Reebok Basketball is proud to announce the launch of two new colorways of the Engine A Basketball Shoes: Engine A – Energy Red and Engine A – Black. Available for sale starting May 15 10AM EST.
To stay up to date on Reebok Basketball, follow @ReebokBasketball on Instagram.
New York Times Games
It’s no secret that the New York Times Games has many famous fans, from professional basketball players creating their own gameplay tournaments to actors creating their own Crosswords.
Now, for the first time, New York Times Games is joining forces with some of its most dedicated celebrity puzzlers, including actor Chris Perfetti, actress Lola Tung and her puzzle pal, Jazz singer Laufey, and reality television friends Luann de Lesepps and SonjaMorgan, to launch a multi-game leaderboard.
Providing an even easier way to connect over the delight of puzzling, the brand-new leaderboard allows solvers to showcase daily triumphs and fuel friendly rivalries across Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and The Mini Crossword.
From May 8 to May 11, solvers are invited to add Chris, Lola, Laufey, Luann, and Sonja to their leaderboard to share in the joy of solving and see how they stack up. And don’t be surprised if you see more celebrities joining leaderboards soon. Solvers can share favorite celebrities who they would love to see in their leaderboards with gamesmarketing@nytimes.com.
Celebrity puzzlers will be added to leaderboards on a first come, first serve basis. Keep an eye out for each celebrity puzzler’s Instagram on May 8th for direct links.
Solvers can add friends, family, and fellow puzzlers to their leaderboard by downloading the New York Times Games app from the App Store on both iOS and Android devices.
Gearing up for a bold creative era, GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, producer, and global superstar Joe Jonas unveils his new single “Heart By Heart” out today—listen HERE. “Heart By Heart” paves the way for his forthcoming solo album Music For People Who Believe In Love on May 23rd via Republic Records. Pre-order / pre-save HERE.
Co-written with Lewis Capaldi, Savan [The Weeknd, Ariana Grande], Oscar Holter [DNCE, The Weeknd], and Max Gsus [Kim Petras, Tove Lo], “Heart By Heart” layers acoustic guitar and glistening keys over a bouncy beat. Against this sonic backdrop, Joe’s expansive range immediately captivates as he taps into raw emotion and delivers the song’s nostalgic lyrics with a palpable sense of longing. As the refrain takes hold, he sings, “Well if he don’t ever light your spark, remember I know your heart by heart…Just remember I will always remember.”
Yesterday, Joe and Heineken® announced a new collaboration with an exclusive event in New York City, where Joe debuted his new single “Heart By Heart” for the very first time in front of the offline crowd, instead of using digital channels. The performance was part of Heineken’s new #SocialOffSocials campaign, which aims to demonstrate that the best way to disconnect from the sometimes-overwhelming world of social media is to connect in real life. Joe also filmed part of his forthcoming music video at the event—stay tuned for its official premiere.
Joe initially kicked off his solo chapter with his singles “Work It Out” and “What This Could Be.” The latter was co-written by Joe alongside GRAMMY® Award-winning hitmaker Dan Nigro [Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan] and GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Feist. The tracks received critical praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Variety, Entertainment Weekly, UPROXX, Grammy.com, and more, with Billboard proclaiming, “Jonas lands on a shimmery pop sound that synthesizes a wide array of influences, from garage-rock to alt-pop to ’90s country, while singing about navigating life’s uncertainties and finding gratitude amid loss.” Joe also worked alongside an exciting list of collaborators on the project, including Alexander 23, MUNA’s Josette Maskin, Feist, Dan Nigro, Justin Tranter, Jason Evigan, Tommy English, and Joel Little, with more collaborators and features to be revealed soon.
At the same time, Joe’s voice has continued to resound across culture. He notably joined forces with Latin GRAMMY®Award-winning phenomenon Ela Taubert on “¿Cómo Pasó? Con Joe Jonas,” which exploded with over 31 million Spotify streams and 18 million YouTube views. They also delivered a seismic performance of the track at the 2024 Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Plus, he teamed up with rising superstar Alex Warren on a duet version of his breakthrough smash “Burning Down” as well as appeared on buzzing country phenomenon Ashley Cooke’s “All I Forgot.”
Stay tuned for Music For People Who Believe In Love, out May 23rd.
Nick Brooks—an award-winning author, filmmaker, and musician whose storytelling spans literature, film, television, and music! Nick’s upcoming book, “Up in Smoke” is perfect for fans of Karen McManus and The Hate U Give, this edge-of-your-seat thriller from the author of the Promise Boys is a gripping, coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young man, caught between the weight of his family’s legacy and his own desire to carve a different path. Set in the heart of Washington, DC, the story explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complicated intersection of family and ambition. It’s a tale of resilience, ambition, and the search for freedom, set against the backdrop of a city that is as complex as the characters within it.
• My surrogate father lives on the Gold Coast in NW DC; however, I grew up inside the city of Detroit. How was your upbringing, any siblings, what side of town did you reside, and how has it helped shape you into the hu/man you have become?
I grew up in Northeast DC in the late ‘90s, early 2000s—so the city was still very much feeling the effects of the crack epidemic. Still is, honestly. My mom remarried when I was about 9 and had three more kids—my little sisters—so I was a very independent kid. My people had a lot going on. I was outside a lot, learning how to navigate a city like DC. My upbringing definitely taught me how to hustle, how to be nimble, how to be resourceful, and how to be relentless.
• Do you recall the date, time, and age when you realized you were a multi-hyphenated talent?
Yeah—yesterday. Lol. The thing about being a multi-hyphenate is it’s hard to get people to take you seriously in any one thing. They think you’re just throwing sh*t at the wall, seeing what sticks. Because of that, you start to take yourself less seriously—develop imposter syndrome. You start thinking, maybe I’m not good at anything. But the more I elevate in all the different things I do, the more confidence I get. I’m honestly still not convinced I’m a rapper—but I’m coming around.
• How important was it for you to graduate from USC film school in 2020? Any regrets?
The single most important thing I’ve done for my career. No regrets whatsoever.
• When were you bitten by the rap bug? Is there a scenario that you can speak to?
I vividly remember being captivated by rap around 5, listening to DMX’s It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot with my dad. After that, I would print out lyrics, copy them, and study them. I started writing around 14 and recorded my first song at 15. I remember leaving the studio, headed down Georgia Ave, putting on my headphones, and listening to what I just recorded. Hearing my voice back over the music was intoxicating. I’ve been hooked ever since.
• A ton of your prose prods and provokes your readers. Was this intentional? Are any of your titles loosely based on actual events?
For sure. You want your readers—or your audience in general—to react. To feel something. To have a thought, an emotion, a response. That’s the goal: engagement. It’s absolutely intentional. I wouldn’t say any of the stories are even loosely based on real events, but like all art, they’re inspired by the world around me.
• Many of your books have garnered attention from reputable entities. Did you always foresee this when you began your journey?
Not exactly—but it was always the goal. Anything I do, I want to do it at the highest level. Maybe that’s because I’ve always been searching for the kind of validation multi-hyphenates rarely get.
• Is there anything we haven’t mentioned that you’d like to shed light on?
Go preorder Up In Smoke! Go stream the album. Tap in with me and the journey—I’m doing a lot of cool stuff. I hope you take something away from the art. Thank you in advance.
• At this very moment, if you gave yourself permission to affirm yourself while looking in the mirror, what would you proclaim?
Following previously released tracks “Disease” and “Die With a Smile,” Gaga will debut the album’s third single and its accompanying music video on February 2, airing during a commercial break at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards®
13-time Grammy Award-winner Lady Gaga today announced her seventh studio album, MAYHEM, due March 7 via Interscope Records. The announcement follows a week of teasers on her website, which was relaunched today alongside a new storefront featuring the first of several merch drops to celebrate the highly anticipated project. Blending the eclectic energy that first captivated her fans with a bold, fearless artistic vision, MAYHEM marks a triumphant return to Gaga’s pop roots. The album explores themes of chaos and transformation, celebrating music’s power to unite, provoke, and heal. MAYHEM is available to pre-order HERE.
“The album started as me facing my fear of returning to the pop music my earliest fans loved,” said Gaga. Far from a nostalgic throwback, MAYHEM reinvents her early sound with a kaleidoscopic approach that draws from her expansive musical library while embracing a fresh and fearless artistic perspective. Gaga describes the creative process as “reassembling a shattered mirror: even if you can’t put the pieces back together perfectly, you can create something beautiful and whole in its own new way.”
The 14-track project—which features previously released songs “Disease” and “Die With a Smile”—was executive produced by Gaga, Michael Polansky and Andrew Watt. Producers on the album include Gaga, Andrew Watt, Cirkut, and Gesaffelstein.
“Disease” was hailed by The Independent as “her best in a long while,” with The Guardian praising its “fizzing, distorted synths” and “pounding, slightly industrial beat.” Rolling Stone highlighted its “cavernous synth line” and “classic Gaga shout-along chorus.” Directed by Tanu Muino, the music video for “Disease” was lauded by Vogue as “one of the best videos of the year,” while W celebrated its “cinematic, almost theater-like experience.”
“Die With a Smile,” Gaga’s chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, has become a global sensation. Currently in its third week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the ballad also topped the Billboard Global 200 and Spotify’s Top 50 Global, setting a record as the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify. With over 2.7 billion streams to date, the song is nominated for two 2025 Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Billboard called it “a match made in Grammy heaven,” while The New York Times described it as “a romantic, lightly apocalyptic slow-dance.”
Gaga will debut the third single and accompanying music video from MAYHEM for fans on February 2, airing during a commercial break at the 2025 GRAMMY Awards®. The full tracklist for the album will be revealed at a later date.
Ahead of the Grammys, Gaga will join artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks, and Joni Mitchell to perform at FireAid on January 30, benefiting the people and communities devastated by the recent LA wildfires. On March 17, she will be honored with the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award at the 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards, followed by a headlining performance at Coachella on April 11 and 18.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today announced the North American debut of Black Badge Spectre at the second annual Moda Miami 2025, the ultimate gathering of luxury car collectors in North America. The newest addition to the Rolls-Royce family made its debut at an exclusive dinner on the lawn of the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. Black Badge Spectre is Rolls-Royce in its boldest form. Black Badge Spectre represents Rolls-Royce at its boldest, featuring a striking black exterior finish and a vivid interior. Delivering 792 lb-ft of torque and a record 659 hp, it is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever.
Black Badge Spectre introduces two key powertrain innovations to Rolls-Royce’s ‘Architecture of Luxury.’ The first is ‘Infinity Mode,’ activated by pressing the Infinity (∞) button on the steering wheel. This mode unleashes the full 659 hp with a more aggressive throttle response. The second, ‘Spirited Mode,’ enables intense acceleration. Engaged by fully depressing both the brake and throttle simultaneously, it provides a haptic and visual cue before delivering a surge of power with 792 lb-ft of torque, propelling the motor car from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
Visitors to Moda Miami had the opportunity to experience Black Badge Spectre’s Bespoke design. The Technical Fiber Illuminated Fascia frames an abstract representation of the Spirit of Ecstasy alongside the Infinity symbol, signifying limitless power. The instrument dials can be customized with a choice of five vibrant color themes: Vivid Grellow, Neon Nights, Cyan Fire, Ultraviolet, and Synth Wave, allowing clients to personalize digital surfaces within their motor car via the SPIRIT operating system.
“Moda Miami is the perfect venue to debut Black Badge Spectre. South Florida is one of the most vibrant regions in North America for luxury and high-end automobiles. In just its second year, Moda Miami has generated tremendous excitement for these exclusive commissions. We are thrilled to share this new model with such an esteemed audience. Black Badge Spectre is about more than just enhanced power and performance—it’s a lifestyle statement for our clients,” said Jon Colbeth, President & CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA LLC.
Digital Collectibles to Support Red Cross Wildfire Relief Efforts
VeVe, the industry leader in premium digital collectibles, is proud to announce the launch of the “LA Strong Hearts” Series, an exclusive collection of 3D digital collectibles designed to support victims of the recent wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles (LA) area. All proceeds from the sale and auction will go directly to the Red Cross to aid wildfire relief efforts.
The LA Strong Hearts Series features six unique collectibles inspired by the California State flag, with each heart symbolizing resilience and hope. In addition to the series, VeVe is unveiling the “Heart of Renewal”, a poignant 1:1 digital collectible available through a silent auction. This exclusive piece serves as a powerful tribute to the strength and unity of communities affected by the wildfires.
“Los Angeles has a special place in VeVe’s heart,” said Ben Rose, Co-CEO of VeVe. “It’s more than just the home of movie-making and iconic brands like Disney; it’s home to many of our VeVe community members who inspire us daily. Watching the devastation caused by these wildfires has been heartbreaking. As a company rooted in innovation and community, we want to do our part to help those in need by leveraging our platform for good. This initiative is a way to give back and support LA’s recovery.”
According to estimates, the California wildfires have caused billions of dollars in economic damage, displacing thousands of residents and leaving a lasting impact on communities across the region. VeVe’s partnership with the Red Cross demonstrates its commitment to using digital collectibles as a force for positive change.
VeVe invites digital collectors worldwide to participate in this impactful initiative and collect the full set of hearts. Together, we can make a difference for those affected by the wildfires while honoring the strength and resilience of the LA community.
On 25th January, Blake joined Timothée Chalamet on SNL for his live performance of Bob Dylan’s “Three Angels”
On Saturday 25 January, Mercury Music Prize and GRAMMY® Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer James Blake performed with Timothée Chalamet on Saturday Night Live. Blake accompanied Chalamet on piano for a stirring rendition of “Three Angels” – one of three Dylan deep cuts performed by Timothée, fresh off his Oscar nomination for his acclaimed portrayal of the songwriting legend in A Complete Unknown.
James’ surprise appearance on SNL follows his instantly sold-out intimate back-to-back piano shows in London last month and the recent release of his single “Like The End”.
Exploring the collapse of trust in information, “Like The End” paints a stark picture of today’s uncertain times capturing the feeling of not knowing what’s real anymore.
“We are witnessing the end of being able to depend on information, on knowing if a video is real, knowing if a voice is real, knowing if the person you’re arguing with online is a real person. We’re witnessing the loss of faith in experts and the complete breakdown in trust in our governments and our advisors. It’s the end of that, but it might, hopefully, mark the beginning of a more localised community. When we get together in person, do things in person and listen to music in person with each other, then that’s the beginning.” –James Blake
Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, Dawes, Graham Nash, John Fogerty, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Stevie Wonder, and The Black Crowes are joining the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday, January 30, at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum to raise money for rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California. This one-night-only event will also feature performances by Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews and John Mayer, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, Jelly Roll, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, and Tate McRae. Additional information and lineup for each venue will be announced in the coming days.
Tickets go on-sale starting Wednesday, January 22, at Noon PT through Ticketmaster.
Event partners joining FireAid include American Express, Intuit, and UBS.
Fans across the globe will be able to make contributions to the cause, as FireAid will be broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudum, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, exclusively on “LIFE with John Mayer,” SoundCloud, Veeps, and YouTube, and at select AMC Theatre locations in 70 US markets. iHeartRadio will serve as the national audio partner to FireAid, using its more than 860 radio stations, its digital platforms, and the iHeartRadio app.
Contributions made to FireAid will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters. The Annenberg Foundation, with decades of philanthropic leadership in our community, including rapid response, will help coordinate a team to direct funds for the greatest impact. All proceeds from the FireAid benefit concert at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum will go directly to the event’s designated beneficiaries, as the LA Clippers will be covering the millions in expenses associated with the event.
The FireAid benefit concert is being produced by Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family, in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents. Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet is the executive producer and Rick Krim is the talent producer of FireAid.
For donations, media credentials, and concert information, please visit FireAidLA.org.
Special Needs Network, Los Angeles Urban League, Loyola Law School, SheReady Foundation, and Martin & Martin LLP Join Forces to Support Fire Victims
A coalition of local nonprofits, led by Special Needs Network (SNN), has come together to launch the Help Center for L.A./Eaton Fire Relief, a week-long initiative designed to assist victims of the recent wildfire disaster. Partnering with Los Angeles Urban League, Loyola Law School’s Anti-Racism Center, SheReady Foundation, and Martin & Martin LLP, this effort provides critical resources to families and individuals impacted by the fires.
“Disasters like the L.A./Eaton Fire show us the strength of our community when we work together,” said Areva Martin, Founder and President of Special Needs Network. “By uniting with other incredible local organizations, we’re ensuring fire victims have the resources, support, and hope they need to rebuild their lives.”
Operating from Tuesday, January 21st to Tuesday, January 28th (closed Sunday, January 26th), the Help Center will be held at the F.A.M.E. Renaissance Building, located at 1968 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018.
The Help Center provides a wide range of relief services, including assistance with FEMA applications, SBA loans, and insurance claims. Visitors can also access free hot meals and essential supplies, distributed directly to those in need.
The coalition is also seeking donations to support fire victims. Needed items include gift cards (Target, Walmart, Visa, etc.), clothing, diapers, hygiene products, and more. Donations can be dropped off at the F.A.M.E. Renaissance Building during the event.
This initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of these nonprofits to uplift and empower communities in crisis. For more information, visitwww.snnla.org or contact Connie at 818.470.7929.
Unfortunately, a storm in Santa Ana, while many slept, had 100 mph gusts of wind push the blaze throughout the metropolitan area.
Firefighters are overwhelmed as the city has had no rain in the last 6 months–it’s a drought. 5 deaths reported, thousands have lost their homes (Mandy Moore, Hunter Biden), and many businesses have been burnt to the ground.
