Dave Burd Talks To Us About His Johnnie Walker “Squid Game” Collab & The Future Of Lil Dicky

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Uproxx

One of the things that made FX’s hip-hop comedy Dave resonate so strongly with us was the simple, rags-to-riches story. There was a relatability in Dave Burd’s Lil Dicky that allowed an audience to see itself in this larger-than-life character. Lil Dicky was a dreamer, and it was fun to see Dave win, going from a nobody who thought (or knew) of himself as the biggest most important rapper in the world, with a Drake poster hanging above his bed, to eventually *SPOILERS* rubbing shoulders with Drizzy himself by the third season’s end. And since Dave’s season three finale last year, fans of been eagerly awaiting any news on whether there will be a season four, what Dave will do next, or at the very least, if we’ll get new Lil Dicky music.

Well we’ve got good news for you — this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Dave Burd and there will eventually be new Lil Dicky music, we’re just not quite sure as to when. But while we aren’t getting any new music or comedy from Dave this year, that doesn’t mean Dave isn’t out here in the streets.

Most recently, Dave joined forces with Johnnie Walker and Squid Game to build up hype for the latter’s second season — set to hit Netflix on December 26th — at a massive Times Square takeover where fans of the show go to drink whiskey, including a special Squid Game inspired cocktail crafted by mixologist Ginn Choe called the “456,” and participate in games inspired by the series.

Is there a chance Dave is going to be a surprise appearance in season two of Squid Game? No, but the randomness of the event does sound like a page ripped straight out of a Dave episode.

To help further build up anticipation for Squid Game‘s next season, Johnnie Walker is selling limited-edition Squid Game-themed bottles of its iconic Black Label whiskey, featuring a new logo where the brand’s Striding Man is dresssed in a Squid Game inspired green tracksuit, with each bottle being numbered 001-456, in homage to the number of contestants in the show.

So if you know someone who is a massive Squid Game fan and Johnnie Walker drinker (or if that person is you), you just found the perfect present for the holidays. Click here to score a bottle.

On the heels of the Times Square takeover, we caught up with the face of the Johnny Walker Squid Game link-up, Dave, to chat about why he wanted to be part of this collaboration, and what’s next for Lil Dicky. We also included the recipe for Ginn Choe’s 456, which is fully Dave approved.

What can you tell me about this partnership with Johnnie Walker and Squid Game Media?

Whenever I try to do partnerships with any brands, I really only like to do things that I love or believe in or I’m passionate about. So for me, this is almost like a two-for-one in the sense that I’ve always loved whiskey and Johnnie Walker, and then I’m also a huge Squid Game fan. So when I saw the opportunity to do something that involved both of those things at once, it seemed like a no-brainer to me.

How did you become a fan of the show?

I think I imagine I fall in a similar lane as most people… I don’t know exactly when it came out, but I feel like it came out and it really took over the world culturally. So it was impossible to live your life without hearing about this show. I’m a huge consumer of TV shows, movies. Anything that’s being talked about. I think I was hooked like everyone else.

How do you think you’d get on in the actual Squid Game contest?

Dave:
I think, look, I’m a pretty good athlete and my heart and just my will I think is second to none. So you can never be too sure, but I imagine… I think I’d win if you’re really asking my honest question, I think I’d probably win.

I’m glad that that was your answer and it wasn’t something a little more self-deprecating.

No, no, no. I’d win the whole thing.

Diageo

Let’s talk a little bit about the 456 cocktail. I’m assuming you’ve had it. What do you like about it?

Look, I’m not by any means a connoisseur of cocktails. All I know is that I was at an event in New York City when we launched this campaign. We played Squid Games in Times Square, and someone handed me this beautiful yellow cocktail. They said it was the 456. I took a sip and I loved it. So I really don’t even know, if I’m being honest, exactly what it is. All I know is that it’s delicious.

Outside this promotion, how do you generally like to enjoy your whiskey?

I think it varies. In a cocktail form is probably my ideal. Sometimes if I go on a vacation, I get the fruitiest drink at the bar. You know what I mean? That’s the most flavor packed thing. So for me, anything that makes the whole drink taste delicious and not necessarily like straight-up alcohol, I tend to like that, but I do also like the feeling of drinking it straight. Whiskey, when it goes down your chest, there’s such a warm feeling, and it reminds me of the holidays.

Speaking of the holidays, any plans for Halloween?

I don’t have any plans yet. I’m sure one of my friends will say, “Hey, come to this,” and I’ll consider that. But not only do I not have a plan, I don’t have a costume. So if I were to get plans, I would have to figure out what the hell I’m going to be.

On that note, off the top of your head, if you got the invite say in the next 30 minutes, and you had to show up to a party tonight, what kind of costume are you throwing together?

Well, very limited resources. I’m just answering this question truthfully in the sense that I don’t have anything here to create a costume. So I think I would do something that I did a while ago, which was I took a white T-shirt and I wrote the letter E on it. Then because I’m a male, I was an e-mail.

Wow.

It looks like it would’ve worked really well on you. So maybe that’s what I’ll do this weekend.

Bouncing off of that question, what’s the best costume you’ve ever put together and what’s the worst?

Back in the day, I was a cellphone and it really was kind of like before everyone had cellphones, and it just felt like groundbreaking for me. This is when I was a child. I had never seen anybody else be a cellphone.

You’re ahead of your time.

I was ahead of my time. Back then, probably people would’ve known to be a pager, but I’m not sure people would’ve known to be a cellphone. I don’t know what my worst, I mean, the email is pretty bad, I got to say. It’s pretty low. It’s a low lift costume.

I think it’s safe to say that might be the worst. Ever.

Yeah, it’s just a slap in the face to everyone who’s attending the party that you put that little effort into it. But some things must be done.

I saw that you got to sing a bit of “My Boo” at an Usher show. Can you take us into that moment?

Well, look, here’s a funny little anecdote about that. On our way to the concert, I was with my friends, including Benny Blanco, and as we were driving from L.A. to Vegas, I said, “I want to listen to Usher on the way just in case he hands me the mic and I just want to be prepared.” All of my friends were like, “You’re such a loser. The fact that you would even assume that that was going to happen is preposterous. I can’t believe you think that you need to prepare in case Usher hands you the mic at an Usher concert.” It was just so satisfying to have that moment come and Usher literally right in front of all my friends handed me the mic and I was fully prepared.

Believe it or not, Usher was the first concert I ever went to as a human being. So anytime I see Usher live or even see Usher in person, it always feels like a full circle moment no matter where I am in life because I always know my entry to live music will always be Usher.

Nice. On a somewhat random note, I cover a lot of fast food at Uproxx, so I’m always curious to know what people’s go-to favorite fast food is.

I love Taco Bell. If I were to talk about a single brick and mortar location, like what fast food is the best? What single location? The fact that there are some combination KFC Taco Bells that exist, I mean, that’s just to be able to ping pong between both those two institutions under one roof is really… that’s the dream.

What’s your go-to order at Taco Bell?

I get two Cheesy Gordita Crunches with chicken and no lettuce, and I get a chicken quesadilla and I order all the sauces.

As my last question, I know you’re only going to be able to tell us so much about this, but I’d love to talk to you about the future of Lil Dicky. Obviously Dave is on ice right now and the way season three ended it could be a nice close for the show. I know you’ve said you want to take a break from that and focus more on music and other projects, and the argument could be made that Lil Dicky’s story continues with the music. So what can you tell us about what you’re cooking up, and what can people expect in 2025?

I’m recording music every day. I just moved into a new home, got a brand new studio, everything’s set up. It’s truly my dream studio. I’m probably in the best space creatively that I’ve ever been in. I think when I make Dave, even starting in the beginning of my career, it’s like to get even “on” as Lil Dicky… every week I was putting stuff out for five months right away to get people to even notice me. Then you succeed, and then you’re on all these tour… I always wanted to make a TV show and be a comedian too. So when I finally got a moment to breathe after the music, I went all in on TV for three seasons.

So for the past 10 years I’ve kind of been constantly putting things out and working. It feels really good to be in a state where I’m just in the creative incubation phase where I’m just making the best work of my career right now in so many different mediums, not just music, but TV. I’m developing other TV, I’m writing a movie. There’s so many things that I’m doing that I’m so excited about that will eventually come to fruition. I am enjoying being in this incubation phase where I’m not being pulled in a bunch of different directions. I’m just at home working.

Could you say if anything will be coming in 2025, or is it still a little ways off?

I have enough experience with my own assessments of time as it pertains to music and I’ve been so wrong for so long that it is almost a waste of time to even get my opinion on when.

Just know that it will happen. I’m less worried about the when. I’m more worried about getting all the things executed. Some artists, when they finish a song that they love, they go and put it out. I don’t even like putting anything out until I have a grand multi-year rollout in place. You know what I mean? So I’m really just collecting and creating a treasure trove of incredible art that will then be released as I see fit. I can’t tell you exactly when, but you’ll know when it happens.

Before I let you go, I’m just curious, outside of your own projects, what music are you really excited about right now?

You know who I just started listening to, who I absolutely love is Tems.

I’m probably late to the party, but honestly, every single morning I wake up and I put the same Tems song on and go in the pool and start my day loosening my body in the pool as Tems sings beautifully to me.

How To Make The 456

Diageo

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label Squid Game Edition
  • .5 oz of Barley Tea Syrup 
  • .5 oz Lemon Juice
  • Club Soda

Method: 

Build ingredients minus club soda into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake and double strain into an ice-filled Collins glass with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with an Umbrella Dalgona Cookie.



source https://uproxx.com/life/dave-burd-talks-to-us-about-his-johnnie-walker-squid-game-collab-the-future-of-lil-dicky/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.