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Outlierman × Pebble Beach Partnership

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A CLASSIC CONCOURS COLLABORATION: THE OUTLIERMAN IS PROUD TO HAVE RENEWED ITS EXCLUSIVE STYLE PARTNERSHIP WITH PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

Bologna-based atelier, The Outlierman, has renewed its exclusive style partnership with the world-renowned concours event, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. First established in 2016, this partnership involves the Italian brand creating a bespoke design for their handcrafted ties, with the pattern celebrating the theme of each event. Designed and produced exclusively for the illustrious event, each collector showcasing their distinguished vehicles will receive a complimentary tie, alongside the judges. Lovingly crafted by master craftspeople from Como in Italy, each tie incorporates 100% twill silk fabric (18 momi) and 100% wool interlining. Taking place on Sunday, August 15, 2021 – this year’s event will be 70th anniversary of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Outlierman is an Italian company that creates luxury automotive accessories for driving enthusiasts

The Outlierman, makers of handcrafted luxury driving accessories, is delighted to announce the extension of their exclusive style partnership with Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

A celebration of style and refinement

Established in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is considered to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile and takes place each year on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, with the Pacific Ocean serving as stunning backdrop to the event.

Since 2016, The Outlierman has proudly partnered with Concours d’Elegance to produce bespoke handcrafted ties, which celebrate the theme of each occasion. Previous designs include the Bentley 8 litre silk tie (2019), the OSCA “the giant killer” silk tie (2018), a silk tie inspired by the masterpieces of the Italian car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini (2017) and a silk tie celebrating French car manufacturer, Delahaye (2016).

Made exclusively for the prestigious annual classic car event, each collector presenting their vehicle at Concours d’Elegance – alongside the judges adjudicating them – will receive one of the tailored ties, complimentary of The Outlierman.

Lovingly handcrafted by elite artisans from Como, Italy, each tie is made from 100% twill silk fabric (18 momi) and features a 100% wool interlining. The quality of the silk highlights bold colours and an elegant design; the key to any tie tailored for an established event such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Andrea Mazzuca, founder of The Outlierman, comments: “Once again, my team and I are thrilled to extend our style partnership with Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Each year, we are so proud to work with this wonderful event, producing a bespoke design which is carefully created to embrace and celebrate each theme. As a regular visitor to the event myself, it’s a highlight on any classic car enthusiast’s calendar and it’s always an honour working with the Concours d’Elegance.

“My colleagues and I can’t wait to create this year’s design. As it’s the 70th anniversary of the event, it’s a very special occasion and one I know our designers can’t wait to work on.”

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

100% handmade in Italy

The Outlierman company was formed with a mission to handcraft a range of accessories inspired by the breath-taking beauty, supreme quality and timeless appeal of the world’s most iconic cars.

The latest Outlierman products can be found here.

The Mavericks’ Deluxe Album

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THE MAVERICKS Announce A May 21st Album Release For Their Special “En Español Edición Deluxe”

New Addition & Perfect Summer Song “Por Ti (Yo Quiero Ser)” – A Boisterous, Up-Tempo And Distinctively Mavericks Horn Driven Extravaganza – Will Be Released May 14th As An Advance Single & Sure Live Set Addition As The Band Returns To Touring

The first Spanish-language album from The Grammy, CMA, and ACM Winning Band, The Mavericks “En Espanol” scored a #1 debut on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart, became the first ever album to notch simultaneous Latin and Americana Top 10 Chart entries, holds a current nomination for Best Independent Latin Album of the Year, and received ‘Best of 2020’ praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, Pop Matters, The Tennessean, and more.

The Mavericks have just announced plans for a May 21st album release for their special “En Español Edición Deluxe” – with a new and infectious single “Por Ti (Yo Quiero Ser)” / “For You (I Want To Be)” arriving in advance on Friday, May 14th.

Born of Cuban-American roots in Miami, and then long based in Nashville where they perfected their distinctive and eclectic Americana / Roots fusion of Country, Rock and Tejano/Tex-Mex influences, The Mavericks decided to expand their musical palette even further last year with the release of their first All-Spanish language album in celebration of the Latin cultural roots of co-founder/singer Raul Malo and guitarist Eddie Perez. Comprised of a collection of their own Spanish language originals, and classic Latin tracks from which they drew inspiration, The Maverick’s “En Español” proved to be a groundbreaking project, uniting fans across cultures, genres and languages, right from its late August 2020 release, as the album notched #1 debuts on Billboard’s “Latin Pop Albums” chart, the iTunes and Amazon Latin Music charts and became the first-ever album landing simultaneously in the Top-10 of the Americana and Latin Music charts.

Reaction to the album has continued to grow even stronger since, with a wealth of media praise in The United State and Latin America, performances on Austin City Limits (PBS), The Latin Alternative Music Conference, and The Hispanic Heritage Awards, a current award nomination alongside Bad Bunny for the Best Independent Latin Album of the Year, and multiple “Best of 2020” album picks that impressively spanned, Mainstream, Country, Americana, and Latin music critic lists.

Now, The Mavericks will commemorate this very special album chapter of their 30-year career, with the May 21st “En Español Edicion Deluxe” expanding the collection to both meet existing fan requests for more Mavericks tracks in Spanish, and to give even wider audiences to discover this cultural celebration with the start of summer and the beloved live band returning again to concert stages with a quickly growing list of scheduled appearances These dates already include an August 21st En Español 1-year anniversary celebratory appearances at Los Angeles’ Greek theatre: co-headlining with Los Lobos, and with feature support from Ozomatli and more, as well as multiple West Coast, Midwest, and Northeast tour dates, and a very special two-Nights at the Famed Ryman Auditorium in December. Check all tour dates here!

A new track that is sure to have audiences up and dancing out on the road will be this Friday’s release of perfect summertime single ‘Por Ti (Yo Quiero Ser)’ – a Mavericks’ original, uptempo and horn heavy dancefloor magnet that describes a forbidden romance between two star-crossed lovers as it builds to an explosive and anthemic finale. Upon the album release, fans can also look forward to a beautiful acoustic Ranchera Version of original album single ‘Poder Vivir’, as performed by the Mavericks on their 2020 livestream series The Mavericks Show here, the unmistakable vibes of Raul Malo original song ‘Mujer’, featuring a ‘poolside’ remix by acclaimed, Latin Grammy-nominated cumbia DJ El Dusty and a special Nick Farrow alternate cover of the embraced ‘La Catrina’ artwork by award-winning artist Dolan Geiman.

“This vibrant, sit-up-and-take-notice album has tunes that should bring the band’s country and rock fans easily over the border. But the Mavericks also do a lot of genre-melding, taking original and classic Latin songs and making them their own using everything from vintage rock to mariachi” – Pop Matters

Stay connected with The Mavericks by following their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, their live show, and their website.

Microsoft Partners with UHHM

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MICROSOFT EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSAL HIP HOP MUSEUM THROUGH A $5 MILLION GIFT AS PART OF ITS AI FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM

MICROSOFT WILL CELEBRATE THE PARTNERSHIP AT THE OFFICIAL GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE UHHM ON MAY 20th

Today, the Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) is excited to announce their expanded partnership with Microsoft, as the leading global technology company gifts the museum $5,000,000 on behalf of their AI for Cultural Heritage program. Microsoft’s AI for Cultural Heritage program leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to empower people and organizations dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of cultural heritage. Through this partnership, Microsoft will become the Official Technology Partner of the UHHM to help empower the museum’s mission of celebrating and preserving the history of local and global Hip Hop music and culture to inspire, empower, and promote understanding.

“Preserving the history of Hip Hop, celebrating the cultural contributions of the pioneers who paved the way for today’s Hip Hop generation to thrive and flourish, and promoting the positive economic and social aspects of Hip Hop have been the sole focus of the UHHM for the past decade,” said Universal Hip Hop Museum Executive Director, Rocky Bucano.

With the use of advanced technology, such as AI, Microsoft will work together with the UHHM to ensure the museum has the resources and platforms it needs to become the state-of-the-art institution they have envisioned. This partnership will allow the UHHM to design immersive experiences which will engage global audiences both today and well into the future.

“Since its birth in the Bronx almost fifty years ago, innovators have harnessed creativity and technology to evolve and grow Hip Hop into one of today’s most celebrated musical, artistic, and cultural influences,” said Brad Smith, President of Microsoft. “As a proud supporter and official technology partner of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, we’re incredibly excited about the role that Microsoft technology will play to help document, preserve, and tell this uniquely American story to the world.”

This donation builds on a long-standing relationship between Microsoft and the UHHM who initially partnered together in 2016 to co-host envisioning sessions that helped shape the museum’s future vision. In 2019, Microsoft and the UHHM collaborated with MIT Professor Dr. Fox Harrell, to bring to life “Breakbeat Narratives” – an experience using artificial intelligence to explore the rich history of Hip Hop music – which is currently on display at the [R]Evolution of Hip Hop, an exhibition designed to give Hip Hop lovers a sneak peek of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

The Microsoft partnership will be celebrated on Thursday, May 20, 2021, during the official groundbreaking ceremony at Bronx Point, the future home of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

About the Universal Hip Hop Museum

Anchored in the birthplace of Hip Hop culture, the Universal Hip Hop Museum will break ground in the Bronx in 2021. Built as a space for audiences, artists, and technology to converge and create unparalleled educational and entertainment experiences, the museum is slated to open in Bronx Point in 2024. The UHHM will celebrate and preserve the history of local and global Hip Hop music and culture past, present, and future.

About Microsoft AI Cultural Heritage

Microsoft’s AI for Cultural Heritage program leverages the power of AI to empower people and organizations dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of cultural heritage. Microsoft has committed $10 million over five years to expand access to Microsoft Azure and AI resources, focused on celebrating the people who have made a significant impact throughout history, using digital tools to preserve important monuments and sites for future generations to explore, engaging with communities around the world for language preservation, and creating ways for collections and archives to be more easily accessed and enjoyed. By harnessing the latest tools in ways that support an environment rich in diversity, perspectives, and learnings from the past, and sharing that knowledge and experience to be shared with the rest of the world, every society benefits.

Emanuel’s New Single “Worldwide”

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JUNO-NOMINATED R&B ARTIST EMANUEL SHARES NEW SINGLE “WORLDWIDE” ALONGSIDE VISUALIZER TODAY, Debut Album ALT THERAPY To Be Released June 16

Listen to “Worldwide” here and watch the lyric video here!

Today Canadian R&B phenom Emanuel has released his new single “Worldwide” via Motown Records and Universal Music Canada. Described by Emanuel as a manifestation mantra, “Worldwide” captures a time when dreams were still dreams – before his music was streamed millions of times around the globe and his talent was admired by fans and critics alike. Listen to “Worldwide” here and watch the lyric video here.

Created in his producer/collaborator Bedroom’s basement, Emanuel recalls that the lyrics “floated up to the surface” as “Worldwide” spontaneously took shape: “During that time, we were really dreaming out loud in the way that we would talk about our futures and in the way that we were trying to summon this grand reality. This song was really born from the deep want to take the music to the world.” Years later, “Worldwide” has morphed from a manifestation mantra into a song of celebration and a prayer for the future.

“This past year has been a great learning experience for what it means to really manifest something and be appreciative of the things you’ve been able to uncover and draw from within yourself and make reality,” says Emanuel. “But even though we’ve manifested certain aspects of the song – and that’s a beautiful thing – it still wants to be seen out in its fullness. ‘Worldwide’ is a song of affirmation and it’s become a prayer to be able to continue until all of those goals are met in their completion.”

The dream to connect with people in the cities and countries he sings about is still very real for Emanuel since the pandemic has prevented him from bringing his music to stages around the world. “It’s wild to me how prophetic music can be. I’m still imagining going to those places, smelling the air, performing in front of crowds, and being able to truly live out what the song is talking about: to be able to take the message, the energy we bring, the light we’ve been blessed with; to be able to share that while also being open to receiving wisdom and exporting that back so we can enrich the places we’re in. That beautiful exchange, that’s the heart of it.”

Mixed by Gary Noble (Amy Winehouse, Nas, Public Enemy), “Worldwide” is the final glimpse into Alt Therapy, Emanuel’s inaugural full-length project, before the album makes its eagerly anticipated debut on June 16.

Earlier this Spring, Emanuel was honored with his first Juno Award nomination. His critically acclaimed debut EP Session 1: Disillusion has been nominated for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year which will be awarded at the 50th Annual JUNO Awards this June.

About Emanuel

With over 21 million global streams, the first-generation Canadian has had a breakout year establishing his artistry through meaningful, expressive music in a time he describes as a “renaissance of beautiful black art in the world.” Since releasing his debut single “Need You” one year ago, Emanuel has achieved international acclaim for his undeniable talent and introspective, emotionally charged music. Released at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Need You” quickly became an early quarantine anthem as people from over 20 countries submitted personal videos and photos for the collaborative music video curated by Golden Globe-winning actor, musician, producer and Executive Producer of Emanuel’s debut album Idris Elba OBE. Before even releasing his debut EP Session 1: Disillusion (shared with the world on Juneteenth), Emanuel was named Apple Music’s New Artist of the Week, one of Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch, a Soundcloud Featured Artist, and a Spotify “On The Radar” Artist. Following the release of the EP, Emanuel became the first ever artist to be chosen for Spotify’s On The Radar program in Canada and was also named the Beats Artist of the Week. In October of 2020, Emanuel released “Black Woman”, the first single from his sophomore EP, alongside a digital portrait series that honoured Black female leaders in Toronto’s artistic and advocacy communities. The portraits towered over Toronto’s Yonge & Dundas Square for the first week of release on a bespoke Spotify billboard, the first ever of its kind. Alongside the December release of his Session 2: Transformation EP, Emanuel announced that legendary Motown Records would be his U.S. label partner. After making several end of year lists (including Earmilk’s Best Songs of 2020, Complex’s 25 Canadian Artists to Watch Out For in 2021 and Rolling Stone India’s Top 100 Songs of 2020), Emanuel’s momentum has only continued into 2021. With the achievement of his first Juno Award nomination for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and the upcoming release of his debut full length album Alt Therapy, Emanuel is positioned to have another massive year of artistic growth and accomplishment.

USDA Awards Expansion Grants

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USDA Awards $15 Million in Grants to Expand Wood Products, Wood Energy Markets and Community Forests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded more than $15 million to fund grant proposals to develop and expand the use of wood products, strengthen emerging wood energy markets and protect community forests. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement in Colorado today while visiting prescribed fire and wildfire recovery areas adjacent to the Roosevelt National Forest Northern Colorado Front Range landscape.

The grant funding, delivered through USDA Forest Service programs, will support 60 projects that cover a diverse range of activities from the development of affordable housing to expanding markets for mass timber, biochar, wood energy and other emerging wood products. The grants also include funds to help tribes, local governments and qualified non-profit organizations permanently conserve working forests that benefit communities.

Forest Service awards will leverage an additional $30 million in matching and partner funds bringing the totals well above $45 million.

“To manage wildfire and address climate, we need to manage our forests. Today’s investments underpin USDA’s commitment to address the climate crisis with a market-based approach that begins to move us toward a clean energy economy, led by production of renewable fuel and energy and biobased products grown and manufactured here in the U.S.,” said Vilsack. “The American Jobs Plan and USDA’s budget request for 2022 make sure the Forest Service can prioritize forest management and restoration.”

“We are placing emphasis on assisting wood energy facilities in economically challenged areas to retool or add advanced technology to replace systems that are inefficient or fueled by fossil fuels.” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “The grants will also expand markets for cross-laminated timber in commercial and multi-family housing, which supports the important connection to healthy forests and manufacturing in rural communities.”

Wood Innovations Grants

Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant program awards for fiscal year 2021 include $8.9 million for 44 projects across 23 states and Puerto Rico. Twenty-one of the projects focus on mass timber and cross-laminated timber. These projects will support critical needs for expanding markets and species options (hemlock, ponderosa pine, white fir), improve structural performance, increase education and outreach, and promote design and construction of highly visible buildings.

Seven of the projects will focus on developing affordable housing using mass timber as a major building component to support equity, economic opportunity, and climate change priorities. Additional projects focus on developing markets for emerging wood products like biochar and cellulose nanomaterials, and support installation of new wood energy systems. A complete list of Wood Innovations Grant recipients is available now on the Forest Service website.

Community Wood Grants

Forest Service Community Wood Grant program awards for fiscal year 2021 include $2.1 million to support six shovel-ready projects in six states. Initiated in the 2018 Farm Bill, the grant program helps to fund the costs of installing wood energy systems and building innovative wood product facilities in rural communities nationwide. Awardees will use locally sourced wood to reduce energy costs and fossil fuel use while supporting sustainable forest management.

These grants also support innovative wood products manufacturing facilities that make products like building components and other products made from low-value or low-quality wood.

Two of the Community Wood Grants are awarded to DCI Furniture, Inc. in New Hampshire and Arizona Log & Timber Works, LLC in Arizona. DCI Furniture will use the funds to install a new wood boiler to generate heat and electricity at a furniture plant. Arizona Log & Timber Words will use the funds to build a biochar plant, firewood kiln, and pole peeler to expand a forest products facility. A complete list of Community Wood Grant recipients is available now on the Forest Service website.

Community Forest Grants

Forest Service Community Forest Program awards for fiscal year 2021 include $4 million to support 10 projects across nine states. The grants include financial assistance to local governments, Indian tribes, and qualified nonprofit organizations to create, expand and enhance community owned and community managed forests. Project work will help communities acquire and conserve forests that provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products.

Since 2012, the program has supported 88 community-driven projects across 25 states and territories and permanently conserved more than 24,000 acres.

Visit the Forest Service website for a complete list of projects and organizations receiving grants under the Community Forests Program.

Fire in Little Africa

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“SHINING” THE FIRST SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM FIRE IN LITTLE AFRICA IS OUT TODAY VIA MOTOWN RECORDS/BLACK FORUM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BOB DYLAN CENTER AND WOODY GUTHRIE CENTER

“Shining” is a celebratory song and video conveying the peak of black excellence that defined the Greenwood District 100 Years Ago. Watch the “Shining” music video here and listen to it here.

Fire in Little Africa, a groundbreaking album of original material, written and recorded by a collective of Oklahoma hip hop artists to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre releases “Shining” today along with a striking visual. It is the first single from the album that will be released on May 28 by Motown Records/Black Forum in partnership with Tulsa’s Bob Dylan Center and Woody Guthrie Center. Watch, post and share the music video here.

“Shining” was produced by Executive Producer Dr. View and features Tulsa area artists Steph Simon, Dialtone, Ayilla and Jerica Wortham. The video was produced and directed by Boomintree Films with Assistant Director avitiuh.

Giving context to the video, Dr. View shares,”’Shining’ is a trip back in time to Tulsa in 1920, just before Black Wall Street was attacked, bombed and burned to the ground in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The video conveys the peak of Black Excellence that defined the Greenwood district 100 years ago and ties it to the Fire in Little Africa movement that is showing the world how Tulsa still shines today.” He continues, “We know that the story of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is one filled with pain, darkness and trauma for Black people, but the story of Tulsa in 2021 is about the greatness that rose from the ashes. “Shining” humanizes the victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre, taking them out of the history books and showing them on a night on the town living life joyfully. That is what Greenwood was, is, and will always be about.”

ABOUT FIRE IN LITTLE AFRICA

The 21-track collection gets to the truth of what happened on May 31 and June 1, 1921 when a white mob descended on the streets of Greenwood, then a prosperous Tulsa neighborhood known as Black Wall Street, and burned down the business district, destroying roughly 1,500 homes, killing hundreds, and leaving thousands of Black Tulsans homeless. For years, this historic, albeit dire, chapter was left out of classrooms and textbooks as the city attempted to erase this part of its past. The artists heard on Fire in Little Africa get to the truth through urgent songs, recalling stories told and stories lived in hope to usher in a new era for Tulsa as they help the community process this generational trauma through music.

Motown Records Chairman & CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam said, “Fire in Little Africa is a powerful and timely project that will reward listeners with a sense of discovery. Not only does it examine a largely overlooked chapter in our history, the album also pulls the curtain back on the vibrant hip hop scene that has been Oklahoma’s best-kept secret. Like the citizens who created Black Wall Street, the artists of Fire in Little Africa are driven by creativity, love, and an uplifting, ego-free sense of community. The project aligns perfectly with Black Forum’s commitment to introducing the next generation of game changers.”

Stevie “Dr. View” Johnson, PhD, Manager, Education & Diversity Outreach at the Woody Guthrie Center | Bob Dylan Center and the album’s executive producer added, “Fire in Little Africa has evolved into a communal hip hop movement and we’re excited that we get to share the flavor, history and legacy of Black Wall Street with the world, in collaboration with the amazing leadership of the Motown/Black Forum family. We’re grateful for Ethiopia’s foresight in providing us an opportunity to share our important stories with the world. There are Black Wall Streets across the diaspora and we unequivocally know that Fire in Little Africa will inspire many people. In the words of Steph Simon, everything is us.”

In this feature, Rolling Stones noted, Fire in Little Africa is poised to teach the world about that long-suppressed history, from locals who grew up in a community that still lives with the aftermath of the massacre. Just as important, the artists involved in the project also hope it serves as a launching-pad moment for Tulsa’s hip-hop scene, which has long flown under the national radar

The album was recorded in Greenwood over a five-day period in March 2020. Studios were set up at the Greenwood Cultural Center and other locations, including the former home of 1921 massacre mastermind/KKK leader Tate Brady. The house is now owned by former NFL first-round draft pick and Tulsa native Felix Jones. The Tulsa World was on hand to speak with the artists involved in the historic sessions. Read the article here and check out the accompanying video here.

“Fireside with Dr. View” is a weekly podcast featuring “Dr. View” in conversation with thought leaders in activism, academia and culture, centered on the movement behind the Fire in Little Africa music. Listen to “Fireside with Dr. View” here. Hosts Ali Shaw and Doc Free sit down with Fire in Little Africa artists, Tulsa community leaders and national voices for conversations on music and culture in the “Fire in Little Africa” podcast, which can be found here.

Located in the Tulsa Arts District, the Woody Guthrie Center opened in 2013. The Bob Dylan Center is expected to open on the same block within the next year. Both are projects of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the primary funder for Fire in Little Africa. The album is chronicled in a documentary film, which will be released later this year.

Fire in Little Africa marks the first new material released by Black Forum since the label’s relaunch earlier this year. Black Forum originally debuted in 1970 with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Why I Oppose The War In Vietnam, which won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album. The label reissued Dr. King’s influential speech earlier this year.

Masked Wolf’s New Remix

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MASKED WOLF ENLISTS SUPERSTARS G-EAZY & DDG FOR SPECIAL REMIX OF HIS GLOBAL SMASH

Astronaut in the Ocean (Remix) featuring G-Eazy & DDG arrives today, listen here. The Australian rapper’s breakout single “Astronaut in the Ocean” has already hit #1 in 6 countries around the world with over half a billion streams to date. His world television debut performance was on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, watch here.

Elektra recording artist Masked Wolf has enlisted superstars G-Eazy and DDG for a special re-imagining of his global smash “Astronaut In The Ocean” (Remix) feat. G-Eazy & DDG arrives today at all streaming services. Listen HERE.

Masked Wolf explains, “I’ve always wanted to do a remix of Astro, but it had to be right. The song means a lot to me so I really thought about who I wanted on it. As soon as I heard DDG on “Moonwalking”, I was like, I need this guy. He’s so talented and I knew he would rip a crazy verse. I’m a huge fan of G-Eazy, and, sonically, he fits the song perfectly – he just has that swag about him, but can also talk about real things too.

DDG adds, “The song is so fire. I heard it like 6 months ago and was like, damn, I gotta hop on it. My boy Masked Wolf is going crazy and is the next big superstar up fasho. I’m honored to be a part of such a big record.

The Australian rapper’s breakout single also available now on all streaming platforms – has already amassed over half a billion streams to date, and climbed to #1 in 6 countries around the world. In the U.S., “Astronaut In The Ocean” currently sits at #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and is quickly proving to be a multi-format success at radio, hitting the Top 15 at both Rhythmic and Pop, and Top 30 at Hot AC. Meanwhile, the official music video has logged over 100 million views on YouTube alone. Last month, Masked Wolf made his world television debut with an epic performance on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The collaboration with G-Eazy and DDG arrives on the heels of the release of Brazilian superstar Alok’s remix of “Astronaut In The Ocean.”

About Masked Wolf

Transforming from a mild-mannered man by day into an unrestrained beast in the studio, Masked Wolf (aka, Harry Michael) has unassumingly established himself as a powerful, passionate, and primal hip-hop force. After graduating from school, the Sydney, Australia native tirelessly worked in sales to fund recording. He even took out a loan to build a home studio as he cut hundreds of songs and logged thousands of hours in the lab. In 2018, he dropped his independent debut “Speed Racer”. It gathered millions of streams and turned heads across Australia. Following “Night Rider” and “Water Walkin”, he unveiled “Astronaut in the Ocean”. Awash in airy guitar, jagged 808s, neon keys, and deft wordplay; he submerged himself in honest lyricism, facing depression head-on. That one-two-punch of a recognizable riff and chantable chorus organically caught fire online. It quickly incited 350,000-plus Tik Tok videos, spanning everything from footage of U.S. military Blackhawk chopper crews to welders and ice fisherman (far from your typical Tik Tok fare!). Meanwhile, Kansas City Chief Super Bowl champ quarterback Patrick Mahomes even incorporated the tune into an Instagram post, fueling its explosion in early 2021. Amassing streams in the hundreds of millions and counting , the buzzing rapper and singer unleashes a torrent of personal truths and emotions on his 2021 debut for Elektra Records and more to come.

About G-Eazy

Multi-platinum recording artist and producer G-Eazy has established himself as a leading force in the music and touring world. His third full-length studio album The Beautiful & Damned (2017) debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, garnered two No. 1 radio hits “No Limit” featuring A$AP Rocky & Cardi B and “Him & I” featuring Halsey and has since been certified platinum by the RIAA. The 5x platinum single “No Limit” has been streamed over 1 billion times worldwide to date. The Beautiful & Damned followed his platinum-certified sophomore album When It’s Dark Out (2015), which featured the 5x platinum single “Me, Myself & I”; with Bebe Rexha

Known for his smooth raps, pristine production and dexterous range, the Bay-area rapper has performed on Saturday Night Live, MTV Video Music Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and many more. He has won a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Hip-Hop Artist”, named one of Forbes “30 Under 30”, and covered publications such as GQ Italia, XXL, Flaunt and Rollacoaster. Additionally, he will continue his partnership with PUMA, recently announcing their first collaborative shoe is in the works. PUMA will also continue to support his philanthropy, The Endless Summer Fund, a non-profit dedicated to helping Bay Area under-served youth reach their full potential and strengthening the community and their joint program, “From The Bay to the Universe”, in which G-Eazy selects a group of developing musicians to support their artistic efforts.

About DDG

DDG’s story remains a rarity for rap. The high school valedictorian turned himself into a self-made multi-millionaire by hustling on YouTube as he simultaneously rapped his way to the forefront of hip-hop. However, he consistently shakes up the status quo with unpredictable and undeniable bangers. After 2018’s “Take Me Serious”, he rose to the top of the hip-hop class on VALEDICTORIAN. Within just a year, the single “ARGUMENTS” scored his first gold certification. Igniting 2020, he achieved a major breakthrough with the gold certified record “Moonwalking In Calabasas (Remix)” featuring Blueface, earning a ubiquitous hit and his second gold plaque in the process. In the aftermath, he appeared in features by the likes of Esquire and more, while Lyrical Lemonade professed him to be a “Rap Star in the Making”. Generating over half-a-billion total streams and views and building a rabid fan base, DDG’s influence proves downright inescapable. His story has only just begun to get really interesting.

Look out for much more to come from Masked Wolf in 2021 and make sure to follow him on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and his website.

AIDS Walk Virtual Event

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**Six Cities Will Join AIDS Walks Across America For “AIDS Walk: Live at Home”, A Blockbuster Television and Streaming Event, May 16**

We are excited to share that AIDS Walk: Live at Home will be returning on May 16 for it’s annual blockbuster event. As the world’s largest and most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising event raising over $155 million in its 35 years – the 2021 virtual event will continue to fundraise for vital services for people most vulnerable to HIV and COVID-19. This year marks the largest event yet with six cities including New York, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Austin, New Orleans and Seattle all participating.

GMHC of New York, NY, and Vivent Health of Milwaukee, WI, announced that they will be collaborating with Austin, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle in addition to New York and Milwaukee for this year’s star studded event. The televised and streaming of AIDS Walk: Live at Home, will be bigger than last year’s virtual event, with the culmination of the fundraising efforts of six AIDS Walk events which encompass all corners of the nation. Funds raised will principally benefit GMHC, Vivent Health, CrescentCare, AIDS Walk San Francisco Foundation, Lifelong, as well as supporting dozens of other AIDS organizations.

“As we mark the fortieth year of AIDS in America, we are inspired by the coming together of AIDS Walks from all across the United States. The local community partners and I are so very excited to continue to work alongside these outstanding participating organizations. Together, we will continue to fight as one for an end to the AIDS epidemic,” said Craig R. Miller, the founder of the original AIDS Walks in the US, on behalf of the groups benefiting from this year’s event.

AIDS Walk: Live at Home will also feature performances and appearances by a select list of talent, who themselves have a history of association with HIV/AIDS charities, including: Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award winning trailblazer, Billy Porter; Tony and Grammy Award winning actress Heather Headley; Oscar, Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winning legend, Rita Moreno; actor, singer, writer, producer, director and activist Tony Goldwyn; singer and actress Liz Callaway; actor and singer Alex Newell; Golden Globe and Oscar nominated, choreographer and community activist Rosie Perez; actor, designer and host Carson Kressley; actor, author and activist George Takei; and the stars from the Emmy award winning “RuPaul’s Drag Race”.

With live segments planned, including “Viewing Parties” from New York’s iconic Central Park Boathouse and the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, AIDS Walk: Live at Home will be broadcast on ABC7/KGO-TV in the Bay Area and streamed live on CBSN and AIDSWalk.net.

“AIDS Walk: Live at Home will reflect the strength and individual character of all six landmark events and the communities that embrace them year after year,” said Kelsey Louie, CEO of GMHC, Isaac Rodriguez of the AIDS Walk San Francisco Foundation, and Craig R. Miller, Founder of the AIDS Walks in New York and San Francisco among other cities.

“Vivent Health is pleased to join with the nation’s most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising events,” said Michael Gifford, President and CEO at Vivent Health. “Through partnership with AIDS Walk Wisconsin and AIDS Walk Austin – both part of the Vivent Health family – we will connect with other cities in our shared goal to end HIV/AIDS.”

“In Washington State and around the country, we continue to see Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by new HIV cases,” said Claire Neal, Lifelong CEO. “We are excited to work hand-in-hand with like-minded organizations throughout the nation collaborating on AIDS Walk: Live at Home.”

“This is a brilliant opportunity for us to participate in a wide-scale effort that brings attention to the HIV crisis that still looms in this country,” said Noel Twilbeck, CEO of CrescentCare in New Orleans. “Together, our voices will be heard as one. HIV eradication is within our grasp.”

“As our nation’s only federally-designated memorial to AIDS and as stewards of the AIDS Quilt, we are honored to host this virtual Live at Home event in our beloved National AIDS Memorial Grove with the backdrop of Quilt displays to serve as inspiration and hope to all the walkers and their sponsors.” said John Cunningham, the Memorial’s Executive Director.

“The AIDS Walk events in each of the participating cities have their own unique characteristics. But the clients we serve all face very similar challenges. It makes sense for us to come together as one community and to unite some of the nation’s most powerful and effective AIDS fundraisers from all regions of the country.” said Louie.

“In doing this work, we have been brought together by one pandemic even as we continue to fight another. The public’s recent revelations about racism, bias and hate in America are in fact at the heart of what AIDS Walks have been working to expose, confront and change for decades.” said Miller. “We have long stood, walked and marched to oppose the racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic disparities that persist in America and throughout our healthcare and criminal justice systems. Protecting people who have been singled out, harassed, scapegoated and underserved is what we do. It is our legacy and it remains our commitment.”

Njomza’s New Limbo EP

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NJOMZA ANNOUNCES NEW ‘LIMBO’ EP COMING JUNE 18. FIRST SINGLE, WINTER IN ATLANTA FT. RUSS OUT NOW

Los Angeles-based singer Njomza, (pronounced Nee-YOM-ZAH), known for seamlessly blending modern pop with R&B intimacy, has announced her brand new EP Limbo available June 18 via Since the 80s / Motown Records. You can hear the first single for “winter in atlanta” featuring multi-Platinum selling artist Russ as the two exchange verses detailing a poignant relationship. Njomza’s seductive, yet powerful manifestation over the smooth beat, coupled with Russ’ lyrics tell a story of undeniable attraction and honesty. Listen HERE. Watch the visualizer HERE.

Translated as something new that has just been created, like a new flower, Njomza synonymously mirrors her innate drive for pushing forward & her journey of self-discovery in forging her own path of omnific artistry. The Kosovo-Albanian singer has already made an imprint in music, signed as a teenager to Mac Miller’s REMember Music label then co-writing several of the biggest pop records of the last decade. She’s solidified her place in music with fans and critics alike, racking up over 50 million global streams to date and press praise from Us Weekly, MTV, Refinery 29, Flaunt, SPIN, and more. More to come from Njomza as we head into Limbo…

About Njomza

With inspiration stemming from artists like Amy Winehouse, The Weeknd, & Frank Ocean, Njomza is continuously evolving & thriving, metamorphosing into her own being: an uniquely innovative artist with a creative vision who knows what she wants. As she gears up to drop her long-awaited debut album, Njomza continues to grow, evolve & keep it real, carving out artistic visions as she creates her own path. “I like to switch it up,” affirms Njomza. “I don’t want to have a recognizable sound. [I’d rather be] fresh every time I do something. My music will evolve just as I do [with] each project representing a different chapter and time in my life.”

About Since The 80s

You don’t have to be a baby of the 80’s to understand how the special time period changed music forever; not only in Hip-Hop but the entertainment industry as a whole. As an artist first label, management, and publishing company, Since the 80s serves to help creatives & manifest their destiny and bring to fruition their wildest visions. Known for launching the career of 21 Savage, Since The 80s currently represents a wide range of artists such as Asiahn, JID, Earthgang, Njomza, Metro Marrs, Christo, Benji, and more. Since The 80s pride themselves on taking the lessons from those who came before them and using them to evolve the game – 1 artist and 1 fan at a time. Since the 80s doesn’t exist to repeat history but to make new history while paying homage and recognizing the efforts and achievements of those before them.

“The singer-songwriter has transcended genres with her smooth, buttery vocals” – FLAUNT

Njomza is pop’s best-kept secret that is bound to not be a secret for much longer” – Ones To Watch

‘The sultry songstress…has been solidifying her sound which features hints of the sonics and neo-soul beats directly found in 90’s R&B.” – HYPEBAE

“Njomza is one to be noticed.” – US WEEKLY

Make sure to follow Njomza on her Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Tips for Remote-Work Balance

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5 Best Practices When Working From Home for Better Work-Life Balance

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that millions of people around the world are working from home. Telecommuting has become the norm, and it is here to stay. Some report higher productivity when working from home. There is a flip side, too, though, to working remotely. Remote workers are more likely to experience burnout, with more than 50% likely to work longer hours. Burnout happens when the work-life balance goes awry, which can lead to physical and mental health issues. How do you strike a healthy work-life balance when working remotely?

When working remotely, switching off your laptop after your official workday is easier said than done. This research says just as much. Here are 5 actionable tips that will help you separate your work life from your personal life for better physical and mental health.

1. Create a separate work area

Creating separate areas for work and play helps you draw the line between when you are working and when you are taking time off. When you are working from home, it can go either way – you might find it difficult to find the motivation to work. After all, there is nobody watching you and holding you accountable, as long as you are meeting your deadlines. Or, you could constantly bring your work to the dinner table or even to your bed.

Segregating areas can help you move in and out of work mode and chill mode easily. Even if you live in a studio apartment by yourself, create a dedicated work corner. Put a desk with a comfy chair and your basic office stationery. Home of Cozy has exhaustive guides to home and office furniture, so it becomes easy for you to choose the best value buy.

When you routinely sit down to work in that corner, your brain automatically knows when it’s time to work and when it’s time to switch off.

2. Set a routine

Before working remotely became the norm, most of you commuted to an office space. Whether it was via public transport or driving your own car, there was a gap between when you left home and when you sat down for work. It holds true even for people who live a block away from their company office.

When you are working from home, it’s easy to rush from bed straight to your work corner. Doing so takes away from personal time. When it becomes an everyday occurrence, it hampers your work-life balance. Create an everyday routine to replicate that buffer you got when you were commuting to your office.

Taking a walk outside when you first wake up, listening to your favorite podcast, or even keeping an hour away only for breakfast are all ways to gradually move into your workday.

3. Set boundaries

When you are living with someone and working from home, it is important to set boundaries. Very often, you can get sucked into a household chore, which eats into your work time. You compensate for that loss by working a little later than usual. Before you know it, you are answering emails from your bed late at night and having marathon work calls at the dinner table. Your work-life balance goes for a toss.

Set boundaries with both factions – your boss or clients and your family and friends. For instance, make a rule that you will not attend any work calls after 8 pm. Communicate it clearly to your manager and stick to it. Similarly, if you are living with your parents, tell them you are off-limits during certain hours of the day. For some people, a flexible schedule might be more conducive. People with kids might prefer to keep a loose routine and an overall commitment to work a set number of hours every day. Whatever rules you make for yourself, make sure you communicate those to the people around you. And learn to say no.

4. Schedule times to check emails

Almost all of us have a smartphone today. We can check emails on the go. It is very easy to get sucked into responding to emails after your workday. Restrict refreshing your inbox to twice a day at specific times. The beginning of your workday and somewhere in the latter half of the day are good slots to reserve for checking and responding to emails.

Disable email push notifications on your phone. Configure your Do Not Disturb settings such that you only get notifications for incoming calls and texts.

5. Take frequent breaks

When you are working from an office, you probably get off your chair to go to the water cooler once every couple of hours. You gossip with your colleagues a little, go for a smoke, and take a break from screen time. At home, be mindful about punctuating your day with small breaks. Get up from your work desk every hour just to stretch. Take a 30-minute break and get a sandwich for lunch from your neighborhood Deli.

Create a water-cooler corner at your home and use this space to interact with others around you. Maybe you can use this time to have a quick chat with your kid before you get back to work. Taking small breaks helps you retain focus, which translates to better productivity. The Pomodoro technique works on the same principle.

Besides all of that, use technology for better time management. Google Calendar for blocking meeting times and Trello for tracking ongoing projects are two very effective time management tools.