SZA Transports To Her Happy Place In The Whimsical ‘Good Days’ Video

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Fans have been pressing SZA about the status of her sophomore album ever since the singer’s debut record Ctrl took off in 2017. SZA has said that her next LP is “on the way,” but to appease fans, the singer returned Friday to share a vibrant video alongside her 2020 single “Good Days.”

Directed by SZA herself, the “Good Days” visual depicts SZA drifting off in a daydream and transporting herself to two of her happy places. She appears in a whimsical garden, surrounded by moss and life-sized mushrooms, where she lets go of her inhibitions through meditation and dance. Her second happy place is a fully stocked library, where she combs through books while pole dancing.

Ahead of the visual’s release, SZA addressed how a snippet of her upcoming song went viral on TikTok. Because the song is unreleased, fans have decided to name it “Shirt,” but SZA isn’t so sure about that title. “‘Shirt’ is super easy to remember and now every time I work on it in the studio I reference it as ‘Shirt,’” she said in a recent interview with CBS This Morning. “Some people call it ‘Blood Stain,’ which is very graphic. Now this song, which I wasn’t even 100 percent sure of the placement on my album has centered itself on my album. Now we shot a video for it.”

Watch SZA’s “Good Days” video above.

LeBron James Hits Drake & Rick Ross With Unique NBA Comparison

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Drake came through for his fans on Friday morning as he officially released Scary Hours 2 which is a 3-track EP containing some teaser tracks for his upcoming full-length album. One of the songs that everyone has been gushing over recently is “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” which also features a verse from Rick Ross. Drake and Rick Ross always come through with some heat, and many players throughout the NBA were taking notice of what they heard.

Late last night, Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers compared the duo to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. LeBron James decided to get into this discussion and claimed that MJ and Pippen were the wrong duo to go with. Instead, LeBron suggested a more contemporary duo that LeBron had quite a bit of history with.

“Nah bro they more like Steph and KD!! They don’t miss! EVER!!!” LeBron wrote. This is certainly an interesting comparison although it’s one we’re sure Drake and Rick Ross would appreciate, especially considering how Drake has Steph and KD tattoed on him.

Having said all of that, Drake’s latest effort has gotten fans extremely excited for what’s to come and there is a very good chance that Certified Lover Boy will be here much sooner than later.

Drake
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Rick Ross
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Miami Heat Reportedly Targeting These Two Stars

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This season has been a trying time for the Miami Heat who are fresh off of a run to the NBA Finals. While the team ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, fans were expecting them to come back with a vengeance in 2021 but so far, this has simply not been the case. With the Heat struggling to string together some consistency, it’s become quite clear that the team needs to make a move, and there is an argument to be made that the trade deadline is the team’s best shot at potentially getting a roster together that will make the playoffs.

According to TrueHoop’s Tom Haberstroh, the Heat are actually looking at two players in particular. These players are none other than Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors and John Wall of the Houston Rockets.

Kyle Lowry

Elsa/Getty Images

These players are both solid targets due to their current predicaments. For instance, Lowry has been surrounded by trade rumors for quite some time now, all while John Wall is struggling with the Houston Rockets. Both the Raptors and Rockets could be looking to switch up their rosters and if they decide to go that route, then the Heat are certainly a great trade partner.

The trade deadline will be going down later this month, so stay tuned for updates from the NBA world as we will be sure to bring them to you.

John Wall

Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

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Tory Lanez Airs Out DSPs For Censoring The Release Of “PLAYBOY”

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After taking a major L in court in his ongoing case in Los Angeles involving last year’s shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, Tory Lanez has since been focused on brushing off the negativity and allegations surrounding his name. Today, the Memories Don’t Die artist returned with a new R&B capsule, titled PLAYBOY, but according to Tory, his latest release has been censored and silenced by streaming services.

In the video, Tory discusses how PLAYBOY is not appearing on the home page of numerous DSPs and none of its album cuts have made any popular editorial playlists. Although he is thankful that his fans are still finding ways to support the new project, he takes some time to call out any streaming service that has decided to censor him in response to his current legal battle.

I’m not tryna single out any platforms …. at all … I JUST ASK THAT AT THIS POINT … I get treated FAIRLY,” Tory writes in the caption of his latest post. “… as an independent artist … and as a BLACK BUSINESS .. I ACTIVELY still make the platforms money with my music … So it should NOT BE RIGHT .. for any platform to CENSOR AND SILENCE ME FROM THE EDITORIAL PLAYLIST OR HOME PAGES OF THESE PLATFORMS THAT HELP TO GIVE EYE BALLS TO YOUNG ARTIST … I’ve stayed cool for the last 2 projects … BUT THIS IS JUST NOT FAIR .”

Surprisingly, industry giants Timbaland and Supah Mario both left supportive comments underneath Tory’s post, with Timbo opting for a simple applause emoji and Supa Mario sharing his thoughts on the situation, saying, “Naw that’s f*cked up.”

Screenshot of comment's underneath Tory Lanez DSP rant

Instagram

In the past, artists such as R. Kelly and xxxtentacion have faced similar situations in which streaming services have attempted to censor their musical output as well. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar have publicly criticized censoring artists, so only time will tell if streaming services across the board decide to move in a different direction and start making Tory’s new releases more accessible.

What is your stance on whether streaming services should censor artists following highly publicized scandals?

Drake And Rick Ross Are Reportedly Making A Joint Album Together

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All eyes are on Drake as fans continue to wait for his anticipated Certified Lover Boy release. Instead, Drake decided to hold fans over by dropping a handful of songs Friday in the form of his Scary Hours 2 EP, which included a collaboration with Rick Ross. But it now looks like the two rappers may have another project together in the works.

Drake and Ross’ “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” had people on the internet buzzing. But it seems as though one person, in particular, has more information than most about the two rappers’ working relationship. In response to a tweet about “Lemon Pepper Freestyle,” former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson revealed that they are actually working on a joint album. “The joint album they’re doing together [will] unseat all projects they’ve done to date,” Johnson wrote on Twitter.

This isn’t the first time rumors of their joint project have circulated. Drake himself first drummed up anticipation way back in 2011 when he revealed in an interview with XXL that a project with Ross was in the works. “I have been working on a mixtape with Ross,” Drake said nearly a decade ago. “A mixtape called Y.O.L.O., You Only Live Once. I’ve been working on that for the last couple of weeks. We haven’t really connected because he’s been going through this thing with his health. I’ve been stashing my little beats and verses.”

Neither Drake nor Ross have confirmed the collaborative album yet. Time will tell if it’s on the horizon, or if fans will have to wait another decade for a new project from the two rappers.

Bruno Mars Isn’t Fazed By Those Who Accuse Him Of Cultural Appropriation

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Back in 2018, Twitter ignited with accusations of cultural appropriation against Bruno Mars, who critics said was cashing in on music inspired by Black entertainers. At the time, Mars responded by saying all genres of music, from jazz to hip-hop, have roots in the Black community. “In my world, Black music means everything,” he said at the time. Now, Mars is once again addressing his cultural appropriation backlash, this time by explaining his inspirations.

Bruno Mars recently sat down for an interview with The Breakfast Club alongside Anderson .Paak in support of their recent Silk Sonic single “Leave The Door Open.” Charlamagne Tha God, the host of The Breakfast Club, asked Mars how he felt about being accused of “cultural theft.” Mars responded by saying he does draw inspiration from Black legends like Prince and James Brown:

“I’ll say, you can’t find an interview where I’m not talking about the entertainers who have come before me. The only reason why I’m here is because of James Brown, Prince, Michael [Jackson], that’s the only reason why I’m here. I’m growing up as a kid watching Bobbie Brown saying, ‘Okay, if that’s what it takes to make it, then I gotta learn how to do the running man, I gotta learn how to do the moonwalk.’ That’s it. This music comes from love. If you can’t hear that, then I don’t know what to tell you.

It’s the truth, it’s not a secret. Like I said, we’re wearing the inspiration on our sleeve. What is the point if us as musicians if we can’t learn from the guys that come before us? I hope later on, down the road, there’s going to be a band that’s taking what we did and flipping that, and freaking that, and putting their own spin on it. Because if we don’t, then what was the point of us doing this?”

Charlamagne then asked Mars if he was ever “pissed off” by the cultural appropriation critics, and Mars said he wasn’t fazed. Rather, he understands that Black creators are oftentimes not given the credit they deserve. “There’s merit to what people are saying about Black entertainers not getting their flowers,” he said. “I’m champion of that, I’m with that. […] I understand. It’s just Twitter, man.”

Watch a clip of Mars and .Paak’s interview on The Breakfast Club above.

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

LeBron James Reveals The One Snub That Still Annoys Him

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Throughout his 18-year career in the NBA, LeBron James has been through a lot. When he came into the league, everyone expected him to be the next big thing and for the most part, that’s exactly what he was. His first game in the NBA was a massive coming-out party and following that performance, he never looked back. Since that time, LeBron has won four NBA Championships and depending on the health of his teammates, he could be on his way to a fifth.

Despite all of the success, there are still things that have lit a fire underneath LeBron, all of these years later. While speaking to The Athletic, LeBron even admitted that there was one snub that left him salty and even today, he’s a bit upset about it. Of course, we are talking about the fact that he didn’t make the All-Star Game in his rookie season.

LeBron James

Harry How/Getty Images

“Still kinda irks me a little bit,” LeBron said. “But I got over it.” Since that time, LeBron hasn’t missed a single All-Star Game which is truly an incredible accomplishment. It’s not often that a player displays that much consistency, and over time, LeBron has only gotten better with age.

On Sunday, LeBron will lead his All-Star team in Atlanta, where they will take on a squad led by Kevin Durant and some of the best players in the entire league.

LeBron James

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Erica Banks Remixes Mooski’s Viral TikTok Hit “Track Star”

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Mooski’s viral hit has been taking over TikTok as of late, with everyone from Jayda Cheaves to Bernice Burgos participating in the “Track Star” challenge by making videos to the afrobeat-inspired single. Over the past week, Mooski has started hinting at a possible remix for the record, but it appears that rising “Buss It” rapper Erica Banks took matters into her own hands and released a “Track Star” remix of her own.

In a brand new post to YouTube, Texas rapper Erica Banks, who is best known for penning a viral TikTok smash of her own, has shared her take on Mooski’s popular single, which is aptly titled, “Trackstar E-MIX.” In the two-minute YouTube video, Erica is seen sporting a shimmering mesh top and embellished denim shorts while serenading viewers to her rendition of “Track Star.” The remix showcases the “Toot That” artist’s versatility, as it features her singing in a melodic, autotuned fashion about being emotionally unavailable as well as snatching men and women from their partners.

Interestingly enough, both Erica Banks and Mooski are currently in Atlanta for the NBA All-Star Weekend, so perhaps an official remix featuring the two artists is on the way.

Quotable Lyrics

He could really leave cuz I don’t love him
All I wanna ever do is f*ck him
Gave me all his love, I gave him nothin’
I don’t hang with b*tches, I don’t trust them

Timbaland Applauds Tory Lanez Pleading For Fairness

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Timbaland Applauds Tory Lanez Begging For Fairness

Rap crooner Tory Lanez isn’t feeling the love. The hip-hop singer has come forward to ask all streaming giants to play in promoting his music and generated a big co-sign from Grammy-winning musician Timbaland. Timbaland Applauds Tory Lanez Timbo went to Tory’s Instagram section to show him some major support. Tim’s support follows Lanez calling […]

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Bow Wow Is Awaiting Paternity Test Results

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Bow Wow Admits Sliding Into Jordyn Woods' DMs

Young rap veteran Bow Wow might have more daddy duties to tack on. He recently spoke on Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta to let it be known he was currently awaiting paternity test results. Bow Wow Is Awaiting Results Bow Wow might have another child. Already a father of a 9-year-old daughter named Shai with dancer Joie Chavis […]

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