Yo Gabba Gabba! is back, but you’re going to need an Apple TV+ subscription to catch up on the newest episodes of the beloved children’s program. Deadline reported on Friday that the show is coming back for a new season as part of a deal where the streaming service acquired the show’s entire past library.

According to the report, the show will be a “reimagining” of the series but will also see its past episodes hit the platform in the coming months.

Apple TV+ is expanding its kids programming content with the acquisition of the beloved Yo Gabba Gabba! library. In partnership with WildBrain, Apple TV+ has ordered a new 20-episode half-hour series based on the former Nickelodeon show, along with all Yo Gabba Gabba! classic series and specials.

According to Apple TV+, the new series will be a reimagining based on the heart and essence of what Yo Gabba Gabba! is – a fantastic land of optimism and fun, where kids and families are taught life lessons through song and dance that allow them to learn, laugh and heal.

Yo Gabba Gabba! ran on Nickelodeon from 2007 to 2015. Created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, the original series featured DJ Lance Rock and five costumed characters. The show was perhaps most notable to the childless for the long list of celebrities and musicians that appeared on it through its run on Nickelodeon. Guest stars like Jack Black, The Roots, The Flaming Lips, Amy Sedaris, and Andy Samberg are among the Yo Gabba Gabba! alums.

It’s unclear if Apple will tap any of its other TV shows for guest stars in the new season. But it’s another sign the platform is getting serious about children’s content to say the least, as the show joins the Peanuts specials as recent acquisitions Apple has made with children in mind.

The best new hip-hop this week includes albums, videos, and songs from Baby Keem, Common, and more.

In addition to those new albums, hip-hop performers like Rico Nasty (who dropped five new songs on SoundCloud), Maxo Kream (who shared the “Big Persona” video with Tyler The Creator), GoldLink (who put out the nostalgic “Raindrops” video with Flo Milli), Mozzy (who announced his new album with the “Straight to the 4th” video), and D Smoke (who returned with the triumphant “Shame On You” video) showed up and showed out this week. Even Royce Da 5’9 made his Tiny Desk debut! Check out more albums and singles that didn’t get posts below.

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending September 10, 2021.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

AZ — Do Or Die II

AZ put out the original Do Or Die over 25 years ago, but nothing has dulled his rap skills since. If anything, they’ve gotten sharper, as he proves over the course of 13 all-new tracks featuring silver-tongued contemporaries like Conway, Dave East, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross. Unfortunately, Nas is nowhere to be found, making this follow-up more of a spiritual successor than a straight-up sequel.

Baby Keem — The Melodic Blue

Kendrick Lamar’s little cousin’s long-awaited debut arrives after a months-long rollout that included a XXL Freshman selection, well-received singles featuring Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott, and a television debut on The Tonight Show.

Common — A Beautiful Revolution Pt.2

After debuting lead single “When We Move” on The Tonight Show with bandleader Black Thought, Common announced the second installment of his EP series that started last year and includes a return to more Afrocentric fare alongside a who’s-who of music luminaries.

Gift Of Gab — Finding Inspiration Somehow

When Bay Area icon Gift Of Gab (of the revered indie-rap duo Blackalicious) passed away earlier this year, he left behind a wealth of unreleased music that his label, Quannum, said they would slowly release in the future. The future is now, as the first collection of music from the venerated rap scholar — which he had nearly completed before his death — has arrived.

Jazz Cartier — The Fleur Print

Canadian rapper Jazz Cartier has been slowly but surely building his buzz outside of the Great White North, thanks in part to a string of strategic collaborations that have aimed more for well-connected cool than mainstream clout. The results speak for themselves on his second album, on which he links up with the likes of such well-regarded rap artistes as Buddy, Cousin Stizz, Kari Faux, and Kyle.

Singles/Videos

A$AP Twelvyy — “The Mecha”

For my money, Twelvyy has always been the most relatable, quietly impressive member of the ASAP Mob, showing off a deft mastery of old-school lyricism. That gift is highlighted here by a sample of “Impeach The President,” which never goes amiss in my book.

Cousin Stizz — “Say Dat”

The Boston rapper hasn’t been around for a while but it appears he’s ready for a triumphant return, employing a stripped-down approach here to underline his magnetic personality and laid-back flow.

Duke Deuce — “WTF”

Crunk still ain’t dead — and never will be, if Memphis hellraiser Duke Deuce has anything to say about it. Here, he straight up employs his own catchphrase as the hook, which could pay off down the line the next time you instantly recognize him when that simple, inescapable question pops up on one of his inevitable big-name collabs.

Haviah Mighty — “Tesla”

It’s a big week for Canadian releases, as Haviah Mighty joins Jazz Cartier in putting out some must-listen material. In this case, it’s the high-speed “Tesla,” which showcases Mighty’s turbocharged delivery and high-torque turns of phrase.

Icewear Vezzo — “5 Milli”

Rich Off Pints 2 is coming soon, but first, check out Icewear’s take on California classic “I Got 5 On It.” The Bay Area-Motor City connection remains strong.

Larry June & Cardo — “Friday Activities”

If anyone knows how best to utilize a smooth Cardo production, it’s the unfailingly cavalier Larry June. Feel free to throw this one on, tune out, and cruise confidently into the weekend.

Russ — “Utah Freestyle”

After weeks of dropping emotive love songs for his frequent Friday releases, Russ gets back on the bars. “Utah Freestyle” does not disappoint, with witty wordplay that reminds that Russ can keep up with some of the best.

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

Another week of 2021 in the books…and now we’re fully into September. Holy moly, how did that happen? Pandemic time is so wild.

Another week means another chance for us to counter the doom-and-gloom headlines with some simple rays of sunshine. Need a reason to smile? Here are 10 of them.

Enjoy.

1. This story of quick-thinking generosity on 9/11 is a reminder of the goodness of ordinary people.

Mercedes Martinez shared a story on Twitter about how her dad rented the biggest van he could find just before his flight was grounded on 9/11 because he knew people were going to be stranded. He ended up driving seven scared strangers from Omaha to Denver, took them straight to their front doors, and refused to accept any payment. She wants to find the people he helped. Read the full story here and follow her thread here for updates.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot announced that the flight was being grounded. There was a breach of security and t… https://t.co/Hf6wS5hXbv

— Mercedes Martinez (@MercedesLV)
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When he deplaned and heard what was happening, he made his way to either Avis or Hertz (we aren’t sure which one he… https://t.co/rNu0xtYshr

— Mercedes Martinez (@MercedesLV)
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He found 7 strangers, all scared (so was he), that just wanted to get home to their families.The 8 of them hopped i… https://t.co/F6eLOBb1m3

— Mercedes Martinez (@MercedesLV)
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2. A WWII veteran got to meet the girl who wrote him a letter in the third grade, which he’s kept with him for 12 years.

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Frank Grasberger has been wishing he could meet Dashauna Priest for more than a decade. Priest wrote a letter thanking a WWII veteran for their service in third grade, and Grasberger has kept it as his most prized possession ever since. Priest surprised the 94-year-old with a visit, and the whole story is purely heartwarming. Read the full story here.

WWII veteran meets woman who wrote him thank-you letter 12 years ago

youtu.be

3. Check out these awesome notes left on students’ desks in a mystery classroom “sneak attack.”

You never know the power a simple note of encouragement can have, and these messages are so uplifting. Showing up at your desk and seeing “OMG TURN DOWN YOUR AWESOMENESS” or “YOU ARE A SUPERFLY SUCCESS MACHINE” would make anyone’s day. Love this.

There was a sneak attack in our room last night by an incredibly kind, uplifting person!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I have my su… https://t.co/7RQK0AorWI

— 💜Central 6th Grade!💜 (@Int_Innovators)
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4. Teaching staff chipped in to help the school’s head custodian get a car and his reaction is priceless.

Generous surprises never get old, and seeing Mr. Chris’s joy and gratitude upon finding out the car belongs to him is no exception.

Unity Grove Elementary School — Henry County, Georgia:

The teaching staff chipped-in to give head custodian “Mr.… https://t.co/GkeJaCUQfh

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman)
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5. This big brother surprises his brother every day with a different costume at the bus stop.

Aww. How fun is this?

6. These big brothers racing to greet their toddler little sister after school is just pure love.

This little girl is soooo lucky. It doesn’t get sweeter than this.

Good morning ☀️ I hope you have a beautiful Friday!!

*adding a little happiness and sunshine to your tl!! https://t.co/8nBHdXRL1y

— 👑Kim_Possible👑 (@KimVPoetry)
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7. This doggo’s relationship with their bed is a whole mood.

This pup seems super excited about going somewhere, and it’s hilarious when you see where that somewhere is. Totally get it, pooch. At the end of a long day, when you’ve got some freshly washed sheets, and the bed is calling to you…yeah.

When you got a new bed.. 😅 https://t.co/b94mhR6qyM

— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden_)
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8. Who knew the naming of birds could be so dang funny?

I tell you, I HOWLED. Click the right arrow to scroll through. It’s so worth it for the commentary and the names.

9. Speaking of animals and comedy, the 2021 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards finalists are here and LOL.

Nature is a talented comedian, and these funny wildlife photos highlight some of its best material.

10. When all else fails, watch a pair of otters take a bath and try not to smile.

I mean, you can’t. It’s literally impossible. This level of cuteness is irresistible.

Spa day..😅 https://t.co/vhxMWAxdUv

— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden_)
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See? Impossible.

If you’ve enjoyed these bright little beams, pass them along. The more light we spread, the better we’ll be able to see the goodness and joy all around us.

Cam Newton’s tenure in New England came to an end last month when the team opted to cut him and name first-round pick Mac Jones its starting quarterback. The move came as a surprise, as Newton signed a one-year deal to return to the team and was penciled in as the starter.

But ultimately, Bill Belichick decided to go with the former Alabama standout, and while he said Newton “gave us everything he had,” the franchise decided to get its quarterback of the future as much time under center as possible. Newton, in a video released on Friday, doesn’t totally see things that way, and while he said that he would have been happy to stick around in a backup role to mentor Jones, the team viewed keeping him around as a “distraction.”

“[Patriots senior football adviser] Matt Patricia was there, Bill was there, and we greeted each other and just started talking,” Newton said. “At that time they told me they were going to give the reins to Mac. I was like, ‘Cool.’ It didn’t dawn on me, ‘Y’all releasing me?’ I was confused. We all were shocked. It was all uncomfortable for everybody.

“… The reason why they released me is because, indirectly, I was going to be a distraction, without being a starter. Just my aura. That’s my gift and my curse. When you bring Cam Newton into your facility [and] your franchise, people are interested by mere fact of ‘Who is he? Why does he wear his hair? Why does he talk? Why does he act? Why does he perform?’ All these questions.”

Newton also insisted that Jones did not beat him out, and that if he stuck around, there would have potential issues that popped up if Jones wasn’t immediately ready to play at a high level.

“I would have been a distraction,” Newton said. “If they would have gave him the starting role, they knew the perception that it would have had if the success didn’t come.”

Newton, 32, is now a free agent after playing in 15 games last year. He completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 2,657 yards, eight touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Additionally, Newton ran the ball 137 times for 592 yards and 12 touchdowns.

(Via ESPN)

Real travel is less about visiting tourist attractions and more about delving deep into a city’s vibe. It’s about taking the pulse of your surroundings and letting curiosity guide you down rabbit holes filled with new experiences. Of course, these days, with a global pandemic making even routine travel seem precarious, we don’t really have the luxury of getting lost anymore. We really need to zero in on what’s worth seeing and what isn’t.

When it comes to building out a travel guide for a big city like London, where to even start? Do you break it up by regions? Find a local?

Yes and yes. To tours us through South London, we connected with rising R&B artist, rapper, and member of the South London fashion collective VX Mob, VX Duse. Duse is South London through and through. Hailing from the Streatham district’s underground club scene, Duse knows this particular, artist-driven region of London intimately. The video for his latest single “Prism” — from his debut self-titled ep of the same name — features scenes taken straight from the streets of South London set to a sound that is smooth and intimate like the Weeknd, but with a lot more rhythm and way less ’80s cheese.

While the video is grim and moody, perhaps capturing the seedier vibe of South London at night, Duse’s travel suggestions are full of levity, brimming with food-porn-worthy eating spots, glowing clubs, and nature-filled getaways. Check out the video for ‘Prism’ below and then hit Duse’s guide to South London.

First thing you need to do when you arrive in South London?

Eat at El Rancho De Lalo

The first thing someone should do in South London is grab some food at El Rancho De Lalo, it is an authentic Colombian restaurant located in Brixton Market. It’s one of my favorite spots. I have been going there since I was young.

I would recommend getting ‘Bandeja paisa’ which includes a little of everything, steamed white rice, avocado slices, fried egg, chorizo, crispy pork belly, saucy red beans, plantain, beef, and salad. Afterward, I would recommend going to Battersea Park to chill, have a smoke and listen to some music.

Best last night food spot?

Morley’s

Definitely Morleys, it’s always been the go-to for everyone here in South. I’d usually get a strip burger meal or a combo of 1pc chicken, some wings, and ribs, you can’t go wrong with some Morley’s after a late-night studio session or a movie.

Even back in the days after school, we would always go grab something to eat in Morley’s, they only have them South so it’s basically part of the culture.

Best view in South London?

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is the best place to get a good view of the city. It is a huge park that sits on a hill and right at the top, you get an amazing panoramic view of the city. It is right next to Camden food market. I would propose going around sunset time, staying till late to watch the sun go down and get a sick view of the city lights at night time.

Sometimes I like to get some food from the market then pass by the corner shop to get Magnums and take it to the top of the hill to enjoy.

Best neighborhood to party?

Shoreditch

Shoreditch for sure. I spent most of my nights out there… bars like Trafik and clubs such as Cargo. If you are trying to party til late, like 6-7 AM, then Club Aquarium is the spot. Lastly, for music and something based in South London, I would suggest Fire and Lightbox club in Vauxhall for a mix of House, hip hop & Latin vibes.

Best place to take in nature in South London?

Caeser’s Camp

The best place to take in nature is Caeser’s Camp in Aldershot. It’s army land with huge spaces, mountains of different types of natural textures that you wouldn’t normally see around South London. My close friend Todd (@filmbytodd) is from the area and every now and again we take a trip out there to clear our minds and take in the nature, hang out in the mountains…we might be accompanied by a drink or a smoke up there.

What is your fondest memory of the city?

Visiting Elephant & Castle

My fondest memory of South London would be visiting Brixton/Elephant & Castle. My parents are Colombian immigrants and there is a big Latin community out there we’re a part of. There are lots of Latin shops such as cafes, bakeries, restaurants and mini supermarkets with products you can’t find in other areas.

In terms of fondest memories for myself growing up it would be Streatham/Mitcham, doing all my school years in these areas I saw a lot and learned a lot.

Best place to grab a drink?

Box Park

The best place to grab a drink is Box Park in Croydon. It’s an outdoor/indoor food court that gives you the opportunity to select from a variety of dishes, desserts, and drinks and enjoy them together in one place. They also play music so it’s a cool place to hang out with your guy or girls or family. Whenever I go, I get the Argentinian mixed steak grilled or a burrito from Chilango’s, and the drink I always get is Hennessy and Coke with some shots of Patrón.

Best place to take in the culture of South London?

Brixton/Central London/Oxford

Brixton is a great place to take in the city’s culture. You might be feeling Caribbean food then have a South American dessert because there are a lot of different nationalities & cultures in the same place. After you’ve spent some time here, you can go to Central London which is another great place to take in the city’s culture. From Brixton Tube St. (TFL, the London Underground train service) you get great access to Oxford street through the Victoria line. Oxford is where all the high street brands are and a few hidden gems such as FootPatrol and Palace.

What’s the one thing everyone visiting South London needs to experience?

Bike the city

One thing everyone should do when visiting South London is to go on a Santander bike and roam around South to see for themselves, that’s the best way to take in the surroundings. These Santander bikes — rental bikes — are located all over London so you can access them easily. I would make a day out of it and ride around the city day and night visiting key spots like Hyde Park, South Bank, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich whilst making pit stops along the way to try out different foods and drinks.

The Biden administration is taking vaccines seriously. This week, a new rule was announced that requires companies of 100 or more people to mandate vaccines or regular testing against COVID-19. It’s a move that will impact more than 80 million Americans and will hopefully raise the nation’s inoculation levels, as about half of the country remains unvaccinated despite widely available vaccines and a number of studies touting their safety and effectiveness.

Biden has fired back at Republican governors who have vowed to fight the mandate, and on Friday a new study certainly gave the mandates more credence. According to multiple reports, federal health officials released data from a handful of new studies that shows just how effective the vaccines are against the novel coronavirus, including the more contagious Delta variant that has been crowding hospitals in recent months.

Putting aside the truckload of data that suggests vaccines limit hospitalization and severe symptoms in the still-rare breakthrough cases, the vaccines make it much less likely you will die from COVID. In fact, as the New York Times laid out, the biggest takeaway from the findings is that unvaccinated people are 11 times more likely to die of coronavirus than anyone who is vaccinated.

Three studies that drew data from different U.S. regions evaluated the protective power of the vaccines. One looked at more than 600,000 virus cases in 13 states, representing about one quarter of the U.S. population, between April and July, and concluded that individuals who were not fully vaccinated were far more susceptible to infection and death from the virus.

They were 4.5 times more likely than vaccinated individuals to become infected, 10 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 11 times more likely to die from the coronavirus, the study found.

Vaccine protection against hospitalization and death remained strong even when the Delta variant was the dominant form of infection. But the vaccines’ effectiveness in preventing infection dropped from 91 percent to 78 percent, the study found.

The news of vaccine efficacy in the face of the Delta variant is certainly good for those who are already vaccinated, especially with uncertainty about the need for a booster program. But interestingly, the findings also boost the logic behind vaccine mandates in the first place. It’s important to note that Biden’s mandate plan is through OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The measures are framed as a workplace safety concern, and studies like these show clearly how much safer vaccinated workplaces are compared to the alternative.

Rather than adding fuel to the culture war, Friday’s studies are all about science. And right now it’s more and more clear that vaccines, and strongly encouraging their use through legislation, are necessary to keep as many people safe from disease as possible.

[via NY Times]

Complex reports that Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj’s husband since 2019, has pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. Petty was convicted of first-degree attempted rape in 1995, serving out his four-year sentence and registering as a sex offender in New York. However, when the couple moved from New York to California after making their marriage official, he did not update authorities in his new home state.

He was arrested in November 2019 after a traffic stop when police realized he hadn’t registered and was arrested again in March 2020 for federal charges even after registering that month. He pled “not guilty” at the time, perhaps in hopes that he could get his original conviction overturned, but now faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. His sentencing has been scheduled for January 24, 2022.

His efforts toward overturning his original conviction included suing the State of New York City’s Criminal Justice Services Department in the hopes of having his name removed from the sex offenders registry, on which state law mandates he must be registered for life. However, his other pursuit, getting his original victim Jennifer Hough to recant her testimony, has only earned him a lawsuit from Hough, claiming that his and Nicki’s representatives have harassed her since 2018, trying to bribe her and even making threats through lawyers and fans.

Scenes From A Marriage (Sunday, HBO 9:00) — Here’s the project that Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain were firing up on the red carpet last weekend. This miniseries remakes Ingmar Bergman’s 1970s project original as directed by HBO regular Hagai Levi with a contemporary spin, including all of the love, hatred, desire, monogamy, marriage, and divorce that one would expect. Considering the Isaac-Chastain chemistry on hand, it’s a remake worth perusing.

These streaming picks make excellent appetizers:

Lucifer: The Final Season (Netflix series) — The Devil is back for one last dance-of-a-rodeo in Season 6, and naturally, Lucifer Morningstar is still a total pain in the tush, and you’ll love him for it. Fortunately, he’s no longer attempting to be a detective. Lucifer is now God (don’t ask), and if he doesn’t get with the new program, he’s liable to trigger the apocalypse of all apocalypses. This is one last, fan-requested hurrah for a Netflix-resurrected series, and Neil Gaiman’s creation will live on in fans’ hearts and, most likely while resolving that Unresolved Sexual Tension, their pants as well.

Kate (Netflix film) — Granted, this movie sounds a whole lot like Crank (those infamous Jason Statham flicks), but it’s got Mary Elizabeth Winstead kicking enormous ass, so are we really complaining about derivative stories here? Nope. Here, Winstead stars as the title character, who’s taking revenge upon a criminal organization after being poisoned and only having 24 hours to live. Woody Harrelson’s also on board here, and let’s hope that Kate gains some vengeance against her killers before the clock expires.

Here’s some regularly scheduled programming:

MTV Video Music Awards (Sunday, MTV, CW, Comedy Central, BET 8:00pm) — Enjoy performances from Foo Fighters, Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes, Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello, Machine Gun Kelly, and more.

The Walking Dead (Sunday, AMC 9:00pm) — This zombie-apocalypse universe’s flagship series returns for one final rodeo with two spinoffs (Fear The Walking Dead, The World Beyond) still in motion, so it’s time to wrap this puppy up before the various shows’ timelines begin to intersect. This week, Daryl and Dog are in massive danger. Noooooooooo.

Billions (Sunday, Showtime 9:00pm) — There ain’t no drama quite like hedge-fund-king drama, and it remains to be seen whether Bobby Axelrod and Chuck Rhoades will ever decide to stop wasting so much time hating the hell out of each other. Probably not? Yeah, that’d be no fun at all, and Season 5 resumes with everyone getting yanked into beefs that may very well destroy them all. This week, Axe’s attack game grows stronger while Chuck grapples with failure, and Prince is spiraling.

Heels (Sunday, Starz 9:00pm) — Does the world need a series about a small-town wrestling circuit? Well, maybe not, but how about a show about a small-town wrestling circuit that’s written and created by Michael Waldron, creator of Loki and writer of Rick and Morty and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Now, you’ve got my attention. This week, Jack’s lining up matches for the state fair.

American Rust (Sunday, Showtime 10:00) — Jeff Daniels can swing between being comedic and dramatic, and in his new Showtime series, American Rust, he’s decidedly the latter and latest star to take on a complicated cop role after Kate Winslet’s turn in Mare of Easttown. And notably, Bridges’ new role is also set in Pennsylvania and unravels a murder, this time in a Rust Belt town where he struggles to make the right move in a town overstuffed with people making the wrong moves.

Last Week Tonight (Sunday, HBO 11:00) — John Oliver’s back, baby.

Here’s some more streaming goodness for the weekend.

The Voyeurs — (Amazon Prime film) — Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) is seemingly everywhere after her intimidating turn in The White Lotus, and here, she plays one half of a couple who become obsessed with another couple, who happens be very steamy neighbors. Naturally, dark secrets surface, and that doesn’t scare away the obsessive factor at work which could very spell d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r. Yikes.

Kin: (AMC+ series) — Charlie Cox stars in this new Irish series about a tight-knit crime family that’s drawn into wartime mode with a mighty drug kingpin. The family soon discovers that this is an unwinnable war, yet as the losses begin to mount, it becomes clear that the cartel is at one distinct disadvantage: they’re not bound by unbreakable blood bonds. The cartel does, however, have a host of exotic pets and some snazzy costumes and celebrity status, so this is a heck of a story.

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.: Season 1 (Disney+ series) — This reboot (of the original ABC Doogie Howser show that launched Neil Patrick Harris’ career) series stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Lahela “Doogie” Kameāloha, a high-school medical prodigy. Notably, this series isn’t a direct continuation but, instead, a tribute of sorts from the show’s characters, who actually nickname the new protagonist as “Doogie.” It’s highly referential, and that’s part of the fun.

Malignant (Warner Bros. film on HBO Max) — The Conjuring Universe architect and Aquaman director goes back to horror to scare the pants off you in your own living rooms. This time around, James Wan brings us the story of a woman who’s tormented by what she believes are mere waking visions of murders, yet they turn out to be all too realistic. Wan doesn’t swing and miss when it comes to terrifying tales, and Warner Bros. is encouraging us to get into the Halloween spirit early.

Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles (Disney+ film) — Billie Eilish headlines this concert film that follows her newest album, Happier Than Ever, with an intimate performance from the Hollywood Bowl stage. Robert Rodriguez and Patrick Osbourne co-direct, and expect some dreamlike and animated elements as Eilish celebrates her Los Angeles roots with help from singer-songwriter FINNEAS.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga: Season 2 (Hulu series) — The Clan is back, although they’re feeling disillusioned by their current lives in the projects, all while Bobby dreams of musical-industry success that will change everything. However, infighting within the group threatens success, even in the face of their undeniable talent. Real life always gets in the way, right? Fortunately, Bobby’s fight for authenticity can prevail and help overcome music-business challenges, if only the Clan can choose to prevail.

Come From Away — (Apple TV+ film) — The smash Broadway show production filmed a live version of these true stories about the thousands of airline passengers who found themselves stranded outside of the United States, on and around 9/11. The action includes accounts from a group stuck in a small Canadian town, who were stuck beyond their control, as the world watched aghast as the horrific events of that day (and beyond) unfolded. 9/11 survivors and first responders were present at this particular performance, which promises even more emotional resonance.

Only Murders In The Building: Season 1 (Hulu series) — Selena Gomez alongside the legendary Steve Martin and Martin Short, and the three portray NYC neighbors who aim to unravel an apparent murder inside their apartment building. Yes, they’re all podcasting because everyone does it (duh), and before long, the killer might be after them, too. Martin hasn’t written a feature film since the Pink Panther movies and Shopgirl, and I don’t wanna come out and call this trio a “much cooler Three Amigos” update, but Martin wrote that, too, so why not?

Three weeks ago, Inglewood rapper D Smoke dropped his new single “Shame On You,” praising the righteous rebels of the music industry as he made his own return to the spotlight following the success of his debut project Black Habits. Today, he follows up with the release of a defiant music video for the track directed by Sergio & Babajide and produced by Undaunted. Shot in Lagos, Nigeria, the video finds the Inglewood native reconnecting with the Motherland and toasting his own success.

The video’s narrative finds Smoke flying to Nigeria to back up a friend whose village needs protection from corrupt government officials. It’s a theme that the rapper might find relatable as Inglewood becomes the site of ongoing concerns about gentrification. Smoke’s also got a connection to Nigeria through his recent collaboration with Fireboy DML, “Champion,” which came out earlier this year.

“Shame On You” joins “It’s OK” as D Smoke’s second solo video release of the year, but while he’s been low-key in 2021, he’s been far from inactive. In March, he contributed the theme song “Basketball” to the latest season of Netflix’s Last Chance U, then released the smooth “Sade” along with a remix of “Gaspar Yanga” for Spotify. Along with his Best Rap Album Grammy nomination, Smoke’s latest is a signal that his flame is only growing, and it’s time to take note.

Watch D Smoke’s “Shame On You” video above.

The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.

In all the noise and chaos of the rollouts for Drake and Kanye West’s new albums, it might have been easy to miss the release of one of the best albums of the year. That’s a shame, because while one of the more infuriating debates surrounding those albums was their lack of female voices, Little Simz’s new album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert should have been sufficient to satisfy any desire for a feminine presence — ironically, as it gave ample evidence that a woman, by herself, can be enough.

That may have been its goal all along. Simz elucidates the internal world of a woman pursuing her dream of rap stardom in defiance of her own discomfort at the idea of fitting into a world where women aren’t always welcome. She does this by way of narrative skits peppered throughout which highlight the introversion suggested by the album’s title; Simz is no star-chaser or glory hound, prompting one of the characters in the interludes, a character that seems to reflect Simz’s inner voice to question why she’s even here. It’s a question that I think every artist has wrestled with — or at least, one that perhaps they should.

Simz is also not a shrinking violet either. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is her fourth album, building on the critical acclaim and momentum of her highly-praised 2019 project, Grey Area. On that album, she showed a propensity and a gift for both clear-eyed introspection and sharp observation. Here, she refines those skills, offering broad-ranging commentary and experienced insights on the world’s perceptions of Black women and her own defiant reactions to them.

On songs such as “Woman” featuring Cleo Sol, Simz lists women by nationality and occupation, offering a counterpoint to the often negative stereotypes that exist in the mainstream hip-hop world. In the interlude “Gems,” she details those struggles in conversation with the fairy godmother-esque inner voice (played by Diana, Princess of Wales actress Emma Corrin) both encouraging her and interrogating her doubts. “But understand you’re human,” she advises. “Be proud. Your light will shine in the darkest hour. Pressure makes diamonds.”

“Standing Ovation” continues this line of questioning but adds a boisterous dose of braggadocio, reminding the audience that Little Simz is one of rap’s foremost technicians as well. A beat switch reflects the duality of womanhood, swinging between the extroverted confident delivery of a traditional rapper and the somewhat muted, but never dimmed, introverted calm at the center of the storm. The latter is a swirling, shimmering instrumental breakdown, allowing Simz to pause and reflect on the personal sacrifices it takes to earn the boasts.

Throughout the album, Simz tries on different styles, inhabiting each with a calm confidence born of her hard-won self-possession. On “Point And Kill” she executes afro-pop as assuredly as Nigerian native guest artist Obongjayar, keeping the vibe every bit as strong on “Fear No Man.” Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is a sweeping experiment that operates with an astonishing level of sonic breadth, but it never loses its sense of structure and direction. Simz is completely in control, keeping the melange of sounds and styles from ever feeling as chaotic as Kanye’s Donda or artificial as Drake’s Certified Lover Boy. When she chooses to address complex parental relationships on “I Love You, I Hate You,” it’s with a grace that neither has ever completely mastered.

It’s cozy and cohesive, more revealing than either of the aforementioned, but also much more genuine and honest. Simz is speaking from her experience but speaking for so many women who might feel voiceless in the current context of hip-hop, where spectacle seems to outweigh substance. Don’t get it twisted; Sometimes I Might Be Introvert takes some big swings too, but it never lets go of its message for the sake of an impressive stroke at expanding its sound. Simz has evolved, album by album, into the kind of artist who can push boundaries and remain both relatable and universal at the same time. It’s a balancing act that so many artists could take lessons from as hip-hop pursues its contemporary aspirations at making “high art,” because Simz already is.

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is out now via AWAL Digital Limited and AGE 101. Get it here.