Music

Doja Cat Covers Hole’s ‘Celebrity Skin’ In Her Super Bowl LVI Taco Bell Commercial

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Doja Cat gets one heck of a makeover in her new ad for Taco Bell, as she and a group of friends escape a drab clown college in the search of some Fire sauce. Set to air during Super Bowl LVI, the ad is set to the tune of Doja covering Hole‘s “Celebrity Skin,” which lands right on the red ball nose as Doja and her friends’ clown makeup flies off during their trek to the local Taco Bell (or maybe one a little further away, considering it’s dark by the time they get there).

It’s not the first time a Doja Cat commercial has soundtracked a Taco Bell ad. Late last year, her soon-to-be single “Get Into It (Yuh)” popped up during an ad about geeky cosplayers falling in love at first sight on the subway. Doja wasn’t above using her new position as Taco Bell partner to lobby for the return of the chain’s fan-favorite Mexican pizza menu item, prompting some fans to urge her and Chief Impact Officer Lil Nas X to make it happen.

Doja’s making something of a habit of recreating classic tunes and movies with her brand partnerships, especially the ones for the Super Bowl. Last year, she put her own spin on Grease for Pepsi, stepping into the classic role of Sandy and covering “You’re The One That I Want.”

Latto ‘Could Hear’ Doja Cat On A Remix Of Her Hit Single ‘Big Energy’

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Latto‘s hit single “Big Energy” has been climbing the Hot 100 ever since its release last year, clocking in at 15 weeks on the chart and currently holding at No. 34 — its peak position to date. With the song doing so well, the timing is better than ever for Latto to release a remix and potentially launch it even further up the standings. But who would be on it? When a recent interview with Bootleg Kev brought up Doja Cat as a potential guest feature, Latto agreed that she “could hear it,” although she remained coy about details, only admitting that the remix is in the works.

It wouldn’t be the first time the pair has collaborated. In 2020, both rappers were tapped to appear on the remix of Chloe X Halle’s hit song “Do It” along with City Girls. Also, incidentally, the song right behind Latto’s on the Hot 100 this week is Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA, so both artists could absolutely receive a boost from collaborating.

Doja Cat’s services are in high demand though, with artists like Baby Tate seeking to pair up with her on Doja’s “Get Into It (Yuh)” and burgeoning punk rapper Snot seeking her attention on his own song named after her. But Doja herself has said that she wants to be more picky when it comes to collaborators in the future, which could make it harder for other artists to secure her co-sign.

In any case, Latto’s got enough to do right now as she prepares to headline the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour along with emerging TikTok rapper Kali this spring (Kali would also make for a great guest if Latto wanted to help the younger artist with a leg up). However it turns out, the “Soufside” rapper will likely keep rising in popularity as she plans the release of her second album.

50 Cent Was Bemused By A Misleading Report That The Biden Administration Is Distributing ‘Crack Pipes’

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50 Cent has come a long way since his humble beginnings in Queens, New York. Long enough that he was actually bemused and dismayed upon learning that the Joe Biden administration’s plans to address America’s ongoing drug problem include distributing crack pipes to addicts — something that you might argue a younger 50 would have approved of in his pre-rap career. “OK, I don’t understand what’s going on now,” he wrote on Instagram while sharing the worrying headline. “Let’s just give them some crack everybody loves CRACK. SMH.”

The thing is, Biden’s plan to mitigate the damage of substance abuse does not include any provisions of the sort. Instead, the administration is working on a $30 million program to distribute safe drug kits — containing life-saving measures such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and clean syringes — to reduce the number of annual deaths from substance abuse and some of its side effects.

However, conservative outlets ran with the crack pipe framing because it’s easier to demonize addicts — especially if you can throw in some racist dog whistles — than to address the root causes or symptoms of America’s drug epidemic. The misleading reports were refuted by a statement from the US Department of Health and Human Services, which advised, “These comments are misleading and misinformed. Too many Americans have lost their lives to drug overdose. Evidence-based community harm reduction services such as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and syringe services programs help people stay alive and are proven strategies for addressing this tragic epidemic.”

DaBaby And Others Gang Up On DaniLeigh’s Brother And Attack Him At A Bowling Alley

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To put it lightly, things between DaBaby and DaniLeigh, who have a child together, are not going well right now. The two have had multiple disputes in recent months, and now DaniLeigh’s family is involved: In footage taken at a Los Angeles bowling alley last night, DaBaby and some associates are seen teaming up to beat up DaniLeigh’s brother Brandon Bills (real name Brandon Curiel).

In videos shot by bystanders, DaBaby and a handful of other people gang up on Bills to throw punches, grab him by his hair, and repeatedly slam him on the floor in the bowling lanes.

Bills later shared a video offering his side of the story, saying, “N****s wanna grab me by my hair. N****s didn’t catch no fair one, n****s they came and jumped me, my n****, once I slipped, n****. I spoke to you like a man, my n****. I said, ‘Yo, come… let’s talk, one on one, like some men, my n****, me and you on the side, my n****.’”

DaniLeigh also posted on her Instagram Story, writing, “Lame as hell!!!! Running up on my brother on some slippery ass floors with 5/6 of ya boys while he’s by himself and not even touching him!!! Lame and soooo sad!!!! I pray this stops now !!! Bc this is my family! And I got a daughter to raise . Sad [broken heart emoji].”

This comes after Bills addressed DaBaby back in November, saying, “When you come to the West Coast, bro, which I know you be out here, you’re going to catch this one-on-one fade, bro. One-on-one fade to see what happens between me and you. I want to see how gangsta you are, to see how much of a real man you are. This n**** wanna disrespect my sister online for the world to see, disrespect my family… This don’t even got nothing to do with my sister no more, bro. This gotta do with me and you.”

Check out videos from the fight above and below.

Snoop Dogg Was Reportedly Sued For Sexual Assault Stemming From A 2013 Incident

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This weekend Snoop Dogg’s will take the stage at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige for what’s set to be a monster performance. While one of Snoop and Dre’s most iconic songs might not make the setlist, it’s still bound to be epic. However, just days before the performance, Snoop has a new legal matter on his hands.

According to TMZ, Snoop and his longtime associate Bishop Don Juan were hit with a lawsuit for a sexual assault that allegedly occurred nearly a decade ago. The woman, who is a model and a dancer and was identified as Jane Doe, claims that Don Juan offered her a ride home after attending one of Snoop’s shows in Anaheim, California on May 29, 2013. She says she fell asleep in the car and when she woke up, they arrived at Don Juan’s home rather than her own. The lawsuit states that the “Plaintiff was exhausted and fell asleep at [Bishop’s] home.”

The woman then says she woke up at 4 am the next morning to Don Juan forcing oral sex on her. The lawsuit states that he “discriminated against and harassed Plaintiff because of Plaintiff’s sex and gender.” It was then that Don Juan told her to get ready to go to Snoop’s studio, where they would see if Snoop would make her a “weather girl” for some television show. When she arrived, she went to the bathroom due to a stomach ache. She claims Snoop then came in and also forced oral sex on her. She later said that Snoop didn’t hire her because she “refused to willingly and enthusiastically give oral sex.”

A source told TMZ that the woman demanded $10 million, but her request was rejected. Now Snoop and Don Juan are being sued for an unspecific amount in damages. Snoop denies the woman’s claims and seems to have referred to her as a “gold digger” in a recent Instagram post.

Myles Turner And Detroit Rapper BabyTron Shook Hands On A $100,000 Bet

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Indiana Pacers forward/center Myles Turner hasn’t played in an NBA game since the middle of last month due to a stress reaction in his left foot. He was set to be re-evaluated two weeks after the injury, but it remains to be seen if his next game will be in a Pacers jersey. That’s because his name has come up multiple times in trade rumors. As we wait to see what happens with him, Turner used some of his recovery time to make a giant, $100,000 bet.

Turner was joking with people on Twitter when rising Detroit rapper BabyTron stepped in to throw a jab at him. “ARE YOU EVER GONNA MAKE THE ALL STAR TEAM @Original_Turner,” BabyTron wrote. Turner issued his response, but not without checking out some of BabyTron’s music. “@_babytron No [cap] i have no idea who you are but I just listened and you ain’t bad… wager sumn,” Turner wrote. “I make an all star team or you get a billboard top 10 single.” He then placed his wager for the bet, writing, “Put 100 k onnit [handshake emoji].”

BabyTron seemed quite excited to make the bet as he eagerly replied, “ITS ON [handshake emoji].” As for BabyTron’s rap career, he’s quite the active artist, having released four projects in 2021: Lewis & Clark, Dookie Brothers 2, Luka Tronic, and Bin Reaper 2.

Normani Says Her Upcoming ‘Genre-Bending’ Single Is ‘Probably Not What Everyone Is Expecting’ From Her

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Ever since she released her epic video for “Motivation” back in 2019, Normani has left fans desperately awaiting a new project. Unfortunately, her official debut has yet to be released, leaving many to hope that this is the year it finally arrives. While we’ll have to wait and see about that, Normani recently teased her upcoming single during a Q&A session with her followers on Instagram. It began with a post to her Instagram story that read, “What do you think my next single sounds like?” on a piece of paper surrounded by colorful questions.

Normani 2022 Instagram Story
Normani
Normani 2022 Instagram Story
Normani

Many of Normani’s followers replied, with one saying, “I want your next single to sound like I’m on a cloud and I’m just drifting in your sound.” The singer replied, “You’re so cuteee. This one is really unique and different for me. Probably not what everyone is expecting.” Another person said her next song might be an R&B record like her most recent single, “Wild Side” with Cardi B. Normani replied, “Genre bending for sure. It’s just a great record” with a crying face emoji.

Aside from these tidbits, Normani did not reveal when the song will arrive and if it will have any guest features. This comes after she revealed that her upcoming debut album is “almost done” during an interview with Ciara.

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

Fans Are Furious With Justin Bieber After He Was Pictured In The Studio With Tory Lanez

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Justin Bieber he been quiet start so far this new year, but things are about to ramp up for him soon. The singer is set to both host and perform at a Homecoming event in Los Angeles during Super Bowl weekend, at which DJ and producer Marshmello will also perform. The show will come days before Bieber sets out on his Justice World Tour, which is set to feature Jaden, ¿Téo?, Eddie Benjamin, and Harry Hudson as opening acts. Days before all of this gets going, Bieber finds himself in a bit of controversy after he was spotted with another, controversial artist in the studio.

Bieber and Tory Lanez were pictured in the studio together and it earned harsh reactions from fans all over the music world. Tory is currently facing two felony gun charges for allegedly shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot during the summer of 2020. He’s denied the allegations, but the matter has earned him plenty of criticism, with names like Kehlani, JoJo, Bun B and speaking out against him.

Considering the fact that an assault against a woman was committed, especially one that involved a gun, many fans hoped their favorite acts would distance themselves from Lanez. However, it’s not clear what Lanez and Bieber were doing in the studio together, and if any music was recorded. What we do know is a lot of people were not happy about it:

https://twitter.com/cooIpeopIe/status/1491556032602157065?s=20&t=RTN18xBLBjzsGa9q3TK5cw

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

Fans Comfort Isaiah Rashad With Supportive Messages After A Hacker Leaks His Alleged Sex Tape

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Social media can be a cold, cruel place, with users all too ready to pounce on anyone who missteps — especially if the offender is an entertainer with tons of followers and a catalog of beloved works. However, sometimes social media brings out the kinder side of people when they really behind someone who has been taken advantage of or otherwise harmed, offering messages of encouragement and support. Fortunately for Isaiah Rashad, he’s receiving the latter after a hacker reportedly leaked Isaiah’s sex tape, outing him in the process.

The TDE rapper is coming off a 2021 that saw him recovering from the destructive results of an addiction to prescription pills and alcohol to release the long-awaited follow-up to his fan-favorite 2016 debut album, The Sun’s Tirade. The new album, titled The House Is Burning, marked a successful comeback for the Chattanooga, Tennessee native, landing in the top ten of Billboard‘s US albums chart and spawning catchy singles such as “Lay Wit Ya,” “Headshots (4r Da Locals),” “Wat U Sed,” and “From The Garden,” with a deluxe version adding four new tracks including “RIP Young” with Juicy J and Project Pat.

While there are naturally plenty of toxic responses from trolls, the overwhelming majority of reactions have been supportive and comforting Rashad, while also admonishing the guilty parties. Rashad himself has yet to respond; stay tuned for any updates.

Snoop Dogg Has Reportedly Acquired Death Row Records

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West Coast gangsta rap godfather Snoop Dogg vowed to purchase his onetime label Death Row Records last year and now, he’s done just that, according to Variety. Snoop acquired the label’s brand from MNRK Music Group and the private equity fund that owned it managed by Blackstone investment firm. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, a source said Snoop will also begin acquiring the rights to some of the label’s music — including his own — in the near future.

In a statement, Snoop said, “I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value. It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me. I would like to personally thank the teams at Blackstone, MNRK, and especially David Kestenbaum, who worked collaboratively with me over several months to make this exciting homecoming a reality. I’m looking forward to building the next chapter of Death Row Records.”

Death Row Records was Snoop Dogg’s first label home when he debuted in 1992 on Dr. Dre’s debut solo single, “Deep Cover” and where he released his first two albums Doggystyle and Tha Doggfather, as he proudly proclaimed on “Nuthin’ But A G Thang” with Dr. Dre in 1992. “Death Row is the label that pays me,” he rapped, pledging his allegiance to the label founded by Suge Knight which also put out Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and Tupac Shakur’s catalog. Unfortunately, tensions within the label led Snoop to part ways with Knight in 1998, aligning with Master P’s No Limit Records, then Priority in 2002, and Geffen in 2004. More recently, Snoop has released his music via his independent label Doggystyle in joint ventures with eOne, Empire, and Create.

In 2021, he took an executive creative consultant gig at Def Jam, A&Ring the compilation album Snoop Dogg Presents Algorithm. Now, the original label that paid him will pay him once again, albeit in a new capacity as owner of the brand — and possibly its lucrative publishing catalog.