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2003 was a turning point for the new century, as artists began truly distancing themselves from 90s overlap. 90s rap was more serious tonally, dominated by gangsta rap for the majority of the decade. By the 2000s, rap had reverted back to its hip-hop roots and began dominating the main pop charts. 23 years later, millennials may be getting older, but surely every millennial will still remember these hip-hop hits from 2003. “Stand Up” By Ludacris ft. Shawnna By 2003, Ludacris had already cemented his place among the frontrunners in rap at the turn of the century. On September 2, 2003, Ludacris released this hit single featuring a call-and-response with rapper Shawnna. It became Ludacris’ first song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it went to No. 1 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the Hot Rap Songs chart, and the Rhythmic Airplay chart simultaneously. Had Ludacris not already broken out in the 2000s, he certainly would’...

The animated series Sailor Moon premiered in 1993 in Japan and instantly became a hit. A few years later, it made its way to the U.S. and Canada, where it really took off and became a permanent fixture of pop culture and a massive inspiration for animators. In the ‘90s, endless content was geared toward boys— Dragon Ball Z , Cowboy Bebop , Pokémon —but Sailor Moon was the first major anime aimed at young girls. The series begins with a young girl, Usagi Tsukino (Kotono Mitsuishi), who has the same worries and problems every teenage girl does. She worries about juggling school, a social life, and finding love in the near future. Her life is turned on its head when she meets a talking cat who hands her a brooch that turns her into Sailor Moon. Now, her worries include protecting and saving the universe. But she can’t do it alone, so she enlists young girls from other planets to be the “Sailor Guardians.” Why is ‘Sailor Moon’ so popular? The reason Sailo...

Xbox has responded to reports that it is unhappy with GTA 6 pre-orders on its consoles. Microsoft denies being concerned about PlayStation 5’s larger share and says Grand Theft Auto VI is already breaking pre-order records for Xbox. Microsoft Denies Report About GTA 6 Pre-Orders on Xbox Screenshot: Rockstar Games The Verge’s Tom Warren recently reported that Xbox was worried about low GTA 6 pre-order numbers on its platform. However, Xbox CSO Matthew Ball has now directly responded to the report, calling it “untrue.” The Microsoft executive also claimed that the Rockstar title is breaking records for Xbox. “Not true. Tom, we are very happy with GTA VI pre-orders. The title is breaking records for XBOX, we expect even more records will be broken throughout the fall, and our internal analysis shows our share of pre-orders to be matching our share of the console market.” Tom, we are very happy with GTA VI pre-orders. The title is breaking records for XBOX, ...

Music journalism is going to the wall, and places for sensible, well-informed, nuanced takes on the latest releases are dwindling. So we thought we might as well put the final nail in the coffin. Read this month’s album reviews here , here and here . 300SkullsAndCounting and Jenny Sparks THIS IS SPA TOWN! XL Recordings I can only apologize for my role in popularizing “UK Poo,” a term that has but should absolutely not be applied to this new collaboration between 300SkullsAndCounting and Jenny Sparks. Admittedly, lead single “The Ballad of St Nick’s Park” has many of the microgenre’s key features: absurdity, naive charm, and a music video featuring shirtless kids necking Courvoisier and sour candy outside a mini-supermarket. With screamo vocals, 8-bit keyboards, and speed garage wobble bass, the project lays a pipe from the noughties dancefloor hysterics of Test Icicles, Klaxons, and Hadouken! through to contemporary jerk and hyperpop. So I think it would be far more app...

Some weeks end with a bang. This one ends with Neptune opposing the Sun at full strength and the Moon still in Pisces, which means Friday has a soft, slightly surreal quality to it — everything feels a little more significant than it probably is. Lean into it, just don’t make any major moves based on it. Jupiter sextile Mercury is also closing out today, Stargazer, and it’s been keeping big ideas well-grounded all week, so give it one last good run before it goes. Use the earlier hours for anything requiring a clear head and actual follow-through. Neptune takes full hold of the evening either way. Friday knows what it is. Read your horoscope for the week , and see what the stars have in store for your sign today.  Aries: March 21 – April 19 Neptune opposing the Sun hits exact today, and with Neptune already trining Mars, your drive and your daydreams are basically running on the same frequency right now. That’s a good feeling — but Friday is...

Bethesda has responded to Xbox moving Obsidian Entertainment under its leadership. According to president Jill Braff, the Avowed team will still retain its creative identity despite having to report to her. Bethesda Says Obsidian Will Retain Its Creative Identity Screenshot: Bethesda Microsoft recently surprised players when it revealed that Obsidian Entertainment was going to be moved under Bethesda leadership . Following the Xbox layoffs and restructuring, Bethesda president Jill Braff has responded to the move and issued a memo email to Obsidian employees to address the major changes. “Today’s announcement is primarily a change in reporting structure. The creative identity and strengths that make Obsidian distinct will remain at the core of their studio and work. Feargus and the Obsidian leadership team will continue to lead Obsidian, with the studio reporting to me. Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise. Together, the teams will buil...

The morning is a little scrappy — Moon squaring Uranus puts a restless, unpredictable charge into the early hours that doesn’t quite know where to go. Give it some room and hold off on anything major until it passes. By afternoon, the whole thing opens up: Moon trine Venus is warm, connective, and good for just about everything the morning wasn’t. The Moon in Pisces all day keeps things intuitive and feeling-forward, Stargazer, which pairs well with Saturn trine Jupiter’s final push toward turning big ideas into actual commitments. Neptune opposing the Sun is building toward its peak, so keep one foot on the ground even when everything feels like it’s flowing. The afternoon delivers. Read your horoscope for the week , and see what the stars have in store for your sign today.  Aries: March 21 – April 19 The morning runs a little hot with Moon squaring Uranus, but by midday the atmosphere moves in your favor — Moon trine Venus opens up s...