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count to ten cover art by Bri Hall for use by 360 Magazine

COUNT TO TEN PODCAST RELEASE

‘COUNT TO TEN’ PODCAST WITH CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BIPOC AND QUEER ARTIST, INFLUENCER, AND CONTENT CREATOR BRI HALL LAUNCHES NEW EPISODE: RACE & ROYALTY WITH BRITTANY LACKEY & GERMANI MANNING OF BLACK GIRL BRAVADO 

“Some proclaim the title of social media influencer just because they have a lot of followers, but [Bri Hall] is using her platform for good to reach her 1 million followers around the world.” — START YOUR DAY, BLACK NEWS CHANNEL

“[Count to Ten] aims to unpack appearance-based discrimination and more… [Bri Hall] wants the podcast to elevate people’s various lived experiences with the hope of also hitting home with those who haven’t lived them.” — WWD

Multi-hyphenate BIPOC and queer artist / influencer Bri Hall launches episode 2 of her new weekly podcast ‘Count to Ten’ presented by RedCircle. Available across all streaming platforms now, the new episode entitled Race & Royalty features Brittany Lackey and Germani Manning of Black Girl Bravado. Oftentimes when we think of a “post racial society,” we hear about minorities who have “made it.” Minorities who exist in the top 1% of society as the beacon of hope. Sometimes this is used to gaslight experiences with race by saying, “that was not racist, it was classist,” when it can be one, the other, or both. Today’s episode is all about exploring intersectionality of race, class, and power. Tune in now, here.

Raised in the DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) and now based in Los Angeles, Hall has achieved over 1.1 million followers across social media plus 50 million views and counting on YouTube as a content creator. Through her various work, including partnerships with Fenty Beauty, Calvin Klein, Clinique, Facebook, Google, etc, and her music project under the moniker La Hara, the rising thought leader has garnered positive praise from ABC, Allure, BET, Black News Channel, Bustle, Cheddar, Elite Daily, Harper’s BAZAAR, ESSENCE, NBC, NYLON, PopSugar, Refinery29, Washington Post, WWD, among several others. Utilizing her dedicated fanbase and established platform, Hall hopes to open an honest dialogue around delicate and indispensable topics such as race/racism, feminism, sexuality,  intersectionality, the model minority, DACA/Dreamers, invisible disabilities, mental health, and more. 

‘Count to Ten’ is a statement of defiance against the notion of “staying calm”—something individuals in marginalized groups are told to undermine their experiences when facing complex issues around social and racial injustices, gender or identity inequality, mental health, and more. Taking ownership of the phrase “count to ten,” the podcast is Bri Hall’s way of breaking that silence and creating a safe, educational yet entertaining space where listeners can feel seen and heard. Throughout the podcast, Hall will tap a special guest to provide their unique insight and expertise on select themes. Upcoming guests in the first season include Keziah Dhamma (aka Swirly Curly), Brittany Lackey and Germani Manning (Black Bravado), Bukola Odeosun, Darian Harvin, Aliza Kelly, Kristopher Head, Charlotte Nguyen, Helya Mohammadian (Slick Chicks) and Marta Elena Cortez-Neaval (Abilitee), MANNYWELLZ, and Jen Winston (The Greedy Bisexual). 

For Bri Hall, every project is an opportunity to explore new avenues to push boundaries and showcase different sides of her as an ever-evolving creator and trendmaker. On the ‘Count to Ten’ podcast launch, she states, “I’m excited to share a huge part of myself that supporters don’t always get to see from an Instagram photo or a makeup tutorial. Between filming for videos and creating content, I’m deeply engaged in conversations with colleagues, friends, and family about social justice, personal struggles, and marginalized identity. It feels like such an organic step to use my platform to further delve into these stories on a larger scale. I hope that people will learn more about marginalized identities and themselves through this podcast. Oftentimes, the gap between empathy and apathy is a lack of understanding and a fear of asking the wrong questions. By having a first person, fly-on-the-wall invitation into these conversations, I hope a deep feeling of connection between diverse communities will emerge for my fans and new listeners.”

‘Count to Ten’ episodes:

  • January 18th — Do I Seem Relaxed with Keziah Dhamma (Swirly Curly)
  • January 25th — Race & Royalty with Brittany Lackey & Germani Manning of Black Girl Bravado 
  • February 1st — Being First Gen with Bukola Odeosun
  • February 8th — Do the Write Thing with Darian Harvin 
  • February 15th — Hex and the City with Aliza Kelly
  • February 22nd — The Truth of Invisible Disabilities with Kris Head
  • March 1st — Excluded? The Model Minority Myth with Charlotte Nguyên
  • March 8th — Ableism in Fashion with Helya Mohammadian (Slick Chicks) and Marta Elena Cortez-Neaval (Abilitee)
  • March 15th — Show Dates: How DACA has Impacted Artists with MANNYWELLZ
  • March 22nd — The Greedy Bisexual with Jen Winston

About Bri Hall:

One of the brightest cultural leaders of her generation, Bri Hall embodies the kind of visionary creativity that defies all boundaries and transforms the way we view the world around us. With a global reach that now includes over 1.1 million followers across all platforms, the 27-year-old artist, social-media creator, and motivational speaker has continually turned her creative passions into a conduit for community-building and increased awareness of such crucial issues as social justice and mental health—all while channeling the singular joy of unbridled self-expression.

A first-generation American whose mother immigrated from Jamaica, Hall was born in New York but moved to Maryland at the age of five. As a young child she started drawing portraits, discovering an affinity for art that she partly attributes to an urge to connect with her absent biological father (a stained-glass artist). A lifelong creative polymath, Hall took up poetry in third grade, and within just two years saw one of her pieces published in a national poetry journal. Later on, she earned the distinction of being one of two students in the entire state to be accepted into a highly competitive visual and performing artists middle school, which helped to refine her raw talents and self-taught skills. Throughout her childhood, Hall further broadened her artistic horizons by learning to play clarinet in elementary school and later taking up piano while enrolled in a prestigious science and technology program in high school. During her junior year, she began exploring social media by kicking off a weekly Facebook feature in which she created time-lapse videos documenting her work as she drew or painted a portrait based on subject requests submitted by her followers. The feature was an instant hit, and in 2011 Hall launched a YouTube channel to showcase her increasingly in-demand speed portraits. 

While studying animation and game design at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Hall continued posting art videos and began appearing on camera—a turn of events that soon led to the launch of Smartista Beauty, a separate YouTube channel that served as a hub for the hair and beauty tutorials her viewers immediately clamored for. With her very first Smartista Beauty post amassing a staggering number of views, Hall quickly emerged as a beauty guru backed by an immensely devoted following (as well as support from global brands like Calvin Klein and Google). Not only known for the awe-inspiring ingenuity behind her wildly popular tutorials, she gained widespread recognition for the vulnerability and candor of her content, often using her videos as a sounding board for such complex and intensely personal topics as self-love and Black feminism. As more and more viewers tuned in for Hall’s insights into living a more fulfilled and empowered life, she took the stage for a TEDx Talk in 2018 and detailed her journey in following her creative dreams to incredible success.

In all of her endeavors, Hall merges her limitless imagination with a profound sense of purpose. In 2019, for instance, she made her musical debut under the name La Hara, an R&B project whose first round of singles included “Hereafter”—a quietly powerful track she wrote after the death of a close friend, then released during National Suicide Prevention Month in order to help others struggling with grief. More recently, Hall has aligned her longtime mission of increasing representation in media with her growing fascination with cosplay, tapping into her extensive makeup savvy and morphing into a series of iconic characters rarely performed by Black artists and creators.

In her commitment to endlessly magnifying the impact of her platform, Hall is now set to launch a weekly podcast called ‘Count to Ten.’ Presented by RedCircle, the show will include intimate and unfiltered conversations with guests whose personal experience speaks to the inequities affecting marginalized populations all around the world. To that end, the first season of ‘Count to Ten’ finds Hall and her guests discussing everything from the model minority myth and the intersectionality of race and class to ableism in fashion and the politics of natural hair. Inspired by the heart-to-heart talks she engages in on a daily basis—and the moment of re-centering pause many people with intersectional identities must frequently take in order to coexist in a variety of spaces—’Count to Ten’ ultimately reflects the driving force behind all of Hall’s output: a one-of-a-kind gift for taking the ordinary stuff of everyday life (a conversation, a bare face, a blank page), then introducing the extraordinary to expand our sense of possibility and reshape the way we live, work, and care for each other.

Wine art graphic via Allison Christensen for use by 360 Magazine

CHRISTIAN OJEDA NAMED LUCIA RESTAURANT & BAR EXECUTIVE CHEF

Christian Ojeda heads to the California coastline on February 1, 2022, to serve as the latest executive chef of Lucia Restaurant & Bar. The search for the perfect, new executive chef ends as Ojeda is set to join the withstanding Bernardus culinary team. Ojeda comes from Montage Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, where he, too, was named executive chef.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa is known for its lavish lodging sporting 73- rooms in California. Adding Ojeda to the team is sure to introduce even more luxury to the estate. With 20+ years in the culinary industry, Ojeda originally graduated from the Art Institute of Denver with a Bachelor of Arts degree in hospitality management. He has worked in an array of European kitchens, along with Joël Robuchon and Hubert Keller’s notorious Fleur de Lys in Las Vegas. He has worked in other esteemed kitchens such as the Auberge Resort Collection’s Calistoga Ranch, Sky Lodge, Utah and his most recent executive role at the Montage Deer Valley Resort, Utah’s single Five-Star, Five Diamond hotel acreage.

The Chilean-rooted chef Christian Ojeda has mastered European culinary practices that set him apart. Combined with his superb style and flavor methodology, Ojeda is sure to enhance Lucia Restaurant & Bar only further. Sean Damery, vice president and manager of Bernardus Lodge & Spa, expresses his excitement for Ojeda joining the culinary team. He states, “We’re extremely proud of Lucia’s legacy and look forward to chef Christian taking the dining experience to the next level. His depth in flavor-forward techniques and presentation are a perfect fit for Lucia. Given the rich local resources in Monterey County – from land to sea – his style and creativity will have no boundaries.”

LUCIA RESTAURANT & BAR

Set amongst lush orchards and vineyards, the 90-seat Lucia Restaurant & Bar sports 2,300 sq. ft. with a heated dining terrace and opulent main dining room. The structuring and design of the dining room will have you in awe; adorned with white Italian leather, French floors, chandeliers and exterior fireplaces that engulf you in the remarkable culinary experience. Selections of private dining venues ranging from the Cooper’s Den to the 12-seat Wine Cellar, the five-seat Chef’s Table to the 15-seat Magnum Room, Lucia Restaurant & Bar offers a truly exceptional dining experience with menus assisted by a 15,000-bottle wine cellar.

ABOUT BERNARDUS LODGE & SPA

If you’re in search of a relaxing, true wine country retreat; look no more. Blending opulence with modern style, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is the perfect wine country vacation destination. Esteemed as a Forbes Travel Guide Four Star property, Bernardus Lodge & Spa reopened in 2015 as a fully refurbished resort. The estate is set on 28 Carmel Valley acres overflowing with vineyards, sporting 73 guestrooms, suites/ villas, the celebrated Spa at Bernardus, the one and only Lucia Restaurant & Bar and so much more. Bernardus Lodge & Spa is located on the Monterey Peninsula, 120 mi./193 km, south of San Francisco and 330 mi./531 km., north of Los Angeles. For information, contact Bernardus Lodge & Spa at 831-658-3400 or visit www.bernarduslodge.com.

Purple Disco Machine x Sophie and the Giants "In The Dark" single cover art via Bryan Kehn Umusic for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Purple Disco Machine × Sophie and the Giants – In The Dark

Purple Disco Machine and Sophie and the Giants team up one again for their disco-tech single “In The Dark,” via Casablanca Records. Listen to the brand-new single HERE and watch the music video HERE.

Purple Disco Machine’s “Exotica Deluxe” album releases on Friday, March 4, 2022 – pre-order HERE.

A collaboration between Purple Disco Machine and Sophie’s is a recipe for pure perfection; the combination of funky production with supernatural melody and vocals can’t be matched. Their past partnership on the song “Hypnotized” reached over 350 million streams, gained a variety of Platinum certifications across Europe and hit #9 on the Global Shazam Charts. The track, too, was prosperous in Italy, where it went platinum 5 x. The success of the single led to the duo’s performance at the Power Hits Estate 2020 live from Verona Stadium.

The partnership between both artists produces another captivating, upbeat hit. The melody of the track produces a transcendent, modern aura, which is contrasted against the emotional lyrics of the song. The story that “In The Dark” produces through its lyricism and melody is one that a lot of young individuals could relate to modern day. The song proclaims the message of falling for someone they know they shouldn’t, but nonetheless, the heart wants what the heart wants. The delicate, exquisite vocals paired with deep lyricism makes for an incredible track. Sophie sings, “Pulled me in with your words so sweet, every time I ignored the sign, redemption’s mine on the day I leave, fallin’ for you was my only crime.”

“In The Dark” comes after a rather prosperous period of time for Purple Disco Machine, following the issue of the producer’s sophomore album “Exotica,” and the dancefloor complement “Club Exotica.” The inspiration for the studio album stemmed from pop culture and artists of the 80s. The project includes 14 tracks with international phenomena “Hypnotized” with Sophie and the Giants, “Fireworks” feat. Moss Kena & The Knocks, and “Dopamine” feat. Eyelar. The album, to date, collects over 500 million streams.

Purple Disco Machine ranks as the #2 Beatport Artist of All Time, the impact that he has had on the disco/ dance industry is unmatched. Purple Disco Machine has remixed artists such as Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, Sir Elton John, Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, Diplo and so many more. Accumulating over 1 billion streams across all his works, he has made his mark and stamped his place in the world of disco production.

 

Left Me single cover art via Noelle Accardi Umusic for use by 360 MAGAZINE

KIDD G × YNW BSLIME – LEFT ME

Rising country artist Kidd G unveiled his first new song of 2022, “Left Me,” with YNW Bslime. The collaboration track highlights the blend of country passion from Kidd G with a modern spirit from YNW Bslime, with lyrics that emphasize expressive emotions. Kidd G proclaims, “I don’t know why you left me… Now you’re nothing but a memory.” The track also releases paired with a music video that was shot in Keystone, Colorado.

Listen to “Left Me” HERE and watch the music video HERE.

Kidd G’s rise to notoriety landed him a spot in The New York Times’ Best Albums of 2021 with his most recent album, Down Home Boy. The deluxe version of the album released this past December, gaining critical acclaim. Kidd G co-wrote each piece on the 18- track series that highlights his Southern foundations. The deluxe album sees his unveiling radio single, “Summer In A Small Town,” along with just out tracks, “Paper Hearts (F-150),” “Whiskey & Wine,” and fan favorite “If Heaven Had A Phone.”

Before the publication of the deluxe album, Down Home Boy already attracted attention on its own. The album itself accumulated over 15 million streams on Spotify, enticing appeal to The New York Times who named it “the year’s best country debut album.” The Honey Pop, too, applauded the album, stating, “blending elements of genres like old-school country, hip-hop, and pop, he breaks the barriers of being stuck to any particular area of music.” Country Swag referred to the album’s uniqueness, declaring the album as, “like nothing you have ever listened to before.”

About Kidd G

Born and raised in the small Georgia town of Hamilton, Kidd G first gained widespread recognition through TikTok and SoundCloud. Kidd G posted some songs that he recorded online with his friend Nolie Beats, and in 2020 Rebel Music signed him. Though his preliminary single “Sorry” had a modern hip-hop flare, he soon after began adding in his Southern roots to his songwriting. Continuing his music on SoundCloud, his fans became loyal and fond of his southernly appeal.

Kidd G’s first viral hit came from his song “Dirt Road,” with its video amassing over 5 million views on YouTube in a little over one month. Hank Williams Jr. serves as one of Kidd G’s leading inspirations, as he states, “I love country because it feels so natural to me, and you can really tell stories in the songs.” Now emersed in his music career, he accumulates around 1.5M monthly Spotify listeners. His music has been played across KIX Country Radio in Australia, as well as country playlists involving Amazon Music’s ‘Country Heat’ (rose to No. 2) and Spotify’s ‘Hot Country’ (rose to No. 3).

Now embarking on his introduction solo tour and his partnership with Big Machine Label Groups’ The Valory Music Co., Kidd G heads in the year of 2022 with the sky as the limit.

George O'Hanlon "How Are You Feeling?" single artwork via Madi Florence Umusic for use by 360 MAGAZINE

George O’Hanlon – How Are You Feeling

Rising UK singer/songwriter George O’Hanlon makes his 2022 debut with his new single “How Are You Feeling?” available now via Harvest Records. Listen to “How Are You Feeling?” HERE.

The single finds inspiration from rock icons like Radiohead, Springsteen, Nirvana and Slowdive. Throughout the track, intricate guitar work combined with an uplifting chorus makes it one you’ll want to give a listen to. “How Are You Feeling” also comes as the introduction to George’s full touring band on a single.

As a songwriter, George is able to showcase his true talents in the single. He states, “The song is about how you find your path as a person, especially during your late teens early 20’s, and the ups-and-downs that come with that. To me it’s a really positive song about people finding their way.”

About George O’Hanlon

Gaining practice through performing in the college circuit, George O’Hanlon has been perfecting his craft for quite some time. Working on his music by performing and writing for the past few years, George launched his career in 2021 with his debut EP, The Storm. While his musical inspirations range from artists like Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke, George’s music has natural literary soul. He captives his fans by referencing his own life experiences, outlining them in new perceptions.

While rising as a budding talent in the UK music scene, George has gained affirmation from Abi McCarthy at BBC Introducing and Jack Saunders at Radio 1. You can find George typically performing at grassroots venues, while he toured the UK last September with his band. They traveled to small venues around the UK together. Noting the experience, George exclaimed, “We spent hours with four of us crammed in a car with all our gear. The tough bits are service stations at 3 in in the morning and things like that but playing the shows made it all worth it.”

You can catch George performing at his first US show at Austin’s South by Southwest Festival.

Lady London headshot press photo via Steph Paul for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Lady London – Lady Like: The Boss Tape

Trinidadian/ Jamaican American artist Lady London released her “Lady Like: The Boss Tape;” a series of her most acclaimed freestyles since she surfaced in the rap scene in 2018.

The New Jersey/ New York artist possesses a wide range of talents, from being a rapper, songwriter, poet, published author and educated woman, there’s not much that she cannot do. Her music reflects her drive, and “Lady Like: The Boss Tape” highlights all the best parts of her music.

This compilation of freestyles showcases London’s talent of freestyling, which gained her praise on social media. In her tracks, London remixes some iconic Hip Hop tracks and gives them her own flare. Featured tracks include “Lisa Story” ft. Dub Aura that samples “Get Me Home” by Foxy Brown and “Long Live Shamello” that remixes Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See.” Check out the full tracklist below.

The popularity of London’s freestyles has gained widespread attention, earning herself co-signs from Cardi B, Nas, Timbaland and so many more. Sitting at 618k followers on Instagram, London has established a loyal fanbase that has supported her music through the years. Lady London continues to elevate the rap scene, and last year she released two standout singles; “Money Over” and “Never,” which is her most personal record to date.

Lady London is one artist that you will want to keep on your radar as we dive into 2022.

About Lady London

New Jersey-born and Los-Angeles based rapper Lady London is known for her rhythmic lyricism. While her mother was Jamaican and Father Trinidadian, her childhood was divided between East Orange, New Jersey and the Bronx, New York. Hip hop culture has been an integral part of her life, as her uncle was Chino XL, and she grew up inspired by artists like JAY-Z, Lil Kim and Whitney Houston. In college, London was on a pre-med path, but still expressed her love for the arts while putting on successful poetry shows. In 2018, she posted one of her poetry videos online, and the video went viral with 8-million plus views. After London obtained her Master of Science from Keck School of Medicine at USC, she also was accepted into the school’s medical program.

Ultimately, London put her dream of medical school in the past to chase her dream of music. She talks about the decision, stating, “everything changed, I figured I could always go back to school. Convincing my West Indian family was very interesting. They didn’t understand why I was willing to give up everything I had been working towards. I knew I had to do music, though. You can’t run from destiny.”

Moreover, London’s career has taken off since 2018. This artist has generated millions of views online with her own original music. Her single released in 2021, “Money Over,” accumulated 500,000-plus views on YouTube as the one and only Cardi B described London as “the most slept on” to social media. London serves as a SAVAGE ambassador for Rihanna’s FENTY. Giving a performance in support of Black Lives Matter at the BET Awards, London caught the attention of many, eventually becoming co-signed by Diddy and Revolt TV.

“There are multiple levels to me,” Lady London clarifies. “I’m not one-dimensional. I really take my craft seriously. I consider rap to be an artform—not a trend. I’ve studied cadences, timing, breath control, double and triple entendres, and syllables. It almost breaks down to an exact science. I pay attention to verbiage, semantics, and diction. I’m a connoisseur of rhythmical composition in its purest form. I’m just a boss.”

Lady London continues to prove herself in the rap world as a force to be reckoned with.

Lady Like: The Boss Tape Tracklist

  1. Viral
  2. Long Live Shamello
  3. Yikes
  4. Lemon Pepper, Wet
  5. Lady What, Lady Who?
  6. All I See
  7. Black Love
  8. Buss It/Ski
  9. Welcome To The Party
  10. You’re Still Mine ft. Makaela
  11. Reciprocity
  12. Girl Like Me
  13. Lisa’s Story ft. Dub Aura
iann dior "On To Better Things" album cover art via Kristin Somin/ The Oriel for use by 360 MAGAZINE

iann dior – On To Better Things

Today, the multi-platinum selling, chart-stealing artist iann dior released his album, On To Better Things. See the official tracklist below, and click HERE to stream/download the album.

Throughout his new album, iann showcases an alt-pop/rock flare, while keeping to his identity as a rapper on trap tracks like “i might,” and “v12,” ft. Lil Uzi Vert. On To Better Things discusses the topics of love, relationships and loyalty, with the common message of moving on to a bigger and better future. The remarkable album sees the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Barker, including production from Travis Barker, Taz Taylor, Omer Fedi, Cirkut and Cashmere Cat.

You can catch iann on Jimmy Kimmel Live! next Wednesday, January 26, where he will debut “thought it was” ft. Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker for the first time.

As if the release of his new album wasn’t enough, iann, too, was declared the face of the Germany luxury fashion house MCM’s 2022 Spring/ Summer collection. The campaign can be described as “an interdimensional journey into utopian paradise.” The MCM’s 2022 Spring/ Summer campaign was shot virtually and IRL, mesmerizing viewers with a vivacious world, highlighting an upcoming perspective on 2022, paired with the musical styling of iann dior. The collection is available both in-store and online now at mcmworldwide.com.

ABOUT IANN DIOR

Puerto Rican-born, Corpus Christi-raised celebrated artist iann dior is known as one of the industry’s fastest growing artists in modern time. With the release of his first song that he wrote, his career took off. The song gained traction after iann posted the track to SoundCloud, quickly obtaining over 10,000 plays in its first week, catching the eyes of Internet Money founder Taz Taylor. Taylor and iann then got together to work on music, and shortly after he landed a deal with Elliot Grainge’s label 10k Projects in April 2019, releasing his project Industry Plant.

In 2020, we saw the true rise of iann when he was featured on the Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit “Mood,” with 24KGoldn, that is now certified 4x platinum. “Mood” stayed atop the Top 10 to 10 weeks. Together, the duo traveled and performed on The Voice, American Music Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and were nominated for 2 VMAS, 3 Billboard Music Awards, 1 AMA and 1 iHeart Radio Music Award following the achievement of “Mood.” Since then, iann has collaborated with artists such as Lil Baby, Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker, Clean Bandit and Trippie Redd. Renowned for his captivating music in the genres of alternative, pop, rap and electronic/dance, iann is a truly diverse artist that captivates millions of people with his distinctive and charming point-of-view.

On To Better Things Tracklist

  1. is it you
  2. complicate it
  3. v12 (ft. Lil Uzi Vert)
  4. i might
  5. heavy
  6. dark angel interlude
  7. obvious (ft. Travis Barker)
  8. heartbreak3r
  9. options
  10. regret
  11. thought it was (ft. Machine Gun Kelly & Travis Barker)
  12. sinking interlude
  13. let you
  14. fallin
  15. hopeless romantic (ft. Travis Barker)
STRANGE ACADEMY series art and cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS for use by 360 MAGAZINE

STRANGE ACADEMY FINALE ARRIVES THIS APRIL

Marvel Comics introduced STRANGE ACADEMY to fans in 2020, which is a mystical series produced by writer Skottie Young and artist Humberto Ramos. The series follows some of Marvel’s strongest sorcerers as they attend Doctor Strange’s school for the mystic arts. At the school, Marvel characters are introduced and taught the skills necessary to work with magic. Throughout 18 eccentric issues, Marvel fans have been introduced to new stars such as Emily Bright, Doyle Dormammu and Zoe Laveau, seeing the true prospective of magic in the future of the Marvel Universe. The phenomenon ends its first chapter in April’s STRANGE ACADEMY #18, but there’s a surplus of STRANGE ACADEMY still to come.

Writer of STRANGE ACADEMY Skottie Young spoke on the series, stating, “This book is so close to my heart. We created so many brand new characters and brought each one to life in such a unique way. Working alongside my brother Humberto over these last 18 issues has been such a special thing to me. I’m just glad we have more Strange Academy stories to tell and can’t wait to get them in your hands!”

Senior Editor of the series, Nick Lowe, also had words on the series. He said, “Platitudes get thrown around a lot in these pages, but if you’ve been reading STRANGE ACADEMY, you know we don’t mess around. So listen up, seriously, you do not want to miss this issue that is going to destroy you emotionally and destroy the school beyond recognition.”

The out-of-this-universe finale of STRANGE ACADEMY comes out on April 27. Get ready for the second semester of STRANGE ACADEMY that begins this summer. For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Gemaine × Charlie Heat – No Questions

Compton singer/ songwriter Germaine and distinguished producer Charlie Heat teamed up to produce their upcoming album New Jack City, with top single “No Questions” dropping January 21. The debuting single drops with a music video, in which Gemaine’s vocal capabilities are highlighted, showcasing old-fashioned R&B ballads. The arrangement showcases simplistic production from Charlie Heat, making room for Gemaine’s diving vocals, before captivating keys and percussion swoop in.

Gemaine speaks about his inspiration for the single, stating, “I was inspired to write “No Questions” by a tweet that I saw from Issa Rae. She mentioned she was listening to Mint Condition’s “Breaking My Heart” and said she wished men today would be more like the R&B singers from the past. She was bringing attention to the fact that loving a woman used to be cool. It inspired me to make a record that had a similar energy but with a modern sound. I wrote this song to remind men that there’s nothing wrong with being soft-spoken and romantic with your girl.”

The debut of “No Questions” precedes the release of Gemaine’s Lefty EP, issued in 2020. The EP received critical acclaim by HotNewHipHop, HipHopDX, Rated R&B, and more. With the arrival of the forthcoming collaboration album New Jack City between Gemaine and producers Ymtk and DJ Charlie Heat, we can only expect out-of-this-world work. The production affiliates operate as executive producers for the album, featuring credentials with artists Madonna, Ye, Kehlani, Lil Uzi Vert and more. The producers join forces in the project to illustrate Gemain’s creative concept with impeccable execution.

Gemaine and Charlie Heat knew that they struck gold working together on early studio sessions, shortly after deciding to team up on an artistic project. The upcoming album channels reference from old-school gangster films like edgy 1991 thriller New Jack City. Gemaine and his collaborators have generated a distinguished sound and essence for the album, producing brilliant tracks that highlight creative brotherhood stemming from the teams’ cooperative work ethic.

360 had the opportunity to chat with Gemaine about his distinctive R&B spirit, what he wants for the future of his career and how he plans on accomplishing it.

What makes you stand apart from other R&B artists?

I am genuinely moving with love, and being fearless about it. I think it’s bigger than me and my selfish needs. I love the music that inspired me and want to bridge the gap of where r&b is now and where it came from. I think my approach will do that, and I am a student of the game. If my music becomes popular, people will have to understand where it came from to do it and I’m not afraid to fail while doing so. Being a trendsetter ain’t easy but that’s what I’m striving to do. [To] create a new wave and a new appreciation to a different approach.

What can we expect from your upcoming album New Jack City?

Authentic chemistry from a group of guys who really love music, and who are not afraid to be themselves. I’m the voice to the music but the attitude and tone of the album is a collective effort

What is your goal for your career in 2022?

I would just love to be in the discussion of the “up next” artist to take over the game. I think I belong, and I know [that] if I get my foot in the door I’ll really do my thing

What is the biggest goal you aim to accomplish within your career?

Longevity and impact. Money is cool and fame is nice but having a legacy that outlives me is something I would be most proud of and strive for and what motivates everything I do. I want to be remembered. I want to be great.

About Gemaine

Compton native singer, songwriter and producer Gemaine is R&B’s up and coming star. Being initially introduced to music in church, Gemaine made his first public debut at the age of 18. In this debut, a video of him singing at a local Guitar Center went viral on TikTok, and this was when he decided to actively start pursuing music. Gemaine moved to New York City at the age of 19, where he uncovered the grit and hustle that would be needed to accomplish all his goals and dreams. Gemaine’s unique tone and modern vibe are reminiscent of artists like Al B. Sure and Bobby Brown. Gemaine takes inspiration from these artists, and aims to generate his own movement pushing for fresh R&B. What sets Gemaine apart from other mainstream artists is his sincere ambition and dedication. Gemaine is a perfectionist that places value on being enthralled in the artistic process of each of his records. His passion for R&B music paired with his impeccable ability to connect and transmit his vision through his craft make him an artist that is steadily on the rise.

Film artwork via Heather Skovlund for use by 360 MAGAZINE

THE CW NETWORKS DEBUTS “MARCH”

From the CW Network comes the brand-new documentary series MARCH, that navigates through the journey of competitive HBCU band culture. MARCH directly follows the lives of varying band members and leaders that are a part of the Marching Storm, Prairie View A&M University’s Marching Band.

The docu-series comes in eight parts, illustrating the efforts that the members put in behind the scenes to ensure success, and how they juggle their college life and academics with their commitment to the marching band. MARCH airs on Monday, January 25 (8:00-9:00 pm ET/PT) and then it moves to its regularly scheduled programming of Sunday nights beginning on February 26 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT), after ALL AMERICAN and ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING take place on Monday nights.

The new series MARCH highlights the stories of diverse and gifted college students that attend Prairie View A&M University. Whether they’re drummers in the marching band or dancers on the flag team, they all have one thing in common; they work hard at their craft, and they juggle the responsibilities of college on top of their musical endeavors. While delving into personal stories from individuals and staff associated with the 300-person marching band, MARCH also studies the rich legacy and history of Prairie View A&M, emphasizing the importance of the Marching Storm band has had on that powerful story. The series follows along the journey that they must go through to become the top ranked HBCU band in the nation. Performances include a captivating homecoming show with Texas A&M and Southern University.

From Stage 13, MARCH is executively produced by Cheryl Horner McDonough, Jamail Shelton, Shari Scorca and Marcel Fuentes.

About Prairie View A&M University

Serving as the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas, Prairie View A&M University has instituted importance on individuality and self-expression. With an array of programs for engineers, nurses and educators, PVAMU has fitting baccalaureate, master or doctor degree through eight colleges and schools. PVAMU prides themselves on having top-tier mentors that are available to guide and advise their students towards their dreams. For more information on PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu.