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Lola Brooke drops her new single “WASSUP WIT IT” via Team Eighty Productions/Arista Records. [Listen Here.]
Just months after serving up the hard-hitting “Bon Appétit,” Lola returns with a defiant new track that reaffirms her status as one of the most commanding forces in hip-hop. “WASSUP WIT IT” hits hard and makes it clear that Lola Brooke can take it wherever it needs to go.
Alongside the release, Lola also announces her forthcoming EP iight bet (stylized as: iight bet!), set to drop on November 14 across all digital platforms. [Pre-save HERE.]
iight bet will mark Lola’s first project since her 2023 debut Dennis Daughter, which delivered the platinum hit “Don’t Play With It” and the now gold-certified “You” featuring Bryson Tiller. As Dennis Daughter told the story of Lola’s come-up and personal growth, iight betis about leveling up, doubling down, and owning her path with a “say less, I got this” mentality. And while the phrase is rooted in New York slang, its energy isn’t just for New Yorkers. It’s a universal mindset, with origins that trace back to NYC but a message that resonates far beyond city limits.
“I just so happen to be a rapper that expresses myself, so you’re always going to feel me in the music but iight bet came to me as a mindset even before all the songs existed,” Lola shares. “It wasn’t forced; it flowed naturally because it’s how I live. The music is just one part of it, blending into my everyday life without trying to. The real blessing is connecting with people who don’t just hear the music—they feel it. They see themselves in it. When I make music, I’m speaking to them just as much as I’m speaking to and up for myself. I had a lot on my mind and basically iight bet is me processing everything—fame, pressure, expectations—and letting it all be known I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”
With “WASSUP WIT IT” kicking things off, and iight bet on the way, Lola Brooke is ready to take center stage—on her own terms.
Hollywood’s Golden Standard: Grace Kelly’s Cartier Creation
Grace Kelly received a 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond from Prince Rainier III in 1956, establishing a benchmark for aristocratic engagements. The ring featured baguette diamonds flanking the center stone, a configuration that jewelers continue replicating seventy years later. Cartier crafted this piece specifically for the actress-turned-princess, incorporating platinum settings that enhanced the stone’s geometric precision.
The Monaco royal collection now houses this ring alongside other state jewels. Kelly wore the piece during her wedding ceremony at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where photographs captured its architectural lines against her Lanvin gloves. The emerald cut she chose required exceptional stone quality since this shape conceals no imperfections.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Collection Surpassed Museums
Richard Burton presented Elizabeth Taylor with the Krupp Diamond in 1968, a 33.19-carat Asscher-cut stone that she wore daily despite its value. This ring joined eight others Burton gave her during their relationship, including a sapphire piece from Bulgari. Taylor’s engagement rings became conversation pieces at dinner parties where she encouraged guests to try them on.
The Krupp Diamond sold for $8.8 million at Christie’s in 2011, renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond by its Korean buyer. Taylor had worn this ring while filming multiple movies, considering it her favorite possession above her Academy Awards. Her collection demonstrated that engagement rings could serve as both personal treasures and investment assets.
Stone Shapes That Define Each Decade
The connection between celebrity engagements and prevailing design preferences becomes evident through specific stone cuts that dominated various eras. Princess Diana’s sapphire cluster from 1981 contrasted sharply with the emerald cuts favored during Hollywood’s golden age, while Blake Lively’s oval shaped diamond represented the 2010s preference for elongated stones.
Each decade brought its own geometric preferences that celebrities amplified through their choices. The marquise cuts of the 1970s gave way to cushion shapes in the 1990s, followed by pear and radiant cuts gaining prominence after 2000. These patterns show how celebrity selections both responded to and influenced the jewelry market’s direction.
When Colored Stones Disrupted Diamond Traditions
Jackie Kennedy’s emerald and diamond ring from Aristotle Onassis featured a 40.42-carat Colombian emerald surrounded by graduated diamonds. The 1968 design departed from conventional solitaire settings, introducing cabochon emeralds alongside the central faceted stone. Van Cleef & Arpels executed this commission, creating a piece that balanced color saturation with structural integrity.
Princess Eugenie’s padparadscha sapphire from Jack Brooksbank in 2018 continued this colored stone tradition. The rare pink-orange sapphire originated from Sri Lanka, surrounded by diamonds in a flower configuration. This choice reflected growing acceptance of alternative center stones among younger royals and celebrities.
Technical Mastery Behind Beyoncé’s Emerald Cut
Lorraine Schwartz designed Beyoncé’s 24-carat emerald-cut diamond ring with a split shank band that required precise engineering. The 2007 piece incorporated micro-pavé diamonds along the band, demanding hand-setting techniques that took three months to complete. The ring’s proportions followed specific ratios that maximized light return while maintaining structural stability.
Jay-Z purchased the center stone from a private collector who had held it since 1982. The diamond’s certification showed D color and VVS1 clarity grades, characteristics that place it among the top percentile of gemstones. Schwartz created a platinum alloy specifically for this ring to prevent wear on the prongs holding such a valuable stone.
Architectural Innovation in Amal Clooney’s Ring
George Clooney commissioned a seven-carat emerald-cut diamond ring that incorporated Art Deco design elements into contemporary metalwork. The 2014 creation featured tapered baguettes forming a stepped pattern toward the center stone. The setting required twelve individual platinum components assembled through laser welding techniques.
The ring’s profile maintained a low height despite the stone’s size, allowing comfortable daily wear for Clooney’s legal practice. The jeweler spent six weeks perfecting the gallery beneath the center stone, creating negative space that increased light transmission. This technical approach produced a ring that photographed consistently across different lighting conditions.
Market Influence of Meghan Markle’s Three-Stone Design
Prince Harry’s selection of a cushion-cut center diamond flanked by round brilliants for Meghan Markle sparked immediate retail response. Jewelers reported 40% increases in three-stone ring requests within months of the 2017 engagement announcement. The design incorporated diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection, adding provenance that authenticated its royal connection.
The ring underwent modification in 2019 when Markle changed the band from yellow gold to pavé-set platinum. This alteration demonstrated how celebrity rings continue evolving after initial presentation. Insurance appraisers valued the piece at £350,000, though its cultural worth extends beyond monetary assessment.
Paris Hilton’s 24-Carat Statement
Carter Reum presented Paris Hilton with a 24-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Jean Dousset in 2021. The ring’s specifications included a custom-cut center stone that took eighteen months to source and perfect. Dousset created a cathedral setting that elevated the diamond while maintaining proportional balance with Hilton’s hand.
The design process involved 3D modeling and multiple prototypes before final execution in platinum. Hilton’s ring demonstrated how modern technology enables precise customization while preserving traditional craftsmanship standards. The piece required specialized insurance coverage due to its value exceeding $2 million.
Slow Luxury, Sustainable Beauty, and a Beverly Hills Icon
The actress and entrepreneur celebrated with an intimate, lemon-and-chili–kissed dinner at Via Alloro, mirroring the “farm-to-face” ethos of her new skincare line, RADIANT by Sofia Milos. There is a particular kind of glamour that doesn’t shout; it lingers by the warmth of candlelight on linen, the scent of citrus, and friends leaning in. That was the mood at Sofia Milos’s recent birthday dinner, a Mediterranean-inflected evening staged at Via Alloro in Beverly Hills, the Drago family’s beloved address where Italian hospitality is the headline.
Milos, known to global audiences from CSI: Miami, as a Mob boss in The Sopranos and currently on Amazon Prime’s GRAVESEND season 2, arrived in a custom Matteo Perin red lace dress with sculptural heels by Enrico Cuini carrying a De Marquet handbag and donning diamond and ruby earrings by Damiani. The fashion was classic Sofia: feminine lines, impeccable Italian tailoring, and pieces made by houses that still value craft. It set the tone for a celebration that was less about spectacle and more about classic beauty, quality and community
A table that tells a story
Along one white-linen table, a light runner of citrus greenery threaded with fresh lemons set the palette. Petite red chili-pepper plants in low Sicilian ceramics and pools of candlelight added warmth, while sculptural ceramic lemon centerpieces anchored the scene creating a clean, photogenic, and unmistakably Mediterranean wink to Southern Italy.
The menu nodded to the classics without slipping into nostalgia. Guests nibbled on tuna tartare, arancini, mushroom polenta bites topped with fresh truffles and pizza Margherita before a segue to the elegant sit down dinner commenced by a tricolore salad topped with parmigiano Reggiano, to a primo of a delicate mushroom risotto. For the entree of choice, there was grilled branzino, lemon-caper chicken breast, or vegetarian eggplant parmigiana, each dish letting prime ingredients speak.
DJ Nico kept the soundtrack European-chic with the host’s hand-picked Italian classics over dinner, then a joyful pivot to dance tracks that had the patio moving under romantic string lights. If the measure of a party is how long guests linger, this one scored high.
Sustainability, but make it elegant
The evening also served as a quiet companion piece to Milos’s newest role: beauty founder. Her brand, RADIANT by Sofia Milos, is handcrafted in Florence, Italy, with certified 99% natural, farm-sourced ingredients and a focus on clean, chemical-free formulations developed alongside an Italian cosmetic chemist, like her FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH cream with vegetable stem cells, Ganoderma, Reishi, avocado and hyaluronic acid which is now available online at www.RADIANTbySofiaMilos.com.
“True luxury is inside-out beauty,” Milos says; the dinner extended that philosophy from skin to table, celebrating freshness, origin, and artisanship, whether in a cream, a dress, or a plate of fresh branzino.
For the sustainability-minded reader, the alignment is notable. RADIANT by Sofia Milos champions farm-sourced, pure, and transparent ingredients, and Italian agricultural partners; the party translated that same discretion into event design: minimal waste and a menu anchored in clean, quality ingredients rather than heavy ornamentation.
The setting at Via Alloro
Choosing Via Alloro was intentional. The Drago brothers, Giacomino and Tanino, have shaped Los Angeles dining for decades through restaurants like Il Pastaio and Piccolo Paradiso. At Via Alloro, their sunny, fountain-lined patio feels like an Italian piazza dropped onto Canon Drive. It’s the rare Beverly Hills spot where locals and industry converge over a plate of pasta and a quick hello from the kitchen.
Milos’s party was a case study in considered, personal choices. The look: lemons, citrus greens, a ribbon of red from the strategically placed chili plants that photographs beautifully, yes. More importantly, it advances a way of living that Milos is actively championing through RADIANT by Sofia Milos: pure, quality ingredients, made with care, rooted in heritage and true luxury.
As the candles burned low, friends toasted with Prosecco and the raspberry chocolate mousse cake made its entrance. The night closed not with confetti but with that quiet glamour again and a final dance. In a culture that often equates luxury with excess, Sofia Milos offered a different definition: elegance as sustainability, celebration as community, beauty as something you feel as much as you see.
Sold-Out North American An Evening with PinkPantheress Tour Kicks Off October 24
Continuing what has so far been a landmark year for the British anti-pop star and producer, PinkPantheress has unveiled her NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The performance features a setlist that traverses her discography, including her breakout Soundcloud hit “Attracted To You” to “Pain” from her debut EP to hell with it. PinkPantheress also performs fan favorites from her recent critically-acclaimed mixtape Fancy That, including Song Of The Summer “Illegal” and “Girl Like Me,” before launching into a showstopping megamix of “Tonight,” “Romeo,” “Mosquito” and “Boys a liar.”
PinkPantheress brings her unique charm to this special stripped back performance, showing off her chops on the harmonica and mini cymbals. With this visit to the hallowed Tiny Desk, PinkPantheress continues to prove her might as a live performer, following her triumphant debut at Glastonbury Festival in June as well her dazzling megamix TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in August. This summer also saw her awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music from the University Of Kent, in a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, and the title of Variety’s Music Innovator Of The Year at their Power of Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles.
Next, PinkPantheress will perform select dates in North America on her An Evening with PinkPantheress residency-style tour, bringing Fancy That to audiences in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and more. The North American dates are her first headlining Stateside shows since last year’s Capable of Love ‘24 tour and will follow her sold-out two-night residency at London’s O2 Academy Brixton in September.
See below for full An Evening with PinkPantheress North America routing
Friday, October 24 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre *SOLD OUT*
Saturday, October 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre *SOLD OUT*
Monday, October 27 – Toronto, ONT – Massey Hall *SOLD OUT*
Wednesday, October 29 – Toronto, ONT – Massey Hall
Thursday, October 30 – Toronto, ONT – Massey Hall
Saturday, November 1 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom *SOLD OUT*
Sunday, November 2 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Wednesday, November 5 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern *SOLD OUT*
Thursday, November 6 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern *SOLD OUT*
Sunday, November 9 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern *SOLD OUT*
Monday, November 10 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
Wednesday, November 12 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic *SOLD OUT*
Thursday, November 13 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater *SOLD OUT*
Praise for Fancy That
“Fancy That is PinkPantheress’ most exciting and fully realized release yet” – Pitchfork [8.0]
“[Fancy That] finds the 24-year-old singer-songwriter-producer focused, confident and seasoned, striking a solid balance between convention and innovation… All the elements of her best work are here.” – Variety
“Remixes of the future… big, bold, bright, danceable pop music” – NPR Music
“a cross-genre coalition-builder… the 20-minute party shows PinkPantheress’ knack for collaboration in full bloom.” – Rolling Stone
“Sharp-minded bops hop across pop’s past and present” – The Guardian, 4*
“[Fancy That proves] she can shapeshift, push boundaries and still keep us hooked” – NME, 4*
“Pink is representative of a generation of young women who have swerved around the gatekeepers by simply figuring out how to do things for themselves.” – New York Times
About PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress is a multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and producer. On an upward trajectory since 2021, PinkPantheress introspective lyrics, and ability to create infectious beats have garnered her a dedicated fan base. Since stepping onto the scene, PinkPantheress has graced the covers of i-D, The Face, and Rolling Stone UK, while also starring in campaigns for Marc Jacobs Heaven, Starface, Bose, and Apple. Most recently, she was honoured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and crowned Producer of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. With each achievement, PinkPantheress continues to mesmerise and dominate, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency coded to maintain a consistent value by connecting its price to a stable asset, such as fiat, gold, or another currency. Unlike other cryptocurrencies, which are known for their price volatility, stablecoins aim to reduce price fluctuations by offering a steady medium of exchange for blockchain transactions and bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance.
Two Types of Stablecoins
Reserved-backed stablecoins are the most common type of stablecoin, as they have a reserve of real-world assets like fiat and gold as their backbone. On the other hand, an algorithmic stablecoin uses smart contracts to automatically adjust the supply of tokens in response to market demand, aiming to maintain desired prices without direct reserve backing, which is less common and unreliable.
Terra Luna
The Terra Luna is a blockchain protocol that uses fiat-pegged stablecoins to fuel price-stable international payment gateways. Regrettably, this experiment was a failure. It was de-pegged when an abrupt collapse resulted due to a small sample of unscrupulous investors engaging in risky tactics to yield high returns.
Key Features + Uses
Stability–the primary goal is to combat the high volatility that comes with emerging crypto markets. Moreover, it serves as an efficient medium of exchange due to its inherent solidity, making stablecoins a viable option for everyday transactions of goods and services. Lastly, it’s convenient to transfer funds from fiat to crypto and vice versa, allowing investors to easily enter and exit traditional and nontraditional markets.
On-Chain Functionality
On-chain functionality is another key component. Stablecoins are designed to integrate with smart contracts, enabling automated and programmable financial activities directly on the blockchain.
Speed + Accessibility
Stablecoins settle faster than the previous system and are very cost-effective, which is why you witness quicker yields.
Financial Inclusion
Stablecoins are now accessible to virtually anyone with access to the internet via a smart device and/or computer. This type of accessibility may offer the United States global dominance despite its massive government spending, increasing inflation, as well as a looming recession. Further, additional notable features include transparency and its ability to be liquid.
Stablecoin Risks
Possible risks adversely affecting stablecoins should not be ignored, especially with smaller stablecoins. One, there is the possibility of de-pegging. It is always possible that coins lose their backings, which can de-peg the coin. Smart contracts can be vulnerable to bugs and/or hacks due to poor coding. Two, there is a centralized risk. The core difference between a stablecoin and a central bank digital currency (CBDC) is –a stablecoin is issued by a private company, while CBDCs are issued by a government or central banks.
In short, stablecoins seem to possess many benefits for unbanked global citizens and provide the world with another technology to better transact.
Gravitas Ventures, an operating unit of Radial Entertainment, has acquired Deny Gallagher’s debut feature film ‘Americano’ which debuted on digital and theatres this past weekend. Produced by New Jersey‑based Palomino Productions and stars Darren Weiss (Inside Man/Break) alongside Rondell Sheridan (That’s So Raven). The film was screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
‘Americano’ follows Jack Armstrong, a college basketball star whose dream of playing professional basketball is deferred after tearing his ACL during his senior year of college. He returns home for rehabilitation while running the Armstrong family’s coffee shop–Americano. Concurrently, he reunites with his childhood friends and attempts to thwart a local businessman’s quest to take ownership of the coffeehouse. ‘Americano’ is a heist movie that is infused with a coming-of-age story, and the only certainty is change.
The film also showcases the following talent: Samuel Dunning (Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox), Adrienne Laurén (My Last Best Friend), Marcus R. Smith (Blue Bloods), Albania Sofia Sagarra (The Men in My Life), and Lei Nico (Stargazer). The film is produced by Gallagher and Catriona Rubenis-Stevens.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Gravitas and Shout to bring Americano to audiences,” said director and screenwriter Deny Gallagher. “I set out to make a modern coming-of-age film about life in the year after college, a time when everyone experiences growing pains in their own way. Some friendships end, new ones begin, love takes shape, and big life decisions are made every day. That’s what’s at stake with every cup of coffee at Americano.”
“Americano is a heartfelt debut film that captures the uncertainty and possibility of life in transition that we think will resonate deeply with audiences,” said Kevin Scheid, Sales Manager, Gravitas Ventures. “Deny Gallagher has crafted a film that blends humor, heart, and heist in a unique way, and we’re excited to bring this fresh voice and story to audiences.”
In April 2025, Shout! Studios, a Radial Entertainment Company, acquired Gravitas Ventures from Anthem Sports & Entertainment. Gravitas Ventures’s films include “Mack & Rita,” starring Diane Keaton; “The King’s Daughter,” starring Pierce Brosnan and Kaya Scodelario; and “Our Friend,” starring Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel. Gravitas Ventures, an operating unit of Radial Entertainment, is a leading all-rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries.
Americano was released on transactional VOD (TVOD) on September 30, 2025.
The House introduces Gucci Pet Collection —a wide-ranging selection of items designed for dogs and cats that combines high-quality materials and craftsmanship with innovation, and many of the House’s signature motifs. The new line continues the narrative of surprise and delight behind Gucci Lifestyle, launched in September 2021 and inspired by a cabinet of curiosities—a place that could accommodate all of the fine, well-crafted that, while part of everyday life, still give off a magical and wonderful aura.
The offering includes collars and harnesses in plain leather, GG canvas, Web stripe, or the Herbarium or all-over geometric G print, and embellished with details like the Interlocking G logo or studs. Leashes in varying lengths and widths, bag holders, and Air Tag cases, are all available in the same materials and motifs to coordinate or mix and match. Within a selection of items that also serve as design pieces for the home are Made-to-Order miniature couches on which pets can lounge, feeding bowls with various House prints, cloches to cover bowls with, hard-sided cases with removable ceramic bowls and handles for easy transport as well as coordinated feeding mats. For pets who travel often, comfortable carriers in GG canvas are also part of the mix. Apparel includes polos, T-shirts, knitwear, and coats, distinguished by a vibrant palette and playful, signature motifs like all-over strawberries and hearts to Interlocking Gs and the classic monogram, also seen in the House’s ready-to-wear, creating opportunities for matching looks.
In line with the House’s commitment to sustainability, the Gucci Pet Collection includes items in recycled polyester, recycled cotton or Demetra — Gucci’s groundbreaking material that was unveiled in June 2021 after two years of in-House research and development. Demetra combines quality, softness, and durability with an eco-friendly ethos and is made from animal-free raw materials that are primarily from renewable and bio-based sources. Created from the House’s desire to explore and innovate materials for the future, Demetra is manufactured entirely in a Gucci factory in Italy using the same expertise and processes for tanning that give the material its pliable and resilient performance with a supple finish.
The new category is unveiled through a campaign with art direction and photography by Max Siedentopf. Infused with a retro-inspired, dream-like patina, a playful cast of dogs and cats of various types and sizes, wearing pieces from the new collection, are set against clean and colorful backgrounds that allow each animal’s personality to shine, inspired by the House’s underlying vision of individuality.
Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands. As the House marks its 100th Anniversary under the Creative Direction of Alessandro Michele, with Marco Bizzarri as President and Chief Executive, Gucci moves forward into the coming decades with an ongoing commitment in redefining luxury, while celebrating the creativity, innovation and Italian craftsmanship at the core of its values.
Gucci is part of the global luxury group Kering, which manages the development of a series of renowned Maisons in fashion, leather goods, jewelry and watches.
For further information about Gucci visit www.gucci.com.
GRAMMY®, BRIT, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning artist and songwriter Sam Smith announces, “To Be Free: San Francisco,” an eight-night residency at the Castro Theatre, a designated landmark in the heart of the city’s LGTBQ+ cultural epicenter. Kicking off February 10, 2026, Sam’s rare, up-close performances will officially ring in the venue’s eagerly awaited reopening following two years of renovations. To mark the announcement, Sam has shared a soul-stirring cover of the 1971 Bill Withers classic “Ain’t No Sunshine” set to a video filmed at the beloved theater and in the surrounding Castro District. Watch HERE. “To Be Free: San Francisco” goes on sale Tuesday, October 7, at 10 a.m. PT. See below for all dates and visit https://www.samsmithworld.com/#live.
The series is a continuation of Sam’s upcoming residency “To Be Free: New York City,” which begins on October 8 at Brooklyn’s historic Warsaw club. With the New York City residency kicking off next week, Sam is appearing tonight on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a sit-down interview. They’ll also return to the show tomorrow night, Wednesday, October 1, as the featured musical guest. The initial run of 12 shows for “To Be Free: New York City” sold out immediately, prompting Sam to add 12 additional dates at the intimate venue stretching into November and December.
Sam’s cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine” is both stunningly beautiful and rich with meaning. Over raw acoustic guitar, they begin the song: “Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone / It’s not warm when he’s away.” With their unmistakable voice, Sam gives a haunting performance that captures the chill of loneliness, while the accompanying video brings immense warmth. We first see Sam inside of the Castro Theatre, scaffolding still in place. Soon, we’re out on the streets of the Castro District, meeting friendly faces from the community. By the end, Sam has led a small celebratory parade of folks to the iconic theater marquee, and stepped into the box office to tear tickets themself.
Said Sam Smith, “ I LOVE San Francisco and The Castro especially has been so central to the Queer community here over the years. These shows will also celebrate the official reopening, so it’s truly an honour to become part of this iconic venue’s history.”
Both residencies take their name from Sam’s soaring new single, “To Be Free.” The soulful acoustic song, which explores how vulnerability can unlock bravery and freedom, includes moving vocals by The TwoCity Chorus and came with a joyous, (LA)HORDE-directed music video filmed at Warsaw — watch HERE. The song has since earned critical praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone (“Sam Smith feels light as a feather”), Billboard (“one of their most striking songs in years”), and Stereogum (“heartstring-pulling … immensely powerful”), among others.
Sam recently shared their thoughts on the song, which was produced by Sam and Simon Aldred: “I’ve never had a recording experience like I did making this song. It’s one vocal-and-guitar take from start to finish — one live performance of me and my friend Simon in a pure state of music and expression. I wrote it five years ago while writing my last album, Gloria, and then parked it because I knew it was not a song for that album. It was created during a time in my life where I became free within myself. Over the last five years, Simon and I started to create music that fit into this world of ‘To Be Free’ and during this time, I’ve continued to turn to this song in happy moments, sad moments, lonely moments, and angry moments. It’s become my sister, my family member, and it ultimately calms me. Hopefully, it can do the same for someone else.”
Another Planet Entertainment’s The Castro will be a fittingly timeless home for the West Coast installment of the To Be Free series. Built as a movie palace in 1922 with an interior designed by one of San Francisco’s most prominent architects, Timothy Pfleuger, the captivating space swirls up an array of worldly influences and includes stunning original artwork on the ceilings, famous sgraffito murals along the walls, and an ornate chandelier, among other features. All of that has been restored as part of a $40 million rehabilitation project that’s also opened the venue up for standing-room music performances and facilitated the installation of “the world’s largest and most versatile digital organ.”
Sam Smith is one of the most celebrated musical artists to emerge in recent history. A five-time GRAMMY® winner, Sam holds two Guinness World Records — one for the most consecutive weeks in the U.K. Top 10 Album Chart (with their 2014 debut In the Lonely Hour), and one for having the first James Bond theme to reach No.1 on the U.K. charts (the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning “Writing’s on the Wall”). Sam has amassed over 40 million equivalent album sales, 300 million single sales, and over 56 billion career streams across their catalog of critically acclaimed albums: In the Lonely Hour, The Thrill of It All, Love Goes, and Gloria, which Rolling Stone praised as “their deepest album yet” and includes the global smash “Unholy” featuring Kim Petras. The track spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart, making it Sam’s eighth to top the tally. In June 2025, Sam released the stunning live album BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Sam Smith – “To Be Free: New York City” 2025 Warsaw Residency Dates
Wednesday, October 8
Friday, October 10
Saturday, October 11
Wednesday, October 15
Friday, October 17
Saturday, October 18
Tuesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 22
Friday, October 24
Wednesday, October 29
Thursday, October 30
Friday, October 31
Wednesday, November 19
Friday, November 21
Saturday, November 22
Wednesday, November 26
Friday, November 28
Saturday, November 29
Wednesday, December 3
Friday, December 5
Saturday, December 6
Wednesday, December 10
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Sam Smith – “To Be Free: San Francisco” 2026 Castro Theatre Residency Dates
CxM (SEVENTEEN), comprising members S.COUPS and MINGYU, unveiled the highlight medley for their 1st Mini Album HYPE VIBES today, providing a glimpse into genre-spanning 6 tracks ahead of its arrival on September 29.
Opening true to form, the highlight medley kicks off with a hip-hop track “Fiesta”—blending an additive flute melody and kitschy talk box—that sets the tone in the unit’s own rhythm with their confident and cool demeanor. The clip takes a more uplifting turn with the lead single “5, 4, 3 (Pretty woman) (feat. Lay Bankz),” a disco-infused track that creatively interpolates Roy Orbison’s timeless hit “Oh, Pretty Woman,” capturing the raw emotions and thrill of a romantic encounter through candid, straightforward delivery. Rising Gen Z artist Lay Bankz features on the track, adding a fresh twist to the romantic sound.
The medley continues to showcase snippets of 4 additional tracks spanning diverse genres, offering something for every listener to celebrate the colorful, electric moments of the present: “Worth it,” a hip-hop track driven by deep 808 bass and striking synth lines; “For you,” a pop track with an easy-listening sound; “Young again,” a rock-based track blending emotive guitar melodies with punchy, driving drums; and finally “Earth,” an EDM track with soaring vocal layers paired with hyper-style synths, closing the album with a powerful, driving energy that feels limitless and unstoppable.
The iconic duo also dropped two concept photo sets—BUDDY and COMBI—in the lead-up to the medley, each capturing distinct daytime and nighttime vibes. Shot in Hawaii, the photos showcase a relaxed, natural side of the duo, evoking the free spirit of a summer vacation and highlighting their genuine, relatable appeal. Shortly after, the tracklist followed, revealing the titles and credits for all tracks featured on the mini-album.
What stands out is that S.COUPS and MINGYU are credited with songwriting and composing on all 6 tracks, reaffirming their reputation as creative powerhouses. Having honed their artistry through years of contributions to SEVENTEEN’s discography, the hip-hop unit work, as well as their respective solo tracks—“Jungle (S.COUPS Solo)” and “Shake It Off (MINGYU Solo)” from the group’s recent studio album—the duo now push their creative vision to the forefront, signaling expanding possibilities and building anticipation for their next chapter.
CxM’s 1st Mini Album HYPE VIBES will be available on all streaming platforms worldwide on September 29 at 5AM EST / 6 PM KST.
