Posts made in October 2024

JOHN LEGEND + MS. RACHEL

Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend has partnered with YouTube sensation and early childhood educator Ms. Rachel for a special collaboration on his latest single, “L-O-V-E,” from his new album My Favorite Dream, out now via Republic Records: Kids & Family. The original version of the bright, up-tempo anthem, which features backing vocals from Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, and their two oldest children, Luna and Miles Stephens, has been reimagined with Ms. Rachel’s signature blend of wonder and learning, perfectly complementing Legend’s soulful vocals in this heartwarming rendition, celebrating love, joy, and connection. Watch the video HERE. Stream/download My Favorite Dream HERE.
 
“L-O-V-E” is one of my favorite tracks on this album because it’s about celebrating our shared humanity, and I wanted to share that message with someone who brings joy and learning to so many families,” says Legend. “Ms. Rachel is a superstar in our home. My babies are thrilled to see me performing with her.  It was an honor to sing with someone whose work has meant so much to my own children and millions of families around the world.”
 
“It was such a joy to sing with John on this beautiful version of ‘L-O-V-E’” says Ms. Rachel. “I’ve been a huge fan of his music for years, and being part of this reimagined track from his children’s album is so special. A dream come true! Music has a unique way of bringing families together, and I hope this rendition inspires connection for both children and parents. I love singing it with Mr. Aron and my son Thomas!”.
 
My Favorite Dream is an album of sing-alongs and lullabies for children and families, largely inspired by Legend’s own experiences as a father to four children.  He wrote nine original tracks for the album, which features themes and lyrics shaped by conversations and life messages he shared with his children ranging from the power of love (“L-O-V-E”) to family (“We’re a Family”), comfort (“Always Come Back”) and dealing with sadness (“When I Feel Sad”). In addition to original music, the album features reinterpretations of popular songs including “Three Little Birds” and “You Are My Sunshine.”
 
Legend co-executive produced My Favorite Dream with singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens, who also doubled as the project’s producer. In crafting the album, Legend wanted the first half to mirror the “catchy and fun” rhythm and energy of the music classes that his children attend, where they sing along and play percussive instruments. In turn, the latter half exudes a more calming, ready-for-bed vibe.  Unlike previous albums, which Legend typically writes in a studio setting, he crafted My Favorite Dream at home on the family piano, with his wife and children often nearby for inspiration.

Ahead of his collaboration with Ms. Rachel, Legend announced his “A John Legend Christmas” tour, which will bring the spirit of the holiday season to select venues across the U.S. this December. Kicking off on December 2 in Highland, CA, the 12-date tour will include stops in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta, and Atlantic City, before wrapping up in Hanover, MD on December 21.  Accompanied by a four-piece band, Legend will perform holiday classics from his hit album, A Legendary Christmas, including “This Christmas,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire).” The shows will also feature intimate storytelling moments, during which Legend will reflect on his career, family, and the stories behind the music. For more information and tickets, please visit johnlegend.com.

MARVEL COMICS UNVEILS ALL-NEW MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION

THE DEFINITIVE MUST-READ BOOKS FOR ALL FANS

The Marvel Premier Collection will launch with Daredevil, Black Panther, Captain America, and Fantastic Four, all debuting in 2025

Just ahead of New York Comic Con, Marvel Comics unveiled its all-new publishing line, the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION, featuring Marvel’s most celebrated and prestigious storylines and creators from its entire comic book legacy. The MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION will launch in 2025, starting with Daredevil, Black Panther, Captain America, and Fantastic Four titles.

The MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION is designed for anyone looking for the perfect entry point into the Marvel Universe or for the most definitive and quintessential stories behind Marvel’s most popular characters. Curated in honor of the groundbreaking stories and creative forces from the House of Ideas, the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION packs Marvel’s iconic stories into a sleek, high-quality, and highly readable format to make Marvel’s stories more accessible than ever before—ideal for Marvel fans across comics, film, television, games, and beyond, both old and new.

“We’ve all heard the age-old questions: ‘Where do I start? What is that one run you just cannot miss? What should I read before or after the next big movie or television show to have the best experience?’ The Marvel Premier Collection program is our answer to each of those questions,” said Dan Buckley, President of Marvel Comics and Franchise. “Comics are at the heart of everything we do at Marvel, so this collection will be our go-to publishing line for any and all fans looking for a way into—or further into—the Marvel Universe. These titles will not be the only place to start of course, but they will be one of the best.”

Starting with DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN in February, the Marvel Premier Collection will launch with one of the most quintessential and gripping runs for Daredevil in its history. The story, lauded as “one of the greatest Daredevil stories ever told” by The Washington Post, dives into the core of who Matt Murdock is and acts as a perfect introduction to his character and the world around him. The collection will also feature an exclusive new foreword by Frank Miller and afterword by Charlie Cox.

Releasing simultaneously, BLACK PANTHER: A NATION UNDER OUR FEET will collect the saga of National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Ta-Nehisi Coates’ character-and-world-defining story in one single paperback for the first time. Offering a profound look at Wakanda and Afrofuturism, the story is one of the must-reads for any Marvel fan. More details about this title will be announced at a later date.

The Marvel Premier Collection will begin with four titles next year, including:

  • Daredevil: Born Again, collecting the definitive Daredevil run as the perfect companion to story to read ahead of the new upcoming Daredevil show! Written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli.
  • Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, collecting the full saga in one trade paperback for the first time! Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze and Chris Sprouse.
  • Captain America: Winter Soldier, collecting one of the most influential stories to shape the Marvel Universe! Written by Ed Brubaker and drawn by Steve Epting.
  • Fantastic Four: Solve Everything, collecting an all-new, streamlined version of the seminal Fantastic Four run for the first time, personally curated by author Jonathan Hickman! Written by Hickman and drawn by Dale Eaglesham, Neil Edwards, and Steve Epting.

Don’t miss the first titles of the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION hit shelves starting in February 2025, wherever books are sold!

For more information visit marvel.com.  

Marvel Comics Black Panther via 360 MAGAZINE.

NEW FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT CONFIRMS CONTINGENCY BUDGET CUTS

PROJECTS $120M DEFICIT IN FORTHCOMING BUDGET CYCLE

COUNCILMEMBER RAMACHANDRAN HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR GREATER TRANSPARENCY AS CITY ENACTS BUDGET CUTS IN COMING WEEKS

Following yesterday’s sudden and unexpected cancellation of the City Council’s Special Finance Committee meeting to discuss the City’s budgetary situation, Councilmember Janani Ramachandran (District 4) is highlighting a report issued last Friday by the City’s Finance Department that outlines severe current and future fiscal dangers Oakland is now facing. The report, authored by City financial experts, states that the “FY 2024-25 budget is in a precarious position,” and that “the City’s fiscal health is at significant risk.” This is based on three primary factors:

  • The City’s implementation of the Contingency Budget passed by Council this past July due to the changed payment schedule of the anticipated Coliseum sale,
  • Projected overspending in the FY24-25 budget by at least $30 million, and
  • An accumulated deficit of nearly $80 million ending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

This news comes as continued calls by Councilmember Ramachandran – along with Councilmembers Treva Reid and Noel Gallo – for full transparency from City leadership on Oakland’s budgetary crisis have gone largely unheeded. Highlights from the the Finance Department’s report include the following:

  • Oakland ended FY23-24 with an operating shortfall of $79.84 million in the City’s General Purpose Fund (GPF). This is despite the City Administrator’s enacting of cost-saving measures earlier this year, including a hiring freeze and halt on employee travel. The deficit that ended the previous fiscal year is due to underperformance in several key tax and revenue collection areas – including a shortfall of $12.1 million in one-time revenue from the expected sale of the Raiders training facility that has yet to come to fruition.
  • The City is expected to exceed General Purpose Fund spending by an estimated $30 million during FY24-25, primarily based on public safety spending.
  • The City has begun implementation of the Contingency Budget, which was triggered on October 1 because $15 million of the Oakland Coliseum’s one-time sale proceeds was not received in September as originally promised. A revised Purchase & Sale (PSA) agreement between the City and African American Sports & Entertainment Group (AASEG) was finalized without City Council approval earlier this month, which will result in Oakland not receiving $48 million in installment payments previously scheduled to be paid in November 2024 and February 2025. Although the payments are anticipated to come at the end of May per the new deal, because these installment payments were tied to the GPF budget, $48 million in new budget cuts are now inevitable. There are several proposed cuts in the Contingency Budget (see pages 34-36) as passed by Council in July, including a drop in budgeted OPD officers to 600, temporary closures of five fire stations, deleting or freezing police academies, and halting violence prevention contracts.
  • A preliminary analysis of Oakland’s FY25-27 fiscal state projects a $120 million structural deficit due to unsustainable imbalances between revenues and expenditures. The Finance Department states that “comprehensive, ongoing balancing measures” focusing on the “strategic reorganization and prioritization of services” will be needed to restore Oakland’s long-term fiscal sustainability.

“The Finance Department’s report provides the clearest indication yet that the irresponsible budgetary decisions made by our City’s leadership have failed us, and that an honest and transparent approach is needed to restore stability to Oakland’s future budgets,” said Councilmember Ramachandran. “We need to end our reliance on one-time revenues such as the Coliseum and Raiders facility sales while being honest with our residents about the hard choices we will have to face in order to fix our City.” 

Prior to the cancellation of yesterday’s special Finance meeting by the Committee Chair, Councilmembers Ramachandran, Reid, and Gallo had repeatedly called on the Administration to provide clarity on the cuts within the Contingency Budget that the City Administration will enact first – but to date their attempts at scheduling a public meeting to discuss this issue have been unsuccessful. On October 7, the three Councilmembers called a special meeting to discuss this contingency budget, but a quorum of Councilmembers failed to appear. And on October 15, the Special Finance and Management Committee meeting requested by the Councilmembers to discuss the contingency budget was unexpectedly cancelled a half-hour before the meeting began.

Click here to read the full Finance Department report.

Reebok Basketball Signs Elite Top 5 Prospect, Nate Ament

A projected 2026 top 3 pick, Ament joins Reebok’s growing hoops roster alongside Angel Reese, Lexie Brown, and others, under the guidance of President of Basketball, Shaquille O’Neal. 

“I’m so excited to welcome Nate into the Reebok family,” commented Shaquille O’Neal, who first joined the brand in 1992. “He’s a great kid who comes from an amazing family, and he’s got superstar potential on the court. We know he’s going to do big things, and we’ll be right there with him.

As part of the multi-year partnership, Ament will support Reebok brand activations and will help bring awareness to the brand’s performance and lifestyle product offerings, including its newly announced performance basketball shoe, the “Engine A.”

“Reebok has everything I need as a young basketball player to take my game to the next level,” commented Ament. “Shaq and A.I. – all my dreams have been lived out by these legends, so to have them as a resource is exciting. I’m just amped to see what we can do together with all the possibilities ahead.”

Player Profile: Nate Ament

  • Nate Ament is a versatile, 6’9”, small forward from Manassas, Virginia.
  • A five-star high school phenom and 2024 elite MVP, Ament is currently the #4 ranked prospect in the ESPN 100 recruiting index.
  • Ament is projected to be a top 3 pick in the 2026 draft and is regarded as one of the best all-around hoopers in his class.

Reebok is expected to add additional players to its growing basketball roster in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, follow @ReebokBasketball on Instagram

Reebok Basketball Signs Elite Top 5 Prospect, Nate Ament via 360 Magazine.
The Balvenie, Questlove, Rapper Common via 360 MAGAZINE.

The Balvenie + Questlove

Today, The Balvenie and Questlove are excited to debut season four of their Webby award-winning digital series Quest for Craft.

Filmed at the iconic Electric Lady Studios in New York City and featuring some of Hollywood’s most renowned actors and musicians including America Ferrera, Common, Bill Hader, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, this latest installment of Quest for Craft explores the distinct themes each individual has faced in their pursuit of craftsmanship including uncertainty, self reflection, authenticity and persistence.

The episodes, which are available exclusively on The Balvenie’s YouTube channel, are beginning to roll out now. 

Additional information about each episode can be found below:

  • Chapter 13 – Craft & Self with Actor, Director and Producer America Ferrera – America shares how she channels her own life experiences to shape her roles and influence her craft. 
  • Chapter 14 – Craft & Authenticity with Rapper and Actor Lonnie “Common” Rashid Lynn – Common explores the tension between staying true and evolving, and the ways that artists can use their authenticity to expand the horizons of their craft. 
  • Chapter 15 – Craft & Uncertainty with Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer and Director Bill Hader – Bill discusses how his personal struggle with anxiety played out in his career and the ways in which he leveraged uncertainty to elevate his craft as a storyteller. 
  • Chapter 16 – Craft & Persistence with Songwriter, Actor, Director and Producer Lin-Manuel Miranda – Lin-Manuel touches on how he remains committed to his ideas and the importance of holding onto the passion that fuels oneself. 
The Balvenie + Questlove via 360 MAGAZINE.

The Sherri Shepherd Show

The Sherri Shepherd Show, often celebrated as “the best time in daytime,” kicks off its holiday episode series on November 25th, 2024, as it nears the close of Season 3. In this festive special, Sherri shares fun and easy-to-make fall snacks, including pumpkin and candy apple recipes, complete with TikTok-style tips and tricks for the whole family to enjoy. Special guest Henry Winkler joins to present his latest children’s book, Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole, illustrated by Dan Santat. As a special treat, each audience member receives a copy, making it the perfect holiday gift for the little ones in your life.

Since its debut in 2022, the Sherri Shepherd Show has been a consistent feel-good experience, and the post-show energy continues to capture the essence of this Emmy Award-winning Debmar-Mercury production. No matter the challenges of the world, viewers leave feeling uplifted, never encountering a “What I wanted vs. What I got” moment.

Articles in the Media

Sherri Shepherd, the Multi-Emmy Award-winning actress and host of “Sherri,” will be honored with the Vanguard Award for her outstanding contributions and impact at the 18th Annual Evening Under the Stars Gala.

Sponsored by Toyota, this year’s theme is Boots, Denim, and Diamonds, with all proceeds supporting the Culinary Arts Workforce Development Program and the Special Flavors Food Truck Enterprise, helping underserved communities thrive.

Armon Hayes attends The Sherri Shepherd Show via 360 Magazine.

Story + Images | Armon Hayes

17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival

Tickets On Sale Now 

Festival Theme Producing The Dream + Welcoming New Sponsor

Tickets for the 17th Bushwick Film Festival are now on sale, with the event running from October 16-20, 2024. This year’s theme, “Producing The Dream,” explores what it takes to bring dreams to life, celebrating the artistry and effort that filmmakers pour into their work to reflect our shared stories. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.bushwickfilmfestival.com/tickets 

The festival is also thrilled to announce Netflix as a sponsor for the opening night event, which will kick off an exciting week of films and events for filmmakers and audiences alike. 

“When Netflix opened studios in Bushwick, it was a huge moment for our community and filmmakers,” said festival founder Kweighbaye Kotee. “Partnering with them this year feels like a natural fit, and we’re excited to work together.”

“We are thrilled to support the community and local filmmakers at this year’s Bushwick Film Festival. We look forward to a fantastic festival that will showcase the creativity and diversity of storytelling in Brooklyn and worldwide,” added Nick Maniatis, Netflix Director of Studio and Production Policy, US and Canada.

As Bushwick continues to grow as a hub for emerging talent, the Bushwick Film Festival remains dedicated to showcasing fresh voices often overlooked by larger festivals. This year’s program features nearly 100 films selected from close to 1,000 submissions, signaling a near return to pre-pandemic levels. Audiences will be taken on a journey through stories of dreamers, creators, lovers, and everyday heroes. From comedies about breakups to heartwarming tales of resilience, explorations of technology and AI, and suspenseful thrillers, the lineup captures the ways our lives are interconnected and how we shape each other’s paths.

In addition to the opening night and film screenings, the festival will host special events such as an industry luncheon, comedy night, screenplay reading, and live performances of film scores. The awards night and reception will present categories including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Screenplay, Audience Choice, and more. The festival will close on Sunday, October 20th, with a showcase of award-winning films.

The festival would like to thank its long standing community partners Spectrum, Broadway Stages,  Brooklyn Coop, Lot 45, World Owned; hotel partner Moxy Williamsburg; and a growing list of local small businesses.

You can find a program overview and a full list of selected films below and at the LINK HERE..

Short Narrative and Series Blocks:

This film collection captures a wide range of life experiences, from family dynamics to magical moments, and features stories about resilience, second chances, and unexpected challenges.

Short Doc Blocks:

This documentary collection dives into cultural and community anchors, resilience, and the fight for justice. It also includes “The Artist’s Way,” which showcases how artists use creativity to navigate and make sense of the world around them.

Feature Docs and Narratives

From the struggles of refugees to humorous family stories and explorations of technology, this collection showcases human resilience and how people confront adversity in an ever-changing world.

Press and industry accreditations, select tickets, and passes for the 17th Annual Bushwick Film Festival are now available at www.bushwickfilmfestival.com

HULKETTE IN SPIDER-BOY #13

HULKETTE MAKES HER SMASHING DEBUT IN SPIDER-BOY #13!

Check out Mark Bagley’s all-new variant cover for Dan Slott and Paco Medina’s SPIDER-BOY #13.

On sale in November, the issue will mark the debut of another New Champion—HULKETTE!

Last year’s New Champions Variant Covers introduced a group of all-new young heroes inspired by Marvel icons. Since then, they’ve been popping up all over the Marvel Universe in exciting, sold-out debuts—Maystorm in Ultimate X-Men, Liberty and more in Spider-Woman, Fantasma in last week’s Ghost Rider: Robbie Reyes Special, and Amaranth in Scarlet Witch #6. Next month, it’s Hulkette’s turn to smash her way into comic book canon in SPIDER-BOY #13!

Created by artist Mirka Andolfo for Sensational She-Hulk #1’s New Champions Variant Cover, HULKETTE may be small, but she packs a punch that makes her worthy of her name! Now, Dan Slott and Paco Medina deliver Hulkette’s first appearance in SPIDER-BOY #13. After an intense showdown with the titular breakout hero, future issues of Spider-Boy will reveal Hulkette’s mysterious origin and the full extent of her mighty strength!  In addition to SPIDER-BOY, fans can also look forward to seeing Hulkette in the upcoming New Champions ongoing series, which stars her fellow newly created teen heroes as they change the Marvel Universe as we know it!

On introducing the character, Slott said, “You’ll get a chance to meet Hulkette and her trainer, Enormo, as they get drawn into the action packed events of Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl’s overseas adventure in Madripoor! We’ll learn more about Hulkette and her powers as she faces off against Spider-Boy and Daredevil. There’s a big surprise in store for Marvel fans when we finally drop the secret of her origins… but for now, if you want to see this pint-sized powerhouse throw her first punches on the page, this is the issue where her journey begins.”

See Hulkette now on a newly revealed SPIDER-BOY #13 variant cover by Mark Bagley and preorder SPIDER-BOY #13 at your local comic shop today! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

GUCCI + PIETRO CASTELLITTO via 360 MAGAZINE.

GUCCI + PIETRO CASTELLITTO

Creative Director Sabato De Sarno of Gucci introduces a new campaign for the Horsebit 1953 loafer featuring Italian actor, screenwriter, and director Pietro Castellitto.

The campaign captures a relaxed representation of Pietro Castellitto. Through a series of portraits, he transitions between a range of looks, from casual to refined, each grounded by the presence of the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer. The loafer is a constant throughout these transformations, underscoring its essential role in Creative Director Sabato De Sarno’s menswear wardrobe. With each iteration of the campaign, the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer reaffirms its status as an enduring symbol of the House’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless style.

CREDITS

Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno

Art Director: Riccardo Zanola

Director: Goofy

Photographer: Heji Shein

Stylist: Francesca Burns

Make Up: Martina Bolis

Hair: Patty Bussa

Talent: Pietro Castellitto

GUCCI HORSEBIT 1953 LOAFER CAMPAIGN f/ PIETRO CASTELLITTO via 360 Magazine.

TYLA +

With a GRAMMY and two Billboard records under her belt, Tyla adds to the magic of her debut album before returning to the stage and studio with three brand new tracks on the deluxe edition of her debut album, TYLA, and a victorious run through awards season, including three BET + VMA wins

Tyla adds to the fever of her breakout season with the arrival of the deluxe edition of her debut album, TYLA, available now as TYLA +. The refreshed album, which features three brand new tracks from the GRAMMY-winning singer, celebrates the historic run that began in Summer ‘23 and has resulted in the birth of true superstardom. 

The new music includes guest features from rising South African stars Tony Duardo, Optimist and Maestro. Stream it here. 

[Get: Tyla, ‘TYLA +’]

On TYLA +, Tyla shines a light on rising South African talent, featuring DJ/producer Tony Duardo and singers Optimist and Maestro, on the opening track of the deluxe trio, “Shake Ah.” The following two songs, “Push 2 Start” and “Back To You,” exhibit Tyla’s continued infusion of R&B into her Amapiano-led palate. “When Amapiano would come on, we would see everybody’s moves just change. Seeing the energy of it…it felt so spiritual,” Tyla reminisced to Elle. “I always wanted to mix it with other styles that I enjoy, like R&B and pop—and make it my own.”

Leading up to the explosion of “Water,” Tyla’s chart-dominant, multi-platinum breakout hit, the South African native was adamant in establishing her mission: to push the magic of Amapiano global. She then went on to chart “Water” at a Billboard Hot 100 peak of #7, making her the highest-charting African female soloist ever, and subsequently debuted TYLA, her first studio album, within the Billboard 200’s Top 25, making her the highest-charting African female soloist on that chart as well. “Water” went on to win a GRAMMY Award and earned Tyla a slot performing the song at the heralded opening ceremony for this year’s Paris Olympics. Mission accomplished. 

“Water,” as it happens, is still being recognized for its widespread impact. Tyla is nominated for four MTV Europe Music Awards this year: Best New Artist, Best R&B Artist, Best Afrobeats Artist and Best African Act. The 2024 MTV EMAs will be held in Manchester, UK on Nov. 10. 

The nominations come on the heels of Tyla’s victorious summer 2024, during which she earned two BET Awards—‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best International Act’—to go with a ‘Best Afrobeats Video’ at the MTV VMAs.

For Tyla, however, there is much more to come. She recently announced a pair of massive tour dates: Dec. 5 and Dec. 7 in her native South Africa, where she hasn’t performed since “Water” was released. It will be a welcomed homecoming for Tyla who, after just one album, is already one of the most globally renowned and successful artists ever from the region. Tickets will be on sale Thursday morning.

There is also more music still to come, as Tyla told PEOPLE in September. “It’s different,” she said. “I’ve grown so much this year. I’ve evolved in so many different aspects that this new music is going to be that version of me, the now version of Tyla.

Dive into TYLA + today.