Posts made in October 2018

Belly Discusses “Immigrant”

Multi-platinum rapper Belly released debut album “IMMIGRANT” October 12, 2018, via Republic Records. On this album he reflects on his own struggles as a young Muslim immigrant, but also stands in solidarity with immigrants worldwide. The negative rhetoric around immigration reform dominating today’s headlines is more than politics for Belly; it’s a deeply personal, as demonstrated by all the philanthropic work he’s done.

“A personal and reflective ode to immigrants around the world.” – ABC News

“Belly looks towards his next chapter with positivity.” – Billboard

Rarest Japanese Performance Cars

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM CELEBRATES JAPANESE CULTURE WITH 19 OF THE WOLRD’S RAREST JAPANESE PERFORMANCE CARS

Placed throughout the museum, the collection includes the Infiniti Prototype 9 and Prototype 10, two Toyota 200GTs, the only 1998 Nissan R390 GT1, a 1978 Dome Zero, a 1969 Mazda Cosmo Sport 100S, two MkIV Toyota Supras, the Mazda RX-7 FD concept model and much more.

360 Magazine, 360, Vaughn Lowery, Petersen Automotive Museum

360 Magazine, 360, Vaughn Lowery, Petersen Automotive Museum Photos by Ted7

LOS ANGELES – As part of its ongoing celebration of Japanese culture and automotive tradition, the Petersen Automotive Museum has gathered the most unique and iconic Japanese performance vehicles in the world under one roof. On each of the museum, guests will find rare examples of Japanese craftsmanship that encompasses a broad range of styles including post-war classics, heavily-modified tuners, supercars and futuristic prototypes.

Beginning in the Vault presented by Hagerty, visitors will find a 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo. Continuing up the elevator to the first floor is a selection of post-war classics such as a 1968 Honda S600 Coupe, which is considered Honda’s first mass-marketed automobile.

On the second floor, the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery and Customization Gallery are home to “The Roots of Monozokuri” and “Fine Tuning,” which represent the interchange that has taken place between east and west for the past 60 years. Key performance vehicles on display in “The Roots of Monozokuri” include Nissan’s first V12-powered racecar, a 1969 Nissan R382, and the world’s first mass-produced two-rotor vehicle, a 1969 Mazda Cosmo Sport 100S. “Fine Tuning” presents a more avant-garde selection of tuner cars including the 1974 Mazda RX-3 built by DNA Garage and a 1993 Toyota Supra Mark IV, which famously became a pop culture icon following its appearance in the film “The Fast and the Furious.”

Offering a third perspective on Japanese design philosophy, the new “Japanese Supercars” exhibit in the Chuck Wegner Gallery gives visitors a rare glimpse of boldly styled, ultra-high performance vehicles. Cars on display include two one-of-a-kind cars straight from Japan. The 1978 Dome Zero, widely recognized from the video game “Gran Turismo,” is continuing its first-ever tour of North America as a key feature in this display. Sharing the Zero’s exclusively, the world’s only 1998 Nissan R390 GT1 has just arrived at the museum following the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where Nissan was this year’s featured marque.

In addition to the above cars. the Petersen is showcasing two Infiniti prototypes for a limited time only outside the Mullin Design Studio. Representing Infiniti’s innovative and ambitious plans for an electrified future, the 2017 Infiniti Prototype 9 and the 2018 Prototype 10 have never before been displayed together in a public setting.

The Petersen’s third-floor Perspectives Gallery contains a broad look at automotive history including Hollywood star cars such as the 1967 Toyota 2000GT Roadster from the film “You Only Live Twice.” Driven by James Bond’s love interest, this 2000GT was one of the only two models turned into a convertible.

“In one day at the Petersen, guests can experience 60 years of Japanese culture and automotive tradition,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Our Japanese car collection not only covers the past six decades of Japanese dominance in the domestic market but truly illustrates the artfulness and shrewd attention-to-detail that is characteristic of Japanese design philosophy.”

To learn more about the individual exhibits the Petersen Automotive Museum collection, please visit www.petersen.org.

ComplexCon Unveils Artist Collaborations

For a third year, ComplexCon is ground zero for a global gathering of culture-shaping artists to showcase works, collaborations and interactive installations November 3-4, in Long Beach, CA.

The ComplexCon Art Experience once again features some of the most influential street, contemporary and pop artists and galleries from around the world including Takashi Murakami’s KaiKai Kiki Gallery, FriendsWithYou, Avant Arte x Felipe Pantone, Hebru Brantley, Scott Campbell and dozens more. 1800 Tequila™ returns to ComplexCon for a third year to present the Art Experience.  This year they’ve teamed up with acclaimed artist Adam Lucas and streetwear designer Nicky Diamonds to create 100 exclusive, one-of-a-kind jackets to giveaway at ComplexCon, celebrating their “Just Refined Enough” campaign.

A sneak at what awaits attendees includes the following engagements:

Avant Arte, the Netherlands-based art collaborative reunites with artist Felipe Pantone

Avenue des Arts, the Hong Kong based gallery is bringing works from Los Angeles deconstructive pop artist Matt Gondek

Bettermeart, a contemporary fine street art gallery based in Shanghai, makes ComplexCon its first ever US show

Evan Rossell, better known as “Stink” is bringing his iconic “Hairy Fools” installation.

Eddie Kang Studios – South Korean artist known for his colorful and dreamy works which are philosophical stories which he creates based on life’s reflections.

Gallery Stan – Based in Seoul and NYC is bringing So Youn Lee, pop artist Sam, Sergio Garcia, and Fidia Falaschetti

Gallery Delaive – presents a unique live painting session with Japanese artist Ayako

Gangster Doodles, the artist who transforms Post-It notes into “Gangster Doodles” of famous rappers.

• Friends with You “PopWorld” is a spectacular 60’ x 60’ inflatable experience from LA-based art collective FriendsWithYou. The immersive, Instagram-worthy installation asks guests to donate to charity — any amount is accepted starting at one cent — in order to experience PopWorld. PopWorld is supported by PopSockets.

• Future Tech Labs is launching a sustainable clothing line.

Hebru Brantley, the contemporary American artist best known for his Afro-Futurism approach to anime and graffiti, is bringing exclusive art pieces

Joshua Vides is unveiling two new installations: a moonscape installation with Herschel, and a walk through experience with Ebay.

Mariella Angela, a Los Angeles based oil painter known for her portraits of rap’s greatest artists

Mr. Flower Fantastic “MFF” is a New York based artist who explores floristry, sculpture, and design with an unprecedented style and an anonymous public persona.

Over the Influence (OTI) Gallery will exhibit Cleon Peterson solo on Saturday featuring limited edition skate decks and sculptures.

Gallery Delaive presents a unique live painting session with Japanese artist Ayako Rokkaku, showcasing her signature painting technique of applying acrylic paint with her bare hands.

• Scott Campbell’s Whole Glory Tattoo Project is coming to ComplexCon. Attendees can enter to win a chance to get inked with a mystery tattoo selected wholly by Scott Campbell. Those lucky enough to get an appointment will place their arm through a small hole in a fence and get inked, with no consultation, discussion or even eye contact during the process.

Spokeart is exhibiting new works by Mark Drew (Tokyo) and GATS (Oakland)

• 1800 Tequila intersects art and style through a real time collaboration experience within the 1800 Tequila bar and lounge space in the ComplexCon Art Experience. Attendees have the opportunity to add their creativity to wearable pieces of art by customizing a Nicky Diamond-designed vintage denim jacket with patches and pins created by Adam Lucas, exclusively for 1800.

• Uzumaki powered by Redbull* returns to ComplexCon to build a plush installation

General Admission tickets are still available at ComplexCon.com. General Admission tickets are $60 per day for Saturday or Sunday or two-day General Admission tickets can be purchased for $100 (plus fees). But hurry because earlier this summer, ComplexCon sold out its limited presale and VIP tickets in a matter of minutes.

FABERGÉ × ROLLS-ROYCE

ROLLS-ROYCE DEBUTS ‘SPIRIT OF ECSTASY’ FABERGÉ EGG

From Kings and Queens to entrepreneurs, many of the most prominent and wealthy collectors of the 20th and 21st century have been beguiled by the lure of a Fabergé Egg. With just 50 pre-1917 Imperial Eggs completed, these exceptionally precious creations are some of the most valuable and coveted objects ever to have been made.

Now, in a contemporary fashion, a new Fabergé Egg has been created. Two of the world’s most esteemed houses of luxury have joined forces to create one unique objet d’art, for one discerning patron. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Fabergé proudly announce the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg.

For the first time in history, an iteration of the Spirit of Ecstasy, the enigmatic mascot that has adorned Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911, is cocooned in an exquisite, contemporary, Fabergé Egg. The design, conceived by Rolls-Royce Designers Stefan Monro and Alex Innes and rendered by Fabergé Lead Designer Liisa Talgren, has been brought to life by Fabergé workmaster Paul Jones, creating a contemporary interpretation of one of the world’s most fabled and prized possessions.

The commissioning of a Rolls-Royce motor car is often a seminal moment for the patron, so too is the commissioning of a Fabergé Egg.  Indeed, this ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg, the second to be commissioned in the ‘Imperial Class’ since 1917 – a category reserved only for Fabergé’s most illustrious creations – celebrates the history, heritage and legend for which both Rolls-Royce and Fabergé have been revered over more than a century. Both brands have navigated the vicissitudes of time and continue to produce the apogee of modern, highly sought after, true luxury items. The Egg is destined for the residence of a great collector of both brands.

The Egg connects the elements that lie at the very core of each marque – the Spirit of Ecstasy, the illustrious muse that has guided each Rolls-Royce motor car for over a century, and the form of a Fabergé Egg, the pinnacle of ornamental expression. The masterpiece resulting from this distinguished collaboration reflects the extraordinary attention to detail and the consummate craftsmanship for which both brands are renowned to this day.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg was born from an intrinsic desire to further the realms of Bespoke personalisation. Responding to the continuing demands of patrons in search of unique and cherished possessions, a designer at the House of Rolls-Royce sketched an egg, igniting a fascination that will undoubtedly become one of the most collectable items of modern times.”

A team of seven craftspeople from Fabergé undertook the challenge of fabricating the design using the finest materials married with their extraordinary skill as artist jewellers. At first glance, the Egg is unmistakable in its character. Design cues from Fabergé’s heritage are masterfully woven into the intricate design which stands at 160mm and weighs just 400g, with the Egg harnessing the ‘surprise and delight’ attributes for which Imperial Eggs are celebrated. 

The Egg rests on an engine-turned, hand-engraved, purple enamel guilloché base of 18 karat white gold. Arms of rose gold define the shape of the egg, acting as a protective chamber for the Egg’s precious inhabitant. Upon operating the movement via a discreet lever at the base of the stand, a sense of theatre ensues as the boughs open to present the fine figurine of the Spirit of Ecstasy, hand-sculpted in frosted rock crystal, standing nobly in her opulent surrounds. The rose gold vanes, embellished with nearly 10 carats of round white diamonds, resolve into swathes of natural amethyst weighing over 390 carats, specially selected for its colour saturation and quality. The purple hue of the enamel and amethyst provide a playful nod to the use of colour found in Fabergé’s heritage.

The technical mastery of Fabergé prevails. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg adopts a highly complex operating mechanism, conceived through computer aided design and animation, developed with micro engineering. The success of this mechanism, and in turn the piece as a whole, can be attributed to the goldsmiths’ art as craftspeople and their ability to meld this skill with technology, creating a work of art that could not be created by man alone. The piece embodies both the artistic design and engineering skill that one expects from a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and Fabergé, and has probably the most complicated opening of any Fabergé Egg to date. 

Sean Gilbertson, Chief Executive Officer, Fabergé said, “A unique moment in both our companies’ history, the creation of the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg represents the meeting of two masters of unrivalled quality and design, showcasing two globally recognised symbols – the Fabergé Egg and the Spirit of Ecstasy.”

Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Business Development and Global Sales Director, Fabergé added, “Two years in the making, we are very excited to unveil this special piece to our clients and partners across the globe together with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and are proud to continue making history by creating bespoke and unique pieces such as this. The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg marks a demonstration of the reputation that Fabergé proudly carries today.”

Fifty Imperial Easter eggs were created for the Russian Imperial family between 1885 and 1916. These creations are inextricably linked to the lives of the Romanov family. Ten eggs were produced from 1885 to 1893 during the reign of Emperor Alexander III; a further 40 were created during the rule of his dutiful son, Nicholas II, two each year – one for his mother the dowager, the second for his wife. If we explore the great archives of Rolls-Royce, we find that Tsar Nicholas II was indeed also a patron of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Fabergé Egg will be premiered at the House of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, England, to a host of distinguished guests and venerable patrons of the marque on 23 October, 2018. The Egg will then be on public display in Fabergé’s London window this Christmastime.

Halloween Trends on YouTube

You might notice some familiar names with the Top 10 most popular costumes on YouTube this year: Two years after the release of Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn continues to show up as a popular costume idea on YouTube, while Disney characters Elsa and Anna from Frozen made their way back onto the list again (after dropping out in 2017). And, in parallel to its massive success on YouTube overall, Fortnite-themed costumes have broken into the Top 10 Halloween list this year, with costumes ideas from the game trending globally as well as in the US, UK, and Canada.

This year, we also took a closer look at which trending costumes are new to 2018’s ranking. Most notably: Fortnite, Stranger Things, and Mario Bros are trending this year, likely due to continued popularity around their corresponding games and titles.  Hocus Pocus-inspired costume ideas are also spiking in terms of views, just in time for the 25th anniversary of the movie’s debut. Here’s a look at some newcomers, ranked by views:

FETTY LUCIANO PREMIERES NEW VIDEO

Brooklyn MC Fetty Luciano, one of the next-generation of Def Jam artists headlining the ongoing 6-campus Undisputed Tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, releases his first Def Jam video today, for his current single, “On The Wall” featuring Bobby Shmurda.

“On the Wall,” featuring an unreleased hook by Shmurda, is one of two Ricobeats-produced singles – along with “FASHO” featuring Atlanta’s Gunna – that are currently heating up the Urban stratosphere. Both will be included on STORY TO TELL, Fetty’s first Def Jam mixtape, dropping Friday, October 26th. The tracks show­case Fetty’s ability to adapt to different styles: With “On the Wall,” he’s aggressive and in-your-face. On “FASHO,” he utilizes Auto-Tune as an artistic tool to brag about getting to the shmoney.

Fetty Luciano was recently profiled by Brick Magazine for an in-depth article titled “Winning.” He told Brick, “I’m trans­forming. I’m becoming a better man day by day, a better person.” He revealed plans to make a film about his life, get into modeling, and open a strip club. “The more money I get, the more I’m gonna work. I wanna be wealthy. I wanna live a lavish lifestyle – so there’s no let ups! I can’t let Bobby and Rowdy down. I can’t let my father down. I can’t let my friends down. People wanna see me win and I have to win.”

Fetty Luciano is part of the powerful roster of next-generation stars – also including Beau Young PrinceBobby SessionsCasanovaDanileigh, and YK Osiris – being presented by Def Jam Recordings in collaboration with DTLR | VILLA and Levi Strauss & Co., on DTLR’s 5th annual HBCU tour. The complete itinerary for the 6-campus Undisputed Tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is as follows:

ROCK IN RIO

Pop fans can start celebrating. Rock In Rio, the world’s biggest music and entertainment festival, has just announced the line-up in the night dedicated to this genre. On October 5, 2019, the Rock City will welcome pop superstar P!nk, who debuts as headliner and ends the night performing her biggest hits.

 

On the same day, super group Black Eyed Peas – a debuting in the event – takes to the stage with a catalog of hymns such as “Where Is The Love?”, “I Gotta Feeling”, and “Lets Get It Started”. Brazilian singer Anitta, the first confirmed attraction of Rock in Rio 2019, opens the night. A fourth attraction, to complete the line-up, will still be announced.

 

Rock in Rio 2019 will take place on September 27, 28 and 29, October 3, 4, 5 and 6, at the Rock City, which will occupy the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Park for the second consecutive edition. Rock in Rio Cards (a ticket that entitles you to go to the festival before all attractions are announced) will go on sale on November 12 this year, starting at 7:00 pm, at www.rockinrio.com.

 

Created in 1985, the festival has had 19 editions, 112 days and 2,038 musical attractions. Over 33 years of history, it has had an audience of more than 9.5 million people. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Rock in Rio also conquered Portugal, Spain and the United States.

 

 

CHECK OUT THE ATTRACTIONS

 

P!nk – The first time of the superstar in Brazil. The critically acclaimed “Beautiful Trauma World Tour” kicked off in Phoenix, USA, last March, and has touched audiences across America, Australia and New Zealand. With a career of more than 20 years, P!nk has seven studio albums, a collection of top hits, and sold 50 million copies, more than 75 million singles, 2.4 million DVDs worldwide, and had 15 singles on Billboard Hot 100 list’s top 10 (four #1). Plus, among other awards, she won three Grammy Awards (19 nominations).

Black Eyed Peas – In addition to classic hits, the band will be releasing “Ring The Alarm Pt 1, Pt 2 and Pt 3″” and “Big Love”, from the group’s seventh studio album entitled ‘Masters of The Sun”, which is being launched. Formed by will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo, the Black Eyed Peas is a multi-platinum band with more than 35 million albums sold worldwide, leading the world charts. The artists have won six Grammys and eight American Music Awards throughout their careers.

Anitta – After performing at Rock in Rio Lisboa, the Brazilian singer prepares to land in the Brazilian Rock City for the first time. The artist was elected the 15th most influential artist in the world on social networks (leaving names like Lady Gaga, Shakira and Rihanna behind) by US magazine Billboard. Anitta stood out with several singles like “Sim ou Não”, a duet with Maluma; “Loka”, by Simone & Simaria; and “Sua Cara”, with Major Lazer and Pabllo Vittar. The latter broke world records as the most viewed video in 24 hours in 2017, and the fastest in history to reach a million likes.

Hermosa Beach “La La Land” Day

Hermosa Beach will celebrate its starring role in the Academy Award®-‐winning film “La La Land” and the City’s historical connection to jazz by celebrating “La La Land” Day at the Beach on Oct. 27. Magical moments in the popular musical featured a sunset stroll on the Hermosa Beach Pier and jazz performances at the City’s Lighthouse Café.

Hosted by the City of Hermosa Beach and Kinecta Federal Credit Union, “La La Land” Day at the Beach will feature performances by the Lou Giovanetti Jazz Orchestra and professional dancers from 5-7 p.m. Friends of the Parks will then provide a free screening of the award-winning movie on a beachfront screen.

The 12 vintage-style street lamps that lit the Hermosa Beach Pier in the movie will be returned to the pier to re-create the lighting for scene in the movie when actor Ryan Gosling’s walked on the pier and performed a few verses of the Academy Award®-winning tune, “City of Stars.”

In advance of “La La Land” Day at the Beach, the street lamps will be illuminated Oct. 24-26 at 6 p.m., and the Lighthouse Café will provide jazz performances on the pier from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 24-26. The Lighthouse Café is considered the epicenter of the West Coast jazz movement, hosting performances by many of the legendary jazz greats, including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Chet Baker.

All events will be free, open to the public and accessible (ADA compliant).

5-7 p.m. Saturday, October 27, for the musical and dance performances; 7:30 p.m. for the movie.

Three Quick Exercises

By Anthony Sovinsky x Vaughn Lowery x Reid Urban

Ever feel like you don’t have time to make it to the gym or just confused on what you need to do to improve your fitness? Well then you’re in luck! Here are 3 exercises that you can do at home or at the office that will improve both your fitness in strength, mobility, and endurance.

1. Squat 

The squat is an excellent exercise to develop lower body strength and improve hip function. Tight hips occur from not using your hips through their full range of motion i.e. sitting in a chair or couch all day. This results in referred pain, most commonly in the lower back and knees. Not only will deep squatting help loosen the muscles surrounding the hips and knees while relieving knee and back pain, but it will also “wake up” the larger muscles of the lower body that have otherwise been ignored from long periods of sitting. This will cause a spike in your energy demands (metabolism) causing you to build muscle, burn more calories, and over time, burn more fat.

Here’s how :

Stand with your feet just outside shoulder-width apart. Squeeze your butt and suck your belly in with arms extended in front of your body. This is your starting position.

Lower your body down, keeping your feet flat and hands out front for balance until your hips have lowered past your knees then stand back up. Congrats! That’s a squat!

Try to aim for 25 repetitions for 4 sets and keep it under 10 minutes.

2. Lunge 

The lunge is another great exercise that addresses single leg and hip strength and stability. Lunging will help make both legs equally strong. When done correctly, it will help correct hip imbalances that result in low back pain and bad posture. This variation is a bit tougher than the squat as one leg is responsible for lifting most of your body weight back to a standing position, making the lunge a key component to your lower body strength routine. Lunging will isolate the glutes, which happen to be the powerhouse of the human body, so you can expect major muscle gain and calorie burn from this exercise.

Here’s how :

Start standing tall with both feet together. Take a large step forward as if you are trying to step over a puddle.

Once you are in a split stance, find your balance and slowly take a knee with the back leg. Focus on keeping the entire front foot in contact with ground the entire time.

Once you have taken a knee, press yourself up with the front leg and allow your back leg to meet the front one so you are back to a standing position.

Now repeat! Try this for 10-20 steps for 4 sets.

3. Wall Stretch 

This exercise is more so to address posture issues that come from long periods of computer work, cell phone usage, and driving. All these forward-reaching activities cause our shoulders to round forward, causing neck pain and adaptively tight chest muscles and weak, overstretched back muscles. The best way to combat this imbalance with no weights is to do a wall stretch and get the arms over the head more frequently.

Here’s how :

Find a wall and lean on it back first. Bring your feet out in front if you and assume a quarter squat so you can get your entire back flush with the wall.

Lift your arms up and attempt to place the back of your wrists on the wall with triceps parallel to the floor.

Reach up towards the ceiling while trying to maintain contact with the wall and your wrist the entire time.

You will notice a deep stretch across the chest and front of shoulders while getting a good “squeeze” between the shoulder blades. Overtime, this exercise will help reset proper balance between the chest, back, and shoulders.

Try this for 4 sets of 15-20 repetitions. You can pair this with the squats or lunges or both!

Go get after it! These can be done anytime and anywhere. These exercises will give you the most bang for your buck. Whether you’re trying to burn calories, relieve pain, or build strength these are absolutely key to live a healthy active life!