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Cardi B Shines A Light On The Independent Black Artists That Were Nominated For The 2021 Grammys

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There’s no question that this year’s Grammys are seeing a lot of criticism. Just like in past years, the Recording Academy received plenty of criticism about its nomination process after snubbing artists like The Weeknd and Lil Baby for this year’s show. In fact, the former announced that he would “no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys,” as a result of their failure to nominate him. Other artists, however, have decided to shine a light on the positive things the Grammys did this year, like nominating some independent Black artists. And that’s something Cardi B decided to do in a recent post on Twitter.

The rapper posted a lengthy message that asked fans to recognize and show love to the smaller artists that were nominated this year.

“I do feel that there were some albums, and songs that should have been considered for nominations. Maybe by next year they will get it right,” she said. “However let’s not forget the Grammys nominated soo many independent black artists this year that don’t get the exposure by blogs, magazines and other awards shows like Chika, D Smoke, Royce 5’9, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Electronica, Kaytranada, Brittany Howard, Kykal Kilgore, Ledisi, Jean & Marcus Baylor, Like James, Gregory Porter, Giveon, Ant Clemons, Robert Glasper, Free Nationals & Thundercat, and so much more.”

“It’s frustrating sometimes to work and work on your craft and you feel overlooked because you might not look like others, are not mixxy so you not always around other artists, you rap or sing about different material, you stay out of drama and the media or yet still not as popular,” she added. “However you’re a talented-ass f*ck and one day you wake up and you find out you’re nominated and got a notice from one of the biggest awards show purely cause of your TALENT!”

Cardi concluded her message with a simple, yet very important point. “Soo besides all the bullsh*t let’s not forget to congratulate these artists. This is their moment too and they been working their ass off with no exposure and let’s not overshadow it with feelings cause your favorite might not be on the list. Congrats guys and good luck on the Grammys. You deserve it.”

You can find the post from Cardi above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Could Anderson Paak Be Collaborating With BTS Next?

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Although it’s his brand new collaboration with Bruno Mars that has catapulted Anderson Paak back into the news cycle — and to the Grammys stage, no less — the Silk Sonic project hasn’t taken other options for joint work off the table for Paak. He seems to be, ahem, leaving the door open for other collaborations, if they come across his desk.

In a recent interview with Esquire the R&B star talked about his love and respect for K-pop, particularly one of the biggest acts in the genre (and the world) right now, BTS. It’s actually Paak’s son, Soul, who he speaks to about the band — especially considering Soul’s mom and Paak’s wife, Jaylyn, is from South Korea.

“I tell him, ‘Yeah, K-pop is where it’s at, man,” Paak said of conversations with his son. “Make sure you keep up with your Korean’ because you could be rapping in Korean one day, and we’ll fly your ass out there, and you won’t got to worry about sh*t.’”

And as far as any plans Anderson himself might have for working with the crew, he sounds more than interested: “I’m working on trying to get that plug, man,” he told Esquire. “If you know of any way, let me know, bro.” The article notes that Paak is “mostly joking,” yet, the isn’t that far of a stretch. Paak has already worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, and appeared on Jazmine Sullivan’s excellent 2021 record Heaux Tales. K-pop could easily be next.

Well, it seems unlikely that journalist has the connect, but BTS if you’re reading this, please consider! Since both artists are performing at the Grammys tomorrow night, it just might be possible they’ll bump into each other backstage. Fingers crossed.

Check out Esquire‘s full profile on Anderson here and his brand new track with Bruno, “Leave The Door Open” above.

Kid Cudi Is Not A Fan Of A New TikTok Trend That Uses Lyrics From ‘Day ‘N’ Nite’

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A new music-based trend seem to be born every week on TikTok. The social media app has housed favorites like the Renegade, Buss It, and Silhouette challenges, all of which have been supported by the artists whose songs serve as the their foundations. Kid Cudi is the latest act to have his music trend on TikTok, but when he saw the way his song was being used in the videos, the rapper found it hard to show support.

“I dont f*ck w what they did to my song on tik tok takin out the lyrics,” he wrote in a post on Twitter. “We live in a strange time. Im not flattered (shrugging emoji).” The TikToks Cudi is referring to finds users taking the “now look at this” line from Cudi’s 2008 hit “Day ‘N’ Nite,” which is used for a two-part video. In the first part, users recite the “Day ‘N’ Nite” line as the song plays in background. This leads into the second half, in which something bizarre or hilarious happens. A fan responded to Cudi’s tweet and said, “Cudi is goated, but it just ain’t that deep really,” but the rapper pushed back.

“I dont think im makin it ‘deep’ by tweetin how I feel,” he replied. “Now if I was ranting thats another thing. Nothing wrong w me stating I dont approve, plus if u are such a fan, u know my lyrics are most important to me.” Cudi added, “Im passionate about my sh*t so idc who has a problem w that.”

You can see some examples of the TikToks below.

Freddie Gibbs And The Alchemist Wine And Dine In Their ‘Scottie Beam’ Performance On ‘The Tonight Show’

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Last year, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist teamed up for their joint album, Alfredo. The project was labeled as one of 2020’s best hip-hop albums, a title that was upheld by its eventual Best Rap Album Grammy nomination for this year’s show. In a little over 24 hours, Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist will learn whether or not they will get their first Grammy award thanks to the album, but before that happens, the two brought their talents to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform “Scottie Beam,” a favorite from Alfredo.

Rather than keep things simple with a straightforward performance, Freddie and Alchemist opted to spice things up. The duo, accompanied by a few other guests, took their seats around a dinner table to wine and dine as Freddie performed “Scottie Beam.” The group was also served a meal of alfredo pasta which they appropriately enjoyed during the set. Rick Ross, who has a verse on the song, was not present for the performance.

Freddie and Alchemist’s appearance on The Tonight Show comes after they performed at the first-ever Black Music Collective pre-Grammy event on Thursday. They took the stage alongside names like HER, PJ Morton, and Yolanda Adams.

Watch the performance in the video above.

Freddie Gibbs is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Anderson .Paak Shares An Update On Kendrick Lamar And Dr. Dre

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Anderson .Paak is back in the spotlight. He recently joined forces with Bruno Mars as Silk Sonic to release their first joint single, “Leave The Door Open,” ahead of their upcoming album. The project will join a growing list of collaborations that .Paak has done with some of the industry’s best, including Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre. He worked with the former on their 2018 single, “Tints,” while the latter served as an executive producer on his 2018 album, Oxnard. In a recent sit-down with Esquire, .Paak shared an update about the two Compton-based acts.

“We talk just through texts and just off and on,” he said about Lamar. “I always check on him and the family and make sure he’s good. He’s always responsive, and just like, just let me know he’s hanging in there just like everybody else.” .Paak also had positive things to say about Dre, who suffered a brain aneurysm at the beginning of the year.

“Dre’s having a good-ass time,” he said in regards ton Dre’s quarantine life. “That’s already his life—isolation, working all the time. I think he was probably used to it. But he’s having fun now because a lot of people have more time on their hands, so they can come visit him and make music with big Uncle Dre.” As for their own collaborations, Paak said Dre has taken a step back is “letting me fly and figure it out.”

The interview also saw the Oxnard-bred act speak about his upcoming fifth album. “With this new material you’re going to get some real topics, and you’re going to get some substance, but mixed with some great grooves,” he said. .Paak also expressed his desire to collaborate with popular K-pop band, BTS.

“I’m working on trying to get that plug, man,” he said. “If you know of any way, let me know, bro.”

Bruno Mars is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Beyonce Turned Down An Offer To Perform At The 2021 Grammys

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After initially being postponed, the 63rd Annual Grammys Award Ceremony kicks off this weekend. Leading the nominations is Beyonce, who is up for nine Grammys including both Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year. The additional nominations makes her the most Grammy-nominated female artist in history with an impressive 79 nominations. But despite her recognition, Beyonce will not be seen performing at this year’s event.

This weekend’s ceremony will be taking place in person across five small stages situated around LA in order to minimize interactions. Several artists have been booked to perform at the ceremony, including Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, and Dua Lipa. One major star not on the list, though, is Beyonce.

The Recording Academy claims that they extended an offer to Beyonce to perform, but she declined. In a statement to the LA Times, Recording Academy interim chief executive Harvey Mason said, “It’s unfortunate because she’s such a big part of the Recording Academy. We absolutely wish we had her onstage.”

Neither Beyonce nor the Recording Academy has addressed her reason for turning down the event. It may have to do with the concern over attending an in-person event, but it could also be due to the backlash the Recording Academy has faced this past year. Back in January of 2020, former Grammys CEO Deborah Dugan alleged that the Recording Academy has a history of sexual misconduct and corruption, and she wasn’t the only one to say so. After being snubbed of an award this year, The Weeknd slammed the ceremony as corrupt and called for greater transparency in the nomination process. Other artists like Ellie Goulding, Zayn, Fiona Apple, and Lil Wayne have made similar, disdainful remarks about the Grammys.

Some of the artists mentioned here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Khalid Remixes Singer-Songwriter Watts’ Mellow 2018 Single, ‘Feels’

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It’s been a while since Khalid’s last album, Free Spirit, but he’s kept busy in the interim, popping up on collaborations with Kane Brown and Swae Lee (“Be Like That“), Alicia Keys (“So Done“), Victoria Monet (“Experience“), and Justin Bieber (on “Peaches” with Daniel Caesar from the upcoming Bieber album Justice). He lends his latest vocal assist to singer-songwriter Watts, remixing Watts’ 2018 single “Feels” and releasing a trippy, 3D-contrast visualizer to bring new life to the mellow ballad.

There’s little information out there about Watts, other than his real name, Jacob Watts, and origins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A Genius profile for Jacob Watts lists his songwriting credits: He’s got a song called “Talk About It,” another called “Right, Alright,” and a collaboration with Adam Agin titled “Quicksand Arms.” Whatever he’s been up to since 2018, it looks like he may intend to make a comeback this year, and judging from his scant discography, he’s got the chops to craft a solid career if he can turn up the consistency of his releases.

Khalid, meanwhile, plans to follow up Free Spirit this year as well, according to what he told a fan on Twitter in September.

Listen to Watts’ “Feels” featuring Khalid above.

Flatbush Zombies Release A Cool Set Of Action Figures Commemorating Their Debut Album

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It’s usually pretty cool when a rap act gets a collectible that isn’t just the standard T-shirt, vinyl, or non-fungible token version of their sex tape. For instance, there are a lot of nice vinyl toys out there for legends of rap like The Notorious BIG or Run-DMC, and some newer rappers have even gotten in on the action, like Rico Nasty. The latest act to commemorate a musical moment with a piece of beautifully-molded plastic is Flatbush Zombies, who teamed up with Incendium to offer a pack of frankly awesome action figures celebrating the fifth anniversary of their debut album.

The set interprets the trio as five-inch figures with 10 points of articulation and personalized accessories based on the David Nakayama-designed cover of 3001: A Laced Odyssey. Only 3,001 of each figure has been made, ensuring their collector’s item status someday down the road — without a password or undue negative impact on the environment, no less. Yes, that was another shot at NFTs because I think you’re all nuts for spending millions of dollars on computer code.

Incendium CEO Llexi Leon credits the project to Flatbush Zombies’ “incredible aesthetic,” and calls it “a blast to revisit David Nakayama’s incredible artwork to their debut album and bring the trio straight off the page for our latest release.”

You can check out the set here.

Giveon’s Grieving ‘Heartbreak Anniversary’ Video Arrives With His Lustful New Single, ‘All To Me’

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After the success his two 2020 projects brought him last year, it’s only right that Giveon is making sure his Take Time and When It’s All Said And Done EPs are celebrated in the new year. The Long Beach singer ensured this would happen in three ways. First, he shared a new video for his Take Time standout, “Heartbreak Anniversary.” The visual reflects on the highs and lows Giveon experienced with an old lover, played by Samantha Logan who many might recognize by the name of Olivia Baker from the TV drama, All-American. Giveon transitions between his lonely present and his turbulent past with his old love interest as he sings about the day their relationship came to an end.

Secondly, in addition to the video, he shared his latest single, “All To Me.” Similar to his prior releases, “Favorite Mistake” and “Still Your Best,” Giveon arrives with a bit of toxicity for listeners on the new effort. He finds himself in the presence of a woman who is not treated well by her partner. Looking to make matters better for this woman, Giveon offers to step in and be the ideal companion she’s wanted for a lifetime. Lastly, Giveon dropped a deluxe reissue of Take Time and When It’s All Said And Done, which combines the two EPs and “All To Me” into one effort titled, When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time.

You can watch the “Heartbreak Anniversary” video and listen to “All To Me” above.

When It’s All Said And Done… Take Time is out now via Epic Records. Get it here.

Blxst Collabs With Russ And Drakeo The Ruler On His ‘Just For Clarity’ EP

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Blxst is certainly in for a big year after gaining great popularity as a result of a thrilling 2020. While his plans for the forthcoming months remain to be seen, Blxst is kicking things off with a pair of new singles. The West Coast native returns with his Just For Clarity EP supported by contributions from Drakeo The Ruler and Russ. Blxst connects with Drakeo The Ruler for “Don’t Forget,” a silky-smooth effort that sees both artists discussing the skepticism they encountered on their way to the top. While they’ve forgiven their doubters, the duo declares that they won’t be forgotten as it fuels their motivation to continue thriving.

The second song of EP presents Russ alongside Blxst for “Fck Boys.” On this track, they both find themselves in relationships with women who are damaged due to sub-par experiences with men they encountered prior to them. Despite these hardships, the duo declares that they’re the man their female companions have been waiting for. To add to their point, Russ questions “who the f*ck is he to f*ck up your whole life” while Blxst reminds listeners that “f*ck boys f*ck it up for real n****s.”

The songs arrive after Blxst shared a deluxe reissue of No Love Lost at the end of last year. Since then the singer has also delivered videos for “Got It All” and “No Love Lost.”

Press play on both tracks in the videos above.