trip lee new album

October 27th, 2023 (Atlanta, GA) -  Trip Lee continues his celebrated creative legacy on his latest album, The Epilogue., featuring Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Madison Ryann Ward, Hulvey and more!

Listen to "The Epilogue."  here.

In this album, Trip Lee explores God’s faithfulness through life’s ups and downs. Despite coming to the end of himself— enduring the weight of being an husband, father, artist, pastor, and author all the while managing his chronic illness— God’s mercy has remained and supplied him with strength. He explores the struggle for control amidst life’s pressures, and ultimately the freedom that comes with giving it all to God.

As he aptly puts it, "When I wrote my last album, The End, so much of what I was wrestling with at the time was about what it is like when we come to the end of ourselves. When we have no strength or plans left and we just have to depend on God. The Epilogue is an album about the fruit of your endurance. I'm now writing about what comes after The End and hoping to convey that there is more to the story and it is worth it."

Notably, The Epilogue. includes a collaboration with Trip's long-time friend and gospel music heavyweight, Kirk Franklin, on the standout track "Mercy." Produced by Mashell and Enzo Gran, this song boasts infectious keys alongside and triumphant choir boasting of God's mercy. Kirk begins with words of encouragement at the beginning leading into Trip rapping about God's faithfulness amidst all of the valleys of his life.

Alongside the albums release, he is also premiering the official music video for "Mercy" ft. Kirk Franklin. Directed by Nathan "Dust" Corrona, the video shows Trip on a journey over the oceans and through the wilderness trying to find his way back home only to find something new. Tune into the premiere on 3pm ET on YouTube  here.

See the full track-list for The Epilogue. here:

Last year, many who have been following Trip over the years had the impression that he might be officially moving on from music. After releasing five successful studio albums, he seemed to wrap things up with his 2022 LP, appropriately titled "The End." But in 2023, Trip Lee killed speculation that his music career was over and made a comeback early in the year with a monthly release campaign leading up to what would become his 7th studio album, “The Epilogue.”

In April of this year, Trip released his first Podcast, "End.Notes." Sponsored by  VOICES of Our Daily Bread , where he alongside his good friend and author, John Onwuchekwa, walk through his latest album, "The End," track by track talking through the themes discussed and giving a peak into his creative process. Listen/Watch "End.Notes"  here.

Trip Lee's storied career began over a decade ago after a chance meeting with Lecrae and Tedashii at a show where they met him for the first time and performed with him. Now seven full length albums later including his billboard charting album, Rise, he is looking toward the future with the aim to "reframe and replace our vision of despair and deconstruction with hope and sanctification." His new music is the fruit of his endurance and a reminder that even when we come to what feels like "the end," There is More to The Story.

Follow Trip Lee:

For more information on Reach Records, please

visit  www.reachrecords.com  and on social media @ReachRecords.

About Trip Lee:

Trip Lee is a renowned artist, author, and speaker who has made a lasting impact on the world. With a unique blend of lyrical prowess and profound insights, Trip captivates audiences with his music and motivational messages. From his early days as a teenager releasing mixtapes to becoming a chart-topping artist, Trip has consistently pushed boundaries creatively and challenged listeners to live out their faith boldly.

About Reach Records:

Reach Records is an Atlanta based independent hip-hop label founded in 2004 by Lecrae and Ben Washer. Long before acclaim, awards, plaques, chart positioning, and radio play, the two started the label because they both love hip-hop and Jesus. Reach Records was launched with no strategy, no funds, no big players, but they made big moves! Today Reach Records is a trailblazing label with a roster of nearly 10 artists and a staff of 20 who are unashamed about sharing their faith and passionate about hip-hop. Reach Records is committed to building a movement that combines faith with music and popular culture.

For more info on Trip Lee , visit the JFH Artists Database.

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Trip Lee’s Story Continues With New Album, The Epilogue

Published on october 30, 2023.

PRESS RELEASE: REACH RECORDS

October 27th, 2023 (Atlanta, GA) – Trip Lee continues his celebrated creative legacy on his latest album, The Epilogue , featuring Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Madison Ryann Ward, Hulvey and more!

Listen to The Epilogue

In this album, Trip Lee explores God’s faithfulness through life’s ups and downs. Despite coming to the end of himself— enduring the weight of being an husband, father, artist, pastor, and author all the while managing his chronic illness— God’s mercy has remained and supplied him with strength. He explores the struggle for control amidst life’s pressures, and ultimately the freedom that comes with giving it all to God.

As he aptly puts it, “When I wrote my last album, The End, so much of what I was wrestling with at the time was about what it is like when we come to the end of ourselves. When we have no strength or plans left and we just have to depend on God. The Epilogue is an album about the fruit of your endurance. I’m now writing about what comes after The End and hoping to convey that there is more to the story and it is worth it.”

Notably, The Epilogue includes a collaboration with Trip’s long-time friend and gospel music heavyweight, Kirk Franklin, on the standout track “Mercy.” Produced by Mashell and Enzo Gran, this song boasts infectious keys alongside and triumphant choir boasting of God’s mercy. Kirk begins with words of encouragement at the beginning leading into Trip rapping about God’s faithfulness amidst all of the valleys of his life.

Alongside the albums release, he is also premiering the official music video for “Mercy” ft. Kirk Franklin. Directed by Nathan “Dust” Corrona, the video shows Trip on a journey over the oceans and through the wilderness trying to find his way back home only to find something new.

Tune into the premiere on 3pm ET on YouTube here

See the full track-list for The Epilogue here

Last year, many who have been following Trip over the years had the impression that he might be officially moving on from music. After releasing five successful studio albums, he seemed to wrap things up with his 2022 LP, appropriately titled The End . But in 2023, Trip Lee killed speculation that his music career was over and made a comeback early in the year with a monthly release campaign leading up to what would become his 7th studio album, The Epilogue .

In April of this year, Trip released his first Podcast, End.Notes . Sponsored by VOICES of Our Daily Bread where he alongside his good friend and author, John Onwuchekwa, walk through his latest album, The End , track by track talking through the themes discussed and giving a peak into his creative process.

Listen/Watch End.Notes

Trip Lee’s storied career began over a decade ago after a chance meeting with Lecrae and Tedashii at a show where they met him for the first time and performed with him. Now seven full length albums later including his billboard charting album, Rise, he is looking toward the future with the aim to “reframe and replace our vision of despair and deconstruction with hope and sanctification.” His new music is the fruit of his endurance and a reminder that even when we come to what feels like “the end,” there is more to the story.

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No comment., articles you might also like, adamariz remixes hit song “plan” featuring siahthylegend, bigg dawg chh freestyle, a testimony of glory with masonx3x5, related artists.

By August 30, 2019

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

Jananya Harrington

J. Harrington is a freelance writer and military spouse. At the age of 11, she gave her life to Christ and has faithfully served in Women’s Ministry for the past six years. She is using her talents to further God’s kingdom as she raises two young daughters.

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2022 CD release from Trip Lee. Track List: 1. Let Go 2. Right Out The Gate 3. You Got It 4. Homecoming 5. Witness (feat. WHATUPRG and WANDE) 6. Put Your Weapon Down 7. All Mine (feat. Taylor Hill) 8. Supernatural 9. End of Me (Interlude) 10. Dreamin 11. Call It Life 12. Wake Up (feat. KB) 13. Stone 14. Know It 15. Gate It Up (feat. DESI)

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• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 5 x 0.2 inches; 1.98 ounces
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Reach Records
• Department ‏ : ‎ music
• Run time ‏ : ‎ 51 minutes
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ April 15, 2022
• Label ‏ : ‎ Reach Records
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09Y27M9WD
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

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Trip Lee Releases New Album, The Epilogue.

Trip Lee continues his celebrated creative legacy on his latest album, The Epilogue., featuring Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Madison Ryann Ward, Hulvey and more!

Listen to “The Epilogue.” here.

In this album, Trip Lee explores God’s faithfulness through life’s ups and downs. Despite coming to the end of himself— enduring the weight of being an husband, father, artist, pastor, and author all the while managing his chronic illness— God’s mercy has remained and supplied him with strength. He explores the struggle for control amidst life’s pressures, and ultimately the freedom that comes with giving it all to God.

As he aptly puts it, “When I wrote my last album, The End, so much of what I was wrestling with at the time was about what it is like when we come to the end of ourselves. When we have no strength or plans left and we just have to depend on God. The Epilogue is an album about the fruit of your endurance. I’m now writing about what comes after The End and hoping to convey that there is more to the story and it is worth it.”

Notably, The Epilogue. includes a collaboration with Trip’s long-time friend and gospel music heavyweight, Kirk Franklin, on the standout track “Mercy.” Produced by Mashell and Enzo Gran, this song boasts infectious keys alongside a triumphant choir boasting of God’s mercy. Kirk begins with words of encouragement at the beginning leading into Trip rapping about God’s faithfulness amidst all of the valleys of his life.

Alongside the album’s release, he has also premiered the official music video for “Mercy” ft. Kirk Franklin. Directed by Nathan “Dust” Corrona, the video shows Trip on a journey over the oceans and through the wilderness trying to find his way back home only to find something new.

Last year, many who have been following Trip over the years had the impression that he might be officially moving on from music. After releasing five successful studio albums, he seemed to wrap things up with his 2022 LP, appropriately titled “The End.” But in 2023, Trip Lee killed speculation that his music career was over and made a comeback early in the year with a monthly release campaign leading up to what would become his 7th studio album, “The Epilogue.”

In April of this year, Trip released his first Podcast, “End.Notes.” Sponsored by  VOICES of Our Daily Bread , where he alongside his good friend and author, John Onwuchekwa, walk through his latest album, “The End,” track by track talking through the themes discussed and giving a peak into his creative process. Listen/Watch “End.Notes” here.

Trip Lee’s storied career began over a decade ago after a chance meeting with Lecrae and Tedashii at a show where they met him for the first time and performed with him. Now seven full length albums later including his billboard charting album, Rise, he is looking toward the future with the aim to “reframe and replace our vision of despair and deconstruction with hope and sanctification.” His new music is the fruit of his endurance and a reminder that even when we come to what feels like “the end,” There is More to The Story.

Follow Trip Lee: Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

For more information on Reach Records, please visit www.reachrecords.com and on social media @ReachRecords.

Source: Reach Records

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Trip Lee Releases ‘The End’

Jessie Clarks

•    Trip Lee

Award winning artist, pastor, author, and founding member of the 116 Movement, TRIP LEE, is back and this time he’s releasing THE END  (out now)! While many would immediately assume that the award-winning artist, author, pastor, and rapper is announcing the end of his career in music, for Trip Lee, “every ending is a new beginning!”

“Most will think the title,  The End , is connected to my final departure from making music, but that’s far from the truth,” shares Trip. It’s symbolic of the season I’m in personally and musically right now. It symbolizes the coming to the end of ourselves, where one door closes so another can open,” he explains “The state of our nation and the world has caused so many of us to look inward at the legacy we would leave behind if the world were really to end. The end of ourselves is not necessarily the end of our story. The suffering and uncertainty we’re in now feel like the end of everything, but actually the Lord is clearing the pathway that leads to him and a renewed life!”

With the anticipation high for his return and the entire Reach Records roster heading out on the We Are UNASHAMED Tour in mid-March, Trip Lee and the label executed a masterfully planned roll-out to officially announce his return. In 2021, Trip Lee surprised 116 fans with a new song, “You Got It,” a single released on the Reach Records Presents Summer ’21 Playlist. He followed quickly behind with “ Supernatural ,” a warm-up song for The End .

While he hasn’t released a new album in five years, Trip continued to write and record songs. A few songs that made it to  The End  from his hiatus are “You Got It,” “Supernatural,” “Stone,” “Wake Up” ft. KB, “Witness” ft. WHATUPRG and Wande, “Right Out The Gate,” “Gave It Up” ft. DESI and “All Mine” ft. Taylor Hill.

Every ending is a new beginning, and  The End  is only the beginning of Trip Lee’s rebirth as a true musician, musical messenger of God, and a new day for those longing for a new take on the eternal message of hope in Jesus Christ.

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Most will think the title, The End, is connected to my final departure from making music, but that’s far from the truth. It’s symbolic of the season I’m in personally and musically right now. It symbolizes the coming to the end of ourselves, where one door closes so another can open. The state of our nation and the world has caused so many of us to look inward at the legacy we would leave behind if the world were really to end. The end of ourselves is not necessarily the end of our story. The suffering and uncertainty we’re in now feel like the end of everything, but actually, the Lord is clearing the pathway that leads to him and a renewed life!

The Waiting Room

“The Waiting Room” is a thought-provoking and introspective album by Christian hip-hop artist Trip Lee. It was released on December 9, 2016 and features a diverse blend of genres including hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, creating a unique and powerful sound. With a runtime of 42 minutes, the 10-track album showcases Trip Lee’s exceptional lyricism and storytelling abilities, delivering a message of hope, faith, and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges.

Diving into themes of patience, suffering, and the anticipation of God’s promises, “The Waiting Room” is an allegory for the human experience, reflecting the trials and tribulations that individuals face as they navigate through life. Trip Lee’s raw and honest lyrics are complemented by top-notch production, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws listeners in and leaves a lasting impact.

Standout tracks like “Too Cold” and “Lord Have Mercy” showcase Trip Lee’s ability to fuse infectious hooks with deep, meaningful lyrics, while tracks like “Still Unashamed” featuring Tedashii, and “Money Up” exhibit his prowess in delivering hard-hitting verses that resonate with listeners.

The Waiting Room is a testimony to Trip Lee’s growth as an artist and his commitment to using his platform to share his faith and inspire others. The album is a must-listen for fans of Christian hip-hop and those seeking an authentic, captivating, and uplifting musical experience.

In order to convey his message, Trip took a different approach to recording this time around. Instead of collaborating with multiple producers, he worked solely with longtime producer Gawvi for the entire album at his Atlanta studio. Sonically, Rise’s first single “Shweet” displays the immense talent of both Gawvi and Trip Lee. With its simmering production, the track nods to that classic down south Houston bounce with New York-style storytelling. Trip’s verses remain as vivid as they are vital. Meanwhile, “Sweet Victory” builds from a minimal verse into a sweeping hook that’s instantly invigorating as Trip’s infectious flow takes hold. “Manolo” sees him once again team up with Reach Records’ own main man and close friend Lecrae. Together, the two of them flip another hip-hop paradigm cleverly between tightly woven rhyme fireworks.

The Good Life

The album opens with New Dreams, featuring J.R. and Sho Baraka, which is an awakening to the reality that chasing selfish ambitions will keep us from the abundant life God desires for us all. Trip follows with the freeman anthems Robot and I’m Good featuring Lecrae, which boast in liberty, contentment and security found in Christ. On Fantasy, featuring Suzy Rock, Trip carefully exposes the dream world we either live in or long for and the nightmare it will turn out to be. Other collaborations with KB, Andy Mineo, Jimmy Needham, V. Rose and many others, celebrate the beauty of life brought about by the true emancipator, the creator and revealer of all that is good. While production from Dirty Rice, Alex Medina, G-Styles and Joseph Prielozny provide a glorious backdrop for the satisfaction of life in Christ.

The Man Up album, in conjunction with the Man Up campaign, seeks to answer that question by offering the soundtrack to the movement! Lecrae, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Tedashii, Pro, KB and Andy Mineo are calling men in the Hip-hop culture to true biblical manhood summed up by: leading courageously, rejecting passivity, accepting responsibility and pursuing humility, through repentance and faith in Christ.

Between Two Worlds

Trip Lee finds himself in an often difficult, but ultimately promising state–destined for eternal life, yet tasked to navigate through this one. His third album, Between Two Worlds offers listeners a collection of personal reflections that echo the joys and struggles we all experience as believers. The opening track title, Real Life Music, summarizes what to expect from Trip’s latest project.

Do you see Him clearly? Back with a second disc, Trip Lee is on a mission for you to see God clearly through the lens of scripture, giving you a 20/20 vision. Featuring incredible, diverse production, along with some features from Lecrae, Tedashii, Shai Linne, and others.

If They Only Knew

Trip Lee’s Debut Album! This young and unashamed member of the 116 Clique laid down some serious heat on “If They Only Knew”. You don’t want to miss out on this one. Trip Lee touches on a ton of different issues that you face in your walk with Christ, from how we should examine our own lives to some serious teaching on the 2nd person of the Trinity. Make sure you cop this CD and dig into the lyrics. You’ve heard Trip Lee on the 116 Clique Compilation Album and now you can get the real deal on his first full length release with production by Tony Stone, JR, Lecrae, and more, plus some great features by Ambassador, Lecrae, Tedashii, Flame and others!

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Go to artist, search by typing, press enter to begin search, “we have to step up and meet people where they are. that’s how you create change.”.

Two years removed from his 5 th album Rise , which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Rap chart and #16 on the Billboard 200 , Trip sounds more focused than ever. “It’s time,” he says.

His new mixtape The Waiting Room is an exercise in power and precision. Though its title speaks to things like patience and contentment —all which are good and true and examined here with a biblical lens— the urgency is also deeply felt. “This earth is a place where all of our longings just won’t come true,” Trip says. “We’re always waiting for things to be made right.”

Throughout the 10 songs that make up The Waiting Room , Trip wrestles with joy and pain, life and death, and the realities of our current social and political climate. Since Rise , violence, injustice, and heightened levels of civil unrest have captivated our national consciousness. The example of the church, Trip argues, is needed now more than ever before. “We have to step up and meet people where they are. That’s how you create change.”

The state of our nation, and world, has caused many to look inward, including Trip — to take careful stock of our hearts and commit to destroying the things that hold us back. Naturally, as with all crucial times in human history, great art has a way of emerging from the rubble.

The first single on The Waiting Room , “Too Cold” produced by GAWVI, is a melodic and bass-heavy anthem about the importance of boldness and standing firm in one’s faith. “One time for my soldiers/Two times for y’all that got that cross on y’all shoulders/We ain’t gon’ let the world mold us.”

“Clouds,” a banger co-produced by GAWVI and Dirty Rice, is easily one of Trip’s strongest and, suffice to say, catchiest releases to date. His voice and southern drawl coast over the piano and cracking drums like a rider on a swell. “That feeling when you’re walking in your calling/Ain’t no turning back, I’m all in/I ain’t finished just watch.” Songs like this serve to re-establish Trip as a singular force in hip-hop, a rapper who is as willing to share his doubts and uncertainties as he is his assurances. One of Trip’s biggest obstacles over the last several years has been his health, specifically his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, which he doesn’t shy away from discussing. On “Longer” he digs deep, detailing the exhaustion and physical strain that his condition continues to pose on his life and work. Despite it all, Trip takes solace in knowing that his suffering is only temporary.

Then there are gems like the infectious Alex Medina-produced “Money Up” and the second single “Billion Years,” a worshipful cut that thunders with hope and features a massive hook by Taylor Hill. “A billion years ahead, this whole world will be nothing/There’s a joy that is coming, like the morning.”

The Waiting Room is Trip at his most self-actualized. It probes and prods; it’s fun; there is measured tension. It’s an artist operating at the height of his gift. Start to finish, the project has a soulful air—moody synths and chords and interesting key changes—that match Trip’s intensity and crisp delivery. His skill as an MC shines bright as ever, and once again proves his standing as one of the best doing it today. “It’s been awhile since I put some new music out,” Trip says. “This one is special and will hold people over until the next album. Rawness, real emotion, and a fresh perspective. Here’s The Waiting Room .”

Jun 21  –  Trip Lee

Faith over fear, surprise, az, get tickets, jun 29  –  trip lee & hulvey, to live for conference 2024, trip lee & hulvey, sep 14  –  trip lee, uprise fest 2024, shippensburg, pennsylvania, shippensburg, pa, recent press, trip lee continues monthly single streak with ‘confetti’, rapzilla.com, trip lee has new music dropping every month, fuse tv – trip lee explains inspiration behind mixtape ‘the waiting room’, bet lift every voice – yung joc and trip lee, trip lee releases single “too cold” and announces mixtape ‘the waiting room’.

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Trip Lee Continues The Story From ‘The End.’ With New Album ‘The Epilogue.’

Trip Lee continues his celebrated creative legacy on his latest album, The Epilogue., featuring Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Madison Ryann Ward, Hulvey and more! Listen to “ The Epilogue .”

In this album, Trip Lee explores God’s faithfulness through life’s ups and downs. Despite coming to the end of himself— enduring the weight of being an husband, father, artist, pastor, and author all the while managing his chronic illness— God’s mercy has remained and supplied him with strength. He explores the struggle for control amidst life’s pressures, and ultimately the freedom that comes with giving it all to God.

As he aptly puts it, “When I wrote my last album, The End, so much of what I was wrestling with at the time was about what it is like when we come to the end of ourselves. When we have no strength or plans left and we just have to depend on God. The Epilogue is an album about the fruit of your endurance. I’m now writing about what comes after The End and hoping to convey that there is more to the story and it is worth it.”

Notably, The Epilogue. includes a collaboration with Trip’s long-time friend and gospel music heavyweight, Kirk Franklin, on the standout track “Mercy.” Produced by Mashell and Enzo Gran, this song boasts infectious keys alongside and triumphant choir boasting of God’s mercy. Kirk begins with words of encouragement at the beginning leading into Trip rapping about God’s faithfulness amidst all of the valleys of his life.

Alongside the albums release, he is also premiering the official music video for “Mercy” ft. Kirk Franklin. Directed by Nathan “Dust” Corrona, the video shows Trip on a journey over the oceans and through the wilderness trying to find his way back home only to find something new.

Last year, many who have been following Trip over the years had the impression that he might be officially moving on from music. After releasing five successful studio albums, he seemed to wrap things up with his 2022 LP, appropriately titled “The End.” But in 2023, Trip Lee killed speculation that his music career was over and made a comeback early in the year with a monthly release campaign leading up to what would become his 7th studio album, “The Epilogue.”

In April of this year, Trip released his first Podcast, “End.Notes.” Sponsored by VOICES of Our Daily Bread, where he alongside his good friend and author, John Onwuchekwa, walk through his latest album, “The End,” track by track talking through the themes discussed and giving a peak into his creative process. Listen/Watch “End.Notes”

Trip Lee’s storied career began over a decade ago after a chance meeting with Lecrae and Tedashii at a show where they met him for the first time and performed with him. Now seven full length albums later including his billboard charting album, Rise, he is looking toward the future with the aim to “reframe and replace our vision of despair and deconstruction with hope and sanctification.” His new music is the fruit of his endurance and a reminder that even when we come to what feels like “the end,” There is More to The Story.

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How cindy lee became the music world's underground success story of 2024, the retro artist embodies music discovery in the age before the algorithm.

Meaghan Garvey

The retro-pop artist Cindy Lee doesn't sit for interviews, use social media and rejects the streaming era's demands on independent artists. Photo by Meaghan Garvey/Illustration by Jackie Lay/NPR hide caption

The retro-pop artist Cindy Lee doesn't sit for interviews, use social media and rejects the streaming era's demands on independent artists.

It's a happy indie parable for 2024, the way the headlines tell it: a hard-working veteran of the late 2000s underground self-releases, with no promotion, their 32-track magnum opus via sketchy download link on a GeoCities website designed like that of the Heaven's Gate cult circa 1997. You won't find that album, Diamond Jubilee , on your streaming platform of favor unless it happens to be YouTube, which presents the double album as a two-hour listening gauntlet with no breaks between tracks. Cue the Pitchfork rave from deep out of left field, attached to it the highest score the review site has doled out for a new release in four years. In a flash, the name on everybody's lips was Cindy Lee, the glamorous stage persona of Canadian musician Patrick Flegel, whose post-punk band, Women, burned hot and fast for a few years before disbanding in 2010.

Flegel does not use social media, no longer sits for interviews and releases records on small labels or alone, opting out of the streaming era's marketing and distribution paradigm almost entirely. "Where I'm at right now, I feel like goin' rogue," Flegel said last year, encouraging artists to take their music off of Spotify, where they're "begging for a penny a play." (There's an option to donate a suggested 30 Canadian dollars beside the free album download link on their website.) "If I can swing it on my own," they continued, "I'd much rather bet on myself and have total control." Within days of Pitchfork 's review, Cindy Lee's 27-date spring tour had sold out nonetheless. Whether that's a net good is hard to say; the day after Lee's show at Milwaukee's Cactus Club on May 3, it was announced that the remaining 12 dates would be canceled for personal reasons. In any case, the story was the stuff that indie dreams were made of 20 years ago. But things are very different now, which is to say, much worse, at least if you're an independent musician and not, say, Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, for whom Flegel has some choice words if you scroll down on their website. ("THE CEO OF SPOTIFY IS A THIEF AND A WAR PIG.")

To extol the vintage charms of Diamond Jubilee 's presentation is easy; pinning down the record's timeless sound, less so. Those who've heard the noisy anguish of much of Flegel's past work might marvel at its lightness, what you could call easy listening. Like many others, I came to the music of Cindy Lee in February 2020, when their haunted-sounding fifth album, What's Tonight to Eternity , set a perfectly bleak tone for the coming year. Flegel's been working on Diamond Jubilee since at least that year, when they referenced the work-in-progress as a feel-good counter to their previous records' "doom and gloom and taboo." You can feel the years of effort in its deceptively breezy record-collector rock, ambitious and accessible at once.

Like the midcentury girl groups at the center of the moodboard, Cindy Lee's songs are about love — having lost it, most of all. Lee is lonesome, Lee is blue, Lee is riding the Greyhound to the Canadian border with nothing but their memories. Depending where you come from, you might follow these wistful melodies all the way back to The Ronettes and The Righteous Brothers, stopping along the way at Motown soul or Velvet Underground fuzz or the cool camp of a band in a Russ Meyer flick. Or maybe you were bumming around the blog scene 15 years ago when a bumper crop of bands (Women among them) were distorting retro pop sounds, as if all the young, urban millennials had rewatched Twin Peaks at once. Lately, I find myself returning to this era of blog-centric music discovery with a nostalgic fondness that ought to be reserved for one's first love — oh, to be a music lover in the age before the algorithm!

Cindy Lee performs these songs as a down-'n-out diva: black beehive wig, gold sequined dress, white New Balance sneakers, as if at any moment they might decide to hit the bricks. I'd half-expected to see them slumped outside the Cactus Club, chain-smoking morosely in the manner of their cartoon likeness on Diamond Jubilee 's cover. The show was billed for 10 p.m., though the openers, Freak Heat Waves, hit the small stage close to 11 to a packed but polite room of punks on dates and nerds out past their bedtime. Like Lee, the Canadian duo sound chiller than it used to, the band's post-punk angst cooled to a trip-hop simmer with vocals from Steven Lind that float out in a sleazy, time-stretched purr. Perhaps you recognize that name, the only other besides Flegel's on Diamond Jubilee 's credits. (Flegel wrote and played each of the record's instrumental parts, recorded on digital 8-track, but for Lind's occasional contribution — mainly synths that arpeggiate and swirl like a stoner's iTunes visualizer circa 2009.) There was no introduction as Lee emerged onstage to accompany the Freaks on the band's 2023 track "In a Moment Divine" with eyes low and mood obscure. I couldn't read the expression written on their stoic face: too severe to be called shy, but deeper than disinterest. Happy? Well, no.

Then everything disappeared but Cindy Lee and their guitar, a cherry Telecaster which they held without a strap and brandished like a weapon. I have never seen a living person play guitar like they do, with a casual mastery I'd imagined was reserved for those who've made deals with the devil. Punctuating dreamy melodies with feedback exclamations, the music seemed to come from long ago and far away, with a tone so sharp it hurt. Lee played over an instrumental backing track, staring past the crowd out toward some mystery horizon. At times, they set aside the Telly to sing in plucky falsetto: "Deepest darkness, deepest blue..." (Writers have likened the vibe of the vocal performance to that of Blue Velvet 's Roy Orbison scene, though for me, it's James' shrill and earnest girl group in Twin Peaks that springs to mind.) Here and there, a song was followed by a muffled "thank you" or the curl of ruby lips in the suggestion of a smile. The 45-minute set closed with a trio of songs older than Diamond Jubilee , last of all an instrumental (2020's "Cat o' Nine Tails III") in whose wake the room was held in an instant of stunned silence. Then the cheers erupted, and Cindy Lee was gone.

I myself am nowhere near as principled as Flegel, nor as savvy as I once was in my young DIY days. In a vain attempt to burn Diamond Jubilee on CD, I quickly learned my fancy laptop didn't have the means, which made me feel ashamed. Was I really so content to let a tech company outline the parameters of my access to the things that make me glad to be alive? (Fingers crossed that when you read this, the external CD burner I ordered will have arrived.) I've grown uncomfortably familiar with that kind of impotence, the sense that for the modern era's supposedly boundless choices, less is possible than before. How quickly we forget that we have other options, that the tech industry's scalability obsession needn't be our own. When music critics write of the success of Diamond Jubilee , they celebrate a victory against their own perceived irrelevance, and in their newfound hope, they tend to make it weird, flattering themselves with questions like, "Is Cindy Lee the future of music?"

To put it bluntly: no, nor should they have to be. I don't expect Diamond Jubilee to be a harbinger of anything. What Lee represents so thrillingly is nothing but themself — so much so that when Freak Heat Waves announced on Instagram that the remainder of the tour had been canceled "for reasons beyond our control," I felt weirdly relieved. In an era dominated by fan service, you could almost forget that it's personal. Gut instinct, plus a message on their website posted before the madness ("THIS WILL BE CINDY'S LAST AMERICAN TOUR"), gives me the feeling that I may have witnessed the last-ever Cindy Lee show. What we're left with is the music, which isn't a glimpse at the future but a reminder of something we already knew — art is for making however we choose.

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Stream RM's New Album 'Right Place, Wrong Person': See The Tracklist, "LOST!" Video & Special Guests

The second solo album from BTS' RM further displays his knack for genre-bending experimentation, while also delving deeper into his vulnerable side. Listen to the new album here, and get to know the project's featured artists, tracklist and more.

As the world patiently awaits the return of BTS in full force, each member continues to deliver solo projects to show off their individual talents. And 18 months after his last album, RM is back.

With a discography that hops between pop, R&B, and hip-hop, RM returns to the spotlight with his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person . The project tells the relatable story of an individual who is a creature of habit, but slowly comes to find solace in foreign spaces.

Below, listen to RM's latest album, and discover more about how he's revealing a new side of his artistry with Right Place, Wrong Person .

The Tracklist

After RM's debut solo album, 2022's Indigo, had 10 tracks (including features from the likes of Erykah Badu , Anderson .Paak ), he ups the tally with an 11-song tracklist this time around.

Here is the complete tracklist for Right Place, Wrong Person :

1. Right People, Wrong Place 2. Nuts 3. out of love 4. Domodachi (feat. Little Simz) 5. ? (Interlude) 6. Groin 7. Heaven 8. LOST! 9. Around the world in a day (feat. Moses Sumney) 10. ㅠㅠ (Credit Roll) 11. Come back to me

The Creative Visuals

Two weeks before the album dropped, he unveiled the music video for "Come Back to Me," the lead single from Right Place, Wrong Person . Directed by the critically acclaimed actor Lee Sung Jin, the music video narrates the tale of feeling like an outsider and yearning for a sense of belonging in unfamiliar surroundings.

Then, on the day Right Place, Wrong Person arrived, RM added to release-day excitement with another intriguing visual, this time for "LOST!" The five-minute clip sees RM as the star of "The Lost! Show," where he and a group endure an eerie whirlwind of scenarios they can't seem to get out of. It's equal parts dramatic and slapstick, and another clever display of RM's creative versatility.

Noteworthy Guests

The featured artists on Right Place, Wrong Person — British rapper Little Simz on "Domodachi" and art-pop artist Moses Sumney on "Around the world in a day" — underscore RM's ability to interlace his own musical style with artists from various genres.

The album also has some notable behind-the-scenes collaborators as well. Production credits include Kim Han-joo, keyboardist and vocalist from the South Korean rock band Silica Gel, on "LOST!" and GRAMMY-nominated jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck on "? (Interlude)."

On "Come back to me" — which RM initially debuted last August during a surprise performance at BTS bandmate Suga's encore concert in Seoul — he delves into the album's central theme of wanting to venture into unknown areas, but feeling the intense urge to stay with what's already known. The track was composed and arranged by OHHYUK from the South Korean indie-rock band Hyukoh, but also features credits from artists Kuo, JNKYRD, and San Yawn.

But no matter who RM is working with, his own talent and prowess as a creator always shines. Right Place, Wrong Person presents a diverse array of tracks marked by sheer vulnerability, honesty, and sensitivity — a masterful continuation of a remarkable solo journey.

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Photo: LAPONE Entertainment

JO1's Big Year: Follow The J-Pop Group's Rise, From Their First U.S. Appearance To One Of Japan's Biggest Venues

With a new album, 'HITCHHIKER' out in the world, JO1 are on a road to success. The 11-member J-pop act spoke with GRAMMY.com about their impressive past year, and their hopes for the future.

Immersed in a sea of lights and basking in the clamor of tens of thousands of fans at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, one of Japan's largest venues, JO1 felt a profound fulfillment. The 11-member J-pop group brimmed with gratitude at the realization that the road to their shared dream had stretched wide open. Over a video call from Tokyo, vocal leader Junki Kono reminisces about the power of JO1's two November shows at the dome — his former employer. "I was impressed by the fact that I was seeing the same view but from completely different sides – from the perspective of a security guard to the one of an artist," he tells GRAMMY.com. "In the next dome concert, I want our fans to be more excited about our performance, and I want to show them something even better."

This sense of conviction has been ingrained in JO1's DNA since the outset. In 2019, each member bet on faith and auditioned for the inaugural season of " Produce 101 Japan ," a television contest aimed at creating a boy group chosen by the public. After 12 nerve-wracking episodes, Takumi Kawanishi, Issei Mamehara, Sho Yonashiro, Ren Kawashiri, Junki Kono, Shosei Ohira, Ruki Shiroiwa, Shion Tsurubo, Sukai Kinjo, Syoya Kimata, and Keigo Sato were crowned JO1 . 

However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the newly debuted group to build from scratch while their fans watched them grow from afar. Their tenacity prevailed and, today, JO1 is at a zenith where collective harmony coalesces with individual projects. 

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind journey. JO1 traveled to California for their first performance stateside at KCON LA 2023 and embarked on their second arena tour, which later expanded to Jakarta, Bangkok, Taipei, and Shanghai — their first concerts outside their home country. The tour drew a total of 200,000 attendees and led to a pair of encore shows at the Kyocera Dome. Moreover, aside from new music, their solo artistry was enhanced with acting roles and other creative pursuits.

And the group has no plans to slow down. "I know that many people have a final destination in mind when planning a trip, but for me and the rest of JO1, I'm not quite sure what that final destination is," says Shion Tsurubo. "I believe what's important is that we can enjoy the process and the journey itself."

The next horizon is their eighth extended play, HITCHHIKER. Confident and lively, the six-track production pulsates with versatility, and its funky title track, "Love seeker," is a sonic adventure where to be enamored is the ultimate goal. Or, as JO1's leader Sho Yonashiro puts it, "love for everything. For our songs, our fans, and our members."

As JO1 prepares to continue running "with top speed," they pull the break for a bit and unravel the most important year of their trajectory so far. Fasten your seatbelt.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Developing Their Artistry From The Stage To The Silver Screen

Ruki Shiroiwa: Seiji, my character [from the film You Made My Dawn ], is very free-spirited, but he's also very realistic and believes that there's only life, so he does what he wants and clearly expresses what he thinks. I must say his perspective is very similar to how I live. JO1's activities are also this way, and each performance is treated as if it's the last one. In a way, I was replicating the strength he has, which somehow also made me feel supported in all the work I did with JO1 [last year]. Seiji felt like a source of power. Takumi Kawanishi: When [reflecting] on the current music market, it seems like there is a higher demand to create viral or trendy songs. But within that, there is always music and sounds you want to play and things you want to say. [Playing Kiyosumi in Buzzy Noise ] made me realize that it's important for me to try my best to showcase the [message] that I want to convey [with my music] as much as possible.

[For my song " Heaven ,"] I wrote what Kiyosumi would feel and think, and then tried to capture what I felt as Takumi Kawanishi. I had a slightly strange feeling of being both Kiyosumi and Takumi when I was writing the song, but I think that sentiment aligns with the emotional nature of the film.

Performing Stateside For The First Time At KCON LA 2023

Sukai Kinjo : We couldn't attend KCON LA when we were first invited in 2022 due to [some of us contracting] COVID-19, so when we heard that we could go the following year, we [asked] every member and the surrounding staff to stay indoors and not go outside at all. Going to KCON is a big step, so we asked our managers if we could take a break before the event to rest and [prioritize] our health.

Ren Kawashiri: We performed three songs, with the third one being a cover of "Super" by SEVENTEEN -san, and we felt the crowd's excitement increasing with each performance. Many people might not have known who JO1 was at first, but I think we were able to enjoy ourselves with the audience and have fun on stage that night. We all felt very welcomed.

Shion Tsurubo: There was a moment in the cover of "Super" where we had to lift Syoya as part of the choreography. My first thought was that I couldn't let him fall.

Syoya Kimata: I was very nervous! I could just imagine it would be so bad if I failed on stage [during my first time] in Los Angeles. I took extra care, so I was very happy when I landed [after they threw me into the air], and I continued dancing throughout the performance without worrying or thinking about it.

Junki Kono : I was proud of my members, and we were all satisfied after our performance ended. We loved Los Angeles and we actually did some filming and photoshoots around the city. We met many local people, and it was fantastic. I want to return sometime soon. I miss In-N-Out. [ Laughs. ]

Expanding Their Musicality On Their Third Album, EQUINOX

Takumi Kawanishi: The "colors" of JO1 have been changing little by little. During the EQUINOX era , we were allowed to produce music with a nostalgic feel, but it also had a "power-up" element. I believe everyone in our group was looking to convey this as well.

Shosei Ohira: This album has a wide range of styles. For instance, "Venus" has elegance in its melody, and " RadioVision " is a pop song with an old-fashioned, retro charm. We also had our unit songs – " Itty Bitty " and " Mad In Love ." This is something that we didn't do in our previous releases, so we were able to show a new [artistic] side of JO1.

Sukai Kinjo: I believe that every time we release a new album, my vocal ability has improved a lot compared to the previous one. I will work even harder and try my best to bring my "miracle voice" to the world.

Seeing Asia On The BEYOND THE DARK Tour

Issei Mamehara: It was our first overseas tour, so I was very happy! The experience made me recognize that I love and enjoy performing with our fans, JAM, at a close distance. Jakarta was especially memorable because it was the first show, and even though there were some sound problems, JO1's performance covered it up.

Ruki Shiroiwa: We had some technical issues [in Jakarta] while performing "Venus" that caused the song to stop playing. However, we usually practice during rehearsals in case something like this happens. It became a real situation, so when the sound stopped, we all knew we had to continue dancing. Everyone who gathered in the concert venue also joined us by singing and livened things up, so it feels like a success that we were able to avoid some trouble.

Keigo Sato: The size of the venues was smaller compared to those in Japan, but we could feel the high pressure from the audience, and it was amazing.

Watching Their Dreams Become Reality At The Kyocera Dome

Shosei Ohira: It was our first time stepping onto the Kyocera Dome [as headliners], which was a stage that all the JO1 members admired. The moment I stood on [that stage], I felt my dream come true, and it was an unbelievable time. I experienced many things [in the past], and many people supported me before I got here, so I was really thankful.

Junki Kono : When I was working at the Kyocera Dome, the stage seemed to be shining, and the artists who filled the venue also looked radiant. I remember being impressed by the sound of the concerts — it shook my heart. I don’t know why, but I remember feeling like I could stand on that stage in the future, and I was telling everyone around me, including my colleagues, that I would make it happen.

[Performing at Kyocera Dome with JO1] was the moment when my efforts and words were rewarded. But I also understood that standing at the Kyocera Dome is not a goal but a passing point on the road to my dream. I found a new challenge from this experience — a dome tour.

Sho Yonashiro: When the stage doors opened, I felt like a hero. But at the same time, there was a feeling of nervousness because we were the protagonists [that day]. If we had made a mistake, Ren, our performance leader, would have been angry. [ Laughs. ]

Ruki Shiroiwa: The concert is now available on Amazon Prime Video in Japan, and I've already watched it. While on stage, I felt that everything went smoothly, and I was really happy. However, looking back, I noticed that there are also areas where we need to improve. In the future, if we perform at the Kyocera Dome [again] or the Tokyo Dome, we would like to increase the quality of the performance. 

Winning The Excellent Work Award At The 65th Japan Record Awards 

Issei Mamehara: During a period when we were looking to make exciting songs, we had the opportunity to do "Trigger," and it received the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards . We were really honored. I wouldn't go as far as calling it our representative song, but we would like many people to truly listen to it.

Keigo Sato: I'm still skeptical about why "Trigger" wasn't a title track. I knew it was going to go viral. [ Laughs. ]

Returning To "Kōhaku Uta Gassen," Japan's Biggest End-Of-The-Year Television Special

Sho Yonashiro: "Kōhaku" is a [major] television show in Japan, and we had the opportunity to be invited [to perform] for a second time. There are a lot of K-pop artists coming in [as guests], and we know there are some comparisons between us and them.

All I can think of is that we need to demonstrate we can be competitive and shouldn't be satisfied with our position. After being there for two years, we need to continue expanding our [performance] skills and be more charismatic on stage.

Ren Kawashiri: It would not be an exaggeration to say that our role as top batters [for the White Team] somewhat determined the show's momentum. Back in 2022, we didn't know what we were doing, so we just tried our best, but the second time around, we had more room to think about how to create a good ambience.

Heading Down A New Road With HITCHHIKER  

Keigo Sato: My favorite song [from HITCHHIKER ] is "Lied to you" because up until this point, we didn't have a track with this kind of Western-style [flow]. The lyrics talk about heartbreak and the inability to express your feelings, and the singing is really great. It's very similar to an Olivia Rodrigo song.

Junki Kono : The bittersweet atmosphere of [our B-side] "Lemon Candy" illustrates the emotion of "I can do anything for you." These may be extreme words, but I put the message in the lyrics that I feel [about] you that strongly.

When I heard the song, I instantly knew that it was composed by Yonghwa-san [from CNBLUE] because it really conveyed his vibe. He taught me many things during the recording session, such as how to sing with more of my own personality, which made me a little nervous. 

Syoya Kimata: Our title track is called "Love seeker," and I believe our trajectory is like hitchhiking as we search for the love of the audience in Japan and people who don't know about JO1 yet. I hope we can continue spreading our music and gain more recognition, so we will keep working hard to achieve that.

Ren Kawashiri: I feel we have a common understanding that has developed over the past five years. We are taking advantage of the fact that we have 11 members, which, in some cases, may be considered too many people, but we believe that each one of us injects strength into the group.

Steering Towards A Bright Future

Sho Yonashiro: We still feel that we must become more famous – even though we have achieved a lot as a boy group [in Japan]. It's been almost five years since our [formation], and we have gained experience and grown significantly compared to our beginnings. However, when we look outside Japan, many don't know who JO1 is, and I think this is a challenge worth taking over and over again. 

Sukai Kinjo: JO1 is very strong and unique on stage, and that’s where we can show how powerful we are as a group. I think our artistic [essence] resonated well with people in Los Angeles, and we do have the potential to reach more international fans. I believe it will be a matter of time before we go viral around the world. [ Laughs. ]

Ren Kawashiri: We will be superstars!

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Photo: Courtesy Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X

New Music Friday: Listen to Songs From Megan Thee Stallion, Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X, BTS' RM & More

May 10 is quite the stacked day of new music across all genres — from Post Malone & Morgan Wallen's country collab, to Stray Kids' team-up with Charlie Puth, to The Chainsmokers and Kings of Leon. Check out some fresh releases to enjoy this weekend here.

As the summer quickly approaches, artists from every genre continue to unveil new music for warmer weather. Friday May 10 is particularly packed with anticipated and surprise releases from both emerging talents and established names.

The new albums alone prove just that: pop songsmith Alec Benjamin 's 12 Notes , folk-rock band Judah & the Lion 's The Process , regional Mexican stars Grupo Frontera's Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada , and GRAMMY-winning R&B singer Andra Day 's Cassandra , to name a few.

Meanwhile, a big, cool glass of major rap releases is here to help wash down the piping hot Kendrick and Drake beef served up over the last week. Full album releases debuted from Gunna , Chief Keef , and Ghostface Killah — the latter featuring guest spots from Nas , Kanye West , Raekwon , Method Man and more. Hottie Megan Thee Stallion 's powerful new single, "BOA", sets the stage for her Hot Girl Summer tour which officially starts on May 14. New songs from Ice Spice , Kodak Black , NLE Choppa , Coi Leray , G-Eazy , Yung Gravy , Ski Mask the Slump God set the playlist for a weekend full of slappers.

There's tons of collaborations, too, including the much-teased pairing of Post Malone and Morgan Wallen with "I Had Some Help," a track that showcases Malone's furtherance into country in a catchy, reflective anthem. But country music lovers also have more to enjoy this weekend: Orville Peck 's duets project, Stampede Vol.1 , features the likes of Willie Nelson and Elton John ," while Scotty McCreery's Rise & Fall and Avery Anna's single "Blonde" fill the fuel tank for a rodeo-ready summer. 

BTS 's RM delivers another solo track "Come Back to Me" and Stray Kids dropped a new collaboration with Charlie Puth , coming fresh off the K-pop group's appearance at the Met Gala earlier this week. And the electronic and rock scenes are not left behind, with A.G. Cook exploring a new twist on Britpop and Sebastian Bach's release of Child Within The Man .

Dive into today's releases from Megan Thee Stallion, The Chainsmokers , RM, Stray Kids with Charlie Puth , Camila Cabello with Lil Nas X , Post Malone and Morgan Wallen below. 

Megan Thee Stallion, "BOA"

Megan Thee Stallion's new single "BOA" continues to play up the themes of empowerment and self-realization that define her current musical phase and comes just days ahead of her Hot Girl Summer Tour starting on May 14. The song's cover art features Megan with a striking snake, a recurring symbol of rebirth that has been significant in her recent work, appearing in tracks like the Billboard Hot 100 hit "Hiss" and the 2023 song "Cobra." 

"BOA" is a continuation of Megan's snake-themed narrative, but serves as a saccharine homage to her favorite late-'90s and early 2000s anime and video game classics. The music video features references to Scott Pilgrim, One Piece, Dance Dance Revolution, and iconic 3D fighting games like Mortal Kombat, complete with visuals and Gantz-inspired outfits.

Speaking to Women's Health about her upcoming summer album, Megan discussed the personal growth and renewal she has experienced, inspiring this new era of music. "I was inspired to create this album about rebirth because I feel I am becoming a new person physically and mentally," she shared.

Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X, "HE KNOWS"

Camila Cabello teams up with Lil Nas X for the tantalizing new song "He Knows," delivering a radio-friendly track that's as catchy as it is lustful. The new music mirrors the infectious energy of their recent appearance at FKA Twigs' Met Gala afterparty, where they both were seen dancing the night away behind the DJ booth. 

"He Knows" serves as a precursor to Cabello's highly anticipated fourth solo album, C,XOXO , — set to drop on June 28 — and teases a glimpse of Cabello's evolving artistic direction. The single follows on the heels of her recent hit "I LUV IT" featuring Playboi Carti, part of the  reimagining of her sound and artistic brand.

RM, "Come Back To Me"

BTS member RM has released a new single, "Come Back To Me," accompanied by a music video. The relaxed track gives fans a taste of his upcoming second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person , set to release on May 24. 

In the song, RM explores themes of right and wrong, capturing the complex emotions of wanting to explore new avenues while wishing to stay comfortable in the present. "Come Back To Me" features contributions from OHHYUK of the South Korean band HYUKOH, and Kuo of the Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster. Additional credits include JNKYRD and San Yawn from Balming Tiger. RM first performed "Come Back To Me" during a surprise appearance at BTS bandmate Suga 's concert in Seoul last summer, noting it as a favorite from his forthcoming album. 

The music video for "Come Back To Me" was written, directed, and produced by Lee Sung Jin, known for his work on the Netflix show "Beef." The video features actress Kim Minha from the Apple TV+ series "Pachinko" and faces themes of identity and self-reflection, showing RM confronting different versions of himself. Its cast includes notable Korean and American actors such as Joseph Lee, Lee Sukhyeong, and Kim A Hyun.

Post Malone & Morgan Wallen, "I Had Some Help"

Post Malone and Morgan Wallen blend their distinct musical styles in the much-anticipated release of their collaborative single "I Had Some Help." Merging Malone's versatile pop sensibilities while leaning into his country roots with Wallen's, well, help, the duet is a unique crossover that has had fans clamoring to hear more since the two first teased the song earlier this year. 

Finally premiering during Wallen's headlining performance at Stagecoach Festival on April 28, the uptempo song explores themes of mutual support and shared experiences, encapsulated by the lyric, "It ain't like I can make this kind of mess all by myself."

The collaboration has sparked significant buzz and showcases the duo's chemistry and shared knack for storytelling. This single highlights their individual talents as well as their ability to bridge genre divides, already promising to be a hit on the charts and a favorite among fans.

The Chainsmokers, No Hard Feelings

Maestros of mainstream emotion, The Chainsmokers continue to master the art of turning personal reflections into global anthems with their latest EP, No Hard Feelings . The six-song project see Alex Pall and Drew Taggart exploring the emotional highs and lows of modern relationships, weaving their signature dance beats with pop sensibilities as they have since 2015's "Roses." 

The duo's latest release serves as a soundtrack to both sun-kissed days and introspective nights. The collection includes the single "Friday," a collaboration with Haitian-American singer Fridayy, described by the duo as a direct descendant of "Roses." Other tracks, such as "Addicted," also underscore the Chainsmokers' knack for capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary love and loss.

Kings of Leon, Can We Please Have Fun

Kings of Leon return with their signature blend of rock and introspection on their ninth studio album, Can We Please Have Fun . The LP finds the band infusing their established sound with fresh, unbridled energy, reminiscent of their early days yet matured by years of experience. The album features standout tracks like "Mustang" and "Nothing To Do," which mix playful lyrics with serious musical chops, showcasing Kings of Leon's unique ability to combine rock's raw power with catchy, thoughtful songwriting.

The band is set to bring Can We Please Have Fun to life on their 2024 world tour, starting in Leeds, United Kingdom on June 20 and wrapping in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Oct. 5. Fans can expect a high-energy series of performances that blend new tracks with beloved classics, all delivered with the Kings of Leon's legendary fervor.

Stray Kids & Charlie Puth, "Lose My Breath"

Stray Kids have teamed up with Charlie Puth for their latest release, "Lose My Breath," a track that blends K-pop dynamism with Western pop flair, written by Stray Kids' own producer team 3racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han) along with Puth. The TK song details a whirlwind of emotions, describing symptoms of breathlessness and heart-palpitating moments encapsulated in the lyrics: "I lose my breath when you're walking in/ 'Cause when our eyes lock, it's like my heart stops." 

"Lose My Breath" is described as a "warm-up" for Stray Kids' forthcoming album, set for release this summer. The track further highlights the global appeal of Stray Kids ahead of their highly anticipated headlining set at Lollapalooza in August. It also continues Puth's engagement with K-pop, following his previous work with other K-pop acts including his collab with BTS' Jungkook , "Left and Right," and "Like That," a song he co-wrote for K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER . 

15 Must-Hear Albums In May 2024: Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Sia, Zayn & More

Photo: PLEDIS Entertainment

5 Songs To Get Into Seventeen, Ahead Of New Album '17 Is Right Here'

The 13-member K-pop group has been going strong, selling over 16 million albums since 2015. On April 29, they'll release '17 Is Right Here,' a compilation of some of their most impactful songs. Dive into the world of Seventeen with five essential songs.

Seventeen is more than just a K-pop group; it's a musical phenomenon that challenges conventions and redefines what it means to be a star in the South Korean music scene. Formed in 2015, the group consists of 13 members who are divided into vocal, hip-hop, and performance sub-units.

S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, Dk, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino have garnered a growing and dedicated global fandom known as Carats, who closely follow their every move. For the group, their fans are a significant part of their growth.

"We're definitely more confident than before through our growth. The growth of our Carats and the amount of support that they show us just gives us so much confidence", member Joshua told GRAMMY.com in 2022 .

The self-produced group has a clear philosophy: Create relevant and innovative music that resonates. They don't adhere to stereotypes or definitions, but constantly strive to evolve and explore new sonic territories. This creative and authentic approach has been an integral part of the group's enduring success.

Seventeen wrapped up 2023 with over 16 million albums sold . On April 29, they'll release 17 Is Right Here , a compilation of some of their most impactful songs. For those looking to dive into the world of Seventeen, here are five essential songs to kickstart this exciting musical journey.

"Don't Wanna Cry" (2017)

The lead single from the mini album Al1 , "Don't Wanna Cry" details the struggle of dealing with pain and loss. The track delves into the complex feelings of no longer having a loved one around, while holding onto the hope that they might return.

"Don't Wanna Cry" is a striking example of the group's openness and vulnerability with their fans. The song's raw emotions are deeply personal and relatable, depicting a struggle with pain and loss.

"To You" (2021)

The lively and heartwarming track "To You," from the ninth mini album Attacca , is a beautiful reflection on love and gratitude. It's the kind of song that inspires you to throw your arms open wide, sing out loud, and feel every word with your eyes closed.

With its repeated phrase of "I always need you," the song emphasizes the comfort of having someone dependable in your life. "To You" exemplifies Seventeen's remarkable ability to seamlessly combine emotional depth with infectious dance rhythms, showcasing their talent for creating simultaneously heartfelt and energetic tracks.

"Hot" (2022)

A song to enjoy not just in the summer, but on any day of the year, "Hot" was released in 2022 as part of the album Face the Sun .

Through metaphors involving fire and the sun, the group repeatedly chants the word "Hot" reflecting a sense of confidence and the freedom to live passionately, while also encouraging listeners to express themselves boldly without fear. 

Reflecting the group's identity, "Hot" embraces themes of confidence, passion, and fearless self-expression — qualities that resonate with the group's image and message.

"Super" (2023)

An authentic anthem about unity, "Super" celebrates the power of teamwork and mutual support, as highlighted by the iconic chorus "I love my team, I love my crew." "Super" exemplifies how Seventeen functions as one cohesive group despite its numerous members, emphasizing their strong bond and collective spirit.

The song's title — a reference to Son Goku (손오공) from the famous anime "Dragon Ball" — is featured on the album FML , which in sold over 6.4 million copies in 2023 according to Pledis Entertainment, earning the title of the world's best-selling album.

"God of Music" (2023)

An anthem to the universal language of music and its remarkable ability to forge connections across continents, "God of Music," from Seventeen's 11th mini album, Seventeenth Heaven , is a track that moves you to dance from the very first beat.

The group emphasizes how music breaks down barriers, turning strangers into friends and uplifting people worldwide, regardless of language differences. In their accompanying music video, the members conclude with a heartfelt message: Music is a force that brings people together.

SEVENTEEN Performs A High-Octane Version Of "VERY NICE" | Press Play At Home

Courtesy of the artist

(G)I-DLE’s YUQI Is "A Certified Freak," Just Like Everyone Else

"You only live once, live yourself whatever you want to do," YUQI says of her official solo debut, 'YUQ1,' which encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness.

On her debut solo EP, (G)I-DLE's YUQI has one wish: for all the "freaks" around the world to confidently sing along with her.

YUQ1 boasted a whopping 500,000 pre-order sales prior to its April 23 release, demonstrating the singer/songwriter's tremendous popularity. YUQI's creative flair permeates everything from the music itself to its accompanying visuals, as does her desire to stand alone. "I’m a certified freak," she sings, celebrating the liberation she feels when embracing her uniqueness.

YUQI is the third member of (G)I-DLE to make her solo debut, and the quintet's second member to release a solo EP. While YUQI has released her own music before — including the digital album A Page and singles "Bad Liar" and "Fire!" with Alan Walker and JVKE — YUQ1 marks her first lengthier release. 

YUQI added an additional level of authenticity to her EP by contributing compositions and lyrics to most of the tracks, meticulously working on crafting her unique artist identity as she dabbles in different genres. From the red rabbit mascot on the concept photos to the lyric in "FREAK" that mentions her Zodiac sign Libra, YUQ1 is a reflection of the singer's free-spirited yet delicate artistic qualities. 

This isn’t the first time YUQI has preached about being proud of yourself and your life. Her trendy 2021 house-inspired single "Bonnie & Clyde" (from A Page ) similarly depicts a high level of confidence, as well as a fearlessness when it comes to facing whatever life throws at you. And YUQI has truly lived this bravery as an artist who moved from her home country to Korea, learned a new language, and experienced the strenuous K-Pop training system.

While YUQI has grown exponentially over the past six years as a member of (G)I-DLE and as a solo act, she still feels the need to be perfect. And while (G)I-DLE is the only K-Pop girl group to achieve a "perfect all-kill" on major domestic charts with four consecutive releases, YUQI believes she hasn't succeeded yet.  

As her understanding of creating her crafts deepens, YUQI’s self-awareness also grows. "The depth of my understanding of the songs I create has significantly changed and improved," YUQI tells GRAMMY.com. "I, personally [and] as an artist, have matured a lot!"

Perhaps she picked up some of these facets from her father. "Honestly, even without joking, my father taught me everything when I was 3 years old," she says with a laugh.

While in Seoul, YUQI sat down with GRAMMY.com to share why she thinks everyone is a "freak," and how this era marks the beginning for her as a solo artist.

The interview has been edited for clarity.

This is just your first mini-album, but do you already have a vision for your solo career?

I tried to capture the YUQI that’s real and confident in this album. No matter what other people say about me, I’m not the weird one. But, in fact, I think everyone is a "freak," too. 

This album expresses my confidence and emotional life through music. I wanted to convey that you just have to live confidently too, just as I do. When preparing for my solo album, I also tried different hairstyles that I’ve never tried as a (G)I-DLE member!

You've previously shared that moving to Korea alone to pursue this career was difficult, and your parents were strongly against it at first. Do you think those uncertainties and challenges played a huge role in making who you are?

Definitely! That situation did play a huge role in my career. I just kept on believing in myself and moving forward for my dream and what I wanted to achieve. And through the journey, I discovered that believing in yourself is the best way and that mindset helped me a lot.

I was insecure about my voice when I first came to Korea. But then, everyone told me how precious my voice was. Just like my unique voice, I believe there were many aspects of myself that I wasn't initially aware of, which contributed to my growth as an artist. 

I’m always open and working hard to listen to many people’s opinions so I’ll be able to have a broad perspective. It helps me and makes me develop myself in many ways!

Your music often tackles common worries about growing up, and some of the songs on YUQ1 are inspired by your personal experience such as "My Way" and "Everytime." How do you feel about sharing this side of yourself with the public?

When I talk about my worries and tell a story about them, I feel that everyone actually shares similar experiences regardless of the circumstances they’ve been through or will go through.

In a previous interview with GRAMMY.com , you said that your biggest takeaway since debuting in (G)I-DLE is to always be proud of yourself. Do you feel that way now, or is there a gap that you think you need to fill in order to achieve that pride?

Honestly, my thoughts have not changed over the years. I still feel proud of myself, always! Something that would not change, is that I would still [like to] challenge myself and try to do anything I want to go after. 

Also, I always think that I’m not perfect and always try to make up for what is lacking.

You believe you haven’t succeeded yet. However, you’ve already come so far in people’s eyes. At what point in time do you believe you can proudly say "I made it"?

When people only see me in the media, they would think that I have succeeded a lot. But for me, personally, I don't think so… I still have many things to do in order to succeed in my career. And I always try to keep moving forward with my goals.

My biggest dream, both now and in the past, has always been to live a happy life. It changes from time to time often, but I guess living a happy life is my ultimate goal.

You never forget to mention how you want to always keep improving in interviews. How would you describe YUQI who works really hard to showcase her growth right now?

While preparing for this album, I have experienced so many things that I haven't experienced fully before. For instance, there are so many genres I explored while preparing for this album. Also, it was the first time where I designed my own album, came up with the concept, and had a full album with all the songs that I composed! 

This album definitely allowed me to grow as an artist. Even though there were a lot of difficulties, I believe that those are part of the journey and made YUQI even more mature, have more responsibilities, and be aware of them.

Could you share some insights and walk us through your involvement in the songwriting process?

I have participated in composing and lyrics for (G)I-DLE’s songs in our previous albums. However, this was my first time composing an album on my own. 

It makes me think I can actually do more diverse things, and I believe I was able to do what I wanted to do for myself in this album. It was a great opportunity to include many songs in my own way and style and was able to show new aspects that I have never shown before with my group.

You worked with MINNIE, pH-1, and Lexie Liu on the album’s "Everytime," "Drink It Up," and "On Clap," respectively. What made you choose to feature them on those particular songs, and what was the experience like?

I think and feel that [MINNIE’s] unique voice always suits every song! I’ve always wanted to work with her and I’m glad that she was able to be part of my album. 

And pH-1 was an artist that I’ve always wanted to work with. There was a rap part in "Drink It Up" and I was trying to look for a rapper that would perfectly fit into that part, and pH-1 came into my mind. I had so much fun working with him and he perfectly matched the style that I thought of. Even though it was our first time working together, he was very friendly! 

Lexie and I have been close friends for a long time. We always promised to work together, and I thought this time was the perfect opportunity to do so. I’m thankful that we worked on a song together.

The main character on the track list photo is a red rabbit. It’s also in the music video and some of your concept photos. Could you tell us the backstory of who that is and what that represents?

I was born in the year of a Rabbit and my favorite color is red! So, I decided to have a red rabbit as my main character. And that represents YUQI itself. When you look at the track list, you can see that the rabbit’s facial expressions and comments change depending on the song. In that sense, I think it is a character that shows YUQI’s day in various aspects!

When most people think of a red rabbit, I think that what comes to their mind is that it could be mysterious and scary. And so, I wanted to add some fun elements to the music video and give that feel of a horror movie. 

What’s one line from a song on YUQ1 that hit you the most? And what's something you want the listeners to resonate with the songs?

[A line] from my title track "FREAK"! I think it’s going to be the chorus part, "I’m a certified FREAK." I often talk about my strength as an artist and I saw a lot of comments asking, "Why is she like that?" and "Why is she talking about her own strength?" 

These comments actually gave me a lot of inspiration while writing this song. People who judge me… that way, they are also "FREAK" like everyone else. This is the reason I chose this part. The song contains a message that since you only live once, live yourself whatever you want to do without worrying about what others think.

15 K-Pop Soloists To Know: Chung Ha, Taeyeon, BIBI & More

• 1 Stream RM's New Album 'Right Place, Wrong Person': See The Tracklist, "LOST!" Video & Special Guests
• 2 JO1's Big Year: Follow The J-Pop Group's Rise, From Their First U.S. Appearance To One Of Japan's Biggest Venues
• 3 New Music Friday: Listen to Songs From Megan Thee Stallion, Camila Cabello & Lil Nas X, BTS' RM & More
• 4 5 Songs To Get Into Seventeen, Ahead Of New Album '17 Is Right Here'
• 5 (G)I-DLE’s YUQI Is "A Certified Freak," Just Like Everyone Else

The 44 Most-Anticipated New Movies of Summer 2024

By David Fear

Summer’s here — which means summer movies are back. The fact that we now get big-budget, big-tentpole blockbusters all year round may have dulled the sensation of slipping into an air-conditioned multiplex and losing yourself among the thrills, spills, chills and CGI explosions during the season’s dog days. And yes, last year’s strike certainly disrupted the industry’s usual pipeline of production, which you’ll certainly feel over the next few months. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get, say, a snarky superhero movie. Or a sequel/threequel/prequel to one of a half-dozen franchises. Or the type of movie where things go boom in full, ear-deafening Dolby surround-sound.

And while the summer movie season officially kicked off on Memorial Day weekend with the release of Furiosa — a perfect opening slavo to a three-month period we associate with full-on blockbusterapaloozas — there’s something for virtually everyone hitting theaters, streaming services and arthouses near you before Labor Day weekend. We’ve singled out 44 films hitting screens this summer that will make you laugh, cry, gasp, shriek and, in some cases, levitate out of your seat through sheer joy. Here’s our non-comprehensive but highly curated list of what you need to see from now until end of the August. Enjoy the show(s).

‘Furiosa’ (May 24)

She was the one-armed savior who helped Mad Max survive Fury Road — now find out how Imperator Furiosa became the badass rebel of George Miller’s post-apocalyptic franchise. Forget all of the chatter about how this origin-story prequel “under-performed” over the Memorial Day weekend — it’s a more than worthy addition to the series, and it pays to remember that Fury Road ‘s box office was fairly modest before it nabbed Oscar nominations and was dubbed the greatest action film of all time. Anya Taylor-Joy steps into the battered boots once filled by Charlize Theron. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke costar. Start your engines.

‘In a Violent Nature’ (May 31)

Imagine the Dardenne brothers got high one night and decided to make a slasher flick. That may be the best way to describe Chris Nash’s addition to the killer-in-the-woods canon, in which a hulking figure rises from the grave and vengefully slaughters everyone in his path. The catch is: Viewers are riding shotgun with this homicidal maniac for long periods of time between grisly murders, with the camera trailing behind. (Including several sequences involving actual shotguns.)

‘Robot Dreams’ (May 31)

Spanish filmmaker Pablo Berger ( Blancanieves ) adapts Sarah Varon’s graphic novel, set in a New York filled with anthropomorphic animals, that follows a lonely canine going about his daily routines. When he mail orders a mechanical buddy, his dreams of companionship and connection come true. Then a beach trip gone wrong separates the duo, and as seasons pass, the chance to reunite moves further and further away. Bring tissues. Lots of them.

‘Am I Ok?’ (June 6)

Tig Notaro and her wife Stephanie Allynne co-direct this rom-com “inspired by a very awkward, honest, sometimes embarrassing true story” about a thirtysomething woman named Lucy (Dakota Johnson) who’s slowly inching her way out of the closet. Her longtime best friend (Sonoya Mizuno) has been pushing her to dive headfirst into the dating pool; meanwhile, the gorgeous new masseuse (Kiersey Clemons) has been giving Lucy some pretty encouraging vibes….

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (June 7)

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reunite one more (one last?) time as Detectives Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett, the loose cannons of Miami’s police department. We’re going to go out on a limb and say there will be jokes, shoot-outs, car chases, sleazy bad guys (not to be confused with the “bad boys” of the title), the precinct higher-ups saying that their getting heat from City Hall because of this pair’s shenanigans, more than a few movie star poses, a Miami-based montage featuring a flamingo, and at least one needle-drop of the Inner Circle song. We’d also predict that this is likely to be a hit, but we have to be careful how we use that last word around one of these performers. Bad Boys For Life ‘s directing team Adil & Bilall are back for this one as well.

‘Hit Man’ (June 7)

If you’re like us, you probably first clocked Glenn Powell when Richard Linklater cast him in his 2016 comedy Everybody Wants Some!! Thankfully, the handsome actor who everybody now wants to work with has reunited with Linklater for this story, loosely based on a Texas Monthly article, about a tech nerd who helps the police record undercover sting operations. When a colleague who’s supposed to impersonate a professional killer can’t play the part, he’s forced to step in — and immediately falls for the client, a woman (Adria Arjona) fleeing an abusive relationship. Guess who keeps pretending he’s a hit man even after the operation is over? (It hits Netflix on June 7th, after a brief theatrical run.)

‘I Used to Be Funny’ (June 7)

Shiva Baby / Bottoms star Rachel Sennott plays a Toronto-based stand-up who takes on a side gig as a nanny for a 12-year-old girl (Olga Petsa). It all seems peachy, until something causes a massive rift between the two, turns the comic into a social-media target and completely derails her life. What happened, you ask? Let’s just say it’s dark, the PTSD that Sennott’s character suffers from is earned, and that, despite the use of the word funny in the title, this is anything but a comedy.

‘The Watchers’ (June 7)

Once upon a time, Mina (Dakota Fanning) got lost in a forest. She soon heard an unsettling noise, and was beckoned to seek shelter inside a house. Once there, she discovered a group of similarly bewildered folks, all of whom warn her about some mysterious force that visits them every night in order to “watch” them. But who are “they,” she wondered. And then, well… she found out. Director Ishana Shyamalan — why yes, she is related to M. Night Shyamalan, who’s producing his daughter’s feature debut — adapts A.M. Shine’s extremely creepy novel for the screen; Barbarian ‘s Georgina Campbell and Mandy ‘s Olwen Fouéré costar.

‘Ghostlight’ (June 14)

Dan (Keith Kupferer) would be the first person to tell you that he’s the last person who knows anything about plays, or Shakespeare, or any of that artsy stuff. But one day, the blue-collar construction worker wanders by a local rep company’s space while they’re rehearsing Romeo & Juliet, and soon, he’s bit by the acting bug. Even better: The play may be what it takes to help him bond with his troubled teenage daughter, Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer). A sleeper favorite at this year’s Sundance, this indie drama from directors Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson is hoping to take the summer’s little-movie-that-could spot quicker than you can say “the healing power of theater.”

‘Inside Out 2’ (June 14)

When we last saw Riley, the 11-year-old at the center of Pixar’s all-the-feels masterpiece, she was dealing with the fallout of moving to a new city and starting over — something that put her emotions, led by Joy (Amy Poehler), into a free fall. Fast-forward to many years later: She’s now a young woman, which means she’s dealing with a host of new emotions setting up shop in her mind, including Anxiety (Maya Hawke). Suddenly, the old gang has to deal with a lot of new roommates up in that noggin of hers. Poehler, Phyllis Smith and Lewis Black return as Joy, Sadness and Anger, respectively; Hawke, Tony Hale and Liza Lapira join the party as Anxiety, Fear and Disgust.

‘Treasure’ (June 14)

An American journalist (Lena Dunham) goes to Poland with her father (Stephen Fry), a Holocaust survivor, to get a sense of her roots. Pops has his own reasons for wanting to return to the scene of the anti-Semitic crime, however, and it involves a number of family heirlooms. German director Julia Von Heinz combines a road-trip comedy, a familial drama and a parable about the past never being the past, etc.

‘Tuesday’ (June 14)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the mother of a terminally ill young woman (Lola Petticrew). She’s having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that her loved one may be shuffling off this mortal coil at way too young an age, yet hope comes in a most unlikely form: a shapeshifting parrot that talks in a raspy growl. You read this correctly. Whether director Daina O. Pusic’s magical-realist directorial debut continues A24’s winning streak this year or not, it definitely sounds like a) a solid showcase for JLD and b) it’s likely to liberate a lot of H2O from your tear ducts.

‘The Bikeriders’ (June 21)

Inspired by photographer Danny Lyons’ book on a real-life Chicago biker gang in the late 1960s — the shutterbug himself is a character, played by Challengers ‘ Mike Faist — director Jeff Nichols drama toggles between the group’s leader (Tom Hardy, how we’ve missed you!), who’s struggling and scheming to keep their enemies at bay, and a younger biker (Austin Butler) and his old lady (Jodie Comer). What are they rebelling against? Well, whaddaya got?! Nichols’ longtime muse Michael Shannon, along with Norman Reedus, Boyd Holbrook, Damon Herriman, Emory Cohen and Toby Walllace, suit up to hit the road as well.

‘Green Border’ (June 21)

There’s an area between Poland and Belarus known as the “green border,” where refugees fleeing unstable regimes attempt to enter into Europe. This influx of migrants has, unsurprisingly, been exploited for various reasons by the powers that be, and turned the gateway region into a geopolitical hotspot. Oscar-winning Polish director Agnieska Holland’s drama about a Syrian family, a border security guard (Tomasz Wlosok) and a Human Rights advocate (Maja Ostaszewska) — who all become caught in a crossfire when one such trip takes a bad turn — has already attracted its share of controversy on the festival circuit, thanks to its critical stance on how both nation’s governments have handled the crisis. And it may be the most harrowing thing you see this summer.

‘Janet Planet’ (June 21)

Playwright Annie Baker ( The Flick ) make her feature-film debut with this story of an 11-year-old girl named Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) during the long, hot summer of 1991, who decides to forego the hell of sleepaway camp for hanging around the house with her hippiesh mother, Janet (Julianne Nicholson). She watches as Mom’s lovers come and go, taking in the confusing, complicated adult world as best as she can. Like Baker’s award-winning stage work, there’s a lot of space and silence, as well as a keen understanding of human relationships and how messy they can get.

‘Kinds of Kindness’ (June 21)

Yorgos Lanthimos’ follow-up to Poor Things was supposed to come out right on the heels of that Oscar-nominated juggernaut, under the title And… , last year. Thank god that we got a chance to catch our breath before his next round of disturbing absurdism hits and leaves you reeling. Fresh off its premiere at Cannes, this triptych of stories features a to-die-for cast, including Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Hunter Schafer, and Mamadou Athie — most of whom play different roles in all three chapters. “Kindness” is always a relative term in Lanthimos’ universe, so take that word’s inclusion in the title with a boulder-sized grain of salt.

‘Thelma’ (June 21)

Prepare yourself for June Squibb, action hero! The nonagenerian actor plays a woman who gets sucked into a phone scam involving an audio deepfake of her grandson (Fred Hechinger). Angry that she got swindled out of $10,000, the elderly lady decides to borrow a pistol and get revenge, with her best friend (the late, great Richard “Shaft” Roundtree!) riding shotgun. You don’t mess with the Squibb, people. Parker Posey and Clark Gregg costar.

‘Trigger Warning’ (June 21)

Drawn back to her hometown after the death of her father, Parker (Jessica Alba) starts to do some digging and discovers that Dad’s passing may not have been accidental. She soon discovers that it may have something to do with a rash of recent robberies, dirty cops and a corrupt senator (Anthony Michael Hall). Did we mention that she’s also a Special Forces commando, trained by the government to be a one-woman killing machine? The former Dark Angel star reminds you that her ass-kicking bona fides go way, way back. Now someone pair her in an action-buddy movie with June Squibb.

‘Daddio’ (June 28)

She (Dakota Johnson) needs a ride from JFK back to her apartment in midtown Manhattan. He (Sean Penn) is the veteran cabbie who takes her fare. Between that initial curbside pick-up and the final drop-off, these two will conduct an impromptu therapy session that covers everything from grief to the perils of romance, commitment, and the difference between men and women. Writer-director Christy Hall had originally conceived this two-hander as a stage play, before pivoting to a screenplay and getting the end result on the prestigious “Black List” for great, unproduced scripts. Word on the street is that Penn is especially good as the grizzled hack who may or may not be harmless.

‘Horizon: Chapter 1’ (June 28)

Fresh off his five-season run on Yellowstone, Kevin Costner once again steps behind the camera for this multi-chaptered, multi-narrative Western — a project the director-star has had in his back pocket since the late 1980s. Subtitled “An American Saga,” it’s a mix of stories that look at how the West was won from a variety of viewpoints, with Costner’s grizzled frontier man acting an anchor as the expansion of territories — and forced relocation of indigenous people — reshape the country. It’s the Dances With Wolves guy directing another epic horse opera! Sienna Miller, Avatar ‘s Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, Jena Malone, Will Patton, Dale Dickey and a host of others costar. The first chapter drops on June 28; Part 2 hits theaters on August 16th.

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (June 28)

Let’s go back to ground zero of that alien invasion and see how it all began, shall we? The prequel to John Krasinski’s surprisingly durable postapocalyptic-thriller series teases out the immediate aftermath of those creepy-crawly space bugs taking over our planet, resulting in what we assume will be confusion, panic and a decent amount of carnage. We don’t know much about this latest entry other than the fact that Lupita Nyong’o and Alex Wolff are onboard; Djimon Hounsou will likely be reprising his character from Part II; and Michael Sarnoski, who did the amazing 2021 Nicolas Cage thriller Pig, is the director this time around.

‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’ (July 3)

Given how Eddie Murphy had revisited his Coming to America role a few years back, it was probably on only a matter of time before he circled back to what’s arguably still his best-known character. Detroit’s finest streetwise detective Axel Foley returns to that ritziest of L.A. neighborhoods, investigating the death of an old friend. Once he’s back in the city of angels, he finds that corruption is running more rampant than ever within the local police ranks. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, and Kevin Bacon join what seems to be a host of familiar franchise faces for another fish-outta-water adventure. Cue that synthesizer riff!

‘MaxXxine’ (July 5)

Filmmaker Ti West and Mia Goth complete the horror trilogy they began with X and Pearl, as the lone survivor of the inaugural 1970s-slasher entry becomes a porn superstar in the 1980s. Something tells us, however, that her experiences with deranged killers aren’t quite done yet — especially given that we’re talking about the heyday of the infamous Night Stalker. (Hint, hint.) Kevin Bacon, Elisabeth Debecki, Giancarlo Esposito, Bobby Canavale, Lily Collins, Michelle Monaghan and Halsey dress up in their best Reagan-era duds for the occasion.

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ (July 12)

In the late 1960s, NASA found itself on the verge of winning the Space Race, but losing the marketing war — public support for the organization dedicated to putting a man on the moon was waning, and fast. So the brass hired a PR whiz (Scarlett Johansson) to spruce things up, which irks the base’s alpha astronaut (Channing Tatum) to no end. Oooh, we smell a ring-a-ding-ding rom-com in the making! One-man-D.C.-superhero-industry Greg Berlanti directs; Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson and Community ‘s Jon Rash costar. Yes, there will be faked-moon-landing jokes. No, that is not proof that it really did happen and we’re all sheeple.

‘Longlegs’ (July 12)

Sure, we’ve seen the female-FBI-agent-versus-serial-killer-mastermind story before — we even seem to recall one winning a bunch of Oscars a few decades back. But we like the pedigree behind this latest take on the warhorse horror/thriller plot, with It Follows ‘ Maika Monroe as the Fed investigating a series of killings that may or may not have some occult leanings; Nicolas Cage (!) as the demented madman who may or may not be solely responsible for the murders; and director Osgood Perkins ( The Blackcoat’s Daughter, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House ) adding in a whole mess of creepy-as-fuck elements. This trailer gives us goosebumps on our goosebumps.

‘Sing Sing’ (July 12)

Director Clint Bentley and his cowriter Greg Kwedar proved to be highly adept at character-based dramas with their 2021 movie Jockey ; now the two switch places, with the latter stepping behind the camera (and the former pitching in on the script) for this story of a convict (the always great Colman Domingo) involved in a theater program designed for occupants of the titular penitentiary. He and a number of other felons, under the guidance of a sympathetic teacher ( Sound of Metal ‘s Paul Raci), are putting on an original production and find solace in treading the boards. Most of the cast, in fact, is made up of real-life former members of the prison-based theater groups.

‘Touch’ (July 12)

Kristófer (Egill Ólafsson), an Icelandic widower in his autumn years, becomes nostalgic for his younger days, back when he was a handsome young nomad (Palmi Kormákur) wandering around London. Specifically, he’s pining for Mako (played by the model-songwriter Kōki), the daughter of the man who hired him to work at his restaurant. The two fell in love, cultural differences and traditions meant their romance was forbidden, and Kristófer went back home. Now, all these decades later, he’s determined to track down the One Who Got Away. We can already hear the hearts pitter-pattering over director Baltasar Kormákur’s adaptation of the popular novel.

‘Twisters’ (July 19)

Because who didn’t want a belated sequel to the 1996 disaster movie, with a whole other group of tornado chaser doing what they do best? Glenn Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Kieran Shipka, Sasha Lane, TV on the Radio singer Tunde Adebimpe and Katy M. O’Brian are in the cast; the fact that Minari ‘s Lee Isaac Chung is directing makes us think that this won’t be just another whirlwind CGI-sound-and-fury fest.

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (July 26)

The big news is that this third Deadpool movie will integrate Ryan Reynolds’ Merc With the Mouth into the Marvel Cinematic Universe — as well as Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman returning to play the admantium-clawed mutant one more time. It’s the MCU/X-Men universe crossover fans have been waiting for! Huzzah! Also, Jennifer Garner will apparently be reprising her role as Elektra, which she played in that whole separate Daredevil franchise all those years ago. Is there a story? Who cares! All these superheroes! Now under one corporate roof!

‘Didi’ (July 26)

Chris Wang (newcomer Izaac Wang) — “Didi” to his family members — is just your typical 13-year-old kid growing up in the Bay Area in the late 2000s, shooting viral videos and skate sessions, pining for the cute girl in his class, trying to figure out where he fits in before high school starts. So far, so very typical coming-of-age dramedy. Yet writer-director Sean Wang’s semi-autobiographical debut immediately distinguishes itself from the usual “that was the summer that changed everything” pack, and has been quietly wowing audiences since its premiere at this year’s Sundance. We also hear that Joan Chen, who play’s the boy’s mom, is generating a lot of potential awards-season buzz. Look, you can’t live on a diet of superhero flicks and disaster movies all summer, right?

‘Cuckoo’ (August 2)

Euphoria ‘s Hunter Schaefer makes a bid for horror-icon status with this tale of a family vacation at a Bavarian resort. The trip is supposed to help Schaefer’s disaffected teen bond with her dad’s new wife and her stepsister, but to be honest, it’s sort of hard to unwind when the owner (Dan Stevens) keeps acting super-creepy. And the other residents have a habit of vomiting and walking around like zombies with alarming regularity. And some mysterious figure in a trenchcoat keeps running around the grounds after hours, pursuing the young woman in the most predatory way imaginable. We’re getting some very vintage- giallo vibes off this one.

‘Kneecap’ (August 2)

Have you ever heard of Kneecap, the Belfast rap trio known for dropping quality bars in Gaelic about taking drugs, Irish pride, the joys of sex, their love for their respective moms, and taking more drugs? You’re about to, courtesy of writer-director Rich Peppiatt’s music biopic/origin story featuring the actual band. Michael Fassbender also shows up as one of the lad’s dads as well. It’s quite the craic !

‘Borderlands’ (August 9)

The popular videogame about a group of misfits on the planet Pandora (no relation to any other Pandoras that might pop into your head) searching for a missing girl gets its own big-screen adaptation. The pedigree is strong: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt and Jamie Lee Curtis are part of this outlaw band of brothers; and The Last of Us ‘s Craig Mazin cowrote the script with director Eli Roth.

‘Good One’ (August 9)

A 17-year-old named Sam (Lily Collias) finds herself navigating a weekend hiking trip with her dad (James Le Gros) and his longtime best friend (Danny McCarthy). The two middle-aged men keep rehashing their failures and regrets, as well as poking each other’s pressure points. Wisely, director Indira Donaldson’s feature debut filters all of this Brooklyn Sad-Dadbait through Sam’s perspective — so much of the film’s quietly devastating power relies in Collias’ silent reaction shots and the subtle changes of expression that both hint at and hide seismic shifts underneath the surface. This is easily your best bet for non-blockbuster counterprogramming this summer. Seriously.

‘It Ends With Us’ (August 9)

Colleen Hoover’s bestseller gets the big-budget Hollywood treatment, with Blake Lively starring as Lily Bloom, a florist who meets a handsome, charming gent named Ryle ( Jane the Virgin ‘s Justin Baldoni). It’s the perfect romance, until her new beau displays his hot temper — and his anger issues bring up Lily’s memories of seeing domestic violence growing up. And when a potential third corner of a love triangle shows up, in the form of a childhood friend (Brandon Sklenar), things become even more volatile between the couple.

‘Trap’ (August 9)

Are we about to officially enter the Josh Hartnett Renaissance — the Hartnettaissance, if you will — with this new M. Night Shyamalan joint? (Regardless, between this and The watchers, it’s clearly a Shyamalan summer.) The actor plays a dad who’s taking his teen daughter (Ariel Donaghue) to see her favorite singer in concert. He soon finds out that this is not just another stop on the pop star’s tour, however, as there’s also a serial killer in the crowd that the Feds are hoping to nab. Folks criticized the trailer for revealing what appears to be the movie’s big twist, but come on: You know that the “I see dead people” filmmaker probably has a couple more secrets up his sleeve.

‘Daughters’ (August 14)

Did you say you were looking for a documentary that’s designed to pluck your heartstrings with all of the agility and aggression of a Kerry King guitar solo? Look no further than Angela Patton and Natalie Rae’s fly-on-the-wall portrait of an annual father-daughter dance at a Washington D.C. prison. Netflix picked this up out of Sundance, where the movie left several crowds cheering and tearing up.

‘Oddity’ (August 14)

We’re admirers of Damian McCarthy’s 2020 horror movie Caveat, so we’re very curious about his new film, which follows a blind psychic (Carolyn Bracken) who’s trying to get to the bottom of her twin sister’s murder. Luckily, she’s got a number of haunted items collected over the years that can help her track down the killer. Including, we’re assuming, that scary-looking open-mouthed demon bust you see in the picture above this blurb.

‘Alien: Romulus’ (August 16)

There isn’t much known about director Fede Alavarez’s addition to the Alien canon — frankly, we’re happy it has a title, given that it was being referred to simply as Fede Alavarez’s Untitled Alien Movie for months. But according to cast member Cailee Spaeny ( Priscilla ), this new film takes place between the events of the first film and James Cameron’s action-packed 1986 sequel Aliens, and that the latter’s creature-design team were responsible for developing the look and feel of this movie’s Xenomorphs. Hell, yes!

‘Close to You’ (August 16)

Elliot Page stars as a young man who’s returning to his hometown for the first time since transitioning, an occasion which is rife with conflicting emotions, familial confusion, no shortage of drama and — on the plus side — a reconnection with someone he once carried a torch for. Page cowrote the story with director Dominic Savage, and we have a feeling that this is an extremely personal project for the actor.

‘Blink Twice’ (August 23)

Ah, tech billionaires — they do love to invite random strangers and fly them to their private island for wild, crazy parties! And the shindigs of Slater King (Channing Tatum, bro-charming it to the max) are indeed legendary for the excess and extravagance, so when two normies (Naomi Ackie and Alia Shawkat) get the chance to attend a weekend of 1-percenter debauchery, of course they’re going to go. And then, once they’re there, things seem to get strange. And then a little more strange. And then everything seems downright sinister. Zoe Kravitz makes her directorial debut with, judging from the trailer , looks like a cross between Glass Onion and Get Out. The supporting cast is to die for: Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan, Hit Man ‘s Adria Arjona, Saul Williams.

‘The Crow’ (August 23)

Shout out to Bill Skarsgård for stepping into some mighty big shows for this remake/franchise reboot based on James O’Barr’s comic series about a late musician brought back from the dead to avenge the murder of his soulmate. The role is associated with Brandon Lee and, naturally, the tragic circumstances surrounding the original 1994 movie. Yet Skarsgård and director Rupert Sanders seem intent on both honoring the earlier film and actor, and resurrecting an intellectual property with a strong cult appeal. We’re betting this will be a superhero movie that appeals to Mall Goths of all ages.

‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’ (August 23)

They may not be the actual Motown group — it’s just a nickname given to them as they were growing up — yet Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan) and Clarice (Uzo Aduba) are still the most harmonious trio of friends you could ever hope to meet. This adaptation of Edward Kelsey Moore’s novel chronicles the ups, downs, trials and triumphs of these three women over the years, and feels like the sort of acting showcase that makes for a perfect palette cleanser after a summer filled with CGI thrills and chills. Mekhi Phifer, Vonde Curtis-Hall, Russell Hornsby and Julian McMahon costar.

‘They Listen’ (August 30)

Plot details have been kept under wrapped about this Blumhouse horror film, set to come out in the dog days of the season. We know it stars John Cho, Katherine Waterston, Keith Carradine and current horror posterboy du jour David Dastmalchian, from Late Night With the Devil ; that Chris Weitz is directing, and though he’s mostly known for doing comedies like the American Pie movies and About a Boy, he did also do a Twilight film ; and that it has the sort of title that suggests something genuinely sinister and screwed up is about to happen to everyone onscreen. Who, exactly, is they, and why are they listening? You’ll have to wait and see.

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