DESIGN

WurlD – WAYO

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As he continues to put up numbers across DSPs and receive critical acclaim worldwide, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and phenomenon WurlD reveals the music video for his latest single “WAYO (KPE LE WU)” today. The song remains a standout from his tastemaker-approved AFROSOUL EP—out now via Platoon.

In the cinematic visual, WurlD takes over a smoky nightclub reminiscent of classy speakeasies of the twenties and thirties. Donning a dapper reflective vest, his endless charisma shines on stage as he catches the attention of one special audience member. The proceedings take an otherworldly turn as the performance gets downright heavenly. “WAYO is a blend of Afrobeat with soul music. This song shines light on the idea of wanting assurance of commitment from a lover “no do me WAYO” which means “don’t play games with me”. The video focuses more on the imaginary love connection between Me and a fan at a show. This describes special and intimate moments with me and fans at my shows, like it’s just us alone at the concert. “

Right out of the gate, AFROSOUL made waves worldwide. In addition to plugs from The Guardian Life, Red Bull, and more, CLASH claimed, “From beginning to end, we are in WurlD’s universe, watching an urgent transformation from caterpillar to butterfly in real-time.” Not to mention, “WAYO (KPE LE WU)” gathered over 472K Spotify streams followed by “GHOST TOWN” with 313K Spotify streams. WurlD has all the makings of an international icon.

WurlD, born Sadiq Onifade, began his career writing for notable artists such as B.o.B., Trinidad James, Akon, Mario, and many more. In 2016, WurlD collaborated with Shizzi & Walshy Fire of Major Lazer to deliver the Afro pop hit “Show You Off”. In 2019, he released his Love Is Contagious EP. He also co-wrote the hit song “Blow My Mind” by Davido featuring Chris Brown and also released the critically acclaimed collaborative project ‘ILGWT’ (I Love Girls with Trobul) with award winning Nigerian producer Sarz. Praised by Vice, OKayAfrica, E!, and MTV, his unique style and eclectic sound has garnered him a dedicated global fan base.

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PUMA Unity Collection

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Global sports brand PUMA is releasing the Unity Collection – a pack that celebrates PUMA’s sports heritage and the power of sport uniting our world.

Retailing for $22 – $120, the unisex collection consists of apparel, footwear and accessories that feature simple black and white designs with pops of color drawn from international flags, while printed drawcords and gold metal hardware elevate the designs. Key footwear styles include bold iterations of the Future Rider, Ralph Sampson and Cali Sport, among others.

Additional items from the pack include the water repellent TFS Track Suit featuring a center front zipper with multicolor woven tape and gold hardware, the Originals PU Backpack TFS with vibrant color accents, the TFS Cap with a multi-colored adjuster and more.

As part of this launch, PUMA has committed to donate $200,000 to the U.N. COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. PUMA’s donation associated with this collection will directly support WHO’s global work to help countries prevent, detect and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. PUMA’s Unity Collection will be available on PUMA.com, PUMA stores and select retailers worldwide starting Monday, July 13.

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Champion × MTV

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Champion Athleticwear launches new 90’s-inspired collaboration with MTV

Champion Athleticwear and MTV are launching a limited-edition clothing and it fulfills all of your vintage street style dreams.

In the collection, Champion combines its classic streetwear designs with MTV’s 90’s aesthetic. The retro clothing collaboration celebrates the styles of hip-hop’s past that inspire the fashions of the future. With iconic prints, retro looks and bright colors, Champion × MTV is reminiscent of the time rappers went from musicians to style icons. The collection features iconic styles from men’s crewneck shirts, tanks, and jackets to women’s body-con dresses and onesies.

The limited edition Men’s Champion life tank is a prime choice to consider for the holiday weekend. Available in two colors, blue multi and yellow, the flashy top is sure to set off some fireworks. For a fully retro ‘fit, you can pair the tank with the crinkle nylon short.

Quality is the foundation of the Champion x MTV line. The tank is crafted from thick, heavyweight 7 oz. 100 cotton for durability. The standard, classic fit perfect for easy going mobility is what sets this offering apart. It also features minimalistic intentional branding, a Champion x MTV jock tag at the hem, and a C patch logo at back neck.

To highlight the profound influence that the network and Champion had on the next generation of artists, Champion and MTV have enlisted iconic rapper Jadakiss. Jadakiss, who has had a profound impact on both the music and fashion industries, will showcase the retro capsule collection.

“There’s not many brands that make you automatically think iconic, but Champion and MTV are exactly that,” said Jadakiss. “Coming up in the hip-hop scene, and till this day, you got to always look your best. Champion was one of those brands you could throw on and look and feel your best no matter the occasion. This MTV and Champion collaboration makes sense cause of what they mean to the culture.”

Reasonably priced between $30-80, the collection of both men’s and women’s pieces will be available at Champion.com, MTVShop.com, FootLocker.com, FinishLine.com, Eastbay.com, ChampsSports.com, JimmyJazz.com and Nordstrom.com on June 24.

Alessia Cara × JUNO

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Alessia Cara secures Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year and the 2020 JUNO Awards

Canadian singer/songwriter Alessia Cara scores big at the 49th JUNO Awards for her album, The Pains of Growing. Alessia won three awards out of the six nominations she received for Album of the Year, Pop Album of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. In fact, Alessia is the first female artist in seven years to win Album of the Year and the first female artist to win Songwriter of the Year in six years.

Initially, Alessia planned to host the event before it’s cancellation due to coronavirus. But, the virtual ceremony showcased and celebrated many amazing artists; Alessia was one of the performers at the online awards show and sang her new song “Rooting For You.”

About Alessia Cara:

2018’s “Best New Artist” Grammy Award Winning Canadian singer/songwriter and Def Jam Recordings artist Alessia Cara emerged onto the music scene in 2015 with her first release, “Here,” a global anthem that grabbed the world’s attention when it garnered over 500,000 streams on Soundcloud in its first week. “Here” went on to become Spotify’s Most Viral Song of 2015, selling over 3 million copies. Four Pink Walls, soon followed, leading to the release of her RIAA platinum debut album Know-It-All. Alessia’s multi-platinum #1 hit single of 2016, “Scars to Your Beautiful,” was her gut-wrenching take on female identity, on body image and on deleterious behaviors in the name of beauty. “Stay” her #1 hit with Zedd sold over 2 million copies and received Song Of The Summer raves. Also in 2016, Alessia lent her voice to “How Far I’ll Go,” penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda, official song for Disney’s animated film Moana. The 4x-platinum “1-800-273-8255,” her historic collaboration with fellow Def Jam artist Logic, was one of 2017’s landmark singles with over 9 billion streams worldwide, contributing to her being named the most-streamed new female artist of 2017. “Growing Pains,” was the prelude to Alessia’s second album, her critically acclaimed The Pains of Growing.

A JUNO award winner for 2016 Breakthrough Artist of the Year in her native Canada, Alessia went on to receive the “Rule Breaker” honor at the Billboard Women in Music annual event. She won MTV VMAs in 2017 for Best Electronic Dance Video and Best Fight Against The System (for her multi-platinum #1 Billboard Pop Song “Scars To Your Beautiful,” which she and Logic performed with Khalid as the climactic moment of that year’s Grammy broadcast). Alessia also won back-to-back ASCAP Pop Awards for “Stay” and “Scars To Your Beautiful”; along with Dance Song of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards. She has earned nominations for Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist at the 2017 American Music Awards, the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Breakout Artist, the Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist, the BET Award for Best New Artist, the BBC Award for Song of The Year, and many other top honors.

Follow Alessia Cara: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Website

New Luxury Rado Watch

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Rado’s new True Thinline Anima watch exemplifies Rado’s mission to create beautiful and technologically interesting watches. Anima in Latin means air, breath, soul, and the lightweight, ultra-thin, and complex design exemplifies this meaning. In addition, True Thinline is crafted from an olive green high-tech ceramic and an open core. This open core design provides insight into the watch’s mechanical inner workings. All in all, this limited edition timepiece of 2020 gives the zeitgeist a new face. Look into the True Thinline Anima on the Rado website here and inquire about their other beautiful collections.

Ray LaMontagne – MONOVISION

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Grammy Award winning artist Ray LaMontagne releases his eighth studio album MONOVISION today via RCA Records. The 10-track album sees Ray not only writing and producing the album once again but also includes added duties of engineering as well as performing all the instruments for the tracks. Already receiving praise from the critics, The Associated Press called the album, “stunningly refreshing,” while No Depression said MONOVISION is “one that best represents his artistic core,” and American Songwriter states, “Both LaMontagne’s craftsmanship in the composition of these songs and his easygoing, unaccompanied playing will come as comfort food to established followers who should welcome this most organic return to his roots.” Internationally, MOJO’s 4 star review claimed MONOVISION is “further proof LaMontagne is among the finest singers of his generation” while Uncut Magazine gave the album 7 out of 10 rating.

“Strong Enough ” is currently soaring up the AAA chart having already closed the panel. The track is the #1 greatest gainer at the format and just about to reach the Top 10. Ray LaMontagne has released 8 studio albums, 6 of which have reached Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart and Billboard’s Digital Albums chart. Additionally, his 2010 album God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise won the Grammy for Best Folk Album and was nominated in the coveted Song of The Year category for “Beg Steal or Borrow.” Each release from his catalogue over the last 16 years carries its own character and feel. Having worked with producers Ethan Johns, Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Ray’s vast sonic catalogue has been called everything from “a perfect throwback to the lost art of the album-length format,” from Entertainment Weekly to “epic and magical,” from Rolling Stone and “gorgeous and ambitious,” from Esquire. NPR’s All Things Considered said that Ray throughout the course of his career “has continued to push himself in different directions,” while People called Ray a “marvel of nature.”

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Hamilton × Tenet

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A favorite of filmmakers for decades, Hamilton timepieces have played an integral role in films and inspired audiences. “The Murph,” created for Christopher Nolan’s hit Interstellar, became a fan favorite, and a clock designed for Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film 2001: A Space Odyssey influenced the invention of the world’s first digital watch.

Their latest Hollywood partnership – and biggest one yet – involved extensive collaboration between Hamilton’s design team and the production design team behind Christopher Nolan’s latest film Tenet, coming soon to theaters. Initial conversations revealed that the film required a watch with features that do not currently exist in a commercially available Hamilton watch. Accepting the challenge, Hamilton committed to merging creativity with craftsmanship to produce this key movie prop.

The 18-month preparation included technical development, testing and production at the Swatch Group’s lab in Switzerland where engineers found a way to combine the needed technology with the display on the dial of the Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO. To meet filming needs, dozens of the final prop watch were produced and Hamilton watchmakers were on the movie set to offer support with the watch’s unique functions.

For Hamilton, the creative process didn’t stop there. Our Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO served as the base for the wristwatch featured in Tenet, but since the watch was only made for the film, we decided to celebrate the collaboration with an inspired-by special edition.

Cased in lightweight titanium, this special edition features a blue or red-tipped second hand as a reference to key colors in the movie. Each color version will be limited to 888 pieces, the number chosen as a nod to the movie title, which is also a palindrome, something that reads the same backwards and forwards.

Special packaging created by Tenet production designer Nathan Crowley features colors inspired by design elements in the film.

“I’m always impressed by Hamilton’s dedication to excellence and their willingness to think outside the box to create timepieces that do so much more than tell time,” says Nathan Crowley.

“This project was one of the most challenging and exciting collaborations I’ve been a part of,” says Hamilton CEO Sylvain Dolla. “It was truly a partnership of creativity that transformed ideas into a reality we’ll get to see on movie screens around the world.”

See the Tenet special edition BeLOWZERO watch in action here.

Learn more about the collaboration and how to purchase it here.

John Legend Reveals Track List

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John Legend reveals BIGGER LOVE cover and track list

EGOT winner John Legend has revealed the cover and track list to his new album BIGGER LOVE which will release June 19 via Columbia Records.

“I’m so excited to introduce my new album Bigger Love to the world. Here’s the album cover painted by brilliant artist Charly Palmer. Swipe for the track list, including my amazing featured guests. This project has been a labor of love for me, something I’ve spent over a year conceiving and creating. I poured my heart and soul into these songs and collaborated with some incredibly gifted co-writers, producers and musicians.

The songs are inspired by the loves of my life: my wife, my family and the rich tradition of black music that has made me the artist I am.

All of these songs were created prior to the world being rocked by a pandemic, prior to the latest police killings in the U.S. that sent so many to the streets in protest. During these painful times, some of us may wonder if it’s ok to laugh or dance or be romantic. Lately, the images of black people in the media have been showing us with knees on our necks, in mourning, or expressing our collective outrage. We feel all those emotions.

But It’s important for us to continue to show the world the fullness of what it is to be black and human. Through our art, we are able to do that. This album is a celebration of love, joy, sensuality, hope, and resilience, the things that make our culture so beautiful and influential.

I’m under no illusion that music can save the world or solve the world’s problems, but I’ve always turned to music to help me through tough times and I know many of you have done the same. That’s why I couldn’t wait to release this album to the world. I debuted in 2004 with an album called Get Lifted. And now, as we enter the summer of 2020, I hope this new album can get you lifted again, fill your hearts pandemic, prior to the latest police killings in the U.S. that sent so many to the streets in protest. During these painful times, some of us may wonder if it’s ok to laugh or dance or be romantic. Lately, the images of black people in the media have been showing us with knees on our necks, in mourning, or expressing our collective outrage. We feel all those emotions.

I’m under no illusion that music can save the world or solve the world’s problems, but I’ve always turned to music to help me through tough times and I know many of you have done the same. That’s why I couldn’t wait to release this album to the world. I debuted in 2004 with an album called Get Lifted. And now, as we enter the summer of 2020, I hope this new album can get you lifted again, fill your hearts with love and inspiration, give you something to dance to, something to hold hands to, something to make love to. A week from today, on June 19, I invite you to experience a Bigger Love.” BIGGER LOVE was Executive Produced by Raphael Saadiq.

For more information, please visit Legend’s website here.

About John Legend
Multiplatinum artist John Legend has garnered eleven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award, making Legend the first African-American man to earn an EGOT. Legend has released six celebrated albums including, Get Lifted (2004), Once Again (2006), Evolver (2008), Love in the Future (2013), Darkness and Light (2016), and A Legendary Christmas (2018). Legend starred in NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” in 2018, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special and nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor (Limited Series). Legend joined “The Voice” for Season 16 (2019), winning with his mentee Maelyn Jarmon and is currently a judge on Season 18. John is a partner in Get Lifted Film Co., serving as an Executive Producer for “Southern Rites,” “United Skates,” WGN America’s “Underground,” and films “Southside with You” and “La La Land.” As a philanthropist, Legend initiated the #FREEAMERICA campaign in 2015 to change the national conversation surrounding our country’s misguided criminal justice policies and to end mass incarceration.

Vintage Watches For Father’s Day

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For anyone looking for a Father’s Day gift that is a bit more unique than a tool box, Rado has the answer! Besides being the Master of Materials, Rado is globally recognized for many of its iconic vintage watch designs that endure overtime. With vintage watches being the new cool, Rado presents its top three vintage-style watches that are sure to please those dad’s looking for something new but in true classic style.

Captain Cook Bronze

The seamless combination of man-made’s oldest material bronze, and a modern marvel like Rado’s high-tech ceramic, is another attainment where the manufacturer from Lengnau shows its material prowess. The dial and bezel in green high-tech ceramic have kept the same style hands, indexes, Rado’s rotating anchor and red date, but now in a 42mm and bronze case. Ancient and modern, vintage and contemporary, enduring and evolving: the Rado Captain Cook Bronze is a watch of contrasts.

Captain Cook

The Captain Cook watch is an original look from 1962 in a new and improved form for the twenty-first century. With vintage details and styling true to the original, like the Rado rotating anchor, red date display and rice-grain bracelet, but up-to-date features and materials, the Captain Cook is a watch designed to stand the test of time. The new 42 mm or 37mm Captain Cook is water-resistant to 20 bar (300m) and has 80 hours power reserve.

Golden Horse 1957

The Golden Horse 1957 is the ultimate vintage watch. Originally released in 1957, the Golden Horse Limited Edition has a 37 mm case, curved dial, Rado’s signature red moving anchor and two golden sea horses on the dial. The rice-grain bracelet famous in the 60s allows for incredible comfort and a true vintage look. It is a perfect blend of past and present.

For anyone looking for the perfect luxury accessory for the father figure in his/her life, a Rado watch is the ideal choice. Check out any of the beautiful watches described above or visit the Rado website to see all of their classy and high-quality gift options.

About Rado

Rado is known as the Master of Materials for the way it has revolutionised traditional watchmaking, leading the industry by introducing high-tech ceramic, ultra-light high-tech ceramic, colourful high-tech ceramic and Ceramos to its design-led collections. An award-winning designer with numerous prestigious international prizes to its name, and considered the most forward-thinking design player in the watch industry today, Rado has always been a pioneer and leader, setting the standard and raising the bar.

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Excalibur Reopening

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MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced it will reopen Excalibur Hotel & Casino Thursday, June 11 following its closure earlier this year amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Excalibur joins MGM Resorts’ Bellagio, New York-New York, MGM Grand Las Vegas and The Signature, which all opened their doors in Las Vegas Thursday, June 4.

“We are very pleased by the enthusiasm we are seeing from guests ready to come back to Las Vegas,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ Acting CEO and President. “As business demand increases, we are able to open additional properties and bring more of our employees back to work.

Getting people back to work coupled with providing a safer environment for our employees and our guests are our top priorities.”

Health & Safety

MGM Resorts’ comprehensive “Seven-Point Safety Plan” reflects a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to mitigate the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The company will continue to evaluate and evolve its safety protocols. Key initiatives include:

* Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training

* COVID-19 testing offered for employees as they return to work in partnership with the local medical community

* Employees will be required to wear masks; Guests are strongly encouraged to wear masks, and in some settings where physical distancing is more difficult and/or barriers do not exist, will be required to do so. Examples of where masks will be required include salons, table games where physical barriers are not in place and elevators, if riding with guests outside of their travel group. Masks will be provided, free of charge

* A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminders

* For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks

* Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on casino floors

* Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App allows hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions

* Guestroom Attendants wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms

* In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers are utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently

* Digital menus are available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the company’s food and beverage outlets

* To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests will receive text message notification when their tables are ready

* MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. They ask that if a guest tests positive after visiting one of our properties, they alert us through a special email address. They will immediately report any positive test results to the local health department and assist with contact tracing to support the health department investigators.

A glimpse at what guests can expect at Excalibur: Within Excalibur’s castle walls, in addition to a full casino experience, guests will enjoy the playful pool complex including the slide pool and the Drenched Pool Cafe, the popular Fun Dungeon Arcade, as well as a variety of bars and dining destinations. Hotel guests also will have access to the Fitness Center.

Hornbuckle added, “We will continue monitoring business trends in the weeks and months ahead and look forward to sharing news around additional property openings here in Las Vegas, and around the country, as it becomes available.”

About MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500(r) global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 29 unique hotel and destination gaming offerings in the United States and Macau, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA and Park MGM. The Company’s 50/50 venture, ROAR Digital LLC, offers U.S. sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan.

Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” initiative, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies(.