The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from City Girls, Lil Baby, and more.

Whew. What a week. The dormant music industry must have set a collective alarm clock for the third week in May to return because new releases came back with a vengeance. Sada Baby tapped into his techno roots with Big Sean on “Little While,” J. Cole continued his Off-Season rollout with the “Amari” video, Tobe Nwigwe released his new video for “Fye Fye,” Joyner Lucas recruited a few famous friends for his over-the-top “Zim Zimma” video, and Lil Tjay lent a lyrical assist to Lil Zay Osama on “Emotions.”

Friday saw the releases of videos for Polo G and Lil Wayne’s “Gang Gang,” Lil Baby’s “We Win” with Kirk Franklin, City Girls’ “Twerkulator,” and 42 Dugg’s “Maybach” featuring Future, along with the releases listed below.

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending May 21, 2021.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

42 Dugg — Free Dem Boyz

Emerging Detroit superstar owes about 10 percent of his success to a fortuitous meeting with Lil Baby, who signed him to 4PF, and the rest to his own gumption and gift for narrative, as illustrated on his debut album.

Benny the Butcher & 38 Spesh — Trust the Sopranos

On this joint tape, Benny takes the lead role as the established vet, lending some of his spotlight to Rochester’s longtime underground fixture 38 Spesh. This one is their third pairing, hence the coolly connected chemistry between the two, but their first since Benny blew up, lending a lot more attention to their efforts.

FCG Heem — Neighborhood Poetry

Fort Lauderdale, Florida rising star FCG Heem casually turns traumatic tales into lyrical gold on his debut album, which features NoCap, Pooh Shiesty, and Toosii.

Icewear Vezzo — Rich Off Pints

As Michigan’s burgeoning underground scene (is it drill? is it trap? is it grime?) takes over more of hip-hop’s coverage, Vezzo arrives with a new EP to take full advantage.

Mach-Hommy — Pray for Haiti

Mach-Hommy is the latest beneficiary of the increased scope and interest in battle rap and throwback New York traditionalism, as he drops a collection of bruising punchlines over beefy, soul-loop-and-breakbeat style instrumentals.

Patrick Paige II — If I Fail Are We Still Cool?

Patrick Paige II is probably best recognized as a member of LA hipster funk band The Internet (several members of which, including Syd and Steve Lacy, make appearances here), but on this new solo effort, he more than proves he can carry his own weight.

Sa-Roc — The Sharecropper’s Daughter (Deluxe Edition)

One of 2020’s most underrated projects gets an update featuring a previously unheard verse from the late MF DOOM, giving everyone who slept not just a second chance to check it out, but also more incentive to do so.

SpotEmGottem — Most Wanted

He’s best known as the artist behind viral favorite “Beat Box,” but this Jacksonville native has a lot more to say on his latest mixtape, which sounds like a cross between millennial Cash Money favorites and fellow Floridian Kodak Black.

YG & Mozzy — Kommunity Service

West up! YG and Mozzy, two longtime fixtures of the California gangsta rap scene (and beyond), team up to double their appeal, as YG returns the increasingly thoughtful Mozzy to his grimy roots while Mozzy inspires YG to heretofore unseen lyrical heights.

Young M.A — Off the Yak

Young M.A has quietly kept up an impressively consistent stream of beats-and-bars-focused single releases, which have culminated in her latest album release featuring Fivio Foreign and Rubi Rose.

Yung Baby Tate — After the Rain (Deluxe)

Tate’s Issa Rae-backed 2020 release gets an upgrade — one that fans have been eagerly awaiting for months — with six new songs and an increased focus on singing over rapping.

Singles/Videos

Paris Bryant — “Mad Mad”

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this youngster introduces himself with an A Boogie/Lil Tjay/TJ Porter-esque melodic flow that portends good things in the future — especially with Cinematic Records backing him.

P-Lo — “Going Off”

After assisting fellow Bay Area FilAm fixture Guapdad 4000 on 1176, P-Lo is back showing off on vacation in Tulum.

Sean Kingston — “Darkest Times” Feat. G Herbo

It’s been a while since the girls were so beautiful they made Sean Kingston want to off himself, but he’s back, realigned, and fully locked into the modern style of melodic semi-rapping that everyone seems to be using these days, which really works for him.

Skyzoo — “St. James Liquors” Feat. Aaria

New York traditionalist Skyzoo always satisfies.

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

The latest wave of protest and social awareness of the Civil Rights Movement in America had many readdressing the way they view policing and the safety of people of color in the country, and that included how we entertain ourselves. Shows like Cops and Live PD a were a main focal point of that discussion of police action as entertainment, and now one state seems poised to end filming police reality TV shows altogether after the death of a man in police custody while cameras were rolling.

Texas is reportedly on the verge of making shows like Live PD illegal to film in the Lone Star State following the 2019 death of a man in police custody which was filmed as part of a Live PD taping. The New York Times reported Friday about the measure, which recently passed the Texas legislature and awaits signature from governor Greg Abbott. The bill would ban the filming of police reality TV shows in the state, meaning trouble for the already-maligned Live PD and other reality shows focused on police action on civilians.

The bill, which the Legislature passed with bipartisan support on May 13, is named after Javier Ambler II, a 40-year-old father of two who died in 2019 after Williamson County officers forcibly arrested him in front of a “Live PD” camera crew.

Mr. Ambler’s sister, Kimberly Ambler-Jones, 39, said she believed that her brother would still be alive if the television crews had not been filming. “Because they had ‘Live PD’ there, it had to be hyped up,” she said. “It had to be drama.”

Ambler’s death was a mystery to his family for months, and footage of his arrest never made it to air. The Times story specifically called out Cops and Live PD as shows unable to film in Texas, noting others that detail animal control or other activities would get a pass. But the measure certainly represents a reevaluation of what is classified as entertainment, and the impact that filming police activity as entertainment can have on those being policed. Despite decades of success for Cops and similar shows, the people taken into custody on those shows are real, and the consequences of what’s filmed can, unfortunately, be as deadly as any other interaction with authorities.

You know the feeling when you visit someplace new and then start to wonder what it would be like to live there? To wake up each day in a place others only dream of visiting? I do this often. That’s how I ended up in Colorado. And, of course, I’m not the only one.

Colorado’s population has grown nearly 15% over the past 10 years, and it’s no secret why. Home to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is not just a paradise for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, but increasingly for urban exploration as well.

I moved to Denver nearly seven years ago and then to nearby Boulder a few years later. And unsurprisingly, I have not even once regretted my decision. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes take it for granted. That I didn’t sometimes forget that I live in a place other folks travel to for vacation.

And travel to Colorado you should. Because there is something so magical about visiting a new place. Especially coming out of the pandemic. The newness and opportunity for respite are turned up to 11. And Denver and Boulder could not be better equipped for a summer getaway.

I get asked constantly where to eat, drink, sleep, and explore in the Denver and Boulder area. So I narrowed my personal “local favorites” list down to some absolute musts. If you dig these options, make your plans ASAP. Because US travel is not just rebounding this summer, it’s set to be record-breaking.

PART I — Denver

Whether you fly or drive, you’ll want to spend a day or two exploring Denver before heading closer to the mountains. Denver is fast-growing and full of interesting food, drink, and culture. Here are my favorite spots!

Where to Eat:

I always take visitors to Avanti — a food hall with rotating culinary options and a rooftop view of the skyline that can’t be beat. Another great spot for a meal (and people watching) is Mercantile, Chef Alex Seidel’s new American eatery in the historic and beautifully restored Union Station.

Where to Drink:

Denver, like any city with an influx of young people, has an almost overwhelming amount of bar options. I am partial to the RiNo Art District and the bars along Larimer St. I usually pop into Infinite Monkey Theorem, an urban winery for drinks on the patio, then work my way down the street, stopping at Finn’s Manor and ending up at Meadowlark.

Where to Stay:

The Ramble Hotel is located in RiNo, has 50 stylish rooms, an outpost of the NYC cocktail bar Death & Co., and a Pan-Latin restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Dana Rodriguez.

The Crawford Hotel is another great option, located right in Union Station. The details are beautiful and you can’t beat the location.

Where to Explore:

The touristy parts of Denver are touristy for a reason — and you should definitely visit them. Red Rocks is of course top of this list. Concerts are back this summer, along with movies and yoga on the rocks. Or just go to the venue to explore and hike the grounds (bring lots of water!).

Spend the rest of your day exploring the Dairy Block, walking around Larimer Square, visiting my favorite Museum of Contemporary Art, renting a bike, and cruising down the Cherry Creek Path, before heading to Union Station and a Rockies Game.

PART II — Boulder

Drive (or bus or ride-share) less than 30 miles from Denver and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. Boulder is my current home, in the shadows of the famous Flatirons, it is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. I walk to bars and restaurants on trails through the foothills, bike to coffee in the mornings, and can step out of my house to climb a mountain that looks down over it — it truly has it all.

Even if you’re only in Colorado for a few days, I’d recommend spending a day or two of your trip experiencing my favorite town.

Where to Eat:

For a town of just over 100,000 people, Boulder has a thriving food scene. Rosetta Hall and Avanti’s Boulder outpost are both downtown food halls with what can only be described as epic rooftop views. Leaf Vegetarian is my personal favorite on East Pearl, with hearty vegetarian food and interesting drinks. Mountain Sun is a local favorite on Pearl St. — serving local brews and great food (but cash only).

Cosmos is the place to get pizza, Sherpa’s for Himalayan cuisine, and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse for a light lunch with historic vibes.

Where to Drink:

Boulder has long been known as an eclectic town, and the bar scene mirrors that. For an upscale experience with your gin and tonic, I always recommend Corrida. It is just off Pearl St. and has arguably the best view of the flatirons (and arguably the best g and t).

The Kitchen Upstairs has a cozier speakeasy vibe for late nights, and the No Name Bar is the hidden gem you hope to find on a trip.

During the summer months, I love to grab a glass of wine at Trident Booksellers — a coffee shop, bookstore and bar with a backyard patio that is chill enough to work or play.

Where to Sleep:

There are a few great options for lodging in Boulder. I always staycation at the St. Julien, an upscale but friendly hotel that is locally owned and is in the absolute best location in town. You can also rent cottages at Chautauqua, or stay at the Boulder Adventure Lodge.

Where to Explore:

Boulder is nestled right at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and has over 150 miles of hiking trails directly accessible from town. I can walk out my backdoor and be on a trail leading to the top of a mountain in mere minutes — one of the most amazing perks of life in Boulder.

The famous Boulder flatirons can be accessed through Chautauqua — a historic landmark. (Also home to an auditorium with an amazing summer concert series, Chautauqua Dining Hall and General Store. Try the ice cream)

My personal favorite (and slightly less crowded) hikes are around Mt. Sanitas, slightly north of downtown but still just as accessible and Eldorado Canyon State Park, just slightly south.

If you want to explore the town I’d head to Pearl St. Pedestrian Mall to shop and admire the amazing street performers. From there, meander along the Boulder Creek path which is central to downtown (and catch the farmers market on Saturday mornings). I love to walk around the Mapleton Hill Neighborhood just north of downtown and “The Hill” — just south of Pearl — the neighborhood adjacent to the University of Colorado — with all the eclectic food, drinks, and homes you would expect.

Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm and blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.

This week is highlighted by Sinead Harnett’s new album, Ready Is Always Too Late. The 11-track project is supported by features from Lucky Daye, Masego, Earthgang, and VanJess. Speaking of Lucky Daye, he’s also back this week with a pair of Spotify exclusive releases: a live version of “Floods” and a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).” Elsewhere in the mix, Masego dropped a deluxe reissue of his 2020 EP, retitled to Studying Abroad: Extended Stay, with five new tracks.

Sinead Harnett — Ready Is Always Too Late

Nearly two years removed from her debut album, Lessons In Love, British singer Sinead Harnett returns with her second full-length effort, Ready Is Always Too Late. The 11-track project is derived from a similar world that Snoh Aalegra creates her sound, but by staying true to herself and crafting her own style, Harnett’s album promotes moving on with love when it appears one’s time will be wasted. Through it all, listeners can also catch appearances from Lucky Daye, Masego, VanJess, and Earthgang’s Olu.

Lucky Daye — “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”

Just a few months removed from his third EP, Table For Two, Lucky Daye delivers another dose of excellence with a new cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).” The singer’s versatile talents make him a perfect fit for the track and he absolutely delivers on it. The cover arrives as a part of the latest installment in the Spotify Singles series, which also comes with a satisfying live performance of one of Lucky’s best tracks, “Floods.”

Masego — Studying Abroad: Extended Stay

Ever since he dropped his official debut album, Lady Lady, in 2018, an effort that arrived after years of great EPs and mixtapes, a second full-length effort has been deeply desired from Masego. While his latest may not be that exactly, his new Studying Abroad: Extended Stay project is the closest thing we’ll get to that for now. The multitalented singer extends his 2020 EP, Studying Abroad. The re-release also sees additional guest appearances from Shelea and TeaMarr.

Marzz — “Countless Times”

Joining a Keep Cool roster that already boasts names like Lucky Daye, VanJess, Freddie Gibbs, and Normani, 21-year-old Louisville singer Marzz is creating a space of her own on the talented record label. After impressing with singles that include “So Frequently” and “Cleopatra,” the latter of which features production from Timbaland, Marzz returns with a third track and an announcement. The singer will share her debut EP, Love Letterz, with the world next month and she delivers another taste of it with “Countless Times,” an emotional track and captures her displeasures with an inadequate lover.

Raheem DeVaughn & Apollo Brown — “I Still Love You”

In a world full of trapsoul-esque sounds, Raheen DeVaughn is a part of the cast of artists that want to keep things traditional. Ahead of his and Apollo Brown’s upcoming album, Lovesick, DeVaughn offers the latest preview of the project with “I Still Love You.” The track is soaked in a ’90s R&B sound that millennials wish was still around while being an excellent example of what the duo has to offer on the upcoming album.

Audrey Nuna — A Liquid Breakfast

Audrey Nuna may not be a name you’re too familiar with, but the New Jersey-bred singer is absolutely worth giving an ear to. At just 22 years old, she released her debut project A Liquid Breakfast. The 11-track effort carries guest appearances from Saba and Jack Harlow while delivering an array of sounds that lean in all directions, from traditional R&B to the electronic world.

Cautious Clay — “Wildfire”

Cautious Clay is just a little over a month away from the release of his debut album, Deadpan Love. After sharing a trio of singles that include “Karma & Friends” and “Wildfire,” the Cleveland native returns with a video for the latter. The introspective visual depicts the singer’s struggle with being “pulled in many directions” as he explained in a press release. “It can feel like a struggle to be fully seen, and there’s an anxiety around reinventing oneself to stay true to oneself,” he explained. “This video attempts to capture that collection of feelings—on display to the world, trying to put on the right face.”

Charlotte Day Wilson — “If I Could”

After years of sharing singles and EPs with the world, Charlotte Day Wilson is finally ready to deliver her debut album. Alpha is slated for a July 9 release and with the announcement comes her latest single, “If I Could.” The heart-aching track details an individual’s desire to protect a loved one from not only the dangers of the world but their inner demons as well.

Loony — “Either Side”

After striking magic with Mick Jenkins earlier this year, Loony continues the streak with her latest single, “Either Side.” Grabbing elements from gospel and soul, the singer boasts about wearing her heart on her sleeve no matter the outcome with someone. She admits that while failing in love is possible, holding back your best efforts with someone will only prevent you from experiencing the best with them.

Smoko Ono — “You Are” Feat. Corinne Bailey Rae and UMI

Known for producing alongside hip-hop acts that include Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa, Smoko Ono brings his talents to the R&B world with his latest drop. The Chicago producer calls on Corinne Bailey Rae and UMI for his latest track, “You Are.” The laid-back single is carried by moody electric guitar riffs — provided by Daniel Caesar — while the two singers’ vocals soar through the sky and provide a blissful and soulful experience for listeners.

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

Black Monday (Sunday, Showtime 9:55 p.m.) — Don Cheadle’s Mo Monroe (and his coke-snorting ways) return for the third season of this dark comedy executive-produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Mo is still up to no good, although he’s now a jazz producer, and Dawn’s still on the hook for masterminding the historical event known as, well, Black Monday.

The Chi (Sunday, Showtime 9:00 p.m.) — Emmett’s past comes back to haunt him, and a law enforcement run-in leaves several characters feeling off kilter while Kiesha has a major decision to make.

Flatbush Misdemeanors (Sunday, Showtime 10:25 p.m.) — This show debuts with a Flatbush, Brooklyn setting, where good friends Kevin and Dan are settling in while thriving, but Kevin messes it all up by angering a local drug dealer.

Ziwe (Sunday, Showtime 10:53 p.m.) — Ziwe Fumudoh’s former status as a Desus & Mero writer will be no shocker for anyone who catches her new variety series. This week, Ziwe reveals her desire to become New York City major after Bowen Yang and Patti Harrison drop by to chat about stockpiling wealth.

Here’s the best of this week’s streaming picks:

Army Of The Dead (Netflix film) — Zack Snyder’s pretty much the King of Streaming at the moment after Justice League scored big for HBO Max on the superhero front, and he’s spreading his love around over at Netflix while going back to his undead-loving roots. This zombie-heist movie follows a group of mercenaries who head into the Las Vegas quarantine zone to pull off the ultimate heist. Watch out for those intelligent zombies, through, and an undead tiger. Fortunately, Dave Bautista is aided by hot Tig Notaro (who replaced Chris D’Elia) — both good reasons to root for humanity.

Master of None: Season 3 (Netflix series) — It’s been (four) years since we’ve seen Aziz Ansari’s brainchild do its thing, and that’s not even (officially, at least) down to the pandemic. Ansari’s been largely out of the public eye following sexual misconduct allegations, although he did emerge a few years ago for an insightful comedy special that goes a long way to show that gazing inward, and this new batch of episodes proves it. Aziz takes a step behind the camera to direct in a season that he cowrote with the Emmy-winning Lena Waithe, whose character moves to the forefront.

Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. (Hulu series) — Patton Oswalt’s indisputable knack for voice work recently managed to shock The Boys audience (that’s what happens when you “cameo” as a set of gills for the lead pervert character), and now he’s the leading man in a very adult-oriented animated series. Here, Oswalt’s portraying an egomaniacal supervillain (with a massive, unwieldy noggin) who’s struggling to balance his day job as a bad dude with family life (it happens, even to the most evil among us!). In the process, he’s gotta deal with a certain busybody named Tony Stark/Iron Man, who’s voiced by freaking Jon Hamm. Expect to hear Bill Hader, Whoopi Goldberg, Ben Schwartz, and Nathan Fillion all join the chorus as everyone on this show seems to want to push a bad man down.

And back to the scheduled programming here:

Pride (Friday, FX 9:00 & 10:00 p.m.) — This week, the 1990s Culture Wars spotlight the years following Bill Clinton’s election, and the 2000s Y2Gay years welcome the new age of queer visibility in the mainstream culture.

Pause With Sam Jay (Friday, HBO 9:00 p.m.) — The Emmy-nominated SNL writer aims to revamp the late-night talk show format with each episode taking place at Sam’s apartment, where she’s throwing a party. Get ready for some feisty conversations and, hopefully, a sense of understanding between those who hold different perspectives on cultural issues.

A Black Lady Sketch Show (Friday, HBO 11:00 p.m.) — The fast-paced, quick-witted narrative series returns with loads of celebrity guests, but of course, the sketches all happen by the grace of the core cast, including Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, and Gabrielle Dennis with Issa Rae executive producing,

SNL (Saturday, NBC 10:30 p.m.) — Anya Taylor Joy (who will definitely be better than Elon Musk) hosts with musical guest Nas by her side.

Fear the Walking Dead (Sunday, AMC 9:00 p.m.) — Weeks after the show brilliantly subverted Negan’s storyline, Teddy holds Alicia prisoner, although she reunites with familiar faces and begins to plot an escape.

2021 Billboard Music Awards (Sunday, NBC 8:00 p.m.) — Nick Jonas hosts to celebrate this (difficult) year’s greatest musical achievements amid performances by The Weeknd, Pink, Alicia Keys, BTS, Doja Cat, SZA, AJR, Bad Bunny and Karol G, DJ Khaled featuring H.E.R. and Migos, and more.

In Treatment (Sunday, HBO 9:00 p.m.) — Season 4 kicks off with Brooke reestablishing boundaries as Eladio’s therapist before Colin arrives for his court-mandated sessions, for which he’s awfully evasive while claiming to love therapy.

Mare Of Easttown (Sunday, HBO 10:00 p.m.) — Kate Winslet returns not only to TV but to HBO as a hard-vaping detective in a small town where she both portrays and elevates the “complicated” cop trope. This week, the Evan Peters-centered events leave Mare reeling, although Chief Carter gives her a second chance to reexamine old suspects.

Last Week Tonight (Sunday, HBO 10:00 p.m.) — Please, let John Oliver tackle Ted Cruz again.

Here are some more fresh streaming picks:

Hacks (HBO Max series premiere) — Jean Smart’s not-so-quiet domination of recent prestige TV shows (Fargo, Watchmen, Mare of Easttown, Legion) and other popular shows of late (Big Mouth, Dirty John) has finally culminated with this leading-lady turn in a role she was arguably meant to play. Hacks hails from executive producer Michael Schur and has three Broad City alums in the writers’ room, so get ready for a (Las Vegas) buffet of complex female characters. Smart portrays a legendary comedian who forges a “dark mentorship” to a 20-something newcomer in town. Don’t miss this one.

Solos (Amazon Prime limited series) — This dramatic anthology series, which hails from David Weil (who also created Hunters), aims to explore the power of human connection while gazing through the eyes of seven individuals, who embody their own stories. The series stars Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren, Uzo Aduba, Nicole Beharie, Anthony Mackie, Dan Stevens, and Constance Wu, and expect to witness stories that will illuminate the human experience, even during times of isolation.

The Me You Can’t See (Apple TV+ series) — On the heels of *that* interview, Prince Harry and Oprah are teaming up as co-creators and executive producers of this series that will dig into stories that revolve around mental health and emotional well-being. Expect a variety of guests, including Lady Gaga, the NBA’s DeMar DeRozan and Langston Galloway, plus a popular chef, and more.

1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (Apple TV series) — This docuseries dives into a year that was overstuffed with musical innovation and a sense of rebirth, all of which was fueled by cultural and political upheaval. Artists obliterated boundaries and stars reached higher than they’d ever done before this fateful moment.

Trying: Season 2 (Apple TV+ series) — Esther Smith and Rafe Spall return as a married couple who are painstakingly wading through the adoption process after learning that they’re unable to conceive a biological child. That particular angle on parenthood isn’t frequently tackled on TV, but as the couple moves past conquering the almighty adoption panel, they’ve got even harder work ahead of them. This show’s already landed a Season 3 renewal, so there’s an ultimate plan out there for this couple.

After nearly 12 years with Blizzard, Overwatch‘s lead character artist, Renaud Galand, has left the company. Galand took to Instagram to share the big news, uploading a photo of his Blizzard ID badge with a caption expressing gratitude to his former team and explaining his departure. Galand said that while working on Overwatch was one of the best experiences of his life, he is ready to “embark on a new exciting adventure.”

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A post shared by Renaud Galand (@renaudgaland)

This news comes the day after the Overwatch team hosted their “What’s Next” livestream showcasing all the changes coming to the series in Overwatch, which include major overhauls for PvP modes, new maps, new abilities, and new hero looks, several of which Galand designed. While some fans have already expressed concern over his departure — especially following Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan’s leave earlier this year — Galand’s departure has seemingly not hindered his excitement for the upcoming title.

“I can’t wait to play Overwatch 2 when it comes out and discover, as a fan, all the amazing things the team put SO MUCH work and love into,” Galand wrote. “You guys are amazing, and the world just isn’t ready for what will become THE game they will play for years to come.”

Only time will tell how all these shake-ups impact the explosively popular 2016 game’s sequel, which has yet to receive a release window but seems likely to be a 2022 title.

If you’ve read anything about early nineties action star Steven Seagal, you know that he’s either the most fascinating man in the world or one of the world’s biggest liars, or possibly the former by virtue of the latter. The honorary citizen of Serbia and friend to Vladimir Putin has made headlines recently for putting his bulletproof Arizona mansion on the market. Which would certainly match his specially made, bulletproof kimono. Bulletproof stuff is to Steven Seagal what leopard print is to your kooky aunt.

It turns out there may be a good reason for that. According to ER actress Julianna Margulies, Seagal, who has moonlighted as a police officer and once destroyed the house of a suspected cock-fighter with a tank, is so careless with firearms that she once found one in his sofa cushions.

Margulies described the incident on the Drew Barrymore show this week, which she says occurred during one of the many creepy one-on-one auditions with Seagal that actresses have alleged over the years. She described meeting the sleepy actor in 1991, during an audition for Out For Justice (that’s the one in which Seagal plays Gino Felino, featuring the admittedly awesome action scene in which Felino dispatches numerous henchman with a pool ball stuffed into a bar towel while trying to find out why Richie did Bobby Lupo).

From The Independent:

Despite being told that the casting director would be in the room with her and Seagal, Margulies said she arrived to discover the casting director was absent.

When she arrived, she discovered that it was just Seagal in the room, and the pair began discussing a scene in the film.

“It was a frightening moment,” Margulies said. “He asked me to sit on this couch and underneath this cushion… I jumped up, there was something hard [beneath the cushion], and he pulled out a gun. And he said, ‘Oh, I must have left my gun there.’”

“Oh, was that my gun under there? Pardon me, I’m so clumsy!” It sounds very much like Steven Seagal was an early proponent of the D.E.N.N.I.S. system from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. “You know, they can’t refuse, because of the implication.”

Though it doesn’t seem to have worked out that way for Seagal this time. Instead, he simply invited Margulies into his bedroom where he read her palm and told her about her organs.

“He put the gun down so I was calming down a little bit and he read my palm and told me that he was a healer and told me I had weak kidneys,” she said. “And I thought, ‘Is this the shtick that works on women?’”

After that, Margulies says, she left. In any case, it’s clear that this is a man containing arguably unprecedented multitudes. Steven Seagal: aikido master, possible descendant of a 17th century Buddhist monk, and, it seems, one of history’s most skilled ladies men. Not many pick-up artists are bold enough to use palm science to neg their date’s kidneys. But say what you will of Steven Seagal, he’s nothing if not a man of bold moves. Not fast moves necessarily, but bold ones.

What a wonderful world.

It took Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page all of one season to become one of TV’s best tall drinks of water, along with Alexander Skarsgård on True Blood, Cousin Greg on Succession, and Elizabeth Debicki whenever The Great Gatsby is on TBS. But unfortunately, the actor won’t be back for season two of the wildly popular Netflix series.

“It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end — give us a year,” he told Variety about his decision to not return. “[I thought], ‘That’s interesting,’ because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.” Unlike the rest of the internet, Page’s exit did not catch his co-star and the Duchess to his Duke, actress Phoebe Dynevor, by surprise.

“I had a bit of a heads up, so I knew, but yeah, I guess it is a spanner,” she said on the Awards Circuit podcast. “But again, the show centers around the Bridgertons and there are eight books. I think maybe the fans of the books were more aware of that happening than the fans of the show. I think fans of the books know that every episode is about a different sibling. And we’re very much passing the baton to the lovely [Jonathan Bailey], who plays Anthony.” Dynevor says it’s “sad” to see Page leave, but she’s “looking forward to being reunited with my family.”

Now Page is free to join his fellow tall hunks on Succession.

(Via Variety)

After a three year investigation resulted in charges of multiple counts of rape for That 70s Show and The Ranch star Danny Masterson, the actor has been ordered to stand trial following a preliminary hearing this week that included testimony from his alleged victims. The testimonies along with evidence provided by prosecutors was enough for the judge to rule that Masterson’s case will move forward next month. Via Variety:

The Associated Press reported that one of the women, identified as Jen B., told the court that Masterson had carried her upstairs after she became woozy at his house in April 2003. She testified that she threw up, and Masterson put her in the shower to clean her off, according to the A.P. Afterward. She alleged that Masterson raped her, and then threatened her with a gun, the A.P. reported.

The two other women testified on Wednesday that Masterson sexually assaulted them in November 2001 and late 2003. The case has been a lightning rod for the Church of Scientology, which has also been accused of covering up the allegations to protect Masterson as well as the church’s reputation. His accusers have filed a separate lawsuit accusing Masterson and the church of stalking them in an effort to intimidate them into dropping their claims against the actor.

Former Scientologist Leah Remini has been a fierce advocate for the alleged victims, and following Masterson’s charges, she offered a warning to the church’s current leadership. “Finally, victims are being heard when it comes to Scientology! Praise the lord!” Remini tweeted. “This is just the beginning Scientology, your days of getting away with it is coming to an end! #justice #scientologytheaftermath”

(Via Variety)

As the world watches longstanding tensions between Israel and Palestine escalate into violence once again, it’s good to be reminded that political conflicts are not a reflection of how average human beings feel about one another. Even when violent attacks take place among civilians, even when hate crimes happen, even when some people express their prejudices loudly and passionately, there are plenty of examples of people on opposite sides of those conflicts—people that the world views as enemies—who join hands to say, “This is not who or what we are to one another.”

Case in point: This inspiring show of solidarity between Arab and Jewish medical staff at Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel.

The city of Haifa itself has been viewed as a model of peaceful coexistence between people of various faiths and backgrounds, its religiously and ethnically diverse population avoiding most of the violence seen in other large Israeli cities over the years. Living up to that reputation, in recent weeks, Jewish medical staff at Rambam Medical Center have taken extra shifts to give their Muslim coworkers time off for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, and Arab staff have done the same for their Jewish coworkers to give them time off during Shavuot.

On May 12, as violence escalated, Rambam’s medical teams shared photos of Arab and Jewish medical personnel standing arm in arm with signs of peace and coexistence written in Arabic and Hebrew on Facebook.

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“Three turbulent days and the escalation in Israel’s security situation has led Rambam Health Care Campus employees to send an important message to the general public – we are together,” the post states. “The medical staff, nursing staff and employees from other sectors across the hospital are united in these difficult days under the umbrella of peace, coexistence, unity, and solidarity, and many of them chose to take part in a campaign showing colleagues and friends from different religions working side by side to provide the best possible healthcare. These individuals were photographed together, carrying signs of peace and seeking to convey this important message.”

The post also included the text of a letter sent to employees from the hospital’s director, Michael Halberthal:

“Dear Rambam Employees,

We are all witnessing the recent events in the country, which are characterized by great tension and violence.

Rambam is a hospital where members of all denominations and religions from all walks of life, work side by side. We are all united around only one goal – to help our patients recover and make their hospitalizations easier.

Each of us holds diverse personal opinions and worldviews, but all of these are irrelevant to our shared mission in the hospital.

I hope and believe that Rambam, as a family with differences, will remain an island of sanity within the uneasy reality around us, standing together as we have done during all of the difficult trials we have experienced in recent years.

Therefore, when we, the employees from all the different sectors, enter the hospital and put on our work clothes, we leave the turbulent world behind us and concentrate on our shared goals.

We have built a special “home” here, one that we nurture as a place of harmony and inclusivity. One of which I am personally proud to be a part. Let us keep it going together.”

The staff took that message to heart and organized a “solidarity rally” with dozens of Arab and Jewish doctors, nurses, and para-medical staff gathering together under the slogan, “Jews and Arabs refuse to be enemies.”

“We work side by side in the departments and the operating rooms,” the doctors who organized the rally said. “We are one big family, and this is our message.”

There’s no doubt that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over land rights and political recognition is complicated. When you have a centuries-long quagmire of power, oppression, religious prejudices, historical injustices, and more, violence is a natural—though not inevitable—result. While people around the world may feel compelled to protest or support one side or the other for reasons they feel are totally justified, it’s heartening to see people on the ground, who live and work with one another, rejecting the idea that they are enemies and embracing one another as fellow human beings sharing a common goal.

The vast majority of people simply want to live in peace. Thank you, staff of Rambam Health Care, for reminding the world of that truth so beautifully.