Posts made in June 2022

JOHN LEGEND – HONEY

Multi-platinum, 12-time GRAMMY Award-winner John Legend today debuted the latest single from his forthcoming album, “Honey,” featuring Muni Long. Sexy and silky with elements of R&B, pop and jazz woven throughout, the track is available to stream/download HERE. Watch the accompanying lyric video HERE.

“Honey” was produced by Ryan Tedder, Steven Franks, Lindgren and Tommy Brown, with Legend and Long serving as co-writers on the track along with Melanie Joy Fontana, HARV, Gregory Heinn, Lindgren, Franks, Tedder and Brown. While Long and Legend previously worked together as songwriters, “Honey” is their first collaboration as recording artists.

One of the most streamed and buzzworthy artists in the R&B/hip-hop landscape today, Long is currently dominating Urban and Rhythm radio with her #1, platinum breakthrough smash “Hrs And Hrs.” Before breaking out as a solo artist, she spent the last decade behind the scenes co-writing hits for other artists including Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Ariana Grande, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, and Selena Gomez, to name a few.

“Honey” is the second track from Legend’s forthcoming album following the project’s lead single “Dope” featuring rapper J.I.D. Watch the accompanying music video, directed by Christian Breslauer, HERE.

Legend will return to Las Vegas for the second leg of his critically acclaimed residency, “Love in Las Vegas,” with shows running from August 5 through 20 and October 14 through 29.

Tickets are available HERE.

Connect with John Legend:

MARY J. BLIGE TOUR

One of Time Magazine’s icons listed in “The 100 Most Influential People of 2022” and the recipient of the 2022 “Billboard ICON Award,” the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, announces her Good Morning Gorgeous tour presented by Hologic in partnership with The Black Promoters Collective (BPC). GRAMMY Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Blige will perform in 23 cities with special guests, platinum-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Ella Mai and platinum-selling rising star Queen Naija beginning on Saturday, September 17, in Greensboro, NC, and ending on Saturday, October 29 in Atlantic City, NJ. The tour also stops in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta.

Before offering to the general public, the Good Morning Gorgeous tour tickets go on presale today with The American Express Card Members beginning June 15 at 10 am local time through June 16 at 10 pm local time. Tickets will be available to the general public on June 17 at 10 am local and range from $69.50 to $189.50. Tickets can be purchased here.

“Mary J. Blige has been one of a select handful of artists at the top of our desired list to partner with since the initial construction of The BPC. Having her support in our mission so early in the process is a testament to the hard work we have put in to bring superior cultural experiences powered by black business to the masses. We firmly believe this is a match made in heaven and are honored to partner with the Queen,” states The BPC Co-Founder and President Shelby Joyner.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Mary J. Blige as the presenting sponsor for her Good Morning Gorgeous tour,” said Steve MacMillan, Hologic’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “As a global leader in women’s health, we’re committed to emphasizing the lifesaving importance of preventive screenings and the annual Well Woman exam, and Mary’s voice is a powerful way to reach millions of women.”

In addition to the previously stated accolades, the tour follows Blige’s early 2022 album release of Good Morning Gorgeous. The album was released leading into her energetic Super Bowl Halftime performance. The title track rose to #1 at R&B radio for 9 weeks and the song became a viral backdrop for many expressing self-love, with over 40,000 users creating videos using the song on TikTok. A deluxe version was dropped just ahead of her wildly successful Strength of a Woman Woman festival that took place last month in Atlanta.

For more information, go HERE.

Diddy – Gotta Move On

Sean “Diddy” Combs makes his official return to music with the release of his new single “Gotta Move On” featuring Bryson Tiller. Listen to “Gotta Move On” HERE, which is the first song released from his highly-anticipated new album under his LOVE RECORDS imprint, in partnership with Motown Records. The song paves the way for more music to come, with his new album due out later this year.

The smooth and seductive track illuminates his latest evolution with its unshakable groove, standout verses, and an undeniable hook from Bryson Tiller. Diddy initially debuted the single with a show-stopping performance at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Beyond inciting buzz globally, the live performance video has already amassed over 2 million YouTube views organically, including a surprise performance of “First Class” by Jack Harlow and the classic “Mo Money, Mo Problems” with Christian King Combs and Teyana Taylor. He also served as Host and Executive Producer of the live awards ceremony, exactly 25 years since he won his first Billboard Award for his debut album “No Way Out”.

BET announced that the legendary mogul and cultural pioneer will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at “BET Awards” 2022. The coveted award honors industry giants who have not only significantly shaped culture through their extensive careers, but who have also been transformative leaders that consistently inspire generations by setting a true standard of excellence.

Diddy has also included the track in custom content for CIROC PASSION, his new signature flavor in the CÎROC portfolio that delivers more than a distinct taste; it’s a boldness, an intensity, a frequency you must experience. Together, Combs and CÎROC have now released over 15 flavor innovations, becoming a dominant industry and cultural leader in the vodka category.

Not only is Diddy one of the highest-selling artists in history, he is also one of the most accomplished music producers of all time. LOVE RECORDS represents Combs’ triumphant return to R&B as an Executive Producer, Curator and A&R of his forthcoming album. Combs will continue his oversight on his successful Bad Boy Entertainment label.

He is a cultural icon, innovator and mogul. In addition to his catalog of hit records, Diddy has produced and creatively shaped the sound for superstars Mary J. Blige, The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Boyz II Men, Britney Spears, Kanye West and many more.

LOVE RECORDS will be dedicated to R&B music and will release singles and collaborative projects from a collective of world-class artists, producers and songwriters.

Welcome to the LOVE ERA.

FOLLOW DIDDY:

Twitter | Instagram

Meet Jefferson Noel

Author, Orator and Professor

Listen to his chat with Vaughn on 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

Jefferson Noel, the founder of Barbershop Speaks, is dedicated to providing a comfortable daily space for people to be engaged in intelligent conversation. Starting from a simple question in the summer of 2016, “What would happen if we engage in intentional dialogues about issues that affect us directly in spaces that are common and comfortable for the community,” Barbershop Speaks has been set up as a platform to educate and empower the underserved communities around the country on web3.

He is now also a professor at Florida Memorial University, teaching public speaking, business, and professional speaking. Coming from an immigrant Haitian family, Jefferson deeply understood the importance of education by seeing her parents seeking out a better life in the U.S. as immigrants. During college, after attending student government and being an involved student, he realized that studying for comprehension and real-life application would greatly benefit people’s future life after graduating. The thirst for learning comes from the general public’s respect for knowledgeable people. Therefore, after meeting and being involved with a professor during his trip to Canada to finish his book, Jefferson landed a job as a professor at Florida Memorial University and was determined to bring more value to students.

By keeping the idea that human is a unique live beings and there are different values inside every single human being, Jefferson holds strong beliefs in the power of conversation. During his childhood, Jefferson usually went to barber shops when his father was a barber, where he always listened to those conversations happening around. This is where the idea of the Barbershop Speaks from “The barbershop, in my opinion, is the communities’ classroom where everyone is both the teacher and the student,” says Jefferson.

However, the journey of being in a conversational world has been good and bad at the same time. People see his values while not wanting to pay for the values he brings to the table. Nevertheless, growing up in a family with many role models to look up to, such as his father who is a pastor, and his older brother who always has a clear mind and knows what he is doing, Jefferson has always been humble. He has decided to move forward not focusing on people who are not helping but trying his best to catch good opportunities. According to Jefferson, “As long as I continue to be on my grind, as long as I continue to do life in the proper way, then I know I’ll reach the promise men,” the unavoidable dehumanization coming from his race has never discouraged him but positively motivated him.

Jefferson started connecting to the crypto space about one year ago and was attracted to the technology behind NFT. The ability of NFT to verify ownership of a digital asset on the blockchain made him believe that it is something worth sharing with the whole world. He will attend the NFT-VIP Event, which will happen in NYC through June 19th-22nd, as a speaker on Sunday at 1 pm, sharing how to balance life learning and leadership.

Jefferson is proud to sponsored by Lab22c.

Article by: Iris Li x Vaughn Lowery

Reebok × Looney Tunes

Reebok and Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) unveiled the second capsule in its Reebok x Looney Tunes footwear and apparel collection. Following a smaller capsule launch in China earlier this year, the line has expanded to feature a wider range of classic and sport footwear and apparel that honor the fun, frenetic nature of the Looney Tunes. The complete Reebok x Looney Tunes Collection will be available HERE beginning May 23rd exclusively for Reebok UNLOCKED members before becoming globally available on May 26th.

The first drop featured two footwear silhouettes, including the Classic Leather Legacy AZ ($95, GW4301) inspired by Bugs Bunny, and a limited selection of apparel. This collection continues the bold, energetic style that encourages wearers to unleash their inner party animal through some of Reebok’s most iconic footwear silhouettes including the Club C, Instapump Fury and Nano X1. See highlights below:

• Classic Leather Legacy AZ ($95, GW4301) – This ‘80s-inspired silhouette gets a makeover from the world’s most “wascally wabbit.” The grey and pink Classic Leather Legacy AZ pays homage to Bugs Bunny through the hairy suede materials and springy details that help the wearer bounce around like the trickster bunny. Available in unisex sizing.

• Instapump Fury 95 ($200, GZ4948) – Bottle rocket graphics and Road Runner’s legendary speed add an extra dose of rocket power to this version of the Instapump Fury 95. The shoe further pays homage to Road Runner through the upper resembling the character’s bright blue feathers, various “Beep Beep” quotes and signature cloud of dust on the heel. Available in unisex sizing.

• Instapump Fury Zone ($160, GZ4947) – Unleash your inner Martian with these extraterrestrial Instapump Fury Zone shoes. Inspired by Marvin the Martian’s explosive ray gun, the upper features bright laser beam colors and futuristic details while the sockliner depicts Marvin and the ray gun’s signature electric green bolt. Available in men’s sizing.

• Hurrikaze II Low ($120, GW4299) – These Wile E. Coyote-inspired shoes are sure to help the wearer explode onto the court! The action-packed version of this popular basketball silhouette features nods to Wile’s beloved dynamite with a “BOOM!” graphic, warning label and an extra crispy Wile E. Coyote himself. Available in men’s sizing.

• Club C ($100, GY4779) – Looney Tunes characters wouldn’t have their classic misadventures if not for the props they use along the way. This Club C pays homage to some of the loudest tools the characters take from the prop house with images on the sockliner and various explosive graphics on the heel and upper. Available in unisex, child and infant sizing.

• Nano X1 ($140, GW4303) – Reebok’s most-beloved training shoe gets a sleek makeover from the sneaky Sylvester the Cat. Lace up in these Nano X1’s for any action-packed chase but keep an eye out for the elusive Tweety or you might be seeing stars more than just what is featured on the upper and heel. Available in men’s sizing.

Complementing the footwear will be a range of unisex apparel in sizes 2XS-2XL. Joining the crewnecks and t-shirts will be hoodies, pants and a coaches jacket, all of which feature signature Looney Tunes graphics and characters.

Reebok x Looney Tunes footwear/apparel collection via Reebok for use by 360 Magazine

Special Olympics New York

A weekend of sports will commence at Queens College this Saturday, as Special Olympics New York athletes arrive to compete in multiple events. Details are as follows:

When: Saturday, June 18, beginning at 9 am
Where: Queens College (65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, NY 11367)
Who: Special Olympics NY athletes competing in Track & Field, Swimming, and Basketball (both teams and individual skills)

These athletes will be supported by more than 100 volunteers from sponsors Dechert LLP, Disney, RTM, and The Bountiful Company. Additional sponsors for the games include Geico, Babaste, New York Blood Center, Teachers Federal Credit Union, and Local 3 IBEW Motorcycle Club.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend.

A$AP TYY – GLOBAL WARNING

Rising Harlem rapper from the A$AP Mob collective, A$AP TyY announces a collaboration and pop-up event with streetwear brand Global Warning. Click HERE to view the collection. On the collection, A$AP TyY said, “Creating the ‘A$AP Lifestyle’ collection is something I had wanted to do for a long time. To be able to release this collection during Paris Fashion Week Just made sense timing-wise. I partnered up with Global Warning and my brother Yam’s foundation ‘A$AP Foundation’ to bring this collection to life.” Jesse Koch, the co-founder of Global Warning, added, “The collaboration between our brand and A$AP TyY came naturally from our longtime working relationship with TyY. I met TyY in 2016, and he has been a huge supporter of our vision ever since.”

The limited-edition collection features six unique pieces personally designed by TyY and the Global Warning team. The designs are heavily influenced by TyY’s street and bike fashion, and the embodiment of the A$AP Lifestyle. A percentage of each item sold will benefit the A$AP Foundation, whose mission is dedicated to providing young people with accessible and realistic education about substance use and abuse.

The A$AP Foundation shared, “The Always Strive and Prosper Foundation is extremely thankful for A$AP TyY‘s consistent dedication to the culture, unending encouragement of the youth, and his consistent commitment to helping us to continue to spread drug safety awareness and community care.” For the first time since the pandemic, TyY will return to Paris during Men’s Fashion Week to host the day-long pop-up shop with Global Warning where fans have the first chance to purchase the limited-edition collection items. The pop-up will take place on June 25 at 216 Rue Saint-Martin in Le Marais from 1-6 pm.

A$AP TyY is next up out of the infamous Harlem collective and he’s bringing back grit and hard-hitting rap sounds back to New York. TyY recently released his latest single “Street Gospel” with a project on the horizon this summer.

He continues to establish himself as a style icon, delivering everything from a goggle collaboration with KidSuper and a recent partnership as the face of KSUBI GOLD, to walking runways at fashion weeks in Shanghai, Paris, and New York. He is also an avid BMX bike and quad rider, where he rides the streets of Harlem daily. Stay tuned for more music and news soon.

Follow A$AP TyY: INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK

AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), a trade group representing U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers, will host an on-the-record media briefing on Thursday, June 23, to discuss SB 54, an extended producer responsibility (EPR) proposal under consideration in the California State Legislature. The proposal would impose new costs on producers to fund recycling programs but could undercut the investments industries, like the paper industry, are already making in recycling infrastructure.

Before taking questions, Terry Webber, AF&PA vice president of industry affairs, will discuss topics including:

The Strength of the U.S. Recycling System: Despite challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, AF&PA will share data that demonstrates how the paper recycling system is stronger than ever. AF&PA recently announced that 68% of all paper consumed in the U.S. was recycled in 2021.

Impacts of California’s EPR Proposal: One-size-fits-all EPR programs, like the one put forth in California, could undermine or even reverse the success of paper recycling. According to the EPA, more paper by weight is recovered for recycling than plastic, glass, steel, and aluminum combined.

Significant Industry Investment: The paper industry has planned around $5 billion in manufacturing infrastructure investments by 2024, which will help continue the best use of recycled fiber. That is nearly $2.5 million per day in investments.

PETER $UN ON THE RISE

Virginia-bred, LA-based rapper, Peter $un aka Sunny, returns with his new single “Pay Me No Mind,” out today via Red Bull Records / Mind Of A Genius. The first new music to drop since his successful 2021 album ‘Scumbaby’, the track starts the next chapter of Peter $un’s ever-evolving story.

“Pay Me No Mind” was written by Peter $un and co-produced by long-time collaborator Blue Rondo (Young Thug, IDK). The song’s stripped-back production is simple but effective, providing a perfect foundational bounce to deliver Sunny’s boastful lyrics.

“Pay me no mind is my toxic braggadocious rap song. It’s just me wanting to flex on all the people who doubted me. It’s that underdog song, underdog attitude. I still want to prove to everybody wrong who doubted me. Petty Sunny.”- Peter $un

The song is a taste of Peter $uns upcoming EP, ‘Phone Calls Gimme Anxiety’, which is set to drop on July 22, 2022. The project was a therapeutic and transformative endeavor for Sunny. Fans will be treated to a deeply personal journey through vibey hip-hop soundscapes and hypnotic cadences.

FOLLOW PETER $UN: Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

OSEANWORLD POP-UP

25-year-old digital artist Osean has announced his latest collaboration within the metaverse. Joining forces with social impact-driven metaverse gaming platform REALM, Osean has created NU RADIO, a unique and creative space encapsulating the richness of Oseanworld, the passionate inclusivity of REALM, and the interests of Ocean’s dedicated fan base and engaged community. The creative team will take to Elizabeth Street, NYC, on June 21-22 for a NU RADIO-themed pop-up which will allow attendees to go on an AR scavenger hunt around the City.

The scavenger hunt will feature a trippy neon arcade, where fans and media will gain a first look at Oseanworld’s latest adventure. Fans will be led on a scavenger hunt around Manhattan, collecting points via the Realm app at each designated stop. There will also be plenty of chances to win prizes from Ocean’s highly sought-after digital and physical clothing and accessories collections. Osean and REALM have both dedicated their platforms to bridge the gap between the digital landscape and reality, and this pop-up is the perfect opportunity to explore what that looks like. Attendees will also be able to play the Beta of NU RACE, with the official REALM beta launch taking place on July 21st in NYC.

REALM presents an entirely new canvas for Osean, allowing him to take his artistic visions for the dreamy Oseanworld universe to an even higher level. REALM weaves AR, VR, and mixed reality into its platform, employing the most innovative tech and enabling artists to expand their creativity with very few limits.

Osean, who has collaborated with big-name music artists like Offest, Madeon, Lauv, and Trippie Redd, works at the intersection of anime, self-actualization, and Gen Z pop culture. Coming of age in a generation that has lived largely online, Osean seeks to represent this experience while providing a chance for real connection in an increasingly digitized and decentralized universe.

NU RADIO will allow for limitless creativity. The platform will feature a main hub with multiple minigames where players can be fully immersed in Oseanworld. Users will lose themselves in NU RADIO City: a beacon of socializing, quest discovery, and NU RADIO racing (a multiplayer racing game with prizes and custom Oseanworld avatars). Featuring candy-colored skies and Osean’s signature character, Mad Monkeii, NU RADIO will be available on iOS and android, with PC and VR versions to closely follow. The NU RADIO official game “NU RACE” is set to launch later this summer and will allow multiplayer races in true Oseanworld fashion.

Follow Osean updates at: Youtube//Instagram//Twitter