Will Smith Announces Autobiography, “WILL,” & Reveals Cover Art

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Will Smith has revealed the title and cover art for his upcoming autobiography, WILL, which will be published by Penguin Press and released on November 9th. Smith spoke about the process of writing the book in the video announcement on his Instagram, Saturday.

“It’s been a labor of love,” Smith said in his video. “I’ve been working on it for the past two years and it is finally ready.”

The book will follow Smith from his upbringing in Philidelphia, through his time on his breakout show The Fresh Prince of Bel–Air, and even more recent work such as Hitch and Ali.

Will Smith, Autobiography
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On a website for the book, Smith explains that this has been a self-reflective process for him:

It’s easy to maneuver the material world once you have conquered your own mind. I believe that. Once you’ve learned the terrain of your own mind, every experience, every emotion, every circumstance, whether positive or negative, simply propels you forward, to greater growth and greater experience. That is true will. To move forward in spite of anything. And to move forward in a way that brings others with you, rather than leave them behind.

The cover art for WILL was designed by New Orleans artist Brandan “BMike” Odums.

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IDK Partners With Harvard For New Music Business Program Catered To BIPOC Students

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IDK is partnering with Harvard University for a new music business program, catered to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, that will help students understand the ins and outs of the music industry and decide whether they would like to pursue a career in it. The rapper announced that applications for No Label Academy are now open with a new post on Instagram.

“We belong in the places where few of us exist,” he wrote, earlier this week. “I’m making sure the world sees that. Applications for my music business course catered to Black Indigenous People of Color @ Harvard are open. Apply now. It takes 5mins.”

IDK, Harvard
Leon Bennett / Getty Images

The program requires no prior experience with music or as an artist and will come with no additional expenses for admitted students.

“Anyone aspiring to do music as a business must think like and excel as an entrepreneur. There must be a foundation of knowledge and how to apply that knowledge. Learning from experience is one way; learning from ‘the experienced’ is another,” he said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. “I’m happy to support initiatives that help learners understand how to make wise decisions.”

No Label Academy will run from August 21 through August 30. Prior to the start of the program, IDK will have released his upcoming album, USee4Yourself, which is expected to hit streaming platforms on July 9th.

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Lil Yachty Leaks 2017 Track “F*ck Up My Flow”

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Lil Yachty is only a few months removed from his Detroit-inspired album, Michigan Boy Boat which was more or less a collaborative effort alongside the brightest young stars out of Detroit and its surrounding areas. For some, it was Yachty’s most exciting musical venture in recent times, especially since Yachty was genuinely keeping up with his collaborators on that project.

While it might be a while until Yachty’s follow-up, he came through with a surprise for his fans earlier today. Boat went into the vault to unveil “Fuck Up My Flow,” an unreleased track from 2017. The release basks in the bubblegum-trap sound he introduced during the early years, delivering auto-tuned melodies over lullabye-esque inspired production.

Check out the record from Yachty below and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics
Baby, I don’t shop at Macy’s
Let’s have a threesome with Macy 
She had text back like ‘Maybe’
I said, let’s go

IDK Launches A Music Business Program At Harvard For Students Of Color

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Getty Image

Despite a pandemic that forced much of the world to stay indoors, DMV native IDK had a pretty impressive year in 2020. The rapper shared his IDK & Friends 2 which saw contributions from Rico Nasty, ASAP Ferg and Pnb Rock. He also graced the world with a number of singles that showed off his improving skills. With that being said, it looks like 2021 will be just as strong for IDK. With plenty of music on the way, the rapper has also launched a new program aimed at aiding college students of color.

IDK will lead a new music business program in partnership with Harvard. According to the Associated Press, the 10-day No Label Academy program begins on August 21 and lasts through August 31. It aims to give students a preview of the music industry to help them understand the value of having a job in it.

The rapper spoke about the new program in a post to Instagram. “We belong in the places where few of us exist,” he wrote. “I’m making sure the world sees that. Applications for my music business course catered to Black Indigenous People of Color @ Harvard are open. Apply now. It takes 5mins.”

The announcement comes after IDK shared, “Peloton,” the second single off his upcoming album USee4Yourself which arrives on July 9.

You can view the flyer for the No Label Academy program above.

USee4Yourself is out 7/9 via Clue No Clue/Warner Records. Pre-order it here.

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

Rubberband OG Turns Up On “The Summer Dead”

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Alabama rapper Rubberband OG has been delivering heat with each and every release. The rapper has built up a solid buzz in the streets, especially after his run in 2020 that included the releases of Free Dope 2 with Jr.Boss and 2 Sides of Da Bottom with POSA. However, fans have been waiting on a new solo project for a minute. Thankfully, Rubberband OG is back with some trunk-rattling anthems to cruise to in the months to come with his latest album, despite being titled, The Summer Dead. The rapper’s new project arrives with collaborations alongside YFN Lucci, Big Yavo, Hot Girl Jade, and Marley Young. 

Check out the latest project from Montgomery, AL’s own Rubberband OG. Let us know your thoughts on The Summer Dead in the comments below. 

Kim Kardashian Allegedly Thinks Irina Shayk Is A “Great Fit” For Kanye West

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While quite sudden, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s divorce was almost inevitable. Rumors of their impending split began as early as last year following Ye’s bizarre presidential run. It’s quite clear there’s still love between the estranged couple, with Kim taking to Instagram earlier in the month to wish her former beau a Happy Birthday.

While Kim has been vocal about not wanting to jump into dating just yet, the Yeezy CEO doesn’t feel the same way. He’s been linked to Irina Shayk for about a month now, even going on a romantic getaway with the supermodel to celebrate his birthday. According to new sources, Kim is actually thrilled her ex has nurtured a new romance with Irina. 


Lars Niki/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards

“[Kim is] genuinely happy for him and wants him to move on,” a source exclusively revealed to Us Weekly. “She thinks Irina is a great fit for him.” This news follows another source revealing to Us that the Yeezus artist and Shayk were officially an item. 

“Kanye and Irina [are] dating,” another insider told Us at the time. “They’ve been quietly seeing each other for a couple months.” According to the original source, the new couple’s friends “don’t know if this will last or if it’s a fling.” Regardless, his friends are apparently glad he’s dating again. 

“Kanye’s friends are happy that he’s moved on and has someone new,” the insider adds. Another source revealed to the publication that Kim knew about Ye’s new romance before it was made public, and was happy West picked Shayk due to her private nature.

“She saw how quiet and respectful Irina was after she broke up with Bradley,” said the source, explaining the beauty mogul “wouldn’t like” to see the father of her children move on with someone who talks to the press a lot.

Kim’s co-sign was likely a huge factor as to why Ye moved forward with the new romance. 

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Prado Monroe Shares New Project “PRADO MONROE”

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There’s no denying that Canada’s been producing some incredible talent in R&B over the past decade. Artists like The Weeknd, and even Drake and Tory Lanez, have evolved the sound but there’s plenty of other artists emerging from Canada that are pushing the boundaries, as well.

Vancouver singer and rapper Prado has been bubbling up over the past year with songs like “Stephen” and “Gucci Store.” On Friday, she unveiled her debut project in its entirety and it does not disappoint.  PRADA MONROE is a six-song EP that showcases the singer’s charisma, humor, and unique approach to merging the sounds of hip-hop and R&B.

Check out the new project from Prado below and let us know what your favorite track off of PRADA MONROE is. 

Julian Edelman’s Got Jokes For Tom Brady In Light Of Madden 22 Cover

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Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are the latest NFL superstars to grace the cover of the EA Sports Madden series, and fans are very excited about it. Madden 22 is set to drop later this year, and the MVP edition will have the last two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks sitting side by side. Brady and Mahomes had both appeared on the cover in the past, however, putting the two together was a move that very few people saw coming. 

With Brady gracing the cover, his former teammate Julian Edelman decided to take to poke a little fun at the star by harkening back to Madden 2000, when Brady wasn’t even represented by a name. As you can see in the photo below, Brady had no name or picture, and was simply referred to as “Number 12.”

“You’ve come a long way since “QB N0. 12,”” Edelman said jokingly. Of course, back then, Brady was not the star he is now, and at the time, he wasn’t exactly a highly-touted prospect. Brady was picked in the sixth round and he wasn’t given much of a shot to be a starter. In the end, however, Brady proved people wrong and went on to win seven Super Bowls.

As for Edelman, he has officially retired from the league and isn’t planning on coming back.

Tom Brady & Julian Edelman

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Juneteenth Roundup 2021: Find Out How 2 Chainz, Lizzo, & More Are Observing

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Today marks the first year Juneteenth will be recognized as a federal holiday. While the celebration, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has been celebrated for over 400 years, this is the first time it is being observed as a National Holiday. For decades, different activists and congress members had tried and failed to establish the day as a national holiday. Earlier in the week, the Senate finally unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which subsequently established it as a national holiday after President Joe Biden signed the bill. 

“I regret that my grandchildren aren’t here, because this is a really, really, really important moment in our history. By making Juneteenth a federal holiday, all Americans can feel the power of this day and learn from our history — and celebrate progress and grapple with the distance we’ve come (and) the distance we have to travel,” Biden said of signing the bill.
Celebrities and teams like 2 Chainz, Diddy, EarthGang, The Lakers, and more have all taken to social media today to share some words about Juneteenth. Keep reading to find out how your faves are honoring Juneteenth. 2 Chainz shared a mural of his son Halo that appeared on Good Morning America to commemorate Juneteenth. “Mural of my son KING HALO , What a pleasant surprise on [Good Morning America] ….I feel like this image will go down in history and represents strength in the young black male, he was actually 3 when we did this,” he shared in the caption. 

Diddy reshared a post to his story from the Instagram account of his Revolt publication.  


Image via Instagram

EarthGang teamed up with Revolt and Vice for a special Juneteenth conversation on social justice set to take place at noon today. This post was also reshared by Puff as well. 

The official Twitter account of the Los Angeles Lakers also took a moment to recognize Juneteenth. “This Juneteenth, educate and celebrate,” they penned as a caption, attaching two brief fact sheets. 

Lizzo celebrated by doing her annual Juneteenth giveaway. She will raffle off two tickets to the Bonaroo Music Festival. All proceeds from the sweepstakes will go towards supporting Black businesses and organizations. 

Kerry Washington shared an informative video of herself giving her followers the rundown of what to wear and how to honor Juneteenth. ” Happy Juneteenth!!!!!!! Any other recommendations on how to celebrate Black liberation and excellence? Drop em in the comments,” she wrote in the caption.

Usher shared a photo of himself embracing VP Kamala Harris, adding in the caption, “It’s finally official.. #Juneteenth.”

Janelle Monae shared footage of her Juneteenth party and its guests. She wrote in the caption, Reclaiming joy. Centering joy on purpose. We deserve every ounce. Happy Juneteenth & Happy birthday mama!”

Finally, both Viola Davis and Naomi Campbell shared informational videos on quick facts about the newly crowned federal holiday. 

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Migos, Vince Staples & Isaiah Rashad Dominate Our “Fire Emoji” Playlist

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The summer is here and the bangers are arriving in abundance. In the past month, we’ve received some major projects that are bound to hold down the months ahead. However, things are picking up in terms of rap releases as festivals are announced and the world begins opening up again. And as usual, we’ve highlighted everything you need to hear this week for our Fire Emoji playlist. Here’s your breakdown:

Migos are back in full effect with the release of Culture III. Some were skeptical following the release of Culture II and the overwhelming amount of solo music we received from each member of the group. However, Culture III is a welcome return of hip-hop’s most influential group of the past 10 years. This week’s Fire Emoji playlist includes “Jane” as well as “Avalanche.”

Vince Staples recently announced a new album with his latest single, “LAW OF AVERAGES.” The record is a first taste of what to expect from Vince Staples’ self-titled album due out on July 9th. “LAW OF AVERAGES,” along with the rest of the project, is produced by Kenny Beats.

Another rapper whose album we’re anticipating is Isaiah Rashad. The rapper’s upcoming album The House Is Burning doesn’t have a release date but he did share another single off of the project, “Headshots (4r Da Locals)” on Friday.

Other inclusions on this week’s playlist include Gucci Mane, Polo G, and Goldlink.