As the Super Bowl returns to Los Angeles in 2022, some of the city’s brightest stars (and few out-of-town friends) will join forces for a hometown blowout. Dr. Dre has been announced as the performer for the Super Bowl LVI Pepsi Halftime Show — and he’s bringing a squad of his best-known buddies along, including Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg. So far, there’s no word on 50 Cent, but you can probably bet that where Dre and Em are, 50 is likely to come strolling out to the propulsive beat of “In Da Club.”
Securing Dr. Dre as halftime performer is a coup for the NFL, which has caught flak in the past over its musical choices. There were even some grumbles about the 2021 selection of The Weeknd despite his near-universal popularity and the incredible show he eventually put on. Two years before, the NFL was criticized for not including iconic Atlanta performers rather than Maroon 5, so it’s nice that the NFL is acknowledging that Dr. Dre basically is LA. It’s also incredible that he’s doing the show just a year after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Pepsi apparently knew as much, as Todd Kaplan, VP of Marketing, said in the press release. “Artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg were at the forefront of the West Coast hip hop revolution, so to be able to bring them back to LA, where it all began alongside Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will prove to be an epic, unforgettable celebration of the impact hip-hop has today,” he said. “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show has become a landmark cultural moment, bringing about some of the most iconic performances over the years – from JLo and Shakira to Lady Gaga to The Weeknd – and we are thrilled to bring together such an incredible array of talented, record-breaking musicians to put on a performance for the ages.”
Super Bowl LVI will take place on February 13, 2022 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Trying to get on in the hip-hop industry is always going to be a grind, but having a huge titan co-sign you is usually a huge help. Megan Thee Stallion might be one of the biggest artists in rap at the moment, but back when she was first trying to break into music, she apparently made a big impression on a legendary artist — none other than Q-Tip himself. In a clip from My Expert Opinion, the A Tribe Called Quest rapper explains that even with all of his own connections on the label side of things, both Columbia Records and Def Jam weren’t very interested in signing Megan when she was just an unknown rapper from Houston.
“Prior to this, my co-signs were Dilla, Nas, Redman […] so I’ve done it a few times,” he explains. “So this one in particular we’re sitting at the meeting [with Columbia] and it’s great. The dude comes back, ‘So we saw the views, yeah she’s good. We could just give her like… $30,000′ or some sh*t like that.’ Just say you don’t want to sign her, b! Don’t f*cking embarrass me. So I took her to Def Jam, but the same thing happened. And I was like I guess the co-sign isn’t working anymore. And she wound up being Megan Thee Stallion. The co-sign is kind of flimsy now, because they rely on data… I was like ‘Don’t you see who she is? She is going to be the wave!’”
Megan did post about the trip back when it happened, which backs up his story, in case there was any doubt:
Check out the relevant clips in the tweets below or the whole segment up top.
WAIT. HOLLUP. @QtipTheAbstract, a GIANT in hip hop, not only cosigned @theestallion, but he was actively trying to get labels to sign her…AND THEY PASSED…because of her social media stats???
Pivot Gang rapper Joseph Chilliams has had a relatively quiet couple of years aside from releasing the Sen Morimoto collaboration “Wishlist” toward the end of 2020. Part of the reason is a traumatic injury he recently endured that left him unable to return as quickly as he wished in 2021. The Chicago-bred rapper explains what happened on a new track, “I Ain’t Been Outside,” which describes the harrowing experience of both the initial event and his long road to recovery.
“Got sucker punched with a gun,” he tweeted, sharing the track to his followers. “I have a plate in my face forever now. Made a song about trying to recover.” On the downtempo track, he describes being put on narcotic painkillers, looking like Kanye (who suffered a broken jaw in a car crash in 2002), and losing weight as a result of “struggling to eat.” Even after being released from the hospital, he had to process light sensitivity and looking “out of place hopping around” on his way to the strip club with the rest of the Pivot Gang. “PTSD, pretty sure I need therapy,” he admits, “But tonight I’m just vibing at a party with my n****s and my shorty as I sing along merrily.”
Unfortunately, Joseph’s injury wasn’t the only tragedy the Pivot Gang suffered this year. In August, the group’s producer Squeak was shot to death in the North Austin neighborhood of Chicago at the age of 26. Hopefully, Joseph has a speedy recovery and the crew can get back on track after their triumphant 2019.
In addition to cultivating a flourishing career, Atlanta rapper-singer Yung Baby Tate is apparently a world-class clapback artist, as she recently proved when an Instagram influencer tried to body-shame her for having natural belly fat.
Ayesha Howard, who goes by @little.ms.golden on Instagram, commented on a photo of Yung Baby Tate performing at Afropunk over the weekend, apparently incensed by Tate’s caption praising natural bodies. Quoting Beyonce, Tate wrote, “As Queen Bey once said, “wanna see some REAL A$$?! Baby here’s your chance!” Shoutout to all my natural bellied bodies. I see you, I am you, I love you. No matter WHAT my body looks like, it is MINE and I love it! Please go project your insecurities onto a piece of paper, burn it, and throw it away. Then go look in the mirror and tell yourself how much you are loved.”
Howard, who seems to have taken the caption as a diss to women who get plastic surgery, commented, “I’m all for being natural and loving the skin you are in but that’s not just what a natural body looks like that’s a natural body with no discipline, structure and poor eating habits in their lifestyle…Girls that work out don’t look like this.” She also equated the belly fat to poor health, which… girl, no. “She’s a performer she should want the best for herself all around,” she wrote. “[I]t’s not just about looks but in her job presentation is everything and she needs to be healthy enough to do it.”
Tate apparently had time to respond. In a tweet, she attributed Howard’s comments to pettiness and jealousy, writing, “Everyone is saying imma eat the unmarried Ayesha up for her comments on my belly but honestly her life is rocky enough. I think she saw the word “baby” in my name and got triggered so I’ll give her a pass on this beautiful WEDnesday.” Tate wasn’t finished yet, though. Next, she posted a clip of herself driving in her car and lip-syncing to her upcoming single “Pedi” on which she crows, “Real ass bitch and I might be crazy, but at least I’m authentic.”
Everyone is saying imma eat the unmarried Ayesha up for her comments on my belly but honestly her life is rocky enough. I think she saw the word “baby” in my name and got triggered so I’ll give her a pass on this beautiful WEDnesday
Finally, she turned the whole exchange into a positive, teachable moment, posting a tweet reading, “natural bodied babes quote this with ur fav body pics!” Since then, she’s been retweeting and affirming followers sending her their photos, and reminding followers that “MY BODY is MY BODY to work on or NOT!”
I really been going off on bitches for 2 days straight. It’s always people with the least going on with the most to say. MY BODY is MY BODY to work on or NOT! pic.twitter.com/iSy0zjRI4P
99 Neighbors issue a smooth invitation on their groovy single “Eastside,” pairing the laid-back, melodic track with a casual performance on the latest episode of UPROXX Sessions. The group, which normally consists of seven members, came through Uproxx Studios with a stripped-down, two-man lineup consisting of rappers Sam Paulino and Hanknative, who provide all the vocals on the song, while Jared Fier, Juju, and Somba make their presence known on the lilting, midtempo beat. Other members of the group include Aidan Ostby, a vocalist, Connor “Swank” Stankevich, also a rapper, and Shane Kaseta, the group’s graphic designer and photographer.
First-time listeners might be surprised to learn that the group hails from Burlington, Vermont, which is not exactly a hotbed of the jazz, R&B, and hip-hop that influences their sound. However, once the band formed in 2018, it didn’t take them long to acquire national recognition, thanks in part to securing the co-management services of Pat Corcoran, who formerly managed Chance The Rapper. 99 Neighbors were included as the first act in Corcoran’s 2019 label deal with Warner Records and they’ve steadily grown their profile since.
Watch 99 Neighbors’ groovy performance of “Eastside” 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.
99 Neighbors is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
It’s only been a few months since the live music and touring industry has reopened, but things have been changing rapidly. Some artists like Jason Isbell have canceled or postponed shows after encountering issues with venues enforcing vaccine policies, while others like J. Cole face complex production issues. Post Malone’s Posty Fest is now falling into the latter category as the event is now postponed due to technical problems.
“Due to logistical issues impacting the production of the festival, Posty Fest is rescheduling to 2022. Refunds available at point of purchase. We can’t wait to make 2022 our biggest year yet. Stay safe everyone, we’ll see you soon.”
Posty Fest was original set to be held outdoors outside of AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Along with Post Malone, Posty Fest’s 2021 lineup included sets by today’s top hip-hop stars like Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Uzi Vert, Roddy Ricch, Jack Harlow, $uicideboy$, Polo G, Rod Wave, Tyga, Iann Dior, Koe Wetzel, Turnstile, Tyla Yaweh, Flo Milli, Kaash Paige, Kenny Mason, Peach Tree Rascals, RMR, Gatecreeper, Clever, LoveLeo, and more. Posty Fest hasn’t yet confirmed whether or not their lineup will stay the same, but it seems as though they’ll share more details about the 2022 event as it draws nearer.
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
This Friday, Meek Mill is set to drop his fifth studio album, Expensive Pain, after a tidy rollout that included both a slick new single with fellow Philadelphian Lil Uzi Vert, “Blue Notes 2,” and some questionable cover art. Today, he’s shared the star-studded tracklist via an Instagram post of the handwritten track titles and features. Scribbled on plain lined paper with multiple differently colored markers, even the tracklist appears to reflect the new “artistic” direction the album appears to be taking.
Along with the aforementioned Uzi Vert, guests on the album include A$AP Ferg, Brent Faiyaz, British rapper Giggs, Kehlani, Lil Baby & Lil Durk (on the previously released “Sharing Locations“), Moneybagg Yo, newcomer Vory, and Young Thug. Also included is the track “Angels,” which appears to be a loving tribute to Meek’s Dreamers artist Lil Snupe and his friend Nipsey Hussle. Meanwhile, it appears “Flamerz Flow” and “War Stories” will not appear on the album — at least not this version. Looking at the trend in releases over the past 18 months, we can likely expect them to pop up on the inevitable deluxe.
Expensive Pain is due 10/1 via Atlantic Records.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Lil Nas X expressed his wish to work with Frank Ocean after meeting him at the Met Gala this past month. The younger artist looks up to Frank for obvious reasons and was able to let him know how much he means to Nas when they spoke. Nas also told Frank that he wants to collaborate with him, according to an interview the “Industry Baby” rapper gave to Andy Cohen on his SiriusXM radio show.
“I feel like I’ve met so many great people, but definitely Frank Ocean is top of my list,” Nas enthused. “Because for one, he represents a lot to me, and you’d never see Frank Ocean anywhere. He’s one of those people that are not real, you know? Outside of social media that was the first time we met, like, ever… [He was] giving props and congratulations and whatnot. And I was just saying the same thing to him. And just how much his music has shaped my life and [how I’m] hoping to collaborate with him.”
In a prior interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Nas addressed the impact that performers like Frank Ocean and Tyler The Creator had on him growing up. “I think artists like Frank and Tyler, they made it easier for me to be where I am, comfortably,” he said.
Watch Lil Nas X’s interview with Andy Cohen above.
Giveon recently offered a first taste of his upcoming debut album with his soulful new track “For Tonight.” Now, Giveon gives all the emotion in a performance of the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The intimate performance kicked off with an introspective Giveon wistfully staring out of a faux window. The crooner then delivers his touching lyrics, singing romantic verses about spending the night with his lover. In a statement about the brand-new track Giveon said his inspiration came from his vices. “This is the story of a taboo vice that I just can’t seem to stop indulging in,” he said.
It’s been just over a year since prolific R&B crooner Giveon burst onto the scene with his 2020 debut EP When It’s All Said And Done — and he’s come a long way since then. After releasing a second EP in 2020 and following up with his hit track “Heartbreak Anniversary,” Giveon was tapped by none other than Justin Bieber to lend a verse on “Peaches” from his 2021 LP Justice. “Peaches” ended up being one of the most popular tracks on the album, earning millions of streams and debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Thanks to his recent success, Giveon was even awarded the opportunity to walk the Met Gala’s red carpet, which he stunned in a teal trench coat.
Watch Giveon’s “For Tonight” performance on Fallon above.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of September below.
Metallica — Metallica (Remastered) and The Metallica Blacklist
Blackened Recordings
Over the past 40 years, Metallica earned themselves a legion of fans and proved that their appeal spans genres: Their self-titled 1991 album is perhaps their least thrash metal-influenced effort and is their most commercially successful. To celebrate the album’s anniversary, not only did the group release a remastered edition of it, but they also got dozens upon dozens of artists to cover its songs for the massive Metallica Blacklist project.
Get Metallica (Remastered)here. Get The Metallica Blacklisthere.
Cold Cave — Cherish The Light Years
Matador
Cold Cave’s sophomore effort has been out of print for years now, and finally, new physical editions of it are available once again. The occasion is the record’s tenth anniversary. This edition comes with the previously unreleased track “Believe In My Blood” and is pressed in a variety of bright monochrome-colored vinyl, making for a bold complement to the black-and-white cover art.
Buena Vista Social Club — Buena Vista Social Club (25th Anniversary Edition)
World Circuit Records
Buena Vista Social Club’s self-titled (and only) studio album is a landmark release in Cuban music, and for the 25th anniversary of the 1997 album’s recording, we’ve been treated to an expansive reissue. There’s a lot here for fans to sink into, like previously unheard tracks from the 1996 session tapes, new liner notes, art prints, and more.
Vince Guaraldi — It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Craft Recordings
While Charlie Brown having football-related difficulties and Snoopy sleeping on his doghouse are iconic Peanuts elements, of similarly lauded value is the music in the Peanuts TV specials. Just in time for spooky season, the It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown soundtrack has been pressed on orange, pumpkin-shaped vinyl, which will be an aesthetic highlight in any collector’s vinyl library.
As good as My Morning Jacket’s albums are, the band is especially potent as a live force, which makes their new MMJ Live vinyl series all the more appealing. The series begins with Live 2015, which collects 16 previously unreleased recordings from the band’s 2015 tour in support of The Waterfall, all pressed on crisp-looking white vinyl.
Pixies ended their original run with 1991’s Trompe Le Monde, and now that the album is 30 years old, the group is celebrating the record with a gorgeous limited marbled green vinyl reissue. While the band eventually reunited, Trompe Le Monde represents the end of an era, and this new edition of it is one of the best ways to celebrate its legacy.
The Milk Carton Kids — Prologue (10th Anniversary Box Set)
Milk Carton Kids
The Milk Carton Kids earned a Grammy nomination in 2013 for their album The Ash & Clay, but its predecessor, Prologue, set the stage. Prologue celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and the band is marking the occasion with a fancy new rerelease. The 3-LP box set includes the remastered album as well as early demos and live performances. There’s also a fan-pleasing disc that traces the evolution of “Michigan” and “New York,” two of the group’s most beloved tracks.
Elvis Costello’s 1978 album This Year’s Model has gone down as a classic, and now he has taken an interesting approach to celebrating it. Instead of a traditional rerelease, he got a host of Latin pop and rock artists (like Juanes and Luis Donsi) to sing over the original instrumentals for Spanish Model. All in all, it’s a clever way to appreciate and breathe new life into an iconic 40-year-old album. We even chatted with him about it.
Three 6 Mafia — When The Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1
Vinyl Me, Please
Vinyl Me, Please recently announced their slate of monthly vinyl reissues for the rest of 2021, and the October hip-hop release is a great one: Three 6 Mafia’s When The Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1. This 2-LP orange-and-black edition is the first wide vinyl release of the album and it comes freshly remastered, making this an audiophile-preferred way to enjoy the record.
Various Artists — VMP Anthology: The Story Of Philadelphia International Records
Vinyl Me, Please
Speaking of Vinyl Me, Please, aside from their monthly releases, they also bust out larger projects, the latest being a tribute to the influential soul record label Philadelphia International Records. The Story Of Philadelphia International Records is a fantastic historical document, as it features eight premier album’s from the label’s heyday in the ’70s, by artists like The O’Jays and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. The goodies included here go beyond the physical, as there’s also a four-episode podcast series that serves as a guide to the albums.
