Ramy Youssef called for a free Palestine and the release of hostages during a politically charged monologue for his episode of Saturday Night Live, this weekend. In doing so, he recalled a conversation he had with his friend, Ahmed, who asked him to pray for his family in Gaza.
“I’m like, ‘Dude, I got you,’” Youssef said. “So that night, I go to pray, and my prayers are complicated. I’ve got a lot to fit in. I’m like, ‘God, please, please help Ahmed’s family. Please stop the suffering. Stop the violence. Please free the people of Palestine, please. And please free the hostages, all the hostages, please. And while you’re at it, you know, free Mr. Bojangles. He’s a beautiful dog. I’m praying for that dog.” He also discussed the upcoming election and admitted he “doesn’t like either option.” In turn, he hopes the next president will be a woman. “I really think our next president should be a woman,” Youssef said. “You know what I mean? Like, that would be amazing. I think our next president should be a trans woman.”
Ramy Youssef at the 96th Annual Oscars held at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty Images)
Youssef previously voiced his support for a permanent ceasefire while speaking with Variety at the Oscars red carpet, earlier this year. “We’re calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We’re calling for peace and justice – lasting justice – for the people of Palestine,” he said at the time. “And I think it’s a universal message of just: Let’s stop killing kids. Let’s not be part of more war.” Check out Youssef’s full SNL monologue below.
Ramy Youssef Brings Up Palestine During “SNL” Monologue
Youssef is one of many celebrities who have called for a free Palestine in recent months. Kid Cudi, Macklemore, and several more voices in hip-hop have done so as well. Be on the lookout for further updates on Ramy Youssef and Saturday Night Live on HotNewHipHop.
There was doubt as to whether Travis Scott could make a comeback from his disastrous Astroworld Festival in 2021 or not, but landing a gig as the musical performer on Saturday Night Live is a strong indication that he’s recovering well. Yesterday (March 30), the father of two boldly made his presence felt in New York City, where he brought two popular songs from his latest LP, UTOPIA, to the stage. For his solo appearance, Scott gave us a mellow rendition of “MY EYES,” complete with trippy visuals.
Later, to celebrate the debut of his new music video, La Flame brought out Playboi Carti to perform “FE!N,” which has become a crowd favourite at his live shows. The crowd was pleased to see the “Magnolia” artist in his element alongside Scott, not to mention watching the Houston native let his creativity flow freely after restraining it and laying low for so long. Interestingly, the “SICKO MODE” hitmaker is now requesting that he be removed from any outstanding Astroworld Festival lawsuits, as he wasn’t overseeing the security of the event.
Besides performing, it’s also tradition for SNL musical guests to get in on the acting fun too. Scott happily partook, appearing in a music video skit with host Ramy Youssef that sees them channelling their inner Lonely Island, as Entertainment Weekly points out. Their spoof track, “Please Don’t Destroy – We Got Too High” sees the actors pouring their anxious feelings into the song, even using some of Trav’s signature voice-altering techniques.
Besides hip-hop stars like 21 Savage and Travis Scott, who else are you hoping to see on Saturday Night Live in 2022? On the next episode (April 6), it’ll be Raye showing off her vocal prowess while Kristen Wiig takes on hosting responsibilities. Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
In his second performance of the night, Travis Scott took to the Saturday Night Live stage, maintaining his rebellious energy for “Fein” from Utopia.
During “Fein,” Scott turned up the energy after a fairly laid-back performance of “My Eyes,” delivering stunning, trippy visual effects. Obscured by smoke, Scott created an ominous feel. Playboi Carti, who features on the song, made a surprise appearance, matching Scott’s theatrical energy as the two shook the room up.
As Scott is known for his expansive sets, he is seeking to improve his artistry and the visual components of his shows and videos.
In an interview with GQ, Scott revealed he wants to get into Harvard to study architecture.
“I’ve always been into structural design and structural engineering and, you know, trying to just build all different type of things, right?” he said. “When you start seeing how odd things can be shaped and then see how they can structurally work, it’s interesting. And I’m always trying to be like an ultimate problem solver. A lot of things intrigue me. Like, I’m doing rehearsals now and I’m always asking questions about even just structural and staging and how it can be built.”
You can see a clip of the performance of “Fein” above.
Still riding the highs of his fourth studio album, Utopia, Travis Scott paid a visit to Saturday Night Live. While on stage, Scott delivered a chilling performance of “My Eyes.”
During “My Eyes,” Scott set the scene, laying supine on a stage platform, as a space-set background created the feeling of rising into space. As the beat switched, Scott rose up, bouncing to the beat, getting the audience ready for an even bigger performance to come later.
Following a rockstar-level performance of “Fein,” this particular performance of “My Eyes” looked more minimalistic, however, maintained its theatrical feel. And given Scott’s affinity for cinematics, the performance felt like the smaller part of the grand saga that is Utopia.
In an interview with GQ, Scott revealed he originally conceptualized Utopia as a musical. He even consulted playwright Jeremy O. Harris for ideas on how to take it to the stage.
“I was trying to take Broadway—because the thing about Broadway theaters,” said Scott. “They’re kind of small—I was trying to bring the idea of Broadway to bigger venues. Like, either, like, plays in stadiums or plays in arenas, but still make it feel like a Broadway bill.”
With her unparalleled comedic timing and versatility, Kristen Wiig has become an indelible fixture in the comedy landscape of Hollywood. According to The Richest, Wiig’s net worth reached an impressive $16 million in 2024, a testament to her successful career spanning television, film, and writing. Wiig, who first gained widespread recognition on Saturday Night Live (SNL), has seamlessly transitioned to the big screen, delivering memorable performances in various roles that showcase her range beyond comedy. From her breakout role in Bridesmaids, which she also co-wrote, to her forays into drama and voice acting, Wiig’s career choices reflect a deliberate and nuanced approach to her craft, earning her critical acclaim and financial success.
Wiig’s tenure on SNL laid the groundwork for her future successes. It allowed her to create a roster of memorable characters and sketches highlighting her comedic brilliance. However, the film Bridesmaids, a project that she co-wrote and starred in, catapulted her into the Hollywood elite. The movie’s commercial and critical success showcased Wiig’s talents as an actress and writer and broke new ground for women-led comedies in Hollywood, setting a precedent for future projects.
From Sketch Comedy To Screen Star
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: (L to R) Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Penelope Cruz, Christine Taylor, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Justin Theroux attend a Fashionable Screening of the Paramount Pictures film “Zoolander No. 2” at Empire Leicester Square on February 4, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)
Kristen Wiig’s journey from her early days in the improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings to becoming a household name on SNL is a narrative of talent, timing, and perseverance. Her ability to inhabit a wide array of characters, from the awkward to the absurd, quickly made her a fan favorite and a critical component of the show’s success during her tenure. Wiig’s SNL characters, known for their eccentricity and relatability, have become part of the cultural lexicon, showcasing her unique comedic voice.
The transition from television sketch comedy to feature films allowed Wiig to explore different facets of her talent. Her role in Bridesmaids was a pivotal moment in her career, earning her nominations for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and proving her prowess as a leading actress. The film’s blend of humor and heart was a commercial hit, contributing significantly to Wiig’s financial success and industry stature.
Diverse Roles & Creative Ventures
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 21: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and the Minions attend a photo call in. London to celebrate the release of DESPICABLE ME 3 on June 30th at Corinthia Hotel London on. June 21, 2017 also in London, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Universal Pictures UK)
Beyond comedy, Kristen Wiig has shown a remarkable ability to tackle a range of genres. These go from indie dramas to blockbuster action films. Her roles in movies like The Skeleton Twins and Welcome to Me displayed her capacity for dramatic acting. She also garnered praise for her depth and versatility. Additionally, Wiig’s work in voice acting, including roles in animated hits like Despicable Me and How to Train Your Dragon, has further broadened her appeal and contributed to her commercial success.
Further, Wiig’s creative ventures extend to writing and producing. It demonstrates her multifaceted talent and contributes to her net worth. Her involvement in projects from the ground up, including developing scripts and shaping production, underscores her influence in the entertainment industry and her commitment to creating quality content that resonates with audiences.
Influence & Legacy In Comedy
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JULY 09: Actress Kristen Wiig arrives at the premiere of Sony Pictures’ “Ghostbusters.” At TCL Chinese Theatre on July 9, 2016, also in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Kristen Wiig’s impact on comedy and Hollywood stretches beyond her filmography, too. Her success has paved the way for future generations of comedians. This is particularly true with women in comedy, challenging industry norms and expanding the scope of comedic storytelling. Overall, Wiig’s contributions to the genre have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. It has solidified her status as a trailblazer in the field.
Yesterday (March 9), the SNL team took to its Instagram page to announce the talent to unveil the next set of stars slated to grace the small screen. On March 30, “Fein” rapper Travis Scott will make his long-await return to the beloved late-night show, but only in the role of featured musical guest. Scott made his SNL performance debut in October 2018 to promote his acclaimed album Astroworld.
When he appears later this month, fans expect a medley of his latest chart-topping album, Utopia’s biggest hits.
Golden Globe Award-winning actor Ramy Youssef will host the evening. The comedian is sure to bring the show’s much-missed refreshing humor. Outside of flexing his onscreen skills, Youssef’s cameo will serve as a promotional boost to his forthcoming HBO comedy special Ramy Youssef: More Feelings.
Youssef’s special, Ramy Youssef: More Feelings, will debut on the network on March 23. Find more information here.
21 Savage made a much-anticipated appearance on screen tonight (February 24). No, not in the mythical movie that was said to accompany his American Dream album, but as the captivating musical guest on tonight’s Saturday Night Live. In his first performance, 21 delivered a fire set, featuring “Redrum” from American Dream.
The performance opened with a violinist playing an orchestral intro to the song. Ballet dancers move smoothly about the stage, as 21 emerges front and center. 21 maintains a natural stage presence, displaying his star power as he raps. But the visuals brought back an artistic element that has been missing within the mainstream landscape amid the content and streaming era. If this performance is proof of anything, it’s that 21 Savage is what hip-hop needs right now.
In a piece for Interview, 21 shared that he is having fun playing with fashions for his stage looks.
“Being able to perform is something I am always grateful for, I enjoyed showcasing more fashion looks while I’m on tour,” he said. “I kicked off my tour in Paris at Zenith and wore some looks by brands I like to work with Celine and Prada—I am looking forward to keep building my tour looks with some more amazing designers.”
21 Savage will be performing as the musical guest on an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live, featuring Shane Gillis as the host. The iconic show made the announcement on social media, earlier this week. Gillis is notable as the host, considering he was fired from the show back in 2019.
Despite the 21 Savage announcement, most of the social media attention came to Gillis. “I’m disappointed that SNL would hire someone [without] talent to appear on their show,” one user on Instagram wrote. “If you listen to his podcast, or his stand up, you’ll see he has a track record of being funny. I just don’t think that has a place at SNL anymore, times have changed.” Others brought up the show bringing on conservative politician Nikki Haley, last week, and complained about how they made light of her controversial failure to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War back in December.
Los Angeles, CA – February 04: Burna Boy and 21 Savage at the 66th Grammy. Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Gillis was famously hired by Saturday Night Live in 2019, but was let go just days later after a series of videos of him mocking East Asian accents and using various slurs resurfaced online. He attempted to apologize and explain that the clips were taken out of context and that he was doing a bit, but it wasn’t enough as various other controversial jokes continued popping up. “I’m a comedian who pushes boundaries” he said on Twitter at the time. “If you go through my 10 years of comedy, most of it bad, you’re going to find a lot of bad misses. I’m happy to apologize to anyone who’s actually offended by anything I’ve said.”
While it will mark his SNL debut, 21 Savage previously performed on a replica set from the show with Drake to promote their single, “On BS,” during the run-up to Her Loss. Be on the lookout for further updates on 21 Savage and Saturday Night Live on HotNewHipHop.
In her second performance of the night, Jennifer Lopez debuted new music on the Saturday Night Live stage. Ahead of her upcoming album, This Is Me…Now, Lopez premiered the album’s title track.
The song, which serves as the opener on This Is Me…Now, is downtempo ballad, on which, Lopez basks in the joy of her rekindled love with her now-husband, Ben Affleck.
“You met me halfway / Growing pains, broke some chains in every chapter / Now we know what it takes for our ever after / Took some lefts, now we’re right here where we are,” sings Lopez in the song’s opening verse.
Having made a loving reconnection, Lopez realizes that Affleck has helped her love herself even more.
“This is me now / And I took my time / Lot of winters summers baby / And I healed my heart / But I love who I am lately / This is me now,” sings Lopez on the song’s chorus.
While on stage, Lopez was dressed in pink roses, symbolizing a blissful new chapter — a brand new era of love and happiness, with the person she never stopped thinking about.
You can watch the performance of “This Is Me…Now” above.
This Is Me…Now is out 2/16 via BMG. Find more information here.
In the modern day of technology, many of us have learned the hard lesson that past posts and comments can come back to haunt us. Such was the case for Ayo Edebiri on tonight’s episode of Saturday Night Live.
During a sketch, Edebiri, along with SNL cast members Andrew Dismuskes and Chloe Fineman, play contestants competing on a game show called Why Did I Say That?, hosted by Kenan Thompson. During the game show, Thompson retrieved past comments left on people’s posts by the contestants. The comments range from sexually objectifying to threatening death. The rules of the game entailed each contestant explaining why they left such comments on the posts.
After being forced to revisit those comments, Edebiri’s character decided she had enough.
“We get it,” Edebiri said. “It’s wrong to leave mean comments, or post comments just for clout, or run your mouth on a podcast, and you don’t consider the impact because you’re 24 and stupid. But I think I speak for everyone when I say from now on, we’re gonna be a lot more thoughtful about what we post online.”
“She thinks she’s on multiple tracks, but it’s not her,” Edebiri said at the time. “I think she thinks that she’s still good even though she’s not singing for most of these songs.”
Though tonight, it seemed that Lopez and Edebiri were both in good spirits. Perhaps they’ve put their differences aside?
(@scubaryan_) 
