Posts made in May 2023

aespa – My World

“one of the most exciting girl groups right now” – NYLON
“aespa deliver addictive pop and winning experiments” –

RollingStone
“nothing is more exciting than a new aespa song” – UPROXX

After stirring up anticipation worldwide, K-pop girl group aespa proudly presents its highly anticipated 3rd Mini Album, MY WORLD, out now via Warner Records.

Listen to MY WORLD HERE.

Full tracklisting below.

MY WORLD showcases every side of the collective. Whether it be the youthful spirit of “Spicy” or the precious and heartwarming “‘Til’ We Meet Again,” this body of work finds aespa firing on all cylinders, and there’s nothing like it.

The group initially teased the Mini Album with the single “Welcome To MY World” [feat. nævis]. UPROXX proclaimed, “‘Welcome To My World’ featuring naevis is an ethereal blend of human and ai-programmed pop bliss.”

On “Welcome To MY World,” aespa reunited with nævis whom they forged a powerful chemistry with during season one of their cinematic universe. Balancing wistful ethereal guitar with big screen-ready orchestration, this alternative pop anthem issues an invitation to fans everywhere to immerse themselves in the quartet’s music.

MY WORLD ignites the second season of the SMCU (SM Culture Universe). The six-track project magnetically pulls audiences in with its dynamic and diverse collection of dancefloor-ready bangers, soaring R&B ballads, and towering alternative pop. As soon as they broke the news of the project, Twitter caught fire as chronicled by Billboard and more.

As of May 8, aespa is expected to achieve the title of ‘Triple Million Seller’ for the second consecutive time with pre-sale orders of 1.8 million copies for their 3rd Mini Album – MY WORLD. This sets a new record by surpassing their own pre-order sales of 1.6 million copies for their 2nd Mini Album – Girls, which crashed the Top 3 of the Billboard 200.

This summer, aespa are set to make history at Governor’s Ball festival in New York and Outside Lands festival in San Francisco as the first-ever K-Pop group to appear at either festival. Last year, aespa made their U.S. festival debut at Coachella in Indio, CA where they performed on the main stage, they made their official late night U.S. TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live and kicked off Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series in Central Park. Later in July, aespa celebrated the release of Girls – The 2nd Mini Album which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. The New York Times quoted it as “one of the year’s most impressive K-Pop releases precisely because of its dual mastery of the intricate and the elegant.” Listen to Girls – The 2nd Mini AlbumHERE. On top of these milestones, aespa also became the first K-pop group to appear on the cover of UPROXX. Read the march cover story HERE.

Once again, aespa has leveled up from every angle. Welcome to their world…

TRACKLISTING

01. Welcome To MY World (Feat. nævis)
02. Spicy
03. Salty & Sweet
04. Thirsty
05. I’m Unhappy
06. ‘Til We Meet Again

ABOUT aespa:

aespa [KARINA, WINTER, GISELLE, AND NINGNING] is a fierce female foursome, who in an unprecedented move secured the fastest climb to 100 million views on their debut video for any K-Pop group in YouTube history with their 2020 released, “Black Mamba.” Their 2021 EP, Savage – The 1st Mini Album, was the highest ranking ever for a K-Pop girl group’s entry on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart. The EP also hit #1 on iTunes Top Albums chart in 20 countries upon release. Beyond praise from Forbes, Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone, Flaunt, and more, TIME touted them among “The Next Generation Leaders, Class of 2022” and Forbes recognized them in their “30 Under 30” Asia list for 2022. Following being named Apple Music’s Global Up Next artist for June 2022, the quartet released their first English-language single “Life’s Too Short” and highly anticipated second EP, Girls – The 2nd Mini Album this past July, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart.

aespa’s name is derived from a combination of “ae” (avatar and experience) + “aspect.” Each of the four members of aespa has a correlating avatar in the virtual world created from their personal data.

FOLLOW aespa:

TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

Photo: Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Met Gala Wedding Search Increases

Searches for ‘wedding dress’ explode 122% as stars wear white at the Met Gala 2023

Bridal looks worn by celebrities at this year’s Met Gala caused searches for ‘wedding dress, ‘dress with train,’ and ‘Chanel wedding dress’ to skyrocket by 122%, 258%, and 1,110%
White dresses and white florals were also a key trend, with online searches for both soaring during this year’s event
Classic Chanel designs saw big search increases: ‘pearl dress,’ ‘tweed dress,’ and ‘sheer dress’ searches increased by 394%, 374%, and 120%

Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for ‘wedding dress’ exploded by 122% on May 1, as stars gathered at the Met Gala 2023 wearing looks dedicated to designer Karl Lagerfeld, imitating his black and white color palette and iconic Chanel brides.

A new finding by fashion experts Karen Millen reveals that online interest in wedding dresses more than doubled the average volume in the first few hours after celebrities took to the Met Gala red carpet, reflecting an unprecedented spike in searches as the public was inspired by looks worn by celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Gisele Bündchen.

Bridalwear was a key trend at this year’s Met Gala, worn by many celebrities on the red carpet for this year’s theme: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. Online interest in ‘white floral dress’ and ‘white dress’ shot up by 172% and 163%, as monochrome gowns in black and white trended this year in reference to Lagerfeld’s iconic style.

Met Gala mainstay Rihanna arrived two hours late wearing a Valentino white floral jacket featuring Lagerfeld’s favorite camellias and a wedding dress with a long train, accessorized with white sunglasses and giant lashes.

Florence Pugh appeared in Valentino alongside the brand’s creative director Pier Paolo Piccioli wearing an off-white gown with a plunging neckline tied together with a black bow featuring a dramatic train. She finished the look with a towering black headpiece on top of a clean buzzcut.

Searches for ‘dress with train’ soared by 271% shortly after the event.

Chanel was one of the main labels to appear on celebrities this year. Dua Lipa stole the show in the Chanel 1992 tweed wedding gown worn originally by Claudia Schiffer.

Gisele Bündchen wore a vintage Chanel wedding dress and feathered cape. It was her first Met Gala appearance since divorcing Tom Brady.

This year’s theme, which prompted many Chanel and Chanel-inspired looks, caused searches for ‘Chanel wedding dress’ to skyrocket by 1,110%.

Anne Hathaway wore Versace’s iconic safety pin dress in white tweed with a matching jacket. South Korean supermodel Sora Choi’s debut in a billowing Thom Browne suit-inspired tweed coat dress also nodded to the late designer’s signature style.

Kim Kardashian was pictured in a naked dress covered in pearls and a dramatic off-white coat.

Tweed and pearls were famously associated with Lagerfeld and Chanel, and searches for ‘pearl dress,’ ‘tweed dress,’ and ‘tweed jacket’ increased by 394%, 374%, and 193% on the day of the event.

Nicola Peltz Beckham wore an ivory gown tied at the waist with a black bow and accessorized with a statement crucifix necklace and pearls.

Maya Hawke wore a glittering white floral cape and minidress by Prada.

Alia Bhatt stepped out in a Chanel-inspired Prabal Gurung pearl bridal gown.

Penelope Cruz wore a Chanel wedding gown with a shimmering embroidered sheer hood.

Blackpink’s Jennie Kim appeared in a white Chanel minidress, causing searches for ‘white minidress’ to skyrocket by 564%.

Ava Max took to the red carpet in an ivory Christian Siriano gown, which, according to the designer’s Instagram post, consisted of over 6,000 crystals and pearls.

Elle Fanning was a boho bride in a white lace Vivienne Westwood gown and a black jacket, accompanied by a fresh white bouquet of flowers and a matching flower crown. Her look was a nod to when Lagerfeld photographed Fanning for his ‘Little Black Jacket’ book when she was 13.

Sheer dresses dominated the Met Gala last year and again this time around. Rita Ora, Gigi Hadid, Billie Eilish, and Emily Ratajkowski were among the guests pictured in sheer black gowns, causing searches for ‘sheer dress’ to soar by 122%.

General bridalwear-related terms also shot up during the Met Gala: ‘bridal shoe’ searches increased by 209%, as did searches for ‘bridal dresses’ by 103%.

A spokesperson for Karen Millen commented on the findings: “Wedding dresses never fail to capture our attention, and this year’s Met Gala theme ensured that bridalwear was front and center, in honor of Karl Lagerfeld and the iconic Chanel brides. This year’s theme naturally inspired guests to embrace Lagerfeld’s bridal designs into their looks, and white was clearly the biggest trend. These findings show how influential the Met Gala is on fashion trends worldwide, with searches for bridalwear, white, tweed, and pearls soaring during fashion’s biggest night.”

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

Hiba Tawaji – Baad Sneen

Lebanese sensation Hiba Tawaji proudly presents her anxiously awaited new album, Baad Sneen, today via Universal Arabic Music—listen HERE. It marks her first proper full-length since 2017, while she personally co-wrote and co-composed some of the tracks herself. To celebrate the album’s arrival, she just shared the captivating and lively music video for the latest single and title track “Baad Sneen”—watch the official video HERE.

About the record, Hiba says, “I decided to name this album Baad Sneen, meaning ‘After Years’ because this album has been long awaited since 2017. In 2020, I started working on the Baad Sneen album, and it was a very special year for me. I got married, and later on found out I was pregnant with my first baby. It’s now 2023, and I am releasing as a mother of two beautiful children! That’s why this album emulates female empowerment. I wanted Baad Sneen to be relatable and to cover emotions we experience and go through; love, faith, separation, nostalgia, distress, and hope. This album is so special for so many reasons. We recorded it between three countries—Lebanon, France, and the United States. This is why I feel it carries a global sound with different genres—pop and ballads being the most distinctive. Baad Sneen album was produced by Oussama Rahbani, and I am grateful to have co-wrote and co-composed some of the songs with him. We had two amazing features on this album as well! Luis Fonsi, an international Latin pop star on ‘Que Sera Sera’; an Arabic/ Latin duet. We also had Ibrahim Maalouf, my amazing husband, who is a renowned trumpet player, producer, and songwriter! Combining all these elements really give Baad Sneen a perfect mix of occidental sounds. I hope you enjoy listening to my album, as much as I enjoyed making it for you.”

“Baad Sneen” and its stunning accompanying visual embody this spirit. Hiba’s powerhouse vocal delivery echoes over upbeat production laced with organic percussion and acoustic guitar. The video’s bright backdrop and stunning choreography translate this spirit to the screen seamlessly, as Hiba captivates in each successive frame with charisma, confidence, and charm all her own.

The album also boasts “Habibi Khalas” (“My Love, It’s Done”). Impressively, the music video reeled in 5.5 million YouTube views. It also includes “Que Sera Sera (Law Nebka Sawa)” with multiple Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning, global star Luis Fonsi. Right out of the gate, it amassed 1.5 million Spotify streams and over 12 million YouTube views on the music video. The track broke boundaries by fusing Arabic and Latin sounds to create an international anthem. The accompanying visual showcases the artists’ chemistry front-and-center, as it brings together genres and cultures all at once.

Experience Baad Sneen now and be on the lookout for more from Hiba Tawaji as she continues her international rise!

TRACKLISTING:
1. “Que Sera Sera (Law Nebka Sawa)” [feat. Luis Fonsi]
2. “Baad Sneen”
3. “Habbi Khalas”
4. “Aa Bali”
5. “Rajihon Men Ramadihi”
6. “Salamat Ya Hawa”
7. “Khabberni L Ossa”
8. “Bhebak La Akher Yom (La Chanson Des Vieux Amants)” [feat. Ibrahim Maalouf]
9. “Dallak Haddi”
10. “Al Oula”
11. “Sar Ahla El Kawn”
12. “ Zaman”
13. “Ossit Hob”

ABOUT HIBA TAWAJI
As a singer, actress, and director, Hiba Tawaji continues to captivate audiences with her awe-inspiring voice and expansive vision. She has starred in blockbuster musicals in the Middle East created by the renowned Rahbani family, musical pioneers in the Arab World. A bona fide star in the MENA region, her catalog already boasts three Arabic studio albums, La Bidayi wala Nihayi [2011], Ya Habibi [2014], Hiba Tawaji 30 [2017], and a Christmas album in Arabic and English Hallelujah [2017], all produced by acclaimed producer and composer Oussama Rahbani. Not to mention, she notably made history as “the very first female singer to ever perform on a stage in Saudi Arabia.” Among various collaborations, she has duetted live with Andrea Bocelli. Her career has gained acclaim from critics globally. She has performed on the most prestigious stages and festivals in the Arab World. To top it all off, a big chapter begins now with Universal Arabic Music in her corner and a major crossover on the horizon, putting her in the international scene.

The History, Mystery, and Magic of Bitcoin

If you have to define Crypto, these virtual currencies remain decentralized and have no intervention from governments or financial institutions like central banks. If you feel that Crypto is a decade-old phenomenon, think again. You must check more details and consider it in the market. The history of Crypto has a rich and backdated history that goes somewhere to the eighties when these had a different name – cyber currency. All these coins formally came together in the form of a Crypto known as Bitcoin in 2008 when Satoshi Nakamoto wrote the nine-page whitepaper. The document defined the currency, and soon in 2009, he brought it to the market. The money came into circulation in 2009, but the real-time transaction occurred in May when an IT professional from LA got two pizzas worth 41 USD with 10K BTCs. Since then, it has been looking for something other than Bitcoin as it has kept evolving, moving ahead at a more excellent pace, and finally coming to its current form. The post talks about the history and evolution of Crypto while visiting the site – bitalpha-ai.io for more.

The Evolution of Crytos Before Bitcoin

The first time we heard about Crypto or similar things was in 1980. A US-based man called David Chaum 1980 talked about inventing digital cash with the help of cryptography technology. The said technology helps in securing Crypto and validates the transactions with the same. However, adding some touches to the idea took around a decade. The nineties saw some additional protocols come ahead, the software made things easy, and the creation of a completely decentralized virtual currency came into the boardroom. So, it was only in the people’s minds as nothing tangible came forward in this direction. Eventually, in 2008, we heard about Crypto coming from Satoshi Nakamoto. He brought the whitepaper to the market, which gave an idea about Bitcoin, and he finally came up with it in Jan 2009. It came as a P2P digital cash that does not depend upon any third-party groups like banks. His idea also brought the revolution surrounding the first Crypto coming into the market.

Bitcoin came in 2009

In understanding Bitcoin’s history or evolution, you must take Bitcoin from this topic. It came in 2009 and is more known as the first Crypto in the world. It works open-source in the market, and people can use it across the globe without any border or any other issue without seeking the interference of government or banks. Yet, it has seen a good rise in the market, and people need help recognizing it. The first Bitcoin transaction occurred when the founder Nakamoto and one more man, Hal Finney 2009 agreed to transact. However, the trade came in 2010 when Bitcoin was given as legal tender to a local pizza store to get two pizzas. A local software developer in LA had 10K Bitcoins, and he gave the coins to procure two pizzas worth 41 USD. Papa John’s pizzas went for 10K BTCs, which is gigantic today in the market.

The early development days of Crypto – 2010 – 2016

In early 2010, we witnessed Bitcoin being among the best Crypto on the market. We can find the price in a few cents in one go, which increases to gain one USD mark in the market. The said value came into the need for a while, and then it gained a reasonable price when the world realized it quickly. However, with issues like volatility, there are some trust issues with Crypto. But in 2017, things changed, and Crypto gained massive growth in the market. It went on to get a total market cap of around 820 B USD. It was short-lived till we saw the crash of Crypto in 2018.

The Age of scams – 2018

2017 was a glorious age for Bitcoin and other cryptos. However, it fell in 2018, crashing badly in the market. The value of Bitcoin and several other cryptos in the market went ahead in a big way. Several scams and schemes came under the name of Crypto, and it went on to take people for a ride, dying the craze for Bitcoin till it came in 2020.

The popularity of Bitcoin in 2020

Earlier, the coin came at the cost of around 1K USD, and in 2020 when Covid hit the world, the currency needed to give you more in the market. The currency gained around 20K USD, and it finally went ahead faster to earn higher costs. Finally, in 2021, the money gained around 70K USD.

Hot Wheels – Ultimate Challenge

NBC’S ‘HOT WHEELS: ULTIMATE CHALLENGE’ KICKS INTO GEAR WITH ANTHONY ANDERSON, BIG E, TERRY CREWS, SUNG KANG, JAY LENO AND JOEL MCHALE AS CELEBRITY GUEST JUDGES

Watch supertease HERE.

Celebrity Guest Judges Anthony Anderson, WWE Superstar Big E, Terry Crews, Sung Kang, Jay Leno and Joel McHale will help to determine the winners of NBC’s epic new car makeover competition show “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge,” premiering Tuesday, May 30 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The rotating celebrity guests will each join host Rutledge Wood and resident experts Dalal Elsheikh, designer for the Ford Motor Company, and Hertrech “Hert” Eugene Jr., car culture influencer, on an episode throughout the season, where they will review the epic car transformations and crown a winner.

“Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” revs up to give passionate car lovers and Hot Wheels® superfans the opportunity of a lifetime – turning a nostalgic car from their past into the life-sized Hot Wheels of their dreams. Hosted by car afficionado Rutledge Wood, each episode will invite two superfans into the Chrome Zone, where they will face off in transforming an ordinary vehicle into an extraordinary Hot Wheels showstopper, inspired by personal stories and pop culture touchstones. Working alongside a team of automotive magicians known as “The Car Pool,” the two superfans will create their designs in high-tech, decked-out garages. The winner of each episode will take home $25,000 and the chance to get into the finale, where three lucky finalists will transform another car in hopes of winning a legendary prize – an additional $50,000 and the honor of having their build made into an official Hot Wheels die-cast car.

Jay Leno joins the finale episodes and will have a hand in determining the transformation that will be made into an official Hot Wheels die-cast car.

Ted Wu, Global Head of Design for Mattel’s Vehicles division, also joins the finale, offering unmatched Hot Wheels expertise as a winner is selected.

The winning “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” die-cast car will be available for purchase on Mattel Creations, Mattel’s collector and direct-to-consumer platform immediately following the finale.

The superfans joining the show are:
- Luidgi Aldator | Brooklyn, NY
- Rob Anders | Gilbert, AZ
- Felix Arguelles | Los Angeles, CA
- Angela Arnold | Gilbertown, AL
- Michael Cooney | Chicago, IL
- Jadejha Edwards | Houston, TX
- “Jersey” Jim Farrell | Forked River, NJ
- Arushi Garg | Houston, TX
- Nick Harrison | Hammond, LA
- Aldavid Jimerson | Phoenix, AZ
- Caroline Johnson | Washington D.C.
- Terri Jones | Birmingham, AL
- Kevin Lister | Houston, TX
- Kris Parker | Manhattan, NY
- Lauren Partin | Peebles, OH
- Sheilah Spencir | Cedar Hill, TX

“The Car Pool” members are:
- Paul Bacon | Coalville, UK
- Rachel Bohnet | Kamloops, BC
- Tony Bush Jr. | Hayward, CA
- Pa’trice Frazier | Sicklerville, NJ
- Cody Ingrassia | East Dundee, IL
- Preston Ingrassia | East Dundee, IL
- Mark Kelley | Indianola, IA
- Claudia La Bianca | Miami, FL
- Chris Lee | Bay Shore, NY
- Savanna Little | Fountain, CO
- Christopher Michaels | Atlanta, GA
- Rico Montgomery | Cayce, SC
- Bob Partington | Burbank, CA
- Charlie Seward | Somerton, UK
- Michael Sciortino | Las Vegas, NV
- Will Trickett | Dilton Marsh, UK

“Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” is an original format developed and produced by Endemol Shine North America in association with Workerbee under license from Mattel Inc. Executive producers are showrunner Tim Warren, along with Andy Thomas, Sharon Levy, DJ Nurre and Michael Heyerman from Endemol Shine North America; Rick Murray and Chris Hale from Workerbee (a Banijay UK Company); and Fred Soulie and Phil Breman from Mattel Television.

Eric Legrand Bourbon

With a goal of making a difference for those impacted by paralysis, Eric LeGrand, former college football defensive tackle, now turned businessman and inspiration to all, has officially launched his first-ever whiskey brand, Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

For background – In 2010, Eric’s life changed when he became paralyzed after a tackle while playing football for Rutgers University. Through his ongoing rehabilitation journey, Eric has been inspired to appreciate the finer things in life which led him to team up with spirits entrepreneur, Brian Axelrod to create a whiskey that can be enjoyed by all. The dynamic duo is also committed to supporting those living with and impacted by paralysis by finding the cure for spinal cord injuries. This motivated them to make the promise to donate $5.20 (52 was Eric’s jersey number) of every case sold of Eric LeGrand Bourbon to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

For reference, Eric LeGrand Bourbon is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled in Owensboro, Kentucky and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky. The liquid is created with quality heartland grown corn, limestone purified water, the freshest rye and barley available. Aged no less than two years in perfectly charred oak barrels, this premier whiskey boasts a warm nose and a smooth crisp finish. Eric LeGrand Bourbon (750ML bottle) is now available to purchase HERE.

Yuki Tsunoda vs. Daniel Ricciardo

TSUNODA LEAVES RICCIARDO IN HIS WAKE TO WIN MIAMI GRAND PRIX OPENER

Japanese F1 star Yuki Tsunoda has declared he will ‘sleep easy’ ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix after winning a head-to-head mini jet boat battle against eight-time F1 winner Daniel Ricciardo on Miami’s Biscayne Bay.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Miami Grand Prix, Red Bull transformed the Biscayne Bay into a racetrack with Formula 1 Drivers from both Scuderia AlphaTauri and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team battling it out aboard mini jet boats to launch the (Un)Serious Race showdown.

Watch the premiere episode, featuring Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, HERE.

The (Un)Serious Race Series is a 6-part series that follows the drivers from both Teams throughout the Grand Prix season in unexpecting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat surprising locations and formats. In the series’ first episode, Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Ricciardo and Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Tsunoda trade in their racing suits for swimmies ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

Just over six feet long, capable of speeds up to 30 mph, the boats were built in collaboration between Torch Craft Marine and Jetstream Adventure Boats. After a fast start, Tsunoda is passed by Ricciardo mid-race but pegged back the Australian’s advantage to ultimately cross the finish line first.

Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

IDK – F65

Every once in a while, an artist arrives at just the right time with a record that speaks truth to the world. In 2023, that artist is Maryland rapper IDK. That album is F65—which releases today via Clue/Warner Records. Listen HERE.

The 22-track opus traverses a thrilling landscape as it explores the experiences of people of color around the world – and what that reality means. Given this overarching theme’s provocative, poetic, and powerful nature, IDK also chose to incite discourse with often upbeat, always thoughtful songcraft covering a spectrum of vibes. The result is a dramatic, dynamic, danceable, and definitive hip-hop epic.

He jumpstarted the conversation with “Mr. Police,” which notably made its global debut on The Beat With Ari Melber. Lauded from the jump, HYPEBEAST applauded, “‘Mr. Police’ is a powerful single about police violence and the fear that people of color live with on a daily basis,” The FADER attested, “IDK turns the tempo down for a Steve Wonder-indebted ballad lamenting the police violence epidemic. It’s quite beautiful and enraging all at once,” and REVOLT summed it up best as “powerful.”

Following stellar performances at Coachella last month, IDK announced his upcoming 22-date “65 Tour.” He hits the road on June 23rd in Paris, France, and will make landfall across major U.S. cities including New York, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up in Toronto, ON October 29th. The full list of dates can be found below — for more information please visit www.Thr33Dot.com.

Across F65’s 22 tracks, IDK exudes the kind of introspection that few rappers can emulate, teaming up with legendary composer Jim Lang (who’s known for scoring the Nickelodeon series Hey Arnold!) to display the full breadth of his artistic vision. In addition to the album, IDK is also gearing up for the fall return of his tuition-free music business seminar at Harvard University, No Label Academy, Saturday, Aug 19 – Sunday, Aug 27, 2023.

On top of all this, the multi-dimensional artist unveiled his limited-edition Nike Air Max Pro 97 collab – the “Free Coast” F&F sneaker, as Hypebeast details, which is a standout from the staple collection. With one of Coachella’s most invigorating performances, IDK made his debut in style, donning a custom Lanvin race suit and helmet to match his custom Mercedes AMG.

FOLLOW IDK:

Maryland rapper IDK releases F65 album on Warner Records via 360 MAGAZINE.

Photo: Levi Berlin

Protected: KADEN’S LOOKS

Harley-Davidson Museum [May]

The Harley-Davidson Museum is getting ready to rumble in May.

Kickstart the riding season with the inaugural Bike Night (May 4) and Saturday Demos (May 6)
during a special “Ready to Ride” weekend!

Coming hot on the heels of a glorious Milwaukee Day celebration, Bike Nights at the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum are set to take center stage this summer. Join the fun every Thursday night for free local live music, food, and drink specials from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and miles and miles of rolling sculptures. The Midwest’s newest rockin’ country band, Bootjack Road, gets the season started on May 4.

Speaking of seasons, get ready for riding season all weekend long (May 4 – 7). Whether you’re heading down to check out the free tunes at Bike Night, signing up for demo rides on Saturdays or checking out the scorching savings found at the Factory Shop, the H-D Museum has you covered for a summer in the saddle of your Freedom Machine.

If you’re still shopping for Mother’s Day, the H-D Museum has you covered there, too. Bring mom down to enjoy a splendid Sunday on campus as moms receive free admission on Sunday, May 14. Be sure to stop in the Harley-Davidson® Shop for unique gifts – including those found at the customization station. Hop over to MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant to see what’s cooking for a special Mother’s Day brunch, where everyone can enjoy bottomless mimosas for an additional $20 per person.

And on Saturday, May 20, honor our brave U.S. military heroes at the H-D Museum’s annual Armed Forces Day Celebration. Fun for the whole family can be found throughout campus, while military gallery talks will be held inside the H-D Museum.

Finally, members of the media interested in covering the Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ festival in July must complete the online application and must be on assignment for an approved media outlet to be considered for a credential.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Get Ready to Ride at the H-D Factory Shop, May 4 – 7
Kicking off Thursday, May 4 in conjunction with the first Bike Night of the season and extending through Sunday, May 7, the H-D Museum’s Ready to Ride event will offer savings up to 75% on Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® merchandise and select official licensed products.* Gear up with select authentic Harley-Davidson® apparel and riding gear, including helmets and jackets. Don’t miss this chance to stock up on T-shirts, sweatshirts, outerwear and so much more. The first and only Harley-Davidson® Factory Shop is the official H-D outlet for end-of-season gear and discontinued products.

*Valid only for onsite use in the Factory Shop at the H-D Museum on purchase of select, discontinued men’s and women’s Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® merchandise and select official licensed products. Not valid for online purchases; not valid in the Harley-Davidson® Shop at the H-D Museum. Prices as marked in the Factory Shop. Sale prices valid from May 4, 2023 – May 7, 2023. While supplies last. Offer not valid on previously purchased merchandise. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

H-D Museum™ Bike Night Concert Series powered by Budweiser® King of Beers and Bulleit® Bourbon, Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m.
All wheels unite every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Join riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of our favorite bands, fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and beverage specials from MOTOR. The Bike Night Koozie Special is back. Enjoy $3 Busch Light all-season. And don’t forget to check out the signature cocktails from Bulleit®.

5/4 Bootjack Road
5/11 Blind Fiction
5/18 11. One Louder
5/25 Red’s Hot Chili Peppers

Saturday Demos powered by H-D Insurance, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit the Museum campus on Saturdays to experience the fun and freedom of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Riders with their motorcycle endorsement/license will be able to choose from a dozen of the latest and greatest #FreedomMachines from Harley-Davidson, including Touring, Softail® and Sportster® models. A pre-determined scenic route through the Menomonee Valley will give riders the chance to explore the H-D Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders and passengers must be at least 18 years of age. All riders (and passengers) must wear a helmet, eye protection, shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes with heel strap. All riders and passengers must bring their own riding gear.

Mother’s Day at the Harley-Davidson Museum, Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This Mother’s Day, give Mom an unforgettable experience! The whole family will enjoy the sights and sounds of the H-D Museum, and moms receive FREE admission on Sunday, May 14. Shop for gifts as unique as her at the Factory Shop and Harley-Davidson® Shop and create one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson gear at our customization station. MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will be serving up a special Mother’s Day brunch, including bottomless mimosas for an additional $20.00 per person. Reservations are strongly encouraged. It’s the mother of all Mother’s Day celebrations and it’s only found at the crossroads of 6th & Canal.

Armed Forces Day Celebration, Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day. Military equipment and interactive displays are available for attendees to see and experience. This free event offers a unique experience to talk with all branches of the military to learn about their experiences and the challenges they face maintaining our freedom. Please note that military discounts are found throughout campus throughout the year. The H-D Museum will also offer Military Gallery Talks at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. These staffed talks will include the history of Harley-Davidson in the Military and how we were essential in the World Wars. They last approximately 15 minutes and are free to attended with paid admission. Families will want to check out the Wisconsin Warrior Challenge. Open to kids and young adults ages 7-22, participants will join one of six teams and compete in a series of activities for the title of Wisconsin Warrior Champions. Activities will include obstacle courses, survival skills, drills and marching, and more! Sign up to participate in advance on the Milwaukee Armed Forces Week website.

Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Guided Tours
The H-D Museum’s guided-tour portfolio has been updated with new experiences and content. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, the Beyond the Gate Tour or the VIP Tour. Spotlight Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Spanish Spotlight Tours are available most weekends. Guests are invited to check out the calendar when planning their visit to sign-up in advance for an unforgettable guided experience. To book a private group tour, please call 414-287-2799 or email for more information. Reservations and prepayment required at least 2-weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and Sundays at 2:15 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.

Experience Gallery (on display now)
With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new 2023 Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how United We Ride! And now you can hop in the saddle of the newest Ultra Limited Anniversary, Road Glide® Trike, Pan America® Special and Nightster® motorcycles – the perfect photo op to commemorate your visit.

Google Arts & Culture: Pocket Gallery (May 18)

The Harley-Davidson Museum will be launching “(P)art,” which celebrates the components’ sculptural forms, creatively interpreted by commercial photographers during Harley-Davidson’s first sixty years, alongside many other museum’s stunning and creative pocket galleries as part of Google Arts and Culture’s International Museum Day celebration. Keep an eye on the H-D Museum’s social media for a direct link, or visit the H-D Museum’s main page on May 18 to explore the gallery.

Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (on display now)
The four founders of Harley-Davidson were recently inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Learn more about this prestigious honor now on view in the H-D Museum.

Linda “Jo” Giovannoni (on display now)
In 2022, the world of motorcycling lost a prominent voice, Linda “Jo” Giovannoni. As a co-founder of Harley Women magazine, she shared her love of the sport through articles in newspapers and magazines, and in national television interviews and documentaries. Learn about how Giovannoni inspired riders for over 40 years.

Revolution® Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America® adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The recently reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson® motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

The Harley-Davidson® Shop + Factory Shop
Be a part of our long history of unique, premium designs with our exclusive 120th Anniversary collection. From men’s and women’s baseball jerseys to a vintage inspired sweater and jersey, it’s easy to show your H D pride in our 120th year.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
We have some great specials in May! Our Shrimp Tartar tapa is on the menu as an entrée option, we went a little wild with the Mac Attack, a burger including mac n’ cheese, pork, BBQ sauce, and topped with crispy onion strings. Top of a great meal with a sweet treat of Tres Leches Cake, a triple layered cake topped with chocolate and raspberry.

Celebrate mom with brunch! We’ll be offering our full brunch menu along with bottomless mimosas for $20 during Mother’s Day Brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Make your reservation at motorrestaurant.com or call 414-287-2778. Make your reservation today as spots are filling up quickly!

May Specials (while supplies last):
SANDWICH OF THE MONTH: Shrimp Tartar ($19.95)
Fresh shrimp and avocado in a rosemary cream sauce with peppers, red onions, topped with spring mix, crispy onion straws and a balsamic glaze.

BURGER OF THE MONTH: Mac Attack Burger ($17.95)
8-oz. hand-packed ground chuck topped with cheddar cheese, mac n’ cheese, shredded pork, BBQ sauce, crispy onion straws on a brioche bun.

DESSERT OF THE MONTH: Tres Leches Cake ($8.95)
A light three-layered cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture and topped with chocolate and raspberry sauces.

Save the dates
Special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together,” opening Saturday, June 17. Media Preview, Friday June 16.

About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.