Howard University is one of the United States’ most premier HBCUs, and it has recently made frequent headlines for the ambitious changes that it has been making to its reestablished College of Fine Arts. Weeks ago, Phylicia Rashad — the award-winning actress who famously starred in The Cosby Show and the 2008 television revival of A Rasin in the Sun — was named the college’s new dean.
Today, the HBCU has announced that the College of Fine Arts will also be renamed after the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 due to complications from colon cancer.
In addition to being a highly sought out actor who starred in acclaimed films such as Black Panther, 42, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Chadwick Boseman was also one of Howard University’s most noteworthy alumni. In Boseman’s family’s Twitter announcement about the Howard College of Fine Arts’ renaming, they shared a photo of an archived newspaper, and it revealed that while attending Howard, Boseman protested to prevent the College of Fine Arts from merging with the College of Arts and Sciences.
According to NPR, Boseman’s death last August inspired over 58,000 people to sign a petition for Howard’s president and board of trustees to name the school after the late actor. As fate may have it, their petition worked, and Dean Phylicia Rashad — who previously taught and mentored Boseman while teaching at Howard — will oversee the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.
With more and more rappers holding their own festivals, Lil Wayne‘s Uproar Festival — named for his 2018 Carter Vsingle produced by Swizz Beatz — found a perfect one. The August 13 event will mark the grand re-opening of Los Angeles’ legendary landmark, the Memorial Coliseum, after a $315 million renovation project that was completed in 2019. The 77,500 seat venue has been empty ever since due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting shutdown of live entertainment and sporting events. However, the historical site will officially reopen its doors to host Lil Wayne, Young Money, and “friends.”
In addition to the usual music festival features — including a Vendor Village highlighting local eateries, a beer garden, and a “3 Point Cut” basketball experience — Wayne’s fest will accept submissions for its Dance Competition and Art Walk ahead of the event. The winning dance team will earn the opportunity to perform on the big stage at next year’s Uproar Fest. The Art Walk will showcase rising visual artists.
For fans unable to attend, the festival will also live stream via a “first of its kind” Festival Platform provided by Mandolin. The stream will not only include live video of performances but also roaming audience cameras and interactive features.
Kanye West and model Irina Shayk may be dating, according to gossip site DeuxMoi. This report comes several months after Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kanye.
According to two anonymous tipsters, Kanye and Irina are “def dating.” While the source has not been confirmed, DeuxMoi reportedly looked into the rumors and confirmed that something is happening between them. “After further looking into this, I don’t know if ‘dating’ is the right word, but there is perhaps some interest there,” added the site.
The rumors were corroborated after the Russian model stepped out wearing a Balenciaga x DMX t-shirt, which was designed by Kanye. Their connection goes back over a decade when Irina appeared in the music video for “Power” in 2010. Kanye also name-dropped the model in his GOOD Fridays song “Christian Dior Denim Flow.”
“I’m wilding, I’m on a thousand/I wanna see Irina Shayk next to Doutzen,” he rapped on the song.
Neither Kanye nor Irina have confirmed the rumors. For now, there have not been many other sources reporting this, aside from the usual gossip sites. We will keep you posted on any developments in this story.
Since announcing their divorce, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have not publicly dated anybody. Kim has been mentioned in dating rumors with Van Jones, as well as several others. Kanye was briefly linked to make-up guru Jeffree Star before those rumors were revealed to be a sham.
What do you think about Kanye possibly dating Irina Shayk?
The death of DMX remains one of the biggest tragedies of the year so far. The iconic Yonkers legend influenced an entire generation of rappers, cemented his name in the pantheon of great MCs, and remained just as authentic in his final days as he was when he first entered the rap game. Fans had already anticipated a new album from the rapper before his death. Last summer, he hinted that his new album was complete and that it included an array of features.
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Exodus is expected to drop on Friday and yesterday, we received the first taste off of the project with “Hood Blues,” a collaborative effort between DMX and Griselda’s Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, and Benny The Butcher. The title of the rapper’s posthumous album is named after his youngest son who X planned to honor before his passing, TMZ reports. Ruff Ryders CEO Joaquin Dean said that X was working on the project heavily in the past year. At the same time, his relationship with his 4-year-old son and widowed fiancee Desiree was getting stronger.
Dean said that he informed Swizz Beatz who fulfilled X’s wish. Additionally, the tracklist includes tracks titled, “Exodus Skit” and “Letter To My Son (Call Your Father).” “Exodus” is also the last tattoo X had done.
Dean added that there are some ride-outs with the Ruff Ryders planned to commemorate the rapper’s album release.
Baton Rouge’s own Fredo Bang is on a slow rise to the top, no pun intended. The release of “Top (Remix)” ft Lil Durk put a massive spotlight on his name but with each project, he continues to prove that his dulcet melodies are the key to making serious anthems. With summer around the corner, it appears that he has a record fitting for the times with his new release, “Slow Roll It.” Breezy guitar chords and soulful vocal samples merge for a love song, of sorts, where Fredo Bang details his love life and bedroom fantasies.
The rapper just released “Oppanese” earlier this year and kicked the year off with In The Name Of Gee (Still Most Hated). Peep the latest from Fredo Bang below.
Quotable Lyrics Shot the club up last night, I pulled up did a crime in it They talk about my glizzy but I popped a whole 9 in it On a perc, I’m gon fuck you ’til you lazy That shit so good, I’m askin’, ‘Can we have a baby?’
Right in the opening moments of last night’s playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, Lakers’ superstar Anthony Davis received a flagrant 1 foul for kicking Jae Crowder in the nuts.
Less than a minute after tip-off, Anthony Davis attempted a deep two-point jumper while the game was still scoreless. However, he kicked out his right leg so far that he ended up striking Jae Crowder in the crotch area. Crowder stayed on the floor for a while and received a defensive foul on the play. After it was reviewed, officials handed Davis a flagrant 1 foul, awarding Crowder two foul shots.
Davis finished the game with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Crowder had 8 points and 6 rebounds. The Lakers won the game, tying up the series at one win apiece.
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The kick was pretty controversial, being compared to Draymond Green’s infamous groin kicks. TNT analyst Reggie Miller said that he didn’t believe Davis’ kick looked intentional, which got Green tweeting. “So it’s unintentional now @ReggieMillerTNT?” asked the Warriors star on Twitter. “You referenced me as if mines was also unintentional? None of y’all said that during the time. Clarify your point? Would love to know… Because if you’re saying mines was unintentional, there’s a lot of cowards that just went silent? And if you’re saying it’s intentional on my behalf but not here, then I shouldn’t have been referenced @ReggieMillerTNT just curious.”
Do you think Anthony Davis meant to kick Jae Crowder or was it a mistake?
Now that the world is eagerly rushing a return to normalcy after over a year of shutdowns, cancellations, and rigid social distancing rules, the need for music to keep everyone’s spirits up is more integral than ever.
Since music serves as a snapshot of our life experiences, the Song Of The Summer plays a huge role in remembering and cherishing those moments. (I’ll never forget the summer before eighth grade thanks to Rihanna’s “Pon De Replay.”) If 2021 is as massive in real life as it is in theory, this year’s summer hit could be etched in our memories forever.
While we have the power to christen our own Song Of The Summer, there is often one song that the mainstream unofficially dictates as “the one.” This song is inescapable, often catchy, gives you the feeling of being carefree, and sometimes, it’s incredibly danceable. What better way to kick things off than with a prediction of what that coveted track will be?
Here’s a list of 10 potential “songs of the summer.”
Justin Bieber – “Peaches” Feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon
The sweet and tangy vibe of the Billboard chart-topper basically oozes fun in the sun, so this pick should be a given. Its continent-trotting chorus — where Biebs mentions hitting up Georgia, California, and his Canadian home up-north — also provides inspiration for listeners’ safe, CDC-regulated summer travel plans.
Dua Lipa – “Levitating” Feat. DaBaby
Lockdown didn’t allow Dua Lipa to have the summer anthem she deserved in 2020 after releasing the Grammy-winning albumFuture Nostalgia last spring. However, the rap remix to her hit “Levitating” continues to sit pretty on the 2021 charts, so there’s a chance her reign will finally hit. (Better late than never!) The song’s disco-heavy energy also capitalizes on the country’s collective yearning for better, simpler times.
Doja Cat – “Kiss Me More” Feat. SZA
Doja Cat owned summer last year with her ‘70s inspired “Say So,” so another hit for the singer/rapper during the sunny season would be most apropos. As with “Levitating,” “Kiss Me More” has old-school club vibes (with an interpolation of Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical”) that brings throwback themes to the forefront, while Doja’s slick-tongued rap and SZA’s laid back swagger modernize the tune.
Kali Uchis – “Talepatía”
In a sea of chart-topping anthems, this is somewhat a dark horse in the competition. However, given the song’s theme about a long-distance lover, it works perfectly given our socially-distanced circumstances. The TikTok-favorite found on Uchis’ sophomore album, “Talepatía” also comes equipped with production befitting of her Colombian heritage, which provides a different sound for those cross-country, top-down road trips.
Olivia Rodrigo – “Good 4 U”
Unlike other Song Of The Summer selections which utilize the disco/R&B sound, the pop-punk style is strong with “Good 4 U.” With Hayley Williams-levels of enthusiastic aggression overlaying the entire track, Rodrigo shows her range as a performer. Plus, if she rules the summer, it’s proof that the *future* Grammys Best New Artist nominee is a singer for all seasons. (Remember, she had winter on lock with “Drivers License.”)
Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open”
The soulful, smooth, and silky song evokes vintage vibes (do we see a pattern here?), which is perfect for ditching our collective present-day COVID-19 nerves for a few minutes. The inviting, sensual lyrics could provide listeners with the courage to begin a potential summer fling, or to have a chill evening with that special someone…
“Twerkulator,” City Girls
…but if you’re trying to live out #VaxxedGirlSummer or #ShotGirlSummer to the fullest, look no further than “Twerkulator.” Thanks to long-awaited sample clearance (it uses Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock”), the Miami rap mainstays released their highly-anticipated song just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. It certainly may be time for the twerkulator, so shake what ya mama gave ya.
Nicki Minaj – “Itty Bitty Piggy”
If you’re looking to be on your boss b*tch tip this summer, allow Nicki Minaj to give you the anthem. Now that the streets are opening back up, Onika’s enduring hit from her now-streamable mixtapeBeam Me Up Scotty is a perfect contender for the coveted Song Of The Summer honor, especially since it continues to “go awf” 12 years after its initial release. The Queen of Rap could still be on top.
BTS – “Butter”
With synthy, ‘80s-drenched production, the Bangtan Boys’ latest dance-pop anthem (released May 21) hit DSPs just in time for the change in temperature, and is sure to keep things “hot like summer” for both their diehard fans and casual listeners.
Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten”
Though it was released in 2004, the English singer’s euphoric pop track was given new life thanks to a trap-friendly TikTok remix (“Like Yhop” by Esco featuring Shawn P). The original musical breath of fresh air has been heavily praised since the dance challenge popped off. Many hope that Summer 2021 is a reintroduction to freedom, and we’re ready to (safely) “feel the rain on [our] skin” again.
Honorable Mention: Whatever Drake Drops
Drake had the summer season in his clutches at least two times in the past. 2016 was the year of “One Dance,” and 2018 gave us “In My Feelings.” Given what he teased fans with his March EP Scary Hours 2, we don’t have any doubts that Certified Lover Boy will provide some sort of summer anthem whenever it drops. Kudos to you, Drake, for keeping us on our toes.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Machine Gun Kelly has embraced the art of nostalgia, having played a pivotal role in revitalizing the once-thought-dead genre of pop-punk. Upon seeing more success than ever before, it would appear that Machine Gun Kelly has no intention of turning back, continuing to keep the tradition rolling with some new visuals for “Love Race.”
Featuring an appearance from Sleeping With Sirens vocalist Kellin Quinn, Kelly’s latest video finds him calling back to the early millennium days where teen comedies reigned supreme. Donning nerd attire for the occasion, a look that will likely elicit laughter from fans and haters alike, MGK proves that he’s — above all else — having a grand old time. Case in point, the increasingly violent turn the plotline proceeds to take, during which a masked assailant murders an unfortunate damsel in distress by shoving an alligator into her tent.
Featuring appearances from Quinn and Travis Barker, who has settled nicely into the role of Kelly’s closest collaborator and right-hand man, “Love Race” is a rollicking and bloody good time for fans of Gunner’s new sound. Check it out for yourself, and stay tuned for more releases from MGK as they come — after all, he’s been moving at a prolific pace these days.
