vote, of course, because that might hinder Trump’s chances at reelection victory.

Granted, nearly 100 million Americans already headed to the polls (which is about two-thirds of 2016’s total voting turnout), including loads of women, so it sure looks like Borat’s plea has come too late. Yet isn’t he a breath of satirical fresh air? 2020’s been a beast, and Baron Cohen couldn’t possibly hold the antidote to all that ails us, but he (once again) succeeded at making millions of people laugh.

This shall be a confrontational election no matter how one spins things, and we’ll be providing election coverage when the polls close. Do join us while you’re glued to cable TV tonight (with or without a box of wine in tow).

Lil Pump has come under fire in recent days after he expressed his support for Donald Trump last month. Over the weekend, he attended a Trump rally in Florida, and he then followed the president to his rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan last night/this morning and got on stage after Trump invited him to speak (and after Trump called him “Little Pimp”).

At the rally at around 1 a.m. this morning, Trump noted, “Speaking of sound, music, and other things, one of the big superstars of the world, Little Pimp…” He trailed off as he spotted the rapper in the crowd before continuing, “There he is. How’s it going? Do you want to come up and say something? Do you want to? Come on. Little Pump, come on, come on up here. Does everyone know who he is? Do you know how big he is?”

Pump got on stage, shook the president’s hand, got behind the podium, and spoke briefly, saying, “Hello everybody, how you guys feeling? I come here to say: Mr. President, I appreciate everything you’ve done for our country. You brought the troops home, and you’re doing the right thing. MAGA 2020 20, don’t forget that! Don’t forget that, and do not vote for Sleepy Joe at all!” Pump and Trump then shared a brief exchange as the rapper left the stage.

Watch the video above.