Posts made in June 2022

John Vitti, CEO of VersusGame, headshot via Luxure Group for use by 360 Magazine

Millennials and the Metaverse: Here’s where Gaming and Engagement Come into Play

The digital age has taken over our daily lives. We now have technology that does everything for us – wake us up, read us our daily news, count our calories – the list goes on. But what the digital age has done for us most: provide fun and engaging ways for us to spend our downtime. 

The gaming universe has become one of the most flourishing industries of all time. With millions of games to choose from, like Bubble Hit, people of all ages can connect, engage, and enjoy. Recent reports show that the younger the generation, the higher the likelihood of engagement in the mobile gaming industry. Studies have shown that every 8/10 Millennial and Gen Z consumers are playing video games. Gaming is even on track to replace movies and television as the preferred form of entertainment. With numbers like this, it is a no brainer to begin ventures into this highly grossing marketplace. 

This thought is actually what created the staple of today’s gaming: the metaverse. With gaming on the rise, something had to be done to take it to the next level. The metaverse is an immersive virtual reality. Gamers enter this virtual world, “live”, and participate in activities in this virtual world. You may, in fact, have seen or heard of the metaverse in many different aspects besides gaming. The idea of NFT’s/cryptocurrency, for example, is another aspect of the metaverse. Games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite are examples of popular gaming sites that have immersed their users into the metaverse. 

But what exactly about the metaverse makes it so attractive? 

You can have fun with your friends anywhere,anytime. In the past, games could only be played together in person. But the metaverse extends the fun. Just the click of a button can take you into a new reality with all your friends. But the metaverse does more than just connect you with your friends – it can actually make you money. 

“I want to level the financial playing field and give the masses the opportunity to reach financial wealth,” remarks CEO John Vitti of VersusGames

Vitti transcended the already futuristic metaverse by going a step above and beyond – instead of simply having fun, you can have fun and earn money. VersusGames is a prediction-based gaming app, allowing you to make predictions that test your knowledge on all things pop culture. You enter a one-on-one match up, earning money through correct predictions. In addition to those earnings, by referring a friend, you earn 5% of their earnings. Players are earning so much that they’re even quitting their jobs! Here, the idea of the metaverse takes on a new meaning. The metaverse extends from the virtual world to reality, allowing you to turn your gaming into real-life profit. 

VersusGames also allows influencers and celebrities to engage with their fans. As creators host games, they are able to earn consistent profits from their engagement. Unlike other big tech giants that only have a small pot of funds for all of their creators, VersusGames ensures creators get value for their time. But VersusGames is more than another PR opportunity – celebrities like Kevin Hart, Jason Derulo, and internet superstars Josh Richards and David Dobrik find VersusGames a meaningful way to form genuine connections with their fans. 

VersusGames is a great example of how engagement is enhanced through the metaverse. By turning virtual fun into real-life profit, consumers aren’t just engaging with the product once, but consistently coming back for more. Besides a higher retention rate, the metaverse provides another layer of enhanced gaming. With tools like virtual reality sets, you aren’t simply playing a video game, you are inside of one. Gaming goes from a 2-D to 3-D experience. The physical gaming experience has become more immersive than ever, as well as the real-life opportunities that go with them. Gaming isn’t simply a passtime anymore. Thanks to the metaverse, it has become a lifestyle. 

With every innovation comes its skeptics. Many are worried about the impacts of the metaverse on privacy. With new technology like the metaverse, so much is unknown. From tracking your physical movements and patterns when you play games, to tracking personal and financial information in transferring gaming money to money in the bank, a lot of consumers are worried about the implications of these actions. Companies are ensuring that with this brand new technology, consumers remain the priority. Privacy laws regarding the new metaverse technology are now being developed to protect consumer privacy first and foremost. 

Another fear with the metaverse is its implications on its players’ physical and mental health. By entering such an immersive world, some players have experienced a feeling similar to a hangover or depression period after exiting the game. When switching from such an exciting and immersive world, the switch back into reality can sometimes be challenging. Companies like VersusGames have worked to ease the transition by providing real-life opportunities for advancement from the games, and allowing social interaction to be a large part of the game. By staying connected to others in the metaverse, players’ confidence in their abilities to interact is high, helping bridge the gap of social anxiety, and encouraging more genuine connection in reality. 

To sum up, here are the key features the metaverse provides your gamers:

  • An immersive and engaging gaming experience
  • Opportunities for profit
  • A great way to connect with friends/family

Gaming is redefining the entertainment industry. As the younger generations are now engaging with entertainment more often, gaming has become at the forefront of priorities. The era of the metaverse is here – it is time to get on board!

360 MAGAZINE Swarovski encrusted bottle designed by Vaughn Lowery for NFT-VIP and minted on Solana

NFT-VIP

NFT-VIP is hosting its inaugural conference in the tech space to network their businesses, advance knowledge and engage intimately. In the recent past, similar NFT meetups have been held in multiple cities across America: Miami, New York City and Los Angeles. This year, NFT-VIP will be holding its series at Margaritaville Resort Time Square, June 19 – 22. 360 MAGAZINE serves as the official media sponsor of the episode.

As a rapidly growing digital industry, NFT-VIP has become a popular way for people to trade outside the conventional financial system. It continues to stimulate the development of a virtual economy based on digital strengths in various forms: music, art and fashion.

“The idea of using cryptocurrencies is not only a form of currency. Along with a deliverable channel, knowing that entities could be built on them and using them is mind-blowing,” states Julie Lamb, CEO of NFT-VIP. This is the first major 360 MAG Podcast promotion that will serve as the official launch. Interviewee Jefferson Noel is scheduled to speak on the NFT-VIP agenda. Other notable guests: Andrew Yang, Young Paris, Alex Alpert, Vaughn Lowery, Chris Carter, Genesis Johnson, postVerrone, Fanzo, Sal DiGuardia and FoodMasku.

Helen Indelicato, Julie Lamb, Sal Di Guardia, Vaughn Lowery are speakers at the NFT-VIP conference in nyc via 360 Magazine
Helen Indelicato, Julie Lamb, Sal Di Guardia, Vaughn Lowery will be on the NFT-VIP stage via ‘press panel’ Sun., June 19 at 2:30pm EST (click image for full agenda).

The NFT-VIP festival was fabricated with the unique digital identifier enthusiast in mind, providing a golden opportunity to intensify transmissions and interrelations. The number of leading brands and celebrities involved in this field is increasing exponentially with the world’s first and largest crypto collectibles market—OpenSea. With that, 360 MAGAZINE has minted and released a loveable Animal set.

360 MAGAZINE Animal Series NFT character, Lucky Lenox, coming soon under the direction of Vaughn Lowery
(Minting Lucky Lenox on OpenSea)

As a media partner, 360 MAGAZINE aims to liaise between NFT-VIP participants and disadvantaged business enterprises. 360 is determined to spread the word on NFT-VIP to countless cohorts: the elderly, women, racialized groups and the queer community. “We now coexist in a multi-generational society with multi-racial people who have multi-educational backgrounds and who possess multi-hyphen lifestyles. Our purpose here is to create an environment of inclusiveness and to further facilitate sustainable relationships beyond the metaverse,” Lowery shares.

During the engagement, 360’s Swarovski encrusted bottle, made in collaboration with Integrity Bottles and Good Vibe Gliders, will be forged on Solana with partial proceeds donated to a charity. 360, freshly announced pet NFT, apace with Reebok’s Looney Tunes footwear, will go to a handful of lucky guests with Best Tech Style. Additionally, in real time, the publication will interview the speakers in their ecletic enclosure with bean bags and a bejeweled e-bike.

NFT-VIP RECAP HERE.

About 360 MAGAZINE

360, an internationally acclaimed LA-based magazine, represents the celebration of societal change through racial and sexual ambiguity as a youthful popular culture and design journal. As a certified National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) business, it progressively supports various under-represented communities: women, POC and queer. Just last month, 360 was crowned Business of the Month.

Previous celebs on the cover: Saweetie, Demi Lovato, David Guetta, Sebastián Yatra, Will.i.am, Steve Aoki and Tyga. Infographics on the journal can be downloaded HERE.

Twitter | LinkedIn | TikTok

About Vaughn Lowery

Vaughn Lowery, the founder and president of the NGLCC certified, 360 MAGAZINE, has always strived for positive social change. Lowery is the executive producer of 360 MAG Podcast on AudibleApple and Spotify as well as a new NFT Animal Series on OpenSea. His self-help marketing memoir, Move Like Water × Be Fluid is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart. He’s a graduate of Cornell University’s ILR School and grandson of the late Dr. Joseph Lowery–a leader of the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King as well as the minister at Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration.

Twitter|LinkedIn|TikTok

About NFT

According to Wikipedia, non-fungible token is a financial security consisting of digital data stored in a blockchain, a form of distributed ledger. The ownership of an NFT is recorded in the blockchain, and can be transferred by the owner, allowing NFTs to be sold and traded.

NFT-VIP Agenda HERE.

Listen to NFT-VIP Speakers on 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

Reebok Best Style Tech Winners BELOW.

NFT VIP tech series in nyc media sponsored by 360 MAGAZINE
Sal DiGuardia, CEO of Crypto Radio Network at NFT-VIP in NYC via 360 MAGAZINE
Marvel Announced A New Collection For The Planet Of The Apes via E.M. GIST for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Marvel – Apes

Last week, Marvel Comics announced a brand-new era of PLANET OF THE APES comics storytelling! The groundbreaking science-fiction phenomenon will return to Marvel Comics with a new series next year and fans will also be able to enjoy Marvel’s previous PLANET OF THE APES stories in the upcoming PLANET OF THE APES ADVENTURES: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS!

This rare collection will reprint all eleven issues of ADVENTURES ON THE PLANETS OF THE APES for the very first time! The beloved 1975 series adapted the first two iconic Planet of the Apes films and hold a special place in the hearts of Planet of the Apes and Marvel Comics fans alike!

When a crew of astronauts crash-lands on a strange and desolate world, they discover a society of apes with heightened intelligence and speech! And here, a race of mute humans are their slaves! Can the mission’s leader, Taylor, fight his way free and hold onto his humanity? What is the shocking secret of this Planet of the Apes? And what unfathomable danger lies beneath the surface? Find out when a second spaceship makes its way to this uncanny world and another astronaut faces a battle for survival, with the fate of the entire planet at stake!

It’s the simian sci-fi staple in the mighty Marvel manner! Relive Marvel’s take on the classic films Planet of the Apes and Beneath the Planet of the Apes in one action-packed volume! Check out the covers of the omnibus below and stay tuned for more news about PLANET OF THE APES’ exciting future at Marvel Comics! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

*Written by DOUG MOENCH

*Art by GEORGE TUSKA & ALDREDO ALCALA

*Cover by E.M. GIST

*Direct Market Exclusive Cover by GIL KANE

Spirits illustration by Heather Skovlund for use by 360 Magazine

Freedom Sip

As we enter the summer season, it’s important to stay refreshed and hydrated as the Sun shines bright. If you’re in search of the most pristine cocktails to indulge in by the pool or at the beach this time of year, explore no more! 360 Magazine has you covered with an array of spirits that will keep you relaxed and feeling your best.

Batch & Bottle

For those looking for an even simpler July 4th treat, the Batch & Bottle Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan is the perfect option! The glacial Reyka Vodka harnesses natural rhubarb whilst mingling with tangy blood orange and zingy fresh lime to create an eruption of Icelandic intrigue. Simply chill, pour into a coupe glass, and garnish with a lime wedge and you’re ready for backyard BBQs, beachside hangs, and more summertime fun.

SAILOR JERRY SPICED RUM

Don’t Tread on Jerry

Ingredients:

  • Top with sarsaparilla or root beer
  • 3 dashes Bitters
  • 2 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Method: Build cocktail in Collins glass over ice, stirring until mixed well. Garnish with lime wedge.

Backyard Tea 

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
  • 3 parts black tea
  • 1 part fresh lemonade

Method: Build all ingredients in a rock-filled highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

REYKA VODKA

Frozen Cosmo

Ingredients:

  • 1 part Reyka Vodka
  • 2 parts Cranberry juice
  • 1 part fresh lime juice
  • 1.75 parts simple syrup (1:1)
  • 1.75 parts water

Method: Combine all ingredients into ice cup and place in the freezer.

Iceland Spritz

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts Reyka Vodka
  • 6 parts Raspberry & Rhubarb Tonic

Method: Build over ice in a large wine glass. Garnish with fresh berries. 

HENDRICK’S GIN

Don’t Call Me Shirley

Created by Hendrick’s Ambassador Mattias Horseman

Ingredients:

  • 2 Parts Hendrick’s Gin
  • ¼ Part Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Juice or Grenadine
  • ¼ Part Orange Liqueur
  • Top with Fever-Tree Lemon Tonic

Method: Garnish with a squeeze of lemon, a fresh cherry, and cucumber slices in a highball glass.

Cucumber Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ parts Hendrick’s Gin
  • ½ part Lemon Juice
  • ½ part Simple Syrup
  • Top with Soda Water
  • 3 rounds of Cucumber and 1 wheel of Lemon to Garnish

Method: Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with cubed ice and lightly stir. Garnish with 3 thinly sliced rounds of cucumber and 1 lemon wheel and serve.

MILAGRO TEQUILA

Fiesta Americana

Created by Milagro Ambassador Luis Lopez

Ingredients:

  • 5 muddled strawberries at the bottom of the glass
  • 2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila
  • 2 parts coco cream
  • ¾ parts lemon juice
  • 1 part pineapple juice
  • ¼ part agave nectar

Method: Garnish with buzz ball rim (blue), shake, strain over fresh ice, and serve in a tall glass.

Watermelon Margarita

Created by East Coast Ambassador, Manny Pena

Ingredients: 

  • 2 parts Milagro Silver 
  • 2 parts Watermelon juice  
  • 1 part Lime
  • ½ part agave nectar 

Method: Shake and strain over fresh ice into a glass with a salted rim. Add lime wheel, lime wedge, or watermelon triangle to garnish.

FISTFUL OF BOURBON

Fistful of 4th Pops

Created by Anthony Bohlinger, National Fistful of Bourbon Brand Ambassador

Ingredients:

  • Strawberry Top
    • 2 cup Diced Strawberries
    • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
    • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • Colada Center
    • 1 ½ cups of fresh pineapple cubes
    • 1 cup unsweetened coconut cream
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 part Fistful of Bourbon
    • 1 ½ Teaspoons Fresh lime Juice
    • ¼ Teaspoon kosher salt
  • Blueberry Base
  • 2 cups Blueberries
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • ½ cup Greek Yogurt

Method: Makes 12 popsicles. For each flavor section, add all ingredients in a blender & puree. Fill popsicle molds ¼ full with strawberry blend and freeze for 1 hour. Take colada mix and fill popsicle molds ¾ full and freeze for 1 hour. Add the blueberry mix and insert popsicle base and freeze for one hour. Finish with lime zest over the whole popsicle.

HUDSON WHISKEY

Cilantro Nectarine Smash

Ingredients:

Method:Add cilantro, nectarine and simple syrup to cocktail shaker and muddle gently, releasing juice from the nectarine without tearing the cilantro leaves. Add rye and ice to shaker and shake to chill. Dump all into rocks glass. Garnish with fresh sprig of cilantro – slap before serving to release aromatics. 

*Cilantro can be substituted with any herb you love – sage, basil, rosemary all make for a great cocktail.

GLENFIDDICH 

The Glenfiddich Highland Cooler

Created by Allan Roth, Glenfiddich Ambassador

Ingredients:

Method: This might be one of the simplest, and most delicious, drinks you can make on the 4th of July.  Simply cool the juice (pureed fruit) of a ripe, seedless watermelon, and mix it five to one with Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve.  Pour into a highball or rocks glass and garnish with a small watermelon wedge and some mint.  

For extra credit, stick the 5:1 mixture in the freezer.  Once it’s set, scrape it out with a fork to create a delicious watermelon Glenfiddich snow cone.

THE BALVENIE 

When Birds Do Sing

Created by The Balvenie  Ambassador Naomi Leslie 

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts The Balvenie Sweet Toast of American Oak 12 Year
  • ½ part Lillet Blanc Aperitif 
  • ¾ part Simple Syrup
  • ¾ part Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 4 dashes Grapefruit Bitters

Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake briefly. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

TULLAMORE D.E.W. / Monkey Shoulder

Monkey See Monkey DEW

Ingredients:

1 part Tullamore D.E.W

1 part Monkey Shoulder

.75 part Lemon Juice

.5 part Orgeat

.5 part Simple Syrup

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice into an old fashioned glass, garnish with a blood orange wheel (or orange wedge)

Batch & Bottle Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan via Mcsaatchi for use by 360 Magazine

The Immortal IPA – Elysian Brewing

Elysian Brewing recently unveiled a label refresh for one of its OG beers, which was first brewed over 25 years ago. As one of their longest standing beers, Immortal’s original label was inspired by Greek mythology, showcasing Zeus sitting defiantly on his throne as he harnesses heaven’s lightning into a vibrant scepter of power and fire. 

Seeking to maintain a connection to the beer’s original roots, Elysian’s design team approached the Immortal refresh by looking at the original tagline ‘Power in Balance’ as a jumping-off point for new art. They had attempted to refresh the brand several times over the past few years, but nothing really clicked until this original narrative was introduced into a tarot framework – an idea that was first sparked last year. 

To further build upon this framework, each of the designers were enrolled in a tarot class and the synchronicity helped to inform and illuminate this direction they’d ultimately charted. Individually, each designer created a tarot card that represents a different part of Immortality. Together all three cards tell an interconnected story, but individually represent a different part of Immortality:

  • Turtle + Lion: Balance / The Immortal Balance
  • Old Man: Wisdom / The Immortal Wisdom
  • Snakes: Power / The Immortal Power

Elysian Brewing beers via Nate Watters / Elysian Brewing for use by 360 Magazine

HOTEL PASO DEL NORTE

Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection sparkles like a beautiful diamond in downtown El Paso, or four diamonds to be exact according to AAA, which recently awarded the hotel a four-diamond ranking. From the chef-driven dining to the lavish amenities, stunning attention to detail can be found everywhere. The upscale, stylish, and Art-Deco atmosphere makes for a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave guests with a sense of awe.

At Hotel Paso del Norte you can experience an iconic dome ceiling made of Tiffany-style stained glass, handcrafted by European artisans, towers above Dome Bar, a destination for prohibition-style cocktails, fine cognacs and whiskeys offer stirring treats alongside appetizers and small plates.

Adjacent to the Dome Bar, the Black Jack cigar lounge features a walk-in humidor, private cigar lockers, and cocktail service. Guests can sit back and relax on a plush couch as the rich aroma of the finest cigars and cocktails engulf them while staff cut and light their cigars.

The rooftop cocktail lounge, El Mirador, presents panoramic views of the Juarez and Franklin Mountains. The drink menu features craft cocktails, an extensive selection of fine wine by glass and bottle, craft beer, and the availability of “bottle service.” The food menu consists of small plates and light fare.

1700°, a destination-worthy American steakhouse, offers elevated daytime and nighttime dining, and a menu anchored by aged USDA prime beef. These Fine, hand-cut steaks are complemented by the freshest seafood and an extensive selection of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts that offer a “Culinary Tip of the Hat” to local cuisine. 1700°’s elegant and energetic atmosphere is the perfect setting for a broad selection of world-class wines by the bottle and glass, along with local and national craft beer selections, and barrel-aged and handcrafted cocktails.

Sabor, the hotel’s light-filled restaurant, serves an eclectic fusion of the Southwest, Texas, and Southern comfort foods that bring bold flavors to the forefront of every dining experience. The spacious interior intermingles with sprawling patios for indoor and al fresco dining three times a day.

Dulce, the hotel’s bakery café and gelateria, will satisfy guests’ sweet tooth with its Barista-quality coffees and beverages, fresh baked goods, and house-made gelato. Dulce also serves sophisticated pre-made salads and sandwiches, all in a refined fast-casual setting.

Desert Spirit Spa provides one-of-a-kind relaxing experiences, including a Halotherapy room, which is a unique offering perfect for those with respiratory or skin conditions. Customized treatments, relaxing ambiance, and breathtaking views will leave guests in a state of tranquility and bliss. Other special offerings include luxurious hydra-facials and a sauna room that comes complimentary with any booked service. A complete list of services can be found here. Through August 2022, book the Weekend Getaway Package and receive a $100 voucher for the spa with an overnight stay.

Other lavish amenities include the 10th-floor rooftop pool with a stunning view; Dannah Lane boutique, a luxury western wear boutique; and a fully-equipped fitness center open 24/7. Exploring the hotel’s historic grandeur is a delight in itself with impressive architecture at every turn.

Situated in downtown El Paso, so many exciting experiences await just outside the hotel’s front doors, including wonderful entertainment venues, museums, parks, and the popular air-conditioned streetcar system, which provides easy access to a wide array of downtown shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect location for locals and visitors to experience a luxurious, and much needed, vacation.

Pride illustration

RAINBOW KEY AWARDS 2022

Since 1993, the City of West Hollywood has presented Rainbow Key Awards to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. This year, the founding team of Revry will be recognized for their fantastic work for the LGBTQ+ communityDamian PelliccioneLaShawn McGheeAlia Daniels, and Chris Rodriguez are equal co-founders of the only LGBTQ-first streaming platform. 

Since its inception, more than 155 Rainbow Key Awards have been presented. Previous honorees include activists, artists, civic leaders, educators, and many more. Contributions worthy of the Rainbow Key Award come in many forms, such as community or humanitarian action, the arts, sports, or medicine that benefits the global gay and lesbian community.

The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 29, at 6:00 p.m. at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers. The event is free to attend for all, and those interested can RSVP here.

PARADISE AT THE HARBOR CLUB

The Harbor Club, Curio Collection by Hilton is a hotel located on the picturesque island of St. Lucia. The Harbor Club will take your breath away with its magnificent views overlooking Rodney Bay, astonishing surroundings, and an endless list of local activities. A destination rich in its history and with a strong cultural identity, it is the perfect place to seek a unique island experience. 

Known locally as the lifestyle hotel, Harbor Club is buzzing with high energy, offering live entertainment daily, 115 guest rooms, four cascading pools, and nine restaurants and bars.  

With Carnival fast approaching, St. Lucia comes alive during its summer season, local culture is celebrated during July festivities with parades, live music, beautifully designed carnival attire, and other forms of entertainment to serve a full Caribbean experience during this highly celebrated season. 

The property offers a number of great amenities perfect for couples including swim-up hotel rooms, fine dining options, four beautiful pools, private dining experiences, a sunset cruise with beautiful views of the Pitons, and numerous off-site excursions perfect for two including La Soufriere Drive-In Volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcano and snorkeling in Pigeon Island, a national park with breathtaking views. 

The hotel offers a relaxing and rejuvenating spa onsite, the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and The Sulphur Mud Baths are perfect calming activities to relax mind and body during your getaway, with both highlighting the natural beauty the island offers. 

Buzzing with local energy, wandering off to charming Market Street near the resort or the markets in Gros Islet, with fruits, vegetables, spices, handmade arts and crafts, and locally made handwoven fashions, it is never a bad idea to explore the beautiful artistry of and delicious produce St. Lucia offers. 

Picture of Adam Anderson via Adam Anderson for use by 360 Magazine

ADAM ANDERSON

Listen to Adam Anderson on 360 MAG Podcast HERE

Adam Anderson, the author of Fire Yourself, the Entrepreneurial Endgame and co-host of the Two Stones, One Bird podcast, is a cyber security and space entrepreneur who has been the advisor, founder and/or primary investor in over 30 startups. Adam created the field of the psychological security and started his cybersecurity business to reach the goal of “Building resilient human minds to resist manipulation through technology,” stopping people from hacking minds by making sure everyone is aware of the concept. By taking the human side under consideration, Adam realized that it is still not fully protected when humans are involved in the virtual process where cybercrime happens, even though the underlying technology of crypto and NFT is safe today.

As the world is becoming incredibly digitalized, the businesses that need cyber security the most are those on the supply chain who are trying to adopt new technology but have little perception of blockchain and smart contracts. As a cybersecurity venture, Adam is responsible for the growth of cyber economy by reporting criminal activity and researching companies to ensure they are trustworthy. Adam is also one of the speakers at the NTF-VIP which is happening in NYC from June 19th – to 22nd. Being a person who holds the experience as both an entrepreneur and an institutional investor, Adam is excited and curious about “how do I use traditional bc and pe structure to organize all these things but replace institutional money coming in with money from NFT and DeFi.” At the same time, his engaged and professional speech made him a reliable speaker for clients looking to create a buzz in their communities. 

In 2018, after selling his first cyber security company, Adam recognized that his role should be investing in people building companies that innovate in cyber security instead of staying on the front line. This is the point where he started acting as venture capital. The process of walking alongside those startups from the beginning stage to the final launch and production usually takes five years with three roles involved in each stage: pre-accelerator, accelerator, and incubator. He is now serving as the Chair of the Board for Hook Security and as Managing General Partner for Ansuz Capital

Article:

Iris Li, Armon Hayes, Vaughn Lowery

Reebok × AI

Reebok have confirmed a June 24 release for Allen Iverson’s 2001 game 5 player-exclusive Answer IV, marking the first revival of this particular black/white iteration ($160, FY9691) since that season.

The shoe – a direct colorway bring back of Iverson’s ‘01 finals game 5 pair – released globally in 2021, pre-empting a summer 2022 stateside launch.

Classic features include a rubber outsole with DMX branding, OG underfoot tooling with an embedded Iverson face logo, ribbed heel underlay, sublimated I3 tongue print, a smooth upper vamp, and the hallmark zipper shroud.

Picture of Netsky and Rita Ora via Stoked PR for use by 360 Magazine

NETSKY F/ RITA ORA – BARRICADES

NETSKY & RITA ORA TEAM UP FOR NEW SINGLE ‘BARRICADES’ RELEASED TODAY VIA HELIX RECORDS

LISTEN TO ‘BARRICADES’ [HERE]

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERES TOMORROW 23RD JUNE 2022 5PM BST [HERE]

Today, global superstar Rita Ora joins forces with award-winning world renowned producer and DJ NETSKY on summer anthem “Barricades” released via Helix Records

Produced with super-producers Stargate, the brilliant collaboration between the headline artists ‘Barricades’ combines Netsky’s trademark energetic production style and knack for a soaring pop chorus with Rita Ora’s distinctive uplifting vocals to produce an anthem sure to soundtrack this summer. The track’s official music video will premiere tomorrow 23rd June 2022 at 5pm BST and features a captivating performance from Rita Ora filmed in Los Angeles by director Joe Mischo.

About their “Barricades” collaboration, Netsky says; “I’ve wanted to work with Rita since I heard ‘RIP’, so it was really special to get her and Stargate together in the studio again. We wanted to make a song that really showcased the power of her voice. The song is about the battles people go through being in love. We combined the simple beauty of pop with the power of breaks/drum and bass. I want to make dance music that has honesty and emotion – I think this song is that.”

Rita Ora adds; ‘It’s been amazing to work with Netsky on ‘Barricades’. It’s an honour to get to work with such a talented producer, especially on a track like this. Collaborating on another Drum n Bass record a decade after my first no.1 ‘Hot Right Now’ with DJ Fresh, feels like coming home, and I’m beyond excited for everyone to hear it. I hope they love dancing to it as much as I do!’

Picture of Netsky and Rita Ora via Stoked PR for use by 360 Magazine

Rita Ora is one of the most successful female UK artists of the 21st century and an international critically acclaimed singer-songwriter with four #1 UK singles. She holds the record for the most Top 10 singles for a British female artist in the UK in history with a total of 13. In 2021, she co-wrote and produced the global collaboration Bang with GRAMMY winning Kazakh DJ and record producer Imanbek. Featuring David Guetta, Gunna and Argentinian rapper KHEA, the four track EP is a mix of modern pop, 80s and 90s club culture and floor-filling house. The EP was the follow up to her album Phoenix, which has amassed over 4 billion streams worldwide, spawned 3 platinum singles and includes “Lonely Together,” her collaboration with Avicii which won “Best Dance” VMA at the MTV Video Music Awards. In addition, her debut album, Ora, debuted at #1 on the UK charts and was certified platinum. Rita is also a multi-talented industry leader across TV, culture and fashion, with brand partnerships across key sectors. Her film and television credits include the Fifty Shades of Greyfranchise, Fast & FuriousSouthpaw, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, Twist, and the upcoming film Tin Soldier and series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight.

NETSKY has emerged as one of the most in demand music producers and a trendsetting global heavyweight in electronic music. Amidst a catalogue of hits, he has collaborated with everyone from Lil Wayne, Aloe Blacc, David Guetta, Becky Hill, Emilie Sande, Swedish House Mafia and Rudimental while the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Jack Ü have sought him out for remixes. From selling out Arenas to headlining some of the worlds biggest festivals, he also ignited the Netsky & Friends brand as an extension of his creative influence, curating and hosting his own stage at Tomorrowland and rolling out the concept at festivals and clubs across Europe. . 

Stay tuned for more to come from Netsky.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Netsky:

Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Rita Ora:

Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter YouTube

Download hi-res artwork & press shots here

For media enquiries please contact:

Kate Head at Stoked PR kate@stokedpr.com // 07946599507

Julie Smith at Stoked PR: julie@stokedpr.com // 07961002495

ABOUT HELIX RECORDS

Helix Records, established in April 2022, is a multi-territory independent home for the world’s best new electronic dance music. Patrick Moxey’s ascending flagship electronic dance music label has already signed several high-profile new artists including renowned electronic duo Snakehips, British-Australian band AR/CO, party rockers Two Friends, legendary house dj/producer Marshall Jefferson, and tech house maven DJ Susan, with more announcements to come.