The city of Los Angeles and surrounding areas are facing down yet another circumstance of adverse weather, forcing Tyler The Creator to postpone the latest edition of his Camp Flog Gnaw festival.
This weekend, an atmospheric river — a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere — is set to dump a historical high of precipitation on Los Angeles County. The heavy rain can cause damaging flooding and landslides, especially with vegetation stripped from mountainsides by January’s wildfires (where was all this when those were going on? Come on, weather, get it together!).
Tyler announced the postponements on social media and on the festival website, advising that the event will be postponed one week (to November 22-23) and that refunds will be available for those unable to attend. That means you can bet that at least some of the set times will change, and some artists could drop out entirely. Stay tuned for more updates from Camp Flog Gnaw. You can see the full statement below.
Due to the fact this storm became an atmospheric rain torrential downpour we had 2 choices — cancel or move to next weekend
we chose the latter.
we understand this is not ideal so we will offer refunds.
for everyone else we will see you next weekend. full details at campfloggnaw.com – Tyler
Starting in about the middle of 2025 and continuing to present day, Radiohead has been having a moment. In August, OK Computer favorite “Let Down” hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time. (Month’s later, Thom Yorke said he “fought tooth and nail” for the song to be cut from the album.) Currently, the band is in the midst of a comeback tour that’s a delight to watch even from afar.
As Uproxx’s Joypocalypse explains in a new video, though, there’s something about this renewed wave of interest that’s at least a little concerning.
Joy states her case, saying:
“An album like OK Computer leading the charge for the resurgence and interest in a band like Radiohead, I feel, is a generational red flag because it’s a very anxious album about alienation and the struggles of modern life. More so sad in an existential way, this album, I feel it’s very interesting to see Tom Yorke’s vague but haunting writing be relevant 20 years down the line.”
She goes on to discuss her love for the album, and how its themes of “alienation and dissatisfaction and discontent” are manifested lyrically, instrumentally, and on the production side. Joy concludes, “I can’t say, considering the themes of this album, that I’m surprised it’s the one that had a resurgence, especially among younger generations.”
Keeping up with music news and resources like Spotify’s giant and regularly updated New Music Friday playlist are great ways to keep your listening habits from getting stale. Sometimes, though, you need a deeper dive. That’s where Uproxx’s Baylee Lefton comes in as she routinely offers quick-hit lists of songs you need to add into your rotation this week.
She came through with a new drop today (November 14), and the vibe is “floating through space.”
The mix starts with Junodream’s “To The Moon.” The UK group describes their sound as “alternative space rock” and cites Air’s 1998 classic Moon Safari as a formative album for them. They dropped “To The Moon” as a single in 2018 and the dreamy track remains their most-played on Spotify with over 14 million spins.
Lefton’s next recommendation is “Milky Way.” This one is for anime lovers: The track comes from the 2019 series Carole & Tuesday and its sung by the character GGK, whose singing voice is provided by Madison McFerrin, who you might remember hearing on Tyler, The Creator’s “Don’t You Worry Baby.”
Following is Alina Baraz and Galimatias’s “Unfold,” from the 2015 EP Urban Flora. If this one resonates, the whole project is worth checking out, as Lefton dubs it “absolute gold.” Finally, she digs into the archives with Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan,” a serene break from the band’s guitar-driven classics.
Check out the video above and to listen to the full songs yourself, hit up the link in Lefton’s Instagram bio.
At 25 years old, Ice Spice is squarely (heh) within the age range of the cohort that grew up on SpongeBob SquarePants (and did!). So, it’s probably a dream come true that she gets to participate in the soundtrack for the upcoming film, The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants. Her contribution? “Big Guy,” a bouncy track that samples dialog from the titular sea sponge, celebrating going from a “little guy” to … well, you get it.
So far, there’s no context for the line, but the song allows for Ice to make plenty of references to the long-running cartoon. “Ain’t a jellyfish, but I’m the catch,” she boasts in one line. In another, she name-checks SpongeBob’s driving instructor: “I blow bubbles so big like Mrs. Puff.” It isn’t the most lyrical track, but then again… it’s for a SpongeBob movie. Y’all want Nas and Eminem?
Meanwhile, in the video, Ice rides an underwater roller coaster (which may have something to do with the sample, from what I can tell), and appears as an animated fish in the cartoon’s signature style — complete with the iconic orange curls she wore when she first started her career.
Although it’s for a side project, “Big Guy” is part of a larger stretch of new songs released by Ice Spice that suggest a follow-up to her debut album Y2K could be coming sooner rather than later. In October, Ice released “Baddie Baddie,” followed in early November by “Pretty Privilege.” Prior to that, she teamed up with former foe Latto for “Gyatt,” so she’s definitely been in the studio lately.
Lately, Magdalena Bay have been offloading pairs of singles. Today (November 14), they have the final two in this run: “This Is The World (I Made It For You)” and “Nice Day.” The duo says in a statement, “This is the final pair (we made it for you). Thank you for listening to these songs, it’s been a nice day to tangle with you.”
Furthermore, all the songs are getting collected on a new compilation, Nice Day: A Collection Of Singles. The release is available as a vinyl box set, which is set for release on April 17. All the singles are available individually as well.
Listen to the two newest songs above.
Magdalena Bay’s Nice Day: A Collection Of Singles Tracklist
1. “Second Sleep”
2. “Star Eyes”
3. “Human Happens”
4. “Paint Me A Picture”
5. “Unoriginal”
6. “Black-Eyed Susan Climb”
7. “This Is The World (I Made It For You)”
8. “Nice Day”
Magdalena Bay’s 2025 & 2026 Tour Dates: Imaginal Mystery Tour
12/06/2025 — Orlando, FL @ Mad Soul Festival
12/31/2025 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
02/02/2026 — Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham*
02/03/2026 — Cardiff, UK @ DEPOT*
02/05/2026 — Dublin, Ireland @ Vicar Street*
02/07/2026 — Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow*
02/08/2026 — Manchester, UK @ O2 Apollo Manchester*
02/10/2026 — London, England @ O2 Academy Brixton*
02/11/2026 — Nottingham, UK @ Rock City*
02/13/2026 — Antwerp, Antwerp @ De Roma*
02/14/2026 — Utrecht, NL @ TivoliVredenburg*
02/15/2026 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso*
02/17/2026 — Paris, France @ Salle Pleyel*
02/19/2026 — Zürich, Zurich @ Volkshaus*
02/20/2026 — Cologne, NRW @ Carlswerk Victoria*
02/22/2026 — Berlin, Berlin @ Columbiahalle*
02/24/2026 — Copenhagen, Denmark @ Vega*
02/25/2026 — Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller Music Hall*
02/26/2026 — Stockholm, Sweden @ Fållan*
03/27/2026 — Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Fest
* with Allie X
Nice Day: A Collection Of Singles is out 4/17/2026 via Mom+Pop. Find more information here.
Earl Sweatshirt seems happy lately. The LA rapper, once notable for not liking sh*t and never going outside, is all smiles (and outdoors!) in his videos for Live, Laugh, Love, including the latest one, “Gamma.”
Set at a backyard cookout, the video features cameos from Earl’s artist friends like Zack Fox and Fousheé, as well as family and even Earl’s kids, who show off a little basketball acumen on the backyard hoop. There’s a bounce house and a spin art station; all in all, it looks like a great time.
Earl is currently on his Live Laugh Love tour, which kicked off on Halloween at Red Rocks, and will continue until December 16 in Seattle. This weekend, he’ll be performing at Camp Flog Gnaw in LA. He’ll spend the holidays at home, then head overseas for the European leg o of the tour, so it’s nice that he got to spend some time with family and friends before his trip. You can see the dates below.
Watch Earl Sweatshirt’s “Gamma” video above.
11/16 – Los Angeles, CA @ Camp Flog Gnaw
11/19 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Midtown
11/20 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
11/21 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
11/23 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
11/25 – Miami FL @ Miami Beach Bandshell
11/26 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live
11/28 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade – Heaven
11/29 – Washington, DC @ The Fillmore Silver Spring
12/02 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5
12/03 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
12/04 – New Haven, CT @ Toads Place
12/06 – Montreal, QC @ Beanfield Theatre
120/8 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall
12/10 – Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
12/11 – Chicago, IL @ Ramova Theatre
12/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Uptown Theater
12/15 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
12/16 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox SoDo
Live Laugh Love is out now via Tan Cressida Records and Warner Records. You can find more info here.
Known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, Mallorca is a destination that truly has it all. From white sand beaches and turquoise waters to mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and over 20 world-class golf courses, this European island is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Where to Stay in Mallorca
HOTEL VICTORIA GRAN MELIÁ
Experience Spanish luxury at Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá. This iconic Palma landmark captures the timeless elegance of Spanish culture with a touch of modern glamour. The hotel’s grand architecture blends classic Mediterranean charm with sleek contemporary details, offering 171 chic rooms, sweeping sea views, and exclusive RedLevel service.
Savor vibrant Mediterranean flavors at Victoria Grand Café or unwind with a cocktail overlooking the Balearic Sea. The hotel is just steps from Palma’s old town, shopping, and cultural gems. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the terrace is open to the public for lunch and live music, perfect for soaking up all the good vibes. Don’t miss their espresso martini, which is one of the best in Spain.
HOTEL VICTORIA GRAN MELIÁ
You can tell a hotel is truly five-star by the details. Ever gone down to a hotel pool only to find scattered towels that uncertain feeling that the chair you’re about to sit in is taken? At Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá, every detail is anticipated. A staff member was already putting down our umbrella and clearing our towels the second we left the pool.
Other five-star perks include the expansive breakfast buffet with cava, iced lattes, and freshly squeezed orange juice, because we all know a three-beverage minimum is mandatory on vacation. Complimentary smoothies by the pool and front desk staff who remember your name make this a hotel that truly prioritizes your experience.
If you are looking for something more secluded outside of Palma, check out one of the island’s all-inclusive 5-star resorts, perfect for privacy and pampering.
What to Do in Mallorca
JAYME LAMM
While La Bodeguilla is always a top dinner recommendation, I would much rather go to its sister restaurant, BarBar, a few steps away. There, you will find a stellar selection of wines by the glass or bottle, plus dishes that are as impressive as they are delicious. The seabass is perfectly cooked and beautifully presented, and the Wagyu steak, priced at just €54, was arguably the best meal of our entire trip. After two visits to Mallorca and dining at nine restaurants this summer, BarBar gets my top vote.
For beach vibes, Purobeach Palma offers unbeatable 180-degree scenery, DJs spinning perfect tunes, and a vibrant atmosphere. Service can be hit-or-miss, but the setting is worth it.
JAYME LAMM
La Perla is another chic restaurant, with décor and ambiance that truly make it must-see. The food is excellent too, especially the Truffle Mushroom Soup, served in a tiny shot that is the perfect serving size, and the Tiramisu. While online reviews are divided, I thought it was worth every euro.
Do not miss the recently unveiled Riva Lounge at Hotel de Mar, Gran Meliá, the first hotel in Spain to host a Riva Destination, offering a stunning combination of luxury hospitality and nautical design.
Other hotspots worth visiting include Bellver Castle, a stunning 14th-century fortress with panoramic views over Palma, and Valldemossa, a charming village perfect for strolling cobblestone streets (don’t wear heels!), where you can explore local artisan shops, and enjoy traditional pastries.
Golf in Mallorca
JAYME LAMM
For golf enthusiasts, Mallorca is a dream. With over 20 courses across the island, there is something for every skill level, from rolling seaside courses to mountain-backdrop fairways. Picture-perfect greens, Mediterranean views, and world-class facilities make hitting the links here an unforgettable experience. Many courses are paired with luxury resorts or private clubs, so your day on the course can easily include spa treatments, gourmet dining, and impeccable service.
Final Tips for a Luxury Mallorca Experience
JAYME LAMM
Summer in Mallorca can be very hot, so we found mid-September to be ideal, still warm enough for the beaches but far more comfortable. Book a boat day for the ultimate indulgence, but avoid Click & Boat, as our experiences there were less than stellar. Instead, let your hotel concierge arrange a private yacht or catamaran for a seamless, luxurious day at sea.
Another insider tip is that taxis are often far cheaper and faster than Uber. For example, leaving a beach club cost €80 via Uber, but only €22 in a taxi. Small savings like this add up and basically make your espresso martinis free. We call this girl math.
If you want more insider travel stories and luxe escapes around the world, check out my other adventures here: Jayme Lamm on Uproxx
The official nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards were announced a week ago, and the list is loaded with powerhouse artists who have been Uproxx favorites all year long. Everyone from Fridayy and Kendrick Lamar to Billie Eilish and Terrace Martin has had their work nominated across a broad swath of categories for award recognition. There’s no more exciting time for music fans than the stretch between nominations and the big show, which takes place on February 1st, 2026, and we’re ready to toast to that energy!
This year has seen a ton of great expressions hitting liquor store shelves and bars, and whether your preference is for whiskey, tequila, rum, or RTDs, there’s an incredible option just waiting to be discovered by you. We’ve had our eyes on award-winning spirits all year long, but now we’re putting a fresh spin on things by complementing those delicious drinks with the year’s best sonic selections, courtesy of music’s most celebrated ceremony — The Grammys!
This is Sound Sipping: The Grammy Edition, and it’s time to pair the year’s best beverages with the year’s biggest songs for a one-of-a-kind experience that’ll make both more enjoyable.
This Double Gold winner from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a no-brainer pairing with one of the most thoughtful songs of the year: Bad Bunny’s “DtMF”. Not only are they both from Puerto Rico, but they’re also both key ingredients to a great night with a ton of flavor.
“DtMF” starts with an airy, nostalgic opening, with the superstar sauntering into his groove to share his appreciation for the little things —like sunsets or the eyes of a crush. Slowly, the song begins to pick up steam, building to a crescendo as Benito adds twinges of nostalgia, encouraging us to have the presence of mind to also live in the moment.
When it comes to savoring the passing of time, drinks offer a meaningful way for us all to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of us. You’ll want to raise a glass to this one.
Billie Eilish paints a heartfelt picture full of reflective lyrics that send your emotions soaring as she untangles the woven web of loyalties in an atypical love triangle. It’s earnest and honest, despite that medley of mixed feelings, and it all pairs perfectly with Redbreast 15-Year Irish Whiskey.
Here’s why: It’s a full-bodied, complex whiskey, matured in casks at different stages of their lives to create harmony from disparate parts. The whiskey is triple-distilled before being matured in a blend of 1st-fill and refill ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. The result doesn’t hide the process; instead, it leaves you with a well-developed base of flavors that gain substance and give you more to savor with each sip.
For a bonus, kiss your teeth and chew the whiskey after each sip to pick up the floral notes for a subtle nod to the song’s title.
The Song: Chappell Roan – The Subway
Island Records
The Drink: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished In French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels
I was tempted to go with a Canadian whiskey here, because Chappell threatened her lost lover with moving to Saskatchewan, but let’s be honest: all the best Canadian whiskey comes from Alberta. The inspiration here, however, is how something beautiful can happen when you least expect it. For Chappell, it’s longing for the day when the intensity of a lost love becomes quotidian, but with Angel’s Envy’s latest Cellar Collection Rye, the surprise lies in the harmony of the whiskey with its French Oak Extra Añejo barrels.
The marriage of American whiskey and tequila casks is still in its infancy, and the results have generally been pretty bad, but this expression proves that it’s not a bad idea per se, just one that’s been poorly executed in the past.
For this pairing, I think you should look ahead to the day when more distilleries produce delicious whiskeys by maturing their liquid in tequila barrels. Perhaps it’ll become as normal as seeing just another girl on the subway, someday. Oh, and it helps that the lost lover’s “green hair” evokes the strong association between rye whiskey and the color green.
We’re going to bend the rules for this one, because while this specific expression hasn’t won an award, it’s more than deserving of praise as my personal favorite non-alcoholic beverage. It makes for the perfect pairing, not just because of Doechii’s well-documented embrace of sobriety and overall wellness, but also because it’s a damn delicious alternative. The song is both a celebration and a cautionary tale about how the struggle for one’s mental health must first be confronted before it can be dispelled.
I typically use this drink for an ad-hoc Old Fashioned, using 2 oz of The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit, ½ oz of demerara syrup, 4 dashes of aromatic bitters, and plopping in an orange peel for garnish.
For one final parallel with this pairing, the song itself is a rehash of an older song from Doechii’s “COVEN MUSIC SESSION” that gained new life thanks to TikTok virality. Similarly, the Old Fashioned is one of the original cocktails, and thanks to smoked, agave-based, and non-alcoholic alternatives, it’s enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among new audiences.
The Song: Kendrick Lamar & SZA – luther
Top Dawg Entertainment
The Drink: Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon
This isn’t a diss to anyone else, but Kendrick Lamar has had a grip on rap for the last year, and even in a relatively quiet year, that command hasn’t slipped. Case in point: the fact that this song spent an epic 46 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, with the majority of those weeks coming in 2025, even though it was released almost a year ago.
Success sure is sweet.
Speaking of success, Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon was recently crowned the “Best Overall Bourbon” at the New York World Spirits Competition. It owes its success to an impressively silky texture that carries a ton of great flavor despite its relatively low proof.
When paired with “luther,” it becomes easy to appreciate the subtle nuances in both, with a comparable smoothness that you’ll wish lasted much longer.
The Song: Lady Gaga – Abracadabra
Interscope
The Drink: Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 12-Year American Single Malt Whiskey
“Pay the toll to the angels drawing circles in the clouds…”
The opening lines to Lady Gaga’s smash hit “Abracadabra” immediately call to mind the way that mountains punctuate clouds with their peaks, drawing circles, if you will, as they extend to the heavens. What could be more fitting to pair with this song than the new Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 12-Year Whiskey? The whiskey, which won a Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year, is raising the bar for the American Single Malt Whiskey scene, which is turning the corner from nascent curiosity to an established category.
When it comes to the country’s best producers of the style, you should follow Mother Monster’s advice and “choose the road on the west side.” This Colorado distillery is doing it better than anyone else, and this delicious, more mature exemplar of the style is further proof.
The Song: Rosé & Bruno Mars – Apt.
Atlantic Recording Corporation
The Drink: Ki One Unicorn Edition Korean Single Malt Whisky
As you probably know by now, a popular Korean drinking game inspired this song, and its catchiness perfectly puts you in a playful mood to enjoy a smooth drink. Make way for Ki One’s Unicorn Edition Korean Single Malt Whisky.
While this one does go down pretty easily, with fruit-forward elements of orange peels and honeyed plums, Ki One isn’t playing any games; this is one seriously delicious drink. While I wouldn’t recommend taking shots, this whisky will definitely put you in a lighthearted mood that matches the tone of Rose & Bruno Mars’ single to a tee.
The Song: Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Island Records
The Drink: Glenglassaugh 12 Year Single Malt Whiskey
Sabrina Carpenter’s single is loaded with whimsy, wherein she cuts back at all the incompetent men who seem to find her for a light and playful pop record that’s both simple and sweet. Enter: Glenglassaugh’s 12-Year Single Malt Whiskey, which matches the song’s saccharine tone with a flavor profile that reflects its pre-teenage maturation with a bouquet of floral and fruity notes that are well-developed despite its youth.
Pairing the two has a yin and yang effect, with Sabrina Carpenter bemoaning the underdevelopment of absent-minded love prospects, while Glenglassaugh 12 Year excels beyond its age, delivering well-rounded flavors in a surprisingly spry and youthful Scotch whiskey.
For this pairing, opposites indeed attract.
Best Melodic Rap Performance Nominees
The Song: Fridayy & Meek Mill – Proud of Me
Def Jam
The Drink: Rhum Barbancourt 15-Year-Old Estate Reserve Rum
Fridayy has never been shy about representing his Haitian heritage; in fact, it’s the blend of his cultural background, his religious beliefs, and his Philadelphia upbringing that helps to amplify the passion in his voice and stir the musical melting pot that serves as his superpower.
For this pairing, it only makes sense to showcase Haiti’s world-class rum producer, Barbancourt, a name familiar to most on the island for its rich flavor and for prioritizing patience for refined results.
On “Proud Of Me,” Fridayy delivers an epic performance that’s only elevated by a career-defining verse by Meek Mill, who adds depth, palpable pain, and hard-earned wisdom to the deeply moving song.
Haitian rum is, sadly, at times, overlooked on the world stage, much like Philly artists are criminally underrated in the world of hip-hop and R&B. It’s hard to think of a better pairing, as both of these “Sound Sipping” elements are inspiring representations of where they’re from.
The Song: JID, Ty Dolla Sign & 6lack -Wholeheartedly
Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Dr. Joy Spence, is one of the most awarded master blenders in the entire world of rum, and one of her many crowning achievements is the annual production of the Hearts Collection. These rare, luxurious rums really cut to the heart of what makes the distillery’s output so special, showcasing single-barrel 100% pot-distilled Appleton Estate rum.
While the naming parallels help make this a smooth pairing, what really certifies this as a stellar sound-sipping experience is that the synchronicity between 6LACK’s haunting vocal performance, Ty Dolla $ign’s lighter, heartfelt crooning, and J.I.D.’s more pointed melodic rap verse mirrors the cohesion that makes the rum an unforgettable collaboration.
Created by Dr. Joy Spence and Luca Gargano, the Hearts Collection 1998 edition’s wonderfully rich texture is a decadent triumph.
For the second time around, we have to stick with something smooth because this song demands a rich, easygoing sipping complement. Eagle Rare 25 fits that description like a glove. Uproxx’s Best Whiskey of 2023 is in rare air, from both a price and quality standpoint, and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s record-shattering Grand National Tour certainly deserves a nearly unparalleled counterpart.
While the melodic “luther” features a blast from the past in the way of an intoxicating Luther Vandross sample, Eagle Rare 25 is a blast from the past, with the ornate bottle housing some of the oldest age-stated bourbon on the market. It’s a complex whiskey that defies the limitations of old age, with a surprisingly vibrant, lively texture that coats your palate with gobs of flavor.
The Seattle stop on Kendrick and SZA’s Grand National Tour broke the record for the highest-grossing hip hop concert, earning $14.811 million from 60,941 tickets sold, and Eagle Rare 25 is the highest-priced bourbon the acclaimed Buffalo Trace Distillery has ever released at $10,000 per bottle, with only 200 bottles produced for the initial release.
In both instances, it shows that “value” can only be built through expert craftsmanship, and both of these “Sound Sipping” elements are guaranteed to leave you highly entertained.
The Song: PartyNextDoor & Drake – Somebody Loves Me
When it comes to nights in Miami turning up another notch, tequila is the ideal choice, and one of the most awarded, readily available options is definitely the Tequila Ochos Plata expression. Something that makes this tequila special is that it works just as well as a sipper as it does in a mixed drink or as a shot. That versatility is key to enjoying it alongside Drake and PartyNextDoor’s somber embrace of the party life.
Turning up with a high-quality drink is much more fulfilling than the alternative. While so many others opt for tequila that’s full of b.s. (just like the woman mentioned in this song), it’s that yearning, that search for something better, that makes Tequila Ocho Plata the right choice here.
The Song: Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody – WeMaj
EMPIRE
The Drink: The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Mizunara Aged 25 Years
In a series of recent interviews, I uncovered Terrace Martin’s deep-seated love of Japanese whisky, specifically expressions from the House of Suntory. It makes sense for the virtuoso jazz man, as Japanese whisky is known for never sacrificing substance for smoothness —an ethos that reverberates throughout his musical practice.
When selecting among standouts from the House of Suntory’s Japanese whisky lineup, several expressions fit the bill, but few of them have the pull of The Yamazaki 25-Year Whisky, aged entirely in Mizunara oak. Mizunara is a native Japanese oak known to be particularly porous, making it difficult to utilize as a maturation cask because it requires constant attention. Similarly, this excellent track demands intense attention because, despite its deceptively easy-going tone, it has an incredible amount of pull of its own, drawing you deeper into the record with every passing second.
Thankfully, Terrace and the outstanding Kenyon Dixon have an album’s worth of songs that reach the same heights, like the House of Suntory, which also has hits from the Toki, Hibiki, and Hakushu brands. Adding Rapsody to this song, as with the rare Mizunara oak used in this whisky, makes the experience all the more special.
Best Rap Song Nominees
The Song: Clipse, John Legend, Voices of Fire, Pusha T & Malice – The Birds Don’t Sing
Clipse
The Drink: Rosebank 32-Year-Old Lowland Single Malt Scotch
The final edition from Rosebank’s Legacy series is culturally significant because it houses some of the last of the liquid produced at the original Rosebank Distillery, which was shuttered in 1991. Revived in 2023, Rosebank is rebuilding a legacy that was nearly lost to the sands of time, and this bottle is akin to a grain plucked from yesteryear —worth celebrating now and as the distillery expands into an unknown future.
I wrote about the soul-stirring power of what will perhaps be Clipse’s most enduring song, “The Birds Don’t Sing,” in the last edition of Sound Sipping. However, for this pairing, I wanted to complement the timelessness of this record with a long-lasting pour that will likewise leave you cherishing the impermanence of life.
What better way to give the brothers Thornton their roses?
The Song: Doechii – Anxiety
Top Dawg Entertainment
The Drink: Nowadays Limited Edition Low Dose Cranberry THC Beverage
Tackling anxiety, which is at the core of Doechii’s standout single, is a thorny issue, but more and more people are embracing that longstanding challenge in creative new ways. That’s why this pairing makes perfect sense. Nowadays, the award-winning brand that is leading the charge for alternative beverages, is no stranger to limited edition releases (which can, in themselves, cause anxiety in the form of FOMO), and this new Cranberry version is definitely worth seeking out.
Thanks to its low dosage and great flavor, this is a drink that both tickles the brain and sets your mind at ease. Pairing it with Doechii’s “Anxiety” will totally make the catchy single vibrate at a higher level.
Think of the opening chords on this menacing song like the crisp pop of a can. Both announce the triumphant return of the weekend (though I’m not mad if you want to enjoy a drink from Monday-Thursday), and once you hear the sound, you know it’s only up from there. Glorilla’s anthemic “TGIF” is full of boasts that amplify the timbre of her voice, just as the song amplified her star power in 2025.
In a similar vein, High Noon has been gaining steam all year as the rising tide of consumers embracing RTDs (“Ready to drink” cocktails) has pushed the brand to become more creative and raise its quality as competition increases in the space. After recently winning a Gold Medal at the New York World Spirits Competition, everyone should be on notice that High Noon, like Big Glo, is here to stay.
I highly recommend kicking off your weekend with this twosome.
The Song: Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay – TV Off
For the last year, and arguably much longer, Kendrick Lamar has been the gold standard of rap music. For this year’s Grammy nominations, Kendrick leads all rappers, tying only Lady Gaga for the most nominations overall. While “luther” is the more palatable song for mainstream radio playlists, the incendiary “TV Off” is equally deserving of some Grammy gold.
It’s hard to choose just one bottle to pair with this song, but Blanton’s Gold is a great choice. As the most well-rounded expression in the Blanton’s lineup, this rare, higher-proof Blanton’s Gold is a slightly more fiery expression that takes things to a whole new level.
Blanton’s is probably the American whiskey world’s most iconic bottle, and Kendrick’s instantly iconic “MUSTAAAARD!” exclamation as the song’s second half kicks off makes for winning combination.
The Song: Tyler the Creator Featuring Glorilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne – Sticky
This whiskey won “Scotch of the Year” at the Ascot Awards, and for good reason; it’s a deceptively potent flavor bomb that sticks with you long after the last sip. Similarly, Tyler the Creator’s chimeric “Sticky,” which features Glorilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, is an effective earworm that continues to show its staying power as one of the standouts from his impressive Chromakopia album. While the soundscape of the song morphs and expands to make room for several completely different styles of rap, it never loses the underlying thoughtful creativity that makes Tyler such a noteworthy artist to begin with.
What makes pairing this song with Ardbeg Eureka! work so well is that both the artist and the alcohol brand are highly regarded for embracing irreverence while hitting their fans with high-quality output. Whether you’re into smoky Scotch or not, there’s no denying that the deep layers of flavor in Ardbeg are a pleasure to explore. The same can be said for the attention-grabbing performances of all four rappers on this record.
No matter which name intrigues you the most, they all offer plenty of reasons to stick around and enjoy it all.
Ken Carson’s latest video appears to suffer from buffering issues, but that isn’t stopping him from having the time of his life in it. The Atlanta rapper apparently shot the “Margiela” video while on tour with his Opium cohort, but the buffering spinner that appears all over the clip was clearly added in post, a cheeky way of trolling fans into thinking their Wi-Fi speeds can’t keep up with Ken’s fast life.
“Margiela” is the latest of a string of new tracks Carson has released while on tour, which includes “Yes” and “Catastrophe.” Collectively, the tracks offer some insight into the collective’s ongoing popularity. Besides his association with Playboi Carti, Ken Carson has displayed impressive productivity, creating and releasing music and videos even while on tour.
The simplicity of the last few videos is clearly part of the appeal, as well; rather than blow a huge budget, Ken has simply grabbed his iPhone, shot footage, and thrown quick edits together, allowing him to keep up a steady stream of content for his fans. Destroy Lonely has similarly put out an impressive collection of material, contributing to the overall groundswell of support from fans that has Opium at the top of their game, even as an underground collective.
You can watch Ken Carson’s “Margiela” video above.
Summer Walker is Finally Over It, as her new album is finally available to stream and download. The Atlanta singer also released the video for “FMT,” which you can see above.
The song is a tender ballad, backed by acoustic guitars, in which a self-forgiving Walker realizes she just might not have the best taste in men. “F*ck my type,” she croons. “Why do I like him? He will never treat me right.”
The video for “FMT,” directed by Child., is inspired by African spiritualism, as Summer indulges in a ritual bath, assisted by elders. The imagery suggests symbolic rebirth, echoing the sentiments of the song’s lyrics — and the album’s overall theme.
Structured as a double album and presented with a tongue-in-cheek wedding theme, Finally Over It sees Summer take a long look at her romantic history and determine that she not only wants more, but deserves it. On Instagram, the singer explained her mindset as she recorded and prepared to release the album, saying, “I came out of my funk. I’m gonna live life to the fullest and get everything I deserve. It’s so freeing, and I can finally take the baggage off and just be happy.”
Watch Summer Walker’s “FMT” video above.
Finally Over It is out now via LVRN / Interscope. You can find more info here.
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