Coming to you live from downtown Los Angeles, for the 2020 AMA’s The Weeknd was sporting an entire face bandage during his performance of two songs off After Hours. Abel Tesfaye has been infamously showing up with an injured or bandaged face during this year, to mimic the aesthetic of his new album, which has been achieved with makeup and is not actually injuries. The entire face bandage he sported during his acceptance speech for R&aB album world had a few viewers who weren’t familiar with the shtick uneasy, but as far as we know, Abel is fine.
For his performance, The Weeknd opted for an outdoor show, walking along the length of the 6th Street Bridge (an infamous bridge in LA) and setting off fireworks in his wake. The bandages on his face perhaps make a bit more sense now, as they probably also helped him remain incognito while getting around the outdoor location. Kicking off with a jazzy solo from none other than Kenny G, Abel launched into a medley of the two latest singles off his album, “In Your Eyes” and “Save Your Tears.” Walking while singing and hitting all his marks for the plethora of fireworks isn’t an easy, phone-it-in show, Abel really brought it. Check out the video above.
The Lakers entered this offseason with few expecting a major roster overhaul, but as free agency has unfolded they’ve been among the league’s most active teams. They’ve brought back the likes of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but have also traded for Dennis Schröder and signed Montrezl Harrell and Wesley Matthews in free agency — with Dwight Howard and Danny Green leaving and both ending up in Philadelphia.
With Howard gone, the Lakers have been looking to bring in another true center for when they don’t want to go small with Anthony Davis (who will re-sign at some point in the near future) and Harrell, and Marc Gasol has been at the top of their list of targets. Creating enough room for Gasol required a trade of JaVale McGee, and on Sunday evening they found a partner in the Cavaliers to ship McGee and a second round pick to Cleveland, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, with two non-guaranteed players in Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie going back to L.A.
Lakers are sending McGee and a future-second round pick to Cavaliers, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/oVWXtMphII
The Lakers clearly felt that the team that won the championship last year needed some significant upgrades this season and have certainly shaken up the roster in a way not everyone thought they would or could. Gasol was not at his best in the playoffs last year for Toronto, but brings some playmaking to their frontcourt as an excellent passer, and can give them some solid team defense in bursts. Matthews looks to fill the Danny Green role of 3-and-D vet, while Schröder is a bit of a lottery ticket in that they hope his shooting from last year in OKC wasn’t a mirage and he can be an upgrade in the backcourt as a two-way point guard who is capable of playing off-ball.
In a Western Conference that’s seen some of the middling teams get better but the top contenders all tread water or take a step back, the Lakers have, on paper, seemingly put some distance between themselves and the pack in the West if all goes well.
Kanye West is celebrating the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy on Sunday and as a result, fans took to Twitter to celebrate the album and post their best memories of it like when they first bought the album or seeing the GOOD Music rapper perform live. Others used the anniversary to debate whether or not the 2010 album was the best release in Kanye’s catalog.
Others like Kim Kardashian, however, had a much more personal connection to the album. The wife of Kanye West revealed a very interesting tidbit about “Lost In The World” from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Sharing the news on her Instagram story, Kim said, “For those that don’t know the story of ‘Lost In The World’ on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy…. Kanye couldn’t come up with some lyrics and then realized he had them, it was what he wrote me for my 30th birthday card.” She added, “He took the poem he wrote me and made it the song,” before concluding the post with “Happy 10 year anniversary MBDTF.”
In the next post, she shared the birthday card Kanye gave her for her 30th birthday and it reveals the rapper ended up using the poem for the first verse of the song which reads:
You’re my devil, you’re my angel
You’re my heaven, you’re my hell
You’re my now, you’re my forever
You’re my freedom, you’re my jail
You’re my lies, you’re my truth
You’re my war, you’re my truce
You’re my questions, you’re my proof
You’re my stress and you’re my masseuse
Kim also shared the handwritten slip that Kanye used to write on as he created the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy track.
The Knicks have had a surprisingly quiet free agency, so far opting for smaller deals instead of the larger splashy ones they’re typically known for when they have money to spend. On Sunday, they continued their conservative approach to free agency with a reported signing of Austin Rivers.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks and Rivers reached an agreement on a one year deal to bring Rivers to New York. Rivers, who most recently played for the Rockets, will help shore up the Knicks guard rotation with another playmaker, because currently, their roster is lacking in that department.
Free agent Austin Rivers has agreed to deal with Knicks, source tells ESPN.
This will be the fifth team Rivers has played for. While he does have point guard experience, his primary role in previous stops has been as a secondary ball handler on the floor next to the primary. There’s no reason to think he won’t keep this role in New York with the Knicks lacking many secondary creators. The few ball handlers they do have are all primary creators or scorers and Rivers can be a hybrid between creating for others while also looking to score himself.
Considering this is a one year deal, and Rivers fills a position of need, this is a good signing for New York. They get to buy low on a player that, while not spectacular, is more than serviceable. If he turns out to be better than expected then they can flip him at the trade deadline for assets or keep him around and let him help with the development of their young guys. These are the kind of low risk moves the Knicks have sorely need the last few times they’ve entered free agency with cap space, and as they let the big free agents this offseason come and go, keeping future flexibility is clearly still the focus in New York.
When the Cowboys drafted CeeDee Lamb you knew immediately they had someone who could be special. Lamb was a speed demon at Oklahoma that put on a highlight reel every game and was a featured part in the Sooners offensive attack. So far this season Lamb has had flashes, but he hadn’t yet had a breakout performance or sensational catch that signaled he had arrived as a rookie star receiver — in part due to the quarterback instability in Dallas so far this season.
During Sunday’s matchup against the Vikings, Lamb may have had his moment in what was has been the best catch of his young career. The Cowboys were deep into Vikings territory and looking to add another touchdown on the board. Anything else at this point would have been a victory for the Vikings defense. Dalton threw up a fade to Lamb, but while Lamb was looking back shoulder, the ball was towards the back pylon instead. The rookie’s adjustment to the pass turned into a highlight.
Lamb makes this looks so easy despite it being a move that even the NFL’s best receivers struggle to make. What separates the elite receivers from the good ones is being able to make catches even on poorly thrown passes and expanding the target radius for your quarterback. On this one, Lamb does just that and brings it in so naturally he makes it look easy.
If Lamb’s career pans out the way many think it will then this is the kind of play that will be used as a coming out moment for him. A highlight catch in his rookie year where he made the difficult look easy.
While this offseason did not feature as many big names in free agency as recent seasons — or, at least, names that would be leaving their current teams — it did see some budding stars come eligible for extensions. On Sunday, two of those extensions became done deals as the Utah Jazz locked up Donovan Mitchell on a 5-year max, worth $163 million now and up to $195 million if he makes All-NBA next season, and fellow Class of 2017 member Jayson Tatum got the same max deal done with the Boston Celtics, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Tatum gets the full designated rookie max extension, with the All-NBA escalators that’ll take it near $200M, sources said. Tatum’s agent Jeff Wechsler and Celtics finalized details today. https://t.co/SfGjPRc3J5
It comes as no surprise that Tatum and the Celitcs would come to such an agreement, as he is the current and future face of the franchise. Tatum averaged 23.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game last season, all of which were career highs as he became the primary option on offense with Kyrie Irving gone and responded with strong efficiency and production. The Celtics are banking on Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who they signed to a 4-year, $115 million extension a year ago, to be cornerstones for the future, but also to help them contend now in the East.
This offseason hasn’t gone quite according to plan for Boston, as they’ve shuffled up their roster around the edges, bringing in the likes of Tristan Thompson and Jeff Teague, while seeing Gordon Hayward walk to Charlotte on a huge deal without being able to execute a sign-and-trade. Still, while the Celtics may have had bigger plans, locking up Tatum long-term was top priority and they got that done.
Daryl Morey has wasted no time rebuilding the Sixers roster as he sees fit, undoing just about everything possible from previous regimes. The general theory for Morey has seemed to be put players around Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons that maximize their talents, which you would’ve thought to be self-explanatory but had not always been the chief goal of previous roster moves in Philly.
On Sunday, Morey showed he’s not done just yet remaking the roster as he added even more frontcourt depth in a fairly surprising move, trading former first-round pick Zhaire Smith to the Pistons for Tony Bradley, who Detroit acquired in a draft night trade with the Jazz along with the 38th pick for future second rounders.
The 76ers are trading G Zhaire Smith to the Pistons for C Tony Bradley, sources tell ESPN.
Can confirm that the #Pistons are sending Tony Bradley to Philly for Zhaire Smith. Detroit takes on another young player who could use a fresh start, drops a center in process. @wojespn first.
For the Pistons, it’s a great move to buy low on a former first-round talent who hasn’t been able to see the floor much in Philly due to injuries and a severe allergic reaction. The Sixers move on from Smith in order to add some more center depth in Bradley who can, theoretically, better help the East contenders. It also possibly opens up a backcourt spot should they want to add another veteran guard in free agency. Still, moving on from a former 16th overall pick for Bradley this quickly is a pretty big surprise, but shows clearly that Morey isn’t going to hold onto anyone he doesn’t see as an immediately help to this year’s club.
The Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens met on Sunday in a matchup of AFC contenders that each still have plenty to prove. For the Ravens, it’s been a solid, yet unspectacular year as they haven’t found the same magic that made them the top-seed in the AFC a year ago. For Tennessee, their follow-up campaign to an AFC title game trip last season has been, likewise, solid, but questions persist about their offensive explosiveness against the very best teams.
For much of the afternoon in Baltimore, it was the Ravens who held the advantage, as they took a 21-10 lead. However, from there, the Titans would score 14 unanswered points, headlined by this incredible effort from A.J. Brown to fight his way into the end zone to, along with a Ryan Tannehill run for a two-point conversion, give the Titans a three-point lead.
The Ravens would march down the field and into the red zone for a chance to win the game, but a Lamar Jackson throwaway on third down brought Justin Tucker onto the field for a game-tying field goal which he would hit. The Ravens won the toss in overtime but went three-and-out, giving Tannehill and company the ball back. The Titans quickly moved it into field goal range through the air, and on first down from the 29 they handed the ball off to Derrick Henry who made sure to keep the game from being on the foot of Stephen Gostkowski.
Henry went over 1,000 yards with that rush and, despite a slow first half, managed to finish the game with 133 yards rushing — with that final run being his longest of the day. There’s not a running back in the league who is better in the second half than Henry, as he takes advantage of tired legs to run through tacklers as the prospects of dealing with bringing down his giant frame becomes less and less appealing as the game wears on. The win moves the Titans to 7-3 on the season, while Baltimore falls to 6-4 and third in the division behind the Steelers and the Browns.
When it comes to cold weather whiskeys, it’s difficult to top a nice bottle of rye. The peppery spice of the spirit makes it an extra warming option this time of year. But spice doesn’t mean unpleasant. A rye mash bill brings the heat, sure, but a premium expression ought to have spent enough time in the barrel to balance that out.
For those who don’t know, just as bourbon mash bills must be made up of at least 51 percent corn, rye mash bills must be made up of at least 51 percent rye grain. This gives rye whiskey its distinct kick — well suited for mixing into autumnal cocktails or slow sipping around the fire. And just like any whiskey, high-quality rye costs money. Not a ton, mind you, and you can get a solid bottle for a very affordable rate, but there’s an upper echelon that is worth exploring, too.
Below, we put together a list of eight expensive ($89 to $250) rye whiskeys that are absolutely worth the splurge. Check them all out below and get ready to thaw the winter cold.
Willett Family Estate 8 Year Rye
ABV: 59.8%
The Story:
This is one of the most sought-after bottles of rye whiskey on the market. If you can get your hands on a bottle, you’ll be treated to an 8-year-old complex, well-rounded rye. It’s made with a 51% rye mash bill and aged for eight years before being bottled at barrel proof.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is filled with spicy rye grains, sweet caramel, and cinnamon. The first sip is filled with hints of salted caramel, creamy vanilla, and just the right hint of peppery spice. The finish is long, warming, and ends with one final kick of black pepper heat.
Bottom Line:
If you can find a bottle, pick it up. It’s perfectly suited for slow sipping with a single ice cube or better yet, neat.
Like Willett, this is a beloved and sometimes hard-to-find bottle. This award-winning, small-batch rye whiskey is so full of flavors, it will take multiples glasses to find them all. It’s made in limited-edition quantities and ends up selling for way more than its original MSRP.
Still, if you have the cash, it’s worth it.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is filled with the aromas of cinnamon rolls, sweet clover honey, and vanilla. Up front, you’ll taste hints of sweet clove honey, resinous pine, subtle cinnamon, and floral sweetness. This is followed by charred oak and rich vanilla that all ends in a crescendo of spice.
Bottom Line:
This spice and sweetness combination works well in an old fashioned but deserves to be enjoyed neat. If you’re paying almost $200 for a bottle, mixing feels like a stretch.
This rye whiskey is so well balanced and nuanced that you might be surprised that it was only aged for two years. If you’re obsessed with maturation and oaky notes, you might find the price tag a bit high. On the other hand, if you believe that whiskey is more about what goes into the barrel than the barrel itself, you’ll enjoy this complex, subtly spicy masterpiece.
Tasting Notes:
The nose is filled with hints of dried fruits, almonds, and peppercorns. The first sip yields flavors of caramelized/burnt sugar, toasted oak, maple sugar, sweet cream, and a nice kick of cinnamon. The finish is medium in length, warming, and ends with a nice hit of cinnamon and caramel.
Bottom Line:
Even though it was only aged for two years, this pick is nuanced and complex enough to be enjoyed slowly — though you’ll want an ice cube to keep it company.
Over the past few years, Virginia’s Catoctin Creek has slowly gained a cult following (while winning multiple awards) in the whiskey world. Its cask proof Roundstone Rye is 116 proof, but surprisingly smooth. It’s only available twice per year and is made with a supremely spicy 100% rye.
Tasting Notes:
After your first nosing, you’ll find hints of candied orange peel, peppery rye grain, and brown sugar. The first sip bring you hints of sweet honey, brown sugar, toasted caramel, and charred oak. Like all great rye whiskeys, it ends with a nice kick of spicy heat.
Bottom Line:
This high proof rye opens up with a nice splash of water. Let it sit for a few moments to bloom, then take a sip. The flavors open beautifully.
This award-winning rye from Kentucky’s Barrell is truly a global spirit. It’s made up of a blend of straight rye whiskeys from Canada, Tennessee, Indiana, and even Poland. Aged between 4 and 14 years, this high-proof whiskey is extremely unique, both in the process to create it and the end product.
And that’s a good thing.
Tasting Notes:
Right off the bat, you’ll smell aromas that are reminiscent of bananas foster, sweet cinnamon, caramel, and pepper. The first sip brings you dried cherries, brown sugar, toasted vanilla beans, and baking spices. The finish is long, warming and ends with a mixture of sweet cream and spicy peppercorns.
Bottom Line:
If you managed to get your hands on a bottle of this limited-edition whiskey, savor it. Drink it slowly and enjoy every different flavor one at a time.
No rye whiskey list is complete without an expression from WhistlePig. When it comes to expensive rye whiskeys that are worth the price, it’s hard to beat the Vermont-based brand’s Old World 12 Year. It’s a blend of whiskeys finished in a combination of Sauternes, Madeira, and Port casks.
Tasting Notes:
A nosing will bring you aromas of brown sugar, toasted vanilla, and charred oak. This is a mellow, smooth rye whiskey with hints of honey, caramel, dried cherries. The finish is long, full of pleasing heat and ends with a final kick of caramel sweetness that’s more prominent than the final wave of spice.
Tasting Notes:
Find a friend (or family member) to share this bottle with. While it’s so good you will want to keep it for yourself, it’s best to experience these complex flavors with at least one other person — you’ll want to discuss!
Michter’s might be known for its bourbon. But you’re missing out if you don’t give its 10-year-old rye a chance. Aged in fire-charred new American oak barrels for a decade, this limited-edition whiskey is much sought after by collectors and drinkers alike.
Tasting Notes:
Dried orange peels, creamy vanilla, and aged honey are prevalent on the nose. The first sip is filled with hints of sticky toffee, charred oak, cooking spices, rich vanilla, dried orange peel, and a final flourish of spice.
Bottom Line:
While you might be afraid to open this bottle (because you might never get another one), crack it open on the first cold fall night and take it outside. It’s well-suited for slow sipping on a bracing evening.
Redemption is a big name in the world of rye whiskey. It’s 10 year with is bottled at barrel proof. At a whopping 57.4% ABV, this potent, yet smooth whiskey is made from a 95% rye mash bill — guaranteeing the peppery spice that so many rye drinkers appreciate.
Tasting Notes:
Nosing will bring you herbal hints as well as subtle cinnamon, and honey. The first sip brings hints of caramelized sugar, sweet vanilla, subtle herbs, dark chocolate, and spicy, peppery rye is well worth the $100 price tag.
Bottom Line:
Complex and fascinating… and maybe affordable enough that you can try mixing with it?
Lorde has been hard at work on her third album, which is probably why she’s been so quiet on social media. She explained why in a recent sit-down with her friend Cazzie David for Interview Magazine, saying, “Part of what made me peace out on social media, apart from feeling like I was losing my free will, was the massive amounts of stress I was feeling about our planet, about systemic racism, and about police brutality in this country.”
The singer has made infrequent appearances on social media over the last two years. Her most recent post came last month, when she hopped on Instagram to urge fellow New Zealanders to vote in the upcoming election. “Do it for our beautiful country and for me,” she said. “And next year I’ll give you something in return.”
Earlier this year, Lorde delivered an update on her next album. “I started going back to the studio again in December, just for something to do, and to my surprise, good things came out,” she said in the statement. “I want nothing more than to feed you treats, pop perfect morsels straight into your little mouths. But as I get older I realise there’s something to be said for the pleasant feeling of waiting for something of quality to become available to you.”
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