The Best New Hip-Hop This Week includes albums, videos, and songs from Flo Milli, Megan Thee Stallion, and Young Thug.

The Best New Hip-Hop This Week column returns after a very crowded April 18 release week that included standout releases from Mozzy, Westside Gunn, and Wiz Khalifa; apologies if you came around looking for a few words from yours truly, but I was on a long-overdue vacation.

But it’s back to regularly scheduled programming this week, with Megan Thee Stallion dropping her new single “Whenever“:

Young Thug regaining his stride with “Money On Money” featuring Future:

Flo Milli celebrating her baby’s birth with the T-Pain-assisted “Gripper“:

And Russ looking like a victim of his own success with “Pent Up In A Penthouse.”

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending April 25, 2025.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Bbymutha — Left4dead: The Triplets

The Chattanooga fixture has been as consistent as clockwork with her recent discography, dropping her latest collection of 13 tracks right on time. Brash, trash-talking trap sound should be welcome to fans of her Tennessee country folk like Three 6 Mafia, with swaggering lyrics focused on Brit’s unwavering self-esteem.

Bishop Nehru — Trapbap

Contrary to what its title might lead you to expect, the New York native’s latest calls to mind the loopy digital soul of Detroit’s finest, J Dilla, than either of the subgenres suggested. Fortunately, he sounds like he’s having a blast rhyming over the chunky, clunky, off-kilter kicks and distorted soul samples.

Ray Vaughn — The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu

Top Dawg’s long been a bastion of promising talent; after Doechii arrived with a bang last year, Ray Vaughn offers another captivating debut from the label’s post-Kendrick roster. Dollar Menu details Vaughn’s roughshod Long Beach upbringing with scarred introspection, unfettered bravado, and a clear-eyed artistic vision that portends great things for Ray’s future.

Tobi Lou — Baggy Weather

The Chi-town sunbeam returns with the follow-up to 2023’s Perish Blue in the form of the official version of that year’s EP, Baggy Weather (Mini Version). Showcasing another cool side effect of being independent, Tobi fleshes out the ideas from that year’s project with even more musicality, thoughtful expansions of those sketches with new lyrics, and of course, all-new tracks.

Wu-Tang & Mathematics — Black Samson The Bastard Swordsman

Math produces the latest project featuring the full Clan, a full-throated homage to the group’s best works (think 36 Chambers or “Triumph”). Despite the members’ old-school sensibilities, and the throwback leanings of Mathematics’ beat making, it never sounds crusty or staid — and besides, who doesn’t love a family reunion? Considering everything this group’s been through, it’s cool just to see them still willing to team up to put on a good, ol’ rap showcase.

Singles/Videos

Belly Gang Kushington — “U Need 2 Leave”

With representation from LVRN and a new project, The Streets Is Yours, out today, this Atlanta upstart is making a strong a case for being the hottest new rap voice from the city. Here’s the release day focus track, which presents a microcosm of his impactful rap style and subtly wicked sense of humor.

Logic — “It’s A Fee”

Anyone out there who thought Logic was joking about making “Playboi Carti-style” music is going to be disappointed to learn that he was not — even worse, he’s actually kind of good at it. The boom-bap hardliners may never recover.

Rich Brian — “Butterfly”

An anti-crush anthem, Rich Brian’s latest single features a frenetic beat that doesn’t sound like anything else out right now. The kid’s an innovator, for sure.

Watch out, Taylor Sheridan. Guy Ritchie and his latest crop of gangsters are moving in on the Paramount Plus screening crown, which debuted as the streaming service’s largest premiere day. MobLand‘s first season (and more has been heavily suggested) hasn’t quite reached the halfway point yet, and the audience is still growing week over week.

In other words, you are not alone if you are enjoying the open content faucet of hard-hitting Hardy (Havoc also debuts on Netflix this weekend), but there are necessary details for watching what happens next.

When Will MobLand Season 1 Episode 5 Come Out?

April 27. The fifth episode, entitled “Funeral for a Friend,” is being teased with this description: “Kevin and Harry assess scenarios in a search for insurance and an exit strategy; looking for a way back in, Brendan approaches Seraphina; left to their own devices, Bella and Jan commiserate; Richie makes a proposal; Maeve strikes.”

In MobLand, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren are transfixing as mob family heads with Hardy as fixer Harry Da Souza. And even with his current onscreen appearances flying, there’s always the temptation to ask whether the latter also has the Peaky Blinders movie in his future.

Well, Hardy knows that people want the answer to that question, and this week, The Bikeriders star made this face in response. Yikes. We should probably simply focus on Havoc and MobLand right now, thank you very much.

“I do music to open myself and those I love up to opportunities we wouldn’t otherwise have.”

SAILORR shared these words back with the release of her “Down Bad” single earlier this month. The Jacksonville, Florida native rose to R&B fame in what seemed like a matter of months, but in reality, as is the case most of the time, it was the result of a lifelong pursuit of her dreams. It began with her late-2024 record “Pookie’s Requiem,” a rugged and emotionally sprawling record — eventually remixed by Summer Walker — that captures the struggles of breaking free from bad habits. Inspired by Requiem For A Dream, SAILORR said, “I was like, ‘Damn, I really identify with this’ — just struggling with addiction, whether that be with sex, love, substances, whatever.” She added that the song was a “direct reflection of what I was struggling with at the time.”

The battles of life are often at center for SAILORR’s music. She fights through uncertainties and fears in love on “Cut Up” and wallows in the constant presence of an unfulfilling love on “Down Bad” and “W1LL U L13?” For her latest effort, “Sincerity,” SAILORR crafts a cinematic ballad that finds the silver lining in struggle. The young singer has paid the price amid the pursuit of her dreams, as well as the price of achieving them, but somewhere in that is resolve and TK that you did exactly what you said you would.

The new record is the latest single from her newly-announced debut album From Florida’s Finest. The 14-track effort is set to arrive on May 9 and make for a proper introduction for the Jacksonville singer’s promising career. “From Florida’s Finest highlights the importance of creativity and femininity while growing up with traditionally conservative expectations,” SAILORR said about the album. “It’s girlhood at its best.”

With From Florida’s Finest on the way and “Sincerity” out now, we placed SAILORR under the Uproxx Music 20 spotlight to learn more about her influences, inspirations, and aspirations. Scroll down to discover the best of SAILORR.

• Nino Paid Isn’t Afraid Of The Truth On The Chilling ‘Love Me As I Am’
• Jazlyn Martin’s Goodbye To An ‘Easy’ Love Is A Cinematic Masterpiece That Tugs At The Heart
• Simone Joy Jones Charms Through Love And Lust On The Exquisite ‘Magnet’
• Noah Guy Bares His Heart, Soul, And Everything In Between On ‘It Must Be Love’
• Mack Keane Is Back And So Much Better On ‘Entries’

What is your earliest memory of music?

Learning the choreo to random music videos on MTV with my cousins at every family function.

Who or what inspired you to take music seriously?

There was this one lady in particular that came into my job when I was bartending and she made me feel really small and insignificant because of how rude she was. That particular shift made me vow to keep making music until I never needed a paycheck from that job again.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?

Not well enough to say I play bass but yes bass. I want to learn how to play the theramin. Or a harp. Something with undeniable aura with insane optics so people think I’m cool.

What was your first job?

Working at a nail salon.

What is your most prized possession?

My notes app.

What is your biggest fear?

Falling asleep at the wheel.

Who is on your music Mt. Rushmore?

Erykah Badu, André 3000, James Fauntleroy, and Lauryn Hill.

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

Invent a machine that can upload knowledge and skills into my brain. Then I would upload the information it takes to master every skill I would ever want to learn into my body and enjoy that for awhile until I get over my own individualism and decide to change the world for the better, but first I’d definitely start with something selfishly simple like perfecting tamagoyaki.

What is the best song you’ve ever made?

“W1LL U L13?” and out of the ones I have yet to drop, maybe “GRRL’S GRRL.”

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

King Krule, Tyler, The Creator, Teezo Touchdown, HOMESHAKE or skaiwater.

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

The Studio because of how clever the writing and cinematography is.

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

Doechii is unapologetically herself and helps so many people feel seen. I love her humor and it definitely shines into her songwriting as well.

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

Blunt, breakfast, then brush your teeth in that order. No steps skipped and if you put the first two steps after the third, you must brush again.

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

“Past Life” by Tame Impala. I love that it makes me float and feel transcendent. I think the clipping on the mix scratches my brain in the best way possible.

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?

I’ve only ever performed in LA, but I’m excited to eventually play my hometown for the first time since I left.

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.

Fousheé, Yves Tumor, Jordan Ward, Clairo, and Veeze. I’m not sure where but it needs to be near a body of water. If I could shut down an island (not in a Fyre Festival kinda way) that would be the ideal location because I would need to hear all this music with a bunch of palm trees rustling around me.

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

Idk probably stuck in the fetal position somewhere in a dark corner of Florida. Maybe I would try my hand at sports betting and gamble my savings away. Maybe I’d wear a starchy, crispy suit in some real estate office. Maybe I’d be an anesthesiologist and get high off my own supply everyday at the hospital I work at. Thank God I have music.

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

I feel weird about time travel because I feel like the butterfly effect is real but if I had to I would just go 5 years in the past to remind my younger self to have grace for herself and to stay consistent.

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

Remember to stretch everyday and always block their number after you stop talking.

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

I hope I’m remembered for my writing and my versatility. I hope I’m remembered for having a vault of music and a face card that never declines.

From Florida’s Finest is out 5/9 via Bu Vision/10K Projects. Find out more information here.

Flo Milli confirmed her pregnancy in November after previously denying online rumors, and today, she confirmed her son’s birth with a charming photo of the newborn direct from the hospital on Instagram. In the caption, she wrote, “Yall bett not play bout yall internet nephew.”

In addition to revealing her baby’s birth today, Flo also shared a new single, “Gripper,” featuring T-Pain. It’s the Alamabama rapper’s first new single of the year, and most recent solo song since dropping the video for “Wet Dreams” back in September. It remains to be seen how any potential album rollout could be affected by the birth of Flo Milli’s baby, but she’s now just one of a slew of stars who’ve continued their careers after giving birth, including: Cardi B, Jhene Aiko, Monaleo, and Halle Bailey.

Flo’s a little over a year removed from the release of her second studio album, Fine Ho, Stay, fueled by the hit single, “Never Lose Me.” Since then, she dropped a remix featuring Cardi B, then appeared on a remix of Latto’s hit “Sunday Service” with Megan Thee Stallion. Flo and Meg teamed up again on Meg’single “Roc Steady.” With her immediate future spoken for, though, she’s got plenty of time to prepare for the epic comeback all of her prior work deserves.

Mike Flanagan and Stephen King cannot quit each other, and the horror world is better for it. For their next trick, however, we will not receive that The Dark Tower TV series (yet). Instead, Flanagan, helmer of The Shining sequel Doctor Sleep and Gerald’s Game adaptations, will deliver a non-horror entry and a mixed-genre, life-affirming story that exists in King’s If It Bleeds novella collection. Let’s dance our way into what to expect from The Life Of Chuck.

Plot

As Constant Readers know, Stephen King is the undisputed “King of Horror,” but several of his more revered tales do not shy away from bending genres. In that spirit, The Life Of Chuck will focus on three separate stories linked to tell the biography of the affecting Charles “Chuck” Krantz while aligning tonally with The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and Stand By Me.

Tom Hiddleston embodies Chuck within the film, which works backward to revisit eras of his life in what Flanagan initially described as “a tenacious little miracle of a movie from the start.” Cast member Matthew Lillard later added to this sentiment while revealing that Flanagan “packs a whole fistful of humanity in a little 5-minute scene and it’s work that I’m really proud of.” He added, “I think the movie is sort of what the world needs in a lot of ways right now.”

How did this project begin? The Midnight Mass showrunner read the If It Bleeds collection and immediately knew this about The Life Of Chuck: “If I could have a crack at this story, it might be the best movie I’ll ever make.” As Flanagan told Collider, he still believes that to be true, “And I felt that way while we were shooting it, too. I felt that way at the end of the first week. The dance was first, which is a confident way to start an independent film … [and] I knew that there was something magical happening. When that little movie ended, we got to make two more that made me feel exactly the same way.”

Did somebody say dancing? Oh yes. Flanagan dreams of having “viewers look at our world today and encourag[ing] them to sometimes put down the briefcase and let yourself dance. Whatever that means to you, whatever kind of expression joy dancing represents – painting, being with family, writing, being athletic, all these different ways that we can let our hearts out.”

Tom Hiddleston, who scored this “ordinary man” role due to a TikTok of him getting down, told Collider, “That’s how I let my heart out.” He likened the experience to running because “It’s just my own body and my own head because we’re so tethered to technology. We’re so attached to information and our phones and our computers and stuff. It’s just my own feet and my own heart and my own imagination just running in space.” And while dancing, the man can certainly move.

Cast

Hiddleston is Charles “Chuck” Krantz. Since Flanagan cannot resist his faves, Mark Hamill and Kate Siegel are also on hand. Who else? Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Jacob Tremblay, Matthew Lillard, Heather Langenkamp, Mia Sara, and It-Goth David Dastmalchian.

Release Date

NEON is releasing The Life Of Chuck into theaters on June 6.

Trailer

Watch it and prepare to weep. Also, another poster awaits below…

Festival season is in full bloom, and there’s no better spot to revel in the vibe than the sun-soaked paradise of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. With Coachella behind us and Stagecoach gearing up for the weekend, the desert is still buzzing with energy—and not just from the festivals themselves. All throughout April, the area transforms into a playground of music, fashion, art, and culture, thanks to an endless lineup of pop-ups, parties, and can’t-miss experiences.

In the lull between festival weekends, the scene is anything but quiet. Think pool parties at legendary hotels, underground DJ sets, bustling street fairs, and brand activations that blur the line between entertainment and immersive art. Whether you’re riding the high from Coachella or just rolling in for the country-tinged chaos of Stagecoach, there’s plenty happening beyond the main stages to keep the good times rolling.

One of the biggest highlights this weekend? Sparkling Sessions: a vibrant desert takeover hosted by Sparkling Ice and Uproxx. Designed to kick off the summer music season in style, this can’t-miss party will feature a live performance by Jessie Murph, top-tier DJ sets by Politik and Le Chev, and a curated crowd of tastemakers for an epic day-to-night experience that captures the spirit of the season. Check out the full details here.

We’ve put together a guide to the coolest happenings across the desert, everything from sun-drenched day parties to late-night hangs, plus a few ways to chill out when it’s finally time to rest. And when you’re ready to crash? We’ve got the lowdown on our favorite stays, whether you’re all about boutique hotels or low-key, luxurious Airbnbs for your post-party recharge.

WHERE TO PARTY

Rock Yard Concert Series

84245 Indio Springs Parkway | 7-11pm

The Rock Yard outdoor concert stage is an amphitheater-style area featuring two side-by-side stages holding audiences of passionate music fans. The Rock Yard runs from Spring to Fall and is always live, free, and outdoors. New beer and drink specials (often themed to the bands performing on stage) are offered weekly. Guests must be 18 and older to rock.

• Friday, April 25: Deepest Purple (Deep Purple Tribute) with Know Illusion
• Saturday, April 26: Bonfire (AC/DC Tribute) with Steel Rod

For additional information, click here.

Festival Weekend Poolside

Ace Hotel & Swim Club | 11am-7pm

Make the most of your festival experience and make Ace Hotel & Swim Club your home base. Throughout festival weekends, enhance your desert daze with our carefully curated sounds poolside — where they’ll have DJs, drinks & sun. Swim Club Pool events are open to hotel guests and day pass guests only.

• April 26th: Nam + more
• April 27th: Saint Gilo + more

For additional information, click here.

Desert Rodeo

Desert International Horse Park | 11am – 5pm

Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), DESERT RODEO is bringing the ultimate western experience to the desert on Friday, April 25th to Sunday, April 27th with world class cowboys such as 8x PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright and cowgirls like 4x WPRA World Champion Hailey Kinsel. Cowboy Channel + will also be livestreaming the daily performances, which will include 8 rodeo events such as Bull Riding and Barrel Racing.

Beyond the rodeo competition, DESERT RODEO is fusing a mix of iconic Western brands, including Wrangler, Boot Barn, and Stetson, alongside globally recognized names like Coca-Cola, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Código 1530 and Bud Light, the Official Beer Sponsor of Desert Rodeo. Innovative partners like Rivian also join the lineup, bringing a modern edge to the Western experience.

Open to all ages from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m, each rodeo performance will kick off at 1 p.m with a stirring delivery of the American flag by the Skydance SkyDiving Parachute Team followed by national anthem performances by country singer Lanie Gardner (April 25), singer/songwriter Genelle Seldon (April 26) and local singing duo, 12-year-old Audrey Lambert and 13-year-old Clarisse Pascoe (April 27).

DESERT RODEO will also incorporate community driven fundraising efforts each day to support the following organizations and their missions – Friday, April 25: California Fire Foundation, Saturday, April 26: County of Los Angeles Fire Department and Sunday, April 27: Golden Circle of Champions.

Friday’s festivities will feature a special appearance and meet-and-greet with the four farmers from FOX’s Farmer Wants a Wife, offering fans a chance to connect with the stars of the hit series: Matt Warren, John Sansone, Colton Hendricks and Jay Woods.

For additional information, click here.

Sparkling Sessions: The Desert

Von Dutch Ranch | 2-5 pm

Get ready, because Uproxx and Sparkling Ice are back and bigger than ever with Sparkling Sessions Season 2.0 on Saturday, April 26th.

Building on the success of previous ‘Sparkling Sessions’ events at major festivals – including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits – this latest installment promises an unforgettable experience just two miles from the Stagecoach Festival grounds. Part intimate concert series and part custom cocktail-infused dance party, the ‘Sparkling Sessions’ series has provided intimate fan experiences with artists such as Pink Sweat$, Teyana Taylor, Justine Skye, Zack Fox, THEBROSFRESH, and Dasha, bringing a shot of flavor and an undeniable energy to some of the biggest cultural celebrations.

The event is free to attend, but space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first-served basis. Guests must RSVP to secure their spot and receive location details.

For more information and RSVP for free, click here.

WHERE TO STAY

From poolside boutique hotels to retro-chic Airbnbs with desert mountain views, Palm Springs and the Indio Valley offer a wide range of stay options to match your vibe and budget. Want to be in the heart of the party scene? There are iconic hotels with on-site DJ sets and late-night lounges. Prefer something more low-key? Opt for a quiet desert oasis where you can recharge between sets under the stars.

Drift Palm Springs

This hotel has quickly become a Palm Springs staple and one of our favorites for a sexy escape. It’s stylish, boho, and feels impeccably fresh and clean. The pool scene is not chaotic but definitely features an array of Hollywood cool kids and plenty of mingling. The restaurant is an absolute highlight — with clever and elevated riffs on Mexican classics.

Perhaps one of the ultimate perks of this property is how solid and spacious it feels. Rather than feeling like you’re on top of other guests, the desert-minimalist rooms and soundproofed walls make your sanctuary feel private and quiet. Definitely the perfect property for anyone trying to balance the chaos of festivals with some deeply relaxing downtime. That philosophy is underscored by the numerous sound healings and yoga sessions available on site.

One big note: Our hotel review series always mentions “bed game” — well these beds are impeccable. The sheets are delicate and soft to the touch, with no harsh bleach smells. The pillows are soft and supple — you slowly ease into them when you lay your head down.

BOOK HERE FOR COACHELLA WEEKEND 2, STAGECOACH, OR MIDWEEK STAYS — $439/night

Onyx House

The Onyx House gets everything right. You walk into the place and immediately feel 20% cooler. Clearly, it was created by someone with good taste. But as great as the design and layout are, those aspects aren’t the property’s biggest perk. Here’s what hit me the hardest during a recent stay:

• Best Pool And Hot Tub Of Any Rental I’ve Ever Stayed In. This isn’t even up for debate. The pool gets up to 90 degrees (I didn’t figure this out until the morning I left, sadly) and the hot tub fits eight comfortably. Both are in-ground and incredibly sleek. They’re also both saltwater — meaning your skin doesn’t get dry and your eyes don’t water from excessive chlorine. Oh, and they have lighting systems for your night hangs!
• A Very Cool Gathering Space. The main living room of the Onyx house is actually separated from the bedrooms and kitchen by a hallway. There you’ll find a massive TV linked to all the streaming apps, a very comfy couch, and even barn doors to open the space up. Does it feature a bunch of cool art and rustic ceramics? You’d better believe it.
• A Yoga Platform. Every morning of my life, I wake up saying “I want to do breathwork! I want to do yoga!” But I almost never have time. I did both breathwork and yoga during my stay at the Onyx House because the space spoke to those sorts of pursuits but more importantly because I had room to practice them without distraction. The yoga platform is surrounded by desert and rocks and if you’re going to do some sun salutations I can’t think of a better place to do them than while watching the sun crest over the craggy hills.
• Nature All Around. The past few years have seen a land grab in “J-Tree” as LA folks with tons of style buy up properties on the cheap, remodel them, and give them cool names. But as much as everyone wants to lay claim to being an “oasis,” I’ve rarely seen a property that is truly built into the hills in this way. Whereas many trips to the desert include driving to trailheads, at the Onyx House we just walked straight up into the wilderness from the backyard. It was beautiful and made the home feel incredibly private.
• Big Hotel Energy. The Onyx House is not one of those “clean every dish, strip the beds, and mop the floors” type rentals that everyone (rightfully) hates. This property is refined and operates much more like a true hotel. Check-in was easy, check-out was easier, and the property was beautifully appointed. I didn’t feel like I was in someone’s bedroom — I felt like I was at a hotel. Except better because we were the only guests.

Price Per Night: $1165

BOOK HERE

JW Marriott Palm Desert

This is the perfect property for that friend who likes to do stuff. Like… a lot of stuff. And that’s why we love it so much. The features golf, tennis, pickle ball, a spa, an arcade… and not the “we’re just doing this to say we have it” version of those amenities either. These grounds are absolutely dialed. And immense — with multiple pools and on-site restaurants.

Seriously, look at this spot:

The rooms are well appointed and suites have sexy-as-hell tubs with a giant window out to the bed. Meaning that the sexiness rating of this hotel is very high. Especially when you take in all the opportunities for relaxation that are availible — from lounging poolside to spending a long day in the world class spa.

If you like a little room to move, tons of activities, and an oasis vibe, this is your spot. Folks needing to tap in with work will love the coworking space in the lobby!

BOOK HERE FOR COACHELLA WEEKEND 2, STAGECOACH, OR MIDWEEK STAYS — $413/night

Amaru Muru

This house is really… well, to be honest, it’s what people fantasize about when they plan a Joshua Tree weekend. It’s ultra clean, very minimalist, and almost impossibly sexy. A sister property to the Onyx House, this B&B is even more stylish (and spacious). You are plopped right in the middle of the desert with views in every direction. If you do decide to venture off property, coffee is close and Joshua Tree National Park is just a few miles away.

The highlights:

• Heated Saltwater Ozone Pool
• Saltwater Ozone Hot Tub
• Yoga and Ceremony Room with walls that can be fully pushed open.
• 3 Bedrooms plus a 2nd living space with a sofa bed.
• In-ceiling Sonos surround sound speakers throughout the house.

When I stayed, we ate under the stars every night and swam in the pool deep into the night. The property was created with immense care, and I can’t say enough about how deeply that translates into the design. Like the Onyx house, there’s almost no plastic in sight. It’s really a spectacular thing. Moreover, no expenses were spared. Sometimes you rent a really nice house and everything in it is the “rental version” (read: super cheap). But here everything is dialed.

Our highest recommendation for a sexy desert retreat.

 

Price Per Night: $500

BOOK HERE

WHERE TO DECOMPRESS

After the dust, the dancing, and the all-night sets, a little decompression is essential. Luckily, Palm Springs knows how to slow things down just as well as it knows how to party. Whether you’re nursing a post-festival haze or just craving a bit of peace and quiet, the desert offers plenty of mellow ways to recharge.

The Spa at Séc-he

As soon as you walk in The Spa at Séc-he, it’s clear that every aspect of the space was thought through in great detail. From the design elements honoring the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the circular layout of this massive wellness center, the unique, one-of-a-kind massage tables, the decor of the waiting rooms — everything has a story, a reason for being, and an in-depth explanation.

On top of that, Séc-he is truly an epicenter for all of your wellness needs. Not only do they offer every type of massage therapy you can imagine (the list is longer than the Cheesecake Factory menu), but with a “Taking of the Waters Day-Pass,” one can easily spend an entire day taking advantage of the spa’s many amenities and still walk away as relaxed as ever.

The pass allows access to some things that you’ve seen at most spas—access to a steam and sauna room, cold plunge, fitness center, pool, and hot tub access, relaxing common areas, and grooming amenities. But even these offerings are far from typical. The steam room has eucalyptus for promoting skin health and improving your respiratory wellness while acting as a natural stimulant to re-energize you. The sauna includes menthol inhalation, which is known to provide symptomatic relief for upper airway congestion and reduces capsaicin cough sensitivity. The showers are equipped with aromatherapy steam and vitamin C-infused water. The bright smell and feel of this water was so divine, I took three showers during my day visiting this spa.

Not for nothing, but if you want to see famous people at leisure during Coachella… this is the spot. That said, they’re here to relax — let them be.

To book a day pass and spa services, click here.

Reinvention is often considered the lubricant of genius. David Bowie, Prince, Madonna, Miles Davis – these are all icons whose longevity is partially attributed to an ability to pull a daring stylistic switcheroo on their audience. But that doesn’t mean we can’t show an appreciation for the art of consistency, and the stars who retain relevance across eras while maintaining a steadfast dedication to certain core tenets of their sound.

Take R&B’s laureate of Auto-Tune, the robo-soul Ray Charles, the man the sharpers and the strippers call Tallahassee Pain (long for T-Pain, of course). The rappa-ternt-sanga’s refusal to turn his back on the software he’s been so closely associated with since the mid-2000s is a glorious display of raw determination. It’s a marriage of man and machine that has survived expectations that Auto-Tune was a novelty fad that would quickly fade and inaccurate accusations by critics and other artists (Jay-Z, Usher) that it was utilized solely to mask a lack of talent. Through it all, T-Pain stayed true, stayed dignified, and his innovation and foresight have belatedly been recognized. But could he have also dominated another genre at the same time?

Last year, The Breakfast Club dug up some old interview clips that demonstrated T-Pain’s passion for what on the surface might appear to be a very different style of music: country. So strong is T-Pain’s connection to the genre, in fact, he revealed that during a two year stint living in Nashville he penned songs for genre stars Rhett Akins, Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, and even Taylor Swift. You just may not have heard about it because T-Pain preferred not to receive a credit for his work because of “the racism that comes after.”

That quote aligns with uncomfortable undertones that have plagued country music as high-profile Black artists have attempted to etch out a place in the culture. Lil Nas X saw his ubiquitous hit “Old Town Road” removed from Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list for supposedly being incompatible with the principles of the genre. Beyoncé declared her album Cowboy Carter to be inspired by “an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed” and was subsequently stonewalled by the Country Music Awards. (It’s worth noting that Bey has received some criticism from Black country artists.) In its reporting of the Lil Nas X story, NPR invoked the image of “Nashville gatekeepers,” conjuring images of a shady cabal ruling country music with an iron fist. Picture a squad of Augusta National Golf Club members but in ten-gallon hats instead of green jackets.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that T-Pain, who performs at country music showcase the Stagecoach Festival this weekend as part of its Late Night in Palomino line-up, has an affinity for the genre. He is, after all, a southern artist – from Florida, the state where the rancheros once preferred the term “Cracker Cowboys” – and with southern rap and country sharing a geography and heritage, they’ve often naturally aligned.

Miami’s booty bass music of the 1980s firmly established the potential for the south to forge a different sonic path than New York’s bohemian beatnik rap and Los Angeles’ steely gangsterisms. This would blossom into a deep sense of regional pride. In a direct challenge to the northern hip-hop haut monde, UGK’s Pimp C once declared, “This ain’t no motherfuckin’ hip-hop records, these country rap tunes.” Artists like Bubba Sparxxx penned verses about cold beers and John Deere in a manner that appeared tailored to young white Southern listeners who’d otherwise be drawn to raucous country rock. Artists seemingly from both sides of the country-rap divide have come together to collaborate: Lil’ Black and Willie Nelson, Nelly and Tim McGraw.

When Three 6 Mafia won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2006, they received a congratulations note from none other than fellow nominee and country music deity Dolly Parton, declaring, “We’re proud of you guys, and I’m just glad that the Oscar came back to Tennessee one way or another.”

T-Pain’s style has been more of a ringtone raconteur – sticky hooks, chromatic beats, slick drums. His voice has a coating so smooth and lustrous, it’s often assumed he’s got his Auto-Tune switched on even when he’s singing au naturale. But there’s always been evidence that country music has inspired T-Pain. It’s easy to forget that one of his earliest and most crucial hits, the now two-decade-old “I’m ‘n Luv (Wit a Stripper),” was built on a steel-string acoustic guitar hammer-ons. There are noticeable parallels with a common problems-themed tune like “Going Thru a Lot,” or the booze-soaked achy-breaky heartbreak hit “Bartender,” to classic country fare. Even the vocals themselves, as the singer has insisted, draw from the genre. “Country music is where I got all my harmonies,” T-Pain told The Breakfast Club, putting the genre on par with gospel among his influences.

Then there are his own cross-genre collaborations. Back in 2008, years before she tried to cross into pop on a highway of “sick beats,” Taylor Swift teamed up with T-Pain to help guide her through a short, daffy rap parody of “Love Story” called “Thug Story,” a song that features the future cultural behemoth hitting bars like, “I’m like eight foot four, blond hair to the floor/ You shorties never thought I dreamed about rapping hardcore.” And just this year, T-Pain joined Kesha on her single “Yippee-Ki-Yay,” an Instagram-friendly contemporary country pop track featuring the pop star singing about trailer parks and Miller Lite with the help of, as it happens, Auto-Tune, a fun fusion of T-Pain’s artistic impulses.

In a more direct expression of his love for country music, T-Pain has covered some famous hits. The churchly, stripped bare recording of “Tennessee Whiskey” impressed genre traditionalists, while his version of Gavin DeGraw’s 2003 hit “I Don’t Want To Be” brought forth the song’s natural Roadhouse vibe. And at Stagecoach last year, T-Pain made a guest appearance alongside rap-country fusion bigwig Jelly Roll for a crowd-pleasing performance of Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” His return to the festival this year represents another step into the country arena. Don’t be surprised if these tentative wanderings became a full-blown foray, with T-Pain speaking country grammar with perfect fluency.

Selena Gomez told her fiancée Benny Blanco she loved him first, and the Grammy-nominated producer’s recent romantic gesture shows why.

During the “Sunset Blvd” musician’s appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Blanco talked about his elaborate birthday festivities. Instead of celebrating himself, Blanco arranged a prom-style photoshoot for Gomez.

Yesterday (April 24), the producer took to Instagram to reveal the adorable images (find them here).

“My fiancée has never been to prom before,” he said. “So I asked her if we should take prom photos together at a mall. And she said yes! I even rented a limo for us!”

While the couple tried on their elaborate looks on at home, they slipped into something comfortable to make take the truck over to the photography studio. The clip then cuts to Blanco and Gomez sharply dressed on set. After working through more traditional poses, Blanco and Gomez let loose stepping into their silly personalities.

As a global celebrity, Gomez has done a lot of things most couldn’t even fathom. Still, Blanco found a way to cross something off of her wish list.

I Said I Love You First is out now via SMG Music/Friends Keep Secrets/Interscope Records. Find more information here.

Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe has not only paved the way for his wildly successful standalone shows but also launched a zillion imitators. Alright, that’s an exaggeration, but there have at least been several efforts by other streaming services to replicate that neo-Western success. From American Primeval to Ransom Canyon, there’s clearly an audience appetite for more, including from Sheridan himself.

The recent season finale of 1923 shattered a few hearts and paved the way for the next Yellowstone prequel, 1944. So even though there has been no word from Sheridan on that 6666 cowboy series, there will be more Dutton stories from the World War II era after a 20-year time jump. And we darn well know that part of the story will involve worrying over outside forces encroaching on the ranch because that’s how Sheridan rolls. But there are potentially more stories involving Spencer Dutton to be told, so maybe some head scratching is warranted on the following question.

Will There Be A 1923 Season 3 From Taylor Sheridan?

Nope. Variety reported that 1944 will carry that torch forth, and 1923 is done.

That doesn’t mean, however, that Spencer’s onscreen story is over. Granted, Sheridan hasn’t said jack on that subject, but Brandon Sklenar threw his cowboy hat into the ring to be aged-up for 1944. Even without Alex in the story, Sklenar informed Hollywood Reporter that he is down to experience “some gout, a little hunch and some salt and pepper” in order to keep that train going. He will even “gravel the voice up a bit,” for real.

Will Sheridan go there? The secret is probably locked up in his writing bunker right now. For now, we’ll have to wait for The Madison, which will take the Yellowstone saga forward.

Stagecoach, country’s premier music festival, is much more than just a Coachella cousin with twang. Sure, it takes place on the same stage grounds, the Empire Polo Club Fields, with the same dreamy desert backgrounds and iconic landmarks that make it’s sister fest so instantly recognizable, but that’s really where the similarities end. Silent discos are traded for cowboy corrals. Denim-covered trading posts and rhinestone saloons become the go-to hangout spots. Leather, cowhide, and suede are the #OOTD inspo, and Diplo hosts a honky-tonk. Stagecoach is a wild mix of music fans and genre artists, all converging on this desert oasis to enjoy good food, good times, and some damn good music. But whether you get to experience the eclectic lineup of rising country stars, hip-hop heavyweights, and EDM cool kids in person or online, you’ll need a game plan to make sure you don’t miss the weekend’s biggest moments.

Below is your roadmap to the best the festival has to offer, from performance set times for headliners like Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, Lana Del Rey, T-Pain, Nelly, and more to the best eats, under-the radar artists, and the watch info you’ll need if you want to experience the magic of Stagecoach from the comfort of your own home.

Stagecoach Lineup Set Times

After studying the festival’s lineup announcement, the question isn’t, “Who’s performing at Stagecoach?” it’s “Who’s not?” As a genre, country music has expanded over the last few years, welcoming collaborators and newcomers willing to expand the idea of what country is, and Stagecoach’s weekend schedule reflects that evolution without forgetting the genre’s roots. Here’s a full look at the performance schedule for Stagecoach 2025.

Under The Radar Stagecoach Artists

Experienced festivalgoers know that it’s not just the main stage acts that make the music-going experience worthwhile. Half the fun of spending an entire day sweating under the blazing sun in this dusty frying pan is discovering the new music and rising artists that make up Stagecoach’s smaller font offerings. We broke down a few of those on-the-brink acts here, names like Brent Cobb, Tiera Kennedy, Alana Springsteen, Carter Faith, and Waylon Wyatt who’ve already got Grammy nominations, Beyonce collabs, and Grand Ole Opry debuts under their belts but pay attention to names like Dasha and Kashus Culpepper too.

Best Stagecoach Food Spots

A good spread is essential to any respectable country throwdown, and this year, Stagecoach is placing an emphasis on comfort food. That means that, yes, there will be BBQ (and plenty of it.) Food Network star Guy Fieri is inviting some pit masters along for a smokehouse exhibition complete with musical guests, but hungry music fans can also scrounge up local So-Cal eats and Michelin-quality bites if they know where to look. We rounded up some of the tastiest options at Stagecoach this year (which you can find here).

Where Is Stagecoach?

Every year, Stagecoach makes good use of Coachella’s stomping grounds, turning the Empire Polo Club Fields in Indio, CA into the kind of elevated, modern-day hoedown worthy of the Gram. The festival’s website has all the info you’ll need to plan the long trek to the Coachella Valley, complete with shuttle times, carpool parking, campground need-to-knows, and more. Check it out here.

Where & How To Stream Stagecoach Live

For those not braving the crowds but still hoping to catch artists like Mumford & Sons live (the latest surprise act added to Stagecoach’s lineup), livestreaming the festival is now an option. Stagecoach has partnered with Amazon Music and Twitch to give fans the opportunity to take in all the action online, all weekend long. The festival’s even hosting live Watch Events in cities across the world. Head here to see if yours is on the list.