Fans caught a bit of a new Leon Bridges on TikTok this month, as he and Keite Young debuted a cover of “Like A Ship” on the platform as part of its Black History Month program. Now, the pair have debuted the full track, and given that Bridges already has a soulful throwback sound, this cover works out fantastically. The track was originally recorded by Pastor T.L. Barrett in 1971, but Kanye West fans might recognize the tune as being sampled on The Life Of Pablo.
Bridges recorded the song as part of the Truth To Power Project, which is described on its website, “Dallas-based Eastwood Music Group has joined forces with the Dallas Mavericks and FirstCom Music UMPG to curate a ‘Soundtrack For Empowerment.’ The Truth To Power Project is a creative endeavor working to engage people with inspiring new music and multimedia content to encourage community involvement. Let’s bring truth to the light so that we can heal, grow, and prosper together. […] A percentage of the revenue generated from this project will support the next generation of emerging musicians through the Music Forward Foundation. This national nonprofit organization is dedicated to transforming young lives, inspiring careers, and championing a more inclusive music industry. ”
Young wrote on Instagram, “Thank you brother @skinwade and the @dallasmavs @mcuban and the @nba for making social justice a mission for your organizations. A VERY special thank you goes to my brother @leonbridgesofficial who answered the call with me along with the amazingly talented artist and musicians who gave of their talent and time to make this happen.”
Aside from Billie Eilish herself, the most important person in her career is probably Finneas, her brother and her songwriting partner. That doesn’t mean their time collaborating always goes perfectly, though. In the new documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, Finneas discusses some of the difficulties of working with his sister.
In the film, Finneas says (as ET notes), “It feels like kind of a minefield to me, because I feel like I’ve been told to write a hit, but I’ve been told to not tell Billie that we have to write a hit. And Billie hates writing songs in general, and is so woke about her own persona on the internet that I think she’s terrified of anything she makes being hated. I think her equation is that the more popular something is, the more hate it’s gonna get.”
After an emotional conversation with her parents about the direction of her career, Eilish says, “I hate writing songs. Every time that I’ve written a song that I actually like, I’ve hated the process.”
That said, in Eilish’s most recent annual Vanity Fair interview from November, she said, “I feel so much more confident in my writing. I feel like I know myself better, I’m better at advocating my opinions and communicating and I think Finneas and I have just seriously gotten in the groove.”
Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry is streaming now on Apple TV+. Watch a couple trailers for the film below.
Earlier this week, QAnon-obsessed and space laser-fearing congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) sunk to a new low when she hung an anti-trans sign outside her office door, directly across the hall from another politician with a transgender child. “There are TWO genders: male and female,” it reads. “Trust the science.” Taylor Greene put the sign up to troll Marie Newman (D-IL), whose daughter is transgender, and to protest the Equality Act, an “anti-discrimination bill that would extend civil rights protections to LGBTQ people by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.” But mostly, she did it because she’s a terrible person (Oreo agrees).
Maybe the worst person of the year so far, according to Jimmy Kimmel.
“The frontrunner for worst human of 2021 is working to defeat the Equality Act right now,” the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host said during Thursday’s episode. “This is an act that would ban discrimination against Americans based on sexual orientation or gender identity.” He then played a clip of Newman displaying a transgender flag, only for Taylor Greene to respond with her hateful sign. “Now she trusts the science,” he cracked. Kimmel also called her a “Karen in Congress” and “so awful.” You can watch the clip above.
Well, temperatures are a little warmer this week across the United States, but Netflix knows that we could still use some heartwarming shows. To that end, there are plenty of options for people who enjoy those types of stories about both humans in animals. First up, there’s a fresh take on a Gilmore Girls-type dynamic for a new generation to enjoy. Then there’s a kooky romantic comedy that puts a new spin on “crazy in love.” And finally, some dogs get a second chance at love and life thanks to a wicked-good trainer who knows that canines are only as good as the people who have been treating them. No matter which type of project will give you the right gut punch, there’s something here to redeem your faith in humanity this weekend.
Here’s everything else coming to (and leaving) the streaming platform this week.
Ginny & Georgia (Netflix series streaming 2/24)
This one’s got some heavy Gilmore Girls flavor (although it’s very different in both good and not-so-good ways) with angsty and awkward Ginny feeling far more emotionally mature than her mom, Georgia Miller. They’re putting down roots for a normal life, but there’s plenty of bumps along the way, and apparently, there’s a lot of carpool and Kombucha to be had.
An enigmatic woman has a “magical one night stand” (those are Netflix’s words, and they’re impossible to make better in this context), and she lives in a mental institution. That’s not the strangest thing that happens here. Rather, her one-night-stand partner is so taken with this lady that he decides to admit himself too. Ain’t love grand? Naturally, the dude gets a lot more than he bargained for after making his decision, so enjoy the romantic hijinks.
Canine Intervention (Netflix series streaming 2/24)
Bridgerton, this ain’t, and it certainly differs from most of Netflix’s other offerings of late. I didn’t even expect to be reeled in by this series about a California-based K9 dog trainer, Jas Leverette, as he helps owners with their “problem dogs.” Instead, I imagined that this would be an unbearable watch that would make me weepy while wishing that I’d never clicked, but something about this trailer made me suspect differently, and I’m glad to have given it a chance. The charismatic Jas transforms the lives of several dogs, beginning with Lady MacBeth, a three-legged survivor who suffered a gunshot and stood as the very essence of Jas’ motto, “It’s never the dog’s fault, it’s always human error.” These are uplifting journeys for this dog and many others, who received their second chances and worked tirelessly to achieve stunning transformations in the process. Jas’ holistic approach to training works surprising benefits for the humans involved in these stories, too.
The artist formerly known as Big Baby DRAM began 2020 by launching a new chapter of his career, one that with a name change. The Virginia native now goes by his legal first name of Shelley. While the change may have signaled that new music was on the way, fans failed to receive that last year. The only piece of content he delivered was a jazzy cover of “Feliz Navidad” with Young Rog for LVRN’s Home For The Holidays compilation album. However, with a new year comes new opportunities and it seems like Shelley will make his presence felt this year as he returns with a new single.
Shelley enters 2021 with “Exposure,” a track that comes just before the love-themed month of February comes to a close. On the track, he asks his love interest to allow him to explore what lays beneath their physical features. “Let me love you inside-out and outside-in,” he begs on the song. “Let me touch your soul before I touch your skin.” The track also holds a double meaning of sorts with Shelley wanting to learn more about her personality at one point while hoping to engage in a moment of naked intimacy at other points of the song.
In case you’re a bit behind on Shelley’s music, make sure to revisit “The Lay Down” with H.E.R. and his That’s A Girls Name EP.
Bryson Tiller once said, “I’m back and I’m better,” and those words couldn’t be truer at the moment. After more than three years without music, the Louisville singer seemed to find his footing in the music world as he returned with his Anniversary album back in October. For those who believed the project would lead to another lengthy break, the singer is back to prove otherwise. Tiller returned with the deluxe version of Anniversary on Friday, one that adds five new songs and a guest appearance from Big Sean to the album. In addition to that, fans have also received a vibrant video for “Like Clockwork.”
Tiller uses the visual to take viewers through what a normal day looks like for him. From signing autographs for fans and making business decisions with his team to photoshoots and well-deserved downtime with friends, the singer gets through it all “like clockwork.” Further into the video, Tiller flaunts an impenetrable shield of confidence while taking direct shots at his haters and doubters. The track itself sends a clear warning to his opposition that his down days are over and he’s back to make up for the time he was gone.
The Anniversary deluxe will most likely be the last release fans of Tiller receive before he drops his long-awaited Serenity album. Early this month, the singer confirmed that the project would be a triple-disc effort featuring a rap side, an R&B side, and a pop side.
Watch the “Like Clockwork” video above.
Anniversary (Deluxe) is out now via RCA. Get it here.
Freddie Gibbs has lent his rap talents to a number of other hip-hop artists throughout his career, but tonight he’s working with a rising R&B star instead of a rapper. Adding a new entry to that list, the Alfredo rapper joins rising singer Joyce Wrice on their new single, “On One.” The track is a groovy number with both artists detailing the passionate relationships they find themselves in. No matter how hard they try to break it off, they end up returning to their partner for another dose of the love they tried so hard to run away from.
The track will appear on the singer’s upcoming debut album, Overgrown which is due for a release on March 19. Listeners will catch contributions from Lucky Daye, Westside Gunn, Kaytranada, Masego, Devin Morrison, and UMI on the album. While the track is Joyce and Freddie’s first collaboration together, they both appeared as guest acts on Westside’s 2020 album, Pray For Paris. On Freddie’s side of things, “On One” is his second track of the year following “Gang Signs” with Schoolboy Q. That song proved to be a much more relaxed effort than the potential song fans expected from the rappers.
“On One” comes after Freddie made an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast where the two held a four-hour conversation. It was here that the rapper claimed to have shot a crackhead nine times, an action that didn’t have too much of an effect on his target according to Freddie.
Streaming services keep on bringing us the fresh content every weekend, and this week, it’s a little lighter for a generally plentiful service (Netflix), but no worries, that one is gonna rally again in March. And a lighter week there is perfectly alright because the weather’s improved in much of the United States, so you might be able to step outside without slipping and sliding. However, there’s still plenty of content to entice you to spend time indoors, or at least, you shouldn’t feel guilty for doing so. With that said, we’re back to pick the best of what those platforms have to offer while weighing quantity and quality.
This weekend, Hulu and HBO Max are pretty much tied for what they’re bringing to the table, both quality- and quantity-wise. Peacock is bringing a strong game as well with a stocked library (including all of The Office and Modern Family) while rebooting a classic 1980s show about a certain foster kid. Amazon Prime is not to be forgotten with a LeBron James-produced sports documentary series, and Disney+ is coming in strong with one of the final WandaVision episodes. Overall, you won’t be disappointed!
In short, there’s a lot to be happy with here. We’ll discuss all of these top streaming services below, and then we hope you stream to your heart’s delight
Hulu
Hulu
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Hulu Original film) — Directed by Lee Daniels and starring Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Andra Day, this film follows the legendary jazz musician who was targeted in the 1940s by the federal government. This was all part of an effort to radicalize the war on drugs, which led to the feds attempting to stop Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” ballad from happening. It’s an at-times heart-wrenching portrait of a powerful civil rights activist and musical icon whose work still resonates, 80 years later and beyond.
Snowfall: Season 4 Premiere (FX on Hulu) — It’s (still) the next-day drill for FX on Hulu shows, thank goodness. The John Singleton-co-created series returns for the Season 4 premiere, and the show picks up with Franklin reemerging from his near-grave. In doing so, he aims to regain control over his empire prevent an all-out war of drug violence in the mid 1980s, Reagan-era streets of America.
Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures film on Hulu) — Frances McDormand stars this tribute to the American West as a widow (Fern) who loses her house and travels (nomadically, naturally) in her van. Freedom and danger abound, and one of the goals here is to figure out what Fern’s looking for, and whether she can possibly find it, or whether wandering is an escape or a solution, or whether the virtue is in the journey itself.
Tom And Jerry (Warner Bros. film) — This live-action/CGI-animation hybrid follows the continuing legendary rivalry between the title cat and mouse. They’re taking a New York City hotel by storm and launching mayhem-filled adventures as a massive, high-profile wedding looms. Chloe Grace Moretz stars as a wedding planner who’s there to wrangle them, and I believe we can all guess how well that goes. Godspeed.
Lupe (HBO Latino film on HBO Max) — This HBO Latino acquisition follows a Cuban immigrant, boxer, and transgender individual who searches for a missing sister in New York City. It’s a study of identity, loss, and personal discovery, and one where transgender individuals are front and center while seizing control of their own destinies. The film makes the directing debut of Andre Phillips and Charles Vuolo while starring Rafael Albarran, Lucerys Medina, and Celia Harrison.
Allen V. Farrow (HBO documentary series, HBO Max on Sunday) — This four part documentary series continues this weekend while digging into a notorious and still-raging scandal of what, exactly, happened with Woody Allen and his family. That includes daughter Dylan Farrow’s allegations of sexual abuse against her father along with Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s daughter, Soon-Yi, and the custody trial that grew especially ugly. In the aftermath, a sprawling family fractured, and that divide continues to this day with continuing disputes that revolve around the allegations.
Last Week Tonight: Season 8 Premiere (HBO Series, Sunday On HBO Max) — Everyone’s favorite sarcastic and satiric late-night host finally returned a few weeks ago (after blowing up 2020 and getting weird with sweet Adam Driver), and not a moment too soon. John Oliver will break down exactly what’s wrong with our society in a way that only he can do, and let’s hope that he brings back that award-winning hoodie, so we can all get fancy with him.
Peacock
Peacock
Punky Brewster: Season 1 (Peacock reboot series) — Hear me out here on this one. Reboot madness won’t stop (no matter what we do), and after NBCU’s streaming service did the Saved By The Bell thing (which is already renewed for a second season), the progression toward Punky Power shouldn’t be too surprising. In this series, Punky’s a single mom who finds herself inspired by meeting a young orphan who possesses of all her old spunk. Both Soleil Moon Frye and Cherie Johnson reprise their roles, and Freddie Prinze Jr. plays Punky’s ex-husband. Did she go by “Punky” or “Penelope” while taking wedding vows? I kind-of need to know.
Netflix
Netflix
Canine Intervention (Netflix series) — Bridgerton, this ain’t, and it certainly differs from most of Netflix’s other offerings of late. I didn’t even expect to be reeled in by this series about a California-based K9 dog trainer, Jas Leverette, as he helps owners with their “problem dogs.” Instead, I imagined that this would be an unbearable watch that would make me weepy while wishing that I’d never clicked, but something about this trailer made me suspect differently, and I’m glad to have given it a chance. The charismatic Jas transforms the lives of several dogs, beginning with Lady MacBeth, a three-legged survivor who suffered a gunshot and stood as the very essence of Jas’ motto, “It’s never the dog’s fault, it’s always human error.” These are uplifting journeys for this dog and many others, who received their second chances and worked tirelessly to achieve stunning transformations in the process. Jas’ holistic approach to training works surprising benefits for the humans involved in these stories, too.
Ginny & Georgia (Netflix series) — This one’s got some heavy Gilmore Girls flavor (although it’s very different in both good and not-so-good ways) with angsty and awkward Ginny feeling far more emotionally mature than her mom, Georgia Miller. They’re putting down roots for a normal life, but there’s plenty of bumps along the way, and apparently, there’s a lot of carpool and Kombucha to be had.
Crazy About Her (Netflix film) — An enigmatic woman has a “magical one night stand” (those are Netflix’s words, and they’re impossible to make better in this context), and she lives in a mental institution. That’s not the strangest thing that happens here. Rather, her one-night-stand partner is so taken with this lady that he decides to admit himself too. Ain’t love grand? Naturally, the dude gets a lot more than he bargained for after making his decision, so enjoy the romantic hijinks.
Behind Her Eyes (Netflix series) — This series follows a single mother who has an affair with her boss, who happens to be a psychiatrist, and then his wife ends up in her circle of friends. Naturally, this leads to a web of secrets and lies and so much drama, all from the producers of The Crown.
Disney+
Marvel
Wandavision: Episode 7 (Disney+ series) — Last week’s revelation that Agnes was Agatha All Along should lead to even more potentially catastrophic developments, but surely this show keeps cranking out the weekly successes, so whatever happens, people will undoubtedly be tipping their hat to Kevin Feige. Soon, we’ll be watching The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, too!
Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers (IMDB TV series on Amazon Prime) — LeBron James and Maverick Carter executive produce this series about a high-school athletics mecca near Los Angeles. Top Class follows six star players at what the show’s trailer refers to as “the most Instagrammed high school.” Their team scores back-to-back state championships and lands in the national headlines. Expect this one to have both heart and grit and every emotion in between.
In a much-anticipated matchup of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks against Zion Williamson and the Pelicans on TNT on Thursday, the Pelicans had a golden opportunity late when they stole the ball down three and had a chance in transition to tie the game.
But rather than one of their many shooters launching from deep, the Pelicans played hot potato with the ball, with none of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram taking a three when they caught the ball, instead tossing it around the arc. Ingram eventually drove into the paint as the clock wound down, only to get called for a charge on Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo as he tried a pass to Zion Williamson, who was under the rim where a two wouldn’t really help.
The mistake led to a wasted night for New Orleans, in which Williamson scored 34 points, Ingram put up 23, and Ball chipped in 20 of his own. There wasn’t much defense played in the game, but in the end, it was the Pelicans who played the best defense on themselves, shooting themselves in the foot by overthinking it and playing for a perfect shot that was never to come.
On the other hand, a hyper-efficient night for Antetokounmpo resulted in 38 points, and a momentary reprieve from his free-throw shooting woes helped seal the deal after this blown New Orleans possession. Milwaukee improved to 20-13 and scored a much-needed victory over the explosive Pelicans, who will be wondering what could’ve been had they gotten off a shot to force overtime.
What feels like decades ago, back in 2019, I saw Slayyyter perform live at the El Rey in Los Angeles with very few f*cks to give. Of course, her laissez faire attitude is part of what draws fans in, embracing a pop star who is well aware that being too polished and shiny is off-putting in the post-internet era. Slayyyter is Catherine Slater, a pop fanatic who grew up in St. Louis obsessing over the likes of Britney, Christina, and even Gaga. After an initial self-titled project, Slayyyter came out in 2019, Slater is now readying her first official release via Fader Label.
She announced Troubled Paradise in early 2021, sharing the title track and video and following it up tonight with another new song, “Clouds.” Though her past stuff was grittier and more ironic, these new songs hew closer to the sparkling bubblegum pop sound that defined the early 2000s, and she pulls it off with surprising confidence. Though “Troubled Paradise” has more of an ’80s tilt, this latest track, “Clouds,” is even more champagne daydream pop. Listen below and check out the full tracklist for Troubled Paradise below.
Troubled Paradise is out 6/11 via Fader Label. Pre-order it here.
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