This Weekend: Here’s What to Watch, Listen to & Experience
When it comes to content, it’s easy for us to stick to what we know or want that old thing back. But for a rare few, being a true content connoisseur is about being on top of what’s hot, what’s trending, and what’s next. Luckily, this new guide is everything for your music, literary, film, TV, and live experiences needs.
Each week, yours truly, Kevin L. Clark, will be your go-to advocate, spotlighting all those content cravings worth enjoying.
You’re now tuned into This Weekend, a weekly round-up for content culture lovers and those who love to avoid FOMO.
For Friday, Apr. 15, this week’s episode finds us with some freshly-discovered treasures for you, your family, and friends to get into + share with others. It contains a healthy dose of sonic vibes, this month’s BET Amplified artist to know, and, of course, something streaming that’s a feast for the eyes.
So bon appétit to all those true savants who are purveyors of content culture out there.
For Listeners Only:
Lizzo is back and more badass than ever! The award-winning hitmaker, who recently revealed her new project’s title and release date, drops “About Damn Time” right on time for the summer vibes. The disco-inspired pop number is already dripping with stuntastic and uplifting energy, which would make any half-empty soul fill up with smiles and love. Lizzo is already saying that “About Damn Time” is the “song of the summer,” and it’s hard not to disagree. Play this ahead of Special, her forthcoming album which will arrive on July 15.
“Hrs And Hrs” has proven to be a massive success for Priscil— er, I mean, Muni Long. The song has surpassed expectations, garnering 150 million streams, and the chart-topping singer-songwriter earned a standing ovation during the Black Music Collective event during the Grammys. “Another” is, pun intended another must-hear hit that finds Muni Long transporting her listeners to higher consciousness. She is quickly becoming a fixture in this new culture wave of R&B, and her infectious style makes “Another” one to add to your playlists.
Syd’s Broken Hearts Club has been in my personal rotation for the past three weeks. (I can say that now that the album is out.) This weekend, her latest effort is perfect for those who love sunny acoustics and silkier-than-smooth production. With her latest announcement that The Internet is going their own ways after the fifth album, Syd’s project is chocked full of features — Lucky Daye, Smino, and Kehlani — that make “Tie The Knot,” a solo effort worth listening to with the volume way past 10. If you love that bouncy, warm atmosphere with your music, this song is right up your aisle.
Special Mentions: There is also some exceptionally dope work from the likes of Kay Flock feat. Cardi B, Dougie B & BORY300 (“Shake It”), Swedish House Mafia feat. A$AP Rocky (“Frankenstein”), and Big Jade feat. Z-RO (“Eat”) that you cannot afford to miss.
Watch The Streams:
It took a decade for Jeff Valdez’s to make it to the “mainstream,” but The Garcias, which is a reboot of the 2000-03 Nickelodeon sitcom, The Brothers Garcia, is finally airing for the masses to enjoy. The DNA of the original series is intact as Ray (Carlos Lacamara) and Sonia Garcia (Ada Maris) are now the elders in a massive family. For fans familiar with the O.G. version, The Garcias feel closer to other kidcoms of the bygone era like Lizzie McGuire, but this all-Latine cast and crew make this a series to share while friends are over this weekend.
This weekend, Coachella 2022, the major festival in the U.S., is happening and many are excited about the two-week adventure. With nearly 90 performances happening, you can watch from the comfort of your own home — for free — on YouTube. Beginning today, Apr. 15 through until Sunday, Apr. 17, artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Run the Jewels, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, and more are just a few of the artists who you’ll be able to watch and enjoy. Make sure you have your speakers in order for this one!
It’s always good to see Craig Robinson in anything he does, and even better when you watch our latest interview with the star of Killing It. A new show created by Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, Robinson plays a down-on-his-luck security guard who meets an eccentric Uber driver (Claudia O’Doherty) who draws him into the competitive world of snake hunting. It is full of heart and improv, so, be sure to add this to your Peacock watch list for this weekend.
BET Amplified Artist of the Month Spotlight:
It is This Weekend’s pleasure to announce BabyFace Ray as the BET Amplified Artist for April! The Detroit-based rapper has achieved national acclaim after releasing multiple, successful mixtape releases. Unf**kwitable, marked by his slice-of-life lyrics and guest features from EST Gee, Kash Doll, Wiz Khalifa, and Pusha T.
#TeamEastside is representing the right way as songs like “What The Business Is,” “Champions,” and “It Ain’t My Fault,” celebrated his Motor City ties, nonchalant, laid-back style, and his prolific output. As this month’s BET Amplified Artist, be sure to keep an eye out for an exclusive interview with the artist and learn why the Billboard charting artist has big plans for his first decade of dominance.
Live at the Experience:
Koffee, the highly decorated, global chart-topping reggae artist, has built out huge anticipation for her debut album, Gifted, which was released last month. Now, she announces The Gifted Tour, which will kick off in full after her appearance at Coachella beginning this weekend. With “the most exciting reggae crossover artist in years” headlining her own outing, places like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City are in for a treat.
Cop tickets for yourself and your tribe here.
Check back to BET.com and BET Digital for more weekly installments of This Weekend.
Kevin L. Clark is a screenwriter and entertainment director for BET Digital, who covers the intersection of music, film, pop culture, and social justice. Follow him on @KevitoClark.