The NFL season is just a week away from kicking off, and the San Francisco 49ers are among the favorites in the NFC. The Niners spent this offseason looking to bolster their offense, re-signing Christian McCaffrey and recently inking Brandon Aiyuk to an extension, while adding more receiver help in the Draft by taking Ricky Pearsall out of Florida late in the first round. The Niners took Pearsall in hopes of adding another dynamic pass catcher to their receiving corps, with high hopes that he could make an impact as a rookie on a title contender.

On Saturday, some unfortunate news broke out of San Francisco regarding the Niners top rookie, as multiple outlets reported that Pearsall had been shot in a robbery attempt in Union Square. KGO-TV’s Dion Lim broke the news, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirming, and NBC Bay Area’s Gia Vang provided a follow-up to note that Pearsall was in stable condition and the suspect was in custody. Niners star Deebo Samuel also provided a brief, positive update on Pearsall’s status, tweeting “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”

According to San Francisco PD, via Sean Cunningham of FOX 40, Pearsall was shot through the chest while heading to a signing event in an attempted robbery of his Rolex. Both Pearsall and the subject were shot after a struggle for the gun and both are in stable condition.

It’s the second time in three years that an NFL rookie has been shot in a robbery attempt, as Commanders running back Brian Robinson was shot during an attempted carjacking in Washington D.C. just prior to the 2022 season. Robinson returned to the field in early October and has gone on to have a successful start to his NFL career, and hopefully Pearsall is able to follow suit with a full, speedy recovery to get on the field with the Niners after a tragic and senseless incident.

With Labor Day on Monday (September 2), people around the country are enjoying the holiday weekend. But, before Camila Cabello could set her out-of-office message she had one last announcement to share.

Yesterday (August 30), the “Hot Uptown” singer revealed that the deluxe edition of her C, XOXO album will arrive sooner than fans think. Despite it being just shy of her fourth studio album’s three-month anniversary, Camila Cabello won’t let that deter her plans.

On X (formerly Twitter), Camila Cabello subtly addressed the quick turnaround. “Always more stories to tell,” she wrote. “Some new songs for your night in Magic City. 9/6.”

In just one week, fans will experience a whole new set of tracks, according to the message. Although Camila Cabello hasn’t shared the tracklist, in her Instagram stories she seemed to tease that Afrobeats and Afro-pop star Ayra Starr might make a guest appearance.

If true that suggests an entirely different sonic influences from the initial project’s all rap collaborators including Playboi Carti, Lil Nas X, JT, Yung Miami, and Drake.

In July, Camila Cabello penned another to discuss the body of work’s deeply personal meaning. “‘C, XOXO’ is a diary entry in the lifelong journey to live a life that is authentically and boldly and joyfully signed by me,” she wrote. “it is unbelievably hard, and it has been unbelievably vulnerable to do it out loud and put out this album… ‘C, XOXO’ was the album I needed to write. it’s the world I needed to create and live in, and it’s got some new characters – YOU.”

C, XOXO: Magic City is out 9/6 via Geffen/Interscope. Find more information here.

Kaytranada is one of the most highly sought out artists in electronic music. The Grammy Award history marker has worked with acts such as Beyoncé, Tinashe, HER, Victoria Monét, and to name a few. But the “Lover/Friend” musician’s resume could’ve included Drake.

During an interview with Vulture, Kaytranada revealed that he was seemingly approached to work on Drake’s album, Honestly, Nevermind.

While attending a Coachella after-party, Kaytranada said he was fielded to see if he would open to produce on the body of work or “make beats.” At the moment, he replied to Drake’s supposed representative saying it would be “an honor.” However, that didn’t go over well with Drake.

After time had passed, Kaytranada alleged that word got back to him to that his “Sure, hit me up” response wasn’t warm enough. “Was I supposed to be like, ‘Oh my God, for real? Drake?’ I’m not like that,” he said.

The 2022 project, which featured singles “Sticky,” “Massive,” and “Jimmy Cooks,” was Drake’s head dive into dance music. Alight the album went to debut atop the charts, a collaboration from Kaytranada could’ve helped it remain in the top spot for much longer.

Drake wasn’t the only superstar to fumble a collaboration with Kaytranada. Later in the conversation, he confessed why his beloved remix of Beyoncé’s “Cuff It” track isn’t available to streaming platforms. Ultimately, Kaytranada nixed the upload due to financial reasons.

“Sometimes people don’t see your worth and how important you are,” he said. “I know what I mean to people.” His response was after he claimed Beyoncé’s team offered to pay him next to nothing or “less money than what much smaller artists have paid” while “retaining all the rights to the song.”

It appears Kaytranada has no problem walking away from what doesn’t serve him.

Chappell Roan, Hayley Williams, and Madison Beer have voiced their concerns over obsessive fan behavior. Although their feelings are surely valid, each of the musician’s online fan communities have done far more good than harm.

However, for those supporters based in Brazil that connection has been severed due to the X (formerly Twitter) ban. Many of the platform’s users recall the day Twitter was predicted to die (see #RIPTwitter). For Brazilian music fan page operators that day has official come today (August 31) according to the New York Times.

In screenshots captured by Pop Crave (viewable here), accounts dedicated to Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, and Chappell Roan

“I’ll miss you guys,” wrote Miley Cyrus Charts. “Thanks for one decade of tweeting and giving entertainment moments…It’s been a long journey that we are proud to be a part.”

Ariana Grande charts keep it short, writing: “Now, once, and for all, BYE.”

Bruno Mars Access went on to show its appreciation to other fan pages. “From fan to fan, thank you for all the love and support,” it wrote. “We’re hoping to be back soon.”

Lastly, a page all about pop’s latest darling Chappell Roan signed out with a touching note, writing: “If this is my last tweet: Chappell Roan you changed my life. And for the almost 34K followers, thank you for building this little community with me! I’ll miss sharing this space with you. I love y’all.”

Even Cardi B took notice to many of her largest fan pages seemingly signing off for the last time.

“Wait a lot of my fan pages are Brazilian,” she wrote. “Come back. Hold up!”

Although Elon Musk intends to fight the ban (as reported by Bloomberg), unofficial fan pages have formally eulogized their accounts.

Thanks to Charli XCX’s latest album, the word “brat” is practically unavoidable. From summer (former) presidential playlists to fashion campaigns, it is everywhere. But don’t expect the trend to stop anytime soon as that brat mentality will extend well into the winter months and beyond.

According to Variety, the head Brat in charge has landed her second movie role. Based on the report, Charli XCX has been cast in Gregg Araki’s thriller I Want Your Sex.

The forthcoming film is described: “As a descent into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.”

I Want Your Sex‘s plot will follow main character Elliot (played by Cooper Hoffman) after he lands a job for Erika Tracy (played by Olivia Wilde) as her sexual muse. At this time, not much is known at Olivia XCX’s role but given her public persona’s she is sure to fit right into this wild fictional world.

At the helm of the upcoming picture is Gregg Araki as I Want Your Sex‘s confirmed director. Araki is also credited as its scriptwriter alongside Karley Sciortino. Black Bear is tasked with meeting the movie’s production needs. Whispers claim that production is scheduled for early-fall (October) in Los Angeles, California.

Travis Scott has supposedly secured yet another victory against the system. According to TMZ, part of the “Drugs You Should Try It” rapper’s Miami case is behind him.

Yesterday (August 30), the outlet reported that the misdemeanor trespassing charge Scott picked up on June 20 was dismissed due to a legal loophole.

Scott’s legal representatives supposedly argued that because there weren’t any “no trespassing” signs, the matter should be dropped. Shockingly, that simple argument was enough to sway the local prosecutor. In a statement Scott’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, expressed gratitude over the decision.

“After arguing the motion to dismiss and the state realizing that there was no path to maintaining the charge, they decided to drop the case in its entirety,” he said. “Although not a serious charge, and one that should not have been filed, we are pleased with the result.”

No further information was shared regarding his disorderly intoxication charge. Shortly after Travis Scott’s mugshot was released to the public, he transposed the image onto a t-shirt then made it available as merchandise on his official website. So, it is safe to say he isn’t too upset over the mater.

If you are keeping track, that makes Scott two for two in recent wins over legal dust-ups. First, his detainment in Paris. Now, the Miami matter.

ESPN’s ‘College Gameday’ made a major addition for the 2024 season, as Nick Saban joins the desk after retiring as a coach early in 2024. The GOAT college football coach brings some real gravitas to the Gameday desk, but what really makes Saban such a big get for ESPN is his willingness to be real and honest in his analysis of other teams.

Saban isn’t afraid to to give his honest opinion of teams, players, and coaches — good or bad — and that unfiltered approach also can lead him to talking like he’s not even on TV. That can make for some good television (and maybe get ESPN some FCC fines) as it only took one week for Saban to cuss on live air for the first time while talking about Ohio State and the NIL money they’re paying out to players.

“You guys keep talking about a 20 million dollar roster. If you don’t pay the right guys, you’ll be shit out of luck,” Saban said (full video here), causing the rest of the Gameday desk to lose it in laughter. With Saban being the heir apparent to Lee Corso’s spot on the desk, it’s good to know that we’ll still get some of these moments — although nothing will ever top Corso dropping a good “ah, fuck it” as he tosses away a headgear to go for a different one.

Hip-hop is in deep mourning. Yesterday (August 30), TMZ revealed that Fatman Scoop suffered a medical emergency onstage in Hamden, Connecticut.

Users online quickly offered their well-wishes and a speedy recovery for the legendary hype man, radio personality, and DJ. Sadly, today (August 31), the outlet has reported that Fatman Scoop (real name Isaac Freeman) died at 53 years old.

The news was seemingly confirmed by Fatman Scoop’s tour manager, Pure Cold (real name Birch Michael). In a post shared on his Instagram page (viewable here) penned a touching tribute to the musical icon.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts I announce the passing of Isaac Freeman III, known professionally as Fatman Scoop,” he wrote. “You taught me how to be the man I am today. I love you, Scoop. Thank you so much for everything you gave to me.”

In the caption of the upload, he continued the moving note, writing: “I am honestly lost for words. You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truly made me the man I am today. Thank you so much, I love you.”

Fatman Scoop was a titan in the New York City radio community during his time with Hot 97. He’s worked with music big wigs such as Missy Elliott, Ciara, Faith Evans, and more. Fatman Scoop’s work was also featured in several movies including You Got Served which starred Omarion & Marques Houston and Save The Last Dance starring Julia Stiles.

The Platform might have become one of Netflix‘s biggest non-English movies in any timeline, but it helped (???) that it was released on the streaming service on March 20, 2020, when everyone was trapped at home and feeling miserable and scared. A perfect time to watch a movie about the horrors of capitalism and cannibalism and inequality! Now that we’ve returned to our lives (I would say “back to normal” but things are far from normal), will The Platform 2 match the popularity of the original? We’ll find out soon.

Here’s everything we know about The Platform 2, including plot details and the release date.

Plot

The Platform is an allegory about class struggle, where inmates in a “Vertical Self-Management Center” are fed using a platform that’s initially filled with food but as it descends, there’s fewer and fewer options for the lower levels. Those at the bottom are lucky to get anything at all.

Following a prisoner rebellion (and some delicious looking panna cotta) in the original film, The Platform 2 has a new leader imposing their rule in the Platform, while “a new resident becomes embroiled in the battle against this controversial method to fight the brutal feeding system,” according to the plot summary from Netflix. “But when eating from the wrong plate becomes a death sentence, how far would you be willing to go to save your life?”

The Platform and The Platform 2 are directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia and co-written by David Desola, who explained to Horrorigins in 2020 where the premise came from. “I was eating at a cookout, and from there is where I got the initial idea,” he said. “Sooner than later, I began dreaming about it, about the seed, the foundation of the initial idea. And then roots started coming out and developing. I started thinking and dreaming about the platform filled with food, going down levels. Soon I began writing, but The Platform originally started out as a theater play.” It became a film once he sent the script to Pedro Rivero, who “added more drama and dark situations/aspects to it.”

Cast

The Platform 2 stars Milena Smit (Cross the Line and Pedro Almodóvar’s wonderful Parallel Mothers), Hovik Keuchkerian (Money Heist), Natalia Tena (Tonks from the Harry Potter movies and Osha on Game of Thrones), and Óscar Jaenada (Camarón: When Flamenco Became Legend).

Release Date

Don’t settle on your Halloween costume just yet: The Platform 2 premieres on Netflix on October 4 (you can watch The Platform here).

Trailer

You can watch the teaser trailer for The Platform 2 below.

The Best New Hip-Hop This Week includes albums, videos, and songs from Big Sean, Doechii, and Juicy J.

Before the weekend brought a deluge of new music, Cordae and Anderson .Paak reunited to remind us of the feeling of a good “Summer Drop.”

ASAP Rocky threw out a middle finger to the leakers with “Tailor Swif.”

Chance The Rapper sent a message of gratitude, uplift, and joyous defiance of the odds with “3333.”

And LL Cool J and Eminem teamed up for the first time to revisit a James Todd classic with “Murdergram Deux.”

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending August 30, 2024.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Big Sean — Better Me Than You

Sean’s first album since 2020 — and first under his own label, FF To Def — picks up right where he left off, showing that he’s every bit as good a rapper as all those guys he’s constantly getting compared to (or left out of conversations about). While there’s plenty of uplift and spirituality, there’s also a bit of the braggadocio we know him for so well, all executed with the polish of the 15 year veteran he is.

Curren$y & DJ Fresh — The Tonite Show The Sequel

More car music from the unshakably consistent Curren$y. This one hearkens back to 2020 as well, seeing Shante once again team up with Fresh and a slew of guest stars running the gamut from Dej Loaf to Payroll Giovanni (with a fitting appearance from Larry June, who gets compared to Curren$y online at least once a week). A very smooth vibe runs throughout the 14 song tracklist, which rides the line between summer and the coming cooler months admirably.

Doechii — Alligator Bites Never Heal

It figures that the most TDE-coded thing Doechii has ever released would be her debut album for the California label. The Floridian proves she fits in as she jokingly takes the piss out of the idea of “Boom Bap” rap — then goes for broke, making some of the most impressive modern examples of the form. She also shows off her vocals and continues the mission to bring back ATL bass (one step closer) while setting herself apart from both the standard “female rappers” and her labelmates.

Juicy J — Ravenite Social Club

I’m sorry, what? Juicy J… jazz album?

SOLD.

Look, if I have to explain what’s exciting about one of the forefathers of modern trap giving a go at a jazz rap accompanied by modern luminaries of the form like Robert Glasper, just close the tab and go watch TV or something, Philistine.

Mozzy — Brash Dummies

It sure is nice to see Sacramento’s number-one rapper back out on the streets and so motivated. Mozzy may have never made a bad project, and he certainly doesn’t stop here. Mozzy projects usually run in one of two directions: moody, introspective street hymns or block beating gangland anthems. Both are represented well here.

Tobe Nwigwe — Hood Hymns

Tobe has quietly become one of rap’s more consistent voices. He knows what he’s about, he has a clear trajectory of improvement from project to project, and his unapologetic approach to sharing his uplifting messages makes this an easy addition here, even with an overwhelming focus on gospel here. The project still contains some of the strongest raps of the year courtesy of Jay Electronica and Foggieraw, but if Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book got on your nerves, perhaps skip this one.

Singles/Videos

Juelz Santana — “Boyz N Da Hood” Feat. Meek Mill, Jim Jones, & Rowdy Rebel

It warms my millennial heart to see the former young upstart of Dipset in a solid enough space to releasing new music, all things considered. Jim Jones’ presence is encouraging, while Rowdy and Meek offer some generational balance, keeping things contemporary.

Ray Vaughn — “87 Cutlass” Feat. The Game

This new cut from the soundtrack from Peacock’s Bosco finds the two South LA natives trading war stories, with Game playing the grizzled mentor and Ray Vaughn soaking up game. Compton and Long Beach together… you know the formula.

Russ — “Get Up And Get It”

Russ delivers a hustle anthem, once again deploying an effective double-time flow to remind listeners that bills need paying and mouths need feeding, so sitting around is not an option.

Smoke DZA — “Zaza”

Look, man… Smoke DZA rapping about one of his favorite subjects is never going to NOT be worth a listen. A laid-back beat is all the Harlem native needs to make a masterpiece.