reviews

The Alchemist “Flying High” EP Review

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Flying High is the latest project from super-producer The Alchemist. He’s been quite busy recently but he’s truly always working. He released a collab project with Larry June titled The Great Escape and did a song with Hit-Boy in March. Last year he did collab projects with Curren$y and Roc Marciano. He also produced “We Cry Together,” the most polarizing song from Kendrick Lamar’s most recent album. He’s also worked multiple times with Griselda, Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, and many more.

Listeners of underground rap music are well acquainted with The Alchemist and this project is a sampler of sorts of his work in that realm. It’s eight songs, with the last four tracks being instrumental versions of the first four. Featured artists on the project include Earl Sweatshirt, Boldy James, billy woods, Larry June and more.

The Alchemist Crafts Unique & Eeerie Soundscapes

The Alchemist’s Flying High showcases a glimpse of the various production styles he has in his bag. The opener, “RIP Tracy,” is unique on every front. Earl Sweatshirt’s trademark monotone slides like syrup over the production. Lines like, “Same time I’m out here tryna change and stay solid / Take care, Bruce Lee say to be water,” blend accessible punchlines with semi-niche references. Billy Woods (stylized “billy woods”) has a stream-of-consciousness flow that takes these qualities to the next level while adding more character to his delivery. “Trouble Man” shifts the tone. T.F and Boldy James tell street tales over an eerie horn and bass loop with no drums – a common practice in underground rap today. Boldy James drops bars that combine modern and classic references with lines like, “Trappin outta state in Louis V Supreme / Slappin’ all this base, I show you why they call me B.B. King.”

The Alchemist Brings Luxury & Soul

“Bless” is easily the most elegant-sounding song on the project. A dreamy piano sample is paired with an equally smooth guitar loop. Underground artists MIKE and Sideshow share stories of personal feelings and reflection which pairs well with the production. Closer “Midnight Oil” is truly a standout track because it features a verse from The Alchemist himself. This is his third verse this year, which has been a treat for those only familiar with his production. This one features Larry June and Jay Worthy on this one. Like the other two artists, Alc’s verse combines luxury and aggression over a soulful loop. He raps, “I clutch a pump / Dump it and jump a country / Might be in Paris speaking bluntly” with ease.

The Alchemist Lets His Music Speak For Him

Flying High by The Alchemist offers production lovers a treat: instrumentals. This has become more common these days as it was the standard for past generations. The Alchemist has been around since the late ’90s and has seen this return in real time. With the instrumentals on this project, listeners can focus on just how creative The Alchemist was with his sample usage. Those who play instruments can try replicating the loops he uses on the project.

The Alchemist’s Flying High is a project with several purposes. These songs are likely leftover from his sessions with the featured artists based on their length and a few lyrics. This doesn’t mean their quality is low; it makes them stand out. The Alchemist has given listeners a peak at his ever-expanding hard drive of music.

This project also is a good teaser for anyone curious about what’s happening in the world of underground rap right now. The Alchemist has been integral in shaping the myriad of soundscapes today. Every underground artist is not represented on this project, but considering who The Alchemist has worked with most people in that lane, going to his Spotify page is a good place to start. Flying High is just an appetizer for the seven-course (and beyond) meal that is his discography. 

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Anthony Fantano Hits Gunna With A 1 Out Of 10

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Gunna came through with his comeback album on Friday, titled A Gift & A Curse. Overall, a lot of fans are loving this new project. Although many swore off Gunna due to snitching allegations, there are still those who are curious about what he has to say. For the most part, the artist did a solid job of addressing all of the claims. Moreover, he gave a project filled with steady flows and catchy beats. One can just look at the song “fukumean” to understand exactly what we mean.

Unfortunately for Gunna, not everyone is feeling this brand-new album. Perhaps the biggest critic of this project so far has been none other than Anthony Fantano. Fantano has always seemingly had it out for Gunna and artists like him, such as Lil Baby. The last time Wunna dropped a project, it received a “NOT GOOD.” This is a score reserved for projects that Fantano already had low expectations for. Needless to say, fans expected this latest project to get an unfavorable review.

Read More: Gunna Paces A Padded Cell With Clones In “idk nomore” Music Video

Gunna Gets An Unfavorable Review

Well, that is exactly what happened. The famous critic was wearing a red flannel in the video, which was indicative of a bad score. Typically, he wears a yellow flannel when the album scores an eight or above. The red is brought out for scores of 3 and below. Upon watching the video, you will come to find out that he gave Gunna a measly 1 out of 10. Overall, this is actually a step up from the “NOT GOOD” he received last year.

For the most part, Fantano didn’t care for the production, the flows, the songwriting, or the lyrics. It is pretty clear that he is not a fan of Gunna’s sound whatsoever, and the score reflected that. Since dropping this review, Fantano has been inundated with hate and has been heavily criticized for his scoring of modern trap music. Let us know what you think of the review, down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the music world.

Read More: Gunna’s “a Gift & a Curse” First Week Sales Projections Surface

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Moneybagg Yo “Hard To Love” Review

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In 2021, a year removed from the onset of the pandemic, Moneybagg Yo made his presence felt across radios in America with the release of A Gangsta’s Pain. While not his major label debut, it was surely a breakout moment after nearly a decade of grinding out mixtapes and EPs. He went from a fixture on WorldStarHipHop to a Grammy nomination – a testament to the sacrifices and labor that he put into his craft.

However, the release of Hard To Love, his latest mixtape, feels understated in his delivery. Despite a lengthy rollout that included the release of a handful of singles, his latest body of work doesn’t necessarily carry the same momentum as his last studio album. A Gangsta’s Pain, as he explained to HotNewHipHop in his first-ever cover story, was built on the dichotomy of his sound – half gangsta, half pain. The trunk-rattling anthems and soulful pain-riddled bars made up a 22-song tracklist that boasted an impressive array of features – Future, Lil Durk, Pharrell Williams, and more.

Hard To Love, in a sense, expounds on this further, albeit with a deeper focus on his pain. Whether it’s stretching his vocal range on songs like “No Show,” an opulent tale of heartbreak, or grappling with love and loyalty on “Going Thru It,” Bagg peels back the layers to his character for one of his most personal projects to date. It’s an interesting revelation for the casual listener. Bagg’s maintained quite a favorable persona in the past few years, largely because he’s kept a diamond-encrusted smile throughout the hardship. But, Hard To Love digs beneath the surface and allows fans into his otherwise shielded world. 

Read More: All About Memphis Hitmaker Moneybagg Yo

Addressing The Criticism & Coping With Tragedy

“They Say,” the album opener, comprehensively captures the pressure Bagg faces. He bites back at those who doubted him with a keen sense of self-awareness. Despite establishing himself as a singular voice for the new generation of Memphis rap, he acknowledges the criticism that’s come with his success, like the fact that his biggest hits ride off of buzz phrases or that street politics often receive unwarranted social media commentary. “He only makes music if it’s a social media trend/ He ain’t did shit to them n****s who don’ killed his friend,” he raps. 

Moneybagg Yo finds himself grappling with the perils of fame and the pressures that artists face to continue producing music at a rapid pace. But more importantly, the return of the Heartless mixtape series indicates that there’s far more healing that needs to be done in his life. From his girlfriend Ari Fletcher suffering a miscarriage and their relationship turmoil to the tragic death of the mother of his children, Moneybagg Yo details the series of events in the last two years and using drugs, specifically lean, as a coping mechanism.

“More Sick,” the album’s closer, brings Bagg to address the headlines over the past few years over melancholic guitar strings. However, he doesn’t necessarily succumb to the pain but rather provides a sense of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. On “Hurt Man,” Moneybagg Yo’s on the defense as he reminisces over the death of his artist Big Nuskie, rapping, “I’m sippin’ syrup raw/ They tryna blame me for his death, talkin’ ’bout it’s my fault.” Still, there’s hope in his voice as he details his love for his niece, although he admits that his trust issues push him to put on a facade.

Read More: Zach Randolph & Marcus “Head” Howell Speak On Moneybagg Yo’s Rise

Moneybagg Yo Will Have The Summer On Lock

moneybagg yo hard to love review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 16: Rapper Moneybagg Yo performs onstage during 2022 Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium at Georgia State University on July 16, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

However, the project doesn’t solely rely on Bagg’s emotional baggage to produce some of the best moments. In the months leading up to the release of Hard To Love, Bagg unveiled a handful of hit-or-miss singles. “On Wat U On” faced criticism for replicating the back-and-forth of Kendrick Lamar and Taylour Paige on “We Cry Together.” However, a more accurate comparison would be Project Pat’s “Chickenhead” ft. Gangsta Boo. Some references to the traditional Memphis’ sounds are a bit more straightforward, such as “Where Ya Bih @” which employs a Three 6 Mafia-like flare. “F My BM” is a riveting yet hilarious outing when put into the context of the social media flare-up between himself and Poison Ivy over his newly opened restaurant. 

Hard To Love isn’t necessarily an AOTY contender, nor does it stand as a highlight in the Heartless series. However, Bagg proves he’s an effortless hitmaker with a wheelhouse of resources. Whether enlisting the talents of superstars like Future or Lil Durk to splash color on his tracklist or utilizing the homegrown talents of YTB FATT or GloRilla, Bagg’s latest project will undoubtedly ring off for the remainder of the summer. As he continues plotting his official follow-up to A Gangsta’s Pain, Hard To Love, if anything, is a solid precursor that indicates that his next project will be a level-up. 

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“Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” Opens To Rave Reviews

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Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse was a sensational hit when it premiered in 2018. The Sony production veered away from the Disney/MCU style of Spider-Man and focused on Miles Morales. The studio weaved a poignant origin story for the character’s feature film debut alongside a truly gorgeous art style.

A sequel was quickly greenlit and has been eagerly anticipated by fans. Building on the foundations of Into The Spider-Verse, Across The Spider-Verse looks to expand the universe of the original film, once asking the question “What does it mean to be Spider-Man?” while also avoiding simply making the same film twice. Instead of Miles learning the ropes, his abilities and ideology will now be put to the test in myriad ways. The film also added a wealth of talent to an already stacked cast. Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, and Oscar Issac are just some of the A-listers joining the cast.

Reviews Love “Across The Spider-Verse”

Across The Spider-Verse premieres on June 2, but critics’ reviews have now been made public. In short – they love the film. Across the Spider-Verse has opened with a 97% critic’s rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Mike Ryan of Uproxx has called it “One of the most, if not the most, immersive superhero stories going, pushing far beyond the boundaries of what superhero stories should and could be.” Meanwhile, Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent summarized the film as “Out of every multiverse, this is the easiest to root for.”

The positive praise continued. Empire Magazine‘s Ben Travis noting that “Across The Spider-Verse cranks every dial to 11, and somehow doesn’t collapse in on itself. Visually astonishing, emotionally powerful, narratively propulsive — it’s another masterpiece.” However, not every critic was a fan. Tim Robey of The Telegraph argued that the film “gets drunk on itself – sometimes sad-drunk to the brink of a hangover, slurrily outstaying its welcome.” Despite some detractors, it’s clear that fans should prepare themselves for another powerfully emotional, visually stunning spectacle. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse releases in the United States on June 2. Follow all the latest film news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Keke Palmer’s “Big Boss” Visual Album Review

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Visual albums have always been an engaging yet fleeting creative outlet in album release space. However, the unique format has seen plenty of success in the past. Frank Ocean’s Endless counterpart engaged the audience in the setting of a grim black-and-white basement. Climbing up stairs that go nowhere, Ocean uses the setting to parallel a younger version of himself. Of course, the project would be overshadowed by the grandiosity and streaming success of Blonde. We also had the more public Beyonce’s Lemonade, a cinematically vivid masterpiece that vulnerably shattered her hard exterior. While the visual format has succeeded in music, it remains a rarity. Now, we have Keke Palmer’s Big Boss.

The latest to embark on a visual-music counterpart project, the Illinois-born and raised artist is looking to spotlight the music industry’s shortcomings. Of course, her career far transcends the musical space. From her electric performance on Jordan Peele’s Nope to becoming the Glamour cover star, Palmer has reached a unique level of stardom as she approaches her 30s. It’s a career that has been in the works since Palmer was an infant, with her parents briefly working in the acting space before settling into more stable careers. She even auditioned for a stage production for The Lion King at age 9.

Big Boss Chronicles Keke Palmer’s Personal Growth

After a multi-decade-long career in the acting space, Palmer is making her directorial debut with Big Boss. The project focuses on her navigation of a male-dominated industry, as well as a transition into a new phase of her life. She told HuffPost, “I didn’t budge on any aspect of putting this together. I really was fully sound and clear in my mind and what I wanted for this, and I followed through in a way that I never did before. I think it’s easy to just get sidetracked and just give up. And this time, I didn’t do that.” The project potentially signifies a more focused space into the sonic space for Palmer, whose musical ventures have primarily been side gigs as she’s put most of her energy into a burgeoning acting career. After releasing So Uncool in 2007, she wouldn’t release another album for over a decade.

However, Palmer’s talent in the music space has always been apparent. Her high-pitched vocal falsettos fill up any room she’s in, commanding a unique presence amongst the field of female artists. At five years, she was the hot topic of shows in her local church choir. Expanding on the narrative meaning of Big Boss, she stated, “A lot of that stuff happened when I was like 19, 20, 21, 22. This is a collection of experiences that happened over the course of that time period of my life.” As she puts it on the booming production of “Standards,” “This time, when I put me first, I will not regret it.” Facing uncomfortable narratives in the entertainment industry throughout her teenage years, she’s breaking free of that toxic treatment with Big Boss, which sonically mirrors groovy summer R&B tracks.

She Attacks The Controlling Music Industry

As for the visual counterpart of Big Boss, Keke Palmer chronicles her life through various interactions. Whether it’s with people in the music industry or an intimate conversation with her mother, the focus is on growth. Regarding the music label industry, she muses, “With the music, it seems even worse. They try to snatch your f***ing soul out.” This sets the stage for the 40-minute experience, which sees Palmer overcome being surrounded by masculine toxicity. There’s a suffocating pressure to fit into the people around her, which has Palmer escaping into solitude to catch her breath. A heart-to-heart with her mother would see Palmer break free from the expectations of those around her by the film’s end.

Big Boss solidifies Keke Palmer as more than a talented actor or musician. The visual album proves that as she approaches three decades into her decorated life, she’s looking to move into an influential activist role by opening up conversations surrounding the treatment of artists by music record labels. Along with Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 1 and Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 2, Big Boss is Palmer’s third project in as many years. That consistency hints at an upcoming decade that could see her more focused on album-making rather than moviemaking. However, this trend remains to be seen. If Palmer has proven anything, it’s that she can do it all. Big Boss will also give Keke Palmer more opportunities to work on the production or directing side of film in the future. It’s certainly been a huge 2023 for Keke Palmer. Outside of Big Boss, she also recently celebrated her first Mother’s Day.

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The Weeknd’s “The Idol” Reviews Are Not Favorable

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One of the most anticipated shows of the year is HBO’s The Idol created by The Weeknd and Sam Levinson. Although information regarding the show has been rather limited until its Cannes Film Festival premiere, there were already concerns surrounding the limited series. A report from Rolling Stone detailed some of the behind-the-scenes drama with interviews from 13 members of the crew. HBO and The Idol creators faced accusations of fostering a toxic work environment while the show’s content was compared to “torture porn.”

Unfortunately, the debut of The Idol didn’t necessarily push back against these claims but instead, according to critics, reinforced them. Kyle Buchanan of The New York Times compared the show to “a Pornhub-homepage odyssey,” largely due to the number of nude scenes involving Lily Rose Depp. Meanwhile, Gregory Ellwood of ThePlaylist.net called the first episode “eh,” although admitted there were some funny scenes as well as cool stylistic choices. However, he described the second episode as “sexist, pseudo-porn.”

“The Idol” Reportedly Doesn’t Live Up To The Hype

CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 23: Sam Levinson, Lily-Rose Depp and Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye attend “The Idol” photocall at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 23, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

With The Weeknd’s name attached, The Idol became one of those shows that people believed could be great. However, following the Rolling Stone piece, there have been a number of people skeptical on what he has in store. During the red carpet, Sam Levinson and Lily Rose Depp provided a direct response to the allegations. “I just wanna say that it’s always sad and disheartening to hear mean, false things about someone you care about, and it wasn’t my experience shooting the show,” Depp said, per Rolling Stone. 

At the same time, Levinson acknowledged that show was intended to be provocative. Still, he was caught off-guard by some of the claims. “When I read the specifics, however, it just felt completely foreign to me. But I know who I am. There’s the work, and there’s the managing of the persona. And that is not interesting to me, because it takes away from the work,” he stated. “They’re free to write whatever they want. My only gripe is that they intentionally omitted anything that didn’t fit their narrative. But there’s been a lot of that lately.” 

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NBA YoungBoy “Richest Opp” Album Review

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NBA YoungBoy continues to solidify himself as the most consistent MC in hip-hop with his third project of 2023, Richest Opp. It’s his second project within the past month. He’s now up to an astounding 69 songs this calendar year. The Louisiana native has been on a tear, partly attributed to YoungBoy being under house arrest. Existing in his own peaceful and lavish world in the mountains of Utah, he’s taken the extended time to hone his craft as a rapper.

He’s becoming just as well-known for his insane consistency as his skill on the mic. At 23 years old, he’s put out far more music than seasoned veteran MCs have throughout an entire hip-hop career. However, YNBA’s output directly reflects the internet culture that runs the rap world. New tracks are constantly being teased over Instagram live streams. As hip-hop grows, fans’ attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter by the year. The stark reality for many artists is that constant output is the way to relevancy.

“Richest Opp” Is NBA YoungBoy’s Third Project This Year

If anyone can get away with this constant output without over-saturating their brand, it’s NBA YoungBoy. His aggressive and flamboyant punchlines combined with the high-pitched melodies give him one of the most distinguishable voices in hip-hop. He can dart from rapid flows to melodic vocal harmonies on a dime. As a result, lackluster beats can be compromised with his commanding presence over a track.

In fact, he isn’t completely sacrificing quality for quantity on Richest Opp. The overarching tone coming from YoungBoy is anger. Cast out by the industry, he’s faced plenty of criticism surrounding his numerous children, criminal background, and controversial headlines. Feeling as if all knives are pointed at him, Richest Opp sees him laser-focused on his pen game. It’s to a point where the record’s lyrical content becomes disturbing. YoungBoy’s imagery surrounding violence sometimes comes off as realistic rather than symbolic. However, this is coming from someone who’s genuinely lived that life. NBA YoungBoy grew up in the impoverished streets of New Orleans, getting a first-row seat to violence and drug use.

NBA YoungBoy Calls Out The Music Industry

Take “F**k The Industry Pt.2,” where he calls out artists such as Drake, Jay Prince, Lil Durk, and Lil Yachty. Referencing Drake and Durk, he states, “Talked to Drake ‘cross FaceTime, he wasn’t feelin’ me / Told me that he f*ck with Durk, damn, that sh*t gettin’ to me / Told me that he like the sh*t I’m doin’, but can’t do sh*t with me.” Accusing past collaborators of doing whatever they can to prevent him from being successful, this “me against the world” mentality remains prevalent throughout the entire record. Sirens race through the background while menacing piano chords work their way into the mix of much of Richest Opp. Other standouts such as “Free Meechy,” “Slider,” and “Hurt My Heart” follow this dark theme. There are a slew of genuinely great choruses from YoungBoy throughout the record.

Richest Opp begins to falter when it strays away from the core emotion of the record. The more understated, toned-down tracks such as “Just Flow” and “I Got That S**t” leave room for the wallpaper production to become increasingly obvious. As a whole, Richest Opp leaves the listener wishing that NBA YoungBoy was in a room of producers looking to take more sonic risks. The more YoungBoy’s ominous voice takes over the record, the better. For the record’s redundant flaws, fans will likely leave with a handful of personal favorites to keep them satisfied until the next project inevitably rolls around.

“Richest Opp” Has Sparked Internet Beef

While Richest Opp is likely the best we’ve heard from NBA YoungBoy in 2023, it leaves the audience wondering, what’s next? The headline-making MC can only rap over same-y beats for so long before the hip-hop world moves on to the next prevailing trend. However, the world hasn’t moved on yet. Selling a project of 58k units in week one, Richest Opp is set to debut in the Top 5. In fact, the project sets him up for a historic milestone. With the new project, he joins Future and Drake on the list of the highest-selling rappers ever.

For those who’ve ditched his wild world over the past year, it’s worth returning to with Richest Opp. It’s his most emotionally charged project in a long while. It’s already generated an argument between him and Soulja Boy over social media. Soulja Boy accused NBA YoungBoy of releasing the album on the same day to ride off of his hype. NBA YoungBoy responded with hostility, sparking a beef over social media. However, the beef was nothing more than fun competition between the two vibrant MCs. On the Bootleg Kev Podcast, Soulja Boy confirmed that he’d be open to collaborating with NBA YoungBoy. Still, it looks as if his tension with Lil Durk rages on.

“Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3” Movie Review: Marvel’s Still Got It

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Guardians of the Galaxy 3 hit theaters last weekend. The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe offering was also the final entry for the beloved team that’s been a part of fans’ hearts since 2014. It also marked the final time James Gunn will work with Marvel since he’s been hired to fill the Kevin Fiege role at DC Studios. What a way for them all to go out [SPOILERS AHEAD]. James Gunn & Co. have delivered a perfect swan song for their beloved team.

James Gunn Gives Rocket The Story He Deserves

This is, at its core, a story about Rocket Raccoon. The feisty character, voiced by the stellar Bradley Cooper, has been a key part of what was always considered Peter Quill’s story. With the third installment, Gunn shifted the focus while also showcasing that the story was always about all of them. [Light spoilers] When talking with a friend, Rocket is told that it’s always been his story. That may very well be true, but the film devotes a lot of time to giving every character what they need.

Rocket, naturally, gets a lot of attention. His painstaking backstory is put on screen for all to see, with the most gruesome parts being left to our imaginations. Even though the present-day version is out of commission for about 40 percent of the film, he’s still the most prominent character. His arc and character growth from the first film to now is on full display and it’s excellent work from all involved.

Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Gives Every Player Focus

By this time, the Guardians crew has grown. It now includes Groot, Rocket, Star-Lord, Gamora, Nebula, Drax, Mantis, Kraglin, Cosmo, and several other key characters. Each of them gets enough screen time to satisfy and good depth. The story is Rocket’s, but one could argue that it’s just as much about each of the rest of them.

Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, embarks on his final journey. He finally accepts what has happened to him and decides to stop running from his past. Over the last decade, Quill has been a key member of the MCU without ever really returning to his traumatic home. It wraps up his story nicely.

Gamora is not even the same Gamora. That version died, and this version is from 2014, when she hadn’t undergone any character growth. That’s challenging work for a thespian, but Zoe Saldana handles it perfectly. She has to experience a new arc and come to a new place for the character, and the film handles that well, too.

Drax, who is often considered the big dumb idiot of the group, finally sees his own value. He’s finally shown to have value after largely being the comic relief for the first two films. Nebula also ascends to leader status, something that suits her perfectly. Kraglin, still reeling from losing his friend Yondu, can’t master his new weapon. He suffers from anxiety over everything. He, too, has an impressive, if muted, character arc. Every character shines in their own way.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Shines In Every Way

From the editing to the cinematography and from the acting to the costumes, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is one of the best entries in the MCU. The acting, in particular, stands out. The voice acting for Rocket and Young Rocket, a.k.a. 89P13, is excellent. Chris Pratt isn’t exactly known for his range, but he puts on a dynamic performance ad Star-Lord—by far his best Marvel outing. As mentioned, Saldana excels in her role, too.

Perhaps the film’s best and most welcome performance is by newcomer Chukwudi Iwuji. The actor collaborated with Gunn on his DC television show Peacemaker, which debuts in Marvel here. He plays the villainous High Evolutionary, and he does it extremely well. Good films need menacing villains, and that’s exactly what Iwuji brings to the table. He also brings a complex nature to the role so that his villain is at least somewhat morally complicated. Like Thanos before him, his crimes are in pursuit of what he perceives as a better world in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

Newcomers Shine In The Latest MCU Film

The performance was not without challenges. Iwuji had to be unnaturally cruel to animals, which is hard for most people. “But I have to say, the first time I saw — I was doing an ADR or something, and I saw a scene with Rocket’s eyes, I literally saw my dog’s eyes…I saw his face, and I was like, ‘I am going to hell,’ when I saw that,” he said in an interview. “It really helped that when I was dealing with the animals, I wasn’t really dealing with any animals, because it would have been much harder that way. My agent couldn’t talk to me properly for like two days after a screening. She went home and hugged her dog, and was like, ‘I don’t know how I can talk to you.’” It translated to one of the best villain performances in the MCU.

While it’s always hard for MCU actors to get Oscar recognition (save for Angela Bassett last year), look for Iwuji to have at least some steam for a Best Supporting Actor nomination from Guardians of the Galaxy 3. The year is very young, and it could be a stacked field. Still, there will be plenty calling for recognition for his impressive performance. Eventually, the MCU will break through that ceiling.

Not to be overlooked, Will Poulter added a fresh face to the cast. Adam Warlock, who was teased at the end of Volume 2, showed up in a big way in Guardians of the Galaxy 3. One of Marvel’s most powerful characters made his on-screen debut, and Poulter ate it up. Playing a prematurely born Greek god is no easy feat, and the actor easily stepped into the role. His journey in the MCU will be one to look out for.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Is Top Tier MCU Output

PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 22: (L-R) Karen Gillan, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, James Gunn, Pom Klementieff and Vin Diesel attend the “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” European gala event at the Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/Getty Images)

The reports of the death of the MCU may have been greatly exaggerated. Phase 4 was met with a lot of disappointment, and Phase 5 was off to an inauspicious start with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. While Phase 4 was not as poor as many said, it was a step down from Phase 3. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is a step back up.

Many believe it to be the best MCU movie to date, and that’s not exactly a hot take. On Letterboxd, the popular movie review app, it has a 4.2 combined score. That’s the highest of any film—topping Avengers: Infinity War and Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s 4.0. On Rotten Tomatoes, it is certified fresh, and it has an 8.4 on IMDb. That’s tied for the best with Avengers Endgame and the aforementioned prequel to that one.

Many critics are calling it the best film since Endgame. That is to imply that it’s been all downhill from there, but it’s not the case. Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were all excellent. Fans generally liked all of the television shows, too. Regardless, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is not just a top film for a given time. It’s a top output in the entire franchise.

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Tupac & Afeni Shakur “Dear Mama” Doc: Episode 1 Review

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Tupac & Afeni Shakur’s Dear Mama documentary recently premiered, and it has fans buzzing. It has been nearly 27 years since the unsolved murder of Tupac Shakur, and the mythology has continued since. This Allen Hughes docuseries sheds light on the history and background of the infamous West Coast legend. Hughes is best known for his scripted films, such as Menace II Society and Dead Presidents, which offered insightful depictions of Black men. His introduction into documentary filmmaking with his twin brother Albert, American Pimp, did not live up to expectations.

However, since pursuing solo projects, Allen has found his stride with The Defiant Ones, a Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated docuseries chronicling the successful partnership between Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Allen Hughes’s impressive documentary work has solidified his status as one of his generation’s most innovative and skilled filmmakers.

Hughes & Dear Mama

Hughes returns with his latest project, Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur, a five-hour docuseries that examines the role of Black activism in Shakur’s life and its blend into his music. In this ambitious series, Hughes parallels the lives of Tupac and his mother, Afeni, an outspoken leader in the Black Panther Party. Hughes delivers a complete account of the rapper by interweaving his story with his mother’s. Dear Mama offers real insights into the impact of the Shakur family across movements and generations. The series constructs an experience that offers an intimate and nuanced portrayal of their relationship. With Dear Mama, Hughes again proves his gifted and imaginative approach to documentary filmmaking.

Episode 1: “Panther Power”

At 17 years old, Tupac faced many challenges, including poverty and familial struggles. He pursued his dream of using poetry and music to spread his mother’s message of social activism. At the same time, Afeni, a well-known Black Panther activist, was haunted by her past. She worried about how it might impact Tupac’s promising future. Despite his difficulties, Tupac remained committed to his goals and continued using his art to advocate for vital issues.

The first episode of Dear Mama, “Panther Power,” starts with the impactful story behind one of Tupac’s most beloved songs. The rapper’s activism and revolutionary spirit, inspired by his mother’s involvement with the Panthers, drove him to intervene during a violent incident. He witnessed two white men harassing a Black motorist in Atlanta in 1993 on Halloween night.

Despite the victim attempting to calm the situation, one of the men hit the motorist and pointed a gun. Tupac witnessed the event, grabbed his weapon, and shot both assailants. It was later learned that the attackers were off-duty police officers. As law enforcement surrounded the hotel where Tupac and his friends stayed, he attempted to comfort the tense room by playing a song he had just recorded: “Dear Mama.” The song showcases Tupac’s musical talent and deep love and appreciation for his mother. Although the show portrays the shooting incident as legendary, it also exposes Tupac’s troubled past and struggles as a young Black man.

Lawsuit Against Oakland Police

The first episode concludes just as powerfully as it began with the jaywalking arrest of Tupac. Following his arrest and beating for jaywalking, Shakur filed a well-known lawsuit against the Oakland Police. He sought $10 million in damages. The film emphasizes the poignant and heartwarming realization that even though he was enraged by the incident, he longed for his mother’s counsel.

Unfortunately, she was undergoing treatment in rehab at the time. Regarding sensitive subjects like violence, it can be tricky to strike the right tone. That’s undoubtedly a challenge Hughes faces when analyzing the tumultuous life of Tupac. While glorifying some of the more violent moments in his past may not sit well with some viewers, it’s a reminder that Tupac’s life teemed with complexities and contradictions. It’s up to the viewer to grapple with that truth. By taking on this complicated subject matter, Dear Mama forces viewers to confront the darker side of Tupac’s legacy, even as it celebrates his enduring impact on popular culture.

The premiere episode, which debuted on April 21, is now FX’s most-watched unscripted series premiere in the network’s history. The Dear Mama Hulu release date also performed exceptionally well.

Sweet Lady, Don’t You Know We Love You?

Afeni’s story is captivating, from her leadership in the Black Panther Party to her imprisonment while pregnant with Tupac. She also battled addiction and financial struggles that contributed to her family’s constant displacement. What sets Dear Mama apart is its unconventional, non-linear narrative approach that weaves events from Afeni’s and Tupac’s lives. Through interviews with former Black Panther colleagues and family members, the film offers valuable insights into how Afeni’s influence helped shape her son’s myth-building approach to storytelling.

Despite her flaws, Afeni was a fierce advocate for justice and equality. She played a significant role in the movements of the late 20th century. The story of Afeni Shakur is one of courage and resilience. Her influence on her son Tupac’s life is undeniable.

Personal & Poignant

The documentary takes a profoundly personal approach. It features a diverse cast of individuals who share their stories about the mother and son. From Tupac’s peers and cousins to his former collaborators at Death Row Records, the film provides a multifaceted perspective on the complex and enigmatic figures. Ultimately, the purpose behind Hughes’s documentary is the argument about Tupac’s constant drive. Additionally, it sheds light on Pac’s desire to protect people who are wronged, no matter the personal cost. The next Dear Mama Hulu release date for new episodes is April 28th.

Tupac’s aunt and Afeni’s sister, Glo, summarizes this mission by stating in the documentary, “Where did Tupac get the myth-building from? Afeni. And ‘Feni wanted the story told. Correctly. That means blemishes and all, so people can understand that whole thing of what makes a human being.”

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