The Underline has officially opened Phase 1 of its planned 10-mile project in the Brickell neighborhood of Miami.
Opening in phases through 2025, The Underline is transforming the land below Miami’s Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail, and public art destination. Once completed, The Underline will span an estimated 120 acres from downtown to South Miami and will feature butterfly gardens, dog parks, exercise equipment, basketball courts, mini-soccer pitch, performance areas, bioswales, and temporary and permanent art. To serve visitors of all ages, The Underline will feature numerous health and wellness, cultural, educational, and environmental programs.
The opening for Phase 1, known as Brickell Backyard, marks a milestone for the fastest-moving project of its size in the country––as the project has now secured over $120 million of the total construction cost.
Background
In 2013, Friends of The Underline founder, Meg Daly, broke both of her arms when she was riding her bike with her daughter. Since she could not drive herself to physical therapy, Meg decided to take the Metrorail near her home, and then walk the rest of the way to her destination underneath the train tracks. As she walked each week, she noticed how wide the corridor was, how cool she felt beneath the shade of the tracks, even in July, and that she was the only person using the space.
With the support of the community’s input and world-class design by James Corner Field Operations, a vision developed to transform this unused land into a public park and gathering space. And so, The Underline was born.
Friends of The Underline’s mission is to create a safer, healthier, more connected, mobile, and engaged community by creating open-access public space that will:
Physically connect communities through a mobility corridor that integrates public transit, car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic
Improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety
Encourage healthy lifestyles by providing access to public exercise facilities
Provide a 10-mile canvas for artistic expression
Generate a significant economic impact for Miami-Dade County
And more
Friends of The Underline Founder Meg Daly says: “I am inspired by our many supporters and believers who are committed to building a better community while improving connectivity and equitable access to parks and green spaces throughout Miami-Dade County.”
Notable funding sources include Miami-Dade County; US DOT, the State of Florida; FDOT; the cities of Miami, Coral Gables, and South Miami; the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Swire Properties; Baptist Health South Florida; Florida Power and Light the Miami Foundation; and the Health Foundation of South Florida.
Friends of The Underline and The Underline Conservancy are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. To make a donation of any amount or learn about corporate and individual sponsorships, click here. For more Underline information, visit their websitehere.
Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 for 2022 model year as part of the expanded Defender 90 and 110 lineup, along with a range of enhancements to the award-winning 4×4 family. (The table of new Defender models can be viewed at the bottom of this article.)
The new 518hp Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.
The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage – spanning the original Stage I V8 of the 1970s, North American specification models of the 1990s, and powerful Defender Works V8 as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium engines.
The V8 engine isn’t the only introduction. There’s also a new XS Edition, fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalization potential and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro2 infotainment touchscreen.
The Defender V8 builds on the rugged 4×4’s outstanding capability, delivering new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining a powerful 518hp 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.
The exclusive new Carpathian Edition is based on the Defender V8 and represents the ultimate expression of Defender design, performance and capability, while a new XS Edition replaces the successful First Edition and combines bespoke design and specification enhancements inside and out.
The SUV’s personalization potential has also been expanded with the introduction of new optional exterior design packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack feature unique exterior design touches to enhance the unmistakable silhouette of the Defender.
Heightened connectivity is also part of the updates for 2022. The Pivi Pro2 infotainment system on Defender is now available with a range of desirable new features, including the option of a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen display. Wireless device charging with integrated signal booster is now fitted as standard for improved convenience and call quality.
“The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it,” said David Hemming, Chief Product Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover. “We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender lineup with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
New Defender V8
The new Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of the Land Rover brand’s toughest 4×4 and recalls the rich heritage of eight-cylinder Land Rover vehicles dating back to the 1970s. The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body styles and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising capability.
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine, which produces 518hp, 461lb-ft of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender 90 V8 accelerates from 0-60mph1 in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h1 in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph1 (240km/h1).
Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response® system3 – only available on V8-powered Defender vehicles. It helps drivers to exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the 518hp model on tarmac and loose surfaces. Engineered to be the fastest and most engaging production Defender ever, it delivers unrivalled agility and driver appeal.
“The 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine further enhances the unique character of the Defender. It sounds fantastic and delivers incredible performance – providing new levels of driver appeal,” said Iain Gray, Senior Manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover. “Our engineering focus has been to optimize powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising the Defender vehicle’s all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
Larger-diameter solid anti-roll bars are designed to help reduce body roll in cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the cornering attitude of the Defender V8.3
Careful calibration of the new Dynamic program in Terrain Response® 2 gives Defender V8 a more agile, playful and responsive character. In this setting, a sharper throttle response and bespoke tuning for the Continuously Variable Damping combine with the stiffer suspension bushes for immediate steering responses. Working in harmony with the Torque Vectoring by Braking technology, Traction Control Systems and new Yaw Controller, the Defender V8 is faster, more engaging and more controllable than ever.3
Instantly recognizable, the Defender V8 features a number of unique exterior enhancements; unique exterior badging, distinctive quad exhaust tailpipes and unique 22-inch alloy wheels combine to set the most powerful model in the lineup apart. The Defender V8 is further identified by its Xenon Blue front brake calipers and 15-inch from brake discs.
Careful acoustic tuning of the Defender V8 induction and exhaust systems provides a purposeful and authentic sound. Calibrated to suit a broad range of driving situations, this evocative soundtrack can be enhanced by selecting Dynamic program in the Terrain Response® system.
Customers have a choice of three colors – Carpathian Grey, Yulong White, both of which feature a contrast roof in Narvik Black, and Santorini Black. Shadow Atlas exterior detailing completes the distinctive exterior finish of the New Defender V8.
Inside, the Defender V8 features seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor Leather with Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, each finished with a unique Ebony tag, while the exposed Cross Car Beam on the Defender features an exclusive Satin Black finish. The four-spoke steering wheel is enhanced by an Alcantara rim and tactile satin chrome gearshift paddles, which are unique to V8 models. Leather covers the airbag housing and gear selector, while illuminated treadplates are completed with a V8 script.
Defender V8 Carpathian Edition
The exclusive New Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is designed to be the ultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range. Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey premium metallic paint, the vehicle’s exterior is distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, hood, and for the first time on the New Defender, tailgate. Additional visual highlights include bespoke V8 Carpathian Edition badging finishes, Satin Black tow eyes, Carpathian Gloss front and rear skid pans, front grille bar and Xenon Blue brake calipers.
The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover Satin Protective Film. The recyclable PU-based wrap is applied to external bodywork giving the 4×4 a contemporary semi-matte finish that is designed to help protect against everything from parking lot scratches to off-road brush and scrub scratches.
Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.
Defender XS Edition
The new XS Edition replaces the successful First Edition, but with additional premium touches, including unique exterior and interior treatments
Externally, the XS Edition is identified by its bespoke body-colored lower cladding and lower wheel arches, and distinctive 20-inch, contrast diamond-turned alloy wheels finished in Satin Grey. A choice of four exterior color options is available: Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone and Santorini Black.
Inside the XS Edition, 12-way, heated and cooled electric memory seats are finished in Ebony Grained leather and Robust Woven Textile, while the exposed Cross Car Beam has a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish. Extended Leather and unique illuminated metal treadplates complete the interior.
Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics, Configurable Terrain Response®, Three-zone Climate Control with Rear Cooling Assist, Cabin Air Ionization with PM2.5 filter, and Adaptive Cruise Control.3 In addition, the XS Edition features a P400 engine, signature DRL, ClearSight Rear View4 mirror technology and Pivi Pro2 infotainment with 10-speaker Meridian™ sound system.
Pivi Pro upgrade
New for 2022 model year, wireless device charging, which features a signal booster to help optimize network reception and Wi-Fi signal is now standard across the Defender model range.2
Connectivity is also enhanced by the latest evolution of Pivi Pro infotainment, available with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen for the first time. The new curved glass interface is 60 percent larger than the standard screen. The fast and intuitive Pivi Pro system provides immediate responses, even when starting the vehicle for the first time.2
A simple menu structure allows the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the home screen to reduce driver distraction. The system can be easily customized to suit the preferences of individual customers. Additional app ‘panels’ can be added, moved and removed, while swiping left or right of the screen quickly reveals the most relevant information at a glance.2
The advanced navigation uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimize routing, while Smart Voice Guidance knows to cancel audio instructions in familiar surroundings. The Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology2 in Defender helps deliver the latest Navigation mapping.
Intelligent learning allows the navigation system to identify routes owners use regularly, even without inputting a destination, and use this information to inform drivers of the fastest route to their likely destination based on current traffic conditions. If a faster route becomes available, Pivi Pro will propose this as an alternative. 2
Greater personalization with new Exterior Packs
Customers can now choose from three new exterior design packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack further extend the personalization potential of New Defender.
Available on all Defender models, the Bright Pack features a Noble Chrome finish for the front and rear skid pans, plus a Noble Chrome front grille bar and badging. The Extended Bright Pack, adds Ceres Silver to the lower body cladding and wheel arches.
Defender X, Defender X-Dynamic and Defender V8 customers can select the new Extended Black Pack. It provides a Gloss Black finish for the front and rear skid pans, front grille bar, hood checker plate, badging, lower body cladding and wheel arches for a stealthy and purposeful appearance.
The 2022 Defender model range will go on sale in the U.S. in summer 2021. U.S. pricing will be announced at a later date.
Founded in 1948, Land Rover designs and engineers its vehicles in the United Kingdom. For over 70 years the brand has built a reputation for providing its clientele with some of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world; whether driving through the heart of the city or traversing the countryside on- and off-road. Today’s Land Rover lineup includes the Defender; Discovery and Discovery Sport; Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque. Land Rover is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information, visit the official Land Rover website.
About Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports sedan and sports car marques.
At Jaguar Land Rover we are driven by a desire to deliver class-leading vehicles, providing experiences people love, for life. Our products are in demand around the globe and in 2020 we sold 425,974 vehicles in 127 countries.
At heart we are a British company, with two major design and engineering sites, three vehicle manufacturing facilities, an Engine Manufacturing Centre and soon to be opened Battery Assembly Centre. We also have vehicle plants in China, Brazil, India, Austria and Slovakia. Three of our seven technology hubs are in the UK – Manchester, Warwick (NAIC) and London – with additional sites in Shannon, Ireland, Portland, USA, Budapest, Hungary and Changshu, China.
Paramount+ and MTV Entertainment Studios reveal upcoming slate from Academy Award® nominee Taylor Sheridan.
With 101 Studios to serve as production partner, lineup includes, Mayor of Kingstown starring Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner, Land Man, 6666 (working title)and previously announced Y: 1883.
Yellowstone co-creator recently signed a multi-year pact with ViacomCBS and
MTV Entertainment Group.
MTV Entertainment Studios announced during today’s ViacomCBS Streaming Event presentation a slate of upcoming series for the rebranded streaming service from Academy Award nominee and Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan.
On the heels of the success of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone – #1 cable show of 2020 – Sheridan will create new series under his overall deal with ViacomCBS and MTV Entertainment that include both Mayor of Kingstown and Land Man, in addition to expanding the Yellowstone universe with 6666 (working title) and the previously announced Yellowstone prequel, Y: 1883 that was teased during Super Bowl LV.
“Yellowstone is the #1 show with tens of millions of fans based on the characters Taylor has created and his gift for world building,” said Chris McCarthy, President, MTV Entertainment Group. “With Paramount+, our strategy is to supercharge subscribers by franchising our biggest hit IP like we’re doing with Yellowstone prequel Y: 1883 and build new IP with marquee creative talent like Taylor.”
“Taylor, Paramount+ and MTV Entertainment Studios have been incredible partners to us at 101 over the years,” said David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios. “Together, we have been able to build Yellowstone into an immersive universe for audiences globally. And that is what we intend to do with these series as well. We will be introducing new characters and story lines alongside world-class talent and creators. We are very much looking forward to bringing these shows to life.”
MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN
Mayor of Kingstown follows the McLusky family – power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither. Mayor of Kingstown will be executive produced by Sheridan, co-creator Hugh Dillon, Jeremy Renner, Antoine Fuqua, David Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari and Michael Friedman.
LAND MAN
Set in the proverbial boomtowns of West Texas, Land Man is a modern day tale of fortune seeking in the world of oil rigs. The series is an upstairs/downstairs story of roughnecks and wildcat billionaires fueling a boom so big, it’s reshaping our climate, our economy and our geopolitics. Land Man will be executive produced by Sheridan and produced by David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.
YELLOWSTONE SPINOFF, 6666 (WORKING TITLE)
Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666. Still operating as it did two centuries before, and encompassing an entire county, the 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing … The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavor to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately where world class cowboys are born and made. The series will be executive produced by Sheridan, John Linson, Art Linson, David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.
Y: 1883
Y: 1883 follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land – Montana. From MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, Y: 1883 will be executive produced by Sheridan, John Linson, Art Linson, David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.
In the previously announced deal, Sheridan is set to create exclusive multi-platform content with MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios under the multi-year pact which includes five cycles per year of scripted and procedural series. Content will be exclusive to ViacomCBS including but not limited to Paramount Network, Paramount+, CBS and other VCBS brands and platforms.
About 101 Studios:
101 Studios is a global entertainment company dedicated to the acquisition, financing, development, production and distribution of high-caliber, creator-driven storytelling. Founded by David Glasser, Chief Executive Officer, and David Hutkin, Chief Operating Officer, the studio empowers content creators through first-class collaboration and innovation. On the film side, past releases include Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s The Current War: Director’s Cut, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, the Sundance Audience award winner Burden featuring Forest Whitaker as well as the family comedy The War with Grandpa with Robert DeNiro. On the television side, 101 produces Taylor Sheridan’s cable’s biggest show for Paramount Network Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner as well as Sheridan’s upcoming series Mayor of Kingstown. Additionally, 101 Studios oversees and manages the newly formed Sports Illustrated Studios, a content platform based on the biggest and most compelling stories, characters and moments in sports past, present and future. Upcoming projects include Paradise Found based on the true story of high school football coach Rick Prinz; an untitled docuseries about the sexual abuse and cover-up at Ohio State University, co-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures; the feature film Red Rose Crew based on the riveting true story of the US international women’s crew team and the docuseries Covers, a behind-the-scenes look at Sports Illustrated’s top cover stories of all time.
Broad Distribution:
At launch, Paramount+ will be available online at ParamountPlus.com; via the Paramount+ app for iOS and Android; and across a wide number of platforms, including smart TVs, connected-TV devices, online, mobile, gaming consoles, and leading OTT providers.
About Paramount+:
ViacomCBS’ existing subscription video-on-demand and live streaming service,CBS All Access, will be rebranded as Paramount+ on March 4, 2021 as part of the service’s expansion to feature content from ViacomCBS’ leading portfolio of broadcast, news, sports and entertainment brands. ViacomCBS will also bring Paramount+ to international markets with an initial debut in Australia, Latin America and the Nordics in 2021.
SET TO RE-RELEASE REMASTERED DEBUT LP BEFORE THE FIRE & SELF-TITLED EP ON LIMITED-EDITION VINYL ON MARCH 26TH VIA THIRTY TIGERS
Two time GRAMMY-nominated group Rival Sons have announced the launch of their very own label, Sacred Tongue Recordings, with distribution through Thirty Tigers. The band recently regained the master rights to several of their early releases and will reintroduce them to the world by first remastering their independent full-length debut LP, Before the Fire [2009], and self-titled EP Rival Sons [2010], on all DSPS, CD, and Vinyl for the first time on March 26th. Limited-edition vinyl variants are available for pre-order at their website. They’ve printed up an exclusive run of 1000 copies of both Before the Fire and Rival Sons. Before the Fire will come in an orange splatter variant, while the EP is available in a clear with gold splatter variant. There will also be indie retailer exclusive color-ways of each release in translucent orange and crystal clear, respectively.
Regarding Sacred Tongue Recordings, the band commented, “We’ve talked about creating our own record label from the very beginning. It’s about creating a good home for our back catalogue as the Rival Sons community continues to grow together worldwide. The band has always maintained a stance of independence and sole custody of our early works was the long game. Introducing SACRED TONGUE RECORDINGS, a RIVAL SONS record label.”
By looking back, Rival Sons also leap forward again as they continue working on more music and the follow-up to 2019’s FERAL ROOTS.
Feral Roots not only garnered 2020 GRAMMY Award nomination in the category of “Best Rock Album,”but also yielded a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Rock Performance” for the top 10 rock track, “Too Bad,” as well as the #1 rock radio single, “Do Your Worst.” Produced by multiple GRAMMY Award-winner Dave Cobb at Nashville’s famed RCA Studio A, and the equally legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Muscle Shoals, AL, Rival Sons’ FERAL ROOTSis available now on all streaming platforms.
Stay tuned for more from Rival Sons and Sacred Tongue Recordings very soon.
About Rival Sons:
Since their emergence in 2009, Rival Sons have quietly reignited and recharged rock ‘n’ roll with towering vocals, uncompromising riffs, and thunderous grooves. Following the independent release of their full-length debut Before The Fire, they were handpicked to perform alongside everyone from AC/DC to Black Sabbath. Working with longtime producer Dave Cobb, the band delivered a series of critically acclaimed albums Pressure & Time [2011], Head Down [2012], Great Western Valkyrie [2014], and Hollow Bones [2016] as they headlined sold out shows on multiple continents. 2019’s FERAL ROOTS broke new ground for the band. “Do Your Worst” shot to #1 on Rock Radio as their first chart-topper at the format. It also scored 40 million-plus streams and counting. They delivered an electrifying performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden and earned acclaim from Billboard, Rolling Stone, and many more. FERAL ROOTS also gathered a 2020 GRAMMY Award nomination for “Best Rock Album,” while the single “Too Bad” notched a nomination for “Best Rock Performance.” 2021 saw Rival Sons present their own label Sacred Tongue Recordings distributed by Thirty Tigers. Through and through, they embody everything a modern rock band should be and so much more.
Last Week Featured Acclaimed Episode With Iconic Singer-Songwriter Stephanie Mills
Acclaimed music & pop culture-based iHeart Podcast Series, Questlove Supreme, today releases its newest episode featuring an exclusive interview with the legendary, Reverend Al Sharpton. This episode of Questlove Supreme is the perfect way close out the podcast’s Black History Month programming while continuing the conversation.
At 4 years old Reverend Al Sharpton knew what his mission would be in life and so his journey began as a great orator, warrior and leader in the plight of justice and equality for Black people. Listen as Reverend Al shares his story with Quest and Team Supreme and find out how music was pivotal in framing his story.
Listen to this week’s episode featuring Reverend Al Sharpton, out today HERE.
Listen to last week’s episode with Stephanie MillsHERE.
Prior guests on Questlove Supreme have included Mariah Carey, Zoe Kravitz, James Taylor, Seth Rogan, Estelle, Jimmy Fallon, Kurtis Blow and several others. It was announced earlier this year that Questlove Supreme is rolling out Classic Episodes from years past on Mondays. These episodes will include conversations with Michelle Obama, Cree Summer, Lenny Kravitz, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Weird Al and many more. Check them out HERE.
Questlove Supreme is a fun, irreverent and educational weekly podcast that digs deep into the stories of musical legends and cultural icons in a way that only Questlove and Team Supreme can deliver. Each episode is driven by conversation ranging from the guest’s origins (along with a few never-before-revealed secrets to their success) to their life passions and current projects. Additional hosts on the series include renowned and award-winning on-air personality and music commentator Laiya St.Clair, GRAMMY Award-nominated rapper/singer Phonte Coleman, GRAMMY, Tony and Emmy award winning music director “Unpaid” Bill Sherman, and engineer for Questlove, The Roots, The Tonight Show and Elvis Costello, “Suga” Steve Mandel.
Champion® Athleticwear Announces a Multi-Year Collaboration with the G.O.A.T.
The Partnership Kicks Off with a Knockout Muhammad Ali Collection that Embodies What it Means to be a Champion.
Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand development company today announced a multi-year collaboration for the Muhammad Ali brand. Through the partnership, Muhammad Ali will be the muse for a comprehensive, global campaign that will include integration across the Champion platforms and a series of product collections and limited edition drops. Champion will utilize Muhammad Ali’s iconic imagery, quotes, and his six core principles that fueled his journey.
“Champions are defined by how they carry themselves in sports and beyond,” said David Robertson, Director of Champion Global Brand Marketing. “Muhammad Ali’s legacy and Champion share a common foundation of authenticity, confidence and inclusivity. We are incredibly excited to see how consumers react to this new collaboration and interpret how we’ve incorporated designs that reflect self-expression to help them feel comfortable, confident and ready to take on any challenge.”
As “The People’s Champion,” Muhammad Ali was the ultimate personification of what it means to be a champion – not for what he did inside the ring but for what was inside of him. The first drop of the Champion X Muhammad Ali collection is based on Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Champion wants to inspire everyone using these core principles to feel strength from within and to be empowered to start a movement of staying true to oneself, on and off the field.
The partnership kicks off with the launch of the Champion X Muhammad Ali Collection, which evokes Ali’s spirit, celebrates living like a champion, and is an embodiment of sportsmanship. Ali’s core principles are reflected throughout the collection in the apparel designs, which feature iconic images of Muhammad Ali and some of his most famous quotes.
The collection spans sizes XS – 2XL and will include Reverse Weave® hoodies, crewnecks and graphic t-shirts in a red, white, gold and black color scheme and a Hyped X Wash. The Special Edition Men’s Reverse Weave Hyped X Wash is a tie dye design, with each hoodie being one-of-a-kind and hand dyed by local Los Angeles artisans. Each hoodie is pre-washed for broken-in softness and has graphics including a photo-realistic, archival Ali image on the sleeve, and an elevated felt and satin The Greatest applique. The collection is rounded out with a limited-edition pin set available as an exclusive gift with purchase while supplies last in select Champion retail stores, that celebrates Ali with iconic images and words that commemorate his journey to greatness. Future collections and drops will be announced in the months to follow.
“The Greatest of All Time and Champion are a natural fit for a partnership, and we are really proud of the Champion X Muhammad Ali collection that drops today,” said Marc Rosen, President, Entertainment, ABG, which in conjunction with Lonnie Ali as trustee of the Muhammad Ali Family Trust (MAFT) owns Muhammad Ali Enterprises. “To quote Ali himself, ‘Champions aren’t made in gyms, Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision.’ This partnership will honor that sentiment and we are excited for it to kick off.”
To shop the Champion X Muhammad Ali collection, visit Champion.com, Champion Retail stores, Social Status or RSVP Gallery beginning today. Retailing between $40 and $125, the items are the first of three collection drops with Muhammad Ali in 2021, with the second and third drops slated for later this year and more collections planned for 2022.
Since 1919, Champion Athleticwear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including activewear, sweats, tees, sports bras, team uniforms, footwear and accessories. Champion uses innovative design and state-of-the-art product testing to ensure uncompromised quality and innovative apparel for its consumers. Champion Athleticwear can be purchased at department stores, sporting goods, specialty retailers, and at their website.
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of global media, entertainment, and lifestyle brands. Headquartered in New York City, ABG elevates and builds the long-term value of more than 50 consumer brands and properties by partnering with best-in-class manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Its brands have a global retail footprint in more than 100,000 points of sale across the luxury, specialty, department store, mid-tier, mass, and e-commerce channels, and more than 6,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops around the world.
ABG is committed to transforming brands by delivering compelling product, content, business, and immersive experiences. It creates and activates original marketing strategies to drive the success of its brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms, and emerging media. ABG’s portfolio of iconic and world-renowned brands generates more than $14 billion in annual retail sales and includes Marilyn Monroe®, Elvis Presley®, Muhammad Ali®, Shaquille O’Neal®, Sports Illustrated®, Dr. J®, Greg Norman®, Neil Lane®, Thalia®, Nautica®, Aéropostale®, Forever 21®, Juicy Couture®, Vince Camuto®, Herve Leger®, Judith Leiber®, Barneys New York®, Brooks Brothers®, Frye®, Lucky Brand®, Nine West®, Jones New York®, Frederick’s of Hollywood®, Hickey Freeman®, Hart Schaffner Marx®, Adrienne Vittadini®, Bandolino®, Spyder®, Tretorn®, Tapout®, Prince®, Volcom®, Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Thomasville®, Drexel®, and Henredon®.
Muhammad Ali is one of the most influential athletes and humanitarians of the 20th century and has created some of the most legendary moments in sports and civil rights history. More than 50 years after he emerged as a Gold Medalist in Boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Ali’s legacy extends beyond the ring and he continues to be widely recognized as one of the most celebrated and beloved icons of all time.
His incomparable work ethic, signature boxing techniques, and fearlessness towards standing up for his beliefs, all contribute to the legend that is Muhammad Ali. Among his countless awards and accolades, he was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Century,” GQ’s “Athlete of the Century,” a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award. Muhammad Ali’s legacy is celebrated across cultures and continues to inspire today’s most influential athletes, artists, musicians and humanitarians around the world.
Global superstars Becky G and Burna Boy have joined forces on their latest track “Rotate” which is out now via Kemosabe/RCA Records. Listen HERE. Becky G says, “Rotate” to me is a celebration. I think it’s evident that futbol holds a special place in my heart and having Burna Boy join me on this made sense because ultimately I wanted to embody the perfect pre-game song that gets the blood flowing, makes you want to dance and enjoy the sport.”
Burna Boy says, “This is a song that inspires you to aspire and I’m truly honored to be a part of the champions league journey. Writing it came from a place of positivity. The belief that no matter who or where you are, whatever your background or your origins are, there is no limit to what you can achieve when you put your mind to it! I believe we are ALL champions!”
“Rotate,” which was co-written by both artists along with SoFLY, Nius, DiGenius, Elena Rose, Nate Campany and Jin Jin and produced by SoFLY, Nius and DiGenius, is currently featured in the 2021 Pepsi global football campaign “Music Keeps Us Fizzing’ which launched earlier this week. The lyrics and beat of the track, ‘Rotate’, are inspired by this year’s roster of Pepsi football talent and are a tribute to the beautiful game.
ABOUT BECKY G Singer, songwriter and actress Becky G was born for the spotlight and her multifaceted career is shaping up to be nothing short of iconic. The 23-year-old global superstar’s achievements include two number one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay Charts (“Mayores” & “Sin Pijama”), a starring role in “Power Rangers,” and guest-starring in Fox TV’s Emmy-winning “Empire” series.
Becky G recently won the first-ever American Music Award for Favorite Latin Female Artist (2020) as well as the E! People’s Choice Award for Latin Artist of 2020. She was also recently nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for Best Urban Song for “Muchacha” (her collab with Gente de Zona). Becky won the Latin American Music Award for Favorite Female Artist two years in a row (2018 and 2019) and received the Latin AMA for Favorite Urban Song (for “Mayores”) in 2018. She was also presented with YouTube’s Diamond Play Button for surpassing 10 million followers on the platform (she now has over 17M).
Becky recently accepted the Agent of Change award at the 2020 Premios Juventud (Latin Youth Choice Awards) for her activism and using her platform to inspire positive change and garnered the Extraordinary Evolution Award at the 2019 Latin American Music Awards for her success as a young performer who has reached the pinnacle of success in a short period of time. She has also been honored by the Latin Recording Academy as one of the Leading Ladies in Entertainment (2018) and by her home city of Inglewood, California for her contributions to the Hispanic community; she has been recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s “18 Teens Shaking Up Pop Culture” and one of Billboard’s “21 Under 21”.
Her debut album Mala Santa was released in October 2019 and has been certified 8X Platinum in the United States, Platinum in Spain and Gold in México. Click HERE to stream or download the album.
ABOUT BURNA BOY
Burna Boy is a Nigerian based Afro-fusion singer, songwriter, and performing artiste signed to Atlantic Records in the United States, Warner Music Group internationally and his record label Spaceship Entertainment. Born Damini Ogulu in Port Harcourt to parents Bosede and Samuel Ogulu, he is the only son and eldest of three children.
Burna Boy is one of the few figures in the Nigerian music industry with a distinct voice that evokes memories of many music greats, dead and living, from all over the world–something that has aided him in his rise to global prominence. An indigene of Rivers State in Southern Nigeria, Burna Boy has worked with several A-list local and international artistes like Sia, Diddy, Sauti Sol, Youssou N’Dour, Sam Smith, Damien Marley, Stormzy, Sarkodie, to mention a few.
Some of his major projects include Twice as Tall, African Giant, Outside, L.I.F.E., and On a Spaceship, amongst others. He has numerous critically acclaimed singles such as “Ye”, “Anybody”, “African Giant”, “On the low”, “Way too big”, “Gbona”, and so much more.
Burna Boy has been nominated for and won numerous awards both locally and internationally, some of which include GRAMMY Award, BET, MTV Europe Music Awards, Soundcity MVP, The Headies, MOBO Awards, Edison Award, amongst others.
MUSCO LIGHTING INVESTS $5 MILLION IN U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION TO KEEP KIDS MOVING DURING PANDEMIC AND BEYOND.
Musco Also Announces Grant Program for Communities to Bring Soccer to Their Areas.
Five-year investment supports Foundation’s goal to engage 1M kids in soccer programs and create safer places to play in underserved communities.
At a time when families are stuck at home because of a pandemic that has hit underserved communities particularly hard, Musco Lighting announced today that it is investing $5 million over the next five years in soccer programs and facilities to get American children moving. Specifically, Musco is donating this money to the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help fund the Foundation’s goal of engaging one million kids and installing one thousand mini-pitches by 2026 to provide youth in underserved communities with the same opportunities to learn, play, and grow as their peers.
Additionally, Musco is announcing a new grant program that will allow communities to apply for funding to install mini-pitches or fund soccer lighting projects in their areas. Leaders can learn more about these grants and apply for one at https://www.tfaforms.com/4871632.
Musco is a longtime partner of the Foundation having already contributed more than $5 million, including the company’s recent support as a funding partner in the Black Players for Change and Black Women’s Player Collective mini-pitch initiative earlier this year. Since the partnership began with the Foundation in 1999, Musco’s support has helped create or refurbish 200 fields and mini-pitches nationwide.
“Investing in youth soccer and this work is an investment in our communities. Eighty-one percent of kids in our program feel better about their future; eighty-three percent are healthier; and eighty-eight percent work better on teams”, said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “These positive outcomes stay with kids throughout their lives and help prepare them to enter the workforce one day. We are grateful to Musco Lighting for their longstanding partnership with us to brighten the futures of children across the country.”
“The U.S. Soccer Foundation has spearheaded so many important initiatives across the country aimed at empowering young people with essential life skills, relationships, and fitness habits, things that will have a positive impact throughout their lives,’ said Jeff Rogers, President of Musco. ‘We believe strongly in the Foundation’s mission and couldn’t be more proud to be their partner in this significant work.”
For more than twenty-five years, the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s evidence-based programs, and the coach-mentors who run them, have been nurturing children’s personal growth both on and off the field while providing underserved communities with safer places to play.
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit their website or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
ABOUT MUSCO LIGHTING
Since 1976, Musco Lighting has led the world in the design and manufacture of sports and large area lighting solutions. The company has pioneered lighting systems that enhance the venue and its purpose, are sensitive to the neighborhood and the environment, and are cost-effective to own and operate. Musco has been engineering systems around the LED for more than a decade, and has designed permanent and temporary solutions for everything from local Little League fields to international Olympic Games. The company has earned awards including an Emmy for the quality of its lighting in television broadcasts and a Technical Academy Award, Oscar, for movie lighting. Musco’s global team of experts partner with customers to plan, complete, and maintain a trouble-free solution for their facilities.
Celebrate Community Through Craft Beer” with Release of Gazelle Hazy IPAand ‘Jazz + Brews’ Virtual Event to Celebrate Black History Month.
Nashville-based craft brewery Tennessee Brew Works and Chicago-based Turner Häus Brewery have partnered to celebrate Black History Month and the craft brewing community with the release of their collaboration beer, Gazelle Hazy IPA. The Double India Pale Ale, now available at Tennessee Brew Works, honors Olympic legend, Tennessee native and Tennessee State University graduate, Wilma “The Gazelle” Rudolph.
Gazelle Hazy IPA is an 8-percent, ABV Double India Pale Ale that utilizes preeminent hops, including Waimea, Strata, Idaho 7 and Cashmere. The IPA is dominated by citrus and tropical fruit notes. Like all Tennessee Brew Works beers, this label was created by a local artist, Tennessee State University Professor, Sam Dunson. The label depicts Erika Motley, also a track star, and symbolizes the impact Rudolph has made with generations of athletes.
Tennessee Brew Works and Turner Häus Brewery will present a virtual event on Feb. 27, Jazz + Brews. The two breweries will “Celebrate Community Through Craft Beer” with a Virtual Tasting Experience and Panel Discussion examining “Diversity in the Adult Beverage Manufacturing Industry,” moderated by Eric Holt, Professor of Belmont College and co-founder and president of Nashville’s Lovenoise. The event will feature live jazz sets from Marcus Finnie + Friends, in conjunction with the Nashville Jazz Workshop.
Jazz + Brews includes a curated, take home box, complete with a Tennessee Brew Works X Turner Haus Gazelle Hazy IPA 4-pack, a new home baked Slim + Husky’s artisan pizza, a commemorative pint glass, and Urbaanite Nashville City Guide Vol. 1.
The virtual event includes live jazz sets and a fireside chat with Chicago’s Steve Turner and some of Nashville’s spirits business leaders, including Tennessee Brew Works’ President and Founder, Christian Spears, Stacey Thomas of Stacey Wines and Jason Ridgel from Guidance Whiskey.
Jazz + Brews Event Details
Jazz + Brews is a live virtual event on Feb. 27, 2021 from 6pm–9pm. Guests can pick up their curated boxes at Tennessee Brew Works on Friday, Feb. 26, from 12pm–7pm, or on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 12 pm–5pm. Tennessee Brew Works is located at 809 Ewing Ave. in Nashville.
Tickets for Jazz + Brews are $40 per person. Visit their website to purchase tickets. The online stream (private link) will be sent day of event.
“Brewing beer is a form of creative art,” says Steve Turner, CEO and co-founder of Turner Häus Brewery. “Collaboration with other artists is a very important part of the creative process, but, moreover, this particular collaboration showcases how diversity in this country can and should be celebrated collectively to create something epic.”
“We are honored to work with Steve and his team on this historic hazy double IPA. This beer was particularly special to us, so we are using some distinguished hops, pulling out all the stops!” said Christian Spears, founder and president of Tennessee Brew Works. “It has been an absolute pleasure working on this project with Turner Häus Brewery. The tagline, “Celebrating Community Through Craft Beer,” truly encapsulates this collaboration, which will be the first of many. Our Jazz + Brews event will be an important conversation for our industry, as well as our customers.”
“I am always proud to see Nashville entrepreneur’s come together to support one of our own. Turner has all the right ingredients for success in his newest venture Turner Haus Brewery…great product, passion to innovate and a plan to grow. The successful launch of the Gazelle Hazy IPA is just a start. I feel it is important, as a fellow black business owner, to pay it forward in all that you do as well as honor those that came before you. Turner does just that with this series,” said Eric Holt, event moderator and managing partner at Lovenoise.
ABOUT TURNER HAUS BREWERY
The Turner Häus Brewery concept was founded with the mission to celebrate community through craft beer by providing a fun, welcoming environment for craft beer enthusiasts and homebrewers alike. We cater to beer drinkers, homebrewers and our community, which includes the revitalization of our neighborhood in the historic Bronzeville district of South Side Chicago, Illinois. To learn more, visit Turner Häus Brewery at turnerhausbrew.com.
ABOUT TENNESSEE BREW WORKS
Tennessee Brew Works was founded in 2013 with a mission to create high quality craft beer that pays homage to the land, traditions and culture of Tennessee. They brew beers using only natural ingredients and source them from local farms whenever possible. Tennessee Brew Works is owned and operated by folks in Tennessee. They are guided by their motto: “We work hard to create high quality craft beer that makes Tennessee proud. Our culture places importance on family, friends, and community, and we hope you’ll be a part of it.” To learn more, visit Tennessee Brew Works at tnbrew.com.
The modeling industry has two very different faces. One side are supermodels, like Gigi and Bella Hadid, glamorously modeling, making millions of dollars, and traveling the world. The other are the unknown models working job to job, facing exploitation and manipulation by their agencies and clients, and trying to make their name in the industry. The mistreatment of models is as old as the industry itself. Skinny, cis, and white models experience this brutal reality. Working as a model is only worse for people of color [POC], LGBTQA+, and immigrants because of the lack of transparency or regulation and rampant misconduct.
New Players
The current push for diversity and inclusion has caused a much higher demand for POC, and LGBTQA+ models with different body types. In recent months, a few new players in the game are building their reputations on accountability and proper treatment of the models and creatives they represent. Several small agencies and one superpower are disrupting the model representation world: New Pandemics, Zandwagon, Community New York, We Speak Models, and film and television power player Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The way modeling deals traditionally work is that a model signs to an agency, such as Next Models, Ford Models, IMG Models, or Wilhelmina Models. The agency provides its models with certain services such as housing, transportation, portfolio shoots, and more. In most cases, anything an agency provides for a model they have to pay back to the agency, often at a high-interest rate. The interest rate means the longer they take to pay it back, the more they owe to the agency.
Although models sign contracts to agencies, they are not considered employees of those agencies and instead are independent contractors who the agency aids in booking jobs. The agencies do not keep models on their payroll. They do control the money that the models earn on a job and how their money models earn is distributed. Bad payment practices reach far beyond the agencies. The agencies are responsible for billing the client right after the model completes their job. Payment for jobs by agencies to their models is notoriously sketchy because clients are not required to pay upfront before shoots and can legally take up to 90 days to settle up. Most agencies take at least a 20% fee out of any money their models make and charge clients a “booking fee,” so for a $1000 job, they would charge $1200 but only pay the model $800. Worst of all, if a client does not pay the agency for work a model did, the agency does not owe the model the money they earned. The common practice in the industry is that the model only gets paid if the agency gets paid.
The film and television management world contrasts the modeling world in many ways. The modeling industry as a whole is riddled with misconduct, manipulation, and poor treatment of models by their agencies and brands. Many modeling agencies use contracts that include fees and costs they can pull out of the model paychecks and use debt, housing, and visas to keep their models dependent.
Agencies in other media such as film, only make money if their clients make money. In film, the percentage is around 10% because of unions. Although, none of these industries are flawless especially considering scandals in the film and tv world with predators like Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has a long history of representing talents across film, tv, music, and more. In August of 2020, CAA announced their partnership with KCD Worldwide, a fashion services agency, which signaled CAA’s entrance into fashion model management for the first time in the agency’s history. CAA has a strong legacy of representing high-profile individuals and building their careers. They have also stated that they only take a 10% fee out of their models’ earnings, half of the general standard of 20%. Despite their claims for better treatment of models, CAA is not blemish-free when it comes to allegations of abuse and sexual misconduct. Multiple former CAA agents have faced lawsuits.
Additionally, CAA has previously represented multiple people accused of misconduct, including Shia LaBeouf, Chris D’Elia, and Marilyn Mason; all of whom are no longer represented by CAA. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the smaller boutique agencies mentioned earlier, New Pandemics, Zandwagon, and Community New York. New Pandemics is “a casting and management agency dedicated to increasing LBGTQ+ visibility.”
Zandwagon is “a talent management company that could guide everyday life individuals who are breaking beauty standards daily” according to their website. Community New York is run by Butterfly Cayley, Moe Lamstein, and Richie Keoall, three first-generation immigrants from Laos, and “is founded on inclusivity and progressive values by changing not only the style but the very structure of management.” Cayley, Lamstein, and Keoall have impressive experience at agencies including DNA and Elite Model Management. Community New York now represents stars such as Hunter Schafer, who is well known for her work on the hit HBO show “Euphoria” and is now a brand ambassador for Shiseido.
With small diversity forward agencies up and coming, the existing modeling industry is under attack from all sides. All three of these agencies emphasize how much they value representation and inclusivity in this industry that has avoided breaking societal beauty standards for so long. They also claim they will be different from other agencies and provide better treatment for their clients. These agencies are sending the message that you’re either with them or against them, and they’re willing to think outside of the box to get proper treatment and equity for models from all walks of life.
Same Old Problems
Many of the biggest fashion houses in the world are still reckoning with the #MeToo movement. The fashion industry is known as a highly predatory business. Many of even the largest names in modeling have had to survive people abusing their power on sets and behind the scenes to become who they are. Household names, such as Kate Upton, Coco Rocha, and Cameron Russel, have all spoken out about their experiences with the abuse they’ve experienced while working as models.
Kate Upton spoke out against Paul Marciano in 2018, which led to a total of $500,000 in settlement agreements involving five individuals. He has remained an active participant at GUESS as a board member and chief creative officer, despite resigning from his position as an executive. At the beginning of February, the news broke that Marciano is once again being sued over sexual assault allegations by a woman who has chosen to remain anonymous. The allegations against Marciano are not an isolated incident. Similarly, allegations were brought against Alexander Wang in December of 2020 but began as early as 2017, yet some still chose his side despite the overwhelming corroboration of multiple individuals. If the word of a woman as successful as Kate Upton is not enough to oust a predator from power, it’s unclear what realistically can protect vulnerable individuals with less acclaim from the same experiences or worse.
The silver lining of these allegations coming to light is the industry supporting the individuals coming forward more than ever before. In the past, many models lost their careers before they had even begun due to the actions of predators and the mechanisms powerful people use to silence their victims. Accounts such as @shitmodelmgmt and @dietprada have been using their online platforms to expose predators and condemn their actions openly across Instagram and Twitter. Additionally, the Model Alliance, an organization dedicated to giving models a voice in their work, has also spoken out against Wang on their Instagram saying, “We stand with David Casavant, Owen Mooney, Gia Garison, and all the accusers of @alexanderwangny in their pursuit towards justice.”
The upheaval that began in 2006 with survivor and activist Tarana Burke’s creation of the #MeToo movement has continued into 2021. Slowly but surely survivors are taking their power back and pushing to create real change in media industries that have exploited them for far too long.
