This week brought a surge of excitement in music and streaming, as Tyler, the Creator dropped his ninth studio album Don’t Tap the Glass and several high‑profile titles launched or announced on Netflix and HBO Max, setting a lively tone for the summer entertainment calendar.
Tyler, the Creator surprised fans by releasing Don’t Tap the Glass on July 21 with little to no prior promotion—breaking from traditional release schedules. Unveiled live during his Chromakopia world tour stop at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on July 18, the album represents a deliberate shift toward upbeat, dance‑driven music. Produced under Columbia Records, it features ten tracks spanning hip‑hop, house, funk, and other rhythmic styles, including notable samples like Busta Rhymes’ “Pass the Courvoisier Part II” on “Big Poe”.
In contrast to Chromakopia (2024), which leaned into introspective themes, this new project urges listeners to embrace movement and abandon self‑consciousness—reflected in Tyler’s three guiding rules: “Body Movement,” “Only Speak in Glory,” and, of course, “Don’t Tap the Glass”. Tyler even hosted a no‑phones listening party, emphasizing raw, unfiltered engagement and condemning the modern urge to document every moment.
Fresh merchandise—vinyl, CDs, box‑set bundles, T‑shirts, and caps—is already available via his Golf Wang store and the album’s official website, amplifying the surprise‑drop marketing approach. The project features uncredited guest vocals from artists like Pharrell Williams and Baby Keem, and at 28 minutes and 30 seconds, it is the shortest full‑length album in Tyler’s discography. Critics praised its high‑energy, movement‑focused identity and colorful nods to diverse dance traditions.
Meanwhile, streaming platforms are delivering their own wave of summer entertainment. Netflix will premiere Happy Gilmore 2 on July 25—nearly 30 years after the original film—with Adam Sandler reprising his role as Happy Gilmore. The teaser confirms the return of Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, and a host of guest stars including Post Malone, Bad Bunny, Eminem, Travis Kelce, and pro golfer John Daly. The sequel’s storyline follows Happy’s return to golf to fund his daughter’s ballet school, with the film honoring the memory of the late Carl Weathers through narrative rewrites.
Additionally, audiences can anticipate the horror‑comedy Death of a Unicorn—starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd—premiering on HBO Max on July 25. The platform is also set to release the second half of the in‑depth Billy Joel documentary, And So It Goes, that Friday at 8 p.m. ET, continuing its deep dive into the legendary musician’s career and legacy.
The week’s entertainment also sees major music releases: Madonna returns with Veronica Electronica, while the original Alice Cooper band reunites for The Revenge of Alice Cooper—both launching on July 25. These albums highlight a summer rich in nostalgic yet fresh musical offerings.
On the television front, several new series programs will debut. Prime Video releases Justice on Trial, featuring Judge Judy presiding over true‑crime reenactments; Netflix drops thriller The Hunting Wives; BritBox rolls out crime drama Code of Silence; and Hulu debuts Washington Black, a Booker‑shortlisted adaptation set in early 19th‑century Barbados and Nova Scotia.
Altogether, this packed week highlights how artists and platforms are blending surprise releases, star‑studded casts, and diverse genres to capture summer attention. Tyler, the Creator’s bold pivot to an unapologetically kinetic album, Netflix’s nostalgic reel‑star sequel, HBO Max’s dual high-profile releases, and a slate of music and TV debuts collectively define a vibrant July in entertainment.
As Don’t Tap the Glass gains traction across streaming and social platforms, and with Happy Gilmore 2 and Death of a Unicorn set to hit screens simultaneously, summer audiences have ample options. The entertainment landscape is steering toward energetic, star‑powered experiences—perfectly timed for summer thrill‑seekers.