SZA And Lizzo Headline The Sprawling Made In America 2023 Lineup With Miguel, Tems, Ice Spice, And More

Made In America Festival is returning in 2023 with a sprawling lineup headlined by Lizzo and SZA and featuring a who’s-who of music’s hottest names. Included on the bill are Miguel, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, Lil Yachty, Doechii, Lola Brooke, Coco Jones, and more. Of special interest is the sheer number of women performing, as well as a joint set by Harlem stars turned podcast heroes Cam’Ron and Mase.

The festival is billed for September 2-3 at Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with tickets already on sale. You can get more info here.

Made In America 2023 will also feature what is apparently the first festival performance for LSU basketball star Flau’Jae Johnson, who has garnered plenty of attention as a rapper in the wake of her team’s national championship. Meanwhile, breakout stars like Doechii, Lola Brooke, and TiaCorine are also getting a huge opportunity after racking up viral hits in the past year.

Made In America Festival 2022 was headlined by Bad Bunny and Tyler The Creator. They were joined by a rap-heavy lineup featuring Don Toliver, Key Glock, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, and Pusha T, although Afrobeats star Burna Boy and pop singer Tate McRae offered some variety along with R&B singers Jazmine Sullivan, Snoh Aalegra, and Victoria Monét.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tems & Drake Collab “Only Me” Leaks

Without releasing an album, Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has undoubtedly proven that she’s a hitmaking machine. WizKid’s “Essence” opened the floodgates for her reign, eventually leading to a remix with Justin Bieber. However, her appearance on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy and the sample of her voice on Future’s hit record, “Wait For U” has led to an incredible amount of anticipation for what she has in store moving forward. At this point, she’s shaping up to be a superstar in her own right.

Unfortunately, fans have been waiting eagerly for her debut studio album, which has yet to see the light of day. However, a record from the project recently emerged online featuring an appearance from Drake. Over the weekend, a record titled “Only Me” surfaced online. The record was reportedly slated to appear on her debut album, which was initially due out in 2022. Hopefully, the leak doesn’t ruin any chances of the record seeing an official release in the near future.

Drake & Tems Collab Surface

Tems performs live.
(Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)

There’s still no word on when fans could expect Tems’ forthcoming album to drop. The Nigerian star continues to ride off of the strength of her EPs,  For Broken Ears and If I Was An Orange. The former included the record “Higher,” which Future and Drake later sampled on “Wait For U.” Ultimately, this helped Tems secure the first Grammy of her career for Best Melodic Rap Performance. With the summer right around the corner, we hope that she has plans to release a new project soon, whether it’s her debut album or another EP. 

It’s unclear what’s happening at Drake’s studio but there have been a number of records that have emerged online in recent weeks. Collaborations alongside Lil Wayne (“Startrax”) and PartyNextDoor (“Bricks”) circulated recently, as well as a song called “Against The Wind,” which Drake seemingly repurposed for “The Remorse.” Additionally, his reference track for Beyoncé’s “Heated” also leaked. Overall, fans have been treated to an influx of music from the Boy this year. Besides the leaks, he debuted “Search & Rescue” and the Lil Uzi Vert-assisted, “At The Gates.” We can’t share Tems’ “Only Me” ft. Drake but it shouldn’t be hard to find online. 

Kehlani, Tems, Flau’jae & More: 8 Female Celebrity Lookalikes Taking Twitter By Storm

Kehlani Tems Tink

Social media is abuzz with photos of everyday people who bear an uncanny resemblance to some of the hottest female celebrities in the game. From R&B singer Kehlani to rapper Flau’jae, music duo Taylor Girlz to Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, these ladies have captured the attention of Twitter users everywhere with their striking similarities to some […]

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A$AP Rocky Reacts To Tems Oscars Dress During Rihanna Date

A$AP Rocky is the latest person to react to Tems’ viral dress that she wore to the Oscars. Though it marked a massive night for the singer, who was nominated in the Best Original Song category for “Lift Me Up,” which she co-wrote with Rihanna. Not many artists who’ve managed to break into the mainstream have earned a nod from the Oscars, so it came as no surprise that she went all out for the evening in an impressive dress that, unfortunately, appeared to obstruct the view of other attendees.

Though A$AP Rocky attended in support of Rihanna, he didn’t end up sitting behind Tems, fortunately. However, he did catch a glimpse of her dress, which he found quite funny. Paps pulled up on the Harlem-born rapper while out with his girl when they asked him about Tems’ dress. “Hey, people were pissed that Tems dress was blocking people’s views at the Oscars,” the pap asked Rihanna. Though she looked mildly unenthusiastic about responding, A$AP Rocky let out a hardy chuckle as he entered the vehicle. Clearly, he wasn’t upset about Tems’ choice as much as others were.

A$AP Rocky Amused By Tems Oscars Arrival

Though A$AP Rocky found the outfit amusing, Tems explained that she wanted to make a statement. She told Harpers Bazaar that she wouldn’t have donned such an attention-drawing dress a few years ago. However, it’s her first Oscars, so she wanted to make sure that she stepped out properly. “I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says, ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’” She explained.

Tems came through with the outfit of the evening but that doesn’t mean A$AP Rocky didn’t show out, either. The self-proclaimed “Fashion Killa” donned a cream tuxedo blazer and black pants as Rihanna switched outfits throughout the night. At one point, Rihanna rocked a faux fur wrap with a green skirt before switching it up for the star-studded Vanity Fair party where she rocked a shiny two-piece outfit with a pink jacket. No word on Tems’ thoughts on Rihanna or A$AP Rocky’s outfit but there’s no doubt that she had everyone talking about her on Sunday night. 

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Tems Explains Viral Oscars Dress After Facing Backlash On Twitter

This past weekend, the Oscars was undoubtedly the biggest event taking place for Hollywood’s elite. Countless stars and starlets were at the Dolby Theatre to watch Brendan Fraser bring home the award for Best Actor, and Angela Bassett once again get snubbed from winning a coveted prize from the Academy. Besides the annual list of winners and losers, the internet has also been discussing the various red carpet looks that were worn. Specifically, Tems’ extravagant gown has brought in considerable backlash online.

The Nigerian singer-songwriter’s all-white look was undeniably stunning, though the stiff fabric wrapped around her head proved to be problematic for others. After killing it on her first Oscars red carpet, Tems headed inside the venue, where her OOTN unfortunately blocked the view of those sitting behind her. In some clips circulating on socials, some attendees struggle to take in the show from behind the Best Original Song nominee.

Tems’ Oscars Look Sparks Twitter Debate

In the time since, Twitter has sparked a debate surrounding the topic, with some arguing that the 27-year-old is only facing so much backlash because she’s a successful Black woman. On the other hand, many users think that Tems’ dress of choice was “inconsiderate” of those around her, and making that known isn’t an act of hate. “People point that out is not racism, as long as they aren’t using derogatory language. Humans need to be more honest,” someone vented on Monday (March 13).

That same day, Harper’s Bazaar shared an interview with the “Free Mind” songstress, in which she explains her bold outfit’s inspiration. “Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she told the outlet. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’”

“Lift Me Up” Co-Writer Explains Her OOTN

Tems attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/WireImage )

Her stylist, Dunsin Wright, told the magazine that his vision came together after hearing Tems say that she’s “entering a new era” at the start of 2023. “That played on my mind as I considered the perfect outfit for the Oscars. We wanted something that felt quite delicate but powerful, something that made her feel ethereal,” he shared. “It was a bold option, but I was confident that if anyone could wear it the way it needed to be worn, it was Tems.”

“She is so graceful and confident, and she makes every piece her own,” Wright praised his client. On her Twitter page, the recording artist seemingly addressed those throwing shade her way online, writing “Oops,” alongside some stunning portraits of her in the Lever Couture look. Let us know what you thought of Tems’ Oscars outfit in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

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Tems Offered A Simple Response To Criticisms Of Her Controversial 2023 Oscars Dress

Tems‘ Oscars dress was one of the most talked-about outfits this past weekend. During the Academy Awards, the Nigerian singer-songwriter, who was nominated for Best Original Song for her work on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, wore a white dress with a large puffy portion that wrapped around her head.

In pictures from the ceremony, some of the people seated behind Tems are seen struggling to see the stage, as Tems’ headpiece appears to obstruct the view. It appears Tems has caught wind of the comments.

Yesterday (March 13), she took to Instagram sharing pictures from the night, cheekily captioned, “Uh Ohh!”

She took to Twitter to double down on the fact that she is unbothered, sharing another set of photos captioned “Oops” with a blushing emoji.

Over the course of the night, the dress spurred mixed reactions from viewers.

“If I was I sitting behind Tems, I would be the most annoying asshole. Because WHY would you wear that and block people’s view???,” said one Twitter user.

Another Twitter user called the outfit “Very rude,” adding that “it shows her lack of self-worth.”

While some were not particularly thrilled about the outfit, several of Tems’ fans chimed in to defend the dress.

One fan said “Imagine waiting your whole life to be at the Oscars and having the Honor of Tems presence.”

Another fan suggested that the criticisms of her outfit may be rooted in racism, due to a lack of backlash for outfits worn by similar stars in the past.

“The backlash Tems is receiving from white people and Africans is just borne [sic] out of racial prejudice. Nothing more,” said another fan. “Where was that ‘rude’ talk when Gaga wore an outfit that blocked those behind her? It’s our sister now, and they are yapping, just to cancel her.”

Tems “Steals” Show With Oversized Dress +  Criticized By Fans Following The Oscars

Tems

Nigerian songstress Tems is in the crosshairs of fans on Twitter after her all-white 95th Academy Awards ensemble blocked the view of anyone sitting behind her during the ceremony. Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on her dress. Singer/songwriter Tems attended the 95th Academy Awards also known as The Oscars for the first time […]

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Oscar Nominee Tems’ Absurdly Expansive, View-Blocking Dress Inspired Jokes And Fury In Equal Measure

Tems attended the Oscars with a nomination in the Best Original Song category for co-writing “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther. The song, performed by Rihanna during the broadcast, lost to “Naatu Naatu” (by Kala Bhairava, M. M. Keeravani, and Rahul Sipligunj) from RRR. Yet Tems — as with fellow nominee Lady Gaga (who performed “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick) — also made headlines for what materialized on the red carpet.

Actually, Tems’ red carpet look overflowed into the semi-stratosphere of the Dolby Theatre. The “Essence” collaborator (who nabbed a spot on our the Most Anticipated R&B Albums Of 2023 list) attended the awards ceremony in a Lever Spring/Summer Couture dress. The gown burst out of all structural confines on the red carpet, and that includes the dramatic headpiece, which remained in place when she took her seat.

As a result, several people who were seated behind and surrounding Tems ended up not being able to see the show. The “stratus cloud” effect was real:

Yep, Tems ended up blocking views from people who either tweeted about this absurdity or were photographed as such.

Was this a “rude” move as noted on Twitter?

Or was this a case of purposefully “taking up space” to express confidence with being seen and heard as a Black woman?

Both statements can be true and valid, as a few Tweeters noted.

Still, the debate raged between people who found Tems’ strategy to be less than polite at a seated event (the headdress could have been adjustable, at least?)…

… and those who offered plentiful support for the aforementioned “taking up space” concept.

The rest of our Oscars 2023 coverage can be viewed here.