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Normani – Fair

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Multi-platinum selling, chart topping recording artist Normani returns with the highly anticipated new single, “Fair”. On the HARV-produced track, bass pulsates like a heartbeat between soft keys as her voice echoes with raw feeling. Volleying between high register harmonies and an emotionally charged refrain, she gets confessional on the chorus, “Is it fair that you moved on, ’cause I swear that I haven’t.” “Fair” was co-written by Normani, Abby Keen, Bernard “HARV” Harvey and Felisha King Harvey.

Speaking about the new song, Normani reveals, “This song really captures me in one of my most vulnerable moments. Sharing this record makes me uncomfortable because you have never really seen me in this light. Definitely aware that you might feel like you don’t know much about me but that’s only because it’s what makes me feel protected. I am really forcing myself to let go here. This is huge for me and hopefully this piece of art resonates. Love is beautiful yet so so terrifying. I adore you guys to the moon and back.”

“Fair” is out everywhere now. Listen HERE.

To celebrate the release of “Fair” Normani performed the track live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC. Watch the performance HERE.

“Fair” serves as the follow-up to the critically-acclaimed “Wild Side” feat. Cardi B which dominated the charts following its release, hitting the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Hip-Hop/R&B Radio Chart. To date, “Wild Side” has amassed an impressive 325+ million streams globally.

“Wild Side” featuring Cardi B left the world captivated upon release with its jaw-dropping Tanu Muino-directed official music video, choreographed by the renowned Sean Bankhead, who also choreographed Normani’s “Motivation” video. An iconic visual ode to the late 90s-early 2000s, the video has received more than 100 million views to date, and showcases Normani‘s signature, sleek dance moves and her versatility with fashion, reminding all that she remains at the top of her game. Watch her breathtaking live performance at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards in New York City HERE.

Watch the official video for “Wild Side” featuring Cardi B HERE.

“Wild Side” follows Normani’s showstopping single “Motivation,” and her top 40 #1 smash hit collaboration “Love Lies” with Khalid, which helped win her iHeart Radio Music Award‘s “Titanium Award.” Her single “Waves” featuring 6lack earned Normani her first win as a solo artist at the MTV VMAs for “Best R&B Video.” She’s also garnered numerous nominations throughout the years from award shows such as Billboard Music Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, People’s Choice Awards and more. To date, Normani has racked up more than 5 billion global streams across her catalog.

Normani continues to make her mark in the industry. She joined Ariana Grande on her Sweetner World Tour and performed at festivals such as Lollapalooza. She’s graced multiple magazine covers including Rolling Stone, Billboard, FADER, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Wonderland, Women’s Health Magazine, Allure and more.

St. Patty’s Sip List

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March has arrived, and while Spring is still a ways away, there’s still St. Patrick’s Day to look forward to. As it is a celebration of Ireland, lots of drinking is naturally associated with the holiday. As a result, 360 has compiled a list of the best beverages for your celebration.

Space Dust IPA

As one of the most celebrated holidays globally, St. Patrick’s Day is all about bringing people together, and what better way to do that than by raising a glass of Elysian Brewing’s best-selling Space Dust IPA (8.2% ABV), which balances bitterness with the sweetness of grapefruit, mango and orange aromas.

If you’re searching for “something green” to bring to your St. Patrick’s Day party, look no further! Space Dust’s iconic green mascot, Dusty, featured on every can and bottle, is here to help you avoid the pinch. Plus, the Elysian team has released an easy-to-make festive drink recipe called the Irish Astronaut, which cleverly features 50% Nitro Irish Stout and 50% Space Dust IPA.

Tully Mule By Gillian Murphy

Ingredients:

2 parts Tullamore D.E.W. Original
0.5 parts Fresh Lime Juice
Top with Ginger Beer
Lime Wheel

Method:

Stir Tullamore D.E.W. Original and lemon juice in a mug filled with ice.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime wheel.

Gold Rush By Gillian Murphy

Ingredients:

2 parts Tullamore D.E.W.
0.75 part fresh lemon juice
0.75 part honey syrup

Method:

Add all ingredients to an ice filled shaker.
Shake and strain into an ice filled glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Green Machine By Gillian Murphy

Ingredients:

2 parts Tullamore DEW Original
0.5 part Lemon Juice
Juice of 1 fresh pressed green apple (or 6 parts cloudy apple juice)

Method:

Build in a highball glass over ice.
Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Guy Fieri’s Caliente Margarita

Mixed with Santo Blanco Tequila and a hint of triple sec, the Caliente Margarita is a cocktail everyone will love. Santo keeps it simple for you to mix this cocktail up right at home, using muddled cilantro leaves and jalapenos to give it that unique kick we all look for in the classic libation. Fieri has even shared his one-of-a-kind recipe for Homemade Sour Mix that will take your Caliente Margarita to the next level. Finish it off with a salt rimmed glass and you are good to go. This bold and classic cocktail is guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds, leaving you yearning for more.

Ingredients:

6 oz Santo Blanco Tequila
2 oz triple sec
1 bunch cilantro leaves
3 jalapeños (2 for muddling, 1 for garnish)
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 oz Homemade Sour Mix
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh lime juice

Method:

Muddle cilantro and two jalapeños in the bottom of a large pitcher. As you are muddling, add tequila and triple sec. At the same time, make the sour mix. Combine sugar with 1 ½ cups of water in a saucepan. Allow it to simmer until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Once it has cooled, add the lemon and lime juice. Stir the margarita well, adding sour mix as you go. Pour into glasses rimmed with salt and garnish with a lime wedge and jalapeño slice.

1800 Earl Grey

Ingredients:

2 oz. 1800 Cristalino
¼ oz. Elderflower liqueur
½ oz. Earl Grey syrup
¾ oz. lemon juice

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice cubes and garnish with an edible flower.

1800 Añejo Sunset

Ingredients:

2 oz. 1800 Añejo
¾ oz. Demerara syrup
¾ oz. carrot juice
½ oz. lime juice
3 dashes Angostura bitters

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice cubes and garnish with a lime wheel and a salted pepper rim.

1800 Tequila Tea

Ingredients:

2 oz. 1800 Reposado
¾ oz. honey syrup
¾ oz. lemon juice
Iced peach black tea, to top

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice cubes and garnish with a lemon wheel.

D’USSE Lemonade

This is a signature cocktail blending the sweet-tart flavor of lemonade with the smoothness of D’USSÉ.

Ingredients:

1 ½ parts D’USSE VSOP Cognac
4 Parts Lemonade

Method: Add D’USSE and lemonade into an ice-filled highball glass.

JAJA Mango Shandy

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. JAJA Blanco
1.5 oz. Mango Juice
Top with Mexican Lager

Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice cubes and garnish with a mango slice to top off with a tajin rim.

JAJA Mexican Cold Brew

ingredients:

2 oz. JAJA Añejo
2 oz. Cold Brew
Top with Tonic Sparkling Water

Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks highball glass over fresh ice cubes and garnish with a lemon wheel.

JAJA Pineapple Mule

Ingredients:

2 oz. JAJA Reposado
1.5 oz. Pineapple Juice
Top with Ginger Ale

Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice on the rocks and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Machine Gun Kelly – lockdown sessions

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Ahead of his upcoming album mainstream sellout (Bad Boy/Interscope Records) on March 25, rock dynamo Machine Gun Kelly serves up a new EP, lockdown sessions, out now. The EP bundles three viral hit tracks that showcase the versatility behind one of the era’s most impactful crossover hitmakers.

The three-pack includes “roll the windows up,” a fan-favorite track previously known as “smoke and drive.” The update comes with more than a name change, though. MGK tacked on a new verse and shot a music video for the song, featuring the superstar and his drummer, Rook, smoking in a car in a no-frills, straightforward clip that captures the homegrown essence of a project strictly for the fans. Watch the full clip HERE.

The EP kicks off what’s sure to be a whirlwind month for MGK, whose new song, “ay!” arrives this Friday, March 4. Audiences caught a sneak preview of it during his Feb. 24 performance on CBS’ The Late Late Show With James Corden in a medley of “maybe,” “ay!” and current single “emo girl,” with WILLOW. The latter continues to build on its scorching start, with over 30 million streams and racing to the top 25 on alternative radio. All three songs will appear on MGK’s sixth studio album, mainstream sellout, coming March 25. Pre-order the new album HERE.

MGK has dominated the live space in the past month by performing on some of sports’ biggest stages, beginning with a headlining slot at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game in Las Vegas, where delivered a scintillating halftime performance for hockey and rock enthusiasts. And in the lead-up to this year’s Super Bowl, he and Halsey united for a blockbuster teamup for a Bud Light sponsored show at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Propel Student Impact Scholarships

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The Propel Center, the global HBCU technology and learning hub, announced the launch of its Propel Student Impact Scholarships, with support from Apple and Southern Company. The new scholarship program, directed at HBCU students who are interested in pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice, and health, is open to rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students alike.

Propel Center will donate a total of 100 $10,000 scholarship awards to the winners, an investment that the Center believes will help to transform the nation’s talent pipeline and workforce. The Student Impact Scholarship winners will also have the unique opportunity to participate in work-based learning opportunities with Propel Center’s corporate partners.

“We at Propel are committed to not only building the ultimate Black talent pipeline but also to supporting and sustaining the ever-changing global and diverse workforce experience,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium. “I am honored and humbled that through this first-of-its-kind scholarship program, and true to our mission, we’re also able to open broader career pathways for our so richly deserving HBCU students,” he continues.

“At Apple, we believe education is a powerful force for equity, and we’re thrilled to help create new opportunities for HBCU students to blaze trails in their academic and professional pursuits,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy, and social Initiatives. “All students should have access to pursue their life’s dreams, and this scholarship program will provide a strong foundation for the next generation as they lead us into a bold, innovative future.”

“We are proud to help open greater doors of opportunity for HBCU students,” said Chris Womack, chairman and CEO of Georgia Power. “We must equip students with the support and resources they need today so they can be the change agents we need tomorrow.”

To apply for the 2022 Propel Student Impact Scholarships, students must complete an online application and may also submit a self-created video or infographic describing how their interest in entrepreneurship, the arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice, or health aligns with the Propel Center’s mission.

Applicants are encouraged to share their video or infographic submission on a social media platform and tag Propel Center. All video submissions should also be shared via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, while infographics should be shared on the applicant’s Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter channels.

Upon posting their video or infographic, each student applicant must also upload a copy of their posting with their application. To apply or find out more, interested students may visit the Propel Center website HERE. The application period is open now, and all submissions are due by March 14, 2022. The scholarship winners will be announced on March 23, 2022.

About Propel Center

Supported by founding partners Apple and Southern Company, the Propel Center is a first-of-its-kind innovation and learning hub for the entire HBCU community that will serve as a catalytic epicenter of learning, providing students with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources necessary to transform the nation’s talent pipeline and workforce. Through a robust virtual platform, on-campus activities at partner institutions, and a physical campus located in the Atlanta University Center, Propel will bring innovative curricula and unprecedented leadership opportunities to produce the next generation of Black leaders.

World’s Most Expensive Cleats

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The world’s most expensive cleats have been commissioned by The Shoe Surgeon for the RAMS to wear this Sunday!

Superstars, Odell Beckham Jr. and teammates Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp, and Von Miller have teamed up with famed sneaker designer The Shoe Surgeon & world-renowned bespoke jeweler, Jason of Beverly Hills to come correct this Sunday to hopefully walk away with their superbowl ring.

These 1-of-1 bespoke Super Bowl cleats were designed with luxury & opulence coupled with performance. Yellow gold was chosen as it is symbolic of the Rams colors alongside 1,494 individual round brilliant white brilliant diamonds with a total weight of 25 carats! Over 100 man hours went into creating the diamond hardware for these cleats.

Inspiration Behind the Design

“Big cultural moments like the Super Bowl fuels my creativity and inspires me to push my creative boundaries. Through the years, I’ve built a close relationship with athletes around our shared interests in expressing individuality through fashion,” said Dominic Ciambrone. “It’s an honor to bring their ideas together to help them celebrate these key moments in their careers.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of players lives on and off the field, which is why they request Jason of Beverly Hills to commemorate their big wins. The walk to the locker room has become the runway and it was only a matter of time before that bled onto the field. I had a great time collaborating on this piece with Odell and Dominic. Excited to see how they do on the field,” states Jason of Beverly Hills, well known bespoke jeweler trusted by top A-listers.

Design Details

1,494 brilliant white diamonds
Total carat weight of 25 carats
D color flawless clarity
150 grams of 14 karat yellow gold
Royal blue and yellow python
Valued at $200K

1800 Tequila × LA Rams

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1800 Tequila, the world’s most awarded tequila line and the official tequila of the Los Angeles Rams and SoFi Stadium, kicked off the biggest weekend in pro football with a dinner hosted by Rams Legend Torry Holt to celebrate a historic season for the Los Angeles Rams and LA sports and culture.

Guests, including award-winning and chart-topping Latin artist and Rams fan Luis Fonsi, American sports journalist and CNN+ host of Cari & Jemele: Speak.Easy Jemele Hill, Mexican-American professional boxer Ryan Garcia, Chicano streetwear specialist Spanto of fashion brand BornxRaised and actress and rapper Bre-Z from LA-based football drama All American, all sipped 1800 Tequila while enjoying an elevated gameday menu curated by Mexican-born, LA-based Executive Chef Alejandro Guzman. The five-course dinner, made with fresh local ingredients, included a cocktail pairing with 1800 Cristalino tequila.

During the five-course dinner at Penthouse 56, guests were treated to sounds from DJ Jada and singer-songwriter Jordan Hawkins.

About 1800 Tequila

1800 Tequila is a brand of tequila that was founded in 1975 and owned by the same family that produced Jose Cuervo tequila. The name comes from the year that tequila was allegedly first successfully aged in wood, after its ban was removed by King Carlos IV. It has won awards from the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition. Bloomberg Businessweek, Wine Enthusiast, and The New York Times have all supported the brand.

NYFW SS22 Recap

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New York Fashion Week, one of the biggest fashion events in the world, takes place twice every year, in February and September. SS22 kicked off Friday, February 11th.

On the 11th, There was The Art of Rodarte Presented by Afterpay, Hosted by Maude Apatow, this was a conversation with sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, an LA-based company that was featured in the iconic Black Swan.

The brand describes itself as distinguished by “…the romantic, conceptual way Kate and Laura approach inspiration, storytelling and how they see the world through landscape, art, film, poetry, culture, and music.” They are known for their use of textiles and prints. They are also inspired by nature. They create women’s wear dresses and fashion forward gowns. The event took place on Friday, February 11th.

The Art of Rodarte 1 via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

The Art of Rodarte 2 via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

The Art of Rodarte 3 via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

On the 12th, there was NYFW: THE TALKS panel “New Standards of Beauty,” a conversation moderated by Jae Joseph and featuring Christella De Castro (Director & Photographer, Co-Founder of Ground Work), Patrick Starr (Beauty Guru & One/Size Founder), Drew Elliott (SVP & Global Creative Director, MAC Cosmetics), Aweng Ade-Choul (International Model.) They discussed the historical, cultural, and social contexts of beauty, and modern awareness and acceptance within the industry.

NYFW: THE TALKS hosted, “Second Life Style” moderated by Liana Satenstein (Senior Fashion Writer, Vogue); and featuring: Marie Laboucarié (Founder, Nina Gabanna), Mina Le, (Fashion & Cultural Analyst), Emily Adams Bode Aujla (Founder, Emily Bode) and Emma Rogue (Entrepreneur). The second day concluded with a celebration hosted by Tresemme and PatBO afterparty, with Andrew Warren, Sif Saga, Joy Corrigan, Maria Molina, Larissa Meuhleder, Taylor Hawkins, Carrie Berk, Megan Puleri, Pritika Swarup, and others danced the night away to music by DJ Mei Kwok; and enjoyed cocktails by Cincoro tequila; and styling by Tresemme.

NYFW 6 via Armon Hayes for use by 360 Magazine

NYFW 1 via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

NYFW 3 via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

NYFW 4 via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

Critically acclaimed designer duo Wolk Morais unveilled their new Cashmere Collection. Inspired by the silver screen, the cornerstone of the collection is a unisex double-faced cashmere, hand-stitched “On Set Coat,” the designer’s homage to the glamour of Hollywood.

The collection marks the photographic debut of designer Brian Wolk and was shot at a historically preserved modernist home in Los Angeles.”Los Angeles has been the lead character for our creative journey thus far,” Brian Wolk and Claude Morais said. The Cashmere collection has given us an opportunity to reach a large group of our clients, both men and women who are excited about everyday luxury that is multi-season, non-gender specific, and inspired by the relaxed attitude of California Living.

Mr. Wolk and M. Morais, with longtime collaborating stylist Elizabeth Stewart, were inspired by Hollywood’s tradition of relaxed on-set tailoring. The designers will present their signature tailoring through the lens of cinematically infused “his and hers” Robe Coats and Spencer Jackets. The palette pays homage to their filmic inspiration. The collection is composed completely of hand-stitched double-faced cashmere.

It will debut on the CFDA’s RUNWAY360 platform and will be on the market from Feb 14th to February 28th at VESPR-CoOp in Manhattan.

WOLK MORAIS IN NYFW COVERED BY 360 MAGAZINE.

On Tuesday, February 15, 360 witnessed the modern interpretation of a non-binary ready-to-wear collection.

Inspired by his trip to India, Terry Singh had a manifestation on a mountain top. Soon after, Yogi’s bathing experience changed his male mentality forever, defying his western imposition of love, giving birth to The New Suit collection. A historical garment worn by rulers and warriors. Dhoti, also referred to as dhuti, resembling loose trousers, is a type of a sarong.

Our creative director, Armon Hayes, went behind the scenes of this iconic brand. He was lucky enough to wear a one-of-a-kind piece as he sat in front of one of NYFW’s most revolutionary shows.

360 MAGAZINE's Armon Hayes dressed in Terry Singh's THE NEW SUIT during NYFW.

Captured by 360 magazine, Terry Singh and mom embrace during nyfw.

Kenny Foster – Somewhere in Middle America

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Rising singer-songwriter Kenny Foster has released his latest single, “Somewhere In Middle America,” available on all digital streaming platforms and digital download now. The warm-hearted track paints a picture of a rural landscape where small town folks live simple lives, learning life’s biggest lessons—a place somewhere in middle America. The title track off Kenny’s upcoming album, due out in early summer, builds a sense of community and sets the scene for the album’s other tracks to exist within.

“To help frame the record as a whole, this song is creating a sonic landscape that people can feel,” says Foster. “I wanted people that are never going to drive through Middle America to viscerally feel what it’s like to be there and for those that live there, I wanted to create something that resonated, sort of a nod, an ‘if-you-know-you-know’ situation.”

Taken from the pages of Kenny’s own story, “Somewhere In Middle America” explores the often overlooked and unpolished way of life in America’s heartland. The song illustrates the humble, yet wonderfully colorful, tapestry that is Middle America—eggs on the griddle, prom kings alongside Dairy Queens, sage wisdom from porch swing prophets, and a culture where having just enough was all you needed—for Kenny, this is home.

About Kenny Foster

Kenny Foster has shared the stage with artists including Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, Butch Walker, Lady A, and countless others. He was named one of the “Top 10 New Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and Forbes. He has appeared in two Super Bowl commercials with Sheryl Crow and Danica Patrick, respectively. Kenny is also honored to be included in the CMA Foundation “It Starts with M.E.” National Campaign for Music Education and performed as part of the CMA Songwriters Series, alongside songwriting legends Lori McKenna, Marcus Hummon, Lee Thomas Miller, and Tenille Townes. Kenny has performed at the highly-acclaimed C2C Festival in London, and was also invited to perform at the launch of C2C Berlin and at the famed Melkweg venue in Amsterdam as support for Hunter Hayes, as well as recent domestic festival appearances at the ACM Party for a Cause, Americanafest and CMA Fest, among others. Kenny headlined an Armed Forces tour to Asia, performing at bases in Guam, Singapore and Diego Garcia.

Kenny is a long-time partner with the non-profit organization CreatiVets who pair Nashville songwriters with veterans to create a song out of their experiences that tells their story and hopefully provides some catharsis and healing. They released an album of these songs on Big Machine Records called “Veteran Songs” on July 4th, 2020 which included “Light Like Mine” co-written and performed by Foster. Additionally, Kenny hosted 32 episodes of a weekly online series called “Kuarantine with Kenny” for Sound of Nashville, featuring guests like Cam, Drake White, Lindsay Ell, and many others. Over this last year, Kenny has also released a series of singles called “The Vintage Collection” which are a culmination of demos of songs that, to this point, have only been heard at live shows but have included some fan favorites, including a duet with Mae Estes “Love You Now” (Co-written with Kirsti Manna of Blake Shelton’s “Austin”), “Lonely Land” (Co-written with Mando Saenz and Chris Rafetto) and “It Don’t Work Like That” (Co-written with Melissa Fuller).

Queen Naija × Big Sean – Hate Our Love

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Detroit natives Queen Naija and GRAMMY-nominated, multi-Platinum artist Big Sean team up on the soulful new single “Hate Our Love.“ The deeply romantic track, which samples the classic 70s hit “Sounds Like A Love Song,“ celebrates the kind of love that thrives despite hard times and haters.

“What I‘d like for people to take away from ‘Hate Our Love‘ is don‘t let anybody come in between anything or anyone that you love,“ says Queen Naija. “I‘m so excited to finally collaborate with Big Sean on a record, it’s been a dream of mine for a while now. With both of us being from Detroit, it felt like the perfect match up and I hope everyone loves the song!“

Big Sean topped the Billboard 200 for the third time with his 2020 album DETROIT 2. His six-song EP with Hit-Boy, What You Expect, was released last fall. He will be performing at Coachella in April.

Queen has amassed over three billion combined global streams in her career to date. Her debut album, missunderstood, entered Billboard‘s Top R&B Albums chart at No. 1 and earned a place in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Nominated for a 2021 American Music Award in the Favorite R&B Album category, it includes the No. 1 hit “Butterflies Pt. 2“ and the Gold-certified singles “Pack Lite“ and “Lie To Me“ ft. Lil Dirk. Views of the official video for the fan favorite “I‘m Her“ ft. Kiana Lede has surpassed 3.2 million and the track has racked up over 37 million combined streams worldwide. The deluxe edition of the album, missunderstood, still, includes five previously unreleased songs.

Flaunt said, “Equipped with a smooth and sultry voice and infectious energy, each one of her R&B ballads are real, honest, and relatable.“ Essence Girls United noted, “Queen Naija‘s album, missunderstood, touches the soul in a way that only Black music can.“ “Queen Naija is, without question, who R&B heads should be checking for,“ declared DJ Booth.

Interview with Maria Becerra

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Maria Becerra, or “the Girl from Argentina”, is an up-and-coming pop star, who despite only being 21 years old has become Argentina’s most-streamed artist. Starting off as a YouTuber, she quickly rose to fame and is now signed to 300 Entertainment (Young Thug, Meghan Thee Stallion.) 360 got the opportunity to talk with her about her life and rise to fame.

How would you describe your style of music?

I think that I have a very melodic and versatile musical style. In the studio, we always try to ensure that each song has a varied melodic line, with different nuances, that above all… sounds familiar to the public. I have [traversed] several genres and in all of them, I was able to find how to make my style fit. I heard out there that they call me “The queen of weeping” [laughs] because I have many songs that are for dogging and dancing, and others that are a bit sad.

How did you first become interested in creating music?

From a very young age, art was important to me. I learned how to sing, act, and dance. In my house, [we] listened to a lot of music. For a while I did covers and interpretations of famous songs, I think I was absorbing that and at one point I felt the need to start expressing myself with something of my own and I did. I was not 100% sure, I had many insecurities, I was afraid to know how… [people] …were going to receive my music, and also if this was really my path. Luckily things turned out… [positively] …and today I have no doubts that yes, I was born for this and I am very happy [making a] living from music.

Which songs are you most proud of?

Mm, they are all special and fill me with pride. You can’t say just one. If I have to think quickly… [about] …which one I like the most, maybe… “Close to You” or “My Debility.” That song is very special. I cried a lot while making it and recording the video.

You were a Youtuber before becoming a singer. How was the experience of transitioning from an influencer to an artist?

It was a beautiful experience, and I am grateful that it was like that. The change in my life was… [immense]. Being [on] YouTube gave me the opportunity to get to know me and lose my fear of exposure. …having had the experience of being a YouTuber served as the basis for everything that happened to me later.

What is your favorite fan moment?

My favorite moment is when… [fans] …tell me… that my music… [is relatable] …to them. It’s amazing how something I do with all my love in the studio can reach so many people and positively influence their lives. ….we would…talk to …different fans, and at one point a girl told us that with “Tell me how I do”, one of my songs, she had declared her love to her girlfriend. I found it beautiful. Those moments fill me with happiness.

How does it feel to have reached this level of popularity so young?

I still don’t think… [I’m famous]. It seems incredible to me, but I take it easy. I do not despair and try to have the same life as always. I surround myself a lot with my friends, my family, and my pets who are my ground wire and remind me of where I come from.

Why do you refer to yourself as ‘The Girl from Argentina’?

In general, it is known that many discoveries have occurred accidentally in the world, and this was no exception. [laughs] When we recorded “Animal” with Cazzu, at last, in the part of the song’s guidelines I said “Las Nenas de Argentina”… referring to the two of us. Apparently, people heard “La nena de Argentina” and everyone loved that I refer[red] to myself that way. From there I started to use it as my brand, and I feel that it gives me a special power for transmitting to everyone that my music is made and is from Argentina.

Who are your influences?

Wow, many! But especially Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. I think they are very important to me. I watch their shows and videos a lot.

How did it feel to join a label as prestigious as 300 Entertainment?

[It was] an honor, I am very happy with them. They are also always very affectionate with me. Since their office is in Los Angeles, we don’t see each other that often, but when we do it’s very nice because they always surprise me. I know the whole team takes care of me and they want the best for me, so I respect them and thank them very much.

Your most recent EP blended many different genres. Which genres would you like to experiment with in the future?

I like “Bachata”, I think more songs like… [that] …are coming, but as I said before, I don’t want to pigeonhole myself and today I am here to experiment. So, in 2022, you can be surprised.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I feel like it’s going to be a great year this year. We are working to make it so. I’m locked in the studio; some songs are coming out that are tremendous. I am already anxious for you to listen to them, so a new album is coming, trips and several shows in Argentina and Europe. We will be on the move. We hope to reach many places and have everyone dance and sing my music.