Posts made in June 2023

ASTORIA FILM FESTIVAL

Astoria Film Festival Inc, in Astoria NY, is a 501c3 non-profit organization and an official NYC DOE VENDOR. Astoria Film Festival is devoted to increasing the representation of under-represented people in media and film by providing them with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to obtain jobs in the media industry. Each year, we produce a main festival and a Youth Festival; organize a Career Fair; teach filmmaking workshops to ages 8adult in schools, after schools, and community centers; provide virtual and in-person internships for high-school and college students interested in media careers; train high-school and college age youth in media production and give them real-world production experience working on media projects with various industry professionals and local businesses. Astoria Film Festival is especially focused on supporting groups typically ignored and/or oppressed in society – Disabled people, women, FLI (First-Gen/Low-Income/Immigrants), BBIA (Black/Brown/Indigenous/Asian), LGBTQIA+ people. We also connect our younger students to our older students and to our festival filmmakers and industry professionals who work with us, thus creating a multi-generational, diverse, local filmmaking community and network.

Nina Fiore is the disabled first-gen Founder and Executive Director of Astoria Film Festival, an Advisory Board Member and Partner for the CTE Film Program at the High School of Art and Design in NYC, and an Advisor for the RespectAbility/Netflix Disabled Media Writers Lab. Nina has a BA and EdM from Harvard University and has long been involved with content production (for digital media, tv, and film), afterschool education, and nonprofit management. Nina managed the team at Viacom that created and launched the Noggin Channel and also created and produced content for MTV, Comedy Central, PBS, Sesame Street, Paramount TV, Nickelodeon, VH1, Comedy Central, Sesame Workshop, Merrill Lynch, & Sundance Film Festival. Nina also has over 25 years experience in Education. She managed an After School Program in the Mission Hill Housing Complex in Roxbury, MA, created a Digital After School program at the Children’s Aid Society in Harlem, NYC, that served as a pilot program for Intel’s Computer Classrooms, and, after graduate school at Harvard, served as Communications Director and Grants Manager for an Educational Research Group at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School that worked with struggling Boston Public Schools. Nina also served as Director of Education at Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, where she conceived of creating the Astoria Film Festival, to connect local youth with the filmmakers in the community and with industry professionals. Nina is a disabled woman who homeschools her disabled son, advocates for disability rights, and resides in her hometown of Astoria, NY.

MEET AFF TEAM

Board Treasurer – Slavko Bogdanov PhD (he/him) is an Astrophysicist at Columbia University where he conducts research on high-energy astrophysical phenomena utilizing space-based NASA observatories. Previously, he was a Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Global Fellow at McGill University in Montreal, QC, and a research fellow at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, MA. Slavko holds a PhD and MA from Harvard University and a BS with Honors and Distinction from Penn State University. He resides in Astoria, NY and is a member of our Finance and Executive committees.

Board Secretary – Dauna Williams JD (she/her) is a global attorney, an expert in leading and managing legal teams and operations, and devising cutting-edge, legal solutions and cost-saving, process improvements. Dauna has practiced intellectual property, technology, outsourcing, privacy, marketing/advertising, entertainment, new media and general corporate law for over 25 years. As in-house counsel, she managed these legal practices and related global teams for corporations in the financial and insurance industries, namely Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and MetLife. She is currently the Founder/Director of LexROI LLC, a legal and business consulting firm. Additionally, Dauna is a writer, producer and director of independent film and theatre, often with a focus on interactive storytelling. She founded an interactive digital marketing company in 1999 called Content360 and was one of the producers for the Tony-nominated, Broadway production of The Scottsboro Boys. Dauna has a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Brown University. She resides in Brooklyn, NY, and is a member of our Finance and Executive committees.

Ruth Fernandez (she/her) is a NYC-born artist who is a member of IATSE Local 798 as a HMU (Hair and MakeUp Artist and Groomer) for the film/tv industry. While working in a salon in Chelsea in the early 2000’s, she was introduced to her future mentor, who took her to assist on an independent film. Soon after, she found herself working on “Making the Band” with Danity Kane on MTV and was then asked to work on the group’s first video shoot in Los Angeles, which paved the way to her current career. Today, Ruth is the go-to to many, both on and off the red carpet. Among the stars Fernandez has worked with are Selita Ebanks, Brian Tyree Henry, Kane Brown, Laila Ali, Sterling K. Brown, Marlee Matlin, Brooke Shields, Miriam Shor, Gaten Matarazzo and Niki Taylor among many more! Ruth also has extensive experience with editorial, commercial work and high-profile advertising campaigns, including Ray-Ban, Bon Appétit, Interview Magazine Germany, Nylon, GQ, Weight Watchers, Welch’s and Verizon. In 2017, she became a member of IATSE Local 798. This was a long time dream of hers, to be able to lend her talents and continue to learn and grow as an artist by working along side the best of the best in the TV/Film world.

38TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Gospel music’s biggest night, is set to return to Las Vegas for its 38th annual celebration. This year, the event is taking its renowned festivities to new heights with the introduction of the ultimate fan experience, the Stellar+ Experience (Stellar+EXP). Co-founders Rhonda Jackson-Sams and Michele Murphy have curated an unparalleled lineup of activities that will showcase the talents, vision, creativity, and innovation of the Gospel music industry.

The Stellar+EXP provides attendees and participants with a completely personalized experience, featuring concerts, discussions, master classes, and much more. As a multi-generational family weekend event, the addition of Stellar+EXP will heighten the festivities and create a unique atmosphere of faith, fellowship, music and fun. Now, fans can enjoy three full days of brand new interactive activities, offering engagement opportunities with their favorite artists, and immersion into the world of Gospel music.

The Stellar+ Experience events will take place at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Wednesday, July 12th, to Friday, July 14th, 2023. Limited edition passes are now available for purchase, ranging from $60 to $250, at www.eventbrite.com. For the full event schedule and more information, visit stellarplusexperience.com.

“We’re ecstatic to present Stellar+ Experience week, an incredible extension of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Through valuable input from our viewers and industry peers, we’ve curated diverse experiences that embrace community, fashion, comedy, and societal matters,” said Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. This expansion, alongside our historic flagship show, amplifies gospel music’s influence, culminating in two phenomenal pre-show days. Prepare for an inspiring showcase of talent, uniting gospel music with all facets of entertainment in the vibrant city of Las Vegas.”

The new Stellar+EXP includes several exciting events designed to entertain and inspire. Stellar and the Community, an event partnership with the City of Las Vegas focused on the Arts, will promote the importance of art and its impact on communities. The Spotify Artist Experience will bring music industry experts to share valuable information with aspiring artists. Stellar Talks will feature intimate conversations with high-profile couples, fostering discussions on love, life, and faith. Additionally, Fireside Chats with special celebrity guests, Stellar Unplugged, Who’s Got Next? Showcase, and the Celebrity Basketball Game will provide thrilling entertainment throughout the weekend. The Legendary Game Changers Lunch, hosted by celebrity fashion influencers J. Bolin and Joyce Sheffield, will recognize trail blazers in fashion and beauty. Sanctioned events that are familiar to Stellar attendees will still be offered, such as Aaron Arringtonߣs Midnight Gospel Bowling and various Post-Event receptions. Full schedule of sanctioned events is available at www.thestellarawards.com.

Confirmed artists for the Stellar+EXP include Mali Music, Brian Courtney Wilson, Jokia Williams, Jason Clayborn, Titus Showers, Jabari Johnson, Jermaine Dolly, and many more. Each day will bring new announcements, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the event.

Co-Founder Rhonda Jackson-Sams expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Akin to Gospel music, Stellar & Central City Production’s goal is to ensure that people feel encouraged and elevated while also educating our community. We are so excited to bring this special experience to all the loyal fans who have been coming to see their favorite artists at the Stellars for 38 years, as well as those learning about Stellars for the first time.”

Stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellar+exp on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Stellar+EXP week.

Maluma – Coco Loco

Maluma releases his new single “Coco Loco.” The fiery track showcases Maluma’s unique and iconic sound this time as Don Juan embodies urban flow and sensuality.

Listen and watch the official video HERE.

The new single sets the stage for his upcoming Don Juan album, due later this year. Also on the album are Maluma’s recently released singles “La Fórmula” with Marc Anthony, “La Reina” and “Diablo, Que Chimba” alongside Anuel AA.

The steamy video, directed by Jessy Terrero and produced by Cinema Giants and Royalty Films, is set in the beautiful streets of a stormy Miami. When his concert is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, Maluma performs an impromptu concert in the rain, surrounded by dancers, a festive atmosphere whilst enjoying his very own Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal.

Further, as part of the announcement of his new Don Juan World Tour, Maluma will be in Europe this summer to perform a series of concerts in July, before he starts the U.S. leg of his world tour with more than 30 confirmed dates.

European Tour Dates:

June 16: Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

June 18: Ibiza, Spain

June 23: Vienne, France

June 24: Basel, Switzerland

July 1: Seville, Spain

July 2: Ibiza, Spain

July 5: Sicily, Italy

July 7: Malaga, Spain

July 8: Las Palmas, Spain

July 11: Montreaux, Switzerland

July 12: Rome, Italy

July 14: Gdansk, Poland

July 16: Naples, Italy

This tour follows the wildly successful Papi Juancho Maluma World Tour 2022, which boasted sold-out shows across the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

For tickets, visit HERE.

Last month, he attended the MET Gala wearing a sleek plastron and matching trousers, crafted entirely in a sophisticated, grey-hued leather, inspired by the 90s Karl Lagerfeld collaboration with Hugo Boss. Check out Maluma’s Esquire ‘getting ready’ piece here.

FOLLOW MALUMA

SPECTRE FINISHING SCHOOL

“Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything. It symbolises not only the marque’s technological leadership of the super-luxury sector but that a bold electric future, first prophesised in 1900 by our founder, Charles Rolls, is now upon us. To attain its final, perfect form, Spectre has passed through our engineers’ ‘finishing school’ – and in so doing, completed the most demanding testing regime in our brand’s history.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“It is a highlight of my professional life to have developed Rolls-Royce Spectre, the car which propels Rolls-Royce into its bold, electric future. Such a remarkable car requires a remarkable testing program, and I am enormously proud that Spectre has now completed what has been the most arduous schedule ever conceived for a Rolls-Royce motor car. Indeed, it is where automotive manufacturers finish testing that so much of our work begins in fulfilling the requirements of the super-luxury consumer. This has been an extraordinary undertaking from a team of dedicated and highly skilled engineers that span both traditional technical disciplines and exciting emerging technologies. Rolls-Royce Spectre brings the future of this great marque into the present.”

Dr. Mihiar Ayoubi, Director of Engineering, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ genre-defining all-electric super coupé, Spectre, has now concluded a historic and unique undertaking: a 1.5-million-mile testing program simulating more than 400 years of use. In the most demanding development process in the marque’s 120-year history, Spectre has endured temperatures ranging from -40°F to +122°F, and in conditions spanning from Arctic snow and ice to deserts, high mountain passes and the world’s megacities.

En route, every one of Spectre’s 141,200 digital sender-receiver relations and 25,000 performance-related functions has been minutely observed, analyzed, and tuned by Rolls-Royce engineers, a process representing over 50,000 collective hours of highly skilled work. This resulted in thousands of iterative improvements in everything from Spectre’s acoustic performance, composure under cornering and steering precision to its charge time, electric range and torque delivery; each small in itself, but with an immense overall cumulative effect on the client experience.

LIFESTYLE ANALYSIS

As a Rolls-Royce, Spectre must be more than just an engineering tour de force – it must also offer clients an authentic super-luxury experience. It has therefore also been subjected to the marque’s unique Lifestyle Analysis process, which has informed the development of every new product emanating from the marque’s home in its Goodwood era. This additional testing program goes far beyond standard automotive assessments to encompass how clients will use the motor car in their daily lives.

Lifestyle Analysis is based on the marque’s detailed knowledge and understanding of the super-luxury consumer, and continuous intelligence-gathering across the luxury sector. It enables engineers to anticipate the very particular demands likely to be placed on a new Rolls-Royce and ensure that final engineered and fashioned experience incorporates appropriate features and responses.

Using this knowledge, engineers have considered a range of variables of particular relevance to Rolls-Royce clients. For example, they have examined how Spectre’s drivetrain performs on specific roads in and around the world’s most exclusive enclaves, including Sanya Island in China, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Napa Valley in California and London in the marque’s home market.

This testing is not limited to performance under highway speeds. Specific city center destinations are also used to ensure that features such as four-wheel steering offer the requisite maneuverability benefits to access areas roads and property approaches with limited space. Indeed, testing in and around the boroughs of Mayfair and Kensington and Chelsea, London, ensured the appropriate rear axle steering to approach key residential streets and luxury retail locations.

As with the technical road testing, the Lifestyle Analysis phase of testing is in place to highlight necessary adjustments to the motor car’s specification or performance. For example, after testing the power-assisted doors on an exceptionally steep hill – replicating the steep driveways common to the hills of Los Angeles, California – engineers added gyroscopic and G-force sensors to ensure that doors open and close at the same effortless speed, regardless of longitudinal or transverse parking angles.

Additionally, one corner was used so frequently to test the steering precision of Spectre, which the marque’s engineers believe is the most exact in Rolls-Royce history, they have named a switchback within the environs of Rolls-Royce’s home in Goodwood, West Sussex, ‘Spectre Corner.’

Fittingly, it was during Lifestyle Analysis testing in London, the capital of Rolls-Royce’s home market, that Spectre completed its 1.5-million-mile odyssey in preparation for client deliveries, which will commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

Rolls-Royce Spectre concludes testing program via 360 MAGAZINE.

Coi Leray – Bops

Coi Leray, has released the music video for her single “Bops.” Watch the video for “Bops” HERE.

Released on April 27, “Bops” helped Coi set the stage for her highly anticipated Sophomore album, COI. Now with an accompanying visual, Coi is oozing confidence as she proudly proves her success as a chart-topping artist who can crank up a smash hit after hit. The video was produced and directed by Coi’s multi-media production company Trendsetter Studios with Coi credited as Creative Director.

The video sees Coi letting loose and celebrating her success with friends, complete with a cake and impressive dance moves in front of the framed records that got her here. We see Coi dancing in front of the physical manifestation of her artistry – the multi-platinum record “No More Parties”, the gold-certified “Big Purr (Prrrd)” [feat. Pooh Shiesty], and the frame triumphantly naming her a Billboard chart-topping artist. Coi and her dancers show off not only her bops, but her dance moves as well, wearing shorts with the word “PLAYERS” across – a proud display of Coi’s highest-charting single to date.

2023 is in full force for Coi due to her chart-topping success of her smash hit “Players”, bountiful new music releases, and major festival performances such as Rolling Loud California, Austin City Limits, Summer Jam and more. This year has also seen Coi become the voice of the WNBA’s “More Than Game” campaign ahead of their 2023 season and continue to build her resume in the fashion space with her collaboration with FENDI by Marc Jacobs in their highly anticipated Summer Capsule collection. You can also hear Coi on the big screen, with her collaboration with Metro Boomin on their song “Self Love”, as part of the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, in theaters now.

ABOUT COI LERAY:

Coi Leray consistently asserts herself as an elite rapper, dynamite vocalist, massive personality, and boundary-breaking superstar without comparison or rival. Born in Boston, raised in New Jersey and based in Los Angeles, the multiplatinum force of nature has captivated without compromise. Projecting her attitude just as loudly as her voice, she has served up a string of anthems from her debut album TRENDSETTER, including the double-platinum “No More Parties,” gold-certified “Big Purr (Prrrd)” [feat. Pooh Shiesty], the Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit “Blick Blick” [with Nicki Minaj], and the viral “TWINNEM.” Coi has also earned her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 with her highest charting single to date “Players” landing at #9. It’s taking over social media with popular remixes such as ”Players (David Guetta Remix),” “Players (DJ Smallz 732 Jersey Club Remix),” “Players (DJ Saige Remix),” and “Players (DJ Saige Remix)” feat. Busta Rhymes. Together they set TikTok on fire with a staggering 10 billion views and nearly 3 million video creates as the success simultaneously translated to streaming platforms. It’s also dominating the radio with three consecutive weeks at #1 on Rhythmic Radio, #1 on Urban Radio, #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs Chart, and #6 on Billboard’s Radio Chart. Between generating billions of streams and views, she has infiltrated every corner of culture, appearing on XXL’s coveted Freshman Classcover, performing on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, starring as the face of the SKIMS “Cozy Collection” by Kim Kardashian West, and guesting on Slime Language 2, which bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200. Coi Leray’sreach continues to expand thanks to collaborations with everyone from Calvin Harris to K Pop’s TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Beyond a slew of magazine covers and nominations at the American Music Awards, BET Awards, and iHeartRadioMusic Awards, to name a few, she has incited critical acclaim from New York Times and Billboard to E! Online and more. As a powerhouse performer in her own right, she has shined at Rolling Loud, Lollapalooza Festival, Governors Ball and more. Still, she keeps pushing forward. The crown belongs to Coi as she unveils her anxiously awaited 2023 full-length album and much more to come.

Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Spotify, TikTok

The Ned NoMad One Year

The Ned NoMad helmed by Richie Akiva celebrate their one year anniversary. The enchanted evening will kick off with flowing Moet Chandon champagne, stations featuring caviar delights, oysters, lobster rolls, and a bevy of passed hors d’oeuvres showcasing The Ned’s chef favorites. The ceiling will filled with gold-inspired metallic balloons, sheer metallic drapery and disco ball accents while jazz performers welcomed guests. Beautifully costumed dancers featuring champagne dresses, gold glitter ensembles, extravagant headpieces rotated the room and performed on platforms, with look and style inspired by the 1920’s Era Ziegfeld Follies showgirls.

The Ned NoMad hotel and membership club located in the historic NoMad district, have members and invited VIP guests to celebrate in the main level club atrium, The Library, The Dining Room, main bar, and then late night The Magic Room will cap off the evening’s festivities. Engaged attendees will enjoy flowing libations and engaging music to keep partygoers on the dancefloor all evening long for an epic celebration, which will feature some headlining surprise performances by iconic hip hop artists Fabolous and Ja Rule back to back. Earlier in the night, The Ned’s resident comedian, Mike Young, will showcase a guest comedy set highlighted by Fallon show late night regulars Ryan Reiss, Jourdain Fisher and Sam Woolf. After the engaging comedy sets, illusionist Elliot Zimet will wow the crowd with his white dove magic performance, as birds will literally appear in his hands and disappear into handkerchiefs.

VIPS that will be in attendance included Mayor Eric Adams (@nycmayor), Ja Rule (@jarule), Fabolous (@myfabolouslife), Fat Joe (@fatjoe), Davis Burleson (@davisburleson), Julianne Hough (@juleshough), Giancarlo Stanton (NY Yankees) (@giancarlos818), among many others. Various deejays will also perform throughout the evening, with DJ Stacks closing down the after party in the Magic Room.

The Ned NoMad has become the hottest members club and hotel in New York City, centered in the bustling NoMad district, with VIPS regularly rotating through its beautiful façade and bold glass doors. From Rihanna to Gigi Hadid, Drake to Anna Wintour, Dave Chappelle to Robin Thicke, Heidi Klum to Irina Shayk, Vanessa Hudgens to Kristen Stewart, The Ned regularly hosts the hottest performers and established industry notables, offering a welcoming environment and sophisticated haven for its members and hotel guests, with sprawling rooftop views of The Empire State Building.

About The Ned NoMad

The Ned NoMad is a sophisticated hotel and members’ club located in the heart of New York’s historic North Madison district of Manhattan. The Ned NoMad, part of Membership Collective Group, opened its doors in June 2022 in The Johnston Building, named after the original owner, Caroline A. Johnston. Visit their website for membership and hotel information, www.thenednomad.com.

2024 GX + TX

Recently, Lexus invited 360 MAGAZINE to discover two of their most anticipated SUVs – the Lexus GX and the Lexus TX. Both vehicles are meticulously engineered for stylish adventurers. Both promote a potent declaration. It was logical. We were welcomed at the 5-star Proper Hotel with tons of amenities: fitness center, swimming pool, full service spa, on-site dining room, and lounges. With 244 rooms, the creative cathedral echoes the culture and motives of eastern India. Kelly Wearstler has managed to single-handedly build an immersive oasis artistic archetype within walking distance of Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek.

Double Feature presentation of Lexus TX and Lexus GX in Austin via 360 MAGAZINE, hosted by Austin Proper Hotel.

2024 Lexus TX

Double Feature presentation of Lexus TX and Lexus GX in Austin via 360 MAGAZINE.

The first-ever Lexus TX features spacious third-row legroom, as well as generous cargo space
Enhanced Lexus Driving Signature fundamentals provide a smooth and exhilarating ride
Two electrified powertrain options: a Plug-in Hybrid combined with a powerful V6 engine, and a high-performance 2.4L turbocharged hybrid available exclusively as F SPORT Performance

Today, we witnessed the launch of the all-new Lexus TX, a third-row SUV, featuring 4 different versions: Standard, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport. It’s the first Lexus model ever made in North America (Indiana) for North America.

Well-equipped with 22-inch wheels and a boatload of technology: blind spot indicator, built-in turn signals on rear-view mirror, and 14-inch touch screen display.

This is two inches longer than his brother, the Grand Highlander. However, there may be some rivalry as the materials inside the Lexus cab seem to be more sustainable.

Best Seat

2024 Lexus GX

Completely redesigned for 2024, the GX introduces a noticeable change from the previous generation with a square-body profile and resolute design that aids in off-roading functionality
First-ever Overtrail grade with standard 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels (see our press release below to learn more on the Lexus Overtrail Project)
Up to 8,000 lbs. towing capacity
A hybrid powertrain will be available in the U.S. at a later date

With a retro, rustic silhouette, it’s one of the most rugged looking Lexus vehicles offered. In the past, we have nicknamed the model like a snow rabbit – perfect for a skiing entourage. However, this time around the mid-size SUV, the GX550 packs a fist with twin-turbo 3.4 Liter v-6, producing 349 HP and offering 479 lb-ft of torque (17 mpg). Making it easy to conquer the Corbet’s Couloir, this part G Wagen, part Hummer could be what the brand needs to catch a school of celebrities in the world of tiktok.

Manufactured on the same platform as the larger LX, the Overtail offers two rows, five seater with back tailgate glass which separately opens, offering easy access to cargo without the hassle of opening the entire lift gate.

Watch official presentation HERE.

Watch our TikTok HERE.

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WE THE BEST FOUNDATION

Hitting the fairway for a very good cause, GRAMMY® Award-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled excitedly presents the inaugural WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC on Thursday July 20 in Miami, FL sponsored by Jordan brand. The perennial hitmaker will be joined by an A-list cohort of players, teeing off to support various charitable initiatives for a great cause. The proceeds will benefit We The Best Foundation and their various endeavors in education, the arts, and so much more. This inaugural tournament will be an experience like no one other.

About the event, Khaled commented, “Just to be out on the golf course with close friends and family of mine is a blessing. Giving back makes it even better. I can’t wait to see you all at the first-ever WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC. We’re starting something very special here while introducing the sport of golf to a wider community.”

The festivities commence on Wednesday, July 19, when Khaled welcomes sponsors and guests. Bright and early on the following morning, July 20, registration and breakfast commence at 8 am. with celebrity intros at 9 am. The tournament kicks off at 9:30 am sharp, followed by awards at 2:30pm.

About DJ Khaled

For over two decades, the very mention of DJ Khaled has implied an elevated level of musical greatness, entrepreneurial excellence, and cultural impact. You’ve heard him across a GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum catalog, seen him in blockbusters such as Bad Boys For Life, caught him on the cover of Rolling Stone, watched him on numerous television programs, and felt his presence from the streets all the way up to the Barack Obama White House. He has achieved dozens of multiplatinum and gold certifications, including the 9x multi-platinum Billboard Hot 100 #1 “I’m The One” [feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, & Lil Wayne], 6x multi-platinum “Wild Thoughts” [feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller], double platinum “No Brainer” [feat. Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, & Quavo]. His 2019 album, Father of Asahd [We The Best Music Group/Epic Records], to the top of the charts. Not only did it garner a platinum certification, but it also became his third consecutive Top 2 debut on the Billboard Top 200 and emerged as the “#1 Most-Streamed Record” upon release. To date, he has moved over 20 million singles and 6 million albums in addition to gathering 4 billion-plus streams. The latter propelled his 2021 album, Khaled Khaled which boasts the 3x multi-platinum anthem “Every Chance That I Get” [feat. Lil Baby & Lil Durk].

Not to mention, he launched We The Best Music Group—a record label, management, publishing, and production company and in-demand studio. As a committed philanthropist, he founded his 501(c)3 organization The We The Best Foundation. It uplifts individuals throughout underserved communities across the United States and supports various non-profits. He has supported the fight against COVID-19., U2 frontman Bono recruited him as the first social media ambassador for Project Red, and he serves as the national spokesperson for Get Schooled. Now, the power of this legacy defines his thirteenth full-length album—which bears the name—God Did, making it his fourth number #1 album to debut on the Billboard Top 200 chart. With a newly minted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, DJ Khaled continues to soar and inspire. GOD DID!

About We The Best Foundation

We The Best Foundation is a 501c3 organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the next generation – from childhood to adulthood. We support non-profit organizations and individuals in underserved communities in efforts that aid them towards becoming the best version of themselves. To learn more or donate, visit www.WeTheBestFoundation.org

FOLLOW DJ KHALED

Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

SAM TOMPKINS – TIME WILL FLY

Today, Sam Tompkins has released fan favored track– ‘Time Will Fly.’ Taking to Instagram, Sam shared a preview of the song before it’s release.

Stream “Time Will Fly” HERE

Originally recorded in LA and reworked to accompany Sam’s recent Hammersmith Apollo headline show announcement video; ‘Time Will Fly’ received an outpouring of love from fans and artists alike including Raye, Timbaland, Logic, Ty Dolla Sign, Berwyn, Justin Bieber and many more.

Charting Sam’s rise from a 16 year old busking on the streets of Brighton to cementing his reputation as one of the fastest rising British male artists with his own headline show at the prestigious Hammersmith Apollo; the video has received millions of views and comments and trended on TikTok. Watch the video here

Due to popular demand, Sam released the full version of the track today!

With a huge 2023 planned as his debut album comes quickly into view, Sam Tompkins will head out on a full EU Tour in November. The tour will follow a packed summer of festival appearances, including supporting PINK @ BST Hyde Park on June 24 and an appearance at Boardmasters on August 12, with a stateside tour incoming.

Championing authenticity without taking himself too seriously and using his ever-growing platform to encourage others to do the same, Sam Tompkins is an artist apart – evidenced by his huge following that continues to grow exponentially.

He has quickly become the Brit of choice for huge US stars to collaborate with; Nicki Minaj sampled his song, ‘Whole’ on single ‘Love In The Way’ and JNR Choi’s track, ‘To The Moon’, featured Sam’s vocal and made waves across the music industry, peaking at #1 on Spotify’s Viral Hits chart.

With a literal army of followers moving alongside him, he crashed into the top 10 of the UK album charts with EP ‘who do you pray to’ last year and sells out every venue he puts his name against. Admired by the likes of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, as well as UK legends Krept & Konan, Chip and Clean Bandit and with artists like Fred Again, Sam Smith, Bebe Rexha and Drake all having co-signed his work, he has been championed by Jack Saunders and Mollie King on Radio 1 to Vogue, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit, Hypebeast and The Sun and become a mainstay on prestigious Spotify playlists.

FOLLOW SAM TOMPKINS ONLINE:

INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / TIKTOK / YOUTUBE

City Girls – PINATA

New Music Pinata

Listen HERE

Miami’s trailblazing City Girls return with the new single “I Need A Thug.” Listen HERE via Quality Control / Motown. It’s the hip-hop duo’s first release of the year as lead artist — and serves as the introduction to their forthcoming third album. Having recently been named one of the 50 greatest rap groups of all time by Billboard, Yung Miami and JT are primed to make it a too make it the Summer to act bad. Real Bad.

With sex-positive lyrics and bombastic beats, “I Need A Thug” finds City Girls breaking down what they do and don’t want in a man. The song turns the corner on LL Cool J’s “I Need Love,” and features JT and Yung Miami trading verses about their ideal man. “I need a thug with swag, like a rock star,” raps JT. “Bonnie and Clyde s–t, tongue kissin’ in cop cars.”

“I Need A Thug” follows “Act Bad,” a recent collaboration with Diddy and Fabolous. Prior to that, the duo left their mark on 2022 with “Top Notch” featuring Fivio Foreign and “Good Love” — an uptempo linkup with R&B legend Usher. The latter was the latest in a long line of outrageous hits stretching back to 2017’s “Fuck Dat N***a.” Since then, they have landed platinum records with bangers like “Act Up” and the Cardi B-assisted “Twerk.”

With more than 15 billion cumulative streams to their credit and co-signs from hip-hop heavyweights ranging from Missy Elliott, who directed the video for 2021’s “Twerkulator,” to Lil Wayne (a featured artist on 2020’s “Pussy Talk”), City Girls are a legitimate phenomenon, who continue to rewrite the rulebook with every new release.

FOLLOW CITY GIRLS