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I don’t know about anyone else, but I am personally very unreasonably excited for Los Angeles’ Fool In Love Festival this August. While so many of my peers and contemporaries look forward to reliving their middle and high school years at Lovers And Friends Festival (which I get, but no thank you to the Las Vegas dust and heat — among other things), I am looking forward to visiting my parents’ youth, with a lineup including Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and more “golden oldies” who have also soundtracked my own life in the City of Angels.

Plus, the whole endeavor strikes me as a rebranded Once Upon A Time In Los Angeles Festival (minus the rappers), and many Angelenos would love a do-over of that festival due to the tragic events that took place in 2021. Fool In Love will take place on August 31 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, surrounding SoFi Stadium.

When Do Tickets For The Fool In Love Festival Go On Sale?

Tickets for Fool In Love are available for purchase beginning Friday (February 16) at 10 AM PT via the festival’s official website. Fans can purchase general admission tickets beginning at $275. GA+ tickets begin at $595. VIP passes begin at $695. Platinum Passes start at $1,200. Fortunately, the festival offers payment plans starting at $19.99.

Fool In Love Festival Full Lineup

Lionel Richie
Diana Ross
Smokey Robinson
Durand Jones & The Indications
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Al Green
Santana
Charlie Wilson
Gladys Knight
The Isley Brothers
Chaka Khan
Eric Burdon
The Animals
Brenton Wood
Barbara Mason
Thee Sacred Souls
Mayer Hawthorne
Durand Jones
Aaron Frazier
The Delfonics
The Stylistics
The Manhattans
The Chi-Lites
The Legendary Blue Notes
Trish Toledo
The Intruders
Los Lobos
Johnny Farina
El Chicano
Tierra
Malo
Bloodstone
The Sinseers
The Altons
La Lom
Bobby Oroza
Lady Wray
Los Yesterdays
The McCharmlys
The O’Jays
The Jacksons
War
The Spinners
The Whispers
The Emotions
Dionne Warwick
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Zapp
Kool And The Gang
Stevie B
Rose Royce
Morris Day & The Time
Heatwave
The Bar Kays feat. Larry Dodson
Cameo
Shalamar
S.O.S. Band
Dazz Band
Con Funk Shun
Trinere
Mary Jane Girls
Evelyn Champagne King
The Pointer Sisters
El Debarge
Baby Bash
MC Magic
Lil Rob
Frankie J

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

Despite recent news to the contrary, Drake may be gearing up to drop new music. Last October, he teased that he would be going on hiatus following the release of his For All The Dogs album. However, it seems he may be wrapping up his hiatus early (or not starting it at all, really). At a St. Louis stop of his and J. Cole’s It’s All A Blur Tour, he teased new music — coming sooner rather than later.

When he felt the energy of the crowd, he couldn’t help but resist the urge to give them something back. He spoke to the audience, saying he is loving being back on the tour.

“You know, I said I was taking a break and all that sh*t, but I’m right back on the road again,” he told the crowd. “It’s hard for me to stay away from y’all — I really do love you.”

Also during the show, Drake said he may begin recording his next album while on tour.

“You never know, I might get bored and start making some new music on the road, see where it goes in the next little while.”

The two St. Louis shows seem to have been filled with love. At the show, he offered to pay for a fan’s surgery, under the condition that he continues to see the fan showing out at future shows.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, known for being one of the most entertaining photography contests, has just wrapped up, and this year’s top prize goes to Jason Moore for his hilarious and brilliantly captured photo of a kangaroo, cheekily named “Air Guitar Roo.” Not only did this fantastic shot win the overall competition, but it also rocked the Creatures of the Land category, too.

Jason’s photo stood out among a whopping 5,300 entries submitted by 1,842 photographers from 85 countries. Moore’s photo of the female western grey kangaroo was taken in the outer suburbs of Perth, Australia when Jason visited a field of wildflowers to snap some pics of the many adult kangaroos and joeys playing there.

“The shoot turned out to be a great session, and I am quite fond of several images that I captured,” Moore said in a statement. “Not many people know that kangaroos are normally fairly docile and even a bit boring most of the time if I’m honest. However, when I saw this roo striking the air guitar pose, it immediately brought a smile to my face, and I knew that I had captured something really special.”

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The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards was started in 2015 by Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam to create a competition focused on the lighter, humorous side of wildlife photography while assuming an essential role in promoting wildlife conservation.

Here are 14 of the big winners.

1. Overall Winner: “Air-Guitar Roo” (grey kangaroo) by Jason Moore, Australia

“On this day, I had been out with my camera photographing some waterfowl at a nearby lake. I had been up at sunrise to take advantage of the ‘golden hour’ light, but it turned out to be a disappointing morning on the water. After leaving the lake, somewhat dejected, I decided to swing past an area of open bushland, because there are often a ‘mob’ of Kangaroos feeding and sunning themselves in a field close to the road. … The morning light was still favorable so I grabbed my camera and headed off to a spot where I could get down to eye level with my subjects. I ended up shooting about 40 or 50 frames of the kangaroos with various content including mum’s, joeys and also some action shots of them bouncing along through the yellow field. The shoot turned out to be a great session, and I am quite fond of several images that I captured. However, when I saw this animal strike this pose it immediately brought a smile to my face and I knew that I had captured something special.” — Jason Moore

2. Creatures of the Air Award: “Unexpected Plunge” (heron) Vittorio Ricci, South Africa

“An unusual end of a perfect moment.” — Vittorio Ricci

3. Creatures Under the Water Award: “Otter Ballerina” (smooth-coated otter), Otter Kwek, Singapore

“The otter was leaping while attempting to grasp the overhanging leaves, and during an unusual landing, it ended up in the Arabesque pose. I showed this photo to a ballet teacher, and she commented that the otter is a natural but just needs to tuck in its tummy a bit — precisely what a ballet teacher would advise.” — Otter Kwek

4. People’s Choice Award: “Dispute” (greenfinch), Jacek Stankiewicz, Poland

“I caught this scene while watching birds in the Bialowieza Forest. My friends interpret this scene in two ways. One, a young naughty kid is arguing with a parent. Two, a kid is reporting to the parent that their brother did something wrong: ‘Look he broke a window!'” — Jacek Stankiewicz

Highly Commended Winners

5. “The Happy Turtle” (swamp turtle), Tzahi Finkelstein, Antarctica

“The swamp turtle is surprised and smiles at the dragonfly resting on its nose.” — Tzahi Finkelstein

6. “The Monday Blahs” (great grey owl) John Blumenkamp, USA

“While photographing the great gray owl shown in my image, I had been busy working to capture that majestic-looking pose. As the owl preened and then sat still for a short while, it stretched once more and for a quick moment gave the pose shown. As it did, I grinned and thought… now that’s funny!” — John Blumenkamp

7. “One for the Family Album” (gannets) Zoe Ashdown, UK

“At RSPB Bempton Cliffs, each year between March and October, around half a million seabirds use the chalk cliffs towering above the North Sea to nest and raise a family. Gannets mate for life and they return to the same nest year after year to raise their young. Lying safely at the top of the cliff face, I was able to observe the affection shown between the gannets each time one returned to the nest. They have a greeting ritual, they rub beaks and entwine their necks; it’s how they strengthen their bond. But it’s also a brilliant opportunity to catch them in various poses. I didn’t realize I’d taken this image until I got home, but as soon as I saw it I laughed out loud! They look like proud parents, posing with their baby.” — Zoe Ashdown

8. “Don’t Look Down” (Atlantic puffin), Brian Matthews, UK

“A puffin does an inverted snoopy impression while watching jelly fish.” — Brian Matthews.

9. “Boing” (grey kangaroo) Lara Mathews, Australia

“Taken at Westerfolds Park, a beautiful and surprisingly wild pocket of land in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, famous for its kangaroo population. The mob was enjoying some morning sunshine when this joey decided to get silly and try his hand at boxing.” — Lara Mathews

10. “The Rainforest Dandy” (monkey) Delphine Casimir, Bali

“This picture was taken in the monkey forest in Ubud, Bali, a crazy place where monkeys are king! This forest is special even magical and sacred to the Balinese people. Maybe our dandy is the reincarnation of a divinity?” — Delphine Casimir

11. “Look Right, Bro” (macaque, deer) Pratick Mondal, India

12. “That Wasn’t Here Yesterday” (white-winged dove) Wendy Kaveney, USA

“A white-winged dove appearing to fly head-on into a cholla cactus skeleton.” — Whitney Kaveney

13. “Snowball” (white grouse) Jaques Poulard, Norway

“The white grouse is coming towards me and looks like a snowball with eyes.” — Jaques Poulard

14. “Excuse Me Sir But I Think You’re a Bit Too Young to Be Smoking” (grey fox) Dakota Vaccaro, USA

“While I was working deep in the Virginian woods, a family of grey foxes took up residence under the deck of the abandoned cottage next to my work housing. One day, while practicing their hunting skills on bits of moss and branches, one of the kits lunged at a small chunk of wood and started rolling around with his prize. Tired after his hunt, the kit lounged on his belly still holding the wood in his mouth which gave the strong resemblance of a cigar.” — Dakota Vaccaro

This article originally appeared on 11.27.23

Donald Trump, who once used the death of his ex-wife to raise money for himself, is back at it. Earlier today, the former president and “desperate man” sent a fundraising email to his followers that doubled as a Valentine’s Day card for his wife, Melania.

“Dear Melania, I LOVE YOU!” it reads (the “I LOVE YOU!” is in red — don’t tell Taylor Swift). “Even after every single INDICTMENT, ARREST, and WITCH HUNT, you never left my side. You’ve always supported me through everything. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without your guidance, kindness, and warmth. You will always mean the world to me, Melania!”

Trump signed the email, “From your husband with love, Donald J. Trump.” He also asked people to “leave some kind words for the First Lady this Valentine’s Day!” You know, the same first lady who has been incognito for months.

Melania has not been seen by Trump’s side for months, barring an appearance by the pair at her mother’s funeral in January. At that gathering, the couple rode in separate cars.

Couldn’t Trump have just ordered Melania a heart-shaped pizza for Valentine’s Day, like a normal person? Maybe he’s waiting to give her a gift tomorrow, when the chocolate at CVS is half-priced.

(Via Raw Story)

Yesterday, Pearl Jam announced that they would be making a return with a new album titled Dark Matter and treated fans to the first single. And they had even more news to share, including that the band is heading out on the road for a tour across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

For those who are hoping to catch them at one of the concerts around the globe, here’s what to know.

When Do Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter Tour Tickets Go On Sale?

Tickets for Pearl Jam’s worldwide tour will first be available to those who are members of their Ten Club. Presale information available for those signed up for Pearl Jam’s fan club can be found on the band’s website.

Another way to get tickets is by registering on Ticketmaster for access. Fans can register until Sunday, February 18 at 11:59 p.m. local time.

From there, those chosen for the Ticketmaster presale will receive a code on Thursday, February 22 at some point in the evening. The exact presale and general sale date will then be revealed closer to the registration deadline or code reveal. More information can be found here.

Continue scrolling for a complete list of Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter tour dates.

Pearl Jam 2024 Tour Dates: Dark Matter World Tour

05/04 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
05/06 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
05/10 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center
05/13 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
05/16 — Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
05/18 — Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
05/21 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
05/22 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
05/25 — Napa Valley, CA @ BottleRock Festival
05/28 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
05/30 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
06/22 — Dublin, IE @ Marlay Park
06/25 — Manchester, UK @ Manchester Co-Op Arena
06/29 — London, UK @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
07/02 — Berlin, DE @ Waldbühne
07/03 — Berlin, DE @ Waldbühne
07/06 — Barcelona, ES @ Palau Sant Jordi
07/08 — Barcelona, ES @ Palau Sant Jordi
07/11 — Madrid, SE @ Mad Cool Festival
07/13 — Lisbon, PT @ NOS Alive Festival
08/22 — Missoula, MT @ Washington-Grizzly Stadium
08/26 — Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
08/29 — Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
08/31 — Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
09/03 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
09/04 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
09/07 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
09/09 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
09/12 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
09/15 — Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
09/17 — Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
11/08 — Auckland, NZ @ Go Media Stadium Mt Smart
11/13 — Gold Coast, AU @ Heritage Bank Stadium
11/16 — Melbourne, AU @ Marvel Stadium
11/21 — Sydney, AU @ Giants Stadium

The Pearl Jam legacy continues as the band just announced their 12th album, Dark Matter. The band will complement the EP with a supporting tour, so here’s what to know about buying tickets.

How To Buy Tickets For Pearl Jam’s Dark Matter Tour

There are two ways to get tickets, First, there’s a Ten Club members-only presale, and more information is available to members on the Pearl Jam website.

Second, there will also be a registration sale at shops.ticketmasterpartners.com/pearl-jam. For the North American shows, customers must register by February 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT. For the Europe, UK, Australia and New Zealand dates, the deadline is February 18 at 11:59 p.m. local time.

Pearl Jam 2024 Tour Dates: Dark Matter World Tour

05/04 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
05/06 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
05/10 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center
05/13 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
05/16 — Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
05/18 — Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
05/21 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
05/22 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum
05/25 — Napa Valley, CA @ BottleRock Festival
05/28 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
05/30 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
06/22 — Dublin, IE @ Marlay Park
06/25 — Manchester, UK @ Manchester Co-Op Arena
06/29 — London, UK @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
07/02 — Berlin, DE @ Waldbühne
07/03 — Berlin, DE @ Waldbühne
07/06 — Barcelona, ES @ Palau Sant Jordi
07/08 — Barcelona, ES @ Palau Sant Jordi
07/11 — Madrid, SE @ Mad Cool Festival
07/13 — Lisbon, PT @ NOS Alive Festival
08/22 — Missoula, MT @ Washington-Grizzly Stadium
08/26 — Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
08/29 — Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
08/31 — Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
09/03 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
09/04 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
09/07 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
09/09 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
09/12 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena
09/15 — Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
09/17 — Boston, MA @ Fenway Park
11/08 — Auckland, NZ @ Go Media Stadium Mt Smart
11/13 — Gold Coast, AU @ Heritage Bank Stadium
11/16 — Melbourne, AU @ Marvel Stadium
11/21 — Sydney, AU @ Giants Stadium

Move over, Lovers And Friends. There’s a new romance-themed music festival for grown folks: The Fool In Love Festival in Los Angeles (locally known, affectionately, as “foos gone wild part 2” in memory of Once Upon A Time In Los Angeles — RIP, Drakeo). The festival will be headlined by “golden oldies” faves like Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, while Al Green, Charlie Wilson, Chic, Gladys Knight, Santana, The Isley Brothers, and so, so many more soul legends. The inaugural Fool In Love Festival is on August 31 in Los Angeles at Hollywood Park around SoFi Stadium.

How Much Are Tickets For The Fool In Love Festival?

Tickets for Fool In Love are available for purchase beginning Friday (February 16) at 10 AM PT via the festival’s official website. Fans can purchase general admission tickets beginning at $275. GA+ tickets begin at $595. VIP passes begin at $695. Platinum Passes start at $1,200. Fortunately, the festival offers payment plans starting at $19.99.

Fool In Love Festival Full Lineup

Lionel Richie
Diana Ross
Smokey Robinson
Durand Jones & The Indications
Nile Rodgers & Chic
Al Green
Santana
Charlie Wilson
Gladys Knight
The Isley Brothers
Chaka Khan
Eric Burdon
The Animals
Brenton Wood
Barbara Mason
Thee Sacred Souls
Mayer Hawthorne
Durand Jones
Aaron Frazier
The Delfonics
The Stylistics
The Manhattans
The Chi-Lites
The Legendary Blue Notes
Trish Toledo
The Intruders
Los Lobos
Johnny Farina
El Chicano
Tierra
Malo
Bloodstone
The Sinseers
The Altons
La Lom
Bobby Oroza
Lady Wray
Los Yesterdays
The McCharmlys
The O’Jays
The Jacksons
War
The Spinners
The Whispers
The Emotions
Dionne Warwick
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Zapp
Kool And The Gang
Stevie B
Rose Royce
Morris Day & The Time
Heatwave
The Bar Kays feat. Larry Dodson
Cameo
Shalamar
S.O.S. Band
Dazz Band
Con Funk Shun
Trinere
Mary Jane Girls
Evelyn Champagne King
The Pointer Sisters
El Debarge
Baby Bash
MC Magic
Lil Rob
Frankie J

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

The Walking Dead viewers know what it’s like to hang through sludge-filled seasons in hopes that things will get better. The particularly hardy of the bunch even endured eight dang Fear The Walking Dead seasons, but let’s not beat that zombie to death. And yes, the flagship series ebbed and flowed in quality, yet thank goodness the new spinoffs redeemed the franchise because it’s now time to finally pick up again with Rick Grimes. The Ones Who Live is what TWD devotees have been waiting for, in the same way that Michonne and Rick have crawled through hell to find each other again.

Granted, I adore Michonne, so I’m actually here for her and was never a Rick superfan who couldn’t wait for his return. (Give me Daryl Dixon and a rocket launcher any day instead, man.) However, I cannot deny that Rick’s Season 9 departure caused The Walking Dead to lose some sparkle because that paved the way for Danai Gurira, Lauren Cohan, Tom Payne (they killed Jesus, those… bastards), and others to step away, too. I do understand why many viewers held out hope for Andrew Lincoln reentering the walker-plagued universe, but let’s refresh on where everything ultimately went wrong for Rick:

I remain convinced (and am only half-joking) that this ^^^ impalement was a horse’s secret revenge for Rick being, as Glenn previously chided him, a “dumbass” for brazenly riding into a city and turning another horse into lunch meat during the first season, but boy, did Rick pay the price. This accident ultimately led to Jadis “saving” Rick by using him as her ticket into the Civil Republic Military’s good graces. Near the end of The Walking Dead, we caught a glimpse of Rick attempting to escape the CRM, where he has remained since his disappearance.

What’s been going on for Rick lately? Well, I can’t tell you anything about that part of the story. AMC handed critics a lengthy list of plot points and hints that shall not be Whispered. However, they also scheduled the embargo for this review on Valentine’s Day, which gives me a perfect reason — since it’s no secret that Michonne set off to look for her husband — to meditate upon how love stories are treated in this post-apocalyptic world, and whether The Ones Who Live ultimately serves that vision.

First off: romantic relationships are tricky, man, and they are even trickier with the undead afoot. The show has never shied away from how a spouse could end up being a tasty walker snack at any moment. As well, the awful sides of humanity didn’t disappear as people banded together. Abusers and narcissists have still been running rampant, and my god, look at how Abraham treated Rosita (Rosita!) with the whole “I thought you were the only woman left in the world, you’re not” discard. He might have come to regret that, if she hadn’t vastly outlived him. And then there’s poor Maggie, who had to watch Glenn’s brains get bashed in with Negan’s baseball bat.

That is to say, characters have to have an even stronger stomach to dive into a romantic relationship in this world than to merely run around stabbing walkers in the brains. And frankly, I always found the platonic relationships of this world to be much more fascinating. Did we really need to see the show spend time on Eugene’s love life? No way. Whereas the Daryl-and-Carol friendship led both characters to blossom. Think about how Carol began her run as an abused wife and timid person in general. Once she was freed from her awful husband, she transformed into a top-five character that you’d most want to have your back. Daryl’s early-on Cherokee Rose tribute was instrumental to both of them opening up and reaching for their full potential together, and they are easily the most ride-or-die pair of the entire ensemble.

Still, I will begrudgingly admit that Rick and Michonne are the romantic pair that is most worthy of a case study (this seems obvious), and that’s what we receive in The Ones Who Live. What is compelling and unexpected, however, is how much this spinoff dives into the damage that this world has done to them. On Michonne’s side, we also have to remember that she’s the character who led her ex-boyfriend around (as a detoothed walker) on a chain when we first met her. She has pulled herself back from the deep end in the past, but she still isn’t fully prepared for what happens during her ultimate quest.

Also, has Rick changed under the ever-watchful eye of the CRM? Of course. Is he really the strong man-hero that is remembered by his family and his former community? That’s part of where this show goes. Can he really go home, even if he can (logistically) manage to do so? You will soon find out. And more than any other character, Rick makes us question whether the living are, as this show has suggested, also The Walking Dead. Fortunately, as well, the romance never gets sappy in this spinoff. Yes, Michonne and Rick love each other, and they are partners in life, but this never becomes a romcom. Instead, we receive a visceral rendition of what is worth fighting for, and how these two are the most organic couple of the entire series.

However, there is dirt under the rug. Even if they “find each other” in a physical sense, there’s much more work to be done to really find each other deep down inside again. And even though (as the above headline suggests) I’m currently not in a “romantic” state of mind and might not be that way in the foreseeable future, I enjoy the idea of these two circling each other again. Because back when Rick and Michonne became a couple, both were full-fledged individuals, already set in their own ways, who found compatibility in each other and accepted each other, minor flaws and all, wholeheartedly. Neither “needed” a partner, and that’s part of what made their pairing so successful. Somehow, even taking into consideration this messed up world, they were perhaps the healthiest relationship I’ve seen onscreen, or IRL for that matter, in quite a while.

So, #CoupleGoals? Sure, why not. On this Valentine’s Day, I can very seriously say that TV could use much more of Rick and Michonne, and The Walking Dead devotees will be pleased with the authentic way that this relationship continues to develop.

AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ debuts on February 25.

Last month, Ariana Grande broke the internet by making her grand return to music with the lead single, “Yes, And?” — which will appear on her upcoming Eternal Sunshine album. The pop star has yet to release any other tracks from the project.

However, that isn’t stopping her from putting another spin on “Yes, And?” or adding an icon to boost a remix with a new verse. Here’s what to know about exactly who might be on it.

Is Mariah Carey On Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?” Remix?

Fans started suspecting that Mariah Carey will be appearing on Grande’s “Yes, And?” remix, after the two both changed their Instagram profile pictures to match each other. The two pop icons then confirmed the collaboration by posting what appears to be the remix’s cover art: a snapshot of them posing together.

The “Yes, And?” remix featuring Carey is set to drop this Friday, February 16, so the fans wanting to hear this truly great crossover won’t have to wait too long.

“there truly are no words that suffice,” Grande captioned on Instagram. “thank you from the bottom of my heart for this dream come true and for sprinkling your brilliance and magic on my little song @mariahcarey. it means more to me than i could ever possibly articulate and i cannot wait for everyone to hear this ! i love you eternally !!!!!!!”

Check out Grande’s announcement above.

The Vince Staples Show is the latest in a continuum of rap-centric comedies going back to the Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. While fans have already made comparisons to two of hip-hop’s most recent dark comedies, Atlanta and Dave, based on TVSS‘ loopy trailer, a preview of all five episodes establishes it as its own, unique thing.

Vince Staples himself also did as much during a recent press junket to talk about the five-episode effort and how The Vince Staples Show both builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors and strives to subvert the expectations they may have built in viewers’ minds. Longtime Uproxx readers may remember that one of Vince’s first forays into the comedic format for the screen was our Snapchat show F*#! That. Those fans will be happy to know that all of his sharp sensibilities remain intact in The Vince Staples Show. Meanwhile, despite ony having a few minutes with the Long Beach-bred superstar, he was able to go in-depth with Uproxx about the inspirations behind the show, what he hopes viewers take away from the experience, and why his hometown will always be a co-star in his work.

So when I’m watching the show, of course I’m from Long Beach/Compton, so I’m pointing at the screen like Leo DiCaprio the whole time. What does it mean to you to be able to put Long Beach on a screen like this, and what do you hope people take away from The Vince Staples Show about Vince Staples and Long Beach?

I think it’s very important to show the city in a unique light. I feel like a lot of the times people just think it’s just grimy and desolate all the time.

And growing up, I felt like it was a beautiful place and I just wanted to paint the suburban aspects of the city. Even though it does have its pitfalls and its issues, the scenery is very unique. And I feel like the takeaway for me is just… It’s all up to interpretation.

A lot of things in the show that we sprinkled throughout, I just hope people pay close attention to things that are going on and pick up on some of the Easter eggs and some of the B-stories.

[The show is] painting a new perspective of how people see things and just trying to show them what it actually looks like versus what it might seem like from their vantage point.

Originally, The Vince Staples Show was a YouTube thing, and then you got the opportunity to take it to Netflix. Why did you want to do it as a miniseries as opposed to a more traditional format?

That’s just the opportunity that we got, so we just try to make the best out of the opportunity. Hopefully, it performs well and we are able to keep it going. That’s kind of how we got situated over here with Netflix, and I think it came out good. I feel like no matter how it ends up, we gave a round story and gave it some closure, some context. So I think we’ll be good either way.

There are comparisons to Atlanta on Twitter after the trailer dropped. What are some of the advantages and drawbacks of having something that helps people contextualize what you are doing with your show?

I feel like when you alleviate ego, it is really no drawback. I think that’s an extremely successful show. It changed a lot. It’s had a lot of impact on film and television, just culture in general. So for people to even compare to something that is that coveted and I’m just grateful for it. So it’s a really, really great starting point.

Now I have a plot question, regarding the character “White Boy” from Episode 5. To quote Thugnificent, what did you do to make him that mad?

It’s really just more so commentary on the cycle of growth and what it’s like to grow up in this environment. So if you kind of think about that, then it opens up a lot of questions. You never really know the reason, and I think that was important to frame it in that way. I think that’s why it was important to showcase that Vince did not remember, or know who this person was and nobody else did. And there’s a lot of that in the show if you kind of get into the weeds of it. It was a commentary on how we all are the same, and still don’t like each other.

What’s something that you always wanted to talk about in one of these interviews that you never got a chance to? If you were to write the question for you, what would you want to ask?

I would honestly draw a blank, bro. I’m not really, the question kind of guy, but I appreciate just people’s interests and people’s perspective. That’s why you make these things: to have a commentary, a back-and-forth, [because] someone else’s perspective might not necessarily be mine.

So, every time somebody asks a question, it opens up the way that I view the project or the way that I view the things that I create as well. But if it was up to me, man, I could never do that.

Did you ever get around to listening to Nas?

Yeah man, I know Nas. Nas cool, man. You mean “I Gave You Power” specifically? Or just Nas in general?

Everybody was on your head about not listening to those albums.

Hey look, man, that was before my time. But we did go back and listened to a couple of them.

That’s good. Hey man, thank you so much. We miss you around the Uproxx office too!

I love and appreciate you as well.

The Vince Staples Show streams on Netflix 2/15.