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The coronavirus pandemic has changed how everybody lives their lives. On a day-to-day basis, these changes have been mostly minor: Wear a mask in shared public spaces, wash your hands a little more often, stand a bit farther away from people than you usually would, and so on. There are those, though, who aren’t interested in adapting to life in the pandemic in these non-laborious ways, and among them is legendary 75-year-old Northern Irish musician Van Morrison.

He announced last week that he would be releasing a trio of anti-lockdown singles, and as promised, he delivered the first of them today, “Born To Be Free.” Stylistically, the song is in line with the breezy Van Morrison songs of yesteryear, but lyrically, things are different.

Some choice snippets include, “Don’t need the government cramping my style / Give them an inch, they take a mile,” and, “The new normal is not normal / It’s no kind of normal at all / Everyone seemed to have amnesia just trying to remember the Berlin Wall.”

Morrison previously said of the songs in a statement, “I’m not telling people what to do or think, the government is doing a great job of that already. It’s about freedom of choice. I believe people should have the right to think for themselves.”

Two more songs, “No More Lockdown” and “As I Walked Out,” are set to arrive soon, but in the meantime, check out “Born To Be Free” above.

Ever since Travis Scott announced his collaboration with McDonald’s using the action figure from his Rodeo album cover in the commercial, fans have been clamoring for the toy to become available. Now, after three sold-out drops of collaborative merch that included floor rugs, chicken nugget body pillows, and all sorts of other zany stuff, they are finally releasing the action figure from the TV spot — but there’s a catch. Fans won’t be able to purchase the toy on Travis’ website or at their local McDonald’s.

Instead, they’ll have to enter a sweepstakes from this weekend, from September 25 to September 27, to win one of just five of the action figures. Fans will need to quote tweet the below and add: “Cactus Jack sent me to @McDonalds #CactusJackSweepstakes.”

To be honest, it’s pretty disappointing that the most hot-ticket item of the whole collab essentially comes down to a lottery prize, but on the other hand, it’s a genius marketing move for Travis and McDonald’s that ensures their social media reach will be effectively absolute over the next three days. It’s big promo for Travis too, as he just released his “Franchise” video, premiering it at IMAX screenings of Tenet. He’s also due to appear in Rihanna’s next Fenty X Savage fashion show, so things are looking up for the Houston star, even if they’re looking bleak for hypebeasts who wanted his McDonald’s action figure.

The country is (still!) on fire, the president is threatening to “sign an executive order” to prevent Joe Biden from becoming president (not to mention that whole democracy-upending thing), and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run has been delayed until 2021. Stressful times. But it’s important to remember to sit back, relax, and listen to Keanu Reeves and Zoe Kravitz talk about nature over footage of babbling brooks.

The HBO Max series A World of Calm is “designed to transform your feelings through enchanting music, scientifically engineered narratives, and astounding footage,” according to the streaming service. The collaboration with the Calm app combines “mesmeric imagery with narration by A-list stars,” including Reeves and Kravitz, as well as Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba, Oscar Isaac, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Nicole Kidman, Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy, and Kate Winslet. Think: Planet Earth meets every therapist’s waiting room meets getting stoned and discussing the meaning of life with Nicole Kidman.

I haven’t seen an episode, but I’m ready to call it the perfect show:

A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world. Building on Calm’s Sleep Stories – bedtime stories for grown-ups – each relaxing tale is designed to transform how you feel.

A World of Calm premieres on HBO Max on October 1, so if your friend brags that he slept with Idris Elba on October 2, you’ll know why.

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker can’t seem to get enough of his own songs, collaborating with a number of other artists to bring life to his favorite tracks from his album. “Borderline,” the lead single from the band’s new album The Slow Rush, is the latest to receive a remix, this time courtesy of another multi-monikered multi-instrumentalist: Blood Orange’s Devonté Hynes. After previously re-working “Borderline” into an electronic jam for his appearance on The Tonight Show, this time around, he lets Dev Hynes slow it down and turn up the groove.

The remix extends the overall runtime of the song, adding an atmospheric intro, soft synths, and a downtempo bassline that turns the dancefloor-ready track into one more suited to lounging around the house on a day off, staring at the ceiling and zoning out. The song also now has a false ending, fading out at seven minutes before coming back for 10 more seconds of groove to leave listeners wanting more.

Other songs Tame Impala has had remixed by high-profile collaborators include “Is It True,” which was updated by Four Tet, “Guilty Conscience,” remixed by 070 Shake, and “One More Year,” which Parker remixed himself into an 18-minute epic.

Listen to Tame Impala’s “Borderline (Blood Orange Remix)” above.

Cheap bourbon should be fun. Before 2020, it was the bourbon we shot at dive bars with a beer back. It was the bourbon we took to raucous parties. It was the bourbon we learned to make cocktails with. We’re talking about bottles that are extremely accessible but still deeply enjoyable — with simple noses and flavors, divorced from any elitism or snobbery.

Generally, speaking, I find myself appreciating bottom shelf bottles of whiskey, even as I taste increasingly expensive drams. That’s why I was all too happy to take my editor’s challenge and blind taste test five affordable, mainstream bourbon expressions. Plus, I wanted to see if I could get them all right.

This is actually a twofold challenge. One, I want to test my mettle as a professional whiskey reviewer/drinker. Two, I’d also like to answer whether there really is that big of a difference in the low-end bourbons and decipher whether their prices fit their flavors. The five bottles I landed on are all around or under $20 mark and widely available nationwide — Jim Beam, Evan Williams, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and Maker’s Mark.

(I was going to throw in a few more bottles, but five is enough for a single session and I can always do this again with five more cheap bourbons at a later date — I have my kidneys and liver to think of.)

The science here is easy. A friend came over for lunch and poured for me. I tasted the bourbons, then we ate brisket tacos. I had in my mind what each of these bourbons taste like, since I’ve had all of them multiple times over the span of two decades. Still, I was nervous that I was going to get tripped up, especially since Jim Beam and Wild Turkey have the same mash bills and barrel char.

Let’s jump right in and see if I flailed or soared in this little taste test!

PART I — The Blind Test

Number One

The Taste:

This is light and very familiar from the nose onward. There’s a clear sense of berries next to the vanilla. There’s a mild burn from spice as the sip quickly fades.

The Bottom Line:

I just ran an Expression Session with Four Roses and I know this is their entry-point bourbon. I feel both emboldened that I knew this from the first nose and also a bit nervous that maybe my friend led with this on purpose, to give me a false sense of security.

Number Two

The Taste:

Clear notes of grain crackers dominate this nose and sip. There’s a vanilla underbelly with a hint of spice. It’s brown sugar sweet and fades rather quickly, with a slightly astringent edge.

The Bottom Line:

I’m torn between Jim Beam and Evan Williams on this one. I know that cracker graininess. I know that sweetness. I have to go with Jim Beam.

Number Three

The Taste:

This is completely different and I’m back to being confident in my nose and palate. There’s a sense of oak next to mild fruit. Then as the sip fades, you get this sense of dried florals and an almost plummy nature.

The Bottom Line:

This can only be Maker’s Mark. The wheat in the mash bill is easy to spot when you’re tasting this next to corn and rye-forward bourbons.

Number Four

The Taste:

Ah, grainy crackers are back. There’s that sweetness again next to a hint of orchard fruit. Mildly spicy. Bit of vanilla. Easy burn with a bit of metallic edge.

The Bottom Line:

Again, this could either be Evan Williams of Jim Beam. I have to go with Evan Williams.

Number Five

The Taste:

This one is fruity up front, with a dose of spice and a hint of vanilla. There’s a nice, mild touch of apple and pear. This dram fades very easily with a nice warmth and a hint of oak.

The Bottom Line:

This has to be Wild Turkey. I know, it’s the only one left, but this is 100 percent Wild Turkey.

PART II — The Answers

Number One: Four Roses (Correct)

ABV: 40%
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg, KY (Kirin Brewing)
Average Price: $22

The Whiskey:

This whiskey is a blend of all ten of Four Roses mash bills. It serves as a gateway to the brand. It’s also crafted to be a cocktail base. Still, if you want to throw in on a couple of rocks and sip it, no one is going to stop you.

Number Two: Evan Williams (Incorrect)

ABV: 43%
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery, Louisville, KY
Average Price: $12

The Whiskey:

Evan Williams is one of the most beloved cheap bourbons out there. The low-rye mash bill helps the corn grains shine. It definitely pisses me off I confused this for Jim Beam.

Number Three: Maker’s Mark (Correct)

ABV: 45%
Distillery: Maker’s Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY (Beam Suntory)
Average Price: $24

The Whisky:

This bourbon stands out, thanks to its wheated-bourbon mash bill. The whiskey swaps out the rye for 16 percent red winter wheat and it’s unmistakable from the first nose.

Number Four: Jim Beam (Incorrect)

ABV: 40%
Distillery: Jim Beam, Clermont, KY (Beam Suntory)
Average Price: $15

The Whiskey:

This whiskey is a classic and a very easy-drinking dram. It’s also kind of shocking how similar it tastes to Evan Willaims when they don’t even have the same mash bill. They are very close though — Evan Williams is a mash bill of 78 percent corn, ten percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. Jim Beam’s mash bill is 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 malted barley.

Still, I got this one wrong. I admit it.

Number Five: Wild Turkey (Correct)

ABV: 40.5%
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery, Lawrenceburg, KY (Campari)
Average Price: $16

The Whiskey:

This 81 proof bourbon has a signature taste. The juice is crafted to be a cocktail base but I’d argue it’s perfectly suited for highballs with good, fizzy mineral water.

PART III — Final Thoughts

For around $16 per bottle, you really can’t beat Wild Turkey. That’s especially true if you’re mixing cocktails. Turkey also wins for having the nicest bottle. The cork is a nice touch. Though, I’d argue the Maker’s Mark is the better cocktail base, especially for Manhattans. Four Roses probably would rank next for me. It’s a little more refined than both Evan Williams and Jim Beam, which really registered almost identical for me on this tasting. Still, I always have a bottle of Jim Beam around.

Every now and then, a story hits the internet that is almost too good to be true, as it exists right at the intersection of two things that are in the sports and pop culture zenith. One such example, buried in the midst of a story about the motel from Schitt’s Creek being up for sale, involves the former living situation of one of the hottest names in the NBA right now.

According to this piece by Chris Halliday of Simcoe.com, the Rosebud Motel — famous for being the home of Rose family on everyone’s favorite Canadian sitcom about a group of once-wealthy victims of fraud — is up for sale. Its current owner is Jesse Tipping, who in his spare time runs renowned Canadian prep school Orangeville Prep, and has used it as a residence for those who ply their trade for the school’s basketball program, like former standout Jamal Murray.

Currently serving as the president of the Athlete Institute Basketball Academy and Orangeville Prep, Tipping purchased the motel in 2011 to house recruits for what’s become the most successful prep school basketball program in Canada.

Former Orangeville Prep alum and budding NBA superstar Jamal Murray, of the Denver Nuggets, lived there for two years — so did Miami Heat training camp invitee Kyle Alexander.

This news comes as Murray is in the midst of an absolutely torrid run in the postseason for the Denver Nuggets — which find themselves down 3-1 for the third consecutive playoff series — and after Schitt’s Creek had a record-setting evening at the Primetime Emmy Awards this past week. All of this would be setting up for a Murray cameo on the show in some capacity, but unfortunately, Schitt’s Creek called it a wrap earlier this year following six seasons.

Always looking to lend a hand, Ryan Reynolds has unveiled the latest version of his liquor offerings: Aviation Gin Homeschool Edition. Housed in a massive bottle, Reynolds promises this latest offering from his gin brand can help with a “variety of subjects” during these unusual back to school times. From “fourth grade geography” to “whatever the f*ck new math is,” Aviation Gin has you covered.

The tongue-in-cheek ad is yet another in a series of social media videos that prove how Reynolds is the master at bringing snarky charm and eyeballs to any brand. He recently scored laughs by coaxing Rick Moranis to appear in an awkwardly fun commercial (for Mint Mobile) where Reynolds equated Moranis’ acting hiatus to an… unlimited data plan. (We mentioned it was awkward, right?)

But Reynolds isn’t just lending his comedic wit to brands during this pandemic. The Deadpool star also took part in a public health initiative to encourage his fellow Canadians to wear masks. Not just for their safety, which is obviously important, but for his poor mom who is stuck at home instead of prowling for young lovers, and Reynolds won’t have it. Here’s the message he recorded after being asked by British Columbia Premiere John Horgan to get millennials on board with masks:

“My mom, I mean, she doesn’t want to be cooped in her apartment all day; she wants to be out there cruising Kitsilano Beach, looking for some young 30-something Abercrombie burnout to go full Mrs. Robinson on. She is insatiable. But here’s the thing. I hope that young people in BC don’t kill my mom, frankly, or [environmental scientist] David Suzuki, or each other. Let’s not kill anyone. I think that’s reasonable.”

You can listen to Reynold’s “voicemail” below:

(Via Aviation American Gin)

As you’re no doubt aware, gyms were forced to shut down for the pandemic, and it’s still not a great idea to visit them now. Nonetheless, people are still getting through these times, in part, by working out like demons. They’re doing it with home gyms, which might mean cardio machines squeezed into a home office right next to the desk, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Well, Channing Tatum has clearly devoted a substantial chunk of time this year to his own workouts and to crafting his abs in the kitchen. In a new shirtless Instagram post, he’s thanking fans for being there for him and celebrating how “daddy is finally back boooi!!”

The Magic Mike XXL star cited a long journey, “life sh*t,” injuries, and vaguely-described chaos while unveiling his newly (re-)ripped abs on Instagram next to a Purell bottle.

Tatum is currently working on his directorial debut, Dog, a roadtrip comedy in which he’ll star as a former Army Ranger alongside a beautiful Belgian Malinois, Lulu, as he attempts to arrive at a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. You can see a few production photos at People, although the images don’t show him shirtless. I guess he saved that for Instagram? How kind of him. As of this writing, he’s scored nearly 1.5 million “likes” for his efforts, after which many people probably popped over to YouTube to watch his “Pony” welding dance. Channing Tatum might salvage our sanity in 2020.

Hip-hop is moving as fast as ever. Luckily, we’re doing the work to put the best new rap music in one place for you. This week, there were videos from YG, Armani Caesar, Gunna, Tee Grizzley and Big Sean, Anderson .Paak and Rick Ross, Baby Keem, Spillage Village. There were also songs from Reason, as well as Rexx Life Raj and D Smoke. Here’s the rest of the best new rap music this week.

2KBaby — “Mad”

2KBaby riffs on fake friends and phonies alike on “Mad,” a heartfelt track where he lets us know, “If you didn’t know before all these rollies / then you gotta show me.”

BFB Packman — “Funtime” Feat. Wiz Khalia

BFB Packman released the video for “Funtime” with Wiz Khalifa. The two live up to the song’s title, as Packman dishes off a slew of rhyming one-liners before Wiz rhymes, “Know I started off small but now I’m GOAT status.”

Bia — “Same Hands” Feat. Lil Durk

Epic artist Bia is paranoid on “Same Hands,” a smooth track where she warns “don’t think that I’m soft because I’m gracious” before Durk delves into a passionate crooning appearance. The song is paired with a scenic visual expressing a Bonnie and Clyde-esque dynamic.

Duke Deuce — “Duke Nukem Freestyle”

Duke Deuce is known for his invigorating mic presence, but on his “Duke Nukem Freestyle” he dials it back and raps about the coldness of the Memphis streets.

KXNG Crooked & Joell Ortiz — “Hands Up (Outlaws)”

Kxng Crooked and Joell Ortiz get grimey on “Hands Up (Outlaws),” a thriller crafted for the Welcome To Sudden Death soundtrack. The two take turns narrating a heist in edge-of-your-seat, assonant fashion.

Lupe Fiasco — “BBQ Chicken Thighs Freestyle”

Earlier this week, Lupe Fiasco made some chicken so good he dedicated his latest freestyle to them. The Chicago wordsmith sounds unbothered by the internet’s latest comparison of him and Kendrick, effortlessly dishing off wordplay over a sunny Soundtrakk production.

Matt Muse — “Shotgun” Feat. Femdot

Chicago’s Matt Muse released a video for “Shotgun,” a standout collaboration with Femdot from Muse’s 2019 Love & Nappyness album. The creative video shows both artists hanging around cars in life-size and next to toy cars as miniatures.

Mozzy — Occupational Hazard

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Mozzy beat the Friday rush with Occupational Hazard, a sarcastically-titled album that delves into the deadly toll of stepping into the streets. The 14-track project contains features from fellow storytellers like Wale, YFN Lucci, Trae Tha Truth, Tsu Surf, and Quando Rondo, who shows up on the solemn “Heartbroken.”

Soap.wav — Atlantis

Earlier this month, Cambridge artist Soap.wav released his debut Atlantis album. The nine-track project shows the genre-bending artist reeling off slinky melodies over a suite of smooth, 808-based production.

Smoove’L — “Wait A Minute”

Smoove’L is one of the most melodically-inclined artists in the Brooklyn drill scene. He showed off his skills once again on “Wait A Minute,” a swaggering track where he affirms he’s “on real life vibe, f*ck an IG” over Omar Grand production.

Snot — “Revenge”

Snot is set to release his yet-to-be-titled album on October 30th. He offered up an example of what to expect on “Revenge.” He laces the melancholy guitar-based production with both lamentations and feel-good reflections like, “I just wanna chill wit’ my day ones / outside but it’s rainin’ but I feel the sun.”

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

On Thursday night, the Lakers were able to gut out a 114-108 win against a feisty Nuggets team to take a 3-1 series lead in their Western Conference Finals series, putting them just one game away from the NBA Finals. But it was a contest that wasn’t without its discrepancies, at least in some people’s minds.

On a couple of late drives by Jamal Murray, the Nuggets’ super-talented combo guard weaved his way into the lane, only to find himself on the floor with no whistle to save him. The Lakers had made the key switch to put LeBron on Murray down the stretch, and the result was a key win in a game that could’ve swung the series.

But head coach Mike Malone wasn’t happy about what he saw as lopsided officiating late in Game 4, and speaking to reporters afterward, he got some jabs in at both the referees and the Lakers for their move earlier in the series to submit an official complaint about what they saw as their own lack of free throws.

Malone seemed to be referring to Lakers coach Frank Vogel’s comments after Game 3, when he said they were going through the “proper channels” to try and get LeBron the foul calls he believed he deserved. Through the first three games of the series, LeBron had gone to the line a total of 10 times, after averaging more than six trips to the stripe per contest throughout the postseason. LeBron had a total of 14 free throw attempts in Game 4, converting 11 of them.

By the final buzzer, the Lakers had gone to the line 35 times total to the Nuggets 23, but the overall tally for both teams in the series is an even 113 apiece. It’s unclear whether Malone was simply being facetious to make a point or whether he does indeed plan to submit a complaint, a la the Houston Rockets from a few years back. Either way, it was also a clever move on his part to criticize the officiating while potentially avoiding a fine and getting a joke off at the opposition’s expense.