Posts made in August 2023

LATIN AND LATINX HEROES SHARE THEIR POWER

From Spider-Man to America Chavez, Latin and Latinx super heroes make the Marvel Universe a richer place each and every month! This October, Marvel Comics is proud to honor Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month by spotlighting some its newer and fan-favorite Latin and Latinx characters.

In the same spirit as Marvel’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Month celebration this past May, select issues in October will feature stunning variant covers depicting Latin and Latinx heroes. Within the pages of those very issues, those characters will team up with the titular stars in all-new bonus adventures! This year’s Comunidades Variant Covers will be drawn by acclaimed artist Ernanda Souza, and the stories will be told by a diverse lineup of Latin and Latinx creators, each one bringing their unique background, experience, and voice to Marvel Comics storytelling!

Hailing from all corners of the Marvel mythos, this year’s spotlight characters feature Firebird, Shark-Girl, Power Man (Victor Alvarez), and Eva Quintero of Strange Academy. Not only are these stories perfect for introducing or reintroducing these beloved characters to readers, but they’ll also position them for their own bright futures! Here’s what fans can expect:

· Eva Quintero “borrows” a book from the Scarlet Witch’s private collection and gets more than she bargained for when the book sucks her into a demonic realm! With the help of her Strange Academy teacher, Wanda Maximoff, Eva must find a way to escape before she’s trapped between the pages forever!

· Firebird brings her fiery passion to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes once more in an adventure by writer Kalinda Vasquez and artist Alba Glez. Alongside Captain Marvel and Captain America, Firebird is called upon by the Avengers to investigate a mystery in the desert. Their quest will lead them straight to an all-new character with secrets to reveal deep within… Roswell, New Mexico!

· Power Man on an exciting new journey. But first, he’ll have to survive a battle with the strongest there is! Chasing down a threat, Power Man winds up locked in a brawl with the Incredible Hulk!

· Marvel’s Voices: X-Men, writing duo Raphael Draccon and Carolina Munhóz will join artist Marcelo Costa to bring together Shark-Girl and Sunspot! The two mutants team up for the very first time as they return to their home nation of Brazil to investigate mysterious disappearances of local fisherman—but when their investigation leads them to “Ilha da Queimada Grande”, they find themselves in a showdown with King Cobra! Together, Shark-Girl and Sunspot have to act fast to stop King Cobra’s nefarious plans—and try not to fall victim to the local fauna in the process!

Check out the first COMUNIDADES VARIANT COVER and stay tuned for more to be revealed in the weeks ahead. And celebrate Marvel’s Latin and Latinx heroes and creators this October! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Lord Afrixana Releases EP

Today, Grammy-nominated artist Lord Afrixana stakes his claim as a culture-and genre-bending master on his dynamic new EP Ghana Must Go. The four-song collection features the powerful track No Dey Tire, the Ghana-born singer-songwriter’s debut single for Protect the Culture/Warner Records. The new label was founded by music industry veteran Marc Byers and has recently entered into a worldwide joint venture with Warner Records. Listen to Ghana Must Go HERE.

Over four fierce tracks, Lord Afrixana shows off his impressive range as a no-holds-barred lyricist with a swaggering flow. We take the charge like visa, we run the streets like tro tro, he announces on opening track; No Dey Tire, a moody manifesto built on thunderous bass and pulsating beats. The song largely reflects and speaks to the African and Caribbean communities of Afrixana’s adopted hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he lived since the age of nine.

He keeps that vigor pumping on Not For Nothing, an adrenaline-fueled song primed to be the next big walkout anthem. Every stripe that you deserve is a stripe you gotta earn, he proclaims. The second half of the EP reveals a softer side as he dips into a more seductive mood with sun-soaked groovers Pillow featuring the hypnotic vocals of “Firefly” and Parachute.

About the EP Lord Afrixana shares, The title represents a reclamation and rebranding effort because Ghana must do more than just go. Ghana Must Go Home. Ghana Must Go Far. Ghana Must Go Well.

With Ghana Must Go, Lord Afrixana proves he’s ready to step into the spotlight as a solo star. The EP arrives after a number of star-studded collaborations. In 2019, he co-wrote two songs with Beyonce for The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack, which would earn him three Grammy nominations. He’s worked with artists like Pharrell Williams, Bebe Rexha, Tiwa Savage, and has been featured on the season 2 soundtrack of the Epix original series Godfather of Harlem alongside DDG with No Favors and the season 3 soundtrack with Bad Guy. He also co-wrote the smash hit summer track “Showing Off Her Body by DaBaby & Davido and flexed his solo talents on last yearߣs hard-hitting Touchdown, featured on the EA Sports Madden NFL soundtrack.

Now, Lord Afrixana heads into his next exciting chapter. Ghana Must Go is a bold statement that hits on respect, honor, love, and the African experience in America and there is much more to come. Stay tuned.

Lord Afrixana brings all of himself to his music. In his vibrant tracks, the Ghanaian American rapper and singer draws on his background in African pop, as well as bruising hip-hop, colorful pop, and emotional R&B, a tapestry of genres that reflects a wide-ranging knowledge, taste, and perspective. He co-wrote Don’t Jealous Me, and Water for Beyonce; Lion King-inspired 2019 album The Gift, and DaBaby and Davido’s smash 2022 summer anthem Showing Off Her Body. The three-time Grammy nominee steps out of the shadows with his new Warner Records EP, The Four and its high-energy lead single, No Dey Tire. Lord Afrixana is a stunning introduction to industry vet Marc Byers Protect the Culture imprint, a new partnership with Warner Records, which will no doubt help bring Lord to the whole world. At age three, his family immigrated from Ghana via Liberia to Massachusetts, fleeing civil war. Later, he would receive status as part of the DACA program. Since he started working in the songwriting world in Los Angeles, he’s written for and worked with producers and musicians, including Akon, Bebe Rexha, Pharrell Williams, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Jidenna, DJ Mustard, and Beyonce. He has contributed songs to the Forest Whitaker TV crime series ;Godfather of Harlem; and the video game; Madden 23. Lord Afrixana hopes that his ability to vividly capture experiences will ensure that his craft transcends generations. I wanna be the person that you play 30 years from now, he says.

SNIPES and DJ Khaled Open Store

SNIPES, the global sneaker and streetwear retailer with 750 stores across Europe and the US, and Grammy-award winning music mogul DJ Khaled, are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated opening of the We The Best x SNIPES store on Collins Avenue in Miami. This innovative retail destination, set to open its doors on August 3, is poised to usher Miami to the forefront of sneaker & streetwear culture while embodying SNIPES’

commitment to the communities they serve.

The We The Best x SNIPES store promises an unparalleled shopping experience, combining the essence of South Florida’s vibrant sneaker and streetwear culture with the latest SNIPES apparel and exclusive co-branded merchandise. Spearheading this groundbreaking collaboration is SNIPES CEO Sven Voth, alongside the visionary music producer and artist, DJ Khaled, who also serves as the brand’s Chief Creative Officer of SNIPES.

Housed in the heart of Collins Ave, the 6,105 square foot store is a testament to DJ Khaled’s dedication to push Miami’s culture forward. His artistic touch in designing the space interprets the gritty SNIPES store format in his signature modern, futuristic, and design-centric way. The result is a unique blend that captures the vibrant energy of Miami’s sneaker and streetwear culture.

Notably, DJ Khaled’s new office is integrated into the store, demonstrating his personal investment in the project. Besides spacious meeting and sitting areas, his office includes a fully equipped recording studio, a unique feature that showcases DJ Khaled and SNIPES’ commitment to nurturing local talent. Aspiring artists in Miami will have the opportunity to record their tracks within the store and have them sent directly to their devices, amplifying Miami’s creative spirit.

“I’m proud to partner and launch the We The Best x SNIPES store in the heart of Miami Beach,” said DJ Khaled. “To be able to bring a concept store like this to the city is truly remarkable and will uplift the community. I’ve always had a deep love and connection to sneaker culture and streetwear fashion which is the core essence of this new retail store. The community will now have a place not only to come and shop some of the latest brands, but to also have a unique shopping experience like no other.”

Miami is the perfect backdrop for the We The Best x SNIPES store, drawing inspiration from the city’s distinctive culture, vibrant energy, and strong sense of community. In this iconic location, SNIPES reaffirms its mission to make a positive impact on local residents. Beyond its renowned streetwear offerings, SNIPES’ ethos embraces a broader vision focused on empowering and uplifting communities not just locally but also across the globe. The store’s presence in Miami symbolizes a fusion of creativity and inclusivity, promising to connect with the city’s dynamic spirit and cultural diversity.

“We are thrilled to officially open the doors of the We The Best x SNIPES store in Miami,” says Jim Bojko, SNIPES USA President. “This marks an exciting chapter for us as we deepen our connection to the vibrant Miami community. Our commitment to positively impact the city goes beyond streetwear and fashion; it’s about uplifting the communities we serve by fostering organic and long-lasting outreach programs such as the upcoming basketball court remodel in Brownsville. With DJ Khaled’s vision and our resources, we look forward to creating more such unique experiences that resonate deeply with the Miami community, and we are honored to be a part of this dynamic city’s cultural fabric.”

The grand opening celebration on August 3, hosted by DJ Khaled, will be a momentous occasion for the Miami community. The festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community giveaways, and special appearances by notable celebrity guests and tastemakers, solidifying the store’s significance as a cultural landmark in the vibrant city.

The We The Best x SNIPES store opens its doors on August 3, 2 p.m. EST at 673 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139

For more information, please visit www.snipesusa.com.

About SNIPES:

As the leading sneaker and streetwear retailer in the US and Europe, SNIPES offers products from top brands like Nike, Jordan, adidas, and New Balance through its 700 global stores and digital properties. SNIPES works with local community partners as well as international brands and personalities such as its Chief Creative Officer DJ Khaled to support, empower, and celebrate street culture.

Lil Wayne Teams Up With Mario & Tyga

Hip Hop legend, Lil Wayne joins the R&B soul singer Mario and Tyga on the summer anthem, Main One via Epic Records. This iconic trio brings the heat on their new single accompanied by vibrant visuals and a sexy ambiance. The video is infused with diamonds, high end designer looks and beautiful women all inside of a jaw dropping mansion. The balance of Lil Wayne and Tyga‘s bars against Mario‘s lush vocals makes for a instant banger.

About Lil Wayne & Young Money Entertainment:
Lil Wayne rewrote the entire game in his image. The five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum rap icon, Young Money Entertainment founder, acclaimed author, pro skater, philanthropist, and history-making superstar continues to leave an indelible tattoo on the culture. He has cemented his legacy forever as “one of the best-selling artists of all time,” tallying sales in excess of 100 million records worldwide with 25 million albums and 90 million digital tracks sold in the United States alone. In 2022, Wayne earned his first Diamond certification from the RIAA with his generational smash hit “Lollipop” feat. Static Major. Not to mention, he has garnered 26 BET Awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards, 7 MTV Awards, 4 Soul Train Awards and 8 BMI Awards, as well as recently received the Global Impact Award at The Recording Academy Honors Presented By The Black Music Collective. He’s slated to be named a BMI Icon Award at the forthcoming 2023 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.

With a discography highlighted by five career spanning #1 debuts beginning with 2008’s 6x platinum, 3x GRAMMY® Award-winning opus Tha Carter III and its 5x platinum, 2011 successor Tha Carter IV, he released the latest version of the series – Tha Carter V – in 2018. Not only did it clinch #1 on the Billboard 200, but it also achieved “the second-largest streaming week for an album in history.” Every song on the tracklisting charted on the Billboard Hot 100 as he became “the first artist to debut two songs in the top 5.” It all bulldozed the way for his thirteenth full-length, Funeral, a year later. Simultaneously, Wayne owns and operates Young Money Entertainment as C.E.O. The company ignited the careers of two of the most successful artists ever—Drake and Nicki Minaj. The committed philanthropist founded The One Family Foundation too.

Alina Baraz – Keep Me In Love

LA-based singer-songwriter Alina Baraz returns with a brand new single, “Keep Me In Love.” Listen HERE. The soulful score follows May’s “Breathless” collaboration with Austin Millz. This time around, Baraz’s longing for love is an innate desire, and she wants someone to reciprocate that energy.

“Keep Me In Love” is a sonic concoction packed with infectious melodies, rooted in the kind of uptempo R&B that makes for a summer romance. A swooning gem that sparkles with Baraz’s commanding vocals, it’s an ultra-modern take on love that nods to her relatable songwriting. “I want someone, someone who gets me,” she coos over a balmy instrumental.

Behind the new track, Alina Baraz explains: “We pour so much time, love, and energy into ourselves, effortlessly and indefinitely. The idea [for the song] came from wondering if someone could ever do that for you. It’s easy to fall in love but to keep me in love, I long for that.”

Baraz has grown in popularity over the last few years, largely due to her pen and silky soprano. Most notably, she was part of a duo with Denmark producer Galimatias, which sparked the fuse for their collaborative EP, Urban Flora. The group disbanded and Baraz continued her solo trek through the industry, pairing up with frequent collaborator Khalid (“Floating” and “Electric”) for several popular releases.

Her debut studio album, It Was Divine, received high praise from publications such as NME, Okayplayer, DJBooth, Hypebeast, Complex, and more. The 16-song project features appearances from 6lack, Smino, Khalid, and Grammy-winning rap icon Nas. Elsewhere, the genre-bending songstress has enveloped listeners with her impassioned (albeit gutsy) takes on love.

It Was Divine served as a formal reintroduction to the powerhouse vocalist, signaling a fresh start for one of the industry’s most experienced newcomers. Now, with the release of her second single this year, Baraz is ready to reignite the public’s demand for pop-R&B. With an appearance at H.E.R.’s anticipated Lights On Festival this Fall, and more new music on the horizon, Baraz isn’t back, because she never left in the first place – she’s just better.

Photo by Baz

CONNECT WITH ALINA BARAZ:

Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Facebook

Ivy Queen – Toma Remix

Iconic reggaeton artist Ivy Queen thrills her fans by releasing her long-awaited single “Toma Remix” worldwide. Following the success of the original version of her featured on the Billboard Latin Women, Ivy Queen decided to team up with a group of talented artists, including Brray, Marconi Impara, Lennox and Eix, to bring this vibrant and powerful remix to life.

Produced by the talented Young Hollywood, the song highlights Ivy Queen’s vocal power and impact on the urban genre, fusing hard-hitting reggaeton with Middle Eastern-inspired melodies, then transitioning into an energetic, old-school perreo. . The result is a reaffirmation of her deserved title of “Queen of Reggaeton”.

The chorus of “Toma Remix” invites everyone to feel the pressure of reggaeton as Ivy Queen proclaims her essence as a representative of Puerto Rico and New York City. The song’s powerful verses urge respect for her legacy in the music industry. The music video, which accompanies the song, conveys the strength and talent of all the artists involved, creating a unique and immersive visual experience.

The song closes with the unmistakable voice of the virtual assistant Siri, reminding all Ivy Queen legacies as “La Reina del Reggaetón”, a singer with a fierce personality on stage.

The song has a video that was recorded on the island of charm, exactly in Humacao, which was directed by Amez, who was able to capture in this video the power that the song transmits… in the video we can see Ivy and her colleagues in different locations putting together a kind of party, since the song is very catchy, you can see people enjoying and dancing to this rhythm, the video perfectly complements the lyrics of the song and the unique style of the caballota.

The release of “Toma Remix” marks another milestone in Ivy Queen’s career and reinforces her position as one of the most influential and respected figures in urban Latin music.

“I can’t wait to share this powerful remix with my fans around the world. Together with these talented artists, we have created something special that represents what reggaeton means to me and the industry. I’m on top of my thing. Always on pal REGGAETON Original y de la mata!”, Ivy Queen expressed emotionally.

August 4th is the date the world will enjoy “Toma Remix” on all digital platforms. Prepared for an explosion of rhythm, energy and the unmatched presence of Ivy Queen, fans of the urban genre are ready to surrender to the “Queen of Reggaeton”.

About Ivy Queen:

Ivy Queen, whose real name is Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez, is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and actress. She is considered one of the most prominent pioneers and figures in reggaeton and has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a career spanning over two decades, Ivy Queen continues to be an influential voice on the urban scene, empowering women and leaving a legacy that transcends borders.

Doja Cat – PTTR

GRAMMY award-winning global superstar Doja Cat releases her new single and music video, “Paint The Town Red” today via Kemosabe Records / RCA Records. The music video was directed by Nina McNeely (Miguel / Fergie) and Doja Cat and was shot in Los Angeles, CA. The video is based around three paintings that Doja Cat designed, each one of the scenes in the video is a recreation of the paintings. Last month, Doja Cat painted the single artwork on her Instagram Live as she chatted with fans and previewed her new song.

This is the first official single from Doja Cat since she announced her first North American headline tour, “The Scarlet Tour” beginning this fall with special guests Ice Spice and Doechii. Previously, Doja Cat dropped her track and video, “Attention” via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records to mass critical acclaim with Rolling Stone calling it “scorching.” Doja Cat was also featured on the cover of V Magazine last month for “The Global Music issue.”

Buy/Stream “Paint The Town Red”:

Multi: https://dojacat.lnk.to/pttr

YouTube: https://dojacat.lnk.to/pttr/youtube

Follow Doja Cat at:

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Credit: Jacob Webster

Lord Afrixana – Ghana Must Go

Grammy®-nominated artist Lord Afrixana stakes his claim as a culture-and genre-bending master on his dynamic new EP Ghana Must Go. The four-song collection features the powerful track “No Dey Tire,” the Ghana-born singer-songwriter’s debut single for Protect the Culture/Warner Records. The new label was founded by music industry veteran Marc Byers and has recently entered into a worldwide joint venture with Warner Records. Listen to Ghana Must Go HERE.

Over four fierce tracks, Lord Afrixana shows off his impressive range as a no-holds-barred lyricist with a swaggering flow. “We take the charge like visa, we run the streets like tro tro,” he announces on opening track “No Dey Tire,” a moody manifesto built on thunderous bass and pulsating beats. The song largely reflects—and speaks to—the African and Caribbean communities of Afrixana’s adopted hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he’s lived since the age of nine.

He keeps that vigor pumping on “Not For Nothing,” an adrenaline-fueled song primed to be the next big walkout anthem. “Every stripe that you deserve is a stripe you gotta earn,” he proclaims. The second half of the EP reveals a softer side as he dips into a more seductive mood with sun-soaked groovers “Pillow”—featuring the hypnotic vocals of “Firefly”—and “Parachute.”

About the EP Lord Afrixana shares, “The title represents a reclamation and rebranding effort because Ghana must do more than just go. Ghana Must Go Home. Ghana Must Go Far. Ghana Must Go Well.”

With Ghana Must Go, Lord Afrixana proves he’s ready to step into the spotlight as a solo star. The EP arrives after a number of star-studded collaborations. In 2019, he co-wrote two songs with Beyoncé for The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack, which would earn him three Grammy nominations. He’s worked with artists like Pharrell Williams, Bebe Rexha, Tiwa Savage, and has been featured on the season 2 soundtrack of the Epix original series Godfather of Harlem alongside DDG with “No Favors” and the season 3 soundtrack with “Bad Guy.” He also co-wrote the smash hit summer track “Showing Off Her Body” by DaBaby & Davido and flexed his solo talents on last year’s hard-hitting “Touchdown,” featured on the EA Sports Madden NFL soundtrack.

FOLLOW LORD AFRIXANA:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify

Credit – Brooklyn Prewett

LE SSERAFIM + Demi

K-pop’s “dare-devilish stars” (GRAMMY.com) LE SSERAFIM teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated global superstar Demi Lovato for the latest remix of their viral hit “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wife.” The track is available everywhere today via SOURCE MUSIC/Geffen Records.

“Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wife” is a B-side track off LE SSERAFIM’s first studio album UNFORGIVEN, released May 2023. It showcases the group’s determination to break taboos and move beyond what is laid out for them with lyrics such as “I wish for what’s forbidden” and has garnered worldwide attention with its alluring Jersey Club rhythm.

The song has nearly 60 million streams on Spotify alone, rose back to the Top 5 on local streaming charts in Korea and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs Chart while the music video has more than 44 million views on YouTube.

Following UPSAHL and Rina Sawayama, Demi Lovato steps in to add her own take on the quintet’s latest hit. The sonic interplay between two of the arguably boldest acts unravels the viral track’s core message that no limits will ever stop them from paving their own path.

About LE SSERAFIM:

LE SSERAFIM, consisting of members KIM CHAEWON, SAKURA, HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE, are the first girl group launched by Source Music under HYBE. The act made their debut with their 1st EP FEARLESS on May 2, 2022 and are making their way to the summit of K-pop as the new queens. FEARLESS debuted No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums chart in a total of 13 countries including Japan, Indonesia and more. As its name—an anagram of ‘IM FEARLESS’—implies, LE SSERAFIM are determined to move forward with unswerving fearlessness in the eyes of the world. The group released their 2nd EP ANTIFRAGILE on October 17, 2022 and made their first entry on Billboard 200 at No. 14. Their highly-anticipated 1st studio album UNFORGIVEN, released on May 1, 2023, earned them their highest chart position on the Billboard 200, debuting at No. 6.

About Demi Lovato:

Demi Lovato is a GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning musician, actor, advocate, and New York Times best-selling author. With an audience of over 240 million on social media, Demi has established herself as a global sensation.

With nearly 30 billion streams earned worldwide, Demi has captivated audiences with her renowned powerhouse vocals and illustrious songwriting. Demi has released eight studio albums, all of which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and four which boast over one billion streams on Spotify. Her most recent album, HOLY FVCK (2022), is a sonic journey grounded in Demi’s rock and pop-punk roots that illustrates an earnest yet tongue-in-cheek retrospective of her life experiences and opened to widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. The album was hailed as “the best we’ve heard from Lovato to date” (Variety) and was described as “fiery album filled with passion, thoughtful reflection, and a dash of good ol’ fashioned rage” (Vogue). HOLY FVCK debuted at #1 on several Billboard charts including the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, the Top Rock Albums chart, and the Top Alternative Albums chart. The album also marked Demi’s eighth consecutive Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 and landed in the Top 5 of the Top Album Sales chart.

Lovato has been honored with numerous awards and accolades over her career, including an MTV Video Music Award, 14 Teen Choice Awards, five People’s Choice Awards, an ALMA Award, two Latin American Music Award and a GLAAD Vanguard Award for her services to LGBTQ+ activism. She has also received two GRAMMY Award nominations, four Billboard Music Awards nominations and three BRIT Award nominations for her work. As an advocate, Demi serves as Global Citizen’s official ambassador for mental health, with a special focus on vulnerable communities around the world. A native of Dallas, Demi resides in Los Angeles.

CIARA + CHRIS BROWN

Ciara and Chris Brown join forces on their blockbuster collaborative single and music video “How We Roll” out now via Beauty Marks Entertainment. The song sets the stage for Ciara’s upcoming EP entitled Ci Ci, out August 18. Pre-save HERE.

“How We Roll” rallies the two superstars together on one energetic anthem befitting of the buzz around the long-awaited collaboration. Both prolific entertainers and showstopping dancers bring their confidence and charisma to the track while the accompanying video instantly captivates. It opens with Ciara and Chris hosting rival house parties on 18-wheelers and as the momentum builds, these two parties unite for an epic dance battle. With vocal fireworks and show-stopping choreography there’s nothing quite like the collision of their talents!

The upcoming new project Ci Ci, marks the second release from Ciara’s label Beauty Marks Entertainment. The first release boasted her 2x Platinum hit single “Level Up” with 1.4 Billion streams off her album Beauty Marks.

Follow Ciara on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube