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).
The Taycan Turbo GT eclipses the record set by the Taycan Turbo S over four years ago
The Taycan Turbo GT has set a new benchmark lap time for a production EV at Road Atlanta. In conjunction with the available Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS NF0 summer performance tires – developed and homologated specifically for the Taycan Turbo GT – and the optional Weissach Package, professional race car driver and Porsche Cars North America brand ambassador Patrick Long completed a lap in an impressive time of 1:27.15 minutes.
The Taycan Turbo GT, piloted by Patrick Long, beats previous record set by the Taycan Turbo S in 2020 by 6.73 seconds
Despite a damp track, the improved technology in the car and tires helped the Taycan set a new benchmark for EV performance
“The new Taycan was so easy to get up to speed, and the brakes were amazing, there was absolutely no compromise in feel or power,” said Long after his first lap of the track.
For comparison, a Taycan Turbo S went around Road Atlanta in 1:33.88 minutes on the 2.54-mile track at the end of 2020, less than five years earlier, showing the improvement that was made to the battery, motors, suspension, and tires over just half a generation.
After his record run, Long had this to say, “I expected the steering feel, connection, and feedback, but I didn’t expect how powerful the Active Ride suspension would be in counteracting pitch, roll, and squat. Road Atlanta puts a lot of load into a car, and the hydraulics kept up with it without any issues, and made sure the tires were always at their best.”
Background: The record was set on May 28, 2025 with continuously changing weather conditions. At the time of the record run, the conditions were in the mid 70’s, with moderate cloud cover, and winds 3-5 mph from the North. Persistent rain in the morning meant track conditions would not be ideal. But thanks to a break in the clouds and a consistent breeze from the North, the track ended up patchy damp in some spots, but mostly dry during the run.
Long had this to say after the lapping session; “To be on the safe side, we experimented with traction and stability control settings, Sport PSM and off, and found the car to work just fine with it in Sport; you could see the traction control working on the dash, but it was totally seamless from the drivers seat. And finally, Attack Mode is intense, I never have felt such a smooth but intense burst of usable power in anything, including race cars!”
The car that ran the record is a stock production 2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT equipped with the Weissach Package and Pirelli Trofeo RS tires. It features an exterior color of Purple Sky and the GT Interior Package with accents in GT Silver. It was also optioned with the Illuminated Light Strip. Starting tire pressures were set to 37psi both front and rear, and the starting battery State of Charge was 97%. Track Endurance Mode was enabled prior to the run to reduce the starting temperature of the battery to 68 degrees F. Two attempts were made, and though both attempts broke the record, the second run was the faster run.
JVCKENWOOD Launches JVC EH-Z2000 AI-Powered Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids
JVCKENWOOD announced the official release of its most advanced over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid to date: the JVC EH-Z2000. Engineered for personalized performance, the EH-Z2000 is a self-fitting, rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled solution with audio streaming that offers users a clinically backed, self-managed hearing experience—all from the comfort of home.
The EH-Z2000 connects to the Award Winning Tuned app, providing a fully guided setup experience powered by the world’s first patented AI Hearing Assistant, developed by expert audiologists. This smart companion helps users evaluate their hearing, personalize their hearing profile, and get real-time support—24/7.
Designed to deliver more than just sound amplification, the Tuned app enhances engagement and motivation through a behavioral science-backed blend of audiology and psychology. From daily tips and goal tracking to instructional videos and professional support, users are empowered every step of the way.
Key Features of the JVC EH-Z2000 Include:
· Self-Fitting OTC Convenience: No in-person visit required—set up, tune, and adjust entirely through the Tuned app.
· AI-Powered Hearing Assistant: Get smart, self-service guidance and automated support for adjustments, troubleshooting, and answers to common questions.
· Best-in-Class Battery Performance: Built-in rechargeable batteries provide 32 hours of use per charge, with an additional 52 hours from the included portable charging case.
· Discreet, Comfortable, Virtually Invisible: Lightweight behind-the-ear design with six additional eartips ensures a perfect, secure fit for all-day comfort.
· Personalized Hearing Pro”letter-spacing:-.25pt”> Self-administered hearing check within the app enables tailored amplification tuned to your exact hearing needs.
· Bluetooth Streaming: Easily take calls or stream podcasts and audio from your smartphone. Bluetooth Low Energy ensures seamless connectivity and low power consumption.
· Ongoing Support and Education: Daily goals, how-to videos, and app-based lessons help users get the most out of their hearing aids while minimizing service needs.
· Remote Hearing Professional Support: When needed, users can access licensed hearing care professionals through the Tuned app for live assistance.
“We’ve combined clinical-grade hearing science with cutting-edge AI and an intuitive app experience,” said Patrick Koehn, Vice President of Lifestyle Products Division for JVCKENWOOD USA Corp. “The EH-Z2000 is more than a hearing aid—it’s a smarter, more accessible way for people to take control of their hearing health.”
‘On the heels of Wu-Tang: An American Saga, starring Ashton Sanders and Dave East, the ensemble has decided to embark on a massive tour. It was a transformative experience featuring one of the most prolific acts of our lifetime.‘ – Vaughn Lowery
‘Lil Cease, Lil Kim, and SWV were among the special guests who made Wu-Tang’s MSG stop an unforgettable evening. Upon an introduction by his first-born son, Barsun Unique Jones, also known as Young Dirty Bastard (YDB), the show concluded with a heartfelt tribute to his father and their former bandmate, Ol’ Dirty Bastard.’ – Armon Hayes
WU-TANG CLAN‘s tour was epic, connecting diehard fans across the country. Take a look at this SPIN deep dive.
“There is a clear path forward through partnerships that both further AI innovation and foster human artistry. Unfortunately, some bad actors – like Midjourney – see only a zero-sum, winner-take-all game. These short-sighted AI companies are stealing human-created works to generate machine-created, virtually identical products for their own commercial gain. That is not only a violation of black letter copyright law but also manifestly unfair. This action by Disney and Universal represents a critical stand for human creativity and responsible innovation.”
After years of viral moments and rare appearances, B2K has officially confirmed their long-awaited reunion tour, set to launch in Spring 2026, in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective. The announcement, first revealed exclusively via VIBE, follows their buzzworthy performance at the 2025 BET Awards’ 106 & Park tribute — a “full circle moment” that sparked massive fan demand.
“This is for the fans,” said J-Boog. “The best time is when we’re on stage together.”
Fans can sign up now for alerts and first access to tour info at: B2KTour.com
Since 2022, the Black Promoters Collective (BPC) has solidified its place as a powerhouse in live entertainment. As the only wholly Black-owned live music company on the Global Pollstar Top 100 Promoters list (#39) and ranked #3 on Pollstar’s Global Top Urban Promoter/Producers list, BPC continues to transform the industry. Featured multiple times on the Billboard Power Players List, BPC remains committed to providing culturally relevant, world-class live entertainment experiences. Learn more atBlackPromotersCollective.com.
SET TO PERFORM THREE NIGHTS AT LAS VEGAS’ VOLTAIRE AT THE VENETIAN RESORT ON JULY 3RD, 4TH & 5TH – TICKETS ON SALE NOW HERE Following the release of his brand new album Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements last Friday, 5x GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist and Academy Award®-nominated writer, actor, director, and producer, Seth MacFarlane reveals a mini-documentary with a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the project—watch HERE.
Upon release, Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Chart, and has received critical acclaim from the likes of NPR Morning Edition, Variety, Billboard, Esquire, American Songwriter, Grammy.com, and many more. The 12-track album features never-before-heard arrangements originally created for Frank Sinatra by his legendary collaborators Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Don Costa.
Next month, MacFarlane and his orchestra will unveil some of the never-before-heard arrangements from Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements for an unforgettable weekend at Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Thursday, July 3rd, Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5thon sale now. He’ll also bring this album to the stage in Los Angeles with a live performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall on February 17th, 2026, on sale now.
Written for some of Sinatra’s most classic and celebrated albums, the historic arrangements on Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements remained in the private collection of the Sinatra family, unheard — until now. In collaboration with the Sinatra family and estate, MacFarlane acquired the entire Sinatra music archive in 2018, and has brought these 12 remarkable arrangements to life with a 70-piece orchestra, featuring world-renowned musicians from Los Angeles and London, conducted by acclaimed British conductor John Wilson, and produced by MacFarlane’s longtime musical collaborator Joel McNeely. Every song on the album was recorded as a live performance with this ensemble at George Lucas’ famed Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California.
LUSH LIFE: THE LOST SINATRA ARRANGEMENTS TRACKLIST:
Colombian sensation Kapoand one of the fastest-rising names in Afrobeat and Latin music releases the latest single “Korazong” available on all streaming platforms. The track follows the global success of chart-toppers “Ohnana” and “UWAIE,” arrives alongside a visually striking music video. Written and performed by Kapo himself and produced by Gangsta, the track is a vibrant tribute to love’s transformative strength and its ability to heal and unite.
Inspired by the belief that love conquers all—because to love is to heal,”Korazong” captures the longing to be close to that special someone, radiating an emotional and refreshing energy that mirrors the spark of a new romance. True to Kapo’s signature style, the song invites listeners to see themselves within its heartfelt lyrics from the very first beat.
The music video, filmed in Miami, deepens the song’s emotional narrative. Directed by Jean Lafleur with creative direction by Emilio Holguín (Vélodrome), the conceptual piece explores love’s cyclical nature through dreamlike visuals. In scenes alongside a model representing a love that ebbs and flows, Kapo brings to life an endless spiral of passion and emotion. The project was produced by Ivan Foix, edited by Jean Lafleur, with VFX by Pijama Studio, and brought to life by the production house SomosNitro.
KAPO continues to make his mark in the Latin industry, earning 680 million combined streams on Spotify with “Ohnana” and “UWAIE.” He won “Best New Artist of the Year” at the 2025 Lo Nuestro Awards and “Best Latin New Act” at the 2024 LOS40 Music Awards and performed at the Latin Grammy Opening Concert. Now, he’s breaking into the U.S. market— having performed at Times Square’s iconic New Year’s event, being named a “Latin Artist on the Rise” by Billboard, winning “Best New Latin Artist” at the 2025 iHeart Radio Music Awards, and launching his first U.S. tour, Por Si Alguien Nos Escucha, which is already making waves.
With an audience full of Hollywood’s most prominent figures, the undisputed queen of pop continues to break barriers, reclaiming her resilience to a recession.
In SirDavis fashion, Beyoncé’s opening was captivating and slightly spicier than the Renaissance (RWT). In sum, it was infused with a savory selection of the star’s biggest hits intermingled with a healthy helping of the Grammy’s 2025 Album of the Year.
This is a concert goers’ concert as it’s both family-oriented and fierce. It’s no ‘Cécred‘ that it’s by far one of her best live performances since Netflix’s Beyoncé Bowl and Homecoming.
BeyHive Presale Begins Tuesday, February 11 at 12 PM Local
Artist Presale Begins Thursday, February 13 at 12 PM Local
Additional Presales for Citi Cardmembers, Verizon Up, Mastercard Offered Ahead of General Onsale General Onsale Begins on Friday, February 14 at 12 PM Local on Beyoncé.com
Cultural icon BEYONCÉ will return to stages across the U.S. and Europe from April through July for the COWBOY CARTER TOUR, celebrating the release of her groundbreaking eighth studio album COWBOY CARTER. Produced and directed by Parkwood Entertainment, and promoted by Live Nation, the tour includes notable four-night runs at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium along with two-night stints in Chicago, Paris, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta. The 22-date tour will begin in the U.S. from April through May, then cross the Atlantic to London and Paris. COWBOY CARTER TOUR then returns to Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston in late May before concluding in Atlanta mid July. Full ticketing and routing information is available below.
COWBOY CARTER has made a monumental impact on music, reinterpreting elements of country, rock and roll, folk, rhythm and blues, pop, psychedelic soul, and bluegrass genres into the second album of her three part trilogy. Weaving in radio broadcasts by the fictional “KNTRY Radio Texas,” country legends Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson were featured as disc jockeys and collaborators across several tracks. The album debuted at number one on several charts, including the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to achieve this milestone. Last evening at the 67th Grammy Awards, COWBOY CARTER won three Grammys including Album Of The Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and earned 11 Grammy nominations this year, making Beyoncé the most-nominated and most-awarded artist in Grammy history with a grand total of 99 nominations and 35 wins.
COWBOY CARTER TOUR brings the award-winning album to life for the first time in a full concert setting, following the explosive live Halftime performance of BEYONCE BOWL during Netflix’s first ever NFL 2024 Christmas Gameday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Halftime performance drew a US viewership of over 27 million viewers.
TICKET DETAILS: There will be multiple presales ahead of the general on-sale. The general on-sale will take place starting Friday, February 14 at 12pm local time at beyonce.com. Additional presale information below.
BEYHIVE PRESALE: The BeyHive presale begins February 11 at 12pm through February 12 at 11am local. More information will be available at Beyonce.com.
ARTIST PRESALE: Fans can sign up for the Artist Presale now through February 6 at 8AM ET at livemu.sc/beyonce for U.S. + UK shows and livemu.sc/beyonceparis2025 for the Paris shows. The Artist Presale will begin February 13 at 12pm through February 13 at 10pm local.
In addition, sponsored presales will take place in select markets internationally:
U.S. – Citi Presale: Citi is the Official Card for the presale of the COWBOY CARTER TOUR. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning February 12 at 12pm local time until February 13 at 11am local time through the Citi Entertainment® program. For those who are not existing Citi cardmembers, consumers can apply for the Citi Custom Cash Card online.* For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com
U.S. – Verizon Up Presale: Verizon will offer an exclusive presale for the COWBOY CARTER TOUR in the U.S through Verizon Access, just for being a customer. Verizon Access Presale tickets for select shows will begin February 12 at 12pm local time until February 13 at 11am local time. For more details visit Verizon.com/Access.
U.K. + France – Mastercard Presale: Mastercard cardholders have special access to Presale tickets in London & Paris. Mastercard Presale starts February 12 at 12pm local time and ends February 13 at 11am local time. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from February 14 at 12pm local time. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
Marriott Bonvoy, the world’s leading hospitality company and official hotel partner of COWBOY CARTER TOUR, is providing Marriott Bonvoy members the opportunity to access unparalleled perks and experiences in cities across the tour.
SirDavis, the premium, award-winning whiskey, is the official spirit of the tour. Launched on September 4, 2024, SirDavis is challenging the category norms and is on a mission to redefine the category and invite new consumers to feel welcome to participate in the world of luxury whisky.
Cécred, the prestige, award-winning hair brand founded and owned by Beyoncé, is the official beauty brand of the tour. Launched in February 2024, Cécred is an inclusive force of excellence in the industry, with its products combining patent-pending technology and ancient hair rituals to deliver visible strength, moisture, and shine for every type and texture.
TRAVEL PACKAGES: Vibee, the music-led destination experience company, is providing curated experience packages for COWBOY CARTER TOUR. Vibee packages include premium concert tickets, two-night hotel accommodations and much more. For more information and to get early access to tickets via Vibee’s packages on sale Tue Feb 11, please visit beyonce.vibee.com.
Beyoncé continues making her mark off the stage through the BeyGOOD Foundation. During the tour, the Foundation continues its work of helping communities with programs in entrepreneurship, scholarships, disaster response, including helping those affected by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles, California area.
COWBOY CARTER TOUR DATES:
April 28, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 01, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 04, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 07, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 15, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 22, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 24, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 25, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 28, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
June 05, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 07, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 10, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 12, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 19, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 21, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 28, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
June 29, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
July 04, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 07, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
July 11, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.
Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.
We extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We wish peace and harmony to all who were touched by Sly’s life and his iconic music.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your unwavering support.
In honor of National Martini Day (June 19th) next week, Reyka Vodka is reimagining classic martini recipes to help your readers celebrate and elevate their summer!
Reyka Vodka – the vodka made of Iceland – is crafted with Icelandic glacial spring water and filtered through lava rocks, making for a clean, crisp taste that is a perfect base for a vodka martini!
The Icelandic Dude
Created by Sebastien Derbomez, Manager Brand Advocacy, William Grant & Sons
Ingredients:
1.5 parts Reyka vodka
0.5 parts Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
1 part Espresso (Fire Poppy Blend)
1/4 parts Organic Date Syrup
Pinch of salt
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice. Fine strain into chilled glass.
