Music

Little Simz Makes Her US TV Debut With An Elegant Performance Of ‘Woman’ On ‘Fallon’

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UK rapper Little Simz has been steadily releasing mixtapes and EPs since 2014. She received much critical acclaim for her latest 2019 album Grey Area, and she’s currently gearing up for her next LP. To celebrate, Little Simz took over late-night TV for a performance of her single “Woman” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Illuminated by elegant chandeliers, Little Simz took the stage sporting a fitted suit for her US TV debut. Accompanied by a full band and a trio of backup singers, Little Simz rhythmically delivered her “Woman” lyrics, which describe the qualities of beautiful women across the world. The Cleo Sol-featuring song originally debuted back in May as the second single off her upcoming album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. The rapper has also previewed the effort with the tracks “Introvert,” “I Love You, I Hate You,” and “Rollin Stone.”

Days ahead of her performance, the rapper took to Twitter to thank her fans for all the support they’ve shown her over the years. “Appreciate you riding w me,” she wrote. “some from grey area , some from stillness , some from a curious tale , some from the early early EPs & mixtapes. September we go again.”

Watch Little Simz perform “Woman” on The Tonight Show above.

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is out 9/3 via Age 101. Pre-order it here.

Young Nudy Is A Science Experiment Subject In The Surreal ‘Green Bean’ Video

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In the video for Young Nudy’s latest Rich Shooter single, “Green Bean,” the Atlanta-bred rapper relaxes on a bed of green pellets as scientists take notes, explores the solar system, and gets lost in an extraterrestrial rain forest, all while he reels off the details of his illicit activities over a bouncy beat provided by Pi’erre Bourne.

Rich Shooter, released on August 4, is Young Nudy’s second project of the year after the horror-themed Dr. Ev4l. He’s currently in the middle of a tour promoting both projects, the Dr. Ev4l vs. Rich Shooter tour, pitting both of his alter egos against one another through 10 cities including his native Atlanta, with dates remaining in Silver Springs, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

If we just went by singles, Dr. Ev4l would be ahead in that competition, with videos out for the title track, “2Face” featuring G Herbo, and the haunting “Soul Keeper.” Nudy also explained why it’s harder for him to collaborate with other artists in a July interview, saying, ““You gotta go in there and fake smile with somebody… They not just going to let you in the door.” With two personas to choose from, it’s less of a problem, although something tells me his real breakout will come when he gets over that social anxiety and starts working with some bigger names.

Watch the “Green Bean” video above.

Rich Shooter is out now on RCA. Get it here.

Drake Reveals He Had COVID, Which He Thinks Made His Hair Grow In ‘Weird’

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As fans eagerly await the release of Drake’s highly-anticipated album Certified Lover Boy, the Canadian superstar himself has continually pushed it back. Although the initial delay could be attributed to his knee injury in late 2020, further delays have frustrated fans. However, it seems that Drake may have had a good reason for putting it off, as he casually revealed that he contracted COVID at some point over the past several months while defending himself from a fan account’s brutal assessment of his haircut.

After a fan account on Instagram posted comparison pics of Drake’s now-infamous “heart part,” commenting that in the more recent pic “that heart is stressed,” Drake himself replied in the comments, attributing the funky growth to a bout with coronavirus. “I had Covid,” he reasoned. “That sh*t grew in weird, I had to start again.” However, he promised, “It’s coming back don’t diss.”

The photo in question is several weeks old so it’s possible that he’s already mostly recovered physically and follically, and as he told Sirius XM’s Sound 42 show Fri Yiy Friday, “[ Certified Lover Boy]’s ready… album’s cooked, looking forward to delivering it to you.” It may still be a while until it’s released, as there are usually last-minute details to be worked out, brand partnerships to solidify, and tour dates to arrange before an album drops but hopefully, Drake can use that additional time to repair his broken heart.

Belly Announces The Release Date For His Jay-Z-Approved Album, ‘See You Next Wednesday’

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It’s been a minute since we last heard from Toronto-based rapper Belly, who last dropped a full-length project in 2018 (Immigrant). Throughout 2021, though, he’s been more active than ever, releasing the singles “Money On The Table” with Benny The Butcher, the Moneybagg Yo-assisted “Zero Love,” and “Better Believe” featuring Young Thug and Belly’s XO Records boss The Weeknd. Today, he announced the culmination of all this activity: His upcoming album See You Next Wednesday, sharing the cover, tracklist, and release date, August 27.

In addition to the aforementioned tracks, See You Next Wednesday will also include feature appearances from Big Sean, Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert, Nas, Nav, and PnB Rock. It will also have production from Belly himself, DannyBoyStyles, The ANMLS, and The Weeknd. In January, when Belly gave the first inklings that the album was on the way, he noted that the album is also approved by two of the more prominent voices in hip-hop: Jay-Z and The Weeknd.

“Before I officially close out an album, there’s two people I play it for to get the seal of approval: Hov and Abel,” he tweeted. “That being said, I can officially say the album is done.”

See You Next Wednesday is due 8/27 via XO Records and Roc Nation. You can pre-save it here.

Belly Announces The Release Date For His Jay-Z-Approved Album, ‘See You Next Wednesday’

by
Getty Image

It’s been a minute since we last heard from Toronto-based rapper Belly, who last dropped a full-length project in 2018 (Immigrant). Throughout 2021, though, he’s been more active than ever, releasing the singles “Money On The Table” with Benny The Butcher, the Moneybagg Yo-assisted “Zero Love,” and “Better Believe” featuring Young Thug and Belly’s XO Records boss The Weeknd. Today, he announced the culmination of all this activity: His upcoming album See You Next Wednesday, sharing the cover, tracklist, and release date, August 27.

In addition to the aforementioned tracks, See You Next Wednesday will also include feature appearances from Big Sean, Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert, Nas, Nav, and PnB Rock. It will also have production from Belly himself, DannyBoyStyles, The ANMLS, and The Weeknd. In January, when Belly gave the first inklings that the album was on the way, he noted that the album is also approved by two of the more prominent voices in hip-hop: Jay-Z and The Weeknd.

“Before I officially close out an album, there’s two people I play it for to get the seal of approval: Hov and Abel,” he tweeted. “That being said, I can officially say the album is done.”

See You Next Wednesday is due 8/27 via XO Records and Roc Nation. You can pre-save it here.

A New Podcast, ‘The King Of Crenshaw,’ Will Explore Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy In The Sports World

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There’s a new podcast coming that offers a new angle on the life of late Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle and sports. Presented by 30 For 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated, the four-part “The King Of Crenshaw” will “focus on how the late Nipsey Hussle’s life, death, and legacy deeply impacted the sports world” and “examine how that overlap of Black male creativity, talent and ambition will forever live on in Nipsey’s responsibility to his neighborhood. And how NBA players are vowing to continue his marathon moving forward.”

The pod will also feature interviews with NBA All-Stars Isaiah Thomas, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins, plus Nipsey’s brother Blacc Sam. “Everyone knows I’m a huge Nipsey fan,” Cousins, who plays for the LA Clippers, said. “He’s more to me than just a rapper. He’s an icon.”

On March 31, 2019, Nipsey Hussle was tragically shot and killed at his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles. His death shook the music world, leaving many to grieve a loss that came at the height of his career. On the two-year anniversary, his longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, took to Instagram to honor him. “The Day Of Ermias’ transition changed the course of my life forever,” she wrote. “2 years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time. Grief and Healing have been constant companions on this journey.” She added, “In Honor of His life and demonstration… May all of Heaven exalt Your name for all You did on Earth and beyond. Brave and Beloved Soul, Ermias. You are missed deeply. You are loved immensely. You will forever be. I love you eternally.”

Look out for a full season drop of “The King Of Crenshaw” on 8/23.

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

The Late Gift Of Gab Puts His Foes In A ‘Vice Grip’ Of Intricate Lyrics On His New Single

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The late Blackalicious MC Gift Of Gab left behind a sizable collection of recordings the group will be sharing in the future. Today, the first of his posthumous releases, “Vice Grip,” dropped, providing fans of the Oakland native’s intricate lyrics a heaping dose of them as he again puts on a breathless display of vocal virtuosity over a rollicking beat.

Gift Of Gab passed away this June at the age of 50. In a statement, Blackalicious producer DJ Xcel wrote, “Our brother was an MCs’ MC who dedicated his life to his craft. One of the greatest to ever do it. He’s the most prolific person I’ve ever known. He was all about pushing the boundaries of his art form in the most authentic way possible. He truly believed in the healing power of music. He viewed himself as a vessel used by a higher power whose purpose was to give positive contributions to humanity through Rhyme.”

Blackalicious’ label Quannum has enough material from Gab to release unheard music for “years to come.” Gab was one of several prominent figures the underground rap world has lost over the past few months, including Zumbi of Zion I, MF DOOM, and Squeak of Pivot Gang.

Listen to “Vice Grip” above.

D Smoke Shouts Out The Righteous Rebels On The Defiant ‘Shame On You’

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With the constant churn of new music these days, it’s easy to overlook gems, which is why D Smoke‘s latest is worth taking a listen to. “Shame On You,” which he dropped on Friday, deserves a little space of its own for its defiant and motivational message praising the independent, righteous rebels of the music industry. He also advocates switching up the usual shootouts that many of his rap peers propagate in favor of good, old-fashioned fisticuffs: “Put the Glock away and sock on they face / Show your pain if you brave,” he challenges in verse two.

The Rhythm+Flow champion from the City of Champions has kept a relatively low profile in 2021 as he works on the follow-up to his Grammy-nominated 2020 debut Black Habits, but that hasn’t stopped him from poking his head out to deliver a few choice shots of his hard-won Inglewood wisdom. After opening the year with the motivational “It’s OK” and its accompanying video, in March, he joined Nigeria’s Fireboy DML for an inspiring track titled — what else? — “Champion,” and contributed to another Netflix project in the form of the “Basketball” theme song from the basketball-themed Last Chance U reboot.

Listen to “Shame On You” above.

Eminem Has Locked Down One Of His First Acting Roles Since ‘8 Mile,’ In 50 Cent’s ‘Black Mafia Family’

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It’s been nearly two decades since Eminem made his film debut in the box office hit 8 Mile, and he’s now ready to work on another acting project. The rapper has now accepted one of his first acting roles since 8 Mile, and it’s in 50 Cent‘s upcoming Starz TV show Black Mafia Family.

50 confirmed the news of Em’s role on Instagram. The rapper is set to portray the famed FBI informant White Boy Rick, aka Richard Wershe Jr., who was convicted of drug charges and sentenced to life in prison at just 17 years old. Wershe was officially released in 2020, and the 2018 eponymous film starring Matthew McConaughey told his story.

Speaking about Em’s involvement in the upcoming series, 50 wrote: “Oh yeah i’m bringing the big dogs out, I couldn’t do a show based in Detroit without incorporating the legend @eminem. Got him to play white Boy Rick in BMF, this sh*t is out of here.”

Eminem has just a few acting credits on his IMDb page since 8 Mile (aside from music videos): He’s been on Crank Yankers, Funny People, Entourage, and The Interview.

Em isn’t the only rapper 50 Cent is enlisting the help of for his TV series. Last year, the rapper implored Rick Ross to use his track 2010 “BMF” on the show, which would be a fitting addition seeing as the title is already the same. Ross accepted, but on one bizarre condition: 50 Cent had to agree to promote Wingstop on his Instagram page. Ross owns a number of Wingstop storefronts, so he said he’ll agree to clear the track for 50’s Starz show, but first wants to “profit off of him.”

Pivot Gang Producer Squeak Has Reportedly Died At The Age Of 26

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MFNMelo and Squeak (front)
Michael Salisbury

Chicago indie rap crew Pivot Gang mourns the loss of their producer and friend Squeak, who has died of as-yet-unknown causes at 26, as confirmed by Pitchfork through the group’s representative. Squeak was one of the group’s three producers along with Daedae and Daoud, crafting beats for the group’s first group album You Can’t Sit With Us in 2019, as well as for its individual members Frsh Waters, Joseph Chilliams, MFnMelo, and Saba. Most recently, he and MFnMelo released En Route, an eight-song EP featuring Rexx Life Raj, in June.

Squeak also doubled as DJ for the group’s live shows, including their 2019 John Walt Day concert in Chicago in honor of another of the group’s fallen members who was killed in February of 2017. Squeak also engineered for the group, recording the offerings that allowed them to go from an upstart crew of rap freshmen at the tail end of the blog era to a fixture of Chicago’s flourishing rap scene.

Squeak’s passing drew a wave of appreciative and sorrowful tweets from that scene, as well as many from outside it, as friends, fans, and peers mourned his loss. Among the well-wishers was Chance The Rapper, who came up alongside Pivot member Saba in a student creative group in high school and recorded with him on his 2016 mixtape Coloring Book. Rest in peace, Squeak. You’ll be missed.