Jorja Smith is a supportive confidant in the new video for “Home” from her lovelorn EP, Be Right Back. While the song’s lyrics debate leaving behind a picturesque but unfulfilling relationship for an uncertain future, the video portrays this dynamic visually, with Jorja playing the role of the nanny of a couple whose relationship has played itself out. As the wife contemplates telling her husband, lip-syncing the lyrics through a dinner party and a play date, Jorja looks on in supportive silence, letting her work through her tangled emotions.
“Home” is the fourth single from the EP after “Gone,” “Bussdown,” and “Addicted,” which arrived ahead of the rollout, and though all four songs convey different moods, they retain the through-line of pursuing personal freedom in lieu of the expectations of a stable relationship. Be Right Back was the British singer’s first project since 2018’s Lost & Found, her debut album containing the hit single “Blue Lights.”
Since then, Smith has released a number of non-album singles, including the Burna Boy-featuring “Be Honest,” as well as the wisftul “Come Over” with Jamaican dancehall star Popcaan. She also commented on the wave of 2020 anti-racist uprisings with “By Any Means.”
In a passionate plea on Thursday morning, The View‘s Meghan McCain called on the FBI to essentially bust down doors and free Britney Spears from her conservatorship. McCain’s comments were in response to Spears’ explosive court testimony that she is forced to have an IUD in place to prevent pregnancy and is repeatedly prescribed questionable amounts of psychiatric medications to keep her compliant and working so her family can live off her financial empire.
During her remarks, McCain praised the #FreeBritney movement while accepting blame for being part of the media that has been “brutally unkind” and didn’t listen to Spears. “I actually believe this has reached the level where the FBI needs to be involved and extradite her from her home, away from these people at this very moment, because these are people that can continue the abuse in realtime,” McCain said.
.@MeghanMcCain: “The #FreeBritney movement are the people who started this, and I hope to God they get her out of this environment.”
“If she were any other person not named Britney Spears, this is a human trafficking issue, and should be treated as such.” pic.twitter.com/irbGPvlMHZ
After stating that Spears is “ostensibly a slave,” McCain went so far as to call the situation a human trafficking issue to bolster her claim that the FBI needs to get involved. Via Mediaite:
“I am sadly not surprised by this, but it’s much more extreme than I ever could have possibly imagined. I feel horrible for her,” McCain said. “I hope to God they get her out of this environment and this situation today. I think it is at that level, and if this were any other person not named Britney Spears, this is a human trafficking issue, and it should be treated as such.”
McCain’s thoughts were echoed by her co-hosts on The View including Sunny Hostin, who is an attorney and called Spears’ conservatorship “unprecedented” and “highly unusual.”
At the young age of 21, Louisville-bred singer Marzz joined the talented cast of R&B singers that are present on the up-and-coming Keep Cool Records roster. Her knack for emotive ballads made her a perfect fit on the label while her teenage-esque heartbreak stories helped her stand out on her own without fading into the background behind her skilled labelmates.
There are many other things that make Marzz stand out. The singer has synesthesia, a neurological condition that gives you the ability to see sounds as color. She also identifies as gay, something that once confined her to a bubble in fear of her parents and families’ reaction. She eventually popped that bubble to enjoy life in her truest form. These are all small pieces to the puzzle that make Marzz who she is, but they certainly don’t define her.
An emphasis on inclusivity and striving to make that a reality in all corners of her life are additional things that make Marzz the promising young singer she is. Fresh off the release of her debut EP, Love Letterz, we caught up with the singer to talk about the new project, her sprawling collection of notebooks, how Kehlani’s SweetSexySavage influenced her, and more.
So your new EP, Love Letterz, is inspired by your special mood notebooks. I’ve read that you keep them everywhere you go and have 29 of them.
Yes, actually, I have like 36 of them just sitting in my backpack right now. I have synesthesia, where I can see colors when I’m creating or just in general from listening to something whether it’s on the TV or I’m hearing somebody talk, I can see their aura. I have these notebooks where if I’m angry, I write in my red notebook. When I was little, I didn’t really express myself verbally, I would always have to write something down and I’d be like, “No, no, this is what I want to tell you.” I’d literally hold up the notebook and show them like, “This is what I want to tell you,” but I’d be holding my red notebook, this is when I’m angry. A yellow notebook, this is when I’m sad. A purple notebook when I’m frustrated. A blue notebook when I’m happy. That’s really how I go about those and whatever I’m feeling, that’s the mood notebook that I write in. It’s the way that I write my songs as well.
When did you first start using or creating these mood notebooks and how has your continued use with them shaped the way you write and convey emotion?
I started writing in my notebooks around like, I ain’t gonna lie, I didn’t have a phone, so literally the only thing I could use was paper and pencil. My mom didn’t give me a phone till seventh grade, I had this little Blackberry Slider, I thought I was doing my thing. When I was little, I believe I was into poetry, I used to watch a lot of Kevin Hart doing stand-up comedies. This is something I’ve never even told anybody: When I really first started getting into writing, I thought I was gonna be a comedian, but I was like nah, I’m funny, but that’s not what I would want to do. So I just started writing down my feelings. I used to listen to Kehlani and her album, SweetSexySavage, a lot because everything that she was talking about just connected with me. I was still trying to figure out who I was and she really helped bring that creativity out of me. I was like, “Well maybe today, I should start songwriting” or “Maybe I should just write a song.”
On this EP, the songs come off as diary entries. First-person, heavy in reflection and questioning life’s events, and expressive in a way that you might not be in person. Were you perhaps hesitant to take these entries of sorts and put them into song for the world to hear?
I’ll say it’s a little bit of both, to be honest. I’m a very open-minded person and I’m very understanding. I’ve come to a point in my life where I really don’t care what people say. I have to do this, I have to put my feelings out because if not, it’s going to eat me up alive. Even if it helps somebody else and even if it’s a different circumstance, they can know that they have somebody they can relate to and I’m always going to be fulfilling them with love, joy, and positivity. They can always come to me and listen to my songs and just be at ease, knowing that everything is about to be okay and it is okay.
My favorite song on Love Letterz is “Done Witcha,” simply for the moment of finally deciding to move on from someone who is no longer best for you. What personally pushed you to say enough is enough?
Really again, going back to my mentality, I was in a really bad headspace. My mom and dad just got through a divorce, we just got situated, and I got introduced to my stepdad, all of this was happening at once. I came out to my family at — I think it was my grandma’s, Christmas or Thanksgiving one of the two, I know it was a lot of food, I don’t remember. All my cousins and stuff were there, I was like, “Y’all, I’m gay.” Everybody was looking at me and chaos just broke loose and I was like, “Oh my God…” That moment was really when I put myself in a state where I was like, “No, I gotta get myself together. I have to get my mind straight,” because I stopped going to school. I stopped posting stuff on Instagram and I was always on Instagram, so everybody was like, “Yo, what’s going on with you?” I didn’t talk to anyone when I went to school. I was just in a really bad headspace and I was like, “No, I can’t let the enemy take me like this, he can’t destroy my joy.” I don’t like hypocrites, so if I say imma do something, I gotta do it. It’s like, alright, I gotta put my big girl pants on and thug it out. You only have one life, you have to make yourself happy.
When you came out to your family about your sexuality, you popped the bubble you were in where you suppressed your true self. How did things change for Marzz after this moment?
My mom, I believe that she always knew that I was going to be who I am today because when I was younger, I was a straight tomboy. I’m more masculine than anything and me coming to her [and] actually telling her my sexuality and what I’m into, it kind of threw her off, but she was like, “Oh, I already knew,” so I was more at ease. Her reaction was calmer than I expected, definitely, because my mom is super spiritual so I was kind of in shock. I was like, well, okay, that kind of makes me go into [coming out to] my family. That reaction, they were baffled, they were like, “Oh, my God, I can’t believe it,” and it was just like, dang, y’all really gonna do me like that? It really took for my mom to explain to them, as far as the difference within religion, I guess Christianity, with how heavy they are in that. She was like, love is love, God would want us to love her regardless of what I choose, we have a choice. She said, if this is what I choose to do, that she supports me strongly and they should too. Some people still don’t [support me] that are in my family. A lot of people are more open-minded to it and they understand it because they know that this is truly what I want. I appreciate them for being open with me. That really put me in a headspace as to how I’m going to express this in my music. I’m gonna take and really push myself out there and even if it’s my family listening to my music, they can understand my headspace. They can understand what’s going on in my mind, what I’m feeling at the moment, and if I experienced anything at the moment, they know why I was feeling that way.
You very much live a life of and in color. Between your vibrant appearance, which gave you the nickname Skittles, and living with synesthesia, your world is vibrant. Has this affected your view of the world in terms of seeing more than just the black and white of things?
I’ve always been taught not to judge a book by its cover. I ain’t gonna lie, it’s hard not judging people, but we can’t do that. You can have an opinion, but it’s not right for you to make an assumption about somebody or perspective about somebody regardless of skin color. With me being a Black female, I ain’t gonna lie, it is kind of scary out here because I feel like I have to always watch my back just because of anything. I’d rather be cautious in making sure that I’m just doing right by people and making sure that I’m right within. You can do what you please, but imma make sure I make peace with any and everybody regardless of the circumstance, whether you’re an ex-enemy or enemy.
As you continue to grow and release more and more music, what do you hope your listeners take away from you as an artist through your work?
Believe it or not, I hope that they take the pain that I experienced and turn — even if it’s dealing with their own — that around for the better. I’m gonna keep saying it because I’ve been self-reflecting on myself so much, I’m so tapped in with myself, it’s crazy. This quarantine stuff made me tap into myself in so much, but I feel like it’s very important for people to have a commitment to self-love. I feel like that’s so important because a lot of people don’t genuinely love themselves. They’re out here trying to find love by doing the craziest stuff, just for somebody to love them. Like a sweetheart, you got to love yourself first. I really want them to take the pride that I have in also changing my life around for the better. For me, it’s okay to put yourself first, it’s okay to be selfish. Take that moment that you need, but also, know to get focused and move on, so you can keep growing.
Love Letterz is out now via Keep Cool/RCA Records. Get it here.
When “Best Friend,” Saweetie’s January 2021 single with Doja Cat, leaked early in December of last year, it became apparent that the burgeoning Bay Area star is super particular about her rollout and her sound. That perfectionism has prompted her to push back the release of her long-awaited debut album Pretty B*tch Music after confirming its release date last week on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Explaining her reasoning in an interview about the upcoming 2021 BET Awards with Big Tigger for Complex, she said, “Pretty B*tch Music was supposed to come out this month, but I was really living with it. And one of my goals is for people to really feel something with every song, so I had to go back and reconstruct some songs. Just know that I’m a perfectionist and it’s on the way.”
Fans who have been waiting for the album have followed a long trail of breadcrumbs leading up to its release, including the aforementioned “Best Friend,” the Jhene Aiko-featuring “Back To The Streets,” “Fast (Motion),” and the Pretty Summer Playlist, Vol. 1 EP made up of collaborations with artists like Bbyafricka and Drakeo The Ruler. Her perfectionism was also revealed through her attendance to an artist development boot camp to ensure her performances are up to snuff whenever the album finally does drop.
Watch Saweetie’s interview with Big Tigger above.
Saweetie is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
A comedian’s comparison of a pair of rappers on Twitter has fans debating whether he’s right or his suggestion is just… ludicrous. When Lil Duval, best known for his appearances on MTV shows like Guy Code and his 2018 Snoop Dogg-featuring hit “Smile Bitch (Living My Best Life),” asserted that North Carolina rapper DaBaby could be considered analogous to Atlanta rapper Ludacris, his tweet sparked the heated debate that saw some fans arguing about the two MCs’ relative status and whether or not Duval had a point.
As usual, the range of thoughts on the subject led to a spike in people tweeting about Luda, who’s currently on a media tour promoting his appearance in F9, the latest installment of the Fast And Furious film franchise premiering this weekend. He also recently made a bit of a resurgence musically, popping up on Conway The Machine’s single “Scatter Brain” with fellow ATLien JID and on Justin Bieber’s remix of “Peaches” with Snoop Dogg.
Meanwhile, DaBaby is also set to have a big weekend, as he’s nominated for seven 2021 BET Awards at the ceremony airing this Sunday. He was also the subject of another heated exchange with Megan Thee Stallion following a promotional tweet of his song with Tory Lanez, recorded before the infamous shooting incident that left Tory persona non grata with most hip-hop fans.
Twitter blocking every comparison of DaBaby to Ludacris.
Fans are always naturally going to feel a way, and of course, many of the responses are split along generational lines. Incidentally, Duval isn’t the first to make the comparison, nor is the comparison as out-of-pocket as some fans tend to believe; consider their comedic videos, witty wordplay, and AK-47 cadences and the comparison doesn’t feel all that wild. No matter the terms of engagement, though, fans are going to project their own feelings on the position being argued, something Duval himself pointed out as the debate trended. You can see more responses below.
This shows how under-appreciated Luda is. Like ppl really forgot good an individual was at their craft because they haven’t heard or seen nothing new since they moved to better things in life. Luda is one of the south most lyrical dudes ever. Not knockin Da Baby but he’s no Luda https://t.co/ODaO9VPn3K
— Lakers home resting for 21-22 season (@CurrentLoud) June 24, 2021
Visually I see where u going but…. Luda has classics under his belt da baby has the same cadence in every damn song https://t.co/ljCxvDoKjV
After taking a couple of years longer than expected to release his 2020 debut album, ADHD, Joyner Lucas kept his foot on the gas and closed out the year with another project, Evolution. The Massachusetts native dropped the 12-track effort with features from The Game, Ashanti, Rick Ross, Elijah James, and more. Now, nearly a year after it was released, Lucas reappears with a video for “Legend” with Rick Ross. The new visual captures Lucas’ growth from a young man with hopes of thriving in music to an adult living out his dreams as a prospering rapper. Ross joins him later on in the video as they both enjoy the fruits of their labors.
The new visual, which also boasts cameos from T.I. and his son Domani, comes after was joined by fellow Massachusetts native Mark Wahlberg in the video for “Zim Zimma.” In that effort, which also featured appearances from Diddy and George Lopez, Walhberg crashed the rapper’s car during a high-speed cruise. Prior to that, Lucas connected with Lil Baby to celebrate their rise to fame in the video for “Ramen & OJ.”
As for Rick Ross, the Maybach Music head honcho has been teasing a joint project with Drake for some time now. During an interview with Complex, he gave somewhat of an update on the potential effort. “He’s wrapping up his project and I’m in the same space. So the timing and everything is aligning,” he said. “It’s something that we really want to give to the streets, on some real sh*t.”
On Wednesday, Britney Spears appeared at a court hearing on the subject of her conservatorship, which is now in its 13th year. The singer asked a judge to terminate it, deeming it “abusive” as well as restrictive on her desired lifestyle. “I’ve been in denial,” she admitted. “I’ve been in shock. I am traumatized. I just want my life back.” A number of stars from the music world stepped forward to show their support — including her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake.
After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time.
Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right.
No woman should ever be restricted from making decisions about her own body.
Jess and I send our love, and our absolute support to Britney during this time. We hope the courts, and her family make this right and let her live however she wants to live.
“After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time,” he wrote on Twitter. “Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right. No woman should ever be restricted from making decisions about her own body.” He added, “No one should EVER be held against their will… or ever have to ask permission to access everything they’ve worked so hard for.”
To conclude, Timberlake added that his wife, Jessica Biel, is also in support of the singer’s freedom from the conservatorship. “Jess and I send our love, and our absolute support to Britney during this time,” he wrote. “We hope the courts, and her family make this right and let her live however she wants to live.”
On Wednesday, the music world turned their attention to the latest hearing in Britney Spears’ conservatorship trial, where the pop sensation pled for her freedom, asking a judge to terminate the court-ordered arrangement. “I am traumatized. I’m not happy, I can’t sleep. I’m so angry I’m insane,” she told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny. “It’s my wish and my dream for this to end.” Britney also detailed how restrictive the conservatorship has become on her life.
“All I want is to own my money … and for this to end … and for my boyfriend to be able to fucking drive me in his car,” she added. “And honestly … I want to be able to sue my family … I have an IUD in my body right now that won’t let me have a baby and my conservators won’t let me go to the doctor to take it out. I wanna be able to get married and have a baby.”
After hearing the singer speak, a number of acts from the music world hopped on Twitter to express their support for Britney. In a pair of tweets, Halsey wrote, “I admire her courage speaking up for herself today.” Mariah Carey chimed in with her own words of encouragement, writing, “We love you Britney!!! Stay strong [heart emojis].”
You can read more tweets in support of Britney from the music world below.
Bless Britney and I hope with my whole heart she is awarded freedom from this abusive system. She deserves it more than anything. I admire her courage speaking up for herself today.
She Worked Hard,Was The Golden Goose,Made Lots Of ,Got Sick,Now She’s The CASH COW.Does anyone Who’s MakingOff Her Being Sick,Want Her WellSomeone Who Doesn’t Want Anything From Her Should Look Into Her Dr.& Her Meds. ……Is It a Duckhttps://t.co/hniE8yFrHZ
Jess and I send our love, and our absolute support to Britney during this time. We hope the courts, and her family make this right and let her live however she wants to live.
Britney has been telling us how she’s felt since 2007. Listen to her, listen to women, and free one of the most iconic and legendary performers of all time, @britneyspears
On Wednesday, and for the first time in her 13-year conservatorship, Britney Spears directly addressed a judge in court. In her message, she asked that the court arrangement, which she claims has restricted her freedom, be terminated. This comes after months of court battles from the singer and her legal team as well as added attention to the case thanks to the documentary Framing Brintey Spears, plus the second wave of the #FreeBritney movement. Spears was very vocal during the hearing and gave several reasons as to why the conservatorship should come to an end. One example came when the singer revealed her conservators would not allow her to have a baby.
“All I want is to own my money … and for this to end … and for my boyfriend to be able to f*cking drive me in his car,” she said, according to the Rolling Stone. “And honestly … I want to be able to sue my family … I have an IUD in my body right now that won’t let me have a baby and my conservators won’t let me go to the doctor to take it out. I wanna be able to get married and have a baby.”
In regards to the overall conservatorship, Brintey said, “I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatized. I just want my life back.” She also requested to have the conservatorship end “without having to be evaluated.”
Thousands of small businesses all over the country suffered a huge blow as a result of the pandemic. Some made it through; others were forced to close their doors. Now that the world is inching closer and closer to normal, J Balvin is doing what he can to lend a helping hand to Latinx-owned small businesses, thanks to a new campaign with UPS.
The Latin singer and the shipping company joined forces for the Proudly Unstoppable campaign. The announcement came with the release of “Juntos Imparables,” a new song the singer shared with the hopes of inspiring “people to work together and support their local businesses,” as he told Billboard. As for the new campaign, the singer said, “My early days in music felt very comparable to getting a small business off the ground, so I know what it means to start from scratch and chase your dreams.”
He added, “UPS is doing so much to help small businesses handle their logistics and grow. As individuals, we can only do so much but if we work together with our people, we’re unstoppable.”
In addition to the new song, UPS debuted a bilingual limited edition box series named “Challenges Are Our Fire,” designed by Mexican graphic designer and illustrator Luis Pinto. The series comes with 650,000 UPS medium-sized Express boxes and envelopes. UPS will also donate $150,000 to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) in order to give small businesses that were affected by the pandemic the financial support they need.
You can listen to J Balvin’s new song in the video above.