Music

Julia Fox Insists That She’s Not Dating Kanye West For ‘Clout’

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Julia Fox details Kanye West date
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Kanye West and Julia Fox have been going steady since New Year’s Eve after the two met at a party in Miami. Since then, they’ve had dinner together on multiple occasions, gone to a Broadway show with each other, held quite the bizarre photoshoot together, and more. Through it all, Fox has shared how much she’s enjoyed her time with the rapper, but their relationship has caused some critics to claim she’s dating him for the attention. During a recent episode of her and Niki Takesh’s podcast Forbidden Fruits, Fox responded to those claims.

“People are like, ‘Oh, you’re only in it for the fame, you’re in for the clout, you’re in it for the money,’” she said. “And it’s like, ‘Honey, I dated billionaires my entire adult life. Let’s keep in real,’” she said. “And secondly, no, I really don’t [care]… I just care about making my art and putting things into the world.” She added, “That is more thrilling to me now than like eyes on me. I couldn’t care less.”

Fox also addressed a video that circulated a little over a week ago that featured her, Ye, Madonna, Antonio Brown, and Floyd Mayweather partying together in West Hollywood. “I was actually supposed to be at dinner for just Madonna and I,” she said. “All of these other celebs crashed [the party].”

You can listen to the full episode of the Forbidden Fruits podcast here.

Lil Nas X Reportedly Faces A Lawsuit Over His ‘Montero’ Birth And Sonogram Video

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Lil Nas X finds himself is once again in a bit of legal trouble. According to HipHopDX (via The Blast), the “Industry Baby” singer is reportedly being sued over his Montero birth and sonogram video. Rap metal artist Dana Dentata claims that Lil Nas ripped off her Pantychirst album and artwork to use for the promotional video for Montero. Court documents allegedly states that Dentata issued a cease and desist letter to Lil Nas and his management team and claimed that he used “copyrighted material” that was “essentially identical to the “Pantychrist” music video and clearly used the work as its basis.”

“I demand that you immediately cease the use and distribution of all infringing works derived from the works, and all copies, including electronic copies, of same, that you deliver to me, if applicable, all unused, undistributed copies of same, or destroy such copies immediately and that you desist from this or any other infringement of her rights in the future,” the cease and desist reportedly states. “It is inconceivable that you would wish to jeopardize your artist’s public image, and reputation by your client falsely claiming he created this copyrighted content.”

In the lawsuit, Dentata cites the use of a sonogram she posted last year to promote her single “Pantychrist,” a concept Lil Nas also used throughout the promotion of Montero. Dentata’s representative wants to settle the matter outside of court, but they note that if that isn’t possible, they will push for the copyright infringement claim to be settled in court.

Lil Nas X recently appeared on Barack Obama’s list of favorite songs from 2021.

Daddy Yankee, Farruko, And Anuel AA Are Headlining Baja Beach Fest 2022

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Anuel AA Baja Beach Fest
Miranda McDonald

Baja Beach Fest is quickly becoming the go-to festival destination for reggaeton and musica Latina. The 2021 edition saw the Rosarito Beach music festival expand into not only a 3-day affair, but also into a second weekend and acts like Anuel AA, J Balvin, Ozuna, and Farruko put it down at the glistening Mexican beachside fest. Now Anuel AA and Farruko are back for the 2022 edition, along with Daddy Yankee, Wisin y Yandel, Banda MS, and Maluma to headline the newly announced 2022 festival lineup.

Going down from August 12th to 14th, and then once again from August 19th to 21st, Baja Beach Fest’s two weekend format is here to stay. There’s a renewed focus on Mexican talent in 2022 with Sinaloa’s Banda MS’s Saturday headlining set, Sonoran narcorrido rapper Natanael Cano playing on Friday, and surging singer and guitarist from Guanajuato, Junior H, on the bill as well.

The rest of the lineup is a veritable who’s who of reggaeton, Latin trap, and musica Latina from all over the globe. Myke Towers, Jay Wheelers, Tokischa, and Omy De Oro are part of Friday’s slate. Saturday acts include Sech, Jhay Cortez, Arcangel, Nicki Nicole, and Mora. While Sunday also features El Alfa, Natti Natasha, Lunay, Jowell & Randy, and Ryan Castro.

Check out the full lineup poster below and tickets are available now at bajabeachfest.com.

Baja Beach Fest 2022 Lineup
Baja beach fest

Ari Lennox Vows To Avoid South Africa After A Podcast Interview Goes Terribly Wrong

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As more and more artists commit to podcast appearances as part of their usual media relations duties, more and more tensions have begun to arise between interview subjects and the more-or-less unregulated space. While podcasts have been notorious for sparking viral moments like the tet-a-tet between Kanye West and Big Sean on opposing episodes of Drink Champs, sometimes these interviews touch on broader issues like the double standards between men and women, resulting in moments that highlight just how podcast hosts can violate boundaries.

A recent example arose today, as Ari Lennox trended on Twitter due to her response to a recent podcast interview that left her vowing to eschew any future appearances in South Africa as a result of a host’s disrespect. During an interview with Johannesburg-based show, Podcast And Chill With Mac G, Ari was visibly distraught by the host’s question, “Is somebody f*cking you good right now?” “That’s a wild question,” she responded. “Why ask it that way?” While Mac G advised her that he was quoting one of her own songs, she was less than enthused about it in hindsight, finally responding two days later with her unfiltered thoughts on her treatment.

“I’m just like… why was I alone on a call full of people?” she wondered on Twitter. “Why didn’t anyone intervene? And why wasn’t parts of the interview destroyed like the team promised? Why did it happen to begin with? I just feel slow and ambushed and blindsighted. Just because I happily and freely sing/write about sex don’t make any kind of creepy disrespect warranted. I clearly was in immense shock and hate that I didn’t react differently.”

Although she pointed out that she doesn’t “want anyone feeling sorry for me,” she was quickly bombarded with messages blaming her for the line of questioning. When one reply read, “If you hate being treated like a piece of meat then stop marketing yourself as a butchery,” Ari expressed her wish never to visit the country. “South Africa! Y’all got it!!! Heard you loud and clear. This won’t be a place I will ever visit. Really got grown men justifying rape and predatory culture. Disgusting.” As responses kept coming in, she shut down the number-one criticism she’d received. “No rebranding necessary you misogynistic bitch!” she said. “I enjoy how I express myself in my music.”

Ari’s no stranger to misogynistic tweets. In 2020, she sparked another debate about the treatment of Black women and obnoxious beauty standards when a commenter compared her to a rottweiler. Fortunately, she’s got new music on the way in 2022, which should give people something else to talk about.

Fugees Cancel Their Reunion Tour As COVID-19 Makes ‘Touring Conditions Difficult’

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Bad news, Fugees fans. While news of the New Jersey trio’s reunion tour was met with skepticism due to their longstanding history of inter-group friction, the news that they’ve officially canceled the tour — which they just announced today — still comes as a blow for those who were looking forward to finally seeing Lauryn, Pras, and Wyclef onstage together again for the first time in years.

“We anticipate and understand disappointment but our anniversary tour will not be able to happen,” the announcement reads. “The continued Covid pandemic has made touring conditions difficult, and we want to make sure we keep our fans and ourselves healthy and safe. An idea sparked to honor and celebrate this 25th anniversary of The Score but we see now it may not currently be our time for revisiting this past work. We’re grateful for the special night we got to share with some of you in New York with that rare live moment. If opportunity, public safety, and scheduling allow, we hope to be able to revisit this again sometime soon. THANK YOU for all your love and support throughout the years.”

While the news is certainly disappointing, at least their performance at Global Citizen’s September benefit show at Pier 17 was captured for posterity, giving us all something to watch as we dream of the time COVID-19 isn’t ruining our live entertainment plans.

Neve Campbell Was Confused When Told About The Weeknd Shouting Her Out: ‘Which Weekend, Last Weekend?’

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The Weeknd Gasoline Video
YouTube

It has been speculated that on The Weeknd’s new album Dawn FM, he sings about his reported relationship with Angelina Jolie on “Here We Go… Again.” While that’s all just hearsay at this point, what’s not a rumor is that he name-drops Scream actress Neve Campbell on the tune, as he sings, “My new girl, she a movie star / I loved her right, make her scream like Neve Campbell.” When Campbell first caught wind of the shout-out, though, she didn’t exactly know what was going on.

Campbell stopped by The Late Late Show earlier this week and James Corden asked her about the Dawn FM mention. After saying it’s “pretty crazy,” she continued, “At first, my publicist told me and she was like, ‘The Weeknd.’ I said, ‘Wait, which weekend, last weekend?’ I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I realized, ‘Oh, the guy who played at the Super Bowl, that guy!’”

Corden responded, “I can only think he’ll be really disappointed if he knows that you described him as the guy from the Super Bowl, given he’s arguably one of the biggest and best-selling artists of his generation.” Through laughter, Campbell said, “I know, I know! I’m just so bad with pop culture.”

Check out the interview clip above and listen to “Here We Go… Again” below.

T.I. Got A Mixed Reaction After Trying Out Stand-Up Comedy

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It’s a widely-accepted truth in the stand-up comedy biz that everybody bombs, especially when they’re just starting out. This might actually be doubly true for folks who are getting into stand-up from other entertainment disciplines like music because while you might be used to working the crowd, the dynamics are just different enough to throw off any dilettantes. For instance, Chance The Rapper, who famously stunk up his first open mic attempt in 2019. Well, at least now he’s not alone, and can now enjoy the illustrious company of one Clifford “T.I” Harris in the rap-to-comedy hall of shame.

In a video posted to Instagram by T.I.’s wife Tiny and captured for posterity by The Jasmine Brand, T.I. attempts one of those tried-and-true areas of stand-up: relationship jokes. “If you ever get into the area of cheating, that’s no man’s land,” he cracks. Can you be in a committed relationship and still have a friend from the opposite sex? Now, if you f*cking, it don’t count!”

Oof.

Now, no idea’s original, and to be fair, a few chuckles can be heard in the crowd in the video, but the response online was a little less forgiving of T.I.’s novice comedic chops. One commenter on the post wrote, “Boooooooooo! Get off the stage!” Another referenced one of T.I.’s recent boasts: “I get it now,” they mused. “When he said no artist out there could touch his catalog, he was joking. That is good to know because I thought he was high AF.” Ouch. There’s no pleasing everybody but clearly, if T.I. wants to continue down this road, he’ll have to work on his delivery.

Meanwhile, there was one rapper who recently made the leap who actually had a successful comedy debut: Danny Brown, who expressed excitement that he “didn’t bomb” when he opened for his friend Hannibal Buress in September.

Jucee Froot Delivers A Belligerent Performance Of ‘Balmain’ On ‘UPROXX Sessions’

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Fresh off her recently released single, “Belaire Bleu,” Jucee Froot co-signs another big-name brand with an assertive performance for UPROXX Sessions. The Memphis rapper shows off her razor-sharp flow and flashy fashion sense at the same time with “Balmain,” snapping off a stream of rapid-fire punchlines over a trunk-rattling trap beat while decked out in a studded white jacket. The performance is a whirlwind showcase of breath control, confidence, and charisma, sure to capture a few new fans as she begins her 2022 campaign.

Although she’s still a relative newcomer, Jucee is no stranger to the rap game. She’s been steadily grinding her way up from the Memphis underground, earning the respect of city legends like Juicy J on the way. It’s paid off, too; in 2020, she featured on the soundtrack of Issa Rae’s hit show Insecure, landed a placement on the DC Comics girl-power adventure Birds Of Prey, and dropped an attention-getting debut mixtape Black Sheep featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Juicy J, and Rico Nasty. While she took a bit of a break during 2021, she returned strong toward the end of the year with her Grinch-y video for “Christmas List.” After opening the year with “Belaire Bleu,” she’s set for an even bigger breakout in 2022.

Watch her UPROXX Sessions performance above.

UPROXX Sessions is Uproxx’s performance show featuring the hottest up-and-coming acts you should keep an eye on. Featuring creative direction from LA promotion collective, Ham On Everything, and taking place on our “bathroom” set designed and painted by Julian Gross, UPROXX Sessions is a showcase of some of our favorite performers, who just might soon be yours, too.

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

Saba Shares The Touching Trailer For ‘Few Good Things: The Short Film’

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Chicago rapper Saba’s third album, Few Good Things, is only a few short weeks away from release, and today, he announced that it would be preceded by a short film of the same name, sharing a minute-long teaser suggesting poignant moments, illuminating storytelling, and lush musical accompaniment. The album was previously supported by two singles, “Stop That” and “Come My Way” featuring Krayzie Bone. Saba will also tour the album in the US beginning in April.

Few Good Things: The Short Film is slated to premiere on January 31 with a follow-up screening on February 1 via the premium social live media platform Moment House. Along with the film debut, journalist Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins will host a live discussion with Saba and the film’s director, C.T. Robert. You can see the premiere times below and purchase tickets here.

In the press release, Saba said of the film, “The concept of Few Good Things is the realization of self after a search for exterior fulfillment. It is the satisfaction and completeness you gain by simply living a life that is yours. ‘Few’ is a small number, but ‘few’ is not lonely. In the face of all adversity, a ‘few good things’ is recognizing and accepting blessings. Few is to count them, one by one – an empty glass is full of air, an empty bank is full of lessons, and an empty heart is full of memories. ‘Few good things’ is to grow comfortable with the empty, and despite that, finding your fullness.”

Watch the trailer for Few Good Things: The Short Film. The album is due February 4 via Pivot Gang, LLC. You can pre-save it here.

LIVESTREAM DATES/TIMES BY TERRITORY
1/31 – 6pm ET – North + South America (East)
1/31 – 6pm PT – North + South America (West)
2/1 – 6pm JST – Asia + Australia + New Zealand
2/1 – 6pm GMT – Europe + UK + Africa

Tinashe Sees Her Future In The Stunning ‘X’ Video

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Hindsight is 20/20. Just a few years ago, it looked like Tinashe was out of place and struggling to find her footing in the music industry. Today, it’s clear that she was just ahead of her time. Since 2020, a new wave of Black pop singers has emerged, working very much from a blueprint for which she helped lay the groundwork, including such breakout stars as Chloe and Normani. Then, in 2021, Tinashe returned with her album 333, coming full circle to land at the forefront of the movement she helped to start when no one else really “got it.”

Today, she released the latest single from that album, “X,” with a high-concept music video that slyly nods to the way she saw the future before anyone else did. Featuring a subtly comedic framework of a teenage Tinashe encountering a street hustler peddling visions of the future in his crystal ball, the video shows off the LA-based singer’s high-fashion sensibilities and acrobatic choreography with a team of dancers and a stunning wardrobe that is best described, in the words of her video co-star, as a “snakeskin octopus dress.” Unfortunately, featured artist Jeremih was unable to appear, as he’s been recovering from a vicious bout of COVID since 2020, but his verse remains intact. Either way, Tinashe makes her point; she could see what no one else could in her crystal ball and now, her vision is coming to life.

Watch Tinashe’s “X” video above.