The best way to escape the last week or so of winter (and general responsibilities, for that matter) is by going off the grid with a desert vacation. Turn your phone off, grab your closest friends, bring your own booze, and have a weekend by the pool with no worries other than the threat of potential sunburn. It’s a recipe for a damn good time. (Especially with Coachella on the way.)

When it comes to finding the ultimate desert destination in the United States, California’s three desert towns of Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree are hard to beat. Fortunately, each dry and cacti-filled enclave comes complete with a slew of badass rental properties that are basically begging to be visited. And with Coachella coming, now is the time to pick which one best fits your crew.

Below, we’re sharing the coolest and sexiest rental properties in Palm Springs, Indio, and Joshua Tree. So grab your SPF and your sunglasses, and head to one of the vacation rentals.

-Chloe Caldwell

PART I: JOSHUA TREE

EDITOR’S PICK — The Onyx House: Secluded Villa, Pool & Yoga Deck

The Property:

I could wax poetic about the lines and angles of this midcentury desert oasis quite easily. In fact, it deserves that — especially because so many rentals these days try desperately to hit those midcentury-minimalist-Nordic design notes and miss. Or skimp on the wrong features. Everything looks awesome until you walk into a room and see a generic piece of artwork (this happens in even the best rentals and I totally get it — stylish shit is expensive!).

The Onyx House gets everything right. You walk into the place and immediately feel 20% cooler. Clearly, it was created by someone with good taste. But as great as the design and layout are, those aspects aren’t the property’s biggest perk. Here’s what hit me the hardest during a recent stay:

• Best Pool And Hot Tub Of Any Rental I’ve Ever Stayed In. This isn’t even up for debate. The pool gets up to 90 degrees (I didn’t figure this out until the morning I left, sadly) and the hot tub fits eight comfortably. Both are in-ground and incredibly sleek. Call me a weird hippy but I’ve never liked boiling in a big extruded plastic container. The inherent sexiness of a hot tub is killed by the human-soup-in-plastic vibe. By comparison, this tub and pool are both poured from concrete and feel clean and new. They’re also both saltwater — meaning your skin doesn’t get dry and your eyes don’t water from excessive chlorine. Oh, and they have lighting systems for your night hangs! And they’re incredibly photogenic, as evidenced by my wife:

• A Very Cool Gathering Space. The main living room of the Onyx house is actually separated from the bedrooms and kitchen by a hallway. There you’ll find a massive TV linked to all the streaming apps, a very comfy couch, and even barn doors to open the space up. Does it feature a bunch of cool art and rustic ceramics? You’d better believe it.
• A Yoga Platform. Every morning of my life, I wake up saying “I want to do breathwork! I want to do yoga!” But I almost never have time. I did both breathwork and yoga during my stay at the Onyx House because the space spoke to those sorts of pursuits but more importantly because I had room to practice them without distraction. The yoga platform is surrounded by desert and rocks and if you’re going to do some sun salutations I can’t think of a better place to do them than while watching the sun crest over the craggy hills.
• Nature All Around. The past few years have seen a land grab in “J-Tree” as LA folks with tons of style buy up properties on the cheap, remodel them, and give them cool names. But as much as everyone wants to lay claim to being an “oasis,” I’ve rarely seen a property that is truly built into the hills in this way. Whereas many trips to the desert include driving to trailheads, at the Onyx House we just walked straight up into the wilderness from the backyard. It was beautiful and made the home feel incredibly private.
• Big Hotel Energy. The Onyx House is not one of those “clean every dish, strip the beds, and mop the floors” type rentals that everyone (rightfully) hates. This property is refined and operates much more like a true hotel. Check-in was easy, check-out was easier, and the property was beautifully appointed. I didn’t feel like I was in someone’s bedroom — I felt like I was at a hotel. Except better because we were the only guests.

Bottom Line:

Break that price down for three couples: ~$300 per couple, per night for a private hideaway with the sexiest pool and hot tub for miles? It’s an absolute steal. – Steve Bramucci

Price Per Night: $1165

BOOK HERE

Seven Arches: Joshua Tree

The Property:

If I would brag about anything in this life, it’s that my taste is on point. That can be hard when covering hotels or rentals because if something is cheesy, I’m gonna catch it. While staying at Seven Arches in 2022, I said, at least ten times: “There’s nothing I would change about this place.” From the plates to the kitchen layout to the hot tub to the sprawling grounds (dirt bike track! cornhole! horseshoes!), it was dialed and buttoned up.

Want to get more granular? I was just there so it’s very fresh in my mind:

• Best bedding I’ve ever had at a rental. Period. Soft pillows, high thread count sheets, wide beds — perfection.
• Art by RealFunWow. A very stylish artist who works in earth tones that match the property’s upscale-meets-desert vibe. (In fact, I found out about this spot when I saw the RealFunWow mural being painted on Instagram.)
• Tons of space. There are “pretty spacious” bnbs and then there are “desert spacious” properties — spots that sprawl in a way that leaves plenty of room for chilling, eating, being loud. This property boasts the latter.
• Insane degree of Instagram-ability. Be honest, we all want to tell the stories of our trips. This property was clearly designed with that in mind and by looking at IG tags, you can see how popular it’s been with influencers. Every corner begs to have a photo taken — just see my own pic below.
• Organic in the best way. Earth tones. Nothing feels fake. There are jars of water at the bedsides and the forks are wrought iron. If you’re into the mushroom scene, this spot is a dream — there’s no plastic and no flashing lights from excessive electronics. Even if you’re not, you’re sure to note that the amenities are built to last.

Bottom Line:

It doesn’t get much sexier than this. Or much more engaging. There’s so much to do and the house is so incredibly comfortable, don’t be surprised if you stay home all day before spending the evening alternating between the plunge pool and the hot tub. – Steve Bramucci

Price Per Night: $904

BOOK HERE

Five-Acre Japanese Zen Retreat

The Property:

There’s no better place to find your zen than in a secluded desert hideaway — with the comfort of knowing downtown Joshua Tree is only minutes away. This rental property delivers an authentic Japanese experience in the desert with one-of-a-kind design pieces that are ethically sourced. The property includes a tatami room (or zen room) that’s meant to be used for gathering, reflecting, meditating, or having an intimate conversation. This combined with the two comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, private outdoor lounge area, and the record player and vinyl collection makes the property a serene desert escape.

Bottom Line:

Where else are you going to find a tatami room in Joshua Tree? If you’re in need of healing and rejuvenation, this is the place to do it. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $283

BOOK HERE

The Desert Sunrise

The Property:

If you want a desert escape that’s not too far out from civilization, this house is an excellent option. It’s nearby Joshua Tree National Park, local art exhibits, farmers markets, and thrift stores. You can keep yourself entertained during the day and night with the backyard amenities, which include a fire pit, hot tub, and bocce ball.

If it gets too hot, you can head inside to the game room to play vintage arcade games and shuffleboard.

The property’s interior is designed to reflect the calming essence of the surrounding area. It features classic desert colors like beige, orange, and yellow, and unique artwork of the famous local Joshua Trees.

Bottom Line:

When you’re out in the desert with your friends, it’s nice to have a wide selection of games to keep you busy. Plus, the fire pit, hammocks, and hot tub make the backyard a great place to sit back under the stars, which you generally miss out on if you’re visiting from a big city. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $174

BOOK HERE

Villa Kuro — A Serene and Minimal Hideaway

The Property:

One of the best parts of escaping to the desert is the opportunity to connect with nature. That’s what this property is all about. The minimalist yet modern hideaway focuses on “fusing natural simplicity with contemporary luxuries.” It’s exactly the kind of place one goes to rest and reflect. The property offers several outdoor living areas, including a covered patio with a fire pit, a saltwater hot tub, and a 600-square-foot rock and cactus garden courtyard.

Yep, we’ll take it.

Bottom Line:

Overall, this property is great for a romantic getaway with someone special. The unobstructed views of the desert hills and stars, the saltwater hot tub, and the general intimacy of the property make it a sexy desert escape. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $795

BOOK HERE

Five-Acre Joshua Tree Desert Homestead

The Property:

This five-acre, eco-conscious property is coined as the “Togetherness House,” and for good reason. It’s ideal for a group of friends who want to connect with nature and with each other on a deeper level, while still maintaining the comfort of modern conveniences like WiFi and high-quality cleaning services. The property’s patio and outdoor lounge spaces deliver some of the best views in Joshua Tree, where mountainous landscapes and clear skies take center stage.

Bottom Line:

Great views with good people. That’s all you really need to enjoy this intimate desert retreat. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $186

BOOK HERE

Starletto Dwell

The Property:

This 1,200-square-foot ranch-style property sleeps up to six people and features brand new appliances and furniture throughout the house. The backyard comes complete with both a hot tub and a cold tub, so you can soak during the day and at night. There is tons of space to spread out in the backyard, where you’ll also find a deck, multiple hammocks, a variety of games, and several lounge areas.

The interior of the property combines rustic chic decor with pops of color, creating an inviting environment. In fact, the home was designed by one of Bravo TV’s Best Room Wins designers.

Bottom Line:

This ranch-inspired property is an affordable option that still offers great amenities and lots of space for groups. Plus, it’s only a few minutes from town, so you’ll have the option to explore the area outside of the rental. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $242

BOOK HERE

PART II: PALM SPRINGS

Spectacular Mid-Century Modern Pad

The Property:

This mid-century masterpiece features three bedrooms and fits up to six guests, making it roomy and comfortable enough for your friend group to spread out. There’s also the full-sized private pool, cushioned lounge chairs, outdoor tables, and lounge area with a couch and pool table — making the backyard the perfect place to hang, both during the day and after the sun goes down.

Aside from the amenities, the property’s chic design sprinkled with pops of neon color is exactly the kind of young yet sophisticated environment you need for a weekend in the desert.

Bottom Line:

Pool, games, spacious living room, and kitchen…check! – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $679

BOOK HERE

Moroccan Vibes in a Mid-Century House

The Property:

If you’re on the search for a massive backyard and an ultra-modern space, look no further than this newly refurbished mid-century property. The backyard features several lounge areas to kick back in, a saltwater pool and spa, and plenty of room for party games. The main living area inside the house includes porcelain flooring, a fireplace, and bar seating. It truly is the perfect place to celebrate a weekend with your friends away from home.

Plus, it’s close to downtown Palm Springs where shopping and dining options abound.

Bottom Line:

For a group of eight people in Palm Springs, this freshly upgraded rental property covers all the necessities for an epic desert vacation. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $799

BOOK HERE

Stylish Midcentury Home With Stunning Backyard

The Property:

Made for a serene weekend away, this fully remodeled eco-friendly oasis fits up to four people in two bedrooms. Designed with original artwork, mosaic tiles, and a remodeled floorplan, it’s ideal for a low-key couples retreat or small group of friends in need of rejuvenation. The private property also features a large saltwater pool and in-ground spa, so you can soak in all the good energy the house has to offer.

If you feel like venturing out for an afternoon, the property is only a mile away from the bustling downtown area and only a few minutes away from several popular golf courses.

Bottom Line:

All-day ragers by the pool are great, but sometimes it’s nice to have something a little more tranquil to help you feel refreshed. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $345

BOOK HERE

PART III: INDIO

Lakefront Dream

The Property:

Yes, you can have desert vibes and lakeside living in one place. Located within a gated community, this two-story, four-bedroom home that fits up to 12 guests really is a lakefront dream. Picturesque mountains and desert sunset views surround the property, which are easy to see from the backyard patio or second-floor balcony. The backyard alone features an infinity pool and spa looking over the lake, an expansive patio with a built-in barbecue, an outdoor bar, seating areas, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows at night.

Bottom Line:

The bottom line is that this classic lakefront property couldn’t be more perfect for a large group. Whether you’re hosting a bachelorette party, birthday celebration, or family vacation, this property offers more than enough space for your gathering. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $1,050

BOOK HERE

The Desert Tortoise

The Property:

When you first walk up to this Indio home, you’ll notice that it’s the epitome of desert aesthetic — from the loose dirt and cacti to the stone tortoise statue guarding the front yard (hence, the rental’s name). However, the inside of the house reflects a more modern, sexy, chic design with sleek white counters and light-wash wooden and tile floors that create an open and airy space. The rental fits up to 10 people and all four bedrooms feature a king-sized bed and smart TVs.

The pool is what sets this property apart from others in the area. The private backyard includes beach-like access to the saltwater pool and an oversized spa. You’ll likely want to spend every minute of daylight wading in the water. It’s the ultimate play space for a large group gathering.

Bottom Line:

If you’re spending time in Indio, you’re going to need a good pool to cool off in. This backyard saltwater haven is exactly the remedy you’ll need. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $422

BOOK HERE

Modern Lux Home — Putting green, XL Pool, Games

The Property:

Luxury, relaxation, and fun collide at this epic Indio rental property. It’s a little piece of paradise in an otherwise desolate desert. For starters, the backyard is so nice that you’ll likely spend most of your time in town just lounging by the pool. The large pool itself features deck jets, a waterfall spillway, a tanning shelf, multiple seating ledges, and sparkling pebble tech that glimmers in the sun for an added touch of glamour.

Next to the pool, you’ll find a four-hole, thirty-foot putting green, a ping pong table, a foosball table, Jenga, lawn darts, Connect Four, and a ring toss. When you’ve had your share of fun, you can relax in the lounge area while you watch sports on the outdoor TV. The interior of the house is just as nice as the backyard, following a rustic-style theme where cow print and wooden accents are aplenty.

Bottom Line:

This vacation rental is like an adult playground. If you’re looking for party vibes without skimping on luxury amenities, you’re going to want to book this spot ASAP. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $899

BOOK HERE

Desert Serenity

The Property:

This luxurious rental property is on the pricier side. However, it fits up to 14 people, making it more affordable for large groups. The newly renovated home is ultra-spacious and comfortable, but the backyard is likely where you’ll spend most of your time. It features turf on both sides of the heated saltwater pool that comes complete with two waterfalls and a hot tub. You’ll also find a putting green, corn hole, a ping pong table, and a barbecue, as well as a pool table inside.

Bottom Line:

Between the games, pool, barbecue, and roomy interior, this vacation rental is the perfect friend group getaway. – Chloe Caldwell

Price Per Night: $2,040

BOOK HERE

We know that a ton of dedicated time, energy and artistic skill goes into bringing movies to life. But what about the thing that first introduces you to the movie? That 60-second video meant to encapsulate every thrill, swoon and jump scare the story promises to deliver, if only you are brave enough to step out to the movie theater (or these days, your couch) for two hours.

We are, of course, talking about the movie trailer. And take it from the ones who create them, trailers are in and of themselves a complex art form—with just a dash of psychological manipulation.

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“It’s like trying to sell a jigsaw puzzle,” quipped Bill Neil, trailer editor for Buddha Jones. “And in order to sell the jigsaw puzzle, you can’t show the whole picture on the box. You are only allowed to show four pieces of that puzzle.”

In an interview with Vox, Neil explains that most of the time, trailer editors are only given bits of the movie’s footage called dailies, and from that footage, they piece together what they think the overall feeling of the film is going to be. This certainly helps explain why some trailers might appear to be selling completely different movies than what was actually watched. Part of the art is in the guessing.

Once an editor has the gist of what they’re selling, it’s their job to pack a hefty emotional punch in a short amount of time. There are a few techniques that can help with this, such as a “rug pull,” where the trailer takes a distinct tone shift, usually going from lighthearted to something more unsettling. This shift can happen abruptly or gradually.

But perhaps no technique is as engaging as sound design, which Neil describes as “the soul of the trailer.” In just a single minute-long teaser, Neil might compose an entire symphony of sound effects.

For Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” Neil used Stevie Wonder’s “Fingertips” throughout the trailer in several different ways—first playing it diegetically (meaning that characters interact with it in the context of a scene), then matching the sounds of a galloping horse to the song’s percussion, then giving it a creepy echo followed by silence, finishing with a deconstructed version of the song under a layer of other sounds.

In case you didn’t know, “Nope” is (SPOILER ALERT) an alien horror movie. So Neil drew a lot of visual inspirations from movies like “Close Encounters of a Third Kind,” even formatting some of the onscreen text to subtly look like a descending spaceship.

All in all, these choices make for a super creepy trailer.

As with any art form, trailer making has evolved throughout the years. Gone are the days of heavy voiceovers, and technology has made it easier than ever to access ever-growing sound effects libraries. But at the end of the day, the challenge remains the same—make people want to see the movie and make them want it fast.

Check out Neil’s full interview below, where he breaks down several iconic trailers throughout the years, starting all the way back in the 60s and going forward to the present day. It’s only further proof that trailers really do deserve their own Oscar category.

Christian Bowers of St. Charles, Missouri, has Down syndrome, which didn’t stop him from making friends in high school. But, according to Today, after he graduated and left the school’s social atmosphere, he had a hard time making friends. The situation was made worse because his siblings had people over all the time.

“On the weekends, Christian watched his older sisters have sleepovers and attend parties while he sat on his own,” his mom, Donna Herter, told Today. Six months after leaving school, Bowers kept asking his mother, “When are my friends coming over?” and she had no words for him.

Herter had no idea what to do. You can’t force adults to be friends, but she couldn’t bear to watch him suffer. So she decided to pay someone to be his friend. That way, she could rely on them to come and spend time with her son.

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“I’m looking for a young man, between the ages of 20-28 who would like to make some extra money,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Two days a month for two hours, I’ll pay you to be my son’s friend. All you have to do is sit with him and play video games in his room. Nothing else. He’s 24 and has Down syndrome and doesn’t have any friends his age. You will not be alone with him, myself or his grandpa will be home.”

She added that her son wouldn’t know that people are getting paid to hang out with him and was adamant that she wouldn’t take free help because she wanted to be sure they’d show up regularly.

Herter couldn’t believe the response. Since being published on February 2, the post has received 26,000 comments and nearly 60,000 shares, and the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Herter had to create a social calendar for her son to keep up with all of the playdates.

“I still have people messaging, and I’m adding more dates and I just can’t stop smiling and it’s not even for me, it’s for him,” she told KMOV. “He has not been this happy in years, this is the happiest I’ve seen him in years.”

A group of police officers have stopped by the house to eat pizza and cookies and play video games with Bowers. Billy Mayhall, the founder of STL Youth Sports Outreach, teamed up with a group of donors to buy Bowers a new 65-inch flatscreen television for his video games. They gave him some St. Louis Blues tickets, too.

“That was a really heartbreaking post, it really was,” Mayhall told KMOV. “People now are starting to see a lot of these kids with special needs need somebody in life, just like we do, no different.”

According to Herter, her son is now booked through July.

This story is a beautiful example of a parent reaching out for help and the community rallying around them in support. Herter took a considerable risk by publicly asking to pay someone to be her son’s friend. But she didn’t care; in the end, it was all about her son’s happiness.

Few people manage to achieve the status of both Hollywood legend and human legend, but Dick Van Dyke is definitely one of them.

The 97-year-old actor, dancer, singer and all-around showman blew away the audience and judges of “The Masked Singer” when he was revealed as the voice behind the enigmatic “Gnome” in the show’s ninth season opener. Judge Nicole Scherzinger found herself crying at witnessing the reveal.

“I love you so much. We love you so much. The whole world loves you so much,” she said through tears. “I’m trying to, like, play it cool, but you look so gorgeous! You look so handsome!”

Indeed, Van Dyke looks remarkably good for being three years shy of 100, and the fact that he’s still got the energy to do a wild reality show is a testament to his vitality. He truly is #aginggoals personified.

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Van Dyke sang “When You’re Smiling” by Frank Sinatra while disguised as a giant woodland gnome on the show. The judges were stumped. Who would guess a 97-year-old would come on “The Masked Singer”?

As he shared with Entertainment Weekly, Van Dyke had a blast filming the show, despite having never seen it before being asked to participate.

“I looked at it on the air and it looked like fun,” he told EW. “And I was so positive that nobody would ever guess it was me”

He was tickled that people thought he might be Robert DeNiro and flattered that some thought he could be Tony Bennett.

“But I knew that they couldn’t guess who I was,” he said. “I don’t think they expected anybody from my generation to be on that show. So I knew I was gonna fool them. They were so surprised. I stepped out and everybody’s mouths dropped open. I think some people thought I was dead.”

He even did a brief “old man” bit, showing he’s still got those physical comedy chops.

Watch the reveal:

What a night for everyone involved, especially since very few people knew who was behind the Gnome costume.

“The experience was weird, because they have to keep it a secret from the crew,” Van Dyke told EW. “So I walked around with my head covered with people leading me. They’ve got a nice crew, but I never got to meet any of them!”

“I would say it’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever done,” he added. He also said he’d love to go back and “hang out” with the crew he worked with on the show that he didn’t get to see. No doubt those crew members would be thrilled with the opportunity to spend time with such an iconic entertainer.

What a gift that we’re still getting to see Dick Van Dyke’s bright-eyed smile and signature humor. May we all maintain such vibrancy, positivity and zest for life through our senior years.

Adopting an animal is almost always an adventure. Looking around a pet store or animal shelter, trying to see whose personality speaks to you the most, is one of the most serotonin-releasing things animal lovers can do. Catching kittens taking cat naps or watching chubby little puppies roll all over each other can make just about anyone smile.

One potential adopter was at an adoption site, not just for the happy feels but to pick out a new kitten, and she saw one with a lot of personality peeking out from the window in the door. This sweet kitty was looking right at the woman with its furry little paws on the door in order to boost itself to get a better look.

But when the woman started talking to the curious face looking back at her, another kitten appeared and wanted this stranger’s attention, too. Except…the first kitten was not at all interested in sharing the nice lady’s undivided attention. Nope. No, ma’am. No, sir. No how. It was not having it. Apparently, even kittens can experience sibling rivalry, except it’s far cuter and much less annoying (at least to the owners).

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As soon as the first kitten noticed the other kitten scooching in on the potential new owner, it behaved like a literal child and pushed its sibling down. Like full-on, paws-on-head, pushed the other cat down out of sight. That didn’t stop the other kitten from resisting being shoved out of the way. Nope. It just popped back up, only to be batted down again.

The entire thing is amusing and oddly human-like for these kitten siblings. I wonder if she took them both? Take a look at the video shared on Reddit:

The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from Metro Boomin, Latto, and more.

Throughout the week, Black Thought and El Michels Affair got in the Valentine’s Day mood, Reuben Vincent and Rapsody celebrated Black Love Day, Larry June finally got Alchemist to rap again, and Janelle Monáe made her triumphant return to the rap game with “Float.”

Friday saw the releases of songs from Flo Milli, IDK, Latto, Lil Tjay and Fivio Foreign, and Polo G and Future, along with the releases listed below.

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending February 17, 2023.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Big Scarr — The Secret Weapon

A bittersweet release for Gucci Mane’s 1017 label, The Secret Weapon marks the Memphis rapper’s first posthumous project after an accidental overdose on prescription drugs in late 2022 at just 22 years old. His latest release is emblematic of the rest of his output with hard-hitting, gritty rhymes over pulse-pounding, bass-heavy trap production.

Jay Critch — Jugg Season

While much of New York rap has splintered into factions reflecting a few core subgenres — mainly drill and the melodic style embraced by A Boogie and Tjay — Brooklyn rapper Critch has remained refreshingly dedicated to a stubbornly traditionalist style. He reminds me a little of French Montana — a comparison strengthened by the presence of the Wave God himself, Max B.

MadeInTYO — Neo TYO

When last we heard from MadeInTYO, a global pandemic was stifling the reception for the XXL Freshman’s sophomore effort. This time around, the world is wide open, the perfect environment for his bubbly, easygoing productions to gain some traction. It’s vibey and colorful stuff, which makes it perfect driving around fodder as the weather warms up.

Metro Boomin — Heroes & Villains (Villains Version)

Metro’s sprawling epic of a late 2022 album gets the OG Ron C treatment, transforming the triumphant anthems into slurry, depressive dirges.

Nappy Nina — Mourning Due

I stumbled across this one on Tidal as I prepped this list and was instantly drawn in by Nina’s heady, snappy bars, which she delivers over glitchy, off-kilter production. Admittedly, I knew very little about the Oakland-born, Brooklyn-based former poet, but her name captured my attention and her latest release rewarded it.

Price — No Sleep In The City

Whenever I tell people they should be paying more attention to Audio Push, they almost invariably have the same incredulous reaction. Listen, man, the Jerkin’ movement was 15 years ago and the kids who helped primarily to push it are grown-ups now — and none is more grown up than Price. After being pushed by his rhyme partner Oktane to step his bars up, he’s become one of the more engaging lyricists in Southern California, with solo output every bit as effective as the duo’s group efforts. Here’s your proof.

Singles/Videos

B. Cool-Aid — “Wassup” Feat. Devin Morrison, Pher Turner & MoRuf

B. Cool-Aid certainly lives up to theire name. Fans of St. Louis’ Smino will almost certainly appreciate the smooth approach employed by Ahwlee and Pink Siifu’s collaborative project, with slinky rhymes and Crenshaw-cool jazz instrumentals.

Blimes — “Spin”

Unfortunately, I missed this dropping a week ago, but it’s my column and I can do what I want. Blimes is one of those MCs who earns every iota of attention she’s wrested from the mainstream, and her latest is well worth the spin. Yes, the pun is intended.

Don Toliver — “Leave The Club” Feat. GloRilla & Lil Durk

As the Houston rapper prepares the release of his third studio album Lovesick, his second single contrasts the soulfulness of the first with a more uptempo nightclub narrative. GloRilla continues her ascent as the standout.

Kamauu — “Flings”

DC-based singer Kamauu was already sort of left field, but this one’s out of the blue even for him. Switching up his style, he embraces a rapid-fire flow that should appeal to fans of wordy rappers like Chance The Rapper and Saba. The accompanying video is suitably surreal.

Kash Doll — “On The Flo” Feat. Sada Baby

Maintaining momentum from the release of her DJ Drama-helmed mixtape Back On Dexter, the Detroit BMF star teams up with a fellow Motown MC, Sada Baby, for the video to the tape’s closer.

Ray Vaughn — “Sandcastles” Feat. Ab-Soul

Long Beach native Ray Vaughn continues to distinguish himself as a rapper’s rapper, even among the accomplished brotherhood of Top Dawg Entertainment. Ab-Soul’s appearance here helps to bond him further into this thing of theirs.

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

A deep dive into Young Thug (real name Jeffery Lamar Williams) and YSL’s RICO case is heading to the small screen, thanks to ABC News Studios. Despite the fact that the trial is still ongoing, the hour-long documentary titled Rap Trap: Hip-Hop On Trial will feature commentary on the initial indictment of Williams, his brother Unfoonk, and fellow rapper Gunna back in May.

When news of the indictment hit social media, fans of the rapper and other musicians began to push back against the prosecutor’s office for including Williams’ lyrics as alleged evidence in the full 88-page indictment against him. The trailer for Rap Trap: Hip-Hop On Trial teases that Williams’ label 300 Entertainment CEO Kevin Liles, his ex-girlfriend Jerrika Karlae, fellow musicians Fat Joe, Killer Mike, Will.I.Am, and more will explore that further.

In the trailer, rapper and activist Killer Mike says, “Rap music is judged unlike any other genre like Black people are judged, unlike any other people.”

Former No Limit rapper McKinley “Mac” Phipps Jr.’s case will also be featured in the documentary, as several of his lyrics were used to help convict him of manslaughter in 2001 over the death of a 19-year-old man at a Louisiana nightclub the year before.

Rap Trap: Hip-Hop On Trial will air on Hulu beginning February 23. To watch, click here.

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

Bernie Sanders is 81 years old. He’s spent three decades trying to clean up the congressional muck. He’s seen it all and he’s tired, so very very tired. And sure, his fight for universal health care and student debt abolishment, and a bigger tax on the oligarchs that run our country is noble, laudable, an easy rallying cry for millennials. But you know the most relatable thing about Senator Sanders? His complete disgust with the capitalist grift that is Valentine’s Day.

The grandfather of the Democratic party took part in an interview with New York Magazine to promote his upcoming book, It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism, this week. The conversation took place over pork noodle soup at his favorite Chinese restaurant, on Valentine’s Day no less, and when reminded by writer Bridget Read of the special holiday reserved for all things romance, Sanders got cantankerously candid.

The senator had no idea it was Valentine’s Day. “When is that? This weekend?” Bernie Sanders asked when I greeted him for dinner on February 14 at Young Chow, a Chinese restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue that he likes. No, I told him, it is Valentine’s Day currently, right now, as this very meal is taking place. He was grumpy. “Why is Valentine’s Day in the middle of the week?”

The rest of the interview went as you’d imagine: Bernie railed against Big Pharma, anti-union CEOs, the poor conditions for railroad workers, and Democratic roadblocks like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, but when he was reminded once again of the import of the day before Read took her leave, he had an on-brand response:

I suggested that maybe he should send a text to his wife, Jane, since it was Valentine’s Day. “Okay, okay,” he said, waving me off.

Somehow, his hatred for the holiday just makes us love him even more.

(Via New York Mag)

Marvel’s next multiverse experiment just landed in theaters and, naturally, fans are wondering if they should stay in their seats once the credits roll. The superhero movie studio has a trusted track record when it comes to setting up future installments with that end-of-film real estate and it sounds like they’re continuing the tradition for Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, giving audiences not one but two post-movie scenes that tease big plans for the MCU.

Spoilers Below

To understand both the mid-credits and end-credits clips, you’ll need a bit of backstory on what happens in Quantumania. After being trapped in the quantum realm and battling the multiverse-manipulating Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), Hope Pym (Evangeline Lilly), Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) reunite and escape back to their timeline. All seems to be well with the group believing they’ve managed to defeat Kang but, as comic book fans know, there’s more than one version of this villain our heroes need to worry about.

Marvel seems intent on expanding the idea of the multiverse — i.e. multiple timelines where various versions of the Avengers exist parallel to each other. To that end, Quantumania’s mid-credits scene introduces audiences to the different variants of Kang including Immortus, Rama-Tut, Baby Kang, and the Council of Kangs, who were responsible for exiling the Conqueror to the quantum realm and who now view the Avengers as a threat to their grand plans of controlling the multiverse. This tease not only confirms that we’ll be seeing a lot more of Jonathan Majors in the MCU, but it also sets up future Endgame-esque Avengers team-ups.

The movie’s end-credits scene, though brief, is even more interesting, especially for fans of the Disney+ series Loki. The show’s second season is due to arrive this summer and we haven’t had much to go on in terms of the plot until now. Once Quauntumania and its mid-credits scene wrap, another Kang variant pops up on the screen. Known here as Victory Timely, this version of Kang seems to be giving some kind of presentation on-stage to a crowd of onlookers who look to be dressed in 1920s-era clothing — so we’re likely going back in time when the show returns. Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and Mobius (Owen Wilson) look on from the crowd with Loki telling his friend that the man, Timely, is the most dangerous man he’s ever come across.

Fans will remember that the show’s first season ended with Loki meeting a Kang variant known as He Who Remains — a clever trickster in charge of keeping the timelines separate and the multiverse in order. He was the one who created the Time Variance Authority (TVA), the timekeeping police force Mobius worked for. The season ended with Loki returning to the TVA distraught that his friend couldn’t remember who he was. Either this scene is evidence Mobius will get his memories back at some point or it’s Loki’s attempt at giving the man a crash course on which bad guys they’re fighting in season two.

(Via Vox)

As a certified hoop junkie, I have to say: Hoop skills trainers have become a plague on social media. While many offer a useful, helpful, and arguably needed service, others have become a little too obsessed with engagement (which can lead to employment, fair enough) and begun incorporating some truly ridiculous drills, props, and suggestions into their videos.

And yet, somehow, Janelle Monáe would still have been better off with one of them than who she actually got for her NBA All-Star Celebrity Game training regimen. Cream E Biggums is a well-known basketball influencer whose humorous videos make excellent use of his roly-poly figure to juxtapose some truly goofy basketball form with what one might expect from a pro player.

Here’s Janelle showing off her training with Biggums in matching workout ensembles — right down to the probably not totally necessary goggles. Let’s just say if she tries to pull these moves in the actual game, nobody is going to be making Allen Iverson comparisons.

(In reality, Biggums is a side project of comedian Anthony “Spice” Adams, who actually was a professional athlete at one point, albeit in a different sport. He played three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and another four with the Chicago Bears prior to his flourishing comedy career.)

The whole thing’s pretty funny and a prime example of Monáe’s sense of humor, which is perfectly honed for social media these days. Let’s just hope someone gives her a pair of real hoop shoes before the game because those Air Max 270s are not it — although they are better than the big red boots.