Friday Notes for May 31st, 2024

This is an edition of Uristocrat Notes, a newsletter that explores the most significant cultural stories of the day.

Culture

Artists Are Canceling Arena Tours Right and Left. Maybe They Shouldn’t Have Been Playing Arenas in the First Place

In 2024, the road’s gotten rough for everyone from Jennifer Lopez to the Black Keys. There are a lot of reasons why artists aren’t selling out big concert venues like they used to—but GQ columnist Chris Black wonders if the big concert venues are the problem.

Artists Are Canceling Arena Tours Right and Left. Maybe They Shouldn’t Have Been Playing Arenas in the First Place

In 2024, the road’s gotten rough for everyone from Jennifer Lopez to the Black Keys. There are a lot of reasons why artists aren’t selling out big concert venues like they used to—but GQ columnist Chris Black wonders if the big concert venues are the problem.

GQCondé Nast

Vince Staples, the visible man

Dark Times, represents a new direction in an already singular major-label rap career. Staples has always lived in a few worlds: art-rap hero, hall-of-fame interviewee, and a homebody whose inner life is none of our business. On Dark Times, his worlds finally converge.

Vince Staples, the visible man

Staples has always lived in a few worlds: art-rap hero, hall-of-fame interviewee, and a homebody whose inner life is none of our business. On Dark Times, his worlds finally converge.

NPRSheldon Pearce

What Kendrick Lamar taught me about facing my enemies

Kendrick Lamar has spent the last couple of months airing out more than a decade of built-up tension and ill will he’s had for his rap rival, Drake. Lamar has dropped five diss records since the end of March, with three coming in rapid succession over the course of a weekend. He’s channeled all that aggression and animus into a tactical takedown of rap’s biggest star in the most embarrassing, public way possible.

What Kendrick Lamar taught me about facing my enemies

The Compton rapper took direct aim at his rival, Drake. Should you do the same to those who’ve wronged you?

AndscapeDavid Dennis Jr.

Sports

NBA Finals preview: Everything to know about Mavericks-Celtics

NBA-best Boston goes for banner No. 18, while a revitalized roster tries to bring Dallas its second. Get ready for Mavs-Celtics with everything to know ahead of the June 6 tip.

NBA Finals preview: Everything to know about Mavericks-Celtics

NBA-best Boston goes for banner No. 18, while a revitalized roster tries to bring Dallas its second. Get ready for Mavs-Celtics with everything to know ahead of the June 6 tip.

ESPNNBA Insiders

'We'll be back': Wolves hungry for more after loss

Wolves star Anthony Edwards said he and his teammates would "be ready" next season after being eliminated by the Mavs on Thursday in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

‘We’ll be back’: Wolves hungry for more after loss

Wolves star Anthony Edwards said he and his teammates would “be ready” next season after being eliminated by the Mavs on Thursday in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

ESPNDave McMenamin

Sneakers

Show off Your “Lakers” Pride With the Nike Cortez

Nike Cortez “Lakers” reimagines the classic silhouette in the storied franchises iconic hues. Head to Nice Kicks for more info.

Nice KicksMallory Chin

Inter Miami Puts Its Mark on the adidas Gazelle

Inter Miami x adidas Gazelle blends the rich soccer heritage of Inter Miami CF with adidas’ timeless design. Head to Nice Kicks for more.

Nice KicksMallory Chin

First Look at The Nike Sabrina 2 “Conductor”

Nike Basketball continues to cook with Sabrina Ionescu. Learn more about the Nike Sabrina 2 “Conductor” on Nice Kicks.

Nice KicksLuis Torres

Di’orr Greenwood & Nike SB Drop a Vibrant Dunk High Paying Homage to Arizona

Di’orr Greenwood x Nike SB Dunk High sports a premium suede and leather construction with unique textural contrasts. Head to Nice Kicks for more.

Nice KicksMallory Chin

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