Posts made in July 2020

YXNG K.A. – Unfinished Business

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Today, 18-year-old breakout artist YXNG K.A premieres the sun-soaked video for his critically acclaimed single “Unfinished Business,” featuring fellow Philadelphia rapper Lil Muk. Recently hailed by Pitchfork as the “must-hear rap song of the day,” “Unfinished Business” appears on YXNG K.A’s powerful debut EP Baby Reaper.

Watch the video for “Unfinished Business” by YXNG K.A ft. Lil Muk HERE

Filmed by photographer/videographer Tayyofficial, the video for “Unfinished Business” finds YXNG K.A and Lil Muk escaping their hometown for a bright and beautiful, palm-tree-lined beach. Although the sunny atmosphere perfectly matches the track’s infectious melodies and uptempo beat, the lyrics to “Unfinished Business” speak the raw and unapologetic truth about troubles back home.

The latest in a series of triumphant releases from YXNG K.A, “Unfinished Business” arrives as the follow-up to his recent single “Imagine That.” After premiering the video in June, YXNG K.A. earned buzz from outlets like The Source, who praised him as “a radiant voice within the music industry” and noted that “[h]is unique tempos and upbeat disposition show that he takes his craft very seriously even with being so young in the game.”

Released in May via Double O Records/Interscope Records, Baby Reaper spotlights the phenomenal talent that’s earned recognition from heavyweights like Meek Mill and landed YXNG K.A a major-label deal just months after creating his first song. Along with “Unfinished Business” and “Imagine That,” the EP features singles like “Anotha One,” whose throwback groove draws inspiration from YXNG K.A’S lifelong love of classic hip-hop and R&B. Go HERE to stream or download the EP.

Zakat Foundation Rally

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Zakat Foundation of America, in partnership with Our Lady of Suyapa Sanctuary and Readi Chicago, a Heartland Alliance program, is taking to the streets. Armed with peace and prayer, mothers lift up their voices as people who have lost their children to police brutality, gathering August 8 at the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, 60602).

“When George Floyd cried out ‘Mama!’ I thought of the bond between mother and child — a love like no other — and the idea of this march was born,” said Donna Demir, health adviser for Zakat Foundation, a Chicago-based global development organization that has a 20-year track record of standing with the oppressed and serving the underserved.

Under the banner of Mothers United For Justice, the Saturday rally, slated for 10:30 a.m., will bring together mothers of all races and ethnicities who have lost children to police brutality.

“I know from my nursing experience how common it is for the dying to see or talk to their loved ones who’ve passed before them,” Demir said. “I’d like to think they are welcoming us to the other side with love. I thought how much George Floyd loved his mom and what a blessing if in fact he did see her as he was dying — and he was dying.”

Terminated, jailed and charged with murder, then Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin killed Floyd in broad daylight by kneeling on the handcuffed, subdued man’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds while Floyd begged for breath, said he was dying, and called for his mother, and while onlookers pleaded for Floyd’s life.

Police in the U.S. killed a shocking 1,099 people — about three per day — in 2019, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. There are no comprehensive official databases to track police violence in the U.S. due to police union lobbying, a sticking point for many racial justice and human rights advocacy groups.

African Americans account for 24% of those killed by police, according to Mapping Police Violence, though they represent just 13% of the U.S. population. The U.S.’s 33.5 civilian killings by police per 10 million population far surpass the rates of comparable countries.

With 99% of these deaths occurring in the absence of proven charges, according to Mapping Police Violence, the mothers of those slain by police, both on- and off-duty, are left to mourn without redress or police accountability.

“The suffering of these mothers is real, is palpable,” said Demir, which is why Zakat Foundation will help these mothers air their grief and grievances.

EVENT DETAILS

WHO: Zakat Foundation of America, Heartland Alliance

WHAT: Mothers United For Justice Rally against Police Violence

WHEN: Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, 60602

Chicago’s Russian Tea Time Reopens

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Chicago’s iconic culinary treasure, Russian Tea Time, at 77 E. Adams St., has officially reopened their doors with a fresh renovation to their interior after closing last July, offering patrons a timeless destination and experience unlike any other in the city. The establishment, which has been in business for over two decades, has also launched an extensive carry out and delivery program for patrons to enjoy from the safety of their homes, including their signature Afternoon Tea Service.

“It is bittersweet for us to finally reopen our doors to the public after a year of renovations,” said Partner Enesh Mantyyeva. “Our team has worked endless hours throughout these past months to create a welcoming ambiance for our guests, only to finally finish during such a trying time. We hope our community will welcome us back with open arms, and get to enjoy our cuisine both in the restaurant as well as safely at home.”

This newly renovated space has been completely refreshed, while also maintaining its unique charm. With red tufted banquettes, emerald green dining seats, and ornate vinyl decorative wallcoverings throughout, the space emulates a sense of timelessness that has, and continues to be, a unique feature to this downtown hotspot. Ornate picture frames line the walls, while beautiful lighting fixtures bring a polished and refined ambiance.

Known for hosting long-time regulars, tourists, dignitaries, celebrities and fellow Chicagoans, Russian Tea Time combines a warm ambiance, exceptional food, and house-blended tea for an unforgettable experience all can enjoy. To celebrate their renovation, the team has created an exclusive $25 Reopening Prix Fixe menu of family favorites, available both in restaurant and to-go. Items on the menu include an alcoholic beverage of choice that includes either House-Flavored Vodkas, along with vodka selections imported from Russia, Poland, and Ukraine, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and U.S.A. along with fan favorites including Ukrainian Borscht, Potato Dumplings Vareniki, Stuffed Cabbage Golubtsi, Chicken Kebab Shashlik, and more. In addition to the prix fixe menu, the restaurant is also offering their signature Afternoon Tea Service, which includes one pot of Tea, scones, along with an assortment of tea sandwiches and mini sweets, for $34.95.

Given the current circumstances, Russian Tea Time wants to ensure each of their guests feel as safe and comfortable as possible, and in doing so, have officially launched their carry out and delivery services, where patrons have the opportunity to order off any of their restaurant menus. Available from Tuesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., patrons can enjoy their favorite dishes at home, which includes vegetarian dishes and gluten free options as well. For more information or to make a reservation or carry out order at Russian Tea Time, please visit online or call (312) 360-0000.

About Russian Tea Time

Known as “the restaurant where everyone feels at home and everyone is welcome,” Russian Tea Time has earned the distinction of being one of Chicago’s landmarks serving Chicago residents and out-of-towners alike with a taste of Russian fare since its inception in 1993. Perfectly nestled in the heart of the city at 77 E. Adams St., this space has since become one of the city’s greatest staples, located just steps away from the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Russian Tea Time reinterprets the nostalgic cuisine of the former Soviet Union, with an elaborate and descriptive menu with excellent vegetarian fare, along with wild game, poultry, and specialty meat dishes. A mix of “hearty” and “comfort” Russian, Slavic, and Jewish classics are well-complemented by upscale dishes of Imperial Russian Courts. Their signature Afternoon Tea Service is offered daily from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m, with an extensive tea menu that includes options such as Oolong, Green, White, Black, and Caffeine Tea, as well as a selection of savories and sweets to complete any dining experience.

Recaro Automotive Seating

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Recaro Automotive Seating is at the forefront of this trend, and just unveiled the Pro Racer SPG XL ORV and the Cross Sportster ORV, two brand-new performance seats meant for the off-road and truck markets. A first for the company, these all-new seats offer ultimate support and safety, having been designed specifically for more rigorous, off-road environments.

The Cross Sportster ORV is tailored to meet off-road vehicle needs and features a snug, supportive structure with side bolsters designed for excellent shoulder and torso support. The Pro Racer SPG XL ORV addresses off-road race car requirements and is ergonomically designed to provide outstanding support and protection for the back and neck against all the forces of a dirt track.

Follow Recaro Automotive Seating: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Stetson – Porn Study

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Pornography creates a fantasy world for its fans, but does it lead to sexual aggression? That question has been the subject of numerous studies dating back to the 1970s. The effects of porn and violent sex crimes has also been debated for decades because of issues with morality.

New research findings published in the Sage Publishing journal Trauma, Violence & Abuse suggest there is no connection between pornography consumption and sexual violence.

“Pornography and Sexual Aggression: Can Meta-Analysis Find a Link?” is based on research by Chris Ferguson, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Stetson University, and Richard Hartley, Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice Department chair and professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio. The authors conducted meta-analytic research and examined more than 50 correlational, experimental, and population studies that explored the association between pornography and sexual aggression during the past 40 years.

Eleven years ago, Ferguson and Hartley conducted a study on pornography and sexual aggression and recently decided to collect data and re-evaluate the validity of the previous research studies they had reviewed because there was a renewed interest in the subject matter.

They found that poorly designed studies tended to be more likely to support a link between pornography and sexually assaultive behavior.

“During the past few years, many states have declared that pornography is a public health crisis,” said Ferguson. “Dr. Hartley and I were curious to see if evidence could support such claims, at least in regard to sexual aggression, or whether politicians were mistaking moral stances for science. Our evidence suggests that policymakers should examine other causes of sexual aggression and that beliefs about pornography may be driven more by methodological mistakes than sound science.”

Ferguson and Hartley noted that previous research found that hostility, callousness and delinquent behavior were determinants of sexual aggression and that the effects of those personality traits are much stronger than those of pornography consumption.

Correlational studies provided an analysis of the participants’ absorption of sexually explicit materials at various levels and their sexual attitudes and behavior.

Experimental research randomly assigned and exposed men to violent pornography, nonviolent pornography and nonpornographic media, and measured their attitudes toward women or about sexually aggressive behavior by having them complete a questionnaire afterwards. Men also participated in laboratory studies that tested their aggressive behavior towards women.

Neither correlational nor experimental studies provided evidence that supported concerns about pornography.

At the population level, studies explored the relationship between pornography consumers and sexual violence, and found that an increase in available pornography reduced sexual aggression.

The journal article also sheds some light on bias in pornography and sexual aggression research.

“I hope that Dr. Hartley and I can point out some of the widespread problems in much of the research as well as the culture of this field whereas some scholars appear to be too quick to try and find evidence for effects,” said Ferguson. “We need more preregistered, transparent research and a field that is looking to falsify hypotheses and not entirely in confirmatory mode because it feels morally right.”

Ferguson, who is well-known for his research on the effects of aggression, sexual behavior and video game violence, received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida. His clinical background includes working with offender and juvenile justice populations as well as conducting evaluations for child protective services.

CPCS Rattlesnake Bite Prevention Tips

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California Poison Control System (CPCS) reminds residents that with hot weather, rattlesnakes are more likely to be found on hiking trails and sunning in rural areas. Most bites occur between the months of April and October. Even baby rattlesnakes possess dangerous venom as soon as they hatch. About 300 cases are reported to CPCS annually in California, with additional other cases managed by physicians and hospitals.

“With people staying home because of the COVID-19 virus, there are more eyes on the ground in back yards and hiking trails than in previous years. While the odds of being bitten by a rattlesnake are small, residents can follow precautions outdoors that can minimize the chance of being bitten,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Medical Director for the Fresno/Madera Division of CPCS. He added that children spending more time at home, rather than school, are naturally curious and may look into open pipes or under rocks, or kick loose brush and bushes where snakes may lie quietly. Children need to be carefully supervised outside, especially in wooded and desert areas where snakes tend to live.

Rattlesnakes do not always make a rattling sound, so someone can be standing next to a rattlesnake and not even know it.

Some rattlesnake bite prevention tips include:

Wear boots and long pants when hiking.
Stay on trails when hiking, away from underbrush and tall weeds.
Do not touch or disturb a snake, even if it appears dead.
Carefully inspect logs or rocks before sitting on them.
Never hike alone in remote areas. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency. Calling for help if alone is not an option, as cellphones do not always work in remote areas.
Teach children to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

Dr. Vohra says the symptoms of a rattlesnake bite may include extreme pain and swelling at the location of the bite; excessive bleeding; nausea; swelling in the mouth and throat making it difficult to breathe; lightheadedness; drooling; and even collapse, shock and death in rare cases.

“If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, immediate medical attention is critical,” Dr. Vohra said. “Severe or even life-threatening symptoms may occur within minutes after the bite, or in other cases may begin after couple of hours. In either event, your best bet is to get to a hospital as soon as you can.” He added that the following steps are important for any rattlesnake bite:

Get immediate medical attention.
Do not apply ice, do not use a tourniquet or constricting band, do not try to suck out the venom, and do not use any device to cut or slice the bite site.
Keep calm, do not run and keep the affected extremity elevated during transport to a medical facility.

Many veterinarians now carry rattlesnake anti-venom and rattlesnake vaccines for dogs and other pets that are bitten. Contact a veterinarian for more information.

About CPCS

Visit www.calpoison.org or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (number is the same in all states) for questions about poison encounters. Trained pharmacists, nurses and other providers are available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free, confidential and interpreters are available. Get weekly tips about safety by texting TIPS to 20121 for English or texting PUNTOS to 20121 for Spanish. Follow CPCS on Facebook and on Twitter @poisoninfo. CPCS is part of the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy and is responsible to the California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

Summer Hoops Collection

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To celebrate the return of the NBA season this week, Will Smith’s streetwear brand Bel-Air Athletics is announcing the release of the brand’s “Summer Hoops” clothing collection, which is now available on the Bel-Air Athletics site while supplies last.

The collection is anchored by the Official Bel-Air Academy Basketball Jersey, which is inspired by the bright yellow jersey that Smith wore throughout The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as the star athlete of the fictional Bel-Air Academy.

Beyond the traditional yellow jersey, the Summer Hoops Collection also features classic silhouettes in bold colors and fun prints, including the playful Bel-Air Academy Paisley Basketball Jersey and the Holcombe Rucker Warmup Suit.

For years, fans have been clamoring for authentic jerseys and now Bel-Air Athletics is tapping into the nostalgia and offering several official versions of the iconic jersey with prices ranging from $65 – $130.

Follow Bel-Air Athletics: Instagram

Follow Will Smith: Facebook | Instagram

Natty Light – Dorm from Home

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As universities across the country announce campus closures to enact social distancing, droves of 21+ college students are facing a harsh reality; the semester they dreamed of won’t be happening. Natural Light knows how crushing this is for our fans, so we’re stepping in to help preserve some of the freedoms of on-campus living. The Dorm From Home initiative awards one lucky 21+ student with a “Nattified” mobile dorm unit. The dorm comes equipped with all the college staples and a space to call their own while they sit out another semester.

21+ college students across America will face hundreds of hours of digital lectures and exams this semester without a sanctuary to relax and step away from their studies. With the college experience hanging in the balance, Natty Light created a solution that delivers the independence of the college experience without ever leaving home.

The Dorm From Home mobile unit will be parked right in your backyard or driveway and comes

equipped with all the college classics:

Flat screen TV
Heat/AC/Electric
Mini fridge
Lax volume policies
Gaming system
Other people optional
Chill vibes included
A semester’s worth of Natty Light beer
money to enjoy responsibly*

“Having to miss a semester on-campus is a devastating feeling for our fans,” said Daniel Blake, Vice President of US Value Brands at Anheuser-Busch. “We could never replace the full experience, but Dorm From Home will give a piece of the college lifestyle back to one lucky fan and more importantly, it’s a reminder to the full Natty community that the college experience is worth celebrating, no matter where you are.”

For the chance to win, fans 21+ can post a photo on social with #DormFromHome and #contest to make the case why they deserve their own space this semester to dorm from home. Natty will select a winner based on the most creative and convincing argument that reflects the Natty Light personality and values.

The winner will receive their decked out mobile home to their doorstep at the start of the fall semester and will be theirs to keep.

No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents who are 21+ and who are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US or who were enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US within two (2) years prior to the time of entry. Ends 8/18/20. See Official Rules at naturallight.com/dorm-from-home for prize & details. Msg & data rates may apply. Void where prohibited. *Cash equivalent of 2 cases a month for 3 months

Natural Light was introduced in 1977 as Anheuser-Busch’s first reduced-calorie light beer. Currently the sixth best-selling beer in America, Natural Light is brewed with a blend of premium hops and a combination of select grains producing a clean flavor, light body and satisfying refreshment.

For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate 23 breweries, 14 distributorships and 23 agricultural and packaging facilities, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America’s most recognizable beer brands, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois, as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home.

Follow Natural Light: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Follow Anheuser-Busch: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

5 Tips for Staying Active at Home

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Are you like the majority of people who are spending way more time at home than you usually would? With lockdown measures happening across the country in 2020, and then the slow return to the new normal, people just haven’t been out and active like they normally would. While it’s been an adjustment, there are ways you can stay healthy and active despite being home so much. In fact these may be habits you decide to keep up with even after the pandemic is under control. To get you started on your path to a more active lifestyle at home, here are five tips you can start using right away.

Make Use of Online Exercise Videos

One of the hottest trends to hit during lockdown was an interest in online exercise videos. YouTube is one of the best places to find this content, with thousands upon thousands of free videos to check out. In particular, you can use these videos for cardio workouts, Yoga, and Pilates. You can go about things at your own pace, choose the length of the workout video, and do them as often as you like during the week. Many of these don’t require any sort of special equipment or workout gear, just enough space in a room to move about and perform the various exercises.

Get Yourself a Golf Simulator

If you’re an avid golfer, why not take this time at home to brush up on your skills and therefore improve your game. You can buy your very own golf simulator like one of these that you can set up in your house. With these simulators, the weather outside never matters; you can enjoy a “game of golf” whenever the mood strikes. What’s really great about these simulators is the amount of information and feedback they provide, which you can use to better your game. You’ll get information on your swing, speed, stance, accuracy, and so much more.

Backyard Sports Games

If you happen to have yard space, you have access to a whole host of additional activities. Anything sports related that can be played in your own yard is a fabulous option. This could include activities like badminton, soccer, baseball, bocce ball, lawn darts, croquet, and so forth. If you have kids, these are also the kinds of activities they can get involved in.

Invest in an Exercise Machine

If you plan to keep up with your at-home physical activity in the long-run, it can make sense to make an investment and purchase an exercise machine. Some of the more popular options include a weight machine, a treadmill, an elliptical, a stationary bike, and a rowing machine. The catch with these machines is that you need enough space to use them and store them, so they aren’t usually ideal for smaller sized homes and spaces.

Those House Chores are Exercise Too

Then there are the house chores that need to be done regularly. This includes both the indoor and outdoor chores. These act as their own form of physical activity as you can really work up a sweat and burn some calories doing them. Chores that are known for burning the most amount of calories are vacuuming, mopping, laundry, gardening/weeding, and mowing the grass. In order to get the best results from household chores make sure you do at least one strenuous chore daily.

No Need to Leave the House to Get Active

As you can very well see there is absolutely no reason to leave the house in order to be active and stay healthy. Each of these tips will help you to achieve your health goals.

Republic Records × GRAMMY Museum

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Today, Republic Records announces they will be the first label to team up with the GRAMMY Museum^® for their new program series: Spotlight Saturdays. The program will feature intimate sit-down interviews and performances with up-and-coming Republic artists for the month of August.

The August schedule of the takeover is below and all content will be released at the Digital Museum at: www.grammymuseum.org

Republic Records x Grammy Museum^® Spotlight Saturdays

August 1 Kiana Ledé
August 8 BENEE
August 15 Conan Gray
August 22^nd Duckwrth
August 29^th Jeremy Zucker

ABOUT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM
The GRAMMY Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a greater understanding of the history and significance of music through exhibits, education, grants, preservation initiatives, and public programming. Paying tribute to our collective musical heritage, the Museum explores and celebrates all aspects of the art form — from the technology of the recording process to the legends who’ve made lasting marks on our cultural identity.

For more information, visit www.grammymuseum.org, “like” the GRAMMY Museum on Facebook, and follow @GRAMMYMuseum on Twitter and Instagram.

BENEE
From Auckland, New Zealand, breakthrough pop star Stella Bennett, aka BENEE, remains unfazed, unchanged and almost impervious to the cataclysmic success coming her way since releasing her debut EP, FIRE ON MARZZ, last summer. Already her tale is one of eye-watering statistics and achievements. Her story is international and expanding by the hour, across modern and traditional platforms. Her audience seems endless. BENEE, however, remains easygoing, centered and — most importantly — herself. It’s less than one year since the release of her second EP of 2019, STELLA & STEVE, garnered knockout reviews. Breakthrough track “Supalonely” feat. Gus Dapperton is a slice of upbeat and original pop — like its creator, a little exotic and cheerfully weird. The song hits like a ray of sunshine, jammed to the hilt with personality and punctuated by BENEE’s verbal tics. BENEE’s music runs the gamut of everything pop can be in 2020 and is filled with her quirks in the experimental indie sounds and the cartoon-ish sprawl of her lyrical imagery. Her fans have a naturally intimate connection with her deceptively easy-going pop and that thing she still loves to call her “BENEE-VISION.”

Duckwrth
Over the last five years, L.A.-based wunderkind Duckwrth has quickly risen up the ranks as a promising star of the future of music. His collection of critically acclaimed projects including Nowhere (2015), I’m Uugly (2016), Xtra Uugly (2017), and The Falling Man EP (2019), have transcended streaming platforms and landed in films, TV series and brand ad campaigns and have received critical acclaim from a vast amount of outlets including NPR, The FADER, Complex, XXL, and more. This cumulation has led the rapper to become an international touring staple, headlining shows globally and performing at Austin City Limits and opening for superstars Billie Eilish and Anderson .Paak. Duckwrth’s music has appeared on shows like CW’s “All American,” HBO’s “Insecure” and “Real Time With Bill Maher” and his song “Start A Riot” was featured on the Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse soundtrack. His music has appeared in campaigns for the likes of Cadillac, Microsoft, Peloton, Amazon,and Apple Music, and he’s worked with fashion legacies like Levi’s, Vans and Fila, as well as high fashion men’s suit designer Paul Smith. His new buzzworthy tracks “Find A Way” feat. Alex Mali, Radio Ahlee and Bayli and “Coming Closer” feat. Julia Romana and G.L.A.M. will appear on is upcoming new album.

Conan Gray
Conan Gray has quickly cemented himself as one of the freshest voices in music during his meteoric two year rise. The singer-songwriter from central Texas, known for writing all his songs from his bedroom and for his unapologetic authenticity, has quickly amassed one of the most engaged, rabid fanbases in the music industry. He first gained attention when he uploaded his song “Idle Town” online, which he recorded from his bedroom in Texas. Upon release, the song exploded and lead to the release of his critically acclaimed Sunset Season EP. He soon made his debut tv appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers and was featured in Vogue, VMan, Teen Vogue, Paper, The Fader, MTV, I-D, Billboard, Wonderland, Clash, Notion, Seventeen and more. His debut album, Kid Krow, released in March 2020, reached #5 on Billboard Top 200, #1 Pop Album, #2 Billboard Top Album sales and was the biggest new artist pop debut in over two years. Conan has been recognized as one the most prominent voices of his generation, and with the release of Kid Krow his music, has been streamed over 1 billion times. He has sold out three North American tours, two European tours, and additional shows around the world.

Kiana Ledé
Earlier this year, platinum-selling Phoenix-born and Los Angeles-based artist Kiana Ledé released her debut album Kiki. The album notably bowed in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart, Top 5 of the Apple Music R&B/Soul Albums Chart, Top 5 of the iTunes R&B/Soul Albums Chart, and Top 10 of the Apple Music Overall Albums Chart. It has impressively gathered over 30 million streams in addition to receiving tastemaker praise from ELLE, Billboard, Highsnobiety, Vibe, and many more. She also made history by shooting the entire music video for the single “Chocolate” feat. Ari Lennox.

Just who is Kiana Ledé? On the one hand, you know her as a fierce and fiery force in R&B responsible for bangers such as the platinum-certified “EX,” “Mad At Me” and “Chocolate” feat. Ari Lennox and has received over 1 billion streams globally and praise from Complex, Vibe, Billboard, ROLLACOASTER Magazine and more. On the other hand, you may recognize her from series such as “Scream” and “All About The Washingtons.” But, who is she? “KIKI,” she answers. On her aptly titled full-length debut, she reveals every side of herself: the vulnerability, the vitality, the anger, the lust, the loyalty, the joy, the darkness, and the truth as evinced on song.

Long before all of this, the songstress “from South Phoenix with Black, Mexican, Native American, and White ancestry” grew up between divorced parents. She played classical instruments and competed in pageants — but popped wheelies on dirt bikes and got under the hood to fix a car or two. Eventually, an adventurous spirit carried her from Arizona to Los Angeles where she began a journey that comes full circle in 2020.

Jeremy Zucker
Growing up in suburban New Jersey, 24-year-old singer, songwriter and producer Jeremy Zucker has always been surrounded by music. In 2015, he released his first EP as a freshman at Colorado College pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology, and by 2017 he had signed a major-label record deal. Since then, he has released four EP’s with breakthrough singles, such as Gold Certified singles, “talk is overrated” featuring blackbear and “all the kids are depressed,” and his biggest song to date, “comethru,” which is Platinum Certified and has surpassed over one billion streams. In 2019, he collaborated with Chelsea Cutler on brent and their Gold Certified global viral hit, “you were good to me.” Overall, Zucker has already crossed over a staggering 3 billion total streams on his catalogue, as this year he celebrated the release of his debut album love is not dying and recently released single “supercuts” out now.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Zendaya and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, Monkeywrench, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains long-standing strategic alliances with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G) and Hollywood Records. In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films during in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production is the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.