Entertainment

Doja Cat Is Stylin’ and Profilin’ Like WWE’s Ric Flair on New Song on September 15, 2023 at 7:15 pm Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2023

Doja Cat with an inset of Ric Flair. Getty Images (2)

Ric Flair famously claimed, “To be the man, you got to beat the man” — and now, Doja Cat has used “The Nature Boy” to declare how she’s hip-hop’s new heavyweight champ.

The 74-year-old WWE Hall of Famer’s voice opens Doja’s new song, “Balut,” released Friday, September 15. “Remember, girls. None of you can be first, but all of you can be next,” says Flair in audio taken from audio recorded earlier in the year, per Complex. Whereas Flair was using it as an invite, Doja used the audio to issue a warning to all her competitors.

“I’m the shit, you a real piece of s—t / I am needed, you a real needy bitch,” raps Doja in the song (which takes its name from street food where a fertilized duck embryo is boiled or steamed in its shell.) “I’m competing, you are incompetent/ You are fleeting ’cause you can’t copy this / Copy this, copy that / Every bitch that is here copy ‘Cat / Copy the greats, that’s my number one strategy / But beware that you can’t copy stats.”

The song conveys Doja’s confidence and cool demeanor as her floor pairs well with the dreamy production courtesy of Yeti Beats, Rogét Chahayed, and Kurtis McKenzie (The Arcade). It also acts as the fourth single from her upcoming album due on September 22.

“Balut” caps off a banner week that saw her light up the stage at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards with an epic medley of his songs “Attention,” “Paint the Town Red” and “Demons.” Doja also walked out of the September 12 ceremony with a Moon Person, as her video for “Attention” won the award for Best Art Direction.

Even before the show began, Doja made a splash on the red carpet by getting into the Spooky season with her outfit. Doja walked into Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center wearing a custom spider web-like dress made by Monse. It was giving haunted house by way of New York Fashion Week, as Doja – who went topless in the barely-there gown – looked scary good in the sexy outfit.

Doja will end September on a high note by releasing her fourth studio album, Scarlet. “I know that I’ve done a lot of pink and soft things, a lot of pop and glittery sounds,” Doja said in a 2023 interview with Variety, “but for this next era, I’m going in a more masculine direction.”

In the interview, she referenced “Vegas,” her single on the Elvis original motion picture soundtrack. “That was one of the greatest experiences,” she says, “because everyone knows [Elvis Presley’s] ‘Hound Dog,’ but I was able to give it my own spin. I went in and I was like, ‘Finally, I get to rap again.’ A lot of people discredit me, so it’s nice to just put another one in the f—kg bucket for a great rap song.”

The year hasn’t been without controversy for Doja Cat. In July, she attacked her fans describing themselves as “kittenz,” saying that nickname was one that she came up with “when I was an alcoholic teen” and that it was time for fans to “get off your phone and get a job and help your parents with the house.” This drama was the final for some ex-“kittenz,” as some of Doja’s top fan pages deactivated their accounts following this incident.

Ric Flair famously claimed, “To be the man, you got to beat the man” — and now, Doja Cat has used “The Nature Boy” to declare how she’s hip-hop’s new heavyweight champ. The 74-year-old WWE Hall of Famer’s voice opens Doja’s new song, “Balut,” released Friday, September 15. “Remember, girls. None of you can be

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Career Growth

“A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast of “A Simple Favor” recently reunited at SXSW to discuss the upcoming sequel. The excitement was palpable as they shared insights into revisiting their iconic characters and what audiences can expect from the new installment.

Returning to Familiar Roles

Director Paul Feig expressed his initial hesitation about sequels, stating, “I’ve always shied away from doing a sequel because I think they’re really terrifying, and I haven’t seen many sequels that I like.” However, his love for the characters and the first film’s success on streaming platforms ultimately convinced him to revisit the story.

Anna Kendrick, who plays Stephanie, shared her enthusiasm for embracing a more unkempt version of her character. “I was really excited to play Stephanie but in sneers,” she said, hinting at a humorous evolution for her character.

Blake Lively, returning as the enigmatic Emily, expressed her love for the character, calling her “probably my favorite character I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play.” She also teased a “curveball idea” from Feig that upped the ante and made things “very uncomfortable to watch.”

Glamour and Intrigue in Capri

The sequel takes the characters to the glamorous island of Capri, a setting that Feig was determined to use despite budgetary concerns. Lively raved about the location, saying, “I want to live there, I love it so much…it’s just magical.”

New cast members Alex and Mel also shared their excitement about joining the project and filming in Capri. Mel humorously stated, “Who doesn’t want to get paid to film in Capri while working with Paul [Feig]?”

Spoilers and Twists

The cast was careful to avoid spoilers, emphasizing the many twists and turns in the film. Kendrick jokingly warned, “Stephanie stand the up dude…this is your tormentor, stab her in the neck bro, grow up here.” This comment hints at the complex and potentially dangerous relationship between Stephanie and Emily in the sequel.

A Collaborative Spirit

Andrew Rannells and Bashir Salahuddin, who are also returning for the sequel, praised Feig’s collaborative directing style. Rannells noted that Feig is “very open to letting actors improvise but also knows when to tell them that’s enough.”

Overall, the cast and director conveyed a sense of excitement and camaraderie, promising a sequel that will be both thrilling and hilarious.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Career Growth

Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Issa Rae, the creative force behind the groundbreaking series “Insecure,” is back with a new project that’s already generating buzz: “Seen and Heard.” This HBO docu-series is a deep dive into the history of Black television, celebrating the triumphs, acknowledging the struggles, and examining the lasting impact of representation on screen. During a conversation at SXSW, Rae discussed the making of “Seen and Heard,” her early influences, and her complicated relationship with reality TV.

Chronicling Black TV History: A Comprehensive Look

Rae emphasized the importance of creating a “comprehensive, rich history of Black television,” particularly during a time when Black creators are experiencing a renaissance in the industry. The series features interviews with television icons like Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Mara Brock Akil and Tyler Perry, who share their personal journeys and insights. Rae credits executive Montrell McKay and director Giselle Bailey for bringing her vision to life. She praised Bailey’s “cinematic” approach, which elevates “Seen and Heard” beyond the typical documentary format.

One of the most impactful aspects of the docu-series is its exploration of how Black audiences were used to build up networks, only to be abandoned later. Rae notes that having creators and showrunners recount this history firsthand makes the experience undeniable and is a critical part of understanding the full picture of Black television’s evolution.

Reality TV: A Villain Origin Story

Rae revealed that reality television played a significant role in shaping her desire to create meaningful content. As a child of the ’90s, she grew up watching shows like “Moesha,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “A Different World,” which made her feel like she wanted to be a part of the television landscape. However, the rise of reality TV, particularly the portrayal of Black women, left her feeling frustrated and underrepresented.

Rae described her relationship with shows like “Flavor of Love” as “hate-watching.” She explained a specific incident during the show’s second season premiere when a contestant was denied access to the restroom and ended up urinating on the floor on TV. This moment, she said, sparked a realization that “there has to be more than this,” and motivated her to start film blogging and eventually create her own content. Rae even jokingly gives “shout out to my haters” for inspiring her to “make something” instead of just complaining.

“Insecure” and the LA Love Letter

The conversation also touched on the lasting impact of “Insecure,” particularly its connection to Los Angeles. Rae expressed her appreciation for fans who visit landmarks featured in the show, creating their own “Insecure” LA tours. She shared a story about meeting a fan who was introduced to Worldwide Tacos through the show, highlighting how “Insecure” served as a love letter to the city. Ultimately, Rae finds it incredibly rewarding when people tell her that “Insecure” has inspired them to “do their own thing.”

Issa Rae’s “Seen and Heard” promises to be a powerful and insightful exploration of Black television history, filled with both celebration and critical analysis. By examining the past and present of representation on screen, Rae continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers and push the boundaries of what’s possible in television.

Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
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Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!