Beyoncé had a new wax figure of herself unveiled at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, as she rocked a sparkly bodysuit and matching gloves. However, like typical wax figures, many online thought it bore zero resemblance to the musical icon. While they tried their best (again), many felt that the statue looked more like Leah Remini.

For those who don’t know who Remini is, she is an actress who starred in The King Of Queens. Over the past few years, she has also been dedicated to exposing Scientology after leaving them in 2013. Her TV documentary series about it has won two Emmy Awards, and she wrote a bestselling memoir.

Or, as one user simply put it: “This that lady that be telling the church of Scientology business.”

“I really thought that’s who it was supposed to be tbh,” another added.

As the discussion gained traction, with TMZ Live posing it as a question to see if more people felt it looked like Remini, she eventually chimed in with her thoughts.

“I am screaming!” Remini posted. “And loving all the tweets! This perimenopausal woman will take any and all comparisons to the beautiful Beyoncé!”

Others felt like it resembled different celebrities too. “This is Maya Rudolph as Beyoncé in an SNL skit,” one replied.

“baby thats tinashe,” someone else thought.

Check out the latest Beyoncé wax figure attempt and Leah Remini’s response above. Below, find more fan reactions.

Uproxx doesn’t really do cruises. Full respect to those who do, but the thought of being stuck in the middle of the ocean with thousands of strangers while playing bingo and watching corporate entertainment doesn’t sound that cool. (Then there’s the matter of the cruise industry’s reluctance to meaningfully address sustainability.)

The exception? When there’s world-class music involved.

96 hours of nonstop house and techno music to be exact. Sound insane? Groove Cruise celebrated its 20th anniversary on the high seas two weeks ago with its largest edition to date in a sold-out sailing from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay. Set upon the award-winning Norwegian Encore, 5,000 attendees – or what the brand calls “captains” – saw themselves dancing across 11 stages across 18 floors to a global electronic lineup consisting of Tiësto, John Summit, Diplo, Markus Schulz, LP Giobbi, HALIENE, Joel Corry, Trivecta, Mija, GG Magree, VNSSA, Lilly Palmer, Gene Farris, Max Styler, Biscits, Disco Lines, Speaker Honey, and more.

Despite the sprawling amenities of the cruise ship, it’s the intimate nature of the festival and the very spirit of partying in the middle of the ocean that continues to keep fans coming back to Groove Cruise each year. It was quite the hedonistic bacchanal and Uproxx was right in the thick of it all. Here’s what we loved…

Part I – The Ship

The ship truly set the backdrop for the ultimate party playground, equipped with spacious balcony rooms overlooking the ocean, 40 bars and restaurants, two multi-story waterslides, a casino, and more. Anyone looking to switch out some dancing with playtime got to experience the largest go-kart racetrack at sea, a 10,000-square-foot open-air laser tag arena, a VR gaming site, and more. There was never a dull moment on the ship; even choosing to appoint yourself in a deck 17 sun chair or in a hot tub was plenty amusing.

Those who wanted extra luxury were roomed at The Haven, located on decks 17 and 18. Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven offered 24-hour butler service, private sundecks and restaurants, a private sun and pool room, as well as luxurious ensuites and penthouses equipped with walk-in closets and exclusive 270-degree oceanfront views.

If you were curious enough, you could find secret rooms inside of rooms, like the Social Lounge on deck six that hosted some of the most coveted techno and trance sets of the weekend or Texas Roadhouse serving up juicy club-style and red light sets that made room for some crunchy bass and dubstep throwdowns. Deepfake probably takes the cake for being the most coveted host with his secret “razzle dazzle” room that housed some of the most exclusive b2b and renegade performances for a select few.

Everything you needed was right at the tip of your fingers. After dancing for hours, you could indulge in a full buffet at any hour of the night or day at the Garden Cafe right outside the main pool deck and stage. I probably ate too many soft-serve ice cream cones because of this but… it was fun as sh*t. The luxury of having your own room was also having a private bathroom and shower at all times or just having a quiet space to take “disco naps” throughout the day.

“Groove Cruise is an excellent example of what life is like on many other planets,” featured artist Martian Circus told Uproxx Life. “Everyone is well-fed, well-loved, and encouraged to dance their pants off as we embark on a great journey together to paradise.”

Part II – The Scene: Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat

When did people eat? All the time. Groove Cruise had over 20 spots to eat onboard, so no tummy was left hungry. Garden Cafe was the most popular due to its 24-hour buffet. Sometimes the food looked better than it tasted – like the artfully carved fruit or the perfectly plated desserts – but it was the variety of options around the clock and its location right outside the Main Pool Deck Stage that made it the MVP of the weekend.

Sleep… sorta wasn’t a thing. At least not in the basic sense of the term. To quote LP Giobbi, the only way to stay on track for success was to take “disco naps” throughout the day to keep your energy levels alive. With many of the high-level sets happening anywhere from 11 pm – 7 am, sleeping during the night hours was seen as taboo. Resting your head for an hour or two during the day, several times a day, alongside taking your choice of preferred party favors was the best concoction to keep you dancing the night away and catching all the best sets.

Whether you found yourself dancing on the Main Pool Deck, sitting down for dinner in the Garden Cafe, or walking through the corridors to the next stage, the people you found yourself next to or met were some of the most vibrant and energetic on the planet. Everyone was infectiously happy, making it nearly impossible to be upset about anything. And on the off chance you were upset about something, you’d look over and a Tiki-themed game of Twister to knock that frown right off your face.

When it comes to people-watching, well… maybe those were the best shows of all. With the festival announcing both day and night themes, you were thrown into a new scene twice each day, with attendees roaming in wild jungle attire, Nintendo costumes with hundreds of Princess Peaches, racing gear, silver and chrome alien interpretations, and rave disco suits. It’s a place where the freaks came out (in large, confident numbers). You stood out if you weren’t dressed up. It’s was a perfect place to dress any way you’d like, wearing the skimpiest bathing suits and the most gaudy attire without a care in the world.

Oddly, it was the elevators that told the story of the week best. New messages appeared daily and seeing the progression of the mood and messaging told a story in itself:

DAY 1 — “HAPPY GROOVE CRUISE!”
DAY 2 — “Are you having fun?!”
DAY 3 — “So..how is everyone doing?”
DAY 4 — No words. Just chaotic pop-up disco balls and partially deflated balloons.

That’s exactly how I felt on day four, FWIW.

Part III – The Music

It’s hard to try to explain what 96 hours of nonstop house and techno music looks like. Let’s just be clear on something here: when they say 96 nonstop hours of music, it was. The only place you could find yourself in silence was in your room, and even then, there was the possibility of hearing your neighbors keeping the beat alive. It was a marathon, not a sprint.

With that said, it was impossible to catch everything. That’s part of the joy and beauty in an event like Groove Cruise, though. You’re pulled in various directions, following the most prominent beat that calls out to you at any given moment. These are once-in-a-lifetime curated moments that only the people who attend and the waves they’re carried on will fully understand.

“Joel [Corry] and I just met this year and we hit it off and decided to do a last-minute b2b set,” featured artist Markus Schulz told Uproxx Life in an interview. “We planned for an hour and went ahead and just did it. Groove Cruise is the perfect environment for DJs where you can just go up and improvise and collaborate with other artists. It’s really a showcase of the artistic level of the artists on the ship…I’ve played Groove Cruise close to 15 times and it’s so great.”

Some music highlights of the weekend include:

• Markus Schulz and Joel Corry sending us out at sea for the official “Sail Away” party for sunset on the Main Pool Deck.
• Diplo’s first-ever Higher Ground stage takeover at sea in the Theatre with Gene Farris, LP Giobbi, Biscuits, VNSSA, and Casmalia.
• The ultimate 11-hour “decades” party in the Casino featuring Lizzie Curious, Doc Brown, Kyliente, Cripsy, and more.
  High-money rollers came through to rain stacks of Benjamins on all the DJs that night.
• Lilly Palmer curating world-class techno on the main stage with her Spannung party, featuring a surprise techno b2b with Joel Corry and Markus Schulz and a raging two-hour sunrise set by the queen herself from 5 am to 7 am.
• Martian Circus sending exploratory attendees into the 5D multiverse with their phantasmagoric, fully improvised performances each night from 10 pm-5 am. It was way too easy to spend hours in their psychedelic den, lost in the sauce. The group’s 4 am sound healing was a beautiful relief and calming scene. Whether you decided to end your night here or start your day was entirely up to you.
• The first-ever all-female Main Stage takeover with Femme House featuring imprint founder LP Giobbi, Hai Life, Mija, VNSSA, Casmalia, Max Low, and more. The most badass takeover we’ve ever witnessed, completed with Mija’s rumbling house remix of Sexyy Red’s “SkeeYee.”
• Canadian DJ Alley Kay absolutely throwing down the hardest and hottest techno in the Social Lounge — so much so that the speaker blew out. You best bet that world-class production had it back up and running in two minutes.
• The most proper and correct “Incorrect Pool Deck” party with Max Styler, deemed one of the best sets of the weekend. The accomplished house music producer truly enthralled everyone with his hypnotic throwdowns and coveted unreleased track IDs.
• Saturday’s dream-worthy beach party on Great Stirrup Cay with Tiësto. Seriously, can anything get more iconic than Tiësto on a private island? Attendees were shuffled in boats for a scenic 10-minute ride to the island from the ship, which granted a day full of sun lounging, zip lining over the ocean, swimming with pigs, sipping drinks, and relishing the idyllic scene.
• John Summit and Friends closing out the Main Pool Deck with a dazzling array of sounds from San Pacho, VNSSA b2b Max Styler, Joshwa, Biscits b2b Deeper Purpose, and LP Giobbi.
• John Summit closing out the Theatre until the ship was docked back in Miami with an exceptional extended set featuring an insane onstage collab with Max Styler, Ranger Trucco, and Kyle Walker.

“This is my second year and I’ve come to realize that it’s one of the strongest communities ever,” LP Giobbi told Uproxx Life. “It’s magical and absolutely incredible that the decorations, costumes, and programming have gone up 20x for the 20th anniversary…Femme House is my nonprofit that teaches women and gender-expansive individuals how to DJ. We wanted to work within the live space to offer women more opportunities to DJ and see themselves represented out there and on stage — Groove Cruise is actually one of the first promoters to reach out and partner with us for the Undiscovered DJ Contest!”

Part IV – Groovy Giveback

Due to its 20-year history, Groove Cruise has established a revered global community that puts meaning and intention into its floating party. Groove Cruise founder Jason Beukema led his nonprofit (501c3) Whet Foundation to benefit the local community in the Bahamas by providing essential items like clothing, food, school supplies, beach and community cleanups, and funding for art programs.

Additionally, the foundation made its annual Destination Donation — this year to the island community of Great Harbour. Located a short boat ride away from Great Stirrup Cay where Groove Cruise docked on Saturday, Whet Travel raised $20,000 for musical equipment for the community as well as building supplies donated to a single mother who lost her home in a fire in April 2023.

By partnering with 4ocean, each of the ship’s Captains received a special handcrafted bracelet made with recycled materials, each removing five pounds of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines.

***

Groove Cruise will return in 2025, of course — slated to set sail from Miami, Florida to the private island of Labadee next January. The 37th sailing will be the biggest music cruise of any genre in history, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure Of The Seas, one of the largest ships in the world. Hosting 6,780 passengers, the ship boasts seven neighborhoods, 40 bars, and restaurants, a full-service spa, fitness rooms, aqua parks and a FlowRider surf simulator, gardens with open-air ambiance, zip-lining, ice skating, and more.

You can reserve your spot for the 2025 sailing here. Packages start at around $1500 pp.

MORE GROOVE CRUISE PHOTOS:

Uproxx was hosted by Groove Cruise but they did not review or approve this editorial. To learn more about our press trip policy, see here.

Lana Del Rey finally responded after the internet had thought she wasn’t having a good time at the 2024 Grammy Awards last weekend. For those who missed the discussions, many had dissected the fact that she was standing in the back and looked upset, as Taylor Swift accepted the award for Album Of The Year.

Del Rey, who was also up for the award with her Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard record, was pulled on stage by Swift — as the two collaborated on “Snow On The Beach” from Swift’s Midnights. In the days following, Del Rey posted an Instagram photo of herself holding a gun that has since become a meme of sorts.

“I literally just loved being there,” Del Rey responded in the comment section, according to Entertainment Tonight. “I love to see everyone, get the tea and hang out. Get dressed up,” she wrote. “I literally did not feel 1 ounce of negative emotion at any point in that award ceremony.”

“It was pure funniness and laughter,” she added.

For fans who are still looking for Del Rey to receive her long-awaited Grammy win, she very well could be in the running next year. Just last week, the pop star announced that she’s working on a country record called Lasso, but the release date is still TBA.

At the time of this interview, Dulcé Sloan, the comedian, actress, and correspondent for The Daily Show, was just a couple of days removed from standing next to her Daily Show counterparts as they won the Emmy Award for Best Variety Talk Series; a moment that served as a celebratory close to the era that saw Trevor Noah as host.

On an individual level, Sloan had just been told she was nominated for a GLAAD award for her tenure as a guest host and she was celebrating the publication of her memoir, Hello Friends!: Stories Of Dating, Destiny, And Day Jobs.

All of this success is the result of years of hard work and big dreams, dating back to her time growing up in Miami and Atlanta. But, according to Sloan, the best part is seeing her family benefit as well. Oh, and she’s also pretty happy to finally be out of New York City after buying a home in LA. We spoke about that, the book, and what’s next.

Congratulations on being nominated for a GLAAD Award. How does it feel to hear that news?

Dulcé Sloan: It was great. I got a text from the EP on the show this morning and I was like, ‘Congratulations on what?’ It’s for Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode. It was for the first night and for my hosting week, and as you know, I hosted and then the strikes started for six months. So, the fact that I got nominated for an episode I did during my hosting week when I only hosted one night, is amazing.

Are you at liberty to share some of the ideas you may have gotten to during your guest hosting week if you had the opportunity to finish it out?

Well, I did want to interview Marshawn Lynch during my hosting week because I want to touch his hands.

[Laughs] I want to steal the hem of his garment, is really what I was trying to do.

But I was really excited. I wanted to interview Sasha Colby. She made me her daughter in the Haus of Colb; I feel very honored by that. I wanted to focus on things that I really liked and cared about. But I think at one point we were going to have the Muppets on because they had a movie coming out, but because of the strike, nobody could promote anything anymore. And then Vashti Harrison, she got to come on the second night that I hosted back in November because she’s an amazing illustrator. I have been following her on Instagram forever. So she was someone who was booked during my original hosting week and I was glad we were able to bring her back to promote her book, Big.

How would you say that you’ve grown from the time you first started working on the Daily Show up until now at this point in your career when you’ve started branching out doing other things?

Sloan: The show has given me a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have normally had. Becoming a stand-up comic gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have had because I’m a trained actor – I have a theater degree. I’ve literally been acting since I was a kid. And I got so many things because I started doing stand-up and so many things because I started doing the show. I bought a house in LA recently in May and moved my family out and there’s a picture of me and Trevor laughing in my living room because he literally changed my life.

So, I got my mom out of Georgia, got my brother out of Georgia, got the dog and the cat out of Georgia. So there are a lot of things that have been available to me. I did the movie, Chick Fight. I was offered the role and didn’t have to audition. And then the cartoon, The Great North, has been a really great experience. I got to help design the character, Honeybee. I’m the reason she has an afro and then they put the flower in her hair that looks like my headshot, which I didn’t know they were going to do until we did our first table read.

And so I’ve gotten so many opportunities because I put in the work beforehand. So that’s why, if you see the dedication in my book, I dedicated it to me.

I saw that!

I was joking with my manager. I was like, “What if I dedicated this to me?” He was like, “Yeah, do it.” I’m so glad I did that because it’s like I was the one in the car driving from college to college in the middle of the night in the snow, in the rain or whatever, going to auditions, writing stand-up, going to open mics, performing numerous times in Mobile, Alabama, just doing all of this work. It’s how I always think about the thing that I heard in church growing up when we went, “Faith without work is dead.” So I had all these things that I wanted for myself, but it was like, “Oh, I want to be a successful comic. I want to be a successful actress.” But there was a time I wasn’t going to auditions, I wasn’t going to shows.

And it’s like, “The Lord can’t bless you if you sit in your house.”

Now, we didn’t go every Sunday, but I thought about that. I was like, “Because it’s true. You could want so much for your life, but you have to put in the work so someone can give you the opportunity.” Now people will be beholden, will make sure to try to feel beholden to them because you got an opportunity, but I put gas in the car and came outside. So, thank you for the assistance, but you can’t get all the credit. But I think that’s what I have to say to myself.

How rewarding did it feel to be able to help provide for your family?

Oh, it was great because my mother told me one day that she hated Georgia as much as I hated New York, which is not even possible.

I’ve heard those jokes too. You really hate New York.

Oh, it’s a Yankee trash heap that should be burned down immediately. They did it wrong. They should start over. Somebody asked me what I liked the most about moving to LA. And I said, “I can see the sun and the moon.”

Now that I’ve talked to you, I can hear your voice in what I read in your book thus far.

I was asking Michelle Buteau because she wrote her book, Survival of the Thickest, and I was like, “Michelle, how do I do this?” And she said the place she started was jokes that were too long or stories that were too long to tell on stage because you couldn’t give enough context at the moment to get to the lab. So that’s where I started from. And my stand-up style is very conversational. So much so that when I first started doing stand-up, I had an issue with the audience constantly talking to me because they thought I was talking to them. I was like, “Okay, I need to make this more presentational than conversational because the audience won’t stop talking to me.”

Honestly, it wasn’t even a conscious decision. It was just that I’ve always been a storyteller. As a kid, I would tell stories, but it’s the Southern tradition to tell stories. So because I am a storyteller, that’s how I see my stand-up. That’s how I wanted the book to be.

Speaking of the stories happening in the book, I have to ask, are there any stories you are specifically looking forward to hearing people’s feedback on or looking forward to them reading? Not to make you pick your favorite child or anything.

Oh, when I got a nine on a math test.

As in percent?

Yes. I was in this gifted algebra class. I’m very bad at math. I got a nine on a math test and I started laughing and the teacher’s like, “What are you laughing at?” I was like, “I got a nine.” I said, “How did I even get a nine?” She’s like, “Well, I gave you credit for showing your work.” I said, “But the work is wrong. Give me a zero. What are you talking about? How could you give me credit for this?” And so since I started laughing, she said, “You need to take it home to your mother to get it signed.” I was like, “Okay.” And then I took the test home to my mother and I was like, “Mama, I need you to sign this.” She’s like, “What?” I said, “I got a nine on the math test.” She’s like, “Out of 10?” I said, “No, out of a hundred.” And she started laughing.

She’s like, “Why did she give you a nine?” I said, “For showing my work.” She’s like, “She should have gave you a zero.” I said, “That’s what I said!” And then we kept laughing and then I put it on the refrigerator. And then the next day at school, my teacher was like, “Did you bring that math test back?” I said, “No, my mom started laughing and we put it on the fridge.” And so she didn’t even ask for it. She said, “You put it on the fridge?” I said, “Yeah, it’s hilarious. I got a nine.” And she didn’t even ask me for the test back. And that test stayed on the refrigerator until I graduated from college.

As far as the book’s concerned, what do you want the main takeaways to be for the audience?

I think my main takeaway from the book is that I want people to be able to see me as a whole person and for people to know that overnight success takes years and then it doesn’t exist.

What do the next chapters for Dulcé Sloan look like?

I think the next chapter with me would be having my own sitcom and winning awards for it and really using what I’ve learned at the show and what Trevor taught me and what Roy Wood Jr. especially taught me. There were so many times I felt so lost at the show and I would just look at Roy and go, ‘Uh, I need help’ even though he’s like five years older than me. Whatever I needed, him and Josh Johnson were really how I got through a lot of just creative blocks and confusion sometimes, because you’re growing and you’re learning and it’s a whole new experience.

The next chapter for me is doing a new podcast with Josh, having my own show, having my own unscripted show, and just really growing as a creative and a performer. Putting my own hour of standup out. Just continuing to be able to grow and take the opportunities that I have and just continue to be able to bless my family and to make sure that my mother never works at Amazon ever again.

‘Hello Friends!: Stories Of Dating, Destiny, And Day Jobs’ is available now.

Nigerian singer Majeeed displays the type of vulnerability that shows the true range of afrobeats. For three years, Majeeed worked on his craft and showed his elevating vulnerability through a collection of singles he released dating back to 2020. “Time,” released in 2021, showcased his textured vocals over savory production carried by a mesmerizing violin. The following year, “Yawa No Dey End” showed how Majeeed would fair over more flavorful or vibrant production and he cruised through the record as well as its eventual remix with Joeboy.

The best example to date of everything that Majeeed brings to the table is his debut project Cheers To Life. The 8-track effort leans into the afropop sound, but even that isn’t enough to fully capture the project’s true sonic landscape. “Waka Jeje” alongside Bnxn is an amapiano-inspired track that combines the lively production the genre is known for with Majeeed’s cool, calm, and collected demeanor. “Gbese” with Tiwa Savage takes amapiano to more spirited levels while the “Cheers To Life” and the Lojay-assisted “Cry (Shayo)” wade into afro house waters.

Majeeed’s wide-encompassing talents made him perfect to curate the theme song for the AFCON 2024 tournament with his song, “Let’s Do It Again.” With the Nigerian Super Eagles just a game away from winning the tournament, it seems like Majeeed’s record is providing the necessary boost for himself and his home country.

With plans to continue his streak of success still in motion, Majeeed took a moment to answer our Uproxx Music 20 questions. Discover his inspirations, tastes, future goals, and more through his responses below.

What is your earliest memory of music?

My earliest memory of music has to be when my mum constantly played old Yoruba records by great artists like Baba Ara and Tope Alabi.

Who inspired you to take music seriously?

The person who made me take music seriously is Wizkid.

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?

I don’t play any instruments but I’d love to learn how to play the violin.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a salesboy.

What is your most prized possession?

My most prized possession is my voice.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is losing the ones I love.

Who is on your afrobeats Mt. Rushmore?

The person definitely on my Afrobeat Mt. Rushmore is Wizkid.

You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.

The artists I’d love to perform with at my music festival would be Wizkid, Rihanna, Harry Styles, Post Malone, and Rema, and I’d love to perform with these great artists at the 02 Arena.

You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!

I would empower the youth and provide social amenities, and infrastructural facilities for hospitals and schools.

What are your three most used emojis?

.

What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?

An evergreen record with Rihanna.

If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?

I’d love to appear in the TV show titled Fool Me Once because the storyline is really amazing.

Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?

The celebrity I admire and respect is Kanye West. His realness is top-notch

Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.

Hard work, smart work, and consistency pays. No one can change my mind about that.

What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?

“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles because it transcends beyond my imagination.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?

My favourite city in the world to perform is Wembley Stadium and the city I’m most excited to perform in is Madison Square Garden in New York City.

What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?

I would be a professional footballer if I wasn’t doing music.

If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?

I would pick 5 years into the future because my future is too bright to look back at my past.

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

Consistency and hard work pays, never give up.

Cheers To Life is out now via Dream Empire Music / EMPIRE. Find out more information here.

The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from GloRilla, Latto, Little Simz, and more.

This week in hip-hop was light but action-packed. Obviously, the biggest news this week had nothing to do with music, but that doesn’t mean that there weren’t plenty of new releases to get excited about.

Schoolboy Q made his long-awaited return with two new singles, “Back In Love” and “Blueslides”:

GloRilla kicked off her album rollout with the self pep talk, “Yeah Glo!“:

And Latto took off on some of her biggest haters with “Sunday Service“:

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending February 9, 2024.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

BabyDrill — ScoreGod

Burgeoning Atlanta star BabyDrill, who was recently given a leg up by Latto, couldn’t wait a full year to drop the follow-up to 2023’s MadMan, instead opting to get a jump on the summer months best suited to his laid-back blow and nihilistic street anthems. Speaking of: Hunxho, Luh Tyler, and Rob49 are all equally perfect guest additions.

Fivio Foreign — Pain & Love 2

A quick-and-dirty release from the 33-year-old Brooklyn native, Pain & Love 2 still finds him toying with the UK drill sound, pushing its boundaries to see just how malleable it can be sonically while sticking to the street-struck lane he’s most comfortable in lyrically. He wisely diversifies the guest spots to provide the variety he does not, bringing in crooners like Popcaan, Swae Lee, and Vory to balance the tough-guy raps of Lil Tjay, Meek Mill, Rowdy Rebel, and Sheff G. The album’s brevity is its strength; the replay switch will be staying on.

Little Simz — Drop 7

A cool thing the British rapper has done throughout the course of her career is drop these little EPs between her full-length albums — and somehow, they’ve always been even more ambitious. This time, Simz tries on a diverse array of dance music sounds, from funky house to dembow to jungle to amapiano. This is far afield from what many rap fans are used to but giving it a chance is a great way to broaden your horizons. (There’s also the more conventional “I Ain’t Feelin It” to anchor things firmly in familiar rap sounds, if you need a break from jet-setting.)

Singles/Videos

AG Club & IceColdBishop — “How To Cry”

This is something different from AG Club. While you might know the Bay Area band from rowdy jams like “Memphis,” they took their placement on Pigeons & Planes’ See You Next Year 2 compilation to try something different and much more soulful. I like it.

Bryson Tiller — “Get Dis Money” Feat. Big Sean

Is this an official release? I don’t know. Didn’t it come out in January? Absolutely. Why am I including it here? Because Wednesday was J Dilla’s birthday and I can’t think of a more perfect tribute to his memory and legacy. Plus, it’s the first time we’ve heard Big Sean rap in like a year, and its on one of his fellow Detroiter’s best beats. Happy birthday, James.

Kaliii — “Bozo”

Is it time for Atlanta Bass to make a comeback?

God, I hope so. Also, shout-out to this Atlanta native for employing that Keyshia Cole sample and turning it into one of her hometown’s most nostalgic homegrown sounds. Jersey had its time. I want this EVERYWHERE this summer. Let’s bring back Freaknik.

LaRussell — “Another One” Feat. Hit-Boy & Big Hit

The Bay-bred indie mainstay has long been a favorite, both for his relentless productivity, clever but truthful lyrical outlook, and positive energy. This week, he teamed up with Fontana producer Hit-Boy to generate a string of impactful, motivational singles that might just bring him a bit more well-deserved shine thanks to the big name co-sign.

Maxo Kream — “Bang The Bus”

Ayo, Maxo, that title! All jokes aside though, this is a facinating curio that sees the street-rooted Texan expanding his reach with an unexpected sample and more of his unapologetic battle-hardened gangsta raps.

Nardo Wick — “Somethin’” Feat. Sexyy Red

THE MAN SAMPLED ICE JJ FISH. PUT IT IN THE LOUVRE.

Oh, also, Sexyy Red, one of the most exciting new names in rap music brings her signature cracked sense of humor to exactly the kind of verse that amps up the already chaotic energy, while dancing around pregnant at the liquor store.

1999 WRITE THE FUTURE — “SPIKY BOiz” Feat. Ghostface Killah, Rich Brian, Smino & Surprise Chef

So this standout from the 88rising producer’s new compilation Hella was a tough pick, because there were at least three other songs on there that warranted a pick (also check out “thanksgivin” with Busta Rhymes and Smino and “LONG in the tOOth” with Posdnous of De La Soul and Warren Hue). But 1. anything with Smino on it is going to be an auto-include for me, and 2. Honorary Asian GHOSTFACE KILLAH. Plus, that beat is undeniable.

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

Having kids means not only prepping and planning their own birthday party, but making sure you don’t show up empty-handed to the plethora of other kid’s parties.

In a now-viral Instagram post, UK-based mom Sarah Clarke explains her trick that she does for every kids party to “save on mental load.” Though Clarke swears by it, not everyone agrees.

“I get the same thing every time, no matter how old they are, no matter if they’re a boy or a girl,” Clarke said in the clip, clarifying that the gift is not a traditional present, but a gift certificate to a local coffee shop, where the kid can have a “hot chocolate or cake” with their parents.

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“They can have a little date, and it’s paid for, and it means I don’t have to think of something,” she added.

“And if the mom or dad who gets the present wants to go on their own, they’re more than welcome to,” she quipped.

The video, which has been seen over 4 million times, wasn’t met with 100% positive feedback. Some felt like the idea wasn’t completely considerate, if not a little lazy.

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“If someone did this I would be annoyed, it’s like no thought or effort to know what someone likes,” one person wrote.

“I like this idea but for old enough kids. I think my 3 and 4 years old would not understand and be very disappointed (I would love it as a parent! But I’m not the recipient),” another said.

Others shared how they followed a similar strategy but more universal gift cards.

“I just put £10 in a card (£5 if it’s a tight month.) That way they can get something they want,” someone shared.

Others acknowledged that this type of gift giving could be seen as less materialistic and more focused on quality time.

“This is a great idea. How many more toys and tablets do your kids need? I gift my nieces and nephews a new book and $20,” one person commented.

Another echoed, “This is such a good idea! I think in this day and age kids have an overwhelming amount of toys and presents. But the gift of a parent’s presence. Genius!!”

Perhaps this is one of those situations where everyone’s a little bit right. On the one hand, we have to let kids be kids, which means not forcing them to partake in what we’d prefer as adults. After all, they’re only that age for so long. On the other hand, there’s something to be said for swapping more stuff out for actual experiences and creating core memories.

Clarke’s video, whether you agree with her particular perspective or not, does highlight a collective mindset shift on how we view what gift-giving actually is. In a world suffering from inflation and needless waste combined with social interaction becoming harder to cultivate, it’s no wonder why we are starting to place more value on the little things. On simplification. Maybe in trying to find balance, we make a few missteps. But it’s still clearly what we’re all striving for.

Bowen Yang might be breaking out in the mainstream world lately, but he and Matt Rogers have been spewing celebrity gossip since Obama was still in office, so they know what they’re doing. The two host their popular podcast Las Culturistas where they frequently talk (and critique) pop culture moments. But Tina Fey, who recently appeared on the podcast, says that he can’t do that kind of stuff anymore!!

As part of their weekly “I Don’t Think So, Honey” segment, Fey took 60 seconds to give Yang a fun little scolding for his opinions, saying he is “too famous” to be blasting movies on his podcast. Yang was in some hot bathwater after saying he was “bored” during Saltburn earlier this year, only to work alongside Jacob Elordi on SNL shortly after.

“I don’t think so, honey, Bowen Yang giving his real opinions about movies on this podcast. I regret to inform you that you’re too famous now, sir,” Fey began, while Yang was laughing.

“You have a problem with Saltburn? Shhh. Quiet luxury,” Fey said. “Keep it to yourself. Because what are you going to do when Emerald Fennell calls you about her next project, where you play Carey Mulligan’s coworker in the bridal section of Harrods and then Act Three takes a sexually violent turn and you have to pretend to be surprised by that turn? You hang out with Ariana and SpongeBob now, that is your life,” Fey added, referring to his upcoming role in Wicked where he stars alongside Grande.

Fey added, “Learn from my mistakes. Learn from Ayo. Podcasts are forever,” referring to Edibiri’s controversial JLo comments in which she called the singer a “scam” back in 2020. During last week’s Saturday Night Live episode, Edibiri seemingly poked fun at herself in a sketch about Instagram comments. “It’s wrong to leave mean comments, or post comments just for clout, or run your mouth on a podcast and you don’t consider the impact because you’re 24 and stupid!” she said in character.

To come full circle, Edibiri commented on the Instagram post “LEARN FROM ME” so it seems like we will never get her true opinion on anything anymore. We’ll always have Letterboxd.

(Via The Hollywood Reporter)

Bradley Cooper has returned to the world of Super Bowl commercials, and once again, he’s bringing his mom Gloria along for the ride. In the new big game spot for T-Mobile, the mother and son duo are auditioning to become the new Magenta Status spokesperson, but they have some stiff competition.

Jennifer Hudson, Common, and Laura Dern are also vying for the gig, but most notably, so are the stars of Suits: Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams. The series has been off the air for almost five years now, but it’s seen a massive resurgence on Netflix. Case in point: The show’s leads are now starring in a Super Bowl commercial along big name celebrities and Cooper, who just saw his latest film Maestro rack up several Oscar nominations. (Although, Cooper would have preferred seeing the Eagles make it to the big game and lock down another victory.)

Here’s the official logline for the T-Mobile spot:

Everyone and their mom is auditioning to be the next Magenta Status spokesperson. Seriously, Bradley Cooper’s mom is one of them. We would love to give Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Laura Dern, Patrick J. Adams, and Gabriel Macht a callback, but luckily, you don’t need to be famous to take advantage of these famously awesome perks. Can someone please tell that to Zach Braff & Donald Faison too?!

Super Bowl LVIII kicks off 6:30 ET on CBS.

“Reading Rainbow” might have had its last episode in 2006, but LeVar Burton hasn’t stopped being a book advocate.

The actor and beloved host has spoken out against the unprecedented levels of books banned in schools throughout the country—acting as executive producer do the 2023 documentary “The Right to Read,” and has partnered with the nonprofit MoveOn.org to create a limited-edition T-shirt that reads “LeVar Burton Says Read Banned Books.”

And recently on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Burton brought attention to the subject by resurrecting the popular kids show. Only this is unlike any “Reading Rainbow” segment you’ve seen before.

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In the clip (which features the well known “Reading Rainbow” song with a few tongue-in-cheek lyric tweaks) Barton shows a group of kids a selection of banned children’s books, and shares the questionable reasons why they’re banned, including:

“Harriet The Spy,” because it “encourages spying.”

“Charlotte’s Web,” because “talking pigs is disrespectful to God”

“Stella Read Me A Story,” because the author’s last name is Gay.

According to AL.com, this last title removal was done in error, since the last name showed up in a keyword search, but only further shows how flawed the system is if this is the basis for which books are being tossed out of the children’s section.

Burton also asks the kids why they think adults might be banning these types of books.

“Because they don’t want their kids to learn and be successful when they’re older,” one kids says.

Another adds, “They don’t want their kids to be smarter than them.”

If they had it their way, these kids would rather ban “racism, anti-diversity,” and “Barbies, because when you cut their hair you get their DNA and it’s weird.”

Watch the full clip below, which also shows the group take a little field trip down to a school board meeting so they can see exactly how a book gets banned:

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What makes this skit so impactful (other than hitting peak nostalgia) is that Burton is actual involving kids in the discussion, and allowing them to express their own ideas and opinions on the topic. Empowering younger generations to make their own informed decisions does far more for their future that strict censorship.

This is clearly something Burton believes, and the reason why so many of us love him.