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Early Reactions To Calvin Harris’ ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2’ Are Out And People Are A Bit Underwhelmed

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Calvin Harris Brits 2019
Getty Image / Dave J. Hogan

Back in 2017, Calvin Harris had a slight change in direction in his career thanks to his fifth album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. While the project featured just 10 songs, it recruited a talented roster of artists to bring their talents for groovy and dance-worthy anthems. In total, Frank Ocean, Migos, Schoolboy Q, PartyNextDoor, DRAM, Young Thug, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, Future, Khalid, Travis Scott, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Big Sean, Kehlani, Lil Yachty, and Jessie Reyez all showed up on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. The album was praised from all corners of the industry and fans begged for Vol. 2, and finally, after five long years, Calvin Harris delivered just that.

Here Are Some Early Reactions To Calvin Harris’ ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2’

At long last, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 is here for the world to enjoy. It’s a bit longer than the first installment, but Calvin made sure to call up the industry’s best names for his last body of work. Through 14 songs, listeners will catch appearances from 21 Savage, Dua Lipa, Young Thug, Tinashe, Offset, Normani, Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Halsey, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Chloe Bailey, 21 Savage, Latto, Charlie Puth, Swae Lee, Stefflon Don, 6lack, Pusha T, Donae’o, Lil Durk, Shenseea, and Jorja Smith.

With all the excitement that was behind the project leading up to its release, it’s no surprise that some were quick to share their thoughts about it on social media.

Some loved what they heard on the new album:

A lot more people were critical of it:

And, of course, you have your jokes:

Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 is out now via Columbia Records. You can stream it here.

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

Kelis Explains Beyoncé Using ‘Milkshake’ Without Asking Was ‘Personal On Many Levels Which People Don’t Understand’

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Kelis Hollywood Unlocked 2022
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A couple days ago, Kelis shared an Instagram post showing off her hair and outfit. The post had nothing to do with her beef with Beyoncé over sampling “Milkshake” on Renaissance cut “Energy,” but the comments section quickly became all about it.

Responding to comments from fans and detractors, Kelis declared she “won” by Beyoncé removing the sample and also called the Beyhive “a joke.” Beyond that, she also responded to an interesting point.

A fan mentioned how Bia referenced the “Milkshake” lyrics in her 2021 song “Can’t Touch This,” writing, “Not here to cause problem but genuinely concerned why you ain’t say nothing when @bia did ‘can’t touch this’ and took the whole ‘my milkshare brings all the boys to the yard’ ?” To that, Kelis answered, “like I’ve said, it’s all a problem. Every single time. But this was personal on many levels which people don’t understand and I didn’t care to go further into. But yes. It is all a problem that I am going to fix .”

On a related note, another fan commented, “Why can’t we as sisters ever settle anything behind closed doors without giving others the satisfaction of making it look like a feud? I’m so curious to know and understand.” Kelis answered, “it’s bigger then that.”

One of those aforementioned levels is presumably related to Pharrell and Chad Hugo (who produced “Milkshake” as The Neptunes), as she called them out last month. A hater took to the comments to bring them up, writing, “If the Neptunes were so bad to you how come everything you did after you left them flopped? They gave you your big break and your biggest singles which allow you to still tour 20 years later but you’re acting like they stole something from you. You owe everything you have to them be grateful.”

In response, Kelis wrote, “that’s funny cause right after I left them I did bossy and many of my biggest songs were not Neptune produced. And I never said they weren’t talented . I said they are bad people. And further more I made them as much as they made me. Do your homework dumb dumb.”

Find Kelis’ original comments below.

Kelis Instagram comments
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments
@kelis/Instagram

Doja Cat Shaves Her Head And Eyebrows: ‘I Don’t Like Having Hair’

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Doja Cat 2022 Billboard Music Awards
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Doja Cat’s Instagram Live session yesterday was an eventful one, as it marked a major aesthetic shift for the artist: She debuted her newly buzzed head and went on to shave her eyebrows off during the broadcast.

She also explained why she decided to get rid of her hair, saying, “I don’t like having hair. I’ve never liked having hair. I cannot tell you one time, since the beginning of my life, that I’ve ever been like, ‘This is cool.’ I just do not like to have hair.”

Doja then broke down some issues she has had with with wearing wigs and continued, “I just can’t believe that it took me this long to be like, ‘Shave your f*cking head.’ Because first of all, I don’t wear my hair out. You guys have seen me wear my natural hair out… I had like two eras. I had like two eras where my hair would be out. I would straighten it. There was a moment where it was natural and then I don’t even wear it natural ’cause I don’t feel like it, and then… it’s just a f*ckin’ nightmare, dude. I’m over it. I’m gonna… I’m really liking this. What is the use of having hair if you’re not gonna f*ckin’ wear it out? I don’t even sport it.”

She also assured fans that she’s doing well, responding to comments from “all the Terry-Jo’s and the country girls” by saying in a Southern accent, “I’m fine, Terry-Jo. I’m just fine. I’m doing dandy.”

Doja got some positive feedback on the new look from Lady Gaga, who commented on a TikTok video about it, “Beautiful.” Snoop Dogg also left some positive comments during the live broadcast, writing in one, “That style is dope on u sis.”

Kelis Calls Beyoncé Fans ‘A Joke’ While Reacting To The ‘Renaissance’ Sample Being Removed: ‘I Won’

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Kelis Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards 2022
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Beyoncé has herself a hit with Renaissance, but that didn’t stop her from making changes to the new album shortly after its release: She vowed to alter the lyric of “Heated” following backlash over an ableist slur, and after getting called out by Kelis, she removed a sample of Kelis’ “Milkshake” from “Energy.” Now that Kelis has gotten her way, she offered a reaction and she’s pretty pleased.

The comments of a recent Kelis Instagram post not related to the Beyoncé situation was full of comments about it and Kelis responded to a good amount of them over the past couple days. One user just noted the sample removal and Kelis responded, “yeah I won lol only a moron wouldn’t understand that.”

A fan congratulated Kelis and accused Beyoncé and her fans of having a “bullying energy about them.” Kelis responded, “thank you. You can’t be afraid to speak up for yourself no matter how big the bully’s. They are robots. I don’t care about any of them.”

Speaking of the Beyhive, Kelis didn’t mince words with or about them. One apparent Beyoncé fan commented, “Beyonce really tried to make you relevant again (since you haven’t been since the 90s or early 2000s) and you called her a ‘thief’?” Kelis replied, “I called out what it was . You are a mindless sheep. There I go again speaking truth. Lol I guess I just can’t help it lol.”

In other comments, she called the Beyhive “a joke” and said, “it’s got cult written all over it.”

Check out the post and some of the comments below.

Kelis Instagram comments Beyonce
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments Beyonce
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments Beyonce
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments Beyonce
@kelis/Instagram
Kelis Instagram comments Beyonce
@kelis/Instagram

Trippie Redd, Offset And Moneybagg Yo Send Threats To Their Enemies In The Menacing ‘Big 14’ Video

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Trippie Redd, despite his charisma, carries a menacing personality. Though he is a fun-loving guy, he doesn’t look like the type you want to cross either. “Big 14” is the Canton artist showing more of that serious side alongside Offset and Moneybagg Yo. Together, the trio flexes their riches but also makes it very clear that no one should try and come for them.

“Don’t come outside we sending killers at your door,” Redd groans in the chorus before taking on the first verse, followed by Offset and Moneybagg Yo in succession. Their aggressive lyrics are amplified by the scenery surrounding them, whether it be abandoned buildings or what appears to be a hospital corridor. The Honorable C.N.O.T.E. production is an ideal canvas for each spitter to then add their own twist.

For Trippie, this is his first proper release in 2022, taking a bit of a hiatus since his 2021 album Trip At Knight. Moneybagg Yo seems to never stop working, with a slew of features and multiple appearances on the latest CMG compilation album Gangsta Art. As for Offset, it is still unclear whether Migos are split up or not but he is teasing new music coming soon.

Check out the video for “Big 14” above.

The Weeknd Adds Summer Walker To A High-Stakes Remix Of ‘Best Friends’

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Earlier this week, rumors circulated that The Weeknd would release a remix to “Best Friends,” a Dawn FM cut, featuring Summer Walker. The Starboy quickly confirmed the reports, saying the “Girls Need Love” singer “carried” and “f*cking crushed it.” Well, the track is officially here and he did not lie.

The Over It artist’s emotive vocals and sharp pen provide an even fresher take than the original version. The emotionally bound narrative here aligns well with what she often sings about, struggling to balance love and friendship as well. As two of the most vulnerable voices in music today, this was a smart choice.

This unexpected collaboration comes at an opportune time for both artists. The Weeknd is surfing the waves caused by his 80s-inspired January album Dawn FM featuring Lil Wayne, Tyler, The Creator, Quincy Jones and Jim Carrey. “Out Of Time” and “Sacrifice” emerged as standouts and maintained that place for some time.

As for Summer Walker, aside from verses on Lil Durk and Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 albums, she has been quiet. The “Come Thru” broke streaming records back in November with Still Over It powered by appearances from Lil Durk, SZA, City Girls and more.

Check out the “Best Friends” Remix above.

DJ Khaled, Drake, And Lil Baby Are ‘Staying Alive’ In Their Anthemic New Single

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The next phase of DJ Khaled’s career is officially here. The producer tapped Drake and Lil Baby for “Staying Alive,” a video which finds Lil B performing surgery and Khaled giving his own form of a pep talk to women nurses. As for the music, there is an obvious Bee Gees “Stayin’ Alive” interpolation in the hook, but the two rappers turned in some of their best verses to date.

“Staying Alive” is the leadoff single for the highly promoted God Did album set to release on August 26. As usual, DJ Khaled is hellbent on reminding everyone of his naysayers’ lack of faith and how divine intervention has led him to the success he now enjoys. Heading into his thirteenth studio album, he could not have picked two better feature artists.

Drake, a longtime Khaled collaborator, is still riding the momentum of his June surprise album Honestly, Nevermind which came just nine months after his sixth studio album Certified Lover Boy. Lil Baby has been ubiquitous in Hip-Hop over the last few years, being tapped for features and delivering his own tracks “U-Digg,” “Frozen,” “Right On,” and “In A Minute.” Not to mention consecutive Nicki Minaj collaborations in “Do We Have A Problem?” and “Bussin.”

The Six God may be the undisputed leader of the game right now, but Lil Baby is on top when it comes to his peers. Now it is just a matter of who else DJ Khaled has in the tuck for God Did. Who else went against the grain and believed in him like Drake and Lil Baby?

Check out “Staying Alive” above.

John Legend And Saweetie Dance The Night Away On Their New Collab, ‘All She Wanna Do’

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John Legend is taking the dancefloor by storm on his latest single, “All She Wanna Do.” Joined by Saweetie, John Legend sings admirably of a woman he meets on a night out. The song opens with a slow piano, as do many of his signature hits, but as the chorus arrives, kickdrums set in, turning the ballad into a sexy, dancefloor banger.

“All she wanna do is dance / All I wanna do is get up on her / Got me in the palm of her hands / All I wanna touch is her nirvana / Feels like I’ve been waitin’ for / Forever and a night to get this chance / But all she wanna do is / All she wanna do is /All she wanna do is dance,” Legend sings on the fiery new dancefloor anthem.

Saweetie joins in with a verse, embracing her glamour and ready to dance with a man who can match her energy.

“First, all I wanna do is get my nails done / Yeah, all I wanna do is spend them big funds / Twerk, twerk all night on your grandson / Little Westside chick out in London,” she raps.

In addition to new music, Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, recently revealed that the two are expecting a third child.

Check out “All She Wanna Do” above.

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

Doechii Reclaims Her Power On Her New EP, ‘She/Her/Black B*tch’

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Doechii 2022
Chris Parsons

This year is shaping up to be a big year for Tampa native rapper Doechii, who has just dropped her first EP with Top Dawg Entertainment. Containing hits like the self-confidence anthem “B*tch I’m Nice,” and the SZA-assisted remix to “Persuasive,” Doechii’s new EP, She/Her/Black B*tch, contains five songs that feature her embracing her Blackness, queerness, and every intersection of herself.

“Many times I’ve been referred to as a “bitch” as a way to gaslight me out of certain spaces, something I think many people can relate to in one way or another,” said Doechii in a statement accompanying the EP’s release. “Lots of people will call you various names for doing something differently.“ So I decided to take ownership of the ‘black bitch’ and title my EP She/Her/Black B*tch and reclaim that motherf*cking power. So if you’ve ever been put down for being yourself, just remember you’re powerful and unapologetic- these songs are for you.”

On the EP, Doechii delivers next-level bars, riding each beat with ease, channeling the multiple characters she has created within her musical universe.

She / Her / Black B*tch is out now via Capitol and Top Dawg Entertainment. Stream it here.

The YouTube Lawsuit From Indie Labels Over Weak Anti-Piracy Tools Continues

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YouTube Space London 2019
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YouTube is in some hot water after a lawsuit was filed by Pirate Monitor. Composer Maria Schneider claims the platform plays favorites when it comes to permitting powerful copyright owners to block or monetize unauthorized uses of their content, but the same does not apply to “ordinary owners.” YouTube claimed the lawsuit was inaccurate and inadequate evidence was provided, in the hopes the case would be thrown out. Sadly, Judge James Donato did not oblige.

Donato describes YouTube’s arguments as “unavailing” and “not well taken.” Thus, the case goes on. On a larger scale, this affects far more than just Pirate Monitor and Schneider. The composer says the application forces songwriters and rights holders of similar stature to endure an arduous process in order to monitor infringement. As a result, some offenders slip through the cracks.

YouTube believes they have done nothing wrong, citing over $100 million spent on developing “industry-leading tools” to hinder piracy and even countersued Pirate Monitor last year for deceptive behavior used to gain access to Content ID. While that is a whole other case in itself, with a rejected motion to dismiss in the initial case, this process will go on with major ramifications for all YouTube creators, composers, etc.

There is currently no comment from YouTube’s parent company Alphabet.