Vaughn Lowery is a native of Detroit and the youngest of five siblings, a graduate of Cornell University's ILR School. Core duties: global diversification strategy, production management, and ecological implementation. The grandson of the late civil rights defender and recipient of the presidential medal of freedom, Joseph Lowery. Lastly, a distinguished member of the Alpha Phi Alphi Fraternity, Incorporated (Alpha Chapter).
A$AP ROCKY RELEASES NEW SINGLE “PRAY4DAGANG” FEATURING KAYCYY OUT NOW LISTEN HERE
Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor, and fashion icon A$AP Rocky released his latest single “pray4dagang” featuring KayCyy via A$AP Worldwide/RCA Records – listen HERE! The single will premiere exclusively on Apple Music for 24 hours beginning July 4th. After the Apple Music window, the single will be available on all streaming platforms.
Rocky first premiered “pray4dagang” featuring KayCyy during his brand AWGE’s Paris Fashion Week show last week, generating intense hype around the release. This show marked AWGE’s second time dominating Paris Fashion Week, showing off Rocky’s strong creative direction and design prowess.
Prior to this, Rocky served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala and kicked off his first collection with Ray-Ban as creative director. Rocky is now gearing up to headline Lollapalooza later this month.
About A$AP Rocky
Multi-hyphenated artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, has taken the world by storm since his emergence in 2011. Rocky has continued to dominate the music industry by clocking over 22.5 billion total streams to date. In addition, his music videos have earned a staggering 4.2 billion combined views on YouTube.
In 2018, with two critically acclaimed, #1 debuts on the Billboard 200 for freshman & sophomore albums, LONG.LIVE.A$AP and AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP, Rocky released his highly-anticipated third studio album, TESTING, which has garnered over 1 Billion streams worldwide, landing at #1 on the iTunes charts in 16 countries upon release. In August of 2019, Rocky dropped new single “Babushka Boi” accompanied by a viral Dick Tracy-inspired video featuring A$AP Ferg, ScHoolboy Q, A$AP Nast and Kamil Abbas, which went on to receive a 2020 MTV Video Music Award nomination for “Best Art Direction”.
Rocky continued to release hit singles throughout 2022, most notably “Praise The Lord” featuring Skepta and Durdenhauer which went double platinum later that year. In 2023, he released his song “Same Problems?” in honor of the many young artists who had tragically and suddenly passed in recent years along with “RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n)” produced by Pharrell Williams.
Late last year, Rocky dropped his latest singles, “HIGHJACK” and “RUBY ROSARY” featuring J. Cole, both of which will appear on his highly anticipated fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb. Additionally, his music video for “Tailor Swif” received a nomination for Best Music Video at the 67th GRAMMY® Awards.
This past May, Rocky co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala with the theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” showing off a full wardrobe of his own passion project and brand AWGE.
A$AP Rocky was most recently named Creative Director of Ray-Ban and has been a part of many high-profile commercial campaigns including Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Courvoisier, Dior, Mercedes Benz, Guess and Fenty Skin. Rocky’s creative agency AWGE has launched partnerships with Marine Serre, Amina Muaddi, Selfridges, JW Anderson, MTV, and more. In addition, AWGE has launched the careers of notable artists such as Playboi Carti, slowthai, Smooky MarGielaa, and more. In June of 2025, AWGE put on their second annual Paris Fashion Week show to rave reviews.
Afrobeats heavyweight and global music sensation TEKNO powers into the summer with ‘POWERBANK’, a vibrant and hypnotic new single that distills romance, humour, and emotional intimacy into an irresistible afropop groove. Produced by his longtime collaborator and Headies-nominated musician Selebobo (Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy), ‘Powerbank’ reimagines love through Tekno’s distinctly Nigerian lens, where affection isn’t always loud, but nourishing and steady – like a power source that recharges you from within. What began as a spontaneous lyric, “You be my powerbank, you charge my battery full”, evolved into a tender yet playful afrobeats anthem that celebrates the kind of connection that grounds you, fills your emotional tank, and makes everything feel lighter.
The accompanying visuals directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kemz, who has also worked with the likes of Shallipopi and Tion Wayne, turns ‘Powerbank’ into a romantic blockbuster, pairing award-winning musician and producer Tekno with beloved actress and cultural phenomenon Regina Daniels as his magnetic on-screen love interest. Shot in Abuja with cinematic Nollywood flair, the video moves between soft intimacy and full-throttle escapism, complete with romantic tension, mischievous banter, and a high-energy car chase that adds playful edge to the narrative. Nollywood star Regina Daniels brings star power and familiarity to the screen, while Tekno’s charisma anchors the visuals in both romance and swagger. Together, they create a visual world that pulses with allure, confidence, and chemistry.
Released via his groundbreaking Cartel Music and emPawa Africa joint venture, ‘Powerbank’ comes on the back of the viral momentum of Tekno’s latest single ‘Alhaji’, which has already amassed over 10 million streams and over 30,000 user-generated videos on TikTok. This new offering sets the tone for what Tekno is calling his “most intentional era yet” as we enter the second half of 2025. Known for global hits like ‘Pana’, ‘Skeletun’, and ‘Buga’, Tekno has been on an insane run over the last 12 months, from ‘Wayo’ to ‘Jericho’ to ‘Pounds & Dollars’ to ‘Alhaji’, and he has delivered yet again with ‘Powerbank’. This modern love story is rooted in cultural wit, emotional depth, and sonic finesse – further proof that Tekno, one of afrobeats’ most revered hitmakers, is entering a new creative peak.
MORE ABOUT TEKNO
With over 3 billion global streams, award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Tekno stands as a trailblazer and one of the most crucial voices to come out of Africa. Since his debut in 2015, Tekno has consistently captivated global audiences with essential afropop classics including ‘Duro’ and ‘Pana,’ earning critical acclaim from tastemakers such as Billboard and Rolling Stone, as well as high praise from international stars like Drake and Beyoncé, with Billie Eilish even declaring Tekno as her “favorite artist ever”. With a unique blend of afrobeats, R&B, and afropop, Tekno resonates internationally, evidenced by his vast and devoted fanbase, including over 20 million social media followers.
Further highlighting his significant influence on the global music scene, Tekno’s prowess extends beyond his vocal talents, and his production skills have significantly shaped the rise of afrobeats worldwide. He penned and produced Davido’s global hit ‘If’, and ‘Won’t Be Late’ by Swae Lee and Drake, both of which have achieved RIAA Gold certification. Tekno has also collaborated with pop royalty, including Beyoncé, Ciara, and Fally Ipupa. His impressive list of achievements includes an MTV Africa Music Award and two Headies Awards (Nigeria’s GRAMMY equivalent), as well as a BET Award nomination.
The dashboard Gallery features 160,000 embroidery stitches in eight couture techniques
Lace-inspired artwork extends to the rear seat Waterfall embroidery
Two-tone finish includes hand-painted floral coachline and Rose Gold Spirit of Ecstasy
A Rolls-Royce Private Office Commissioned
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents Phantom Dentelle, a one-of-one commission that embodies the intersection of luxury automotive design and haute couture fashion.
Commissioned as a deeply personal gift from a client to their father, this highly expressive Phantom takes direct inspiration from a rare piece of handwoven lace traditionally crafted on a Leavers loom—an elite textile method often reserved for the world’s top couture houses.
The lace, featuring dimensional floral motifs and soft, pearlescent details, became the creative starting point for a commission that is both elegant and emotionally resonant. From exterior finishes to interior embroidery, every element was designed to echo the delicate complexity of high fashion.
“We always say inspiration can come from anywhere, and for over 20 years, our clients have proven that again and again. Phantom Dentelle is a true homage to the art of couture lace. Interpreting it through embroidery within the Phantom’s cabin turns craftsmanship into couture—a bold statement of personal luxury and design.”
— Michelle Lusby, Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
An Haute Couture Interior in Motion
Phantom’s signature Gallery—spanning the full width of the dashboard—becomes a moving canvas for artistry. The Dentelle Gallery features a custom embroidery piece that blends eight advanced techniques and over 160,000 stitches. Threads in hues of Rose Gold, Sunrise, and Oatmeal recreate floral patterns with luxurious texture, depth, and tone-on-tone dimension.
A fine lace-like mesh is brought to life using a triple-run stitch technique, overlaid with satin stitching that gives floral elements a soft, silk-like sheen. Elevated stitching mimics the shimmer of pearls, capturing light in the same way a couture gown does on the red carpet.
The embroidery continues into the rear cabin, with an additional 70,000 stitches integrated into the Waterfall section between the seats. Rose Gold speaker grilles mirror the tone of the threadwork, enhancing the visual harmony. The cabin is finished in Grace White and Sunrise leather with ‘RR’ monograms on all headrests, and Piano White veneer adds a touch of modernity.
Couture Outside, Craftsmanship Everywhere
Phantom Dentelle’s exterior features a two-tone paint scheme: Crystal over Arctic White on the lower body, and Crystal over Palais Nemasker Dawn—an exclusive color—on the upper body. A dual coachline in Sunrise finishes in a hand-painted leafy branch with pearl-like “berries,” directly referencing the embroidery inside.
The 22-inch Fully Polished Disc wheels feature Arctic White center pinstripes and body-matching hubcaps. The polished Pantheon Grille is crowned with a Rose Gold Spirit of Ecstasy, and matching Rose Gold-engraved treadplates finish the look.
Private Office: The Pinnacle of Personal Luxury
This remarkable commission was curated through the Rolls-Royce Private Office, an exclusive experience offered only to select clients around the world. More than a showroom or design studio, the Private Office is a creative sanctuary where clients and their dealer advisor collaborate directly with Bespoke designers and client experience managers to shape their vision from inspiration to execution.
Following his viral Twitch “HIT-A-THON” and brand-new album blame the chat, multi-platinum hip hop star DDG delivers his latest anthem “That’s My Ball” today. Get it HERE at all DSPs via Epic Records.
Tailor made for the summer, the song has been viral even before an official release. DDG has been teasing fans with clips from the track on TikTok for the past week, and fans have been clamoring for him to officially release it. The song’s refrain (“that’s my ball”), a catch phrase for someone’s love interest, has become a popular saying after DDG coined the term during Streamer University. It even has been widely used on the new season of Love Island USA, highlighting it’s virality.
“That’s My Ball” is the latest hit from the prolific hip hop artist. DDG delivered his album blame the chat this May on the heels of his unprecedented Twitch “HIT-A-THON.” While DDG has always held a strong relationship with his fans via the powers of the internet and social media, he took things to a whole new level this spring, planting his flag firmly at the forefront of a vanguard of artists. Dubbed “one of the most powerful streamers in Hip-Hop” by Complex, DDG took things into the stratosphere when he livestreamed the album creation process over the course of seven days on his Twitch channel (here). During the livestream, where he was live 24 hours per day while he worked on the new body of work, he brought fans in on the process of creating an album via the power of Twitch chat, workshopping his art with him. It saw producers and guest artists come by to write and record, as well as collaborate with DDG in real-time, truly laying a blueprint for a new way of creating art. Fans gave feedback on lyrics, beat choices, and more, and saw a full 360 view of a week in the life of an artist completing an album– even doing media interviews and content while live, and culminated in him being the #1 live channel in the world on Twitch by the end, and reached a milestone subscription number. Highlighting his innovation, artists who came to record with him included Ty Dolla $ign, Rich the Kid, BIA, DaBaby, Wiz Khalifa, and more. The album includes the fan-favorite viral track “pink dreads,” which jump started the journey to the release of blame the chat.
Over the last several years, DDG has vaulted to the upper echelon of the culture. With over a billion and a half streams across his catalogue, the artist has achieved RIAA certifications for several hits – including “I’m Geekin” (gold), “Arguments” (gold), “Hood Melody” (gold) and break-out smash “Moonwalking In Calabasas” (double platinum). His status has been cemented by covering the coveted XXL Freshman Class issue and being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for music.
Once again, DDG is set to take his career to new heights.
Luxury motoring history was showcased through a gathering of more than 75 motor cars, representing over a century of excellence.
The 2025 RROC Meet marked the reunion of contemporary masterpieces—the Ghost Series II and Cullinan Series II—with their distinguished ancestors.
The gathering celebrated the Phantom’s centennial milestone.
A 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom, Eighth Generation, was showcased alongside examples of the pioneering Phantom I and Phantom III.
“The 2025 RROC Annual Meet stood as a testament to the timeless quality and enduring legacy of Rolls-Royce motor cars. With 70% of Rolls-Royce commissions still gracing the world’s roads, many of the historic vehicles in attendance continue to provide their owners with the same effortless motoring experience they have delivered for decades—an achievement that reflected Sir Henry Royce’s guiding principle: “Take the best that exists and make it better.” Jon Colbeth, President & CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA
As Phantom turns 100, Rolls-Royce reflects on its legacy and the many influential people tied to it. These fascinating stories – and the exquisite images they inspired our designers to create – offer a glimpse of Phantom’s extraordinary reach, and the world-changing people and events it is associated with.
A CENTURY OF ENDURING EXCELLENCE
The gathering created a living timeline—spanning from the partnership of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904 to the pinnacle of contemporary luxury motoring. Among the treasures on display were motor cars from every era of Rolls-Royce history—from early Silver Ghosts and Phantoms to the marque’s present-day lineup: Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan.
A LIVING MUSEUM OF AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE
As Phantom celebrated its centennial, the gathering underscored Rolls-Royce’s position as the world’s leading luxury marque. Each Rolls-Royce motor car represents more than transportation—it stands as a symbol of human achievement, mechanical artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship. The reunion of modern innovation with historic elegance became a celebration of a century’s pursuit of perfection.
The event also marked the first opportunity for many collectors and enthusiasts to experience Ghost Series II and Cullinan Series II, both recently introduced in North America.
CONTEMPORARY EXCELLENCE MET HISTORIC GRANDEUR
Ghost Series II represents a modern evolution of the founding values established by the original Silver Ghost of 1907—once hailed as “the best car in the world” for its reliability and refinement.
Engineered with the driver in mind, Ghost Series II features advanced technologies including the Planar Suspension System, Flagbearer road-reading technology, and Satellite Aided Transmission—powered by the marque’s signature 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
The interior celebrates both digital innovation and traditional craftsmanship, with highlights such as the SPIRIT digital operating system, the Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet, and Duality Twill fabric—incorporating over 2.2 million stitches and 11 miles of hand stitched thread.
Cullinan Series II, the world’s foremost super-luxury SUV, extended Rolls-Royce’s mastery into new territory while upholding its core tenets of effortless performance and luxury. Its refined exterior features 23-inch wheels—the largest ever offered on Cullinan—while interior innovations included the debut of the Illuminated Fascia with Cityscape graphics. Cullinan sports all the technology appointed of the Rolls-Royce Architecture of Luxury and is fitted with Spirit, the latest digital operating and entertainment system as well.
Ghost Series II and Cullinan Series II embody the enduring principles set forth in 1904. Each bespoke commission adds to a legacy defined by power, influence, individuality, and an uncompromising pursuit of perfection.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is the most populous city in the nation besides Hanoi (which is the capital). With approximately 10 million people, it offers one of the most diverse cultures in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asia Nations). With a diverse music scene, ample shopping, and a variety of food at your fingertips, HCMC offers a fun walking street fueled by European, American, and Australian backpackers. With a strong 5G network and massive Trump properties in the works, this makes this country an ideal choice for digital nomads and culture curators.
Below is a listing, in no apparent order, of some of the most buzzworthy places and entities.
Vung Tau is a port city that’s approximately 100km from HCMC. It offers a mountainous backdrop with beachfront resorts. With half of a million in population, this once French colonial town is charming.
The track is a rich and textured deep house, soul and jazz fusion gem that finds Geo at her most assured and open, exploring themes of visibility, vulnerability, and reclaiming self-worth. It’s a bold statement on being seen without being performative.
Geo has been supported by BBC, COLORS, and VIBE Magazine, among others, and has been honing her live presence at iconic venues like Union Chapel in London and Brussels’ Ancienne Belgique.
360 MAGAZINE interview with Geo Baddoo
‘Look at Me’ is a soulful, sensual summer song that blends house and afrobeats undertones with your signature soul-R&B sound. What inspired the track sonically and emotionally, and how did your time in Los Angeles help shape its direction?
The spark for the song came while I was in LA and heard the original version of the instrumental at just the right moment. When I’m over there I’m often in industry spaces and I’ve always found it interesting how people act. There’s usually a sense of performance in those environments. That energy isn’t just limited to LA though. You can feel it in other high-pressure or ‘competitive’ spaces too, like social media, where we often construct a version of ourselves that we want others to perceive. Over time, I’ve become more and more aware of those dynamics in others and in myself. On that particular trip, I felt different. Just more grounded and more at ease. I didn’t feel the need to prove anything, and that headspace inspired the song’s message. Sonically, the track was produced by Tytanium, who talked about blending Afro, house, and jazz influences.
If you had the chance to create a monster remix of ‘Look at Me’ with any artist in the world, who would be your dream collaborator—and what would they bring to the track that excites you most?
Hmm, maybe Tom Misch. He has several tunes that really capture a summer feeling for me, and he’s so versatile but always has an authentic, soulful, fresh, effortless vibe. I feel like he’d bring something cool to the track and take it to a new place.
Your plate has been full with a wide range of creative projects lately. As we move into the second half of the year, what’s next for you—whether musically, personally, or even something outside of the spotlight?
I’m working more collaboratively and dipping into new genres at the moment, so people can expect to hear variety from me. Since moving to London, I’m also adapting to a new pace and new production methods. A big part of this involves independently refining my vocal production skills. So that’s definitely a focus for me for the rest of the year. I really just want to continue improving as a musician forever!
You’ve spoken about the track being a celebration of integrity and staying grounded in a noisy, ego-driven world. How do you personally manage that balance between visibility and authenticity, especially in an online age?
Honestly, I’m still figuring out the balance, but I’ve learned to notice when I need to just lock my phone and step away. I’m getting good at recognising a misalignment – it’s a clogged up feeling and self-doubt is a big red flag. In those moments, I have to stay tapped into real life and tuned into my own rhythm and purpose.
Tytanium’s production on ‘Look at Me’ brings a lush and fluid energy. What was your collaborative process like, and how did you both arrive at the final sonic feel of the track?
The whole process was remote! I was in LA when I first heard the instrumental and immediately started freestyling some ideas. I ended up reshaping the structure a bit to match the vision I had, then recorded my vocals with some production ideas and sent it over to Tytanium. He took it from there and it all came together really naturally and easily.
The lyrics “I’d shine like a star if you let me” and “I don’t wanna hide anymore” feel powerfully vulnerable. Was there a turning point or experience that helped you reclaim that sense of self-worth and voice in your artistry?
Like many artists, I went through a period of crippling doubt and fear that led to basically complete writer’s block. Since then, I’ve worked hard to reconnect with myself and my free creative spirit. I’ve developed a lot of resilience and it gives me a pretty unstoppable feeling when I can bounce back from things and recenter myself. I’m just really sure of the path I’m on. I’ve written a lot of songs about the different stages I’ve been through with this mentally, so Look At Me captures a mental state that I always want to come back to.
You’ve performed at iconic venues from Union Chapel to Genghis Cohen. How do live performances shape or evolve your relationship with your songs—and what’s one moment on stage that has stayed with you?
Most memorable is probably Union Chapel, when I supported The Teskey Brothers on tour. I was performing an old song of mine called ‘Lonely Blue Messiah’ which was very meaningful at the time, and the setting was just picturesque. It was sold out and the audience were sitting in pews, the lighting was illuminating the stained glass windows, and directly in my eyeline when I looked up was Jesus! I was feeling pretty ethereal, like I was gonna lift off the ground. I love performing live – to tell stories and see faces and connect physically is a unique exchange that I appreciate. I look forward to playing more shows!
Your work often moves between softness and strength. How intentional is that contrast in your writing and production choices, and how does that duality reflect who you are as a person off-stage?
Duality is a part of human nature, and I see it clearly in myself. In the past, I found it confusing and wanted to know which version was the ‘real me’. But now I’ve learned to embrace it and allow myself to be more than just one thing. So while contrast in my work is intentional in the sense that I want to honour all sides of myself, it’s also intuitive because everything always comes from a genuine place. I feel like I possess a lot of traits that might be considered contradictory. I feel like a lot of people would relate to that.
You’ve cited artists like Sade, Alicia Keys, and Tracy Chapman as influences. How do you draw inspiration from their work without losing sight of your own voice?
I don’t think I often directly pull sonic inspiration when making music. I think my musical taste is just ingrained in me like a palette and comes through subconsciously. I do pay attention to how artists I love perform, talk, and engage with others though. I’m very interested in who they are outside of their songs, to understand their view of the world and of their art. Their unique perspectives are inspiring and so individual, so it prompts me to consider myself and my own unique perspective.
As a British soul-R&B artist with global aspirations, what does success look like for you right now—internally as much as externally?
I think success for me right now is to keep my integrity and continue growing and evolving. I know there’s so much music inside of me to come out, and success means giving life to it by honing and exploring my craft, and then sharing it.
A hidden gem of the Long Island peninsula, Montauk is one of the most charming and authentic destinations on the American East Coast. With its pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and lush landscapes, it is the perfect place where nature meets sophisticated glamour, and summer is lived in the purest beauty.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is the chosen location by Dolce&Gabbana to recreate an evocative corner of Italy in the Hamptons. For the summer of 2025, the beach club and lounge are once again dressed in the white and deep blue hues of the Blu Mediterraneo print, inspired by traditional Sicilian ceramics, transporting the mind on a sensory journey through the colours and scents of Southern Italy.
An exclusive pop-up store, featuring the same tones in an elegant vertical striped pattern as a tribute to the Italian Riviera, hosts a special selection of Dolce&Gabbana clothing and accessories, allowing the essence of la dolce vita to be relived even across the ocean.
DOLCE&GABBANA
Born in 1985, Dolce&Gabbana is one of the leading luxury and fashion brands in the world. Its founders, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, have always been the creative and stylistic source of all of the brand’s activities, as well as the drivers behind the development strategies. As the ultimate expression of Italianness, the group creates, produces, and distributes apparel, leather goods, footwear, accessories, fragrances and cosmetics, watches, and fine jewelry and its one-of-a-kind Alta Moda creations.
GURNEY’S MONTAUK RESORT & SEAWATER SPA
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is the only luxury year-round resort in the Hamptons situated directly on the beach. The resort features 158 rooms, suites, and beachfront cottages, offering guests access to the resort’s private Beach Club and cabanas, all complete with panoramic water views.
Guests can indulge in a range of amenities, including multiple oceanfront dining options including the new gigi’s montauk and Dune Lounge & Café debuting this summer, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and a seawater-fed indoor pool.
The resort is home to Gurney’s Seawater Spa, a recently renovated 30,000-square-foot full-service thalassotherapy and wellness destination, offering a range of amenities and treatment offerings. June 2025
Featuring Nas, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Stacy Barthe, Marsha Ambrosius & more
A living icon. A lyrical architect. A founding member of the most influential hip-hop collective in history — Wu-Tang Clan. Raekwon The Chef has carved his name into the granite of rap’s Mount Rushmore, and now, with his eighth solo album The Emperor’s New Clothes, he reminds the world why he’s permanently embedded in the elite tier of hip-hop royalty.
From Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, a street masterpiece that redefined mafioso rap, to his critically acclaimed catalog that spans decades, Raekwon has consistently elevated the artform. His voice is unmistakable. His storytelling — cinematic. His presence – untouchable. He’s influenced generations, mentored titans, and remained a razor-sharp lyricist through every era of the game.
Set for a July 18th release on Mass Appeal, The Emperor’s New Clothes features a stacked line-up of guests, including: Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher of Griselda, fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck; rap icon Nas; singer Stacy Barthe, plus British soul star Marsha Ambrosius. Production comes courtesy of super producer Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League and Frank G, and Roadsart.
Raekwon The Chef confirms that the Emperor’s New Clothes is more than an album — it’s a statement. A declaration of evolution, mastery, and the raw essence of New York soul. The Chef is cooking at the highest level, blending timeless bars with fresh soundscapes, proving once again that greatness doesn’t fade – it adapts, conquers, and reigns. The Emperor’s New Clothes is also the latest installment in Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It… series of albums by New York hip-hop’s trailblazers.
8 albums deep. Platinum plaques. Global stages.
Cultural impact that can’t be measured — only felt.
Raekwon and his Wu-Tang brethren are currently midday through a tour of North America alongside Run The Jewels.
Wu-Tang Clan & Run The Jewels The Final Chamber tour dates: June 06 – Baltimore, MD, CFG Bank Arena June 07 – Raleigh, NC, PNC Arena June 10 – Tampa, FL, Amalie Arena June 11 – Atlanta, GA, State Farm Arena June 13 – Ft Worth, TX, Dickies Arena June 14 – Houston, TX, Toyota Center June 15 – Austin, TX, Moody Center June 16 – Tulsa, OK, BOK Center June 18 – Phoenix, AZ, Footprint Center June 20 – Ontario, CA, Toyota Arena June 21 – San Diego, CA, Pechanga Arena June 22 – Los Angeles, CA, Crypto.com Arena June 24 – San Francisco, CA, Chase Center June 26 – Sacramento, CA, Golden 1 Center June 28 – Seattle, WA, Climate Pledge Arena June 30 – Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena July 01 – Portland, OR, Moda Center July 04 – Denver, CO, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre July 05 – Denver, CO, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre July 07 – Chicago, IL, United Center July 08 – Detroit, MI, Little Caesars Arena July 09 – Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena July 11 – Boston, MA, TD Garden July 13 – Laval, QC, Place Bell July 14 – Toronto, ONT, Scotiabank Arena July 16 – New York, NY, Madison Square Garden July 17 – Newark, NJ, Prudential Center July 18 – Philadelphia, PA, Wells Fargo Center
Hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd has officially joined music’s most elite club: the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has awarded their viral smash hit Black Beatles featuring Gucci Mane a Diamond certification, signifying over 10 million units sold in the United States.
Originally released in 2016 and featured on their second studio album SremmLife 2 via Eardrummer Records/Interscope Records, “Black Beatles” not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks but also became the soundtrack to the global #MannequinChallenge phenomenon, cementing its place in cultural and internet history. Now, nearly a decade later, it has achieved one of music’s highest honors.
This milestone is just one of several for the Mississippi-born brothers, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, who continue to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. In addition to the Diamond certification for “Black Beatles,” Rae Sremmurd has several big hits that are also RIAA-certified including: “No Type” (7× Platinum), “Come Get Her” (5× Platinum), “This Could Be Us” (4× Platinum), “Throw Sum Mo” (3× Platinum) “No Flex Zone” (3× Platinum), “My X” (Gold), “Up Like Trump” (Gold).
The rap heavyweights’ albums have left their mark on the music landscape. The duo’s first two projects, 2015’s SremmLife and the following year’s SremmLife 2, were each certified Platinum. Their third effort, SR3MM, from 2018, was groundbreaking in its own way, a triple-disc set that allowed each brother to have his own LP’s worth of space to work solo before joining forces again. It featured the 3x platinum-selling single “Powerglide” and the platinum-selling single “Guatemala.” The album also included guest appearances by Juicy J, Travis Scott, Future, Pharrell, The Weeknd, and more.
Sremmurd’s fourth studio album SREMM 4 LIFE was released in 2023 and peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart while also landing on Rolling Stone’s The 100 Best Albums of 2023 list at No. 95.
