Happy Friday, folks. For any of you that are superstitious, it’s also Friday the 13th. Historically, today has been considered an unlucky day in Western culture, or a time more likely for an unfortunate event to occur. Well, none of this is going to happen today – because we’ve got tons of new music for your listening pleasure.
It’s been five years since the release of the Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN., and today Kendrick Lamar is back in a real way. After dropping the video for the song “The Heart Part 5,” the enigmatic rapper shares his highly anticipated fifth studio album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
Lamar will embark on The Big Steppers Tour, sponsored by Amazon Music, Rotation and Cash App, beginning July 19 at the Paycom Center in Oakland. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 20 at 12pm on oklama.com.
Today, the New Orleans-based music group Tank and the Bangas put out their new album Red Balloon, Leikeli47 drops Shape Up, and Danger Mouse and Black Thought share the first single from their upcoming collaborative LP, Cheat Codes, titled “No Gold Teeth.” New releases also include songs from GoGo Morrow, and albums from Dylan Sinclair, Leikeli47, and more.
Take a look at our list of new music below.
01
Kendrick Lamar – ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’
Fresh off the frenzy from the release of “The Heart Part 5,” Kendrick Lamar releases his fifth studio album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The project includes features from Blxst, Summer Walker, Ghostface Killah, Kodak Black and more. Stream the new album HERE.
02
Lakeyah – “I Look Good”
Rising Milwaukee-born rapper, singer and rising Quality Control Music force of nature Lakeyah returns with a new single and music video entitled “I Look Good.” Watch the video HERE.
03
Danger Mouse & Black Thought – “No Gold Teeth”
Danger Mouse and Black Thought have announced a new collaborative LP, Cheat Codes, with its first single “No Gold Teeth.” Listen to the track HERE.
Article continues after video.
04
Tank and the Bangas – ‘Red Balloon’
Today, New Orleans-based music group Tank and the Bangas drop their new project Red Balloon. The 15-track album features Wayne Brady, Big Freedia, Trombone Shorty, and more. Stream the new album HERE.
05
Dylan Sinclair – ‘No Longer in the Suburbs’
Earlier this week, R&B singer-songwriter Dylan Sinclair released his new EP, No Longer in the Suburbs, featuring the single “Open.” Check out the new EP HERE.
The Los Angeles rapper Leikeli47 shares her new album Shape Up today. It includes a guest appearance from Miss J Alexander on “Jay Walk.” Stream the new project HERE.
07
GoGo Morrow – “In The Way”
GoGo Morrow makes her debut with her first single, “In The Way,” out today via B.O.E. and Universal Music Canada in partnership with Kenya Barris’ label venture, Khalabo Music/Interscope Records. Listen to the song HERE.
08
Blac Youngsta – ‘4Life’
4 Life is the new project from Blac Youngsta featuring 21 Savage, Pooh Shiesty, BIG 30 and more. Listen to it HERE.
Do you just dread that time of the month? You are so not alone. Bloating and cramping while riding an emotional rollercoaster isn’t fun for anyone. And we haven’t even talked about the worst part—the bleeding.
Some of us out there may even have heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) due to uterine fibroids. If you are experiencing that, why not bring it up at your next doctor visit? With so many options available to you, it’s always good to check in and make sure you are doing what’s best for your body—or maybe even learn about something new that may help you.
In the meantime, you’ve got your period and it is the WORST. So, here are a few hacks to help you feel better right now.
Relieve the pressure. Did you know that muscles within your uterus contract? They sure do, resulting in menstrual cramps. A totally normal part of your cycle, they can start a day or two before your period and last for a few days, but they can cause discomfort in your lower back, abdomen and even thighs.
If your symptoms are mild, try a warm bath, hot water bottle or a heating pad to get some relief. You can also massage your abdomen or do an easy exercise, like yoga or walking, to help increase blood flow. If your symptoms are more severe, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious.
Beat the bloat. You are not going to want to hear this but try to stay away from processed foods that can leave you feeling bloated on a good day, even if those salty chips would taste so good! Snack on health fats like nuts and avocados, and if you need a chocolate fix, try dark chocolate—it’s a good source of magnesium, which can help regulate serotonin and even elevate your mood.
You may also want to avoid caffeine. Sometimes it can irritate your stomach and you don’t need any more irritation right now. Sip on a hot cup of herbal tea, like ginger or chamomile, to sooth your craving and your belly. And make sure you’re staying hydrated. Drinking water is key to keeping the bloat at bay during your period.
Get some rest. Your body is going through a lot right now, so you may feel more fatigued than usual. Honor that by giving into your cravings for more Zzzzz’s. Aim for 8 hours of sleep at night, but also add in a nap or two if you need it—your mind and body will appreciate the down time and leave you feeling more refreshed.
If you are feeling especially worn out and are experiencing heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids, don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor—they are the ultimate experts when it comes to great period hacks.