One of the oldest frauds in the book is the “your loved one is in trouble” scam. Scammers call posing as a grandchild or loved one in distress who claims they’ve been kidnapped or are in jail. The scammer may also impersonate a nurse, police officer, lawyer or other authority figure representing the loved one.
The scammer claims that the loved one needs money wired to the fraudster immediately to bring them to safety.
The scam is effective because the victim is under pressure to get them money quickly, so they don’t have time to consider the fact that it may be a scam. All the while, they imagine the torment the loved one is going through. The urgency of the scam makes it much more likely that the victim will hand over the money.
The FTC is warning people that scammers have given this scam a new technological twist by faking the voice of the loved one by using voice cloning powered by artificial intelligence.
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“Artificial intelligence is no longer a far-fetched idea out of a sci-fi movie,” the FTCs warning reads. “We’re living with it, here and now. A scammer could use AI to clone the voice of your loved one. All he needs is a short audio clip of your family member’s voice—which he could get from content posted online—and a voice-cloning program. When the scammer calls you, he’ll sound just like your loved one.”
All fraudsters need to clone someone’s voice realistically is a 30-second clip of audio that they can easily rip from Facebook, TikTok, podcasts, commercials or Instagram. The voice-generating software synthesizes what makes a person’s voice sound unique and then finds similar voices by searching vast databases. This allows them to replicate someone’s voice in real-time to create a phone call that sounds authentic.
It’s terribly difficult to detect the scam because voice-cloning software has become increasingly accurate. As AI technology improves, avoiding being fooled by the scam will become harder.
“It’s terrifying,” Hany Farid, a professor of digital forensics at University of California, Berkeley, told The Washington Post. “It’s sort of the perfect storm … [with] all the ingredients you need to create chaos.”
FTC officials say that in 2022 Americans lost $8.8 billion to fraud, with imposter scams being the most common, and there’s usually no way to get the money back. Scammers usually demand payment through cryptocurrency, money wires, or gift cards, so tracing it is impossible.
The FTC wants people to think twice if they receive a phone call from a loved one in distress or someone claiming to be their representative, especially if they ask for money.
“Don’t trust the voice,” the FTC warning reads. “Call the person who supposedly contacted you and verify the story. Use a phone number you know is theirs. If you can’t reach your loved one, try to get in touch with them through another family member or their friends.”
If you are targeted by one of these voice clone scams, report it to the FTC immediately. You could prevent the next person from being scammed.
Joseph Foreman, better known to music fans as rapper Afroman, had his Ohio home raided by Adams County Sheriff’s deputies last August. The deputies were acting on a warrant claiming probable cause that drugs, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of drug trafficking and kidnapping would be found on his property.
Afroman wasn’t home at the time of the raid, but his wife captured footage of it on her phone.
The deputies found nothing, confiscated over $5,000 worth of Afroman’s hard-earned money, bashed in his front door, broke his front gate and destroyed his home security camera system. No charges were filed after the raid. The money was later returned to the “Because I Got High” rapper.
“They come up here with AR-15, traumatize my kids, destroyed my property, kick in my door, rip up and destroy my camera system,” he said in August, according to Fox 19.
Afroman got hilarious revenge on the sheriff’s deputies by turning the security camera footage into music videos for two new songs, “Will You Help Me Repair My Door” and “Lemon Pound Cake.” The videos have nearly 4 million views on YouTube combined.
“Will You Help Me Repair My Door” tells the story of the raid using security footage.
“Lemon Pound Cake” is a song about the officer who eyed the delicious confection in Afroman’s kitchen with his pistol drawn.
Afroman also created merchandise featuring images of the deputies involved in the raid.
The deputies have now filed a lawsuit against Afroman, claiming that he used their personas for commercial purposes without permission. The deputies claim the attention caused them to suffer “embarrassment, ridicule, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of reputation.”
The complaint adds that Afroman “created dozens of videos and images of Plaintiffs’ personas and posted them on various social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Snap Chat, TikTok and Instagram.”
The deputies believe they are entitled to all the profits from using their personas, including concert ticket sales, music videos, and all products associated with the Afroman brand, including beer, marijuana and clothing.
So Afroman got his house trashed, his kids traumatized, and his money taken, and now the officers involved want to sue him for appearing in the video recorded on his property? The rapper believes that the deputies’ activities were criminal.
“The warrant put the Adams county sheriff in a position to attempt to kill me,” he wrote on Instagram. “After the Adams County Sheriff. Burglarized vandalized and destroyed my property. They became thieves and stole my money. After they stole my money they became criminals. After they became criminals they lost their right of privacy. My house is my property, my video camera films, everything on my property as they begin, stealing my money, disconnecting plus destroying my video camera system, they became my property!”
Afroman’s attorney has released a statement claiming he will countersue.
The attorney statement shared by Afroman shared on Instagram says that they are waiting on public records requests from Adams County. “We are planning to counter-sue for the unlawful raid, money being stolen, and for the undeniable damage this had on my client’s family, career and property,” it adds.
Afroman is right to feel that he’s the victim in this story. He was wrongly accused of multiple crimes and took retribution by making a video of the raid, which was conducted by public officials. In Ohio, it is legal to film police interactions, and it’s an important right that holds law enforcement accountable.
Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm-and-blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.
Since the last update of this weekly R&B and Afrobeats column, we’ve received plenty of music and news from the genre’s artists.
Here are some more releases on the new music front that you should check out:
6lack — Since I Have A Lover
It’s been four and a half years since 6lack graced us with his masterful second album East Atlanta Love Letter. While he gave us his 6pc Hot EP in 2020, fans have truly craved a new album in the time since. Finally, 6lack fulfilled their requests with his third album Since I Have A Lover. It presents 19 songs, features from Don Toliver, Quin, and a surprise one from Wale, as well as new and improved 6lack thanks to a solid love.
Phabo — “Scorpio Moon”
Phabo has plenty in store for fans this year, but for his next move, he takes a trip to the past. Six months after debuting the song on A COLORS Show, Phabo returns with the official version of “Scorpio Moon.” The silky smooth song reflects on a past relationship while showcasing one’s hope for the love to be re-established.
Destin Conrad — “Switch”
There’s no stopping Destin Conrad. Just a few months ago, he released his luscious Satin EP and now he’s back with a record for the summer. “Switch” arrives with a bounce perfect for dancing under both the daytime sun and the nighttime lights. It’s infectious and addictive, just like Conrad’s music as of late.
Rimon — “I Choose U” Feat. RINI
Ethiopian-born, Amsterdam-raised singer Rimon has enjoyed plenty of success recently, from touring with Giveon to landing a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She looks to continue it with her lush new single “I Choose U” alongside RINI. The song’s accompanying video captures the pair on the streets of New York blissfully in love.
Nonso Amadi — “Lock Up” Feat. Zinoleesky
In a couple of months, Def Jam signee Nonso Amadi will release his debut album When It Blooms. Amadi says the upcoming project “embodies my creative and personal growth, reflecting on my journey up until this point,” adding that it’s “best represented in the growth from seeds to a flower, uncoiling naturally for you.” His latest single “Lock Up” with rising afrobeats star Zinoleesky is a perfect example of that.
Victony — “Soweto (Remix)” Feat. Don Toliver, Rema & Tempoe
The latest afrobeats record to get a boost thanks to social media is Victony’s “Soweto.” The afrobeats singer originally released the song as a part of his Outlaw EP back in 2022, but after it went viral on TikTok, Victony used the opportunity to give the song a new boost with a remix featuring Don Toliver and Rema.
Omarion — “Big Vibez”
It’s been a little over a year since Omarion last released a single, but the singer is back with “Big Vibez.” The bass-heavy record is one Omarion uses to share his thoughts and feelings about an unexpected spark with a new woman.
Lavi$h — “We Make Sense”
Ahead of his upcoming debut EP, You Made A Big Mistake, singer Lavi$h returns with “We Make Sense.” The somber record captures Lavi$h as he watches an old love move on from their past relationship. Despite feeling down and out, Lavi$h promises to fight for their love so that they don’t miss any more moments together.
Yaya Bey — Exodus The North Star
Almost three years removed from her last project, singer Yaya Bey returns with her new EP Exodus The North Star. It checks in six songs and a long feature from Exaktly for a project that she says is an ode to the ways in which she sees joy and love in the world.
TeaMarrr — “PutItInACoffin”
Following last month’s “Stunt Double,” TeaMarr returns with their tough-talking and punk rock-leaning “PutItInACoffin.” She looks back at a now-extinct relationship and questions how they can be so happy despite their equal share of mistakes during it. Nonetheless, all she can do is move on.
Nia Sultana — “Some Feelings Never Go Away”
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Nia Sultana touches down with a sizzling new single, “Some Feelings Never Go Away.” The song targets an ex and takes them down with a well-blended mix of grace, sass, and sultriness. While the song’s contents are entertaining, her velvety vocals on the bass-heavy track make it an ear-pleasing affair too.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending March 24, 2023.
Albums / EPs / Mixtapes
03 Greedo — Halfway There
03 Greedo
Fresh out of prison and consigned to a halfway house until September, Greedo still finds a way to keep up his superhuman level of productivity. Although he warned fans “I’m not inna rush to talk after damn near 5 years,” it’s clear he’s got a lot to say after five years away, resulting in 33 new tracks that he’s been cheerfully explaining for fans on Twitter.
Hit-Boy — Surf Or Drown
Hit-Boy
Hit-Boy might be primarily known as a producer, but he’s always been more than capable of holding his own on the mic. Taking a break from his ridiculously productive King’s Disease recording sessions with Nas, the California beatmaker steps in front of the board for a 21-track (!) project featuring guest spots from Nas, Big Sean, Dom Kennedy, and Jay 305.
Hunxho — 22
Hunxho
Atlanta rapper Hunxho follows up his 2022 album Xhosen with a new project full of personal meaning. “22 is a big part of me,” he told HipHopDX. ““I named it 22 because I’m talking about everything we was going through on the block… They’re going to remember 22.”
Jasiah — 3
Jasiah
Second-gen thrash rapper Jasiah had a lot to prove coming into his new project. In 2021, he captivated fans with the viral single “Art of War” featuring fellow part-time punk rappers Denzel Curry and Rico Nasty. In the year since, the Dayton native grown in repute, adding collabs with the likes of Travis Barker and Jeleel. 3 could be his breakout moment.
Jpegmafia & Danny Brown — Scaring The Hoes
Jpegmafia
Rambunctious rap rebels team up for an exhibition of slightly unhinged punchline-slinging, sample-smashing, avant-garde rap shenanigans. They might be “scaring the hoes,” in the parlance of skeptical rap fans who are a little too tempered to the usual club-friendly fare, but they are also certainly entertaining fans of left-field hip-hop.
Kota The Friend & Statik Selektah — To See A Sunset
Kota The Friend
Reprising their union on 2021’s To Kill A Sunrise, Brooklyn indie rap stalwart Kota reunites with Boston producer Statik and their chemistry remains as strong as ever.
Quando Rondo — Recovery
Quando Rondo
Georgia boy Quando Rondo has earned a loyal and vociferous following in his home state through a steady diet of woozy, stone-cold street bangers. Recovery marks his second full-length studio album, with 20 tracks of his signature soulful but wounded reflections on the trials and tribulations of life at the bottom.
Rucci & Bankroll Got It — Notorious
Rucci
Inglewood’s own Rucci has already established himself as one of the more compelling voices of the young West Coast scene. Bankroll Got It provides him with some of the most fitting production of his career, allowing him to perfectly embody the evolution of the G-Funk sound that once defined the region’s contributions to rap canon.
Singles / Videos
Atmosphere — “Bigger Pictures”
Underground hip-hop mainstays Atmosphere returned this year with the announcement of a new album titled So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously due in May. If that title sounds a little Everything Everywhere All At Once, that’s no accident; neither is Slug’s intention to convey similar uplifting messages to the film, saying, “I wrote this while wanting to remind my loved ones and myself that regardless of the external conflicts happening around us, we are here for each other.”
BIA — “I’m That Bitch” Feat. Timbaland
Missy Elliott’s influence continues to permeate the fabric of rap. With drill music reaching into the genre’s rich history for inspiration (and samples), it makes perfect sense that it would settle on one of the most innovative voices the culture has ever known. Even the video looks like something Missy and Hype would have come up with 20 years ago — and it still looks like the future.
Kali — “Area Codes”
Atlanta rising star puts her own spin on a concept from one of her hometown’s most recognizable voices. Switching up the G-Funk of Luda’s original, Kali’s version opts for a bass drum and snap combo that subtly bridges the gap between them and stands as its own thing.
Lloyd Banks — “101 Razors” Feat. Method Man
Method Man has become something of an ageless wonder whose pen only gets sharper as he gets older. Of course, he’s constantly testing it against characters like Lloyd Banks, who has garnered praise for his barwork through his 20-year career, so it makes sense.
NLE Choppa — “Ain’t Gonna Answer” Feat. Lil Wayne
It’s hard to dislike Choppa. The kid’s charm doesn’t exactly excuse his goofiness but it certainly makes it more palatable. When he sticks to fun, club-centric fare like this, he’s genuinely enjoyable. That he incorporates a verse from Lil Weezyana himself on a Cash Money Records/Mannie Fresh-inspired booty shaker like this makes me root for him all the more.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
“Death and destruction.” That’s what Donald Trump believes will befall America if Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg does indeed indict the former president for activities surrounding his hush money payment to former adult star Stormy Daniels.
Again, post this far and wide. Make sure that every adult in the United States sees this. Make sure that voters know it, and that Trump’s voters can’t deny it, and that elected Republicans can’t pretend they didn’t see it. https://t.co/J6CXfzHQIZ
While most of America was sleeping soundly in their beds, as Raw Story reports, Trump was sounding off like a chicken running from a razor-wielding farmer about his pending legal troubles, and making what sounded to many people — including the hosts of Morning Joe — like thinly (and poorly) veiled threats against the DA. In addition to posting a truly unhinged photo of himself holding a baseball bat to a photo of Bragg, Trump spit out an alphabet soup of typos, which seemed to be a call to arms for his diehard supporters:
“What kind of person can charge another person, in this case a former President of the United States, who got more votes than any sitting President in history, and leading candidate (by far!) for the Republican Party nomination, with a Crime, when it is known by all that NO Crime has been committed, & also known that potential death & destruction in such a false charge could be catastrophic for our Country? Why & who would do such a thing? Only a degenerate psychopath that truely hates the USA!”
Early Friday morning, the folks of Morning Joe dissected Trump’s messages and determined that he is off his rocker. “I think that he is very nervous,” said Al Sharpton, who has rubbed elbows with Trump for decades in New York City. “We are looking at a man that is becoming unhinged…. He is hearing footsteps and they’re getting closer.”
Joe Scarborough was much less diplomatic in his assessment, saying:
“The guy is shaking in his boots. Now, of course, he’s threatening the lives of other people… But you read these tweets — or whatever you call it on that failing platform — and this is a guy who, you’re right, he’s out of his mind scared. He is melting down. Now he is threatening riots that will lead to death and destruction if he is charged with a misdemeanor.”
As of Friday, The New York Times reports that the grand jury is not expected to resume discussions about Trump’s case until at least Monday. Which should give the former — and wannabe future — president several days to post more disturbing rants.
HBO and HBO Max are doing a bit of spring cleaning this April, ushering some blockbuster movies and original series out the door while making way for new seasons of fan favorites and a true crime drama that has Emmy-level potential.
Up first is the final season of Barry as Bill Hader’s aspiring thespian (moonlighting as a neurotic assassin) winds up behind bars for his crimes. Then Bridget Everett’s cozy comedy Somebody, Somewhere returns to gift us more car confessionals in its second season. And finally, Elizabeth Olsen delivers her take on the true crime shocker of a story that Hulu first introduced audiences to last year.
Here’s what’s new on (and what’s leaving) HBO and HBO Max this month.
Barry: Season 4 (premieres 4/16)
The fourth — and according to creator Bill Hader, final — season of this Emmy-winning dark comedy series lands on HBO mid-month. The hitman-turned-aspiring actor is now behind bars after a shocking betrayal by his mentor (Henry Winkler). While Gene Cousineau is labeled a hero, Barry must figure out how to survive (and probably) escape his current stint behind bars.
Somebody, Somewhere: Season 2 (premieres 4/23)
Bridget Everett’s underrated feel-good comedy is back for another round, so there’s no excuse not to get caught up before season two drops. Sam is moving on from her sister’s death and experimenting in all kinds of ways but don’t worry, there’s still room for those comforting car chats with her best friend Joel.
Love & Death (premieres 4/27)
Hulu gave the true crime scandal attached to Candy Montgomery’s name its own dramatic interpretation last year, but even if you saw Jessica Biel play the unhinged suburban mom accused of murdering the wife of the man she was having an affair with, you don’t want to miss Elizabeth Olsen’s take on things. Olsen will be wielding the ax this time while Jesse Plemmons plays her dim-witted paramour.
Here’s everything coming to HBO and HBO Max this April:
Avail. 4/1 The Blue Lagoon, 1980 Breathe, 2017 (HBO) The Brother’s Warner, 2007 The Circle, 2017 (HBO) Clean and Sober, 1988 (HBO) The Cold Light of Day, 2012 (HBO) Coraline, 2009 (HBO) City by the Sea, 2002 (HBO) Dark Blue, 2002 (HBO) Drive Angry, 2011 (HBO) Dumb & Dumber To, 2014 (HBO) Enter the Warrior’s Gate, 2016 (HBO) Entertainment, 2015 (HBO) Evan Almighty, 2007 (HBO) Experimenter, 2015 (HBO) Ghost, 1990 (HBO) The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard, 2009 (HBO) Harriet The Spy, 1996 (HBO) Hit & Run, 2012 (HBO) Homegrown, Season 3 The Host, 2007 (HBO) House at the End of the Street, 2012 (HBO) The House Bunny, 2008 Hunter Killer, 2018 (HBO) I Am Love, 2009 (HBO) Iris, 2014 (HBO) The Kid, 2019 (HBO) Kiss the Girls, 1997 (HBO) Knowing, 2009 (HBO) Land of the Pharaohs, 1955 The Last Circus, 2010 (HBO) The Last Days on Mars, 2013 (HBO) Lemon, 2017 (HBO) Let’s Be Cops, 2014 (HBO) Letters To Juliet, 2010 (HBO) A Lion is in the Streets, 1953 The Long Riders, 1980 (HBO) Lucy, 2014 (HBO) Monos, 2019 (HBO) Mud, 2013 (HBO) Music Within, 2007 (HBO) Mystic Pizza, 1988 (HBO) Noma: My Perfect Storm, 2015 (HBO) No Way Out, 1987 (HBO) One Missed Call, 2008 (HBO) Outlaws, 2017 (HBO) Outrage, 2009 (HBO) The Piece Maker, Season 1 (Magnolia) Push, 2009 (HBO) Rachel, Rachel, 1968 Results, 2015 (HBO) Safe Haven, 2013 (HBO) Safe in Hell, 1931 School Life, 2016 (HBO) Smokin’ Aces, 2006 (HBO) The Smurfs 2, 2013 The Smurfs Movie, 2011 The Soloist, 2009 (HBO) Spring Breakers, 2012 (HBO) Storm Warning, 1951 The Strawberry Blonde, 1941 Taken 3, 2014 (HBO) Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, 2006 Tangerine, 2015 (HBO) Trespass Against Us, 2016 (HBO) Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos (Aka A Brave Little Rooster), 2015 (HBO) Valkyrie, 2008 (HBO) Walker: Independence, 2023 The Wave, 2016 (HBO) We Are The Best!, 2014 (HBO) White God, 2014 (HBO) Whitey: United States Of America V. James J. Bulger, 2014 (HBO)
Avail. 4/3 Royal Crackers, Season 1
Avail. 4/4 Craig of the Creek, Season 4E
Avail. 4/6 Looney Tunes Cartoons, Max Original Season 5 Premiere The Winchesters, Season 1
Avail. 4/7 Kung Fu, Season 3 Music Box: Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed (HBO)
Avail. 4/9 Happy to be Home with the Benkos, Season 1
Avail. 4/11
U.S. Women’s Soccer vs. Republic of Ireland
Highlights: U.S. Women’s Soccer vs. Republic of Ireland The Last Ship, 2014
Avail. 4/13 Titans, Max Original Season 4, Mid-Season Premiere
Avail. 4/14 A Black Lady Sketch Show, Season 4 Premiere (HBO) #BringBackAlice, Max Original Season 1 Premiere Clone High, 2002
Avail. 4/16 100 Foot Wave, Season 2 Premiere (HBO) Barry, Season 4 Premiere (HBO)
Avail. 4/17 Para – We Are King (Para – Wir Sind King), Max Original Season 2 Premiere
Avail. 4/18 Bugs Bunny Builders, Season 1D
Avail. 4/19
U.S. Men’s Soccer vs. Mexico
Highlights: U.S. Men’s Soccer vs. Mexico
Avail. 4/20 Fired on Mars, Max Original Season 1 Premiere
Avail. 4/21 Diary of an Old Home, Season 2 Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, Season 3
Avail. 4/23 Doctor Who: Power of the Doctor, Special Somebody Somewhere, Season 2 Premiere (HBO)
Avail. 4/27 The Dog House: UK, Max Original Season 4 Premiere Love & Death, Max Original Limited Series Premiere
Avail. 4/28 Headless Chickens (Pollos sin cabeza), Max Original Warner Bros. 100 Years, Max Original Docu Series Premiere
Avail. 4/29 Moonage Daydream, 2022
Here’s everything leaving HBO and HBO Max this April:
Leaving 4/2 Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, 2013 Leaving 4/4 We’re The Millers, 2013 (HBO) Leaving 4/5 The Inside Story, 1948 Reminiscence, 2021 (HBO) Leaving 4/11 Adult Swim Yule Log (aka The Fireplace) Leaving 4/12 About Face: Supermodels Then and Now, 2012 (HBO) Leaving 4/13 The Last Duel, 2021 Game Theory With Bomani Jones, Season 1 Leaving 4/18 The LEGO Batman Movie, 2017 Leaving 4/24 Tom and Jerry Cowboy Up!, 2022 Leaving 4/27 Malignant, 2021 (HBO) Leaving 4/30 47 Ronin, 2013 (HBO) 3 Godfathers, 1948 Accepted, 2006 (HBO) The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938 A Private War, 2018 (HBO) An American in Paris, 1951 The American President, 1995 Any Given Sunday, 1999 Australia, 2008 (HBO) Before I Fall, 2017 (HBO) Ben-Hur, 1959 Black Legion, 1937 Blade, 1998 Blood Diamond, 2006 Blow Out, 1981 (HBO) The Bodyguard, 1992 Boogie Nights, 1997 The Book of Eli, 2010 The Bourne Identity, 2002 (HBO) The Bourne Supremacy, 2004 (HBO) Bringing up Baby, 1938 Brothers By Blood, 2020 (HBO) Cabaret, 1972 Caddyshack, 1980 Captain Phillips, 2013 (HBO) Carefree, 1938 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 1958 The Champ, 1979 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 1968 (HBO) A Christmas Story, 1983 Citizen Kane, 1941 College, 2008 (HBO) Colors, 1988 (HBO) Confessions of a Nazi Spy, 1939 Crazy, Stupid, Love., 2011 Creed, 2015 Creed II, 2018 A Damsel in Distress, 1937 Deep Blue Sea, 1999 Demolition Man, 1993 Designing Woman, 1957 Devil’s Due, 2014 (HBO) Disturbing Behavior, 1998 (HBO) Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, 2002 Dog Day Afternoon, 1975 Dumb & Dumber, 1994 Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, 2003 Enter The Dragon, 1973 Escape Plan 2: Hades, 2018 (HBO) The Expendables 2, 2012 The Expendables 3, 2014 The Expendables, 2010 Eyes Wide Shut, 1999 Fashions of 1934, 1934 Final Destination, 2002 Frailty, 2001 (HBO) The French Lieutenant’s Woman, 1981 (HBO) Friday, 1995 Frida, 2002 (HBO) The Fugitive, 1993 Generation Por Que?, 2021 (HBO) Geronimo: An American Legend, 1993 Graffiti Bridge, 1990 (HBO) The Great Gatsby, 2013 Hairspray (Musical Remake), 2007 The Hangover Part II, 2011 The Hangover Part III, 2013 Happy Feet, 2006 Happy Feet Two, 2011 He’s Just Not That Into You, 2009 High Society, 1956 Hotel Rwanda, 2004 (HBO) House Party, 1990 House Party 2, 1991 House Party 3, 1994 House Party 4: Down To The Last Minute, 2001 How the West Was Won, 1962 I Am Legend, 2007 I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, 1988 (HBO) Insomnia, 2002 Interview with the Vampire, 1994 Jezebel, 1938 Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius, 2001 (HBO) King Kong, 1933 La Boda De Rosa (aka Rosa’s Wedding), 2020 (HBO) Life Of Crime, 2013 (HBO) Lethal Weapon, 1987 Lethal Weapon 2, 1989 Lethal Weapon 3, 1992 Lethal Weapon 4, 1998 Little Shop of Horrors, 1986 Little Women, 1949 Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, 1983 Magnum Force, 1973 The Man Who Came to Dinner, 1942 Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World, 2003 (HBO) Meet Me in St. Louis, 1944 Menace II Society, 1993 Misery, 1990 Miss Congeniality, 2000 Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, 2005 Murder by Numbers, 2002 Murder In The First, 1995 (HBO) The Music Man, 1962 Mutiny on the Bounty, 1935 My Life In Ruins, 2009 (HBO) Navy Seals, 1990 (HBO) The New Guy, 2002 (HBO) Next Friday, 2000 Nightmare Alley, 2021 The Notebook, 2004 Nothing But Trouble, 1991 (HBO) Ocean’s Eight, 2018 Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn, 2013 (HBO) One For The Money, 2012 (HBO) The Philadelphia Story, 1940 Para Rosa (aka For Rosa), 2020 (HBO) Point Break, 1991 Poltergeist, 1982 Purple Rain, 1984 The Queen, 2006 (HBO) Race, 2016 (HBO) Ready Player One, 2018 Red, 2010 (HBO) The Replacements, 2000 Risky Business, 1983 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, 1991 Rugrats Go Wild, 2003 (HBO) Rugrats In Paris: The Movie, 2000 (HBO) The Rugrats Movie, 1998 (HBO) Safe, 2012 (HBO) San Francisco, 1936 Se7en, 1995 Shaft, 1971 Shall We Dance, 1937 The Shawshank Redemption, 1994 Shutter, 2010 (HBO) Silent Hill: Revelation3D, 2012 (HBO) Sleeping With The Enemy, 1991 (HBO) The Smurfs 2, 2013 The Smurfs (Movie), 2011 Snakes on a Plane, 2006 Something Borrowed, 2011 (HBO) Space Jam, 1996 St. Elmo’s Fire, 1985 Stargate, 1994 (HBO) A Star is Born, 1954 A Star is Born, 1976 The Stepford Wives, 2004 (HBO) Stuck On You, 2003 (HBO) Superbad, 2007 Taxi Driver, 1976 Tenet, 2020 Terminator 2: Judgment Day, 1991 (HBO) This Is the End, 2013 Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, 2005 A Time to Kill, 1996 To Have and to Have Not, 1944 Top Hat, 1935 Training Day, 2001 The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 1948 Twilight Zone: The Movie, 1983 (HBO) Twister, 1996 Unbroken, 2014 (HBO) U.S. Marshals, 1998 The Unsinkable Molly Brown, 1964 The Vanishing Of Sidney Hall, 2017 (HBO) Wag the Dog, 1997 The Wedding Singer, 1998 Westworld (Movie), 1973 What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, 1962 When Harry Met Sally, 1989 Where Eagles Dare, 1968 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1966 The Wild Thornberrys Movie, 2002 (HBO) Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1971 The Wings of Eagles, 1957 The Witches of Eastwick, 1987 The Witches, 1990 True Crime, 1999 (HBO) Wyatt Earp, 1994 You Got Served, 2004 You, Me And Dupree, 2006 (HBO) Young Adult, 2021 (HBO) You’ve Got Mail, 1998
Keanu Reeves can play just about any character he wants, but it’s becoming pretty clear that he really likes beating up the bad guys. Or everyone, for that matter! While he is certainly not the first action star to exist, he is one of the most hands-on ones, according to John Wick 4 director Chad Stahleski.
Stahleski, who first met Reeves on the set of The Matrix, is certain that the actor is one of the best in the game right now, and maybe even neck-and-neck with everybody’s favorite rogue airplane pilot, Tom Cruise.
The director detailed some of the work it takes to prepare for a role like Wick,telling Deadline, “Whether you are learning medical terms to play a physician or physical fight moves to have a good action sequence, they should all be commended for their effort,” Stahelski said before explaining that action films take it to the next level. “Then there’s next level of that, doing action-specific shows where you need really specific skill sets, like driving,” he added. There’s a reason there are so many Fast and Furious movies after all. You just don’t see that kind of transportation action everywhere these days, unless you live close to Medieval Times.
Stahleski admitted that there is one other long-haired Hollywood legend besides Reeves who might be just as dedicated, though. You can probably guess who he is going to say. Let’s see…
“Tom Cruise in the Mission: Impossible films, the amount running and driving and fighting…that’s all Tom. Far above even the high expectations in our industry. He’s one of two that stand apart. I haven’t worked with Mr. Cruise but from what I hear from the stunt teams, he’s that guy. There is no limit to how far we will go.
“My experience is Keanu, and that’s what I’d say about him. There’s a love of what he does, a love of the suffering to get to what he does there. There’s a love of the journey, the craft and this personal conviction to just…I’m gonna do the best I can. And that’s all there is to it. That will power and commitment, that’s Keanu and that’s not normal. It’s a Keanu thing, just who he is.”
Does that mean there will be a Cruise/Reeves showdown in the coming years? Maybe, but first, they should go head-to-head in Crusie’s alleged upcoming musical. Keanu is totally on board.
Ron DeSantis‘ presidential aspirations are taking another hit as his fellow Republicans reportedly express concerns over the state of his book tour. After an embarrassing stop in Iowa, the top event coordinator for the tour has pulled out of its contract, leaving DeSantis’ team scrambling. As for why this is a big deal, the tour was serving as a soft launch for DeSantis’ presidential campaign, and well, it’s not going great.
According to sources, Liberty Event Specialists exited the tour over concerns that DeSantis’ camp would “scapegoat them for tactical flubs on the tour.” That would be the Iowa stop, which Trump supporters quickly used to discredit DeSantis as a potential nominee.
The tour hit its first bump in Iowa earlier this month, when DeSantis left the critical early-voting state’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, hanging for more than 30 minutes, speaking from a podium while she waited for their one-on-one discussion next to an empty wingback chair.
But it was another podium-centric blip at the Iowa stop that became a flashpoint. The podium had been removed at some point before DeSantis spoke, leaving him wondering where it had gone—with Reynolds demanding of someone backstage, “We want the podium back.”
The disastrous tour is not going unnoticed by Republicans, who are not liking what they’re seeing.
“Word is they quietly rescheduled some stuff… but it definitely feels like he’s peeled some back,” a Florida Republican consultant said. “I think the soft launch is having an effect. I think it’s gone poorly, I hear nothing but they are unhappy.”
On the bright side, at least no one is talking about DeSantis eating pudding with his fingers. That’s gotta count for something, right?
A pretty good way for a head of state to get a cheap pop when they visit another country is to bring up sports, usually in a way that is meant to celebrate a great team or athlete and stir up a feeling of pride. Joe Biden, during a trip to Canadian in which he addressed the nation’s parliament, decided to take a slightly different approach by expressing his disdain for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Joe Biden just took a shot at the Toronto Maple Leafs in his speech to Parliament
“Our labor unions cross borders, so do our sports leagues,” Biden said. “Baseball, basketball, hockey. Listen to this, hockey.”
The crowd started to clap and laugh, and then, Biden dropped the hammer: “I have to say, I like your teams … except the Leafs.”
Outside of the folks who were extremely upset with him over this and booed, Biden got a standing ovation, with Canadian Prime Minister and noted Montreal Canadiens fan Justin Trudeau joining in. POTUS did get a chance to explain that he does not have much of a choice here due to his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, being from Philadelphia.
“I’ll tell you why,” he said. “They beat the Flyers back in January, that’s why. And if I didn’t say that — I married a Philly girl, if I didn’t say that, I’d be sleeping alone, fellas. I like you but not that much.”
The Leafs beat the Flyers all three times they have played this season. There is no word on whether or not Biden has forgiven the great city of Toronto for the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers, which went seven games and saw Toronto move on thanks to a buzzer-beater in Game 7 by Kawhi Leonard. It seems safe to assume, however, that he has not.
For years, fans of international music stars Rosalía, and Rauw Alejandro have begged the musicians to collaborate on a few tracks together. Well, their wish was granted earlier this month when the pair announced EP RR, a three-track project. Now, with the release of the official video for “Beso,” a single from the body of work, fans’ prayers may have been taken a lot more literally than they indeed.
In the video, the singer revealed that Rauw had popped the question. Rocking a shimmering diamond ring, Rosalía turned to Rauw to say, “I love you.” Fans, including rapper Cardi B, rushed to social media to congratulate the musicians on their engagement.
Back in the summer of 2021, the pair sparked dating rumors after being spotted holding hands by paparazzi. But by singer Rosalía’s birthday that September, the couple couldn’t hold the secret any further, taking to social media to confirm that they were, in fact, dating.
Fast-forward to several mentions of the other in press interviews, a handful of red-carpet appearances together, and even tattoos of the other’s names or in Rosalía’s case her future husband’s initials, the pair is cementing their position as Latin music’s most beloved couple.
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