Despite the hefty allegations and claims thrown Drake’s way during his battle with Kendrick Lamar, it seems like he doesn’t have to fight much for his right to party. Moreover, he recently posted the invite ( a one-of-one by George Condo) to Michael Rubin’s White Party this year, which is a massive celebrity gathering that he seems quite excited for. “Went from 1 bedroom condo to 1 of 1 condo @michaelrubin [mind blown emoji],” the Toronto superstar captioned a picture of his invite on his Instagram Story. Of course, a lot of people reacted to this news by bringing up some of those aforementioned allegations, while others just want to see the whole thing blow over already.
Meanwhile, other rappers like Lil Yachty are giving their take on that whole K.Dot feud, but also on how they don’t think Drake will take much of a hit as a result. “Drake was deemed a loser in this battle before it started,” he expressed on his A Safe Place podcast. “Because people don’t like him, and haven’t, and he’s won for a very long time.
“And he sat at the top of the throne… Honestly, respectfully, I think he still sits on top of the throne,” Lil Yachty continued. “Even if opinionated masses would say that Kendrick won, I don’t think that people are going to stop listening to Drake and Drake’s career is going to flush, you know? I said to Drake, I told him, ‘I don’t feel like you won or lost.’ Rappers have lost and then lost everything. […] I think Drake will still be in everyone’s rap Spotify at the end of the year at the top. He can still drop hits and it will still control the summer. I think that Kendrick made very smart moves, and I don’t think Drake would disagree.”
We’ll see whether this White Party invite is a solid indicator of just how fine Drake will be after this rap battle, which honestly shouldn’t surprise anyone. After all, despite people having mixed feelings about the beef itself, they still hold respect for both him and Kendrick Lamar as artists. It would be shocking if either MC truly falls out of public favor completely, although we guess we can’t rule out the impossibilities. After all, who would’ve thought that this whole thing would end with a White Party to celebrate?
What happens when great isn’t good enough anymore? That’s what every Griselda affiliate has asked themself for the past few years, as the collective’s consistent releases and knack for lyricism and gritty production resulted in lots of acclaim and some mild reception. Conway The Machine might be the most salient example of this right now, who followed up the excellent God Don’t Make Mistakes in 2022 with the expectedly solid WON’T HE DO IT in 2023. With Slant Face Killah, he continues to suffer a similar fate.
Conway The Machine is combating his own prime: even meeting half of that quality would still overshadow many pens, production aesthetics, and artistic approaches in the rap game today. On this album, the Buffalo MC retreads old territory to the point of exhaustion, and also, backtracks on the skill that we expect across the board. It puts pressure on the next move to show a bit of evolution or quality control.
After a dramatic, short intro (“Despertar”), “Mutty” kicks things off with a dusty Conductor Williams beat, of which there are two more on Slant Face Killah. Other production mainstays include Daringer, Camoflauge Monk, Beat Butcha, and legends like Cool & Dre and Swizz Beatz, along with more potentially surprising names like Cardo, Don Cannon, and Cubeatz. In the record’s first half, Conway The Machine showcases grimy and piano-heavy boom-bap that he murders with such conviction. “Give & Give” brings more luxury with a complex rhyme scheme and soulful vocal samples, whereas “Karimi” shifts the album’s closing moments to a woozy and chunky place with mechanical percussion and synth pads.
Still, Slant Face Killah often stays in the same place production-wise for any given track’s entire runtime. Other times, the instrumental rewinds the clock in less flattering ways, such as the trite keys, lyrics, refrains, and trap hi-hats on “Dasani” that not even a solid Conway The Machine flow could save. The very next track, “Raw!,” ironically tributes Big Daddy Kane while almost venturing into rage territory. While La Máquina flows well on it, it feels like a translation of a boom-bap beat to a trap one rather than fully embracing some of the latter style’s more distinct qualities.
“Griselda Records, I should be the logo,” Conway The Machine raps on “Kin Xpress” with Larry June. On Slant Face Killah, the 42-year-old’s pen remains sharp, vivid, confident, boisterous, murderous, self-aware, and focused. “Milano Nights, Pt. 1” easily has the best quotable on the LP with “I’ll do a drive-by to André 3000’s flute album,” a distilled duality that oddly speaks to the appeal of his music. Much of the rest, such as, “You writing sixteens, I’m like JK Rowling’s four-hundred eighty-eight page novel” on “Surf & Turf,” is as hard as it is indicative of his talents.
Alas, Conway The Machine can’t escape some cringe bars here and there: Twitch and Adin Ross on “Ninja Man” and how his girl’s fancy whip makes her feel like Khloe “Car-That-She-In.” Actually, there’s a specific inflection point that makes this more obvious. By the time we hit “Ten” with Key Glock, not only does Conway’s flow get washed by Glizock on a trap instrumental, but his wordplay and topical focuses just either recycle or become less captivating on impact. It’s hard to keep up a high level across the board here, especially when featured guests break up the pattern.
Unsurprisingly great features from Method Man on “Meth Back!,” Joey Bada$$ on “Vertino,” and others like Ab-Soul, Jay Worthy, and Stove God Cooks really match him on the passion, the hunger, and the effort. Regardless, it would’ve been nice to see some more overt chemistry between them and Conway The Machine. For example, Tech N9ne underwhelms on Slant Face Killah beyond intricate rhymes, and Rya Maxwell’s bizarre cadence and boring beat selection make it feel like you put on a completely different album.
Some tracks overstay their welcome, such as the overlong intro to the “Rya Interlude” and extended outros on multiple cuts across Slant Face Killah‘s tracklist. The attempts to switch styles or stretch out some beats weren’t polished or intent-driven like previous albums in his discography. That being said, since the verses and instrumentals are mostly impressive, this is more of a retrospective issue, not something that incessantly interrupts the album experience.
For the most part, Slant Face Killah is still a very worthy album in Conway’s catalog; it’s just in some small but important Griselda details that it falters. When there’s so much quality to go through, it makes these crevices look like caverns. Whereas other Griselda affiliates or “type artists” like Boldy James benefit from knowing their lane and quality standard, Conway The Machine’s capable of doing everything under the sun from lyrical onslaughts to commercial crossovers and topical depth, so why wouldn’t he want to push himself beyond this lane?
Fortunately, the closing track on here stuns. While “The Red Moon In Osaka” is not necessarily a perfect pen performance, The Alchemist’s evolutionary and layered sample flip, plus Raekwon’s monologued advice to “stay on the come-up,” provides the most emotionally distinct, compelling, and unique track on Slant Face Killah. You don’t read the bars: you feel them. That’s the secret sauce that this album didn’t spread evenly, and one that’s hard to impress fans with at this point. So shock us on the next LP, Conway: you earned our undivided attention long ago.
Oh, it got live during the Trump criminal trial. It’s day 18, which may have marked a turning point for the defense. Donald Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, raised his voice and flailed his arms at Michael Cohen, accusing the prosecution’s star witness of fabricating a phone conversation with Trump just before Cohen sent $130,000 to Stormy Daniels’ attorney in October 2016. Blanche confronted Cohen with text messages exchanged with Keith Schiller, who Cohen claimed had put Trump on the phone, which was unrelated to Trump or Daniels.
This was the most dramatic moment in Cohen’s cross-examination in the hush money case and the clearest example yet of the defense’s effort to cast doubt on Cohen’s memory of phone calls and other significant interactions with Trump in 2016. To sum up, Cohen did not look good, and the prosecution may have been caught off guard. Still, Cohen never lost his composure, and that was the silver lining for himself and the DA’s office.
The court is off Friday so Trump can attend his son Barron’s high school graduation. Cross-examination of Cohen will resume Monday, and summations could begin as soon as Tuesday.
Here are the key takeaways from Day 18 of the Trump hush money trial:
Blanche spent several hours on cross-examination before addressing the evidence directly related to the case. He focused on an October 24, 2016, phone call that Trump’s bodyguard, Schiller, allegedly placed to Cohen. Under questioning from prosecutors, Cohen testified that he was reaching out to Schiller to discuss “the Stormy Daniels matter and the resolution of it.”
Blanche spent hours highlighting Cohen’s inconsistent statements to undermine his credibility over the years. He questioned Cohen on various topics, including his recanted 2018 guilty plea on tax charges, his desire to work in the White House, and his statements about seeking a pardon from Trump.
Blanche challenged Cohen on his aspirations to join Trump’s White House, which was revealed through private communications with his daughter and others like Pastor Darrell Scott. Despite this, Cohen maintained that he only ever wanted to be Trump’s attorney. He also admitted that while he publicly testified to Congress that he never sought a pardon, he had sought one through his attorney and later informed lawmakers of this behind closed doors.
For much of Cohen’s testimony, Trump appeared disengaged, often sitting with his eyes shut. However, Trump’s demeanor changed on Thursday afternoon as the focus shifted to Cohen and the media. He sat up and faced Cohen directly while Blanche questioned the witness about his conversations with New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who had previously been mentioned in the trial via a Trump tweet attacking her in 2018.
Before adjourning for the weekend, Judge Merchan instructed the lawyers to be ready for summations on Tuesday, indicating that the jury could have the case as early as next week. Prosecutors stated they have no other witnesses after Cohen, while the defense plans to call one campaign finance expert, though this is not definite. The defense may also call additional witnesses to challenge testimony, and Trump’s team has not decided whether Trump will testify in his defense.
The Utah Jazz are reportedly considering picking Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, in the upcoming NBA draft. According to Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports, the Jazz are interested in having Bronny come for a workout and might select him with the 32nd pick.
“The Jazz have expressed interest in bringing Bronny in for an individual workout and could be interested in him with the 32nd pick, sources told Yahoo Sports,” Peek reported. “The franchise has been patiently rebuilding behind the leadership of Danny Ainge, and bringing in Bronny with the hopes of luring a superstar like LeBron could be the jump owner Ryan Smith is looking for to add a spark to the Jazz.”
The Jazz, led by executive Danny Ainge, hope that drafting Bronny might entice LeBron James to join the team, adding a major boost to their lineup.
Now, you may know, LeBron is the oldest player in the NBA and just wrapped his 21st season. It’s wild to think that NBA franchises will still do just about anything to land the four-time champion at this stage in his career by drafting his son, but these are the times. For the record, Bron is still a top-10 player in the league and has broken just about every record, so from that standpoint, it makes sense.
From a business standpoint, LeBron James has a player option to leave the Lakers and become a free agent after the 2024-25 season. This means he could potentially sign with any team, including the one that drafts his son, allowing them to play together. That part.
Current betting odds favor the Los Angeles Lakers as the team most likely to select Bronny at +160 ($100 bet to win $160) to select Bronny James. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks are all a distant second at +1700.
Bronny James has been participating in the NBA Combine in Chicago this week, where young players showcase their skills. He performed well in a scrimmage on Wednesday, scoring 13 points, an improvement from his previous game. His efforts have impressed many analysts, including former NBA star Jamal Crawford and Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times.
The NBA draft will take place on June 26 and 27. While Bronny is aiming to play in the NBA, it’s still uncertain if he will end up playing on the same team as his father.
Detroit native and rising rap star 42 Dugg is back with a bang, releasing his latest single, “Win Wit Us,” via CMG Records/4PF/Interscope Records. The track is set to feature on his highly anticipated upcoming album, “4eva Us, Neva Them.”
Produced by FLEXONTHEBEAT, TyMaz, and Marshak, “Win Wit Us” sees Dugg assert his dominance, calling out those who haven’t earned their place alongside him and his crew.
Accompanying the single is an official music video directed by Counter Point. Shot across various locations and clubs in Detroit, the visual captures Dugg and his crew exuding confidence as they rap about their supremacy in the rap game.
Renowned rapper Lupe Fiasco has set the stage for releasing his ninth studio album, Samurai, scheduled to drop on June 28th via 1st & 15th.
Accompanying the album announcement, Lupe released the title track, “Samurai,” today. The song features a loose and soulful vibe, a prominent drumbeat and a lilting soprano sax lick. Lupe embodies his battle rap persona in the track, skillfully weaving poetic devices to captivate listeners.
While the chorus calls for attention akin to a busker or carnival barker, the verses delve deeper. Lupe’s lyrical prowess shines as he navigates themes ranging from the relationship between hip-hop and high culture to the struggles of an aspiring artist’s reality versus dreams.
“Samurai” offers a glimpse into what promises to be a thought-provoking and soul-stirring album, showcasing Lupe Fiasco’s continued evolution as an artist. Fans eagerly anticipate the full release on June 28th, anticipating more lyrical prowess and captivating storytelling from the seasoned rapper.
Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) has unveiled the historic covers of EA SPORTS College Football 25, featuring three current college football stars: Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, and Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter. The full reveal of the game is set for tomorrow.
“Donovan, Quinn and Travis are extraordinary talents who impressed and entertained millions of college football fans on the field last season and are poised to do so again this year,” said Daryl Holt, SVP and Group GM, EA SPORTS. “We’re proud to be able to incorporate thousands of current athletes in College Football 25, and featuring this trio of playmakers and their iconic college programs on the cover is a perfect fit as we usher in a new era for EA SPORTS and college football. I can’t wait for the world to learn more about the game tomorrow.”
Fans can look forward to explosive gameplay across 134 FBS schools and the iconic atmospheres of college football when EA SPORTS College Football 25 launches worldwide on July 19 for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The cover stars have built impressive resumes. Donovan Edwards shone in the Wolverines’ national championship run, becoming the first player in College Football Playoff (CFP) history with two rushing touchdowns of 40-plus yards in the title game. Quinn Ewers led the Longhorns to a 12-2 record and a Big 12 Championship last year, while Travis Hunter is a standout two-way player, being the only FBS player in at least the last 20 seasons to record 100 yards receiving and an interception in the same game.
“EA SPORTS games are legendary and to see myself on the cover of College Football 25 is truly surreal,” said Edwards. “It’s a huge honor to join past Michigan greats as a cover athlete on an EA SPORTS college football game and keep the tradition going.”
“To represent the burnt orange on the real and virtual gridirons is such an honor. EA SPORTS games were the first place I lived out my childhood dream of playing for the Longhorns, so it’s a full-circle moment to now be on the cover of College Football 25,” said Ewers.
“I couldn’t be more pumped to be part of College Football 25 and represent my Buffaloes on the cover of a game with so much excitement behind it,” said Hunter. “I can’t wait to play and see myself, my teammates and my school in the game.”
Standard and Deluxe editions of College Football 25 are available for pre-order now. Fans seeking the ultimate football experience can opt for the EA SPORTS MVP Bundle**, which includes deluxe editions of both EA SPORTS College Football 25 and Madden NFL 25, with 3-day early access for both titles and a variety of other benefits.
Pre-orders for this highly anticipated game are now open, promising fans a comprehensive and immersive college football experience.
Chance the Rapper, renowned for his innovative approach to music and storytelling, has once again captured hearts with his latest release, “Together.” Produced by the legendary DJ Premier, this soul-stirring track celebrates the home-front while presenting a rallying cry to protect it.
The self-directed visual for “Together” centers on lyrics of reminiscence and pride, set against a backdrop of vintage personal home videos and archival footage from community-led political movements through history. Nostalgic clips of block club parties, barbecues, and Black Panther rallies highlight the varying nature of Black communal spaces.
In the first verse, Chance underscores the importance of the community built within the home, while the second verse looks outward, emphasizing the significance of organizing with neighbors. Themes of housing justice, displacement, and gentrification are woven throughout the record.
In a bold move, Chance explicitly calls for a community benefits agreement from former President Barack Obama regarding the development of the new Presidential Library in the residential neighborhood of South Shore in Chicago, IL.
“‘Together’ is really a call to action for Housing Justice in Chicago and abroad,” Chance the Rapper said. “It’s one of the key themes of the Star Line project, and for this song I wanted to try to paint that point with nostalgia rather than trauma.
“Losing granny’s house is a fear and reality a lot of us deal with and instead of lingering on the negatives of that reality I wanted to highlight why those spaces are so important: they’re where we build memories, move family when they need somewhere to stay, raise our kids, do hospice. All of it.”
“Together” is more than just a song; it is a poignant commentary on the necessity of preserving and protecting communal spaces. Chance the Rapper’s latest release continues to solidify his role as an artist deeply connected to his community and committed to advocating for social justice.
College Football 25, featuring three current college football stars: Michigan running back Donovan Edwards, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, and Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter. The full reveal of the game is set for tomorrow.
