Music

Conway The Machine’s ‘Scatter Brain’ Video With JID And Ludacris Gets Down To Business

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Griselda Records’ Conway The Machine is fresh off the release of his new project La Maquina, dropping off the video for its lead single “Scatter Brain” with ATLiens JID and Ludacris. The three rappers menace the camera as they spit rapid-fire verses full of pummeling punchlines. While Conway plays mob boss behind a desk right out of a classic gangster film, JID and Luda do damage in the dimly lit warehouse from their Tonight Show performance of the track surrounded by razor wire and concrete blocks representing their sharp flows and brick-dense witticisms.

Conway and Griselda have maintained their breakneck from 2020, appearing on “Hood Blues” from the late DMX’s posthumous album Exodus, with fellow members Benny The Butcher releasing his Harry Fraud-produced The Plugs I Met 2 project featuring 2 Chainz and Chinx, and Westside Gunn preparing to release his latest Hilter Wears Hermes installment, the eighth in the series.

Meanwhile, JID recently gave an update on the status of his own new music, sharing photos with some of his collaborators on social media, and is preparing to appear at Dreamville’s On The Rocks concert in Colorado. You can catch Ludacris in theaters in the new Fast and Furious film F9 June 25 and rapping on the remix of Justin Bieber’s hit single “Peaches” with Snoop Dogg and Usher.

Watch Conway The Machine, JID, and Ludacris’ “Scatter Brain” video above.

Charli XCX And Beyonce’s Mom Will Appear On The New Season Of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’

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For the upcoming sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, the show will have a new home on the Paramount Plus streaming platform. The season is set to premiere on June 24, and ahead of then, Paramount Plus has shared a new trailer. Aside from teasing the upcoming season, the clip also offers a brief look at some of the upcoming guests on the show, including Charli XCX and Tina Knowles, aka Beyonce’s mother.

Towards the end of the trailer, we see Knowles talking to a contestant off-camera, saying, “It was right on point.” The video then cuts to a similar shot of Charli, who says, “I am obsessed with your outfit.”

Charli’s love for both RuPaul and the Drag Race franchise runs deep. Way back in 2013, she tweeted, “Current mood = RuPaul.” Then, in 2017, Charli solicited Netflix viewing recommendations from her fans, and in response to the suggestion that she watch Drag Race, she replied, “i want to be a judgeeeee!!!!!!!” In a 2019 interview, she revisited that tweet and was asked if she has gotten involved in the show yet, to which she responded, “I haven’t! But RuPaul: hit me up. I would love to be a part of it.” She also offered her recommendation for the song of hers that the show’s contestants should “Lip Sync For Your Lives” to: “I have a song called ‘Vroom Vroom,’ which I think would be really amazing for anyone to lip sync to.”

Check out the trailer above.

Charli XCX is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Blast Radio, A New Creator-Based Audio App, Launches To Deliver Limited-Time Audio Experiences

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Yuval mizan/Wikimedia Commons

An app that aims to bring fans inside the creative process is now available. Blast Radio — or simply Blast — is an audio-based app where artists of all kinds can broadcast whatever they like, whenever they like, for a more intimate fan experience. The goal is to provide an outlet for artists to share the music, sessions — and potentially behind-the-scenes content — that they wouldn’t necessarily record or publish otherwise.

“Over the last 15 years, I noticed that reality has no place on visual social media platforms,” said Yousef Ali, Blast’s Founder and CEO. “People have been reduced to doctored selfies and public displays of perfection. This is especially challenging for musicians where sound is their secret weapon. Blast gives artists an easy way to reach fans with their actual talents and to do so in an environment that’s not meant to be curated and perfect. It’s a space for artists, to be heard, and to highlight their work, not their appearance.”

The element of spontaneity is reinforced by a built-in time limit: Blast broadcasts are only accessible for 24 hours. Recordings are made using a small attachment called a Blast Box that attaches to the artist’s audio equipment through an RCA wire. The Blast Box (which can be pre-ordered now) pairs the artist’s device with their Blast Radio profile through Bluetooth. The artist can then manually press “publish” to upload the broadcast onto the Blast app.

Blast users get notifications when any artists that they follow have new broadcasts. They may then listen in real-time, or check out the broadcast for the next 24 hours, as well as comment, share the broadcasts, and give a “like” (Blast calls them “Vibes.”)

Right now, more than 150 musicians are posting performances, weekly radio programs, album release previews, and live broadcasts from venues on the app. Some of these early adopters include Ghostly International founder Matthew Dear, Grammy-nominated composer and Detroit DJ Carl Craig, artist and owner of Klakson and Dolly imprint Steffi, Brooklyn-based DJ and producer The Juan MacLean, and acclaimed chamber orchestra Alarm Will Sound.

“I’m always searching for ways to connect with fans. Whether I’m jamming in the studio or playing a DJ set, I need an effortless way to broadcast my music, instantly. Blast has now made that process extremely simple. I just did my first broadcast from Detroit and listened back to the set afterward. I can’t wait to share more live music soon,” said avant-pop artist Matthew Dear.

Detroit producer Carl Craig added: “Performing live at shows is great, but there’s a ton of music that I love that I can’t play because there’s just too much to share on one tour. On Blast, I can broadcast what I care about right now, and do so in an environment built for high-resolution audio — where it sounds great, isn’t restricted by low-res algorithms, and isn’t competing against a world of curated selfies and cat videos.”

Artists can pre-order a Blast Box here and listeners can download the Blast App in the App Store or the Google Play Store.

Thundercat Reveals New 2021 Tour Dates In Support Of ‘It Is What It Is’

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This fall, Grammy-winning R&B bassist Thundercat will resume celebrating his acclaimed album It Is What It Is with a massive North American tour that was originally cut off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Compton rapper Channel Tres will open all of the shows and special guests will appear on various dates. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, June 11 via Thundercat’s website.

It Is What It Is won the 2020 Grammy for Best Progressive R&B album, beating out albums by Jhené Aiko, Chloe X Halle, Free Nationals, and Robert Glasper. That win was Thundercat’s second Grammy award.

Thundercat, the bassist/singer whose real name is Stephen Bruner, is one of the most in-demand contemporary funk musicians. His longtime writing partner is rapper/producer Flying Lotus. Thundercat has also worked with a variety of respected artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, NERD, Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Childish Gambino, Janelle Monáe, Moses Sumney, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Kamasi Washington, and Travis Scott.

Check out Thundercat’s North American tour dates below.

07/31 — Omaha, NE @ Maha Music Festival
08/08 — San Francisco, CA @ Stern Grove Festival
08/26 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Twilight Concert Series
09/12 — Chicago, IL @ Pitchfork Music Festival
10/24 — Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live
10/26 — Jacksonville, FL @ Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
10/27 — Tampa, FL @ Jannus Live
10/28 — New Orleans, LA @ The Joy Theater
10/30 — Austin, TX @ TBA
10/31 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
11/02 — Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/04 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
11/06 — New York, NY @ Terminal 5
11/07 — Boston, MA @ House of Blues
11/10 — Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
11/11 — Toronto, ON @ History
11/14 — St. Paul, MN @ Palace Theater
11/16 — St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
11/17 — Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
11/19 — Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall Downstairs
11/20 — Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues Dallas
11/23 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
11/27 — Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Expo Hall
11/30 — Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
12/03 — Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
12/04 — Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
12/05 — Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Boise

Dreamville Brings A Mini-Festival To Red Rocks Amphitheatre In Colorado

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Although the pandemic forced the cancelation of numerous concerts, festivals, and tours, as live entertainment returns, fans who missed out on last year’s festivities are getting some consolation. One of the festivals that was canceled, the Dreamville Festival, is sort of coming back in a smaller capacity as Dreamville On The Rocks, a one-day mini-fest featuring nearly the entire roster at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. The label’s social accounts posted a motion flyer providing the details and revealing the lineup and date: October 23, 2021.

Although team captain J. Cole is notably absent — perhaps he’ll be participating in some NBA team’s fall training camp, hoping to continue his professional basketball career — all of the label’s other roster mainstays are accounted for. Ari Lennox, Bas, Cozz, Earthgang, JID, Lute, and Omen are all listed, which could also be a good sign for expected releases from each after a year of relative inactivity (although Earthgang and JID both participated in the Spillage Village album Spilligion in 2020).

Dreamville On The Rocks doesn’t appear to be as big of an event as the original Dreamville Festival was planned to be with no announced guests from outside the label and only one day, but perhaps the crew is using it as a dry-run to shake off the rust before announcing a larger event down the line. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 am. You can find more information at Dreamville.com.

Teyana Taylor Is The First Black Woman To Be Named ‘Sexiest Woman Alive’ By ‘Maxim’

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Teyana Taylor may be retired from music, but she’s still hard at work. She’s since pivoted to acting, appearing in Coming 2 America and confirming a reality TV series. Now, her success has earned her another title. Taylor has officially been named Maxim Magazine‘s “Sexiest Woman Alive” for their latest issue.

Taylor graces Maxim‘s annual Hot 100 cover, making her the first Black woman to earn the magazine’s “Sexiest Woman Alive” title. “Somebody pinch me!!!!,” Taylor wrote alongside her cover shoot photos. The musician went on to explain that she showed up to the shoot bare-faced in sweatpants thinking a team would give her a makeover. Instead, the photographer wanted her to be her most authentic self:

“This particular day was dope because it made me see another side of myself. I had just dropped JUNIE off at school before heading straight to the shoot; sweatpants a beanie and an army jacket. My hair wasn’t done for a ‘shoot’ because I planned on throwing on a wig & I didn’t have on any make up. But when I got there the legendary @Gilles_bensimon said and I quote…. ‘Let’s shoot! I want you to stay in this…’ I said ‘HUH?! Well let me at least start my make up.. ‘ as y’all can see I barely had any lashes left 😩 He says no ‘my dear this is pure.’ And in regular Teyana Taylor fashion I said ‘okay but look Ah b*tch doing her baby hairs’ LOL I was like SO LET ME UNDERSTAND THIS…I WILL BE THE SEXIEST Woman Alive IN SWEATS AND A SKULLY? Um I guess….’ as confused as I was my heart also melted… I say all of this to say in the true words of Audrey Hepburn… ‘The beauty of a woman is not in facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.’ Embrace and love yourselves for who & what you are because only the purest heart shines through.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CP1PAHgB6N8/

MTV VMAs Plan A Live Audience Return To NYC’s Barclays Center In 2021

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It was looking hopeful last June when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the MTV VMAs the go-ahead to take place at the Barclays Center in 2020 with a “limited” audience. However, following an uptick in COVID cases, the VMAs instead opted to host the event at an outdoor space, invite only a virtual audience, and have just a handful of in-person performances. But now as large-scale events eye a late summer return, the VMAs are looking to host their 2021 event indoors.

The VMAs announced Tuesday that the awards show will make an in-person return this year. It’s slated to take place September 12 at the Barclays Center once again, and organizers say they plan to allow fans to attend. According to press materials, the event will “feature epic performances from the biggest names in music and bring fans together from across the globe to celebrate the return of live entertainment.”

Though organizers are feeling confident about gathering indoors, they are still making sure to take safety protocols seriously. “The health and safety of artists, fans, staff, and partners remain the number one priority, and MTV and Barclays Center are working closely with state and local officials to implement best practices in order to safely bring together music fans from around the globe,” organizers wrote in a statement.

The VMAs have yet to announce which artists are set to take the stage in September. Last year’s ceremony saw some showstopping performances by The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, BTS, and Lady Gaga, whose various eye-catching masks stole the show.

New Orleans’ Buku Festival Returns With A Special Fall 2021 Event, BUKU: Planet B

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Since the last year and a half put a damper on live events due to the pandemic, every festival is planning their comeback in a different way. Some, like Coachella, have simply rescheduled for 2022, while other events like Bonnaroo are charging full speed ahead for fall of 2021. New Orleans’ boutique event Buku Festival is splitting the difference, offering a smaller one-off version of their festival this fall while they plan to comeback in full force next spring. The event will take place this October 22 and October 23 in New Orleans, and offers a pretty stacked lineup for what’s considered a scaled back version.

Headlined by artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Machine Gun Kelly, Playboi Carti and Pooh Shiesty, the event shows its range with further inclusions like Kaytranada, Alison Wonderland and Jamie xx, along with Remi Wolf, Arlo Parks, Yung Baby Tate and Flo Milli. Pre-sale for the event begins on Thursday, June 10 with general tickets on sale starting Monday, June 14.

The festival’s co-creator, Dante DiPasquale, said the new take on the event is inspired by watching fans hold steady through uncertain times. “For the past year, we’ve watched our fans step outside of their comfort zones and persevere through weird times,” said Dante DiPasquale, BUKU’s co-creator. “Planet B is the result of us being inspired by them to do the same, and all of us at Team BUKU are excited to finally party with them again.”

Check out the festival’s full lineup below and over at their site.

Megan Thee Stallion
ILLENIUM
Machine Gun Kelly
Playboi Carti
Kaytranada
Zeds Dead
Alison Wonderland
Jamie xx
Pooh Shiesty
Chris Lake
Still Woozy
EARTHGANG
Ghostemane
Ashnikko
Subtronics
SVDDEN DEATH: VOYD
Arlo Parks
Flo Milli
LSDREAM
Purple Disco Machine
Remi Wolf
slowthai
$NOT
Yung Baby Tate
Chee
Dua Saleh
Lucii
Mize
Moore Kismet
박혜진 Park Hye Jin
Pears
Pell presents: GLBL WRMNG
ssgkobe
TVBOO
VNSSA
504icygrl
ANTWIGADEE!
BluShakurX
Bouffant Bouffant
DJ Heelturn
Don Peyote B2B BuckTen
GØ PNIK
Lady Lavender
Lango
Legatron Prime
Lil Iceberg
Malik Ninety Five
Odd the Artist
Rob49
Stone Cold Jzzle
Treety
ZiggMonster

Drake Partners With Live Nation To Open A New Music Venue In Toronto

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Over the past year, more and more music venues have been forced to close by the ongoing pandemic. However, there will soon be a new one in Toronto, courtesy of hometown hero Drake and Live Nation. Billboard reports that the new venue, History, will open later this year with a capacity of just 2,500.

Drake said in a statement that his passion for playing intimate shows early in his career was the driving sentiment behind the smaller size. “Some of my most memorable shows were playing smaller rooms,” he recalled. “I wanted to take those memories and what I learned to create an incredible experience for both the artists and the fans.”

The club has been in development for three years, and once open, will host around 200 events a year. History is just one of many venues that were in planning or construction during the pandemic; while Live Nation has the 5,000-capacity Terminal opening this November in Houston, Billboard lists a number of venues set to open in the future, such as The Factory in St. Louis and the Harry Styles-backed Co-Op Live in Manchester. While many other venues — particularly independently-owned venues — across the nation have been forced to close, others are set to return in 2021. While this creates space for new ventures, it’ll still be some time until the live entertainment industry fully recovers.

Saweetie’s Love For The Finer Things Almost Landed Her In Jail For Stealing

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Over the past couple of years, Bay Area rapper Saweetie‘s defining characteristic has been her love for the finer things in life, as embodied by her “Icy Girl” philosophy. However, before becoming a nationally famous rapper and giving followers advice on demanding designer bags from the men in their lives, Saweetie’s expensive taste almost landed her in hot water with the law.

In a new cover story for Teen Vogue, the “Fast (Motion)” rapper details how she nearly went to jail as a teen. “Before I went to college, I almost went to jail because I got caught stealing,” she says. “At a young age, I just always liked the finer things — and I’m not even talking about name brands. I just like looking good. In that moment, I was like, I’m not really about this life. I get straight A’s, I’m a year-round athlete. I think the lesson was that [I had worked] too hard for everything to be thrown away.”

That hard work has paid off, leading to the sort of notoriety that keeps her on the Hot 100 and fans anticipating her debut album, Pretty B*tch Music, which is due this summer.

You can read the full cover here.