Month: September 2021

SD Upholds Big Dog Status On “Already Know”

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When you talk about Chicago’s drill scene, Chief Keef and Lil Durk are among the first names to come to mind. However, it was the entire movement behind them and their cliques that allowed it to become a massive global phenomenon. SD, for instance, was a pivotal force during the early days of the drill movement, though over the years, the hype around his name has dwindled along with his musical output. 

This week, he returned with a brand new single titled, “Already Know.” It’s a declaration asserting his status on the streets over glossy synths that contrast the muddy bass. “N***as be talkin’, but they know the truth/ They know I’ll kill ’em on set,” he raps with a deadpan delivery.

Check out the record from SD below and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics
We was gettin’ paid in the hood
These lil n***as already know
I was on the block with the hood 
They was waitin’ on the word just to go

Miguel And Nazanin Mandi Announced Their Separation After 17 Years Together

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R&B star Miguel and his longtime partner Nazanin Mandi have announced their separation today. In a statement to People the couple said “they wish each other well,” and a statement from a rep to the magazine also said that “after 17 years together, Miguel and Nazanin Mandi have decided to separate and have been for some time now.” Though they were together for over a decade, the pair decided got engaged back in 2016 and were married in 2018 at the the Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley, California. Now, after three years of marriage, they’ve decided to call it quits.

Plenty of couples have experienced turmoil or dissolution during the pandemic, but it’s nice to see that these longterm partners are apparently able to make that call while staying on good terms. As for Miguel, he announced a return in the spring of this year, letting fans know that Art Dealer Chic Vol. 4 was coming in April. The Art Dealer Chic series was one that began early in his career, so along with the new installment he also made the earlier EPs from the series available on streaming for the first time. Other than that it’s been a quiet year for the R&B star, but a divorce is often the catalyst for a new creative era, so we’ll see what the future brings for him.

Miguel & Wife Nazanin Mandi Separate After 17 Years Together

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They were once one of the industry’s most adored “couple goals,” but their relationship has reportedly ended. The romance between Miguel, 35, and his wife Nazanin Mandi, 35, has come to a halt after the couple officially announced their separation. It has been common to hear these two boasting about their 17-year relationship and they often appeared on our timelines in loving photos. It is unclear just how they have been separated, but a representative for the couple shed some light on the breakup.

“After 17 years together, Miguel and Nazanin Mandi have decided to separate and have been for some time now,” the rep told PEOPLE.

Miguel, Nazanin Mandi
Gregg DeGuire / Stringer / Getty Images

“The couple both wish each other well,” they continued. Prior to tying the knot in 2018, the famous couple was engaged for two years after dating for 10.

Back in April, Miguel spoke with Metro News U.K. about his marriage and all seemed well. “Our relationship has never been stronger,” he told the outlet. “The majority of our pre-marriage, my albums all happened before I got married, so that meant me not being here was normal. Us being separate for weeks – no more than two and a half weeks we liked to be separated for.”

“It was normal, that was the regular thing but that obviously was not the case last year. It actually gave us the opportunity to have a different level,” Miguel added. “We dream different and it might be because we’re more in sync and more in touch on a day-to-day level on how we calibrate so we’re always encouraging and doing our best to just be supportive because it’s challenging.”

Miguel
Gregg DeGuire / Stringer / Getty Images

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Twitter Reacts To Will Smith Admitting Marriage To Jada Pinkett Is Non Monogamous

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Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s depiction of a picture-perfect marriage was practically shattered in 2019 when the infamous “entanglement” incident between Jada and August Alsina came to light. In one of his most revealing interviews to date, Will Smith spoke to journalist Wesley Lowery for GQ where he talked about everything from his 50th birthday to his evolution as a human, the BLM movement, and of course, his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith.


Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

During the interview, Smith details their journey to unconditional love after being miserable with one another. Smith explained how at one point, he spent three years planning a birthday party for Jada’s 40th, only for her to describe it as, “the most disgusting display of ego I have ever seen in my life.” Needless to say, they’ve had their ups and downs but they’ve found happiness with each other and it seems partly due to not being monogamous.

“Jada never believed in conventional marriage.… There were significant endless discussions about, what is relational perfection? What is the perfect way to interact as a couple? And for the large part of our relationship, monogamy was what we chose, not thinking of monogamy as the only relational perfection,” Smith said. “We have given each other trust and freedom, with the belief that everybody has to find their own way. And marriage for us can’t be a prison… But the experiences that the freedoms that we’ve given one another and the unconditional support, to me, is the highest definition of love.”

As you can imagine, Twitter had loads to say about Will Smith’s interview. Peep some of the best ones below. 

Travie McCoy Says Heroin Addiction Made Him A “Professional Bridge Burner”

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Travie McCoy is making a massive comeback nearly a decade after releasing his debut studio album, Lazarus. The Gym Class Heroes frontman has seldomly released new music in the past 10 years but he’s been slowly unveiling new singles like “Spoonful Of Cinnamon” and his latest, “Love Me Back To Life” in preparation for his official sophomore release.


Scott Gries/Getty Images

The rapper chopped it up with HNHH this past July where he discussed the legacy of As Cruel As School Children, working with El-P, discovering Tyga, and so much more. During the interview, the rapper explained the struggles he faced with substance abuse while touring with Gym Class Heroes and establishing his solo career.

“I was a professional bridge burner at one point. One, I never did drugs with anyone else. I’d always be isolated and I never wanted people to know that I was on drugs. But it’s hard for people to think you’re not doing drugs when you’re like drooling on yourself,” he explained. But his addiction began to take a toll on his career, beyond just the creative aspect. He said that tours and shows were being nixed until the one morning where he woke up and threw all of his pills out.

“It took one morning waking up and just going to my medicine cabinet and throwing my pills away and saying, like, ‘I’m choosing to live.’ I never thought I’d see 30, bro. Real talk. And I’m turning 40 next month. But that morning, I woke up like ‘I need help.’ That’s all it takes,” he explained before offering advice to anyone who has struggled or is struggling with addiction.

“If there’s advice out there I can give to anybody going through what I went through — all it takes is to tell somebody you need help. Tell somebody you really trust that you need help and they’ll help you,” he said.

Check out the full interview here. 

Russell Westbrook Reportedly Wanted Bradley Beal To Ask Out Of Washington

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In the 2020-2021 season, the Washington Wizards were led by the likes of Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook — finishing third in the South East Division with a regular season record of 34-38. In last season’s COVID-shortened regular season the Washington Wizards got off to an abysmal start after seven players tested positive for the virus in January. 

Behind the leadership of Bradley Beal’s efficient 31.3 points per game and Russell Westbrook’s triple-double average, the Wizards made an improbable push toward the NBA Playoffs winning 17 out of their final 23 games. 

bradley beal

Rob Carr/Getty Images

After beating Lamelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-in Game, the Washington Wizards would eventually be bested by the likes of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons four games to one. 

After building a rapport on and off the court with shooting-guard Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook angled for a change of scenery. 

According to The Athletic’s Bill Oram, Shams Charania and Sam Amick,

“Before Westbrook resorted to calling Leonsis, he had tried to convince Beal in the weeks leading up to the draft that they should both ask out of Washington, according to sources. Short of Beal showing a desire to also request a trade, Westbrook was hopeful Beal would at least support his efforts to get to L.A. — which, sources said, Beal did.”

After Beal’s refusal to leave Washington, Russell Westbrook was rerouted back to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers for a package of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the No. 22 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

As for Beal and the Washington Wizards, the deal bolsters their roster with proven veteran players who have prior championship experience. 

By staying committed to Washington, Beal is closing in on capturing a long-term deal byexercising his Bird rights — which is an exception that allows the team to exceed the (salary) cap to retain its own free agent. 

The most Washington can offer Beal on a new extension this summer is $181.5 million over four years.

Should Bradley Beal play out the 2021-22 season and decline his $37.26 million option for 2022-23, he would be eligible for a much larger payday from the Wizards. That could come in at a projected $235 million over five years. That’s a difference in about $53.5 million more in guaranteed money.  

With Bradley Beal entering his prime at age 27, he should be focused on maximizing his earning potential with at least two more major contracts left in his NBA career. Beal has also built a genuine connection with both the organization and the Washington D.C. community. 

The Wizards open their regular season Wednesday October 20, 2021 against the Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors.

The Lakers open their regular season Oct 19, 2021 against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Jack Harlow Explains Why He Was ‘Totally Jealous’ Of Bryson Tiller

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Getty Image

Louisville was never known as a hotbed of hip-hop but in recent years, the city’s profile has risen considerably thanks to the success of hometown heroes like Bryson Tiller, Jack Harlow, and EST Gee. Harlow especially has had a standout year; riding the wave of his No. 2 hit “What’s Poppin,” he managed to turn that buzz into a No. 5 chart debut for his debut album, Thats What They All Say, and turn himself into a fixture of pop culture thanks to a string of viral moments and his placement on Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby.”

A big part of Harlow’s rise was a boost from Tiller on the song “Thru The Night” from his 2019 mixtape Confetti. However, before that collaboration, Harlow counted himself one of Tiller’s biggest fans, telling Complex in a new interview today that he was actually “totally jealous” of his fellow Louisvillian when Tiller first crossed over in 2015 with “Don’t” and Trapsoul.

“I’d hear Outkast, or I’d hear Drake, or I’d hear Kendrick Lamar talk about where they’re from and rep it,” Jack explains. “And I was like, ‘Who’s going to do that for Louisville?’ Bryson Tiller comes out. I’m in awe. I’m inspired. And I’m totally jealous. And I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, this guy got it.’”

In addition to “Thru The Night,” the two Kentuckians also teamed up with their late fellow local Static Major for “Luv Is Dro” from Jack’s new album. You can read Complex‘s full profile on Harlow here.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Jack Harlow Explains Why He Was ‘Totally Jealous’ Of Bryson Tiller

by
Getty Image

Louisville was never known as a hotbed of hip-hop but in recent years, the city’s profile has risen considerably thanks to the success of hometown heroes like Bryson Tiller, Jack Harlow, and EST Gee. Harlow especially has had a standout year; riding the wave of his No. 2 hit “What’s Poppin,” he managed to turn that buzz into a No. 5 chart debut for his debut album, Thats What They All Say, and turn himself into a fixture of pop culture thanks to a string of viral moments and his placement on Lil Nas X’s “Industry Baby.”

A big part of Harlow’s rise was a boost from Tiller on the song “Thru The Night” from his 2019 mixtape Confetti. However, before that collaboration, Harlow counted himself one of Tiller’s biggest fans, telling Complex in a new interview today that he was actually “totally jealous” of his fellow Louisvillian when Tiller first crossed over in 2015 with “Don’t” and Trapsoul.

“I’d hear Outkast, or I’d hear Drake, or I’d hear Kendrick Lamar talk about where they’re from and rep it,” Jack explains. “And I was like, ‘Who’s going to do that for Louisville?’ Bryson Tiller comes out. I’m in awe. I’m inspired. And I’m totally jealous. And I’m just like, ‘Oh my God, this guy got it.’”

In addition to “Thru The Night,” the two Kentuckians also teamed up with their late fellow local Static Major for “Luv Is Dro” from Jack’s new album. You can read Complex‘s full profile on Harlow here.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Drake Gifts Future A New Richard Mille Watch

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Though their styles are certainly different on paper, Drake and Future have found creative common ground and forged a lasting hip-hop partnership. In 2015, they came together to deliver their first (and only) collaborative album What A Time To Be Alive, a project that gave us such memorable hits as “Digital Dash,” “Jumpman,” and “Diamonds Dancing.”

Beyond that album, Future and Drake have linked on such collaborations as the runaway hit “Life Is Good,” “Where Ya At,” “Way 2 Sexy” (which they recently performed at a J. Cole concert), “Blue Faces,” and more. In fact, many have remained hopeful that they would one day reunite for another studio album, as What A Time To Be Alive 2 has been frequently teased on occasion.

Drake Future

Prince Williams/WireImage/Getty Images

Now, Drizzy has taken his friendship with Future to another level, celebrating their recent number one on the Billboard charts by blessing The WIZRD with a rare Richard Mille watch. Future took to Instagram to show off the new addition to his collection, along with some words of gratitude to his collaborator. “Appreciate it @champagnepapi,” writes Future, flexing the elaborate timepiece. “Demon time 1 of 1 joint.” 

At this point, gifting watches and lavish jewelry is a hip-hop staple, and one often used to express gratitude and camaraderie; left we forget the time Gunna was hospitalized and received “get well soon Audemar Piguet watches” from Young Thug. One has to wonder if Future will return the favor — keep a watchful eye and find out. 

Drake Gifts Future A New Richard Mille Watch

by

Though their styles are certainly different on paper, Drake and Future have found creative common ground and forged a lasting hip-hop partnership. In 2015, they came together to deliver their first (and only) collaborative album What A Time To Be Alive, a project that gave us such memorable hits as “Digital Dash,” “Jumpman,” and “Diamonds Dancing.”

Beyond that album, Future and Drake have linked on such collaborations as the runaway hit “Life Is Good,” “Where Ya At,” “Way 2 Sexy” (which they recently performed at a J. Cole concert), “Blue Faces,” and more. In fact, many have remained hopeful that they would one day reunite for another studio album, as What A Time To Be Alive 2 has been frequently teased on occasion.

Drake Future

Prince Williams/WireImage/Getty Images

Now, Drizzy has taken his friendship with Future to another level, celebrating their recent number one on the Billboard charts by blessing The WIZRD with a rare Richard Mille watch. Future took to Instagram to show off the new addition to his collection, along with some words of gratitude to his collaborator. “Appreciate it @champagnepapi,” writes Future, flexing the elaborate timepiece. “Demon time 1 of 1 joint.” 

At this point, gifting watches and lavish jewelry is a hip-hop staple, and one often used to express gratitude and camaraderie; left we forget the time Gunna was hospitalized and received “get well soon Audemar Piguet watches” from Young Thug. One has to wonder if Future will return the favor — keep a watchful eye and find out.