Posts made in August 2020

Lebanon explosion illustrated by Mina Tocalini for 360 MAGAZINE.

Huge Explosion In Beirut

By Vaughn Lowery × Rita Azar

According to CNN, there was a massive explosion in Beirut just now. Shattering glass and debris followed by monstrous amounts of smoke.

A Massive explosion hit an ammunition storage in the port of Beirut. Many Lebanese civilians have been affected, houses have been burned down, glass has been shattered and there has been fatalities.

This blast has not just hit Beirut’s Eastern areas next to the port but has destroyed many key infrastructure building like hospitals, infrastructure buildings, kilometers away, including the headquarters of former prime minister Saad Hariri. The explosive could be heard all the way to the Bekka valleys capital Zahle 56 kilometers away. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut stated, “The explosion was felt across the city.” She added, “There is chaos in the streets.” Tensions are higher than ever.

The source of the explosion is still unknown.

Actual footage can be seen here.

Check out coverage by BBC.

Gashi inside 360 MAGAZINE.

Gashi Livestream Event

In celebration of the release of Gashi’s highly anticipated sophomore album 1984, Gashi presents a one-of-a-kind livestream in collaboration with YouTube this Thursday on Gashi’s Official Artist Channel.

The 1 hour event will feature the first livestream performance from Gashi ever as well as the worldwide premiere of his documentary “Gashi: Now You Know.”

The livestream will take place on Thursday, August 6th at 3:00PM PST/6:00PM EST HERE. Net proceeds raised during the livestream event will be donated by Gashi to Global Citizen.

On Friday, August 7th, Gashi will release his sophomore album, 1984 via RCA Records. The 16-track 1984 album sees GASHI exploring and harboring new sounds that will bring you back to GASHI’s favorite time — the 80’s — and features already released tracks, “Paranoid,” “Mr. Ferrari,” “Upset” ft. Pink Sweat$ and Njomza and “Lies.”  A special collaboration with Sting on the track “Mama” will also be featured on the album. 1984 also features Pink Sweat$, Njomza, Rose Gold, Diamond Café and Devault.

Listen to tracks from 1984: “Paranoid” | “Mr. Ferrari” | “Upset” | “Lies

About Gashi:

Born in Libya, Gashi spent much of his young life as a refugee, moving from country to country.  His family eventually settled in Brooklyn, NY, where he was introduced to music at a very young age.

Gashi absorbed a melting pot of musical influences throughout his youth, resulting in the formation of his own unique sonic palette that blends together different genres of music.

His dynamic sound has allowed Gashi to collaborate with a wide range of talents ranging from Chris Brown to Travis Scott.

In the last couple of years, he released his self-titled debut album, sold out venues all across the globe, and has accumulated nearly 550 million streams with over 90 million video views worldwide.

 

Follow Gashi: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Lil Durk – Watch Yo Homie

By Katrina Tiktinsky

Following the groundbreaking success of Just Cause Y’all Waited II, which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 200 Chart this May, Lil Durk has released an accompanying visual for the album’s acclaimed single “Watch Yo Homie.”

Already at #8 Trending on YouTube, and climbing still, the dynamic music video follows Lil Durk and his friends as they let loose on four wheelers in the suburban countryside. While the lyrics point to caution when it comes to friendships, warning that, for a celebrity, trust is hard to come by, Lil Durk shows his appreciation for his real friends in front of the camera. The artist’s words are stripped back and clear, documenting the isolation of fame. The video takes the opposite approach, piling on saturated colors and joy-filled action. The result is an undeniably gleeful escape.

View the video for Watch Yo Homie HERE.

Follow Lil Durk: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

For over 45 years. Serengeti® has been committed to developing the world’s most advanced sunglass lens technology.

Serengeti® Raffaele

For over 45 years, Serengeti® has been committed to developing the world’s most advanced sunglass lens technology. Then again, innovation has no limits, and Serengeti® was born and recognized in 1982 as Americas Top 100 products, bringing the exclusive Photochromic and Spectral Control® lens technologies to the sunglass market.Both elegant and strong, the Serengeti® Raffaele is iconic in shape. As a powerful brand, timeless and incredible products highlight its innovation and performance. RX approved with the objective of providing the best protection and the clearest vision, as well as outstanding comfort.

Classic Collection

Timeless designs and premium stylish frames are diverse and offer the highest visual clarity, due to its high-end ultra-thin mineral lenses. The most vintage shape of the Serengeti collection combines a pantos round shape with a trendy keyhole. Embellished with delicate metal inserts, this unisex design gives its wearer a deceptively retro look. Available in Shiny Crystal, Matte, and conventional Black.

Escape from Iron Gate Board Game

Bring your beloved Escape Room home with The Escape Game: Escape from Iron Gate board game!

By Katrina Tiktinsky

Tired of being stuck at home? Running out of new activities to do with that old stack of cards? There’s no denying we all need a taste of freedom in the middle of this pandemic. Escape rooms are shut down, but your good time shouldn’t have to be! You can now delight in your favorite brain puzzle from the comfort of your home, without sacrificing any of the fun!

Meet The Escape Game: Escape from Iron Gate.

Designed by The Escape Game company and translated into a mass retail opportunity by Goliath’s brilliant publishing team, the new stay-at-home activity will hit shelves this August and instantly revitalize your summer!

Imagine: Trapped behind bars for a crime you didn’t commit, having pleaded your case unsuccessfully to everyone from the judge to the warden, your most logical option is also the most daring… a prison break! Only one inmate from your group will make it to freedom. Which of your friends will prove the most brutal enemy? How clever and cut-throat will you play it to make your escape?

The prison break party game is broken down into four areas of a board. Moving between them, players will offer Gate Card items to the Commissary, treasures collected by completing puzzles, drawing, acting, and trading. Be the first one to pass through the Final Gate, and you’ve got your sweet sweet freedom! You’ll be so thrilled you’ll forget you’re on your couch!

This is no typical boredom fix; you’ll never get tired of playing The Escape Game! Variety in gameplay means you’ve got endless ways to play, and no two nights will feel the same. Designed for 3-8 players, ages 13 and up, this is the perfect activity for a group game night. Round up your family and (socially distanced) friends to play away the quarantine blues.

Watch the Escape from Iron Gate tutorial HERE.

EarthGang Reveals Top Down Video

Atlanta duo EarthGang continues to push the creative boundaries with its visual deliveries. The pair premiered the video for the track “Top Down” on Adult Swim early Sunday morning, featuring Olu and WowGr8 in puppet form, driving through the streets of Atlanta, visiting strip clubs, and diving under the sea to canoodle mermaids. EarthGang partnered up with long time collaborators Chad Tennies and Mac Grant for this video, the same creatives behind the “Night at The Museum” themed “Up” (WATCH HERE). Start your week off right with the “Top Down” video.

WATCH “TOP DOWN” BY EARTHGANG HERE.

About EarthGang

Hailing from Atlanta, GA, EarthGang’s Olu and WowGr8 are the GRAMMY Award-nominated, Platinum-selling pair who embody the best of the new generation in music — and plenty of critics and fans alike have taken note. Marrying lean, sharp-eyed lyricism with Southern-fried soul, every song arrives fully formed, hitting hard and landing jokes while also delving deep into political issues. Signed to J. Cole’s Interscope imprint, Dreamville, EarthGang first hit a stride with a 3-EP project inspired by “The Wiz;” Rags (Scarecrow), Robots (Tinman) and Royalty (the lion). The music saw the duo tour the globe relentlessly supporting J. Cole, Young Thug, Billie Eilish, Mac Miller, Jaden Smith, and more.

In 2019, EarthGang continued their dominance by contributing to the year’s best hip-hop compilation in Revenge of The Dreamers III — which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 charts is RIAA Platinum certified. It shined a spotlight on the pair as they went into the release of their debut major-label album, Mirrorland. The fourteen-track album debuted in the Top 40s of the Billboard 200 charts and #20 in the Rap Albums charts. Featuring special guests Young Thug, T-Pain, Kehlani, Arin Ray, and more — Mirrorland has cemented EarthGang as one of music’s most dynamic forces. Bursting with energy and having garnered a cult-like live following, the ATLiens have been critically praised by the likes of Pitchfork, Hypebeast, Highsnobiety,  Hot New Hip Hop, Consequence of Sound, Uproxx, Pigeons & Planes and more. Stretching beyond the “indie hip-hop” label they’ve been brandished with, EarthGang is ready to reach a wider audience with slick-sharp lyrics that cut through the hazy blur of ratchet rap and an avid interest in never settling, or resting on their laurels.

Follow EarthGang: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

(G)I-DLE – DUMDi DUMDi

Today, K-Pop sensation (G)I-DLE reveal a brand-new song entitled “DUMDi DUMDi.” Get it HERE via Republic Records.  Watch the official “DUMDi DUMDi” music video HERE.

Last Thursday, (G)I-DLE enthusiastically received a nomination for their “Oh my god” music video in BEST K-POP at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards airing on August 30th.

Once again, the global phenomenon surprise listeners with an unpredictable and undeniable genre-breaking anthem. Composed by Leader SOYEON, “DUMDi DUMDi” busts the boundaries between tropical house, moombahton, and pop with this summer-ready international banger. Sunkissed island grooves give way to a bright refrain that’s impossible to shake as all six members flex their signature styles on this addictive bop.

“DUMDi DUMDi” lands hot on the heels of their latest anthem “i’M THE TREND.” The track has already generated 1.8 million-plus Spotify streams and 1.8 million YouTube views as their monthly listeners eclipsed 3.5 million on Spotify.

Not to mention, they just broke the internet with the 2020 (G)I-DLE ONLINE CONCERT ‘I-LAND: WHO AM I.Drawing fans worldwide, they closed out the explosive set with the concert debut of “i’M THE TREND,” Penned by MINNIE and YUQI as a “Thank you” to audiences worldwide, the single drops lyrical nods to fan favorites, including “Oh my god,” “Blow Your Mind,” “LATATA,” LION,” and “Uh-Oh.” The live performance also incorporated key parts of the choreographies from those hit songs. Musically, it serves up a sizzling Latin-style bounce punctuated by spirited and spunky rhymes and a bold chant of “i’M THE TREND.”

Recently, (G)I-DLE made their official U.S. debut with the release of I trust. The mini album reached the #1 position at the iTunes Overall Album Charts in 61 markets.  The group continue to receive tastemaker praise across the board. In the wake of I trustMTV observed, “It’s that tenacity that solidifies (G)I-DLEas a formidable group eager to claim the global throne.” Meanwhile, Just Jared proclaimed, “(G)I-DLE is ready to take over!” Billboard described the music video for “Oh my god” as “Stunning.” The visual alone has racked up an astonishing 103 million YouTube views since its release in April.  Get I trust HERE.

In 2019, (G)I-DLE reached unparalleled heights ignited by the I made EP and the standout single “Senorita.” Going viral, the latter racked up 87 million YouTube views and 44 million-plus Spotify streams, as the hit streak continued on “Uh-Oh,” which E! Online applauded and noted, “The girls exude confidence and we are loving it!” Subsequently, (G)I-DLE gained momentum as one of the most popular acts on Mnet’s Queendom, an American Idol-type show with a reality TV format. As they went up against more established K-Pop artists known throughout Korea, (G)I-DLE quickly became the fan favorite and the highlight of every episode. On the finale of the show, and to the delight of fans worldwide, they initially released “LION,” garnering immediate critical acclaim and trending on Twitter for the first three days after release. The song notably spent four weeks on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart, and Billboard voted it “One of the Top 25 K-Pop Songs Released in 2019.” Not to mention, the pop starlets have received multiple awards, including “Best Performance” at the annual Golden Disc Awards and “The World K-POP Rookie Award” from the GAON Chart Music Awards. In addition, they performed at the Golden Disc Music Awards in January to an uproar of fan cheers along with other critically acclaimed artists such as BTS, MONSTA X, TWICE, and others.

2020 remains poised to be (G)I-DLE’s biggest and boldest year yet as they expand their reach into North American and once again prove their international influence and might.

FOLLOW (G)I-DLE: YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

WATCH: Loafy Official Trailer | New Adult Animated Series Premieres Across Comedy Central

Loafy Series Premiere

Comedy Central today released the official trailer for “Loafy”, the original, improvised animated digital series created, written and voiced by Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”, “Mr Mayor”), who also executive produces the series alongside Luke Kelly-Clyne and Kevin Healey’s Big Breakfast, a recent acquisition of Propagate Content. The eight-episode series will roll out across all Comedy Central digital and social platforms beginning August 8.

The animated comedy features a weed-dealing manatee who runs a drug empire from his water tank at the Center Park Zoo and features the voices of an all-star guest cast including Cecily Strong, Taran Killam, Kevin Smith, Jay Pharoah, Nina West, Ron Funches, Tom Green, Jason Mewes, Hannah Simone, Eugene Cordero, Will McGlaughlin, Shannon O’Neill and more.

DaBaby Releases New Video "PEEP HOLE"

DaBaby – Deluxe Album

DaBaby announces his new Blame It On Baby Deluxe Album, which features 10 new songs. It is available everywhere starting August 4th.

His new song and video from project “Peep Hole” are available now, listen HERE.

DABABY’S SUPERSTAR REIGN CONTINUES WITH 27 NEW RIAA CERTIFICATIONS INCLUDING HITS “ROCKSTAR,” “SUGE” AND MORE

Surprised Onstage By SCMG CEO Arnold Taylor During Headlining Concert Performance

In honor of his recent success ranging from the release of his platinum-selling Billboard 200 No. 1 album, Blame It on Baby and his smoldering single “ROCKSTAR,” DaBaby celebrated his major wins by receiving a fistful of plaques for his lofty accomplishments. During his headlining set for his DaBaby and Friends concert at the Orlando Amphitheater, South Coast Music Group’s CEO, Arnold Taylor, surprised the rapper with a bevy of platinum plaques spanning through his catalog, including previous albums Baby on BabyKIRK and Blame It on Baby.

Baby also received RIAA certifications for his standout hits: “ROCKSTAR” (5X Platinum), “Suge” (4X Platinum), “BOP” (3X Platinum), “VIBEZ” (2X Platinum), “TOES” (2X Platinum), “INTRO” (Platinum), “Goin Baby” (Platinum), and ‘Baby Sitter” (Platinum). The perennial superstar also notched 14 new gold plaques for “Find My Way,” “Walking Texas Ranger”, “NASTY,” and “BLIND.”

DaBaby and Friends concert was an action-packed event, which featured artists from his Billion Dollar Baby Entertainment roster along with his family label South Coast Music Group. In attendance was platinum-selling producer DJ K.I.D., burgeoning Charlotte artist Rich Dunk and fast-rising star Toosii. Baby kept fans enthralled with a lively set, delving deep into his catalog. He even upped the ante by bringing out surprise guests ranging from KayyKilo and Wisdom. From his Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “ROCKSTAR” to his earsplitting bangers “Baby Sitter” and “Suge,” Baby’s high-octane energy won every fan over.

The 6X GRAMMY-nominated superstar has dominated 2021. Not only did he stun the world with his captivating performances at the GRAMMYs, where he performed “ROCKSTAR” alongside Roddy Ricch and a choir, but later, he joined Dua Lipa for their Billboard Hot 100 top-ten smash “Levitating (Remix).”

This year, Baby returned to the music scene with his hypnotic club banger, “Masterpiece.” The track is Baby at his finest, as he barges through the D.A. Got That Dope with his bruising, punchy delivery. Currently, he’s in the studio working on new music, slated to come out later this year.

Becky Hill – The Art of Rave

Today, Becky Hill released the third episode of her podcast, The Art of Rave. Over the course of the series Becky discusses rave culture with some of its legendary pioneers, including DJ Zinc, Andy C, Pete Tong, Sister Bliss, Groove Armada, Fabio & Grooverider and more.

In episode three of The Art of Rave Becky and Roni Size cover a wide range of topics including: how the ‘Size’ in Roni Size came from “a dating game vibe”; the 90s Bristol music scene, the evolution of Reprazent and their groundbreaking ‘live’ sound, winning a Mercury Music Prize, why Roni’s first record was released under someone’s else name, how Margaret Thatcher killed the free party (with the criminal Justice and Public Order Act in 1994), ‘digital reggae’ and David Rodigan, how the rave scene has moved on and ravers’ dancing has moved on with it (from “giraffes” to mosh pits).

As with all Becky’s guests on The Art of RaveRoni Size brings along records that mean or say something to him, whether that’s because they’re by an artist that influenced him, remind him of a specific place or time, or feature a beat that defined his sound. These records are:Under Me Sleng Teng” by Wayne Smith, “Pressure Dub” by Ability ii, “Rhythm Takes Control” by Unique 3 and “Wicked Ones” by 3 Way Split with DJ Easygroove.

Meanwhile, Becky selects the Roni Size (& Reprazent) record that exemplifies why she handpicked him as a guest for the series: “Brown Paper Bag.”

While Becky Hill has an irrefutable aptitude for writing chart smashing pop music, her roots are firmly ensconced in electronic music. The Art of Rave provides the perfect platform for Becky to delve deep into the dance music scene she is so passionate about.

Episode 3 of Becky Hill’s The Art of Rave podcast is available here.

FOLLOW BECKY HILL: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook