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G-SHOCK × GM2100 SERIES

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Today, Casio unveils the latest addition to its G-SHOCK line up of timepieces with the GM2100 series, a collection of watches that feature a metal-clad shock resistant structure with a thin profile. The bezel has the octagonal shape familiar to the original G-SHOCK watch, the DW5000C. The series is available in four unique colorways including the GM2100-1A featuring a stainless-steel bezel and black urethane band, the GM2100N-2A with a blue IP bezel, with a matching dial and band, the GM2100B-3A in a gray IP bezel with a green dial and band, and lastly the GM2100B-4A in a gray IP bezel with a black band and red dial.

The unique forged stainless-steel bezel has a concentric hairline finish applied to the top surface and a mirror polish to the sides, giving it a beautiful gleam. Vapor deposition is applied to the dial showcasing hairline and mirror finishes to emphasize a metallic texture while the digital display is positioned to optimize the viewing area for both the analog and digital readout. The urethane band has a box check patterned texture for an added casual touch.

The metal covered shock resistant structure of the GM2100 models are built with protrusions on the inner case to reduce surface contact with the bezel and cushion shocks to the module. The module is housed in a glass fiber reinforced resin case for maximum shock resistance. The bezel itself is precisely crafted through forging, cutting and polishing the stainless-steel bezel to provide a comfortable fit.

In addition, the new models boast G-SHOCK’s latest features, such as a light fadeout function on the dial, hand retract function, full auto calendar, full auto Super LED light, and more.

As part of the release G-SHOCK has unveiled and exclusive landing page taking consumers through the features, which can be viewed HERE.

Each new timepiece also comes equipped with G-SHOCK’s technical features including:

Shock Resistance
200M Water Resistance
Full Auto Double Super LED
5 Alarms
1/100Stopwatch (1Hr)
Countdown Timer (24Hr)
Full Auto Calendar
World Time (31TZ, 48 Cities+UTC)

The GM2100-1A will retail for $200, while the GM2100N-2A, GM2100B-3A, and GM2100B-4A will retail for $220. All four models will be available for purchase at the beginning of September at select G-SHOCK retailers, the G-SHOCK Soho Store and gshock.com.

HOT WHEELS UNVEIL 2020 LEGENDS TOUR WINNER

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The hunt for the next die-cast worthy Hot Wheels fan car continues on August 26 via a livestream event with the sixth North American stop of the 2021 Legends Tour. To celebrate, Hot Wheels will debut the 2020 Legends Tour-winning 1970 Pontiac Trans Am 1:64 die-cast toy car, which will soon be available for sale on Walmart shelves around the world.

Built by Riley Stair of Sacramento, California, the 2020 Legends Tour winner was chosen from thousands of cars entered across 14 stops throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia and North America for its true representation of Hot Wheels’ passion for creativity, authenticity and garage spirit.

While the competition has changed, the winning criteria remains the same for the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, with an expert panel of judges – Pro Stock racer Alex Laughlin, Speed Society’s Bryan Cole, Hot Wheels designers Steve Vandervate and Dwayne Vance, along with Hot Wheels Legends Tour co-host and professional racecar driver Collete Davis – ensuring only the best of the best move forward.

“This is only the third time Hot Wheels has immortalized a Legends Tour winner as a die-cast toy vehicle,” said Ted Wu, Global Head of Design for Hot Wheels. “Out of tens of thousands of entries last year and months of work by the Hot Wheels design team, I’m confident we’ve made the perfect 1:64 scale die-cast of the 2020-winning 1970 Trans Am.”

As in previous events, the August 26 livestream winner will advance to the Semi-Finals later this year and then possibly the Global Grand Finale for a chance to have his or her passion project inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalized as the next 1:64 die-cast toy sold in Walmart stores around the world. To date, North American winners include: a 1968 Mercedes Benz 250S from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada; a custom aluminum racer named “Lulu” from Santa Fe, New Mexico; the 1969 Daytona Charger Superbird “Scraptona” from Macob, Michigan; the Miami-winning 1929 “Loosie” Ford Model A; and a 1975 Opel Manta from Garden City, Michigan, which is the most recent winner from a stop near Detroit.

This livestream event will take place starting at 5:00 p.m. PDT/ 8:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 26. For more information, visit the Hot Wheels Facebook page HERE.

Upcoming Tour Dates include:

September 18: In-Person Event in Houston, Texas
October 9: In-Person Event & Social Coverage from El Segundo, California
October 28: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #1
November 4: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #2
November 13: Global Grand Finale In-Person Event & Livestream (Location TBD)

Fans may register their cars for one of the upcoming virtual and in-person events or learn more about the Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour by visiting HERE.

To check out the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, visit HERE.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1™ motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, visit us online at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Weinberg/Newton Gallery Features MacArthur Fellows

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WEINBERG/NEWTON GALLERY PRESENTS MACARTHUR FELLOWS WENDY EWALD AND AMALIA MESA-BAINS IN TOWARD COMMON CAUSE, A COLLABORATION WITH THE SMART MUSEUM OF ART

Weinberg/Newton Gallery (688 N. Milwaukee Ave.), a non-commercial gallery dedicated to promoting social justice causes, announced a collaboration with the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago as an exhibiting gallery for a multi-venue exhibition taking place throughout 2021. Featuring the work of 29 MacArthur Fellows, Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change, and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40 is centered on the idea of art as a catalyst for social change. Through speculation, reflection and action, Toward Common Cause explores our current socio-political moment, in which questions of inclusion, exclusion, ownership and rights of access are constantly challenged. Extending from the exhibition’s main venue at the Smart Museum, Weinberg/Newton will present work by MacArthur fellows Wendy Ewald and Amalia Mesa-Bains, whose projects focus on Latinx migration in Chicago. Weinberg/Newton’s participation in the exhibition will run from Sept. 24 through Dec. 18.

Wendy Ewald, a collaborative photographer known for weighing questions of identity and cultural differences, will feature a newly commissioned project that explores the personal challenges facing refugees and immigrants from Mexico. Together with teaching artists from the Smart Museum and Diane Dammeyer Initiative, Ewald conducted a series of photographic workshops with youth at Centro Romero, a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago. The students created photographs and writings that express their inner lives, dreams and concerns about contemporary immigration. Ewald will incorporate these works into the exhibition, along with a series of photographs and a film made in Chiapas, Mexico in 1991.

Amalia Mesa-Bains, a multi-media installation artist and cultural critic, weaves together intricate stories of her Mexican heritage and Chicana identity at the intersection of art, science and history. At Weinberg/Newton, Mesa-Bains will present Dos Mundos, a personal and historical meditation on migration to Chicago through the lens of her own family that makes visible the countless vital contributions the Mexican community has made to the building of Chicago. Dos Mundos is composed of maps, digital prints, shadow boxes, folding books and ofrendas to celebrate this history through imagery and stories collected by Mesa-Bains.

Additionally, The Circle of Ancestors, an ofrenda from Amalia Mesa-Bains, will be featured at another Toward Common Cause venue: the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA), in the exhibition Día de Muertos – A Time to Grieve & Remember. The installation at the NMMA honors the Cornejo family of Mesa-Bains’ mother, while her work at Weinberg/Newton Gallery presents the archival and public record of the larger Mexican community in Chicago.

Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change, and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40 is presented in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the MacArthur Fellows Program and connects more than two dozen exhibitions, programs and research partner organizations across Chicago, allowing artists to present new and re-contextualized work. The organizing principle of “the commons” is a concept defined in MacArthur Fellow Lewis Hyde’s Common as Air: Revolution, Art, and Ownership, as “a social regime for managing a common resource.” This comprehensive presentation considers the extent to which resources including air, land, water and culture can be held in common. Each venue will create a space to raise questions about inclusion, exclusion, ownership and rights of access. Toward Common Cause considers art’s pivotal role in society as a call to vigilance, a way to bear witness and a potential act of resistance.

About Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change, and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40

Toward Common Cause: Art, Social Change, and the MacArthur Fellows Program at 40 is organized by the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago in collaboration with exhibition, programmatic and research partners across Chicago. It is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Toward Common Cause is curated by Abigail Winograd, MacArthur Fellows Program Fortieth Anniversary Exhibition Curator, Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago. The full curatorial statement can be read HERE.

Additional support for individual projects has been provided by Allstate; the Terra Foundation for American Art; the National Endowment for the Arts; The Joyce Foundation; David Zwirner; Hauser & Wirth; a Mellon Collaborative Fellowship in Arts Practice and Scholarship at the Richard and Mary L. Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry; the Visiting Fellows Program at the Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society; and the Smart Museum’s SmartPartners. In-kind support is provided by S.O.U.R.C.E. Studio, F.J. Kerrigan Plumbing Co. and JCDecaux.

About Wendy Ewald
Originally from Detroit, Wendy Ewald collaborated on photography projects for more than 50 years with children, families, women, workers and teachers. Engaging with communities internationally, she has been drawn into the lives of those with whom she works in the United States, Labrador, Colombia, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Holland, Mexico and Tanzania. Ewald’s practice encourages individuals to utilize cameras to photograph their lives, families and communities and to create images of their fantasies and dreams. In addition, she asks her collaborators to alter their images by drawing or writing to engage questions concerning individual authorship, power and identity. Ewald describes her conceptual work as expanding the role of esthetic discourse in pedagogy, challenging the viewer to see beneath the surface of relationships. She Is the 2010 recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship Award.

About Amalia Mesa-Bains
Amalia Mesa-Bains is a multimedia artist who contemplates the meanings of multiculturalism and demographic shifts in today’s climate within the United States, while drawing from the experiences of her Mexican heritage. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, in which she focused her doctoral dissertation on the influence of contemporary culture and climate on the personal development of 10 Chicana artists. Her scholarly research established her role as a cultural critic, and her clinical work has pushed her to investigate the psychological effects of colonial artifacts. This work has been at the core of her approach to making art a cultural process, deconstructing these stereotypes about non-European heritage and establishing new dialogue about Chicana culture. Mesa-Bains is the 1992 recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship Award.

About Weinberg/Newton Gallery
Weinberg/Newton Gallery is a non-commercial gallery with a mission to collaborate with nonprofit organizations and artists to educate and engage the public on social justice issues. Through artwork and programming, the gallery provides a vital space for open discourse on critical contemporary issues facing our communities. Connecting artists with social justice organizations, we work to drive change and cultivate a culture of consciousness.

History of Weinberg/Newton Gallery
In 2016, David Weinberg Photography became Weinberg/Newton Gallery. The change reflected the values of The Weinberg/Newton Gallery Family Foundation, which has been led jointly by David Weinberg and Jerry Newton since 2009.

TOBI × WOAH

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Today, winner of the 2021 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording of the Year, Canada-raised/Nigeria-born TOBi and fellow Canadian rapper Jazz Cartier released new single “Woah.” Listen HERE.

“Woah” follows a slew of TOBi’s latest tracks – “Off The Drugs,” which Mick Jenkins described as “cozy, soulful hip hop” (Brooklyn Vegan), “Come As You Are” featuring Baby Rose, and “Don’t Touch!” heralded by Complex for its “smooth production…elevating (TOBi’s) empowered musings on the hairy side of the Black experience to new heights.” His re-working of track “Family Matters” with Flo Milli was described as a “dynamic” and “impassioned reboot” (Atwood) and Highsnobiety declared it a “formidable pairing.”

TOBi will be joining Grammy award-winning Brooklyn based duo Brasstracks on tour kicking off September 30^th in Chicago, and will be performing alongside the duo on a few collaborative singles they have in the works. More info on the tour here. TOBi is also putting the finishing touches on his next album project. Stay tuned for more music from TOBi coming soon.

About TOBi:

Nigerian born, Toronto based recording artist TOBi is winner of the 2021 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording of the Year for his latest project Elements, Vol. 1. Elements blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime & Afrobeats and features some of TOBi’s favorite producers & musicians worldwide, embodying the sounds and music that have influenced his artistry.

Voted by Complex Magazine as “a top artist to watch” TOBi has received critical praise from Interview Magazine, Pitchfork, Vogue, Teen Vogue, L’Officiel, Paper, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Clash, OkayAfrica, Flaunt, Exclaim!, Refinery29, Essential Homme, COLORS, and many more. The rising star signed with Same Plate Entertainment/RCA Records in 2020 and has enjoyed over 50 million streams globally.

Prior to ELEMENTS, TOBi released his debut album STILL in May 2019 followed by a deluxe edition, exploring themes of vulnerability, post traumatic growth, self-reflection and masculinity in his time emigrating from Nigeria to Canada. STILL’s release was followed by two new singles “Holiday” produced by !llmind, “Paid,” the “City Blues Remix” featuring The Game, the “180 Remix” featuring Kemba and the “24” remix featuring all Torontonians SHAD, Haviah Mighty, Jazz Cartier and Ejji Smith.

BIG30 × BACK SEAT OF THE ROLLS TRUCK

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Rising Memphis rapper BIG30 returns with his relentless new single “Back Seat of the Rolls Truck.” Laced with his cutthroat bars and vivid recollections from his life in the trenches, the track is a reminder of 30’s status as one of street rap’s newest stars. The track is available now at all digital retailers HERE.

On “Back Seat of the Rolls Truck,” BIG30 gives the impression that he’s not into giving warnings. Over ominous trap drums and piano, the 21-year-old flips between reflection and aggression, flaunting grisly wordplay as he unpacks troubling memories. “He thought the shit was sweet, then fell a victim of the glizzy,” he raps. “Free Preston out the feds, they gave him 10 ’cause niggas snitching.” These bars only magnify the steely intensity that BIG30 has been able to capture in all of his best songs over the last few years.

This new single is the latest in a series that’ve raised BIG30’s profile to new heights. He began last month by releasing “Too Official,” an irresistible, Yo Gotti-assisted cut that showcased his evocative, street-level approach at its most compelling height. He followed up that single with “Mista,” a bullet-riddled track that details life in a danger zone. The video for “Too Official” has been streamed over 3.6 million times on YouTube, while “Mista” already has over 2.7 million views.

While he’s been on a steady grind for a few years now, BIG30 began seriously rising after appearing on “Neighbors,” an RIAA Gold-certified Pooh Shiesty song that showcased BIG30’s blunt-force delivery and penchant for vivid lyrics. From there, he completed a trap artist rite of passage by appearing on “Shit Crazy” with Gucci Mane, garnering the attention of Complex, Vulture, and other tastemaking outlets in the process. With “Back Seat of the Rolls Truck” joining a collection of stellar singles already at his back, BIG30’s rise is sure to continue.

About BIG30:

Armed with a blistering delivery, menacing lyrics, and bullet- riddled memories from the Memphis streets, BIG30 – the 21-year-old rapper to watch – unloads casual threats and bleak aphorisms with a concussive force that’s beginning to reverberate through the industry. His verse on Pooh Shiesty’s 2021 single “Neighbors” was the shot heard ’round the world, giving 30 his first RIAA Gold certification without even releasing his own project.

By the time the duo recorded “Neighbors,” more than two years after they started writing tracks together, BIG30 had refined his flow, and arrived more confident than ever. That song peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and contributed to the now 116M+ global streams that 30 can claim. Until then, 30 had been watching YouTube views and Facebook shares, not RIAA-certifications, especially since he wasn’t sure if the public was ready for the raw content of his bars. Now, as he takes advice from people like 50 Cent and records with the idols he grew up listening to, 30, the father of two children (with another on the way) plans to one day have his own record label and millions to his name. After signing to N-Less / Bread Gang Entertainment, he has the chance to reach the potential his label boss saw in him right away. Hard at work in the studio, he’s eager to share his debut project with the world and prove his spot among the many heavyweights who’ve given him their co-sign.

POLESTAR 2 ANNOUNCED

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Polestar, the electric performance car brand from Sweden, today announced the extended range, lower pricing, and bespoke configuration for the model year 2022 Polestar 2. The addition of a new single motor powertrain makes the vehicle more accessible than ever before, while simultaneously offering the greatest range of a Polestar 2 to date. Also new for 2022 is an optional heat pump, which is designed to extend the vehicle’s range up to an additional 10 percent under certain climate conditions.

The new Polestar 2 Long range Single motor offers the lowest price and longest range in the lineup, with an estimated range of 265 miles* and a starting price of $45,900 USD, or as low as $34,900 after qualified federal, state, and utility incentives**. Customers can also add on the available Plus and Pilot Packs to enhance the specification of their vehicle. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of 2021.

The Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor is now available for bespoke configuration, allowing customers flexibility to order a car which best suits their lifestyle. Starting at $49,900, or as low as $38,900 after qualifying incentives**, the Long range Dual motor Polestar 2 has 408 hp and an EPA range of 249 miles – an increase of 16 miles over the 2021 car’s range. As with the single-motor Polestar 2, Plus and Pilot Packs are available to order. The dual-motor Polestar 2 also can be ordered with a Performance Pack for increased driver focus, and deliveries are expected to begin in October of 2021.

“We are excited to introduce the expanded Polestar 2 range, which offers an ideal configuration for every lifestyle,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar in North America. “As we roll the brand out to 20 new US markets this year, we have the product, pricing and convenience to place Polestar at the top of consumer shopping lists.”

These new variants can be ordered with three optional packs that allow for a streamlined experience. These include:

The Plus Pack ($4,000) debuts a mechanical heat pump, which is designed to extend the vehicle’s range by up to 10% under certain conditions. The heat pump is complemented by a full-length panoramic glass roof, a premium interior featuring a Harman Kardon audio system, WeaveTech vegan upholstery, and high-level interior illumination. For those living in cold weather locales, the package offers a “must have” combination of comfort and range preservation.
The Pilot Pack ($3,200) offers enhanced safety and driver assistance features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Pilot Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^TM), Cross Traffic Alert, along with a 360-degree surround view camera and all-round parking sensors, plus more advanced safety features.
The Performance Pack ($5,000) features adjustable Öhlins suspension dampers supporting the front and rear forged 20-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, Continental sport tires, and Polestar’s signature ‘Swedish gold’ aesthetic details. (Only available on Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor.)

Additional single options include a ventilated Nappa leather interior ($4,000), 20” wheels with unique spoke pattern ($1,200), a semi-electric tow bar ($1,200) and metallic paint ($1,200).

All versions of the Polestar 2 feature the world debut of Google’s Android Automotive OS native infotainment system with key features such as Google Assistant and Google Maps built-in.

The Polestar 2 is available for online ordering at Polestar.com, and test drives can be scheduled via Polestar.com/test-drive. For those shopping now, Polestar 2 inventory available for fast delivery can be viewed at Polestar.com/us/preconfigured-cars. For customers who prefer a physical car buying experience, Polestar is rapidly expanding its network of retail “Spaces” throughout the United States, with 25 showrooms planned to be open by the end of 2021. Each of these Spaces host Polestar Specialists who can answer questions, schedule test drives and assist with the digital ordering process.

About Polestar

Polestar is the independent Swedish premium electric performance car brand founded by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. Established in 2017, Polestar enjoys specific technological and engineering synergies with Volvo Cars and benefits from significant economies of scale as a result. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and its vehicles are available and on the road in thirteen global markets across Europe, North America and China. In 2021, Polestar is expanding into five new markets in the Asia Pacific region.

In the US, the local Polestar office is located in the New York metro area, in Mahwah, New Jersey. Polestar Spaces have been opened in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and Denver, Colorado, with more to follow in Atlanta, Boston, Central and Southern New Jersey, Connecticut, Dallas, Detroit, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Orange County, Calif., Seattle, South Florida and Washington D.C.

Polestar produces two electric performance cars. Polestar 1 is a low-volume electric performance hybrid GT with a carbon fiber body, 619 hp, 738 lb-ft of torque, and an MPGe of 60 miles – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. The Polestar 2 electric performance fastback is the company’s first fully electric, high volume car. The Polestar 2 model range includes two variants featuring a 78 kWh battery paired with dual- and single motor powertrains. The Polestar 2 Long range Dual-motor has an output of 408 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque.

In the future, the Polestar 3 electric performance SUV will join the portfolio, as well as the Precept – a design study vehicle released in 2020 that is slated for future production. Precept showcases the brand’s future vision in terms of sustainability, digital technology and design. In April 2021, Polestar announced a goal of creating a truly climate-neutral car by 2030 without carbon offsetting through tree-planting.

Photo via Donny Nordlicht of Polestar for use by 360 Magazine

THE RADICAL × JOSHUA HENRY

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The Radical, a weekly podcast, hosted by Nick Terzo, wraps up its first year by welcoming Tony-winning musician-actor Joshua Henry tomorrow. The host and Henry, known for his work with Lin-Manuel Miranda on “Hamilton” and “In The Heights,” delve into a myriad of subjects including filming Miranda’s directorial debut “Tick Tick Boom”, the disappointment of a show-closing early, his family inspiring the songwriting on his new EP “Guaranteed”, and the physical and spiritual regimens that keep his performances energized.

Henry portrayed the lead role of Aaron Burr in the first U.S. tour of Hamilton, previously playing the role in the Chicago production that began performances in late September 2016. After Hamilton, Henry portrayed the lead role of Billy Bigelow in a Broadway revival of Carousel. Henry will release his debut album Grow on September 10th. More details on the album will be coming soon.

Henry follows a wide breadth of artists interviewed including music producer, bassist, and television personality Randy Jackson, Rock n Roll Hall of Famers Ann Wilson (Heart) and Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails), music pioneers John Doe, Rob Halford Bob Mould, Rufus Wainwright, TV composer Jonathan Wolff, radio pioneer Jason Bentley, songwriter and Toad The Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips and film supervisor Randall Poster.

With The Radical, Terzo reverse-engineers the creative process and its pathways to success. The show takes deep dives into the skills, tactics, and experiences of innovators and creators in fields such as Music, Film, Architecture, and Entrepreneurship. His guests are examples of the strength and ingenuity it takes to scale the many walls of resistance. He guides world-class artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs through their pivotal moments and stories.

Nick Terzo is a renowned leader in the entertainment industry with a proven track record in artist development, M&A, strategic partnerships, and creative leadership. Throughout his career, Terzo has served in executive and senior A&R roles at The Walt Disney Company, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. As founder of Radical MG Terzo advises rights holders and private equity funds on music catalog sales and acquisition strategies.

In the past few years, he has served as Vice President of Business Development & Operations for the international booking and artist management company, Madison House, and as Vice President of Strategy Development for music royalty finance platform, Royalty Exchange. Terzo has served on the SXSW Interactive Programming Board and as a mentor for the Thiel Foundation, Techstars Music, Boomtown Accelerator, and DreamIt Ventures.

The Radical podcast is produced by award-winning sound-mixer Sean O’Neil known for his work on the David Bowie: Finding Fame documentary.

The Radical podcast is available everywhere podcasts are available including Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon among others.

ZAHARA × NQABA YAM

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NEW ALBUM ‘NQABA YAM’ IS OUT NOW

There will be light at the end of the tunnel is the recurring theme and text for Zahara’s most honest and personal album yet, Nqaba Yam.

Much like the fiery red dress she dons on the artwork for her anticipated fifth offering, Zahara is the ray of sunshine that many have yearned for in the midst of a global pandemic. Her latest body of work serves as a pick-me-up.

The soothing, healing and soulful melody of the 12-track album, paired with introspective lyrics oozes a newfound confidence in Zahara’s distinct voice. Her aura is effervescent and light as air. She’s letting her masterful guitar skills do all the talking, while taking listeners on a sonic stroll in a botanical garden.

Her new music is fresh, simple and organic like the cornrows she sports on her head. It’s evident in every delicate and soft note that she belts out that the Eastern Cape country girl has found her nirvana. Zahara has also spiritually connected with her faith and found solace in God’s mercy.

This is praise and worship music – given that Zahara va va voom!

With 10 years in the ever evolving music industry, multiple South African Music Awards (Samas), over 400 000 albums sold and 366 000 Instagram followers; Zahara has nothing more to prove.

So she instead welcomes us into her castle and introduces fans to her pillar of strength throughout her trials and tribulations – God.

Penning down every song on the album, Zahara reunites with producer and longtime collaborator Mojalefa “Mjakes” Thebe.

Titular track Nqaba Yam is the perfect album opener and set the tone quite well. Straight off the bet she lets listeners know that this is the gospel of Zahara away from the glitz and glamour. She has given all her trust and hope to the man upstairs. This song is a classic Zahara Afro-pop banger from the instrumental to the piercing vulnerability in her velvety vocals.

With a modern country guitar intro, Sinda Mphefumlo reminds us that Zahara is still unapologetically a country girl at heart. In this journal entry, she is fighting both her internal and external demons – her heart and soul are heavy.

Keeping with the country motif, Ndikhona has written all over it the potential of a Zahara anthem. She creates a mystery and keeps the listener guessing if this is a love letter to a friend or lover. But what’s clear is that Zahara has never sounded this good and felt such tenderness. So much so that she will make all the time in the world for such fondness.

Zahara makes a holy plea to God with emotionally-charged Ndincede. She has been in the trenches, a lot of unpleasant things have been said about her and she needs all the strength in the world to pull through it all. Her voice has never sounded brilliantly exposed and authentic.

Bawo is a first taste of Zahara in full gospel mode as she seems to start connecting with her faith and leaving it all in the Lord Almighty’s capable hands following her prayer request in the previous cut.

Halfway through the album, Zahara switches it up with Systems and our girl shows that she is woke as she fights social injustices. Long story short, Zahara is a freedom fighter. It’s a stripped down acoustic guitar number – exquisitely simple and elegant.

Fresh off making her political statement, Zahara gives a throwback to Sophiatown with Ntak’encinane. The mid-tempo tune displays a more fun and dancey Zahara for the first time on the album. The feel-good song will have you snapping your fingers and kicking up your heels in euphoria.

Senzeni has a maskandi vibe to it and is the most intense song on the album. It’s a female empowerment chant dedicated to victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Bring out the tissues!

Nyamezela is a stand-out track and very radio-friendly. This is a song for everyone with a relatable and strong message of resilience and courage. No mountain is too high with God by your side. The beat is electric, making it a road-trip banger with your windows rolled down.

Forgiveness is what Zahara preaches in Izolo, another mid-tempo song. Zahara nudges that holding onto grudges is never good for anyone – forget the pain of yesterday and focus on the promises of today.

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make love to the dance floor. Forever Yours is all the way up-tempo with a throbbing beat that demands that you lose your mind and morals. It says put me on repeat, full blast and sing along.

Zahara bows out with a message of hope for all the dreamers with Iphupho Lam. She was destined to be great, she is royalty and with God by her side she will continue on her trajectory to the top.

The Growth of Blockchain

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Blockchain Companies hit $30.4B in Total Funding, a 44% Increase in a Year

The increasing number of organizations accepting cryptocurrency and the growing interest in blockchain technology continue driving the entire sector’s impressive growth. However, recent years have also witnessed a surge in the number of venture capitalists pouring money into blockchain companies.

According to data presented by BlockArabia.com, blockchain companies raised $30.4bn in total funding, a massive 44% increase in a year.

Investment Activity Soared by 515% YTD

By allowing digital information to be distributed but not copied, blockchain technology created the groundwork for the new type of internet. Although initially invented for the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, by improving online security and streamlining fundraising and payment options, blockchain technology was adopted by many companies across different industries.

The Crunchbase data showed 2018 was a record year for investment activity in the blockchain market, with companies raising around $10.7bn in funding rounds that year. However, the next two years brought a significant slowdown in venture capital funding.

In 2019, blockchain companies raised $4.3bn, with the cumulative funding amount rising to $20bn that year. However, statistics show 2020 brought even less fresh capital, with companies raising only $2.4bn.

After two challenging years for blockchain companies looking to attract investments and expand their business, investors flocked to this sector in 2021. In the first quarter, startups focusing on blockchain technology raised around $2.9bn, more than in all of 2020. The strong investment activity continued in the second quarter of the year, with companies raising another $4.1bn.

The Crunchbase data showed blockchain startups raised around $8bn YTD, a staggering 515% increase compared to a year ago period, and 20% more than in 2019 and 2020 combined.

US Blockchain Startups Raised $12.5B, more than European and Asian Companies Combined

Statistics show that US blockchain companies lead in the total value of investments, with $12.5bn in funding rounds so far. European companies hit $6.1B in total funding, half the value of their US peers, ranking as the second-leading region globally. Asian blockchain companies follow with $5.4B, respectively.

Analyzed by type of funding, initial coin offering ranked as the most popular way to raise fresh capital. Statistics show blockchain companies have raised $9.3bn through ICOs so far, more than any other funding type.

Series A funding rounds have brought in around $3.8bn so far. Series B and Series C funding rounds follow, with $2.6bn and $2.4bn, respectively.

The full story can be read HERE.

GRYFINN × NEW BLOOD

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Today, L.A.-based artist/producer Gryffin releases a brand-new single entitled “New Blood” with buzzing singer and songwriter Boy Matthews [Duke Dumont, Hayden James, Riton, Oliver Heldens]. Released today via Darkroom / Interscope Records, the track seamlessly integrates show-stopping falsetto vocals with unpredictable and undeniable production, fusing dancefloor bliss and pop energy. The track arrives alongside accompanying lyric video, which can be found HERE.

Listen to Gryffin’s “New Blood” with Boy Matthews HERE.

“’New Blood’ is one of my favorite records I’ve ever done” says Gryffin on the creation of the track. “It is about a special someone coming into your life and allowing you to rediscover your inner self and happiness in life again. Boy Matthews is one of the most talented vocalists I’ve ever worked with. His soul and energy gave this song the euphoric vibes I was looking for. I’m so proud of this record and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.”

2021 has shaped up to be a banner year for Gryffin. In just a month, his most recent single “Best Is Yet To Come” with Kyle Reynolds has amassed over 13 million total streams and counting between the Original, Max Styler Remix, Cheyenne Giles Remix, and Acoustic version. Dancing Astronaut praised the latter as “touching” and went on to claim, “Gryffin and Kyle Reynolds smoothly play off each other in the acoustic’s visual and place another layer of charged emotion onto an already faultless merger.”

Currently in the middle of his Las Vegas residency at The Wynn’s Encore Beach Club and XS Nightclub, Gryffin is also performing at major markets across the U.S. See full show dates below, and purchase tickets HERE.

GRYFFIN’S UPCOMING SHOWS:

8/13 Salt Lake City, UT Das Energi Festival

8/14 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club at Night

8/22 Las Vegas, NV XS Nightswim

8/27 Grand Rapids, MI Breakaway Music Festival – Grand Rapids

8/28 San Bernadino, CA Beyond Wonderland

8/29 Water Mill, NY Palm Tree Festival

9/3 Columbus, OH Breakaway Music Festival

9/4 Las Vegas, NV Lost in Dreams

9/5 El Paso, TX Freakazoid Robots

9/10 Surrey BC, Canada FVDED in the Park

9/18 Las Vegas, NV Encore Beach Club at Night

9/19 Atlanta, GA Imagine Festival

10/2 Charlotte, NC Breakaway Music Festival

10/30 San Bernadino, CA Escape Festival

ABOUT GRYFFIN

Born Dan Griffith, Gryffin got his start in music as a classically trained pianist and guitarist and also played in several bands. After receiving an electrical engineering degree from the University of Southern California, he pursued a path in music production, drawing equally from his carefully honed musicality and edgy ingenuity. Gryffin made his breakthrough in 2016 with two singles showcasing his melodic take on dance music: “Heading Home” ft. Josef Salvat (which shot to #1 on Spotify’s US and Global Viral charts) and the Bipolar Sunshine collaboration “Whole Heart.” In addition, his 2017 smash single “Feel Good” — with Illenium and featuring Daya— peaked at #18 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay charts. Gryffin’s major triumphs also include “Tie Me Down” ft. Elley Duhé (which hit #2 on the Spotify US Viral Chart and #9 on the Global Viral Chart), “Remember” ft. Zohara (which garnered 6.5 million streams in its first few weeks and earned support from Tiesto, who featured the track on an Instagram story), and “All You Need to Know” with SLANDER ft. Calle Lehmann (a gold-certified smash that’s now surpassed 100 million streams). Arriving in October 2019, Gryffin’s debut album Gravity quickly climbed to #1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums chart.