Posts made in September 2020

PORSCHE ARISES VICTORIOUS AGAIN

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PORSCHE’S FIRST LE MANS 24 HOURS VICTOR WINS AGAIN AT CONCOURS OF ELEGANCE 2020

Concours of Elegance has wrapped up its most memorable event to-date, featuring the greatest ever line-up of collector cars gathered in the UK
A Porsche 917 KH, driven by Richard Attwood and Hans Herrmann to Porsche’s first ever victory at Le Mans in 1970 was crowned as the event’s ‘Best in Show’
Awards were also given by decade, with the first ever production Land Rover winning the ‘40s and an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750, driven to victory in the Mille Miglia in the ‘20s
The Club Trophy presented by the Royal Automobile Club and supported by Classic and Sports Car was awarded to a Messerschmitt KR200
A number of cars made their UK debut at the event, including the Ineos Grenadier, Brabham BT62R and the one-off commission Aston Martin Victor
The Gooding & Company ‘Passion of a Lifetime’ auction broke world records, including the highest price ever for a Bugatti and a Lamborghini Miura
The Concours of Elegance will return on 3-5 September 2021

The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, is celebrating its most memorable running yet, as the first international concours d’elegance event in over six months welcomed the most incredible line-up of collector cars ever gathered in the UK. The ‘Best in Show’ award, voted by the owners of these cars, went to the Porsche 917 KH driven to victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 1970 – Porsche’s first win at the event.

The quality of the cars this year was more spectacular than ever, thanks to the commitment of the event’s Steering Committee and car curation team. Greeting visitors as they emerged from Henry VIII’s former home and into the Fountain Gardens was a special Ford vs. Ferrari display, paying homage to some of Le Mans 24 Hours’ most famous racers. Among them was a Ford GT40, a Ferrari 250 LM, 365 P2 and a stunning Ferrari 250 GTO. And that’s even before reaching the main line-up of concours vehicles.

The Best in Show-winning 1969 Porsche 917 KH, was a crowd favourite throughout the event, with its imposing design and incredible backstory. In 1970, Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood drove this very same 917 KH (short-tail) with start number 23 and in the world-famous red-white Salzburg design to the first of (so far) 19 overall wins for Porsche at the circuit. The 917 was Porsche’s first time in the league of immensely powerful, large-capacity racing cars. Its 580bhp 4.5-litre 12-cylinder engine set new standards, and is still legendary today. In a fortuitous coincidence, the winner of the event’s all-new ‘Junior Concours, sponsored by The Little Car Company’ Best in Show prize went to a petrol-powered three-quarter scale replica of this very car, named victorious against 10 other scale children’s classics.

Awards were also given out for different classes and eras. Once more judged by the owners of the Main Concours cars, the winners included the very first production Land Rover – making its debut following an enormously detailed restoration – and an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750, famed for its Mille Miglia win in the 1920s.

Outside of the main Concours of Elegance cars, nearly 1000 other models parked at Hampton Court Palace for the weekend, including a collection of Future Classics, from a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer to a Bentley Continental GT No.1 Edition. Despite the quality on display, there could really only be one winner: the Aston Martin Victor. This one-off commission is the most powerful road-legal naturally aspirated Aston Martin has ever produced, boasting 836bhp. With styling inspired by the 1980s Vantage, the mechanicals are thoroughly modern, comprised of race-ready powertrain and chassis components and lightweight carbon fibre.

Also on display were some of the finest examples from the UK’s most prestigious car clubs, as part of the Club Trophy presented by the Royal Automobile Club and supported by Classic & Sports Car. A panel of expert judges, including HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Classic and Sports Car editor, Alastair Clements, deemed a Messerschmitt KR200 to be the best on display. Powered by a two stroke 191cc Fichtel & Sachs engine that produces a modest 9bhp, the Messerschmitt wasn’t the most powerful car in the Concours, but its charming design and excellent condition won over the judges. It will now take its place among the main concours cars for the Concours of Elegance 2021, which is already scheduled to take place from 3-5 September, as part of a special tenth running of the event.

Our Car Club displays, sponsored by Classic & Sports Car, formed a line-up of individual marques around the perimeter of the Garden, including the Jenson Owners’ Club, Alvis Owners’ Club, XK Club, E-type Club and more. Each day the Classic & Sports Car editorial team picked their favourite, awarding a Lotus Eclat – owned by its current custodian for more than 30 years – and a Jaguar XK120 Roadster, finished in a striking bronze. This very same XK120 also caught the eye of the Jaguar Trophy judges, winning the top prize from a line-up of gathered E-types, XKs and more.

On Sunday 6^th September, the Concours of Elegance welcomed in a line-up of distinguished Bentley models throughout the ages, each competing for the event’s Bentley Trophy. A judging panel, led by Giles Crickmay of Frank Dale & Stepsons, picked out a Bentley 4.25-Litre Streamlined Drophead Coupé, first owned by Bentley Boy and one-time Bentley Chairman Woolf Barnato. Presented in near-perfect condition, the body is said to be finished in the colour of Barnato’s wife’s favourite dress.

Newly introduced for this year’s event was the Bridge of Weir Leather Design Award, picked by a committee of automotive designers gathered by the Scottish company. The stunning 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Coupe by Gangloff, with its unique body and black over purple paintwork was recognised by the judges for its outstanding design and innovation.

Gooding & Company also hosted its first sale outside of the USA at the Concours of Elegance, with a display of the lots hosted within the Tudor Courtyard of the Palace. One of the most significant vehicle collections ever gathered for sale was crowned by a Bugatti Type 59 from 1934, previously owned by King Leopold. In a record-breaking sale, this highly original car set the highest price ever for a Bugatti at auction, achieving £9,535,000. A Type 35C sold for £3,935,000 and a Type 57S Atalante for £7,855,000, setting respective records for these models. The auction also included the highest price ever for a Vauxhall 30-98 and the highest price ever for a Miura, as the SV Speciale sold for £3,207,000.

The main vehicle features were complemented by line-ups from the world’s greatest classic car specialists and car manufacturers, many of whom were displaying cars at the event for the first time. Aston Martin showcased its latest range, as well as the debut of the one-off Victor, while Ineos paraded its all-new Grenadier with a collection of rugged off-road legends. Jaguar Classic presented its continuation D-type in a bespoke two-tone colour scheme while, at the other end of the spectrum, Lotus was display its all-electric EVIJA hypercar and Brabham showcased its racing car for the road, the BT62R.

Outside of the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance was an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, showcased some of its latest intricate timepieces, including the Lange 1 Time Zone.

The full list of awards:

Best in Show – 1969 Porsche 917 KH
Pre-1915s – 1904 Fiat Type 24/32
1920s – 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750
1930s – 1930 Bentley 4.5-Litre ‘Blower’ by Gurney Nutting
1940s – 1948 Land Rover Model 80 #001
1950s – 1958 BMW 507
1960s – 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione Clienti
Post-1970s –1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
The Royal Automobile Club Trophy – Messerschmitt KR200
Jaguar Trophy – 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Bentley Trophy – 1926 Bentley 4.25-Litre by Mulliner
The Junior Concours – Porsche 917
The Bridge of Weir Design Award – Bugatti Type 57 Atalante by Gangloff
Future Classics – Aston Martin Victor
Classic & Sports Car Club Display Award – Saturday: Jaguar XK120 Roadster
Classic & Sports Car Club Display Award – Sunday: Lotus Eclat
Classic & Sports Car Pre-90 Car Park Award – Saturday: Iso Grifo
Classic & Sports Car Pre-90 Car Park Award – Sunday: Mercedes 230 SL ‘Pagoda’

MADISON BEER – BABY

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VIDEO OUT NOW

TAKEN FROM DEBUT

ALBUM LIFE SUPPORT

WATCH HERE

Madison Beer release her latest single “Baby” via Sing It Loud/First Access Entertainment on exclusive license to Epic Records. With the drop of the single comes a dreamy voyeuristic video that finds Madison plucked from a picturesque scene and dropped into the dark reality of life. “Baby” is taken from Madison’s forthcoming debut full length album Life Support, out later this year. You can listen to the single here.

“Coming out of a dark time mentally I inevitably had to build my confidence back up,” says Madison. “Writing ‘Baby’ made me feel in control of myself and my body again in the best way. When I wrote ‘Baby’ I was not only reminding myself that I can have what I deserve but also warning the next person that comes into my life that being with me is conditional . ‘If you wanna be my baby’ then know I’m going to be loud, quiet, wild, sexy, shy, high, low. I’m not going to apologize for who I am or shrink myself down anymore so if you can’t deal, then keep walking. I am regaining my confidence and this song truly makes me feel powerful and I hope it supplies anyone who might need a boost of confidence the same thing.”

Madison’s debut album, a strong personal and artistic statement, is slated for release later this year. “Her soon to be released album,” states V Magazine, “will surely pay homage to her years of growth in the spotlight with an entirely new depth of clarity.” Life Support sees Madison where she thrives – commanding complete creative control through writing her own songs, producing and creating her own visuals. The album will feature previous releases “Good In Goodbye,” “Selfish,” and “Stained Glass” which have a combined total stream count of over 282 million. “Selfish” is now also certified Gold in the US.

Prior to signing with Epic Recordslate last year, Madison Beer achieved unprecedented success as an independent artist with her partner First Access Entertainment. Her debut EP As She Pleases boasts over 950 million streams and made her the first independent female solo artist to break into the Top 20 radio charts, after having debuted in the Top 5 on iTunes in 18 countries and in the Top 10 in 42 countries worldwide. Globally, Beer has over 2 billion streams across her catalogue.

She’s attracted the endorsement of Time, NME, V Magazine, Billboard who named her among its coveted “21 Under 21” list and Rolling Stone who hailed her as a “raising pop star.” Madison will be debuting “Baby” on The Late Late show with James Corden on August 26^th.

FOLLOW MADISON BEER HERE:

DAWN SILVER BULLET

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Rolls-Royce releases the first official images of Dawn Silver Bullet, taken outdoors and on the open road
Collection Car photographed on the shores of Lake Garda, showcasing the car in its natural habitat
Selection of images perfectly capture Dawn Silver Bullet’s powerful, high-shouldered outline, distinctive Aero Cowling and the ultra-metallic paint finish

Rolls-Royce today releases the first official images showing Dawn Silver Bullet in its natural habitat – on the open road, as the first of the client commissioned Collection Cars roll off the production line at the Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence, in Goodwood, West Sussex.

Photographed on the shores of Lake Garda, a series of in-motion and drone shots capture Dawn Silver Bullet in locations including mountain hairpins and corniche roads. The new photographic portfolio also includes static images, taken in the open air, highlighting the car’s charismatic expression.

Under the Italian sun, Dawn Silver Bullet lives up to its name, travelling with speed and precision. Its ultra-metallic Brewster Silver Paint is a vibrant nod to the epic trails cars of the past, such as the Silver Dawn, Silver King, Silver Silence and Silver Spectre.

The four-seat Rolls-Royce Drophead is transformed into an adaptable two-seat roadster, by the addition of a rakish Aero Cowling with vapour-blasted titanium finisher, heightening the Collection’s sense of speed and purpose.

Launched in 2020, Dawn Silver Bullet is a contemporary interpretation of the classic roadster spirit and driving experience, offering committed drivers a sublime blend of serenity and sophistication with an exhilarating sense of uncompromised freedom.

Dawn Silver Bullet is strictly limited to just 50 examples worldwide.

Rolls-Royce convertible Dawn inside 360 MAGAZINE

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Niko Brim’s Juneteenth Sneaker Hits Sotheby’s Auction

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In Sotheby’s historic first auction celebrating the history and cultural impact of hip-hop, acclaimed V-Records recording artist, musician and producer Niko Brim’s custom-painted Juneteenth sneakers will be put to auction. To be staged on September 15, 2020 in New York City, Niko Brim’s unique pair of Nike Air-Force Ones were unveiled on June 19, 2020, designed by renowned sneaker customizer, Sierato, under the creative direction of 93-year social-impact leader and lifelong Juneteenth activist Ms. Opal Lee.

Niko Brim’s Juneteenth sneakers are featured alongside coveted hip-hop memorabilia, including an iconic crown worn by The Notorious B.I.G. (aka Christopher Wallace) during his last portrait session, and love letters penned by a teenage Tupac Shakur.

About Niko Brim’s Juneteenth Nike Air Force 1s

Brim conceptualized the collectible kicks with inspiration drawn from the nation’s foremost Juneteenth ambassador, Ms. Opal Lee. This unique pair, designed by famed sneaker customization artist Sierato, features a red, white, & blue color scheme, incorporating a unifying theme of freedom for all, while honoring the contributions of the African-Americans who helped build the nation.

The bold sneakers feature song lyrics from Brim’s single, “Hard to Believe” and symbolic imagery, which includes the official Juneteenth flag, and the Black Power raised fist emblem, a nod to timeless, silent protest at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City when sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos hoisted their clenched fists while accepting their medals. It also features the number “2.23” across the toe box in memory of Ahmad Arbery, the unarmed African-American man pursued and fatally shot while jogging in Georgia.

As the ever-burgeoning Black Lives Matter movement continues to grow and demand accountability, reflection, and change, Brim and Lee’s shoe hopes to inspire a unity that spans generations, strengthening the nation and memorializing Juneteenth as part of a holistic view of American history.

The proceeds from the Juneteenth sneaker will be split between two organizations—Hip Hop Public Health, led by Doug E. Fresh & Dr. Olajide Williams, and Unity Unlimited, founded by Ms. Opal Lee.

CLICK: BTS of the making of the Juneteenth AF1s

About Ms. Opal Lee

Ms. Opal Lee, who has spent the last four decades campaigning to get congress to mark Juneteenth as a federally observed holiday, also graced the sneaker with her autograph. Niko joined Ms. Opal’s campaign commission in the Spring of 2020 to raise awareness for the cause.

Her history-altering Change.org petition achieved over 1.7 million signatures and was the platform’s most celebrity-supported cause. It ranked Top 5 most active campaign. The petitions to arrest those responsible for the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are two 2.

Since 2016, the tenacious lifelong Texan, Ms. Opal Lee leads a two and a half-mile walk recognizing the two and a half years it took for slaves in Texas to become aware of their freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2020 her mission gained global attention and support from top luminaries, inspiring Nike to declare Juneteenth as an annual paid company holiday.

About Niko Brim

Niko Brim, is a passionate 23-year old MC-producer and social justice advocate from Mount Vernon, New York, located north of The Bronx, the birthplace of hip hop. His forthcoming album, “King Has No Crown”, drops soon.

He has independently amassed over one million streams, with hits, “FEDS Watching,” and “Woke”, and appearance on VME label mate, Kev Rodger’strack, “It is What It Is”, plus movements with the inspiring hip-hop collective he co-founded, CYN™ (Create Your Now), featuring Kai Ca$h. Members include K. Wales, ShaqNLivin, DJ TizzTheInfluence, and Great Dame.

Over the last year his performance stints on Rapsody’s 2020, ‘A Black Woman Created This’ tour, “Sway in the Morning,” and on LiveXLive further positioned him as a rising star who’s swinging his mic for what’s right.

In addition to joining Ms. Opal Lee’s official Juneteenth holiday commission team, Niko Brim has serviced his community in various ways, from promoting financial literacy, and feeding the hungry, to speaking at peace rallies. He led the ‘Silence is Violence’ rally that canvased his Mount Vernon and New Rochelle hometowns, in honor of the countless lives lost to police brutality in June 2020.

Fueling Niko Brim’s ascension is a combination of his artistry, sophisticated rhyming, uplifting mantras, and fury for civil unity. Bred to use his platform consciously, Niko is the son of two certified life coach parents and influential music industry veterans, fashion icon Misa Hylton and VME CEO, Joseph “JoJo” Brim.

Niko Brim’s conversation series, “Power Hour,” which takes place monthly on his Instagram page, features luminaries from business, education, entertainment, and social impact.

About Sotheby’s Auction to Celebrate the History and Culture of Hip Hop

A celebration of the history and cultural impact of Hip Hop, the sale reflects on the impact the movement has had on art and culture from the late 1970s through the “Golden Age” of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, and up to the present.

Among the newly announced highlights in the sale include the iconic Salt-N-Pepa “Push It” jackets; visual artist, filmmaker and Hip Hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy’s ‘MTV’ ring made specially for Yo! MTV Raps; a private lyric writing lesson and studio session with the God MC Rakim Allah; a unique art installation by DJ Ross One entitled The Wall of Boom, which is comprised of 32 vintage boomboxes, and much more. The auction also features unique artifacts, contemporary art, one of a kind experiences, photography, vintage and modern fashion, historic and newly designed jewelry and luxury items, rare ephemera including flyers and posters, important publications, and more.

The full sale will be on view by appointment in Sotheby’s York avenue galleries from 11 – 15 September and their digital catalogue will be live at Sothebys.com/hiphop.

About the Juneteenth Sneaker Beneficiaries

Hip Hop Public Health

Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) is an internationally recognized organization that creates and implements multimedia public health and education interventions. It is designed to improve health literacy, inspire behavior change, and promote health equity.
On September 22d, Hip Hop Public Health’s “Remixing Public Health” fundraising gala, hosted by co-founder Doug E. Fresh, will feature a conversation between Niko Brim and Ms. Opal Lee. Honoree, Cheryl “Salt” James, and fellow rap pioneers Public Enemy’s Chuck D. and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels will also appear. Learn more: HERE

Unity Unlimited

Unity Unlimited, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is completely volunteer-driven with activities that help communities overcome racial and cultural division. The programs they produce provide educational activities and resources to people to foster unity and harmony regardless of race, culture, or denomination including JuneteenthFTW a community festival that highlights the initiatives of the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Ms. Opal Lee whose mission is to support human dignity through education, culture, and opportunity. Other initiatives of the organization include Opal’s Farm to address food deserts in her community and Your Voice Unleashed a free week-long fine arts workshop for the youth to build bridges of unity. Learn more: HERE

About VME (Virtual Music Entertainment)

VME is a tech-based entertainment group under the ADX Labs, Inc. group of companies. The VMEportfolio, led by industry veteran Joseph “JoJo” Brim, consists of the record music label V-Records, All Music Promo (AMP), video streaming channel VTV, and indie music streaming platform MyMy Music.

About ADX Labs, Inc.
ADX Labs is the core company in a global group of technology, entertainment and services brands and businesses. ADX independently funds the ADX Foundation, a registered non-profit philanthropic organization which has invested in children, communities, and social justice since 2013. Learn more HERE.

Papadakis Racing Returns with Formula Drift

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Papadakis Racing returns to competition this weekend as Formula Drift opens its adjusted season at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis, Missouri.

“It’s almost like I can’t believe we’re back at the track,” said driver Fredric Aasbo, who debuts the all new Rockstar Energy Drink Toyota GR Supra in Formula Drift this weekend. “The series is going to look a little different in 2020 and I’m excited to be back and facing the challenge of figuring it all out and putting in the best performance we can as a team.”

Watch video: HERE

The 2015 series champion, Aasbo has been a member of the Papadakis Racing squad since 2011. This season Ryan Tuerck joins Aasbo, who takes the helm of the Gumout / Nitto Tire / Mobile1 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

Fans got their first look at the powerhouse duo in April as the covers came off the team cars for the first time. But a delayed start to the season due to the global pandemic means this weekend marks the first time teammates Aasbo and Tuerck will compete together under the same tent.

“I’m feeling really good about the upcoming season,” said Tuerck. “We’ve had a chance to get out and run a couple of test sessions as a team and I’m feeling like the cars will be at 100 percent when we hit the track here in St. Louis.”

The adjusted schedule will see the Formula Drift series run a full calendar of eight points-scoring rounds over four doubleheader weekends this fall. A condensed weekend schedule will keep the pressure on drivers and teams.

Practice opportunities are limited, and the single-car qualification runs that typically take place the day before the main competition will be replaced with a draw. With less seat time for drivers, there is the potential for shakeups as drivers meet door-to-door for the first time on Saturday during the Round of 32.

Even so, Aasbo said the strategy doesn’t change. “The plan is still essentially what it always has been,” said Aasbo. “We’re going to keep focused on having a cool head going into every turn, every battle, every day, and every weekend.”

This weekend’s doubleheader competition will be streamed on Formula Drift channels, with the Round 1 Pro competition live broadcast starting at 11:45 a.m. (local time) on Saturday before the Round of 32. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 4 p.m. It starts all over again for Round 2 on Sunday at 11:45 a.m.

Taking a lead from other racing series including NASCAR and IndyCar, Formula Drift has implemented a host of safety precautions for the weekend, including a requirement for face coverings and social distancing measures.

Although the competition arena might look a little different in 2020, Tuerck said he’s happy to be back. “I’m such a huge fan of motorsports that when racing first came back on TV this year, I was really happy and I realized it’s a huge stress reliever to be able to watch competition,” he said. “I’m stoked we’re getting back out there and bringing the show to the fans.”

FORMULA DRIFT 2020 COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Round 1 & 2: September 4-6 // World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis, MO)

Round 3 & 4: September 25-26 // Evergreen Speedway (Seattle, WA)

Round 5 & 6: October 16-18 // Texas Motor Speedway (Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX)

Round 7 & 8: November 20-22 // Irwindale Speedway (Los Angeles, CA)

Each round will be streamed live. Formula Drift is a partner of CBS Sports.

Aasbo is the most winning driver in Formula Drift history, with 13 career victories. He joined Papadakis Racing in 2011 and earned the series crown in 2015. He started his Formula Drift career in 2010 as a privateer in a Mark IV Supra and comes full circle this season as he takes the helm of his all new Toyota GR Supra.

Tuerck is a leading social influencer and top-tier driver with a career 14 podiums. His down-home charm, commitment to the sport’s grassroots, and talent in front of the camera have brought him a social fanbase of over a million followers. Earlier this year, he retired his previous chassis, a powerful Toyota 86.

The Papadakis Racing team began drifting in 2004 and is the most winning team in Formula Drift history, earning the 2015 title with driver Aasbo, as well as back-to-back championship titles with driver Tanner Foust in 2007 and 2008.

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Joy Denalane – LET YOURSELF BE LOVED

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Today the R&B songstress Joy Denalane aka Germany’s queen of soul shares her US debut album LET YOURSELF BE LOVED via Motown Records. Listen here.

“I wanted to make a classic soul album”, says Joy Denalane. “Stylistically, I wanted to move in the phase from the end of the sixties to about 1973.”

With LET YOURSELF BE LOVED Joy is making her definitive soul statement. The Motown album is in equal parts self-assertion, genealogy and homage to the great classics of the genre. A musical masterpiece where Denalane confidently brings together all the strands of her previous work. Nevertheless, she is not interested in vintage simulations of old soul recordings. She is driven by showing her musical identity. The album includes her singles “I Believe (Feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)”, “I Gotta Know” and “Top Of My Love.” Recently Joy performed her track “Be Here In The Morning (Feat. CS Armstrong)” on COLORS.

ABOUT JOY DENALANE

Joy has collaborated with the likes of Raekwon, Lupe Fiasco, Bilal, Common, Hugh Masakela and more. Joy’s talent, emotional honesty, the culturally complex story of her life and natural beauty make her an incredibly attractive and versatile artist. Joy is the essence of the modern, global, black woman. She is the daughter of a South African father and a German mother and was born in the divided city of Berlin. Her access to African music and rhythms as well as her love of American soul music made her an enthusiastic follower and participant of the up-and-coming Hip-Hop movement, which found a home in the culturally diverse city of Berlin at an early age.

At the same time, she was inspired by singers like Aretha Franklin, Letta M’Bulu and Mary J Blige, who gave her the energy and courage to combine all these musical backgrounds and create her own unique style. She is strong, beautiful, sensitive, a working mother and an ambitious artist.

LET YOURSELF BE LOVED Tracklist

Wounded Love
Be Here In The Morning (Feat. CS Armstrong)
I Believe (Feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)
The Ride
I Gotta Know
Hey Dreamer
Stand
Love Your Love
Top Of My Love
Let Yourself Be Loved
Put In Work

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Lost Kings – Hurt × DeathbyRomy

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Los Angeles based producers Lost Kings are back with the release of their brand new track and music video, “Hurt” ft. singer/songwriter DeathbyRomy via Disruptor Records/RCA Records (listen/watch here). “Hurt” sees the guys returning to one of the hallmarks of their earliest releases, an up-tempo dance heavy beat. The production mixed with DeathbyRomy’s powerful rich vocals provide the perfect end of summer jam for anyone’s playlist. In addition, Kyle Cogan directed the accompanying music and features dancer Maisy Dunne performing stunning choreography.

“Hurt” is the first track to be released from the duo’s forthcoming EP It’s Not You. The guys will release additional tracks in the coming months which will culminate with the EP.

“‘Hurt’ marks the beginning of a new chapter of Lost Kings,” says the duo. “These songs on the It’s Not You EP speak to the cycle of relationships that we’ve been through and our fans can relate to. We wanted to touch on people being in love but also wanting to keep their independence. Sonically, we wanted to continue exploring a new frontier while keeping the truest reflection of who we are.”

About Lost Kings

Lost Kings consists of Los Angeles based duo Rob Gainley and Nick Shanholtz. The two have risen up through the ranks of new producer talents gaining over 800 million combined streams worldwide. In the process, they have released various original music and remixes, released two EP’s, Paper Crowns and Lost Angeles and sold out major markets across the US including New York’s Webster Hall and Chicago’s Bottom Lounge. The group’s EP’s featured artists from all genres of music including Wiz Khalifa, Ally Brooke, A$AP Ferg, Marc E. Bassy, Loren Gray, Social House, Anna Clendening and more. After making their mainstage debut at the Life Is Beautiful Festival and playing some of the biggest music festivals across the globe, Lost Kings secured their slot to make their debut at Coachella in 2021.

For More Information, Please Visit:

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Pillow Pops by Shani Moran

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By Cassandra Yany

The COVID-19 pandemic has kept many of us confined to our houses or apartments, causing home improvements and redecorating to become a popular quarantine activity. Whether you’re reimagining a bedroom, living room or lounge space, throw pillows are a household essential.

The Pillow Pops by Shani Moran make a space cozy while introducing a sophisticated look. The curated collections from the Beverly Hills-based company make it easy for anyone to effortlessly redecorate their space. There are five pillows in each set that follow the same color scheme. Pillows are available in a variety of fabrics and shades to cater to everyone’s personal space and style. Each collection contains multiple textures and patterns. The pillows can be bought together or individually, as well as with or without trim based on your preference.

These pillow collections can enhance a room and serve as statement pieces, or can be understated to provide an extra bit of color and comfort. A hidden zip enclosure allows the pillow covers to be swapped for specific occasions or seasons, creating an affordable and versatile design. The pillows arrive in a luxurious box for a lavish experience while staying safe and shopping from home. The online store even has an interactive feature where you can customize the color of the sofa on which the pillows are displayed to see how they will appear in your home.

According to the Pillow Pops website, the brand is committed to using ecological and hypoallergenic textiles. They are dedicated to fighting against child labor and human exploitation, and donate ten percent of their profits to dismpowered communities across the globe.

CITY RATS × STREETS

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By Althea Champion

Thirty-four years after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant meltdown, lush greenery and wild wolves freely inhabit the landscape, uninhibited by the burden of human life’s presence. Nine months after the first reported case of COVID-19 in the U.S., another lifeform—one much less beautiful and romantic—roams the comparatively barren city streets of the U.S.: rats.

In East Coast cities, from New Orleans to Boston to New York City, residents are reporting sightings of rats swarming, scouring the city, capitalizing on the valuable real estate human beings recently left behind in pursuit of the safety of their homes.

The swell of rat turn-out is not simply because the once busy streets they cowered in the shadows of are now empty, but because they are starving and in dire straits. It seems that hard times are not unique to humans during these past few months, but are actually falling on rats, too.

“Community-wide closures have led to a decrease in food available to rodents, especially in dense commercial areas,” the CDC reported in a May update of rodent-control guidelines in respect to COVID-19. “Some jurisdictions have reported an increase in rodent activity as rodents search for new sources of food. Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behavior.”

According to the Boston Herald, Boston is currently handling an impressive rat problem of their own, with the Allston/Brighton neighborhoods reporting a whopping 88% increase in rodent activity in comparison to last year.

“Boston is experiencing an unusually large surge in rodent complaints during the coronavirus pandemic,” reported Meghan Ottolini of the Boston Herald. “With residents reporting massive infestations in gardens and rats ‘the size of cats’ scurrying down the street in broad daylight.”

The waste that rats once prospered on is no longer available as a result of much frequented restaurants and bars closing their doors. Scraps can no longer be found without extensive searches. Thus, city rats, motivated by their acute distress and changing landscape, are resorting to desperate measures.

In New York City, where restaurants are permitted to serve patrons outdoors as of June 22, rats are also showing up to dine at the literal heels of customers bating for crumbs, according to The Guardian.

In cities more than ever, the line between wildlife and the human race is slimming. Unlike those who live in more rural areas, animals are not something city folk come in contact with on a daily basis—aside from a dog, cat, and the occasional hamster.

Perhaps this is changing. Linda Rodriguez McRobbie of The Boston Globe suggests that the urban wildlifes—the coyotes in Chicago and San Francisco, mountain lions in Boulder, and the groundhog in Philadelphias—are perhaps lessening the “artificial division between ‘man’ and ‘nature,'” and maybe that isn’t a bad thing. Perhaps, humans do not have to be separate from nature, and rodents do feature in nature.

It is, after all, the year of the rat.