Sports

J. Cole Was A Walking Bucket During A Recent Black Ops Basketball Session

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J Cole
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J. Cole is a dual-threat. The Dreamville founder has expertly balanced his hoop dreams and rap dominance over the years, but Cole was all ball and commanded the floor in one of Chris Brickley’s Black Ops Basketball sessions during New York Fashion Week earlier this month. Brickley, a sought-after basketball trainer, posted Cole’s highlight reel to Instagram.

“J a bucket,” Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield praised in the comments. “In the Kobe’s too!!” added Minnesota Timberwolves big man Eric Paschall. (Cole was crossing dudes up in the Nike Kobe 8 “What The Kobe” sneakers, for reference.)

NBA players aren’t just fans of Cole; they’re peers. The North Carolina-bred icon played professionally for the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League for three games in 2021 before suiting up for the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League for a similarly short stint earlier this year. The 37-year-old left the team in early June to go on tour.

To start September, Cole was revealed as the first-ever rapper to grace the cover of NBA 2K, starring on the cover of NBA 2K23‘s “Dreamer Edition.”

“Three and a half years ago, when he dunked during one of the breaks of the All-Star Weekend Saturday Night, J. Cole, said, ‘Ronnie, I’d love to be in MyCareer and help think about the ideation around that,’” 2K digital marking director Ronnie Singh told Complex in an interview published earlier this month, explaining the origin of Cole’s 2K23 involvement. “I worked with our team on bringing this to life, but it was very fitting to work with him. When we put out that tease [of the 2K23 cover], everybody thought it was going to be another basketball player.”

There’s a strong argument to be made that it was a basketball player.

Rihanna Will Perform At The 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show

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rihanna paris fashion week 2022
Getty Image / Edward Berthelot

Rihanna and the NFL have seemingly confirmed that the Bajan pop star will perform at next year’s Super Bowl halftime show. Earlier today, Rihanna shared a picture of a football on Instagram, which the official NFL account liked.

Shortly after, the NFL shared a tweet with the same picture, tagging Rihanna, Apple Music, and the NFL on Fox Twitter account.

Rihanna was reportedly offered to perform at the Super Bowl in 2020, however, turned down the opportunity due to the NFL’s treatment of Colin Kaepernick.

Fans of Rihanna are also eager for new music, as she’s been teasing her ninth studio album for more than six years. The Super Bowl halftime show seems like the perfect opportunity to share new songs.

This past May, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky welcomed their son. While it may seem she has her hands tied, as a new mom, an artist, and a business woman, Rihanna said in a recent interview with Vogue that she doesn’t feel restricted or hindered in any way.

“I think I even say yes to more now,” she said, “because I know it will be different on the other side of this. At first, I expected some magical change, but really I remain who I am.”

She continued, saying, “none of the dials are turned down.”

Stormzy Drops The Powerful Single ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ Along With A Star-Studded Video

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Stormzy released Heavy Is The Head, his sophomore album, in December 2019. With his first solo single in three years, the UK grime pioneer is putting everyone on notice that he still wears the crown. Produced by Knox Brown and mixed by MixedByAli, “Mel Made Me Do It” arrived Friday (September 23). “I been the GOAT so long, I guess it’s not exciting when I win,” Stormzy spits in the opening line. And the flex only gets stronger from there.

The cinematic KLVDR-directed music video spans nearly 11 minutes and packs in over 30 cameos, including Dave, Ian Wright, Jose Mourinho, Stylo G, and Usain Bolt. 90 seconds in, we’re transported to a fictional talk show aptly titled Mel Made Me Do It hosted by Jonathan Ross and Zeze Mills. Stormzy is their guest alongside British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and journalist Louis Theroux (aka the “My Money Don’t Jiggle Jiggle” guy). Ross asks Stormzy what’s on his mind, which launches him back into his braggadocios bars: “Any time I do a big flex, just ignore me / N****s wanna hear my side of the story / N****s wanna hear a n**** chat like it’s Maury / F*ck that, you n****s better bask in my glory.”

Midway through, Stormzy is flanked by Mourinho. He delivers the line, “I prefer not to speak like I’m Jose.” The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager puts his finger over his mouth famous as audio cuts in of his famous quote, “I prefer not to speak. If I speak, I am in big trouble.”

Despite all the clever references and name-drops, the song’s inspiration is singular and simple. According to press release, “Mel Made Me Do It” is “a direct reference to the influence of his long-time personal stylist, Melissa’s Wardrobe.” Her appearance in the video comes roughly one minute before a soul-stirring monologue about Black excellence written by Wretch 32 is narrated off-camera by Michaela Coel, the Emmy-winning creator and star of I May Destroy You.

Over the summer, Stormzy received an honorary doctorate from the University Of Exeter for “outstanding achievements in the field of higher education philanthropy and widening participation.” If anything, “Mel Made Me Do It” reaffirms that he’s more locked into his greater purpose than ever.

Watch the powerful video above.

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

Trina, Fabolous, And DJ Whoo Kid Appear At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam

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Trina Atlanta 2022
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Professional wrestling and hip-hop have gone hand in hand for decades, producing many memorable moments along the way. AEW (All Elite Wrestling) rolled out the red carpet for two New York City favorites and hip-hop legends at their Dynamite Grand Slam show on September 21. Trina, Fabolous, and DJ Whoo Kid all made individual appearances at AEW’s Arthur Ashe Stadium show at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.

Fabolous walked out with the now former AEW Tag Tag champions Swerve In Our Glory, made up of Keith Lee and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, sporting a New York Knicks jersey during their entrance. Immediately following that, DJ Whoo Kid walked out with their challengers and now current AEW Tag Team champions The Acclaimed, made up of Max Caster and Anthony Bowens. The Acclaimed, known for rapping during their entrances, dropped some bars before defeating Swerve In Our Glory for the tag team championships in a hard-fought battle.

Later in the show during a backstage segment, current TBS Champion Jade Cargill promoted her upcoming AEW Rampage Grand Slam match with Diamante on Friday, September 23, when they’ll compete for the TBS title. At that point, Florida legend Trina appeared onscreen and exchange words with Cargill.

Check out each rapper’s appearance in the videos above.

Atlanta Falcons Fans Are Throwing Penalty Flags At The Team’s Out-Of-Touch ‘Rise Up’ Promo

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In recent years, the NFL has made a concerted effort to connect with a broader (and younger) fanbase, finally taking steps to embrace hip-hop and Black culture after taking plenty of criticism over the past decade. Its most recent Super Bowl Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre and friends won three Emmy awards, while the NFL office says it didn’t mind Eminem kneeling as an acknowledgment of Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality and subsequent blackballing by the league.

However, that doesn’t mean that the NFL, which has traditionally skewed older and much, well, whiter, has completely figured out how to connect to audiences raised on rap. Case in point: The Atlanta Falcons’ “Rise Up” season promo, which the team debuted today on social media. The musical clip inexplicably features actor-singer Rotimi crooning from a throne while wearing a Younghoe Koo jersey. Fans on Twitter were not impressed, calling out the team for not featuring any of the dozens of prominent Black artists who call the ATL home (for instance: Gucci Mane, Future, Latto, Lil Baby, and Migos, just off the top of my head). As Omeretta The Great might say, “That is not Atlanta.”

Artists got in on the act, too. “I’m right here yall,” wrote JID, who just released his new album The Forever Story to both critical acclaim and impressive commercial success. “y y’all put rotimi in the line of fire like dat?” asked 6lack, who, like JID (his bandmate in Spillage Village), is a homegrown ATLien.

Obviously, Rotimi’s background was a sticking point for fans — he’s from New Jersey, and didn’t even go to school in Atlanta, opting for an education from Northwestern — but likely so too was the general presentation. The song features a relatively generic horn-backed beat that sounds about two decades out of date to be the contemporary sound the marketing team clearly wanted.

It’s probably already too late for the Falcons to change things up now, but it’s especially sad that an NFL team hasn’t learned from the rich history around it. In 2018, with the Super Bowl in Atlanta, fans booed the league’s halftime performer pick, Maroon 5, while nearly every peripheral event in the city featured an artist that should have been considered first. Hopefully, the team and the league can avoid too many more stumbles like this in the future — pun 100 percent intended. See more responses below.

Drake Hilariously Roasts Nike, New Balance, And The Lakers While Hosting The Nike Maxim Awards Show

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Drake Nike Maxim Awards Show 2022
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At this point, Drake has proven that he’s a capable and entertaining host, whether it’s during one of his multiple Saturday Night Live guest-hosting stints or that time he hosted the ESPYs in 2014. Yesterday, he took his talents to Nike. He visited the company’s Oregon campus yesterday (September 9) and it turns out part of the reason he was there was to host the Nike Maxim Awards Show.

He made it fun, too, by throwing some playful jabs at Nike while on stage. Commenting on the longevity of the brand, Drake quipped, “Nike is 50. Nike’s so old, it’s wearing New Balance.” After taking a sip of water, he continued, “Nike turning 50 means LeBron’s going to get you to try to play for the Lakers this year. This is the year where you’re going to walk into a restaurant and see Nike having red wine with Jared Dudley and Carmelo Anthony.”

Of course, he also said some more sincere things about the successful company and all it has achieved over the years.

While Drake was there to honor Nike, he has his own reasons to celebrate, like the fact that he’s the most-searched artist in Shazam history.

Check out clips of Drake’s hosting gig above and below.

Drake Visits The Nike Campus For Their Annual Just Do It Day

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Today, Drake paid a visit to the Nike campus for the company’s annual Just Do It Day. In a video shared to social media by Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes, Drizzy is seen shooting hoops in the gym, greeting fans, and rocking some stylish athleticwear.

Drake and Swoopes hug as they face the camera, which is streaming them live on Instagram. Though Drake’s words aren’t entirely audible, he appears to be in good spirits.

Swoopes then brings the camera around, revealing that Basketball legends Carmelo Anthony and Lisa Leslie have also made an appearance at JDI Day.

Before she signs off, Swoopes reveals that Drake will perform later in the day.

It’s no secret that Drake is a big basketball fan. In addition to the several basketball references he makes in his music, he is active in the Sanctuary Basketball League. This past June, his team, comprised of himself, Chubbs, and OVO Mark took home the championship trophy for the third time in a row.

“I did what Kobe did in Game 7 against the Celtics,” Drake said in a post-game interview with Firsty4hiphop. “Shots not falling, play f*cking defense.”

Check out the JDI Day video above.

Tinashe And Halle Bailey Perform At The NFL Season Opener

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Tinashe Lollapalooza 2022
Josh Brasted

Football season is kicking off with a bang. At tonight’s NFL season opener, where the Buffalo Bills are taking on the Los Angeles Rams, Halle Bailey and Tinashe graced the stage to open with powerful musical performances.

Up first was Bailey, who performed a breathtaking rendition of “Lift Every Voice And Sing.”

Shortly after, Tinashe followed, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Both Tinashe and Bailey have been making moves in music for about 10 years, though with their new endeavors, they both feel like they’re just getting started.

“Now that I’m independent and I’ve been in the game for a decade, I’m really big on saying yes to a lot, and not overthinking things,” Tinashe said in a recent interview with W. “I’m just trying to get back to that original mindset of, we make art for fun. This is a privilege to be able to make any type of art. In my 30s, I want to have fun being a creative and a mogul. But I’m far from done with my music era. I feel like that’s still on the come up.”

Next year, Bailey is set to star in a live-action version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, as well as a remake of The Color Purple. She is also in the studio working on music with her sister, Chloe. In an interview with Essence, Bailey revealed that while she’s looking forward to her upcoming feature films, music will always take priority in her heart.

Check out Halle Bailey and Tinashe’s performances above.

Eminem Could Play ‘Any Position’ For The Detroit Lions, He Jokes On The ‘Hard Knocks’ Finale

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Eminem Detroit Lions Hard Knocks
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The 2022 season of Hard Knocks with the Detroit Lions concluded last night. The five episode series showed head coach Dan Campbell’s team trying to find an identity and establish a winning culture after a disastrous 3-13-1 previous season. Campbell’s message to the team throughout the season was about having “Grit,” something that means a lot to the workhorse city of Detroit. And it’s hard to think of someone who embodies that grit, passion, and ability to rise up to the top, quite as much as arguably Detroit’s most famous export, Eminem.

So on the season finale, Eminem visited the Lions’ training camp facility and looked to be having a lot of fun in the process. He joked about throwing a football on the street as far as he can, but realizing that it only goes 10 yards. He told quarterback Jared Goff that he was much taller than he expected him to be.

He also volunteered his services to the team, saying, “Any position, I’m good. Actually, any position, I’m great.” He passed the ice baths and a running back Jamaal Williams told him all he needed was a 90-second dip to soothe achy muscles. To that, Em replied, “F*ck that. That’s 90 seconds too long!” He even treated the team to a lunch of his “Mom’s Spaghetti.”

Eminem had clearly been watching this season of Hard Knocks as he referenced rookie phenom Aidan Hutchinson’s rendition of “Billie Jean” in front of the entire team. But what really stood out was that Em was humble, present, and gracious enough to take photos and shake hands and chat with everyone he met. The mutual respect was most evident when he met the Lions head coach and Campbell (who is a massive human and dwarfed the rapper) gave him a hug and said, “Nobody represents this city more than you do. It’s a pleasure to have you out here.”

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, And Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance Wins Three Emmys

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Last night, the Television Academy announced that this year’s Super Bowl halftime performance, which took place this past February and featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, And Kendrick Lamar, had won three Creative Arts Emmy awards.

On social media, the Academy revealed that the performance won the awards for Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special, and Outstanding Music Direction.

This year’s Super Bowl was an iconic moment for hip-hop, largely for West Coast hip-hop. In a July interview with Apple Music 1, Blige sat down to reflect on the monumental performance.

“I don’t even have the words to explain how full and how huge of an accomplishment that was,” Blige said. “I just felt so strong. And I felt like, first of all, grateful to have been asked, but I definitely felt like I earned that moment,” Blige remarked. “So when it was my turn, I just showed the world who I was. If you’d never seen me or you never met me or you never went to any of my shows, you know exactly who I am after the Super Bowl. I just couldn’t wait to hit the Mary bopping. I just couldn’t wait to just be myself and do what I do in front of that audience. That was the world, that was a big deal. I was so grateful.”

Mary J. Blige is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.