Looking for some end of the year parties tips for you and your friends? Look no further, we got you!
One of the most anticipated albums of 2024, or 2025, or whenever it comes out is SZA’s Lana (not to be confused with Lana Del Rey’s new album). It was originally intended as an extended version of 2022’s massive SOS, but after a few songs leaked to the public, the album has since become its own thing.
SZA gave an update on Lana in a recent interview with British Vogue. “I think I am making music from a more beautiful place. From a more possible place versus a more angsty place,” she said. “I’m not identifying with my brokenness. It’s not my identity. It’s shit that happened to me. Yeah, I experienced cruelty. I have to put it down at some point. Piece by piece, my music is shifting because of that, the lighter I get.”
SZA also discussed headlining Glastonbury earlier this year. “I just felt like nothing I could do would be enough for Glastonbury, no matter what I did. It scared me. I was like, well, I wish I wasn’t doing it, but I couldn’t walk away from it…” she said. “I want to be the second Black woman in history, but then it’s such a f*cking tall order. It’s like, no matter what you do here, you will be subject to criticism. Because of who you are. But that’s life. That’s life, you know?”
One of the highlights of The Eras Tour is when Taylor Swift gives a young fan her hat while performing “22.” The lucky recipient during a recent concert in Indianapolis was 7-year-old Eloise, who, despite her young age, has a connection to the pop star that goes way back.
Swift used to be very active on social media, including interacting with her fans on Instagram Live. Eloise’s Swiftie mom, Cindy Childs, was streaming one night when Swift jumped into the comments. “It was a really fun chat because Taylor was like, ‘Don’t wake her up,’ and all my friends were like, ‘Wake her up,’” she told USA Today. Swift stuck around for 45 minutes and said that she wanted to meet Eloise someday. Seven years later, she stayed true to her word.
Cindy shared her story on social media ahead of the Indianapolis date of The Eras Tour, and it went viral. “All my friends were like, ‘This is getting so much traction, you have to post where you’re sitting.’ So I tweeted that we were sitting in Section 112, Row 1 if anyone wants to trade bracelets,” she said. While Swift was performing “Love Story,” a member of her team “appeared with security guards and knelt down to the 7-year-old in a 1989 iridescent bomber jacket,” according to USA Today. “She asked the girl if she was Eloise and took her hand. Childs, her sister, and her niece trailed behind all the way to the end of the stage catwalk.”
You can watch what happened next here.
Maxo Kream is back with a fourth — or perhaps, eighth, if you count by his reckoning — album, Personification. A showcase of the Houston native’s storytelling prowess, Personification sees the Brandon Banks rapper following up 2021’s Weight Of The World with a synthesis of his three “big personas”: Emekwanem, Maxo’s real name; Punken, the more reflective version of the rapper, and Trigga Maxo, the version of Maxo that once recklessly ran the streets of Southwest Houston.
Finally free of “all his cases,” as he put it via Zoom, Maxo’s latest album gives him an opportunity to unpack the hard-fought lessons he’s learned over the past several years of conflicting lifestyles. Yes, he was once a young, wild gang member terrorizing the community, but he was also an athlete, a member of a team. Now, he’s a father, an entertainer, a teacher. Personification is Maxo’s attempt to reconcile these roles and the choices he’s made within them to offer contrasting views of each.
So, while there are plenty of “shoot-’em-up” tracks like “Mo Murda” and “Triggaman,” there are also joints that look back on those times with the furrowed brow of experience. “Big Hoe Me” and “Cracc Era” see Maxo examining the consequences of those youthful mistakes and the insecurities that led to them, while songs like “Walk By Faith,” which features his younger brother Josh under a new rap name, take a more meta view, laying out the game and letting listeners decide where they fall on the board.
Personification is a rapper’s story, injecting difficult truths into the rap tropes. Maxo deconstructed the album with Uproxx, expanding on the insights he expresses in its 14 tracks with his signature blunt honesty, and uncompromising wit.
Personification was a tough listen for me because some of the content on it reminded me very much of how I grew up and where I grew up. First and foremost, “Big Hoe Me.” It’s got such a harsh outlook toward negative mentorship. I wanted to ask, what made it so important to you to compare and contrast positive mentorship, versus that kind of negative mentorship?
Yeah, bro, a lot of these n****s be hoes. A lot of these n****s don’t really be that. They be living through their 2nd childhood to little n****s all on the side. Not everybody like that. I didn’t have no big homie that was a hoe. But I know some hoe ass big homies.
I’ve been doing this shit since 2003. We in 2025. I played sports, everything, rap, all that. So, it just shit in the hood. It’s not only with gang shit. It’s mentorship. It’s parents like that. It’s fathers like that. It’s coaches like that.
We actually been on corners back in the day. That’s how I knew my homie. A lot of these n****s know each other from Instagram and motherf*cking GTA. That’s how they know each other. They don’t even stay on the same side of town. They gotta come and drive to the block. They’re commuting to the hood.
I do rap about the turned up side and sliding, the drilling, the riding for your n****s. But I also talk about, okay, as soon you go home, this comes to your door. The opps might come slide on you and slaughter your people by mistake. Looking for you. I show the pros and cons. There’s a lot of rappers that don’t do that.
So, that leads me into why I had such a big laugh on “Smokey.” “Out of town, banger, go to Cali and get laughed at.” Can you elaborate on that principle? Can you elaborate on what gets gotten laughed at from out here?
Hell yeah. I feel like in Houston, they’re riding Cali n****s dick, and the Cali n****s don’t give a f*ck about them for real. They respect n****s that come from Houston and rep their own sh*t. I’m from Forum Park [Crips]. We got our own history. They respect that. I never came to Cali, came to Hoover Street, came to the Hoovers [a Los Angeles Crip set], like, ‘Yo, I’m looking to be down.’ I’m coming over here like, ‘I do this. Y’all do this’. It’s respect. I was at the studio with Hit-Boy and Big Hit. When I’m saying the sh*t, they felt that. And they respect everything I do.
It does feel like there is, on this one, a little bit more sense of disapproval or maybe remorse of Cripping lifestyle. Did your outlook on the lifestyle begin to change recently and if so, what caused the shift for you?
I ain’t going to say it changed. With me being older and having kids and seeing these young n****s that look up to me… I never crashed out a young n****. I had never told my n**** to go slide or drill or nothing like that. I’m like, “Come to my concert. Come to my show, come on tour, and come to the studio.” I did it because when I was a young n****, I did it on my own. Or did with my niggas, but we past that, bro. I ain’t going to send no young n**** to do nothing. Then he go to jail or send the young n**** to do something, and they die because then that’s on me.
Because I did that. I’m responsible for that. I just speak on the Crip sh*t because I’m a retired gang member. I’m not a gangbanger. I used to actually bang. So, I’m really respected. So, it’s different when you hear something from, like, a teacher. But when you hear something from a n****a that you idolize, and it be the same shit that you been through, it hit different. You don’t understand, being a rapper… We really got more focus on the household than the parents, bro. That’s why people be so mad at the music. So I’m like, bro, so if I’m going to talk about it, I gotta cover something about what happened after this. Or put out a jail song. Because that’s going to happen to your ass. If you’re doing all the sh*t I rap about, avoiding jail is not real.
They’ll put you on probation for 15 years.
Come on, man. Freed Young Thug, but he ain’t all the way free.
What’s the best part about working with your brother?
The best part about working with Josh, that motherfucker cold. That n**** never wrote a rap in his life. I told him to write a rap. And he didn’t rap for 3 months. When I took him to the studio, I think one of the first songs he did was “Brothers.” I can’t wait for him to lock me into his full fledge shit, so then I can sit back and just, “Alright. Josh hot as hell. Let me do a song with Josh.” I came from writing. But if I got to write at this point, I’m going to say “f*ck rap.” A lot of shit was written up to Punken. That’s when I start writing for real. I’ll look at the difference between Brandon Banks versus Punken. And that was my two biggest albums. Now today, look at Weight Of The World. You feel me?
We have this conversation again in a year. Where do you wanna say that Personification ended up and what has happened in that year since?
I want to say that sh*t, add another package to my catalog. I’m touring amphitheaters. And KCG Josh or Josh Kream, Joshua Biosa — whoever that n**** is — my brother is big as hell, and I can piggyback off this n*** and I’m a coast. And we in the motherf*cker doing big sh*t on PJs. Getting property for my mama. Just living, bro. I wanna be living. A lot of these n****s die. I want to be old. Out living. That’s where I want to be.
Personification is out 11/15 via RCA. Get more information here.
Last month, James Blake released a new song called “Like The End,” but it was only made available via Vault, a subscription platform he helped launch earlier this year. Now, though, he has given the track a wider traditional release.
The song sees Blake disenchanted with the state of the world. He opens the track, “As I separate my cardboard / Set my tax aside to fund another war / My spirit wakes up asking / If we’re spending what we can’t afford.” He later sings on the chorus, “But doesn’t it feel like the end? / Something’s coming for us / And maybe we’re not prepared / That this might only be day one / But doesn’t it feel like the end? / Something’s coming for us / I think we’re not prepared / That this might only be day one.”
Blake hasn’t announced a new album, but if this is the first taste of one, it would be the latest in a productive stretch for Blake. He just released his latest solo album, Playing Robots Into Heaven, in September 2023. Then, he followed it with Bad Cameo, a collaborative album with Lil Yachty that came out in June. He also produced some tracks on Erick Arc Elliott’s album I’ve Never Been Here Before from earlier this year.
Listen to “Like The End” above.
Sometimes, you simply want to unplug the season and plug it back in. That is where we are when it comes to NFL handicapping in 2024. After a pair of encouraging weeks, the ugliness returned in Week 10, including a Falcons-Saints game that impossibly stayed under with three missed field goals and other malodies.
We won’t be deterred from the goal of righting the ship but, hey, you could also fade these picks if you’re feeling spicy. Before delivering this week’s five-pack, let’s take a look at the carnage in 2024.
- Week 10: 1-4
- 2024 Season: 18-31-1
Come get these winners.
Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles UNDER 48.5 points – Widely Available
A Thursday night Under? Let’s get back to basics. Washington has been an “over” team to the tune of 7-3 this season, but Philadelphia has been quietly stout on defense in recent weeks. This is, of course, a short week for both teams, and Washington has some injury issues along its offensive line. I tend to think the Commanders defense is a touch undervalued in this spot as well, and this is a favorable price.
Cleveland Browns (+1.5) over New Orleans Saints – FanDuel
The Saints got the bounce last week after firing their coach and, with the help of one of the worst kicking performances of the season for Atlanta, New Orleans won a game it shouldn’t have won. That could benefit us this week, as the Browns are underdogs in a spot where they probably shouldn’t be. Let’s ride the Jameis roller coaster and hope it goes well.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+14) over Detroit Lions – BetMGM
Detroit is a wagon. They seemingly cover every week and, when they don’t like in Week 10, they somehow win the game despite a million turnovers. With that said, getting a full 14 here on Jacksonville is something I can’t pass on. Trust me, I know how ugly it is.
Seattle Seahawks (+6.5) over San Francisco 49ers – Widely Available
Seattle is healthier and coming off a bye, including the projected return of DK Metcalf. I’ve also been a touch low on San Francisco all season, and I simply can’t get this to 6.5 points, even with McCaffrey back for the 49ers.
TEASER: Cincinnati Bengals (+7.5) over Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans (-1.5) over Dallas Cowboys – Widely Available
This teaser happens to involve a pair of prime time games, but I would like it even if it didn’t. Candidly, I love each leg here, with the Bengals more than able to get in the backdoor if things go south at the outset. Houston is on the road, which does scare me a bit, but the situation in Dallas is rather dire, and the Texans may be discounted a bit after a maddening loss to Detroit.
Recently, Mark Zuckerberg shared a photo of himself in a recording studio with T-Pain, posting it on his Instagram Story and writing, “It’s happening guys” (as Billboard notes). Since then, people have been wondering what exactly the Facebook head is up to, and now we know: Yesterday (November 13), Zuckerberg released a cover of “Get Low,” the 2003 classic from Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz featuring Ying Yang Twins.
While this seems like an odd combination (especially given that it’s an acoustic cover with Zuckerberg singing about sweat dripping down his unmentionables), the story behind it is actually kind of sweet: In an Instagram post announcing the cover, Zuckerberg explained the cover is about his relationship with wife Priscilla Chan. He wrote, “‘Get Low’ was playing when I first met Priscilla at a college party, so every year we listen to it on our dating anniversary. This year I worked with @tpain on our own version of this lyrical masterpiece. Sound on for the track and also available on Spotify. Love you P [heart emoji].”
Chan wrote in the comments of the post, “Can’t get quite as low anymore but more in love and grateful for that love than ever. Love you MZ.” T-Pain also wrote, “Happy anniversary! Thanks for letting me be a part of this [fire emoji].”
Listen to the cover above.
The four members of Blackpink are busy with their solo careers. Rosé released the year’s biggest earworm with Bruno Mars; Lisa is a “Rockstar” who is starring in The White Lotus season 3; Jennie broke UK chart records with “Mantra”; and Jisoo is focused on acting in Korean shows and movies. But despite their packed schedules, Blackpink still find time for each other.
“We know each other so well and know how much energy we have to put into every single project,” Lisa told Billboard. “So we want to support and say, ‘You did really well!’ Like, Jennie and Rosie just released their own songs, and we’re on texts, we’re on FaceTime. They’re like family. I’m just so happy that they’re releasing something. This is what we all wanted to do, so I just wanted to say that I really do love their songs.”
Lisa was also asked about her more mature image since going solo, including rhyming “I’m a rockstar” with “baby, make you rock-hard” and performing at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
“It’s a little looser [now],” she said. “We’re not rookies anymore. I’m 27 and headed toward 30. Of course I’m still young, yes, but I feel like it’s more flexible for us. And it’s nothing crazy. I feel like I’m just doing whatever I want, and it doesn’t hurt anyone. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.”
It’s been rumored lately that Linkin Park was getting ready to announce a big international tour. Well, the rumors were true: Today (November 14), the band has indeed announced 2025 dates for the From Zero World Tour, which span from January to November.
Ticket sales start with an LP Underground fan club exclusive pre-sale on November 18, followed by a general on-sale for North American dates on November 21 at noon local time. The general on-sale for European and UK dates start November 22 at 10 a.m. local time. Find more information on tickets here.
Find Linkin Park’s upcoming tour dates below.
Linkin Park’s 2025 Tour Dates: From Zero World Tour
01/31/2025 — Mexico City, MX @ Estadio GNP Seguros =
02/03/2025 — Guadalajara, MX @ Estadio 3 de Marzo =
02/05/2025 — Monterrey, MX @ Estadio Banorte =
02/11/2025 — Tokyo, JP @ Saitama Super Arena
02/12/2025 — Tokyo, JP @ Saitama Super Arena
02/16/2025 — Jakarta, ID @ Venue TBA
04/12/2025 — Las Vegas, NV @ Sick New World Festival *
04/26/2025 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center ^
04/28/2025 — Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center ^
05/01/2025 — Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena ^
05/03/2025 — Baltimore, MD @ CFG Bank Arena ^
05/06/2025 — Raleigh, NC @ Lenovo Center ^
05/08/2025 — Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena ^
05/10/2025 — Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple *
05/17/2025 — Daytona, FL @ Welcome to Rockville *
06/12/2025 — Nickelsdorf, AT @ Novarock Festival *
06/14/2025 — Hradec Kralove, CZ @ Rock for People Festival *
06/16/2025 — Hannover, DE @ Heinz-Von-Heiden Arena ~
06/18/2025 — Berlin, DE @ Olympiastadion ~
06/20/2025 — Bern, CH @ Bernexpo
06/24/2025 — Milan, IT @ I-DAYS Festival *
06/26/2025 — Arnhem, NL @ Gelredome $
06/28/2025 — London, UK @ Wembley Stadium $&
07/01/2025 — Dusseldorf, DE @ Merkur Spiel Arena ~
07/03/2025 — Werchter, BE @ Rock Werchter Festival *
07/05/2025 — Gdynia, PL @ Open’er Festival *
07/08/2025 — Frankfurt, DE @ Deutsche Bank Park ~
07/11/2025 — Paris, FR @ Stade de France
07/29/2025 — Brooklyn, NY+ @ Barclays Center
08/01/2025 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden +
08/03/2025 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center +
08/06/2025 — Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre +
08/08/2025 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena +
08/11/2025 — Chicago, IL @ United Center +
08/14/2025 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena +
08/16/2025 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center #
08/19/2025 — Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena #
08/21/2025 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena #
08/23/2025 — St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Center #
08/25/2025 — Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum #
08/27/2025 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center #
08/29/2025 — Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center #
08/31/2025 — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center #
09/03/2025 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena #
09/06/2025 — Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center #
09/13/2025 — Los Angeles, CA @ Dodger Stadium !&
09/15/2025 — San Jose, CA @ SAP Center &
09/17/2025 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center &
09/19/2025 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center &
09/21/2025 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena &
09/24/2025 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena &
10/26/2025 — Bogota, CO @ Venue TBA
10/29/2025 — Lima, PE @ Venue TBA
11/01/2025 — Buenos Aires, AR @ Venue TBA
11/05/2025 — Santiago, CL @ Venue TBA
11/08/2025 — Rio de Janeiro, BR @ Venue TBA
11/10/2025 — São Paulo, BR @ Venue TBA
11/13/2025 — Brasilia, BR @ Venue TBA
11/15/2025 — Porto Alegre, BR @ Venue TBA
* festival performance
! with Queens Of The Stone Age
$ with Spiritbox
= with AFI
~ with Architects
^ with Grandson
# with Jean Dawson
& with Jpegmafia
+ with Pvris
The Milwaukee Bucks played host to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, and while there is still a ton of basketball left to be played this season, you won’t find a more insane final 90 or so seconds of regulation than what we got out of these two Central Division opponents. The two teams traded the lead back and forth, and after a Marcus Sasser three tied things up with just under 30 seconds left, Milwaukee got the ball and had a chance to win.
A wide open look by Taurean Prince did not fall, and with a hair over a second left on the clock, Detroit called a timeout, advanced the ball, and tried to replicate the magic it found on a sideline out of bounds play on Tuesday night against Miami. It looked like that was going to happen, as Cade Cunningham lobbed one up to Ron Holland near the rim, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to break things up … well, at least it looked like he did, but the referees called a foul that stood after a review even though it really did not look like Giannis fouled Holland at all.
However, in the words of the great philosopher Rasheed Wallace, ball don’t lie. Holland stepped up to the charity stripe and missed short twice, which ended up sending the game to overtime. It would’ve been an awfully harsh way for the game to end for Milwaukee, but, again, Sheed’s got us covered here.