SPIRITS

JAJA Tequila, The Chainsmokers, 360 MAGAZINE, TEQUILA

JAJA TEQUILA

With Summer upon us, there is nothing better than soaking up the sun with a drink in hand. That’s why JAJA Tequila, co-owned by The Chainsmokers, developed four easy AND delicious cocktail recipes for you to enjoy whether you’re barbequing or hanging poolside.

The Cosmonaut 

Adapted from the classic Sasha Petraske cocktail by Liquor Lab NY

1.5 oz JAJA Blanco

.75 oz Lemon Juice

1 bar spoonful Raspberry Jam

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into coupe glass. Garnish with an orange. 

Cucumber Basil Margarita

By Liquor Lab NY

1.5 oz JAJA Blanco

.5 oz Lime

.5 oz Cucumber Juice

.75 oz Opal Basil syrup

Shake JAJA Blanco with Lime Juice, Cucumber Juice (or muddled cucumber) with ice to chill. Pour over ice or serve neat.

Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer 

1.5 oz JAJA Reposado Tequila

1.5 oz Grapefruit Juice

Top with lime soda

Sparkling water

Cucumber slices and rosemary to garnish 

JAJA Mule

1.5 oz JAJA Añejo

.75 oz Lime Juice

.25 oz Simple Syrup

Top with Ginger Beer

Candied Ginger

Serve over ice. Garnish with candied ginger and lime!

Go Dash Dot – Bags & Booze

Go Dash Dot has been serving up the most fashionable and functional bags for the woman-on-the-go, but a girl wants a drink every now and then, too right? Especially this year. To cool off during what is likely to be a scorching summer, the boutique brand has created artisanal cocktails that perfectly complement three of its most popular styles.

“After this winter and spring, we all need a cocktail!” says Go Dash Dot founder Hannah Fastov, with a laugh. “People have shown enormous patience, resolve and courage, so we wanted to add to that an element of fun. These cocktails are creative, whimsical and best of all delicious, and the perfect way to celebrate the summer.”

Fastov and her team looked to their bags as inspiration for ingredients and color and went to work creating exciting elixirs that bring cool to the hot season.

For its White Easy Tote, the team envisioned something fruity and refreshing: the “Skinny Bitch.” Made with 1 ounce of pineapple juice, two 1-ounce shot of vodka, ice, soda water and a pineapple wedge for garnish, it’s the perfect antidote for a steamy afternoon or evening.

Create your own Margaritaville with the “Minty Marg,” a creative twist on the classic inspired by Go Dash Dot’s popular Mint Chip Maya Backpack. Start with 2 cups of white grape juice, ¼ cup of tequila, ¼ triple sec, dash of lime juice, 2 cops of spinach, 4 cups of ice and fresh mint garnish and voila — a drink even Jimmy Buffett would savor.

Finally, it might look blue, but you won’t feel blue after imbibing the “Woman Warrior,” modeled after Go Dash Dot’s blue Denim Puffle. Hear her roar with 1 and 1/3 oz of vodka, 1/3 oz of Blue Curacao and 1/3 oz of lime juice

Go Dash Dot was founded in 2016 by Fastov, a fashion entrepreneur who has previously worked in product development and merchandising with Brooks Brothers and Rag and Bone. She sought to create a stylish line of bags for women that could serve multiple purposes: work, social engagements, gym, travel and other activities in a busy woman’s life. “It had to be fashionable, function and timeless” was the mission, Fastov said. She and her small team went to work creating several styles, including totes, backpacks, crossbodies and the signature “puffle,” which she imagined as a re-imagined duffel worn as a hand or shoulder bag or crossbody. The bags are thoroughly unique, featuring a separate compartment for footwear, padded laptop section, a snap in snap out pouch that can be worn as a crossbody or belt bag, laundry pouch, cell phone pocket, tons of additional pockets and compartments, and completely machine washable. They also come in a variety of colors. “The Go Dash Dot woman is active, ambitious, and fun loving. One adventure leads to the next and she needs a bag that can keep up with her,” Fastov says.

Marshmellow, Halsey, 360 MAGAZINE

MARSHMELLO × HALSEY

Marshmello and Halsey shared the official video for their hit single, “Be Kind.” Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, who also helmed Halsey’s “Nightmare” and “Alone” clips, the contemporary dance video takes viewers to three distinct worlds. View the video, which received a YouTube premiere earlier today, HERE. Filming a dance video during quarantine presented challenges, but Halsey learned the choreography on Facetime and did her own makeup, as always.

“Be Kind” is a worldwide hit across the boards – on playlists (with both artists appearing most recently on the cover of Apple Music’s “Today’s Hits”), at radio, on Shazam and elsewhere. Since its release last month, the song has amassed more than 175 million combined global streams. Get “Be Kind” at http://bekindxx.com/. The Jacques Lu Cont remix was released yesterday and can be heard HERE. Surf Mesa, fresh off his global hit “ily (i love you baby)” feat. Emilee, has also remixed “Be Kind.” Listen HERE.

“Be Kind” is the latest song offered from Marshmello, who is coming off a strong 2019 with 6x Platinum “Happier” with Bastille – also released by Astralwerks – plus 4x Platinum “Silence” with Khalid. 


Halsey kicked off 2020 with the release of her new album, Manic, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and has been certified Platinum in numerous countries, including the U.S. It contains the 7x Platinum “Without Me” – the most-played song of 2019 at U.S. radio and the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit by a female artist of this century – and the Platinum hits “Graveyard” and “You Should Be Sad.”

(Photo Credit: Peter Donaghy)

iann dior, 360 Magazine

iann dior – Pretty Girls

Puerto Rico-born, Texas raised singer and rapper iann dior has released the music video for his single “Pretty Girls,” out now via 10K Projects. Off of his recent 9-track EP I’m Gone, the infectious summer hit “Pretty Girls” was recently featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday and has already been played over 3M times on the streaming service since its release less than two weeks ago.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “PRETTY GIRLS” HERE

The music video for “Pretty Girls” shows the young artist’s quick rise to fame and how differently he is treated before and after his success. Light and confident, “Pretty Girls” shows off iann dior’s ability to write irresistible hooks and turn his personal pain into relatable hit songs.

In discussing his process, Iann reveals that the dreamy and fluid feel of his music has much to do with his purely instinctive creative approach. “Anytime I hear a beat that I love, it’ll bring out the story I want to tell,” he says. “I’ll start humming the melody and the words will follow that—it’s all just whatever comes out of my head right in the moment.” At the same time, Iann’s lyrics mine inspiration from the reflective, narrative-based songwriting of artists like J. Cole. “The whole reason I started making music was J. Cole,” Iann points out. “He showed me that I could use songs to tell my own story, just like he uses his songs to tell his story.”

LISTEN TO “PRETTY GIRLS” HERE

FOLLOW IANN DIOR: Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud | Website

Yoshikitty Tops Sanrio Rankings

The final results of the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking were announced earlier this month and Yoshikitty has defeated Hello Kitty to win #1 in France, Germany, and Brazil, as well as #2 in China.

The Sanrio Character Ranking competition grows more intense every year, and the 2020 event allowed fans from all over the world to vote on a selection of Sanrio’s 80 most-popular characters. Yoshikitty’s massive international support brought the beloved character to #6 worldwide overall, placing in the Top 10 for the fifth straight year in a row. To view the full Sanrio Character Ranking voting results of the 80 characters, click HERE.

In addition to online voting, other voting methods included purchases at Sanrio shops, which overwhelmed demand for the already-popular Yoshikitty items. Stores sold out immediately, and orders were backed up for months. Even with such a voting handicap, Yoshikitty still won a top position among other iconic characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and Pompompurin.

Yoshikitty — based on Yoshiki, rock star, composer and the leader of X Japan and created by the original Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi — was born in 2009 as the first Hello Kitty character who is modeled after a real, living person. With more than 500 items on sale, Yoshikitty is associated with many top brands. This year, Yoshikitty also won first place among all 80 characters in the pre-sale of the “Sanrio Character Pedometer”. Because of the award, the decision was made to create the special edition “Yoshikitty Digital Health Meter” just for this character in addition to the “Yoshikitty Pedometer”, with sales starting June 9.

Yoshiki commented, “Thanks to everyone who voted for Yoshikitty. I’m so happy to see the support from fans not just in Japan but also from around the world.” Yoshiki, who composed the official theme song for Hello Kitty, teased fans with the idea that “Maybe I’ll compose a theme song for Yoshikitty to say ‘thank you’ for all the support. Not only that, I would like to continue delivering wonderful music, so that I can give back to everyone as much as possible.”

Follow Yoshiki: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Wikipedia

Follow Yoshikitty: Instagram

music, note, orange, black

Leslie Shaw – Estoy Soltera

When it comes to talent, sensuality and beauty, all roads lead to three of the most powerful female figures of Latin music; Leslie Shaw, Thalía and Farina. The three singers joined their voices in the song “Estoy Soltera,” available now on all digital music platforms, alongside its official music video.

Leslie Shaw rose to fame thanks to the success of songs like “Faldita” featuring Venezuelan duo Mau y Ricky (65 million views on YouTube) and “Bombón”. Her music career quickly reached international recognition, making her “the one to watch” in the urban genre. Today, Shaw premieres her single “Estoy Soltera” together with her new EP “Yo Soy Leslie Shaw.” This EP has unique pieces produced by Latin music veteran Maffio, and amazing musical collaborations with artists such as Shelow Shaq and Bulova.

Thalía and Farina joined Leslie Shaw in this release. Thalía, known internationally as one of the most successful superstars in the Latin entertainment industry, delivers elegance, talent, and her unique music style, pushing the track original charm towards an assured success. For her part, the Colombian lyrics-goddess Farina, uses the unique style that made her the phenomenon she is today to make “Estoy Soltera” an urban hit.

The single was produced by Alexander Palmer and Frank Santofimio, and its lyrics were the work of Antonio Cortés “Barullo”, Héctor Montaner, Claudio Prieto, Vladi Ramírez, Frank Santofimio, Alex Palmer, Thalía, Farina and Leslie Shaw herself.

The song premieres alongside its official music video in which filmmaker Katherine Díaz (Kath D) captures the unique feminine essence of each of its protagonists. Under her direction, the music video for “Estoy Soltera” reaches its highest level of sensuality, passion and dedication, resulting in a unique audiovisual piece with a strong feminist message.

With “Estoy Soltera,” Leslie Shaw writes a new page in the history of Latin music, bringing together three of the most powerful females in the industry on a distinctly urban track.

Listen to “Estoy Soltera” here and watch the music video here.

FOLLOW LESLIE SHAW: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Alaina Castillo × Pass You By

“Castillo’s musical prowess is certainly claiming a growing platform in today’s music scene.” –V Magazine

“Alaina Castillo’s star continues to rise.” –Teen Vogue

“Houston’s Alaina Castillo continues to make waves” –Complex 

“Alaina Castillo is having a moment” –Clash

“She’s about to hit the big time very soon” –Wonderland Magazine

Last week, Houston-raised, Los Angeles-based genre-bending artist Alaina Castillo released the stunning performance video of “pass you by” via DIY Mag. Click HERE to watch.

Buy/ Stream the voicenotes “pass you by” is a track off her new EP the voicenotes. The 4-song project includes current single “just a boy,” that already has over 7 million Spotify streams and was created alongside her regular collaborator, Romans (Lewis Capaldi, Ella Mai, Demi Lovato, Khalid). The single marks her largest song to date. In addition to the EP, Alaina also released the Spanish version, mensajes de voz, reflecting the bilingual nature of her music. This Friday, Alaina will bring her EP to life physically through a merch collection consisting of tees, hoodies, jackets and slippers, in addition to an exclusive 2-sided Vinyl pre-order through Urban Outfitters. Click HERE for more info.

Alaina said on the release, “so excited to finally launch my new merch! ♥︎ we designed it with an amazing creative group called Dead Happy and were able to come up with sick visuals that really bring the voicenotes ep to life. the quality of the merch was also super important because we wanted it to feel soft but also durable. i can’t wait to see what everyone thinks of the final results! ♥︎” The artist – who sings in both the English and Spanish language – combines her Latin roots with her love of R&B, pop and hip-hop, and has cultivated a diehard online following of over 2.5 million online fans and counting. She has 40 million streams to date, with almost 840K YouTube subscribers. Her first single “i don’t think i love you anymore,” released in October, has over 4 million YouTube views to date, with track “no importa,” taken from her debut EP antisocial butterfly, gaining half a million views in its first week.

Follow Alaina Castillo: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube

360 Magazine, Cruel Santino

Cruel Santino New Single

Nigerian musician and creative auteur Cruel Santino has released a new single titled “End of The Wicked” (Monster Boy/Interscope Records). The song featuring French rapper Octavian is sombre in tone, fluttering across a shimmering production of piano keys and 808s. In the track, Cruel doubles down on his ‘Santinese’ — “those whole time kini hickidy wickidy wickidy end of the wicked” — a method first created to put melody on paper but evolved into a language that fans embraced. The track will appear on Cruel Santino’s upcoming sophomore album, in the meantime stream/save “End of The Wicked” via: Alongside the new single release, Cruel Santino also announced his new joint venture deal with Interscope Records called Monster Boy. Cruel is one of very few Nigerian artists to strike a JV with a major record label. The singer, formerly known as Santi, first burst on the scene with his own brand of alternative music rooted in pop-indie, dancehall, and hip hop. He quickly rose in ranks thanks to his stunning debut in Mandy & The Jungle (2019) which birthed hits like “Rapid Fire” and “Freaky.” The creative took to his “Monster Boy” channel recently to discuss the name change, parodying a late-night television show. Watch the video and get familiar with the many facets of Cruel Santino below:

Past Praise for Cruel Santino:

“The omnivorous Nigerian rapper-singer makes smoothly effortless genre hybrids that feel like everywhere and nowhere all at once.” – Pitchfork

“This mastermind’s music hits all the right spots” – NME

“Santi’s versatility will keep him reigning” — Clash Magazine

About Cruel Santino

Nigerian musician and auteur Cruel Santino (fka Santi) burst on the music scene with critically acclaimed debut album, Mandy & The Jungle (2019) dazzling fans with tracks like “Sparky”, “Freaky”, and “Rapid Fire” — molding a genre unto himself fed by his love for pop-indie, alternative, rap, dancehall and more. The definitive album was an ode to all the things that built the foundation of who Cruel Santino is — a genre-agnostic creative force to be reckoned with. Alongside the fresh sounds, Cruel Santino also directed the visuals tied to the project honing in on his craft with creative collective Monster Boy. Inspired by the occult and Nollywood films, his eye for mise-en-scene and visual narration caught the eye of collaborator Goldlink who tapped Cruel for the rapper’s “U Say” video featuring Tyler, The Creator, and Jay Prince. Not long after, the Dubai, UAE based artist signed with management company Love Renaissance. In 2020, Cruel Santino announced his very own label, Monster Boy — an Interscope Records joint venture. This Summer, Cruel Santino will release new single “End of The Wicked” which comes off his upcoming sophomore album. Not afraid to always evolve and create, we’re learning that this is Cruel Santino’s extravagant universe and we’re lucky to be co-existing in it.

MUSTARD × YG × POSTMATES

Grammy-award-winning music producer and artist, Mustard, continues to expand his entrepreneurial portfolio with Fishbone Seafood, a Southern-style seafood eatery co-owned with longtime friend and collaborator, YG. The native Angelenos become co-owners in the existing seven locations across LA and this week, they are partnering with Postmates to give back to their community by delivering $100,000 worth of food to LA residents and community organizations. 

“I met one of the owners at a gas station, and he told me we should do business,” says 4Hunnid artist YG. “I called Mustard and told him about the opportunity, and he was ready to go.” Mustard, who was born and raised in Baldwin Village, explains why it was so vital for him and YG to give back to South LA right from the start.  “COVID-19 has hit Black and Brown communities the hardest,” stated the 10 Summers CEO. “YG and I have not forgotten where we come from and feel a duty to support those who are less fortunate and have been our biggest supporters from the beginning.” 

To celebrate the second annual “Mustard Day” and honor Juneteenth, Mustard and YG have partnered with Postmates to give back to their community by delivering $100,000 of meals. Only on June 19, $50,000 worth of free meals will be delivered to residents around the city within the delivery radius. Participating Fishbone locations will offer two free and healthy options to select from: The Mustard Plate (Grilled Shrimp and Filet Sole with Sautéed Veggies) and the YG Plate (Grilled Filet Sole with Sautéed Veggies.) To order, visit Postmates.com or download Postmates on iOS or Android. Only on June 19, the selected free meal discount will automatically be applied to the Postmates order. The free meal offer is valid for one meal per order while supplies last.

Additionally, $50,000 in meals will be delivered to several community organizations around Los Angeles through the next week, including A New Way of Life, Hollywood Food Coalition, Midnight Mission, Watts Empowerment Center, Upward Bound House and five St. John’s Well Child and Family clinics.  

In 2019, Los Angeles honored Mustard by declaring June 19 “Mustard Day” to recognize the significant commitment and support he has provided to his South LA hometown. Naitonally, June 19 is known as Juneteenth and commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and is an important day to highlight Black voices and Black-owned businesses. 

(Photo by Brandon Xay)

Busch Medallion Puzzle

This spring, while almost all Americans were stuck inside, the country fell in love with jigsaw puzzles again. Busch, as the beer brewed for the great outdoors (and one that has hidden everything from gold medallions to a pop up shop in the woods before), is now getting in on the craze, but with a twist that gives fans even more incentive to put the pieces together as quickly as they can!

Introducing the Busch Medallion Puzzle: a 525-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring its spokesperson Busch Guy, that will give fans who complete it a chance to win a $5,000 vacation to the great outdoors! See announcement Tweet here.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Busch fans can head to busch.com/puzzles to secure their puzzle for $30
  2. The vast majority of puzzle purchasers will receive a puzzle with Busch Guy holding a classic Busch Light can
  3. BUT a select few will receive a puzzle with Busch Guy holding a golden can
  4. Fans who receive a golden can and share their completed puzzle with Busch by July 31 using #BuschPuzzles and #Sweepstakes will have the chance to win a $5,000 vacation

*   There will be a total of five grand prize winners

$5 of each puzzle purchase will supports the National Forest Foundation tour guides affected by COVID-19.

The puzzle is best solved while enjoying a crisp, cold Buschhhhh and fans will have until July 31 to complete their puzzle and find out if they are a golden medallion winner. Full rules and where to snag your puzzle can all be found at busch.com/puzzles.