Post Malone burst onto the music scene with the 2015 hit single White Iverson. The song peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100, cementing Malone, also known as Austin Post, as a performer to keep an eye on.
He’s now up to four studio albums with the recent release of Twelve Carat Toothache. The hip-hop artist has certainly had his ups and downs and he’s been a bit of a controversial music figure. However, his staying power and popularity are undeniable.
He’ll never make the lyrically raw music of someone like Kendrick Lamar, but Malone has found a lane that works for him and is cruising in it beautifully.
Stoney: Post Malone’s rockystart
Stoney, the first studio album for Malone, is admittedly a bit of an inauspicious start to his music career. There are certainly good tracks on it, like Congratulations, Go Flex, I Fall Apart and others. However, it’s a very hit or miss album.
While White Iverson arguably got the music world’s attention, it’s not a particularly great song. It’s not the best on this album, and his later albums have even more superior tracks.
The Stoney era is also an interesting one for Post Malone’s overall career. He’s often found himself in the middle of pop music and hip-hop, without a clear place in either.
Now, he’s comfortable doing his own thing. In the past, particularly in the Stoney era, he tried to be what he wasn’t. There was a time in Malone’s career when he appeared to be leeching off of hip-hop and just riffing on what popular hip-hop artists did.
He was trying to sound like them, write like them and more or less be them. That’s not who he is and it resulted in a lackluster album that largely serves as a reminder for how far he’s come.
Stoney isn’t an awful album. There’s plenty to like, but there’s also a lot to ignore. For a debut album, that isn’t a major surprise, but it does firmly make this his worst album to date.
Beerbongs & Bentleys: Perhaps there’s more to Malone
With Beerbongs & Bentleys, Post Malone began to shed the label that had followed him around for Stoney. He began to make his own music and stopped worrying about being someone else.
There are still a few misses on this album, such as Candy Paint, Same B*****s or Zack and Codeine. It’s also probably too long, which is ultimately a product of the streaming era.
Still, some of the tracks on this album hold up among his best work, even almost five years later. Otherside is tremendous. Spoil My Night has perhaps Malone’s most iconic lyric delivery and a nice Swae Lee feature. Sugar Wraith, while admittedly a bit self-indulgent, is an absolute hit.
When looking back at his albums in order, it’s easy to see a lot of growth. That’s evident from Stoney to Beerbongs. Naturally, he kept growing and kept getting better, but this is a good album nonetheless.
Twelve Carat Toothache: This is who Post Malone is
Malone’s fourth studio album Twelve Carat Toothache debuted in 2022 and comes in just shy of the top spot in this list. It can certainly be argued that it’s his best work yet, too. It feels the most Post Malone of any album he’s put out yet.
Even with two bonus tracks, it’s shorter than his other albums. Finally, he shed the idea that more is better and stripped the album down to its best parts. Some of those parts, like Euthanasia or Waiting for a Miracle are pretty rough listens.
However, for the most part, the rest of the tracklist ranges from solid to incredible. It’s a shame the original version of the album doesn’t have Waiting for Never because it’s perhaps the quintessential Malone track and it’s perhaps his best to date.
Not to be outdone, the original tracklist does have When I’m Alone, which is again one of his best songs yet. His pairing with The Weekdn on One Right Now has most music fans begging for the two to work together on a full album.
The features, with the exception of Roddy Ricch’s verse on Cooped Up are really good, too. Doja Cat spins a delightful verse on I Like You (A Happier Song) and Gunna fits right in with I Cannot Be (A Sadder Song).
Lemon Tree is the most experimental song on the album and it’s yet another classic for Malone. The way he croons “better” throughout the song in a stark country twang is something no one else in the pop or hip-hop genre could pull off and it’s beautiful.
There’s a little bit of self-reflection on the artist’s part here, too, but not too much. Malone is, after all, more interested in fun than being brutally honest on his songs.
Hollywood’s Bleeding: The experiments paid off
Hollywood’s Bleeding edges out Twelve Carat Toothache by a hair to be Malone’s best album yet. It features a maturity not found on Beerbongs & Bentleys or Stoney and it’s out of the box enough to feel like exactly who the singer is.
In fact, it’s as if Malone just threw together artists and song ideas at random and it works. Malone has never been about precision or subtlety and this album doesn’t even pretend about that.
The simple fact that he put Ozzie Osbourne and Travis Scott on the same song is incredible. The fact that it’s actually a good song is even more mind-boggling. Pairing rapper Future and pop singer Halsey together was light work after that one.
The standouts here, and there are a lot, are really good. Saint-Tropez is a wonderful song- it’s a true shame it’s so short. Hollywood’s Bleeding is the best opening track a Post Malone album has had yet.
Sunflower, thanks to its place in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, has become a cultural phenomenon. It also features a brilliant Swae Lee. A Thousand Bad Times and On the Road are very different songs that are both excellent.
It’s a Malone album, so it’s not without a couple of skips. Internet is not a good song and Wow. and Enemies with DaBaby are mediocre. Still, the consistent quality across the board is better than any other Post Malone albums yet.
Jonathan Majors has only starred in 13 feature films and a handful of television roles. He hasn’t really been in the mainstream for acting but for a few years. Nevertheless, with every outing, he proves that he’s a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
The up and coming actor is in the midst of what might be one of the most successful runs in recent memory. Beginning with his surprise appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe television show Loki, the actor has been in six major projects in about a year and a half.
If there was any doubt as to whether or not the sheer volume would cause Jonathan Majors’ performances to suffer, that should be put to rest. He’s been working incredibly hard, but all his performances are incredible.
The actor hasn’t been around long, but he’s already made a huge imprint on cinema. His future is painfully bright and he reminds people every single time he’s on screen: this is someone to watch.
Jonathan Majors’ performances: Marvel hit a home run
Majors was a relative unknown to mainstream audiences when he appeared in the Loki finale. He stepped into the role and delivered an exceptional performance. Alongside one of the most popular Marvel characters in Loki, He Who Remains stood out.
His dialogue, mannerisms and facial expressions captured audiences and didn’t let them go. Most fans of the show and the franchise were upset that Marvel didn’t reveal Majors to them until the final episode.
Fortunately, the actor is about to be the MCU’s next big bad. He’s replacing Thanos and he might end up appearing more often than the Mad Titan did. He then appeared in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and is set to appear in Loki, Season 2 and be the major villain in Avengers: Kang Dynasty in 2025.
Critics and audiences alike aren’t sure on Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Most critics disliked the movie and while a lot of the audience enjoyed it, no one was particularly thrilled with it.
One thing everyone can agree on was that Majors‘ performance was incredible. For critics, that’s largely the only positive to take away from the movie. The plot was muddled, the dialogue was rough and the editing and pacing were frustrating at times.
Still, Majors shone throughout and gave audiences a reason to see what was otherwise a disappointing entry in the largest franchise of all time.
He was menacing and commanded attention every time he was on screen. The writing and dialogue was questionable, but Majors made everything work. Every line he delivered was perfectly, which can’t be said of veteran actors Paul Rudd, Michelle Pfeiffer or Michael Douglas.
JonathanMajors is a powerhouse performer
By the time he appeared again as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he had been in several other projects. He appeared in the Netflix Original The Harder They Fall, which was critically loved.
There, Majors played an outlaw in the old West who wanted to track down and take revenge on an older outlaw for killing his father. It was a different project for Majors, but a powerhouse performance nonetheless.
The film was filled with iconic actors, such as:
Idris Elba
Zazie Beets
Lakeith Stanfield
Damon Wayans
Danielle Deadwyler
Regina King
Delroy Lindo
Yet, it was Majors and his incredible performance that rose above the rest.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco: A forgotten gem of a performance
Long before he was in the MCU or playing the outlaw Nat Love, Majors breakout role arguably came in The Last Black Man in San Francisco. This was not a movie a ton of people saw when it came out as it settled into a more niche audience.
That’s a shame, because it could be the best Jonathan Majors’ acting performance of his young career. In it, he plays a devoted friend trying to balance the line between his friend’s hopes and dreams and the reality of their situation.
Looking back at the 2019 film, it’s easy to see why everyone wants to get their hands on the actor now. It was obvious then that he was a force to be reckoned with on the screen. He displayed all the emotions and the struggle his character was experiencing with pristine accuracy.
To some people, that story and the characters in it aren’t entirely relatable. There aren’t too many people who have experienced losing their childhood home to gentrification, but Majors and company made the story feel like anyone could step into it.
JonathanMajors’ most recent outing might be his best
If the MCU wasn’t enough, Jonathan Majors recently stepped into the iconic Rocky franchise and provided it with easily its best antagonist. The Rocky and Creed enemies are usually one-dimensional and fairly static.
Not Majors’ Damian Anderson. Creed III works for a lot of reasons, but Majors’ pitch-perfect performance is a big reason why. There’s a palpable and understandable rage behind Anderson, but there’s also a patient cleverness to his character.
One could argue that it’s his best performance to date. It’s also most the interesting. It’s the most layered character he’s played and the most understandable, all while being a villain.
Throughout his career, he’s already played a lot of different characters. Each one of them has been so different, yet they’re all incredible performances. Since he’s just 33, audiences everywhere should expect a long and fruitful career full of awards.
Peacock’s Bel-Air just launched its second season, continuing its reimagining of the classic ‘90s sitcom that took the fish-out-of-water storyline to an epic level, infusing the show with comedy, music and social awareness rarely seen on other sitcoms.
How ‘Bel-Air’Came To Be
Series creator Morgan Cooper went a roundabout route in pitching the show. Instead of scheduling the typical meetings and introductions with studio heads, Cooper created a YouTube trailer that went viral. It eventually captured the eye of the eponymous OG Fresh Prince, Will Smith.
Fast forward a few months and a few meetings later, and ‘the show Bel-Air is being carefully crafted around the original themes and narratives, while also being dedicated to its own time period and the issues that exist. Cassandra Freeman, who plays Aunt Viv, explains the show’s magic, stating that:
“We’re trying to show the world that it’s expansive to be black. Black is not just Crenshaw [Boulevard]. Black’s not just from Baltimore. Black is an expansive experience.”
With such a purpose and dedication, is it any wonder that stars from the original show are eager to grace the small screen again, revitalizing their original roles?
Aunt Viv and Aunt Vy Make a Nostalgic Return
Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played the second Aunt Viv, starred alongside her sister – Viola Smith, but lovingly known as Aunt Vy – played by Vernee Watson-Johnson. They starred in episode 9, “Can’t Knock the Hustle” from season 1 of ‘Bel-Air’ as members of the Art Council Board of Trustees.
As for the rest of the original crew, rumor has it that Will Smith will be making an appearance sometime in the second season, and fingers are crossed for additional cameos.
Ashley Banks Is Back As A New Character
Perhaps one of the most anticipated cameos belongs to Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks. Ashley was the youngest of Phil and Vivian’s brood. Tatyana literally grew up before the eyes of American while on the show. She started as an adorable (albeit naive) girl, to a sophisticated young woman by the show’s end. On Bel-Air, she plays Mrs. Hughes, a teacher and mentor to Ashely Banks. Tatyana calls Ashley a role that Ali calls ‘meta’ in its retrospective significance.
‘Bel-Air’ Season 2 is available on Peacock, with new episodes premiering every Thursday.
For about two years now, Latto and 21 Savage have been a mystery to us all. After countless clues and speculations, the Atlanta rappers continue to deny they are in a relationship. The “Lottery” artist tries to keep her personal life private while the Slaughtergang CEO is never one to talk much. Hence, who knows if they are together? However, there’s plenty of evidence that shows at some point they were in each other’s lives.
First, rumors started in December of 2020 when both artists posted pictures in what looked like the same location. Neither party confirmed, but fans were adamant they were together. Two years later, eyes are still on them, and they both remain that they are not in a relationship. Here’s what we know about Latto and 21 Savage during the past few years.
21 Savage reposted a picture of Latto on his Instagram story. In the photo, it looks like Latto just left the Hermes store as she is walking with a Hermes bag, throwing up the peace sign. She is all smiles looking at the camera in a comfortable outfit.
The “a lot” rapper couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself as he wanted to express his admiration for her. He posted the picture with the message: “No makeup [heart eyes emojis] dam u fine it’s only 1 way I can come bout you twin [crying laughing face emoji]”. Immediately, Savage deleted the post, but it was too late as fans started to speculate. Many accused them of lying about their relationship as both rappers continue to deny being together.
April 2021-Fans see 21 Savage’s shadow in Latto photo
Latto yet again hit the Gram up with a few alluring photos. The Queen of Da Souf rapper posted the pictures with the caption, “He love it here.” It’s interesting she uses the caption as there is clearly a man taking these photos. In one of the pictures, you can see a shadow of the photographer.
Fans picked up on this and determined the photographer to be 21 Savage. It is said to be the Atlanta rapper because of the silhouette’s hair. Latto’s comments were flooded with fans saying it has to be 21. Obviously, neither party confirmed the rumor.
July 2021-Latto addresses Dream Doll’s “Tryout”
Bronx rapper Dream Doll released a song titled, “Tryouts”. In this song, she mentions and shows love to many female rappers in Hip Hop. Latto was included on the list as she had a few lines for the “Big Energy” artist. She raps, “And Mulatto, yeah, that’s my lil’ honey bun/Asked her how many times she came, she said, ’21 21’.”
Nice wordplay from Dream Doll as she puts together both rappers and also, ends it with Savage’s adlib. Although Latto didn’t say much about the song, she had nothing but praises for Dream Doll.
“I think Dream Doll is dope, and I’m so proud of her elevation. She comes from a reality TV show. I come from a reality TV show so it’s like I’m rooting for her.”
21 Savage has not made a comment on the song either. Honestly, either Dream Doll knows something, or it’s just rap. You decide.
On his 29th birthday, 21 Savage received a special birthday cake. Evidently, the NSFW cake was heart-shaped with a note that read, “Lemme suck that d***”. Hence, once fans saw this, they immediately pointed the finger to Latto. The “Bank Account” rapper also showed off his room which was decorated with red balloons and roses as well as lit candles spelling 21.
Per usual, Savage is tight-lipped and did not reveal who did this for him. Fans are accusing Latto of this stating that the message on the note is something she would say. The 777 rapper might be keeping this her little secret or maybe she didn’t do this at all. We can only wonder.
December 2021: 21 Attends Latto Birthday Party
21 Savage attends Latto’s 23rd birthday party. It was a celebration to say the least as the Clayco County rapper was gifted a brand new Richard Mille watch to go with a brand new Lambroghini. Furthermore, a fireworks display was also a part of the night.
Fans assumed the “Jimmy Cooks” rapper put together the fireworks show and brought her the lavish gifts. Latto was overwhelmed with excitement as 21 looked on. He attended the party in theme, dressed as a Cowboy.
March 2022: “Wheelie”
Latto collaborated with 21 Savage for their second song together, “Wheelie”. They last collaborated on “Pull Up” off Latto’s debut album, Queen of Da Souf. “Wheelie” comes with a video and is the second single off her sophomore project, 777.
Even though she was on tour opening up for Lizzo, Latto still managed to attend 21 Savage’s 30th birthday party. It was a “Freaknik” themed event with many stars in attendance. After he attended her birthday party, Latto returns the favor.
December 2022: 21 Savage Denies Relationship
21 Savage speaks on his status in a conversation on Clubhouse.
“I’ve been hot for a long time. I don’t do all the antics and s***. I don’t got a celebrity girlfriend.”
You have to look at the key word here. The 30 year old rapper said he doesn’t have a “celebrity” girlfriend. That may mean he does have a girlfriend, but she isn’t famous. Latto is one of the hottest artists out, so, maybe he isn’t in a relationship with her.
January 2023: 21 Lil Harold Slips Up
Slaughtergang artist 21 Lil Harold sat down with Hot 107.9 where he got caught up in a sneaky question. He was asked if he has someone in his corner like 21 Savage has Latto. The young artist somewhat agreed with the radio host before realizing what he did. MiAsia, the host, continued to ask if 21 Lil Harold thought the rumored couple were cute, to which he agreed.
”They cute together, but….them folks, they single. They friends.”
February 2023: Rhonnie Lee Confirms; “Sheyaa” tattoo
Celebrity stylist Rhonnie Lee confirmed that Latto and 21 Savage have been dating for years. Lee has styled many artists and now styles Moneybagg Yo. On Instagram, one user questioned why the two rappers have admitted their relationship to the public. Lee replied that they love each other.
“They’re together have been for years now! Not something I heard something I KNOW! This woman he loves her & Vice verse!”
She sure seems confident, but no one confirmed this to be true.
Recently, it looks like Latto has a new tattoo. Behind her ear, she has the word “Sheyaa” tattooed. 21 Savage’s legal first name is Sheyaa. This is all fans needed to see as they took to social media to discuss the tattoo.
Let us know if you think Latto and 21 Savage are in a real relationship in the comments.
At just 18 years old, LeBron James was offered an incredible $10 million from Reebok while still in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary. Consequently, LeBron was taken aback by the offer, having grown up in the projects of Akron with a rent of only $17 a month. Nevertheless, despite the tempting offer, LeBron decided to hold out, exhibiting his business savvy.
Subsequently, this decision later led to an even better deal with Nike, which included a seven-year contract worth $93 million and a lifetime contract worth an estimated $1 billion.
Ultimately, LeBron has since become a role model for young people everywhere, showing them what is possible when you have the courage to make smart decisions.
The Classic that Started it All: Nike Air Zoom Generation – 2003-04
Image via Nike
The King’s First, Nike Air Zoom Generation is where it all began for LeBron James’ signature shoes. To begin with, this shoe was released in 2003 and is still regarded as a classic among sneaker enthusiasts. Additionally, with its comfortable and supportive Nike Air Zoom technology, it was a game-changer for basketball players.
Furthermore, the shoe’s design was simple yet effective, and it came in seven different colorways. Moreover, the Nike Air Zoom Generation kick-started the Nike LeBron signature collection and paved the way for future models.
Reinforcement and Protection: Nike Zoom LeBron II – 2004-05
Image via Nike
The LeBron 2 was the first shoe to feature the All-American colors, honoring the special moment in history when LeBron James was first drafted into the NBA. It was the first of the LeBron signature series to feature the full-length Zoom Air cushioning, providing maximum impact protection and responsiveness.
Street-Style Aesthetic: Nike Zoom LeBron III – 2005-06
Image via Nike
In 2005, Nike released the Zoom LeBron III, which had a more street-style aesthetic. The LeBron III was designed with less weight on the midsole and came in 10 different colorways. It features a visible Max Air unit in the heel, a carbon fiber shank, and an ankle strap for support and stability. The LeBron III was a fan favorite for its unique design and comfortable fit.
A Departure from Tradition: Nike Zoom LeBron IV – 2006-07
Image via Nike
The Nike Zoom LeBron IV was a departure from earlier shoes in the series. Released in 2006, it featured a Foamposite construction, a carbon shank, and full-length Air Zoom cushioning. The shoe’s unique wavy sole and interesting lines set it apart from previous models. It was available in 11 different colorways, and its distinctive design and performance capabilities made it a hit among sneaker enthusiasts.
Sleek and Stylish: Nike Zoom LeBron V – 2007-08
Released in 2007, the LeBron V features a stylish strap on the upper and retains the full-length Air Zoom technology of previous models. The shoe was available in 12 different colorways and continued to cement LeBron’s position as a top athlete and sneaker icon. Its sleek design and performance capabilities made it a favorite among basketball players and sneakerheads alike.
Enhanced Stability and Energy Return: Nike Zoom LeBron VI – 2008-09
Image via Nike
The LeBron VI took inspiration from the Nike Air Force 1 High and featured a cleaner design with double Air Zoom units in the heel for enhanced stability and energy return.
It was available in nine different colorways and was released during LeBron’s final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers before his highly-publicized move to the Miami Heat. The shoe’s design and performance capabilities were a fitting tribute to LeBron’s impressive basketball career.
Nike LeBron VII: Full-length, visible Max Air unit – 2009-10
Image via Nike
Released in October 2009, The LeBron VII was a game-changer for basketball shoes as it was the first to feature a full-length, visible Max Air unit designed specifically for basketball. The shoe’s stylish design and advanced technology made it a hit among basketball players and sneaker collectors alike. Its popularity was enhanced by its variety of colorways, including the popular “Think Pink” edition, released in honor of breast cancer awareness.
Miami-themed colorways and advanced technology: The LeBron 8 – 2010-11
Image via Nike
The Nike LeBron 8 was the first sneaker released after LeBron James made his much-publicized move away from the Cleveland Cavaliers. This model took its color scheme from Miami’s South Beach, a vivid teal that quickly gained traction amongst sneakerheads.
In the first place, This sneaker was a sign of things to come, as it marked LeBron’s successful four-year stint with the Heat. The LeBron 8 quickly became a sought-after sneaker, with its resale value soaring into the thousands.
This model also marked an impressive return to form for Nike.
Representing LeBron James’ quest to shine, the Nike LeBron 8 ‘South Beach’ featured a lion on the sneaker’s tongue – an emblem of strength and power. Designer Jason Petrie conveyed the idea of an ongoing journey with the design, stating that the “stalk of the lion and the lion’s hunt really fuelled the change in between the shoes, and how that relates to LeBron changing as he goes through the season”.
Nike LeBron 9: Lightweight and breathable design – 2011-12
Image via Nike
The LeBron 9 was a game-changer in terms of LeBron’s signature line of shoes, featuring both Hyperfuse and Flyknit technologies, which made it more breathable and lightweight. it had a visible Max Air unit and Zoom Air tech that provided extra cushioning and support.
Moreover, The LeBron 9 also marked a significant milestone in LeBron’s career as it was the year he won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat.
Inspired by diamonds and Nike+ Basketball technology: The LeBron X- 2012-13
After winning his first championship, LeBron teamed up with Nike to create the LeBron 10. This shoe was inspired by diamonds and celebrates the 10th anniversary of LeBron and Nike’s partnership. It featured a visible full-length Nike Zoom unit, along with Hyperfuse and Flywire technologies designed for explosive and dynamic players. The LeBron 10+ debuted Nike+ Basketball technology in select colorways, allowing wearers to track their performance in real time.
Nike LeBron 11 (2013-14): Designed for performance
Image via Nike
The LeBron 11 was designed with performance in mind, featuring a combination of Hyperposite, Flywire, and Hyperfuse technologies to create a shoe that was both lightweight and supportive. Additionally, the shoe’s Lunarlon cushioning provided a comfortable and responsive ride. LeBron debuted this shoe during his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Unique design and innovative technologies: Nike LeBron 12 – 2014-15
Image via Nike
The LeBron 12 was known for its unique design and innovative technologies. It featured hexagonal Zoom Air units that provided maximum cushioning and support, as well as Flywire and Hyperposite materials that created a lightweight and durable shoe. The LeBron 12 also had a dynamic Flywire system that adapted to the wearer’s foot, providing a customized fit.
A return to simplicity in design: Nike LeBron 13 – 2015-16
Image via Nike
The LeBron 13 marked a return to simplicity in design. It featured a breathable mesh upper and a Hyperposite material on the toe and collar for added support. The shoe’s Zoom Air units provided responsive cushioning, and its unique outsole pattern provided traction on the court.
LeBron wore this shoe during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Come out of Nowhere: The LeBron 14 – 2016-17
Image via Nike
Designed with speed in mind. featuring a combination of Flyknit technology, a hexagonal Zoom Air cushioning system, and a dynamic mid-foot strap for a secure fit. The LeBron 14 also features a unique hexagonal pattern in the midsole for added traction and durability.
Additionally, the shoe comes in a variety of colorways and styles to suit the needs of any basketball player.
The LeBron 14 was designed to provide maximum comfort and support, while also being light and flexible. Its Flyknit technology and hexagonal Zoom cushioning system work together to provide responsive cushioning and a locked-in fit. The mid-foot strap ensures a snug fit, while the hexagonal pattern in the midsole provides superior traction and durability.
Overall, the LeBron 14 is a stylish, comfortable, and highly supportive shoe for the modern basketball player.
The Nike LeBron 15, released on October 28th, was a game-changer in the world of basketball shoes. The shoe was designed to be a high-performance shoe that could also be worn off the court. It features a new type of Flyknit material called Battleknit that is both supportive and breathable, as well as a new cushioning system called Max Air that provides extra comfort and support. The shoe also features a unique outsole pattern that provides traction on the court.
On December 17, 2017, LeBron James released a new sneaker, the Nike LeBron 15 ‘Equality’. This sneaker was a powerful statement in response to the divisive rhetoric of the Trump administration. Through the sneaker, LeBron wanted to remind people that they should not let any single figure dictate how they should live and think.
He wanted to emphasize the beauty and power of all people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or race. The Nike LeBron 15 ‘Equality’ was a symbolic reminder that all people deserve to be treated equally.
For the Strongest – LeBron 16 – 2018-19
Image via Nike
The Nike LeBron 16 is LeBron James’ sixteenth signature shoe with Nike. It was first released in 2018 and is constructed with a knitted upper pulled from the 15’s Battleknit, the high-tenacity yarns from Nike’s Flyknit technology. The midsole features a MAX Air Unit in the heel for responsive cushioning and a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for energy return. The shoe also features a midfoot strap to provide extra lockdown support.
The LeBron 16 is designed for maximum support and comfort and provides an ideal combination of cushioning and stability. It also features unique elements such as the midfoot strap and Battleknit upper to provide a secure fit and improved performance.
The Nike LeBron 16 is available in both low and high-top versions.
Propelling the Player Forward: Nike LeBron 17 – 2019-20
Image via Nike
The Nike LeBron 17 features a Knitposite upper, which is a combination of Flyknit and pre-twisted, heat-molded yarns that provide both support and flexibility. The shoe’s Zoom Air units provide cushioning and support, and its rubber outsole provides traction on the court.
The LeBron 17 also features a unique tongue construction that provides a comfortable fit. The shoe was designed to propel the player forward on the court and was a popular choice among players who valued speed.
Cushioning for Power and Speed – LeBron 18 – 2020-21
In addition, The shoe also features a midfoot strap to provide extra lockdown support. The Nike LeBron 18 retails for $200 and is available in both low and high-top versions.
Taking Performance to the Next Level – The LeBron 19 – 2021-22
Image via Nike
Released on December 18th, 2021, the Nike LeBron 19 features a stylish mid-cut design and combines lightweight synthetic materials with a breathable mesh upper for a comfortable fit. The shoe incorporates Nike’s React cushioning technology, offering maximum responsiveness and energy return. The outsole of the shoe features a modified herringbone traction pattern for enhanced grip and stability, making it a great option
The LeBron 20: The Next Level of Performance and Style – 2022-23
The LeBron 20 was first released in limited colorways on September 29, 2022. the latest signature sneaker from LeBron James. The shoe features a bold design, with a combination of premium materials providing a lightweight and breathable feel.
The shoe also offers enhanced grip and responsiveness, allowing for quick cuts and transitions on the court.
In addition, the shoe incorporates Nike’s signature Zoom Air cushioning technology, offering maximum impact protection and a springy feel. The outsole of the shoe features a modified herringbone traction pattern for enhanced grip and stability, making it a great option for quick movements and explosive plays.
Overall, the LeBron 20 is a stylish, performance-oriented sneaker that offers the perfect balance of comfort and support.
Additionally, LeBron James’ signature shoes have become a staple in the sneaker industry, evolving significantly since the release of his first shoe in 2003. Moreover, each model has marked a significant step in the evolution of basketball footwear, with unique designs and advanced technology.
Furthermore, Nike’s partnership with LeBron has been incredibly successful, and his shoes have become some of the most sought-after sneakers in the world.
LeBron’s business savvy has also played a role in his success, as he made a smart decision to hold out for a better deal with Nike, ultimately leading to a lifetime contract worth an estimated $1 billion. In conclusion, LeBron James has become a cultural icon, both on and off the court, and his signature shoe line is a testament to his impressive basketball career and business acumen.
The Hollywood Park Grounds in California hosted the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world, Rolling Loud, this past week from March 3-5. The festival was headlined by Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Future with Lil Wayne as a special guest. The anticipation for this year’s event was high, as this was the first performance by Travis Scott since his Astroworld concert incident in November of 2021.
Travis Scott
Scott did not disappoint, as his performance on Day 2 of Rolling Loud was one of the highlights of the weekend. The crowd was electric as Scott began his set with “Hold That Heat” and proceeded to play hits such as “Butterfly Effect”, “Way Back”, and “Antidote”. Scott even dug into his mixtape bag, as he performed “Mamacita” from his 2014 mixtape Days Before Rodeo.
As Scott ended his set with “Sicko Mode”, the sound was cut off abruptly and a message flashed on the screen wishing the audience a good night and safe return home. However, Scott continued rapping while only the house monitors gave off sound. Despite the sudden ending to Scott’s performance, the Rolling Loud audience was overwhelmed with excitement to see the Houston rapper back on stage.
Lil Wayne
Another highlight of the festival was Lil Wayne, as though he was featured as a “special guest”, he performed on his own stage at the same time as Scott. Wayne appeared on stage rocking a pink fur coat as he performed “Blunt Blowin’” with a live drummer. He exclaimed that he was at Rolling Loud on behalf of Young Money Records to a huge ovation from the crowd.
The rapper also brought 2 Chainz on stage to perform their collaborative songs “Rich as Fuck”, “Duffle Bag Boy” and “Watch Out.” However, the surprises were not done there as Nicki Minaj, Wayne’s long time friend and associate, joined Weezy on stage. Minaj and Wayne performed hits that have spanned the last decade such as “Bed Rock”, “Chun-Li”, and “Truffle Butter”. Both Wayne and Minaj showed why they have been on top of the rap game for so long, with Wayne performing around thirty songs, all of which are hits. Wayne finished his set with his classic song “A Milli”.
Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti’s set was cut short due to a rowdy crowd. According to Rolling Loud security, fans of the Atlanta rapper hurdled over the barricades by the stage only three songs into Carti’s set and the “Magnolia” rapper was escorted from the stage and forced to stop performing. After a thirty minute delay, Carti was able to finish his set with his song “Location” from his first, “Self-Titled” album.
Ice Spice
The show also featured a performance from New York rapper Ice Spice to great fan-fare. Over the past few months, Ice Spice has exponentially grown in popularity due to the success of songs such as “Munch” and “Bikini Bottom”. While Ice Spice is relatively new to the Hip-Hop world, her confidence and swagger on stage made for an incredible act. Spice even performed her recently released song “Boy’s a Liar pt. 2” with Pink Pantheress for the first time.
Destroy Lonely
An additional newcomer who showed off their star potential at Rolling Loud was Destroy Lonely. Lonely, an Atlanta rapper signed to Playboi Carti’s “Opium” label, began his set with “If Looks Could Kill”, a song he released only days before on March 3rd. However, an unofficial leak of the song surfaced the internet months before, so its live debut was one of the highlights of the entire festival for many members of the audience. Lonely arrived on stage in all black, a now trademarked look of the “Opium” label, and the crowd showed its mark of approval for Lonely throughout his entire set, as they sang along to the majority of his songs. Lonely also performed hits such as “Neverever”, “VTMNTSCOAT”, and “Bane” and ended his set with probably his most popular song “NOSTYLIST”.
Along with many relative newcomers, fan favorites of the Hip-Hop world such as Lil Uzi Vert also performed at the California show. Uzi entered on-stage in an all-red suit and a new hairstyle which was reminiscent of many punk-rockers from the late 1990’s to the early 2000’s. The Philadelphia native previewed three new songs during his set while also playing many of his hits such as “Money Longer”, “XO TOUR Llif3”, and “20 Min”.
However, the highlight of Uzi’s entire set was his performance of “Just Wanna Rock”. He even played it twice. While Lil Uzi Vert’s last solo full-length album, “Eternal Atake” dates back to 2020, it is apparent that fans around the world are eager for more from the Philadelphia rapper.
A staple of Rolling Loud, Lil Baby, also performed at the California show, and as per usual, his set was one of the standouts from the entire event. The Atlanta rapper has cemented himself as one of the most popular artists in the country over the past few years and his performance here showed why that is the case. Baby began his set with a cover of his song with Drake, “Wants and Needs”. The rapper then displayed just how many hits he has accrued over the past five years as he played songs such as “We Paid”, “Drip Too Hard”, and “Pure Cocaine”. He finished his set with “Freestyle”, which was obviously a crowd favorite, as the entirety of Hollywood Park Grounds rapped alongside Baby word for word.
Rolling Loud 2023 provided all Hip-Hop fans in attendance an incredible weekend, as the hottest rappers of today all arrived with the intention of giving California a show they would not forget. Rolling Loud showed why they are the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world as both upcoming artists and icons of the industry took the stage in Hollywood Park Grounds. The next Rolling Loud event will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on July 21st of this year.
If you are an avid music listener and want to know facts about your favorite artist, you may have encountered some interviews hosted by Nardwaur. John Ruskin, better known as Nardwaur, is a 54-year-old interviewer from Vancouver, Canada. Best known for his thoughtful, gift-giving, shocking interviews and spontaneous energy Nardwuar knows how to interview. He always leaves the artist or entertainer questioning how he sometimes knows deep secrets and facts about their life that they have forgotten about.
Better known for his interviews with musicians/artists, Nardwuar has also worked with comedians and entertainers. In the span of his career, Nardwaur has completed over 1500 interviews on and off camera since he started in 1987 with his weekly radio show first.
Nardwuar’s Interviews
Some notable/famous interviews he has conducted have been with Tyler the Creator, Lil Uzi Vert, Odd Future, Cardi B, Eric Andre, Seth Rogan, and plenty more. All counting up for the millions of views Nardwuar earns on his channel every time he uploads.
As Nardwaur continues to impress everyone with his tremendous knowledge, which tends to be questioned a lot, we take a look at some of the best interviews he has conducted over the many years. So, in no specific order, let’s begin with…
Tyler the Creator/Odd Future
The special connection they possess is like no other, as they have been seen together since 2011. The very first time was in 2011 when Nardwuar interviewed Odd Future, a group funded by Tyler. The energy that bounced between Nardwuar and the group was chaotic, as laughter and acting up were the majority of the interview.
Addionitally with the three solo interviews with Tyler, the constant flirting and acting up from Tyler always creates a special bond between the two. Shocked by the information Nardwuar presents in the interviews, Tyler even asked Nardwuar, “are you with the feds.”
Favorite Moment: Tyler calling Nardwuar a sexy dog and kissing him on the head during an introduction.
Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert’s intimidation during his interaction with Nardwuar is priceless. Throughout their interviews, Uzi tends to keep a concerned face when Nardwuar brings up something from the past and even states, “You know too much. I can’t do this.” Uzi’s spontaneous energy and Nardwuar’s awkwardness always spark memorable moments. For example, Uzi screeches after being gifted a Rob Zombie poster, leading him to dart out of the interview into a van to leave quickly.
Favorite Moment: Uzi dipping out of the studio and Uzi sampling an interview between the two on “Futsal Shuffle 2020.”
Jay-Z
An infrequent occurrence that Nardwuar has Pharell Williams to thank is the opportunity to interview East Coast legend Jay-Z. In 2009, Nardwuar made the six-hour trip to Pemberton Music Festival to shoot this fantastic opportunity. Just the sheer dedication that Nardwuar took in order to achieve a five-minute interview with Jay-Z deserved a spot on the list. Jay-Z was very collected and shared some gems with Nardwuar on the cover of Jaz-O’s Word to the Jaz.
In 2008, Nardwuar met up with Pharrell Willimas and his N.E.R.D bandmates to achieve one of his best interviews. Even Nardwuar himself cited that this was one of his favorite interviews. The shell shock of this interview came from Pharrell’s reactions and stunned face as Nardwuar pulled up the facts and props to show why he was the best. However, one of the most memorable moments from that interview was the gift to Pharrell. A copy of Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and Wreckx-n-Effect’s “Rump Shaker,” which was the very first song that Pharrell was credited for. From that moment on, Pharrell knew Nardwuar was not playing as he quoted this in the interview, “This is one of the most impressive interviews I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
Favorite Moment: Nardwuar gifting Pharrell the LP soundtrack to “Rump Shaker.”
A$AP Rocky/Mob
In 2012 Narwuar managed to get the famous A$AP Mob ( a group founded by A$AP Yams) together at a warehouse in Austin, Texas. Met with stunned faces, shocking reactions, and a boatload of energy, this is one of the Mob’s most definitive interviews. Nardwuar bringing up the Black Ink Gallery and A$AP Ferg about making jewelry definitely caught the Mob off guard. It’s the nature of Nardwuar bringing up unknown information to the group and the laughter and energy they brought to make this a staple in Nardwuar’s catalog. This interview even started a TikTok meme of Nardwuar introducing A$Ap Rocky.
Favorite Moment: Nardwuar introducing A$AP Rocky.
Nas
When we think of Nardwuar’s interviews, we often think about how thrilling and fun they can be, but that wasn’t the case for Nas. This is one of the few interviews that started off well and quickly turned around toward the end. Nas, the collected man he is, was not prepared for Nardwuar’s intensive knowledge, and at first, Nas is shocked. However, Nas’s demeanor soon changed after Nardwuar brought up Jay- Z’s diss track “Ether” and when he couldn’t keep all the gifts.
Toward the end of the interview, Nas wanted to cut the interview short and even declared Nardwuar ” a F**cking psychopath.” Furthermore, When Nardwuar went to end it with his usual catchphrase, “Keep on rocking in the free world,” Nas messed up the ending. Nardwuar went for a second attempt which angered Nas, and told him, “it’s over, it’s over; move the mic.”
Favorite Moment: Nas calling Nardwuar different names.
More From Nardwuar
Additionally, there are plenty more of memorable and entertaining moments and interviews from Nardwuar, but these stuck out like a sore thumb. In fact, Nardwuar always brings attention to himself, as he knows a little too much than the average person. A lasting impression is bound to happen.
Nardwuar is always conducting interviews with up-and-coming artists to artists that are gaining popularity. Check out Nardwuar’s YouTube channel, “NardwuarServiette,” for ongoing interviews. Share some of your favorite Nardwaur moments and interviews, and remember, “Doot doola doot doo doot doot.”
If you are a fan of the NBA, then Russell Westbrook is a name known to many. Whether you love or hate him, Westbrook is arguably one of the best point guards in the league and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer.
If you have paid any attention during the NBA trade deadline, then you may have noticed Russell Westbrook landing a new home not once but twice since being traded from the Lakers. First, on February 8th, the Lakers entered a 3-team deal with Minnesota and Utah, with Utah ultimately landing Russell Westbrook. Then comes February 20th, when the Utah Jazz waived Westbrook, and on February 22nd, the Los Angeles Clippers announced the signing of Russell Westbrook.
Lakers Season 2021
Since joining the Lakers roster in 2021 and playing two seasons with them, Russell Westbrook was always the topic to talk about in Los Angeles. In the 2021 season, Russel Westbrook played a total of 78/82 regular season games for the Lakers. In that timeframe, he played for an average of 34.3 minutes per game and had an average of 18.5 points per game. He averaged 44.4% from the field goal and 29.8% from the 3pt line for his shooting stats. He averages 7.4 per game for rebounds, 7.1 assists per game, 1.0 steals per game, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Lakers Season 2022
The 2022 season for Russell Westbrook is where things started to shift in the wrong direction. This season he played a total of 52 games before being traded and averaged 28.7 minutes per game, the lowest amount he has played in his career. He averaged 15.9 points, his second-lowest points stat line in his career. He averaged 41.7% from the field goal and 29.6% from the 3pt line. Westbrook averaged 6.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game.
Between his two Lakers seasons, 2021 was a better year for the point guard as he maintained a higher stat rate than his 2022 year. However, we do have to consider that he was traded in the middle of the 2022 season. In addition, his stat line will vary since he left for the Clippers, so we need to find out how well he could have done for the remainder of the Lakers season.
Lakers Environment
Russell Westbrook has been very vocal about his time as a Laker, especially about the crowd and fans. He even said he didn’t want his kids to attend home games. The fans were very hostile toward Russell and were sarcastic towards him when he did play well. Furthermore, he talked about how the vibes were awkward with them and even had problems with many of them.
Before the Westbrook trade, the Lakers had the probability of trading him after the season. On the ClutchPoints website, they said this about Westbrook, “It might cost the Lakers two future first-round picks, but Russ will probably be traded after this season. His one campaign in Los Angeles has been historically disastrous. He will be blamed (unfairly) for a trade that dismantled a championship-proven squad and hamstrung the team’s future.”
Career Statistics for Russell Westbrook
Looking back on Russell Westbrook’s career, he has thrived back in his time as an OKC Thunder starting in 2008. He played with them until 2018, then was traded to the Rockets in 2019 and the Wizards in 2020, became a Laker for the 2021-2022 season, and finally stayed in L.A. only to be a Clipper.
In his career, Westbrook has played a total of 1,079 games averaging 34.4 minutes per game. He has averaged 22.4 points per game, averaging 43.7% from the field goal and 30.4% from the 3pt line. In addition, he has averaged 7.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
Looking back at his overall stats in his career, his time at the Lakers has been relatively his worse performance-wise. Whether to blame Westbrook or his team for his statistics is debatable. Furthermore, from the times we’ve seen him play, he was subjected to many missed points, bad call-making, and fouling. Additionally, statistic-wise, and being the big-time player that he is, he underperformed for the Lakers. From that alone, it makes us wonder if his time and contract for the Lakers was worth it or not.
Clippers Season so far
After stealing the starting position from Terance Mann, Russell Westbrook has started to put up some decent numbers since debuting for the Clippers. Westbrook has played a total of 6 games, and from the time of this article, the Clippers are 1-5 since adding Westbrook. He has played an average of 31.7 minutes since joining. He has been averaging 15.3 points with a 52.1% from the field goal and 27.8% from the 3pt line. For his career so far, he has averaged 4.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks.
Furthermore, everyone in the Clippers has been relatively optimistic about the arrival of Westbrook. Paul George was asked about the addition to Westbrook, and he had this to say, “Extremely important. He fits what a leader is as a point guard. Constantly just keeping guys uplifted, just staying positive. You need guys like that, especially from the point guard position.” Ivica Zubac, who plays center for the Clippers, had this to stay, “I like it a lot. It’s way better than I thought it would be… He’s a great leader, also. He’s very vocal. Something we needed… He has a great attitude, he’s always smiling, always laughing, and being very positive. I’m super excited he’s here.”
An end note to Russell Westbrook
With the craziness that has occurred in the span of a couple of years for Russell Westbrook, many want to see him succeed, but others want to see him fail. We expected to see him as a Thunder forever, but business is business. Even with the many teams he has been on since leaving the Thunder, his name is always somewhere online for the good and the bad. Russell Westbrook is a tough player who will get the job done and wants to win. Hopefully, being added to the Clippers will give Westbrook a fresh start in L.A.
Get a comprehensive timeline of the ongoing beef between T.I. and Boosie. Including the events that triggered it, their social media exchanges, and their fans’ reactions.
Although, the hip-hop industry is no stranger to feuds and rivalries, the ongoing beef between T.I. and Boosie has been intense and dramatic. The two rappers have been exchanging insults and threats on social media. Meanwhile, their fans have been taking sides and joining the debate. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the timeline of the two star’s feud. Ultimately, try to understand and pinpoint what caused such discord between the rappers and how it has evolved.
The first time beef between T.I. and Boosie begin back in March 2020 when Boosie made headlines for commenting on Dwyane Wade’s transgender daughter. In an interview, Wade spoke about how he and his wife supported their daughter’s transition decision. However, Boosie disagreed with this and took to social media to express his opinion. He faced backlash for his comments, with many people accusing him of being transphobic.
T.I. was one of the people who took offense to Boosie’s comments, and he called him out on Instagram. In a video, T.I. told Boosie to mind his business and stop worrying about other people’s children.
Boosie was in utter disbelief and criticized T.I. for taking his daughter to a gynecologist to check if her hymen was still intact. Boosie, appalled, argued that T.I. was being too controlling and invasive and that he should respect his daughter’s privacy. T.I. defends his actions and claims he is a responsible parent and that Boosie should mind his own business.
October 2020:
Rapper Boosie Baddazz attends the game between the Brooklyn Nets and the a. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The tension between the two rappers escalated in October 2020 when they crossed paths at a basketball game in Atlanta. T.I. approached Boosie and asked him why he had been talking about him on social media. Boosie denied the accusation, and the two had a heated exchange captured on camera. T.I. later posted a video on Instagram, calling Boosie a “bald-headed, homophobic, racist ass” and challenging him to a fight.
March 2022:
Rapper T.I. performs onstage during the Legendz Of The Streetz Tour Reloaded. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The tension between T.I. and Boosie continued to escalate in March 2022. T.I. released a diss track called “Fck Boosie” in which he called out Boosie for his disrespect towards him and his family. Boosie responded with his own diss track, “TI Ain’t Sht,” in which he accused T.I. of being fake and not living up to his own principles.
May 2022:
The beef between T.I. and Boosie continued into May 2022. Boosie released another diss track called “TI Is a Snitch,” Boosie accuses T.I. of cooperating with the police in a previous legal case. T.I. responded by posting a series of videos on social media, denying the allegations and called Boosie a liar.
June 2022:
T.I. says the recent beef between him and Boosie Badazz over a scrapped project is no more … telling us Boosie knows he messed up by dragging his fellow rapper over snitching claims. https://t.co/a2HNCvM7Vo
Although, T.I. and Boosie’s beef seemed to have calmed down. T.I. posted a message on social media, saying he was moving on from the beef. Ti implied that he had no interest in continuing the feud. Soon after, Boosie posted a statement, saying that he had no problem with T.I. and wished him all the best.
March 2023:
TI responds to Boosie saying he’s a rat if he told on his cousin for real and that their tape ain’t coming out pic.twitter.com/RFp5V2Ihlz
Fast forward to March 2023, and the beef between T.I. and Boosie reignited again. Boosie posted a series of tweets calling out T.I. for not standing up for him during a recent legal issue. T.I. responded on social media, saying that he had no obligation to defend Boosie and was tired of his constant disrespect.
The T.I. and Boosie beef has been an ongoing saga in the rap industry. Incidentally, the two artists exchanged insults and accusations over the past year. Nevertheless, it seemed that the feud had died at one point; it again flared up in March 2023. Whether this will lead to further diss tracks or a physical altercation remains to be seen, but one thing is sure – the beef between T.I. and Boosie shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
(@Latto) 
(@kingjames)
(@saycheesetv)
