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James Harden and Daryl Morey were once as aligned as a star player and general manager could be, but after a decade of working together in Houston and now Philadelphia, their relationship has fractured completely.

Harden picked up his $35 million player option this summer and requested to be traded, but Morey has not been able to thread the needle of giving Harden the trade he wants and getting the Sixers enough back in return to keep them near the top of the East. The result has been a stalemate, with the Sixers stopping talks with the Clippers and planning on just bringing Harden back for camp. Harden has made clear he won’t just go along with that, and has made it his life’s work to make things as uncomfortable as possible in Philly.

Most recently, that included him ripping Morey at a kids camp in China, calling him a liar and insisting he’ll never play for an organization that Morey is running again. That sparked an NBA investigation into Harden’s comments, as the liar portion was assumed by many to be about a handshake deal from last summer after Harden took a pay cut to bring in P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr. However, Harden told the league that his comment was not about any agreement last year to pay him this year, but instead about Morey saying he’d trade him quickly.

That seems to have shifted the league’s eyes from Morey and back to Harden, with the star guard being handed a $100,000 fine by the league for issuing a “public trade demand” and saying he would “not perform the services called for under his player contract.”

It is pretty wild that after Harden’s comments and the NBA’s announced investigation many expected there to be some punishment headed the Sixers way if the league learned of some agreement between the two sides dating back to last summer that got broken. Instead, Harden was just really mad about not being traded yet and got himself the maximum allowable fine under the new CBA. This also comes after the league sent a memo warning players about issuing public trade demands after Damian Lillard and his agent made clear he wanted to be in Miami, which was a warning that was heeded by Lillard’s camp but apparently not by Harden.

In just a few days, Burna Boy’s seventh album I Told Them… will be available to the world. The project marks a quick return for the afrobeat star whose 2022 year was headlined by his hit record and summer anthem “Last Last” as well as his sixth album Love, Damini. There’s no stopping Burna and that’s clearer than ever nowadays. As a final treat before the album’s arrival on August 25, Burna returns with one last single: “Cheat On Me” with Dave.

The new release is a triumphant one as both Burna and Dave take a moment to celebrate their successful careers which include plenty of accolades, and furthermore, proving their initial doubters wrong. “Cheat On Me” is also the duo’s second collaboration as it follows their beloved track “Location” which can be found on Dave’s Mercury Prize-winning 2019 debut album Psychodrama.

“Cheat On Me” follows “Sitting On Top Of The World” with 21 Savage, “Big 7,” and “Talibans II” with Byron Messia as the singles from I Told Them… In total, I Told Them… will include 15 songs as revealed in the tracklist Burna Boy shared this week

You can listen to “Cheat On Me” and view the I Told Them… tracklist above.

I Told Them… is out 8/25 via Spaceship Records and Atlantic Records. Find out more information here.

Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

I never thought I’d say this, but perhaps Ted Cruz should learn to be more like Lauren Boebert. When she gets dragged, she ignores it, and you know what? Good for her. Whereas Ted Cruz dives right back into the fray and rolls around in it. Maybe he likes the embarrassment? No clue. And even though Ted is an Internet expert (and has been since at least 2017), sometimes he still slips.

It happens, for sure. Yet no one, not even Ted, can fully explain why he fell for a notorious shark hoax that surfaces anytime a tropical cyclone floods part of a city (and generally arrives with Twitter community warnings). Ted is holding onto it, though, in his usual fashion while (I guess?) attempting to show the world what a good sport he is. This effort included retweeting a Dave Portnoy remark while adding, “Sharks have feelings too” for some odd reason.

Earlier this morning, Ted also tweeted and deleted a joke, which caused some confusion on my end because Ted usually does not delete. He generally lets it all hang out, but this time, he axed a phone screenshot that included a Twitter user’s joke: “Sharknado is a documentary.” Well, that joke resurfaced over here, but why did Ted delete the original?

Democratic advisor Sawyer Hackett nabbed a screenshot of what went down, and it seems that Ted accidentally captured and tweeted a text notification, which you can see here. It seems to be a rather mundane message, but maybe Ted realized that dragging political consultants into the shark mess was a step too far. Fortunately, this was an innocuous text revealed by Ted, but still, eek. He could always, you know, tweet less, and then this might not happen at all.

Kesha’s latest album, Gag Order, is a stripped-down look at the singer’s life over the past few years, including her legal battles. On her single, “Hate Me Harder,” Kesha refused to be silenced by her naysayers. In her new NSFW photo, Kesha is pushing back further about any other kind of censoring.

As she enjoyed a dip into a stream of water, Kesha turned the walk in nature into an impromptu naked photoshoot. When she posted the image (which features only her hand and an overlay of her album art covering her breast), she found a way to market her Gag Order album, writing, “The only thing I have on is my album.”

One fan took some creative liberties with the image to give their own take on the moment, writing, “And now you’re the Jungle Cat Queen.”

While discussing the creative process, Kesha told Rolling Stone that the art of vulnerability played a considerable part. “I feel like I’m giving birth to the most intimate thing I’ve ever created. It’s scary being vulnerable. The fact that I have compiled an entire record of these emotions, of anger, of insecurity, of anxiety, of grief, of pain, of regret, all of that is so nerve-racking — but it’s also so healing,” said Kesha.

Gag Order is out now via Kemosabe/RCA Records. For more information, click here.

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

On “Fade To Black” off Leon Thomas’ Electric Dusk debut, lives a quote that is ultimately the foundation of his debut album. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Bones McCoy from Star Trek: The Original Series is the voice behind this clip, and the quote itself dates back to the 19th century via a letter from British politician Lord Acton to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887. In full, the quote reads, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” Here, “great” isn’t synonymous with behavior or quality, but rather, strength, power, and influence. Leon Thomas knows those three things all too well as a member of Hollywood, in both the metaphorical and literal sense.

Leon Thomas the solo artist may be new to some people, but Hollywood and the big life aren’t new to him. His time in the spotlight dates back to 2010, following a stint on Broadway, as he landed a role on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, a show that allowed him to put his acting and singing skills on display. By the time that series came to a close, Thomas was co-writing records with his then-Victorious co-star and now-pop superstar Ariana Grande for her debut album Yours Truly. That album, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary in the coming days, has six writing credits from Thomas and the credits would continue to pour in for him over the next decade. He worked as a solo writer and as one-half of The Rascals duo beside names like Drake (“Pipe Down”), Toni Braxton (“I’d Rather Be Broke”), Post Malone (“Yours Truly, Austin Post”), Giveon (“For Tonight”), SZA, (“Snooze”), and Rick Ross (“Gold Roses”).

A decade after that started, we’ve arrived at Electric Dusk, where Leon Thomas rolls the tape to explain how love in the hills has played out for him. With songwriting that proves why he’s one of the best in the industry, Thomas also crafted the album with the idea that it could be presented at the Electric Dusk theater he named it after. He isn’t just overwhelmed with life in the hills on “Crash & Burn,” he’s buried so deeply under it that a move to Mississippi, a state he seemingly has no connection to, and a fiery crash on the interstate sound like the escape he needs. There’s merely saying a relationship has reached its end and then there’s “slow dancing in a burning house,” as he sings on “Breaking Point.” Sharp imagery like this makes it so that Thomas is not only heard but seen and felt as well.

Though love is a dominant topic on Electric Dusk, the element of power stands right beside it. Aligned with Acton’s theory, Thomas seems to accept that power does corrupt, an experience he has as both a victim and a perpetrator. His sense of control vanishes on “My Will,” leaving him to write one final message to the world a request “no cat fights at my funeral” and not be “dressed up in no corny sh*t.” You’re initially led to believe that the song is about the loss of artistic freedom when it’s really Thomas holding a funeral for his playboy lifestyle. Money is his power on “Blue Hundreds” as he leads a rugged march towards a lavish night that could also be troublesome. Thomas reigns supreme in intimacy as he’s successfully corralled a taken woman on “Sneak” into consistently giving him her “sweet, sweet peach” for some “afternoon delight.” Though powerful men may be bad men as Acton posed, Thomas seemingly retorts that surrendering that power leaves one in turmoil. You’re left to think: to corrupt or to be corrupted?

On Electric Dusk, Leon Thomas speaks to those in and by the limelight – whether it be at its center, its edges, or just outside of it where many long to step into it for a moment of their own. Acknowledging that final piece is what makes Electric Dusk so captivating. It’s a message that’s about himself as it is one to others; a reminder that it’s never as good as it seems under the bright lights. Leon Thomas and Electric Dusk make an official entry to the R&B world that’s a bit reminiscent of Lucky Daye’s own in 2019 with Painted. Though both releases as more different than they are similar, in both cases, you’re left with the idea that a new mainstay in R&B has arrived. Leon Thomas’ fingerprints can be found in various corners of the music world over the past decade, but none were truly his own. Now, he has that with his stellar debut album, and ladies and gentlemen, there’s power in that.

Electric Dusk is out now via EZMNY Records and Motown Records. Stream it here.

Ty Dolla Sign is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Lauryn Hill is honoring the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed 1998 solo debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, with a world tour.

“The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator,” Hill shared in a press release. “I wrote love songs and protest songs–(still love songs) about the subjects and interests that inspired and moved me. I was confident that what inspired me would resonate with an audience that had been led to believe that songs of that kind could only live in the past.”

Fugees will open most of the North American shows after being set to reunite for a tour last year, based around The Score turning 25. However, it was eventually canceled, which Variety suspected due to Pras Michel’s legal issues. They still have made appearances together, including at Roots Picnic in June.

In Australia, Hill will be joined by Koffee as an opening act.

Continue scrolling for the complete list of tour dates. Presale and general sales for each of the dates are taking place at different times. For more information, visit here.

09/08 — Minneapolis, MN @ Mystic Lake
09/23 — New York, NY @ Global Citizen Festival
10/01 — Gold Coast, AUS @ Promiseland Festival
10/03 — Melbourne, AUS @ Rod Laver Arena *
10/05 — Sydney, AUS @ Kudos Banks Arena *
10/07 — Auckland, NZ @ Eden Festival
10/17 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center #
10/19 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays #
10/21 — Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena #
10/23 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Arena #
10/26 — Toronto, ON – Scotia #
10/28 — Chicago, IL @ United Center #
10/30 — Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena #
11/02 — Denver, CO – Ball Arena #
11/05 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum #
11/07 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena #
11/09 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena #

* with Koffee
# with Fugees

Barbie will be 2023’s most popular Halloween costume. This is not a bold take, only an accurate one. There’s multiple reasons for this: Barbie is a huge hit, everyone likes it (minus far-right chuds), and it has a recognizable aesthetic that’s easy to replicate at home. You can make your own Barbie costume, or you can buy one at Spirit Halloween — although you better order yours now. Halloween isn’t for another two months, but they’re already selling it.

“Adult Skating Barbie” is sold out. So is “Adult Western Barbie” (“Adult Gingham Dress” — hat included! — is coming soon). But “Pink Power Jumpsuit Barbie” and “Weird Barbie” are available, as is “Rebel Rocker Ken,” “Skating Ken,” and “Western Ken.” Sadly, Spirit isn’t selling an Allan costume, probably because the servers would crash from everyone trying to buy it at once.

“When you do a costume, you often try and work out the character of the person that’s wearing them and what they do,” Barbie costume designer Jacqueline Durran told People. “But the character of Barbie is really the history of Barbie. If you were to delve into her backstory, it would be how she’d looked over the decades. It’s the way we chose to do it.” For a Barbie deep cut costume, give Rappin’ Rockin’ Barbie a shot. It pairs well with nipple ring Ken.

Last night (August 21), Drake came through with the adorable cover art for his new album, For All The Dogs, which features an illustration (of a dog, it would seem) by his son Adonis. He hasn’t yet revealed the official release date, but now it appears Amazon Music has let the cat (or dog?) out of the bag.

The streaming platform wrote in a tweet today, “drizzy’s son has a future as a cover artist. new @drake august 25th!!”

The release date is in accordance with the timeline Drake established at a July 26 concert, when he told the audience, “Make new friends. If you drink, drink some liquor. If you smoke, smoke some weed. And if you like somebody, like my dad says, keep f*cking. I will be back soon. I have an album dropping for you in, like, two weeks or some sh*t. But until then, just know, you’re always with me and I’m always thinking of you. Everything I do is for you. Every time I step in that booth, I hope I make you proud.”

In other It’s All A Blur Tour news, it was reported recently that so far, the tour is pulling in about $4.5 million in revenue per show.

It’s hard to believe that August is nearly over and summer is too. This week’s best new pop continued to see artists either dropping full albums or adding to their cycle of one on the way — giving a perfect mix of upbeat songs to rock out to and other slower, piano-driven tracks if you feel like a good cry. No matter what mood, pop releases always have something for you.

Continue scrolling for Uproxx’s Best New Pop roundup.

Addison Rae — “2 Die 4” (feat. Charli XCX)

Addison Rae’s fans had been waiting quite a while to see her unreleased music make the light of day. So, when she announced that it would finally be last week as a surprise drop, it took the internet by storm. One of the tracks turned into a collaboration with Charli XCX, where the two performers turn out to be the best combo for summoning a fun, hot girl era.

Reneé Rapp — “23”

Reneé Rapp returned over the weekend with her new album, Snow Angel. Throughout the record, she shows off her incredible vocal ability. However, as someone who is also “23,” the closing track felt the most deserving of the spotlight. Written just before her birthday, it deals with the hopes of things changing in the new year.

Charlie Puth — “Lipstick”

As the lead single from his next album, Charlie Puth’s “Lipstick” takes on the tone that the title suggests, with some fiery lyrics. “It’s also one of my favorite mixes I’ve ever done. I think it’s damn near perfect,” he shared on social media about the song.

Anitta — “Used To Be”

Anitta’s “Used To Be” finds her using inspiration from the carioca funk that surrounded the Brazilian star’s upbringing. As part of her three-track project, Funk Generation: A Favela Love Story, her nostalgic nature makes every piece of the project feel just as entertaining.

aespa — “Better Things”

aespa’s new “Better Things” finds the girl group reclaiming their power after putting an end to a failed and upsetting relationship. “I was always sure you would let me down / I wasn’t ever sure if I’d trust you / But I’m so g*ddamn sure my energy is just too precious to waste,” they declare.

Jon Batiste, Lana Del Rey — “Life Lesson”

The final track on Jon Batiste‘s new album, World Music Radio, is his latest collaboration with Lana Del Rey on an equally-emotional track, “Life Lessons.” It’s no surprise, as Batiste is a talented vocalist, and the two feel like a perfect match. “I read an article about a star who said that standing / In the shadow of her husband felt so dark / Reminded me of you and I because / That’s very much the way our story was,” Del Rey adds on her dark-but-dreamy verse.

Madison Beer — “Spinnin”

Madison Beer’s “Spinnin” is the newest preview ahead of her album, Silence Between Songs, which drops next month. It finds Beer considering how stuck-in-place she feels, making for a moving track. “I felt like every day was a cycle and I was stuck in such an anxious place, yet I could finally explore the thoughts and emotions in my head,” she shared.

Lolo Zouaï — “Encore”

Lolo Zouaï had been teasing her follow up to 2022’s Pl4yg1rl with her song, “Encore,” and as the title suggests — it does not disappoint. Her electronic beats never fail to pull a listener in when paired with her gentle multi-lingual vocals.

Finn Askew — “Used To This”

Finn Askew found himself working with the producer Mojam (Sam Smith) for his latest track, “Used To This.” It puts an R&B-inspired spin on the unique instrumental to create a catchy hit in the making.

Leah Kate — “Get In Loser”

Leah Kate’s “Get In Loser” is a spot-on summer song that goes full throttle on the pop-rock inspiration, as Kate’s moody vocals detail the plans for the weekend and her bold nature. Basically, it’s carefree and perfect for a party.

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

Whether it’s the mac n’ cheese that reminds you of simpler times, or the exotic spiced chicken recipe you acquired from your travels, every meal tells a story.

This rings especially true for people whose families immigrate to different countries to start a new life. Immigrant parents often not only save every penny, but spend most of their time away working in order to build a future for their children. Each comfort meal they manage to provide their kids in the very few spare hours they have tells the story of love and sacrifice.

For Kat Chao, that meal was her mother’s Korean curry.

A photo of baby Kat and her mom and dad

Growing up, Kat’s mom worked weekends to support her family. But that didn’t stop her from waking up Saturday morning to dice up some beef and fresh veggies and throw them into a large pot so that Kat’s dad could heat it up and serve it with some rice to her and her brothers later.

Curry was a quick, easy and inexpensive way to feed a full house, but it served more than just practical purposes. As Kat would wake up to the enticing aroma, she was reminded that her mom was always taking care of her, even if she couldn’t physically be there.

YUM

As Kat grew a little older, her attitude towards her mother’s curry shifted. Instead of looking forward to it, she would “roll her eyes at it,” as is customary of the rebellious teen. Those less-than-positive feelings were only exacerbated by the media constantly labeling carbs, therefore rice, as “bad.” As a kid who struggled with weight, her comfort food became a source of discomfort.

But as an adult, and now a mom herself, Kat has reached a full circle moment.

Kat, all grown up with her own familiy

As she makes her own kids the exact same curry dish (okay, maybe a leaner cut of beef, and organic veggies…but otherwise exactly the same!) Kat finds a whole new appreciation for the recipe, knowing how hard her mom worked to even make it happen.

Kat was lucky to have grown up with a meal to look forward to each night. Other kids aren’t so lucky. 1 in 8 kids currently experience food insecurity in the United States. But there’s an opportunity to decrease those numbers.

For every O Organics product you purchase, the company will donate a meal to someone in need through the Albertsons Companies Foundation—for up to a total of 28 million meals.

Is there a dish from your childhood that you’ve longed to rekindle with? You could do like Kat does and give it an O Organic twist. Luckily, the O Organics brand has a wide array of affordable ingredients, so creating healthy swaps is easier than ever. Plus, you can provide nourishment to another family at the same time.

Just think—the next meal you prepare could make all the difference to someone else. If every meal tells a story, that’s certainly a story worth telling.