Posts made in July 2023

ZEDD + JOHN SUMMIT

GRAMMY® award-winning global superstar Zedd, has released his official remix of John Summit’s hit single “Where You Are” featuring UK artist Hayla. The wait is finally over as this uplifting remix takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to the timeless roots of Zedd’s signature sound, unleashing a surge of intense emotions. Listen now via Off The Grid/Darkroom Records HERE.

In recent months, “Where You Are” has undeniably emerged as the anthem of the year, captivating both fans and dance music enthusiasts alike. The track’s exceptional reception, including its electrifying moments during Zedd’s intros at major music festivals like Ultra Music Festival Miami and EDC Las Vegas, has solidified its position as a crowd-favorite and a must-play sensation. Reaffirming Zedd’s musical superiority, this remix seamlessly blends elements of progressive house and electro-pop, striking the perfect balance between infectious energy and poignant moments that will resonate with listeners worldwide.

Peaking at #1 Dance Song in the US at Dance Radio and #9 on the Billboard Hot Dance/ Electronic charts, with over 66M global streams. “Where You Are” has gained respect from numerous DJ’s all over the world, who have recently incorporated the track into their sets at all major festivals. The remix is now available on all major streaming platforms, and fans can expect to hear it throughout all of festival season. So far this summer, John Summit sold out 3 nights at New York’s Brooklyn Mirage and has kicked off his Las Vegas residency with Tao Group (Hakkasan, Tao Beach, Marquee Day/Nightclub). Next weekend, he will continue his festival fun by headlining Hard Summer alongside Kaskade and playing Life Is Beautiful Festival, Elements Music & Arts Festival, and more as well as gearing up for his European summer tour run. Fans can buy tickets HERE for the newly added dates along with many more global tour dates that have recently been announced.

To Buy or Stream Zedd “Where You Are” Remix:

Johnsummit.lnk.to/WYAZeddRemix

Follow John Summit:

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK

Follow Zedd:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TIKTOK

CHIKA – THE ALBUM

CHIKA RELEASES AMBITIOUS AND DEEPLY PERSONAL DEBUT SAMSON: THE ALBUM.

LISTEN HERE

FEATURING STEVIE WONDER, SNOOP DOGG, LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, AND FREDDIE GIBBS

Grammy®-nominated artist CHIKA releases her visionary debut SAMSON: The Album. A bold yet disarmingly vulnerable exploration of the rapper’s hopes and fears, the record showcases her unmatched intensity and flawless flow. “SAMSON is an album for people who know their worth and value despite the standards that they’re used to,” CHIKA says of her hotly anticipated debut. Listen HERE via Warner Records.

That concept of a person stepping into their power resonates across the album. From the opening track, “Overture,” a collaboration with theater giant Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s clear that CHIKA is determined to right past wrongs and speak her truth at every possible opportunity. To do so, she uses Samson, the biblical warrior, as her avatar — while still keeping a distinctly autobiographical tone. Take the recent single “MAD,” which references her experiences in the music industry.

“Perpetual chip on my shoulder, I’m tired of faking this shit like a poser,” CHIKA raps over soaring brass, synths, and menacing beats. “Attention is lost in a second, these battles are endless — I’m built like a soldier.” She then riffs even harder on fame and the creative process on “DEMIGOD” (“I am what I am and that shit worked perfect man”), before looking deeper inward on the startlingly raw “Requiem For a Dream,” her first new single this year.

“Often I just wanna cry,” CHIKA raps over the beat, which pairs the gothic, technical architecture of drill production to a lilting lullaby-like melody, before she ominously laments: “My family can’t take another goodbye.” While the album never shies away from pain and raw emotion, there’s also room for bold, buoyant experimentation on tracks like the Freddie Gibbs-assisted “TRUTH OR DARE” and the raunchy and wholly unfiltered “TAP.”

CHIKA also revels in comradery with her hip-hop cohorts, tapping Snoop Dogg for “UNC’S INTERLUDE” and Wale for the touching “BROTHER’S BETRAYAL.” Perhaps the most striking collaboration is the joyous album closer “GET HERE,” which boasts R&B legend Stevie Wonder on harmonica. “Who else can say, ‘My debut album has Stevie Wonder on it?,'” the Alabama-raised hitmaker quips of a track that succinctly underlines her esteem and standing in the game.

Though CHIKA hadn’t released a project since 2021, the impact of her previous work still ripples through the music world. Her 2020 debut EP Industry Games not only landed her on XXL’s coveted Freshman cover but earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. In 2021, she followed that record with Once Upon a Time, an EP that showcased her powerful storytelling and raw skills.

SAMSON: THE ALBUM TRACKLIST:

OVERTURE (feat. Lin-Manuel Miranda)
INTRO
REQUIEM FOR A DREAM
TRUTH OR DARE w/ Freddie Gibbs
OUTRO
DEMIGOD
NIGHT 4
AWARDS
MAD
PRODIGY
Intermission
SHOW ME
PLAIN JANE
TAP
HURT
UNC’S INTERLUDE (feat. Snoop Dogg)
BLIND
BROTHER’S BETRAYAL
DELILAH
GET HERE (feat. Stevie Wonder)

FOLLOW CHIKA:

STARTER + MLB

On Tuesday, July 25th, Starter × Major League Baseball brought back an icon, and it felt like the entire city was celebrating. The Return of the Bronx Bubble Jacket, a literal 90’s street style icon, is back with a limited edition drop – just in time for the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and the Subway Series.

The MLB Flagship Store was transformed into the Starter Pop Up for #TheReturnOfTheBronxBubble, with a special performance by Jadakiss and Funk Flex. The stars we’re in the building! The who’s who of hip hop, fashion, culture, music, sports and the NYC “it” crowd packed the house to catch the unveiling, score the presale, check out the nostalgic installations and of course- watch Jada perform!

The Limited Edition Bronx Bubble Jacket is available now at MLB Flagship Store at Rockefeller Center for just one week ONLY. Available in three teams (Yankees, Mets, Brooklyn) and three colors (Gold, Silver, Blue) for each and retailing for $300. This November the jacket will officially drop at the MLB Flagship, Starter.com and specialty retail stores across the country.

A Yankee hat. Timberlands. And the Starter Bronx Bubble jacket. It doesn’t get more New York than that. Steeped in nostalgia, these iconic pieces are the epitome of 90’s and 2000’s fashion. Starter, one of most recognizable and authentic sports apparel companies in the world, is tapping into that nostalgia– the energy was palpable!

Starter and Major League Baseball Join Forces Again to Re-Release Iconic Bronx Bubble Jacket

Celebrating Famed Limited Edition Drop with Star-Studded Bash Featuring Jadakiss and DJ Funk Flex at the MLB NYC Flagship Store

Starter, one the most iconic, innovative, and authentic sports apparel companies in the world, is collaborating with Major League Baseball to re-release a limited edition drop of the legendary Bronx Bubble jacket. Launched in 1971, Starter changed the face of the sports apparel industry forever and is intrinsically linked to MLB through countless licensing deals.

“The Bronx Bubble is widely recognized as an iconic and timeless piece of cultural legacy,” said Carl Banks, President of G-III sports apparel group. “Collaborating with MLB for this limited edition drop is a full circle moment. We are simultaneously bringing back this style staple while paying homage to the culture.”

Fans will have the chance to own the famed jacket, which is re-releasing just in time for the Subway Series, Fall 2023 season and the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

Steeped in nostalgia, the beloved Bronx Bubble Jacket quickly transcended the sports world to become the epitome of 90’s streetwear and an iconic touchstone, perfectly capturing the intersection of sports, music and culture. The original old jackets are difficult to find and brand recognition still runs strong. With the resurgence of the 90’s influencing current fashion, style seekers constantly scour resale sites and vintage stores not only for original Starter, but for other heritage and vintage brands as well.

To celebrate this iconic release, Starter and the MLB NYC Flagship Store are throwing an epic bash on Tuesday, July 25th from 2-6 p.m. featuring a performance by Jadakiss at 5 p.m., DJ Funk Flex spinning nostalgic hits throughout, an exclusive preview of the Bronx Bubble, first access to the presale and nostalgic installations. Following the event, Starter will execute a full takeover of the MLB NYC Flagship Store at Rockefeller Center running through July 30th.

Throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, the Bronx Bubble Jacket soared to cultural icon status, embraced by hip-hop artists and trendsetters across the nation. Fans such as Justin Bieber, LL Cool J, Eddie Murphy in Coming to America, Brooke Shields, Puffy, Will Smith, Run DMC, Jay-Z, Eminem, Missy Elliott, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Pink, Spike Lee, Cal Ripken Jr., Darryl Strawberry, Don Mattingly and countless others

elevated the jacket’s cultural significance. Its triumphant return means anyone can now own a piece of history.

The Bronx Bubble Jacket makes its presale debut timed to the Subway Series with featured classic NYC teams Yankees, Mets and Brooklyn Dodgers each offered in Gold, Silver and Blue. Retailing for $300 and available for purchase at Starter.com, MLB NYC Flagship Store, and specialty retailers across the country in November with limited numbers available via presale at the launch event and Starter MLB Flagship Store takeover from July 25-30.

Photo: Blue Pictoral

SAG-AFTRA RALLY

SAG-AFTRA Hosts ‘Rock the City for a Fair Contract’ Rally in Times Square

The rally brought together SAG-AFTRA members, sister unions, and supporters in a show of unity and solidarity, highlighting what can be done to create a fair contract.

SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher, New York Local President Ezra Knight and Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs Rebecca Damon were joined in Times Square by members and sister unions to show solidarity, cheer on speakers and call for a fair contract for working actors.

Teamster trucks drove by, honking in support, while thousands of members of SAG-AFTRA, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Writers Guild of America, and other unions danced and cheered, holding their signs high. Among the SAG-AFTRA members in attendance were Jessica Chastain, Matt Bomer, Brendan Fraser, Ellen Burstyn, Rachel Zegler, Michael Shannon, Jane Curtin, Nancy Giles and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Actor Christine Baranski spoke up on behalf of her co-workers on The Good Wife and The Good Fight including castmates and background actors. “On both shows, I consider these actors my colleagues and part of our creative family. Their contribution to the series’ success was indispensable, and I am here today speaking on their behalf … We will not live under corporate feudalism. It is just simply time to make things right. Our contribution will not be undervalued, and we will not be robbed.”

Actor Bryan Cranston addressed Disney CEO Bob Iger directly, declaring, “We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots … We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity!”

The rally also featured remarks from SAG-AFTRA members Tituss Burgess, Steve Buscemi, Liza Colón-Zayas, Jill Hennessy, Arian Moayed, Wendell Pierce, and Christian Slater. Members shared stories about themselves, their families and friends as working actors, living paycheck to paycheck. They expressed concerns about declining residuals and the studios’ unwillingness to let actors share in the streaming profits. Fears about studios using AI to reuse an actor’s image and likeness without their informed consent were echoed by all. The members urged the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers to make a fair deal that protects working actors’ rights.

Crabtree-Ireland laid out the core of the disagreement between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP, saying, “This strike is the result of big corporations that refuse to treat our members fairly. And it’s not okay, and we are standing up and we are saying no to that … This is a united membership who are standing together and are saying no to an unfair deal and are saying no to disrespect from these companies.”

Other union leaders, including Writers Guild of America East Executive Director Lowell Peterson, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and New York City Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez, also spoke, emphasizing their support for SAG-AFTRA and all laborers in New York and America.

About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, influencers and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists in the 21st century and beyond. Visit sagaftra.org online or find us on social (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter).

“Tobacco” Drops Friday July 28

Question Mid “Tobacco” (IF4782/100033893, $170) drops this Friday, July 28, from Reebok.com and select retailers. Reebok’s iconic Question Mid – Allen Iverson’s first signature shoe, from 1996 – arrived in its rare “Tobacco” colorway in the early ‘00s offering a unique mix of design elements including a tumbled leather upper, cracked leather toe box and collar, and a crystal gum outsole.

Reebok presents from its industry-best archive a slate of retro basketball sneaker releases for the month of July spanning OG bring backs, new stories, and never-before-released colorways, tipping off July 7.

The Blast “The Alamo” (IF4765/100033877, $160) – Available July 7 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com, Hibbett, and select retailers, this pink/mint colorway for “The Blast” – an historic Reebok basketball sneaker defined by its unique asymmetric design and eye-catching sidewalls – calls back to Texas team colors of the early 2000’s.

Answer IV “Free Agency” (IF4772/100033884, $170) – Available July 14 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com and select retailers, this never-before-released white/purple iteration of Iverson’s iconic Answer IV first appeared during the 2002-03 season as an exclusive option for West Coast players testing the signature sneaker market.

Pump TZ “Solar Yellow” (IE1872/100033132, $170) – Available July 21 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com and select retailers, Pump TZ “Solar Yellow” is one of the few original colorways issued for this coveted high-top model released by Reebok in the early ‘90s featuring the brand’s game changing custom fit “Pump” technology.

Question Mid “Tobacco” (IF4782/100033893, $170) – Available July 28 (adult unisex sizing) from Reebok.com and select retailers, Reebok’s iconic Question Mid – Allen Iverson’s first signature shoe, from 1996 – arrived in its rare “Tobacco” colorway in the early ‘00s offering a unique mix of design elements including a tumbled leather upper, cracked leather toe box and collar, and a crystal gum outsole.

Further storytelling supporting each launch will be shared throughout the month of July. For more information, visit Reebok.com/basketball. Throughout 2023, Reebok will offer fans a more expansive look into the brand’s rich archive with expected bring backs of its rarest and most interesting heritage models and game-changing designs.

Lamborghini’s 60th Anniversary

The 60^th Anniversary Lamborghini Esperienza Giro from Aspen to Telluride on July 19 to 23 offered Lamborghini customers an unforgettable driving experience exploring breathtaking Colorado scenery. During an important year in which the brand commemorates 60 years since its founding in 1963, Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini joined participants in Aspen along with Federico Foschini, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer to welcome excited Lamborghini customers ahead of the Giro start. The 3-day journey saw a fleet of 40 Lamborghini super sports cars and super SUVs departing Aspen traversing through the mountainous terrain en route to the quaint Mountain Village of Telluride.

“In celebration of the brand’s 60^th anniversary, we are thrilled to bring our passionate customers together for an authentic Lamborghini driving program in our top market globally, the United States. Seeing the bold spirit of Lamborghini navigating some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country underlines the ‘fun-to-drive’ experience highly valued by our customers and fans,” remarked Winkelmann.

The journey from Aspen had participants heading to the scenic town of Paonia, then through Colorado’s high plains in Montrose, and ultimately arriving to the Mountain Village of Telluride. The final day drivers embarked on a journey to Ouray, taking on the legendary Million Dollar Highway, a winding mountain road offering impressive views of high peaks, steep cliffs and spectacular scenery.

The adventurous, all-terrain Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, debuted for the first time in the U.S. dynamically during a customer event. Created for maximum driving pleasure even off the asphalt on unpaved or sandy surfaces, the Huracán Sterrato offers perfect control and delivers a completely new level of driving emotion and fun. Designed to offer optimum performance on and off the road, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (ca. 60 mph) in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h (ca. 160 mph).

Marvel Reveals Infinity Comics

This weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Unlimited announced an exciting line-up of new Infinity Comics coming to the app!

The upcoming comics include MARVEL MEOW #13, LOVE UNLIMITED: GAMBIT & ROGUE #61, AVENGERS UNLIMITED #58, MARVEL’S VOICES: ECHO #64, X-MEN UNLIMITED #100, and MARVEL’S VOICES: NIGHTSHARE #71. Launch dates, creative teams, and story details can be found below.

Marvel Unlimited is a one-stop destination for over 30,000 comics spanning the entire Marvel Universe. The app is available for iPhone®, iPad®, Android devices™ and on web. For more information on Marvel Unlimited comics, please visit: www.marvel.com/unlimited.

The BAAND Together Festival

Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City – the ultimate New York festival – is in full swing! Experience NY’s biggest outdoor dance floor with a mega disco ball, learn a new dance style at the BAAND Together Dance Festival, laugh the night away, and sing along to your favorite songs! FREE events at Summer for the City are General Admission; first-come, first-served. In addition to General Admission, we’re offering FREE Fast Track reservations every Monday at 12:00 pm for select events that week. This week’s Fast Track becomes available today, July 24 at 12:00 pm! With a Fast Track reservation, you get access to a priority line. To learn more and reserve Fast Track, visit LincolnCenter.org/FastTrack.

JAWA FIGURE SELLS AT AUCTION

There was a large gasp yesterday as the hammer went down at Excalibur Auctions for a rare and highly sought-after PALITOY Star Wars Jawa figure, considered the ‘holy grail’ for Star Wars fans. After competitive bidding from around the globe it finally sold to a UK private collector on the telephone for £26,670 smashing its pre-sale estimate of £10,000-£15,000.

The Jawa figure was from the first group of 12 Star Wars figures ever made in 1978 and is still mounted on its original 12-back card, with no fading of colour or damage. The figure is also one of only a few to exist that sports an original vinyl cape, which PALITOY later replaced with a fabric one.

Commenting on the result Jonathan Torode, Excalibur’s Auctioneer said: “I am very pleased that this, one of the rarest carded Star Wars figures known to exist, with only 10-15 examples documented, has stayed in the UK with an avid Star Wars private collector, who was bidding anonymously on the telephone. The UK PALITOY carded variation is even rarer than the USA Kenner version. It’s a privilege to handle such a piece of Star Wars toy history.”

The figure came with exceptional provenance, as the seller was the Art Director of Marvel UK between 1974 and 1979 and received it as a gift from PALITOY during the promotion of the Star Wars line in Marvel’s comics.

COMIC-CON REVEALS TIMELESS

Just announced at the Marvel: Next Big Thing panel at San Diego Comic-Con, TIMELESS, the special year-ending one-shot that sets the stage for upcoming stories in the Marvel Universe, will return for its third year this December!

Joined by acclaimed artist Juann Cabal, writing team Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing will be taking over writing duties from previousTimeless writer Jed MacKay. The superstar team, known for their work on the current Guardians of the Galaxy ongoing series, will introduce readers to the dark future of the Marvel Universe. In this world that’s been doomed by the hubris of its heroes, only one battle remains. Fans will witness the final struggle of Earth’s only surviving super hero as he sets out to end the rule of a cruel god-like being that’s been shaped by some of the most powerful forces in the Marvel Universe. Like previous TIMELESS installments, this ambitious saga will also contain shocking glimpses into the next year of Marvel storytelling including the very events that kick off the inevitable chain of events that led to end of the age of heroes!

In a devastating future born from the choices of today, all of time and space is threatened by the ascension of an ancient evil. The Immortal Moon Knight has risen – a nightmare borne of StarkTech, the Eternal Machine, and the God of the Moon – and now all of Earth bows before his overwhelming power! But one man stands against Khonshu’s coming tide of chaos: Power Man, the Marvel Universe’s final living super hero. But who is Power Man – and how did he come to wield the unstable powers of the Sentry, the Hulk, and the Iron Fist? What dark, deeply personal conflict underpins this mind bending apocalypse? And at the end of the line, can the Marvel Universe ever truly be saved?

See both new characters, Power Man and Immortal Moon Knight, on Kael Ngu’s cover below and prepare to meet them and the bold future from which they hail from when TIMELESS #1 2023 arrives in December. For more information, visit Marvel.com.