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).
‘It’s clear that the Sandbox team has created a solid gaming experience by utilizing superior technology, innovation, and creativity.’ – Vaughn L.
•Minutes before hitting the NFT.NYC main stage, Borget had a brief discussion with 360 MAGAZINE’s Lowery about The Sandbox.
Internet personality Sébastien Borget is the co-founder and COO of The Sandbox [TSB] decentralized Metaverse, a virtual world where users can create, compete, and monetize their experiences using NFTs aka SAND–the main utility token of the platform.
In 2020, Sébastien assumed the role of President of the Blockchain Game Alliance, a non-profit organization that has 500 key industry members.
The estate of Whitney E. Houston announces eleven new certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
During her historic 40th anniversary in music and entertainment, Houston is the first African American Recording Artist to have three RIAA Diamond-Certified Albums.
The Estate of Whitney E. Houston today announces the eleven new certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) of the global icon Whitney Houston. This year marks the historic 40th Anniversary of Houston’s career in music and entertainment (February 14, 2025 through February 14, 2026).
In the era of digital streaming, Whitney Houston still remains on top with record-breaking sales from her Arista Records music recordings, including her combined physical sales, digital downloads, and on demand audio and video streams. Houston’s eleven new U.S. RIAA certifications include one album, The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album (19x Platinum) and ten of her biggest and most iconic songs: “I Will Always Love You,” (11x Platinum); “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” (8x Platinum); “I Have Nothing” (4x Platinum); “Higher Love” with Kygo [released on Kygo/RCA Records] and “How Will I Know” (each song is 3x Platinum); “Heartbreak Hotel,” “My Love Is Your Love” and “Saving All My Love” (each song is 2x Platinum); and “Run To You” and “Count On Me” (each song is Platinum).
Additionally, Houston is the first African American artist to have three RIAA Diamond-certified albums (10x Platinum for each album) including her self-titled debut album, Whitney Houston; her second studio album, Whitney, and The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album.
“We are honored to share this great news with Whitney’s fans,” says Pat Houston, the executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and the president of The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation. “I know that Whitney would be happy to know of the impact that her music has made globally. She always had a generous heart and a loving spirit. She would want us to say thank you to every person that contributed to her recordings, her productions, and the marketing of all her records, especially to Clive Davis and the extraordinary team of Arista Records through her many years at the label.”
Pat Houston continues: “Whitney would also want to say thank you to our partners, Primary Wave Music and her label home, Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings. She would be delighted to know that her loyal and worldwide fans have continued to love her and carry on her musical legacy through the generations. On behalf of her family and The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, we thank you for celebrating Whitney’s fortieth anniversary with us and for giving her your many years of love and support.”
RIAA President and Chief Operating Officer Michele Ballantyne says: “Whitney Houston’s iconic voice and powerful songs have carried her legacy across generations. With eleven new certifications, RIAA is proud to celebrate how her enduring impact is still felt throughout the music industry and as the Estate’s partnership with Sony finds moments to reach new fans. We are grateful for the remarkable gift Whitney left for us all!”
The highly anticipated The Boy Is Mine Tour was officially announced today on CBS Mornings by Brandy and Monica. The iconic GRAMMY Award-winning artists will embark on their first-ever co-headlining run this fall. Produced by Black Promoters Collective, the 24-city arena tour kicks off October 16 and travels across the U.S. through December 7. It also marks a historic moment more than 25 years in the making, building on the legacy of their 1998 game-changing duet “The Boy Is Mine,” which spent a record-shattering 13 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining cultural touchstone of late ‘90s R&B. The song also placed them in an elite group of artists — including Whitney Houston (14 weeks with “I Will Always Love You”) and Mariah Carey (16 weeks with “One Sweet Day”) — who have commanded the Hot 100’s top spot for 13 weeks or more.
Joining them on the road is a powerhouse lineup of special guests: GRAMMY-winning superstar Kelly Rowland, chart-topping singer-songwriter and GRAMMY winner Muni Long, and rising star Jamal Roberts, fresh off his 2025 American Idol Season 23 win. With talent that spans generations—from foundational to future—the tour is positioned to be one of the most unforgettable, unmissable live events of the year.
Last year Brandy and Monica captivated a new generation with a surprise cameo in Ariana Grande’s “the boy is mine” music video from her GRAMMY-nominated album Eternal Sunshine. Then, in a full-circle moment, they lent their voices to the official remix. The video appearance sparked a viral frenzy, racking up millions of views and “the boy is mine” remix with Grande earned the duo a GRAMMY nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—more than 25-years after the original win for “The Boy Is Mine,” which took home Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1999 GRAMMY Awards.
The Boy Is Mine Tour promises a celebration of two of the most influential voices in R&B, each with catalogues full of era-defining hits that have shaped the genre across decades. It’s a monumental moment: it’s not only the first time Brandy and Monica have toured together, but a generational convergence honoring their unmatched influence while ushering in a bold new era of R&B.
“Bringing Brandy and Monica together for this tour is more than just a moment — it’s a cultural homecoming,” says Shelby Joyner, President of Black Promoters Collective. “Their impact on R&B is immeasurable, and ‘The Boy Is Mine’ continues to be one of the most iconic collaborations of all time. At BPC, we’re committed to celebrating culture and legacy, and this tour is a powerful example of both.”
“This really is a full-circle moment. Monica and I coming together again isn’t just about the music—it’s about honoring where we came from and how far we’ve both come. ‘The Boy Is Mine’ was a defining chapter in R&B, and to share the stage all these years later is bigger than a reunion—it’s a celebration of growth, sisterhood, and the love our fans have given us from day one.” — Brandy
“The love that ‘The Boy Is Mine’ continues to receive means everything to me. This tour is a celebration of our history, our impact, and the fans who have grown with us. Brandy and I have been on our own unique journeys, and coming back together in this way is a reminder of the power of respect, strength, and real music. We’re giving the people what they’ve been asking for, and doing it with grace, love, and purpose. God’s timing perfectly aligned us.” — Monica
Fans can expect a powerful, soul-stirring, and high-energy night of music and vocal brilliance, backed by a live band and special collaborative moments on stage. Each night promises to be more than a concert — a musical milestone.
A cinematic mini-movie marks the perfect cue for this moment, watch again HERE. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and production designer Ethan Tobman—known for his work with Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Ariana Grande, in addition to Oscar- and Emmy-winning projects. Tobman delivers a The Boy Is Mine mini-movie with a bold and emotional visual, setting the stage for the tour.
THE BOY IS MINE TOUR DATES
Brandy, Monica, Kelly Rowland, Muni Long & Jamal Roberts
Thu 10/16 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Fri 10/17 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
Sat 10/18 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sun 10/19 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Thu 10/30 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
Fri 10/31 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sat 11/01 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
Sun 11/02 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Fri 11/07 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sat 11/08 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena
Sun 11/09 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Thu 11/13 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Fri 11/14 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
Sat 11/15 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at BJCC
Fri 11/16 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Thu 11/20 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri 11/21 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Sat 11/22 – Atlantic City, NJ – Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Sun 11/23 – Hampton, VA – Hampton Coliseum
Sat 11/29 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Sun 11/30 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena
Fri 12/05 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Louis Vuitton announces an official multiyear partnership with Real Madrid and unveils its formal wear and Formal Travel Wear Collections for the Men’s and Women’s football teams, as well as for the Men’s Basketball team. By joining forces with Real Madrid, Louis Vuitton becomes part of the legacy of the most decorated club in history, which has united exceptional talents under its colors since 1902.
Specially crafted for the players and members of the Real Madrid teams and designed by Louis Vuitton’s Men’s studio led by Creative Director Pharrell Williams, the formal wardrobe includes ready-to-wear pieces, shoes, and accessories that will be worn during official representations.
The collection, created exclusively to accompany the team on their international travels, features pieces with assertive lines and timeless style. These pieces are complemented by a series of accessories such as a leather belt with a palladium LV buckle, a navy cotton embroidered cap, and exceptionally supple LV Soft. A bespoke luggage line completes this wardrobe, which includes: the Horizon 55 carryon suitcase, Keepall, and Christopher backpack, as well as travel accessories.
As a partner of the greatest sporting events of our era – from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the Formula 1® World Championship – the House has already left its mark on the world of elite sports. Now, by outfitting all the club’s players and representatives for major travel and events, this unprecedented collaboration confirms now more than ever that “Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton.”
The collections are not available for purchase. However, some of the House’s emblematic models and the Mon Monogram personalisation service can be found in stores and online at louisvuitton.com.
Louis Vuitton announces new fragrance, Sun Song. Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud was inspired by the contrasts, state of mind, and spirit of Los Angeles, exploring the West Coast in all its light, extravagance, and delicateness.
The collection’s aptly-named Sun Song is an anthem to sunny days, turquoise skies, and rays of light reflecting off the sea–the joys of summer sun warming the skin. In Jacques Cavallier Belletrud’s eyes, bright orange blossom sets the tone for this radiant fragrance, lemon lifts the spirits, and musk underscores this jubilant bliss. A unique fusion between the airiness of a fruity mist and the depth of flowers, each Cologne Perfume in this olfactory escapade tells a tale of light.
When designing the bottle, Alex Israel–a leading figure in modern art–turned to a bright and fun-loving color palette. Inspired by midsummer’s hues and the artist’s signature gradients, a sunny yellow-orange color ramp turns the bottle into a true concentrate of light.
Sun Song will be available in select Louis Vuitton stores and on louisvuitton.com starting July 3rd.
Oakley has officially named Travis Scott as their first ever Chief Visionary, launching a multi-year creative partnership that marks a bold new chapter for the brand.
After years of organically championing Oakley on and off stage, including throughout his record-breaking Circus Maximus tour, Travis Scott is now partnering with the brand to reimagine the future of eyewear, apparel, and cultural design.
Together with his Cactus Jack team, Travis will work closely with Oakley to evolve its product legacy, rework archival styles, and create entirely new innovations that fuse Oakley’s iconic design with his creative perspective.
To celebrate the start of the partnership, a limited Day Zero drop is available today on shop.travisscott.com, offering an early glimpse at what’s ahead.
THEBLACKLABEL’s breakout co-ed group, ALLDAY PROJECT, hit #1 on YouTube’s Worldwide Trending chart just days after releasing their debut music video “FAMOUS.” One week later, they’re back with the title track “WICKED” – alongside two performance videos that build on the global buzz they’ve sparked as a rapidly rising force on the international stage. Watch both performance videos HERE and HERE. Listen to the single album HERE.
With an experimental beat that seamlessly fuses Brazilian Funk, Trap, R&B, and Drill, “WICKED” gives each member of ALLDAY PROJECT the space to express their individuality with unapologetic freedom. The term “Wicked”—an ironic expression meaning “incredible” or “awesome”—repeats as the hook, anchoring the track’s addictive rhythm. Fueled by explosive performances from ANNIE, TARZZAN, BAILEY, WOOCHAN, and YOUNGSEO and layered over cutting-edge production, the track delivers both sonic intensity and visual exhilaration.
“WICKED” was written by all members of ALLDAY PROJECT—TARZZAN, WOOCHAN, ANNIE, YOUNGSEO, and BAILEY—alongside Vince and global hitmakers Theron Thomas, Tommy “TB Hits” Brown, Amanda Ratchford, and Courtlin Jabrae Edwards. The track is produced by Dominsuk and 24 from THEBLACKLABEL.
ALLDAY PROJECT emerges as a groundbreaking new act under THEBLACKLABEL,
uniting a collective of highly anticipated multi-hyphenate artists who have already built strong reputations in rap, singing, choreography, and fashion. With a bold creative vision and genre-defying approach, the members of ALLDAY PROJECT are actively involved in the production of their music, visuals, and performances. The group has garnered widespread attention for challenging convention and holds the rare distinction of being one of the few co-ed groups in the modern era and the first under THEBLACKLABEL. Founded by mega-producer Teddy Park (a.k.a. TEDDY), THEBLACKLABEL’s roster includes MEOVV, JEON SOMI, Vince, BIGBANG’s TAEYANG, and BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ.
Upon the release of “FAMOUS,” the music video went viral—topping YouTube’s trending music and video charts in Korea, reaching No.1 on YouTube’s global trending list, and placing fourth on China’s QQ Music video chart. These achievements have positioned the group as an emerging presence in the global music scene, with the video surpassing 14 million views on YouTube views in just one week.
Listen to The Debut Single FAMOUS, which includes the title track “WICKED” – HERE
RYAN CASTRO’S HIGHLY PRAISED SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘SENDÉ’ DEBUTS TOP 10 ON SPOTIFY’S GLOBAL CHART
After starting his career singing on Medellín buses and building buzz through rap freestyles, Ryan moved to Curaçao in search of change. During his time on the island, he balanced everyday jobs while continuing to make music. Curaçao became a place of personal and artistic growth, where genres like reggae, dancehall, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms shaped both his sound and sense of purpose. That evolution is fully captured on Sendé, an 18-track set written and recorded in Curaçao, featuring collaborations with Shaggy, Tribal Kush, Konshens, Jombriel, Blaiz Fayah, Dongo, and Peso Pluma.
To celebrate the launch of his album, Ryan Castro returned to Curaçao during release week, becoming the first Latin artist to lead a motorcycle run on the island. The ride ended at his release party, where he celebrated with fans and joined a livestream session with Westcol, connecting with his community in real time.
Ryan Castro is set to return toCuraçao this August for a special performance at the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, marking a full-circle moment. He lived on the island with his mother for several years before rising to fame, and it was there that he immersed himself in Caribbean sounds—now fully embraced in the essence of Sendé.
Neo-Soul legend releases first new music as part of “Forever in Rotation,” the celebration of Black Music Month from Amazon Music
Stream “Echos 19” exclusively on Amazon Music here
Last night, Amazon Music came together with multi-Grammy-winning musical icon and producer Erykah Badu to livestream a special hometown concert from the Bomb Factory in Dallas as part of “Forever in Rotation,” the streaming service’s celebration of Black Music Month. The Queen of Neo-Soul opened the show with “Echos 19 (mix 122), a live soundscape of a new single inspired by her collaboration with the legendary hip-hop producer The Alchemist. Badu, who wrote, composed, arranged, and produced the single, gave fans an exclusive first listen before performing a retrospective set of fan favorites and legendary singles, including “On and On,” “Bag Lady,” and “Didn’t Cha Know.”
The studio version of “Echos 19 (mix 122)” is now available exclusively on Amazon Music. The Amazon Music Original is stylistically bold and undeniably soulful—a first taste of new music from the next era of Erykah Badu. Fans can listen to the track here.
Badu, recognized as a fashion icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and renowned for her distinctive style, also conceptualized every aspect of the ancient futuristic stage show in Dallas. The custom costume design, lighting, and set design were created by Badu and inspired by graphic designer Voltage. The concert and upcoming tour promises a theatrical and visual spectacle reflecting Badu’s unique ability to make the ancient feel revolutionary and the futuristic feel deeply rooted in cultural tradition.
Following the performance, Amazon Music presented Badu with the inaugural “Forever in Rotation Award,” recognizing artists whose cultural impact and legacy will influence generations to come. Grammy-winning executive and former Motown Records CEO/President Kedar Massenburg–who played a pivotal role in Badu’s early career–presented award alongside Amazon Music executive Sierra Lever, Head of Hip-Hop/R&B.
Listen to “Echos 19 (mix 122) (Amazon Music Original)” exclusively on Amazon Music HERE.
Read more about Erykah Badu and The Alchemist’s New Single and Visualizer “Next To You” HERE.
“Forever In Rotation” is a celebration of Black Music Month honoring Black artists who have redefined music and remain in our collective heavy rotation. Keeping with a years-long tradition,
the “Badu Presents: Echos 19” livestream is the fourth year in a row that Amazon Music has broadcast a touchstone cultural moment during Black Music Month. Past years have included Kendrick Lamar’s The Pop Out, Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival, and Leimert Park Rising.
In addition to last night’s livestream, Rotation celebrates Black music under the banner of “Forever in Rotation” in June with new playlists, Amazon Music Original songs, and programming throughout the month.
ABOUT AMAZON MUSIC
Amazon Music is an immersive audio entertainment service that connects fans, artists, and creators through music, podcasts, and culture. Amazon Music brings fans closer to what they love, with curated and personalized playlists, artist livestreams, artist merch, and Amazon Exclusive podcasts. Prime members get access to over 100 million songs in shuffle mode, All-Access playlists, plus the largest catalog of top ad-free podcasts, included with their membership. Customers can subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited for full, on-demand access to 100 million songs in HD, a growing catalog of Ultra HD and Spatial audio, and one audiobook a month from the world’s largest selection of audiobooks from Audible. Anyone can listen to Amazon Music by downloading the free Amazon Music app or wherever they listen to music, including Alexa-enabled devices. Learn more at amazon.com/music.
GRAMMY® Award-nominated, multi-platinum superstar Offset makes a strong summer return with “Bodies” featuring fellow Atlanta rap iconoclast J.I.D., out now on Motown Records. Produced by Vinylz and FNZ, the smooth track features an iconic sample: Drowning Pool’s 2001 hit, “Bodies.” Listen, HERE. The new single also comes with a surreal yet dapper video creative directed by Offset himself, edited by Mikey Rare, and with styling by SheShe Pendleton. Watch HERE. (OUT LATER TODAY).
“’Bodies’ is one of them ones I had to really take my time with. It’s about standing on who you are, coming out the mud, and being confident in the face of adversity. I’m always evolving, and I don’t fit in a box as an artist,” said Offset, “I’ve been cooking this up for a minute and I’m just getting started. J.I.D. is my guy and had the perfect energy to match ‘Bodies.’ Stay tuned because we going up.”
“Bodies” brings high-level intensity weaving together a haunting choir over a fresh take on the known sample (“Let the bodies hit the floor”). Over propulsive drums and an ominous piano, Offset showcases his bold artistry while rapping about his destiny: “I got choices this shit look like crayons … I fold a million dollars in two pockets … Sleeping and dreaming, talking to the rocket, he told me, ‘Go up,’ I told him that I got him.” J.I.D., complements “Bodies” with his own strikingly dynamic verse.
The “Bodies” video filmed in L.A. matches the song’s scope and tone, creating a rich visual that feels like a living painting. In style Offset leads a desert runway where suave models march down a red carpet in front of the candlelit choir. The grim reaper looms behind J.I.D., and Offset oversees cult-like devotees to receive his crown while seated on an elaborate throne.
Offset’s latest follows his ice-cold Valentine’s Day drop “TEN.” He also made a triumphant return to Hot Ones where he discussed his mindset as a solo artist and the origins of his forays into acting — watch HERE. Before that, Offset closed 2024 with a pair of year-end gifts: his surprise Juice WRLD collab “Celebration” — from the legend’s final posthumous album The Party Never Ends — and his hypnotic solo single “Swing My Way.” The song came with a stunning music video directed by Kid Art co-starring supermodel Anok Yai . Watch HERE and read more about the visuals at PAPER Magazine.
