SPIRITS

ZOE WEES × SPOTIFY SINGLES

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Emerging German pop singer-songwriter, Zoe Wees, has released her inaugural Spotify Singles recordings. As the face of Spotify’s 2021 EQUAL program for the month of May and one of Spotify’s Germany RADAR artists in 2020, Zoe has almost 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and is excited to share these new songs with her wide global fanbase.

Side A is a heartfelt ballad version of her hit single, “Hold Me Like You Used To,” backed by a stunning string section. For Side B, Zoe flexes her powerful vocals with a raw, soulful cover of Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First.”

To date, Zoe’s music has been featured on over 345 Spotify playlists worldwide including New Music Friday, Today’s Top Hits, Hits du Moment, It’s Hits Sweden, and Pop Rising, with Zoe’s first two singles, megahit Control and Girls Like Us, having reached half a billion global streams.

Zoe says, “I decided to do a string version of ‘Hold Me Like You Used To’ because I love strings and I wanted to give the song another sound with a different kind of vibe that makes it even more sad. I covered Tate McRae because I love ‘you broke me first,’ I love Tate, and she’s doing an amazing job. I love the lyrics and the way she wrote the song.”

Listen to Zoe Wees on Spotify Singles NOW.

Corey Feldman Celebrates 50 Years in Entertainment

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The half-century celebration for the staple actor that has helped sculpt American culture, Corey Feldman, brings newly re-imagined music, more clues into his NFT Store, and a summer of love surrounding his film and music career. On Corey’s birthday, July 16th, Feldman’s Cosmic Wire debut will showcase a fresh re-imagined sound of a classic tune from his previous releases in collaboration with label head and synth explorator/producer, BLAZAR. Corey in his usual fashion will be celebrating by throwing extravagant parties and events. This year’s events will be centered around 3 key points, the 1st being a private affair for friends and family at the Landmark Hollywood Roosevelt, the 2nd being a VR live streaming event centered around his 50 years in film, and the final being a Benefit concert celebrating 50 years in music.

The first will be his debut single release off of Corey Feldman’s forthcoming album, Love Left 2. The 25th Anniversary of his debut album is celebrated with the Love Left 2.1 box set full of raribles, while more of his novelty art will soon surface as NFTs.

As the 36th Anniversary of The Goonies, 35th of Stand By Me, 34th of The Lost Boys, 32nd of Dream a Little Dream and The Burbs crosses, Corey Feldman digitizes iconic items from those movie sets to make available in his custom proprietary NFT store via Cosmic Wire.

To continue “the summer of love” 2021, and help launch Corey Feldman’s NFT store, there will be a fully interactive NFT based streaming event celebrating 50 years of film with his most classic films and cast, followed immediately by a live celebrity-filled concert celebrating his music career as he enters his fiftieth year. His unearthed collection will be used as decor and tributes to Corey Feldman to warm up love-filled nights. Premiere virtual ticket holders will be treated to a more immersive experience with Corey Feldman and friends.

The NFT artwork will be authenticated and protected using proprietary and unique technology from Cosmic Wire partners, REV3AL Technology, and NCODED, disruptive multi-factor authentication and encryption technology that shows the authentic creation of the work and protects it from being counterfeited in the digital space.

The holistic multi-media company will be producing and publishing a number of exciting projects over the coming months while also founding a clean energy solution specifically focused on the environmental impact of the crypto industry and secure digital archive to protect humanity’s most valuable assets.

Terrence J Hosts The INDOGGO Miami Takeover

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Summer is in full swing and Snoop Dogg’s INDOGGO Gin and entertainment mogul, Terrence J kicked things off with a Miami take over experience. The TV personality, along with co-founders of INDOGGO Gin, Keenan Town & Marc Weisberg (owners of Trusted Spirits) led guests through a one on one cocktail class at a Miami hotspot, The Goodtime Hotel where they were educated on the light and fruity flavor notes of INDOGGO Gin as they made founder, Snoop Dogg’s favorite cocktails including: Long Beach Lemonade, The Remix, and classic Gin N Juice.

After enjoying the new summer sippers, guests were invited to the Pool at Strawberry Moon for a cabana party and INDOGGO Gin bottle parade where the crowd went wild when the DJ spun the cult classic, Gin N Juice. The exclusive experience offered interesting and educational moments for guests to become acquainted with the liquid while learning the brand story.

After fun in the sun, everyone was treated to an INDOGGO pairings dinner at the one and only Komodo restaurant located in the heart of South Beach. Guests dined on a curated pairing menu which included Hamachi jalapeño sashimi, citrus miso black cod, koji aged wagyu filet, and more. Closing out the night guests hit up the famed LIV nightclub where the INDOGGO tables were waiting.

Bubby Boozy Beverages

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The Original Cocktail Book to Make Your Bubbly Boozy Beverages Even Boozier

An ice-cold, sparkling hard seltzer is a tasty, low-cal, refreshing treat on its own. And now, these canned beverages are getting a mixed-drink makeover, thanks to The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book: 55 Unofficial Recipes for White Claw Slushies, Truly Mixers, and More Spiked-Seltzer Drinks [978-1646041855, $19.95, Ulysses Press, June 2021] by Casie Vogel.

The first of its kind, The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book is your go-to resource for transforming your favorite alcoholic seltzers into deliciously fun cocktails. Whether you’re a fan of Truly, White Claw, Vizzy, or Bud Light Seltzer, there’s something for everyone with these easy-to-make recipes, including Aperol Spritz-o-Clock, Fizzy Fuzzy Navels, Watermelon Sugar Slushy, Millennial Cosmo, Fizzier French 75, Summer in the City Manhattan. Truly LIIT (Long Island Iced Tea), Lemon Drop It Like It’s Hot, Lost in the Jungle Juice and much more!

Author Casie Vogel, a self-declared lover of all things carbonated, is sharing her expertise to help you make every season hard-seltzer season. “At 4 to 6 percent alcohol content, it’s an easy beverage to imbibe any time of day. But sometimes you have to take it up a notch…or several,” she said. “What’s the right ratio? What actually tastes like a cocktail, doesn’t skimp, but also doesn’t immediately send you to blackout town? Well, my friend, that is where my help comes in. The recipes are dangerously delicious and designed to get the party going, whether it’s a Friday night pregame or your next big party—or if it’s just been a tough day (girl, you do you). Instead of that next round of probably (always) regrettable tequila shots, pick up this book and let’s get bubbly.”

The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book offers everything you need to add a little snap, sparkle, and pop to your favorite cocktails.

Alex Cuba × Mendó

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Multiple LATIN GRAMMY Winner ALEX CUBA’s New Album Mendó (“The Substance Of The Soul”) Soars To #6 On KCRW’s TOP 30 Chart

The Critically Praised Cuban Canadian Multi-Instrumentalist Lands The Only Latin Music Release On This Week’s Chart From The Influential Los Angeles NPR Station

Watch Hablando x Hablar

Watch H x H

“It’s always exciting to unpack the latest music by Alex Cuba! His work is divine from start to finish, the production is outstanding, his themes are universal, and his voice is luscious! We’ve all gone through a dark year, so every moment of beauty has been especially poignant and ‘Mendo’ has been a steady companion.” – Ariana Morgenstern – KCRW–Executive Producer, Music Department.

Alex Has Also Just Released Videos For The Album’s TWO Unique Versions Of Hablando x Hablar -His Standout Collaboration With CIMAFUNK – Giving You A Choice To Enjoy Your Bass Funk Groove Straight Up – Or With A Power Blast of Horns Courtesy of Joaquín Betancourt & Su Joven Jazz Band

Alex Cuba is back with another collection of killer songs… some of his best songs in a career filled with brilliance… It’s not for no reason that this completely indie artist has multiple Latin Grammy nominations to his credit… On Mendó, he reached out across the digital universe to collaborate with some of Latin music’s biggest names for 10 new tunes that range from funk to flamenco, nuevo canto to bossa ballads. Naturally, all of these songs bear the distinctive Cuba stamp of pristine production, instrumental prowess and silky singing that just seduces the listener… each track is like a single designed to evoke a unique mood and emotional reaction. Cuba usually plays everything on his homemade records. And why not, when you can bring a personal touch to any instrument you come into contact with? But a special place is reserved for his spectacular dexterity on the standup bass. opening track Hablando x Hablar (feat. Cimafunk). is blown wide open by Cuba’s slapping, rubbery bass lines coupled with sparse handclaps and layered choruses…. H X H (feat Cimafunk, Joaquin Betancourt & Su Joven Jazz Band). this swinging big-band arrangement makes clear that somewhere down the way, Cuba needs to cut an album backed by a full orchestra. The baritone saxophones loop that underpins the whole tune is just so incredibly deep that it’s impossible not to tap along with it. This deserves a big extended remix by some ace Miami scene dance DJ, because it’s got packed dance floor stamped all over it.” – Vancouver Sun

“Bringing his distinctive folk, funk and rock hybrid to life, the four-time Latin Grammy winner presents his new album Mendó, a testament to the respect other artists have for Alex. On this set, Cuba collaborates with renowned artists including Antonio Carmona, Cimafunk, Lila Downs, Gian Marco, Raul Midón and Gilberto Santa Rosa.” – Billboard

“A while back I had to ask myself ‘Is it me or do I actually like everything Alex Cuba releases?’ So far, the answer is: Very much! …The four-time Latin Grammy winner’s brilliant discography has evolved from Afro-Cuban music to world music, rock en español, salsa, alternative Latin and Latin crossover blends of pop, soul and jazz. And it just gets better… Irresistible, superbly minimalistic yet profoundly full …a sensory upload of sublime playing, creative arrangements and melodic delight.” – NPR

“Fresh off his most recent Latin Grammy nominations (seven along with four wins), and notable performance on the November 2020 broadcast… and in advance of his upcoming eighth studio album… Alex Cuba, is releasing new single ‘Hablando x Hablar’ with Cuban breakout star, Cimafunk. ‘Hablando x Hablar’ is a fun and funky upbeat track that questions what we think we know to be true in society… a brave musical concept using only one physical instrument (an upright bass), handclaps, and vocals, ‘Hablando x Hablar is a bold, full bodied song, completely universal in nature, that feels like a giant production without getting bombastic… high energy performer Cimafunk has been rated by Billboard as a ‘top 10 Latin artist to watch’ with his Afro-Cuban funk-soul music style…. [While] Alex carries his Cuba within, incorporating subtle jazz influences, and tasteful, sophisticated chords and lyrics expressing his poetry in an undeniably Cuban way. His growing body of work defines a unique musical place in the Latin diaspora.” – Cashbox Canada

ABOUT ALEX CUBA

Alex Cuba is a Latin Grammy/Juno winner, singer-songwriter who is not tied to tradition; Alex has a vast musical vision. His sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and powerful guitar riffs, relinquish a conventional stereotype that exemplifies much of the Latin music landscape. Born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba, was immersed in music at a very young age, joining his father’s (respected guitarist and teacher Valentin Puentes) group of 24 guitarists. Alex then went on to study electric and upright bass and touring and recording nationally and internationally. Relocating to Canada in 1999, Alex went on to record his solo debut album Humo De Tobaco (produced by Martin Terefe), which earned him a Juno award for World Music Album of the Year in 2006, with tours in Canada, Japan and the US.

In 2007, Alex released Agua Del Pozo earning him another Juno award for World Music Album of the Year in 2008. From there, Alex released his third album, a self-titled project Alex Cuba in 2009, playing shows in the US, Canada and Spain. And features his first ever English track titled “If You Give Me Love”. The album gained recognition on an international level. In 2010, Alex took home the award for Best New Artist at the 2010 Latin Grammy Awards, where it was also nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Album. It also followed a nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and in 2011 Alex took home a BMI Latin Award for his songwriting on Nelly Furtado’s #1 Spanish hit “Manos Al Aire”. In 2012, Alex released his fourth album Ruido En El Sistema, which Alex received his second Socan Hagood Hardy Award for outstanding achievement in Jazz and World Music. He also won his second Latin Grammy Award – this time as a songwriter, alongside co-writer Yoel Henriquez received the award for Best Tropical Song for the Milly Quezada’s single, “Toma Mi Vida”. In 2013, he brought home a Latin Grammy for the video “Eres Tu” from Ruido En El Sistema, a video produced entirely in his hometown of Smithers.

Alex Cuba’s 5th studio album, Healer, was recorded using a live rhythm section, trading in horns for guitars and vocal harmonies. With five duets with singer songwriters, four being Canadian, Ron Sexsmith, David Myles, Alejandra Ribera and Kuba Oms as well as New Yorker Anya Marina. The album won a Latin Grammy for best Singer-songwriter and nominated for a Grammy as best Latin Pop in 2016. In 2017, his 6th album Lo Unico Constante was released, Looking at the filin movement in Cuba of the forties that fused jazz and trova together with emotional lyrical content. Nominated for both a Latin Grammy in the singer songwriter category and Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album Alex continues his independent journey in music.

His most recent album, Sublime, incorporated the feel of Lo Unico Constante with 6 duets alongside Latin American Singer-songwriters celebrating a contemporary or Neo folk expression of the Canción Latinamericana. The release continued Alex’s recognition form his musical peers garnering his third consecutive Latin Grammy Nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album, and another performance slot on the global telecast.

Connect With Alex Cuba At:

MADD × Auto Tech

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MADD Identifies 241 Examples of Auto Tech to Help Prevent Drunk Driving

New Analysis Follows Introduction of Two Federal Bills That Would Lead to Mandate for Drunk Driving Prevention Tech on All New Vehicles

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) released an updated analysis of vehicle technologies that are available now – or in various stages of development – that could be installed in vehicles to prevent drunk driving and other impairments and save thousands of lives a year.

The analysis was first submitted Jan. 11 to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in response to the agency’s Request for Information on drunk driving prevention technology. MADD also submitted the RFI to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee as part of the record for an April 27 auto safety hearing.

MADD’s update to the RFI submission follows the introduction of two bipartisan bills, one in the House and one in the Senate, that require NHTSA to issue a rulemaking that will lead to drunk driving prevention technology as standard equipment on all new vehicles. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), David McKinley (R-WV) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) introduced the Honoring Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate Drunk Driving (HALT) Act on March 23. The bill is named in memory of a Northville, Michigan family, Issam and Rima Abbas and their children Ali, Isabella, and Giselle, who were killed by a wrong-way drunk driver while driving home from a Florida vacation in January 2019. On April 22, Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced the Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act of 2021.

“The HALT and RIDE Acts represent the beginning of the end of drunk driving forever,” said MADD National President Alex Otte. “The many technologies MADD identified in the original RFI, and now our new RFI update, illustrate the very real potential for equipping all cars with technology that will stop an impaired driver. When you see what’s available now, the question becomes, ‘Why isn’t this already on cars and stopping these tragedies that kill 10,000 people and injure 300,000 every year?’ MADD believes automakers can solve this, and we challenge them to move quickly to start saving lives.”

More than 9,400 drunk driving deaths could be prevented each year when drunk driving prevention technology is made standard on every new car, according to a study released last year by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

MADD’s updated RFI submission describes 241 examples of three different major categories of technologies that can reduce or eliminate drunk and impaired driving. Some of these technologies are referred to as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

77 examples of driving performance monitoring systems can detect signs of impaired driving. These technologies monitor the vehicle movement with systems like lane departure warning and attention assist. These same technologies can be used to monitor erratic driving by a drunk or impaired driver. Although not currently programmed to detect drunk and impaired driving, these systems are standard equipment on almost all new cars today.
122 examples of driver monitoring systems can monitor the driver’s head and eyes, typically using a camera or other sensors. These systems can determine the state of the driver and detect if a driver is drunk or otherwise impaired.
42 examples of passive alcohol detection technologies use touch or breath-based technology to detect if a driver is drunk. Examples are in two Patents filed 12 years ago by DENSO, one of the largest tier one auto suppliers in the world. The two Patents are for breath or touch-based systems and are detailed in MADD’s RFI:
- Denso touch-based system (Patent US8469134B2 filed in 2009)
- Denso breath-based system (Patent US8201437B2 filed in 2009)

An example of using both driving performance monitoring and driver monitoring was announced by Volvo in March 2019. Volvo said it would equip new cars with cameras and sensors to enable the car “to intervene if a clearly intoxicated or distracted driver does not respond to warning signals and is risking an accident involving serious injury or death.”

“All of these technologies could be beneficial not only to prevent drunk driving, but to detect other dangerous behaviors that lead to crashes such as drugged driving, drowsy driving, distracted driving and medical emergencies,” Otte said. “That is why it we believe it is urgent that Congress pass the HALT and RIDE Acts, to get these lifesaving technologies in all new cars as soon as possible.”

For more information on the HALT and RIDE Acts, visit the MADD website.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Drivingcalls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit MADD or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.

Riot Games × VALORANT

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Riot Games MENA breaks cultural barriers to unite gamers with the launch of Anta Al Batal a new music beat for VALORANT

Listen Here

Anta Al Batal serves as an anthem for MENA teams vying for the ultimate prize at VALORANT’s professional and semi-pro tournaments

Anta Al Batal reinforces Riot Games’ commitment to regional gamers with first-of-its-kind Arabic music video; Creative Partnership with Dubai based Regional Record Label Sony Music Entertainment Middle East.

Riot Games MENA today unveiled a first-of-its-kind Arabic music video and track for gamers across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, uniting its VALORANT fanbase under a common language, love of music and passion for gaming.

The VALORANT Music Beat ‘Anta Al Batal’ (You Are The Champion), produced and conceptualized by RIOT Games MENA and Sony Music Entertainment Middle East, brings together some of the Arab world’s biggest and emerging music stars; Moroccan rap sensation, Issam Harris; Egypt’s Trap Legend, Marwan Moussa; and female vocalist, Fafa, a rising star from the UAE and regional music scene.

Celebrating the passion of MENA gamers for VALORANT, which has quickly established itself as a fan-favorite in the first-person shooter community, Anta Al Batal is the latest milestone in Riot Games’ growing commitment to its Arab-speaking fanbase and follows the launch of the Bahraini servers, localization of VALORANT into Arabic and Strike Arabia.

Riot Games worked in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East to conceptualize the unique audio and video style of Anta Al Batal, that merged languages, melodies and cultural themes from Egypt, Morocco, UAE and beyond. The project took inspiration from the many cultural banners that exist across MENA, to unite gamers under their common passion for VALORANT and music.

Anta Al Batal serves as an anthem for MENA teams vying for the ultimate prize at VALORANT’s professional and semi-pro tournaments. Teams across MENA are gearing up for the second season of the Strike Arabia Championship in June and July for a spot in the Grand Finals. Winners of the regional tournament will earn the right to take part in VALORANT Last Chance Qualifier in Europe and potentially the global showdown that pits the world’s best teams and players against each other.

Anas al Hakim, Content Manager at Riot Games MENA, who masterminded creative direction of the music video, said: “Prior to online multiplayer games, music was the number one thing that transcended the MENA region. Now, with music and gaming we have a winning combination to unite our players through unique experiences that they can all enjoy. Our hope is that the bridges we build are not only between us but also with players from all around the world.”

Mike Fairburn, General Manager at Sony Music Entertainment Middle East commented ‘Music is a global connector – it binds us all and reflects the varied cultural narratives of our region. Our company culture is built around this positive force and with the Riot Games team, we found a perfect partnership focused on collaboration, as well as an openness to use music and gaming to make deep connections. We are incredibly excited and proud to share our collective creative efforts with the world”.

The vision behind Anta Al Batal was to create a celebratory moment in the region’s history of gaming, give VALORANT players a soundtrack that is truly theirs, and mark another significant milestone of Riot Games’ commitment to Arabic gamers.

About VALORANT:
VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.

VALORANT is a free-to-play game and optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.

VALORANT quickly established itself as a fan-favorite among the global first-person shooter community after launching its closed beta in April 2020. The game made history on its first day, breaking viewership records with 34 million hours-watched in a single day, and surpassing 1.7 million peak concurrent viewers, a peak concurrent record second only to Riot Games’ 2019 League of Legends World Championship Finals. Over the course of VALORANT’s two-month beta testing period, an average of nearly 3 million players logged on each day to play. Fans also demonstrated their enthusiasm for the shooter by watching more than 470 million hours of VALORANT closed beta streams on Twitch, the world’s leading service and community for multiplayer entertainment, and Korean video-streaming service AfreecaTV.

About Riot Games:
Riot Games was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.

As League enters its second decade, Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with VALORANT, Legends of Runeterra, Teamfight Tactics, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles, while exploring the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, TV, and more. Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 2,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Riot Games.

Rémy Martin × Usher

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Rémy Martin and Usher team up to celebrate two cultures of excellence:

Music and Cognac

“Team Up For Excellence ‐ The Film” Imagined in collaboration with FRED & FARID New York Brings to Life the History of Harmony Between these Cultural Entities Through a Musical Journey

Rémy Martin announces a collaborative new campaign with multi‐Grammy award winning musical artist, Usher to celebrate the harmonious blending of two cultures of timeless excellence: Music and Cognac. “Team Up For Excellence – The Film” highlights the cultural connection between Cognac and American music since 1917 in France, and how the two have been synonymous ever since.

In the Film imagined in collaboration with FRED &FARID New York, Usher narrates a story spanning the decades from the 1920’s to present day, which pays tribute to the multi‐cultural connections, celebrated styles and rhythms of the past. From Blues to Hip‐Hop, Swing Dancing to Break‐Dancing; Usher and Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal travel through decades in France and the US, to honor these cultural figures; both rooted in a shared philosophy of aiming for the stars.

“Music doesn’t need Cognac to exist, and Cognac doesn’t need Music to exist,” states Usher, “but what is beautiful is that they were meant to meet and when they did, they created cultural harmony.”

Teaming up with Usher and Rémy Martin, are globally recognized creatives including Raphael Saadiq, world‐renowned musical composer; Marci Rodgers, Academy‐Award winning costume stylist; Aakomon Jones, award winning dance choreographer; and director of the production; Jake Nava.

“I was really inspired by creating the historical music scenes in a way that felt true to the spirit of that moment, but also relevant and eye‐catching to a young contemporary audience,” states Jake Nava, “This dual priority informed my direction of all the music, dance and Usher’s performance.”

The heart and soul of cultural movements throughout history paved the way for future artists to innovate, while paying homage to their roots and the musical styles that came before them. The same respect for heritage is honored by Rémy Martin and Cellar Master, Baptiste Loiseau, who has inherited the savoir‐faire of the House from previous generations of cellar masters. Through this transmission of knowledge, Rémy Martin®1738 Accord Royal continues to encompass the spirit of celebrating depth of character and the excitement of indulging in moments of collective success.

“Rémy Martin has been at the center of celebration for centuries, and the celebratory nature of Music is synonymous with our history of honoring communities and culture,” said Amaury Vinclet, Global Executive Director of Rémy Martin “Acknowledging this collective success has been at the heart of Rémy Martin since 1724.”

Historically, Rémy Martin and Usher teamed up during his 2010 “OMG” world tour, where the Cognac brand was the official sponsor of after parties across the United States, Canada and Europe. Additionally, Usher co‐hosted the launch dinner for Producer Series with Jermaine Dupri in 2018.

“Team Up For Excellence – The Film is a monumental artistic achievement stemming from our collaboration and long‐standing relationship with our trusted creative global agency, FRED & FARID,” said Philippe Farnier, Chief Executive Officer for The House of Rémy Martin. “We celebrate this performance between our brand, creative agency and artist Usher. At Rémy Martin, we team up with those sharing our same quest for excellence, rooted in our values of people, terroir and time.”

For almost 300 years, the story of Rémy Martin has been one of family, partners and collective success. Teamwork has always been at the heart of the brand, passing the spirit of collaboration on to younger generations. The desire to team up with others in a quest for excellence has been a part of the Rémy Martin ethos since 1724, with the constant dedication to creating premium Cognac. To continually go further and aspire to achieve more is a reflection of the Centaur, Rémy Martin’s brand figurehead for 150 years. Following the launch in the United States, the short film will be screened and showcased globally.

CREDITS:

Brand: Rémy Martin

Title of ad: Team Up For Excellence ‐ The Film

Agency: FRED & FARID New York

Music: Raphael Saadiq

Costume stylist: Marci Rodgers

Dance choreographer: Aakomon Jones

Director: Jake Nava

ABOUT RÉMY MARTIN

Since 1724, Rémy Martin has produced premium spirits that consistently appeal to the world’s most discerning connoisseurs. A profound love of the land, a continuity of family ownership and a passionate commitment to excellence has sustained Rémy Martin for nearly three centuries. As a result of its masterful production and generations of tradition in Cognac, Rémy Martin today produces Fine Champagne Cognacs, including Rémy Martin® XO, Rémy Martin® Tercet, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal and Rémy Martin® V.S.O.P For additional information, visit the website.

ABOUT USHER

Challenging himself creatively, testing musical boundaries and being on the creative forefront of new and developing trends are characteristics that have defined Usher throughout his 20-year career. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Assn. of America as one of the best‐selling artists in American music history, having sold over 65 million albums worldwide. He has won numerous awards including 8 Grammy Awards and was named the #1 Hot 100 artist of the 2000s decade. Usher has attained nine Hot 100 #1 hits and 18 Hot 100 top‐10 singles. His career in TV and Film includes 2 seasons as a coach on NBC’s The Voice as well as starring roles in films such as “Hands of Stone” and “Burden”. 2021 continues to be a busy year for Usher with an upcoming new album release and the launch of his much-anticipated Las Vegas residency at Caeser’s Palace. In the past year Usher’s two singles “Don’t Waste My Time” and “Bad Habit” both hit #1 on the Billboard R&B Charts. He also released “I Cry”, a powerful and emotional song about the social and racial injustices of our time. Usher is currently in the studio recording his 9th studio album which will be released late 2021.

ABOUT FRED & FARID New York

FRED & FARID is a purpose-driven company producing meaningful ideas, grounding brands into culture. Based in New York, Paris, FRED & FARID New York’s culture is a peculiar mix of the French sense of craft and taste, the Chinese sense of tactic and digital, and the American sense of vision and strategy. The agency focuses on creative consulting, brand strategy, branding, content & social activation, and has produced 1800+ creative campaigns for 250+ brands in 33+ industries, winning 950+ awards and 25+ industry titles – including the AdAge Small Agency 2020 Gold Newcomer of the Year, and Best Integrated Campaign of the Year.

LIL YACHTY – MICHIGAN BOY BOAT

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LIL YACHTY ANNOUNCES APRIL 23 RELEASE OF MICHIGAN BOY BOAT, REVEALS ARTWORK

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR THE MIXTAPE SPOTLIGHTING MICHIGAN RAPPERS HERE

Today Lil Yachty reveals the artwork and April 23 release date for his highly-anticipated mixtape “Michigan Boy Boat.” Featuring rappers from Detroit and Flint, Yachty unveiled a behind-the-scenes trailer filmed in the Great Lake State.

WATCH HERE.

Lil Yachty has long been collaborating with Michiganders. Since his 2017 Tee Grizzley collaboration “From the D to the A,” Yachty has been featured on songs with Michigan artists Sada Baby, YN Jay, RNC Mike, and Krispylife Kitdd–and these were only primers.

“Yachty’s upcoming mixtape, Michigan Boy Boat, is an ode to the state where a new crop of MCs is currently restitching the fabric of modern hip-hop. It’s also a testament to one of the 23-year-old rapper’s greatest gifts: his ear for talent,” states Rolling Stone.

In February, Lil Yachty released a video for his song, “Royal Rumble,” which features six MCs from Michigan’s vibrant rap scenes. Along with Yachty, the song boasts Krispylife Kid, RMC Mike, Babyface Ray, Rio Da Yung OG and Icewear Vezzo.

Stereogum wrote of the song/video: “For the past few years, the Atlanta rap star Lil Yachty has been making tracks with the best rappers that the thriving Michigan underground has to offer. Yachty was arguably the first mainstream rapper to recognize the talent of people like Sada Baby and Rio Da Yung OG, and when he records tracks with guys like that, it usually brings out the best in him.” Pitchfork stated Yachty “always holds his own and makes everyone around him sound more motivated than usual.”

Lil Yachty has been busy. In between developing a heist movie based on the card game Uno, a series for HBO Max, diving into crypto currency, partnering with Reese’s Puffs cereal, remixing the Saved by the Bell theme song, and becoming a favorite on TikTok, “hes a mentor and a mogul…”he’s become an elder statesman of a certain brand of young superstar — and something like the Gen Z answer to Diddy” (Rolling Stone).

Hot Wheels Legends Tour

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The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Kicks Off First North American Stop

Live Virtual Event on April 29

Presented by Mobil 1 and in partnership with throtl, premiere car culture livestream will take place on the Hot Wheels Facebook page and on throtl YouTube channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday, April 29
Hundreds of custom car creations have been submitted
The winner will go on to compete for the chance to become the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee and have their custom car creation immortalized as a 1:64 Hot Wheels diecast toy

On Thursday, April 29, the global hunt for the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner continues with the first North American stop. Now in its fourth year, the world’s largest traveling car show resumes as a live virtual event that will take place on the Hot Wheels Facebook page and throtl YouTube channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Hundreds of cars have been submitted by custom car builders across the United States and Canada, all competing to become the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee and have their ride turned into a Hot Wheels die-cast vehicle that will be sold–and played with by kids of all ages–around the world.

To watch this premiere automotive livestream event which will bring together every part of car culture, visit the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Facebook page or the throtl YouTube channel.

The 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour is bigger than ever with stops spanning 13 countries and 5 continents. Presented by Mobil 1 and sponsored by Dynacraft and Milestone S.r.l., the first North American event continues this year’s first virtual stops in New Zealand (April 15) and Australia (April 22). Judging will take place live throughout the virtual event by known auto enthusiast personalities, including automotive YouTube sensation and builder TJ Hunt, throtl co-founder Mickey Andrade, motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda and top motorsports athlete Collete Davis, as well as Bryan Benedict, Director of Hot Wheels Die-Cast Design, Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design and Mobil 1 special guest and professional drifter, Ryan Tuerck.

“While we look forward to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour returning to in-person events, the virtual contest format has created opportunities for more fans across the United States and Canada to share their passion projects,” said Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design at Mattel. “With so many submissions already in North America and immensely popular events in Australia and New Zealand earlier this month, we’re confident this year’s competition will be fierce.”

Dates for future stops will be announced soon, and fans may register or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by visiting Hot Wheels. Livestreams will be available to view on the Hot Wheels Facebook page, on Walmart and through automotive media partners in specific countries. Live events will be returning to U.S.-based Walmart stores this summer.

For further information and to register for an upcoming event, please visit the Hot Wheels website.