Features

LL Cool J’s Best Acting Roles

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Although he is one of the greatest emcees Hip Hop has ever seen, LL COOL J is quite the actor as well.  Whether it is on TV, in theater, or hosting a game show, the New York rapper excels when he gets behind the camera.  For decades, LL has been showing his talents off and should be recognized.  Out of all his performances, there are a few that stand out.

Here’s the best acting performances from LL COOL J.

Deliver Us from Eva

In 2003, LL Cool J starred in the movie, Deliver Us from Eva.  The movie had notable stars such as Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, and Meagan Good.  LL Cool J plays a ladies’ man who is sought out to develop a relationship with a bossy woman (Union) so she can give her sisters more time with their husbands.  Union plays a Health Inspector that doesn’t have anything on her mind, but to keep tabs on her little sisters.  Ultimately, the two fall in love.  

On the popular movie rating platform, Rotten Tomatoes, Deliver Us from Eva received a rating of 44%.  Many critics believed the romantic comedy was too predictable.  LL Cool J does well in his role as he makes you believe he really fell for Union.

Last year, the wife of ex-NBA superstar Dwayne Wade, posted a photo of the two from a photo shoot for the movie.  Fans were even in the comments stating Deliver Us from Eva was their favorite movie.  Some claim they still watch it to this day.

Any Given Sunday

If you watched Any Given Sunday, then you might’ve thought LL Cool J had a future in the NFL.  Surely, he looked the part alongside actual NFL players like Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor, and Terell Owens, who were actually in the movie.

In this film, the Queens native was also around some big names in Hollywood.  Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid, Cameron Diaz, Bill Bellamy, and Jamie Foxx starred in this movie as well.  The Queens rapper played star running back, Julian Washington, who didn’t see eye to eye with new, flashy star quarterback, Willie Beamen played by Jamie Foxx.  The infamous fight scene in the movie between Foxx and LL COOL J was actually real, believe it or not.

Although, in the movie, LL COOL J’s character had a problem with his quarterback after he was taking all the credit for their winning streak, the two stars had issues behind the cameras as well.  Last year, Bill Bellamy, who also starred in this film, clarified on what actually happened between the two stars on an episode of Drink Champs.

According to Bellamy, it appears that the “All I Have”  rapper did not take kindly to all of the comedian’s sarcasm.  Bellamy even claims he warned Foxx about poking fun at LL, but he wouldn’t listen.  After an incident occurred where Foxx busted LL’s lip, LL had had enough.  That’s when he punched Foxx, which made for a great scene.

LL Cool J In The House

The “Mama Said Knock You Out” rapper starred in his own show in the mid 90s, In the House.  LL COOL J played Marion, a former professional football player, who has to deal with life after football, like working as a “manny”.  The sitcom lasted five seasons airing on popular networks, NBC and UPN.  Starring alongside the rapper was Debbie Allen, Kim Wayans, and Alfonso Ribeiro.

LL made you feel like you knew Marion.  He was cool, funny, and fly!  There’s no doubt that this came with ease as he made it seem so natural.  It seems as if executive producer Quincy Jones knew he LL was made for this role.  Maybe he had him in mind when creating it.

LL Cool J Survives Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea was so good that they made a trilogy!  The first one stars LL COOL J as Preacher, in a role many feel he excelled in.  Deep Blue Sea is regarded as one of the best shark movies of all time.

A team of scientists are in an underwater facility researching sharks when they find out some of the sharks have been genetically engineered.  As the sharks are attacking people, the team fights to escape the facility.  Preacher plays an important role as he kills the first shark the team encounters as well as the final shark to end the movie.  LL’s character caused fans to be on the edge of their seats.  Alongside the legend, Samuel L. Jackson, the “Doin It” rapper clearly made the movie.

Last Holiday

Similar to Deliver Us from Eva, LL COOL J falls in love in Last Holiday.  In a touching holiday love story, Queen Latifah stars as Georgia, a woman who has been suddenly diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder after taking a fall.  LL COOL J stars alongside her as her love interest as they both are interested in each other, but have not admitted it.  Again, the Queens rapper nails his role in a romantic film.

NCIS: Los Angeles

In 2009, LL COOL J was casted as Special Agent Sam on NCIS: Los Angeles.  He is one of the original cast members as the show has been running for 14 years.  Although the show is ending, he had nothing but good things to say.

”Well, I gotta tell you-it’s not hard at all.  CBS did an amazing thing with us; it’s been an amazing run.  We’re talking about 14 years…I think that the show has done tremendous numbers…I couldn’t complain.  I have nothing to complain about.”

In Too Deep

In what might be his best role yet, LL COOL J starred alongside Omar Epps in the movie, In Too Deep.  LL COOL J plays the biggest drug dealer around with so much power, his nickname is God.  Omar Epps plays a detective that goes undercover to infiltrate God’s crew.

The “Paradise” rapper excels in his role as being an intimidator as well as an enforcer.  His most infamous line comes at the end of the movie when Epps’s character sends him to prison.  As, he is being carried out of the courtroom, he screams, “You ain’t no cop, J. Reid!”  LL was so good, you would’ve thought he was really a kingpin.

Let us know your favorite roles that LL COOL J has played. 

Chrisean Rock’s Best Instagram Posts

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Ever since Chrisean Rock jumped into the spotlight, it’s like she hasn’t left.  Although she is popular for being in a relationship with rapper Blueface, the Baltimore native has her own claim to fame.  Rock is an athlete, reality TV star, and an artist!  It’s easy to depict her as a chaotic public figure, but underneath it all Chrisean is talented!

It seems as if she is on the rise to do many things.  Rock is very popular on social media platforms, especially Instagram.  She has 3 million followers as her IG handle is @chriseanrockbabyy.  It’s easy to hit the follow button when scrolling through her page.  Yes, you will be entertained.  

Here’s the best Instagram posts from Chrisean Rock.  

Intro on Baddies South

Chrisean Rock introduces herself to the world in this post.  She appears on Season 1 of Baddies South on the Zeus Network. Rock calls her fan base “Da Big Babies as Da Big Baby is her nickname and Instagram handle.

In her intro, the Baltimore native reveals she makes music, which is the main reason she makes money, along with just being herself.  Rock has entertained us all the past few years.  She calls herself the Missing tooth bandit as she is known for the gap between her front teeth.  Also, she proclaims herself to be a woman of God as well as a badass.  Rock is aware she never listens which is why she got her nicknames, Rock and da big baby.

She claims to be “a few people in one”. 

Blueface Tooth

Chrisean reveals she went to a dental surgeon to get a new tooth to fill her gap last month.  The video shows before and after videos of Rock.  She credits Dr. Trevor Thomas for the tooth as she tags him as her caption.  You can see Dr. Thomas in the video as well.  Blueface commented, “You look so pretty” under the post.

Weeks later, Rock went back to Dr. Thomas for some more work.  The 22-year-old had Dr. Thomas put a picture of her lover, Blueface, on her new tooth.  With all smiles, she looks into the camera telling the “Thotiana” rapper, she did it all for him.  Before the video ends, she posts a picture with Blueface showing off her tooth.  The LA rapper commented “That’s my lil Roc Roc” underneath her post.  Looks like he approves.

Chrisean Performs in D.C.

It looks like Da Big Babies really go hard for the reality TV star.  Although she is mainly known for her antics and relationship with Blueface, the Baltimore artist is looking to take her music career to the next level.  She performed in  D.C., to which looked like a packed crowd as many held their phones and cameras up to record Rock.

Chrisean posted photos of the night showing her and her team having a good time on stage.  She also posted snaps of her family that enjoyed the show as well last night.  Rock captioned the night feeling the love.

“Prayed for times like dis [emojis] first time performing in front of my family.  Da love was all so real [tear face emoji]”

NSFW

As you know by now, Chrisean is not going to hold her tongue.  If it’s on her mind, she will say it.  Or, if you ask her a question, she’ll give you an honest answer.  In an interview with The Shade Room, Rock was asked how many times she and Blueface have sex daily.  She responded by saying three or four depending on how tired her man is.  She also said, she “puts him to sleep”, seeming confident in her abilities.  Her caption exudes that confidence as well as she writes, “All thunder storms over here [rain emoji, water emoji]”.

Sold Out Shows

Rock continues to go to cities and sell out shows.  She was in Charlotte, North Carolina over the Summer and Da Big Babies came out.  With phones and cameras out, fans were singing along with Chrisean.  Performing with all smiles, the artist shook hands with fans while on stage.  Blueface was in the corner recording his girlfriend, to which at one point she stared and smiled in his direction. It’s nice to see that her work is paying off.

Baddies Reunion Preview

Chrisean previews a clip of the Baddies South Reunion on the Zeus Network.  In the clip, you can see Rock arguing with a fellow cast member.  The next moment, you see her attacking Persusasion before the video cuts off.  Somebody sure knows how to build up suspense and get people watching.  The post racked up over three million views!

She captioned the post, “Who Else Tuning in This Sunday at the Reunion with…@thezeusnetwork #baddiessouth”.  As I stated before, Chrisean knows how to entertain as fans hit the comments.  One fan stated, “If you weren’t on the show I wouldn’t even be watching”.  While another fan commented, “This the ROCK REUNION YALL[emojis] I’m here for it babygirlll”.

Things Chrisean Said 

As I stated before, the Baltimore artist is not afraid to say what’s on her mind.  Whether in an interview, on social media, or television, Rock has no filter.  And, it’s safe to say, everyone else feels the same.  In a video compilation, which seems to be made by a fan, you can see many of Rock’s thoughts and takes.  She captions the post, “I’m so ghetto [crying laughing emoji]”.  The TV reality star has surely built a fanbase as this is part two of a compilation.

Sista Rock

Before 2023 started, the 22-year-old showed off her diversity.  She posted a snippet of herself singing a new Gospel song she made.  Rock calls the song, “Hallelujah” as she claims it was the first word she ever said.  She has always been a believer of God, so it’s only right that she tries her hand in this genre.  In her most viewed post yet, with over four million views, Chrisean plans to go in the new year on a positive note.

Chrisean is Confident 

Chrisean Rock has plans for her future.  She exudes confidence and believes in her talents.  In another in what looks like a fan compilation video, you can see Rock manifesting her music career and life in general.  The video continues to show her throughout her journey thus far.  It’s good to see that she is hungry to achieve her goals and if no one believes in her, she will.  

NF’s Upcoming ‘HOPE’ Album

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The rapper/songwriter has a unique blend of introspective and profound lyrics and catchy beats. NF has quickly risen to become one of the more popular artists in the rap game today. In this article, we will dive in and look at everything we know about NF’s upcoming ‘HOPE’ album and what fans can anticipate from this new project.

NF’s Album Release Date

NF is one of the game’s most exciting and innovative rappers. He teased fans with the upcoming album ‘HOPE’ for months. Undoubtedly, leaving fans hungry for more information about what’s in store. Finally, it’s confirmed the album is scheduled to be released on April 7, 2023.

NF’s Trademark sound

First and foremost, fans should expect a continuation of NF’s trademark style on ‘HOPE’. NF’s album will be an emotional rollercoaster. NF dives deep into his personal struggles and experiences. Fortunately, fans can expect brutally honest and introspective lyrics. Along with raw emotions, NF shares his battles with mental health and other issues.

NF’s Tracklist

In addition to his signature style, fans can expect exciting collaborations on ‘HOPE.’

NF has already confirmed that he has worked with several talented artists on his new album and earlier teased the fans on social media. The album tracklist for NF’s long-awaited fifth studio album features 13 tracks. Furthermore, the lead single and title track “HOPE,’ “MOTTO,” “CAREFUL,” featuring Julia Michaels, “GONE,” featuring CORDAE, and “MAMA,” as well as other compelling songs.

Lead Single

In his lead single, “HOPE,” NF showcases his unique lyrical talent by touching on topics like faith, fatherhood, and self-healing. The powerful five-minute song is splits into two parts. While the first part NF shares his message of being true to oneself and holding onto the best parts of who you are. Despite, the hopeful message, the second part of the song takes a different turn, as NF struggles to be a voice of reason without surrendering to who he once was.

Impact in the industry

Arguably, ‘HOPE’ has potential to impact beyond just the music industry. NF has always been an advocate for mental health awareness. The rapper commonly uses his platform to raise awareness about this crucial issue. With ‘HOPE,’ fans can expect NF to continue spreading his message of hope and resilience as he sheds light on the struggles many people face daily.

Finally, fans should expect diverse tracks on ‘HOPE.’ While NF is primarily known for his introspective and emotional lyrics, he has also proven himself a versatile artist who can switch up his style.

Fans can expect a mix of upbeat tracks and slower, more contemplative songs on ‘HOPE,’ ensuring something for everyone on this new album.

Unquestionably, NF’s upcoming ‘HOPE’ album is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Fans can expect a continuation of NF’s signature style, exciting collaborations, and diverse tracks.

However, the most important thing to look forward to with ‘HOPE’ is its potential impact on mental health awareness and the lives of those struggling. With his powerful lyrics and message of hope, NF will make a lasting impact with this new album.

Everything In The Fear of God Spring 2023 Collection

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Fear of God ESSENTIALS has once again outdone themselves with their Spring 2023 collection.

Known for their contemporary take on wardrobe essentials, the Jerry Lorenzo-led label has elevated their reputation for sophistication with a range of both laid-back and elegant constructions.

With a refreshing color palette, the collection includes a mixture of Fear of God signatures and new designs, all crafted with reliable proportions. This latest output intends to be timeless, not only in its composition but also in its versatility.

A Contemporary Twist on Classic Silhouettes

Fear of God ESSENTIALS has become synonymous with updating classic silhouettes with contemporary details, and this collection is no exception. While some pieces may look familiar, they have been reimagined with fresh tones and subtle changes in construction. Meanwhile, the brand’s styles push them further into the modern category, making a statement while retaining their signature sophistication.

Considered Textiles for Timeless Wearability

One of the most impressive aspects of Fear of God ESSENTIALS is their focus on textiles. They use only the best materials, making sure the pieces not only look great but also feel amazing to wear. The Spring 2023 collection has an array of fabrics, including thick waffles, woven nylon, and Milano stitch

This range of textiles ensures the brand’s latest output has both durability and comfort, allowing them to be worn time and time again.

Muted Tones for Maximum Versatility

The Spring 2023 collection is mostly muted, with tones like seal, plum, sand, and light Tuscan. This subdued color palette allows the brand’s casual-yet-intentional tailoring to take center stage.

This is one of the reasons Fear of God ESSENTIALS is a go-to brand for anyone looking to build a wardrobe of timeless essentials.

Pieces for Everyone in the Family

The Spring 2023 collection will be available in men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes, making sure that there is something for everyone in the family.

Overshirts, trench coats, and polo shirts are just a few of the pieces available. All products are crafted with the same attention to detail and use of considered textiles. Meanwhile, washed denim trucker jackets pair perfectly with classic jeans, and loungewear plays a predominant role in the collection’s identity.

Arriving in Two Deliveries

The first delivery will arrive on March 8th, with a second delivery arriving on April 5th.

This staggered release allows customers to buy the pieces they want and helps ensure they don’t miss out on any must-have items.

With Fear of God ESSENTIALS’ reputation for quality and attention to detail, it’s no surprise that anticipation is already high for the Spring 2023 collection.

A Look Into Tyga’s Dating History

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Is Tyga your favorite artist? Are you curious about who he has dated and is dating? Numerous popular women have dated Tyga, and this list will give you more details about these ladies. More so, this detailed dating history tells you everything you need to know about Tyga’s love life. Overall, it includes his current girlfriend, his past relationships, pictures of them together, and dating rumors.

This list has all of Tyga’s ex-girlfriends and more information about each one. All of these women are different in size and shape, but they all have one thing in common: Tyga has dated or linked up with all of them. Let’s drive in!

Is Tyga Dating Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne and Tyga made their affair public when they were spotted kissing on March 6 at the Mugler x party at Paris Fashion Week. Also, they wore matching long leather coats to the Y/Project show the next day.

Avril Ramona Lavigne (born September 27, 1984) is a singer, songwriter, and actor from Canada. Overall, she has six studio albums to her credit and has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards.

The singer, who is 38, and the rapper, kissed and cuddled up to one other, with the rapper wrapping his arms around her. A lot of pictures have been taken of the couple holding hands or kissing.

However, Avril just got a divorce from Mod Sun in February 2023. But, she now seems to be dating Tyga. They didn’t do much to hide the fact that they were dating, and they don’t mind being photographed together. Now, Let’s go into how Tyga’s relationship went in the past!

Camaryn Swanson and Tyga

Tyga was photographed at Walt Disney World in February 2021 with his new girlfriend Camaryn Swanson and his son, King Cairo. Camaryn is a fashion designer and influencer. 

Camaryn posted a picture to Instagram of the couple holding hands outside the famous castle. During the same trip, Tyga was seen lovingly stroking Camaryn’s chin on a private jet. Also, the couple showed a lot of PDA on Instagram Stories.  Early this month, the rapper got his new girlfriend, who is now an ex, a watch for her birthday.

Strikingly, fans think that the ring on Camaryn’s left ring finger is her engagement ring. (https://www.instagram.com/p/CnN0ceZj0rI/?hl=en Photo)

In June, Camaryn was seen wearing a huge diamond ring on her left ring finger, which led to rumors that she was engaged. Also, the couple was seen at Delilah in West Hollywood, where the influencer was wearing a big rock. Still, in October 2021, Camaryn said that Tyga hurt her physically, and the social media star showed pictures of the injuries she said she got that night.

After a felony domestic abuse investigation, Tyga was arrested in the middle of October and released on a $50,000 bond. E! News says that Tyga turned himself into the Los Angeles Police Department after his ex-girlfriend Camaryn accused him of “emotionally, mentally, and physically abusing” her.

Bella Poarch and Tyga Dating Rumor 

Tyga and Bella were said to be dating after they worked together on one of Bella’s most popular videos in August of last year. Soon after, Bella showed up in a TikTok video on Tyga’s page that looked like it was shot at his home.

This kept the relationship rumors going until a big scandal about a sex tape leak. In October, Tyga and Bella Poarch were all over Twitter after it was reported that they had a sex tape. Some OnlyFans users claimed to have had unique access to the tape. But, no trace of it has been found.

The pair haven’t said if they are dating or not. Nevertheless, Bella Poarch did deny in a TikTok video that she made a sex tape with the rapper.

Amina Blue

There were rumors that Tyga and Amina Blue were dating in June 2016 after they were seen together in Jamaica. She was in the music video for his song “1+1,” it turned out.

People were upset that Tyga used the German-Pakistani model Amina instead of a Jamaican woman in his music video. The couple, however, has not addressed the dating rumors.

Tammy Hembrow 

Tyga and fitness model Tammy Hembrow were rumored to be dating in January 2019. Specifically, this happened after the rapper hinted at having a sexual connection with her in one of his raps.

On Lil Pump’s remix of Ambjaay’s song “Uno,” the rapper talked about meeting a woman named Tammy in the parking lot of an In-N-Out Burger.

On her podcast, the social media revealed the song was about her but said the lyrics had been blown ‘out of proportion’.

“It’s not a dig at me, but it’s also just a song,” she said. Humans are insane! She asked, “Do you really take rap songs that seriously?” “He’s just a friend of mine, and I think this whole thing is overblown and silly.” People are just ridiculous.

Iggy Azalea

In 2018, photos of Tyga and Iggy Azalea getting close at Coachella led to rumors that they were dating.

During Iggy’s act, Tyga was seen putting his hand on her shoulder. Then, the two walked hand in hand to the Desert Nights party. Iggy talked about the rumors in July 2018, saying that they were not “hugged up” at Coachella. Iggy told E!, “There are no pictures of us hugging, but when everyone is packed in like sardines at a music festival, of course, we’re next to each other.”

The actress finished by saying, “When you hang out with your friends and you’re the only two famous people out of ten, you’re getting married and having kids.”

Kylie Jenner

When Kylie Jenner was 14 and Tyga was 21, they met at Kendall Jenner’s 16th birthday party in November 2011.

Tyga initially appeared on Kylie’s Instagram in July 2014. Also, in August, he celebrated her 17th birthday with her. In October 2014, the couple’s first post on Instagram was a picture of them dressed up for Halloween. Soon after that, they started dating openly but said they were “just friends” until Kylie turned 18.

The couple went out on and off until April 2018, when rumors spread that they had broken up.

Sophia Body

Between 2012 and 2013, Tyga was said to be seeing Sophia Body. Sophia Body is a model from Canada who lives in Toronto. Also, her role on Love & Hip Hop: New York made her a big deal on social media. Also, she has been linked to Safaree Samuels and French Montana.

Blac Chyna

Tyga started dating model Blac Chyna at the end of 2011. They met when Chyna was in the music video for his song “Rack City.” On October 16, 2012, King Cairo Stevenson was born to the couple. In December 2012, they got engaged, but they split up in 2014.

Even though Tyga never cheated on her, Chyna said that their breakup was “kind of sped up by something,” which she said was Kylie.

Tyga’s Alleged Marriage To Jordan Craig

Tyga was previously married to Jordan Craig, according to court filings filed in Los Angeles in May 2019.

Craig and Tristan Thompson, who was her ex-boyfriend, have a son named Prince. Court records show that Tyga and Craig got married on September 6, 2010. But, the rapper filed for divorce a month later, and it was finalized in 2011.

Tyga was seen liking Craig’s Instagram posts in May, showing that he wanted to get back together with him. But, it didn’t work out.

Chanel Iman

After Tyga and Chanel Iman were seen together in public in late 2008, rumors spread that they were dating. And, in the May 2009 issue of Vogue, the two made their relationship known to the public.

Kiely Williams

From 2007 to 2008, Tyga was with Kiely Williams, who had been in 3LW and The Cheetah Girls.

Via

Earl Sweatshirt’s Albums, Ranked

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Los Angeles rapper Earl Sweatshirt’s rise in the Hip-Hop scene began in 2009 as a member of the alternative rap collective Odd Future. While fellow Odd Future members such as Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean have become worldwide stars in their own right, Sweatshirt has carved his own path in the underground and experimental rap scene. Sweatshirt is known for his lyrical ability, word play, and rhyme schemes, which are often compared to late rapper MF DOOM’s, and his sound has progressed and changed significantly since Odd Future’s inception. This list will rank all four of his studio albums. It will only contain full-length studio albums, so mixtape project ‘Earl’, 2020 EP ‘Feet of Clay’, and EP ‘Solace’ will not be included.

4. SICK! (2022)


Sweatshirt’s most recent album, ‘SICK!’ was released in 2022, four years after his last full length project, ‘Some Rap Songs’. While Sweatshirt became known for his sludgy, dirty sound, he veered away from it on this project in favor of clarity. ‘SICK!’s’ release was a sign of maturity for Sweatshirt as he abandoned many of the shock-rap qualities of his earlier projects and instead rapped about topics such as fatherhood and overcoming addiction and other mental health issues.

Highlights of the album include the intro track ‘Old Friend’ which contains a sound similar to many of the songs on Earl’s previous album, ‘Some Rap Songs’, as well as the final track of the album ‘Fire in the Hole’ as Earl raps about his maturity in relationships and as an artist.

The project is still obscure, as tracks such as ‘2010’ and ‘Tabula Rasa’ feat. Armand Hammer features Earl on beats unlike any other, however, the project lacks the indescribable rawness that was present on ‘Some Rap Songs’. Despite this, ‘SICK!’ was one of the best albums of the year upon its release and its low placement on this list is only due to the strength of Earl’s previous three projects.

3. Doris (2013)

Earl’s first full-length album came after a three year hiatus due to Sweatshirt’s mother sending him to a boarding school in Samoa. His disappearance sparked the “Free Earl” campaign by Odd Future and ‘Doris’ was one of the most anticipated albums of 2013. At the time of its release, Sweatshirt was only 19 years old, his youthful hunger on full display on this project.

‘Doris’ is arguably Sweatshirt’s most technically proficient project in terms of rhyme scheme and lyricism as tracks such as ‘Woah’ contain flows where nearly every word rhymes. The album also includes features from fellow Odd Future members Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and Domo Genesis, as well as features from Vince Staples, RZA, and Mac Miller. Sweatshirt’s youthful nature is apparent on tracks such as Sasquatch as ‘Doris’ occurred within a metamorphosis for Earl as he began to abandon his shock-rap qualities in favor of more substance-driven songs.

Highlights from the album include ‘Chum’, a deeply personal track that shows Earl’s maturity as he speaks on his difficult relationship with his father and other issues of adolescence. ‘Hive’, which features Vince Staples and Casey Veggies and displays Sweatshirt’s aptitude for whimsical wordplay and rhyme schemes.

This dichotomy of subject matter is consistent throughout the album, as Earl stayed true to his Odd Future roots, and also displayed his ability to deliver tracks with emotional weight behind them. Tyler, the Creator even mentions this contrast on his intro to ‘Woah’ as he tells Earl that just because he made ‘Chum’ and “got all personal” does not mean he can’t go back to that “old fucking 2010 shit”. ‘Doris’ lacks the artistic maturity of some of Sweatshirt’s later projects, yet Earl’s potential and prodigious talent shined throughout the album and was a testament of things to come.

2. I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside (2015)

Many fans believed Sweatshirt would take a more conventional approach to his music after the success of ‘Doris’ and the growing star-power of Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean in 2015. ‘I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside’ was presumed to be the sophomore breakout album that propelled Sweatshirt into the more mainstream sectors of the Hip-Hop scene, however, Sweatshirt decided to do the total opposite, as “IDLSIDGO” is one of the darkest, most depressing albums of the past decade.

“IDLSIDGO” begins with ‘Huey’, a track about Earl’s struggles with addiction as he raps “I spent the day drinking and missing my grandmother”. The project continues with the three track run of ‘Mantra’, ‘Faucet’, and ‘Grief’ in which Sweatshirt details his continuing struggles with addiction, depression, and the grief of his grandmother’s passing.

‘Faucet’ and ‘Grief’ are two of the best tracks on the album and two of the best of Earl’s discography. He enmeshes his lyrical ability with intense storytelling and psychological turmoil. “IDLSIGO” also contains features from Dash, Wiki, Na’kel Smith, and Vince Staples. Smith’s feature on ‘DNA’ is one of the most well-remembered. Na’kel raps about his own grief following his friend’s recent passing.

The project is ten tracks and only has a run-time of thirty minutes, yet not a second is wasted as it holds its listeners in a grief-stricken haze as Sweatshirt delivers one of the most gut-wrenching and depressing performances of any artist of the last decade. ‘I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside’ is an audial display of the pits of depression and grief and Sweatshirt encapsulates the feeling as only he can. The only thing keeping this album from the number one spot on this list is the brilliance of Sweatshirt’s following project.

1. Some Rap Songs (2018)


 No one could have predicted what Sweatshirt would do next following ‘I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside’, as Earl proved on that album that he was in a lane entirely his own. At only twenty-five minutes long, ‘Some Rap Songs’ leans even further into the experimental and conceptual as the album feels less like a musical project and more like a mind-bending trip into the psyche of Sweatshirt’s mind.

The project is deeply personal and psychological as Earl speaks on many topics present in his previous work, such as depression, addiction, and his relationships with his parents, yet ‘Some Rap Songs’ features a vulnerability that even ‘I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside’ did not. ‘Some Rap Songs’’ brilliance lies in its sonic uniqueness, as Sweatshirt raps complexities over subdued soulful loops that often do not even include drums.

The album is a symbol of Sweatshirt’s artistic maturity, as he all but neglects any sounds even reminiscent of conventionality and instead creates a project that is beyond comparison. The album begins with ‘Shattered Dreams’, as Earl allows listeners to enter what can only be described as a “dream-state” or place of limbo, and Sweatshirt proceeds to hold listeners there as each track following bleeds into the next, causing the album to feel experiential and otherworldly.

Sweatshirt’s subject matter is loose and fleeting, as Los Angeles rappers transitions topics from line-to-line, and yet this messiness and confusion personifies Sweatshirt’s mental state and somehow ends up cohesive and highly conceptual. There is an indescribable sinking nature to the project as it fades in-and-out as Sweatshirt lays down some of his most complex rhyme schemes and flows.

Playing Possum

The thirteenth track of the album, ‘Playing Possum’ also features both of Sweatshirt’s parents, Cheryl Harris and Keorapetse Kgositsile, as Earl shares an audio clip of one of his mother’s lectures and one of his late father’s poems. The final track of the album ‘Riot!’ is an instrumental that samples the 1969 song “Riot” by Hugh Masekela. The decision to end the project with this sort of silence is a moment of genius by Sweatshirt, and despite the absence of Earl’s lyrical ability, which was at one point his calling card, the song is one of Sweatshirt’s most beloved by fans. ‘Some Rap Songs’ is a project that transcends genre and tests the bounds of musical creativity. Its sheer uniqueness and artistry places it at number one on this list as it examines the human psyche through its conceptual and experimental form.

How Much Are Rappers Selling Their Catalogs For?

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Image via Complex Original
  • Image via Getty / Theo Wargo

    Dr. Dre 

  • Image via Getty / Michael Tran

    Lil Wayne 

  • Image via Getty / Steve Jennings

    Juice WRLD 

  • Image via Getty / Jason Koerner

    Future 

  • Image via Getty / Craig Barritt

    Metro Boomin

  • Image via Getty / Scott Dudelson

    Chuck D 

Pink Pantheress’ Best Collaborations

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The days of Pink Pantheress being an aesthetic artist that fans can gatekeep are long gone. The London-based artist has blown up over the past 6 months. She now has a similar monthly listener count on Spotify to the likes of Lil Uzi Vert or Rosalia. A significant reason for her influx of fans has been her knack for picking the right artists for collaborating with. Admittedly still growing as a producer, the 21-year-old is keenly aware that collaborating with others is the most surefire way for her to create the sound she wants. Looking poised to release her debut full-length album this or next year, it’s been a big start to 2023 for PinkPantheress.

PinkPantheress has been a trend-setter from the jump. Before releasing her debut EP ‘To Hell With It,’ she stated “Music’s been the same for so long. Can we get something different?” In her vision to create new sub-genres, she hasn’t been afraid to take a fellow Gen-Z pop phenoms along for the ride. From Ice Spice to Willow, the Internet superstar is equally looking to elevate similar artists around her.

Today, we’re taking a look at PinkPantheress’ best collaborations to date.

Picture in My Mind (PinkPantheress and Sam Gellaitry)

Working with dance producer and singer/songwriter Sam Gellaitry, the two came together on the groovy “Picture In My Mind.” With both artists creating music in the dance lane while living in the UK, it certainly feels like a collaboration that was inevitably going to happen at some point. Featuring distorted synths and a pacey bassline, it’s an incredibly catchy groove. Pantheress and Gellaitry sing over each other from start to finish, with the two’s oppositely pitched voices mixing well.

Discussing the track, she stated “I went all the way to Scotland to work with Sam. He is a genius level producer.” Gellaitry has been on a tear himself over the past year, releasing his sophomore mixtape ‘VF Vol II’ last year. In addition, he recently put out a Kaytranada-remixed version of “Assumptions” on Spotify. It’s not the first time the two have worked together. Sam Gellaitry remixed her hit-song “Passion” in January of 2022, a track that’s garnered over 70 million streams on Spotify.

Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2 (PinkPantheress and Ice Spice)

It’s impossible to write an article about PinkPantheress collaborations without mentioning “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2.” A remix of the original version, she teamed up with Bronx-based American rapper Ice Spice, who delivers a catchy verse on the back end of the track. On the surface, one would think that the lo-fi, Jersey-beat aesthetic of “Boy’s A Liar” wouldn’t fit Ice Spice’s comfort zone. However, the two Gen-Z icons flow between each other surprisingly well. PinkPantheress’ first track to debut on the Billboard Hot 100, the song would peak in the top 5.

The track feels like two best friends ruminating over lost exes. While the two approach that conversation in two contrasting ways, the mix makes for a chaotically fun groove. In addition, the track features co-production credits from electronic music producer Mura Masa. A track that originally appeared on her ‘Take Me Home EP,’ the charming synth-pop on “Boy’s A Liar” makes it the most iconic track in her discography to date.

Where You Are

Yet another female artist who’s stamped her name in the music industry over the past year, PinkPantheress collaborated with rockstar Willow Smith for the angsty “Where You Are.” Pantheress allows Willow to be herself on the track, as she delivers her usual dark punk-rock energy. “Where You Are” features ruminating guitar chords and subtle background violin strings. It creates a melancholic tone that is commonly associated with PinkPantheress’ sound.

The two bounce off of each other seamlessly. Foregoing to the more traditional feature structure, Willow’s vocals are peppered all over the track. In a press release, PinkPantheress wrote “I had a lot of fun writing this song. It took loads of attempts to get it right, but this is probably my proudest work to date, and I’m super happy for everyone to hear it.”

Do You Miss Me?

PinkPantheress was able to secure her dream collaboration on ‘Do You Miss Me?’ She’s been open about her aspirations to work with the Toronto-based super producer in the past. She’s referenced being inspired to begin producing her own music, and hone in on her dance-pop sound after hearing Kaytranada‘s music back in 2016. Similar to much of her past music, PinkPantheress is obsessed on the track. Consumed by her infatuation, she repeats “miss me” a total of 34 times on a track that just barely skates past the 2-minute mark.

“Do You Miss Me?” features the signature bouncy sound of Kaytranada’s beats, with subtle afrobeat drums and droning synth pitching. While the track didn’t yield the mind-blowing sound that fans may have anticipated, he certainly adds color and tonnage to her traditional sound. The last 20 seconds are the most contemporary section of the track. PinkPantheress’ voice is warped into an eerie pitching sound.

Bbycakes

This song is downright silly. Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, Shy Girl, and PinkPantheress, the track seemed doomed from the start. However, producer Mura Masa finds a way to seamlessly blend the trio’s vocal talents on “Bbycakes.” In retrospect, the success of the track shouldn’t be a shock. While Shy Girl and PinkPantheress are already well-known for diving into the hyper-pop space, Lil Uzi Vert had expressed an innate ability to do more than solely rap over trap beats in the past.

When discussing the track in an interview, Mura Masa stated, “I feel like “Bbycakes” is a future-facing record. Clashing U.K dancehall culture with U.S drill music, all of it is a mission statement for the vicarious and playful nature that I think popular music needs in an overly cynical culture.” The track is exactly that, as PinkPantheress and Lil Uzi Vert trade vocals on the second verse of the track. Admittedly chaotic, it’s still track that saw PinkPantheress dive out of her comfort zone along with a list of household names.

Funniest SNL Skits Of All Time

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For nearly half a century, SNL has been an iconic presence in comedy, bringing its sharp humor to millions of viewers every week. Its vibrant and raw energy has become a veritable breeding ground for many of today’s most celebrated entertainers. Many of the show’s alumni have also gone on to pursue hugely successful acting careers after their time in the program. 

From Eddie Murphy to Jim Carrey, SNL has provided a platform for some of the funniest people in the business. Celebrity culture hasn’t been able to escape the satirical jabs of this long-running show either. The sheer magnitude of sketches throughout the years makes it a tough task to narrow down the very best ones.

1. More Cowbell

There’s no shortage of iconic Saturday Night Live sketches, but “More Cowbell” is sure to top the list. This sketch takes place in 1976 at Sunshine Studios. It centers around Blue Oyster Cult’s classic hit “Don’t Fear (the Reaper)”. Led by actors Will Ferrell as Gene Frenkle and Christopher Walken as producer Bruce Dickinson, the cast also features Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell, Horatio Sanz, and Jimmy Fallon. 

The comic climax of the skit comes when Bruce insists the band must use more cowbell, which Ferrell proceeds to do in all his dance-induced glory. Whether it’s Walken’s ‘Fever for More Cowbell’ line or Ferrell’s infectious drumming style that tickles your funny bone, this sketch is guaranteed to bring a laugh.

2. Wayne’s World

Mike Myers was once among the most revered comedians in Hollywood, with his career skyrocketing after his appearances on Saturday Night Live. He had a multitude of memorable characters during his stint on the show. But, none achieved more visibility than Wayne Campbell from “Wayne’s World.”

Teaming up with Garth Algar (Dana Carvey), Wayne hosted a public-access cable show which thrust them into stardom and earned them two feature-length movies. The show also brought about the much-adored catchphrases “Schwing,” “Party on,” and “Hurl.” It is undoubtedly difficult to avoid mentioning “Wayne’s World” when discussing iconic SNL skits.

3.Chippendales Audition

When Mike Myers, Patrick Swayze, and Chris Farley come together, the outcome is nothing less than artful. The unforgettable Chippendales skit sees two competitors – Adrian (Patrick Swayze) and Barney (Chris Farley). They are competing for a spot in the cast.

We don’t want to take away any of the surprises that this classic sketch has in store for you, so we’ll encourage you to watch it! We feel privileged to have been able to enjoy the acting talent of Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley.

4. JetBlue Flight 292

We must not forget the JetBlue Flight 292 skit from 2005, which Steve Carell and Amy Poehler starred. While they were on the plane that was headed for disaster, Steve stayed completely oblivious while watching Animal Planet and learning about male seahorses getting pregnant.

Meanwhile, the pilot nonchalantly mentioned they would be making a pitstop in LA and that their airline had potato chips. In contrast, Amy remained concerned throughout the entire situation.  The animated breakdown of their potential doom was heart-wrenching and humorous, making you feel guilty for laughing. Yet, Steve never seemed to worry at all.

5. Papyrus

In season 43 of the show, Ryan Gosling embodied a character fixated on a seemingly mundane detail: the choice of font used for the title of Avatar. To the average person, this issue may have seemed inconsequential, but to Gosling’s character it provoked so much distress that he felt compelled to seek out a therapist. Ultimately, even this visit proved fruitless as the sequels went ahead with the same font.

Unwilling to accept such a defeat, Gosling’s character then embarked on an intrepid mission to track down the individual responsible for the supposed design disaster – though his search ultimately proved unnecessary, as future Avatar movies have since seen a switch in font. A humorous resolution to an otherwise relentless pursuit.

6.  Weekend Update: Stefon

Stefon, portrayed by Bill Hader on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update segment, is a figure of legendary eccentricity. As a guide for tourists seeking unique experiences, he has recommended activities and conceptions so strange they verge on the surreal.

All thanks to the expert comedic timing of Hader and the endlessly inventive punch lines of co-creator John Mulaney, audiences are privileged to see a master craftsman break the fourth wall. The combination of jaunty hilarity and affable humor sets Stefon apart from any other SNL character.

7. Matt Foley: Van Down By The River

Chris Farley is widely recognized as one of the most entertaining stars to have graced the Saturday Night Live stage. His most renowned act, the character Matt Foley, is always remembered fondly. After Brian (David Spade) and Stacy’s (Christina Applegate) parents caught them with marijuana, they brought a motivational speaker in for guidance.

Farley arrived with his usual exuberant energy, rushing up the stairs to introduce himself as someone who lives in a van next to the river. While Foley may not be the most effective motivator, this skit has stood the test of time as one of SNL’s most successful sketches.

8. Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood: Nutrition

Whenever Eddie Murphy made an appearance, it meant a flurry of hilarity and mirth. While today we revere him as one of the most accomplished comedic actors in history, back in 1984 he was just starting out. His “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood” sketch parodying Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood featured the comic genius at his prime. The skit hinged on the expensive price tag of the groceries Murphy had stolen from a woman—all set in a backdrop of “the ghetto”.  Recently, after 35 years, Murphy returned to his old neighborhood to see how much things had changed since his last visit. A remarkable journey that can only be described as coming full circle.

9. Career Day

Adam Driver’s portrayal of Abraham H. Parnassus in the “Career Day” skit for SNL season 44 was an astounding demonstration of his Julliard training and acting chops. Appearing as the father of Mordecai, played by Pete Davidson, Driver delivered a compelling performance. From muttering complete nonsense to never breaking character despite the unfavorable reactions from those around him.

What truly makes this skit stand out and deserves consideration among the funniest ever is the way Driver managed to embarrass his son without crossing over into caricature or cliche. Even with two Academy Award nominations riding on other projects, Driver’s performance as Parnassus could be one of his most memorable yet.

10. Farewell, Mr. Bunting

As an unprecedented sketch, “Farewell Mr. Bunting” is sure to be remembered as one of the funniest in SNL’s storied past. This skit ingeniously mirrors a beloved scene from Dead Poet’s Society.

The moving teacher (portrayed by Fred Armisen) is let go and students stand on their desks in a show of admiration. The audience was kept waiting for a protracted time before an individual student finally rose to the desk, only to have his head instantly severed by an overhead fan. The suddenness of the incident coupled with the ensuing carnage was something that viewers would strangely not soon forget. 

11.Debbie Downer

What is remarkable about the Debbie Downer skit is that it was so successful for its humorous failings. Rachel Dratch portrays the titular character, a jaded lady whose pessimism brings down the atmosphere of any celebratory event she’s involved in.

On the initial airing of the skit, showcasing Debbie bringing an end to a family outing to Disneyworld. The entire cast found themselves unable to continue with their lines due to all the uncontrollable laughter. It certainly resonated with SNL viewers.

Everything We Know About Chloe Bailey’s ‘Praise This’

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The trailer for Praise This starring Chloe Bailey from the girl group Chloe X Halle just dropped. The teaser comes just in time to entice our palates for a feel-good Easter holiday movie. Like her group-mate Hailey, Chloe seems interested in diversifying her talents with a leading movie role. The ‘Do It’ singer is no stranger to acting. She stars in the popular series Grown-ish. Here are all the details we picked up from the trailer. You will also get to discover interesting facts about the movie you might never have known.

April 7th Is The Premier Date

The movie will premier exclusively on Universal Studio’s Peacock on April 7th. Peacock is one of the many streaming services available in the United States. It has also recently expanded to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, and Italy. There has been no official communication on whether Praise This will have limited run in theaters for non-Peacock subscribers.

Peacock is, however,  keen to make sure that movie lovers make the film a part of their to-do list in Easter holiday festivities. Praise This is a family movie based on Christian praise music. But, from the trailer, it seems like a fun afternoon movie to enjoy with family or by yourself whether Christian or otherwise. Even Quavo from the rap group Migos seems to have brought his acting chops to the movie.

Quavo Joins Fellow Musician Chloe In ‘Praise This’

The Grammy winning rapper has had a difficult past several months to say the least. First, his super rap group, the Migos split, alienating Offset to pursue a solo career. His other group-mate, Takeoff, who he had decided to form a rap duo with him under the moniker ‘Unc & Phew’ was tragically shot and killed during an altercation in Houston. Takeoff was Quavo’s actual nephew.

Then, there was the alleged confrontation back stage at the Grammys. Quavo and Offset had to be separated before it escalated to a brawl – again, allegedly. Insiders say that the confrontation stemmed from the Grammy organizers wanting Offset to be part of the Takeoff tribute. But, Quavo was having none of it. The Migos head honcho has released two songs paying tribute to Takeoff.  The records have given us a glimpse of the pain that the rapper is going through.

So, it is refreshing to see him taking time off from music and lending his acting talents to this feel-good movie. He seemingly will be playing a music producer who will help push the talent of Chloe’s character to new heights.

Druski To Play A Pivotal Role In ‘Praise This’

Druski’s star continues to rise and a glimpse of him from the trailer shows that he is going to play a significant part in the movie. He can finally add ‘actor’ to his resume. The Maryland born entertainer is undoubtedly multi-talented. Druski can also comfortably share a stage with entertainment giants like Drake, J. Cole, and Snoop Dogg. This role could just be the perfect break the 28-year old needs to be more than just an internet sensation.

Great Talent Is Behind The Camera on ‘Praise This’

Tina has an impressive resume as a writer and director. She started her career writing screenplays to movies like the cult-classic, ATL, and Drumline. She also co-wrote and directed the movie Little and Peeples. Gordon is therefore no stranger to making good movies. Her talents and the incredible youthful leading cast can be a recipe for a classic. Brandon Brousard writes the screenplay for Praise This. He wrote the Perfect Match movie and produced #RealityHigh.

James Lopez takes the producer rank in Praise this. He has proved to be a great comedy producer.  He has overseen movies like Kevin Hart’s Night School, Beast, Girls Trip, and What Women Want. Lopez worked with Tina Gordon on the later, so, we should be expecting the same energy and chemistry.

‘Praise This’ Plot

Praise This is a faith-based movie that sees Sam (Chloe’s character) living in California, and in pursuit of a music career. She is determined and driven to achieve her dream. However, her father (Philip Fornah) is concerned. Sam could get in trouble because of the potentially dangerous people she is hanging with. Reluctantly, she is made to move from Los Angeles to Atlanta to by her father.  We are then quickly introduced to her happy-go-lucky cousin Jess played by Anjelika Washington.

Jess introduces Sam to her singing group that was clearly struggling trying to prepare for a national singing competition. Sam then discovers that she can actually live her musical aspirations through the group. However, Things do not go as planned for the aspiring musician. Praise this is the story of two young women and their journey of helping their team achieve success at the national competition.

Family And Religion Inspired ‘Praise This’

Director Tina Gordon said that she drew inspiration from her own family’s balance of the late-night music scene and church. Speaking to Pop Sugar, she said “My uncles were all musicians in the church. They would play in clubs on Saturday night, and my grandmother would make them have to get up and play in her church on Sunday morning.” She continued to say that she wanted the film to portray a blend of these worlds.

She also commented that she did not want the film to be too serious just because it is a faith-based film. “I think the comedy is surprising for a faith-based movie. We don’t take ourselves so seriously,” Gordon says.

“It’s a nice intersection of funny and faith, sinners and saints, the club and church. It’s a big tent and everybody is welcome and I think that’s the surprising part about it. It’s a movie of faith that’s not preachy.”

Pop Sugar also interviewed Chloe about the movie and she said that she appreciated the film for bringing her love for music, acting and God together.

Other ‘Praise This’ Cast Members

Anjelika Washington plays Sam’s cousin, Jess. Hip Hop star Quavo plays musician Ty, and Tristan Mack Wilds plays Pastor “PG” Goodman. Other cast members include; Kiara Iman Heffner, Ilario Grant, Cocoa Brown, Vanessa Fraction Loren Lott, and Crystal Hayslett. Gospel stars Jekalyn Carr and Koryn Hawthorne also make the cast.