MGM+ has unveiled a first look at actor Rome Flynn in his role as rising crime boss Frank Lucas in the hit drama series “Godfather of Harlem.” Flynn joins the critically acclaimed series in its fourth season, stepping into the prominent role previously held by Denzel Washington in the 2007 film “American Gangster.”
Created by Chris Brancato and the late Paul Eckstein, “Godfather of Harlem” is inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, portrayed by Forest Whitaker. The series explores Johnson’s return to Harlem in the early 1960s after 11 years in prison, only to find his neighborhood in disarray and new powers rising. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the show delves into the collision of the criminal underworld and politics of the era.
The released photo captures Flynn exuding a potent mix of charisma and danger, perfectly encapsulating Lucas’ rise to power during the 1960s and 1970s. With Flynn stepping into the role, the show promises to expand its rich depiction of Harlem’s tumultuous history.
In Season 4, Bumpy Johnson continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the emergence of a potential rival in Frank Lucas. Following Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic death, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers. The new season is set to deepen the show’s exploration of power, loyalty, and survival in a changing world.
In a move driven by positive energy and bold swagger, the Madden NFL 25 soundtrack delivers a non-stop party powered by blockbuster tracks from some of the biggest and best-known artists in music today. Whether tailgating in the parking lot, rocking in the stadium, warming up on the field, or hanging with friends in front of the TV, these are the bangers that bring a ’20 minutes till kick-off’ vibe all season long.
This year’s soundtrack boasts tracks from superstars like Eminem, Doja Cat, LL Cool J, GloRilla, Big Sean, ScHoolboy Q, and Vince Staples. Triumphant crossover pairings include Quavo and Lenny Kravitz with their track “Fly,” which launches in the Madden NFL 25 commercial, and Camila Cabello featuring Lil Nas X. The soundtrack also features viral hits from Tommy Richman and Flo Milli, along with an electrifying international flavor from artists like Little Simz, DJ Bliss, Nezi Momodu, and Shenseea featuring Coi Leray.
The epic collaborations continue with Snoop Dogg featuring Dr. Dre and Alus, Denzel Curry featuring Armani White, BLK ODYSSY and Wiz Khalifa, and Doechii featuring JT.
The Detroit Pistons are set to make their mark at Afro Nation Detroit 2024 with an exciting new activation, “Pistons Home Court,” at the world’s largest Afrobeats festival. Scheduled for August 17-18 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site, this innovative collaboration merges the world of basketball with Afrobeats culture, offering attendees a unique experience.
At the heart of the activation is a pop-up basketball court where festival-goers can shoot hoops and relive the nostalgia of backyard games. Additionally, the Pistons are joining forces with six local artists—India Solomon, Conrad Egyir, Daniel Geanes, Rick Williams, Sheefy McFly, and Tony Whlgn—to create a striking art installation. The installation will feature the iconic PISTONS marquee letters, each adorned with designs that reflect the essence of Detroit, basketball, and Africa.
“Uniting the rhythm of Afro Nation with the heartbeat of Detroit Basketball, the ‘Pistons Home Court’ activation celebrates the dynamic fusion of sport, culture, and art,” said Bilal Saeed, Detroit Pistons Vice President of Brand & Marketing Strategy.
Custom Detroit Pistons Bad Boys City Edition jerseys will also be presented to select artists, featuring their home countries’ flags in the number patches. These jerseys symbolize a meaningful connection between the artists and Detroit, highlighting the shared values of greatness and competitiveness.
Obi Asika, co-founder of Afro Nation, added, “The Pistons are such an important part of Detroit culture, and we are honored to welcome their presence at Afro Nation Detroit.”
Afro Nation Detroit 2024 promises an unforgettable weekend with top international acts, including Rema, Lil Wayne, and Shenseea. For priority access to tickets and updates, visit detroit.afronation.com.
Today, multi-platinum rapper Kodak Black unveils a hard-hitting and hypnotic new single and music video entitled “Hit Stick.”
A cinematic string sample swoons in and out of focus over the track’s tense beat and loose bass line, setting the tone. Off the rip, Kodak’s signature delivery instantly transfixes as his woozy flow practically snakes through the production. His charisma, cleverness, paranoia, emotion, and energy charge up “Hit Stick,” giving it a fascinating element of complexity and affirming him as the culture’s most enigmatic presence once again.
He kickstarted the summer with his record label Vulture Love’s first official project, Vulture Love Presents: The Last Zombies On Earth. Beyond generating millions of streams, it received tastemaker acclaim. XXL& The Source plugged it, and HotNewHipHop praised, “where this debut album succeeds is giving these up-and-coming artists a great platform to make their voices hard.” He then later followed up the compilation with a sold-out show at LA’s NOVO.
Alongside Kodak, the label compilation boasts contributions from VVSNCE, Lil Crix, G6reddot, GorditoFlo, Big Fredo, Jay Dirty, Taji Akeil, Project Pooh, NFL Tuewop, Jit4 Stan, Yung Mula, and JME Tmoe. Production credits include SkipOnDaBeat, ATL Jacob, Xairr, Dr. Zuez, Ayo B, and more. In short, the talent on display on Vulture Love Presents: The Last Zombies On Earth is nothing short of show-stopping. Listen HERE.
Jordan Howlett, better known as Jordan The Stallion, is collecting musician collaborations like wild Pokémon. So far, the famed TikToker has created a fun clips with Method Man and Donald Glover, which all spawned hilarious nicknames including Grownish Gambino.
Today (August 9), Howlett added Big Sean to his growing cameo list. In the silly video, it is actually the “Precision” rapper that initiates the clip (which you can view here).
“So, the album didn’t drop tonight,” says Sean. “Maybe some days from now it will. But the last track [“On Up“] I did was about my son.”
“As a new dad, I realized that I don’t know that many recipes,” Sean said. “So, I guess my best bet is to ask Jordan. I guess I do that by zooming in and saying, come here.”
Jordan appeared and the sketch begins. But instead of flipping through Jordan’s handy dandy notebook of beloved recipes, Sean absorbs the vast world of culinary arts by shifting into a questionable fashion get-up. Oh, if only it was that easy in real life. But for the sake of Big Sean, Jhene Aiko, and baby Noah, it magically is.
A mamushi is a venomous type of viper found in Japan, and it turns out that Meg herself becomes one in the video. It starts with a man, played by Japanese actor Shô Kasamatsu, visiting a spa. There, he’s given a variety of women to choose from (in an apparent Rush Hour 2 reference), and he opts for Meg. Quickly, though, she transforms into a gigantic mamushi, which doesn’t bode well for Kasamatsu’s character. Between transformations and other goings-on, Megan hangs out in the spa and raps the song while frequently naked.
The video was filmed in multiple locations in Tokyo including the Tsurumaki Onsen Jinya (an onsen is a type of bath facility) and the Engaku-ji Temple (a major Zen Buddhist temple in Japan).
J Balvin is bouncing back. After taking a breather to focus on himself and his family, the Colombian superstar has returned with his new album Rayo. The electrifying LP reflects J Balvin’s return to his reggaeton roots with longtime collaborators like Feid while looking to the genre’s future with rising stars Ryan Castro, Blessd, Carín León, and more.
“This is an era full of joy,” J Balvin says. “This is an era where I am making music for myself, remembering those beginnings that pushed me to be what we are today, and I’m happy to share this with the world alongside a new generation of very talented artists. This era is pa’ la cultura [for the culture].”
Rayo is named after J Balvin’s first car from when he was getting his music career off the ground in Medellín, Colombia. After a few years of grinding, he broke through in 2013 with his album La Familia while putting his country on the map in the reggaeton scene. Other artists from Medellín who have become stars following J Balvin’s success include Maluma, Karol G, and Feid, who started out as one of his co-writers. After becoming a father in 2021, J Balvin stepped away from the spotlight to take care of his mental health and his son Río. In April, he kicked off his comeback with performances at Coachella that included a Will Smith cameo.
Rayo is like a fresh jolt to J Balvin’s electronic reggaeton sound as he teams up with titans in the genre like Zion and Chencho Corleone. J Balvin also reunites with Feid for the alluring “Doblexxó” and continues to use his platform to highlight the next wave of Latin urban acts like Omar Courtz, Yovngchimi, and Quevedo in the swaggering banger “En Alta.” Over Zoom, J Balvin talked with Uproxx about taking time off, his comeback album, and his legacy.
How would you describe the experience of stepping away to focus on your family and raising your son Río?
Besides meeting my best friend, my son, being a father has taught me many things. I love watching Río, watching him grow up, and him continuing to teach me things. It has been a wonderful time for me, my family, and especially for my new music. It feels amazing to come back with 15 songs and a whole new album to share with my fans. I couldn’t be happier right now with Rayo.
What was the experience like to perform at Coachella and have Will Smith come out as your special guest?
It is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life: Representing Latinos at one of the most important festivals in the world and also being fortunate to bring Will Smith to the stage. For a moment, I didn’t even believe it. I am still amazed by the power of music and how it unites cultures and people. It was an experience from another planet.
Why did you want to name your album Rayo after your first car?
Rayo is full of stories and lessons. My first car took me to many places that shaped my career as an artist and as a person. Rayo means a lot to me, as my friends would say, who also joined me in those adventures of riding in a red car through Colombia.
You and Feid go back to the days of your 2016 album Energia. What was the experience like to work with him again “Doblexxó”?
I greatly admire Feid and what he has achieved. We have a lot of history together. It was time to give people this duo again.
You broke down boundaries for reggaeton from Medellín. What do you think about the success of the artists from your hometown like Karol G, Maluma, Feid, Ryan Castro, and Blessd?
They were not easy barriers to break down and I did not do it alone either. Many of us had been doing interesting things with reggaeton in Medellín. Nowadays, seeing my colleagues breaking records with music makes me proud of our country and hard work. Karol G and her tour made history. Being the first Latin artist to sell out the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid four times is something to admire. Feid and Maluma are also doing incredible things and they are followed by Blessd, Ryan, and the people coming up behind them. There are many artists who are raising our flag high. I’m happy for all of them.
On your album, you’re also teaming up with rising Latin urban acts from Puerto Rico like Yovngchimi, Luar La L, Omar Courtz, and Dei V. What was the experience like to work with them?
This is by and for the culture. They are the new generation that I admire and I listen to their music. Having them on this album means that we share the same energy and that we are looking to continue expanding Latin music around the world.
You also recently teamed up with Mexican reggaeton acts like El Malilla, El Bogueto, Yeri Mua, and Uzielito Mix on the “G Low Kitty” remix. What do you think about the reggaeton Mexa music scene?
Mexico is also awakening a new generation of Latin urban artists. Mexico is a huge country and the fact that the genre is being heard only brings good news. There is a lot of talent in Mexico and there is much more to discover in the reggaeton Mexa scene.
Speaking of Mexico, you joined forces with música Mexicana star Carín León on “Stoker.” How would you describe the experience of collaborating with him?
The big surprise on Rayo! Carín is a great artist. All my respect to him. “Stoker” challenged us both to do something different. At the end of the day, celebrating with Carin after the Coachella show paid off. [Laughs.]
What do you want people to take away from Rayo?
You have to do what makes you happy in a way that makes you happy. Vibing with what you do is the important thing to be able to enjoy your work and what you’re doing. Above all, you should be able to transmit that feeling to others.
What’s life been like balancing being a father and a global pop star?
Being precise with times and space is essential. I try not to mix the two that much. Although sometimes they do intersect, let me be clear in saying that I love my job but my family is my priority.
Will there be a US tour soon?
New tour dates are coming for sure. We’ll talk more about it very soon.
What do you want to accomplish next in your career?
There are still many accomplishments to achieve. There’s many places to visit and perform in. Whether I’m accomplishing things with my music, by giving more Latin flavor to the world, or through my Vibra En Alta Foundation. With my foundation, we want to focus on children and young people who are vibing with who they are.
What do you see for the future of reggaeton?
I think we are in good hands. An incredible generation of new talent is coming. They’re very talented and creative people. There is still much to explore and cultures to unite through the genre.
Quavo is the head honcho in his own right, but don’t forget that the “Mink” rapper is most definitely a rock star. So, his new collaboration with Lenny Kravitz, isn’t just serendipitous.
Today (August 9), after teasing their ultimate link up for over a week, the official video for the duo’s track “Fly” has landed. On the Andrew Watt and Cirkut co-produced track, the pair boast about their highly favored lives.
“I’m feelin’ the wave / I wanna fly / Let’s get geeked, let’s get drunk, let’s get high / Don’t go on a plane / I’m sittin’ the jet way / You already know which way we goin’ that way / Told her I wanna get you paid / Oh, you like that? Okay, bounce right back, go rage,” raps Quavo.
But, in the official video, Quavo and Lenny Kravitz take things to a heightened rock star level. With head banging, quick cuts to Kravitz’s guitar work, and a wardrobe comprised solely of black leather, what more could you ask for?
Let’s be real, sample fatigue is real. However, Quavo’s incorporation of Lenny Kravitz’s smash 1998 song “Fly Away” defies fans’ complaints. Last year, Quavo released his sophomore solo studio album, Rocket Power. But could “Fly” signal that another project rollout is on the way?
Watch Quavo and Lenny Kravitz’s official music video for “Fly” above.
Seven years ago, if someone were to tell you that then-Everyday Struggle host Joe Budden would be collaborating with the self-declared “King of the Teens,” Lil Yachty, you would probably think they were trolling. But today, it seems that it may not be quite as far-fetched as when the two rappers were semi-regularly antagonizing each other over their different generational outlooks on hip-hop.
Since then, Yachty followed Budden into podcasting, adopting some of his grumpy old man opinions in the process, and today, Budden joined Yachty on his podcast, A Safe Space, where they joked about rapping on a song together. The whole thing started with Yachty asking Joe, “Do you think right now, if you and me go in [the studio], you could pen a better verse than me?”
In typical combative fashion, Budden shot back, “Who’s picking the beat?” “Obviously, not you!” Yachty razzed. This sparks a spirited debate about the two rappers’ respective taste in beats, with Budden clowning Yachty’s “Metroid beats” and Yachty offering up a folder of beats from one of underground hip-hop’s favorite producers, The Alchemist. Yachty’s co-host Mitch says the result would sound like “a hoop mixtape,” which… Yes. That’s the point, you infant.
Joe says he’d “do it for fun, because I’m retired,” and now, I am wildly curious. Who cares who has the best verse — do it for hip-hop.
You can watch the new interview above, and just for kicks, you can watch the duo’s original, antagonistic interview below.
