The Creedverse is expanding with another installment that has taken over Hollywood thanks to Michael B. Jordan. The actor has been building on a successful career since he was a teen, and his efforts have paid off exponentially. As fans fawn over his stripped-down Calvin Klein ad, the Creed III premiere in Los Angeles was the place to be. The who’s who of Hollywood descended on the TCL Chinese Theater, and Entertainment Tonight caught a brief moment with Dr. Dre.
The Compton native is not only an L.A. icon but a global superstar. Dre has helped develop and produced records for artists who turned into Rap’s elite, so he knows a thing or two when spotting talent. Creed III marks Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, and he stars in the film opposite several acclaimed talents, including Jonathan Majors.
Dr. Dre Sings Michael B. Jordan’s Praises
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (L-R) Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Mila Davis-Kent and Michael B. Jordan attend the Los Angeles Premiere Of “CREED III” at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 27, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)
With a legacy such as Dre’s, it was only fitting that Jordan & Co. approached the Aftermath mogul about working on music for the film. While speaking with ET‘s Nischelle Turner, the megaproducer explained how the partnership unfolded. “Mike actually came to my house and screened the film for me, and I thought he was out of his mind,” Dre remembered with a laugh. “First-time director and starring in the film? It’s like, you gotta be crazy to do that because it’s extremely difficult.”
“[But] I was so proud of him,” Dre continued. “I said, ‘Listen, man, I can’t wait to see what’s gonna come out of your mind next, as far as the direction goes,’ you know? It was amazing.” He added, “I thought they did an amazing job. I’m really proud of it.” Although his appearance on the red carpet was due to his artistic inclusion, the hitmaker said he was there specifically to support Michael B. Jordan.
More Props To The Acclaimed Actor
“One of the other reasons why I’m here is because he’s such a good person,” Dre said. “He’s a fantastic human being. So I’m here to support him.” Creed III hits theaters on March 3.
When you’re in a family as big as Janet Jackson is, there’s bound to be drama from time to time. The most recent tidbit of gossip to catch the eye of bloggers comes from TJ Jackson’s Twitter page, where he markedly shared his thoughts on his aunt’s past performances. His comments came in response to another user who shared a salacious video of the R&B vocalist grinding on a man and feeling him up as the audience watched on.
“I never liked when she did this in concerts either” he explained, proving that he’s not hypocritical for calling out Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion over their controversial “WAP” song in other tweets. “I don’t like when females are overly sexualized in art… It degrades and [objectifies] women in a way that’s not healthy,” he went on to say. Afterward, he confirmed that he has a preference for the “That’s The Way Love Goes” version of Janet.
Jackson Family Drama
I never liked when she did this in concerts either. I don’t like when females are overly sexualized in art…it degrades and objectify’s women in a way that’s not healthy. I prefer the “That’s The Way Love Goes” Janet.
It’s unfair but men aren’t as objectified as women. Nevertheless to me it diminishes it and leads to other stereotypes. Vulgarity is not art to me…it’s more shock and awe and can lead to perceptions, and even worse, role models that don’t help our advancement.
TJ’s comments didn’t take long to earn him dozens of angry and confused replies, many of which he gave the time of day to. When asked by a follower what his thoughts would be on a similar performance from a male, he explained, “It’s unfair, but men aren’t as objectified as women. Nevertheless, to me, it diminishes it and leads to other stereotypes.” The way the singer sees it, “vulgarity is not art,” rather, it’s used to create shock and awe.
“[It] can lead to perceptions, and even worse, role models that don’t help our advancement,” his post concluded. Despite those continuing to come at him, the 44-year-old made it clear in several well-written tweets that his stance is what it is, but he still has love for his aunt. Elsewhere in the debate, others tried to call out TJ for trashing Janet when the “Rhythm Nation” artist‘s brother was known as something of a sex symbol during his prime.
TJ Defends His Late Uncle, Michael
His videos never objectified women. That’s my issue. I can’t understand why you would be okay with that. I’m trying to teach my daughters to be queens not hoes.
“So when Michael grabbed his crotch and even got his video banned for vulgarity, did that diminish his art?” one person pressed TJ. “[Because] you could argue he, at times, was more vulgar than Janet,” they added. Not long after, MJ’s nephew came to his late uncle’s defense. “His videos never objectified women,” the father of four pointed out.
He then wrote, “That’s my issue. I can’t understand why you would be okay with that. I’m trying to teach my daughters to be queens, not hoes.” Do you think that Janet Jackson’s past performances were too sexy? Sound off in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
The 2023 Black Impact Podcast Festival has been launched by Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia to honor, elevate, and amplify Black voices in the podcasting community. The event will be held at Atlanta, Georgia’s Pullman Yards, on Saturday, April 22, from noon to 8 p.m. EST. Charlamagne Tha God will attend the festival together with some of the most well-known figures from the Black Effect for a day packed with enlightening panel talks and live podcast tapings geared for budding podcasters in the Black community. Charlamagne Tha God and comedian Jess Hilarious, host of Carefully Reckless, will serve as the festival’s hosts.
The Black Effect’s most popular shows, such as The 85 South Show, WHOREible Decisions, Big Facts, and a unique joint taping of Reasonably Shady and Checking In With Michelle Williams, will all have live podcast tapings at the festival. The Business of Podcasting Panel and Women in Podcasting Panel, both of which are part of the event, will feature Black Effect Podcast Network hosts Chad Oubre (“85 South Show”), Coline Witt (“Eating While Broke”), Jess Hilarious (“Carefully Reckless” and event co-host), Tamika Mallory (“Street Politicians”), Tezlyn Figaro (“Straight Shot No Chaser”), and others, will also feature thought-provoking and educational discussions.
“In 2023, Black creators are at the forefront of a movement reverberating across today’s cultural landscape, and we’re excited to bring this to life for the community at The Black Effect Podcast Festival in Atlanta this spring,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “With this festival we want to inspire and uplift new and aspiring podcasters while also showcasing the incredible voices on The Black Effect Podcast Network.”
For Black creators looking to have their voices heard in the podcast industry, the Black Effect Podcast Network is the go-to venue. The most powerful and dependable voices in black culture are brought together for illuminating discussions on topics such as social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy, and more. Founded in September 2020, the Charlamagne Tha God-curated Black Impact Podcast Network has since premiered 29 shows with a stellar lineup of marquee talent and culture-changing voices dedicated to illuminating, educating, and entertaining viewers.
Sponsors of the Black Impact Podcast Festival will be present at the occasion with entertaining activations for guests. The festival will also have DJ Loui Vee from iHeartMedia Atlanta as well as a number of other activities like a pop-up market displaying goods from Black-owned businesses, a family game room and gaming tournament sponsored by The Trap Nerds, a picture booth, a career area, and more.
Black Effect Podcast Festival partners include AT&T, Molson Coors, Nissan and State Farm. Fans can visit blackeffect.com/podcastfestival beginning Wednesday, March 1 at 12 p.m. EST to purchase tickets.
Tory Lanez’s sentencing has been pushed back to a new date amid the R&B star’s plans to file a motion for a new trial in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case.
The era of Chlöe is officially upon us. Next month, she will release her much-anticipated debut solo album, In Pieces. Weeks after, she will embark on the In Pieces tour.
The In Pieces tour will see Chlöe take the stage in 11 North American cities, including Chicago, New York City, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
Fans can purchase tickets now (here) using the pre-sale code PRAY. General on-sale for the tour begins this Friday.
In addition to music, Chlöe has been throwing herself into more acting roles. Next month, she will star on Prime Video’s new thriller series, Swarm, which explores the dark side of fandom. Last year, she spoke with us about her upcoming role in a comedy film called Praise This.
“It’s been super exciting being able to throw myself into another role or character,” said Bailey. “Any unhealed pieces of me I get to heal through them. It’s like another way of storytelling, like how I do with music.”
You can see the list of the In Pieces tour dates below.
04/11 — Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
04/13 — Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
04/14 — Toronto, ON @ Rebel
04/17 — Boston, MA @ House of Blues
04/18 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
04/20 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
04/23 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
04/25 — Houston, TX @ House of Blues
04/26 — Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
04/30 — Sacramento, CA @ Sol Blume
05/03 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
In Pieces is out 3/31 via Parkwood/Columbia. Pre-save it here.
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
Glockoma 2 is Key Glock’s first full-length album since the passing of Young Dolph. As such, it would seem that there’d be a lot of fanfare around its release, some pomp and circumstance worthy of Dolph’s standing in the Memphis rap scene and Glock’s proximity to him as his protege and frequent collaborator.
But that’d run counter to both rappers’ modus operandi, the way they eschewed big-name guests and moved in modes consistent with the gritty street narratives they unraveled in their music. Key Glock is not a flashy guy, although he does sport the usual array of chunky, diamond-encrusted necklaces common to his profession.
Instead, what we get on Glockoma 2 is a microcosm of the Paper Route Empire ethos of consistency and authenticity, with little window dressing or build-up. The album was released quietly over the weekend after only a pair of straightforward singles (“Dirt” and “Work” both of which are frontloaded here) and a tour announcement. The music included is similarly unfussy, with no featured artists and a familiar lineup of producers including BandPlay, Hitkidd, and Sledgren.
What makes it stand out among a slew of similarly-themed projects is Glock’s intense focus on improvement. He’s always been cleverer rhyme-smith than he’s perhaps been given credit for, but here, he elevates his craft impressively, stunning with subtly witty one-liners and plainspoken but deft boasts (“I just pulled up with my chopper like the Undertaker,” he barks on “2 For 1”).
Of course, the spirit of Dolph hovers over the proceedings. While Glock dodges obvious references to the tragedy that knocked his world off its axis, his mentor’s influence is clear in both his improved delivery and in overt lyrical references. On “Ratchet,” he nods to the Dolph-shaped void, “I took a couple losses, that shit there made me a winner / Boss shit, baby, yeah, I do this for Flippa.”
There isn’t much variation on these themes in Glock’s lyrics, but he keeps the content sounding fresh with a versatile selection of beats. They demand enough course correction to keep him in a variety of pockets, which helps distinguish each song and prevent his voice – the only one on the album thanks to his “F**k A Feature” mentality – from becoming monotonous. From the sauntering horns on “Randy Orton” to the Gothic trap bounce of “Money Over Hoes,” there’s enough variation in sounds to prove Glock’s adaptability.
If there’s anything missing here, it’s a more in-depth excavation of the principal’s emotional state of mind. He took a full year off after consistently releasing at least an album a year since 2016 as a result of the emotional hit he took with Dolph’s death. While maintaining his unfazed persona is likely good business – it’s what’s worked for him so far – it’d be nice to see him drop kayfabe at least here to address a traumatic experience without framing it as a temporary setback.
He similarly put off this reckoning on his late 2022 EP PRE5L, which seemed less pressing because of that project’s positioning as a warm-up of sorts for his grander return. Now that he’s made that return, it’s comforting to see him getting back on track, but a little disheartening to know that he still feels like he can’t address how he’s really been feeling. Perhaps on his next project, he’ll be more comfortable emoting a little.
However, for now, a return to form is enough – or, at least, it’ll have to be. Glock is back to big stepping, and for the first time, doing so without the support of his respected mentor. It’s nice to see him finding his footing. Dolph’s shoes likely can’t and won’t be filled – maybe they shouldn’t be. But Key Glock is walking his own path now, as assuredly as he’s able… and perhaps it’ll lead him to even greater success down the road.
George Clinton is happy with what he’s seen of Wiz Khalifa’s portrayal of him in the upcoming film, Spinning Gold. The film follows Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart, who discovered KISS, Donna Summer, the Village People, and more. Clinton spoke about Khalifa’s performance and confirmed that he gave the rapper advice during an interview with TMZ in Los Angeles.
“It’s cool. It makes me cool,” he joked to the outlet. “Made me look like Bootsy [Collins].” He also confirmed that both he and Khalifia were able to impart wisdom to each other during their conversations. “He got that new wisdom. I got that old wisdom,” he explained.
George Clinton In 2019
American Funk and Soul musician and bandleader George Clinton, of the group Parliament-Funkadelic, performs onstage at Central Park SummerStage, New York, New York, June 4, 2019. The performance was the group’s ‘One Nation Under a Groove Farewell Tour.’ (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)
In addition to Wiz Khalifa, the cast features Jeremy Jordan as Neil Bogart, Jason Isaacs as Al Bogart, Jason Derulo as Ron Isley, Jay Pharoah as Cecil Holmes, Michelle Monaghan as Beth Bogart, and many more. The film is directed by Neil’s son, Timothy Scott Bogart. Spinning Gold is scheduled for release on March 31.
The official synopsis for Spinning Gold reads, “Along with a ragtag team of young music lovers, Neil Bogart and Casablanca Records would rewrite history and change the music industry forever. Their mix of creative insanity, a total belief in each other and the music they were creating, shaped our culture and ultimately defined a generation. In a story so unbelievable that it can only be true, comes the motion picture event of the musical journey of Neil Bogart and how his Casablanca Records created the greatest soundtrack of our lives.” Check out a trailer for the film below.
Spinning Gold won’t be the first time Khalifa has ventured into acting. He previously appeared in the Netflix film, The After Party, back in 2018. He’s also been credited with appearances in episodes of The Eric Andre Show, American Dad!, and more over the years.
At early February’s Grammy awards, R&B icon Robert Glasper took home the award for best R&B album. His Black Radio III project includes stellar features guests like Common and Erykah Badu. Additionally, it beat out albums from Mary J. Blige and Lucky Daye. However, one of his R&B peers was not too thrilled with this result. Chris Brown, who was also nominated in the category, had some choice words for Glasper. “Y’all playing. Who da f–k is this?” he wrote on Instagram. “Who the f–k is Robert Glasper? I’ma keep kicking y’all a– respectfully.”
After receiving backlash for this, though, Breezy texted Glasper an apology: “I would like to apologize if you took offense to my reaction at the Grammys. You were not the intended target and I know I came off really rude and mean,” he texted. But, Glasper still used the incident to his advantage. Selling t-shirts with “Who the f–k is Robert Glasper?” printed on it, Glasper raised donations for a New Orleans music education non-profit. However, even though it seems both Brown and Glasper have since moved on from the debacle, fellow R&B star Thundercat has not.
On Tuesday (Feb. 28), beloved guitarist/vocalist Thundercat posted to Instagram a group of photos from a recent outing. Shown hanging out with Drake, Robert Glasper and Dave Chappelle, Thundercat used the opportunity to jab at Breezy. “‘Who the fuck is Robert Glasper?’…lol.” Thundercat captioned the post. It truly means something when Glasper is hanging with superstars like Drake. It makes it even more curious how Chris Brown could not know who he is. Either way, though, Thundercat surely felt it necessary to defend his friend.
The photos Thundercat posted were taken at Bootsy Bellows Club in Los Angeles. It’s not currently clear why Drake, Glasper, and the gang were there, or what day they were. But, Bootsy Bellows also just recently hosted an album release party for Don Toliver. So, it would appear that this particular club is home to many of Hollywood’s most decorated stars. And, in particular, that would include the esteemed Robert Glasper.
