GRAMMY award-winning artist, actor, and multifaceted entertainer, Will Smith, releases his newest single “Pretty Girls” via SLANG Recordings – listen here. “Pretty Girls” is a catchy, fun summer banger produced by OmArr and Lexoskeleton. Alongside the release, Smith drops the playful music video directed by Conor Cunningham – watch from 3pm BST HERE.
“Pretty Girls” comes off the heels of Will Smith’s first full-length album release in 20 years, Based on a True Story. The 14-track album features a variety of collaborators including DJ Jazzy Jeff, Teyana Taylor, & Jac Ross and singles “Beautiful Scars,” “First Love,” “TANTRUM,” “Work of Art” and “You Can Make It.”
Will Smith is embarking on his first ever headlining tour the Based on a True Story Summer Tour, visiting major cities throughout Morocco, Europe and the United Kingdom. Smith’s headlining shows kickoff on July 13th in Hamburg, Germany and he is set to perform at multiple international festivals including Mawazine in Morocco, POSITIV Festival in France, Dreambeach in Spain & BIG ART Festival in Italy. Tickets are on sale now, full tour routing is below.
Recently, Will Smith hit No.1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart with “You Can Make It” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir- listen HERE. This marks Will’s first #1 single since Get Jiggy With It, topping both the rap and gospel charts. Smith debuted “You Can Make It” at the 2024 BET Awards. The powerful performance found him standing in a large fire pit surrounded by real flames – Watch HERE.
JVCKENWOOD Launches JVC EH-Z2000 AI-Powered Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids
JVCKENWOOD announced the official release of its most advanced over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid to date: the JVC EH-Z2000. Engineered for personalized performance, the EH-Z2000 is a self-fitting, rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled solution with audio streaming that offers users a clinically backed, self-managed hearing experience—all from the comfort of home.
The EH-Z2000 connects to the Award Winning Tuned app, providing a fully guided setup experience powered by the world’s first patented AI Hearing Assistant, developed by expert audiologists. This smart companion helps users evaluate their hearing, personalize their hearing profile, and get real-time support—24/7.
Designed to deliver more than just sound amplification, the Tuned app enhances engagement and motivation through a behavioral science-backed blend of audiology and psychology. From daily tips and goal tracking to instructional videos and professional support, users are empowered every step of the way.
Key Features of the JVC EH-Z2000 Include:
· Self-Fitting OTC Convenience: No in-person visit required—set up, tune, and adjust entirely through the Tuned app.
· AI-Powered Hearing Assistant: Get smart, self-service guidance and automated support for adjustments, troubleshooting, and answers to common questions.
· Best-in-Class Battery Performance: Built-in rechargeable batteries provide 32 hours of use per charge, with an additional 52 hours from the included portable charging case.
· Discreet, Comfortable, Virtually Invisible: Lightweight behind-the-ear design with six additional eartips ensures a perfect, secure fit for all-day comfort.
· Personalized Hearing Pro”letter-spacing:-.25pt”> Self-administered hearing check within the app enables tailored amplification tuned to your exact hearing needs.
· Bluetooth Streaming: Easily take calls or stream podcasts and audio from your smartphone. Bluetooth Low Energy ensures seamless connectivity and low power consumption.
· Ongoing Support and Education: Daily goals, how-to videos, and app-based lessons help users get the most out of their hearing aids while minimizing service needs.
· Remote Hearing Professional Support: When needed, users can access licensed hearing care professionals through the Tuned app for live assistance.
“We’ve combined clinical-grade hearing science with cutting-edge AI and an intuitive app experience,” said Patrick Koehn, Vice President of Lifestyle Products Division for JVCKENWOOD USA Corp. “The EH-Z2000 is more than a hearing aid—it’s a smarter, more accessible way for people to take control of their hearing health.”
DIABLO, Executive Produced by Bill Shadorf of HIGHLIGHTSTAR, the trailblazing content creator powerhouse and Social Media Superstar Francisco Carrillo, from Grindstone Entertainment Group, held its official LA Screening at Lionsgate last night ahead of the June 13th release in theatres, Amazon and Apple iTunes
Ahead of the highly anticipated film release of DIABLO, which debuts today, Friday, June 13, 2025 in theatres and on-demand (ITUNES, AMAZON), starring Scott Adkins, Marko Zaror, Juan Camilo Castillo, and Alanna De La Rossa, the official Los Angeles screening took place in Santa Monica, California at Lionsgate, hosted by Grindstone Entertainment Group and Highlightstar.
The pre-film reception included TOMA Empanadas by Sofia and Manolo Vergara, as well as Wavers by David Dobrik’s The Original Doughbrik’s Snacks. Social media sensation and multi-talented actor-comedian Francisco Carrillo, widely recognized as CiscoKid (@Kennalovescisco), made his Executive Producer debut with DIABLO in partnership with his management company, Highlightstar, and Grindstone Entertainment Group.
The film was executive produced by Highlightstar, the social media company led by CEO Bill Shadorf, and Francisco “CiscoKid” Carrillo, and directed by Ernesto Diaz Espinoza.
Notables and talent in attendance at the screening: Diablo stars Marko Zaror, Alanna De La Rossa, executive producers Francisco Carrillo “Cisco,” Bill Shadorf and Stan Wertlieb. Director Ernesto Diaz Espinoza, producers Clay Epstein, Alberto Portillo, Nicolas Troya, Alvaro Gutierrez. Actress Laysla De Oliveira (star of Paramount Plus’ Lioness), actor Jonathan Keltz, Callie Rose Deets (Griselda), J.Valentino, actor Jairo Orozco, director James Madigan, actor and producer Jason Gurvitz, actress Lola Manzini, actress Blanca Blanco, Toma founder Manolo Vergara, internet personality Nick Nayersina, DJ Steven Franz, producer Alberto Portillo, actor Chimechi Oparanozie, actress Druscilla Delgado, actor Fabian Alomar, actress Fernanda Urrejola, Carlos Ayala, music artist Michelangelo Falcon, Jose “Conejo” Martin, actress Oksana Orlan, Logan Winter, Maria Y Laura Estrada, actress and model Natalie Burn, DJ Adel Nur, Sakenah Samarah, Sam Shadorf, film editor Ernesto Diaz Espinoza, Arturo Arevalo. Actresses Sloan Waltz, Thali Garcia, Livia Pillmann, Alex Ordonez, Daniela Aita, Constanza and Daniela Palavecino, Charis Michelson, Cass Cardelle, Megha Bajaj, Skyler Aboujaoude, DJ Sebastian Topete, Christopher Romero, Sergio Farias, Violet Vanalden, Aaliyah Sheika, Poppy-Coco Fava, Ana Torres, Angel Rodriguez, Sakenah Samarah, Alfredo Vivar, among others. Additional attendees included Bryan Rojo, Mary McBain, Nicole Muj, Brandon Bouye, Ashley Figgins, Nicolas Friedemann, artist Jono Smithers, Andrea Herrera, Christian Osorio, Tatiana Shadorf, Deniss Rakovich, Ariel Bielberg, Manny Urrego, Amy Lanier, Liz Ward, Michael Traa, director Michael Olmos, Naomi Hall, Rick Dixon, Ryan Self, Seana Shadorf, Seth Craig Bateman, Soron Blomquist Eggerting, Trish and Jeff Piraino, Ellie and Santi Dominquez, Aaron Therol, Alex Litvak, Angel Rodriguez, Angie Bivian, Ariel Bleiberg, Charlotte Mott and Jon Brooker.
Details
Diablo, starring Scott Adkins, Marko Zaror, and Alana DeLa Rossa, will host a special screening in Los Angeles on June 12th, 2025. Alanna De La Rossa, who stars in Diablo, also stars in Grindstone’s release of Dominique, which was co-produced by Highlightstar. Produced by Scott Adkins, Craig Baumgarten, Clay Epstein, Jason Gurvitz, and Alvaro Gutierrez.
“Diablo is non-stop action with powerful performances from Scott, Marko, and Alanna. Highlightstar social media reach with Bill Shadorf and Francisco will garner the marker awareness that this film deserves.” – Stan Wertlieb, Grindstone Entertainment Group
Bill Shadorf, CEO of Highlightstar and Executive Producer of Diablo, expressed his full support for Francisco’s new role, saying, “We are thrilled to see Francisco take on the role of Executive Producer. His unique background as a trend-setting influencer and actor brings a fresh, innovative vision to storytelling. Diablo is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, and Francisco is ready to make a lasting impact on the film industry by showcasing his talents beyond the digital world.” The film will premiere on June 13, 2025.
Highlightstar’s mission Collaboration between traditional production and distribution companies and the Creator Economy can transform the entertainment landscape. By working together, we can elevate the future of entertainment, drawing on the expertise of experienced Hollywood professionals, strategic marketers, and influential creators. Together, we can revolutionize the way stories are told and experienced.
The phrase “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” might need an update. In 2025, you might just walk that mile as a pixelated avatar wearing $2,000 NFT sneakers that exist only in a digital closet. From Instagram flexes to Metaverse dance floors, virtual shoes are no longer gimmicks. They’re the next frontier in digital self-expression, ownership, and (believe it or not) identity.
What started with a few crypto-savvy streetwear brands has snowballed into a legit fashion movement. NFT sneakers are disrupting resale economies, upending traditional sneaker culture, and forcing even legacy brands like Nike and Adidas to rethink what it means to “wear” fashion.
Let’s dive into how these kicks went from JPEG jokes to multimillion-dollar assets shaking up global style.
Why Digital Sneakers Became a Thing
It all started with hype. Sneaker culture has always thrived on exclusivity. Limited drops, resale markups, and the flex factor were already baked into the sneaker economy. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) simply digitized that hunger for rarity and ownership.
But something unexpected happened: people actually wanted to wear their digital kicks. Not just in a blockchain wallet, but in games, on avatars, in AR filters, and on social platforms. Suddenly, these NFTs weren’t just collectibles, they were extensions of personality.
A 2023 report from Deloitte predicted that by 2030, virtual fashion could be a $55 billion industry, with sneakers leading the charge. The appeal? No storage space needed, no scuffed soles, and infinite outfit swaps.
Ownership Redefined: What It Means to “Own” a Sneaker Now
In real life, you buy sneakers, maybe wear them once, and watch their resale value skyrocket. In the NFT world, buying digital kicks often gives you:
· A wearable in games like Decentraland or Roblox
· Access to exclusive drops or real-life merchandise
· A unique serial number that proves authenticity
· Royalties if your sneaker gets resold
Some even come with physical twins, real sneakers shipped to you, but the clout now lives online.
This kind of digital ownership has sparked debates in fashion law and copyright circles. What does it mean to own “design” in a decentralized world? Can you copyright a virtual Air Max? Some answers are still legally murky, but the trend is clear: consumers care less about material and more about meaning.
The Brands That Are Winning the Virtual Race
Big brands were slow to move. Then RTFKT (acquired by Nike) showed up and flipped the game. Their NFT sneakers sold out in minutes. Other brands like Puma, Gucci, and Adidas followed suit, each launching their own NFT-based fashion pieces.
· Gucci’s Virtual 25: A $12 sneaker that only exists in AR filters, sold more than 500,000 units.
· Adidas x BAYC: Adidas partnered with Bored Ape Yacht Club for limited-edition virtual gear.
These collaborations prove that digital goods aren’t “less than” physical ones, they’re often more engaging, with community built right into the purchase.
Not Just for Flex: Functional Digital Fashion
The idea of wearing shoes in the Metaverse may sound ridiculous until you realize how often we already style avatars. Fortnite, NBA2K, and even workplace platforms like Spatial have fully customizable avatars. NFT sneakers let people bring their IRL aesthetic into those worlds.
But it doesn’t stop at cosmetics. Some NFT sneakers include “level-ups” in games, speed boosts, or brand perks IRL. That blend of utility and identity is what’s driving next-gen adoption.
Bridging the Virtual and Physical With AR
If you’ve seen people post Instagram Stories of glowing sneakers floating on their feet, you’ve seen the AR wave. Snapchat and TikTok filters now allow digital shoes to overlay your real feet using AI pose tracking.
AR tech has taken digital sneakers out of screens and into streets, virtually. Try-on apps are becoming more sophisticated, with companies like Wanna, Overly, and Vyking developing plug-ins for retail brands to offer virtual fitting.
This has even trickled into sneaker drop events, where fans line up not at stores, but in AR-powered lobbies with proof-of-attendance NFTs. The line between physical and digital is now more blurred than a low-light iPhone selfie.
Dressing Digital Avatars: Identity in Unexpected Places
One of the quieter but no less important shifts is happening in online entertainment platforms. As digital identities get more fleshed out, people want to dress their avatars, even in places they didn’t use to think about fashion.
Online casinos are now part of this digital fashion boom. Take BetZillo, for example. Known for its immersive and gamified environment, BetZillo is exploring the potential for visual customization. Although the platform doesn’t currently offer avatar design features, the idea of personalization is being floated in community forums and beta test circles. If adopted, it could allow players to bring a touch of their real-world style into virtual gaming lounges, tournaments, or social hangouts.
That kind of integration, where fashion meets functionality, could create a more compelling experience for users who already spend hours online. Whether you’re into sneakers, formalwear, or flashy digital suits, the potential for expression is real, even in environments you wouldn’t traditionally associate with fashion.
Are NFT Sneakers Here to Stay?
Cynics said they were a trend. But digital sneakers have outlived the initial NFT crash and are evolving with new tech. AI-generated fashion, AR adoption, and rising gaming engagement are all signs that the virtual sneaker is no longer a novelty.
Even Web2 brands are going all in. Nike’s .SWOOSH platform allows users to co-design digital shoes. Reebok and Under Armour have virtual showrooms. The future? Possibly subscription sneaker NFTs that update monthly or unlock perks over time.
If that sounds dystopian, just remember, people used to scoff at online dating too.
Final Laces: What It All Means
NFT sneakers are redefining fashion not by replacing physical shoes but by expanding what ownership and style mean in the digital age. They’re symbols, access points, and, yes, status flexes.
As platforms like Roblox and AR filters continue merging identity with interaction, fashion will only grow weirder and more dynamic. And if nothing else, you’ll finally be able to own that pair of glowing sneakers your mom would never buy you in real life.
‘On the heels of Wu-Tang: An American Saga, starring Ashton Sanders and Dave East, the ensemble has decided to embark on a massive tour. It’s been rumored that this is a transformative experience featuring one of the most prolific acts of our lifetime.‘ – Vaughn Lowery
WU-TANG CLAN is currently on tour and is poised to conquer an arena near you. Critics and fans are calling the shows ‘epic’ and ‘career-spanning’ because all nine surviving members are putting in all their effort to connect with diehard Wu-Tang fans across the country. Take a look at this SPIN deep dive.
“There is a clear path forward through partnerships that both further AI innovation and foster human artistry. Unfortunately, some bad actors – like Midjourney – see only a zero-sum, winner-take-all game. These short-sighted AI companies are stealing human-created works to generate machine-created, virtually identical products for their own commercial gain. That is not only a violation of black letter copyright law but also manifestly unfair. This action by Disney and Universal represents a critical stand for human creativity and responsible innovation.”
K-pop icon SEVENTEEN unveiled today the music video for “Bad Influence (Prod. by Pharrell Williams),” a track from their 5th Studio Album HAPPY BURSTDAY.
Produced by legendary 13-time GRAMMY-winning artist and producer Pharrell Williams, the track features feisty uptempo drum beats, a heavy 808 bass pulse, and striking bell tones, exuding a dynamic blend of energy and sophistication that captivates listeners around the world.
The music video captures the track’s sophistication with refined mise-en-scène reminiscent of a high-fashion editorial shoot. Set against a clean, minimalist backdrop, intricately placed props—such as an analog TV, reel tape, and used tires—evoke the feel of contemporary art installations.
In a set filled with modern flair, SEVENTEEN’s sleek visuals stand out, with the members radiating a chic, confident aura, dressed in stylish looks like black leather coats and sunglasses. As the group converges in a runway-like space, their effortless movements under the flash leave a dreamlike, yet intense impression.
In addition to its striking visual narrative, the music video also draws attention for the looks worn by SEVENTEEN. Their leather jackets were created in collaboration with Japanese fashion brand sacai, with the members contributing to the design by infusing their own individuality. One of the pieces is being auctioned on JOOPITER, a global digital-first commerce and content platform founded by Pharrell Williams. Net proceeds from the sale will be donated to UNESCO.
Coinciding with the new music video release, HAPPY BURSTDAY debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, tying the group’s highest ranking on the chart. Firmly cementing their presence in the global music scene, SEVENTEEN successfully open a new era of infinite reinvention beyond a decade.
GRAMMY nominated recording artist mgk has officially announced the title of his forthcoming album: lost americana. With the release of his exciting summer single “cliché,” mgk has been teasing the album title with a trail of online clues for fans to discover. Available globally on August 8, lost americana is an emotionally honest new chapter that reflects on his past with help from longtime collaborators and friends SlimXX, BazeXX, and Nick Long. The legendary narrated trailer captures mgk on a journey where the past is reimagined, and the future is forged on your own terms through music that celebrates beauty found in the in-between spaces. Pre-order lost americana HERE.
mgk has been building anticipation with a series of reimagined covers, including the Goo Goo Dolls’ classic “Iris,” Juice WRLD’s “Empty Out Your Pockets,” and Green Day’s iconic “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Each rendition offered a glimpse into mgk’s evolving artistry and emotional depth. On June 20, mgk will perform live on the TODAY Plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series on TODAY! Adding to the excitement, mgk is set to headline the 30th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour in Washington, DC this weekend on June 14 and in Orlando, FL on November 15-16.
The renowned superstar eclipsed genre expectations by releasing the widely acclaimed album Tickets to My Downfall in 2020. The platinum album topped the Billboard 200 and became his first No. 1 effort. The album landed 18 tracks on the Hot Rock Songs chart. Platinum singles, “bloody valentine” and “my ex’s best friend,” both went No. 1 at Alternative. His follow-up album, mainstream sellout, became his second album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album”
