ESPN Gave J Balvin Total Control Over Curating The Music For Some ‘Monday Night Football’ Games This Season

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The 2024-25 NFL season is due to start next Thursday, September 5, when the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens. The game will be broadcast on NBC. ESPN will handle the final Week 1 game between the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers — the season’s first Monday Night Football matchup.

It will double as J Balvin’s first of seven curated Monday Night Football broadcasts.

On Thursday, August 29, ESPN announced that J Balvin “will work with ESPN throughout the 2024-25 NFL season to curate music for select ESPN Monday Night Football games,” as per a press release.

The release continues, “The curated music from J Balvin will run in Monday Night Football promotional spots, live telecasts, and Monday Night Countdown for seven weeks this season, inclusive of two NFL Playoffs weeks.”

It all begins with “Doblexxó” featuring Feid (a recent Uproxx “Best New Pop Music From This Week” selection) from Balvin’s freshly released RAYO.

Below, check out Balvin’s full ESPN curation schedule, with the note that it is subject to change.

Week 1: New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers on Monday, September 9
Week 5: New Orleans Saints @ Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, October 7
Week 6: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets on Monday, October 14
Week 11: Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys on Monday, November 18
Week 18 Doubleheader: TBD
Monday Night Super Wild Card: TBD
Divisional: TBD

Snoop Dogg And Chris Stapleton’s New ‘Monday Night Football’ Anthem Remakes A Classic ’80s Hit

Monday Night Football has returned, bringing with it one of the most interesting musical collaborations we’ve seen in a long time. Perhaps learning its lesson from the disastrous reception to the NFL’s undercooked Carrie Underwood and Ludacris song from a few years back, ESPN’s latest attempt to merge football’s disparate fanbases (“two Americas,” after all) finds a better balance between rap and country, meshing them through an ’80s rock power ballad, and tapping two undeniable personalities in Snoop Dogg and Chris Stapleton. The result is a remake of Phil Collins’ smash “In The Air Tonight” that actually captures the energy you want before a big game.

The new theme song premiered ahead of last night’s broadcast of the New Orleans Saints vs. the Carolina Panthers on ESPN, and played before the Cleveland Browns/Pittsburgh Steelers game on ABC. The hype video features the anticipatory buildup before a rivalry game game, as felt through the slow build of Collins’ original. In this version, though, that iconic drum breakdown kicks in early courtesy of drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, right before Snoop delivers a thematically resonant verse that captures the glory and passion of leaving it all on the field for your team and your city. Check it out below:

Incidentally, both Snoop and Stapleton performed at the last two Super Bowls; Staple sang the National Anthem at this year’s game, while Snoop performed the halftime show alongside Dr. Dre last year.

Snoop Dogg & Chris Stapleton Cover “In The Air Tonight” As Monday Night Football Theme

The NFL has a new theme for Monday Night Football, and it mixes eras, genres, and fanbases to create a new anthem. Moreover, Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg graced fans with a cover of the iconic Phil Collins track “In The Air Tonight” on Monday (September 18). The rendition also featured Cindy Blackman Santana on drums, and made for a pretty grand and unexpected collaboration. ESPN and ABC aired it before coverage of the New Orleans Saints versus the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.

According to a press release, this will continue for all Monday Night Football games, plus ESPN‘s Week 18 Saturday Doubleheader, Super Wild Card, and its first Divisional playoff game. “It was fascinating to me to see how one song could get you in that mode to go kick some tail,” the Steelers’ Hines Ward told ESPN. “I don’t care if you are the home team [or] the away team. You are hearing that song no matter what [before the game],” the Washington Commandeers’ Terry McLaurin remarked, as well. But now for the real question: how’s the song?

Read More: Snoop Dogg Reveals His Pick For Best NBA Rapper Ever

“In The Air Tonight” Gets A Monday Night Football Makeover

Well, it’s just as epic and over-the-top as you would expect for Monday Night Football, and that’s by no means a diss. Chris Stapleton provides soaring and passionate vocals, doing the drama of the original Phil Collins track justice. In addition, the country star pulls off a killer guitar solo towards the end, backed up by Santana’s expressive and powerful drumming. But you might be wondering: how on Earth does Tha Doggfather fit into this? The answer is a classically smooth and cheeky verse in the middle section, something that “In The Air Tonight” had never featured.

Meanwhile, this isn’t the only big musical move from the NFL for Monday Night Football. They also tapped legendary duo Justin Timberlake and Timbaland to curate music for specific games during the season. All of this is fitting for an exciting season of great entertainment and even greater games. For more news and the latest updates on Snoop Dogg and the 2023-2024 NFL season, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Speaks Out After Stephen A. Smith Comments On His Physique

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Aaron Rodgers’ Jets Debut Revealed

Many have declared the New York Jets to be the winners of the 2023 offseason. The perennial laughingstock of the league swung a blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers. That move alone thrust them immediately into playoff contention and finally brought some stability to the quarterback position. But Rodgers was really the final puzzle piece for a roster the Jets have been building over the last few seasons.

However, with the NFL schedule announcement looming, people have begun to wonder exactly what the league has planned for Rodgers’ debut. The NFL schedule is a very complex thing but at its core, it needs to be entertaining. And the NFL wouldn’t want to have anything less than a certified banger for Rodgers’ new team debut. Well, we know now the first time Rodgers will step out in Jets’ green thanks to one of the many intentional leaks preceding the schedule announcement.

Rodgers To Debut On MNF Versus The Bills

ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 30: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to throw a pass against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers will make his debut as New York Jet on September 11. The fixture is slated to be a Monday Night at MetLife Stadium against the Buffalo Bills. So yeah, no pressure for Rodgers. Just a matchup against a division rival on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 in New York. Rodgers has limited experience against the Bills, going 2-2 against Buffalo in his lengthy career. He’s recorded five touchdowns and four interceptions in those games.

The Jets are 5-11 in their 15 Monday Night Football appearances since 2010. Meanwhile, the Bills are 3-5. However, this may also set up another important debut. The last MNF game the Bills played was abandoned after Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. With Hamlin cleared to play in the 2023 season, he may also be making his return to the field in this game. Last season, the Bills and Jets split their two matchups. HotNewHipHop will also full coverage of the NFL schedule after it releases at 8pm EDT on May 11. How do you feel about this debut for Rodgers? Do you think he’s going to succeed with the Jets? Let us know in the comments below.

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Joe Buck Expertly Claps Back At Hater

Joe Buck is one of the more polarizing voices when it comes to football commentary. He is an iconic voice who currently broadcasts for ESPN alongside Troy Aikman. However, some people feel like he doesn’t have the most energetic calls.

Either way, Buck is getting paid a lot of money to broadcast football games, and fans will just have to deal with it. Besides, there is a good amount of people out there who love his work. Not to mention, he and Aikman have great chemistry.

Joe Buck attends the 2022 ABC Disney Upfront at Basketball City – Pier 36 – South Street on May 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images,)

Unfortunately, when people don’t like Buck’s work, they let him know about it. For instance, in the tweet down below, Buck noted how one fan asked him if he was doing the Cowboys game last night. Of course, this was a dumb question considering he was in St-Louis when he was asked this. Unfortunately, this led to one hater responding with “No one said this to you. Finally, I can watch NFL and MLB playoff games with the sound on.”

Joe Buck Reacts

Buck took the insult in stride as he immediately levied a pretty amazing response. As you can see, he decided to respond with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

“I’m happy for you and even more so for the people who were in that silent room with you all those years,” Buck wrote. “Listening to you and your thoughts. And your worries. And what you would do as manager or coach. Rejoice friends of Rick Banks. Rejoice! Turn that sound on – LOUD!!!”

ESPN won’t be doing any more games for the rest of the season, although Buck is probably enjoying the time off. After all, the Network is already paying him millions of dollars per year for his services.

Let us know what you think of Joe Buck, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sneaker world.

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Damar Hamlin’s Friend and Business Partner Says Doctors Saw ‘Positive Readings’ Overnight

Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases a Statement: ‘We Will Release Updates as Soon as We Have Them'

Doctors state they have seen signs of progress in the Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin. According to ESPN‘s Coley Harvey, Hamlin’s friend and business partner, Jordon Rooney, revealed Hamlin is still in intensive care and sedated, but doctors have received positive readings overnight.

The report follows news from Hamlin’s agent Ron Butler who told ESPN that Hamlin’s oxygen levels were improved.

Damar Hamlin’s uncle, Dorrian Glenn, spoke on ESPN’s Sportscenter, giving an account of his family’s experience watching their family member collapse during the Buffalo Bills’ Monday Night Football game. Glenn said he was sitting with Hamlin’s 7-year-old brother watching the game.

“First we thought it was just a normal hit, and we thought that he popped back up … maybe take a couple plays off and get back,” Glenn said. “But the way my nephew — I have never heard him scream and cry like that. And then, when it was 10 minutes gone past, and then 20 minutes gone past, I knew something was serious.”

Glenn stated Hamlin was resuscitated twice at Paycor Stadium and one more time upon arriving at the hospital.

“I know he’s still here, I know he’s fighting,” Glenn said. “We appreciate all the prayers and support we have been getting from people all over — not just the country, but the world. … It really means a difference for my family to see that, and I know it’ll mean a difference to Damar when he sees that.”

Glenn also spoke with CNN outside the hospital.

The post Damar Hamlin’s Friend and Business Partner Says Doctors Saw ‘Positive Readings’ Overnight appeared first on The Source.

Damar Hamlin’s GoFundMe to Support Children in Pennsylvania Surpasses $6 Million in Donations

Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases a Statement: ‘We Will Release Updates as Soon as We Have Them'

The support for Damar Hamlin has swept the world. Following his onfield Monday Night Football collapse, a GoFundMe started by Hamlin in support of his Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive has received nearly $6 million in donations.

The community toy drive was created to support his mother’s daycare center and has been supported by people across the world. Complex notes AEW wrestler Chris Jericho donated $10,000, while Robert Kraft donated $18,003 on behalf of himself and the New England Patriots. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford added $12,000, while Russell & Ciara Wilson and Tom Brady contributed $10,000 apiece.

Damar Hamlin’s family released a statement following his cardiac arrest emergency during the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during his challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.

We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.

Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”

The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Drive can be reached here.

The post Damar Hamlin’s GoFundMe to Support Children in Pennsylvania Surpasses $6 Million in Donations appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Damar Hamlin’s Uncle Speaks Outside of Hospital: ‘I Know He’s Still Here, I Know He’s Fighting’

Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases a Statement: ‘We Will Release Updates as Soon as We Have Them'

Damar Hamlin’s uncle, Dorrian Glenn, spoke on ESPN’s Sportscenter, giving an account of his family’s experience watching their family member collapse during the Buffalo Bills’ Monday Night Football game.Glenn said he was sitting with Hamlin’s 7-year-old brother watching the game.

“First we thought it was just a normal hit, and we thought that he popped back up … maybe take a couple plays off and get back,” Glenn said. “But the way my nephew — I have never heard him scream and cry like that. And then, when it was 10 minutes gone past, and then 20 minutes gone past, I knew something was serious.”

Glenn stated Hamlin was resuscitated twice at Paycor Stadium and one more time upon arriving at the hospital.

“I know he’s still here, I know he’s fighting,” Glenn said. “We appreciate all the prayers and support we have been getting from people all over — not just the country, but the world. … It really means a difference for my family to see that, and I know it’ll mean a difference to Damar when he sees that.”

Glenn also spoke with CNN outside the hospital.

Damar Hamlin’s family has released a statement following his cardiac arrest emergency during the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during his challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.

We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.

Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”

The Buffalo Bills announced their safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin is currently in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital.

Hamlin received CPR on the field after he collapsed after a tackle by Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin also received oxygen before he was taken off the field and transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

ESPN notes Hamlin is currently sedated. A large amount of the Bills remained at Paycor Stadium before departing and returning to Buffalo.

“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” the NFL said. “The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.”

After the injury, the Bills entered a moment of prayer. The game was initially set to continue after a delay. Still, Bengals coach Zac Taylor and Bills coach Sean McDermott met midfield to extend the break, eventually leading to postponement.

Hamlin was drafted sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft and had been starting in place of injured safety Micah Hyde.

The post [WATCH] Damar Hamlin’s Uncle Speaks Outside of Hospital: ‘I Know He’s Still Here, I Know He’s Fighting’ appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: NFL Announces Bills-Bengals Will Not Resume This Week & No Changes to Week 18 Schedule

NFL Announces Bills-Bengals Will Not Resume This Week & No Changes to Week 18 Schedule

The NFL has announced the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals will not be resumed this week.

In a statement to Ian Rapoport, the league states they are in contact with the medical team taking care of Damar Hamlin, along with the two franchises and the NFL Players Association.

The league also revealed there are no current plans regarding the possible resumption of the game, and currently, there are no changes to the Week 18 schedule.

Damar Hamlin’s family has released a statement following his cardiac arrest emergency during the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during his challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.

We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.

Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”

The Buffalo Bills announced their safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin is currently in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NFL Announces Bills-Bengals Will Not Resume This Week & No Changes to Week 18 Schedule appeared first on The Source.

Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases a Statement: ‘We Will Release Updates as Soon as We Have Them’

Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases a Statement: ‘We Will Release Updates as Soon as We Have Them'

Damar Hamlin’s family has released a statement following his cardiac arrest emergency during the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during his challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans around the country.

We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.

Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updates as soon as we have them.”

The Buffalo Bills announced their safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin is currently in critical condition at a Cincinnati hospital.

Hamlin received CPR on the field after he collapsed after a tackle by Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin also received oxygen before he was taken off the field and transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

ESPN notes Hamlin is currently sedated. A large amount of the Bills remained at Paycor Stadium before departing and returning to Buffalo.

“Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” the NFL said. “The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game.”

After the injury, the Bills entered a moment of prayer. The game was initially set to continue after a delay. Still, Bengals coach Zac Taylor and Bills coach Sean McDermott met midfield to extend the break, eventually leading to postponement.

Hamlin was drafted sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft and had been starting in place of injured safety Micah Hyde.

The post Damar Hamlin’s Family Releases a Statement: ‘We Will Release Updates as Soon as We Have Them’ appeared first on The Source.