Posts made in November 2018

New Travel Channel Series ‘Legend Hunter’

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With an avid thirst for adventure and innate curiosity, wildlife biologist and explorer Pat Spain is leaving his lab to uncover answers to fascinating unsolved riddles, historic conundrums and mythic events in the new Travel Channel series “Legend Hunter.” Premiering Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the seven-episode series showcases Spain as he uses his scientific expertise and state-of-the-art technology to investigate infamous tales of murder, theft and unexplained events. He embarks on a hunt to recover a $20 million stolen Irish fortune, finds new evidence that could reveal the identity of Jack the Ripper and goes on a quest for a werewolf-like creature rumored to haunt the residents of Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
As the great nephew of Charles Fort – the “Prophet of the Unexplained” – Spain carries on the family legacy by questioning mainstream science and investigating things that science often writes off as impossible. Now, with “Legend Hunter,” he will consider unusual explanations of bizarre phenomena to crack open some of history’s most mind-boggling mysteries and crimes.
“As a scientist, I’ve spent my life investigating some of mankind’s greatest oddities, bizarre creatures and mythical beasts, tribal rituals and far flung places,” said Spain. “Now I get the chance to take on some of the world’s iconic mysteries. Who was Jack the Ripper? Who really killed Lizzie Borden’s parents? These are questions that have been burning in my mind since I was a child, and I’m going right to the source to try and find answers – with exclusive access to people, archives and crimes scenes. And we have some extraordinary results that I can’t wait to share with the world!”
In the series premiere, Spain reopens the infamous Lizzie Borden murder case to find out who really took an ax to her father and stepmother. He gains exclusive access to Lizzie’s home, belongings and previously sealed family documents. Spain starts his investigation from scratch, as though the crime happened yesterday. Then, using psychographic profiling and statistical theory, among other tools, he re-examines the original suspects. Spain reenacts what they supposedly were doing at the time of the murders, their ‘alibis’ and whether these accounts are actually plausible. Through his relentless digging, Spain unearths a surprising new suspect never before connected to the case!

AMINE RELEASES “REEL IT IN” REMIX

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Multiplatinum-certified Portland, OR rapper Aminé shares the remix for his latest single “Reel It In” featuring Gucci Mane. The song is available on all digital retailers now via Republic Records.

Get it HERE.

Aminé is currently on his North American headlining tour–TourPointFive in support of his EpLpMixtapeAlbum entitled, ONEPOINTFIVE. The tour which kicked off on November 14th in Denver, CO will hit parts of the midwest and south, as well as major markets along both the east and west coasts. See the remaining tour dates below.

Every once in a while, an artist comes along and rewrites the entire rule book for a genre. That’s exactly what Aminé did with “Caroline” in 2016. Taking rap to a new frontier, it earned an RIAA 4X Platinum plaque as he delivered a kinetic performance of the anthem on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon between constant touring. “REDMERCEDES” and its high-profile official remix with Missy Elliott and AJ Tracey saw him lap the competition yet again as his full-length debut Good For You went gold and set the stage for even bigger things to come!

Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation’s

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The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) recognized outstanding contributors in research, treatment and caregiving at its Simply the Best Dinner and Gala, which took place in San Francisco on Saturday, November 9. The annual event is a celebration of survivors, hope and determination that brings together lung cancer patients and their families to recognize top minds in the lung cancer field.

“When we held our first gala 13 years ago, our hopes of turning lung cancer into a chronic, manageable disease seemed like a far-distant dream,” said Bonnie J. Addario, 14-year lung cancer survivor and ALCF founder. “But thanks to the work of pioneers like Drs. James Mulshine and Scott Antonia, we’re moving closer and closer each day. It’s an exciting time for lung cancer research, and we’re thankful to the many who support our efforts to advance research and patient care for helping to bring the dream within reach.”

Honorees at the event included:

James L. Mulshine, M.D., professor and retired graduate college dean and provost for research for the Institute of Translational Medicine at Rush University, received the Asclepios Award, which honors research pioneers in the fight to end lung cancer:

Excerpt from Dr. Mulshine’s comments accepting the award:

 “Diet, exercise, lifestyle, all these things are important, but we have early-detection tests, both imaging and molecular that are coming along, that will inform individuals to make better choices about their health. This type of diagnostic technology is scaffolding in which we’ll add molecular diagnostics and immunotherapy and cure even a greater fraction of people. We need all of science, but we need all people working with us to live as healthy of a life as they can live and make each day precious.”

Scott J. Antonia M.D., Ph.D., chair of the thoracic oncology department at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, was the recipient of the A Breath Away from the Cure Award, which honors individuals for excellence in oncology, early detection and coordinated treatment.

Excerpt from Dr. Amtonia’s comments accepting the award:

“I really do appreciate this honor from this group, but the fact is, any success that I may have had would have been impossible without the great team that I have at the Moffitt Cancer Center. Perhaps most importantly, none of this could have occurred if it weren’t for the bravery and the selflessness of people with lung cancer who choose to participate in clinical trials. They have no idea when they participate in a trial, as I have no idea, whether or not this is going to help an individual patient. These people understand that there may be some unpredicted severe toxicity, and more often than not the motivation – of course there’s always the hope the treatment will have some benefit to them – but more often than not the overriding, driving reason for people to participate in clinical trials is to contribute to the science, to contribute to the advancement of the care for this disease so that people in the future – other people – can benefit.”

Diana Pak, caregiver to Donna Terry, was honored with the Wind Beneath My Wings Award, which celebrates the caring, compassionate people who go above the call of duty to care for a loved one facing lung cancer.

 Excerpt from Donna Terry’s comments presenting the award to her caregiver, Diana Pak:

“First off, I would like to thank the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation for giving me this opportunity to honor my amazing caregiver, Diana Pak, in such an extraordinary way. I could spend lifetimes trying to show Diana how grateful I am to her for all that she has done for me and my family, but it would never be enough. She cares for us in ways that is selfless and generous – never asking for anything in return, and never taking any credit for all that she does.”

In addition to the awards, the evening featured a dinner with wines generously donated by Margaret Duckhorn of Duckhorn Vineyards. ABC7’s Chery Jennings emceed the awards presentation and auction, which was followed by music and dancing.

The Simply the Best Dinner and Gala is ALCF’s largest annual fundraising event. All proceeds from the event directly benefit ALCF’s patient services program and clinical research projects. This year’s presenting sponsor, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, along with other gala sponsors, made the successful event possible. More information about the 13th annual Simply the Best Dinner and Gala is available here.

DEF JAM’S BUZZING VIRAL STAR DANILEIGH

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Dominican-American, South Florida native and rising star DaniLeigh announces the November 30th release of her album, The Plan, via Def Jam Recordings. The recent remix of her smash hit “Lil Bebe” featuring Lil Baby, is currently at 1.4 million global streams with the original music video at over 3 million views. Her “Be Yourself” tour kicks off on January 31 in San Francisco, ending on February 26 in Denver. Pre-sale starts today at www.IamDaniLeigh.com.

DaniLeigh’s prominence as an artist started after a life changing encounter with the legendary Prince. After learning of her talents as a dancer, the Purple One reached out to have DaniLeigh direct his video for “Breakfast Can Wait”(view the video here). Prince ultimately took DaniLeigh under his wing, mentoring her budding singing career.

2017 brought the release of her major label debut, Summer with Friends which lead to her viral Shiggy created “In My Feelings” challenge (currently at close to 10 million views). In the Fall of 2018 DaniLeigh tapped into the energy of the global female empowerment movement when she and Spain’s Andalusian superstar Mala Rodriguez were featured on the amped-up remix of “Quero Que Tu Va” by Ananda and Joker Beats – watch the video HERE.

Most recently, DaniLeigh toured with Jeremih and Teyana Taylor on the Later That Night / KTSE on Aisle VII tour and is YouTube’s latest “artist on the rise”. She stars in Footlocker’s “Week of Greatness” global campaign with J. Balvin, DJ Khaled + Asahd, and more (watch the spot here) and also performed the “Lil Bebe” choreography with Aliya Janell from Queens N’ Lettos – watch HERE.

The Best Casino Songs Of The 21st Century

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The affinity for high-stakes gaming and casinos dates back centuries, all the way to ancient Rome. Some of the most famous players from centuries past include Voltaire, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Winston Churchill. So it should come as no surprise that a love of gaming has greatly influenced popular culture over the years, with entire films, songs, and books being dedicated to the subject.

Casino songs have a long history as well. You may already know of songs like “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley or “Desperado” by the Eagles, but how many casino-themed songs do you know from the 21st century? Check out the following list to see how a love of gaming has influenced some of the greatest artists of the century.

Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Released as a single for her 2008 album “The Fame,” “Poker Face” helped launch Lady Gaga’s career. The song won for Best Dance Recording at the 52nd Grammy Awards, and it was nominated for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year. “Poker Face” reached No. 1 in the U.S. and abroad and is Lady Gaga’s second diamond-certified song.

All I Wanna Do Is Play Cards by Corb Lund

This song is featured on his 2005 album, “Hair in My Eyes Like a Highland Steer.” In 2006, the album was named Album Of The Year by the Canadian Country Music Association. In the song, Lund talks about how he wants to neglect all of his responsibilities in order to play cards. But since his passion helped him write a great song, what’s the harm?

Waking Up in Vegas by Katy Perry

Like “Poker Face,” “Waking Up in Vegas” was also released in 2008. Even though it was released on her album “One of the Boys,” it didn’t hit the radio until 2009. Upon release, it became a smash hit. The song celebrates the gaming and partying lifestyle of Las Vegas and is a must for anyone there hoping to get the party started with appropriately-themed tunes.

Vegas by Sara Bareilles

“Vegas” was released in 2007 on Bareilles’s second album, “Little Voices.” It’s a different sort of love song than “Waking Up in Vegas,” but it presents Vegas as one of the places where dreams come true. In the song, Bareilles sings: “Gonna sell my car and go to Vegas / ‘Cause somebody told me / That’s where dreams would be.” Give this song a listen if you’re looking to chill out with a quieter tune.

Pokerface by Ghostface Killah ft. Shawn Wigs

This song is featured on Ghostface Killah’s 2006 album, “More Fish.” The album reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums and No. 13 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the U.S. Ghostface Killah and Shawn Wigs are all about the casino life, so naturally the song is packed with references to the World Series of Poker and the appeal of no-limit tournaments.

The Dealer by Stevie Nicks

Although this was originally written in the ‘70s for a Fleetwood Mac album, the song wasn’t officially released until 2014. It was re-recorded for her album, “24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault,” and released as a single after a bootleg version of the song became popular on YouTube. The song is Stevie Nicks at her best, so fans of her and Fleetwood Mac will appreciate this cards-themed track.

Pretty Vegas by INXS

Fans of Vegas and alternative rock will appreciate “Pretty Vegas” by INXS. The song was released on their 11th studio album, “Switch,” in 2005. “Switch” was the first INXS album to feature J.D. Fortune — who had won CBS’s contest “Rock Star: INXS” — as lead singer. “Pretty Vegas” became a top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 list in the U.S. and reached No. 9 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) charts.

The love of casinos and gambling has inspired some pretty incredible musical artists. Enjoy these tunes during your next Vegas vacation on while playing at casinos online. For online players, they can check out this review of Liberty Casino and other casinos, to get the most out of their experience. Rock on!

Got Global Gifts?

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THE GLOBAL GIFT THAT GIVES BACK – EMPOWERING AFRICA’S FEMALE ARTISANS

Did you know the artisan sector is the second largest employer in the developing world?  It’s true, and the majority of artisans are women who create handcrafted goods using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Marketplace Africa, the ecommerce site created by Mall for Africa and powered by DHL, aims to put a global spotlight on these unique African-made products and their creators.  85% of the site’s goods are crafted by underrepresented female artisans from Nigeria, and soon Kenya and Rwanda, who can sell their handmade fashion, jewelry, home goods, and beauty products directly to the U.S. and consumers worldwide.

With Nigeria’s unemployment rate hovering at 14.2% and a staggering 89.5% of the country living in extreme poverty, it’s the female artisans who are making a positive impact on their country’s economy and future.

So this holiday season, why not gift different and buy global?  Choose a Blingshiki, a modern twist on the classic Dashiki, adorned with sparkling embellishments, or grab a pair of colorful Zig sandals.

When you purchase authentic African clothing and handicrafts directly from Marketplace Africa, you’re not just buying something beautiful, you’re investing in artisans who weave their rich cultural traditions into soulful creations. Empowering female artisans and boosting their communities is the real beauty of shopping at Marketplace Africa. And that’s a holiday gift that’s priceless.

TRIPPIE REDD’S NEW ALBUM IS THE MOST STREAMED ALBUM

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Multi-platinum Canton, OH, rapper and singer Trippie Redd A Love Letter To You 3 enters the Billboard Top 200 at number 3 and holds the title of the most streamed album in America. Get it HERE. The album includes features from Juice Wrld, Emani 22, NBA YoungBoy, and Nel-Denarro.
This marks Trippie’s second Top 5 in 3 months on Billboards Mainstream Top 200 Charts. Back in August, Redd’s Life’s A Trip LP entered #4 on the Billboard 200.
Of the 84K total sales on ALLTY3, 72,000 units were SEA units which translates to 108.8 million on-demand audio streams. That gives Trippie the most streamed album in America this week. It places him on the charts right below Imagine Dragons debut and right above the late Lil Peep’s posthumous debut at #4, with A Star Is Born soundtrack rounding out the charts at #5.
“I really don’t think y’all understand how f*ckn amazing you guys are I mean honestly we just kinda showed our ass going this crazy no promo at all thank you my 1400/800 brothers sisters,” wrote the 19-year-old performer on Instagram.
The news comes fresh off the release of his video for Topanga and his debut studio album, Life’s a Trip, of which XXL wrote Life’s a Trip succeeds by placing Redd’s narrative at its core and leaning into the inventive melodies that initially put the young rapper on the map. Lyrically, Trippie is direct. Vocally, his balance between restrained and bombastic delivery is unmatched. Watch his cultist music video for Topanga HERE. Trippie recently graced the Jimmy Kimmel Live! outdoor Hollywood stage with a performance of Topanga Watch it HERE. He also performed his other hit song Taking A Walk Watch it HERE.
In addition to generating nearly 2 billion streams, Trippie was named Spotify Rise Artist, Artist to Watch by Rolling Stone, and landed on the cover of the 2018 XXL Freshman Class. Singing real shit that people all over the world can relate to timeless, says Trippie. Timeless music literally is a concept I can live on.
Trippie Redd’s singles love scars and Dark Night Dummo [feat. Travis Scott] are RIAA certified platinum. His songs Poles 1469 and Bust DownÉd are certified gold. He has collaborated with everyone from Travis Scott, Diplo, Julia Michaels, Lil Yachty, D.R.A.M., Alison Wonderland, 88 Rising and Rich The Kid.
Trippie’s breakout mixtapes A Love Letter To You and A Love Letter To You 2. hit the stratosphere in 2017. Praised for his lyrics as well as his style, he chronicles love and heartbreak from the streets and experience. Trippie became serious upon becoming a rapper upon encouragement from his late older brother. Trippie Redd would later get a scar tattoo on his face to honor him after he died in a road accident in 2014 — pushing Trippie to work harder on his music. He grew up being raised by his single-parent mother (his father was incarcerated since Trippie’s birth). Life’s A Trip continues to share Trippie’s eccentrically-wild world as seen through Trippie’s eyes. He finds influences from Gorillaz, Erykah Badu, Drake, Marilyn Manson, Tupac, Nirvana, and Lil Wayne (among others).

Trap Beckham “Happy Belated”

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Rising hip hop star and Jacksonville native Trap Beckham has recently released his EP Happy Belated via Stevie Stacks Entertainment/EMPIRE. The EP’s high-energy and infectiously catchy tracks showcase the rapper’s insanely fun and crafty production stylings, along with Cobi Mixed That, The Game Changers, The Flight Club, Big Hack & Pablo, Beast Mode and Bankroll Got It. Happy Belated has already received buzz from various outlets, such as HipHopDX, Hype Off Life, and Real Street Radio.

Happy Belated follows shortly after Trap Beckham’s scorching hot summer mixtape, Evil Emoji, which has already helped to legitimatize his growing presence in the industry. His musical talents have also spawned successful bangers, such as the wildly popular “Birthday Bitch,” which has garnered over 30 million streams and has become a major favorite among celebrities, such as LeBron James, Kylie Jenner, Angela Simmons, Leslie Jones, Zendaya, and famed actress Halle Berry. The breakout hit and millennial birthday anthem was also featured in Season 1 Episode 8 of the critically acclaimed HBO Series Insecure.

Trap Beckham looks to carry his momentum into full-blown superstardom. The arrival of his debut EP, Life Is Lit [Def Jam Records], includes singles “Backwoods,” “Cold,” and club phenomenon, “Lil Booties Matter,” which stars Cardi B’s younger sister and social media personality, Henessy Carolina, in the official music video. Trap Beckham’s musical style of lively, upbeat instrumentation, catchy lyrics, and the ability to create dancefloor hits at will is reminiscent of southern hip-hop legend Uncle Luke and has helped him attain wide success, catching the attention of major labels and eventually landing him a deal with Def Jam Recordings. This year, Trap Beckham’s independent hustle led him to join forces with Stevie Stacks Entertainment and EMPIRE to release a series of new and exciting music for fans to get up and dance to. With the arrival of Happy Belated, Trap Beckham continues to break through to the masses with an original sound and style that’s undeniably sensational. Not to mention, the young rapper has already been featured in VIBE, XXL, HotNewHipHop, and more!

Jeff Goldblum #1 record on Billboard

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Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra garnered a #1 position on Billboard’s Current Jazz Chart and Billboard’s Traditional Jazz Chart, as well as hitting #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra’s The Capitol Studios Sessions was released on November 9, 2018 on Decca/Verve Label Group. This is Jeff Goldblum’s debut album.

Goldblum, who has been playing the piano since he was a child, has performed with his jazz band at venues in Los Angeles and New York City over the past few decades. When he’s not filming, the actor hosts a weekly jazz variety show at LA’s Rockwell Table and Stage. Frequented by locals and A-listers alike, the show intersperses Goldblum’s love of jazz with his passion and skills at improvised comedy.

The atmosphere and energy of these shows is captured perfectly on this album, which Jeff credits to producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Madeleine Peyroux). For the recording, Larry recreated the buzz of The Rockwell at the legendary Capitol Studios. The studio was transformed into a jazz club food and drink was served to an invited live studio audience of Rockwell regulars, friends and family.

This album lives in that magical area where artists and audiences meet. There is a joyful sense of anything-can-happen and a spirit of creative generosity in how Jeff speaks to his fans, how he accompanies guest singers and soloists, and especially in how Jeff comps. To Jeff, his role within the context of a jazz band is a seamless connection with his acting:

I love improvising and that feeling of communication and interplay. It’s one of the cornerstones of my acting technique. I see my music in the same way.

Jeff Goldblum the Capitol Studios Sessions is the realization of this idea: jazz and standards presented in a manner that dares to be high-spirited and to make you feel good. The repertoire includes favorite 60’s jazz numbers Cantaloupe Island and I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free), the 1940s classic Straighten Up & Fly Right with guest vocals from Irish superstar singer and songwriter Imelda May, My Baby Just Cares For Me from 1930, featuring American songstress Haley Reinhart and the 1920s song Me And My Shadow sung by comedian and actress, Sarah Silverman. The band is joined by the extraordinary Grammy-nominated trumpeter Till Brönner.

Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra deliver the feel and the swing, and they make it fun, funny, and familiar. Those are words not often associated with jazz, though they still can be, and with this album we are reminded of that.

 

 

Dirk Nowitzki Presented With Key To City of Dallas

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Mayor Mike Rawlings honored Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki with a Key to the City during halftime of tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community and his professional achievements over his 20-year career with the Mavericks. Nowitzki is only the third person to receive a Key to the City from Mayor Rawlings since he took office in 2011.

“Dirk embodies everything Dallas residents should aspire to be,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “For any sports fan out there, he’s a joy to watch, always striving for excellence and giving 110 percent. But what many don’t fully understand is how diligent, passionate, humble and generous Dirk is, on and off the court. Dallas is so fortunate and proud to have a leader like him in our city. He is a class act, a man who consistently puts his teammates, his city and his family before himself.”

Nowitzki accepted the key at halftime, joined by the mayor, Dallas City council members and three high school students who assisted in creating a larger ceremonial key specially made for Nowitzki.

“I’m very honored, very humbled. It’s been a long great ride here. 20 years representing this city proudly…the franchise, the city, and the fanbase,” Nowitzki said.  “Dallas has supported me and took me in from day one.  We grew together and I have done everything in my power to give back to this city.  Thank you.”

Among Nowitzki’s notable humanitarian contributions:

  • Grants made annually to organizations focusing on children’s wellbeing, health and education through The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation – Last year, the Foundation raised $960,000 and held its annual Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic raising $1.92 million for Hurricane Harvey victims.  His foundation also holds monthly meetings with Hurricane Harvey victims to help families start over and re-enter the workforce.
  • Hurricane relief efforts – Nowitzki donated to the JJ Barea Foundation to assist Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico. He also helped 10 families who were relocated to Dallas from Houston after Hurricane Harvey.
  • Annual Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game to benefit various local nonprofits such as Girls Embracing Mothers, Alley’s House, Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
  • Annual visits to patients at Children’s Medical Center.
  • “Dirk’s Dunkers” – Nowitzki hosts special guests from youth-based nonprofit organizations, underserved schools and veteran groups in this section of the American Airlines Center.
  • Seats for Soldiers–Nowitzki, along with his teammates, signs hundreds of autographs while spending time with wounded soldiers from the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and reserve troops from the Dallas-Fort Worth area following the Seats for Soldiers game each fall.

In recognition of Nowitzki’s global humanitarian efforts, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth honored him with the prestigious H. Neil Mallon Award in September 2017.

On the court, Nowitzki is the Mavericks’ all-time leader in points (31,187), games played (1,471), starts (1,440), minutes (50,573), rebounds (11,331), defensive rebounds (9,868), field goals made (11,034), 3-pointers made (1,918), free throws made (7,201) and blocks (1,263). He has led the Mavericks to 15 NBA playoff appearances, including the franchise’s first Finals appearance in 2006 and its only NBA championship in 2011, where he was named Most Valuable Player. He is a 13-time All-Star, a 12-time All-NBA Team member, the first European player to start in an All-Star Game, and the first European player to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2007.

Nowitzki is one of only seven players to play at least 20 seasons in the NBA and is the only player in NBA history to play 21 seasons with the same franchise. He is the top foreign-born scorer in league history, the only foreign-born player in the NBA’s 30,000-point club, one of seven players in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points and is seventh on NBA’s all-time points leaders. On December 10, 2012, he became the first non-American player to receive the Naismith Legacy Award. He has also received the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award (2016-17) and the Magic Johnson Award (2013-14).