Category: Viral

The fallout from Kanye West’s failed Presidential campaign simply refuses to settle. Not only was it cited as a big potential reason behind his divorce from Kim Kardashian but now, it seems his marriage to her is the reason behind some of his paperwork being rejected by federal campaign overseers. According to Business Insider, the Office of Government Ethics has rejected Kanye’s financial disclosure forms, as Kanye did not include Kim’s income and assets on the forms, citing a rare exemption in state law that officials found suspicious.

The law, which allows candidates to forego disclosing a spouse’s income if they have no knowledge of the income stream and do not expect to derive financial benefit from it, could hardly apply to Kanye, according to an insider at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Jordan Libowitz, CREW’s communications director, explained, It’s not just that he did not report it, but that he used an exemption, and a fairly rare one, to reporting. It said among things, that he had no knowledge of what her assets were or where her income came from. And that seems a little tough to believe.”

Remember, Forbes regularly reports on the entire Kardashian family’s financial successes often, including when both Kanye and Kim officially surpassed the billionaire mark (separately). Although the two did have a prenuptial agreement, which is making their divorce easier, apparently, government officials deemed it too much of a stretch to think that Kim’s income wasn’t at least partially tied to Kanye’s (to the point that Kanye’s $53 million debt turnaround in 2016 was subject to speculation that he received a “bailout” of sorts from Kim).

While the discrepancy is unlikely to result in prosecution, Kanye’s campaign was already fraught with numerous ethics and regulatory issues that make it another red flag for investigators looking into his campaign. As of now, it looks like he did spend his own money funding it — around $3 million just collecting signatures and over $6 million overall — but it looks like his last-minute, haphazard practices have continued causing him headaches long after his embarassing loss.

Six years ago I decided to drive to the Grand Canyon solo. I was 29 and had never really solo traveled, never camped alone, and didn’t know much (at all) about national parks or what I was getting myself into. I just wanted to go. So I went. I spent a week on the road and in the canyon. I was learning by doing, making a lot of mistakes, and mostly learning how much I had to learn.

Despite some hiccups, it was the most exhilarating week I’d ever experienced. I saw so much incredible beauty and learned so much about myself, about my own capabilities, about others, and about the land. So I just kept traveling solo, mostly to the major U.S. national parks. And now after visiting 52 of the 63 parks solo, I can say that I have learned more lessons than I ever imagined. I’m still learning, of course. But it’s all more intuitive now: What to do, when to do it, how to enjoy the whole experience.

I want to share some of those hard-won lessons with you. After a year of incredible uncertainty and grief, things are finally starting to feel almost — dare I say — normal in some parts of the U.S. Things are opening back up thanks to vaccinations becoming fairly widespread across the country. The common question amongst my friends the last couple of weeks is, “Where can I road trip?” Or, “What National Park can I visit?” And then the technical questions start: “What do I need to know? Where do I stay? What secrets do you have?” Luckily, I have answers to all of those kinds of questions.

So to celebrate National Parks Week, here are a few things I think you should keep in mind while beginning to plan your national park vacation this summer.

1. You need to plan ahead!

The Tip:

I have had a bit of a habit the last few years of just getting into the car and starting to drive without a particular plan or destination. And while in the past this has led me on some incredible adventures, I just don’t think this is the summer to risk it.

A lot has changed this past year (to say the least), and one of those things is reservation systems. So while I am ecstatic that I can make a reservation at the DMV to renew my license in just 15 minutes, reservations aren’t quite as an overwhelmingly positive experience at national parks and campgrounds.

Every year, I visit Grand Teton National Park at least once. I always roll in on my own schedule, and every year I have been happy to find a spot for a few nights at one of the beautiful campgrounds in the park. I assumed I could follow the same pattern this year. To my surprise, while looking at the park website last week, I saw that campgrounds are now nearly all reservations only! And — of course — most of those reservations are already accounted for.

So I rushed to find some workable days to reserve, and then after my confirmation email came through I rushed to tell everyone I know to do the same.

With some people utilizing their flexible schedules to remote work from anywhere this year, there also seems to be a short supply of Airbnbs and hotels in many of the areas around the parks. So even if you don’t camp, you will need to find lodging ASAP — like, when you finish reading this article ASAP. And then also be sure to check that you can even get into the park itself on the days you have planned to be there. Some parks — like Yosemite, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Zion — are utilizing reservation systems this summer just to enter the park.

Bottom Line:

Plan ahead. It’s worth the hassle on the front end, undoubtedly, to save yourself from disappointment later.

2. Have A Back-Up Plan

The Tip:

A couple of years ago, I flew to Virginia to visit Shenandoah National Park. I picked up my rental car, set my GPS to my destination, and drove off towards what I was sure would be a great adventure. And it was — just not in the way I expected. Before I reached my destination, I unexpectedly reached a closed road sign. “Turn around,” it said. So I turned around, not yet too concerned. I didn’t have cell service but assumed finding the park would be intuitive. It’s a huge national park. Of course, I will be able to figure out how to get inside … I thought.

I was wrong. By the time I drove all around the park and finally found a ranger station, I found out that the entirety of the road that goes from one end of the park to the other was closed due to downed trees. There was an ice storm in the days before, and I hadn’t even considered looking to see if the roads would be open.

This isn’t the first or last time that has happened to me. I’ve had to maneuver around many road and attraction closures through my park visits. Nature is wild, and things change quickly.

Bottom line:

Now, I take the time to update myself on road conditions, weather, and closures. But even more importantly, I have a backup plan. After the ill-fated trip to Shenandoah, I looked on the map and found a beautiful Ashram to visit nearby. The grounds were gorgeous and in the end, I was happy to have been detoured. I only wish I would have known sooner. So again, plan ahead, but also have a plan B.

3. Try To Find Moments Of Solitude

The Tip:

The common refrain I see online lately is that the parks are “being loved to death.” There’s a lot of chatter that all the parks are overcrowded and that everyone is taking selfies and hogging the trails and parking spots. And, to be fair, that is sometimes true. There are a handful of parks that are very crowded for a few months each year. There are iconic locations within each park that are also almost always crowded. So how do you find a moment of solitude? Or even just a photo without a bunch of influencers behind you?

It seems so simple, but it all comes down to timing. If you want to get a cool photo in a heavily trafficked area, you have to get up early. Very early. Then stake out your spot and get yourself those new profile pics. Later in the day is also sometimes a better bet, but I’ve found that locations are usually more crowded around sunset than sunrise. At dawn, you’ll usually only find yourself with other photographers. So you’re still able to experience some peace.

Want to be surrounded only by the sounds of nature on your hike? Then you might need to scroll down a bit on AllTrails and get out on some of the less-trafficked trails. Popular trails are popular for a reason: They’re beautiful, unique, and iconic. But they are also crowded. So if the classic well-known view isn’t your priority, look to some of the lesser-known.

Bottom Line:

When I visit a new park, I’ll often make a beeline for the gift shop or general store if there is one. I find a seasonal employee and ask them where they go on their day off. They often have the best trail recommendations that are away from the crowds and feel like a special treat.

But remember, some trails in some parks are going to be crowded. If you want the iconic view, get up early. Otherwise, ask around for some hidden gems.

4. Take Photos Of Yourself When You’re By Yourself

The Tip:

Parks are a great opportunity to go a little off-grid, experience some solitude, and forget about the pressures of everyday life. But you also might want to get some cool photos to remember your trip. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

The question I am asked the most is, “How do you take photos of yourself when you’re by yourself? Do you have a secret boyfriend/photographer/drone that follows you around?” And the answer to all 3 is, unfortunately, no. I just have a tripod and an iPhone camera timer. It’s really that simple. If you want to get a little fancier, you can connect a smartwatch with your phone to release the shutter from afar. Do some unapologetic modeling poses and snap away. No partner/photographer/drone needed. Just a little confidence.

Bottom Line:

Take photos! Even if you’re alone. You’ll love sharing and looking back on them.

Welcome to our weekly streetwear apparel roundup — a little late this time around (sorry ’bout that). At this point, with all the great drops coming from our favorite brands, we’re not sure if it’s the changing of the seasons that are warming up the weather or all the heat coming from labels like NOAH, UNION LA, Supreme, KITH, and the Y2K-inspired House of Finesse. Okay, that’s a horribly bad joke, sure, but after a transition-season lull, things have really picked up. Does that mean this article contains pieces for your first post-vaccine spring hangout? We’re going to go ahead and guess yes, they’re that good!

If you need a pair of kicks to complete your fit — who doesn’t? — be sure to hit up our weekly sneaker roundup, which features brand new Jordans, Yeezys, and a seriously dope Sean Wotherspoon Adidas collaboration. For now, let’s jump into last week’s best streetwear!

NOAH x Union LA 30th Anniversary Collection

Los Angeles-based label Union has been dropping a grip of notable sneaker collaborations since last year, but this week they’ve linked up with New York streetwear label NOAH to drop an exclusive capsule collection that expertly combines both brand’s iconography. Released in celebration of Union’s 30th anniversary, the collection features dual-branded t-shirts, and hoodies, as well as a collection of shirts that pay homage to historical figures like Alexandre Dumas, Shakespeare’s Dark Lady, and the composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

If you’re scratching your head over the inclusion of German composer Beethoven, there has been serious debate over whether the composer was actually Black since 1907 when British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor started the speculation. Union and NOAH attempt to settle the debate with a dope graphic t-shirt.

The NOAH x Union LA 30th Anniversary collection is out now. Hit up the Union or NOAH webstore to shop the looks.

KITH Women’s Spring 2021 Collection 2nd Drop

Following up KITH Women’s February release, this week brings the 2nd drop from KITH Women’s Spring 2021 collection. While February’s range of apparel fit comfortably in the winter season with lots of layer-able essentials, this second drop keeps things much lighter. Consisting of 29 different pieces, this collection features utilitarian jumpsuits, crop tops, light sweaters, and biker shorts.

The Lina Boiler Suit is definitely the collection’s highlight and is constructed from a sandwich Jersey fabric with roll collar construction, and double-needle topstitch detailing. It’s easily one of KITH’s best pieces and a highlight of this season.

The 2nd KITH Women’s Spring 2021 collection dropped on April 16th online and at KITH physical stores.

RHUDE Spring/Summer 2021

Los Angeles-based luxury-meets-streetwear label RHUDE has just launched their Spring/Summer 2021 collection and they’ve recruited trap superstar Future to model the stylings. Scoring Future as their model is a big pull, not just because it’s Future, but because this signifies that the brand is getting even bigger, as this is their first-ever official seasonal campaign.

The collection is pretty extensive, featuring everything from leather jackets to club-ready bomber jackets (handcrafted in Italy), eyewear, and patterned handbags, each of which Future manages to make look like — excuse the pun — future classics in the brand’s catalog.

The RHUDE Spring Summer 2021 collection dropped last Friday at the RHUDE webstore.

Girl’s Don’t Cry Spring Apparel And Accessories Collection

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard anything from Verdy’s Girl’s Don’t Cry label, but the famed graphic artist returns this week with a new collection of apparel and accessories. This capsule collection consists of pastel-toned crew neck sweaters, graphic t-shirts, a dope-as-hell leisure suit, hoodies, and a collection of PVC bags featuring the Girl’s Don’t Cry logo.

In addition to the wavy font Girl’s Don’t Cry graphics, a few of the pieces feature a cherub cupid print or butterfly graphic.

The Girl’s Don’t Cry Spring Apparel and Accessories collection is out now. Shop the full collection at Dover Street Market.

Supreme Spring Summer Drop 8

Would it be a streetwear apparel roundup if we didn’t highlight Supreme? The famed skatewear label has unveiled its eighth drop of the Spring Summer 2021 collection. Featuring a collection of statement jackets, hoodies, and sweaters (and a seriously weird Che Guevara set), this new Supreme drop fears geared toward the nightlife, which we appreciate as things start to open up and we actually, you know, begin to have a life again.

The eighth Supreme Spring Summer 2021 drop is out now. Shop the looks at the Supreme webstore.

Finesse — Arlene/Queen/Vylette

Our favorite AI-generated all-inclusive fashion house is back with a new set of wild Y2K-inspired club fits. This time the label collaborated with TikTok star Arlene Lee to put out the Arlene set, a mix of plaid skirts and fishnets that looks straight out of a scene from Euphoria or the music video of a pop star we don’t know about yet. If you’re looking for something a little more fit for the poolside or a beach hang, be sure to check out the Queen Set, which features a sheer dress slip over matching tops and bottoms, or the spring-centric two-piece baby blue Vylette.

Shop Finesse’s latest collections at the Finesse webstore.

When Zack Snyder dropped trailer for his upcoming zombie heist movie Army of the Dead, nobody could’ve possibly predicted the number one breakout star: Tig Notaro looking badass in aviator glasses. It was a whole mood that the internet showed up for in droves, causing #HotTig to instantly start trending, which was a complete surprise to the stand-up comic/actress who was a last-minute addition to the film. Notaro’s role was originally played by Chris D’Elia, who was booted from the Netflix original during post-production following numerous accusations of sexual misconduct.

Thanks to the Army of the Dead trailer, Notaro became an overnight sex symbol, and she stopped by The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Monday to admit she had no idea what any of it means, particularly the phrase “sexy AF.” Via THR:

“So much has changed, Jimmy,” she joked about life after the trailer. “It’s really been nuts around here since I was trending for being ‘sexy AF.’” Notaro, who plays Marianne Peters in the Zack Snyder film, then addressed her confusion. “I didn’t even know what ‘AF’ was, to be honest,” Notaro said. “My friends were texting me images of Twitter, like ‘You’re trending for being badass and sexy AF.’ And I was like, ‘What is that?’ (AF is social media shorthand for “as f*ck.”)

You can see just a few of the thirsty reactions to Notaro’s character fueling up a jet like a badass and causing Twitter to lose its mind as the #HotTig hashtag filled up with love for the comedian:

(Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Witnessing everything that Seth Rogen does is dizzying, and it’s difficult to think of any other Hollywood figure who’s been so productive in such a variety of ways over the past several years, quarantine or not. He’s running a weed company, producing hit TV shows, making loads of gorgeous pottery, raising awareness for Alzheimer’s research, and feuding on Twitter with right-wing figures on a semi-regular basis. Seth even mustered up the energy to portray two lead characters in the same HBO Max movie, so he’s really doing it all. How does he find the time to do so?

Well, the subject came up in a fresh New York Times profile that was timed (of course) to release on 4/20 (which has, not incidentally, also been referred to as “Taco Tuesday” by Neil Patrick Harris). Rogen took writer Jonah Weiner on a tour of his home, and it’s an overall fascinating piece where Seth’s dad weighs in on how weed helped his son’s “cells relax” after a childhood of undiagnosed attention-deficit disorder, and his parents overall seem awesome. On the subject of time management and parenting, though, Rogen suggested an interesting (and self-effacing) reason why he’s so productive:

“On a given day I work on seven different things, probably, in little chunks,” he said, then puffed on the joint, shrugging. “But I don’t have kids!”

Obviously, Rogen (age 39) is still much more productive than loads of other childfree people, but yeah, he’s got a point. If he had kids, he’d probably only be able to do seven things at a time instead of eleven. I kid… but yes, it’s difficult to get things done (and I speak from experience) while wrangling another soul outside of one’s own body, and as Rogen seriously notes, “Ceramics is something else that having kids would make impossible.” He’s surely not wrong on that one. Pottery requires patience and concentration and steady hands. Kids are basically the opposite of all those things.

Read the full Rogen profile with the New York Times here.

(Via New York Times)

The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.

Collaboration is nothing without chemistry. It’s why when a superstar athlete joins a new team, critics question if success will be attained or things will crumble into failure. When a group effort sees each member recognizing and making up for one another’s weaknesses, more times than not, art in its most beautiful form arrives, leaving its consumers to stand starry-eyed to take in the new experience. Elsewhere, doubters rush to eat their words in an attempt to hide them and avoid having to own up to their wrongs. It’s this excellent chemistry in collaboration that lives on Van Buren Records’ debut album, Bad For Press.

The thirteen-track effort compiles some of the best hip-hop talents Massachusetts has to offer. The heavy-muscled collective includes names like Luke Bars and Saint Lyor, who both caught attention in 2020 for their respective GoodEvil and If My Sins Could Talk. Jiles is the epitome of a flower blooming in a dark room, as his sinister verses both rattle and enthrall listeners. Meech, Andrew Regis, and Lord Felix punch jaws and dizzy minds with their bars while Ricky Felix and Kiron create the ideal landscape for the rappers to go berzerk in.

Bad For Press arrives with a “yeah, so what?” sneer from the Van Buren collective. Suits & ties with smiles never fit the group’s desired aesthetic like a mean mug and slight tilt of the head do. Just two songs into the project, “Braindead” captures the groups overwhelming audacity towards anything that steps before them. Lyor’s straight-faced hook delivers a message within the words that menacingly leave his mouth: this is not a group you want to spar with. Similar sentiments arrive on “Medic,” a song that sonically warns of impending danger all for the Van Buren rappers to be the individuals to make these fears a reality.

On the album, individual egos aren’t left outside the door, rather, they’re combined into some supernatural force that entwines itself with the words the group raps throughout the albums. So when songs like “It Is What It Is” or “No Interview” pierce through your headphones, it’s a huge disservice to ignore the talent, energy, and persona that are packaged into what is the Van Buren collective. Both tracks encapsulate the rambunctious energy the group would present onstage in a perfect pandemic-less world, but simply hearing them rapping their asses off makes this impending moment all that more desirable.

Despite the strong-armed reinforcement Van Buren delivers on the album, there are moments where the aggression is replaced with reflection and an effort to look into the past and see how far they’ve made it. “Looking For Trouble” opens the memories of their turbulent youth that Lyor describes best, rapping, “I be looking for trouble, I had nothing else to do.” Luckily for them, things have changed for the better. Van Buren also documents their struggle to thaw their cold hearts to receive the warmth of love on “Nevermind” while “Outro” is a smooth landing that ties an elegant bow around the wild ride Bad For Press is. In letting their guard down for a few moments, Van Buren effectively proves why it was up in the first place.

Bad For Press could be dissected in many ways. You could focus on individual talents and applaud Bars’ show-stealing verse to close “Gangbanger (Remix)” or Andrew Regis’ knife-wielding bars on “Medic.” There’s Meech’s slick-talk over Ricky Felix’s best-produced song with “No Interviews” and Jiles’ cutthroat contribution to “Braindead.” Not to mention Lyor’s honest tales on “Looking For Trouble” as well. However, this approach overlooks and diminishes the best thing about Van Buren: the fact that these individual qualities, which vary in presence and effectiveness on each song, contribute to the gleaming pot of gold that represents the Massachusetts rappers and all their glory. If Van Buren thinks they’re Bad For Press so be it, we could use more artists who embrace going against the grain.

Bad For Press is out now via Van Buren Records. Get it here.

Lil Yachty has been on a tear lately, as if he’s out to prove all his early-careers haters’ assumptions that he couldn’t rap wrong. Over the last few months, he’s released a string of lyrically focused freestyles such as the “Royal Rumble” cipher with seemingly all of the rising rappers in Michigan and the “No More Beatboxing Freestyle,” which saw him take on two of the hotter instrumentals of the moment. Now, he keeps the ball rolling with “Cortex,” a quick hitter accompanied by an in-studio video surrounded by his clique.

In addition to his freestyle videos, Yachty’s been rolling out a few singles that show that his songwriting remains as clever as ever, with videos that showcase his quirky sense of humor and visual creativity. In February, he released the dapper “Asshole” video with Oliver Tree, as well as the Vince Staples-featuring “In My Stussy’s” video. Meanwhile, he’s keeping his corporate profile pristine as well; at the end of 2020, he collaborated with Reese’s Puff cereal on a box and a new song, and earlier this year, it was reported that he’s developing a heist movie based on the card game Uno. He’s also set to appear in season two of Lil Dicky’s breakout FX comedy, Dave.

Watch the Lil Yachty “Cortex” video above.

There are 39 episodes of NBC’s Hannibal. I yelled “KISS” during all 39 of them. I’m not the only one: Hannibal has a still-active fan community, with many “Fannibals” shipping Mads Mikkelsen’s Hannibal Lecter and Hugh Dancy’s Will Graham. It might sound weird to want to see a future-cannibal smooch an FBI profiler, but, no, it’s good and healthy.

In an interview with Vulture, Mikkelsen was asked whether the not-so-good doctor’s relationship with Will could be considered romantic. “Yeah, but not necessarily something that would become physical,” he replied. The Another Round star then revealed he and Dancy almost shared a kiss in the season three (series?) finale:

“We actually did a couple of takes of the very last scene where we were looking at each other, and it was a little too obvious — it was almost a kiss. Me and Hugh were like, ‘Why not? We have a couple of takes. Let’s do one. It might be cool.’ [But we] never went for the kiss. [Creator Bryan Fuller] loved it, but he was like, ‘Too much, guys. It’s too obvious.’ And he was absolutely right. But I think we were just stuck on that. A lot of the Fannibals wanted it as well. It’s been a subject of homoerotic fan art. And for good reason.”

Mikkelsen said that Hannibal and Will were “united as twins in many ways,” which is something that should be further explored. If only there was a successful streaming service that was already carrying Hannibal and could make another season. Oh wait.

(Via Vulture)

A few weeks ago, Angel Olsen announced Song Of The Lark And Other Far Memories, a box set that features her two latest albums, 2019’s All Mirrors and 2020’s Whole New Mess (which were once intended to be released together as a double album), as well as a collection of bonus tracks, Far Memory. Some of the songs on Far Memory are actually alternate versions of tracks from the aforementioned albums, like Olsen’s latest, “Alive And Dying (Waving, Smiling),” an orchestral version of the Whole New Mess highlight “Waving, Smiling.”

Olsen says of the track, “This song is all about chapters closing, and learning to let go of things I can’t understand. It’s very me — I will always nosedive into love, and suffering can definitely come with that. When I hear this version the strings really bring the song to its necessary bittersweet boiling point.”

She also says of Song Of The Lark And Other Far Memories more broadly, “It feels like part of my writing has come back from the past, and another part of it was waiting to exist.”

Listen to “Alive And Dying (Waving, Smiling)” above.

Song Of The Lark And Other Far Memories is out 5/7 via Jagjaguwar. Pre-order it here.

This week in the best new pop music saw a number of album announcements. Troye Sivan teamed up with Tate McRae for a sparkling tune, Bebe Rexha made an emotional return, and Julia Michaels officially announced her debut single with a vulnerable track.

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

Troye Sivan, Tate McRae, Regard — “You”

Following up on his 2020 EP In A Dream, Troye Sivan teamed up with Tate McRae for the effervescent synth-heavy number “You.” Over cascading keys, the two singers harmonize about having difficulty moving on from a past relationship.

Bebe Rexha — “Sabotage”

The last we heard from Bebe Rexha, she was a vampire on the hunt for some fresh blood in her “Sacrifice” video. But with her new track “Sabotage,” Bebe is taking a page from her diary with the personal tune. “‘Sabotage’ is one of the most vulnerable songs on my new album, Better Mistakes,” Bebe said in a statement. “It’s just as beautiful as it is painfully honest. I admit to getting in my own way when things are going well. I know I am not alone in experiencing self-sabotage during life’s most precious moments, and this ballad is an acknowledgment that sometimes we are our own worst enemy.”

Julia Michaels — “Love Is Weird”

Julia Michaels may have started her career as a songwriter for other artists, but with her new track “Love Is Weird,” Michaels officially announces her debut album Not In Chronological Order. For Michaels, the LP follows her journey from heartbreak to new love. “I’m not bitter about love anymore,” she said about the album. “I know what functional love is like and being in love and being hesitant about that love because it feels so perfect.”

Ingrid Michaelson, Zayn — “To Begin Again”

Ingrid Michaelson tapped ex-One Direction member Zayn for “To Begin Again,” a love letter to the resilience of New York City dwellers. In a statement about the track, Michaelson said she originally penned the track the night Joe Biden won the election and it felt like everyone around her was rejoicing: “I wrote ‘To Begin Again’ the night that Biden won,” Michaelson said. “There was so much joy in my neighborhood. Pots and pans being banged out of windows. Horns and whistles. Clapping. Singing! The collective sigh of relief resonated with me in such a way that I had to get it out musically.”

Girl In Red — “You Stupid B*tch”

Offering another taste of her upcoming album If I Could Make It Go Quiet, Girl In Red shared the head-spinning track “You Stupid B*tch.” According to the singer, the track is about a complicated friendship. “I was always there for this person who would get their heart broken, and I would just come running,” she said. “I would drop everything just to be there for them. That person would never see me as anything else than just a friend, even though I feel like I could’ve made her so happy…”

Marina — “Purge The Poison”

Another album announcement arrived this week, this time from Marina. The singer had previously teased her upcoming LP Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land with an empowering single and now, Marina shared the charged track “Purge The Poison,” which warns against the impending affects of climate change.

Baby Queen — “Dover Beach”

Following her 2020 debut EP Medicine, Baby Queen has been expanding on her anti-pop sound with a handful of singles this year, “Dover Beach” now being her latest. “It’s about being infatuated with somebody and seeing them everywhere you look,” Baby Queen said about the track. “I was kind of pissed that I went to look at the beach, all I could think about was this person, hence the lyric “you stole the view of Dover Beach.” It’s another internal struggle with my own insecurities and a sort of acceptance of the fact that I can’t escape my daydreams of this person, even if I go to a different place.”

Cautious Clay — “Karma & Friends”

After making a name for himself through a handful of EPs, Cautious Clay officially announced his debut album Deadpan Love with the bouncy single “Karma & Friends.” “Deadpan Love explores the ways I cope with the worst of what humanity has to offer,” Clay said in a statement. “It’s about opposites—having an outer layer that’s tougher, this ‘deadpan’ state, and an inner layer of compassion, where you’re open to being there for the people you care about. It’s this warring compassion and cynicism that has empowered me to express myself through this medium.”

Chet Faker — “Whatever Tomorrow”

It’s been nearly seven years since Chet Faker, moniker of musician Nick Murphy, released his 2014 album Built On Glass. He previously teased a return with the resonating singles “Low” and “Get High” but now, Chet Faker makes his comeback official by announcing his upcoming album Hotel Surrender with the track “Whatever Tomorrow.” “It’s a rebellion to this idea that you have to wait for the things you need,” Murphy says of the new track. “It felt like we were being sold tomorrow and we were paying for today. I was saying, ‘F*ck your tomorrow, we deserve our lives now.’”

Two Feet — “Flatline”

This Friday saw the release of the anticipated album Max Maco Is Dead Right? by Two Feet, which arrived with the driving track “Flatline.” “With Max Maco I’m trying to bring my stage persona to life,” Two Feet said about the album. “The character existed already as someone I would pretend to be when playing on stages in front of thousands of people, it always helped my nerves. Sharing his story has been a crazy experience, it largely wrote itself.”

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