The 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris turned out to be a grand spectacle, with Lady Gaga putting on a dazzling show on the banks of the Siene, metal band Gojira putting in an unexpected appearance alongside a reminder of the French attitude toward royalty, and a performer that viewers couldn’t help comparing to an American peer with dog-themed name. Incidentally, it wasn’t Snoop!
As French rapper Rim’K, a long tenured fixture of the French hip-hop scene, performed, Twitter’s trending topics lit up with mentions of “French Pitbull” as viewers noted his uncanny resemblance to Mr. Worldwide.
If you aren’t watching the Opening Ceremony, you are missing French Pitbull wearing what appears to be a lumberjack afghan shirt? pic.twitter.com/1XxoVk0DSr
Rim’K is of Algerian descent, and regularly references the country in his often political songs. He released his debut album, L’enfant du pays, in 2004, reaching No. 8 on the French charts, and he’s continued releasing music at a fairly impressive clip until recently; his last album, Mutant, came out in 2018 and peaked at No. 6 on the French charts. Rim’K is also a member of the group 113 and the larger collective Mafia K-1 Fry. He’s credited for introducing Maghrebian folk rhythms to rap, and is considered one of France’s premier rappers.
When in doubt, twerk it out. This is a lesson Ice Spice learned yesterday (July 25). During a broadcast with popular streamer Kai Cenat, the “Phat Butt” rapper was able to wiggle her way out of his request for her to freestyle for his audience.
While promoting her debut studio album, Y2K, Kai thought it was be a great idea for Ice Spice to show off her lyrical styles to finally but hater to bed. But, Ice Spice had other plans. Instead of obliging with an 8 bar throwaway, Ice Spice delivered her best 8 count twerk off.
“That was my freestyle,” she joked, to which Kai rewarded with a round of applause.
On the heels of the controversial 2024 XXL Freshmen Class cypher, Ice Spice might’ve dodged a load of backlash. In fact, Ice Spice seemingly pulled a play from Uproxx cover star Coi Leray’s book. When all else fails, go for what you know.
Or maybe Ice Spice stands by Vince Staples’ rule of thumb as it relates to promotional freestyles during album rollouts?
Popeyes‘ new wings might just be Cardi B-approved after she dissed her recent late-night meal on social media. After Cardi shared some harsh criticism of the chicken chain’s new Honey Lemon Pepper flavor, Popeyes took her comments in stride with an official statement sharing appreciation for Cardi’s assessment. However, someone in charge over there took her thoughts seriously and decided to take a proactive strategy, inviting Cardi to the company’s test kitchen to make sure future flavors are Cardi-approved. For her part, Cardi didn’t seem to have any qualms about getting free chicken, enthusiastically agreeing.
“bardi gang, we need your help!” read a tweet from Popeyes’ official account. “legal won’t let us tag her, but since ya girl had some thoughts on our honey lemon pepper wings, we’d love to have her come thru the test kitchen to collab on some wing flavors. y’all do your thing.”
It didn’t take long for Cardi’s fans to alert her to the tweet, nor for her to offer her answer. “Free wings??? Where y’all at? COME PICK ME UP,” she gushed.
Honestly, this is genius marketing — suspiciously good, actually. It certainly appears to have the potential to be very effective in getting gaining interest for future flavors. After all, even if you’re not a huge Cardi fan, if the company can turn around her honest assessments, who wouldn’t be at least a little curious about how they did it? It wouldn’t even be Popeyes’ first collaboration with a rapper; in 2021, Popeyes teamed up with Cardi collaborator Megan Thee Stallion to release “Hottie Sauce” and an anime-inspired merch collection.
Mustard’s new album, Faith Of A Mustard Seed, is out now and its latest video is “Ghetto” featuring Lil Durk and Young Thug. In the video, the California producer gives a tour of his hometown, Los Angeles, while the Atlanta and Chicago natives offer their own fond perspectives on life in the hood. LA landmarks like Leimert Park’s Vision Theatre and Slauson Super Mall make appearances, along with youth dance teams and lowrider car clubs. It’s a loving look at places that so often get overlooked, and that for natives represent the real LA.
In addition to the usual array of superstar guests, Faith Of A Mustard Seed also features the producer’s own rap debut. Guests on the album include Durk, Thug, 42 Dugg, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, BlueBucksClan, Blxst, Charlie Wilson, Ella Mai, Future, Kirk Franklin, Lil Yachty, Masego, Quavo, Rob49, Roddy Ricch, Schoolboy Q, Travis Scott, Ty Dolla Sign, and Vince Staples. Young Thug’s appearance means a lot, because the Atlanta mainstay has been incarcerated for the past two years as part of a racketeering case that has become one of Fulton County’s long-running criminal trials ever.
You can watch the video for Mustard’s “Ghetto” with Lil Durk and Young Thug above.
Faith Of A Mustard Seed is out now via 10 Summers Records and Interscope. You can find more information here.
Once upon a time, fitness videos came with titles like “Buns Of Steel,” and the goal was to have a small, tight gluteus maximus. Fortunately, society has since learned better. GloRilla’s video for Ehhthang Ehhthang standout “All Dere” with Moneybagg Yo illustrates just how far we’ve come, showing nothing but love for jiggly butts and cellulite as the two Memphis rappers take on the role of freaky fitness trainers for a workout class aimed at getting “shawty thick as hell.” Stay until the outtakes at the end, in which Glo hilariously admits that exercise bikes make her legs hurt.
Today (July 26), Ice dropped the New York-themed visual and showed what brought the two acts together: their ability to shake the room. Scott’s recent Circus Maximus Tour stop in Italy nearly caused an earthquake. While Ice’s twerking (when she’s up to it) could spark that same results.
In the video, Ice showed off her sensual moves around her stomping grounds. It starts, though, with Ice on display as a twerking art exhibit. From prestigious museums to her re-imagined Liberty Island, Ice embraces her beloved moves and historical figures. For fun, Ice even sported a custom Statue Of Liberty costume for a laugh.
But at dinner with Scott, they turn things up by standing on expensive couches. Then, Scott took his rager energy to the Statue Of Liberty’s torch for a standalone scene to end the fiery video.
Watch the “Oh Shhh…” video above.
Y2K! is out now via 10K Projects/Capitol Records. Find more information here.
In the video for Ravyn Lenae‘s new song “One Wish,” the burgeoning R&B star finds parallels in the present and past as she reflects on her struggles to connect with the men in her life. Opening with a flashback to her father leaving her behind, the stylish video makes connections between this abandonment and her grown-up relationships, with a series of men who mirror his affinity for classic cars and flashy watches — and trouble communicating his feelings. Childish Gambino appears on track to voice the internal concerns of one man, showing how the problem cuts both ways.
Donald Glover recently released his final album as Childish Gambino, but the alter ego isn’t going away quietly. In addition to this feature with Ravyn Lenae, Gambino also appeared on Kaytranada’s new album, albeit on a song that the producer has been teasing during his DJ sets for years. Glover also reissued his unfinished 2020 album 3.15.20 as Atavista, adding two new features, Summer Walker and Young Nudy, along with remixed tracks.
“One Wish” appears on Lenae’s upcoming second album Bird’s Eye, which is out on August 9 via Atlantic. She already released three singles, “Love Is Blind,” “Love Me Not,” and “Dream Girl.” You can watch the “One Wish” video above.
Today (July 25), the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper completed his ultimate side mission while in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. Snoop took to X (formerly Twitter) with pride for his monumental accomplishment.
But users online wasted no time turning the moment into one flaming joke about stoners. Several folks took some creative liberties, mainly photo and video editing, to re-imagine the ceremony.
“Thank you for holding the Olympic joint,” wrote one page.
All in all, Snoop is on cloud nine over his career high or so he told AP. “I look at this as a prestigious honor and something I truly respect,” he said. “I would have never dreamed of nothing like this,” he said. “I’m going to be on my best behavior. I’m going to be on my best athleticism. I’ll be able to breathe slow to walk fast and hold the torch with a smile on my face, because I realize how prestigious this event is.”
Like most artists, Leo Waters fought for the spot he stands in today. The young singer, born in Tampa, raised in Chicago, and currently residing in Los Angeles, was forced to embrace the unknown after he left the comfort and familiar surroundings of home in pursuit of his music dreams. His debut project On Waters Ave documents that journey through six songs that also portrays the clarity and self-awareness Waters has at such a young age.
“Leo Waters means King of Waters,” he said about the project in a press release. “Waters Ave is my home street and a cultural hub representative of my mixed Latin heritage and small town familial ties. Having had to fight tooth and nail to come up in Tampa, I now feel it’s time to tell my story as an artist leaving home to face the urban jungle of Los Angeles.”
On Waters Ave is led by his breakout single “Smoke + Mirrors” where Waters’ reminds an elusive woman that his treatment toward her trumps that of other men in her life. It’s also presented with a sliver of humility and honesty as he confesses wanting more time with her. “Love is too hard to find,” he sings. “So come and ease up my mind.” Other highlights throughout On Waters Ave include the powerful and self-sufficient “On Me” and the sweet and romantic “Outlaws.”
Waters isn’t done yet in 2024, though. Just a month after releasing On Waters Ave, the singer returns with “Cuerpo,” a Latin-inspired tune that Waters uses to show his commitment to a new love interest. He also shows off his Spanish to add some flare to the track.
With “Cuerpo” out now and On Waters Ave still in rotation, we caught up with Leo Waters to learn more about him for this week’s Uproxx Music 20 column. Scroll down to read more about the Waters’ inspirations, influences, and aspirations.
I used to watch singing competitions with my family… it was a big family affair to watch American Idol, etc. I used to imagine myself up there. We were a big music family and I would always sing to the family and they would egg me on. I was the family entertainer in that way.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
When I was a dancer, I was touring with a bunch of artists and I met Tory Lanez along the way. I watched him record early on and he taught me how important it is to learn everything yourself. I took that mentality and ran with it before I met my current team.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
I can play the keys, but more than anything I’m learning to be a better producer and engineer and I love to write.
What was your first job?
I used to work in construction. That was the plan before I was found in a writing camp. I took all my $200 bucks from that week and flew myself to LA to do this writing camp.
What is your most prized possession?
Probably my first mic that was gifted to me. I still own this today and record on it.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not making my family proud. It is so important to me to give back to them for everything they’ve done for me.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I think if I could do anything I would go back in time and relive my favorite memories from life. With my family, as a dancer, etc. I would love to take inspiration from those times and write more music. Memories are the most important non-tangible asset we have.
What are your three most used emojis?
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What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
This sounds insane… but I would love to collab on an afro-beats / R&B type song.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
I love the show Fallout because I love gaming and it is based on my favorite video game.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
I think Shaq. He seems like a class act and has built amazing businesses off his success as a basketball player. I think it’s hard to find celebrities that are good people and good businesspeople. He seems like one of those guys.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
Our actions, thoughts, and words must always be in alignment. It is the most important way to operate as a good man and person.
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
This is such a tough call…I love songs that are left up to interpretation but have a deeper meaning. I think “Hotel California” does this. It’s about someone being trapped in a world where they have everything they could ever want or need… but realizing that’s not everything and there is more to life. I love that concept.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
Tampa. Tampa…. Tampa.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
Location is Tampa, FL. Because that’s home… and we need to bring good music back home. This is a loaded lineup for me… I need to give more than 5 if we’re talking about a real festival. SZA, Don Toliver, Burna Boy, Drake, Bryson Tiller, Frank Ocean, Summer Walker, Kehlani, WILLOW, Mk.Gee, Jean Dawson, Alix Banin, and PabloPablo.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
Probably dancing. I still love it as a sport and I love entertaining. Or I would be a songwriter. Or both…
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
This is a crazy question. I want to stay where I am…wildcard answer. I don’t have any regrets, and I want to leave the mystery about what the future holds. I’m enjoying working hard and living in the now.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Continue to stay true to your values and trust your gut and your heart when something isn’t right. That’s the most important indicator.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
Man, we are getting deep here! I think I want to be remembered as someone who has made an impact in this community as someone that has remained a good honorable person that has created art that surpasses generations. I want every move I make and every song I release to reflect this. We aren’t remembered by name a lot of the time… we’re remembered by the actions and impact we have left behind. I’d rather my art and good work be remembered over my name. People get so lost in the music industry. Especially in the hip hop and R+B community. It is so important for me to stay grounded and represent that it’s possible to be a good honorable person while being successful in this space. I can’t wait until I have the resources to make an impact on the communities that matter to me most and to continue to use my art to make positive change.
On Waters Ave is out now via Key Records LLC. Find out more information here.
In the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan thriller Trap, a serial killer played by Josh Hartnett works to escape a police dragnet set for him at a pop concert he attends with his teen daughter. The singer, a Lady Gaga-esque performer called Lady Raven, is portrayed by singer Saleka (Shyamalan’s daughter), and on the newly released soundtrack single “Divine,” Lady Raven receives a boost of real-life pop star clout from Kid Cudi. Powered by a pulsating dance instrumental highlighted by strains of traditional Indian music — a nod to Saleka’s cultural heritage — “Divine” gives us our first glimpse of Lady Raven’s musical styling in Trap.
In addition to writing fourteen songs for the film’s soundtrack, Saleka will also make her acting debut in Trap, suggesting that Lady Raven may end up more involved in the film’s plot than trailers have so far shown. While her casting may strike some fans as a little too convenient, considering her dad’s the movie’s director, Saleka has had plenty of real-life experience performing. She released her independent debut album Seance last May, while in 2022, she toured with Long Beach R&B singer Giveon as one of his four opening acts.
(@TheDigitalDam) July 26, 2024
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