GoneTrending

While Noname does her best to live up to her moniker, she’s not quite as adept at it as she’d like; while far from a household name, she’s made enough waves on social media to garner both fervent supporters of her book club and salty detractors for her online persona. Much of the Chicago rapper’s notoriety over the past year has come from critiquing her peers in entertainment like Beyonce and J. Cole, leading to bouts of backlash from fans of both and the songs “Snow On Tha Bluff” and “Song 33.”

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Noname explains why she so fervently avoids becoming what she calls a “real celebrity” in keeping with her radical philosophies and staunch anti-capitalist beliefs. “I don’t do brand deals, I don’t take advances, and I’m very much a hired, outside contractor,” she says. “A venue hires me to come and play a show, and then I go. I don’t really do photoshoots. They had to convince me to do this. I don’t like doing things that I know are going to build on my celebrity because that’s not ethical to me when I’m trying to be anti-capitalist and also trying to present myself in a specific way. It’s hard to do that, and then be like, ‘Let me do this photoshoot, let me be in Rolling Stone.’”

She also applies this view to her tiff with J. Cole. “The celebrity was bigger than the point I tried to make,” she laments. ‘The celebrity is always the biggest thing.” The problem with this, she thinks, is that it distracts from the civic work she does with the majority of her time. ” “Someone who doesn’t follow Noname, who randomly hears about it, it’s always something messy,” she says. “It’s always like, ‘She came for Beyoncé, she’s in a fight with whoever.’ So their opinion of me is formed around what goes viral, not this shit that I’m doing.”

However, this attention may soon pay off for her, as much of the interview is given to detailing the recording process for Factory Baby, her upcoming third album and first since 2018, as well as her progress on formalizing a space for her book club. Both are currently in the works and she expects them to be ready soon. She says that she could complete the album within two months, while she expects to make many more “revolutionary bops” like “Rainforest.”

You can read the full interview here.

Earlier this month, Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones, had to pull out of the band’s upcoming tour following a medical procedure. At the time, a statement from the band representative indicated that Watts’ break was about getting “proper rest and recuperation,” but between then and now, it seems thing took a turn: It was announced today that Watts is dead at 80 years old.

Following the news, folks in the music world shared their thoughts about Watts. Elton John pointed out Watts’ sense of style, writing, “A very sad day. Charlie Watts was the ultimate drummer. The most stylish of men, and such brilliant company. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Seraphina and Charlotte. And of course, The Rolling Stones.”

Paul McCartney shared a video of himself briefly speaking about Watts, complimenting his drumming abilities and giving his condolences.

Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine also tweeted, “Rock n roll would not be rock n roll without the rhythm, the style, the VIBE of this incredible musician. Rest In Peace #CharlieWatts, one of the greatest and most important architects of the music we love.” Questlove also shared, “The heartbeat of Rock & Roll. The Great Charlie Watts. all due respect.”

Ringo Starr posted a photo of himself with Watts and wrote, “#God bless Charlie Watts we’re going to miss you man peace and love to the family Ringo.”

Check out some more reactions below.

Fresh off the announcement of her second Tony Bennett collaborative album Love For Sale, Lady Gaga is leaning further into her love of jazz music. The singer has officially announced the return of her popular Las Vegas Jazz & Piano residency, which is slated to kick off later this year.

Lady Gaga’s new Vegas residency is set to take place at the 5,300-seat Park Theater located at the Park MGM. It’s the same venue where she previously staged a residency back in 2018 that was so popular, it was extended to 2020. The new set of Jazz & Piano shows kick off on October 14 and run through October 31.

Along with announcing her her Jazz & Piano shows, Gaga has a few other exciting projects in the works. Not only is she gearing up for her Bennett album, but she’s also starring in the upcoming House Of Gucci film alongside Adam Driver. Flexing her best Italian accent, Gaga portrays the infamous woman Partrizia Reggiani, who was accused of plotting the murder of her husband Maurizio Gucci. The film hits theaters on November 24, just a month after Gaga wraps up her Vegas shows.

Tickets to Gaga’s Jazz & Piano Vegas residency go on sale 8/28 at 10 am PST. Get them here.

Since the beginning of time, Law & Order: SVU fans have wanted to see Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler and Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson become a couple, which never materialized on the show. The detectives falling in love seemingly went out the window when Meloni left the show, and well, that looked to be the end of that.

However, that was before Meloni returned to his old stomping grounds with the new spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime, which not only brought back Stabler, but also the chance that a romance with Benson might still be on the table. The fan frenzy quickly returned as the first season of Organized Crime set the table for the ultimate TV ‘ship becoming a reality, and over the weekend, Meloni and Hargitay leaned into SVU fans’ unyielding desire to see them together.

On Friday, Twitter user Maria wrote, “Can y’all imagine if one day @Chris_Meloni and @Mariska posts a picture like this pretending they are kissing with the caption #Rehearsing It would be the end of us and the end of the internet.” The tweet caught Meloni’s attention who couldn’t resist replying with a steamy photo of Stabler and Benson getting ready to kiss, which Hargitay also shared.

Obviously, SVU fans went crazy and lit up the replies over the ultimate tease.

Law & Order: Organized Crime was picked up back in may for a second season, and yes, you can expect to see more of Dylan McDermott’s Octopus when the show returns.

(Via Christopher Meloni on Twitter, Mariska Hargitay on Twitter)

As tens of thousands of Afghans flee Afghanistan in the wake of a Taliban takeover, people around the world are scrambling to help. But providing help in a war-torn country with the chaos of U.S. military withdrawal and violent extremists seizing power is a bit complicated.

Simply getting people out of the country is hard enough. Figuring out what happens is even more complex. Where do these refugees go right now? How long do they stay? What countries will allow them to settle permanently? How do the necessary security screenings get handled? Who provides for their basic human needs as those details get sorted out?

While governments and refugee agencies work through the various moving parts and logistics, short-term rental company Airbnb has stepped up to provide a potential answer to one immediate need—where refugees will stay in the meantime.

For several years, Airbnb’s non-profit arm Airbnb.org has provided temporary housing for people displaced by natural disasters and other crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has helped house healthcare workers on the front lines. For the past four years, the company has also helped provide temporary housing to 25,000 refugees around the world.

Earlier this year, Airbnb announced the creation of a $25 million Refugee Fund to expand their efforts to house and support refugees in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), HIAS, and Church World Service. With that fund and the company’s experience hosting refugees, Airbnb is in a position to provide housing assistance in Afghanistan’s newest refugee crisis.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced the new Afghan refugee initiative on Twitter:

---

While we will be paying for these stays, we could not do this without the generosity of our Hosts.

— Brian Chesky (@bchesky)
1629789660.0

“In this past week, it has become abundantly clear that the displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees here in the United States and elsewhere is a significant humanitarian crisis – and in the face of this need, our community is ready to once again step up,” the company announced on its website. “Today, Airbnb and Airbnb.org are announcing that Airbnb.org will provide temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees worldwide – the cost of which is funded through contributions to Airbnb.org from Airbnb and Brian Chesky, as well as donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund.”

If you’re willing to host a refugee family, reach out and I’ll connect you with the right people here to make it happen!

— Brian Chesky (@bchesky)
1629789688.0

Dave Milliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, praised Airbnb for its support.

“As the IRC helps to welcome and resettle Afghans in the U.S., accessible housing is urgently needed and essential,” said Milliband in a statement. “We are grateful to our partners at Airbnb.org and Airbnb for once again offering their support and infrastructure to meet this moment, providing safe and welcoming places for individuals and families as they arrive in the United States and begin rebuilding their lives.”

I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There’s no time to waste.

— Brian Chesky (@bchesky)
1629789719.0

Airbnb also acknowledged the complexities of the situation, but also called upon other businesses to make their own efforts to support the immediate needs on the ground:

“Airbnb and Airbnb.org recognize that the situation on the ground is fast evolving. Airbnb.org will closely collaborate with resettlement agencies and partners to go where the need goes, and evolve this initiative and our support as necessary. In addition, given the tremendous need, Airbnb urges fellow members of the global business community to join efforts to provide immediate support to Afghan refugees.”

When the world faces a global crisis, it takes a collaboration of governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals to come up with solutions. Good for Airbnb for seeing an immediate human need it can help alleviate and taking action to make it happen.

This week in pop music saw some highly anticipated releases. Lorde officially dropped her LP Solar Power, Shawn Mendes returned with a summer-ready tune, and Ed Sheeran continued his new era of music with a tender single.

Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop releases. Listen up.

Lorde — “Big Star”

This week, Lorde finally shared her album Solar Power, her first LP in four years. Most of the album sees Lorde rejecting her pop star status, but it also includes the wistful tune “Big Star.” The song shows Lorde at her most classic self, delivering a tender ballad with heart-tugging lyrics. The song was actually written as an ode to her late dog Pearl, who ended up passing in 2019.

Shawn Mendes, Tainy — “Summer Of Love”

The last we heard from Shawn Mendes, he had released his LP Wonder. Now returning for his first new track of the year, the singer teamed up with reggaeton producer Tainy for the perfectly beachy tune “Summer Of Love.” Tainy contributed a thumping beat the the single as Mendes shares some romantic reflections on his latest fling.

Ed Sheeran — “Visiting Hours”

It’s been a few weeks since Ed Sheeran officially kicked off a new era of music with his dance-ready song “Bad Habits.” Now, the singer goes back to his acoustic roots with the emotional song “Visiting Hours.” The single was Sheeran’s way of announcing his upcoming studio album = (pronounced Equals). “= (Equals) is a really personal record and one that means a lot to me,” he said about the LP. “My life changed greatly over the past few years — I got married, became a father, experienced loss, and I reflect on these topics over the course of the album. I see it as my coming-of-age record, and I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.”

Skrillex, Justin Bieber — “Don’t Go” Feat. Don Toliver

Justin Bieber may have just released his No. 1 album Justice, but he’s already back for more. The singer teamed up with EDM producer Skrillex and rising rap star Don Toliver for the infectious single “Don’t Go.” The intricate production combines acoustic guitar and a network of electronic notes for a moving beat, as both Bieber and Toliver smoothly deliver lines begging their partner to stay.

James Blake — “Life Is Not The Same”

James Blake continues to tease his upcoming album Friends That Will Break Your Heart with the hauntingly beautiful tune “Life Is Not The Same.” The single showcases Blake’s affecting vocals over a gently lulling beat. “The song is about finding peace with who you are and where you’re at regardless of how well other people seem to be doing,” Blake said.

Bakar — “The Mission”

Acclaimed UK musician Bakar returned with a new single this week, showing that his buzzworthy music lives up to the hype. “The Mission” starts off slow before a thumping beat comes in as Bakar issues a reflection on the importance of holding up the next generation. “​​To me, the song is about the want and need for a better future, especially for 1st generation kids of immigrant backgrounds – telling our stories is so important,” Bakar said about the track. “I’m trying to represent and reclaim my Islamic faith for a new progressive generation. This is ultimately about peace but so often our symbols and flags have been hijacked for the wrong purposes. I see what’s happening in Kabul this week and pray for the people there.”

Remi Wolf — “Quiet On Set”

Eccentric pop singer Remi Wolf officially announced her debut album Juno with two funk-foward singles. “Quiet On Set” showcases Wolf’s exuberant songwriting, name-dropping contemporary pop culture from Foushé to The Human Centipede. “As much as the song is silly and fun, it really does reflect my life and feelings at the time…overworked, manic, reckless, and childish,” Wolf said about the playful track.

Boys World — “Something In The Water”

Rising pop girl group Boys World continues their breakout success with the infectious single “Something In The Water.” Written by Grammy-nominated Tayla Parx, the fun-loving tune proves the five-member group are ones to watch. “‘Something in the Water’ has got such a summer feel,” the group said in a statement. “We hope our fans get a euphoric feeling when they listen to it – butterflies, happiness, excitement…whatever it might be.”

LANY — “Never Mind, Let’s Break Up”

LA-based trio LANY share another look at the upcoming album gg bb xx with the resonating track “Never Mind, Let’s Break Up.” The addictive single continues the group’s string of sparkling singles, making it clear that their upcoming album will be jam-packed with dance-ready hits.

Khai Dreams — “Flowers”

Oregon-based up-and-coming producer Khai Dreams dropped the bedroom pop-style single “Flowers” this week. Blending captivating guitar and skittering beat with tenderhearted lyrics about a crush, the honeyed single marks the first new song of the year from Khai Dreams, who is planning on embarking on a cross-country tour this fall.

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

Porches, aka New York singer-songwriter Aaron Maine, has released a new song and video for “Lately,” taken from the forthcoming album All Day Gentle Hold !. Following earlier single “Okay,” the Nick Harwood-directed “Lately” has the trio rocking out in a spare, wood-paneled living room. About midway through, Maine departs for the kitchen, where he twirls spaghetti and name-drops Tony Soprano. (“Tony, Tony Soprano / I’m making me heard / I eat my dinner / I eat my dessert / I wanna know what you think it’s worth.”)

“I recorded this album in my room between October 2019 and April 2021,” Maine said of his new LP, which follows last year’s Ricky Music. “The world was flipped and I wanted to make something injected with as much love, urgency, and lust for humanity as I possibly could.”

In spring 2020, Maine did a run of interviews, where he opened up about how he was spending his time in quarantine and where he sees his career headed. “I don’t know how long I can do this, but I think I’ll be making music forever,” he told Highsnobiety. “I feel like my window for being at all interesting or connected to the youth…Time is running out. That doesn’t mean that I can’t continue a career in another way, but I still feel like there’s a chance to make a bigger splash and I love that.”

All Day Gentle Hold ! is out 10/8 via Domino. Pre-order it here.

To support a Kickstarter Campaign for Los Angeles not-for-profit magazine The LAnd, rappers Open Mike Eagle and 03 Greedo are featured on a couple of new tracks by U.A.P. and Kent Loon, respectively. Both tracks — “3D” and “Wolves On Clouds” are out on Bandcamp today.

For context, TheLAnd is a Los Angeles-based, not-for-profit magazine co-founded in 2019 by Jenn Swann, Evan Solano, and Jeff Weiss. There’s currently an active Kickstarter campaign to fund the magazine’s upcoming October issue. For $25 and more, you’ll get access to the Welcome To theLAnd compilation, which features the aforementioned tracks featuring Open Mike Eagle and 03 Greedo, plus tracks from Dam-Funk, Clipping, Eva B Ross, Ethan Gold, Daedelus, and more. Check out the full tracklist below, and listen to “3D” and “Wolves On Clouds” below.

Welcome to TheLAnd tracklist:

1. G Perico — “Real Ones”
2. Rucci / Cyrpess Moreno — “All Over”
3. Kent Loon — “Wolves On Clouds” (Feat. 03 Greedo)
4. U.A.P. (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) — “3D” (Feat. Open Mike Eagle)
5. Dam-Funk — “Missed Out On An Angel”
6. Lndn Drgs — “4 Zones: (Feat. Rifelman)
7. Rhys Langston — “DMG” (Feat. Arawak)
8. Clipping — “Nothing Is Safe” (Clbbng Remix)
9. Cafe Ale — “Kraft Phair Acid”
10. Greg Dulli — “I Would Die 4 U/Baby I’m A Star”
11. Jennifer Clavin / Michael Fiore — “Ashes Of American Flags”
12. Eva B Ross / Marinelli — “Be My Baby”
14. Mia Doi Todd — “My Fisherman (Solo Acoustic Version)”
14. Ethan Gold — “Alexandria & Me (Milan Bjelica Alt Mix)”
15. Nicky Egan — “Strange Dreams”
16. Matthewdavid — “Generative Granular Stalactite Cenote Therapy For Starters”
17. Daedelus — “Gutted”

Check out the full compilation here.

Charlie Watts, who was the drummer for The Rolling Stones since 1963, has died at 80 years old.

The band shared a statement confirming Watts’ passing from his spokesperson, which reads, “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time.”

This post is being updated.

Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is very much a local hero in his homeland — and you can see just how admired he is in his new video for “Question.” “Question” is the afro-fusion star’s second all-new single of 2021 after “Kilometre,” suggesting that he may already be working toward releasing a follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2020 album Twice As Tall, even though he’s only five months removed from dropping the video for its most recent single, “23.” Also appearing in the “Question” video is Nigerian record producer Don Jazzy, who contributes cameo appearances and ad-libbed vocals throughout.

Burna’s mission to export afro-fusion to the American mainstream will continue this year even without a new album as he heads out on tour, hitting major festivals like Governor’s Ball and Outside Lands, as well as headlining his first major concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Queen Naija, Umi, and Donavan’s Sound Club will join him there as openers, then he’ll be off to France, Spain, and Sweden for more festival dates. A previously planned Twice As Tall tour was unfortunately canceled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch Burna Boy’s “Question” video featuring Don Jazzy above.

Burna Boy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.