Posts made in April 2021

2021 BREAKOUT ARTIST MORRAY

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2021 BREAKOUT ARTIST MORRAY SIGNS TO INTERSCOPE RECORDS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MOE SHALIZI’S PICK SIX RECORDS

Morray’s Hit Single “Quicksand” Surpasses 50 Million Views on YouTube “Big Decisions” And “Switched Up” Continue His Harmonic Rise

The wins continue in 2021 for North Carolina’s Morray. After achieving a stunning rise in notoriety thanks to his hit single “Quicksand,” the artist has officially signed to Interscope through music executive Moe Shalizi and his Pick Six label.

“Morray is an undeniable talent with an infectious energy,” says Interscope Geffen A&M CEO, John Janick. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Moe & his incredible team at Pick Six for what’s to come.” Morray shares the same excitement noting, “It’s just so dope to be on a winning team with pic six and to add a powerhouse like interscope to the mix is just an amazing blessing.” Moe Shalizi adds, “There was so much synergy between our side and interscope that it just felt right, we are really excited to be working with John Janick and the rest of the team”

Since breaking through rap’s ceiling with the harmonious “Quicksand” in October 2020, Morray gained fans from all over hip-hop including Drake, fellow Fayetteville icon J. Cole and North Carolina native Da Baby. He also received a nod from Jay-Z when “Quicksand” was added to Jay’s “2020 Vision Under COVID-19” playlist. “We are very impressed with what Morray & Pick Six have been able to accomplish over the last year and are thrilled to be their partners on this journey,” expresses Nicole Wyskoarko, EVP/Co-Head of A&R at Interscope Geffen A&M.

Soon after “Quicksand,” he released a series of four songs that fleshed out his complex backstory. On “Switched Up” and “Low Key,” he reflects his hardened past. On “Dreamland,” he remembers an impoverished childhood defined by crashing at motels and friends’ houses (“some carpet ‘cause it’s better than the pavement”) and holidays and birthdays gone by with no gifts. On “Big Decisions,” his first release of 2021, he ruminates on his responsibilities as a breadwinner for his family and a role model for his community.

Morray has found a significant audience on YouTube in particular—each song was released alongside a music video that eclipsed one million views within a matter of days. Born Morae Ruffin, Morray made his public singing debut at age 4, when his mother and grandmother called on him in church to bless the congregation with a rendition of his favorite song, “I Believe I Can Fly.” He would later serve as the lead singer of his church choir. He’s worked nearly every job imaginable just to make ends meet—from fast food to construction, calling centers and even driving uber until he found his voice in music. Through his honest and vivid storytelling and emotional recordings he began the process of creating his songbook that included “Quicksand.” The first time I heard Quicksand I knew Morray was a global superstar in the making,” says Baroline, VP of A&R at Interscope. “I’m excited for the world to get to know him and hear what he’s been working on.”

His songs are as honest as they are catchy. And though he’s become a hometown hero in Fayetteville, the deep sense of struggle he evokes in his music gives it a universal appeal. “I’m speaking for every person that has real emotions,” he said. “I’m speaking to everyone that has a heart. Every song that you hear from me is a real feeling. I want people to cry with me. I want people to grow with me. I want people to understand where we’ve come from, and that we can always make it out of everything.”

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Jesse Royal Announces Sophomore Album

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JESSE ROYAL ANNOUNCES SOPHOMORE ALBUM ROYAL WITH THE RELEASE OF HIS NEW SINGLE

RICH FOREVER FEATURING VYBZ KARTEL

Pre-Order Royal out June 11 via Easy Star Records

Jamaican reggae star Jesse Royal unveils his latest single “Rich Forever” featuring dancehall’s self-proclaimed “World Boss” Vybz Kartel. The song is from his anticipated sophomore album Royal, slated for June 11th, 2021 via Easy Star Records. This cross-genre collaboration between both artists unifies people’s differences to support a common goal – to be “forever royal.” It serves as a reminder of the internal strength and mental fortitude human beings possess, which prepares them for success in a society designed for their failure.

“Rich Forever is a divergence from identifying with the degradation dispersed for generations by them and those who oppose reality and simply put, it is a conversation about restoration of our royalty and reclaiming dignity,” states Jesse Royal.

The beat, produced by Jamaican upstart iotosh (responsible for Protoje’s “Deliverance” and “Self Defense” and Jaz Elise’s “After 3” feat. Mortimer), starts off with eerie keyboards then introduces percussion drums and glides into a Trap-esque finish. It’s a classic representation of the current movement in Jamaican music, a melting pot of genres while still innately blending in the native sounds of the island.

Listen to single

Preceded by “LionOrder” feat. Protoje and “Natty Pablo,” the single is the third release from Jesse Royal’s upcoming album Royal. His sophomore LP is rich with collaboration. In addition to Vybz Kartel and Protoje, he taps reggae singer Kumar, Ghanaian afrobeats artist Stonebwoy, Jamaica’s rising singer Samory I and the island’s latest talent Runkus for guest features. Jesse delves into a more colorful palette of genres on the album, ranging from reggae, dancehall, afrobeats, soul, jazz and trap. As his sound evolves, so does his subject matter. Whether it is an open letter to his daughter on “Home,” empowerment on “Rich Forever” and “Black,” corrupted politics on “Dirty Money,” love dilemmas on “Like Dat” and “Differences” or Rasta social commentary on “Natty Pablo” and “LionOrder,” the singer explores a combination of varying themes. The LP will arrive four years after Jesse Royal’s debut album Lily Of Da Valley, which was also released via Easy Star Records, the label whose commitment to spotlighting reggae and dancehall music dates back to almost 25 years.

ABOUT JESSE ROYAL

Jesse Royal is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer, and recording artist from Kingston, Jamaica. Through vivid storytelling rooted in the belief of a universal truth, his music carries a message of hope, strength, love, and consciousness. Not just a musician, Royal is a father, a community activist, a thought leader, and a global citizen guided by his spirituality and sense of righteousness.

Born in the spring of 1989, Jesse spent his early years in the hills of Maroon Town and the District of Orange in St. James before moving in the late 90’s with his mother and brother to join his father in Kingston. As fate would have it, Royal developed a special relationship with Daniel ‘Bambaata’ Marley (son of Ziggy Marley) at school. His friendship with Marley proved to be fuel to the fire as they shared a deep passion for music and football (soccer). As these cubs became lions, so grew their devotion to music. With the help of longtime friend Curt ‘Qban’ White, they began composing and creating their own music. Together they proceeded to fulfill what they knew was a predestined musical journey, designed to inspire, engage, and unite people beyond all geographic borders.

Over the course of his career, Jesse Royal has been blessed to collaborate and create with some of the world’s most respected artists, musicians, and producers including Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, Protoje, Chronixx, Noise Cans, Steve Aoki, Damian Marley, Major Lazer, and many others.

In 2017, Jesse Royal began his relationship with the internationally known label Easy Star Records, releasing his debut album, Lily Of Da Valley, which he co-executive produced along with Lamar “Riff Raff” Brown. The record featured legendary musicians Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Donald Dennis, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, and Monty Savory. The album was received with critical acclaim and topped the Billboard Reggae Album charts.

In 2019, Jesse Royal released “LionOrder” featuring Protoje (produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Sean Alaric), followed by the single “Natty Pablo” in 2020, as part of the roll-out for his highly anticipated full-length sophomore album, Royal, slated for June 2021.

NEEDTOBREATHE

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NEEDTOBREATHE RELEASE NEW LIVE ALBUM

LIVE FROM THE WOODS VOL. 2

LISTEN HERE

WATCH THE BAND PERFORM, ALIVE, ON

THE LATE LATE SHOW WITH JAMES CORDEN HERE

GRAMMY Award-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE has released their much-anticipated new live album Live from the Woods Vol. 2. The album is available to stream and download starting today HERE via Elektra Records. Limited edition merch bundles can be purchased exclusively through NEEDTOBREATHE’s online store HERE.

Live from the Woods Vol. 2 was recorded during three sold out, socially distanced outdoor concerts at Pelham, TN’s famed The Caverns last month. NEEDTOBREATHE decided to invite local audiences to experience these unforgettable shows, while simultaneously capturing them for listeners worldwide. The band previewed the album with an appearance on CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden last month. Watch their interview and performance of Alive HERE.

Live from the Woods Vol. 2 features electrifying performances of tracks from the platinum-selling group’s catalog, songs off their chart-topping new album Out of Body, and more. The album follows NEEDTOBREATHE’s 2015 live album Live from the Woods and was recorded during the band’s first concerts in front of a live crowd since January 2020.

NEEDTOBREATHE’s critically acclaimed 2020 studio album Out of Body is available physically and digitally via Elektra Records/Centricity Music nowHERE. The albumdebuted in the top 5 across three Billboard charts, and received critical acclaim from Billboard, People, Spin, Taste of Country, and more. American Songwriter commended the band’s phenomenal and dedicated songwriting and Southern Living crowned the group “our favorite Southern rock” band. All Music praised Out of Body as their tightest and most consistent set in years, adding this is an album designed to empower and motivate through life’s tough times.

Stay tuned for more news from NEEDTOBREATHE soon.

Live from the Woods Vol. 2 Tracklisting

1. Mercy’s Shore

2. Prisoner

3. Alive

4. Who Am I

5. Great Night

6. Feet, Don’t Fail Me Now

7. Banks

8. Garden

9. Bridges Burn / Forever On Your Side

10. Riding High / Honky Tonk Women

11. Hang On

12. Survival

13. With A Little Help From My Friends / Brother

14. Child Again

15. Encore Medley: Something Beautiful, White Fences & Washed By The Water

Learn more about NEEDTOBREATHE

NEEDTOBREATHE Website

SK8 – CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

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TAYLOR GANG SINGER HERALDS UPCOMING PROJECT WITH SECOND ALT-ROCK JAM ARRIVING TODAY ALONGSIDE DANIEL KELLY-DIRECTED VISUAL

Fast-rising Taylor Gang singer, SK8, is continuing his musical evolution into alternative rock with his new single, “Caught In The Middle” – LISTEN HERE.

Over an infectious guitar riff and trap-like drums, SK8 uses a nostalgia-tinged pop/punk chorus to describe feeling caught between wanting a relationship and wanting to pursue his dreams.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to be a recording artist. I wanted the life that I’d seen my favorite musicians and bands live. I moved all the way from Omaha, Nebraska to achieve that dream and sometimes that dream pulls you in a direction that separates you from another thing you want in your life. ‘Caught In The Middle’ is about that constant push and pull and trying to find the balance in my personal life and music career.” –SK8

“Caught In The Middle” arrives today alongside a dramatic visual directed by SK8’s frequent collaborator, Daniel Kelly – WATCH HERE.

The new single and video from the Omaha, NE born, LA-based singer arrives after his first foray into alt-rock with “Famous” featuring fellow ascending recording artist Tyla Yaweh, which also received an accompanying Daniel Kelly-directed visual. American Songwriter praised “Famous,” noting that, “SK8 effortlessly blends hip-hop and punk into some newly evolved sound.” Additionally, Hot New Hip Hop hailed the song as a, “genre-melting experience.”

“Caught In The Middle” is the second single from SK8’s upcoming project, arriving soon…

STREAM/DOWNLOAD “CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE” HERE

WATCH SK8’S PREVIOUS MUSIC VIDEO FOR “FAMOUS (FEAT. TYLA YAWEH)” [Directed By: Daniel Kelly]

ABOUT SK8:

At 15, you could find SK8 in his room writing lyrics, and by his sophomore year, you could find him handing out CDs in high school. The 23-year-old moved to Los Angeles from Omaha, Nebraska and linked with the venerable Taylor Gang, first breaking into the mainstream with his gold-certified single, “Like That,” with Jack & Jack and opening for revered rap icons like Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and Rae Sremmurd. SK8 began building a dedicated fanbase of dreamers who related to his message of seizing every moment long before his eventual move to LA. Shortly after founding his own imprint, Alignment, and formally signing a joint venture with Atlantic Records via James McMillan’s ART@WAR, SK8 released his major label debut EP, sk8sounds, which was buttressed by the standout singles “Omme (Feat. Wiz Khalifa),” “XXX” and “Mood (Feat. YK Osiris).” Over a year later, SK8 turned a new page in his career with his first single of 2021, “Famous (Feat. Tyla Yaweh),” and its associated forthcoming project which finds the rising singer seamlessly blending punk/rock instrumentation with his hip-hop origins, the latest, but not last, development in SK8’s rapidly evolving artistry.

CARLY PEARCE × LEE BRICE WIN ACM AWARD

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CARLY PEARCE & LEE BRICE WIN ACM AWARDS MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

After CMA Awards Musical Event Win, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” Makes It A Pair

Lee Brice Alongside Carly Pearce Still in the Hunt for Single of the Year for ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ at Sunday Night’s “56th Academy of Country Music Awards” on CBS

Carly Pearce and Lee Brice knew that rarely does the CMA Awards Musical Event take the ACM Awards matching honor, so when the pair headed into their rehearsal last night they were “just happy to be nominated.”

People magazine’s Topher Gauk-Roger interrupted his interview to congratulate them with the Music Event trophy for “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The surprised pair stopped cold in their tracks – watch reaction. Striking a chord across the world of Country music fans, industry and people who look for real life in their music, the song introspectively details erosion of a relationship over time and finding out what you thought you wanted doesn’t always provide the comfort you thought it has.

“I’m over the moon on winning this award but especially happy for Carly,” says Lee of their PLATINUM certified No.1 collaboration, which they perform live on Sunday’s (4/18) telecast. “This is her story, her song and I am honored to be a part of it. Seeing this from the very beginning from her prospective to now winning awards is full circle – and humbling but rewarding.”

Carly, the young woman who left high school to start playing five shows a day at Dollywood, turned her love of Country and Bluegrass music into a focused vision. Spinning her own life into songs, Carly realized the unspoken parts of other people’s lives too. Carly enlisted Luke Combs, Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton for the surging lyrical narrative the offers remorse in reflection.

“Everyone at some point in their life has found themselves caught in a relationship where you love the other person so much, yet over time, it all falls apart,” explains Carly. “When we all started talking about our lives and our journeys, every one of us had been in this position – and it’s the worst feeling. You get to a point where you have to do something, and even that doesn’t really make things better, it just creates a hole where your heart used to be.

“To see people respond to ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ the way that they have has been is incredibly affirming, because I think it makes you – wherever you are in your life – feel less alone. And having Lee’s voice, which is a bit of hurricane the way he comes in, it really brings home how hard it is for both people in these kinds of situations.”

Having been nominated for Song of the Year at the 2020 CMA Awards, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” is up for Single of the Year at this weekend’s ACM Awards. The power ballad faces off against a precedent-setting all-female category that includes Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird,” Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope,” Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine” and Maren Morris’ “The Bones.”

“It has been such an incredible year for women in country music,” says the first-time ACM Female Artist nominee, “and the Academy of Country Music really showed that with this year’s nominees. Having grown up on so many dynamic, awesome women, I am so proud to be part of this year’s group of incredible female artists who inspire me so much and support each other when the going gets tough.”

ABOUT CARLY PEARCE:

Fiercely rooted in the classics, the girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood has grown into a woman who embraces the genre’s forward progression and is confident in what she wants to say. Lighting a fire with her debut album Every Little Thing and the Platinum-certified history making title track, Carly has since become “Country’s ‘it’ girl” (ABC Radio), touring alongside Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts and Luke Bryan. With the most CMA Awards nods for any new artist in 2020, she won Musical Event of the Year. In a year of uncertainty, Carly turned to the comfort of records she’s drawn inspiration from since her childhood dream started to take hold – Dolly, The Chicks, Trisha, Reba, Patty Loveless. Like those before, she leaned on her own intuitions with Top 25-and-rising single “Next Girl,” and a clever new video. Carly explores more of a pivotal time with a seven-song collection called 29 (available now via Big Machine Records), finding creative simpatico with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne following the unexpected death of her mentor and former producer, busbee. With her catalogue already boasts over 1 billion streams, she opens up even more in Carly Pearce’s 29 – The Interview. As Carly marks a new chapter coming of age, she is nominated for ACM Awards Female Artist and Single while already winning Music Event of the Year with her PLATINUM-certified, No. 1 duet with Lee Brice “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Leaning into her faith, Carly joins five-time GRAMMY® nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West on a new version of his No. 1 “Truth Be Told” and watch the video here. For the latest information and more, visit Carly’s website.

ABOUT LEE BRICE:

When Curb Records recording artist, Lee Brice, isn’t selling out arenas, writing and recording songs, or building new brands like American Born whiskey, you’ll find the family man with his wife Sara, two young boys, and daughter. Meanwhile, with 2.4 billion on-demand streams, and over 3.3 billion spins on Pandora, Brice continues to enjoy massive success at country radio, digital streaming services, and on the road. He recently released his current single, “Memory I Don’t Mess With” which was his #1 most added radio single upon its debut. He also reached #1 at Country Radio with “One of Them Girls,” which followed his #1 with Carly Pearce on “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and his #1 just prior to that, “Rumor,” which was nominated in the category Single of The Year at the 55th Annual ACM Awards. One of the most-played country artists of all time on Pandora, he is a member of the company’s “Billionaires Club,” becoming only the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque. Lee is also a GRAMMY nominee, a CMA and ACM award winner, and he’s taken eight radio singles to Number One: “A Woman Like You,” “Hard to Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “I Don’t Dance,” “Drinking Class,” “Rumor,” “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and “One of Them Girls.” Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and others have recorded his songs, and he’s performed on numerous TV shows, including NBC’s Today, ABC’s The Bachelor, NBC’s The Voice and FOX’s Miss USA 2018. Lee performed as part of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Garth Brooks, aired on PBS March of 2020. At last year’s 54th Annual CMA Awards, Lee took home the prize for Musical Event of the Year for his song with Carly Pearce, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Lee’s new album, Hey World, is available now everywhere you find great music.

ABOUT CURB RECORDS:

Celebrating 57 years in business, Curb Records is one of the world’s leading independent music companies. Owned and operated by Mike Curb since 1964, Curb Records has achieved 435 number one records, over 1,500 Top Ten records and charted over 4,500 total records. With over a half century in operation, Curb Records has been influential in the careers of some of the biggest names in music, including: Tim McGraw, Hank Williams, Jr., Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, LeAnn Rimes, The Judds, Dylan Scott, Sawyer Brown, Wynonna, Lyle Lovett, Jo Dee Messina, Hal Ketchum and Desert Rose Band, among many others. Today’s roster includes some of the top names across multiple genres of music. For more information, visit their website.

Kygo Releases New Track

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KYGO RELEASES NEW TRACK “GONE ARE THE DAYS” FT. JAMES GILLESPIE

Global superstar, producer and DJ, Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll – a.k.a Kygo releases his new song “Gone Are The Days” ft. James Gillespie. “Gone Are The Days,” out now via RCA Records, is Kygo’s first new track release in 2021 and comes alongside a beautiful piano version.

Listen HERE.

Earlier this year Kygo performed a breathtaking set which was livestreamed on Moment House. Filmed on a snow-capped mountain top in the Sunnmore Alps in his home country of Norway, the one-of-a-kind virtual experience allowed audiences around the world to watch the global superstar deliver a career-spanning set amidst a breathtaking environment unlike anywhere they’ve seen him perform before.

2020 was a massive year for Kygo. He released a remix of Donna Summer’s Grammy Award winning, platinum, #1 song Hot Stuff as well as a remix of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” to rave reviews. He also released his critically acclaimed third full-length album Golden Hour which features his hit single “Lose Somebody” with OneRepublic as well as “Higher Love” with Whitney Houston, the latter of which has garnered over 1.1 billion streams worldwide and charted at Top 40 radio.

BUY/STREAM GOLDEN HOUR HERE

With over 100 MILLION streams worldwide, James Gillespie emerges as one of the most quietly explosive artists in the UK. After performing with P!NK he went on to sell out his European tour and is set to tour the U.S this fall.

ABOUT KYGO

Whether behind the piano in his studio or headlining a sold-out festival, Kygo quietly reaffirms his status as a prodigious talent, forward-thinking producer, dynamic DJ, and influential global superstar. The Norwegian musician born Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll first introduced himself in 2013 and quietly became one of the most ubiquitous hitmakers in the world. Amassing 15 billion cumulative global audio and video streams by 2021, he has broken numerous streaming records. Kygo earned one of his biggest hits with the multiplatinum “It Ain’t Me” [feat. Selena Gomez], going Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and clocking over 2.5 billion streams worldwide. In 2019, Kygo unleashed “Higher Love” with Whitney Houston and generated another 1.1 billion combined streams/views worldwide and peaked at #1 on Dance Radio in addition to leaving his imprint on a classic. He heralded his 2020 critically acclaimed third full-length album Golden Hour [Sony Music International/Ultra Records/RCA Records] with the anthems “Like It Is” [with Zara Larsson & Tyga], “Lose Somebody” [with OneRepublic] and “I’ll Wait” [with Sasha Sloan]. The album has garnered over 1.7 billion streams worldwide. Following Golden Hour, Kygo most recently released his remix of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” to rave reviews.

FOLLOW KYGO:

Website |Facebook |Twitter |Instagram

QUEEN NAIJA × ARI LENNOX – SET HIM UP

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QUEEN NAIJA & ARI LENNOX UNVEIL CINEMATIC VISUAL FOR “SET HIM UP”

Track Is One Of Five Previously Unreleased Songs On “missunderstood…. still”

The Deluxe Edition Of Queen’s Chart-Topping Debut Album Out

Watch “Set Him Up” Visual HERE

Pre-Save “missunderstood…. still” HERE

Today, Queen Naija and GRAMMY nominated singer-songwriter Ari Lennox unveiled the official video for “Set Him Up” with a YouTube premiere. The single is from “missunderstood….still,” the deluxe edition of Queen Naija’s chart-topping debut album, which was released by Capitol Records. View the official video, which was directed by Val Vega (JP Saxe, The Color Brown, JP Wilde) and shot in Atlanta, HERE. Santiago Salviche served as executive producer and Carla Johnson as producer.

Released last week, “Set Him Up” earned a spot on the playlist of The New York Times, with critic Jon Pareles observing, ”Over a slow-motion strut of a bass line and a glass of chardonnay in the lyrics, Queen Naija and Ari Lennox sweetly intertwine their voices, enjoying each other’s explicit details about their latest hookups.” HotNewHipHop praised the “sultry single” and The Source noted, “[‘Set Him Up’ is] a seductive tag team between the two sirens as they glide over the all-too familiar scenario of dealing with the same man at the same time.”

“Missunderstood….still” features five previously unreleased songs including “Love Is…” ft. J.I The Prince of NY, plus ”Butterflies Pt. 2” Remix feat. Wale alongside the album’s original 18 tracks. See below for track listing.

Pre-save “missunderstood….still” HERE .

Queen has amassed over 2.5 billion combined global career streams to date. After its release last fall, “missunderstood” took the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart and earned a place in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. The single ”Butterflies Pt. 2” hit No. 1 on the Mediabase and BDS Urban AC charts shortly after, giving the 24-year-old Detroit-area native her third chart-topper at the format, following the 2x Platinum ”Medicine” and the Platinum-certified ”Karma.” Follow-up single “Pack Lite” was recently certified Gold by the RIAA.

Flaunt said, “Equipped with a smooth and sultry voice and infectious energy, each one of her R&B ballads are real, honest, and relatable.” Essence Girls United noted, “Queen Naija’s album, missunderstood, touches the soul in a way that only Black music can.” “Queen Naija is, without question, who R&B heads should be checking for,” declared DJ Booth.

Track Listing for “missunderstood….still”

Bonus tracks in bold

Supa Vibe
Set Him Up ft. Ari Lennox
Love Is… ft. J.I The Prince of NY
Empty
Insecure
Passionate
Butterflies Pt. 2 Remix ft. Wale
Intro
Too Much To Say
I’m Her ft. Kiana Lede
Pack Lite
Lie To Me ft. Lil Durk
Dream
Love Language
Without You ft. Russ
Say What You Mean
Bitter Skit ft. Pretty Vee
Bitter ft. Mulatto
One Time ft. Toosii
Pressure
Five Seconds ft. Jacquees
Pretend
Trial And Error
Butterflies Pt. 2
Beautiful

ANPANMAN PREMIERES ON TUBI

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GLOBAL POWERHOUSE ANIME FRANCHISE ANPANMAN TO PREMIERE EXCLUSIVELY ON FOX ENTERTAINMENT’S FREE STREAMING SERVICE TUBI

Apple Boy and Everyone’s Hope will kick off a slate of ten movies never before seen in English and Spanish, featuring one of the most recognized animated characters in Asia, to debut globally on Tubi Kids

Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment, today announced it will exclusively premiere the massively popular Anpanman franchise from TMS Entertainment to English and Spanish speaking audiences. Starting with ten movies, the first of which is now available, anime fans in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico will be introduced to the beloved superhero and his world of friends, which holds the Guinness World Record for most characters in an animated franchise. With five dedicated museums, Anpanman is the most popular character among both boys and girls in Japan. Anpanman – whose head is an anpan, a popular Japanese pastry – is a champion of justice who flies anywhere to help those in trouble, all the while keeping an eye out for his trusty nemesis, Baikinman. Apple Boy and Everyone’s Hope will be the first of ten films to premiere on Tubi.

“Anime fans of all ages can now enjoy the Japanese phenomenon Anpanman in English and Spanish for the first time ever,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi. “We can’t wait for viewers to meet Anpanman and his lovable enemy Baikinman as they join our iconic roster of characters on Tubi Kids.”

Exclusive titles from the Anpanman franchise will debut on Tubi in English and Spanish. Anpanman will be voiced by Ghia Burns (Betty en NY, Un Poquito Tuyo, La Doña, Decisiones) in English and Cristina Hernandez (Hello Kitty, Powerpuff Girls Z, Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon) in Spanish. Anpanman’s foe Baikinman will be voiced by Jason Michael Kesser (The King’s Avatar: For The Glory, Gintama, A.I.C.O Incarnation) in English and Eduardo Garza (Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Bleach, Zatch Bell!) in Spanish.

The Anpanman slate of films coming to Tubi includes:

· Apple Boy and Everyone’s Hope

Apple Boy longs to be a hero, when a witch turns the fruit in his beautiful village into poison. He must find a magic seed. Anpanman to the rescue!

· The Adventure of Happie

When Anpanman’s new apprentice Happie is swayed by Baikinman, Happie’s whole village is in danger. Anpanman must set him straight, before all is lost.

· Star-Spirited Dollie

When Anpanman saves Dollie, she gains life and just wants fun, even if it means bothering others. Meanwhile, Baikinman tries to build the strongest mold robot to defeat Anpanman.

· Purun, The Soap Bubble

Purun cannot make big bubbles, and skips performing. Anpanman must help her rid the palace of Baikinman and his creepy bubbles.

· The Secret of Fairy Rin-Rin

When Baikinman tricks the fairy Rin-Rin who protects the flower that gives Anpanman strength, everyone must go on a journey to find more flowers.

· Blacknose and the Magical Song

An orphan Cana raised in darkness by evil Blacknose tries to destroy the joys of singing, dancing, and yummy food. Can Anpanman make the kid see the light?

· Revive Banana Island!

Clouds and cold may ruin all the sweet fruit on Banana Island, but queen Banna refuses to ask Anpanman for help, while Baikinman goes to Banana Island in search of the legendary Giant Banana.

· Nanda and Runda from the Star of Toys

The selfish princess Runda, accompanied by a kind robot Nanda, loses her wand that turns things into toys and needs Anpanman’s help to find it.

· Shine! Kulun And The Stars Of Life

Before the annual Star Festival, the mysterious Kulun pops out of Baikinman’s garbage bin and black stars fall, threatening life on Anpanman’s world.

· Twinkle! Princess Vanilla Of Ice Cream Land

In a land where an ice cream castle rises from snowy mountains, Anpanman must help Princess Vanilla learn an urgent lesson to save her kingdom.

Tubi Kids features a robust library of children’s content – nearly 2,000 age-appropriate movies and television shows or over 8,000 hours of content – completely free in a dedicated section built just for families. Anpanman and his many friends join a list of iconic characters in the Tubi Kids section, which includes Barney, Scooby-Doo, VeggieTales, Superman, Batman, LEGO® NINJAGO®, Sonic the Hedgehog, Strawberry Shortcake, Paddington Bear, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Garfield, The Wiggles and many more. A destination for age-appropriate content on the service, Tubi Kids helps alleviate parents’ worries over what their children are watching and will soon be available on all major streaming devices in the near future.

Tubi is available on Android and iOS mobile devices, Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub Max, Comcast Xfinity X1, Cox Contour, and on OTT devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Vizio TVs, Sony TVs, Samsung TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, and soon on Hisense TVs globally. Consumers can also watch Tubi content on the web here.

About Tubi

Headquartered in San Francisco, Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment, is an ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) service with movies and television shows from nearly every major Hollywood studio. Tubi gives fans of films and television programs an easy way to discover new content that is available completely free. The service is currently available in the US, Canada, Australia, and Mexico.

Cruel Summer by Freeform

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Freeform’s New Series “Cruel Summer” Brings You Back to the ’90s With Nationwide Activations on April 24

Freeform teamed up with Dippin’ Dots, Steve Madden, Amoeba Music, and ’90s-themed Instagram Accounts for a Series of Giveaways, Events, and Sweepstakes

The Network Will Also Host a ‘90s Themed Roller Rink Open to the Publicon April 24 and April 25

Cruel Summer Premieres on Freeform on April 20 at 9:00 PM and is Available on Hulu the Next Day

Freeform is bringing back the ’90s with a series of marketing activations across the nation on April 24th, 2021 to celebrate the premiere of the new, highly-anticipated series, “Cruel Summer.”

From the executive producer, Jessica Biel, comes the chilling story of one girl, Kate Wallis, who goes missing. And another girl, Jeanette Turner, who mysteriously takes over her life. Told over 3 summers in the ’90s, “Cruel Summer” will leave you torn between who to believe and what ‘the truth’ even looks like. Because the deeper you go in this mystery, the darker it gets. In this twisted tale, the truth is how you see it. “Cruel Summer” will premiere with a two-hour event on Tuesday, April 20 at 9:00 PM EDT/PDT and will be available the next day on Hulu. After the series premiere, new episodes will air Tuesdays at 10:00 PM EDT/PDT.

Fans will be immersed in the ’90s with giveaways from iconic brands including Dippin’ Dots, Steve Madden, and Amoeba Music, along with a special Instagram sweepstakes and a ’90s-themed roller skating event at Westfield Century City.

“Freeform’s new series, ‘Cruel Summer,’ takes place over three summers from 1993-1995. We’re excited to be partnering with classic ’90s brands to celebrate this rich time period and drive fan excitement for the series,” says Joe Ortiz, SVP Content Marketing, Freeform.

To celebrate the Cruel Summer ’90s Day, 120 Dippin’ Dots stores across the nation will offer the first 50 fans a free, 10 oz serving of the limited edition “Cruel Summer Chill Thrill” flavor. The flavor is a combination of rainbow ice and cotton candy and will be served in a custom, ’90s themed, color-changing cup. Fans will also receive a ’90s style Cruel Summer branded scrunchie.

At Amoeba Music’s new Hollywood location on Saturday, April 24th, the first 500 fans will receive a free $20 voucher to buy a ’90s vinyl or CD of their choice. The first 500 fans will also receive a free Cruel Summer ’90s choker necklace. Amoeba will be spinning a custom playlist featuring artists that can be heard in Cruel Summer and more ’90s faves.

The first 10 fans at 20 Steve Madden stores across the nation will receive a free pair of the iconic ’90s black SLINKY platform slides. Participating locations include: Westfield Century City – Century City, CA; South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, CA; 34th St – New York, NY; SoHo – New York, NY; 42nd St – New York, NY; Roosevelt Field – Garden City, NY; Garden State Plaza – Paramus, NJ; Towson Town Center – Towson, MD; Lenox Square – Atlanta, GA; Perimeter Mall – Atlanta, GA; Aventura Mall – Aventura, FL; Dadeland Mall – Miami, FL; Town Center at Boca Raton – Boca Raton, FL; Lincoln Road – Miami Beach, FL; The Galleria – Houston, TX; Galleria Dallas – Dallas, TX; North Star Mall – San Antonio, TX; La Plaza – McAllen, TX; Scottsdale Fashion Square – Scottsdale, AZ; and Fashion Show – Las Vegas, NV.

The Cruel Summer ’90s Roller Rink will take place at the Westfield Century City Mall Atrium on April 24th and 25th. Fans can expect to have a chance to score ’90s-inspired Cruel Summer swag, discover easter eggs from the show hidden throughout the activation, and other surprises and delights.

Fans who are not able to attend in-person giveaways can still participate in the Cruel Summer ’90s Day through a special sweepstakes on the Freeform Instagram account and ’90s themed accounts ’90sanxiety, iamthirtyaf, and forever_’90s_fan. Fans can enter for a chance to win a ’90s-themed prize pack including a you-go-girl necklace, roller skates, a Garbage band t-shirt, a cassette tape player, a pair of Steve Madden SLINKY shoes, an Amoeba Music gift card, a Dippin’ Dots gift card, and a Caboodle.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons, who are, as of entry, 18 years of age and older (or age of majority in their state of primary residence, whichever is older), legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 states of the U.S. or D.C. Entries must be received between 11:00am PT on 4/24/21 and 11:59pm PT on 4/28/21. Get friend’s permission to tag. Click here for full Official Rules and entry details.

For more information on Cruel Summer, visit Freeform’s website.

About Freeform

Freeform connects to audiences with bold original programming and immersive social engagement that moves the cultural conversation a little forward. Freeform channels the force and momentum of its young adult audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as “grown-ish,” “The Bold Type,” “Good Trouble,” “Motherland: Fort Salem,” “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” and “Cruel Summer.” The network also programs tentpole events such as “31 Nights of Halloween,” “Kick Off to Christmas” and “25 Days of Christmas.”

About Cruel Summer

From executive producer Jessica Biel (“The Sinner”), Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis, the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner, the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette’s guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be? Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges perception and follows how one girl can go from being a sweet outlier to the most despised person in America. The series stars Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano. Cruel Summer comes from studio One and was created by Bert V. Royal. Tia Napolitano serves as showrunner. Executive producers include Napolitano, Royal and Iron Ocean Productions’ Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple. Max Winkler directs and executive produces the pilot. After the series premiere, new episodes will air Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m. EDT/PDT.

About Dippin’ Dots

Dippin’ Dots has produced and distributed its flash frozen tiny beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice products since 1988. Made at the company’s production facility in Paducah, Kentucky, Dippin’ Dots distributes its unique frozen products in all 50 states and 7 countries through its franchised and direct distribution network. For more information, including franchise opportunities, visit their website. Follow Dippin’ Dots on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Steve Madden

Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear, accessories and apparel for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Blondo®, GREATS®, BB Dakota® and Mad Love®, Steve Madden is a licensee of various brands, including Anne Klein® and Superga®. Steve Madden also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains, mass merchants and online retailers. Steve Madden also operates retail stores and e-commerce websites. Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including ready-to-wear, outerwear, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, sunglasses, fragrance, luggage and bedding and bath products. For local store information and the latest Steve Madden booties, pumps, men’s and women’s boots, fashion sneakers, slippers, dress shoes, sandals and more, visit their website.

About Amoeba Music

Amoeba Music, the world’s largest independent record store, draws all kinds of customers seeking rare, hard-to-find and not-so-hard to find music, movies, posters, t-shirts and more. With stores in Hollywood, San Francisco and Berkeley and at Amoeba.com, they stock everything – from the most popular artists to the most obscure in all genres.. With an all-star team of record store veterans, their collective depth of knowledge is virtually unparalleled in the business. Amoeba Music is also the ultimate source for cinema, with thousands of titles in every genre on DVD, Blu-ray, VHS, and even Laserdisc.

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER

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Powerful and Inspiring Film That Shares a Battle with Faith, Forgiveness and PTSD, Releasing to Home Entertainment

Available on DVD and VOD May 11

After an incredible theatrical launch as venues re-opened throughout the US, the feature-length drama “My Brother’s Keeper” is preparing for its release to home entertainment. In a partnership between Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Collide Distribution, “My Brother’s Keeper” will release on DVD and all major VOD platforms on May 11, 2021. The film shares a powerful story of faith and forgiveness in the wake of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“My Brother’s Keeper” was directed by Kevan Otto (“A Question Of Faith”, “Forgiven”) and written by US Army Veteran Ty Manns (“A Question Of Faith”, “The 5th Quarter”). The film stars TC Stallings (“War Room”, “A Question Of Faith”), Joey Lawrence (“Melissa & Joey”, “Blossom”, “Hawaii Five-0”), Robert Ri’chard (“Coach Carter”, “Empire”), and Keshia Knight Pulliam (“The Cosby Show”).

“It was so encouraging that many theaters across the US re-opened their theaters with ‘My Brother’s Keeper,’ a desperately needed story of hope,” shares Manns. “It is also an incredible honor that the film was able to play on military bases and at the National Infantry Museum. We pray that, as the film becomes available to larger audiences through home entertainment, the story continues to give encouragement to those struggling with issues of PTSD, forgiveness, and loss. A reminder that, no matter what the situation, there is always hope.”

Film Synopsis:

“My Brother’s Keeper” shares the story of returning war veteran SFC Travis Fox (TC Stallings) who has one more battle to fight–PTSD. Fox and his best friend SFC Ron “Preach” Pearcy (Joey Lawrence) are in their 6th combat deployment when Preach and his entire Ranger platoon are killed in a deadly improvised explosive device attack. Travis returns to his hometown to settle the affairs of his parents who had passed away years before. In searching for answers about his parents, he also discovers a new obstacle in PTSD. He finds support from church counselor, Tiffany Robertson (Keshia Knight-Pulliam) and slowly begins to rediscover his faith in God, until he discovers a secret. Travis uncovers a secret hidden by his best friend Donnie Berry (Robert Ri’chard) that threatens his new-found faith, restores his guilt, and causes him to consider the unthinkable.

View the trailer here.

About Manns Mackie Studios:

Manns Mackie Studios is a concept-to-consumer feature- film production company that specializes in family and faith-based films.

About Collide Distribution:

Collide Distribution, a division of Collide Media Group, specializes in down-streaming home entertainment distribution through UPHE Content Group. Collide Media Group was formed in 2016 by veteran Christian entertainment marketing executive Bob Elder with a mission dedicated to “elevating media that inspires a deeper relationship with Christ.” The Collide team has worked on over 50 Faith-Based films, creating and executing marketing campaigns that have generated billions of impressions and resulted in hundreds of millions of ticket transactions. The group is officed in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

About Universal Pictures Content Group:

Headquartered in London, Universal Pictures Content Group is a repertoire center acquiring and producing multi-genre entertainment for distribution across theatrical, home entertainment, television and digital platforms on a worldwide basis. Universal Pictures Content Group a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango and DreamWorks Animation Film and Television. UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.