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Lil Nas X had a big year, most notably with his Long Live Montero tour. Now, as 2022 winds down, the rapper is enjoying some much-deserved leisure time with a visit to Japan, as he has been chronicling on social media over the past week or so. His latest dispatch is especially noteworthy and particularly NSFW.

On Twitter yesterday (December 14), Nas shared a three-image gallery from his trip, a photo set that leads off with the rapper smiling as he holds a couple of pornographic videos and is surrounded by similarly saucy materials, seemingly in a store that specializes in it.

That’s his latest post, but it’s not his only one. One in particular that generated some attention (with about 28 million views as of this post) is a TikTok video in which he stands in a busy part of Japan and goes unnoticed by passersby. The video is captioned, “me realizing i’m not famous in japan,” and in it, Nas mouths along to a sound (originally from the 2022 movie Pearl) in which an exasperated person screams, “No, I’m a star! Please, I’m a star!”

Elsewhere, he surprised some on-the-street Twitch streamers in the country by unexpectedly popping up and making an appearance in their broadcast.

Check out some more posts from Nas’ Japan trip below.

Kendrick Lamar gave us a lot to celebrate in 2022. Namely his long-anticipated first album in five years, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The follow-up to the Pulitzer prize-winning Damn sees Kendrick once again placing the microscope firmly on himself as arguably the best rapper on the planet, waxing on subjects that other MCs wouldn’t touch. But besides putting out another brilliant album, it’s everything that surrounded that release that really made Kendrick Lamar stand out in 2022. Here are his best moments of the year:

Super Bowl Halftime show

Kendrick appeared with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent in February. Taking place at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, Kendrick let his hometown crowd know that he was back. The performance even netted three Emmy Awards.

“The Heart Part 5” video

Before Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers dropped, Lamar shared the video for what many thought would be the album’s first single. Turns out it was a one-off cut with an incredible video that was later tacked on as a bonus single on the streaming version of the record. The clip saw Kendrick using deep fake technology to morph into a variety of famous faces from OJ Simpson to Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle.

Inspiring Fans (And Security Guards) On The Big Steppers Tour

Shortly after Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers came out in May, Kendrick set off on a glorious tour. Portraying himself on stage as a Christ-like figure with a crown of thorns, his worldwide performances were highlighted by delivering an inspiring message to a young boy, using his Glastonbury platform to champion women’s rights, and making a security guard cry with his lyrics. The latter went extremely viral, and for good reason.

Saturday Night Live Performance

Kendrick’s third stint on SNL was another one for the ages. He performed a medley of “Rich Spirit” and “N95” and then brought out Sampha for “Father Time.” It was an incredible artistic display from the rapper, no doubt.

A Cherry On Top With Six Grammy Nominations

Kendrick led all rappers at the 2023 Grammy Awards with six total nominations and bringing his grand total to 47. Among this year’s awards, he’ll be up for Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year. It’s indeed the ultimate cherry on top for an illustrious 2022 for Kendrick, that’ll surely lead to a big 2023.

Reese Witherspoon has been dominating dramas for a while now, primarily with Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere, and The Morning Show. According to Deadline, she’ll get a chance to spread her comedic wings and soar once again as the star of All Stars, a forthcoming Prime Video series about a former cheerleader teaching the sport to girls in a coastal town in England. The concept caused a robust bidding war which resulted in Amazon buying two full seasons outright, straight to series.

Comedy veteran Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) is at the helm, acting as showrunner, writer, and director for half the episode while Witherspoon is also executive producing alongside Hello Sunshine collaborator Lauren Neustadter.

Their benevolent cheertatorship is just revving up, but we’ll get a chance to see how funny Brosh McKenna and Witherspoon can be together because they have a rom-com hitting theaters February 2023. Your Place or Mine stars Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher as best friends who get even more entangled when she goes after a dream job, and he signs up to take care of her teenage son.

Witherspoon can nab all the Emmys she wants — a return to this kind of unfussy comedy is really exciting. Not less because it sounds like Prime Video really wants their own Witherspoon-led version of Ted Lasso, and because Brosh McKenna is gold. Plus, it’ll give Witherspoon a chance at winning a bunch of awards without having to swim in the shark-infested waters of private school parents or morning news programs.

(via Deadline)

What’s the perfect accessory for Austin Butler‘s chiseled face? Trick question. It’s two accessories. A Santa hat and a goblin mask. This is empirically true.

Some might not see the deeper element to this promo (besides his perma-Elvis voice), but it’s clear that Butler is genuinely game to be silly and/or the butt of the joke during his appearance for the final 2022 episode of Saturday Night Live. That’s big. Especially for a talent that is in talks for an Oscar nomination for fully embodying one of the most famous people in modern history. He recently said he didn’t see his family for three years while filming Baz Luhrmann’s biopic of The King, which seems intense, so it’s nice to see him let loose a bit.

While he’s sneaking around stealing presents and Suessically skirting copyright law as the Santa goblin, he’ll also be introducing Lizzo as the musical guest. Hopefully she’ll bring an entire slew of Presidentially-owned musical instruments to jam out with on stage. We want to see Lincoln’s mouth harp. Millard Fillmore’s theramin. Ronald Reagan’s bongos. Just call the Library of Congress, and tell them to unlock every drawer they’ve got.

Butler and Lizzo’s show takes place December 17th on NBC.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

Since taking over Twitter a month and change back, he’s proven an erratic leader, to say the least. He’s touted himself as a free speech absolutist while threatening employees who leaks intel to the press. He’s made brazen, possibly short-sighted moves that have lost companies money and locked people out of accounts. And he really doesn’t like it when people say mean things to him (or boo him en masse).

There’s been one account he’s been particularly obsessed with: a bot account called “elonjet,” which uses public information to show where the Tesla/Space X/Twitter honcho goes on his private aircraft. He initially said that by not suspending his account, he was showing what a good sport he was. On Wednesday, he suspended it. Then he un-suspended it. Then he suspended it again. On top of that, he threatened to sue its owner, a college student, whose personal Twitter account he also suspended.

“I gotta be careful. I mean, I don’t know what’s going on,” a baffled Jack Sweeney, a 20-year sophomore, told The Daily Beast. “I never meant for any intent of like, any harm or anything,” he added. “And I don’t think there’s that much of a risk of posting data that’s already there.”

The same day he reinstated then un-reinstated Sweeney’s account, Musk announced a new policy: “Any account doxxing real-time location info of anyone will be suspended, as it is a physical safety violation. This includes posting links to sites with real-time location info.”

He later added, as though belatedly realizing there were some genuine exceptions to this rule, “Posting locations someone traveled to on a slightly delayed basis isn’t a safety problem, so is ok.”

Musk later explained his suspension of Sweeney’s two accounts, claiming that a “crazy stalker” had mounted the hood of a vehicle carrying his son, X Æ A-12, “thinking it was me.” He then pointed the blame towards the former owner of the defunct @elonjet account, writing, “Legal action is being taken against Sweeney & organizations who supported harm to my family.”

As of Wednesday night, Sweeney says he’s heard nothing from Musk far as legal action is concerned. Nor has he heard from Musk since the time Musk offered him $5,000 to close his account. Sweeney asked for $50,000 instead. Musk did not pony up.

(Via The Daily Beast)

Jay-Z has once again shared his playlist on Tidal of his favorite songs of 2022. And while it might not be as downright expertly curated like Barack Obama’s always popular seasonal playlists, it’s nonetheless filled with heaters.

Let’s admire Jay-Z’s early sequencing for a moment: The playlist begins with Beyonce’s “Plastic Off The Sofa,” and then Drake and 21 Savage’s “Jimmy Cooks,” Lil Yachty’s “Poland” and then SZA’s “Shirt.” He really sets a chill vibe at the top of this playlist and it keeps going for a while. It isn’t until the playlist shifts over to Burna Boy’s “Last Last,” Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó,” and Rosalia’s “Bizcochito” that the party turns up.

But for the most part, Hov plays it safe. There’s a lot of certified hits from 2022 and not a lot of new discoveries. Not that that’s a bad thing, just know that you’re not coming to Jay-Z to find about who’s “next up” in hip-hop. Most every artist in his 40 tracks is well-established, including his wife, Beyoncé, who claims three spots in the mix off of Renaissance (also including “America Has A Problem” and “I’m That Girl.”) Save your nepotism claims though, because 2022 might very well go down as the year of our Queen Bey come Grammy time.

One gripe though. There’s no rock and roll. Like, not even a casual Phoebe Bridgers nod my dude? That’s cool though, you don’t get to become one of the most influential people in hip-hop, by bigging up rock music I suppose. Hov clearly did his thing on this one and it’s a solid collection of this year’s most ubiquitous hip-hop joints.

Check out Jay-Z’s 2022 playlist on Tidal here.

Ashanti’s past has steadily resurfaced in the news cycle since August when a disgruntled Irv Gotti appeared on Drink Champs and drudged up private details about their early-2000s relationship, including how he found out Ashanti was dating Nelly in 2003. Ashanti fired back at Gotti in her verse for Diddy’s “Gotta Move On” remix in October, and later in the month, she alleged that Gotti had emotionally manipulated her.

However, this month, people are more interested in where Ashanti stands with Nelly. The exes were headliners at Power 98.3 & 96.1’s Under The Mistletoe concert in Glendale, Arizona on December 4. They performed their 2008 track “Body On Me,” and Ashanti sparked rumors by grinding on Nelly.

Ashanti appeared on last night’s (December 13) Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and was asked for her reaction to the comments about her grinding on Nelly, especially one fan commenting that they should “follow in J. Lo and Ben’s footsteps.”

Ashanti laughed and said, “Oh my gosh. I saw a lot of comments. I mean, my reaction was, wow. It was a lot of comments and a lot of people wanting that. What I will say is we’re in a better place. … We’re cool now. We had some conversations. So, it’s cool.”

When Cohen pressed on whether she’d get back together with Nelly, Ashanti didn’t give a straight answer and again laughed off the question. So, there’s hope?

In March 2015, Ashanti said that she’d “been betrayed” during a discussion on The Meredith Vieira Show about the end of her 10-year relationship with Nelly. “Again, you just have to grow. You have to grow up and accept responsibilities for the things that you do,” she said (as noted by US Weekly). “I’m not a big fan of people being cowards. I think it’s really important to know yourself and understand what you want and get it. I’m in a different place right now.”

Watch Ashanti on WWHL above, and more clips below.

The DCEU, like much else at Warner Bros. Discovery, is in a bit of state of flux, which is putting it mildly. The studio’s comic book wing was recently handed to James Gunn and Peter Safran, and they have big plans — plans so big they don’t involve some of the key players of the Extended Universe thus far. A third Wonder Woman is currently out (though that doesn’t mean Gal Gadot won’t return), and the verdict’s still out on Henry Cavill, who assumed he was returning as Superman. He still might, but for now there’s another movie afoot about Krypton’s proudest son — and it won’t star Cavill.

As caught by The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn took to Twitter Wednesday night to tease that news about the future of the DCEU will be made early next year. He did drop one project: He’s personally writing a Superman movie. Thing is, it will be about Superman when he’s young. Therefore it won’t star the pushing-40 Cavill. Gunn said he’s only writing it, not directing it, too, but that could change.

That doesn’t mean Cavill is out at the DCEU (which would stink for him, as he just quit his hit fantasy show The Witcher). Gunn also mentioned he had a “great” meeting with the British actor, and the two talked about “exciting possibilities to work together in the future.”

What he didn’t come out and say was that Cavill was done with Superman. But Cavill himself did that. In a post on Instagram, Cavill mourned the passing of the cape, saying he was “sad,” but still wished them “the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes” in their world-building.

Again, that doesn’t mean he’s out a the DCEU. There’s talk of Jason Momoa sticking around the DCEU, but not as Aquaman. Perhaps Cavill will wind up trading in his red cape for…some other colored cape, worn by some superpowered DC character no one’s put in a movie yet.

In any case, we’ve only seen Young Superman on the big screen once, really, in 1978’s groundbreaking Superman: The Movie. (For Man of Steel, which debuted Cavill’s Supe, most of his backstory was regulated to quickie flashbacks.) Then again, there’s always Smallville.

(Via THR)

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

Stephen “tWitch” Boss died by suicide December 13. His wife, Allison Holker Boss released a statement to People saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us. Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him.”

Anyone that has spent time watching “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” knows who tWitch is. He danced his way into people’s hearts on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008 before eventually keeping the audience dancing as Ellen’s DJ from 2014 until the show ended earlier this year. It was obvious that Boss and Ellen were friends on and off the set.

The laughter always seemed abundant between the two of them and the show wouldn’t have been the same without him. Boss became an executive producer on the show during the last few seasons.

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Boss also dipped his toe into acting, appearing in the “Step Up” movies, “Magic Mike XXL” and “Hairspray.” He also had roles on the small screen, but Ellen is where we got to know his sense of humor and were introduced to his family. There was even an episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” where he danced with his son for Father’s Day. Over a span of nearly 10 years on the talk show, there were bound to be moments that stuck out. Below are five of Boss’ most memorable moments from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

1. Snake massage

There was the time that there were talks of a “snake massage” and things got awkward pretty quickly. But you know, Ellen didn’t let it end at a little embarrassment for Boss, she upped the ante by giving him a special gift card. You have to watch the video to get the full effect of the moment.

2. Dancing to royalty-free music

Boss was a talented dancer and I don’t think anyone would dispute that, but once Ellen put his skills to the test by having him dance to royalty-free music. It’s the kind of music that often has no words and can feel a bit like clunky elevator music. Yeah, he danced to that and somehow made it look good.

3. Turning into a robot

With the skill that Boss possessed on the dance floor, others dreamt of dancing with him, so when Dytto, a dancer known for her robotic moves, came on the show, she of course had to dance with the famous tWitch. It was a sweet moment that somehow looked choreographed though it was completely freestyle. I will forever be in awe of people that can move their bodies like that.

4. TikTok dance-off

When Derek Hough stopped by the studio, Boss and the “Dancing With the Stars” alum tried their hand at copying dances from TikTok that popped up behind them. The moment it starts, eyebrows raise and hilarity ensues.

5. Ellen’s tWitch tribute

There couldn’t be a greatest list without including Ellen. This tribute to tWitch hits a little differently now that he’s gone, but it goes to show how true their friendship was.

Since the news of his passing, celebrities and fans have been leaving tributes for the late star. Ellen DeGeneres wrote on Instagram, “I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

One fan, Valerie Nathanson wrote, “Oh no! This is simply shocking news. How tragic. I’m so sorry. The world is left not as good as it was yesterday without him in it.”

Another fan, Shannon Diepenbrock wrote, “I can’t. This breaks me down big time. I literally watched Ellen just for him. RIP, Boss, Twitch, you are always going to be missed by so many.“

It’s clear that Boss left an impression on this world and will truly be missed by all who knew him and those who watched him on television. Most of all, he will be missed by his family.

Don’t underestimate the power Jack Harlow’s lyrics hold. To start this week, Page Six reported that Harlow is dating Dua Lipa, which would be notable on its own but is especially so because the 24-year-old Louisville rapper named one of his Come Home The Kids Miss You tracks “Dua Lipa.” His Atlantic labelmate gave her blessing for the song’s release, and allegedly, Harlow manifested with, “I’m tryna do more with her than do a feature.”

Margot Robbie, meanwhile, once thought she would “slip under the radar” in Wolf Of Wall Street but instead became a global movie star — most recently starring in Babylon and generating tons of buzz for next year’s Barbie. But Robbie didn’t cite her acting achievements — not even the two Oscar nominations — as validators that she was an A-lister when chatting with Carey Mulligan for the latest installment of Variety‘s “Actors On Actors.”

She nodded toward Harlow’s Come Home track “Side Piece.”

Toward the end of the 47-minute conversation, Robbie admitted to Mulligan that she never thought she’d be able to get her for Promising Young Woman because she held Mulligan in the same rarefied air as Meryl Streep and “prestige actors.” (Robbie was a producer, and Mulligan earned an Oscar nomination for her leading role.) Mulligan shared a recent instance when she’d been recognized as her Promising Young Woman character at her husband Marcus Mumford’s show, which led to Robbie asking what Mulligan’s “I know I’ve made it when” moments have been.

“I’ve always thought to myself, I was like, ‘I’ll know I’ve really made it when a legit rapper uses my name in a rap,” Robbie added. “Jack does mention my name in a song. I was very excited. My friends all sent it to me because they were like, ‘It’s happened! You’ve made it!’”

In the second verse of “Side Piece,” Harlow raps, “I need somethin’ besides the inside of these hotel rooms and lobbies / Maybe I should pick up a hobby / More like probably / More like Margot Robbie.”

Watch Mulligan and Robbie’s full “Actors On Actors” conversation below.

Jack Harlow and Dua Lipa are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.