Posts made in July 2022

G-SHOCK GOES TO SPACE

Today, Casio pays homage to NASA with the release of the G-SHOCK GWM5610NASA4 the third limited-edition timepiece in the series. The latest model, which celebrates space exploration, comes with advanced technical capabilities like Tough Solar Technology and Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping. Styled after the iconic orange suits worn by astronauts, the new model mirrors this famous aesthetic with an all-orange case and band, and an American flag adorning the black band loop.

The orange uniform, known casually as a “pumpkin suit,” is a full-pressure suit used by NASA astronauts during the ascent and entry portions of flights. Along with the eye-catching pop of color, the model also includes the NASA insignia on the lower band and an engraving of an astronaut on the case back. Additionally, the watch dial intertwines black, white, and blue colorways against a positive LCD, and the watch packaging is inspired by the metal launch pad bridge out to the orbiter.

The limited-edition timepiece also features several improved technical characteristics compared to the first two models. Among the new features is Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping, which provides radio-controlled time syncing, allowing the watch to automatically update the time without manual adjustments, based on the user’s home-city setting and Tough Solar power, allowing the watch to convert power from even the weakest light sources.

The GWM5610NASA4 retails for $170 and is currently sold out. Please visit select retailers and the G-SHOCK Soho store for more information on availability. For additional information about the G-SHOCK brand, visit HERE.

RUBI ROSE

Hip-hop Artist and Model Rubi Rose Brings ‘Lit’ Performance to LIGHT Nightclub at Mandalay Bay

Saturday night, hip-hop artist Rubi Rose brought a high-energy performance to LIGHT Nightclub, located at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Rose took the stage at 2 a.m. performing saucy hits including “Psycho,” “Big Mouth” and her latest single, “Wifey.” After her set, she hung out and danced with friends at their booth while sipping on Moet Nectar Rose, Hennessy and Casamigos Blanco.

About LIGHT Nightclub

LIGHT Nightclub at Mandalay Bay merges cutting-edge creativity with popular music to produce unrivaled nightlife entertainment. LIGHT’s DJs play a wide range of popular hits with performers and dancers immersing the crowd in a pulsating party vibe set to state-of-the-art sound and lighting. LIGHT’s massive LED screens captivate the senses and a world-class sound system keeps energy high. LIGHT is open Friday and Saturday nights from 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. More information is available on the website HERE and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ITZY – CHECKMATE

ITZY’S FIFTH EP, CHECKMATE, TAKES #8 SPOT ON BILLBOARD 200 CHART, MARKING THE GROUP’S FIRST TOP-10 EFFORT ON THE CHART

WATCH THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT’S “LATE SHOW ME MUSIC” PERFORMANCE OF “SNEAKERS” HERE

GROUP EARNS FIRST MTV VMA NOMINATION FOR “BEST K-POP” FOR “LOCO” MUSIC VIDEO

Critically acclaimed K-Pop superstars ITZY returned with their highly anticipated EP, CHECKMATE, which took the #8 spot on the Billboard 200 chart this week, marking the group’s first top-10 ranking on the chart. Further, the group has become the 4^th K-pop girl group to achieve a top 10 ranking on the Billboard 200.

ITZY recently performed the EP’s lead single, “SNEAKERS,” on both MTV’s Fresh Out Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show Me Music.” The track’s music video has already amassed over 78 million views since release and currently holds the #5 ranking on YouTube’s Top 100 Global Music Videos.

Quickly following this achievement, it was announced today that the group has been nominated for their first MTV VMA in the category of “Best K-Pop” for their “LOCO” music video. Next up, ITZY will be embarking on their first world tour, the CHECKMATE tour, beginning with back-to-back shows in Seoul in August before heading to the United States in October. The group will be visiting eight cities through November including Los Angeles’ YouTube Theater and New York’s Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

CHECKMATE follows a momentous 2021 for ITZY, as the group broke numerous personal records on both the charts and with streams and helped solidify ITZY as one of K-Pop’s dominating forces thus far. With the release of their first full-length studio album, CRAZY IN LOVE, in September, the group took the #1 spot across multiple Billboard charts upon debut, including Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales, World Albums, Tastemaker Albums, and Independent Albums charts. The release also made a strong debut on Billboard’s Top 200-album chart where it reached #11, making ITZY only the third female K-pop group that scored within the chart’s top 15. This release followed their spring EP release of GUESS WHO, which marked the group’s debut on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, peaking at #148.

ITZY continues to elevate their star power stateside making their first national US broadcast appearance with MTV’s Fresh Out Live in January 2021, racking in the largest performance views MTV had received for the platform. They followed that up with a performance of CRAZY IN LOVE’s lead track, “LOCO,” on The Kelly Clarkson Show in September. Some recent features for the group include Rolling Stone, who featured the group in their June 2021 “The Future of Music” Issue, TIME Magazine, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, and Teen Vogue, to name a few.

CHECKMATE is out now via all digital and streaming platforms. Get the full album HERE.

Wednesday, October 26^th – United States / Los Angeles / YouTube Theater
Saturday, October 29^th – United States / Phoenix / Arizona Federal Theatre
Tuesday, November 1^st – United States / Dallas / The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Thursday, November 3^rd – United States / Sugar Land / Smart Financial Centre
Saturday, November 5^th – United States / Atlanta / Fox Theatre
Monday, November 7^th – United States / Chicago / Rosemont Theatre
Thursday, November 10^th – United States / Boston / MGM Music Fall at Fenway
Sunday, November 13^th – United States / New York / Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

About ITZY:
ITZY first rose to prominence in 2019 with their debut single “DALLA DALLA” that ranked #3 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The song pulled in a registered 17.1 million “day-of” music video views on YouTube. At that time, the song both broke breaking the record for the most viewed K-pop debut music video in history and held the record for the fastest K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views. Their follow up single “WANNABE” charted at #4 on the Song Sales chart and is one of the top 10 K-pop song to trend globally on Spotify, while also ranking on the Emerging Artists chart, where it hit #31 for their third week in a row. Billboard Magazine ranked “DALLA DALLA” at #20 on the “25 Best K-pop Songs of 2019: Critics’ Picks” and Dazed Magazine ranked the track at #8 for “50 Best K-pop Songs of 2019.” The group recently took home the Best New Artist Award at the 2020 Korean Music Awards; and has been included in the TIME, PAPER, Buzzfeed, Dazed, Teen Vogue and HypeBae 2020 roundups for best K-pop songs of 2020. ITZY’s third album, Not Shy, peaked on the Billboard Social 50 chart at #11 and World Album chart at #8; plus their past albums, IT’z ICY and IT’z ME have both entered the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. In May 2021, ITZY made their debut on the Billboard 200 album chart with their six-track EP GUESS WHO.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

88rising, in partnership with Goldenvoice and the nationally renowned 626 Night Market, announces the food & beverage lineup for 2022 Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival on August 20th & 21st at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

For the fourth year, 88rising welcomes back the eclectic 626 Night Market, the largest night market in the United States, as a food curator for the festival. This year’s offerings include All Dat Dim Sum, Baozza, Shake Ramen, Tao’s Bao, TOKYO YAKISOBA, Bobaful, Chick N Skin, Chimmelier, Flavor Fusions Cafe, Luckyball Korean BBQ, Takoyaki Tanota, and Waffleland.
Dietary information will be available on the festival website.

In addition to the 626 Night Market food experience, Head In The Clouds will feature popular Los Angeles restaurants such as Bang Bang Noodles, Boba Guys, and Bopomofo Cafe alongside Sweetfin, Monty’s Good Burger, The Drunken Dumpling, Cocodealers, Must Love and more.

Longtime 88rising partner Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky returns for the third year to bring attendees 21+ festival-inspired whisky cocktails. Back by popular demand is a new take on last year’s Black Label and boba tea cocktail that will be served exclusively at the Johnnie Walker & Sons Cocktail Grocer Bar. Additional festival partners include Toyota, GUESS, Microsoft, and Year Of.

This year’s installment of Head In The Clouds features a star-studded lineup including show- stopping performers from Jackson Wang (Magic Man Experience), NIKI, Rich Brian, Yebi Labs (Joji DJ Set), BIBI, Jay Park, CHUNG HA, mxmtoon, the debut of Audrey Nuna + Deb Never’s joint project, eaJ, ATARASHII GAKKO!, MILLI, and many more. Read more about Head In The Clouds 2022 via Billboard HERE.

DIGGING CRYSTALS IN BADUBOTRON

Singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, DJ, and 4x GRAMMY Award winner Erykah Badu will bring The Digging Crystals in Badubotron Tour to America. Select stops along the tour will include DJ sets from Badu performing under her moniker DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Two tour stops will be major festival appearances including SOLFEST in Cancún and the 5th Riverfront Jazz Festival as staged by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Badu’s hometown of Dallas, Texas. Find tour dates HERE.

Keep Up With Erykah Badu‘s socials: Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter/ YouTube

POLESTAR CARS

Polestar Cars Finds Majority of US Drivers Don’t Purchase Electric Vehicles for Environmental Reasons

New survey reveals 55% US drivers purchase an electric car for reasons other than environmental benefits
Almost half of respondents are open to buying an electric car from a new brand, many more than with a gasoline powered vehicle
Generational differences affect rationale for electric car purchase

Polestar, the Swedish premium electric performance car brand, has conducted research that has found that 55 percent of US drivers purchase electric cars for reasons other than environmental benefits. In-vehicle technology, seamless connectivity and infotainment system offerings have been named as the most important decisions for consumers switching to an electric car from an internal-combustion vehicle.

“The idea of luxury being defined by what’s ‘under the hood’ has been replaced in the electric era with the prioritization of seamless connectivity, integration into existing digital ecosystems, and good UX design,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America. “People are switching to electric cars for more than just environmental reasons, and Polestar’s focus on in-vehicle technology means they can have everything they want in an environmentally friendly package.”

Polestar 2 was the first vehicle to market with the revolutionary Google-developed infotainment system. The system features Google built-in, including industry-leading voice control via Google Assistant. This enables control of functions using natural voice commands, including navigation through Google Maps, the climate system, music, phone and more.

Brand image also makes a difference to consumers based on age demographics. Fifty-seven percent of millennials (ages 25 to 40) are confident in new electric car brands compared to only 28 percent of Baby Boomers (ages 57 to 75). Nearly half (46 percent) of all respondents are more open to new brands and start-ups such as Polestar when it comes to purchasing an electric car.

Despite eco-consciousness not necessarily being a driving factor for over half of respondents, younger drivers are also much more concerned with appearing environmentally conscious compared to their older counterparts. For Gen Z respondents (ages 18-24), image is a big factor, with 12 percent saying it would be the most important consideration when choosing an electric car compared to an internal-combustion vehicle. That is twice as many as Millennials (ages 25-41), and more than three times as many as Baby Boomers ages (57-74).

To obtain this data, Polestar commissioned a third-party survey, fielded earlier this year with more than 5,000 electric and internal combustion drivers across all 50 US states. The survey questioned drivers on the state of electric car acceptance, charging infrastructure, and the perception of electric car brands when purchasing a vehicle.

NIA SULTANA – CRISTAL

Brooklyn singer/songwriter, Nia Sultana, releases the cinematic video for her new single “Cristal” featuring Che Ecru. Watch it HERE via Interscope Records. Filmed with a grainy, vintage look and rich golden-hour colors, the visual reflects the track’s charming come-up story in delightful detail. “Cristal” is available now at all digital retainers.

These imagistic details are captured more or less literally in the video, directed by James Bahman, which begins with the singer/songwriter crossing paths with a handsome stranger at a convenience store. They share lingering looks before continuing on their separate ways. The spark, however, is undeniable.

The new video arrives after “Proven,” a love-on-the-rocks track featuring Rick Ross, her joyous day-breaker “In the Morning,” and the mellow after-hours anthem “Ambiance.” Sultana first turned the heads of alternative-R&B fans with 2019’s “Coconut Water,” a relaxing jam that earned praise from outlets like NPR and was featured on the much-loved Escape Tracks platform on YouTube.

The proud Brooklynite’s recent music expertly captures the many highs and lows young women face, offering some truth with every note. In the music video for “Cristal,” Sultana considers how far she’s come — and plots the next chapter in her journey to the top.

SAINSBURY’S × WAE

Sainsbury’s partners with Williams Advanced Engineering and gives green light to sustainable start-ups with £5 million investment

Sainsbury’s pledges to support small businesses pioneering sustainable technologies that reduce carbon and water use through the creation of an innovative partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering
From refrigeration to ventilation, this landmark venture will invest in start-up companies with ‘proof of concept’ technologies that reduces carbon emissions and water usage across the retailer’s operations, as well as the wider sector
This announcement marks another phase in Sainsbury’s extensive investment towards achieving Net Zero in its own operations by 2035, having already made significant progress reducing operational emissions
Find out more and apply here: HERE.

As part of its pledge to reach Net Zero in its own operations by 2035, Sainsbury’s has announced the launch of Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments which will invest a minimum of £5 million over the next four years into start-up businesses commercialising innovative, sustainable technologies that look to reduce operational carbon emissions and water usage.

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) will scout and invest into early-stage companies, not limited to the Sainsbury’s supply chain, across a range of sectors. The first investment is expected to be announced before the end of 2022. In addition to providing much needed investment, Sainsbury’s is looking to accelerate dynamic start-ups and Small/Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in developing, testing, and deploying transformational technology that can reduce carbon emissions and water usage.

This announcement furthers the significant progress Sainsbury’s has already made in reducing its impact on the environment, having drastically cut its carbon emissions in its own operations by 762,119 tCO₂e, a reduction of 7 per cent year-on-year and 20 per cent from its 2018/19 baseline, keeping the retailer on course to meet its Net Zero target of 2035.

Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments is part of Sainsbury’s ongoing partnership with WAE, a world-leading technology and engineering services business, which combines cutting-edge technological advances and the industry’s best engineers; accelerating the drive for zero emissions.

In 2017, Sainsbury’s began the process of installing innovative Aerofoil technology to its fridges in-store. Since then, the pioneering energy-saving technology, collaboratively developed by UK start-up Aerofoil Energy and WAE, has been rolled out across the entire estate, resulting in an estimated 15% energy-reduction, with other retailers since following suit.

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Property and Procurement Director, said:

“We are committed to reaching our Net Zero target of 2035 and are proud to be doing our part in leading the way to create solutions that will reduce carbon emissions and water usage not just in our stores, but across the entire sector. We know that reducing emissions and water use is a critical part of tackling the climate crisis and to achieve this, we understand the importance of investing in pioneering technologies that can be adopted by all retailers.”

“Tackling an issue of this scale requires collaboration and we’re really excited to not only invest in these businesses, but also provide a pathway to in-store use, working towards a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Matthew Burke, Head of Technology Ventures, Williams Advanced Engineering said:

“Embracing new and unproven technologies is a necessary requirement to meet Net Zero and many of these products and services will emerge from the technology start-up community. Sainsbury’s Innovation Investments will accelerate the commercialisation of these technologies through the opportunity of investment, trial and deployment across Sainsbury’s vast estate and operations. In doing so it will act as a springboard for wider and rapid technology adoption by customers across retail and other sectors who all share common Net Zero challenges. With WAE’s focus on sustainability, and expertise in technology and engineering combined with early-stage technology investing, we are delighted to be supporting Sainsbury’s journey to Net Zero with the launch of this unique investment initiative.”

Sainsbury’s has committed to becoming Net Zero in its own operations by 2035, five years earlier than its original ambition. The retailer is calling on sustainable technology businesses keen to join on its journey to Net Zero 2035 to apply HERE.

WAKANDA FOREVER PROLOGUE

Following Saturday’s release of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teaser trailer at San Diego Comic-Con, the Wakanda Forever Prologue EP is available today. Listen and watch the visualizer music clips here.

As highlighted in the official teaser, the EP includes the powerful cover of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “No Woman No Cry” performed by Nigerian artist Tems. The project is produced by Oscar, GRAMMY and Emmy-winning composer Ludwig Göransson, and also features “A Body, A Coffin” performed by Ghanian artist Amaarae and “Soy” by Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan.

Commenting on the inspiration behind this prologue, Ryan Coogler and Goransson shared, This Prologue is an aural first glimpse ofWakanda Forever. The sound world for the film began with extended trips to Mexico and Nigeria. We spent our days working with traditional musicians who educated us about the cultural, social and historical contexts of their music. We built a catalogue of instrumental and vocal recordings with them that explored both traditional and non-traditional uses of their musical material. During the nights on these trips, we had recording sessions with contemporary artists who were akin to the characters and thematic material explored in the film. Using the script as a blueprint, along with the recordings from the traditional musicians, we began to build a musical vocabulary for the characters, storylines and cultures. The instrumental score and soundtrack forWakanda Forever both organically grew from these sessions and workshops. They are conceived together as a singular entity to create an immersive and enveloping sound world for the film.

No Woman No Cry – Performed by Tems; Written by Vincent Ford
A Body, A Coffin – Performed by Amaarae; Written by Ama “Amaarae” Serwah Genfi, Ludwig Göransson, Joel Mason “Maesu” Tanner, Kwame “KZ” Kwei-Armah Jr. and Jephte “Kyu” Steed Baloki
Soy – Performed by Santa Fe Klan; Written by Ludwig Göransson and Angel Quezada

In Marvel Studios‘ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livanalli. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in U.S. theaters Nov. 11, 2022.

CHILDREN’S PLACE × KEVIN HART

Tuesday, July 26th, at 8:30 AM, The Children’s Place and A-list celebrity partner Kevin Hart were in Harlem for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

By kicking off The Children Place’s heartwarming community learning center campaign, the brand, alongside Hart children’s book author, father, and comedian, unveiled a refreshed reading area for the East Harlem community. Children are able to enjoy ahead of the back-to-school season.

This newly reimagined NY-based reading space will be the first of 10 dedicated children’s reading spaces across the country which will serve as fun and engaging areas to learn.

The refurbished Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center will include learning materials from The Children’s Place partner, BIC, creative and comfortable furnishings, 2,000 donated books from ThriftBooks, a celebrity read-along and attendance from NYC government officials.

Watch on TikTok.