Tag: MIKE

  • ‘Michael’ Biopic Premiere: Stars Shine on Black Carpet

    The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was aglow on April 20th as the stars of the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” stepped onto the black carpet. Ahead of the film’s official release on April 24th, the cast and family celebrated the life and legacy of the King of Pop with a night of glamour, style, and heartfelt tributes.

    Jaafar Jackson Steps into the Spotlight

    At the heart of the evening was Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, who takes on the monumental task of portraying his legendary uncle. Dressed in a sleek, understated custom black look styled by Petar Boy, Jaafar let the film’s narrative shine. He shared with ExtraTV his profound feelings about embodying Michael on screen, calling it a “lifetime experience” and a “defining moment.” Despite extensive preparation, he admitted to still feeling he hadn’t “nailed” Jackson’s iconic dance moves, but the joy of the audience’s reaction and being part of such a project was unforgettable.

    Family Ties and Star Power on the Carpet

    The Jackson family was out in full force. Aunt La Toya Jackson embraced a classic theme in a flowing black satin gown, complete with opera gloves, a dazzling diamond necklace, and a bold red lip. She told Variety that the family was initially excited about director Antoine Fuqua’s vision and emphasized the importance of staying true to Michael’s life. La Toya even gushed about Jaafar’s performance, noting that at times, she and other family members felt they were watching “Mike” himself.

    Nia Long added her own star power, shimmering in a Pamella Roland gown and a striking red lip. Portraying matriarch Katherine Jackson, Long praised the icon’s quiet strength and grace. She aimed to embody Katherine with “grace, and patience and love and groundedness,” emphasizing the power of deliberate quietude. Long expressed enthusiasm for a potential sequel, stating, “Of course I want to do it, like why not!”

    A Stylish Homage to the King of Pop

    Colman Domingo, embodying patriarch Joe Jackson, made a sharp statement in a custom black Maison Valentino tuxedo. Kendrick Sampson, who plays producer Quincy Jones, channeled retro glamour with a coral blue suit featuring flared pants, nodding to the late ’60s and ’70s. Rapper Wale paid direct homage to Michael Jackson with a custom ensemble, complete with iconic wardrobe elements and even hitting some of MJ’s signature moves on the carpet, much to the delight of the press.

    The red carpet itself became a sea of homage, with other attendees sporting bedazzled jackets and classic red leather accents, all celebrating the King of Pop. As anticipation builds for the film’s worldwide release on April 24th, the premiere night served as a stylish and heartfelt prelude to what promises to be a captivating look into Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life.

    What are your thoughts on the fashion from the ‘Michael’ biopic premiere? Who do you think had the best look? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE & Surf Gang Drop ‘POMPEII // UTILITY’

    Get ready for a massive sonic journey! Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and Surf Gang have joined forces to deliver ‘POMPEII // UTILITY,’ a colossal 33-track double album that dropped on April 3, 2026. This isn’t just a casual collaboration; it’s a project built on years of shared creative energy, and they’re not holding back.

    A Divided Vision: POMPEII and UTILITY

    The album is ingeniously split into two distinct halves. MIKE takes the helm for the ‘POMPEII’ disc, while Earl Sweatshirt leads the ‘UTILITY’ side, with Surf Gang providing the cohesive, atmospheric production throughout. This structure allows each artist to explore their unique styles while still creating a unified listening experience.

    The artists themselves acknowledge that this project might be a bit polarizing. Earl even joked that ‘real hip-hop fans’ might not be ready for it, and MIKE noted that initial reactions were mixed once people realized how heavily Surf Gang’s distinctive production was involved. It’s clear they aimed for something bold and unconventional.

    Themes of Destruction and Rebirth

    Conceptually, ‘POMPEII // UTILITY’ delves into themes of destruction and rebuilding, drawing inspiration from the ancient city of Pompeii and the idea of what emerges after everything collapses. It’s a powerful metaphor that resonates throughout the album’s soundscape.

    While the concept is strong, the artists emphasize that the sonic experience is more about raw feeling and atmosphere than strict structural adherence. Surf Gang’s production creates a unique, often experimental backdrop that perfectly complements the lyrical explorations of both Earl and MIKE.

    Key Tracks to Explore

    With 33 tracks, there’s a lot to unpack. Standout moments include ‘MY WORST (rebuke),’ ‘THE POPE AFRO,’ and ‘Kirkland’ featuring Earl himself on the ‘POMPEII’ disc. On the ‘UTILITY’ side, tracks like ‘:(‘ and ‘again :)’ offer introspective moments, while ‘Leadbelly’ featuring MIKE and ‘Locusts’ showcase the collaborative synergy.

    • The Fall
    • MY WORST (rebuke)
    • Da Bid (feat. Jadasea)
    • THE POPE AFRO
    • Kirkland (feat. Earl Sweatshirt)
    • 🙁
    • again 🙂
    • Leadbelly (feat. MIKE)
    • Locusts (feat. Llerado Khalil)

    ‘POMPEII // UTILITY’ is an ambitious project that challenges listeners with its length and unconventional approach. It’s a testament to the artistic chemistry between Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and Surf Gang, offering a deep, immersive dive into their shared creative world.

    What are your thoughts on ‘POMPEII // UTILITY’? Did Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, and Surf Gang hit the mark? Share your opinions in the comments!

  • Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE Drop New Tracks

    Get ready, hip-hop fans! Two of the most respected voices in the underground scene, Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, have just dropped two brand new singles. Teaming up with the production outfit SURF GANG, these tracks are giving us a taste of what’s to come from their highly anticipated joint project, “POMPEII // UTILITY.”

    New Singles Arrive Ahead of Major Project

    The new singles, “Home on the Range” by Earl Sweatshirt and “Back Home” by MIKE, were released on March 30, 2026. They offer a glimpse into the diverse sounds expected on “POMPEII // UTILITY,” which is set to drop on Friday, April 3. This massive project boasts a total of 33 tracks, split across two distinct discs.

    While the full project will feature exclusive tracks from Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE on each side, with a few guest features sprinkled in, these new singles highlight their individual styles. “Home on the Range” offers a more reflective and chill vibe, while “Back Home” leans into a more braggadocious tone.

    Themes of Return and Reflection

    Interestingly, both tracks share a common theme: returning home and observing the changes or constants in their surroundings. It’s a relatable concept that resonates deeply, especially within the context of the artists’ journeys.

    In your city n****s mobbin like we Capo, I’m Castro / B*tches on my body when I’m back home / I’m with hitters that be sliding, leave your cap gone — MIKE – ‘Back Home’

    This isn’t the first taste fans have gotten of this collaboration. Since March 10, the trio has already released three other tracks, including “Minty // Earth” and “Leadbelly.” The anticipation for the full 33-track experience is definitely building!

    Have you listened to the new singles from Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE yet? What are your predictions for “POMPEII // UTILITY”? Let us know in the comments!

  • Westside Gunn Drops ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2’ Mixtape

    Westside Gunn is on a roll, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down! Following his critically acclaimed mixtape ’12’ and the EP ‘HEELS HAVE EYES,’ the Griselda rapper is back with the sequel, ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2.’ This new project promises more of the signature sound that fans have come to love.

    A Tribute and a Musical Statement

    Released as the follow-up to his wrestling venture’s namesake EP, ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2’ is a more substantial offering than its predecessor. Clocking in at 37 minutes, it’s considered one of Gunn’s breezier listens. The project also features a poignant cover art choice: a photo of Virgil, the former bodyguard of wrestling legend Ted DiBiase. This serves as both a tribute to the fallen wrestler and a nod to Virgil Abloh, who is also shouted out on the tape.

    Fans of Westside Gunn’s consistent quality, particularly from projects like ’12,’ should find plenty to enjoy here. The mixtape maintains a high level of quality, showcasing Gunn’s unique artistic vision.

    Star-Studded Features and Unexpected Collaborations

    While Gunn’s projects often feature a curated list of collaborators, ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2’ includes a notable lineup. Brother Tom Sos appears on “AMIRA KITCHEN” and “PRICK,” while Benny The Butcher joins Gunn on “POWER HOUSE HOBBS.” Skyzoo delivers an energized performance on “AUNT GINA,” and Stove God Cooks continues his frequent collaborations with Gunn on “BRIKOLAI VOLKOFF.”

    Perhaps the most surprising feature is MIKE, who seamlessly fits into the sample-heavy, “boom bap” production style characteristic of Griselda MCs, a departure from his usual sound. This blend of familiar and unexpected collaborations makes ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2’ another strong addition to Westside Gunn’s ever-growing discography.

    • BOMME DES GARÇON
    • HEEL CENA
    • AMIRA KITCHEN (feat. Brother Tom Sos)
    • POWER HOUSE HOBBS (feat. Benny The Butcher)
    • MANDELA
    • BRIKOLAI VOLKOFF (feat. Stove God Cooks)
    • AUNT GINA (feat. Skyzoo)
    • GLOWREALAH
    • PRICK (feat. Brother Tom Sos)
    • DEMNA
    • LEFT BALENCI BLOW
    • HENDRY (feat. MIKE)
    • LOVE YOU PT. 2

    What are your favorite tracks from Westside Gunn’s ‘HEELS HAVE EYES 2’? Let us know in the comments below!