About VAUGHN LOWERY

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).

BEYOND GREEN IMPACT REPORT

BEYOND GREEN SHOWCASES THEIR BRAND COMMITMENT WITH FIRSTGLOBAL IMPACT REPORT

Beyond Green, a global portfolio of planet Earth’s most sustainable hotels, has announced the launch of its first-ever Global Impact Report underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability and the effect of its member portfolio’s worldwide ESG initiatives. The report, available online at www.staybeyondgreen.com/GIR, utilizes data resulting from a Beyond Green member sustainability survey to demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism in safeguarding the planet’s natural environment, celebrating cultural heritage, and enhancing the lives of local communities – representing the future of travel.

Established by Preferred Travel Group in April 2021, Beyond Green unites sustainability leaders worldwide to transform the travel industry with each member property vetted according to more than 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In an era where environmental and social awareness significantly influences travelers’ decisions on destinations, accommodations, and businesses to support, the report serves as an educational tool, making sustainability accessible to the everyday traveler while going beyond the environmental aspect. Beyond Green’s core mission of representing hotels that demonstrate sustainability leadership across the three key pillars of Nature, Culture, and Community ensures travelers connect with vetted accommodations that actively contribute to the well-being of the places and communities they explore.

“I am thrilled to share Beyond Green’s first Global Impact Report, these results shine a light on the amazing work our members do across the three key pillars of sustainable tourism, Nature, Community, and Culture, demonstrating how critical this topic is and why we are passionate and committed stewards of this philosophy. Together, we can harness the power of travel to be a force for good, leaving behind a legacy for generations of travelers to come.” Says Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group.

Key report highlights include:

· Dedicated Sustainability Positions: Over 90% of Beyond Green members have a dedicated Sustainability Manager or equivalent position or team, steering the evolution and on-site implementation of member’s sustainability programs.

· Reducing and Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: 100% of Beyond Green members have eliminated single-use plastic water bottles from their operations. Additional efforts to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics include utilizing biodegradable packaging and employing more sustainable materials throughout hotel operations, such as re-usable room keys made with wood or bamboo.

o For example, a unique glass bottle crusher creates sand used across The Ranch at Laguna Beach’sGEO-certified golf course in California – while also reducing glass waste stream by 90%.

· Renewable Energy: Nearly 70% of Beyond Green members utilize renewable energy sources, including solar panels, wind turbines, and other sources such as biomass derived from certified wood pellets.

o The Brando excels in leveraging renewables, utilizing everything from renewable solar fields to an innovative Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system that harnesses cold water from the deep sea to naturally cool spaces without damaging hydrofluorocarbons.

· Endangered Species Protection: Beyond Green members actively contribute to the protection of over 24 animal species and 1 plant species registered on either the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or the US Endangered Species list.

o A leader in marine conservation, andBeyond Mnemba Island worked in partnership with the Ministry of Blue to establish Mnemba Island Marine Special Area (MIMSA), which grants additional protection to the surrounding biodiverse waters. The property also serves as one of the few protected nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle – and allows lodge guests to join in on monitoring efforts.

· Philanthropy & Donations: Through direct financial, in-kind, and guest donations,Beyond Green members donated a total of $3,138,449 during 2021-2022, supporting local communities, as well as natural and cultural initiatives.

o Talaia Plaza EcoResort in Catalonia, Spain, established the Plaza Terra Viva Foundation in December 2022 to scale support for local nonprofits and projects protecting the region’s rich heritage and enhancing the well-being of its residents.

· Protecting Cultural Heritage: Properties authentically share local cultural heritage with guests through a distinct sense of place that reflects the traditional architecture and regional décor, culinary programs, and immersive guest experiences that explore local history, folklore, and art.

o Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert safeguards the region’s storied traditions and living heritage through a project to restore the Mongolian Bankhar, a breed of mastiff dog native to the surrounding steppe.

· Community, Social and Economic Well-Being: Members actively support local communities, by hiring locally, partnering with local businesses, artists, and artisans, and contributing to micro-enterprise projects, education, health, and other community development priorities.

o The Parkside Hotel & Spa on Vancouver Island became the first hotel in British Columbia to start a Memorandum of Reconciliation (MOR) to “recognize the historical relationship of the Songhees Nation with the land upon which The Parkside stands.” Guests are invited to join the Lekwungen, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt People, and learn about indigenous culture through guided canoe and walking tours that reveal a unique perspective on the city’s heritage unknown to most travelers.

These transformative efforts led to Beyond Green’s recent recognition as an honoree in the Travel + Leisure 2023 Global Vision Awards, celebrating innovators and sustainability leaders.

“Beyond Green members demonstrate what is possible when world-class hospitality and sustainable solutions converge, and their collective positive impact in supporting local Nature, Culture and Community represents the transformation of travel; where exceptional guest stays are tied to the protection of our planet and well-being of its inhabitants. They inspire through action and continuously set the bar for sustainability leadership around the world, offering a guiding light and invitation for others to join this essential journey.” Says Nina Boys, Vice President of Sustainability, Beyond Green Travel.

All statistics used in the report are based on quantitative and qualitative data derived from a comprehensive digital sustainability survey conducted with Beyond Green member hotels, featuring 67 questions that reflect their efforts and impact between January 2021 and December 2022. A total of 26 Beyond Green members completed the survey in full, and the report was written and co-developed by Beyond Green Travel, a leading sustainable tourism consultancy and sister company of Beyond Green within Preferred Travel Group.

Read the full report here. For stays at any of the member hotels, travelers are invited to book via the Beyond Green brand website.

ASHLEY TISDALE DONATES

Ashley Tisdale Donates Being Frenshe at Babylist x Harvest Home LA Charity Event

Actress Ashley Tisdale gave back to moms in need at the Babylist (www.babylist.com) x Harvest Home LA event on Friday. The former Disney star stopped by Babylist’s Beverly Hills Showroom to gift self-care goods, from her wellness brand Being Frenshe to young mothers supported by Harvest Home LA. Additional fans of Babylist include Ashley Benson, Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Alexa PenaVega, and Jasmine Tookes.

Pharrell + Louis Vuitton

Pharrell Williams teams up w/ Swae Lee + Rauw Alejandro on their highly-anticipated new single “Airplane Tickets” – listen here. The song debuted on November 30th at Williams’ Louis Vuitton Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 Runway Show in Hong Kong.

Alongside the song, the official music video directed by Maxime Quoilin and produced by the Good Company is out now – watch here. The video was filmed on location throughout Hong Kong, including the iconic Avenue of Stars.

Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 show marks the first LV men’s collection to ever be shown in Hong Kong, featuring pieces that were designed to represent the LVERS philosophy.

Pharrell Williams brings his own unique play on colors, reimagining Louis Vuitton heritage emblems, patterns, and stylings. The collection illustrates the connective power of travel through nautical themes with hints of surfing and tropical floral prints, making the wardrobe easily celebrated across continents. Made up of sailor like silhouettes and exaggerated sandals and sneakers inspired by the formality of loafers, the wardrobe transports the modern-day working man from formal to beach.

Pharrell + Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2024 show in Hong Kong via 360 MAGAZINE.

Eyedress + The Marias

After releasing their collaborative single to critical acclaim, alt singer-songwriter and producer Eyedress and Grammy-nominated band The Marías release the music video for “Separate Ways,” out now via RCA Records.

Directed and animated by PRTND Studios, the claymation visual finds Eyedress and The Marías up against an alien abduction. When Eyedress and The Marías’ lead singer María Zardoya go missing, it’s up to Eyedress’ family to travel to space to rescue them.

After releasing “Separate Ways” last month, the song received praise from Remezcla, Stereogum, BrooklynVegan, Numero Magazine, and more. The first of two joint singles from the duo, Eyedress and The Marías are set to release their next single later this month.

About Eyedress

Born in Manila and now residing in Los Angeles, Filipino artist Eyedress has continued to make a name for himself over the past decade, blending a wide array of genres from lo-fi hip-hop to post-punk to ‘80s-influenced goth and more to craft something that is distinctly and wholly his own. He certified himself as an artist to watch when his 2019 single “Jealous” hit viral status, appearing in over one million videos on TikTok and earning an RIAA platinum certification. He followed suit with “Romantic Lover” the following year and “Something About You” in 2021, both of which have also gone platinum. Last year, Eyedress made his Coachella debut and released his latest full-length project FULL TIME LOVER, which featured collaborations from N.E.R.D.’s Chad Hugo, Nosaj Thing, The Drums, and more, including his partner, Elvia. The acclaimed record earned an official remix treatment from Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine, who put his own spin on the album’s track “HOUSE OF CARDS.”

About The Marías

The Marías are the Grammy-nominated psychedelic-soul lovechild of Puerto Rican-bred, Atlanta-raised María Zardoya and Los Angeles native, Josh Conway. The two are joined by their closest friends, Jesse Perlman on guitar and Edward James on keys. Their undeniably intuitive musical chemistry can be heard in the band’s smooth rendezvous of jazz percussion, hypnotic guitar riffs, smoke-velvet vocals and nostalgic horn solos. There’s something undeniably sensual in their dreamlike fusion of jazz, psychedelia, funk and lounge. Since the release of their debut album, Cinema, The Marías have earned the reputation behind their impressive upward trajectory, including two Grammy nominations, a Billboard chart-topper and collaborations with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Bad Bunny and Tainy.

(photo credit – Elvia Vicuna)

Download Press Image and Artwork Here

smartURL:

https://eyedress.lnk.to/separateways

https://eyedress.lnk.to/SeparateWays/YouTube

Follow Eyedress

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Follow The Marías

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

MOLTO ITALIANO

THE STORY OF DOLCE&GABBANA

An introspective podcast series, following the most iconic and inescapably Italian elements of Domenico Dol ce and Stefano Gabbana‘s universe. The Molto Italiano podcast discusses their connection to their country, the world of cinema, art, and culture.

The podcast explores the impact of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on Italian culture and beyond.

Each episode provides a chronological timeline on the overall brand’s journey–from their undergarments, use of the color black to tank tops, and Sicilian carts.

Notable author and journalist Silvia Nucini, alongside Isabella Rossellini, an acclaimed film and fashion icon, share their perspectives about the D&G empire.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana reveal the inspiration behind their vision from inception to the present day. Each episode celebrates craftsmanship while encompassing art and culture.

THE EPISODES

Ep. 1 The Brassiere

Heavily influenced by Italy’s neorealist cinema, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been dressing women in black, austere shapewear for years. Moderated by Isabella Rossellini, we discover the birth of this garment – it simultaneously exudes a temperate level of eroticism while symbolizing motherhood and sensuality.

French fashion historian Florence Müller explains the first century of the brassiere, while Sicilian writer Nadia Terranova shares her memories, from rites of passage to family life.

Ep. 2 Black

The color black has many meanings and is paradoxical. It’s the color Sicilian women wear during mourning, yet it’s also synonymous with elegance. It’s a symbol of power and humility. It’s important to have a black item in one’s wardrobe. And it’s also a must-have for fashion designers.

Isabella Rossellini leads the audience through the discovery of one of the main colors of Dolce&Gabbana, weaving ancient stories and traditions. With contributions from the Academy Award-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore, English journalist Suzy Menkes, and American historian Carmela Spinelli.

Ep. 3: The Tank Top

The tank top is a straightforward, everyday outfit that is considered to be very Italian. Its popularity has been transformed by the world of film. Guido Bonsaver, professor at the University of Oxford, and Rebecca Bauman, associate professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, tell Isabella Rossellini about the first tank tops in films from the 1940s to the 1950s. Along with its evolution within the world of action movie heroines.

Director Giuseppe Tornatore shares his thoughts on what the images mean to him, while Suzy Menkes speaks about the authentic Italian style of Dolce&Gabbana.

Ep. 4: The Sicilian Cart

Reducing Sicilian carts to mere vehicles is reductive. These carts are so rich in color and decorations that, according to Marianna Gatto of the Italian American Museum in Los Angeles, they’re best described as a “walking book.” For the painter from Palermo, Gianfranco Fiore (who decorates these carts), they represent the most popular, creative, and imaginative soul of the Sicilian people. Isabella Rossellini speaks with Gatto and Fiore about history, traditions, and memories. In addition, she converses with the German photographer Juergen Teller.

In this episode, the audience discovers how Dolce&Gabbana manages to inject a new life into the cart and how it carries over to fashion, design, and furnishing. Finally, it begins to represent high-quality Italian craftsmanship.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Silvia Nucini is a journalist and author. After 20 years as a Sr. Writer and Features Editor at Vanity Fair Italia, she now collaborates with several publications and hosts a weekly podcast.

Molto Italiano is a Chora Media series for Dolce&Gabbana.
Narrated by Isabella Rossellini, written by Silvia Nucini, and adapted by John Vincent. Story editing by Sara Poma; D&G Senior Account Producer, Anna Nenna; and D&G research and production assistant, Francesca Bottenghi. The New York-based producer is Guglielmo Mattioli. Voice actors: Vincenzo Tripodo, Fabrizio Matteini, Michael Loos, Rosita Martini, Andrea Galatà. Recorded by Charles De Montebello at CDM Studios in New York. Tape sync recordings by: Pierluigi Papaiz, Michele Boreggi, Azzurra Stirpe, Hugo Hannoun. Original music, post-production, and sound design by Andrea Girelli; post-production assistant, Guido Bertolotti. Music supervision by Luca Micheli. Additional music by Machiavelli Music and Universal Music Publishing Recording.

ABOUT CHORA MEDIA

MOLTO ITALIANO is the first podcast series produced by CHORA MEDIA. Established in 2020, this Italian podcast company was conceived by Guido Maria Brera, Mario Gianani, Roberto Zanco, and Mario Calabresi. Designed for an international audience and produced in English, it is available for free on Spotify, Apple, Spreaker, and Google Podcasts.

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ

‘Beyonce’s Renaissance is a must-see masterpiece for the marginalized movement, a tribe of communities seeking equity and inclusion.’

—Vaughn Lowery, 360®

BUY

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter‘s Renaissance film is a testament to her hard work and heart. With a behind-the-scenes look at her most talked-about Renaissance World Tour (RWT), it’s a moment of inclusivity and pure transparency.

Queen Bey re-examines her relationship with her Uncle Johnny, former Destiny’s Child band members, and delves deeper into the socioeconomic plight of a triumphant black woman outperforming their male counterparts. The tenacious spirit of an intellectual being who continues to reinvent themselves. Beyoncé’s motherhood is one of the most powerful pivots in entertainment we’ve ever witnessed. While effectively breaking down RWT, she inadvertently continues to end generational curses that constantly cripple the black community.

An exclusive exhibition of epic talents from Honey Balenciaga, Blue Ivy, Amari Marshall, and her pregnant trumpet player, Crystal Torres. She single-handedly creates safe spaces where her stage lands. Next, she explains the RWT Jumbotrons that were mostly made by women.

During the briefing, the audience was mesmerized by her concert recaps featuring Megan Thee Stallion and Kendrick Lamar. Moreover, we got a brief glimpse of Remi & Sir, Kevin JZ Prodigy, and legendary publicist Yvette Noel-Schure (Prince).

As an opulent and decadent global citizen, Beyoncé repels negativity. She gave an open explanation to the critics about her daughter’s contribution to the tour and conveyed Blue Ivy’s determination to perform My Power. Finally, audience members understood that Blue Ivy is a Knowles-Carter and is never afraid of working on her craft. This especially proves online haters wrong. In fact, there wasn’t a non- teary-eyed person at the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9.

Beyonce’s homage to her beautiful black progressive parents was one of the most iconic moments. Affirming her inherent attributes from father Mathew Knowles, who is an analytics expert, and mother Ms. Tina Knowles, who is resourceful, Beyoncé’s parental acknowledgment was profound. Despite the adolescent turbulence, Beyoncé reminds us to thank our parents for their sacrificial support as we journey toward success.

Lastly, Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter’s next gem of the evening was to trust in yourself and let your talents coupled with skills speak for themselves.

RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ feature via 360 MAGAZINE.

Photo: Beyoncé | Parkwood Entertainment

Articles in the Media

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Sharon Stone Art

UN AWARD

JERRY SALTZ

PODCAST

The East Coast Premiere of Sharon Stone’s Paintings at the C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut
– On view: October 12 through December 3.

The C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut presents the East Coast premiere of Sharon Stone’s paintings with the new exhibition Sharon Stone: Welcome To My Garden, on view October 12 through December 3. “We are honored to present the highly anticipated East Coast debut of Sharon Stone’s powerful art, for our tenth anniversary season,” says Tiffany Benincasa, C. Parker Gallery’s owner and curator. “This new exhibition offers a never-before-seen panorama into Sharon Stone’s creative prowess. The artist invites viewers on a journey through the vibrant landscapes of her imagination, reflecting her inner world. A testament to Stone’s profound talents,” adds Benincasa. The gallery is located at 409 Greenwich Avenue, just a 40-minute train ride from New York City.

The gallery show features 19 paintings by Stone, and is the first time her artworks are exhibited outside of Los Angeles. Her art is praised by collectors and art world luminaries, including Jerry Saltz (Senior Art Critic for New York Magazine and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism). Stone’s celebrated slide-shows of her paintings are taking Instagram by storm. “I created these works to understand the essence of pure creativity that comes from heartfelt truth, to let go of the noise, the judgements, and the pollution of our societal pulls,” says Sharon Stone. Her immense talents and acute powers of observation blossomed onto the painted medium. Stone’s ability to observe and interpret human behavior, and her capacity to turn human frailties into sources of strength, shine through in ways that are combative, conquering, and victorious. Her connection to nature is always visually present. “Color becomes a wavelength for me,” says Stone. “Being a colorist moves the directions of my paintings. Color speaks to me.”

Stone has been painting her entire life. In her early years, her Aunt Vonne had a Master’s degree in painting and would create murals across the walls of the home where she lived as a child. Stone studied painting in college, and her artmaking became her laser-focus during the pandemic when she entered a new creative portal. This period of planetary crisis transported Stone to open up new artistic channels, transferring her lifelong creative instincts onto the canvas. Since then, she paints every day, four to 17 hours per day.

Stone is internationally recognized as a global cultural leader, her many honors include: the Women Making History Award from the National Women’s History Museum; the Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award; the Nobel Peace Summit Award Laureate; the Golden Globe Award; a Primetime Emmy Award; an Academy Award Nomination; she was named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France; the 2023 Courage Award; the Harvard Humanitarian Award; and the Human Rights Campaign Humanitarian Award, among her many accolades.

C. Parker Gallery is a full-service art gallery and consultancy celebrating its tenth year in Greenwich, Connecticut. Representing an extensive collection of works by traditional and contemporary artists, the Gallery is a recipient of the Best of Greenwich Award and Best of the Gold Coast Award. The gallery’s inventory features more than 1,800 works from over 70 artists representing original paintings, prints, sculpture, and collectibles.

Sharon Stone Art exhibition in NYC via 360 MAGAZINE.

Recent Mentions

Sharon’s IG post HERE

Abby-Lynn ‘ABSOLUTELY’ Keen

B&N

APPLE | ANDROID

CEREBRUM

It’s been all too long since we had someone from the UK grace 360® since The Who and Gabrielle Aplin. Abby Lynn Keen, aka Absolutely, is a singer-songwriter for David Guetta, Normani, Anitta, Rihanna, Ryan Tedder, Ariana Grande, Tinashi and Selena Gomez.

This London based ingenue is a tour de force, and her international acclaim is well warranted. Signed to S10 for publishing, founded by
Brandon Silverstein, their catalog, has over 10 billion streams. Their unique positioning as a powerhouse is also helmed by provocative players like Jay-Z and Simon Fuller, which makes them one of the most legendary labels on planet Earth.

Being brought up Christian in a third generation of song birds like her sister RAYE and Lauren, her adolescent has poised her to become one of gen z’s most sought-after entertainers. This British, Sweden-Ghanaian bombshell knows what she wants and is laser focused on acquiring it. At 19, she has signed an exclusive licensing deal with Epic Records, a division of Sony, which appears to offer her freedom and flexibility. At the moment, she heads on tour with her sibling while she releases a barrage of bangers. Her recent melodies are Symphony, Higher, Patterns, and Stranger. Reminiscent of a mixture of Sade, SZA, and Moby, her innate ability to Supersonically seduce is unstoppable.

Upon meeting this this million dollar baby, she comes across as direct, stern, and reluctant to fall victim to traps like some of her siblings did. Extremely observant and guarded, she meticulously melts her creativity into mountains of motion. Constantly demanding eye contact, we acknowledged her innovative sound, and her prowess for perfection. The trajectory for her career is plane as day — a megastar and media mogul. Constantly cognizant of how she expresses herself to the people while in public, more specifically to industry professionals, this new breed of performers possess both lucrative publishing as well as recording deals. Think Muni Long and Victoria Monet. As a multi hyphenate, she’s hands-on and juggles a plethora of projects.

Unlike most, she realizes the importance of acknowledging her strengths and weaknesses. Both the orchestra and its conductor, she navigates. It’s quite fascinating to witness, as she self-directs her likeness in a mirror during a photoshoot, she doesn’t wear her vulnerability on her sleeve instead it’s her reluctance to care what others think about her. You may see her as vain or even divalike; however, her perfect mixture of confidence and humility is refreshing. Much like an algorithm, she can calculate your next move without moving. Her entourage is an army of one, compact yet competent, resulting in increased fluidity. She’s the new marquee and doesn’t accept mediocrity. There’s very few homosapiens that have the propensity to differentiate between passion and purpose, but ABs can. As a punctual perfectionist, it’s inevitable that she will conquer the world.

Abby-Lynn Keen was photographed by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE.

Abby-Lynn Keen 360 MAGAZINE cover shot by Vaughn Lowery.

Abby-Lynn Absolutely Keen captured by celebrity photographer Vaughn lowery for 360 MAGAZINE.

Credits

Photo|Story: Vaughn Lowery

Creative: Armon Hayes

Makeup: Rania Zohny

Hair: Hayley Logan

Follow Absolutely

IG | TikTok

Articles in the Media

ONYX RCR

JOHN ANGEL PODCAST

TOP 10 CAFÉ RACERS

WORLD’S BEST MOPED

While spending a few weeks with the ONYX RCR shorty (w/ dirt kit[1] approximately $6500, including delivery), it is evident that motorbike architect Ryan Montana paid special attention to the needs of this generation of riders.

Traditionally, 360 MAGAZINE defies all things automotive in the Los Angeles playground; however, this handsome one is best suited in a market with flawed transit, inadequate streets and challenging weather. After all, the RCR claws into heavily damaged and soiled asphalt. In fact, a few of its newly introduced appointments have addressed poor battery life and ride noise.

We tested the café racer in The Bronx – one of New York’s bustling boroughs. With approximately 1.7 million residents, many of its inhabitants rely on bicycles, e-bikes, and mopeds as a mode of transportation. However, the main deterrent for operating electric bikes in this area is its hillish terrain. With a massive 72V 41Ah powerplant, the RCR easily tackles steep territory. After a text session with the Onyx Motorbike customer service unit, we were reminded that the company’s forefathers began their journey in San Francisco. And, for those who aren’t familiar with SF’s landscape, The Bronx doesn’t hold a candle to the slopes encountered within that locale.

Design

There are no images that can truly relay how attractive this e-bike is. At first glance, many double take at how skeletal the chassis and body appear. With chrome accents and wood paneling, many comment on how stunning the RCR is. It’s part vintage moped from the 1960s in London and part futuristic dirt bike fueled by lithium. Moreover, the American made muscle e-bike is easily modifiable and can be handled by most electric bike technicians.

Performance

The RCR is one of the most agile e-bikes in the industry. With hydraulic brakes (with strong stopping power) and a fork suspension system, the model can easily handle rocky roads. If like us, you purchase the dirt kit, the knobby tires are perfect for digging into sand, dry, and unpaved surfaces. We’re especially proud of making this choice since we’re constantly confronted by sinkholes in the city. Alternative tires are Shinko. The pro: 5.4 kilowatts motor, 142 ft-lbs torque, 60 mph top speed. The con: the ride at higher speeds can become uncomfortable with bouncy feedback and shaking handlebars.

Battery

The 41Ah delivers power and quickly puts to sleep rider anxiety. We found our unit to achieve 40 miles while in sport mode. One could easily make a round-trip from Yankee Stadium to West 4th. However, when we witnessed the battery level reach 40%, our model displayed flickered lights and shut down. Having a balanced battery with triggers to safeguard cells, kept us safe from hazards like fires and overcharging. The superfast charger refuels in about 2 to 3 hours and will automatically end the session once it reaches it full capacity.

Technology

The handlebars house a car-like display console that exhibits battery life, odometer, and current speed. The handlebars also have access to USB port, which surprisingly isn’t strong enough to power modern smartphones like Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, equipped with fast 45-watt charging block and capabilities. In our travels, It didn’t seem to charge our Samsung Galaxy earbuds or provide enough juice to power our neon rope light w/ USB from Amazon. The built-in alarm system is robust loud, and if it’s armed while the RCR power button is ‘on’, the position will not allow the tires to roll. Further, having the unit in ‘on’ position makes it easy to hop on and off the unit at a quick store run while providing you with peace of mind.

So far, this black RCR shorty has proven to be a solid competitor in the fields of high-powered ebikes and entry-level electric motorcycles: outstanding performance, superb maneuverability and intuitive design. Kudos to the team at Onyx Motorbikes for engineering, a magnificently enchanting e-bike with unparalleled athleticism and battery life.

Lastly, the Onyx RCR is an excellent alternative for someone seeking to upgrade their Super73 or save big on comparable products like the Swedish Cake.

ONYX IG

ONYX YT Channel

#TeamOnyx

Special Thanks

JOHN ANGEL NYC

Last Mile NYC

Mexico Sport Center & Bicycle Repair

Seat reupholster video HERE.

Onyx RCR shorty tested in The Bronx by 360 MAGAZINE's Vaughn Lowery (eyewear: Tom Ford , jacket: AllSaints, sneakers: Reebok). — Onyx RCR shorty tested in The Bronx by 360 MAGAZINE’s Vaughn Lowery (eyewear: Tom Ford, jacket: AllSaints, sneakers: Reebok). Photo by Vaughn Lowery.

Articles in the Media

Inside new BN.com QR-coded print issue.

Freshly Charged unboxing.

Mr. Affalterbach RCR review.

Insideevs.com

RideReview.com

Watch how to properly remove your wood battery cover HERE.

Watch how to properly charge your RCR HERE.

[1] knobby tires, fork gaiters, front + rear fenders, and cargo rack.

Add-ons

Additional battery options HERE.

50aH THEIA battery HERE.

Alternative tires Shinko HERE.

ILM motorcycle helmet HERE.

KASK stylish cycling helmet HERE.

Main + passenger foot pegs

Rear view mirrors

Cup holder

Top Trails

Empire State Trail – NY

Ballona Creek Trail – LA

Beyoncé in Charlotte

BTS

On the heels of Black Pride in Charlotte, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour [RWT] made a stop at the newly renovated Bank of America Panthers Stadium. Once seated, we were serenaded with Dangerously in Love.

Broken up into six segments, the initial component showcased the Queen’s immense vocal capabilities. As soon as the siren’s medley of ballads came to a halt, one act followed the next like a well-oiled machine. The arena exploded with a tremendous ROAR when Blue Ivy emerged centerstage with her left arm and fist to the sky. My Power has been a fan favorite from Queen Bey’s The Lion King: The Gift album. However, it’s become even more iconic with TikTok worthy choreography performed by the Grammy Award-winning pop princess, her first born Blue. It was a tearful moment for many of us who had never witnessed an African American mother place their daughter on such a huge pedestal (74,500 seats to be exact). Beyoncé visually tackles a tough conundrum by breaking generational curses, particularly the strained relationship between mother and daughter in black culture.

Other highlights included the singer’s Energy challenge where the entire arena went mute; Queen Bey on top of a tank with hydraulics; and a Ballroom tribute for the Black gay vogue scene with “10,10,10 across the boards.”

In addition to the Megastar’s inaugural stop, her BeyGood foundation held a luncheon earlier that honored several small businesses.

Beyoncé’s RWT was a celebration for marginalized communities that are often overlooked by both mainstream media and society. Through her unapologetic enunciation of disadvantaged groups in a positive light, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter has economically and socially empowered a component of global citizens that was once ignored.