Posts made in April 2023

The Weeknd – Double Fantasy

THE WEEKND RELEASES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO FOR “DOUBLE FANTASY”
SONG FEATURING FUTURE PRODUCED BY HIMSELF, MIKE DEAN, & METRO BOOMIN

FIRST ORIGINAL SINGLE FROM THE UPCOMING HBO® ORIGINAL SERIES THE IDOL

SERIES SELECTED BY FESTIVAL DE CANNES
LISTEN TO THE NEW SINGLE HERE

WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE

The Weeknd drops his newest single “Double Fantasy” featuring Future (XO Records/Republic Records). This single is the first original song off The Weeknd’s upcoming HBO Original series The Idol and includes production from himself along with Mike Dean and additional co-production from Metro Boomin.

The new series is co-created by Sam Levinson (HBO’s “Euphoria”), Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, and stars Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp. The Idol will premiere at this year’s annual Festival De Cannes in France as an Official Selection Out of Competition and is set to debut on Sunday, June 4 at 9:00pm ET/PT. The series will air on HBO and be available to stream on Max.

The series is executive produced by Sam Levinson, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Joseph Epstein, Aaron L. Gilbert for BRON, and Sara E. White, and produced in partnership with A24.

Earlier this year, The Weeknd was officially named “the world’s most popular artist” according to Guinness World Records based on his Spotify streaming numbers.

Listen to The Weeknd’s newest single “Double Fantasy” featuring Future and produced by The Weeknd, Mike Dean, & Metro Boomin now available here, and watch the music video here. For updates on the show, follow @theidol on Instagram.

Photo credit: Courtesy of HBO / Photographed by Eddy Chen

Kim Petras × Nicki Minaj

WATCH

GRAMMY-winning international pop sensation and critically-acclaimed songwriter Kim Petras has released her highly anticipated new single “Alone” ft. Nicki Minaj – out now via Republic Records/Amigo Records.

“Alone” is a steamy club banger about letting your impulses take control. Featuring diamond-selling hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj, one of Kim’s biggest inspirations as a songwriter and artist, the single samples Alice Deejay’s eurodance megahit “Better Off Alone,” a nod to the dance hits that Kim lost herself in during childhood to forget her problems. Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj are featured on New Music Daily on Apple Music.

Kim is gearing up for an epic performance at Governor’s Ball in NYC this June and will also perform at Life is Beautiful in Las Vegas and The Town in São Paulo, Brazil this September. Kim recently headlined Sydney WorldPride in Australia.

“Alone” ft. Nicki Minaj follows the recent release of Kim’s icy, beat-heavy bop “brrr” and her and Sam Smith’s LGBTQ history-making GRAMMY win (and moving acceptance speech) for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their #1 global, platinum smash hit “Unholy”– which just surpassed one billion streams. Kim was also recently featured on the official remix of Meghan Trainor’s viral hit “Made You Look.”

“Unholy,” which Kim co-wrote and performed with Sam on the GRAMMY Awards, Saturday Night Live, and the BRIT Awards, quickly became one of 2022’s top pop debuts, skyrocketing to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Global 200, the worldwide charts on Spotify and Apple Music, and the UK Official Singles Chart, and seeing Kim and Sam win the Variety Innovators of the Year award, an MTV EMA for ‘Video for Good,” and an iHeart Radio Award for Best Collaboration.

Earlier this year, Kim was featured as Spotify’s Songwriter of the Month, released her vulnerable single about her spiritual journey “If Jesus Was A Rockstar,” and performed “brrr” at Billboard’s Women In Music event where she was honored with the Chartbreaker Award. Kim also debuted “brrr” live on Late Night with Seth Meyers where she also did her first late night interview.

ABOUT KIM PETRAS:

Kim Petras has become one of music’s most buzzed-about talents, self-styling a massively dynamic career with a string of critically acclaimed singles and projects, more than two billions global streams, sold-out headline tours of North America and Europe, and lavish praise from major mainstream publications and tastemaking outlets worldwide. After years of triumphing as an entirely independent artist with her larger-than-life magnetism, Petras signed to Republic Records / Amigo Records and began a brand-new era that included her viral single “Coconuts” and her sex-positive EP Slut Pop. Kim immediately made a splash with her 2017 break-out single “I Don’t Want It At All” (a #1 hit on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 Chart) and “Heart to Break” soon became her first Top 40 smash. Her 2019 project Clarity featured lead single “Icy.” Her Halloween-themed project TURN OFF THE LIGHT included standout tracks “There Will Be Blood” and “Close Your Eyes” and was followed by her 2020 summer hit “Malibu.” As Petras’ widespread acclaim has grown, she has made numerous national TV appearances, drew global attention during her Met Gala debut, was personally selected by Ariana Grande to appear on the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack, and has collaborated with the likes of Charli XCX, Kygo, Cheat Codes, Madison Beer, and K/DA, Sam Smith, Meghan Trainor and Nicki Minaj.

FOLLOW KIM PETRAS 

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Photo credit: Alex “Grizz” Loucas

Kim Petras at Met Gala captured by Tim Agosta via 360 MAGAZINE.

Kim Petras covers SI.

Shenseea – Curious

GLOBAL ARTIST SHENSEEA RELEASES NEW SINGLE “CURIOUS”

LISTEN HERE & WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE!

SHENSEEA TO MAKE HER COACHELLA DEBUT THIS WEEKEND

Grammy nominated, chart topping Jamaican artist Shenseea, released her highly anticipated new single and music video for “Curious.” Listen to it HERE and watch the visual HERE. “Curious” made its global broadcast premiere on BET Jams, BET Hip Hop, MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop, and across MTV’s global network of channels, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards. The upbeat and infectious song features Shenseea’s signature dancehall sound with catchy lyrics that will have listeners singing and dancing along. The single showcases Shenseea’s versatility as an artist, with her smooth vocals and confident delivery.

“Curious” is produced by London on da Track and the official video is directed by Arrad (Lil Wayne, Latto). This single comes just ahead of her highly anticipated debut performances at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival on April 15 and 22. “Curious” sets the tone for what fans can expect from Shenseea as she readies more new music to come this year and continues her evolution from a dancehall artist into a global pop superstar.

Shenseea recently performed at Rolling Loud LA, headlined a show at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY and she was just featured in EBONY as part of their Women Who Rule Break feature. Last year, Shenseea released her highly anticipated debut album, Alpha, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Reggae Album chart. Stacked with features including Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage, Tyga, Sean Paul, and Offset, the album seamlessly showcases a variety of Shenseea’s favorite genres, R&B, pop, reggae, dancehall, & rap. Also last year, Shenseea earned her first GRAMMY nomination and made her late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a performance of “Deserve It”.

Shenseea has been releasing hit after hit since her 2016 breakout, including collaborations with Young Thug, Calvin Harris, Charlie Puth, WizKid, Sean Paul & Gwen Stefani, and more, quickly establishing herself as an artist to watch. Her music has earned her praise from Rolling Stone, W Mag, Billboard, NME, Refinery29 and more.

About Shenseea:

Shenseea has solidified her place as one of music’s most in-demand rising stars. Revered for her confident, slick-tongued patois rhymes and energetic pop hits, Shenseea’s skills as a singer, rapper and songwriter have earned her stamps of approval from The New York Times, The Guardian, Billboard and more. After releasing her Vybz Kartel-assisted debut single “Loodi” in 2016, and a stint on Sean Paul’s 2017 European tour, Shenseea joined Rich Immigrants/Interscope Records in 2019. She kept the energy high by releasing one-off tracks including her debut label single “Blessed” featuring Tyga which boasts millions of plays across DSPs and YouTube. Last year she released her highly anticipated debut album, Alpha, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Reggae Album chart, making Shenseea the first Jamaican artist to see such success on the Billboard charts in the last 17 years. Stacked with features including Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage, Tyga, Sean Paul, and Offset, the album seamlessly showcases a variety of Shenseea’s favorite genres, R&B, pop, reggae, dancehall, & rap. Last year, Shenseea earned her first GRAMMY nomination and made her late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a performance of Deserve It.

Follow Shenseea on Socials

Whitney Peak × Elle Canada

KO MÉDIA REVEALS AN IN-DEPTH MAY ISSUE OF ELLE CANADA.

KO Média is thrilled to unveil the May issue of ELLE Canada, our green issue featuring Whitney Peak, the Ugandan-Canadian star of the Gossip Girl revival. The new face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance tells us about how her family’s relocation changed her future: “In Uganda, I would never have thought of doing this job. Not because it doesn’t happen there, but because it’s as if, in my mind and in my family’s mind, we already had a completely different path mapped out for our lives. Instead, Canada has opened up new opportunities for me that I could not have imagined.”

We speak to plenty of passionate women in this issue, including actor Simone Kessell from the second season of everyone’s favorite survivalist series, Yellowjackets. Music and fashion double threat Lexie Liu maps her journey to stardom, Priyanka Chopra Jonas lets us in on her globe-conquering ambitions, ice scientist Alison Criscitiello explains how Canada’s deep-freeze regions can tell us about our climate’s past and future and Sana Javeri Kadri shows us how she’s dreaming up a better spice trade.

In the style department, we peek at trompe l’oeil pieces that will have you double-checking your eyesight, while a Toronto trio of Bangladeshi-Canadians tells us about redefining the “Made in Bangladesh” label and spring sees designers playing with sheer layers on the runway. OddBird Co. rises to the top as an inclusive slow-fashion brand, six sustainable fashion pros tell us about their eco-responsible ways, and we take a critical look at whose voice matters in the era of democratized online fashion expertise. We’re wild for Virginie Viard’s latest animal-inspired Chanel haute-couture collection, along with the season’s eye-popping colors, including home design’s pink-meets-green trend that’s a match made in heaven.

Our editors examine how the beauty industry can improve its carbon footprint by avoiding landfills and turning toward upcycling. We also present a spread of our favorite ethically made products, examine how to reset skincare routines, and provide a full how-to guide for clean beauty that breaks down the product lingo. And Marc Jacobs tells us about his fashion and beauty staying power.

When it comes to lifestyle, we dive into hopeful movements in this era defined by crisis and ask experts about how these times are shaping our financial, work, and relationship habits. To be at the top of our game, we look at how to harness the pay-transparency movement and take notes from fitness expert Val Desjardins about the benefits of a functional training approach. We also learn about citizen scientists teaming up with ocean conservationists in Antarctica before kicking back on a 48-hour tour of Toronto and visiting May’s top local and international art shows. For a bookish bent, we talk to journalist Mellissa Fung, whose new work, Between Good and Evil, follows the lives of three Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haram, and sit down with modern-romance author Emily Henry to hear about her writing process. Plus, superstar Emily Ratajkowski lets readers in on how she controls her own narrative in her first essay collection, My Body, and we are teased with recipes from beloved Montreal restaurant Elena in its team’s first cookbook, Salad Pizza Wine: And Many More Good Things From Elena.

The May issue of ELLE Canada will hit newsstands and Apple News+ on April 17, 2023.

READ THE DIGITAL ISSUE

KO Média also publishes ELLE Decoration, ELLE Québec, Magazine VÉRO, di Stasio, and K pour Katrine magazines.

Swizz Beatz – Hip Hop 50

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER SWIZZ BEATZ RELEASES HIP-HOP 50: VOL. 2 VIA MASS APPEAL, FEATURING NAS, LIL WAYNE, LIL DURK, A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE, JADAKISS, JAY ELECTRONICA, BENNY THE BUTCHER, FIVIO FOREIGN, SCAR LIP AND BANDMANRILL

LISTEN HERE

Credit: Aykan Umut (@aykan_be)

HIP HOP 50: VOL. 2 IS THE LATEST IN MASS APPEAL’S HIP HOP 50: THE SOUNDTRACK CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING HIP HOP’S 50TH BIRTHDAY

Grammy Award-winning producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Swizz Beatz, releases his triumphant EP – Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 – via Mass Appeal. The 5-track project marks the second EP in Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack. Coming off the first installment of the EP series with DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50 Vol. 1, Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is entirely produced by Swizz Beatz. The EP is an ode to New York rap and includes star-studded features from Nas, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jadakiss, Jay Electronica, Benny The Butcher, Fivio Foreign, Scar Lip and Bandmanrill. Fans can also stay tuned for the “Say Less” video featuring Lil Durk & A Boogie wit da Hoodie releasing next week.

Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is the culmination of Swizz Beatz’s career spanning over two decades and the sound that inspired it. The Verzuz creator first rose to prominence as a Ruff Ryder producing songs for DMX and Eve. The success of “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” launched Beatz’s career as a highly sought-after and regarded artist. He’s since gone on to create some of the most prolific songs in Hip Hop, working with JAY-Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Nas, Rakim, Lil Wayne, and many more. Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 will be followed by eight more EPs from iconic figures who’ve had a hand in expanding the culture from the streets of the Bronx to the global community. Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack, distributed via Mass Appeal’s new deal with The Orchard, is the score to the biggest birthday bash ever.

A portion of all Hip Hop 50 proceeds will be donated to the various charitable organizations, including the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024. Mass Appeal recently announced Hip Hop 50 partnerships with CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka – the official Vodka of #HipHop50, as well as Google Pixel and Sony Music Entertainment. In January, Mass Appeal partnered with Fotografiska to launch Hip Hop Conscious, Unconscious exhibition – currently on view in New York City til May 21st before traveling to other locations. Additionally, Mass Appeal has teamed up with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming, as well as Paramount + / Showtime for a premium content partnership with captivating documentaries such as: YOU’RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN, SUPREME TEAM and more.

ABOUT SWIZZ BEATZ

Swizz Beatz is Grammy-Award Winning music producer, entrepreneur and visionary, producing for some of the biggest musicians in the world including Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Kanye West (contributing to more than 350 million records sold). Over the years, Swizz has worked closely with various global brands from Bacardi, to Aston Martin and Reebok (to name a few) and most recently American Express.

Recent graduate of Harvard Business School’s OPM program, Swizz began collecting art in his twenties, and in 2014 launched The Dean Collection, which began as his personal art collection and has since grown into a global discovery zone for art enthusiasts. Swizz later launched No Commission – a live art and music festival where artists retain 100% of their sales. In 2019, Swizz and Timbaland launched the global digital series VERZUZ which has become a powerhouse in programming for artists and music catalogs. With millions of viewers each show, the brand continues to push boundaries and “give artists their flowers.

While highly accomplished, Swizz remains authentic, and humble. According to him, “The sky is not the limit; it’s just the view.” With a true passion for business, no matter the industry, Swizz hopes that his success will continue to inspire others.

ABOUT HIP HOP 50

Hip Hop 50 is Mass Appeal’s love letter to Hip Hop. A manifestation of the company’s commitment to celebrating the culture in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible. Hip Hop 50 is activating through unique storytelling that is realized in timeless content, original music, live experiences, strategic partnerships, custom products and much much more. Every facet of the Hip Hop 50 Universe includes a charitable component connected to the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Find #HipHop50 online, on-air and on the block.

ABOUT MASS APPEAL

Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services stoke Mass Appeal’s ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.

BLACKPINK – COACHELLA

After a showstopping headlining performance at Coachella, global superstar BLACKPINK announced their WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] ENCORE in NORTH AMERICA, with stops at a limited number of major stadiums across the US. Starting on August 12, BLACKPINK will perform at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Oracle Park in San Francisco, and wrap up on August 26 at Los Angeles’s iconic Dodger Stadium.

For information regarding how to register/verify your registration for the BLINK MEMBERSHIP PRESALE and to register for the GENERAL PRESALE visit blackpinklive.com. In order to be eligible for the BLINK MEMBERSHIP PRESALE, fans must have a BLINK MEMBERSHIP via Weverse and need to register for the official presale on the platform HERE.

The BLINK MEMBERSHIP PRESALE begins Wednesday, April 26 at 10 am local time. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public. Amex® Early Access begins Wednesday, April 26 at 12pm local time through Thursday, April 27 at 10pm local time.

A limited number of VIP tickets will also be available starting Wednesday, April 26 at 10 am local time. VIP packages can include an amazing selection of reserved seated tickets, access to an exclusive preshow soundcheck performance by BLACKPINK, limited-edition merchandise, and more.

Public on sale is Friday, April 28 at 10 am local time. A complete list of tour dates is below.

“… every song, every note, that is performed is full of the band’s distinct brand of charismatic bombast and every-girl power, embodied by members JISOO, JENNIE, ROSÉ and LISA.” – Variety

Following the release of their recent single “Shut Down,” the record-breaking group and the most-subscribed music act on YouTube with over 86.6 million followers, also set two Guinness World Records including most-viewed music video within the first 24 hours (with the release of their first single “Pink Venom”), in addition to earn the status of most-followed girl group on Spotify.

BLACKPINK recently made history with the biggest release by a female group or solo artist this decade for their single “Pink Venom” from their album BORN PINK. The song debuted at No. 1 on Spotify’s global top songs chart and amassed over 7.9M streams within the first 24 hours. On YouTube, the official music video reached 100M views faster than any video by a female group ever, with 90.4M views being within the first 24 hours. Already at over 570M views, this was the biggest YouTube debut of 2022. Listen and order BORN PINK HERE.

Catch BLACKPINK’s Coachella Weekend 2 headlining set this Saturday HERE.

BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] ENCORE in NORTH AMERICA:

Saturday, August 12, 2023 East Rutherford, NJ MetLife Stadium

Friday, August 18, 2023 Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium

Tuesday, August 22, 2023 San Francisco, CA Oracle Park

Saturday, August 26, 2023 Los Angeles, CA Dodger Stadium

ABOUT BLACKPINK

One of the most massively successful K-pop groups in music history, BLACKPINK have redefined the global pop landscape since first bursting onto the scene in 2016. Along with boasting the #1 most-subscribed artist channel on YouTube, the South Korean quartet has achieved such boundary-defying milestones as scoring the highest-charting album by a female group in over a decade and becoming the first K-pop girl group ever to perform at Coachella (the largest music festival in the U.S.). Comprised of JISOO, JENNIE, ROSÉ and LISA—all immensely charismatic vocalists, dancers, and fast-rising fashion icons—BLACKPINK began their meteoric rise with their 2016 debut SQUARE ONE and further proved their crossover power with SQUARE UP (a 2018 release that quickly cracked the Billboard 200). Soon after signing with Interscope Records through a global partnership with YG Entertainment, the group made their full-length debut with 2020’s immediately iconic THE ALBUM. THE ALBUM shot to #2 on the Billboard 200 and landed three singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “How You Like That” (the iconic single that shattered several YouTube records, including fastest video to cross 150 million views), “Ice Cream” (a collaboration with Selena Gomez that broke the record for highest-charting female K-pop group on the Hot 100), and “Lovesick Girls” (a track that’s sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide, making BLACKPINK the first K-pop girl group to sell over a million units). Through the years, BLACKPINK have also garnered a number of major awards (including three E! People’s Choice Awards and most recently awarded Best Metaverse Performance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards where Lisa also made history as first K-pop soloist to win Best K-pop Act), collaborated with superstars like Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga, performed on “The Tonight Show,” and starred in <BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky> (a 2020 film hailed by the New York Times as an “endearing documentary that emphasizes each member’s individuality”). With over 9 billion career Spotify streams to date, BLACKPINK are now conquering the world with their recent album BORN PINK. The group is now touring the entire planet with their second studio album, already made the United States and Europe, while in 2023 the group will hit the road in Asia and Mexico.

About AEG Presents

Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, and Katy Perry, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Madison House Presents, Marshall Arts, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.

Onsight Deeda – Don Dada

ONSIGHT DEEDA RELEASES
“DON DADA”
WITH CASH MONEY RECORDS.

LISTEN HERE

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Louisiana-born rapper Onsight Deeda set his sights on being the next big name in Hip Hop with the release of his Cash Money Records debut “Don Dada.” Get it HERE today. Watch the official music video HERE.

Produced by Sinista On Da Traxxx [Birdman, Juvenile], “Don Dada” paints a picture of boss life with a head-knocking bass that pulls from the energy of the drill movement with a Southern flair. The charged-up latest single exudes a confidence and charisma that’s baked into Onsight Deeda’s artistry and persona.

In a world of social media-driven artists, Onsight Deeda is fueled by the circumstances of his life, and he has transformed his aggression into grinding as an artist for over five years, His path has given him a realness and rawness that he’s refined into star-like radiance, expressing himself through his music.LISTEN TO “DON DADA” BY ONSIGHT DEEDA
–LINK–
WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE

C O N N E C T
Instagram ǀ Facebook ǀ YouTube ǀ TikTok ǀ
Spotify ǀ Apple ǀ Soundcloud ǀ Audiomack

About Onsight Deeda

Louisiana harbors a musical history as rich and unpredictable as a bowl of gumbo. From creole and Cajun stylings through jazz, blues, and gospel to bounce and, of course, hip-hop, the state’s sonic lineage simmers with its own taste stirred, shaken, and served up with a distinct kick by one generation after another.

Hailing from Abbeville, Onsight Deeda wields a sharp and slick sound of his own punctuated by energetic flows, drill intensity, unshakable melodies, and knockout hooks. Residing with his mother, father, and older brother, Onsight Deeda discovered music at home as a kid. Dad owned a tiny studio and performed in a local rap group. So, Onsight Deeda often hung out in the studio with his pops. Absorbing the catalogs of hometown heroes, he listened to Louisiana heavyweights like Lil Wayne, The Hot Boys, and Boosie Badazz. Simultaneously, he excelled as an amateur boxer, winning a Golden Gloves tournament at 15-years-old and even placing second in a Regional Championship tournament.

Despite graduating high school, he found himself in and out of trouble with various stints in juvenile detention and jail. Returning to Abbeville from a particular bid, he went viral with the breakout “Welcome Home” followed by “I’M A GANGSTA.” After catching another case, he found himself in jail for the last time in 2018. Getting out, he made a conscious decision to focus on music. Generating views in the millions on YouTube and drawing Cash Money Records to his corner, he ignites another era of Louisiana rap on a series of 2023 singles beginning with “Don Dada.”

About Cash Money Records:

Since 1991, Brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams aka “Baby” and Ronald “Slim” Williams have built Cash Money Records into a legendary force in the music industry. Through tireless devotion and an unparalleled work ethic, the duo founded the legendary label in the New Orleans housing projects and elevated it into a multi-million-dollar empire and cultural tastemaker. Not only is the company revered as an iconic and enduring global street brand, it’s become the most successful independent record label in America boasting a bevy of chart-dominating, multi-platinum artists and Grammy Award winners and cumulative sales over 100 million albums worldwide, the roster includes Jacquees, Eighty8, Juvenile, Rublow and more. The label also houses Lil Wayne‘s imprint Young Money Entertainment (Drake and Nicki Minaj) as well as a publishing arm Cash Money Content. Cash Money Records is distributed by Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company.

Quavo – Huncho Day

Hitting the field to put numbers on the board for a few good causes, GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum hip-hop superstar Quavo and the Legends brand join forces again for the fifth annual Huncho Day celebrity charity football game on Saturday April 29, 2023 at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, GA.

Before they sell out (and they will!), get tickets HERE .

In addition, Quavo has just launched this 501(c)3 in memory of his nephew and longtime musical brother the late Takeoff. All contributions and proceeds of Huncho Day will benefit the Rocket Foundation, a newly established charitable organization centered on violence prevention. The Rocket Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Kirsnick Khari Ball (“Takeoff”) by leading, convening, and investing in violence prevention initiatives in Atlanta and across the country.

To celebrate the reveal of The Rocket Foundation, Quavo released a limited-edition Forever Takeoff Hoodie available HERE .

“The Foundation’s mission is to invest in and elevate proven community violence interventions and positive alternatives for young people, and build a platform for influential leaders to fight against daily violence in our cities and neighborhoods” stated Quavo. “The Rocket Foundation has made investments in four powerful initiatives: Community Justice Action Fund, Hope Hustlers, Live Free, and the Offenders Alumni Association. We believe these groups will help interrupt the cycle of violence in Atlanta and put young people on a positive trajectory.”

This year, Team Huncho helmed by Captain Quavo competes against Team Ramsey led by Captain Jalen Ramsey for the Huncho Day trophy!

Representing the NFL of today and yesterday, music, and video games, the players include Jalen Ramsey, host Ronnie2K, Gucci Mane, D’Andre Swift, Patrick Surtain, Zion Clark, Xavier McKinney, Marlon Humphrey, Bradley Chubb, 2Chainz, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Taylor Rooks, and Kyle Pitts to name a few.

Moreover, sponsors such as Morgan & Morgan, Walmart, YOR Water, Incrediwear, and QC Sports brought Huncho Day to life this year.

In previous years, Huncho Day has played host to everyone from Justin Bieber, Jack Harlow, MGK, and Gucci Mane to Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Terrell Owens, Odell Beckham, Willie McGinest, and more.

Huncho Day remains close to Quavo’s heart. He played quarterback in high school and has found a way to give back to youth in Atlanta with this unforgettable day of sports, education, music, and the arts.

Watch Huncho Day video HERE.

FOLLOW QUAVO

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MICHAEL J WOODARD – TROUBLE

Genre-bending singer-songwriter Michael J Woodard captures the irresistible appeal of someone who’s likely to be nothing but “Trouble” on his exuberant new single.

Woodard created “Trouble” with L.A based writer/producer duo GOLDSPACE and songwriter Mishon Ratliff. Released today via Unsub Records – the indie label founded by Katy Perry, who has championed Woodard since his days as a finalist on “American Idol” – “Trouble” is available for download / streaming HERE. View the lyric video HERE.

“‘Trouble’ is a record that is so special to me,” says Michael J Woodard. “When making it, I went into the studio wanting to create something that makes people feel good. A song that people can groove to and that everyone in some way can relate to. It’s a song about that person in our lives who probably isn’t good for us, but who we can’t stand to stay away from. I think almost everyone has had at least one of those people in their lives.”

Praising the “energy and optimism” of his first two singles – “why you texting me” and “hope full” – Atwood Magazine said, “It’s a rare treat to find an artist who doesn’t attempt to mask their joy for their craft behind mystique or the guise of ‘coolness.’” He performed “hope full” on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” The addictively upbeat pop-leaning track “show some teeth” followed in 2022. View the official video HERE.

Woodard grew up in Philadelphia, singing in church and at the performing arts elementary school he attended. By the time he was 13, he had sung at such high-profile events as the US Open and performed for Barack Obama when the then-president visited Philadelphia. He developed his vocal chops and songwriting acumen, working in the home studio he created and sharing the results online. After high school, Woodard headed to Hollywood to study at Musicians Institute. While he loved their program, he recalls, “I just wanted to go out there and make it all happen.” Soon he found himself in the Top 5 on “American Idol,” signed to Unsub Records and voicing the title character in the Netflix animated musical film and TV series, Arlo The Alligator Boy.

“It’s really important to me to put out music that will uplift people,” Woodard explains. “All the songwriting comes from my heart and it’s my way of expressing the things I need to get off my chest, but the number-one goal is to give people hope—which I think is so necessary at a time like this.”

Photo Credit: Swurve

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Young Miko – Lisa

Latin trap sensation Young Miko made her Latin American Music Awards debut with a powerful performance of her viral hit “Lisa” at last night’s ceremony. View HERE.

Released just a month ago, the official video for “Lisa” has already amassed over 20 million combined global views. In that time, the Puerto Rican artist has doubled her fanbase on multiple social platforms and found a spot on Spotify’s Top Artists Global chart. “Classy 101,” her collaboration with Feid, charted on Billboard’s Global 200 and Spotify’s Global Top Songs tally. Global views of the official video for “Classy 101” have surpassed 40 million.

Young Miko’s 2023 world tour will take her to the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. She will also be performing at numerous festivals in Spain.

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