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).
After making her mark as one of the most promising rising stars in Hip Hop and beyond, rapper Lola Brooke announces her first nomination for ‘Best New Artist‘ at this year’s BET Awards. The BET-nominated artist will also perform on the prestigious BET Amplified stage. ‘Culture’s Biggest Night,’ the “BET Awards” 2023, will air LIVE Sunday, June 25 on BET at 8 pm ET/ PT at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
This exciting announcement arrives after the celebration of Lola achieving the title as a XXL Freshman for the class of 2023 and a Gold Status via RIAA for her single “Don’t Play With It” featuring Billy B.
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ABOUTLOLA BROOKE: Few have been able to stay true to the roots that is Brooklyn, New York while also possessing the necessary charisma and talent to transcend its world-renowned identity. However, Lola Brooke has shown herself to be just that, while also making a stand-out case as one of the new heavyweights in a city that might just boast the best legacy in all of Hip-Hop. Though short in stature, her lyrical presence and personality cast a skyscraper-sized shadow over the game. With quotable lyrics and unforgettable bars, she delivers street-influenced songs with an unwavering confidence and an unpredictable cadence that evokes an essence reminiscent of the golden age of Hip Hop as she leans into the future of music with genre-busting fire.
Lola’s love for rap started at an early age. Inspired by artists such as Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, and Foxy Brown, she began writing music as early as eight years old. Lola dropped her first music video to a freestyle titled “2017 Flow” and instantly started to build a buzz in the city. She continued to release numerous songs, each one displaying her incredible rapping skills and starlike persona; but it was her song “Don’t Play With It” that really started to grab people’s attention. Soon after, she started to perform at events such as Rolling Loud NYC, Break The Internet Fest, and HOT97’s “Who’s Up Next” showcase as well as a halftime performance for her beloved hometown team the Brooklyn Nets. She closed out the 2022 year pulling up to Future’s sold-out show at Barclays Center in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY eliciting massive roars from the crowd as soon as she hit the stage. During the first half of 2023 Lola embarked on her first nation-wide tour with A Boogie wit da Hoodie signaling her rising super-stardom status felt outside of the East coast.
She continues to garner and mesmerize new fans every day with her dominant flow and powerful rhymes. With an attitude that embodies the unbridled energy that is Brooklyn, it’s no surprise that Lola continues to assert herself as New York’s next hometown hero. And with a growing body of work that has already tallied streams and views in the millions, the 4’9″ Lola Brooke may also be music’s NEXT BIG THING.
Kicking off a massive new chapter, record-breakinginternational superstar Anitta unveils a new single entitled “Funk Rave.” It marks her first release under her newly minted deal with Republic Records in partnership with Universal Music Latin Entertainment.
Anitta commented, “All the music I’ve been making for the past year is music I’m so proud of. It’s both incredibly Brazilian and intentionally international – I made sure it sounds like me in every fiber of the music. Brazilian funk is my roots. It’s what I was born and raised doing. It’s home to me. I made this new music with the intention of showing everyone those roots, what’s most important to me, and leading with ‘Funk Rave’ does exactly that.”
The track finds the iconic artist intimately connecting to her roots. This time around, she leans into a Brazilian funk bounce, updating a classic style for the next generation. From the jump, she teases, “Look at what you can’t have, boss bitch,” before delivering an up-tempo dancefloor-ready refrain.
Anitta initially teased “Funk Rave” earlier this month when she debuted the single live during the Opening Ceremony of the UEFA Champions League Finals in Istanbul, Turkey. Her performance sent fans into a frenzy as they clamored for the track’s official arrival. Meeting the demand, she has delivered what’s shaping up to be a global anthem.
This week, Anitta attended the Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring Summer 2024 fashion show. Earlier this year, she received a nomination in the category of “Best New Artist” at the 2023 Grammy Awards. It capped off a string of history-making moves, including achieving Guinness World Records® as the “First Solo Latin Artist to Reach #1 on Spotify Globally” and the 2022 winner of Best Latin at the VMAs, EMAs and AMAs. Meanwhile, her 2022 multilingual opus, Versions of Me, tallied billions of streams and claimed spots on year-end best album lists by Billboard, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, UPROXX, Variety, and more.
Stay tuned for more news and announcements from Anitta.
AboutAnitta
Since breaking through in Brazil six years ago, Grammy-nominated global superstar Anitta has become the leading artist of a new generation of Latin American music.
Anitta’s first single of 2022, “Envolver,” became the biggest solo debut by a Brazilian artist in the history of the Spotify Global Chart and broke Anitta’s record by reaching #1 on iTunes in 19 countries. She also released her latest album Versions of Me in April 2022. The 15-track album was released in Spanish, English, and Portuguese and holds the record of biggest streaming week for a Brazilian artist on Spotify. It now has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Last summer, she won a 2022 MTV Music Video Award® in the category of “Best Latin” for “Envolver,” further making history and earning her second Guinness World Record as the “first Brazilian solo artist to win the MTV VMA for Best Latin (female).” The win followed an explosive performance by Anitta, who made her VMA broadcast performance debut with “Envolver.” In 2019, she also won “Best Female Artist” at the Latin AMAs. Starting in 2014, Anitta was named “Best Brazilian Act” at the MTV Europe Music Awards for five consecutive years.
• TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Announces GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla Special Editions for Model Year 2024 Lineup
• GR86 Sports Coupe Celebrates 40 Years Since AE86 Launch with a Special TRUENO Edition
• AE86-Inspired Two-Tone Black Hood and Side Panel Graphic Paired with Halo or Track bRed
• Upgraded Performance Package with SACHS® Dampers and Brembo ® Brakes
• Performance Package Now Available for GR86 Models Equipped with 18-inch Wheels
• Active Safety Suite Now Standard on Manual Transmission Equipped Models
Toyota is bringing a double dose of pure driving delight to the GR86 for the 2024 model year. First up is a limited GR86 TRUENO Edition with a throwback two tone look that will come in a choice of Halo and black or Track bRed and black. Next, a newly available Performance Package with SACHS Dampers and Brembo Brakes comes as standard equipment on the TRUENO Edition and will be available as an upgrade package for GR86 models.
Built on the Premium grade, the GR86 TRUENO Edition will be available in both manual and automatic transmission models with only 860 units to be produced for the US market, a number plate on the driver’s side dash will mark its rarity. A black wrapped hood, black TRUENO Edition side panel graphic, and black painted duckbill spoiler paired to either Halo or Track bRed will give the model its two-tone look. In a tribute to the 1980’s model that inspired its design, it will wear a TRUENO Edition badge on the front bumper lip and rear decklid. Additional accents will include black metallic finished 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels that are unique to the TRUENO Edition, along with black door handles and mirror caps.
Inside the special edition, Ultrasuede® sport seats are trimmed with attention grabbing red leather and complemented by a red-stitched shift boot and leather-wrapped steering wheel. A TRUENO Edition logoed shift knob and all-weather floor/trunk mats also add a unique touch to the driver-focused cockpit. An 8-inch touchscreen display that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and premium eight speaker audio system for an immersive driving experience, come standard.
Model year 2024 also brings suspension and braking upgrades with a GR86 Performance Package. Consisting of ZF SACHS Dampers and Brembo Brakes, this new Performance Package will be standard on the TRUENO Edition. The Performance Package will be an option that customers can add to for new 2024 GR86 models and available as a retrofit for any GR86 from the 2022 or 2023 model years (18-inch wheels required). The package is specially tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the GR86, with the aim of maximizing handling, ride comfort, and brake system consistency.
A new addition for manual transmission equipped models is an Active Safety Suite. The system uses a stereo camera to monitor the road ahead and includes features like PreCollision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and High Beam Assist. This system was previously available on automatic transmission equipped models. The addition of active safety adds to Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and more.
The 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition will be available in limited quantities this coming Winter. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the GR86 TRUENO Edition and complete GR86 2024 lineup will be shared later this year.
The Thunderclap is Back
With its pop-up halogen headlights, angular hood, and liftback styling, the 1984-1987 Corolla Sport GT-S liftback, or Sprinter Trueno as it was known in Japan, brought sporty performance to the fifth generation Corolla line in the U.S. With it, Toyota brought a unique model to the hot hatch category.
Also referred to as the AE86, which was the chassis code for the 1980’s era model, it was powered by a 1.6-liter twin cam 16-valve engine with a rev-happy redline of 7500 rpms. Its low curb weight of around 2,300 pounds and rear wheel drive powertrain and factory limited slip differential, paired with a suspension that was a combination of MacPherson struts and 4-link coil springs with a lateral rod, made it a favorite of drivers who liked to tame the corners.
The combination of a snappy 5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive platform, balanced front-to-rear weight proportion, and tunability made the AE86 popular among rally, circuit and touring racers. The fact that the liftback design could carry four mounted wheels and tires made it a favorite among weekend racers too.
The model became especially popular for use in drift racing. The weight and power proportions were a perfect fit for the style of driving that took corners with controlled oversteer. Notably, it became the model of choice for Japanese “Drift King” Keiichi Tsuchiya and other top Japanese drift racers, who cemented the model’s reputation in the motorsport. The AE86’s popularity also crossed over into popular culture in the 1990’s, as an AE86 Trueno GT-APEX Liftback with black rockers and hood known as the “panda” gained Anime fame as it twisted its way down fictional mountain roads.
For 2024, the heritage of the AE86 marks its return with the GR86 TRUENO Edition. Its design elements on the exterior and interior are a modern interpretation of the 1980’s model. As for performance, the GR86 is recognized by many enthusiasts as Toyota’s spiritual successor to the AE86. With a lightweight, RWD platform, and the TRUENO Edition’s upgraded suspension damper and brake system, it is a driver’s car engineered with a priority on handling and balanced power delivery, ready for the twists and turns ahead.
Performance Level-Up Acquired
For 2024, the GR86 amplifies its handling qualities with the addition of an optional performance package consisting of ZF SACHS Dampers and Brembo Brakes. This damper and brake package will be standard on the 2024 TRUENO Edition and can be added as a dealer installed option for any new 2024 GR86 lease or purchase, or any GR86 back to model year 2022, with 18-inch wheels.
The SACHS Dampers are filled with high pressure nitrogen and oil and are designed to absorb vibrations across a wide range of speeds, maximize ground contact, and support firm, stable steering, while also balancing road feedback and ride comfort. The redpainted Brembo 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers clamp down on smooth surfaced 12.8 x 1.3-in front rotors, with 12.4 x .79-in. rotors in the rear. The pad area is 11.6-in2 in the front and 4.9-in2 in the rear.
The upgraded dampers and brakes complement the GR86’s chassis well, which is already known for its taut, responsive feel. Crafted from a combination of high-strength steel, hot-stamped steel, and aluminum, each material in the frame is strategically placed to bring drivers a balance of roll and pitch that maximizes control. Up front it uses diagonal cross members and high strength fasteners to join the front suspension and frame together. At the rear, a full ring structure and high-strength fasteners connect the frame and suspension mounts. For additional reinforcement, structural adhesive throughout the underbody. Altogether creating a taut, connected frame.
Minimal Weight, Maximum Fun
All GR86 models pack in modern engineering, tech, and convenience – while sticking to its lightweight sports car roots.
Weighing in at just 2,811 pounds for the manual transmission equipped Base grade model, and at 2,851 pounds for automatic version, the GR86 is among the lightest sports cars on the market. An aluminum hood, front fenders and roof panel help keep the weight down on the body. While details such as the use of structural adhesives in the frame and seats that are over six pounds lighter than the prior generation 86, help save precious ounces in the name of maximum control.
The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-24 engine delivers 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and is tuned so that peak torque arrives at 3,700 RPM, resulting in a responsive and powerful driving experience in all situations. Zero-to-60 acceleration comes in at 6.1 seconds for the 6-speed manual transmission, and 6.6 seconds for the available sixspeed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i). With either transmission, the GR86 comes equipped with a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential for enhanced traction while cornering.
Sports car purists will love GR86’s 6-speed manual transmission. With the push of a button, drivers can engage Track mode or switch off Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter allow for smooth delivery of the 2.4-liter engine’s higher power and torque.
On the inside of GR86, drivers will experience a low-slung, driver-focused cockpit with digital instrument panel, push-button start, HVAC system with LED dials and piano-key switches, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system. For the 6-speed automatic, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters offer enthusiasts a dynamic driving experience. Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport or Snow modes. When in Sport mode, the transmission senses brake and accelerator operation and vehicle behavior to automatically select the optimal gear, bringing drivers the control they want.
An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with a six-speaker audio system comes standard on the Base grade and an eight-speaker system is standard on the TRUENO Edition and Premium grade. For seating, the Premium grade comes with Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed, six-way adjustable black and silver accented front seats with two-level heating. The Base grade has six-way adjustable black G-embossed fabric with sport fabric side bolsters. Rear seats are covered with Ultrasuede on the Premium and sport fabric on the Base grade.
GR86 Safety & Connected Services
All Toyota GR86 models come standard with an Active Safety Suite. On Automatic Transmission models this suite includes Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning and Automatic High Beams. Manual Transmission models include Pre-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Rear Sonar Warning. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard.
Toyota’s Star Safety System™ also comes standard on all models, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). It also includes Smart Stop Technology® (SST), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Track Mode and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags are standard on all models, including a driver’s knee airbag.
Experience convenience and peace of mind with GR86’s Connected Services* trials, including a one-year trial subscription of Safety Connect** with Emergency Assistance Button and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Remote Connect to start, lock/unlock your doors and more using your compatible smart device; a one-year trial of Service Connect which includes receiving personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports; and, a one-year trial of Remote Connect so you can remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch, Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, and Google Assistant™-enabled *devices. Allowing you to lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status and monitor guest drivers. For more details, please visit toyota.com/connected-services.
Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership
Purchase of any 2024 GR86 comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). GR86 owners will enjoy a host of benefits, including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.
Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles, and corrosion with no mileage limitation. ToyotaCare is a no additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies Toyota’s commitment to overcoming every limit to make ‘ever-better’ cars, to forge new technologies and solutions under the extreme conditions of motorsports, and to never stop innovating. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing races its cars to push the limits for better and to learn from the toughest challenges. Competing on every kind of road, no matter what the challenge, inspires TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to build ‘ever-better’ cars and engineer Toyota’s future DNA to bring freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone. For more information, visit www.toyotagazooracing.com.
Bentley Hatfield Officially Opens at the H.R. Owen Group’s New Flagship Multi-Marque Facility
H.R. Owen – the UK’s leading luxury automotive dealer group – has officially opened the doors to its brand-new Bentley Hatfield showroom. The new flagship site is the first in the UK to feature Bentley’s new experiential design concept, elevating the showroom experience with new levels of luxury and innovation. Bentley Hatfield joins other H.R. Owen-operated Bentley showrooms in Surrey and Mayfair, London.
Richard Leopold, UK Regional Director of Bentley Motors, said: “The opening of Bentley Hatfield is a milestone moment for our UK operations, a demonstration of our joint commitment with H.R. Owen to our home market and our ambition to continue to lead the luxury car sector in the UK for many years to come.”
Bentley Hatfield features a showroom space that is both open and luxurious and intimate and cosseting. Away from the large glazed frontage and warmly lit floor displaying the latest range of Bentley models, sits the Mulliner Commissioning Studio. This sanctuary features high-definition screens, paint samples, leather swatches and fine wood strips as inspiration for the bespoke process of co-creating your new Bentley with Mulliner. This co-creation process is revealed to great effect with a new range of Mulliner-created models available exclusively through Bentley Hatfield, known as the de Havilland Collection.
Bentley Hatfield is with an H.R. Owen multi-marque facility built on the site of the former de Havilland aircraft factory where legendary models like the Mosquito and Comet Racer were built. The bespoke ‘de Havilland Collection’ examples of the Continental GT S, GTC S, Flying Spur S and Bentayga S feature Tornado Red accents in homage to the red paint of the de Havilland Comet Racer, winner of the 1934 England-Australia air race. Inside, the subtle exterior theme is emphasised with a bespoke Mulliner colour split across the front of the cabin that pairs a Hotspur red main hide with a Beluga secondary hide, contrasted by Mulliner White piping. The fascia and door waistrails feature a split of Beluga and Cambrian grey, intersected by a chrome pinstripe.
The all-new 110,000 sq/ft H.R. Owen facility that houses Bentley Hatfield is also home to three service centres, including a cutting-edge Bentley Aftersales site that brings ultimate customer service and convenience. Every Bentley brought to Hatfield enters via one of two ‘Drive Through Lanes’. The registration is checked by ANPR, while six 4K cameras operated by BodyGuard® inspect the entire exterior of the car. Further into the drive through lane the Fastlign® system checks both the tyre tread depths and basic wheel alignment. Even before it has entered the workshop a customer car has had a full visual assessment.
Ken Choo, H.R. Owen CEO, said: “H.R. Owen has a long and illustrious history retailing Bentley vehicles, and the launch of Bentley Hatfield marks an important milestone in that journey. Our new multi-million-pound automotive retail complex is the perfect location for Bentley Hatfield, especially given the rich aviation history between the former de Havilland site and Bentley’s factory in Crewe, which produced the Merlin engines that powered the Mosquito.
“Across the H.R. Owen Group we sell, service and maintain some of the most extraordinary supercars in the world. Our new complex offers a real opportunity for us to evolve the Bentley sales and aftersales experience in-line with the changing needs and desires of our customers.”
H.R. Owen further cements its position as the UK’s leading luxury automotive dealer group, with investments across the H.R. Owen Bentley range. Bentley Surrey moved into an all-new showroom and aftersales site in April 2021, and Jack Barclay was treated to a multi-million-pound renovation in 2018.
H.R. Owen – the UK’s leading luxury automotive dealer group – has officially opened the doors to its brand-new Bentley Hatfield showroom via 360 Magazine.
Respect for identity, and for imagery that has been created over time, and on which Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have worked to build this new Collection, Stile.
First is tailoring, the well-cut garment. The evolution of the codes, of the iconic pieces of the brand: the tank-top, the coppola, the rosary, the jacket, Sicily.
Some T-shirts are created with draperies which resemble the structure of statues. On some garments sculpted flowers soften the look. While other garments have been chosen from the archives and bear the label of the year they were first presented.
Very high-quality thick fabrics and Piacenza wool help to sculpt the lines of the garments. Overcoats are presented in double cashmere and silk crepe, and other items appear in embroidered silk organza and 3D-effect embossed jersey. Suits in Chantilly lace and in double duchesse. Suits appear in single and double-breasted styles.
The collection is presented in solid colors, apart from one print, the polka dot.
Color scheme: pure milk white, sand beige, pearl, stone gray, camel, chocolate brown, Sicilian black.
Accessories include: driving shoes, suede and leather moccasins, sock shoes, DG Logo bag in leather.
Front row guests included Machine Gun Kelly, DoYoung, Canelo Alvarez, Blanco, Luke Hemmings, Lucien Laviscount, Michele Morrone, Jorge Lopez, Patty Mills, Paolo Banchero, Zack Lugo and Emma Brooks, Pelayo Diaz.
• Standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter fourcylinder engine produces up to 278 horsepower, 317 lb.-ft. of torque.
• Available i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter fourcylinder hybrid powertrain produces 326 horsepower, 465 lb.-ft. of torque.
• All-new Trailhunter is a factory-developed overlanding rig built from the ground up with the latest integrated off-road equipment from ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID.
• Baja-inspired TRD Pro debuts segment-first IsoDynamic Performance Seat for enhanced off-road driving control and comfort.
• Tacoma adds new XtraCab long bed configuration for enhanced interior functionality and maximum cargo capacity
• Available 14-inch touchscreen displays latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models.
• Designed, engineered, and assembled for the U.S. market.
2024 Tacoma Grades:
SR, SR5, TRD, PreRunner TRD, Sport TRD
Off-Road Limited Trailhunter TRD Pro Configurations:
Two-door XtraCab w/ 6-foot bed
Four-door Double Cab w/ 5-foot bed Four-door Double Cab w/ 6-foot bed Colors:
Supersonic Red, Blue Crush Metallic, Underground, Wind Chill Pearl, Solar Octane, Celestial Silver Metallic, Black, Ice Cap, and Bronze Oxide.
TRD Pro-exclusive color will be announced this summer.
Punk Rock Princess and philanthropist, Avril Lavigne, is best known for her highly coveted career: 8 GRAMMY nods, 10 Juno Awards, 6 World Music Awards and 21 MTV Awards.
However, this time around the multiplatinum selling artist has been recognized by adult beverage BeatBox. Avril is among the few global icons whom were chosen by the brand to participate in the Creator Series. A platform that grants them an opportunity to curate a flavor alongside of packaging; and, then distributed through their channels.
The ‘world’s tastiest party punch’ will box Lavigne’s 11.1% ABV pink lemonade to be sold nationwide: 7-Eleven, Kroger, Circle K, Casey’s, and QuikTrip.
“From the moment Avril told our team how she drinks a BeatBox before every studio session we knew this was a perfect fit for our growing Creator Series. The BeatBox Creator Series is where we partner with world renowned musicians like Avril Lavigne, as well as other large influencers and brands, to bring exciting new flavors and collectible packaging to our 45,000+ retail locations,” says Zech Francis, VP of Global Marketing for BeatBox. “Partnering with Avril is going to unlock even more exciting opportunities for BeatBox as one of the fastest growing ready-to-drink cocktail brands in the US.”
Lastly, consumers and fans of Avril, at their preferred merchant, will be able enter a contest. Winners may receive exclusive signed merchandise and/or an opportunity to meet Lavigne in person.
So stay tuned, where BeatBox is sold, for life-size custom Avril cutouts to take part in this activation.
About BeatBox
BeatBox is one of the fastest growing premix cocktails on social media. Their 6 million followers are largely credited to their expansive calendar of events, including more than 100 music festivals.
GRAMMY® Award-nominated diamond-certified superstar producer Metro Boomin continues his legacy in the comic and film universe with the release of METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE SOUNDTRACK FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTUREwhich he Executive Produced.
Metro has assembled a cast of musical superheroes for the upcoming soundtrack including 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, Coi Leray, Don Toliver, Future, James Blake, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne, Nas, Nav, Offset, Swae Lee, Wizkid and more.
Stream the soundtrack HERE via Republic Records. Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE opens in theaters everywhere today. Watch the latest film trailer HERE
The soundtrack marks Metro’s first foray into film soundtracks although his love of film and comic superheroes has long been on display. Of the collaboration, Spring Aspers, President of Music,Sony Pictures said “The concept for the next installment of Miles’ story demanded a contemporary and culturally significant musical collaborator. Metro Boomin was clearly the perfect cultural voice to sculpt the musical environment to support this amazing next chapter.”
Dana Sano, EVP Film & TV Republic Records, commented: “Metro Boomin is a true visionary who continues to raise the bar. For the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, Metro curated and delivered with fierce passion and integrity. Republic is thrilled and honored to be reteaming with the filmmakers and our amazing partners at Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group”.
Previews of the soundtrack music was heard in a Hyundai Motor and Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse animated TV commercial that was released last month as well as teasers from Coi Leray and Metro himself.
Continuing a tradition of blockbuster soundtracks for the Spider-Verse, the record follows on the heels of 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack from & Inspired by the Motion Picture). It notably bowed at #2 on the Billboard 200 and reached double-platinum status as the year’s biggest soundtrack album and has gone on to exceed 10 BILLION streams and is now certified 2x platinum. Not to mention, it spawned Post Malone’s “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)” [with Swae Lee], which reached 18x-platinum diamond status as “the most-certified single of all time!”
METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE SOUNDTRACK FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE Tracklist: 1. Metro Boomin & Swae Lee, Lil Wayne, Offset “Annihilate – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” 2. Metro Boomin & A$AP Rocky, Roisee “Am I Dreaming” 3. Metro Boomin & Future, Lil Uzi Vert “All The Way Live – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” 4. Offset & JID “Danger (Spider)” 5. Metro Boomin & James Blake “Hummingbird” 6. Metro Boomin & Swae Lee, Nav, feat. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie “Calling – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” 7. EI8HT & Offset “Silk & Cologne (Spider-Verse Remix)” 8. Metro Boomin & Don Toliver, Wizkid feat. BEAM & Toian “Link Up (Spider-Verse Remix) – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” 9. Metro Boomin & Coi Leray “Self Love – Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” 10. Metro Boomin & Don Toliver, Lil Uzi Vert “Home” 11. Metro Boomin & James Blake, A$AP Rocky, 21 Savage “Nonviolent Communication” 12. Don Toliver & 21 Savage, 2 Chainz “Givin’ Up (Not The One)” 13. Metro Boomin & Nas “Nas Morales”
AboutMetroBoomin Since 2013, GRAMMY® Award-nominated diamond-certified producer, DJ, and artist Metro Boomin has defined not only the sound, but the direction of hip-hop. With dozens of smashes to his name, his unmatched, unprecedented, and undeniable discography encompasses the quintuple-platinum “Jumpman” by Drake and Future, quadruple-platinum “Bad and Boujee” [feat. Lil Uzi Vert] by Migos, 14x Platinum “Congratulations” [feat. Quavo] by Post Malone, 9x Platinum “Mask Off” by Future, 6x Platinum “Bounce Back” by Big Sean, and many more. Working with The Weeknd, he co-produced the Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit “Heartless” and contributed three more tracks to the chart-dominating 2020 epic After Hours. Along the way, he also joined forces with 21 Savage for the 2016 blockbuster Savage Mode and its even bigger 2020 successor Savage Mode II—which bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200, went gold, and closed out the year on multiple year-end lists. Other knockout collaborative albums included Double or Nothing with Big Sean and Without Warning with Offset and 21 Savage, both of which crashed the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. In 2018, he unleashed his full-length solo debut, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, seizing #1 on the Billboard 200 upon release, reaching platinum status. The FADER hailed him as “The Most Trusted Guy in Rap,” HIGHSNOBIETY christened this era “The Boom Years,” and The Wall Street Journal dubbed him “The Rap Producer Shaping Pop Music.” Plus, he launched his own record label Boominati Worldwide in partnership with Republic Records.
To date, he has received “Producer of the Year” at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards four consecutive years in a row (he is tied with Kanye West for having the most BMI Producer of the Year awards) and “Producer of the Year” at the BET Hip Hop Awards twice. Continuing a long creative partnership with Drake, he produced Certified Lover Boy’s “Knife Talk” [feat. 21 Savage & Project Pat], debuting in the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021.
2022 saw him return to the top of the culture with his massively successful second full-length album, HEROES & VILLAINS. It bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200, Top Rap Albums Chart, and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart with the biggest sales week of his career. Meanwhile, it yielded a string of smashes. “Creepin” [feat. The Weeknd & 21 Savage] and “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” [feat. Future & Chris Brown] each landed in the Top 10 of the Hot 100. It only paves the way for more from Metro.
About Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson. Written by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller & David Callaham. Based on the MARVEL COMICS. Produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Christina Steinberg. Executive Producers are Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Aditya Sood, and Brian Michael Bendis. The voice cast includes Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake Johnson, Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Karan Soni, with Daniel Kaluuya and Oscar Isaac.
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s #1 label over the last 10 years. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Bo Burnham, Clairo, Coi Leray, Conan Gray, Daddy Yankee, Drake, Eddie Vedder, G Herbo, Glass Animals, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Swedish House Mafia, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Twice, TXT, and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Federal Films, HYBE, Imperial, JYP, Lava Records, Mercury Records, Republic Records: Kids & Family, Republic Nashville, Universal Arabic Music, Uptown Records, Victor Victor, Wicked Money Family, XO, Young Money, among others.
Web3 Foundation Collaborates with Sónar Music Festival to Further Advance Support for Web3 Technology in the Music Industry.
Web3 Foundation, known for its flagship project, Polkadot, to host comprehensive masterclass at Sónar Music Festival in collaboration with Sónar and GUZZU.
This collaboration follows Web3 Foundation successful partnership with GUZZU, Primavera Pro and Polka Häus for content production initiatives at the Web3 Music Summit at Primavera Sound
Masterclass to outline Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO’s) as the future of the Music industry by offering creators a new way to connect, participate and collaborate.
Web3 Foundation’s support for DAO use cases is bolstered by Polkadot’s recent announcement to further decentralize its governance mechanism through “OpenGov”.
Web3 Foundation, whose flagship project is the Polkadot blockchain protocol, in collaboration withSónar and GUZZU announce their collaboration to host a Web3 Masterclass to further educate, support, and advance Web3 Technology in the Music Industry at Sónar Music Festival. The masterclass will be focused on how decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) offer the music industry including, creators, fans and festivals ways to connect, participate and collaborate. The masterclass will take place on Thursday 15 June at 3pm and will be led by leading members of the ecosystem. Presenters include Ursula O’Kuinghttons, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Web3 Foundation and Arnau Sabaté, CEO and founding partner of GUZZU and their creative studio Vitamin3,
The comprehensive Sónar Web3 Masterclass, presented by blockchain network, Polkadot, and Barelona based web3 music start-up, Guzzu, will dive into the fundamentals of DAOs by exploring case studies and best practices. The Masterclass will introduce festival goers, artists, creators, and innovators in the music industry to the Polkadot protocol, the potential of blockchain technology in creating and distributing musical content, and promote networking with like-minded industry professionals.
Speaking of the collaboration, Arnau Sabaté, CEO of GUZZU said: “Web3 and DAOs will be a crucial part of the music industry’s future. GUZZU is delighted to be able to continue to collaborate with Polkadot and Web3 Foundation with this Sónar masterclass to further help educate the industry on the incredible potential of blockchain technology in the music industry. The collaboration aims to inspire creators to have full ownership over their content and remain the owner of their own work. Artists have become products of the music industry and Web3 technology can offer them tools to take back ownership of their content.”
As part of Web3 Foundations ongoing support of Web3 technology and DAO’s, the Web3 Foundation also welcomes the recent OpenGov update to Polkadot’s governance mechanism.
Speaking on the importance of OpenGov to DAOs, Ursula O’Kuinghttons, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Web3 Foundation, said: “OpenGov represents a significant milestone in Polkadot’s continued efforts towards a truly decentralized, transparent and democratic internet which the Web3 Foundation proudly supports. In many ways Polkadot is now the largest DAO in the world. It serves as proof positive of the potential for decentralized governance to be both effective and inspiring for community involvement and creativity. As the Web3 Foundation continues to collaborate with musicians, fans and organizers across the music industry, we are thrilled to see Polkadot taking concrete steps to build the next internet.”
This year’s Sónar festivals sees the return of Aphex Twin, Black Coffee, Richie Hawtin, DJ Holographic, and Eric Prydz, to the Fira Montjuïc area in Plaça España, alongside other notable names such as BICEP, Peggy Gou, DJ EZ, Eliza Rose, and Honey Dijon.
About Web3 Foundation
Web3 Foundation funds research and development teams building the technology stack of the decentralized web. It was established in Zug, Switzerland by Ethereum co-founder and former chief technology officer Dr. Gavin Wood. Polkadot is the Foundation’s flagship project. For more information, visit web3.foundation
About Polkadot
Polkadot provides the technical advances necessary to make blockchain technology practical, accessible, scalable, interoperable, and future-proof, removing limitations and barriers to entry, and thereby fuelling innovation, growing the decentralized technology space, and bringing the Web3 vision to life.
About Sónar
Sónar, one of the biggest Electronic Dance Music festivals in the world, is a festival dedicated to music, creativity and technology. The festival was founded in Barcelona in 1994 by Ricard Robles, Enric Palau, and Sergi Caballero.
About GUZZU & Vitamin 3
GUZZU is a Web3 community and platform for music creators to experiment and release Digital Merchandise. Based in Barcelona, and founded by a team of music and technology experts with a background of more than 15+ years experience. Our ultimate goal is to foster a more equitable and sustainable music industry for both artists and fans. GUZZU will help to accelerate artist careers in the web3 space through their creators’ token backed launchpad. Vitamin 3 is the GUZZU’s creative-tech studio to help brands and entities to move to the web3 space
Frank Stephenson Design (FSD) continues its march into future mobility design with its latest project appointment leading the design and build of an aerospace capsule.
HALO Space is leading the way in the development of a new form of space tourism that takes passengers on a zero-emission journey to the edge of space in a modern capsule that ascends with a stratospheric balloon up to 40 km above Earth. The nomination of Frank Stephenson Design solidifies the design house’s position as a leading global studio across the mobility sphere.
The first commercial flight from HALO Space is currently planned for 2025 and the innovative and lightweight aerospace capsule will be capable of taking up to eight passengers and a capsule pilot on a six-hour journey into the stratosphere where they can witness Earth and space in a way that only astronauts and very few private citizens have done so before.
Frank Stephenson, Founder of Frank Stephenson Design, said: “Frank Stephenson Design is extremely excited to commence this project in partnership with HALO Space and is confident in delivering a stunning, sustainable near-space passenger experience realised through innovative, groundbreaking design. This further cements FSD’s position as leading the future of mobility across land, sea and space.”
Carlos Mira, CEO of HALO Space, said: “The capsule is the centre of the flight experience. It must not only be extremely safe, but also provide the comfort, amenities and technology to allow our passengers to enjoy their space flight to a maximum. It enhances this journey with unique resources, design and technology. Frank Stephenson and his team have accumulated decades of expertise in the design of vehicles that combine the highest standards of quality and luxury, and now join HALO Space to apply all this knowledge to our project.”
As one of the world’s most renowned and influential designers with over thirty years of expertise from world-leading companies including AutoFlight, Archer, Lilium, Ferrari, Maserati and McLaren, BMW and MINI – Frank Stephenson Design is known for a design philosophy that blends art with science, whilst using the latest eco-friendly technology to shape the future of mobility.
This new area of expertise is a big win for the studio and an extremely exciting chapter for Frank Stephenson Design.
