“We can’t see it but we’re all trapped inside these strange, repeating loops,” a voice can be heard saying. “Billions of people, just living out their lives, oblivious,” another continues. “But this is the moment for you to show us what’s real.”
Reeves’ Neo has obviously aged, but he still plays the part well. “I remember this,” he says, standing in a white room. Suspense-building music begins to play as the action continues, transporting us to a futuristic world. “Maybe this isn’t the story we think it is,” a character with blue hair says, wearing a concerned look on her face.
Disturbia star Carrie-Anne Moss is reprising her role as Trinity, and Jada Pinkett Smith will be back in character as Niobe. Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus is now played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Jessica Henwick, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Christina Ricci, and Neil Patrick Harris have also been added to the cast list.
“It’s so easy to forget how much noise the matrix pumps into your head,” a woman’s voice says as gun violence ensues. “Something else makes the same kind of noise – war.” Trinity and Neo appear to go through many harsh battles for one another, stopping at nothing to keep each other safe.
Original trilogy director Lana Wachowski was behind the camera; she and sister Lilly worked on The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Matrix Revolutions together from 1999 to 2003, but the latest installment was a solo effort on her part.
Check out the latest trailer for The Matrix Resurrections, arriving in theatres and on HBO Max on December 22nd, below.
Kemba Walker is not the player he used to be, and as a result, the New York Knicks are taking action. Walker has been taken out of the team’s rotation, and with a diminished role, some are wondering if Kemba is good enough to be a star point guard in the league anymore. It’s definitely not the situation he thought he would be in when he came to the Knicks, although life in the NBA certainly comes at you fast.
Recently, Walker got to speak on the situation, and as you can see, he is taking a cool-headed approach to the whole thing. He understands that basketball is a business and that at the end of the day, he needs to be a leader for the young guys on the floor.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“I could be pissed, but at the end of the day there are some young guys here who look up to me. Maybe I can be a role model. I love being around my teammates and I’m going to cheer them on until I can’t anymore,” Walker said. “It was tough because I’m a competitor. But I’ve always been a team guy first. If he feels it’s going to make the team better, so be it.”
While this situation is not ideal for Walker, it is still good to see him take it all in stride. He can still be effective, it might just take a bit of time for him to get his groove back.
In the middle of last month, hip-hop media personality DJ Akademiks waved the white flag at rapper Freddie Gibbs following the breakdown of their feud on social media. After Gangsta Gibbs tweeted that he could have “smoked” Akademiks a few weeks ago, the blogger seemingly decided that he no longer wants anything to do with his nemesis. But on the latest episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, Gillie Da King and Wallo’s podcast, Akademiks was the guest and he had many words for Gibbs, and not all of them were kind.
“After I come back from LA, [Freddie Gibbs] sends out a tweet [saying], ‘You know I could have smoked Akademiks. I knew where he was at, I almost pulled up and smoked him and the place where he was at, I knew everybody there and nobody was gonna do nothing. They were gonna let me smoke him but God told me no,'” recalled Ak. “I believe he knew [where I was] but I don’t believe in his wildest dreams that he would pull up.”
When asked if he thinks Gibbs was simply trolling, Ak said, “This is when I realized that Freddie Gibbs is 6ix9ine. Freddie Gibbs is the son of a cop. Freddie Gibbs’ brother is a doctor. His other brother is a district attorney. Okay, let’s keep all these things in mind. Father, cop. Brother, district attorney. Other brother, a doctor. Remember, these are the gangster rappers. He’s claiming he’s Vice Lord, he’s big, tough and everything. He’s tweeting out public threats to me. [Saying] I could have killed you.”
DJ Akademiks speaks at length about his feud with Gibbs, as well as much more in this interview. Check out the clip below, as well as the full episode underneath.
DaBaby has one less legal trouble after his battery case in Las Vegas was dismissed, according to TMZ. Charged with misdemeanor battery in May 2020 for allegedly attacking a driver when he asked the rapper and his crew to put out a joint, DaBaby reportedly cooperated with prosecutors, paying the alleged victim $7,500 and “staying out of trouble.” While that last part is admittedly… questionable, DaBaby didn’t have any legal fracases since then, avoiding arrest in most of the dustups that occurred in the intervening 18 months.
Unfortunately for him, he was unable to keep himself clear in the court of public opinion after making a series of homophobic comments at Rolling Loud in Miami. While the fallout from that incident appears to have settled, a disagreement with his child’s mother DaniLeigh on Instagram Live had them both explaining their respective sides of the story and her charged with assault.
This year marks the first time in more than a year where things were somewhat “normal” in the music industry. Concerts and festivals made a return which allowed artists to release projects they held off on dropping due to the quarantine. For what it’s worth, however, R&B found plenty of success in 2020 and it did again in 2021. From Jazmine Sullivan’s excellent Heaux Tales project that kicked off the year to Silk Sonic’sAn Evening With Silk Sonic that brought us towards the end of 2021, this year is just another case of the phenomenal diversity that lives in the genre.
So let’s get into it. Here are the fifteen best R&B albums from 2021 in alphabetical order.
Fousheé — Time Machine
Foushee
Foushee is one of the many 2021 acts that received a healthy boost thanks to landing a viral moment on TikTok. Her breakout single “Deep End” achieved success on the app and led to a flood of interest in her artistry. With the later release of her debut project, Time Machine, Foushee defined the pocket that her music lives in. The New Jersey native thrived by creating unlikely pairings through her work. A thumping bass was accompanied by funk-inspired R&B and her transgressions through heartbreak, growth, and more, are sung with the grace of a young indie singer. Foushee works best when a neverending horizon serves as her only confinement. – Wongo Okon
H.E.R. — Back Of My Mind
RCA
It’s odd to think of Back Of My Mind as H.E.R.’s debut album. After all, it’s so fully formed, sashaying easily between sweeping power ballads (“We Made It“) to mournful reflection (“Damage“) to warm weather bops (“Slide“). H.E.R.’s pen is like a surgeon’s tool, cutting to the bone of such subjects as heartbreak, self-realization, and the stirrings of new love. Her instrumentation is even more impressive. Perhaps it’s owed to the decade-plus of behind-the-scenes work she’s done as she strove toward this moment. After the year she’s had, though, she won’t be in the back of anyone’s mind ever again, because she’s earned her spot at the forefront of the pop-culture consciousness. – Aaron Williams
Jazmine Sullivan — Heaux Tales
RCA
Jazmine Sullivan returned to the music world after an almost six-year absence with her Heaux Tales EP. Through 11 songs with help from Ari Lennox, Anderson .Paak, and HER, Jazmine sings about the experiences through love and intimacy that she and other women go through. There are moments of passion and moments of regrets, but the vulnerability to tell it all and stay true to herself, along with help from other female voices, helped to make Heaux Tales a flawless project. – W.O.
Joyce Wrice — Overgrown
Joyce Wrice
Joyce Wrice’s debut album Overgrown was an early bright spot for 2021 R&B. Her free spirit thrived on this project through fourteen songs that flaunted her maturity and sheer distaste for indecisiveness. Wrice falls in love quickly when it’s right (“Think About You”) and packs her bags just as fast when it’s not for her (“Must Be Nice”). At 29 years old, there is a bit of wisdom that Wrice showcases on her debut, as for her, love is something that adds to her life, rather than making it complete. Whether it be sonically, contextually, or both, Overgrown finds a way to stay fun and light-hearted without drowning listeners in the highs and lows of romance at a given moment. – W.O.
Kyle Dion — Sassy
Kyle Dion/AWAL
If you want an example of an artist constantly striving to go against the grain, you don’t have to look any further than Kyle Dion. The singer’s third album Sassy broke his own rules as well as those set before him by the industry. Dion is best described as a rockstar with funk-inspired confidence and the light touch of a traditional R&B star who can neatly gift wrap it all for the unsuspecting listener. Pull at the ribbon that is Sassy and you get an excellent blend of funk, rock, and soul captures Dion on his euphoric journey to have fun and live life to the absolute best he can. – W.O.
Leon Bridges — Gold-Diggers Sound
Columbia Records
Remember the Leon Bridges who enacted Sam Cooke-esque soul music on 2015’s breakthrough Coming Home? He has positively given way to a more traditionally-minded R&B singer, enacting a polished lovelorn sound. With the exception of album closer “Blue Mesas,” Gold-Diggers Sound feels like a bold re-invention for Bridges and he has Lizzo producers Ricky Reed and Nate Mercereau expertly leading the way. On “Born Again” featuring Robert Glasper on keys, Bridges leans into a PJ Morton-style piano ballad, but it’s Bridges’ gentle rasp that carves out space for him as a singular force on the album. This is the type of stellar studio R&B that will keep Bridges on the Grammy radar well-beyond his recent 2022 nomination. – Adrian Spinelli
Mac Ayres — Magic 8Ball
Dixon Court Records
Life tends to deliver the unexpected at unexpected times and it’s this randomness that Mac Ayres used as the foundation of his Magic 8Ball project. Ayres takes life as it comes and he accounts for all the moments he stands unprepared for. For what it’s worth, Magic 8Ball was created in the quarantine year of 2020, a period filled with uncertainty for the future. However, the honesty and straightforward approach to these varying aspects are what draw you into Magic 8Ball. Add Ayres’ lush vocals and the project’s bright and groovy production, and you have a body of work guaranteed to be enjoyed at every listen. – W.O.
Nao — And The Life Was Beautiful
Sony Music Entertainment UK/RCA
Hope is something the entire world needed as they exited 2020 to enter 2021. For Nao, she found that through the sunflowers that bloomed at her feet last year. This natural occurrence became the inspiration for her third album And Then Life Was Beautiful. On it, she offers a gesture of hope strong enough to inspire the hopeless. As a whole, And Then Life Was Beautiful is made in the space of emerging from turmoil to see that all will be okay one day. Through 13 records, Nao flawlessly unveils and recounts the moments in her life that brought hope to a beautiful tomorrow, even when it wasn’t promised. – W.O.
Phabo — Soulquaraius
Soulection
Neo-soul is still alive in R&B and one of the places you can find it thriving is on Phabo’s debut Soulquaraius. The Soulection singer shined like gold on his first full-length project thanks to sixteen songs that are covered in nostalgic gold while also flaunting his impressive pen. “How’s My Driving?” emulates one’s ability to operate a vehicle and to that of satisfying a yearning love interest while “The Homie” arrives as a first-person account of a man slowly becoming aware of his partner’s uncommitted ways. Phabo’s Soulquarius is filled with the finesse and charisma of a man who knows exactly what he’s doing and where he’s going on his road towards neo-soul prosperity. – W.O.
Pink Sweat$ — Pink Planet
Atlantic
Pink Sweats is a living example of why simplicity is often key. A light acoustic sound carries the Philly singer on his official debut album Pink Planet as the gentleness behind his voice and the project’s production match that of the love he fantasizes about on Pink Planet. It also helps to create a more intimate setting that excellent allows the heart’s true and raw desires to be translated fully. Pink Sweats smiles ear-to-ear at the arrival of love in its best form on “Magic” and “So Sweet” while also praying for its longevity on “At My Worst” and “Lows.” However, don’t think the Philly singer is nothing more than a rotating love story. He also ups the ante with a double dose of his infectious spirit on “Give It To Me” and “Icy.” Altogether, Pink Planet best represents Pink Sweats complete artistry and the unique vision he has for R&B. – W.O.
Shelley — Shelley FKA DRAM
Empire/Atlantic
Shelley, fka Big Baby DRAM, returned this year with a new name for his permanent role as a certified love doctor. Throughout his career, Shelley crafted records in the name of pure love like “Caretaker,” “Best Hugs,” and more, but they weren’t the foundation of his artistry. All of that changed with his second album Shelley FKA DRAM. This time around, the Virginia singer arrives with anecdotes of love that treat every attempt at companionship like it’s the first one — fearless and unknowing of the possible dangers of giving your heart away to a trusted partner. Through songs like “All Pride Aside” and “Remedies,” Shelley presents a love with your guard down on Shelley FKA DRAM and it’s a magical thing to see unfold. – W.O.
Silk Sonic — An Evening With Silk Sonic
Aftermath/Atlantic
From the very moment that Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak made their newly-formed Silk Sonic duo official with the release of “Leave The Door Open” earlier this year, their promised debut album was one of the most sought-for releases in 2021. Would the duo live up to the hype? Would the album perhaps be unbalanced? A multitude of questions arrived at Bruno and .Paak’s doorstep, all of which were answered with the brilliant An Evening With Silk Sonic. The duo met all expectations and did it through an excellent display of showmanship. There’s no telling how long Silk Sonic will last, but their current presence is something to be thankful for. – W.O.
Snoh Aalegra — Temporary Highs In The Skies
Atrium/Roc Nation
While many excel in relaying their experiences with love, Snoh Aalegra does a beautiful job of showing her wavering feelings in romance through her music. Her third album Temporary Highs In The Violet Skies is another example of that. Its 14 tracks present a woman who chooses to focus and highlight the best moments in love, even if they last shorter than expected. This task is accomplished beautifully thanks to help from Tyler The Creator, James Fauntleroy, Pharrell Williams, The Neptunes, and more. – W.O.
Summer Walker — Still Over It
LVRN
Summer Walker achieved some groundbreaking feats with her 2021 sophomore album Still Over It. First of all, she got “Ciara’s Prayer” from thee Ciara Harris-Wilson. Lord knows how long the ladies have been asking Cici herself for the prayer and Ms. Walker was able to get that and was generous enough to share it with her listeners. Second of all, Still Over It is the highest-charting album from a female R&B artist since Beyoncé’s 2016 Lemonade and is likely to continue towards an upward trend. Regardless, Summer Walker uses Still Over It to air out her grievances a la Usher’s Confessions, except she’s naming names and calling out her baby daddy-ex London On Da Track, his mother, and the other women in his life. She does this over perfectly curated production by the same man she’s going in on. London and Summer made magic on Over It, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. On the other hand, Pharrell and Summer on “Dat Right There” sounds like a win for the future of music. Most of all, Summer’s adept songwriting skills, inimitable vocals, and ability to dig into the souls of her listeners through song puts her on another level, to the point that whatever shenanigans she’s on The Shade Room for makes the music worth it. – Cherise Johnson
Tinashe — 333
Tinashe
If you needed proof that independence is what’s best for Tinashe, her fifth album 333 is undeniable proof of that. The album is arguably one of, if not the strongest showcase of her versatility as she bends the R&B genre in a number of ways, something she’s proven capable of doing time and time again. 333 is also a testament towards trusting the process, and if you know what it took Tinashe to get here, you’ll have an added dose of appreciation towards her current position. – W.O.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Much has been made over the last few years of the human rights violations that have gone on in China. The authoritarian regime in China has certainly committed its fair share of atrocities against certain groups, and many in the US have been called to stand up to these actions. President Joe Biden is one of those figures, and recently, he has had some big decisions to make when it comes to relations between the United States and China.
In February, the Winter Olympics will be in Beijing, China, and there have been demands for the United States to boycott the event. Well, as it turns out, Joe Biden will issue a boycott for the event, although only on the diplomatic front. Simply put, athletes from the US will still be able to go to participate in the games.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted today that the country would not be sending any diplomates to the Olympics, which is usually customary. This is meant to be in protest of China’s human rights violations, although some are questioning whether or not this is actually enough considering the US will still have a large presence at the games.
This is a developing story so stay tuned to HNHH as we will be sure to bring you all of the latest updates.
It may be a blast from the but “Sean John” is one of the most iconic fashion brands from the 90s and 2000’s but went bankrupt once it lost its hype. Now 23 years later Diddy wants to revive his old brand! Diddy Places 3.3 Million Bid To Repurchase “Sean John” The iconic music business […]
DaniLeigh’s mother will always be a huge part of her life, but she will seemingly no longer be working as the rapper’s manager. Dani has raved about her mother’s hustle as her manager for years but it looks like they will no longer be working together, keeping their relationship solely familial as the singer is looking for new management.
Dani updated her Instagram over the weekend, writing, “Looking for an amazing manager. Hit my email.”
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
The message came shortly after her mother, Vicky Curiel, said that she will be taking time for herself in the coming weeks.
“I’ve taken this time to love myself, focus on myself, and reflecting on the fact that I’ve been living for others and not myself,” wrote DaniLeigh’s mother on Instagram. “Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life, I come first. You have to love yourself first before you can love anyone else. I didn’t know that. I thank God for this opportunity & I look forward to my new life.”
There are plenty of incredible music managers out there, so we’re sure Dani will find somebody she likes working with. Hopefully, she remains on good terms with her family.
There are few people who can walk the tightrope of cancel culture like Dave Chappelle. The comedian has been facing backlash in the past few weeks since the release of The Closer, his final Netflix special under his lucrative deal with the streaming service. Chappelle’s comments about the trans community caused ire among Netflix employees and subscribers, though the company’s CEO Ted Sarandos stood by the comedian.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Their deal to produce comedy specials for Chappelle may have ended but they continue to work together in another capacity. Chappelle will be taking part in the Netflix Is A Joke Fest including 130 comedians. Described as “the biggest comedy event in history, probably,” Chappelle will host the “Dave Chappelle & Friends” event which will take place at the Hollywood Bowl.
The Netflix Is A Joke Fest will take place over the course of 11 days, from April 28th to May 8th, 2022. The festival will bring together plenty of A-list comedians such as Kevin Hart, Conan O’Brien, David Letterman, Chris Rock, and more. The 11-day festival will boast 100 shows at over 25+ venues across Los Angeles.
In the midst of the recent controversy, Dave Chappelle appeared on stage at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame to help induct Jay-Z, alongside Barack Obama. The comedian briefly joked about the controversy from The Closer before offering the utmost praise for Jay-Z.
Jacksonville rapper Nardo Wick may very well be hip-hop’s Rookie of the Year. The 19-year-old upstart has been getting co-signs left and right from some of the biggest rappers in the game, and fans have compared his debut album Who Is Nardo Wick? to the way Atlanta rapper 21 Savage was coming when he broke out. As the menacing young rapper continues to turn heads his way, he has released the new music video for “Wicked Witch” from his new full-length release, which is inspired by Pulp Fiction and Natural Born Killers.
Alongside his “Wicked Witch,” Nardo lists off all the designer brands that she wants him to cop for her, while he names all of the different guns he wants to add to his collection. The Bonnie & Clyde-type romance sees the two criminals wreaking havoc in a diner before getting away and doing the same at a nearby motel. The crime spree leaves Nardo looking bloody with wounds on his face, but he’s still standing, so he came out on the right side.
