HEALTH

Swizz Beatz – Hip Hop 50

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER SWIZZ BEATZ RELEASES HIP-HOP 50: VOL. 2 VIA MASS APPEAL, FEATURING NAS, LIL WAYNE, LIL DURK, A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE, JADAKISS, JAY ELECTRONICA, BENNY THE BUTCHER, FIVIO FOREIGN, SCAR LIP AND BANDMANRILL

LISTEN HERE

Credit: Aykan Umut (@aykan_be)

HIP HOP 50: VOL. 2 IS THE LATEST IN MASS APPEAL’S HIP HOP 50: THE SOUNDTRACK CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING HIP HOP’S 50TH BIRTHDAY

Grammy Award-winning producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Swizz Beatz, releases his triumphant EP – Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 – via Mass Appeal. The 5-track project marks the second EP in Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack. Coming off the first installment of the EP series with DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50 Vol. 1, Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is entirely produced by Swizz Beatz. The EP is an ode to New York rap and includes star-studded features from Nas, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jadakiss, Jay Electronica, Benny The Butcher, Fivio Foreign, Scar Lip and Bandmanrill. Fans can also stay tuned for the “Say Less” video featuring Lil Durk & A Boogie wit da Hoodie releasing next week.

Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is the culmination of Swizz Beatz’s career spanning over two decades and the sound that inspired it. The Verzuz creator first rose to prominence as a Ruff Ryder producing songs for DMX and Eve. The success of “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” launched Beatz’s career as a highly sought-after and regarded artist. He’s since gone on to create some of the most prolific songs in Hip Hop, working with JAY-Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Nas, Rakim, Lil Wayne, and many more. Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 will be followed by eight more EPs from iconic figures who’ve had a hand in expanding the culture from the streets of the Bronx to the global community. Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack, distributed via Mass Appeal’s new deal with The Orchard, is the score to the biggest birthday bash ever.

A portion of all Hip Hop 50 proceeds will be donated to the various charitable organizations, including the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024. Mass Appeal recently announced Hip Hop 50 partnerships with CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka – the official Vodka of #HipHop50, as well as Google Pixel and Sony Music Entertainment. In January, Mass Appeal partnered with Fotografiska to launch Hip Hop Conscious, Unconscious exhibition – currently on view in New York City til May 21st before traveling to other locations. Additionally, Mass Appeal has teamed up with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming, as well as Paramount + / Showtime for a premium content partnership with captivating documentaries such as: YOU’RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN, SUPREME TEAM and more.

ABOUT SWIZZ BEATZ

Swizz Beatz is Grammy-Award Winning music producer, entrepreneur and visionary, producing for some of the biggest musicians in the world including Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Kanye West (contributing to more than 350 million records sold). Over the years, Swizz has worked closely with various global brands from Bacardi, to Aston Martin and Reebok (to name a few) and most recently American Express.

Recent graduate of Harvard Business School’s OPM program, Swizz began collecting art in his twenties, and in 2014 launched The Dean Collection, which began as his personal art collection and has since grown into a global discovery zone for art enthusiasts. Swizz later launched No Commission – a live art and music festival where artists retain 100% of their sales. In 2019, Swizz and Timbaland launched the global digital series VERZUZ which has become a powerhouse in programming for artists and music catalogs. With millions of viewers each show, the brand continues to push boundaries and “give artists their flowers.

While highly accomplished, Swizz remains authentic, and humble. According to him, “The sky is not the limit; it’s just the view.” With a true passion for business, no matter the industry, Swizz hopes that his success will continue to inspire others.

ABOUT HIP HOP 50

Hip Hop 50 is Mass Appeal’s love letter to Hip Hop. A manifestation of the company’s commitment to celebrating the culture in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible. Hip Hop 50 is activating through unique storytelling that is realized in timeless content, original music, live experiences, strategic partnerships, custom products and much much more. Every facet of the Hip Hop 50 Universe includes a charitable component connected to the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Find #HipHop50 online, on-air and on the block.

ABOUT MASS APPEAL

Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services stoke Mass Appeal’s ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.

KENNY ROGERS – Life is Like A Song

Kenny Rogers uncovered hidden gems will be displayed in his new album, Life is Like a Song. On June 2, 2023, 10 new songs will be available, touching on subjects of faith, love, family, and loss. These archives will be available on vinyl, CD, as well as on all streaming services. This notable release will be his first non-holiday album in the last 10 years.

Produced and curated by the late artist’s wife, Wanda, Life is Like a Song will feature eight new songs, recorded through the years of 2008-2011, as well as various covers. Some of those include Lionel Richie’s “Goodbye,” as well as Kenny Rogers’ duet with the coveted country icon, Dolly Parton.

“I think the record is fabulous, and it is going to make Kenny so proud,” said Wanda Rogers. “These songs are such a beautiful reminder of his love ‘for the feelings a song can make’ for a person. He would often say that he wanted his songs to be ‘what every man wants to say, and every woman wants to hear.’”

As of April 12, fans can listen to two songs from the album, “Love is A Drug” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”

See the track lists here:

Life Is Like a Song Track List (CD)
1. Love Is A Drug
2. I Wish It Would Rain
3. Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes)
4. Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton)
5. Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal)
6. Wonderful Tonight
7. Catchin’ Grasshoppers
8. That’s Love To Me
9. I Will Wait For You
10. Goodbye

Life Is Like a Song Track List (Vinyl)
Side 1
1. Love Is A Drug
2. I Wish It Would Rain
3. Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes)
4. Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton)
5. Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal)
Side 2
1. Wonderful Tonight
2. Catchin’ Grasshoppers
3. That’s Love To Me
4. I Will Wait For You
5. Goodbye

Life Is Like a Song Track List (Digital Deluxe)
1. Love Is A Drug
2. I Wish It Would Rain
3. Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes)
4. Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton)
5. Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal)
6. Wonderful Tonight
7. Catchin’ Grasshoppers
8. That’s Love To Me
9. I Will Wait For You
10. Goodbye
11. Say Hello To Heaven (Bonus Track)
12. At Last (Bonus Track)

Pre-order.

Spa traveling: unusual types of massage in different parts of the world

The art of massage is one of the oldest. The mechanical effect on the body not only relaxes and relieves pain in the back and other parts of the body, but it also increases blood flow. In different time periods and in different cultures, massage served as a protection against evil spirits and as a way to lure good luck.

Massage is truly an amazing experience. A massage centre is a place from which people come out as if they were born again. A luxury massage helps your muscles to recover and your mind to come into balance and harmony. Even when you are visiting a new country on your trip, such as the UAE, a spa center Dubai will be a great addition to your vacation, as massage and spa treatments are something everyone will appreciate.

Massage parlours are trying to make their treatments useful and unusual at the same time. Some types of massages are surprising and seemingly meaningless. But they are actually designed to help solve serious health problems.

To surprise the client means attracting him. Today everyone has the opportunity to travel and discover new places and activities. So, some massage types have become a kind of extreme tourism. At first glance, unusual and sometimes outright wild procedures can easily become one of the main trends in the health and beauty industry for many years.

Take a look at the weird massage services you can get around the world

Indian ayurvedic massage

It is performed synchronously in four hands

According to Ayurveda, health is a delicate balance of three forms of biological energy. When this system is disturbed, a person can easily get sick. The Ayurvedic beauty ritual helps keep them in harmony. The balance of the elements is also important.

Indian massage uses various oils, powders, and medicinal rice and is never performed without these agents. Ayurveda believes that this way you can completely avoid discomfort. The master chooses oils according to the needs of the client.

Snake massage

You can find such a spa service on one of the Philippine farms. This type of massage helps with stress and nervous disorders. The effect of the impact of the snake is achieved due to the slow movements of the reptile, which are transmitted to the client, thereby making the heart rhythm steady, relaxing the muscles, and getting rid of negative thoughts. Serpentologists claim that snakes feel the source of pain in the muscles and act on this particular zone.

Massage with a snake is recommended for people with frequent headaches, chronic fatigue, depression, neuroses, and insomnia. This service will also be useful for those who subject their muscles to frequent physical exertion, as reptiles relieve tension from the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back. The procedure is completely safe and painless. Only non-venomous species of reptiles participate in the session. The only contraindication may be your own fear of contact with snakes.

Tickling is not pampering, but a means of relaxation

Tickling is not exactly the usual way for relaxing, but in one of the salons in Madrid, they use a gentle tickling technique to relieve stress from clients. The masseurs do not play around, but gently run their fingertips and delicate feathers down the client’s back and other parts of the body and adjust their touch according to how ticklish the client is.

Lying in a gondola

It comes as no surprise that one of the most romantic cities in the world is home to a super-tempting spa treatment. At Venice, relaxation seekers who can’t get enough of the sights of the city can get a massage in a secluded corner of one of the Venetian lagoons. To protect your skin, this outdoor massage uses a special oil with SPF protection.

Snail massage

It comes from Japan, where the procedure has been practised for decades.

The main difference from traditional massage is that muscles are not worked out during the procedure. The skin is covered with a unique secret of the mollusk. The snail produces mucus during its life, which contains beneficial substances for the skin.

The components that are in the composition of the snail mucin are: allantoin, vitamins, collagen, elastin, lectin, and glycolic acid.

The most popular areas for exposure are the face, neck, arms, and neckline. A full body massage can be performed, but in this case, the snail must be large. The procedure takes a lot of time.

Hot pancake massage

The essence is clear from the name: the body of a relaxed client is massaged with fresh, hot pancakes. Massage and aromatherapy in one bottle. Thus, you can get rid of fatigue, remove toxins and excess fluid from the body. It also raises the body’s temperature.

This method was introduced by an Asian massage therapist.

Singing bowl massage

In Vietnam, massage with Tibetan singing bowls is common. The human body mainly consists of water, and sound waves propagate at lightning speed through all the cells of the body. Healing vibrations relieve negative energy, bad thoughts, and diseases.

In conclusion, the world is full of beautiful and amazing places. Every place on the planet is also able to surprise you, for example, with massage techniques. Where to go and which one to try depends on your choices and preferences.

LV’s High Watchmaking

Louis Vuitton presents a selection of the Maison’s most exceptional timepieces at the pinnacle of watchmaking savoir-faire and creativity. By bringing together the most experienced specialists to express their incomparable savoir-faire at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Switzerland, the Maison pursues its quest for excellence in the art of high-end watchmaking.

Tambour Opera Automata

It pays tribute to the Sichuan Opera’s Bian Lian, and the virtuoso decoration of this specific watch presents a traditional mask that comes to life and changes expression on demand. This “art of changing masks” characteristic of the Sichuan Opera is a major source of inspiration for the Tambour Opera Automatic Watch. During the opera, the performers can put on up to twenty different masks in a fraction of a second, revealing their wide range of expressions. Each has their own technique for making these painted silk figures appear and disappear with a quick hand gesture or a graceful fanning motion. In the 21st century, very few actors still master the ancient art of Bian Lian. To transpose this mysterious interplay of faces to a watch case, for two years, Louis Vuitton enlisted the help of the greatest contemporary craftsmen Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, alongside Master Enameller Anita Porchet and Master Engraver Dick Steenman. This caliber LV 525, totaling 426 components, has a power reserve of 100 hours and five animations. When the latch is pushed, the engraved pink gold dragon’s head rises to reveal the jumping hours inscribed on the forehead of the Bian Lian, while its tail indicates the retrograde minutes. The mask’s expression changes dramatically – its eyebrows frown, its eyelid closes over its left eye, and the pupil of its right eye retracts to reveal a pointed Monogram flower. Going from joy to sadness through the movement of its chin, the Bian Lian mask expresses a wide range of emotions.

Tambour Fiery Heart Automata

Louis Vuitton’s High Watchmaking via 360 MAGAZINE.

Louis Vuitton presents its first in-house self-winding automatic movement and first enamel dial with the feminine Tambour Fiery Heart Automata timepiece. Under the candy-bright hues and alluring textures of an engraved grand feu enamel dial, this watch features a rose motif with entwined thorny vines. At the push of a button at the 8 o’clock position, the Tambour Fiery Heart Automata blooms; at 9 o’clock, a flaming heart emblazoned with “SWEET” unveils; and at 12 o’clock, “SWEET BUT FIERCE” appears. This timepiece features five separate dial elements, rotating roses, gold tongues that simulate real flames, caliber LFT 325, horny rosestems in pink-gold, a 18K pink-gold rotor, a dial-side automata, and 65 hours of movement power reserve. Beauty emerges, refined and transcendent, from the crucible of horological knowledge and combined expertise at Louis Vuitton. The Tambour Fiery HeartAutomata is the multi-layered result of the Madison’s Approach to fine watchmaking, now elevated to unprecedented levels in all 169 years of Louis Vuitton history.

Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon

The final novelty is a true demonstration of the Maison’s craftsmanship and expertise, featuring the two new Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon “Poinçon de Genève,” in fluorescent green or yellow, completing the color palette of this exceptionally transparent family of watches.

The WAAV

The WAAV is a massive art installation created by Fort Lauderdale-based Architect & Artist Scot DiStefano for a local affordable housing development named Poinciana Crossing. The community was developed in partnership by the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale and Miami-based Atlantic Pacific Companies.

After receiving the word ‘wave’ as the concept for this commission, DiStefano approached it with his personal philosophy of Organtech Architecture™, a style that is based on the Organic and high-tech aspects of modern architecture. He shares that “Organtech is an architecture that takes only what is necessary, still touches the soul, and gives whenever possible.”

Metro Boomin × Diddy

Taking his smash hit to another level, Metro Boomin enlists Diddy, who was featured on the original Bad Boy classic “I Don’t Wanna Know,” performed, written, and produced by former Bad Boy artist and hitman Mario Winans, for the release of the remix of his now platinum track “Creepin” with The Weeknd and 21 Savage.

To coincide with the release of the song, Metro Boomin drops the star-studded video with Diddy, The Weeknd and 21 Savage. The visual pays homage to original hit with special appearances from Mario Winans and R&B singer and actress Coco Jones.

Listen to Creepin (Remix): HERE

Watch Creepin (Remix): HERE

Upon arrival last fall, HEROES & VILLAINS, which includes the original monstrous track “Creepin,” captured #1 on the Billboard 200, Top Rap Albums Chart, and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart, registering his third straight top bow on each of the respective charts. Moreover, it eclipsed 185K in total first-week consumption, marking his highest seven-day tally yet.

Thus far, it has already generated over 2 billion streams and counting. Spending over 10 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200 charts, “Creepin” vaulted to #3, while “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” feat. Future & Chris Brown climbed to #8, marking his highest entries on the Hot 100 thus far after debuting in the Top 10. Not to mention, “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” also picked up a platinum certification from the RIAA.

HEROES & VILLAINS attracted some of the most enthusiastic tastemaker praise of his career thus far. Pitchfork proclaimed, “The hitmaking producer’s latest album brandishes his ardent ambition, attention to detail, and gift for curation,” while Complex summed it up succinctly as “the ultimate rap blockbuster.” GQ noted, “HEROES & VILLAINS is the result of Metro challenging himself to push his music even further. The project is full of intriguing little sonic experiments.” Additionally, the Diamond-certified GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer and trailblazer notably recharged, remixed, and reupped all 15 tracks of his blockbuster HEROES & VILLAINS for the (Villains Version).

Listen to HEROES & VILLAINS (Villains Version): HERE

However, it shows no signs of stopping or slowing down either.

Assembling an Avengers-level guest list, the album also boasts the likes of John Legend, Future, Chris Brown, Don Toliver, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Young Nudy, Young Thug, Mustafa, A$AP Rocky, Gunna, and the late Takeoff.

It notably served as his first solo LP in four years and the follow-up to his 2018 full-length debut, Not All Heroes Wear Capes. The latter bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200, picked up a platinum certification, and housed the triple-platinum “Space Cadet” feat. Gunna, platinum “No Complaints” feat. Drake & Offset, platinum “Don’t Come Out The House” feat. 21 Savage, triple-platinum “10 Freaky Girls” feat. 21 Savage, platinum “Overdue” feat. Travis Scott, among others.

About Metro Boomin

Since 2013, GRAMMY® Award-nominated diamond-certified producer, DJ, and artist Metro Boomin has defined not only the sound, but the direction of hip-hop. With dozens of smashes to his name, his unmatched, unprecedented, and undeniable discography encompasses the quintuple-platinum “Jumpman” by Drake and Future, quadruple-platinum “Bad and Boujee” [feat. Lil Uzi Vert] by Migos, 14x Platinum “Congratulations” [feat. Quavo] by Post Malone, 9x Platinum “Mask Off” by Future, 6x Platinum “Bounce Back” by Big Sean, and many more. Working with The Weeknd, he co-produced the Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit “Heartless” and contributed three more tracks to the chart-dominating 2020 epic After Hours. Along the way, he also joined forces with 21 Savage for the 2016 blockbuster Savage Mode and its even bigger 2020 successor Savage Mode II—which bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200, went gold, and closed out the year on multiple year-end lists. Other knockout collaborative albums included Double or Nothing with Big Sean and Without Warning with Offset and 21 Savage, both of which crashed the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. In 2018, he unleashed his full-length solo debut, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, seizing #1 on the Billboard 200 upon release, reaching platinum status. The FADER hailed him as “The Most Trusted Guy in Rap,” HIGHSNOBIETY christened this era “The Boom Years,” and The Wall Street Journal dubbed him “The Rap Producer Shaping Pop Music.” Plus, he launched his own record label Boominati Worldwide in partnership with Republic Records.

To date, he has received “Producer of the Year” at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards four consecutive years in a row (he is tied with Kanye West for having the most BMI Producer of the Year awards) and “Producer of the Year” at the BET Hip Hop Awards twice. Continuing a long creative partnership with Drake, he produced Certified Lover Boy’s “Knife Talk” [feat. 21 Savage & Project Pat], debuting in the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021.

2022 saw him return to the top of the culture with his massively successful second full-length album, HEROES & VILLAINS. It bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200, Top Rap Albums Chart, and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart with the biggest sales week of his career. Meanwhile, it yielded a string of smashes.

“Creepin” [feat. The Weeknd & 21 Savage] and “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” [feat. Future & Chris Brown] each landed in the Top 10 of the Hot 100. It only paves the way for more from Metro.

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MAARTEN BAAS

Maarten Baas (1978) is a Dutch designer who graduated from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2002. His studio is based in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (NL).

Baas is considered one of the most influential artist-designers of the early twenty-first century. His works straddle boundaries between art and design. He occupies a unique position in the field, embodying conceptual art, craftsmanship, installation, public space and performance into his oeuvre. He is known for his rebellious, intellectual, theatrical and artistic style. Baas’ most renowned works are Smoke, Clay and Real Time, which gave him instant worldwide recognition. In 2009, he was named ‘Designer of the Year’ at Design Basel/ Miami. In 2012, the New York Times listed both Smoke and Clay in its ‘Top 25 Design Classics of the Future’. In 2016, Baas won the ArtPrize for his Real Time Sweepers clock.

His work is found in numerous private and major museum collections, such as MoMA New York, Victoria & Albert Museum London, Les Arts Décoratifs Paris, San Francisco MoMA and Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Furthermore, he has worked for exclusive brands like Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Hermès, Dior, Isabelle Marant, KLM and Schiphol Airport, Dom Ruinart and Berluti.

In 2017, his first monograph was published, titled ‘Hide & Seek’, coinciding with a major museum solo show at the Groninger Museum (NL), that still travels to museums worldwide.

Museum References

Publications:

Maarten Baas ed., Hide & Seek, Eindhoven: Lecturis, 2017

Angelika Nollert ed., MAARTEN BAAS – NEW TIMES, Die Neue Sammlung, Pinakothek der Moderne, Müchen, Köln: Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther und Franz König, 2021

Clients (selection)

Louis Vuitton, Dom Ruinart, Berluti, Gramercy Park Hotel, Christian Dior, Swarovski, Hermès, KLM, Isabel Marant, Valerie_Objects, VIP Lounge Schiphol Airport, G-Star Raw and various commissions for private collectors.

VANITY FAIR × TIKTOK

CELEBRATED
VANITIES: A NIGHT FOR YOUNG HOLLYWOOD

Wednesday, March 8th at Mes Amis in Hollywood

WHO: Hosts Halle Bailey, Paul Mescal and Julia Garner, and attendees including Aaron Holliday, Alexia Del Valle, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Anna Sitar, Anson Boon, Ashley Yi, Austin North, Bailee Madison, Beatrice Grannò, Benito Skinner, Billy Harris, Boman Martinez-Reid, Brianna LaPaglia, Brittany Broski, Brooke Ashley Hall, Caitlin Reilly, Cameron Monaghan, Challan Trishann, Chanté Adams, Charlie Hall, Charlotte Lawrence, Chloe Cherry, Chloe East, Chloe Rose Robertson, Cristian Dennis, Daniel Mac, Daphne Le, David Ma, DeWanda Wise, Dexter Darden, Drea Okeke, Dylan Brosnan, Emily Uribe, Emma Kenney, Francesca Farago, Gavin Casalegno, Gavin Leatherwood, GKAY, Hunter Doohan, Isabelle Kusman, Jack Innanen, Jack Martin, Jaicy Elliot, James Charles, James Henry, Jake Shane, Jaren Lewison, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Jesse “Sulli” Sullivan, John Owen Lowe, Jonathan Daviss, Jordan Firstman, Josh ‘Bru’ Brubaker, Josh Otusanya, Josh Richards, Juju Green, Julia Schlaepfer, Kevin Alves, Kola Bokinni, Krys Marshall, Kukombo, Larray, Lauren Lyle, Lorraine Nicholson, Lukas Gage, Lukita Maxwell, Madeleine White, Madeline Brewer, Madison Bailey, Maggie Rogers, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Makayla Did, Manu Rios, Marco Hall, Marcus Scribner, Masani Musa, Matt Friend, Megan Cruz, Megan Stalter, Megan Suri, Michael Evans Behling, Michael Le, Michelle Randolph, Monet McMichael, Myles O’Neal, Nia Sioux, Niles Fitch, Noah Beck, Odeya Rush, Olivia Holt, Paris Brosnan, Pearl Thusi, Quincy Isaiah, Rachel Sennott, RAMIZEINN, Reece Feldman, Remi Bader, Samantha Hanratty, Shamier Anderson, Salem Mitchell, Sri Ramesh, Tefi Pessoa, Christina “Tinx” Najjar, Victoria Pedretti, Zaria, and more

WHAT:
On Wednesday, March 8th, Vanity Fair and TikTok celebrated Vanities: A Night for Young Hollywood at Mes Amis in Hollywood. The private event–co-hosted by a committee of rising stars who have been featured in VF’s Vanities column–spotlighted the actors, musicians, artists, and #filmtok community that make up the new creative class.

VF’s Campaign Hollywood, which has become synonymous with Oscar week, celebrates the year’s exceptional performances, and honors the artists, storytellers, and innovators who are moving the culture forward. The season also coincides with the debut of Vanity Fair’s 29th annual Hollywood issue, featuring twelve of the year’s standout stars, photographed by Steven Klein.

Tequila Don Julio and Johnnie Walker are the exclusive tequila and whiskey sponsors, pouring at Vanity Fair’s Campaign Hollywood events throughout the week.

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 8, 2023

WHERE:
Mes Amis

About Vanity Fair

Muscular long-form journalism, stunning photography, insightful essays, and superb design make each issue of Vanity Fair a must-read. Every month, the magazine commissions the best writers and photographers to explain the pressing issues of the day and take the pulse of the culture. Vanity Fair consistently delivers crucial reporting on business and finance, domestic politics, and world affairs, even as it covers the very best in arts and entertainment.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices, including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Vanity Fair

The Incredible Hulk

The AGE OF MONSTERS has begun, and the only being who can stop a legion of the world’s most depraved creatures from overtaking the Marvel Universe is the INCREDIBLE HULK! Enter this horror-fueled new era of the strongest there is when writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and artist Nic Klein relaunch INCREDIBLE HULK this June!

Known for his acclaimed horror storytelling in titles like Alien and Marvel Zombies: Resurrection, Johnson will take Bruce Banner to sinister new depths when a war of monsters erupts with Hulk at its center. And following his explosive run on Thor with Donny Cates, Nic Klein’s skill at capturing the Hulk’s fearsome rage and his panache for body horror will make this the most terrifying book on stands! The pair will also explore Bruce Banner’s psychological state, left in shambles at the end of his latest run with Bruce and the Hulk’s relationship more fractured than ever. Fans will experience a vicious hunt as Hulk is made prey by brand-new monster characters as well as classic favorites, all united in a fiendish new scheme…

As an enraged Hulk tries to take control of Bruce Banner’s body permanently, a mysterious immortal turns every monster in the Marvel Universe against Banner in an attempt to free their creator, the primordial Mother of Horrors. With the help of an unlikely new friend, Banner and Hulk must try to stop the world from getting plunged into darkness!

“The significance that we’re finally bringing back the classic titleINCREDIBLE HULK is not lost on me. It’s a tremendous honor, and Nic and I have the clearest possible vision for what we want to do with this story,” Johnson explained. “Nic Klein is a genius, and working with him is pushing me to write a story worthy of his very best.”

“Phillip and I put a big serving of monsters, a bit of eldritch gods, a good dash of suspense, and some cool new characters into the cauldron,” Klein added. “We’re trying to serve up a Hulk the readers haven’t seen before. And if they like it half as much as I’m enjoying drawing it, they’re gonna love it.”

“The work that Al, Joe and the rest did with Immortal Hulk was so impactful and spoke so clearly to me personally, it was impossible to come up with an idea that wasn’t inspired by it,” Johnson continued. “We’re getting back to Stan Lee’s Frankenstein/Jekyll & Hyde inspirations for the character, and giving readers a proper monster book in the best, truest Hulk tradition. If you loved Immortal Hulk, if you love ghost stories, if you love Marvel monsters, if you loved old school ‘adventure of the month’ stories from books like Marvel Team-Up, and if you want the best, most timeless Hulk art you’ve ever seen, you DO NOT want to miss this return of INCREDIBLE HULK.”

Pick up HULK ANNUAL #1 on May 17 for a special preview for INCREDIBLE HULK #1 and be there when the monsters come for Hulk on June 17! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Macklemore – BEN

Today, multi-diamond certified, GRAMMY® award winning artist Macklemore has released his latest studio album BEN, along with his latest single ‘No Bad Days’ and accompanying music video, directed by his 7-year-old daughter Sloane. Watch HERE.

“My dream director. Also, my co-star.” Macklemore states. “Sloane has had a creative pulse since I can remember. Her style, her eyes, her freestyles, her melodies. Outside of her mom, I probably trust her creative input more than anyone else. And she has never been shy about her opinion. I’m so proud of who she is that it puts tears in my eyes thinking about it. To be able to brainstorm, dream, flush out ideas, and ultimately pull it off with Sloane at the helm… this one will be one of my favorite videos forever. I hope it makes you smile.”

Macklemore has also announced North American dates for THE BEN TOUR produced by Live Nation, set to start on September 17 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, the 19-date tour will make stops across both coasts and the mid-west. Tickets will be available starting with Citi and American Express presales (details below) beginning Monday, March 6. General on-sale begins March 10 at 10am local time.

For this upcoming tour, Macklemore is proud to have partnered with PLUS1, and will be donating $1 per ticket to Bridges – Seattle Alternative Peer Group in support of their work in mentoring youth in recovery.

BEN is Mackemore’s highly anticipated third studio album. “I’ve always wanted to make an album called Ben,” he shares. “There’s something about a self-titled record. It has an air of voyeurism. I’m letting people in, but in a way that I hadn’t felt 100% comfortable about allowing before. I am now though.” Throughout 2020, he found himself with a rare pocket of time for introspection during the Global Pandemic—something not typically afforded to a father of three and touring musician…

“I did experience a level of reflection I don’t think I’ve been able to truly tap into in the past,” he affirms. “This mandatory pause and the time created a level of intimacy that might not have been there if the world had continued to operate how it was.”

Joined by a tightknit group of collaborators such as Budo, Tyler Dox, and Experience, he ventured to the island multiple times for focused five-day trips. “I’ve recorded in nature before, but I never had the opportunity to do so with no ending in sight,” he reveals. “We were removed from all external distractions. It just flowed. The idea was, ‘Let’s just make art, because we get to—not because we have to. Let’s capture that magic’.” Harnessing this magic, Macklemore heralded the album throughout 2022 and 2023 with fan favorites; ‘HEROES’ featuring the legendary DJ Premier, ‘CHANT’ ft Tones and I, ‘FAITHFUL’ Ft. NLE Choppa and ‘Maniac’ Ft Windser.

On “HEROES” [feat. DJ Premier], a head-nodding beat laced with horn samples, a thick bass line, police sirens, and scratching sets the pace, Macklemore tells his story in dynamic, yet nostalgic bars, “Wanted a perm like DJ Quik, my mama said, ‘Ben, are you aware your hair is way too thin?’ But in my mind I was junior high Iceberg Slim.” “I was raised by nineties boom-bap hip-hop,” he goes on. “It inspired me more than any other era. It was pivotal for me coming of age as a 15-year-old and figuring out who I was. ‘Heroes’ is the story of growing up in the late nineties, where hip-hop was at, where skateboarding was at, and where graffiti culture was at. It had a massive impact on where I ended up in my life. Premier is one of my favorite producers of all-time too. He had a massive influence on me as an artist and as a person. You know it’s him right away.”

Then, there’s the single “NO BAD DAYS” [feat. Collett]. Upbeat guitar ushers Collett’s hook along at full speed as Macklemore counters in a catchy call-and-response. He assures, “Don’t gotta say goodbye, if you never wake up.” “It’s just a vibe,” he observes. “It’s one of those songs you put on in the car, and you’re immediately in a better mood. I love making a record that I can’t wait to bump in the whip when it hits 70 degrees.”

Elsewhere, “DAY YOU DIE” [feat. Sarah Barthel of Phantogram] hinges on a steady beat punctuated by palm-muted guitar. Macklemore and Sarah ponder mortality with unabashed honesty, repeating “We all gone die.” Vocal phenom LIVINGSTON lends his powerhouse pipes to “SORRY,” while the closer “Tail Lights” blinks through the haze with a sign of life encoded in the lyrics. “In recovery, there’s this idea where you’re essentially following your sponsor’s tail lights,” he reveals. “When I get someone to sponsor, they’ll follow my tail lights. Whose tail lights are we really following through life? It’s definitely the more introspective side of the album. What did I learn in the last four years of making this? What matters still?”

Once you hear BEN, you’ll never look at Macklemore the same way. “Songwriting is the glue for my entire career,” he leaves off. “If you’re not writing words that resonate, the music isn’t going to have depth, weight, or longevity. I’m not trying to follow. On this album, I’m being authentic to who I am. I’m reflecting on where I am in life. Turns out, I’ve learned a lot.”

Multi-platinum and GRAMMY® award winning artist Macklemore has made history with a combination of commercial success, critical acclaim, and international appeal, with a total of 13.2 BILLION COMBINED STREAMS to date, Macklemore is one of the most successful independent artists of the 21st century. ‘GEMINI’, Macklemore’s first solo effort in 12 years, was released in 2017 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and #1 on the charts for Rap, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Independent Albums, featuring Platinum-certified singles, “Glorious” (featuring Skylar Grey), “Good Old Days” (featuring Kesha), and “Marmalade” (featuring Lil Yachty). ‘GEMINI’ followed two releases with producer Ryan Lewis: the multiple-GRAMMY award winning and multi-platinum album, ‘The Heist’ (which spawned two #1 singles, the Diamond-certified “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold Us” and 2016 release “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made”, which featured the Platinum-certified single “Downtown.”

Collectively Macklemore’s music videos have been viewed over 5 BILLION times and he is one of only two rappers to have a Diamond-certified single (“Thrift Shop”). A lifelong Seattle resident, Macklemore has always believed in using his platform, resources, and creative pursuits to have an impact on racial and social justice issues. Macklemore is a co-founder of The Residency, a hip hop and youth development program that has become one of the preeminent opportunities for young aspiring artists in the region. Drawing on his personal battles with drugs and alcohol, Macklemore has consistently used his art and platform to raise awareness around issues of addiction and recovery. In 2016 he was featured in an MTV special with President Obama about the opioid epidemic in America and was the first non-administration official ever to participate in the Presidential Weekly Address. In 2021, Macklemore launched Bogey Boys, a golf and lifestyle clothing brand that has gained quick momentum and made waves in the golf and fashion worlds. He is a co-owner of the Seattle Sounders, of Major League Soccer and Seattle Kraken, of National Hockey League. He currently serves on the board of directors for MusiCares, The Residency and The Underground Museum in LA.

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