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As Americans woke up on Thursday morning to reports of a nationwide phone outage, Leave the World Behind quickly started trending on social media as people couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the film and the current predicament. Although, don’t worry, no one has been attacked by a Tesla. Yet.

The situation began as the two biggest cell phone providers, AT&T and Verizon, were plagued by user outages. Reports started coming in that other providers like Cricket and T-Mobile were also having issues, which sparked a panic on social media. However, it appears that the numbers may be overblown.

According to the Associated Press, only AT&T experienced a sizable outage and in the early morning:

AT&T had more than 73,000 outages around 9:30 a.m. ET, in locations including Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. The outages began at approximately 3:30 a.m. ET. The carrier has more than 240 million subscribers, the country’s largest.

“Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. We are working urgently to restore service to them. We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored,” AT&T said in a statement.

From there, the outages broke down as followed: Cricket had 13,000, Verizon had 4,000, T-Mobile had 1,800, and Boost had only 700. As for the panic that made Down Detector also start to trend, a spokesperson from T-Mobile put the situation in perspective.

“Our network is operating normally. Down Detector is likely reflecting challenges our customers were having attempting to connect to users on other networks,” T-Mobile said in a statement to the AP.

Of course, facts and figures go right out the window when a viral meme is in play. Folks on social media went hog wild referencing Leave the World Behind, which featured a global cyber attack that unfolded in stages. The first step: isolation. Cell phone networks were taken down in preparation for the apocalyptic attack, and people were absolutely getting that vibe this morning.

You can see some of the reactions below:

Leave the World Behind is available for streaming on Netflix. If you can get a signal.

(Via Associated Press)

If there’s anyone you can count on for weed, it’s certainly Snoop Dogg. He spilled about how he was helping get better weed to rappers before it was, well, technically legal. In a recent episode of his CGN YouTube show, Snoop talked with Benny The Butcher, and shared that one city in particular did not meet his standards… or anyone’s, really.

“You know what’s crazy,” Snoop shared, according to HotNewHipHop. “How — and I’ma be honest… hey guys, I’m just telling the truth — New York used to be known for trash used to be known for straight trash. No, this is no joke. You can ask the rappers, n****. They used to have seeds and all kind of sh*t in they sh*t. They could be rolling up a blunt putting seeds and sticks, you be like, ‘What the f*ck is you doing?’”

He added, “Sh*t, they didn’t know no better until n**** start catching that flight, f*cking with the real n****s out here cuz we f*ck with y’all, and n**** show the n****s what that sh*t was, and n****s said, ‘Well we can’t get it there, how about we just get it there,’ you dig — and the connection was connected. And there you have it, weed stories one-on-one.”

Apparently, he was name-dropping members of Wu-Tang Clan and Roc-A-Fella as being some of the East Coasters who were picking up better weed.

The YouTube video of Snoop Dogg’s marijuana conversation is age-restricted and cannot be embedded on this page, so watch it here.

What would the world be like if the Black community had access to financial health and wellness tools that not only lead to economic mobility, but generational wealth?

In ABC’s Our America: In the Black, Microsoft Philanthropies specialist Darrell Booker seeks to find the answer to that question, exploring how three individuals at different stages of their financial journeys are transforming their lives.

The idea behind the documentary was sparked by a “thought-provoking conversation with an African American financial advisor” and Nzinga Blake, executive producer, race and culture at ABC Owned Television Stations. That financial advisor acted as a mentor to Blake, expressing the importance of normalizing conversations around generational wealth and economic empowerment in the Black community and inspiring her to produce a documentary about what she learned. “I decided to develop a concept around the idea of getting the Black community ‘In the Black’ through storytelling around financial wellness in an entertaining, compelling and informative manner,” Blake tells UPROXX. When she met Booker last year, she knew he’d be the perfect person to help tell that story.

“During a panel discussion last year, I met Darrell Booker, who shared my passion for empowering communities,” she says. “Darrell was committed to highlighting the nonprofits that Microsoft Philanthropy works with, while I was interested in understanding how these organizations help transform the communities they serve. This chance encounter led to the collaboration of Our America: In the Black.”

The documentary special features Hannah, a young woman in foster care who is on the path to becoming a mechanical engineer, Angel Mercedes a beneficiary of the nonprofit RISE, an organization empowering the sports community to eliminate racial disparity, and Meagan Naraine, who is introduced to Jay Bailey the CEO of RICE, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs located in Atlanta, Georgia which is commonly referred to as “Black Mecca.”

Below, Booker talks to UPROXX about what he learned while making the series, why the topic of shifting wealth inequality is so important for the Black community, and why it’s important to teach people not only to survive when it comes to financial literacy, but thrive.

Can you tell us about your background? What drew you to this documentary and your role at Microsoft as Philanthropies Specialist?

I come from a tech background, so since the age of 18, I was working full-time as a coder and developer. I moved up to the traditional ranks and had a tech startup. It got to the point that I felt like I was hitting the ceiling of what to do next in this particular field and the social impact space fell into my lap. I was approached by a gentleman who said “You look like a developer, I’m looking for someone to help lead a team. Do you have any connection to foster care?” I said yes because my mom was in care and he told me he was looking for someone to build technology solutions to support those transitioning out of care. So, at that moment my life started to change and I saw how my knowledge in tech could support social good and not just make someone money.

By the age of 18, I was making more money than my parents. I will say I made a lot of mistakes that to this day I’m still kicking myself for. I was a party promoter on the side at the time and I remember pulling out $15,000 from my 401k to throw a party. At the time I was like ‘I’m young, I’ll make the money back’ but that compound interest could have easily been worth a quarter million right now. Who knows? I look back at that time in my life and realize there were lots of people in the community who didn’t know what they needed to know and needed to hear it from someone they could relate to.

You brought up the idea of making more money than your parents which creates this issue of not having anyone around you to share knowledge on how to manage wealth. How do you go about teaching people, not only how to create wealth but to keep it and manage it?

I think often too many times in our black and brown communities, we aren’t having these conversations at home. As a child, you can tell that some things may not be financially right in the household. But, as people who are survivors, it’s ‘Let me just do what I gotta do let me just make this money, let me work some extra jobs.’ In their mind, they have this plan to get where they need to be, but they don’t think ‘Let’s discuss what’s happening with the kids.’ Let’s make them aware of what’s happening financially in our own household so they can learn these things at an early time and you don’t feel like you’re just protecting them. You’re helping them. Because what happens with that cycle is when they get older? They now need to take care of the elderly parents. So let’s all help each other in each generation by setting ourselves up to be able to support each other and have as much knowledge as possible.

How do you take that right step in knowledge though? How do you help people go from surviving to thriving?

Having something to look forward to every day that’s positive and not negative. When you’re surviving, you’re constantly thinking, ‘Okay, what is it that I gotta do to survive?’ If we can do more planning from goals and put those things top of mind, you start to change your mindset from ‘What I don’t have’ to ‘What it is that I need to do to achieve?’ You start checking these things off one piece at a time so that you’re actually building successful habits when it comes to money and finances. Then you develop muscle memory and you’re no longer intimidated because you’re used to it because you’ve plotted out a plan.

What were some of the surprises for you or things you learned that you weren’t aware of from meeting Hannah or spending time with the non-profits?

I would say the story around Angel. Just thinking of how hard it could be because his family are immigrants and they struggle to learn the culture and he has the pressure of sending money back home. It was a real eye-opener. There are people who are working and trying to thrive, not even as much as for themselves, but to be able to support those that are in another place, in another country that aren’t doing that well.

One of the things that the documentary touches on is the idea of saving yourself – that this information is available but you have to seek it out. Why was it important to highlight that?

Let’s not get it twisted. I think there is this element where the rich get richer and keep the knowledge to themselves. I don’t know why as if it’s going to take money away from your pocket to be able to help. When you just look at how we are already behind the curve and just in terms of economic mobility maybe even due to the conditions you were born in and how you’re already in a situation where you’re at a disadvantage, we really have to find ways to seek knowledge ourselves and to be able to implement it. Technology is the greatest equalizer when it comes to all disparities. One of those reasons is that it can disseminate education at a very equitable level.

Another thing I loved about the documentary is that it felt like the information was practical and everything was about meeting people where they are. Was that intentional while making the special?

Yeah, absolutely. You don’t wanna shame people and you also don’t want to make this concept intimidating because it’s so foreign to people. So how do you ease them into it? Showcasing various people in their different journeys makes you feel like ‘Okay, I can relate to that person.’ There are so many people who are in Hannah’s shoes, even if they’re not in foster care, but they’re in high school and they’re trying to get to college and don’t know how to get scholarships. We look at various stages of entrepreneurship with Meagan who’s right at the beginning and then Jay who is providing his skills to entrepreneurs. People have to relate to what they’re watching, that’s the most impactful way to tell stories in my opinion. There’s only so much shock and awe you can have because people want to feel inspired and hopeful. Those are the emotions you want people to walk away with.

Our America: In the Black airs is available on Hulu, ABC-owned television stations and streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Throughout his years as a rap favorite, Kid Cudi has worked with a whole host of collaborators. Recently, one fan suggested Cudi add Donald Glover/Childish Gambino to that roster. Based on Cudi’s response, though, it appears he might not be too keen on Glover.

On X (formerly Twitter) yesterday (February 21), a fan wrote, “@KiDCuDi You and Gambino gotta work on something whether it’s TV, movies, or music we’d love to see/hear it! Your guys’ song Warlords needs an official release!” Cudi shared the tweet and replied simply, “Im cool.”

If Cudi has some sort of issue with Glover, it’s not clear why. As the fan alluded to, Cudi and Glover have an unreleased song together called “Warlords,” which leaked online last year. Cudi answered some other fan questions after the Glover one, but has not yet clarified his stance on his fellow rapper/actor.

Beyond that, early in his music career, Glover actually used to open for Cudi. Last year, he remembered a particularly bad night opening, saying, “At the time, I had a full band and a violinist. I just kept turning to the band and telling them, ‘Next song! Next song!’ I put on a really intense show through the boos.”

Did you know that Mean Girls is the second highest-grossing movie of 2024 so far, behind only Wonka? And that it’s number one among films released this year? (Wonka came out last December.) This goes to show a) it’s been a slow year for movies (save us, Dune: Part Two), and b) the Mean Girls movie musical exceeded expectations. It was also at the center of a mini-controversy involving the original film’s star, Lindsay Lohan. The actress’ representative said that she was “very hurt and disappointed” by a reference to the term “fire crotch” made by Megan Thee Stallion in the movie musical.

TMZ reports that the line has been removed from the digital version.

The rebooted flick — which is now a musical — finally hit VOD this week… so it’s available to rent on all your major players, Amazon and the like. The only difference this time around… Meg’s quote that pissed off LiLo in theaters is completely gone. Indeed… eagle-eyed fans noticed it right away as they started to stream the flick from home — the part where Megan Thee Stallion is supposed to say “Y2K fire crotch is back” has been edited out.

Megan’s line now ends with her saying “we are going back to red,” and cuts to the “Not My Fault” rapper laughing. This is like the Star Wars special editions, except instead of George Lucas adding a scene where Han Solo steps on Jabba the Hutt’s tail, it’s the Mean Girls musical removing a joke about fire crotches. Otherwise, practically identical.

(Via TMZ)

Machine Gun Kelly has long had a bunch of tattoos, but he made waves earlier this week with his latest piece. It’s huge and all black, covering the majority of his arms, shoulders, and chest. The ink certainly a bold move, and one that captured the attention of another bold character: Joe Exotic of Tiger King fame.

Exotic, it would appear, has some romantic interest in the new-look Kelly. In the comments of MGK’s Instagram post, Exotic wrote, “A tiger and a bit of meth and you would be mine. Lol.” Exotic then shared the photo on his own Instagram, adding the text, “A tiger and a little bit of meth I can make MGK gay.”

He later shared another photo of MGK’s tattoo and wrote, “Once you go Tiger King you’ll forget about the Fox,” a reference to Megan Fox. He also wrote on the image itself, “Now that we’re practically a new item. Help me get the hell out of here.”

Exotic’s last comment was of course referring to the fact that he is currently in prison, after being sentenced to 21 years behind bars in 2022. He was convicted on animal abuse charges, as well as a murder-for-hire scheme involving animal activist and fellow Tiger King star Carole Baskin.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Iceland (and it’s only about a five-hour flight from some parts of the East Coast), but it’s an extra-fun time towards the end of the year, when the annual Iceland Airwaves festival is going on in Reykjavík. Those interested in the trip can start planning now: The first artists from the 2024 lineup were announced today (February 22).

Highlights of the lineup so far include Shygirl, Magdalena Bay, Bar Italia, and Saya Gray. The festival runs from November 7 to 9, and tickets and travel packages are on sale now. Find more information on the festival website.

“We are incredibly proud to be celebrating not only 25 years of Iceland Airwaves, but 25 years of playing a key part in the careers of some of the world’s most talented artists,” Ísleifur Þórhallsson, Festival Manager for Iceland Airwaves, says. “Over the years, we have seen many of our Airwaves alumni grow from strength to strength, often developing into some of the industry’s most acclaimed artists. It is an honour to continue to bring new talent to Reykjavik, and share our beloved Icelandic community with the world.”

Uproxx’s Carolyn Droke went to the 2023 edition a few months ago and wrote in her glowing review, “One weekend and many fish and chips meals later, I boarded my flight back to the US inspired by the stunning natural surroundings I witnessed, the kind people I met, and the moving music I heard. Overall, Iceland Airwaves is the perfect festival for adventurous travelers who want to discover new music and culture in a unique way. It pulls back the curtain on how a country is able to foster such a wide variety of music and the arts and offers a chance to witness performances you’d never be able to see stateside.”

Check out the 2024 lineup so far below.

Iceland Airwaves 2024 Lineup

Anish Kumar (UK)
bar italia (UK)
Bolis Pupul (BE)
Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul (BE)
eee gee (DK)
freekind. (SL)
Inspector Spacetime (IS)
Joy (Anonymous) (UK)
K.óla (IS)
Klemens Hannigan (IS)
Loverman (BE)
lúpína (IS)
Magdalena Bay (US)
Mandy, Indiana (UK)
mary in the junkyard (UK)
Migluma (LT)
Múr (IS)
Opus Kink (UK)
Orbit (DE)
Róshildur (IS)
Saya Gray (CA)
Shygirl (UK)
UCHE YARA (AT)
Úlfur Úlfur (IS)
Une Misère (IS)
Vévaki (IS)
virgin orchestra (IS)

Apple Music subscribers were in for a treat, as the streaming platform put out a new monthly recap feature of their popular feature Apple Music Replay. The first one dropped for January 2024, allowing people to see who their top artists were, as well as their top song and album picks. It is sort of like Spotify Wrapped or Apple Music’s year-end Replay but on a month-to-month basis.

For those looking to access their Apple Music Replay from January 2024, here’s what to know.

How To View Apple Music Replay For 2024

To access the Apple Music Replay, users can find their individualized stats by visiting replay.music.apple.com. This should direct you to both Apple Music if you’re on a Mac, or to the app on your phone, allowing you to then view who and what you listened to the most. (You also must be signed in to receive the feature.)

Much like external sites like Last.FM, which tracks how many times you listen to a particular artist or song, Apple Music has now added how many minutes a user played each of their specific top picks.

Considering the January replay arrived at nearly the end of February, it might be on a bit of a varied schedule in terms of when they choose to release the user recaps.

Below, find some reactions from users who discovered their January 2024 stats from Apple Music Replay.

There have already been two movies where the Incredible Hulk is the main attraction. They starred Eric Bana and Edward Norton, respectively. There was even a whole TV show, plus a bunch of TV movies, in the pre-CGI days, starring muscleman Lou Ferrigno painted green. Alas, none of them have starred current live-action Bruce Banner Mark Ruffalo. The acclaimed thespian has been playing the big, angry guy for over a decade now, but Marvel has yet to give him his own stand-alone, despite him asking for one. Well, don’t hold your breath for one.

In a new interview with GQ (in a bit teased out by Deadline), Ruffalo said he’d “love” to do a movie where he gets center stage. Alas, doing the Hulk part of his role ain’t cheap.

“It’s very expensive if you did a whole movie, which is why they use the Hulk so sparingly,” Ruffalo said. “I priced myself out!”

Could this have something to do with the mockery that greeted the CGI in another Hulk-related show: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, where poor Emmy-winning actress Tatiana Maslany was fitted with effects that lots of people found not up-to-snuff. That’s probably because the VFX houses who worked on it were reportedly underpaid and overworked. Ruffalo’s Banner/Hulk appeared a bit on that one, too.

Anyway, Ruffalo is currently Oscar-nominated again — it’s his fourth time — for the very different Poor Things, but surely he’ll be back on the Hulk beat very soon. In the meantime, you’ll have to wait nearly a year to see him alongside Robert Pattinson in Bong Joon-ho’s cruelly delayed (by Warner Bros. Discovery, natch) Mickey 17.

(Via GQ and Deadline)

The Marías announced they are entering a new era, as the band shared the first teaser for their forthcoming album, Submarine. In the cryptic clip, lead singer Maria Zardoya is seen seemingly submerged underwater, cutting between images of her lying down and her listening to music with headphones on.

A snippet of their alleged new music plays in the background. “Your voice is an echo / I never let go of your love,” she sings. The sound then distorts out, switching to faster-paced footage of them all swimming around in the water, as a fuzzy guitar line plays.

“Submarine is an album that represents solitude and exploration,” reads the caption under the YouTube video. “It represents choosing to be alone and listening to what the heart needs and not what it wants. can’t wait for it to be yours in May.”

While an exact release date is still TBA, Zardoya did speak a bit about what fans can expect from the record during a recent interview with Refinery 29.

“I’m just really excited for the fans and for everybody to see what we’ve been working on,” she said. “It’s a little bit different, but I feel like that’s the joy of being an artist, to constantly evolve and just hope that people can evolve with you.”

“I am definitely playing around with some more texture for the next album and almost like shipwreck, a little bit more grungy,” she added.

Check out The Marías’ album teaser for Submarine above.

The Marías are a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.