Posts made in April 2024
FTCU REMIX
The Tortured Poets Department
LISTEN TO THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT HERE
Today, Taylor Swift released THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. The 16-track album of new recordings is Taylor’s 11th original studio album. The music video for the album’s first single, “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),” premieres at 8 pm ET tonight.
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT tracklisting:
- Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)
- The Tortured Poets Department
- My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
- Down Bad
- So Long, London
- But Daddy I Love Him
- Fresh Out the Slammer
- Florida!!! (feat. Florence + the Machine)
- Guilty as Sin?
- Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
- I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
- loml
- I Can Do It With a Broken Heart
- The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
- The Alchemy
- Clara Bow
Swift’s 11th full-length studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, shattered countless records upon release. See below for the highlights.
The Tortured Poets Department Highlights:
- Becomes #1 album of 2024 in less than 48 hours across both consumption and pure sales in the US
- Biggest Billboard 200 debut of Taylor’s career
- Biggest streaming debut in Spotify history
- Breaks all-time record for most single day streams for an artist catalog in Spotify history (380 million)
- Biggest streaming debut in Amazon Music history
- Fastest album to 1 billion streams in history
- “Fortnight” f. Post Malone biggest streaming day for any song in Spotify history
Other Highlights:
- First artist to cross 100 million equivalent album units in US history (via Luminate)
- 5M+ equivalent US albums in 2024; #1 artist of the year (via Luminate)
- Breaks all-time record for most single day streams for an artist catalog in Spotify history (380 million)
- Top 7 single debuts and top 3 album debuts in Spotify history
- Top 4 biggest vinyl debuts in Nielsen history
Listen to The Tortured Poets Department — HERE.
Champagne Moments
Imagine producing a beat for one of the most talked about diss tracks and not even knowing it fit the bill until the single popped up online?
Well that’s what just happened to MiniBoom.
MiniBoom is the son of director Benny Boom. MiniBoom initially produced the track and had plans to link up with Rick Ross in the studio, but those plans fell through. Still persistent, he sent the track to Ross.
Then this past Saturday, just as the rest of the world, MiniBoom woke up to Ross released single titled “Champagne Moments” dissing International star Drake. The record went viral and now sparks tons of new interest into what the artist has in the pipeline. Ross as of today released the record on all DSP’s and is now available for download.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CHAMPAGNE MOMENTS
Mini Boom is one of the youngest producers out right now and at the age of 16 he is happy to announce that his album is set to drop Memorial Day weekend called Detonate through Vydia/Gamma featuring artists like Billy B, Dave East, Fivio Foreign, Conway the Machine, The Game, ATL Jacob and more!
To listen to “Champagne Moments” click: HERE
Nicky Jam + Trueno
In an explosive blend of talent and nostalgia, Latin music idol and pioneer Nicky Jam teams up with multifaceted Argentine phenomenon, Trueno to release their new single, “Cangrinaje” – listen HERE. The track transports fans back to the roots of reggaeton with the raw and vibrant sound that marked the early steps of Nicky Jam’s illustrious career.
“Cangrinaje” pays homage to the golden era of reggaeton, combining Nicky Jam’s unique and charismatic style with Trueno’s fresh and rebellious energy. The production, led by Jorge Milliano (Jorge Alberto Erazo), captures the essence of the era and brings it to the present with a sound that promises to not only resonate with the genre’s loyal followers but also captivate new audiences.
The release is accompanied by its official music video, filmed in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. This audiovisual project is the result of the creative vision of Andrea Rodriguez in production and masterful direction by Simon Brand, Sergio de Ávila, and Jerome Lehouco. Together, they have encapsulated the essence of “Cangrinaje” in visual form, creating an experience that is both a visual and auditory journey.
This new single not only celebrates Nicky Jam’s legacy in urban music but also points the way towards the future of reggaeton, demonstrating that it’s possible to honor the genre’s roots while exploring and innovating.
About Nicky Jam:
Nick Rivera Caminero, better known as Nicky Jam, is a Latin-Grammy winning musician, actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He is credited across the globe with curating and popularizing a new genre of music, now known as Reggaeton, into the mainstream global music scene in the early 2000s. Throughout his career, Nicky Jam has amassed an array of chart-topping hits on both Latin and international charts. Collaborating with renowned artists such as Enrique Iglesias on the record-breaking “El Perdón,” the 35-times platinum “X,” with J Balvin, and “Te Boté,” featuring Bad Bunny, and Ozuna. Nicky has been honored with numerous awards and accolades over his career, including a Latin-GRAMMY Award, 3 Billboard Music Awards, 3 Latin American Music Awards, 15 Billboard Latin Music Awards and the 2022 Hall of Fame Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Nicky is currently working on his 7th studio album, expected later this year. The first single, “Cangrinaje” featuring Treuno, pays homage to the golden era of reggaeton and gives fans a taste of what to expect from the highly anticipated project. With each milestone, he continues to push boundaries and evolve as an artist and storyteller, remaining a trailblazer in the world of Latin music.
About Trueno:
Born and raised in La Boca (Buenos Aires), Trueno is considered a central figure in the new wave of artists with their own vision of Rap and Hip Hop coming out of Latin America. Following his groundbreaking impact as the champion of the 2019 Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos and Freestyle Master Series editions, Trueno immediately embarked on a quest for global domination. Trueno left an undeniable mark with releases such as his “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol.16” – which quickly became the most viewed freestyle session globally – and his debut album ‘Atrevido.’
In 2021, Trueno took the #ATREVIDOTOUR to stages, capping off his debut album with tours in Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Mexico to much success.
Trueno then released his acclaimed sophomore album, ‘BIEN O MAL,’ which included the smash hit “UN PASO” alongside J Balvin. The album has over 1.3 billion streams on a global level. Further enhancing the album’s success, Trueno premiered his anticipated Tiny Desk Concert; received a 2022 Latin GRAMMY® nomination under “Best Rap/ Hip Hop Song” for his hit “DANCE CRIP”; and had his first ever run through the U.S. with his sold-out “BIEN O MAL US Tour.” The album’s tour concluded with a historic homecoming show, with three sold out nights at Luna Park Stadium in his hometown, Buenos Aires.
Trueno continued to break cultural barriers throughout 2023 with the release of “F*CK EL POLICE (REMIX)” alongside Cypress Hill. Trueno made history taking home four key awards at Premios Gardel, including the Gardel de Oro for ‘BIEN O MAL.’ Following a jam-packed year with a successful global tour run, Trueno teased his upcoming album with the release of “No Cap,” in collaboration with COLORS. Thus far, Trueno has prepared the way for the arrival of his third studio album with groundbreaking singles “Ohh Baby” and “Tranky Funky.” With a body of work heavily influenced by the legendary pioneers of the genre, Trueno’s mission to demonstrate the lasting impact of Hip Hop has proven time after time to be a total success. Trueno comes at full force, with a new single with Nicky Jam, a new album out on May 24th, and a world tour that is just being announced. All of this before his 22nd birthday.
Davido + UnitedMasters
Making yet another major power move, three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated Nigerian global superstar and Afrobeats pioneer Davido has inked a deal with UnitedMasters for his recently launched label Nine+ Records.
In this groundbreaking collaboration, Davido will spearhead artist development, A&R, and behind-the-scenes curation, nurturing a pioneering lineup of artists across the continent under Nine+ Records. United by a shared vision, the teams will work together to introduce and foster talent, amplifying Davido’s influence and extending his reach even further. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of African and world music.
Together, the teams will collaborate closely in order to not only introduce, but cultivate career talent. It only expands Davido’s influence and reach.
Of today’s announcement Davido said, “I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Steve and the team at United Masters, this announcement represents an exciting new chapter for developing and established artists around the world.”
Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters states, “Over the last 2 years, we’ve proven our commitment to Africa investing in artists, education, and technology. Today, we are doubling down. With this new venture with Davido & the launch of Nine Plus Records, we reinforce our mission in becoming a bridge for artists on the continent. Together we’ll identify & develop new artists while supporting them with brand and synch opportunities.”
Nine+ Records will be announcing more artists and partners in the future.
Last night, Davido just sold out one of the most iconic venues in the world, headlining Madison Square Garden in New York City. He ignited the stage with what will be remembered as a historic set, bringing Afrobeats to the Big Apple in the biggest way possible. In advance of the show, he extensively spoke to Billboard who praised how “Performing in New York has also become a special ritual” for him.
This news also arrives on the heels of various major company announcements for UnitedMasters. The company locked down a high-profile alliance with SymphonyOS and Groover. Plus, it hosted its annual “A Celebration of Independence” GRAMMY® Concert at the Palladium in Hollywood, CA. The show boasted an all-star lineup, including headliner Davido, Uncle Waffles, Tokischa, Donavan’s Yard, and NLE Choppa. Of the latter, The Source wrote, “This marked the first time UnitedMasters featured international acts, solidifying its impact and representation within the global independent artist movement.”
Stay tuned for a whole lot more soon
ABOUT DAVIDO
In 2024, Davido cemented his position as a global force in music. Often called “The King of Afrobeats”, the American-born, Nigerian-raised icon has amassed over +5 billion streams and over +1.2 billion video views across his 13-year career. The most followed Afrobeat artist across social media, Davido has been a forerunner in connecting the world to Afrobeats. In 2023 Davido became the first African artist to top itunes Album Chart with the release of his +1B streaming and world acclaimed 4th studio album, “Timeless” garnering three Grammy nominations, including Global Music Album of the Year for “Timeless”, Global Music Performance for “Feel” and Best African Musical Performance for the hit smash “Unavailable”. Davido’s 2023 hot streak also includes U.S and International sold-out tours, “Timeless’” record-breaking streaming numbers, and TikTok leadership with over +100M videos to his “Unavailable” dance challenge.
A powerful touring artist, in addition to Davido’s upcoming April 2024 Madison Square Garden performance, 2023 saw sold-out tour dates across the globe, including multiple shows at London’s 02 and Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Career performance highlights also include headlining “AfroNation” around the globe and closing the 2022 World Cup with a performance seen by over +250 million viewers. Davido powerfully entered the global music scene, breaking records in 2019 with hit singles “If” and “Fall” from his 2019 1.2 billion streaming release “A Good Time.” In 2020 he released his third studio album, the follow-up to “A Good Time,” the platinum aptly titled “A Better Time,” which featured the hits “FEM,” “Holy Ground ft. Nicki Minaj” and “Shopping Spree ft. Chris Brown.”
Earning over 30 awards and nominations internationally, including 2023’s Grammy, BET, EMA, and VMA Award Nominations. Featured on the cover of Forbes magazine in 2023, Davido is a global media powerhouse with countless television and media appearances, including: The Tonight Show, Live with Jimmy Kimmel, The Daily Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Complex, Uproxx, New York Times, and Apple’s Zane Lowe among others.
About UnitedMasters
UnitedMasters is the leading software and services platform for independent artists. Through our unique mix of music distribution services, innovative technology, and first-of-its-kind artist marketing solutions, UnitedMasters acts as the operating system that enables artists to own their futures. We fuel the careers of artists like Tobe Nwigwe, Brent Faiyaz, and Liana Banks—and unlike traditional record labels, UnitedMasters artists retain full ownership of their careers and the master recording rights to their music. We connect over 2M+ independent artists on our platform with global brands like ESPN, Diageo, and Pepsi. These connections are powered by our world-class creative talent to propel the commercial success of artists and brands in today’s world.
FOLLOW DAVIDO
FOLLOW UNITEDMASTERS
KAREN SALICATH – JAMALI
MUSIC COMPOSER PIANIST PHENOM KAREN SALICATH – JAMALI STRIKES GOLD AGAIN WITH THE RELEASE OF HER 8TH STUDIO ALBUM, “ANGEL HANAEL’ S SONG.”
Karen Salicath – Jamali’s 8th studio album, part classical, part new age – titled, “Angel Hanael’s Song”, being released on April 26, 2024, through Tunecore and on major digital platforms. Karen’s new project promises to gain international acclaim, particularly with the otherworldly way the tracks are conceived. The highly anticipated first single and first track, “Angel Hanael’s Song,” released on April 8th, 2024, and second single, “Angel Hanael’s Joy,” will be released on April 23, 2024. The album cover art was created by Karen Salicath – Jamali as well.
Karen Salicath – Jamali has a very remarkable way of composing her virtuoso music, she is a vessel for one of her many angel guides. She had a head injury from an accident in 2012, after a 3-year recovery she miraculously began to hear music in her dreams, guided by angels, and the rest is history.
The angel Hanael, her current album’s namesake, is one of the seven archangels. Hanael also known as Haniel, is generally associated with the planet Venus, and is the archangel of joy and intuition. This album has been written and conceived in her dreams by communication from Angel Hanael. There are many roads for composers to create music, but for Karen it all comes organically, and pretty much is out of her control. Karen receives her music in her dreams from a variety of angels. She recaptures all the music once she is awake and at her Steinway grand piano. Karen’s ethereal music process evokes many emotions from herself and the listener, but it’s a rare phenomenon, all her own.
Karen Salicath – Jamaili is no stranger to success, she is a multi-award-winning composer, pianist, producer, artist, painter, sculptor, photographer, and a voting member of the Recording Academy. Karen Salicath – Jamali is also a very accomplished performer, having appeared 8 times at Carnegie Hall. Karen was educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art, School of Design in Copenhagen, she worked as a painter, sculptor, and photographer for 30 years. Karen participated in 180+ exhibitions in Museums and galleries throughout the world, including the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Karen Salicath – Jamali recent awards include: this year, “The Midnight Gold Record Award”, “The Clouzine International Music Award”. She is inducted to “The Akademia Music Award Hall of Fame”. Karen is the official nominee for “Elite Music Awards”. 2 Nominations from “The Josei Music Award”. Premio “Oscar della Creatività” – Montecarlo. Winner of the “Golden Piano Talent 2d International Piano Competition”. “The Academy Grand Award”. “The Global Music” Silver Award, National Finalist: of American Music” The Ernst Bacon Memorial Award”. and Finalist of “World Songwriting Award”.
Karen has had many accomplishments, but her music is what really makes her soar. She says, “In dreams, my music comes. In dreams, I hear whispers of angels, in the depth of the canvas of life are hidden blessings of sound, I paint hearts full story, brilliant, bold, of love, peace, and compassion.”
360 Q&A Karen Salicath-Jamali
1. How has your family inspired you and your artistic career?
KSJ:
360 Magazine:
2. Where do you see your career going in 5 years?
KSJ:
My grandfather was a well-known sculptor in Denmark and a professor at the Royal Academy of Art. He inspired me and guided me to follow my education to become an artist. I spoke a lot with him about art. He also played the piano. My grandmother was a concert pianist and a teacher at the Royal Danish Conservatorium of Music in Copenhagen. My great-grandmother was a painter. My grandfather, on the other side, was a writer and poet. So, I got the inspiration from all of my grandparents.
I hope to spread my music to more people in this world, I hope to compose music with other instruments for an orchestra, and I hope to compose music for film.
360 Magazine:
- Talk about any producers you have worked with?
KSJ:
I have been my own producer on all of my music.
360 Magazine:
- Where do you get your ideas for your music pieces?
KSJ:
I receive my music in dreams; the music repeats itself in my head until I have recorded it, and it will not leave before; it is like being haunted by music, in a beautiful way, but very intense. There are times mostly in between day and night, it’s when the light changes, where I hear the music and play it, it just comes out of me, I can’t explain it.
360 Magazine:
- What charities are you aligned with and why?
KSJ:
I have supported SOS Children’s Villages International for the last 20 years. I am a sponsor for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. There are so many children in this world without food or parents; children left alone in wars. Children are our future, children are our gold, and children are the seeds of mankind on this planet. We must protect them and take care of them; we are all connected wherever we are on this planet. My heart bleeds when I see children who are hungry and in pain. It sickens me.
360 Magazine:
- What music projects will you be involved with in the future?
KSJ:
I am working on some new albums coming up this year. I have so much music, and I have to get it out and share it with the world.
360 Magazine:
- What are your biggest influences?
KSJ:
Nature, Silence, and Love.
360 Magazine:
- What advice would you give to a young musician starting out?
KSJ:
Follow your dream, and never ever give up.
360 Magazine:
- Talk about your performance training. Who have you trained with and why?
KSJ:
I am self-taught on the piano. It wasn’t until an accident that caused a head injury and a near-death experience, that started to play the piano spontaneously. I had never played the piano before, and the head injury amazingly opened a new world. I began to play and compose music, which healed me. I am self-taught. The music will put the listener into a relaxed state of consciousness. The accident occurred in 2012, and after a 3-year-long recovery in 2015, I suddenly began to hear music in my dreams and began to record it.
When I was a child at 8 years old, I played classical guitar with a teacher from the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen for 15 years. On a high level, my teacher would have me to go on The Royal Music Academy when I was 12 years old, but it was not supported by my family, he literally came to my house crying 3 times, to convince my family. He said he had never seen talent like me, and he could not teach me anymore after 4 years. So, then he referred me his teacher instead, who was the teacher from the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen, and I learned from him for the next 11 years.
360 Magazine:
- If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
KSJ:
I love, love cello music. It was my dream as a child to play the cello. I love the cellist Hauser; he is amazing. There are so many wonderful artists out there, it’s hard to choose.
360 Magazine:
- Can you explain how you became a vessel for your angel guides?
KSJ:
It all came after my accident, and my near-death experience; they began to connect with me; I became very sensitive with this experience. But that said, they have always come to me in my sculptures and my paintings, and now in music, and when I was a child, they were very close to me.
360 Magazine:
- Who are your favorite recording artists right now, and why?
KSJ:
I love Hauser, Andrea Bocelli, Aukai Adele, Michael Hoppe´, Cesária Évora, Luz Casal and Leo Rojas.
360 Magazine:
- When did you know you wanted to be a recording artist?
KSJ:
It was not really a choice; this music had to reach people, or I would not be left in peace, and I have promised to do so.
360 Magazine:
- What recording artists did you admire as a child?
KSJ:
I have always loved these composers: Johan Sebastian Bach, Beethoven, Francisco Tarrega, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Astor Piazzolla, Miguel Llobet, Federico Moreno Torroba, Debussy, Fernando Sor, Vivaldi, and Mozart.
360 Magazine:
- What types of projects would you like to see yourself doing in the future?
KSJ:
I like to compose music for orchestras and films.
360 Magazine:
- What do you do to relax?
KSJ:
Play music, or paint or sculpt.
360 Magazine:
- What other businesses do you plan on starting to promote your brand?
KSJ:
I am working on my music store. I am designing some nice things for it; I am also an educated designer. Stay tuned!
360 Magazine:
- What’s the one thing you think everyone could do to make the world a more positive place?
KSJ:
Be kind to yourself and others and be more compassionate.
360 Magazine:
- What would you be doing if you were not a recording artist?
KSJ:
I would be painting and sculpting, doing photography, and being a poet. Which I still do now.
360 Magazine:
- What was your first memory of seeing and hearing great music?
KSJ:
I remember I was 1 year old, and my parents took me to a concert with African music. I was sitting on the floor and danced on my butt for the whole concert. After that, my parents had to take me to a chiropractor, lol. Then my father brought me their record, it was called “Something New in Africa.” I still have this record; it was my favorite music throughout my childhood. I still love it.
360 Magazine:
- What’s your favorite song?
KSJ:
A Danish song called “In the East, the sun goes up.”
360 Magazine:
- What are your first steps in taking on a new project?
KSJ:
I wake up when the music comes to me in the night and record it.
360 Magazine:
- What do you want to leave as your legacy?
KSJ:
My art and my music.
360 Magazine:
- Talk about your music projects.
KSJ:
My music project is releasing my 2 current singles. The first single and first track, “Angel Hanael’s Song,” was released on April 8th, 2024, and the second single, “Angel Hanael’s Joy,” will be released on April 23, 2024, and my upcoming album, “Angel Hanael’s Song”. On April 26 2024.
360 Magazine:
- How do you overcome challenges in your career?
KSJ:
I never give up; something in me is telling me to move forward. I do what I have to do. We are always learning in life, and we continue to grow.
360 Magazine:
- Is there anything in your career that you wish you could do again?
KSJ:
Playing in Carnegie Hall again, it was truly amazing.
360 Magazine:
- What are your hobbies?
KSJ:
Art, and music, and I love to grow flowers in my garden, especially roses.
360 Magazine:
- Fondest memory as a child with your family.
KSJ:
When I was with my grandmother in the summertime, in her little 11-square-meter house on the beach on the west coast of Denmark, that was my happy place.
360 Magazine:
- How did you start playing the piano?
KSJ:
In 2015, just before Christmas, all this music came to me, and I did not know what to do. It was really a miracle.
360 Magazine:
- How did you start being a recording artist?
KSJ:
In the same way, I began recording what I was playing; the music would not go away until I did that.
360 Magazine:
- Describe life back in Denmark.
KSJ:
It was not easy, you see Danish people do not believe in Angels, it’s easier to be a cleaning lady in Denmark than to be an artist.
360 Magazine:
- What’s the most fun event you have performed at?
KSJ:
At Carnegie Hall
360 Magazine:
- What was it like the first time you performed on stage?
KSJ:
I was so nervous. It was my first performance, and it was in Carnegie Hall; I thought I was going to pass out, but it all went well.
360 Magazine:
- How does your family support you in your career?
KSJ:
My husband and children are supporting me all the way, and I don’t know what I would do without them.
360 Magazine:
- What do you want your fans to know about you?
KSJ:
My fans mean everything to me. They make me believe in the power of this music, love them.
360 Magazine:
- What inspired your current music project, “ANGEL HANAEL’ S SONG”?
KSJ:
This album was all made in January 2024. It was very intense, I received at least 3-5 music pieces a day, I choose the best ones, the ones that resonated most with me, in my heart, and I received the title to the songs. There are 9 songs, and they express 9 energies of Angel Hanael’s being.
Angel Hanael is the Angel of Joy, also called Arch Angel Haniel. Her name means “God is my Joy.” She turns everything into joy and is a protector of souls. She provides us with spiritual determination to fulfill our higher purpose.
The 9 songs are:
Her Song, Her Joy, Her Dream, Her Heart, Her Hand, Her Quest, Her Beauty, Her Trust, and Her Smile.
Angels are near us all the time, protecting us under their wings; Angel Hanael’s is here, in her silver color, the Angel of Joy, the angel of beauty and intuition.
The cover for this album I made with one of my paintings, which I also saw in a dream in January. The funny thing is there are nine people standing under the angel’s wings, and this must be the nine songs.
360 Magazine:
- Do you feel exhilarated when you wake up once you’ve been visited by one of your angel guides?
KSJ:
I like to stay with them, but I have to wake up and play it; it can be very challenging. I pick myself up; I mean, sometimes it’s 4 am or 5 am in the morning. I am not a morning person, so sometimes it is hard for me, but also wonderful.
360 Magazine:
- What sets your music apart from other Classical and New Age musicians?
KSJ:
I think my music is very organic; it is also very simple. My music has a healing component in it; it flows with an inner rhythm. In classical music, it is very stiff. There is not much room to express your creativity; you have to do exactly what the notes say at the right time, in the right mood, and in the right place.
It was always a challenge for me when I was a child and I played classical guitar. In New-Age music, the lines/rules are very wide. You can do anything. My music is not like that either, there is a kind of order, like everything in nature has an order, a rhythm, and a system. Like math, and science. And you have to follow this, or you will end up in chaos.
360 Magazine:
- What goals and milestones have you set for yourself? Are there specific achievements you’re aiming for in the near future?
KSJ:
Continue the dream of music.
360 Magazine:
- What’s your favorite piece of music that you have composed?
KSJ:
My piece “Angel Gabriel.”
360 Magazine:
- What’s is like performing at Carnegie Hall 8 different times?
KSJ:
It has been such a big honor and one of the best experiences in my life. Big thank you, Carnegie Hall. It made me believe in my music.
360 Magazine:
- Do your angels make you happy or sad?
KSJ:
Always happy.
Voting Member at Recording Academy/GRAMMY®
www.Kjamalimusic.com
www.Kjamali.com
www.Jamali.com
JT – OKAY
As JT (Quality Control Music/Motown) continues her ‘JT’s Coming’ Club Tour, this past weekend, she made her triumphant return to Miami. There, she hosted her first merch pop-up at Achille Apparel. The jam-packed event was swarmed with diehard JT supporters, who flooded her with endless love and adoration. Following that festivity, she previewed her new song “OKAY” during a club appearance, where everyone was singing and dancing in unison.
Pre-save “OKAY” HERE.
She also performed at Annual Orange & Black Fest at Carol City High where she invited 30 kids to her “City Cinderella” tour bus. This comes after she was spotted at Coachella over the weekend where all the superstar acts aligned and watched her beau Lil Uzi Vert take centerstage. JT’s altruism doesn’t stop there as she looks to make high school girls’ dreams come true with her City Cinderella campaign. JT has teamed up with local partners to ensure she can empower young women and make them feel like royalty.
By giving back to the community, JT can pop up in any city at any time to help make every girl’s dreams come true by igniting confidence and creating unforgettable moments with pride and joy. Fans can support the City Cinderella campaign by supporting the cause and donating to the fund HERE.
All funds raised will be split among the non-profit trust funds, some including Becca’s Closet, Operation Prom, Children’s Institute and We’re All About the Dress.
Not only is JT giving back to the community, but she’s also lighting up the stage and club circuit. Just last week, she shared the stage with Nicki Minaj on her Pink Friday 2 Tour to perform “Super Freaky Girl,” creating a blockbuster moment. Picture this: JT standing tall among a constellation of female stars including Nicki, Bia, and more. This epic cameo comes hot on the heels of her ‘JT’s Coming’ Club Tour, a 21-date journey that will touch down in some of the most prominent club venues, including New York City’s Harbor and Atlanta’s Club Bamboo. And the excitement doesn’t stop there. JT will close her thrilling club adventures in the Bahamas this May, appearing at Nassau Stadium Grounds.
JT’s celebratory weekend not only proved why she is among the upper echelon in female rap but is setting the stage for her upcoming project, City Cinderella.
THE JOY + COACHELLA
South African Vocal Group The Joy Perform with Doja Cat During Coachella Headline Set
Listen to Recent Single “You Complete Me”
Self-Titled Debut Album Out June 21 via Transgressive
The Sun Rose, Los Angeles – April 18
South African vocal group The Joy performed at Coachella last night (Sunday), joining Doja Cat to open her headline performance after they were hand-selected by her as a guest. The Joy provided lead vocals alongside the American rapper on two of her tracks; recent single, “Acknowledge Me” and “Shutcho” which was reimagined to incorporate lyrics in Zulu – you can watch footage of the performance HERE and read more about it at The Guardian (5*) and Billboard. The Joy will perform at The Sun Rose, Los Angeles on April 18.
This monumental moment for the five-piece arrives on the heels of their recent single, “You Complete Me” and news of their self-titled debut album which is out via Transgressive Records on June 21. Recorded live, in real time, at the renowned Church Studios in Crouch End, London and featuring no instruments or overdubs, the 11-track album is a thing of transcendental beauty thanks to the astonishing vocal talent of the group members – Pastor (Ntokozo Bright Magcaba), Duzie (Melokuhle Mkhungo), Guduza (Sphelele Hlophe), Sthombe (Phelelani Sithole) and Marcus (Sanele Ngcobo) – who have been together since meeting at school.
The video for “You Complete Me” was filmed by Up The Game (the creative team behind Liam Gallagher: Knebworth 22 and Tonight with: Arlo Parks) at the live recording of the album. Listen to “You Complete Me” HERE
Watch the video for “You Complete Me” HERE
If you’re secular, you might call it serendipity, while others might call it divine intervention – the moment that The Joy sang together for the first time. This was the day that saw five teenage boys from the South African township of Hammarsdale turn up to their school choir practice earlier than the other boys; early enough to spontaneously jam a new song into existence. In that moment came the realization that something beyond their collective understanding seemed to happen when they alighted upon the same song.
Growing up in a part of South Africa, where the Zulu tradition of a cappella singing is central to the cultural identity of its people and Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been worshiped for decades – their Grammy-winning success an authentication of the fact that the magic of isicathamiya music isn’t restricted to the townships where it flourished – The Joy’s harmonies hark back to yet another vocal tradition. Mbube means ‘lion’, which gives some indication of the elemental power its practitioners summon when bursting into song. This seems to be the lineage into which lead vocalist Duzie seems to be tapping when he cuts loose from the intonations of his co-travellers, as if compelled to commune with the ancestral spirits whose music he invokes.
In the right hands, these songs can open the gates of heaven, so perhaps it’s not so surprising that, for The Joy, they open up the gates to places they’d never imagined they’d see with their own eyes. First prize in a municipality-wide singing contest earns them something in the region of $1,300, which they divided in five and sent straight to their families, where it’s most needed. Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson pronounce themselves fans, the latter calling them “my favorite group” and inviting them onto her talk show. Sessions produced by longtime champion Two Inch Punch amass millions of streams either in spite or because of the fact that they correspond to nothing else competing for your attention in the modern musical firmament. And, displaying the brotherhood that they say bonded them together from that very first session, they insist that the music speaks to them all with one voice, telling them what to do before they themselves are even aware of it.
Making their U.K. debut TV appearances last summer when they appeared on the BBC coverage of Glastonbury and as part of Jools Holland’s 30th anniversary Later… show it was instantly apparent here was a group able to summon with their music that holy shiver you feel when you drop the needle onto Sam Cooke’s version of “Nearer To Three”, Jeff Buckley performing “Lover You Should Have Come Over” or hear Buju Banton singing “Untold Stories”. These are the little epiphanies that feed our addiction to music. Moments that erase the invisible membrane between artist and listener. Everything else falls away, and feeling lost in music becomes the same as truly finding yourself in it.
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Photo Credit: Kgomotso Neto
Growing Trend of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations on Ethereum
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) mark a paradigm shift in governance, operating as self-executing smart contracts on Ethereum, embodying autonomy and community-driven decision-making. The roots of DAOs trace to “The DAO” in 2016, laying groundwork despite vulnerabilities. Beyond crypto, DAOs depart from hierarchical models, offering transparency. Their significance spans sectors, redefining decision-making. In the evolving decentralized landscape, exploring alternatives like “everix-peak.com,” an online trading solution, can provide insights into transformative possibilities within the blockchain ecosystem.
The Ethereum Ecosystem
Ethereum’s Role in Empowering DAOs
Ethereum’s smart contract functionality is the cornerstone of DAOs, providing a robust foundation for self-executing agreements. The programmable nature of Ethereum allows for the creation and deployment of DAOs without centralized intermediaries.
Smart Contracts: The Building Blocks of DAOs
Smart contracts, encoded agreements that automatically execute predefined actions when conditions are met, form the backbone of DAOs. These contracts enable the transparent and trustless execution of rules within the organization.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and DAO Synergies
The intersection of DAOs and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) creates synergies that redefine financial structures. DAOs play a pivotal role in decentralized lending, borrowing, and liquidity provision, contributing to the evolution of the financial landscape.
Anatomy of DAOs
Governance Mechanisms: Redefining Decision-Making
DAO governance leverages token-based voting, allowing participants to have a proportional say in decision-making. This mechanism promotes inclusivity and prevents concentration of power, fostering a more democratic organizational structure.
Tokenomics: The Currency of DAOs
Tokens within DAOs represent both ownership and voting rights. Tokenomics forms a critical aspect of DAO functionality, aligning the interests of participants and influencing the governance dynamics.
Transparency and Security Measures
Transparency is inherent in DAOs, facilitated by blockchain’s immutable nature. Security measures, including audits and robust smart contract development practices, mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance the trustworthiness of DAOs.
The Diverse Use Cases of DAOs
Collective Decision-Making in Decentralized Governance
DAOs empower communities to make collective decisions without relying on centralized authorities. From protocol upgrades to project funding, decentralized governance ensures a more inclusive decision-making process.
Funding and Investment: DAOs in the World of Venture Capital
DAOs disrupt traditional venture capital models by enabling decentralized fundraising and investment decisions. This democratization of capital allocation fosters innovation and reduces reliance on traditional funding channels.
Decentralized Social Structures: Community-Driven Initiatives
Communities harness the power of DAOs to initiate and govern social projects. From art curation to charitable endeavors, DAOs provide a decentralized framework for collaborative initiatives driven by shared values.
Challenges and Controversies
Legal and Regulatory Hurdles
The regulatory landscape for DAOs remains uncertain, posing challenges in terms of compliance and legal recognition. Navigating these hurdles is essential for the sustainable growth of DAOs.
Security Concerns and Exploits
Security vulnerabilities, as witnessed in past exploits, highlight the need for robust security measures. Continuous auditing and the adoption of best practices are crucial to safeguard DAOs against potential threats.
Governance Challenges: Striking a Balance
Balancing decentralization with effective decision-making poses an ongoing challenge. Achieving a consensus-driven governance model that accommodates diverse perspectives remains an evolving aspect of DAO development.
Future Prospects and Emerging Technologies
Evolution of DAOs: From Experimentation to Mainstream Adoption
As DAOs continue to evolve, mainstream adoption becomes a plausible future. This evolution involves addressing existing challenges, enhancing usability, and integrating with emerging technologies to expand their reach.
Interoperability: DAOs Beyond Ethereum
Interoperability between blockchain networks is a key focus for the future of DAOs. Exploring cross-chain functionalities ensures broader collaboration and compatibility, fostering a more interconnected decentralized ecosystem.
Emerging Technologies Shaping the DAO Landscape
Technological advancements, such as layer 2 solutions and advancements in consensus mechanisms, contribute to the maturation of DAOs. These innovations enhance scalability, efficiency, and the overall viability of decentralized organizational structures.
The Human Aspect: Community and Collaboration
The Power of Community in DAOs
Communities play a pivotal role in the success of DAOs. The shared values and goals within a community drive collective decision-making and contribute to the resilience and sustainability of DAOs.
Notable DAO Success Stories and Failures
Examining both successful DAO implementations and failures provides valuable insights. Learning from past experiences helps refine governance models and promotes the development of more resilient DAO structures.
Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Sustainable DAOs
Drawing from the collective experiences of the DAO ecosystem, establishing best practices and governance frameworks is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and longevity of DAOs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolutionary trajectory of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) underscores their profound impact on reshaping decentralized governance and collaborative decision-making. As we look ahead, the future of DAOs presents a landscape filled with both promise and challenges. The ongoing journey involves continuous refinement, adaptation to emerging technologies, and active community engagement, pivotal factors that will determine the trajectory of DAO development. Encouraging participation in this transformative movement becomes imperative, with a call to action for readers to explore and engage with DAOs. This involvement fosters a sense of community and empowerment. By providing resources for further exploration, we aim to ensure that the audience is well-informed and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the evolving realm of DAOs.