SZA and Keke Palmer are the comedic duo we all need | Popping In, Vol. 8
Rihanna ft Billie Eilish, Chappell's new era, and SZA + Keke being the queens that they are.
We did it guys…we made it through the Lady Gaga music drought. Thank GOD. More about that on this week’s podcast episode.
On the topic of new music, I got to go to Halsey’s album release show last night for her fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator, which was so much fun. I’ve been looking forward to this album for months and am so happy it’s finally here.
ICYMI - the podcast turned one yesterday! Thank you all so much for the sweet messages and love, I’m so excited to see what the next year has in store for us. I wrote up a little “how did we get here” post along with some highlights from the year in case you’re new here or just want to reminisce on the year we’ve had.
If you missed this week’s episode, you can listen below or read my podcast notes here.
But we all know the real reason you’re reading this newsletter, for some pop culture news from the last few days that was too pop to handle.
‘One of Them Days’ trailer drops, starring SZA and Keke Palmer
Two things you should know about me: I love SZA, and I love Keke Palmer. Put them together? What could be better? You couldn’t scroll on TikTok for more than thirty seconds in December 2022 without hearing their SNL collab ‘Big Boys' which has 14 million views on YouTube, so why wouldn’t you rush to get them back on screen together!?
Yesterday the trailer for their upcoming movie ‘One of Them Days’ dropped and I, for one, couldn’t be more seated. Not only is this dynamic duo hitting the big screen together, they’re joined by Janelle James and Maud Apatow, with a special appearance by Keyla Monterroso Mejia who stands as one of my favorite Abbott Elementary guest stars to date.
The movie is produced by President Barbie herself, Issa Rae, and marks Syreeta Singleton's movie writing debut.
Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
The movie will be out on January 24th, 2025 which means we’re kicking the new year off STRONG (and hopefully with a female president.)
Rihanna wants to collab with Billie Eilish and we’re all freaking out (Billie included)
Rihanna just continues to play in our faces about music, but this time at least she’s taking some steps towards some type of new music. During an interview with Access Hollywood at the launch of her FENTY x PUMA collection, she said her dream collaboration would be with Billie Eilish. *gay gasp* Obviously now all I can think about how incredible Rihanna and Billie’s vocals would melt together on a track. I need it.
Billie had a totally normal response to this shout-out, sharing the video to her Instagram story and wrote, “what in the absolute fuck oh my god what the fuck.” The only appropriate response when Miss Robyn Fenty says she wants to collaborate with you. Billie’s list of people she’s collaborated with is small but mighty, featuring artists such as Justin Bieber, Charli xcx, and Khalid. I think Rihanna would fit beautifully on this list.
Chappell Roan is dropping clues, but to what?
The Midwest Princess is showing no signs of slowing down (thank god.) After performing her final show of 2024 at Austin City Limits Music Festival earlier this month, it appears she’s already starting to dip into whatever the next era is. She shared a carousel to her Instagram with five polaroid photos that read “She gets the job done” written on the bottom of the photos with the caption reading “This is a clue… Just let that sink in. Ps this is my merch !!!!” The photo series featured four photos of Chappell and one of her creative director, Ramisha Sattar.
When she spoke with Rolling Stone earlier this year, she shared that she had 5-6 songs ready for her next album, but I didn’t think she’d start giving us clues for it this soon. Maybe she’s not!? Who knows. She’s also been announced as a headliner for Primavera Sound in June 2025 alongside Charli xcx and Sabrina Carpenter, so at least we know the pop girls are going to continue to feed us.
We are so lucky to be alive at the same time as these ladies.
New Music this Week:
Lady Gaga - Disease
Addison Rae - Aquamarine
Halsey - The Great Impersonator
Megan thee Stallion - Megan Act II
That wraps up this week’s newsletter! Hope you’re all having a fabulous weekend, I'll chat with you on Wednesday! 💖