Publishing date: Jun, 01, 2023
If you’re anything like us, we see an interesting headline during our daily scroll—pause to read it—but then keep scrolling without reading the actual story. So at the end of each week, we’re rounding up all the buzziest, news-worthy headlines you might have missed. Think of it like the “saved” feature on Instagram but for news instead of aesthetically pleasing photos. Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar team up for “The Hillbillies”, Metro Boomin unmasks features for his Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, and Lil Uzi Vert joins Paramore on stage to perform “Misery Business”—this is what you missed.
#1
Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar Team Up for “The Hillbillies”
The dynamic duo of Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with a new single “The Hillbillies”. The infectious track was produced by the talented Surf Gang’s Evilgiane, layering jersey club drums, and ghostly samples, and showcases the cousin’s unmatched chemistry once again. The song is packed with tag-team rapping and laughable adlibs—going as far as to compare themselves to Messi and Neymar Jr. and bragging about buying land in Europe. Accompanying the release was its counterpart video directed by the visionary Neal Farmer. The lo-fi video, shot entirely on VHS, takes us on a whirlwind adventure through various locations, including the bustling streets of London, a vibrant mall, the luxurious setting of a private jet, and the iconic backdrop of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It’s at Dodger Stadium where the enigmatic Tyler, the Creator makes a noteworthy cameo, capturing attention with his classic charisma we’ve grown to know and love and proudly sporting a ‘Camp Flog Gnaw 2023’ button on his jacket. This unexpected appearance has sparked excitement about the long-awaited return of the beloved carnival—more on that below—and we’d like to think the appearance hints at the possibility of Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar being on the lineup. “The Hillbillies” also masterfully samples Bon Iver’s soulful track “PDLIF,” and hints at Drake’s “Sticky,” infusing it with Keem and Lamar’s distinct style. Keem and Lamar are set to take the stage at next month’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Tennessee, from June 15 to 18.
#2
Tyler, the Creator Announces the Comeback of Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
The news of Camp Flog Gnaw’s comeback was hinted at in Tyler’s cameo appearance in “The Hillbillies” music video, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation. The festival has since been confirmed, with the grand return to Los Angeles’ iconic Dodger Stadium on November 11 and 12. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the carnival returns for the first time since 2020, making for exciting news for die-hard music fans and festival-goers. While the lineup for the 2023 festival is still under wraps, we can expect nothing short of brilliance. The festival has historically delivered exceptional lineups in the past, showcasing a diverse range of artists across genres, from Solange, FKA twigs, Juice WRLD, Brockhampton, Daniel Caesar, and surprise guest Drake who famously received a mixed reception. To get in on Camp Flog Gnaw’s comeback, be sure to snag your advance sale passes on June 2 at noon PT. The passes are sure to move fast and be available in limited quantities. Mark your calendars, secure your passes, and start mentally preparing for an unforgettable weekend of music, art, and all-around stellar vibes.
#3
A$AP Rocky, JID, Coi Leray & More Unmasked for Metro Boomin’s ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Soundtrack
Get ready to swing into the Spider-Verse with Metro Boomin’s star-studded Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack. Hip-hop heavyweights featuring on the album include A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Offset, Wizkid, Coi Leray, and JID. Last week, after he teased us with Future, Don Toliver, and James Blake’s involvement, he revealed the lineup with illustrations of each artist imagined in their own Spidey suit cartoonified look. The producer’s collab with Toliver specifically, supposedly entitled “Link Up,” was also teased in a Hyundai commercial for the film. Across the Spider-Verse will also feature the likes of Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Daniel Kaluuya, Issa Rae, and many more who will lend their voices to the characters. All this to say, this movie is a star-studded phenomenon in its entirety. Metro Boomin’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack will be released tomorrow (June 2).
#4
Lil Uzi Vert Joins Paramore On Stage to Perform “Misery Business”
In an unexpected twist during their Madison Square Garden performance, Paramore brought out Lil Uzi Vert as a special guest to join them in singing their legendary hit “Misery Business”. Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Hayley Williams paused the show to introduce Lil Uzi, expressing her excitement at finally meeting him in person: “We’ve been talking for a minute but this is the first time we’ve met in person. I love you.” The two artists shared a heartfelt hug, while fans erupted with screams of joy—that’s Mom and Dad, for real. During the interaction, Hayley expressed her appreciation for Lil Uzi Vert’s kind words: “You’ve said so many nice things about me. You’re so sweet to me, and to Paramore.” She then proposed performing the bridge together again, declaring, “Then we’re going to melt their faces off!” This collaboration marked a significant moment, as it was the first time Lil Uzi Vert and Paramore performed together. Previously, Hayley had declined a collaboration request from the rapper in 2020, explaining her hesitation about the fame and attention it would bring: “I love you so much, but I don’t want to be that famous.” She reminisced about her decision, revealing personal struggles unknown to the public and her desire to temporarily disappear from the spotlight. Currently on tour, Paramore is promoting their acclaimed sixth album, This Is Why which is praised as a triumphant milestone in their musical journey. With a newfound warmth in their sound, the band has reached the pinnacle they had aspired to for nearly a decade, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next endeavors, collaborations, and surprise guests.
#5
Turnstile Creates a Pop-Punk Song for Netflix’s ‘I Think You Should Leave’
Hard-core punk band Turnstile has released a surprising new song called “Listening” under a secret pseudonym, The Everything-You-Knows. This surprise track showcases an emo, pop-punk vibe and even features a rap interlude by Alexandra Ornelas. The song made its unexpected debut on Netflix’s comedy series, I Think You Should Leave, starring Tim Robinson. In the episode, Tim and his friend Biff Wiff find themselves at a fourth-grade choir recital, where Biff confesses to being “all fucked up” after hearing the mysterious song and causing chaos in a classroom. Despite the chaos, Robinson manages to escape the situation and hurries to catch the recital, where the mystifying song is performed with a captivating rap solo. It turns out that Tim Robinson is a fan of Turnstile and had formed a friendship with the band, which led to this uncredited musical surprise. Embrace the unexpected as Turnstile unveils their hidden musical alter ego with the electrifying song “Listening.”