Posts made in February 2018

BIRDMAN ‘BEFORE ANYTHANG’ ON APPLE MUSIC

Vaughn Lowery: “What advice would you provide to someone trying to start a label or to become a recording artist?”

Birdman: “Study your craft …. Know your business …. Stay focused, stay humble, always put God first …. Try to start the same way you finished …. Be prepared to die for what you believe in. It’s simple.”

Bryan “Baby/Birdman” Williams was in Los Angeles pushing his new biographical documentary during his birthday. Today, it was released exclusively on Apple Music.

The viewing was held on Thursday, February 15th at NeueHouse – a private community of leading entrepreneurs and creative teams. As we sipped on champagne and awaited the ‘Number 1 Stunna’ to introduce the opening instalment of a three-part series during his birthday, we were constantly reminded by the mere presence of security that we could be in for a ride. Over the last 21 years, Birdman has lead an army of hip hop prodigies, including Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. For decades, financial rumors and controversy surrounded Cash Money Records and we were hoping to find some answers. The initial episode delves into the CEO’s dark past from losing his mother at an early age to slanging drugs which in the end leads to incarceration. Throughout, we start to understand the attributes of how one becomes one of the most successful rap moguls of our time. His father was a former military man with a pile of small businesses in some of New Orleans’ seedier areas. He constantly hustled to keep his family fed with a roof over their heads. This boy “any means necessary” mentality trickled down onto his youngest child, which eventually contributed to him selling CDs out of his trunk and helming one of the most prolific indie labels in the world, Cash Money Records.

Before Anythang: The Story Behind The Cash Money Records Empire doesn’t disappoint; however, it may leave some leery as it was created by its star, sprinkled with his personal narratives, which could come across as being slightly contrived.

Nevertheless, this piece of work has earned a spot on our ‘360 Watch List,’ especially since we gain an insightful introspective into the life of Birdman.

G Herbo x Everything

G Herbo released the remix for the Southside-produced track “Everything” today, via Machine Entertainment Group/The Orchard. The turn-up track – premiered via  Pitchfork today – comes ahead of Humble Beast Deluxe Edition, an expanded version of G Herbo’s critically acclaimed debut album, Humble Beast (released September ’17), featuring ten newly recorded tracks. The Humble Beast Deluxe Edition is out tomorrow (Friday, February 16th).

Listen To “Everything” Remix Feat. Chance The Rapper and Lil Uzi Vert HERE.

G Herbo’s debut album, Humble Beast, landed at  No.21 on the Billboard 200, 5 on Billboard Hip-Hop, 7 on Independent, and 11 on Digital charts. Humble Beast is the first and only release to date from Machine Entertainment Group (via The Orchard), further underscoring the momentous debut and chart success. Throughout the album, G Herbo explores what effect his upbringing has had on him, both from a day-to-day perspective – as seen in “Red Snow,” – as well as his overall trajectory. The themes on the album highlight the chaos found in Chicago, and other beleaguered communities, in an effort to create a dialogue and inspire the youth to bring about change for themselves and their cities. XXL, The Boombox andDJ Booth considered the highly anticipated debut one of the best releases of 2017. Upon release, the album received critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, Complex, XXL, Billboard and many more.G Herbo recently linked up with Mass Appeal for theirG Herbo: City Of Sorrow (mini-doc), a documentary chronicling the plight and vanquish of the Chicago prince.

Fatboy Slim x You’ve Come a Long Way Baby

FATBOY SLIM’S YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY

20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION TO BE RELEASED ON

MARCH 16 VIA ASTRALWERKS

Available For Preorder Now On Amazon And Vinyl Me Please

Listen on Spotify HERE

Youߣve Come A Long Way, Baby available on deluxe edition CD and LP formats. Format packaging including 180g gatefold vinyl, 6 page 12 roll-fold booklet (LP), 12 display art card (LP) and 28 page booklet (CD)

Exclusive anniversary sleeve notes from Ralph Moore (Mixmag) and album timeline from Damian Harris (Skint Records)

Limited-Edition Blue Vinyl with Coffee Splatter Color Variant Available

Exclusively At Vinyl Me Please

Fatboy Slim announces today the forthcoming 20th anniversary reissue of Youߣve Come a Long Way, Baby, to be released on March 16 via Astralwerks. The preorder for the reissue is now available via Amazon and Vinyl Me Please. A limited-edition blue vinyl with coffee splatter color variant will also be released. Strictly limited to 2,000 copies worldwide, the blue vinyl is available for purchase exclusively at Vinyl Me Please. A limited edition Fatboy Slim Meal Deal product is available exclusively to Fatboy Slimߣs webstore which includes hand screen printed, branded pizza box set, signed and numbered by Fatboy Slim, Anniversary 2LP and CD and authentic Iߣm #20 So Why Try Harder XXL T-shirt. Watch the pizza box / meal deal video HERE

2018 marks twenty years since the release of the album that spawned era-defining singles Rockafeller Skank, Gangster Trippin Praise YouÉd; and Right Here Right Now. Youߣve Come a Long Way Baby reached Number One in the UK album album charts, breaking the US Billboard Top 40, creating a global superstar and putting a new wave of UK dance music on the global map.

First released in 1998, Youߣve Come a Long Way Baby become one of the defining records of the ߢ90s, irrespective of genre. Swinging from hip-hop, to reggae and jangle pop, with Youߣve Come a Long Way Baby,Norman Cook broke stylistic ground and delivered a wildly original album, filled with imagination, huge hooks and even bigger beats.

Bigger than being just a dance album, Youߣve Come a Long Way Baby was a genuine phenomenon,&#a0;enjoying huge critical and commercial success; it contains 4 UK Top 10 singles, earning Cook a BRIT Award for best producer and two further nominations (Male Solo Artist and British Single) along the way. Embraced by the rock and pop press equally, the album was included in a Q magazine readers’ poll of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever, and provided a global breakthrough for both British dance music and the Big Beat sound. Singles Rockafeller Skank, Gangster Trippin and anthemic UK Number One single Praise You (which scored 3 MTV VMA awards with its iconic Spike Jonze directed video) pushed dance music into the stratosphere, resonating with music fans and breaking electronic music to middle America. Norman Cook had caught lightning in a bottle, and in one genre-defining moment, the seeds of the noughties EDM US boom were sown, paving the way for the next generation of global superstars.

TOKYO TEA

My heart beat with anticipation as the plane broke through the clouds as we approached Narita International Airport. The 22nd stop on my international checklist couldn’t have looked more picturesque from this view. Upon arrival, I advanced to customs where I was corralled through a maze-like queue I would liken to the old school snake game. Shortly after, I approached an automated kiosk attended by a customs official, who surprised at my stature jokingly remarked that the machine was made for Asians. Passport in hand, I stepped up to the counter at the final checkpoint and receive my stamp to enter Japan. With a quick smile and gesture to pass the attendant said “Arigatou! Welcome to Tokyo!”

My first morning in Tokyo started like any other. I woke up early, ready to seize the day. I lifted the curtain and popped out of my sleeping quarters to head for the showers. At 9 hours, an ultra-modern take on the traditional Japanese capsule hotel, living out of a locker for 4 nights somehow felt super trendy and posh. Exceptionally clean facilities, private bathrooms and showers and a super sleek, minimalist design explained the “Fabulous” rating on my booking website. As always, I strove to tour like a local, having accommodations that were authentically Japanese was paramount.

When exiting my hotel in Shinjuku I was quickly swept into the cadence of the crowd outside. The city has a true rhythm, a viable beat that you either get on or awkwardly exist outside of. Luckily my cultural metronome was in tune and I set out ready to embrace my week as a Tokyoite. Here’s the TEA on Tokyo.

Tour

Among the many quirky shops and unconventional things to pursue in the city, there are the famous cat cafes. They’re literally all over Tokyo and are just what they seem to be. I dropped into Calico Cat cafe in Shinjuku. I spent some quality time with my feline friends while enjoying a traditional Japanese milk tea with boba. At 1000 yen per hour it’s a welcome escape from the bustle of the city that won’t break the bank.
A visit to the tallest tower in the world will give you vertigo if nothing else. The Tokyo Skytree, standing at 350 meters, gives one incredible view of the city while providing equally heightening entertainment and shopping. The attraction starts with a massive shopping mall, chock full of retail and restaurants, (Tokyo Skytree town) to engorge the senses before leading to the attraction. After purchasing my ticket at the will call, I was ushered into a massive elevator that ascends the height of the tower in under a minute (your ears will pop). The top platform features a cinema, photo booth and of course the resident gift shop; however the real treat is the view. At night the metropolis is an endless sea of light rippling in all directions. For the more courageous, there is a portion of the floor that has a glass bottom. Don’t look down!

Eat
One of my favorite Japanese snacks and the ultimate street food in Japan, is takoyaki. The ball of dough is filled with grilled octopus and is fried to a crisp golden brown on the outside, leaving the inside a nice gooey consistency. Topped with a sweet soy sauce, mayo and bonito (fish) flakes, this makes the perfect snack if you’re in a hurry. It’s sold practically everywhere (convenience stores, street vendors, restaurants) however the perfect stop for me was Gindaco Takoyaki. A causal chain found all over Tokyo. Here they specialize in the treat and make them to order with a number of toppings and flavors. I stumbled upon the location in Kabukicho and spent a moment enjoying a Japanese highball (beer infused with liquor) while watching the busy square outside.

A trip to Tokyo without sushi? Unheard of. Although a novelty in the states, conveyor belt sushi restaurants are definitely worth a visit in Tokyo. I dined at Smart Sushi at the Shinjuku JR station and had a phenomenal experience. Have your pick of fresh sushi as it goes round on the belt or select made to order hot and cold dishes (and sake of course) from the tablet at your seat. I couldn’t help but think about the efficiency of the whole experience. Is this the future of dining?
Adventure
From Shinjuku Station I took the Keiko Highway bus towards the Fuji Five Lakes region and Kawaguchiko. The two hour ride is quite scenic, taking you west of Tokyo. It’s just the right distance for a perfect day trip. Buses are outfitted with WiFi and in-seat power outlets making for a comfy ride. As I left the city behind, I traded the tall compact skyscrapers of Tokyo for wide open spaces and countryside homes. On approaching to the final bus stop, the topography changed significantly as the mountains jut out before you and the winding roads lead into the small town before Fujikawaguchiko.

The snow capped peak of Mt. Fuji commands the skyline above Kawaguchiko Station, which is the closest one can get to Japan’s majestic active volcano during the off season. The terrain is only safe for driving and climbing during July/August; however the view from here is unparalleled on a clear day. The station was packed with tourists and locals alike, perusing the shops and attached cafe; while the train yard is full of photographers admiring the vintage trains and snapping away at Fuji-san. I ventured across the street to a very unassuming traditional Japanese restaurant, which is aptly named as such. While enjoying a fantastic Katsudon, I gazed out the window at the beauty that is Japan’s tallest mountain.
As I boarded the Narita Express train from Shinjuku, I longed for so many of the other fascinating experiences one can enjoy in the land of the rising sun. I assured myself that four nights in Tokyo could not have been better spent. The T, E and A of my trip made for some lasting memories and affirmed my return trip to Japan in the near future. Until the next chapter…
Arigatō gozaimasu!
Links:

Amazon Echo Look at NYFW with Prabal Gurung and Bella Hadid

Fashion Week went well! Below are photos from a first of its kind partnership between Prabal Gurung and Amazon Echo Look. On Sunday, they used Echo Look to create a digital version of the look book for Prabal’s (incredible) Fall 2018 collection. Enclosed you can see the images the device took of Bella Hadid along with several other models, as well as an image of Prabal being interviewed by E! – note that these have not been retouched, enhanced or otherwise altered. This partnership is an incredible example of the growing overlap between fashion and technology.

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Look Book 3

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Look Book 43

Look Book 24

SHALVA HOSTED EVENING OF LOVE AND DISABILITY AWARENESS

Held at the Frost Museum of Science, Guests Learned More About the Esteemed Organization and Enjoyed a Special Performance by DJ Irie Beneath the Aquarium

MIAMI, Fla. (February 9, 2018) — On Wednesday, February 7th 2018, Shalva, the esteemed non-profit dedicated to aiding those with disabilities of all ages, presented an exclusive director screening of the 2015 Emmy-nominated film, Autism In Love by Director Matt Fuller that was held at the newly opened Planetarium at the Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami in tandem with the romantic occasion.

Founder Kalman Samuels created the non-denominational organization in Jerusalem, Israel with the aim of providing and quality care for those of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds free of charge as well as dedicated scientific research of various disabilities that ultimately fosters a more inclusive society.

Following the special screening, guests moved to The Deep space just beneath the eye-catching aquarium and enjoyed sounds by DJ Irie, who spinned lively tunes in the later part of the evening. Curated cocktails were served by award-winning Dominican rum brand Ron Barceló and guests enjoyed delectable gourmet kosher offerings in sushi, kebabs and desserts. During this portion, Shalva gave remarks while guests carefully engaged in the organization and the organization’s exciting plans for the future. After the event wrapped up, guests were given gift bags by Italian fragrance house Acqua di Parma.

ABOUT SHALVA
Shalva, the Israel Association for Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, is dedicated to providing quality care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families and promoting social tolerance. Non-denominational and free of charge, Shalva’s programs provide care for over 2,000 participants from infancy to adulthood. The organization’s advocacy initiatives, community events and disability research continue to inspire a more inclusive society. For more information, please visit:
http://www.shalva.org/new/

ABOUT DJ IRIE
Dominating any venue and infusing every party with his seemingly infinite energy, DJ Irie has captivated the entire industry. Miami’s hometown DJ serves as the official DJ of the 3-time NBA World Champion Miami HEAT, Carnival Cruise Lines, and superstar Jamie Foxx. Irie is also the man behind Irie Music, Corp., co-owner of Lou La Vie Exotic Car Rental, SweetKix.com, Pucci’s Pizza, Venture Projects, LLC investment firm and his partnerships feature a “Who’s Who” of blue-chip companies and brands looking to reach a tastemaker audience and He’s the #1 choice for countless celebrities and high-profile events everywhere from South Beach to Singapore, and has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the American Music Awards, MTV VMA’s, FIFA World Cup, International Premier Tennis League, Daytona 500, Super Bowl, and NBA All-Star, and at corporate events for Louis Vuitton, Google, Red Bull, Hublot and General Motors. Irie is philanthropic efforts include his Irie Foundation and Irie Weekend, one of South Florida’s most buzzworthy celebrity charity events of the year.

ABOUT RON BARCELO
Ron Barceló was founded by Julian Barceló in 1930 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The brand quickly gained popularity throughout the Dominican Republic, and was soon exported internationally throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas. Today, the brand’s world class portfolio of award- winning rums includes Barceló Imperial Premium Blend 30 Aniversario, Barceló Imperial, Barceló Gran Platinum, Barceló Gran Añejo and Barceló Añejo. For more information, please visit
www.ronbarcelousa.com.

 

 

 

20TH CENTURY FOX & BMW ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP FOR RED SPARROW!

20th Century Fox and BMW have unveiled a new exclusive partnership for the upcoming spy thriller RED SPARROW! The BMW 7 Series makes its’ iconic debut alongside Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence as Dominika in a new TV Spot released today!

You can check out the TV Spot HERE

RED SPARROW hits theaters everywhere March 2, 2018!

RED SPARROW

Thriller

Release: March 2, 2018

Directed by: Francis Lawrence

Screenplay by: Justin Haythe

Based upon the book by: Jason Matthews

Produced by: Peter Chernin, Steve Zaillian, Jenno Topping, David Ready

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker and Jeremy Irons

SYNOPSIS

Dominika Egorova is many things.

A devoted daughter determined to protect her mother at all costs.

A prima ballerina whose ferocity has pushed her body and mind to the absolute limit.

A master of seductive and manipulative combat.

When she suffers a career-ending injury, Dominika and her mother are facing a bleak and uncertain future. That is why she finds herself manipulated into becoming the newest recruit for Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains exceptional young people like her to use their bodies and minds as weapons. After enduring the perverse and sadistic training process, she emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow the program has ever produced. Dominika must now reconcile the person she was with the power she now commands, with her own life and everyone she cares about at risk, including an American CIA agent who tries to convince her he is the only person she can trust.

RED SPARROW Official Channels

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

HASHTAG: #RedSparrow

THE DEATH OF MIGHTY THOR

thor

Your first look at MIGHTY THOR #705!

New York, NY—February 15, 2018—THE DEATH OF THE MIGHTY THOR nears its end as the creative team of Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman bring you an epic showdown that has been years in the making.

The world of Mighty Thor and Odinson has been turned upside down, literally and figuratively — the Mangog’s attack on Asgardia has left the realm, and the gods who inhabit it, decimated. And the Mangog isn’t done yet! While Odinson’s responsibility is to protect his people, Mighty Thor must make a choice: fight Mangog by picking up Mjolnir – which guarantees that Jane Foster will perish – or watch the world fall.

There is no choice…

Prepare yourself as Jane Foster picks up Mjolnir one last time in MIGHTY THOR #705, and witness the death of a hero!

MIGHTY THOR #705

Written by JASON AARON

Art by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN

FOC – 2/26/18, On-Sale – 3/21/18

 

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com

or simply chat with some of your favorite heroes with Marvel’s chatbot accessible through Twitter and Facebook

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.

For more information visit marvel.com.

© 2017 MARVEL

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR ARTWORK PLEASE CONTACT:

Andrea Towers
Marvel Entertainment

atowers@marvel.com
212-576-4061

@_atowers

Ellie Goulding’s cover of “Vincent” available now on Interscope Records

Ellie Goulding covers “Vincent”

Retail: http://smarturl.it/VincentEG

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/VincentEG/amazonmusicbuy

Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/VincentEG/applemusic

Google: http://smarturl.it/VincentEG/googleplay

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/VincentEG/itunes

Spotify: http://smarturl.it/VincentEG/spotify