Today, Reebok and Cardi B reveal their newest product collaboration: Classic Leather Cardi. The new women’s-only model will be available to buy exclusively on Reebok’s website starting July 16 at 12pm EST.
Inspired by Cardi‘s love of gold and its timeless value, the lavish gold silhouette was designed to be the go-to statement sneaker of every woman’s closet. Like all Cardi B x Reebok product, the shoes reflect Cardi’s personality, which influenced the transformation of the classic Reebok silhouette. The result: a bold, glamorous over-the-top shoe just like Cardi.
The new silhouette takes Reebok‘s biggest icon, the Classic Leather, and merges it with the midsole of the well-known Reebok Legacy 83 to create a feminine, fashion-forward sneaker. The sleek upper combines soft leathers with suede overlays that have a satin-like sheen deboss effect finished with a velvet accent tongue.
The Classic Leather Cardi will be available to purchase in women’s sizes 5-12 exclusively on Reebok’s website starting July 16 at 12pm EST.
Today, Chicago-bred rapper BigKayBeezy continues to make waves with his latest single “Ars & FNs”. The record exudes effortless confidence and magnetic bravado with Beezy‘s bars hitting over a heavy beat. The track is just a taste of what’s to come for the ascending star, with his full length project ‘Don Juan’ coming soon.
BigKayBeezy released his debut album in 2020. The project – titled GG4L – introduced a rising star with dark and deeply personal lyrics, while his second project of the year, Bad Intentions, showcased his more playful side and an innate ability to imbue rhymes with effortless confidence and magnetic bravado. The project features his most successful track to date, the Polo G-assisted remix of booming, braggadocious “Bookbag 2.0” which has already amassed over 18 million streams to date. He also recently showcased his talents on the ferocious “Walk Down,” featuring Pooh Shiesty, an instant hit record (now at 5M streams to date) which highlights his ability to go toe-to-toe with the hottest rappers in the game. On “Don Juan Pt. 2” he continues to flex with a drill flow reminiscent of his legendary forebears in Chicago. Still, even with these star-making collaborations and testaments to his talent, he isn’t letting himself look too far ahead. He’s taking his time, exploring all the sounds he’s always wanted to try on.
On his more recent singles, like “Heartless,” he’s dabbled in a stirring sing-song flow as indebted to R&B as it is to rap. But no matter what mode he chooses to operate in there are two universal truths: his bleak bass-laced beats will blow out even the sturdiest of speakers, and his bars would tear up any rap battle blowing through the Windy City. “I remember stealing from Walmart/Now I’m a Target/So please don’t get me started,” he croons on “Heartless.” Just like his rising fame and success, this versatility comes naturally to Beezy but it was also a conscious choice he made early in his career. Now gearing up to release his full project ‘Don Juan’ he’s excited to continue his momentum.
Heather Reibsamen is an illustrator, graphic designer, and writer, who has published work within 360 Magazine and issuu. Specializing in new media, Heather’s innovation and passion are a force to be reckoned with.
Currently working at 360 Magazine, Heather’s talents have blossomed in unbelievable ways. Heather has created an abundance of illustrations ranging from celebrities such as Britney Spears and Doja Cat to heart-wrenching moments such as George Floyd and mass shootings. Heather’s most recent work details the shocking testimony from Britney Spears about the inhumane activities within her conservatorship. In addition, she has written articles on various topics and has interviewed rapper/actor celebrity Page Kennedy and artist David Irvine from The Gnarled Branch.
Heather has also worked with the migration of the 360 Magazine website to a new hosting service and continues to work on building the 360 Magazine eCommerce platform that features styles from the creative director of Ace of Haze Style of Ace (AOHSOA), Armon Hayes. She also assists with copyediting articles and the recent book “Move Like Water × Be Fluid” written by Vaughn Lowery, web design, and client communication.
Heather completed her associate degree in graphic design through Independence University and will complete her bachelor’s degree through Southern New Hamphire University. She is a proactive member of the AIGA IU Student Group as well as the Director of Communications. Heather works alongside fellow officers to bring digital content to the students as well as helping to create the e-zine “Creative Layers”. Heather is also a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society. She has also made charitable design contributions to Dola Dolls to Love through Dementia and Love’s Law.
Heather looks forward to her blossoming career and is excited to see where the path leads her. Follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. View her portfolio on Behance.
Breath is something that has remained unacknowledged in most of us. Ironically, we all feel it and it is the only thing that is happening every moment, continuously from the moment we were born. And still, its presence is taken for granted. It is the only inevitable exchange that is happening between us and the rest of the world. Why did we stop acknowledging the most prominent, evident and essential process that ensures our existence here?
Breath is the only thread that unites everything as one and supports life as whole. Handwoven fabrics from various states of India become a canvas to celebrate life and restore a zero-waste approach, preserving the museum-quality weave in innovative corded texture. This signature cording is braided along with Merino wools and Chanderi silks throughout the collection to remind us of the essence of all living beings around us.
Breath gives us the ability to form a connection with ourselves and others. This interplay is like the threads unraveling from a spool to form fabric that blends the weaves of India. A confluence of two world—traditional and modern on a platform of art and expression.
The collection embodies an artistic interpretation of handloom fabrics as our second skin, with a desire to wear ensembles created with nature itself and is timeworn in its quality. With an ageless paradigm of Indian textile vocabulary, every thread and fibre sings the songs of lost tales and soil of the Indian lands.
It is essential to pay attention to this one outstanding process because through it, our existence has been challenged and proven. This collection is a statement and celebration of our existence through a simple action of taking a Breath.
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow’s new simulator is completed
The new Scuderia Ferrari simulator is in its new home. The fitting out of the facility and the commissioning of the simulator was completed this week in a new building that sits between the main office of the Gestione Sportiva and the Fiorano Track. In the coming weeks, the calibration work will be carried out and then, at some point in September, after the summer break required by the sporting regulations, the real work will begin, supporting the design phase of the 2022 car.
The new simulator is absolutely at the cutting edge in the field of vehicle dynamics simulation and reproduces in a 360° environment, the lowest latency, and the highest bandwidth motion cueing of any motion simulator available on the market. It is based on a completely new concept– the result of a collaboration between Scuderia Ferrari and Dynisma, a UK-based independent company headed up by former Ferrari engineer Ash Warne. It has been developed exclusively for the Maranello team.
“Simulation and digital technology are going to play an ever more important role in the development of a Formula 1 car and we believe we have made the best possible choice, focusing on creating a tool that will enable us to make a generational leap in this sector,” commented Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Scuderia Ferrari‘s Head of Supply Chain. “To produce it, we chose Dynisma, a young and dynamic company. It has taken two years to complete this project and now we are ready to start using it on the 674 project, which is the name given to the car that will be produced based on the new technical regulations that come into force in 2022.”
Ash Warne, Dynisma CEO said: “All my experience in Formula 1 informed me that motion simulators were just not realistic or responsive enough. We set up Dynisma to change that and with the mission to create the world’s most immersive simulator and widen access to the best high fidelity, responsive motion generators that drivers and engineers could want.
“We are proud that our first commission is for the world’s most famous and respected motorsport team and it’s proof that Dynisma has created world-leading technologies. We have broken convention and redefined the sector by looking at the problem in an entirely new way.”
About Dynisma
Dynisma, an independent company, was founded in 2017 by experienced F1 driving simulator engineer Ashley Warne, who previously led the simulator development efforts of both Ferrari and McLaren. Dynisma has developed a unique approach to high performance motion generation. Dynisma’s range of Motion Generators (DMG’s), feature high bandwidth, low latency, and large excursion motion simulation, delivering class leading driving simulation capabilities.
For more information and to register your interest visit here.
LARA WORTHINGTON FRONTS SEA FOLLY’S NEW DIRECTIONAL COLLECTION IN LIVE AT THE BEACH CAMPAIGN.
Seafolly is proud to announce the launch of the latest Live The Beach Campaign featuring
iconic Australian beauty Lara Worthington. Shot by Darren McDonald at Callala Beach, with the essence of stunning Australian beaches at its heart, the campaign celebrates our unique culture and heritage anchored in optimism and natural beauty. Lara Worthington lives the beach, no matter where in the world she finds herself. Her spirit is authentic and unwavering, a true ambassador of the Australian beach lifestyle and the unique culture that surrounds it. She embodies the latest collection and the Seafolly brand; spirited and quintessentially Australian.
This season Seafolly fuses themes from distant global destinations with the Australian beach lifestyle that is synonymous with Seafolly, while introducing more innovations in their sustainability journey. The collection was designed here in Sydney, inspired by retro prints, flora & fauna and sporty minimalism displayed in bold new shapes and cutting-edge materials. Encouraging Australians to adventure in their own backyards and to enjoy our beautiful
home whilst wearing pieces that inspire international confidence. At the core of the range Seafolly have combined new developments in sustainability and wearability with cutting-edge fabrics from Europe, textiles made from recycled fibres and quick dry cups to keep you comfortable and confident on and off the sand.
Seafolly’s sustainable approach starts with innovation. From the production of their first pieces in 1975 to the introduction of dynamic styles, pioneering fabrics, and technologies, they are always striving to push boundaries and create the highest quality products for their customers around the world. This season more so than ever, Seafolly have invested in new innovative fabrics and processes to further them along their journey to sustainability. Cleo packs a punch, combining a 70’s inspired chevron jacquard created in collaboration with a French mill whose
fabrics date back to 1904 and using the only integrated knitting machine in the world. The twinkling Twilight collection is this season’s showstopper, fusing simple, sophisticated styling with a hint of 70’s glam. Swim styles have been crafted from a lurex fabrication, developed with a recycled Nylon base are perfect for long summer days in the sun and romantic starlight rendezvous. Laguna will bathe you in the shadows of summer palms, with a bold floral print
that pops from the darkness with strong brushstrokes of olive and white akin to shady beachside palms beneath the blazing summer sun. Digitally printed on a recycled rope style texture base, this collection is tactile, connecting you to nature through style and fabrication.
Nature is reimagined with the Mandalay collection featuring an abstract animal print that blurs lines and pushes boundaries, using a recycled Nylon base this unique collection screams sophistication with an adventurous attitude. Soft Spot is a play on polkadots, with organic geometric retro shapes scaled and spliced to produce a sophisticated,
minimalist print. Boheme’s bold beauty inspires romance and adventure, the embodiment of a free, feminine spirit. Made for the robust Australian beach lifestyle, the Seafolly Sea Dive and Active ranges are sleek and sporty, designed to wear on the beach, in the water, and everything in between.
The Australian beach is more than a place. It is a unique culture and community. It is the way we live. Our home. Seafolly has been inspiring Summer and the Australian beach lifestyle since 1975. Celebrate the new collection with us though #LiveTheBeach #AlwaysSeafolly
The collection is available to shop on the Seafolly website, Seafolly Concept stores and selected wholesale partners from 9 July 2021.
THE SEAFOLLY STORY
We’re Seafolly. Swim and beachwear founded on fit, quality, and style. Born on the beaches of Sydney, Australia in 1975. Seafolly is made for living. We’re not afraid to do it; explore it, seek it and live it. Seafolly’s mission is to make all women feel confident at the beach through high quality and innovative swimwear that delivers on fashionability and never compromises on fit.
Seafolly is sold in over 1,600 doors in 51 countries, through its retail stores, ecommerce site, leading retailers and major online sites. There are 25 Seafolly stores (21 in Australia and 4 in Singapore).
THE MUSIC VIDEO FEATURES CAMEOS FROM SCOTT DISICK, SAWEETIE, QUINCY BROWN AND SHANINA SHAIK
Global Latin music idol Maluma has just dropped his new single, melodic Latin pop banger “Sobrio” (“Sober”), along with its music video, which includes several celebrity cameos. “Sobrio” is the first single off of the artist’s upcoming album. You can listen to the song HERE. You can watch the accompanying music video HERE.
In “Sobrio”, written by Maluma, Édgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Alejandro Robledo, Filly Andres Lima and Lenin Yorney Palacios, Maluma once again sings about heartbreak but unlike the somewhat braggadocious Papi Juancho attitude he had in “HAWÁI”; this time he shows a more vulnerable side. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is only able to gather the courage to call his ex-girlfriend to tell her he misses her and say he is sorry, only after he has been drinking.
In the beautiful cinematic music video shot in Los Angeles by renowned director Jessy Terrero of Cinema Giants, we encounter a Maluma that is definitely not “sobrio” as he drowns his sorrows when he sees his girl, played by Israeli fashion supermodel Eden Fines, on a date, with reality star Scott Disick, and then gathers the liquid courage to confront them, making a fool of himself in the process while still somehow looking cool as only Maluma could do. Besides cameos from Disick, singer/rapper Saweetie, actor/singer/model Quincy Brown and Australian supermodel Shanina Shaik, the video has an unexpected, not-to-be-missed ending.
Maluma is currently in the midst of rehearsals for Maluma’s PAPI JUANCHO MALUMA WORLD TOUR, his first live, in-person tour since the beginning of the pandemic. The North American leg of the PAPI JUANCHO MALUMA WORLD TOUR kicks off on September 2nd and will make stops in more than 25 cities before including venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and The Forum in Los Angeles.
“”Remi Wolf and Benee fans, take note of TikTok breakout Claire Rosinkranz, who will surely be your next favorite.” – Billboard
“2020 may have been a banner year for Rosinkranz, but it’s a culmination of the work she’s put into her craft.” – American Songwriter
After building anticipation for its arrival, Gen Z singer-songwriter Claire Rosinkranzreleases her anxiously awaited sophomore EP, 6 Of A Billion, today via slowplay/Republic Records.
She heralded the project with her most recent single “Boy In A Billion.” In a week, it has already amassed over 1 million total streams. Attracting critical praise, The Honey Pop fittingly described Claire as “what’s next in pop music.” In addition to plugs from DORK and more, Clash raved the track “underlines her alt-pop prowess.” The project also boasts “Frankenstein,” which has reeled in 6 million streams and counting.
The EP could double as the ultimate Gen Z teen flick with the star as its narrator. The opener “Hotel” glides on a bouncy beat wrapped in sunny guitar as she details the art of sneaking out (without getting caught) and promises, “One day I’ll write a story that’ll sit on a shelf about partying with my friends at some random hotel.” On the opening track, Claire says, “I wrote this song about the feeling of sneaking out, partying with friends, driving fast and eating pasta.”
Her voice seesaws over a sparse riff on “Pretty Little Things” as she laments with a soft croon, “All these pretty little things in life we have to learn to ignore.“ Everything culminates on the jazz-y feels of “LAX.” Her powerful delivery echoes in tandem with a bold horn section on one last crescendo.
Check out the full tracklisting below.
Claire definitely asserts herself as one of a billion and a new kind of pop outlier! Stay tuned for more soon.
6 Of A Billion Tracklist
Hotel
Pretty Little Things
Boy In A Billion
Fall Apart
Frankenstein
LAX
ABOUTCLAIREROSINKRANZ
Southern California singer, songwriter, ballerina, and multi-instrumentalist Claire Rosinkranz grafts the Gen-Z coming-of-age experience onto quirky D.I.Y. soundscapes often cooked up by her dad in the garage. Within a year, the 17-year-old phenomenon has eclipsed over half-a-billion total streams and received widespread acclaim courtesy of Rolling Stone, Variety, Coup de Main, Buzzfeed, Genius, and more. OnesToWatch championed her as one of its “Top Artists To Watch in 2021,“ while New York Times and Billboard named her breakout anthem “Backyard Boy” among “The Best Songs of 2020.“ Speaking of “Backyard Boy,” it inspired over 3 million TikTok videos and fueled the trailer for Amazon’s The Map of Tiny Perfect Things. Along the way, she collaborated with the likes of Jeremy Zucker, Role Model, and Clinton Kane and earned the support of Olivia Rodrigo, Tai Verdes, Lexi Jayde, and 347aidan. Now, she presents an unfiltered perspective on being a teen through her 2021 sophomore EP introduced by the lead single “Frankenstein.”
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, Black Thought, 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, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd 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, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G). 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 in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.
“She’s got an attack in her flow, juxtaposed with a finesse in her lyricism and a hunger in her vocal tone. Her family gave her traditions, Toronto shaped her, and California helped form her sound.” – Toronto Guardian
Toronto-based queer alt-hip hop artist, Lex Leosis, shares her EP, Terracotta, today– just in time for peak summer vibes. The now Tiktok rap battle champ is also debuting a brand new video for “That Feel,” which shows an easy, breezy afternoon of skating in the sunshine. Leosis’ signature attitude is in full force in video with her lioness hair, long nails and high energy.
“That Feel” feels like a celebration, and this new release deserves exactly that. The video was shot in both Los Angeles and Toronto. Director, Yohalmo, who is embedded into longboard communities in LA, shot all the California scenes. He brought together the cast and both main characters Shannen Soriano and Laura Paragano. Director, Sharleen Meinke, who also directed the “Wanted” official video, shot Leosis’ parts in Toronto.
The previously released single and outlaw anthem, “Wanted,” arrived with an icon Thelma and Louise-inspired video. The debut single from the project was the sunny, tropical-beat infused, “Won’t Wait,” which showcased a breezy, bouncy beat under Leosis’ vulnerable lyrics and she yearns for real talk and love, but not at the expense of self-worth.
“Won’t Wait” and “Wanted” were produced by Rainer Blanchaer (Drake, The Weeknd, French Montana, The 1975), who is an executive producer on the whole EP. Having met through Leosis’ roommate, Blanchaer became a pandemic pal, and one of the only people she’s seen consistently during lockdown. They’ve used their time making music together in Leosis’ bedroom studio and the result is Terracotta. Describing the new EP, she says:
“In the Terracotta pots process, clay starts by being refined and molded. Through fire, time, and attention to detail…the terracotta pot is complete. I wrote this project through the pandemic. I was coming off releasing “Mythologies” (March 2020) and I was sad that I had to cancel a lot of my roll-out plans. No interviews, shows/tours or celebrations. I put my whole heart into that project and to see that I couldn’t continue my rollout because of the pandemic was a big blow. Instead of letting it defeat me, I decided that it would make me stronger and that I would use this time to rebuild.”
Creating a space to make music in her bedroom, she decided on a re-design for her space to inspire her creatively. She says, “I started looking into color palettes that would inspire the re-design…and there it was Terracotta. The summer had passed and it was getting colder and we were all aware of what was about to happen. Locked down in the cold with little sun. Like a lot of other people, my mental health doesn’t do well in these conditions. My bedroom design had to be warm, it had to be bright and happy. It had to channel summer. The vision of summer 2021 represented a time where this might all be over and things may be better.”
She adds, “So as the pieces of my bedroom start to come together, so does this project. My space is giving me the energy I need to focus every day. I immediately started learning instruments (piano and MPD). The Terracotta bedspread becomes the place I write “Won’t Wait.” I started daily meditation and writing a verse every day. I was lying down on my geometric gray rug when I came up with the hook for “Reality.” I start working out more and envisioning my live show. I was surrounded by plants in terracotta pots when I penned “That Feel.” Then at the end of this writing period, I have a warm, bright home space, at the exact same time as I have this incredible project. One year later and I’m a completely different person.”
Leosis also admits, “The EP definitely had a muse. Someone I really love and has consistently inspired me. This EP details all the feelings I’ve had about them, and consequently, about myself over the last year.” A dedication to the softness that quarantine created in her, a part of herself she didn’t have time to look at before, she also had time to dig through her grandfather’s old jazz records that she loved as a kid. When he passed in 2009, the records were given to her but had been dusty until Covid made her slow way down. The piano, saxophones and live drums on those records inspired the live elements on the new EP and Leosis says, “He had this foresight to leave those to me. We used to sit in his car outside our house and just listen to Jazz and I loved music as a kid.”
Between her quality time with Rainer, her grandfather’s records and her time to be with herself, she found a way to channel summer’s warmth, growth and freedom into 6 tracks. Terracotta is out everywhere now.
Terracotta EP Tracklisting
Khrys’ Intro
Won’t Wait
Wanted
That Feel
Reality
Hold Yah Down
BIO
Known for her dynamic flows, aggressive stage presence and elaborate story-telling, Lex Leosisis a name you will soon remember. With a unique gravely vocal delivery, acrobatic flows, and a mastery of her instrumentation, Lex breathes life into Hip-Hop and mesmerizes with her rapping abilities. Setting herself uniquely apart by holding space for various causes and using her platform to support other women and non-binary artists and creatives, Lex is not afraid to give props where it’s due.
Born in the west end of Toronto, Lex Leosis has dedicated her life to her music and artistry. Juggling her hiphop career, a plant-forward cooking website and catering company, and holding down multiple jobs, Lex prides herself on hard work, discipline and survival, traits she picked up from her mother. It gave Lex the energy to perfect her craft, grow her career and exchange stories with artists from all over the world. Lex is loud, opinionated, constantly fighting for what she believes in and hungry to make something of the Leosis name. She’s got an attack in her flow, juxtaposed with a finesse in her lyricism and a hunger in her vocal tone. Her family gave her traditions, Toronto shaped her, and California helped form her sound.
From humble beginnings, Lex first found a home in hip-hop at rap competitions and cyphers. She met a number of creatives through online rap communities and has up and parted from Toronto multiple times to join her peers in cities all over the U.S. to collaborate, make music and perform. Sharpening her teeth participating in various rap battles, Lex was widely known as a hip-hop force that could outrap anyone. Spending most of her time in the Bay Area of California, Lex has allowed her traveling influences to expand her music sound and capability.
Lex spent 2017-2019 devoting herself to Canadian rap group powerhouse, The Sorority. The group made waves with a 2016 International Women’s Day Cypher, and went on to release a debut album and toured extensively, sharing stages with artist like Miguel, Joey Badass & Snoop Dogg. After the group disbanded in 2019, Lex lead 2020 with her debut full length, Mythologies, a darker trap-heavy project that allowed her to explore her Greek roots and family history. Despite a derailed album release plan due to COVID-19, she followed the project up with summer bop, Pull Up, and the rap/house collaboration, Swerve, with DJ Cazztekand released under Armin Van Buuren’s label, Armada.
Lex found opportunity and inspiration during COVID lockdown establishing a new sound, taking control of her artistry by learning keys, bass and taking vocal lessons. She formed a team of creatives around her and using her tools, experience and community, developed her quintessential Lex Leosis sound with smooth west coast vibey instrumentation under melodious hooks and biting hip hop verses. Searching for an outlet to continue to rap bars, Lex began daily duets on Tiktok and has amassed over a million views on her videos and had drawn the attention of Tiktok Canada and numerous artists from The Arkells to K Flay.
Keep your eyes on this rising star as she continues to blaze her own trail in hip hop.
Joy Oladokun debuts new song, judas, from the deluxe album in defense of my own happiness (complete).
Breakthrough singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s new deluxe album, in defense of my own happiness (complete), is out today via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. The special extended edition includes all 14 tracks from her major label debut, in defense of my own happiness, as well as the ten additional songs from her self-released 2020 record, in defense of my own happiness (the beginnings), and one new track, judas.
In celebration of the new music, Oladokun will be featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” this afternoon speaking with host Ari Shapiro, and recently made her debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert performing sunday from Nashville’s newly opened National Museum of African American Music.
Released last month via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records, in defense of my own happiness finds Oladokun forging her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument.
Recently named one of the “Best Albums of 2021 So Far” by Rolling Stone and Variety, and one of Billboard’s “Best Albums by LGBTQ Artists of 2021 So Far,” in defense of my own happiness features special collaborations with Maren Morris (Bigger Man), Jensen McRae (wish you the best) and Penny & Sparrow (heaven from here) and continues to receive widespread critical praise:
“She has a remarkable ability to distill how forces at work in the world…she can make even social and political protest feel like an intimate, warmly human act”—NPR Music
“a serious talent with a kind of low-key, casual ease…she’s always seeking out the light to point the way, making for one of the year’s most uplifting listens.”—Rolling Stone
“one of the hottest new singer-songwriters making music…surgical songwriting and soulful vocals that will send chills down your spine on each repeat listen.”—Billboard
“Joy Oladokun is a rare talent who manages to dissect Christianity, queerness, race and mental wellness with a delicate yet determined touch”—Vogue
“Oladokun’s message is not only timely, but essential.”—them.
“a stunning major label debut…any Nashville musician worth their salt should be pinching themselves to work with Oladokun, among the most exciting talents this city has seen in years.”—The Tennessean
“the rising singer-songwriter proves her worth as a master storyteller”—American Songwriter
Furthering her breakout year, Oladokun will tour throughout the fall including upcoming performances at Newport Folk Festival, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits as well as several dates supporting Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Dermot Kennedy.
Oladokun has continued to receive widespread attention in the past year, including recent performances of album track, breathe again, on NBC’s TODAY and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The song also received a key placement on NBC’s This Is Us, propelling the track to reach #3 on Shazam’s U.S. Top 200 while also charting globally. Additionally, Oladokun has been named a member of the inaugural #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021, an NPR Music/Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s RADAR US: Artists to Watch 2021, Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021 and Vogue’s #1 New LGBTQ Artists to Listen to Now, and was recently highlighted as part of HULU’s “Your Attention Please: The Concert ” alongside 24kGoldn, Kiana Ledé, Lil Yachty, and Swae Lee. In addition to This Is Us, her music has been featured on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, ABC’s Station 19 and NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Oladokun also recently teamed up with the ever-popular life simulation game The Sims™ 4 as part of their first-ever in-game music event alongside Bebe Rexha and Glass Animals.
IN DEFENSE OF MY OWN HAPPINESS (COMPLETE) TRACK LIST
jordan
smoke
if you got a problem
i see america
heaven from here (feat. Penny & Sparrow)
younger days
sunday
bad blood
lost
who do i turn to?
sorry isn’t good enough
taking the heat
someone that i used to be
brick by brick
unwelcoming
Bigger Man (feat. Maren Morris)
mercy (feat. Tim Gent)
let it be me
judas
mighty die young
breathe again
too high
look up
wish you the best (feat. Jensen McRae)
JOY OLADOKUN CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
July 23—Newport, RI @ Newport Folk Festival
July 29—Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
July 30—Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
August 4—Bellvue, CO @ The Mishawka*
August 5—Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
August 8—St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant*
August 10—Madison, WI @ The Sylvee*
August 11—Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory*
August 14—Grand Rapids, MI @ GLC Live at 20 Monroe*
August 17—Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre*
August 19—Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion*
August 28—Lexington, KY @ Railbird Music Festival
September 2—Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
September 8—Park City, UT @ Park City Song Summit 2021
September 11—Pelham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre+
September 24—New York, NY @ Rooftop at Pier 17+
September 25—New York, NY @ Rooftop at Pier 17+
September 26—Richmond, VA @ Virginia Credit Union Live at Richmond Raceway+
October 1—Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 24—Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Music Festival
October 28—Grand Rapids, MI @ CFAC Auditorium at Calvin University
