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What’s On Tonight: ‘I May Destroy You’ And Some Solid Netflix Options

If nothing below suits your sensibilities, check out our guide to What You Should Watch On Streaming Right Now.

I May Destroy You (HBO, 9:00 p.m.) — Three months before the blank-spot in Arabella’s memory happened, Terry visits Arabella in Italy, and the two have a wild night of partying and drug use, all on her agent’s dime. Michaela Coel is killing it with this series, which is both brutally honest about the ripple effects of sexual assault and, at times, darkly funny.

The Politician (Netflix) — Again, not much is happening on cable TV right now, so your best bet is still streaming, and Netflix gave us plenty to watch over the weekend. Ryan Murphy’s dark political comedy is back for more, but this time, Payton Hobart has graduated from rigging high school elections to unseating New York Senator Dede Standish (Judith Light). And he’s doing it in some morally sticky ways. Like exposing some conspiracy cover-ups and scandalous throuples to get ahead in the polls.

Wasp Network (Netflix) — Olivier Assayas directs this star-studded spy drama. It’s a who’s-who cast-wise — think Ana de Armas, Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez, and Gael García Bernal — and the story centers on a Cuban airplane pilot (Ramirez) who leaves his wife (Cruz) and daughter behind to infiltrate an anti-Castro organization in Miami.

The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons – Ever! (ABC, 8:00 p.m.) — It’s that time. The show looks back at Ben Higgins’ Bachelor season, which started with heartbreak and ended with two surprising love confessions.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda Has Revealed Whether ‘Hamilton’ Will Be Censored On Disney+

When Disney+ announced that Hamilton would hit its streaming service in July, fans were noticeably concerned that Disney would censor the hit musical in order to keep it “family friendly.” It also didn’t help that when the announcement was made back in May, even Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda wasn’t entirely sure what changes would have to be made to prevent an R-rating, but he promised to keep them minimal.

“I think we’ll figure it out when we get there, but we’re not going to cut any sections of the show,” Miranda told New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan at the time. “If we have to mute a word here or there to reach the largest audience possible, I’m OK with that, because your kids already have the original language memorized. I don’t think we’re depriving anyone of anything if we mute an f-bomb here or there to make our rating.”

Following the release of the official trailer for Hamilton on Disney+, Miranda took to Twitter to address fan concerns after they noticed that the musical had landed the desired PG-13 rating. Turns out, he was shooting it straight back in May when he promised not to cut a single scene and that the most amount of censorship would be muting an f-bomb here and there. Two, to be exact:

MPAA has a hard rule about language: more than 1 utterance of “F**k” is an automatic R rating. We have 3 “F**ks” in our show. So I literally gave two f**ks so the kids could see it:
1. In Yorktown, there’s a mute over “I get the f___ back up again”
2. ‘Southern “record scratch*kin’ Democratic Republicans.”
You can sing whatEVER you like at home (even sync up the album)!

You can see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s full statement below:

Hamilton hits Disney+ on July 3.

(Via Lin-Manuel Miranda on Twitter)

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The Orlando Pride Have Pulled Out Of The NWSL Challenge Cup Due To Positive COVID-19 Tests

The NWSL is set to be the first U.S. team sports league to return to the field when they begin the month-long Challenge Cup this weekend in Utah, but they will now be without an entire team for that competition as the Orlando Pride announced on Monday they would be voluntarily withdrawing from the competition due to positive COVID-19 tests by players and staff.

According to the Pride’s release, an undisclosed number of players and staff members tested positive, and while all were asymptomatic they were withdrawing from the competition to help protect their players and staff, those they live with, as well as the other teams in the tournament.

“This was obviously a difficult and disappointing outcome for our players, our staff and fans, however this is a decision that was made in order to protect the health of all involved in the Challenge Cup,” said Orlando Pride EVP Amanda Duffy. “While we were all excited to see the 2020 Pride on the field this weekend, our priority is now making sure our players and staff safely recover and providing any support wherever and however possible.”

“While we were all looking forward to seeing the Pride return to the field, we are unfortunately facing a decision that is necessary and in the best interest for the health of our players and staff. The decision goes far beyond just the positives, but also taking into consideration roommates or partners,” said Daryl Osbahr, M.D., team doctor for Orlando Pride and chief of sports medicine for Orlando Health. “I commend the Club for its diligence and reaction following the initial positive test, as well as how the safety of players and staff was prioritized during this difficult and uncertain time. However the guidelines and process that are put in place, including the important protocols and timelines for contact tracing, make it logistically impossible for the Club to participate in the Challenge Cup in Utah.”

The Orlando area has seen a significant spike in recent weeks after the state of Florida has rapidly expanded its re-opening plan, and hopefully the players and staff that tested positive will remain asymptomatic. The Pride have shut down their training facility and will have it cleaned and sterilized, but it gives an indication of just how perilous all of the return to play plans are once testing begins and the scope of the pandemic’s effects are realized.

The NWSL has yet to issue an official statement on the Pride’s withdrawal, but will surely offer an update to scheduling for the tournament relatively soon.

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Athletes from across the sports world are supporting Bubba Wallace after noose hate crime

NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace took a bold stance two weeks ago by pushing the sport to ban the Confederate flag from its events.

Just two days later, NASCAR released a statement announcing the ban, saying that “The presence of the Confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry.”

Wallace is the only full-time black driver in NASCAR’s top circuit. He drives the No. 43 car with Richard Petty Motorsports.


Wallace’s bravery was challenged by an extremely cowardly and racist act on Sunday when a noose was hung in his garage at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. There were also many Confederate flags flown outside of the raceway in protest of NASCAR’s ban.

Fortunately, according to ESPN, a member of Wallace’s team found the noose before Wallace and quickly notified NASCAR authorities.

The incident prompted a stern response from NASCAR.

“Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team. We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We have launched an immediate investigation, and will do everything we can to identify the person(s) responsible and eliminate them from the sport.”

“As we have stated unequivocally, there is no place for racism in NASCAR, and this act only strengthens our resolve to make the sport open and welcoming to all.”

Wallace knew there was going to be a backlash to his push to have the flags removed but that didn’t stop him from speaking out. “There’s going to be a lot of angry people that carry those flags proudly but it’s time for change,” he said.

Athletes from across the world of American sports have come together to support Wallace in the aftermath of the ugly incident. Many of NASCAR’s biggest names apoke out on Twitter.

Los Angeles Laker LeBron James, arguably the most popular athlete in America, also sent a message of support for Wallace, calling the incident “Sickening!”

Athletes from the NFL, PGA Tour, and even the WWE, sent their support as well.

Wallace has no intention of letting the incident stop his attempts to eliminate racism from the sport.

“Together, our sport has made a commitment to driving real change and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone,” he said in a statement. “Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate.

“As my mother told me today, ‘They are just trying to scare you,'” he said. “This will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe in.”

In a show of solidarity on Monday, NASCAR drivers and crews pushed Wallace’s car to the front of the grid at Talladega before the race.

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Trump Is Suspending Certain Visas For Foreign Workers


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The Knicks Have Reportedly Been Given Permission To Interview Jason Kidd

The New York Knicks are among the eight teams whose offseasons have officially begun, as they will not be part of the planned 22-team restart in Orlando later this summer. While there will be major decisions to make in October regarding the draft and free agency, the first order of business in Manhattan is finding their next head coach.

It has been the prevailing thought of many that former Bulls and Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau would get the Knicks job, but Leon Rose is doing his due diligence and going through a full interview process, including some other intriguing names. Warriors assistant and former Cavs head coach Mike Brown is reportedly on the Knicks list for interviews, along with Spurs assistant Will Hardy and Sixers assistant Ime Udoku. Recently fired Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is also a strong contender for the job.

On Monday, another name emerged, as Marc Stein of the New York Times confirmed rumblings that ex-Nets and Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, currently an assistant with the Lakers, was on the Knicks list of candidates and that the Lakers had granted New York permission to interview him.

Kidd’s tenure in Brooklyn and Milwaukee saw some on-court success, but also came with lots of grumblings about his hard nosed approach as well as conflicts with management over power dynamics. He has drawn nothing but positive reviews from those around the Lakers this year, and there seems to be some indication that some time away from the lead spot on the bench has shifted his perspective a bit and given him a better relationship with those in the front office.

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All The Best New R&B From This Week That You Need To Hear

Sometimes the best new R&B music can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm and blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs fans should hear.

This week, Bren Joy released his Warner Records debut “Freezing,” Justine Skye unleashed her full-length project Bare With Me: The Album and Teyana Taylor released The Album, her robust follow-up to 2018’s K.T.S.E.. Check out the rest of the best new R&B music below.

Bren Joy — “Freezing”

Up and coming Nashville singer Bren Joy‘s “Freezing” is the perfect blend of R&B and jazz, and despite the song’s title, it carries the most infectious, brightest tune. Bren’s voice is impressive and the singer has no problem showing off the many different directions he’s capable of manipulating his vocals. The song is the follow-up to his 2019 cut “Henny In The Hamptons” off his Twenties project. “‘Freezing’ is about taking the initiative,” the rising singer said of the song. “It’s about taking a leap of faith into what you want to be and achieve.” Fans can expect the music video for “Freezing” real soon.

Justine Skye — Bare With Me (The Album)

Justine Skye brings her 2019 Bare With Me EP full circle with her full-length project, Bare With Me: The Album. The revamped project adds four tracks for a total of 10 songs, including a deconstructed version of “Maybe.” The newly evolved project is a melodic catharsis of Skye’s romantic past and serves as an end to a chapter.

Teyana Taylor — The Album

Two years following Teyana Taylor‘s K.T.S.E., the GOOD Music artist has finally released her third studio album aptly titled, The Album. The project is brimming with 23 songs and each one is special on its own. Though K.T.S.E. had only two features, The Album‘s guest appearance list is pretty smooth and includes Erykah Badu, Quavo, Kehlani, Future, her husband Iman Shumpert as well as Ms. Lauryn Hill on “We Got Love.”

Victoria Monet — “Experience” feat. Khalid

Victoria Monet and Khalid’s dazzling pop-R&B treat “Experience” is the latest offering from Monet’s upcoming project Jaguar, which is reportedly slated to arrive sometime later this year. Victoria and Khalid play off each other’s sparkling energy throughout the SG Lewis-produced track and sing about being all out of love.

They. — “Count Me In”

It’s been a minute since They. released their Fireside EP and this week fans were the recipients of new music from Drew Love and Dante in the form of “Count Me In.” The song is expected to make an appearance on their upcoming project The Amanda Tape, where They. explores various phases of love, emotions, and vulnerability as Black men. So far, the mixtape is slated to feature guest appearances from Tinashe and Juicy J.

John Legend — Bigger Love

EGOT icon John Legend comes with all the vibes on his seventh studio album Bigger Love, from its opening cut “Ooh La” to its closing number “Never Break.” Legend delivers 16 tracks of purified symphonies, dripping in love — something we could all use in today’s climate. Bigger Love is a truly relaxing trip on the piano genius’ dime. Jhene Aiko, Gary Clark Jr., and Rapsody all make an appearance on the album, among others.

Mereba — “Heatwave (acoustic)” feat. 6lack

Last year, Mereba and 6lack came together for The Jungle Is The Only Way Out‘s “Heatwave,” to much acclaim and have re-released an acoustic version of the song for the first week of the summer. The stripped-back version of “Heatwave” is just as good as the original and deserves a spin.

Bobby Brackins — “Drug of Choice” Feat. Eric Bellinger and Chloe Angelides

Bobby Brackins is bracing for his upcoming project Lata Harbor, home to his latest release “Drug Of Choice” featuring Chloe Angelides and Eric Bellinger. The introspective song is helmed by Chloe’s vocals to the sound of sharp snares and dramatic synths, pushing it into the realm of both pop and R&B. “Drug Of Choice” follows the release of Brackins March single “Wash My Hands” featuring Marc E. Bassy and August 08.

Mikhala Jene — “Let My People Go”

In celebration of Juneteenth, burgeoning R&B singer Mikhala Jene unleashed her powerful number “Let My People Go.” Jene recently headlined the virtual Escape Tracks R&B Festival along with the likes of Tone Stith and Eric Bellinger.

Cruel Santino — “End Of The Wicked” feat. Octavion

In a language of his own, Nigerian musician Cruel Santino, formerly known as Santi, entrances listeners on his latest single “End Of The Wicked” featuring French rapper Octavian. The funky tune is expected to appear on Cruel Santino’s upcoming sophomore album, which will be the follow up to 2019’s Mandy & The Jungle.

Mario — “Rewrite It”

Grammy Award-nominated singer Mario is bringing awareness to police brutality and racial injustice with his new track “Rewrite It.” “Having a voice and talent means nothing if you aren’t using your platform when it matters the most,” he said in a statement. “Sovereignty has to be declared and this is my declaration.”

Check out this week’s R&B picks, plus more on Uproxx’s Spotify playlist below.

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Sudan Archives Stuns In Her Beautifully-Arranged Tiny Desk Concert

While the music industry continues to cope with the reality of the pandemic, NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series made a swift move to virtual performances. The popular series began inviting artists to give a rendition of select songs from the comfort of their homes. But NPR has also been slowly releasing a number of performances from the “nearly 1,000 concerts” in their archives. Sudan Archives was the last musician to perform in NPR’s D.C. studios before the stay-at-home order, and NPR has now shared the full set.

Sudan Archives, moniker of violinist and singer Brittney Denise Parks, released her glowing debut record Athena last November. To celebrate, Parks gave renditions of three songs off the album for her Tiny Desk performance. Opening with her breakout single “Confessions” before moving into “Glorious,” Parks opted to strip down her performance to just four violinists. “There is a place that I call home / But it’s not where I am welcome / And if I saw all the angels / Why is my presence so painful?” she sings.

Announcing her final track “Nont For Sale,” Parks said the song is her “favorite.” The singer also revealed that their Tiny Desk performance marks the first time she and her back-up band had played together, though one wouldn’t be able to tell from their apparent chemistry.

Watch Sudan Archives perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk below.

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Microsoft Announced It Will Shut Down Mixer And Partner With Facebook Gaming

Less than a year ago, Microsoft made big waves when it announced that streamer Ninja would leave Twitch and sign a lucrative contract with Mixer to appear on the rival game streaming platform. But on Monday, Microsoft announced it would abruptly shut down Mixer and partner with another rival service, Facebook Gaming.

The move came as a surprise in the industry, especially given how much money the company had put into signing away high-profile gamers like Ninja and Shroud to build a bigger audience for Mixer. But Xbox Chief Phil Spencer posted an update on Monday that explained why Microsoft would end Mixer later this week and partner with Facebook Gaming.

Ultimately, the success of Partners and streamers on Mixer is dependent on our ability to scale the service for them as quickly and broadly as possible. It became clear that the time needed to grow our own livestreaming community to scale was out of measure with the vision and experiences we want to deliver to gamers now, so we’ve decided to close the operations side of Mixer and help the community transition to a new platform. To better serve our community’s needs, we’re teaming up with Facebook to enable the Mixer community to transition to Facebook Gaming.

Initially many wondered what would happen to the deals the company had signed with the streamers. But according to reports, the two biggest stars Microsoft signed on to help grow Mixer will opt out of their deals, making a lot of money in the process and becoming free agents.

Microsoft said its existing partners will move over to Facebook Gaming, with the Mixer service effectively shutting down on July 22. The move to Facebook is expected to help its upcoming xCloud game streaming service, but certainly came as a surprise on Monday given the resources the company had put into making Mixer work in a competitive landscape dominated by Twitch.

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Winona Ryder Says That Keanu Reeves Refused Francis Ford Coppola’s Demand To Make Her Cry During ‘Dracula’

While filming Bram Stoker’s Dracula, actress Winona Ryder claims that director Francis Ford Coppola yelled “you whore!” at her while standing off-camera to get her to cry. The filmmaker also tried to rally the film’s male stars, including noted mensch Keanu Reeves, to do the same in an abusive and misguided attempt at authenticity, but they refused.

“I’m supposed to be crying,” Ryder told the Sunday Times about the scene from the 1992 gothic horror movie where Gary Oldman’s Dracula turns into a pile of rats. “Richard E Grant, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu… Francis was trying to get all of them to yell things that would make me cry. But Keanu wouldn’t, Anthony wouldn’t… It just didn’t work. I was, like, really? It kind of did the opposite.” Reeves’ refusal to verbally assault Ryder led to a decades-long friendship (they technically got married while shooting Dracula).

In the same interview with the Sunday Times, Ryder also discussed the anti-Semitism she’s faced in Hollywood, including the time a studio head told her she was “too Jewish” for a “blue-blooded family” role and when Mel Gibson called her an “over-dodger” at a party. Here’s how she described the incident to GQ in 2010:

“I remember, like, fifteen years ago, I was at one of those big Hollywood parties. And he was really drunk. I was with my friend, who’s gay. He made a really horrible gay joke. And somehow it came up that I was Jewish. He said something about ‘oven dodgers,’ but I didn’t get it. I’d never heard that before. It was just this weird, weird moment. I was like, ‘He’s anti-Semitic and he’s homophobic.’ No one believed me!”

If Keanu Reeves is the best (which he is), Mel Gibson might be the worst.

(Via the Sunday Times and the Independent)