Well, the University of Minnesota Dance Team, aka The Gophers, certainly made no plans of going home during their epic dance routine at the UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships in Orlando, Florida (otherwise known as “The Dance Super Bowl”) last weekend.
The Gophers absolutely wowed audiences with a perfectly synchronized performance to Aeromsith’s “Dream On” that quickly racked up millions of views on social media, not to mention a few headlines.
Inspired by a routine to the same song made by the champions in 2004, the 24-person team executed bold, impressive turns and spins all in perfect unison. A two-minute video of their flawless choreography got overwhelmingly positive reviews online.
“This is badass,” Governor Tim Walz wrote on X while another commenter on Youtube marveled, “Not one person was off in this entire dance. Goosebumps!!”
Another viewer echoed, “I’ve never in my life seen a group this large perform such beautiful and perfectly synchronized turns. I didn’t think it was possible.”
Many were shocked to learn that the Gophers actually got 2nd place behind Ohio State in that category. They did, however, score first place for their pom routine. Plus some major viral clout for their ingenuity.
“I have honestly never been so proud of [the] team,” longtime head coach, Amanda Gaines told local station KARE11, sharing gratitude that their routine garnered more awareness and respect for the sport.
“They are doing this because they are passionate about dance and Minnesota,” Gaines said. “The more people can support these athletes, the better for everyone.”
Assistant coach Tia Tumbleson, who helped choreograph the performance, seconded Gaines’ sentiment, applauding her team for doing “this creative and innovative thing that people have never heard of.”
“Dancers and non-dancers, [know] how hard that is. The love we’ve gotten from everybody, I can hardly speak on it. It’s just been incredible,” she told local news station KSTP.
The sweet-faced, loveable Labrador Retriever is no longer America’s favorite dog breed. The breed best known for having a heart of gold has been replaced by the smaller, more urban-friendly French Bulldog.
According to the American Kennel Club, for the past 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was America’s favorite dog, but it was eclipsed in 2022 by the Frenchie. The rankings are based on nearly 716,500 dogs newly registered in 2022, of which about 1 in 7 were Frenchies. Around 108,000 French Bulldogs were recorded in the U.S. in 2022, surpassing Labrador Retrievers by over 21,000.
The French Bulldog’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past decade. They were the #14 most popular breed in 2012, and since then, registrations have gone up 1,000%, bringing them to the top of the breed popularity rankings.
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The AKC says that the American Hairless Terrier, Gordon Setter, Italian Greyhound and Anatolian Shepherd Dog also grew in popularity between 2021 and 2022.
The French Bulldog was famous among America’s upper class around the turn of the 20th century but then fell out of favor. Their resurgence is partly based on several celebrities who have gone public with their Frenchie love. Leonardo DiCaprio, Megan Thee Stallion, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Reese Witherspoon and Lady Gaga all own French Bulldogs.
The breed earned a lot of attention as show dogs last year when a Frenchie named Winston took second place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and first in the National Dog Show.
The breed made national news in early 2021 when Gaga’s dog walker was shot in the chest while walking two of her Frenchies in a dog heist. He recovered from his injuries, and the dogs were later returned.
The French Bulldog’s complicated past took them from brothels (yes) to royals.
They’ve also become popular because of their unique look and personalities.
“They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs,” French Bull Dog Club of America spokesperson Patty Sosa told the AP. She said they are city-friendly with modest grooming needs and “they offer a lot in a small package.”
They are also popular with people who live in apartments. According to the AKC, Frenchies don’t bark much and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise.
The French Bulldog stands out among other breeds because it looks like a miniature bulldog but has large, expressive bat-like ears that are its trademark feature. However, their popularity isn’t without controversy. “French bulldogs can be a polarizing topic,” veterinarian Dr. Carrie Stefaniak told the AP.
French Bulldogs have been bred to have abnormally large heads, which means that large litters usually need to be delivered by C-section, an expensive procedure that can be dangerous for the mother. They are also prone to multiple health problems, including skin, ear, and eye infections. Their flat face means they often suffer from respiratory problems and heat intolerance.
Frenchies are also more prone to spine deformations and nerve pain as they age.
Here are the AKC’s top ten most popular dog breeds for 2022.
The San Antonio Spurs are in Philadelphia on Monday night, which means that for the first time, Victor Wembanyama and Joel Embiid are going to step onto a basketball court against one another. It’s a pretty exciting time, as this marks a matchup between the reigning NBA MVP and the reigning No. 1 pick who has been viewed as a future MVP for quite some time.
For how promising Wembanyama’s rookie year has been, he hasn’t faced anyone quite like Embiid, who has the ability to overpower him in addition to all the other stuff he’s capable of doing on the basketball court. Wembanyama’s coach is ready for the challenge, though, as Gregg Popovich jokingly — well, at least I think it was jokingly — said that he’s ready for his rookie big man to take it to Embiid.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reveals what Victor Wembanyama’s game plan will be tonight against the reigning MVP:
“We’re gonna hammer his ass,” Popovich said to the assembled media in Philadelphia. “I told Wemby to put your butt right in his stomach, back him down under the rim, and just throw him through the rim. That’s what you can look forward to tonight. Don’t tell Wemby I said that.”
Despite this, Popovich has a pretty sober view of how things will go on the other end of the floor.
Gregg Popovich on how the Spurs intend to guard Joel Embiid tonight:
“I don’t think it matters what we do. I can give you some bullshit if you want.”
The third week of 2024 brought a few underground gems, along with some fun quirks like Lil Dicky’s Dave soundtrack. Unfortunately, yours truly was out sick, so our second roundup of the year is a little delayed — and yet, it’s always on time.
Up front, Gunna reconnects with his favorite producer Turbo, for “Bachelor,” a player anthem with a high-fashion music video:
Meanwhile, another Atlanta standout, Latto, lends a hand to the up-and-coming Anycia for the aggressive “Back Outside“:
And Saweetie had a triumphant coming back, double-dipping with P-Lo for the 49ers-approved “Do It For The Bay,” then dropping the triumphant “Immortal Freestyle.”
Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending January 19, 2024.
Albums/EPs/Mixtapes
Elcamino — Here You Go
Black Soprano Family
Buffalo might be a small town in comparison to its high-profile southern neighbor, but it’s had an outsized impact when it comes to hip-hop. Elcamino, a member of Grisela spin-off clique, Black Soprano Family, has proven to be every bit as prolific and lyrically adroit as his mentor Benny The Butcher, keeping his momentum rolling with this eight-song offering.
Fredo Bang — Yes, I’m Sad
Fredo Bang
I’ve long been a fan of Fredo Bang, who for my money has been criminally overlooked as one of the more deft purveyors of the “pain rap” offshoot of trap music. He’s yet to let me down, and remains consistent here, with support from arguable subgenre pioneer Kevin Gates, NLE Choppa, Rick Ross, and Rob49.
Hus Kingpin & 9th Wonder — The Supergoat
Hus Kingpin
Whatever your feelings about the way the music industry seems to revolve around who you know as much as what you can bring, there’s no denying that the right co-sign can bring the right kind of attention to the right project. Hus Kingpin hadn’t really been on my radar before (what with fiftyleven new rappers coming out on a seemingly daily basis these days) but he certainly lives up to the 9th Wonder beats with thich he’s been blessed. And to be frank, this is some of 9th’s best stuff in years. And Roscoe P. Coldchain is back! There’s a lot to like here, basically.
Lil Dicky — Penith (The DAVE Soundtrack)
Lil Dicky
For as hilarious as the raunchy FX dramedy was throughout its first three seasons, it all hinged on the music justifying Dicky’s outsized ego. The rapper-turned-comedic-mastermind pays off the show’s fans’ patience with a project full of thundering bass, clever punchlines, and surprising heart — just like the series itself. And if you ever wanted to hear the full version of the show’s chuckle-inducing theme song, now you can.
Mick Jenkins — The Patience (Deluxe)
Mick Jenkins
The Chicago rapper dropped his latest back in June 2023, but here, he adds two new tracks and instrumental versions of all the originals.
Singles/Videos
Blxst — “Heart Ain’t Empty”
Keys, bass, and vulnerable lyrics — what more do you need? The West Coast eagle flies high on his latest stripped-down single, raising hopes for a new project sometime soon. With the sky literally grey and raining in Southern California, we could use a little more of Blxst’s sunny vibe to bring back LA’s signature shine..
Finesse2Tymes — “Fat Boy” Feat. Rick Ross
Finesse2Tymes is growing in stature and secures one of rap’s most coveted co-signers in Rick Ross. Appropriately titled, “Fat Boy” is straightforward rags-to-riches retrospective, highlighted by the tightly-coiled rhymes of Ross and Finesse’s verses and a beat with plenty room to breathe.
Fivio Foreign — “Same 24” Feat. Meek Mill
Switching up his usual style, Fivio swerves into the reflective lane, tapping into a soulful, spacious beat to convey his motivational but logically dubious assertion that you can do it if he did it. Meek Mill provides the perfect complement to the message as one of rap’s foremost motivational speakers.
Shrugging off the seemingly sketpical reception from his boom-bap-preferring hardcore, Joey comes back from his latest hiatus with a silky slow burner, opting for a smooth ode to the lady in his life over the beats-and-bars approach you might expect from him. For the most part, it works — and if it feeds the other half of his fanbase (don’t forget the man’s a model for reason), all the better.
Max — “Say Less” Feat. Duckwrth
Okay, fine. This isn’t technically a hip-hop song. But I’ll be damned if I pass up a chance to put more people up on Duckwrth — especially when he’s at his genre-bending best like he is here.
Sauce Walka — “I’m Him”
The Houston rapper goes a slightly different direction than he has in the past, driven by Daringer, whose gritty production actually provides the perfect counterpoint to Walka’s usual exciteable flow.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
It’s up for debate whether Norm Macdonald was the best host of SNL’s Weekend Update, but he was at least the most eccentric. He brought his anarchic style of anti-comedy to a gig whose topical jokes can get a bit Jay Leno-y. He made a running gag out of randomly mentioning Frank Stallone. But what if Macdonald never got the job? What if they went with one of the other frontrunners, Bill Maher?
Per The Daily Beast, SNL writer Jim Downey joined fellow alum Al Franken on the latter’s podcast, where he revealed that when the show was looking to replace departing Weekend Udpate anchor Kevin Nealon, the future Real Time host’s name was in the running. So was Franken, who had been mostly working behind the scenes at that point. But Maher had the “backing” of agent Bernie Brillstein, who also repped SNL honcho Lorne Michaels as well as other cast members at the time.
Macdonald’s name, Downey said, “emerged late,” but before then it was between Franken and Maher. But once Franken was out of the running, remembered Downey, “then I was like, can it please be Norm Macdonald and not Bill Maher?”
Michaels went with Macdonald, though he was only behind the desk for three seasons; Michaels fired both Macdonald and Downey for too frequently slamming O.J. Simpson, a pal of NBC exec Don Ohlmeyer.
As for Maher, he had already started hosting the early, Comedy Central iteration of Politically Incorrect, which moved to ABC in 1997. But imagine if Maher had been stuck behind a desk rather than yakking it up with people he didn’t always agree with, like, recently, Oliver Stone.
Could this be the source of the apparent beef between Macdonald and Maher? Not long before his death, Macdonald shredded him in a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “I find him completely unfunny. Like, maybe the unfunniest person I’ve ever encountered that’s called a comedian.” Dang.
Per Variety, on Monday the festival unveiled Sasquatch Sunset. It stars Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough. Thing is, they’re not playing humans. They’re done up to look like the titular mythical creatures. Clearly it’s not your typical sasquatch picture:
The film, which has zero dialogue or narration but plenty of grunts, captures an immersive, “true” depiction of the daily life of the Sasquatch. That apparently involves sex, masturbation, vomiting, flatulence and plenty of other gory acts that aren’t fit to print.
It appears the movie goes pretty far:
One scene, involving bodily fluids spouting out of every — and we mean every — orifice of the female Bigfoot, played to raucous applause in the room. Less than 15 minutes into the film, one moviegoer announced, to nobody in particular, “This is the weirdest movie ever.”
Not everyone was so captivated. Some in the audience reportedly got squeamish during certain extreme scenes, covering their face when things got bloody.
Sasquatch Sunset is the latest from directors David and Nathan Zellner, whose previous credits include Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter, in which Oscar-nominated actress Rinko Kikuchi plays a Japanese woman who becomes obsessed with the Coen brothers movie Fargo and journeys to Minnesota, convinced the money Steve Buscemi’s character buries in the film is real. Sounds like they topped that one in terms of out-there-ness.
During the post-film Q&A, cast and crew opened up about the sex scenes, which Keough said she was “excited” to discuss.
“We rehearsed our sex scenes, and they have it on video,” she revealed.
David Zellner added, “We used a trash can as a stand-in.”
Hopefully it won’t be long till the rest of the world gets to see the farting Bigfoot movie.
The Hill is the latest title to quietly land on Netflix and become an unexpected hit, which is the new normal on the streamer. The movie, which was released in theaters in 2023, is sitting comfortably at the No. 2 spot on the Netflix Top 10, right behind 2016’s Tarzan. Who wouldn’t want to sit behind Alexander Skarsgard anyway?
Colin Ford stars in The Hill as a young boy who dreams of playing baseball, despite his debilitating degenerative spinal disease. He is discouraged from playing the game by his father, Pastor Hill, played by noted baseball lover Dennis Quaid.
The film is based on the real-life story of Rickey Hill, who defied the odds by playing minor league baseball despite his condition, and his father’s disapproval. Hill was very supportive of the film and getting his story out there. “There is no such thing as no in my book. I hope [people watching this] take the fact that even though they told me my disease was going to end me, I wasn’t going to accept that. I said I’m not accepting no, and I didn’t. I said I would play (pro ball) until every tire went flat,” he told The Athletic in 2023.
Not only is The Hill a real story, but Rickey Hill is still out there being his best self and promoting his own “wellness box” of gummies and hemp cream. This is the real American pastime.
A few months ago, the other currently running adaptation based upon Robert Kirkman’s comics, Invincible, went on a mid-season hiatus from its usual second-season slot on Amazon Prime. The audience was left wondering if the show would return in 2024, and we had a hunch that this would happen following — but hopefully not too long after — Amazon’s launch of their new Prime Video ads on January 29.
Sure enough, Steven Yeun’s title character is on his way back to possibly overcome the imperialistic Viltrumite empire and also deal with all those father issues. His identity is no longer unknown to his foes, but we’ll see how he confronts these obstacles on March 14.
From there, viewers can expect four more episodes before the wait for the third season shall begin.
In case you’d like to know more about Amazon Prime’s ad-free plan, the streaming service has preregistration available with a monthly price of $2.99. If you choose to take that plunge, then you’ll know that Homelander’s next obscene deed and any forthcoming scenes featuring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as married assassins won’t be interrupted. Or you can hang and wait and change your mind about the commercials at any time.
The really good news, of course, is that Invincible is almost back. Until then, the first season and half of the second season is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.
The Butcher comin’ … Benny The Butcher, that is. The Buffalo rapper has been gearing up to release his first solo major-label album Everybody Can’t Go for the last few months, and this Friday (January 26), it officially arrives. The album is Benny’s fourth solo full-length album and just the latest in a list of dozens of projects including mixtapes, EPs, collaborations, and albums with his former group, Griselda.
Everybody Can’t Go is intended to be his most accessible project since 2020’s Burden Of Proof, which was produced entirely by Hit-Boy and featured Big Sean, Conway the Machine, Dom Kennedy, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Wayne, Queen Naija, Rick Ross and Westside Gunn. Burden Of Proof debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart and with the new album once again featuring heavy input from Hit-Boy and high-profile collabs with the likes of Lil Wayne, it’s clear that Benny is aiming to have as much or greater impact for his first-ever album distributed by Def Jam.
Here’s everything we know about Everybody Can’t Go.
Release Date
Everybody Can’t Go is due on January 26, 2024, through 5 to 50 and Def Jam Recordings.
Tracklist
The tracklist for Everybody Can’t Go has not been released yet.
Singles
Benny kicked off the promotion for Everybody Can’t Go in November 2023 with “Big Dog” featuring Lil Wayne. Since then, he’s released two more singles: “One Foot In” with Stove God Cooks and “Bron.”
Features
While the features have not yet been announced, Lil Wayne and Stove God Cooks were confirmed thanks to the previously released singles, while production is being contributed by both Hit-Boy and The Alchemist.
Artwork
Benny The Butcher
Tour
Although Benny has not yet announced a tour for Everybody Can’t Go, he will presumably perform tracks from it on his Thank God I Made It tour, running from April 20 – May 25. You can see the dates below.
The 2024 Newport Folk Festival lineup isn’t out yet, but the fest has a history of delivering. Last year’s edition, for example, featured Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan, Maggie Rogers, My Morning Jacket, Angel Olsen, Bartees Strange, Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Jon Batiste, and others.
What we do know, though, is that the fest is going down from July 26 to 28 at Rhode Island’s Fort Adams State Park. We also know how to score tickets.
How To Buy Tickets For The 2024 Newport Folk Festival
The general on-sale starts on February 1 at 1 p.m. ET, via DICE. As for pricing, there are multiple tiers, and they are:
3-Day General Admission Pass: $286.34 (includes fees)
2-Day General Admission Pass: $224.54 (includes fees)
Single Day Ticket: $116.39 (includes fees)
3-Day Parking: $84.64 (includes fees)
2-Day Parking: $55.62 (includes fees)
Single Day Parking: $30.90 (includes fees)
Children 10 years old and younger can go for free with a ticketed adult, with a limit of two kids per adult. Find more information about tickets here.
If you’re thinking about trying to score tickets via resellers, festival organizers note in a press release, “Newport Folk Festival encourages fans not to purchase tickets you see on the secondary market, or from any individual or corporate resellers claiming to have tickets before they have officially gone on sale to the public. Those speculative listings are not real tickets that the seller actually owns. Only purchase from official Newport Folk sources during the official on sale or waitlist. All Newport Folk tickets are mobile from our ticketing partner DICE.”
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