About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

FLO – The Lead

London-based girl group FLO releases their highly-anticipated debut EP The Lead.

Listen to The Lead: HERE

“Our debut EP The Lead represents personal and professional growth because it’s taken so many twists and turns. We are young black women navigating life and musicians finding our voice and sound through R&B. Pop means popular, and R&B could be pop, but people need to give it the same love and chance.

The Lead shows us that positive things can come from tough conversations, and reminds us to take the lead and not follow anyone else when making decisions on your relationships and listening to your truth,” says FLO on the EP.

“I’ve been working with the girls for the past 3 years – one of the first songs we wrote together was ‘Cardboard Box.’ The hour in which we wrote it – we just knew it had something very special. Then and even now, they’re so young and so driven, and push me equally as much as I push them to be competent songwriters and great recording artists. Stella, Jorja and Renée make a beautiful partnership when they sing together and I’m really happy they’ve found a trust in people like myself and Kabba, Jamal Woon and Ryan Ashley to help get what they stand for across in their music as an all-black R&B/pop act in 2022 – much less a girl group with all the ‘00s references included. I also just love working on projects that if I wasn’t working on it, I’d be stanning. And this is absolutely one of those projects,” says producer MNEK on working with FLO and the EP.

The future of R&B, FLO, represented by three young women: Jorja, Renée and Stella, show their personal and professional growth in the creation of a remarkable sound that hasn’t been heard in the music scene for decades. Tipped as Britain’s next big girl group, FLO’s new track “Immature” has already received instant praise from Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Ella Mai. Working closely with their “extended family,” executive producer MNEK, Jamal Woon, KABBA and Aston Rudi, FLO hustled every day in the studio to create The Lead arranging their intricate three-part harmonies, which have been compared to Destiny’s Child and recalling peak-era Timbaland, Aaliyah and TLC. Capturing the essence of an act at the helm of their musical and visual identity, the 5-track EP features the first song they ever wrote together, the 10 million streaming viral sensation “Cardboard Box,” the sublime “Immature,” the pitch perfect neo soul hit “Another Guy,” R&B slow jam “Feature Me” and the slick, sensational summer anthem “Summertime.”

To coincide with the release, FLO drops the new video for their buzzworthy track “Immature” today.

Watch “Immature”: HERE

Working closely with female director Avesta Keshtmand and movement director Kash Powell (Missy Elliot, FKA Twigs) on the video, Stella, Renée and Jorja become heroines in a defiant, confident and groundbreaking visual.

Receiving love from global superstars including Missy Elliot, SZA, Victoria Monet and JoJo with one tweet stating “the uk girl groups are coming hard,” featuring a clip of debut video “Cardboard Box,” has led to over 3M views. FLO’s opening statement catapulted the group to the center of the cultural conversation about the important role girl groups play in our society. Peaking at #2 on the Viral Spotify UK Chart, “Cardboard Box” was an introduction to the girls’ love for honeyed harmonies and rich emotion, fusing the classic old school R&B they still obsess over.

Already receiving critical praise from i-D, NME, Complex and more, FLO’s immaculate harmonizing over MNEK productions that fuse early 00s R&B, complete with Irreplaceable-esque guitar figures and dancehall flavors, have captured the hearts of the nation. FLO has already built a loyal fanbase on TikTok (over 170k followers and 4.1m likes) having been named “the future of R&B” (Complex) for their stripped back a capella sessions, giving new life to their favorite tunes with unbreakable chemistry.

It is FLO’s origin story that speaks to their name – it flowed. Stella spent the first few years of her life in Mozambique before moving to the UK aged five, and met Renée at school in London, where they bonded over their joint love of singing and were familiar with Jorja via social media. Jorja was born in Germany and grew up in Hertfordshire and was on her own musical journey, but it was a chance meeting at an audition where they all locked eyes: “I saw the girls and we screamed across the room. I knew from that moment we were about to start something big,” says Jorja.

The Lead EP Tracklist

Cardboard Box
Immature
Summertime
Feature Me
Another Guy (Acoustic)

CONNECT WITH FLO

TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM| SPOTIFY | APPLE

Marshmello × NANCY AJRAM

LISTEN HERE
WATCH HERE

Today, GRAMMY-nominated, chart-topping artist Marshmello and Lebanese singer, songwriter, and megastar Nancy Ajram release their highly anticipated global song of the summer “Sah Sah,” accompanied by the official music video, out now on Universal Arabic Music—listen HERE and watch HERE.

Renowned worldwide as the “Queen of Arab Pop,” Nancy Ajram elevates the track with her irresistible and instantly identifiable vocal delivery. Her voice entwines with the Arabic-inspired electronic production courtesy of Marshmello towards an unforgettable chorus as she sings, “Sah Sah.”

In the accompanying video, Nancy’s impressive choreography captivates as Marshmello performs on a traditional Arabic qanun. Together, they take over the dancefloor with a boundary-breaking and visionary sound primed to catch fire around the world.

On the collaboration, Marshmello says, “To work with a legend like Nancy is a complete honor. I feel super grateful to be able to work on this song and step into her culture. I love that she trusted me and let me blend my style into her style. Very excited for the world to hear it.”

Nancy Ajram says, “I can’t hide my excitement to share this song with everyone, whether through the music video or the Metaverse release party. Concerted efforts have contributed to drawing global features to ‘Sah Sah’ and helped combine Arab and foreign music, which confirms that music is, indeed, a unique language that brings everyone together and banishes all boundaries. Thank you from the bottom of the heart to everyone who worked hard for the success of this song and to give it a global character worthy of Arabic music, from the manager and friend Wassim ‘SAL’ Slaiby, to my manager, Jiji Lamara, and everyone who worked with dedication and professionalism to bring you a world-class Arabic record of which I am proud.”

Prior to its release, fans anxiously awaited the arrival of the song, as it trended online across the MENA region, including in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Morocco, and more. Not to mention, “Sah Sah” will also be featured as ESPN’s Song Of The Month throughout July. Today at 2pm EST/11am PST, fans can join Nancy in the Metaverse for a release party to celebrate the song, making her the first Arabic artist to do so—see more info HERE. “Sah Sah” paves the way for Arabic artists and music to continue to disrupt the global music scene.

ABOUT MARSHMELLO

GRAMMY-nominated Marshmello’s star continues to rise as the famously masked artist breaks boundaries across the industry. With chart-topping singles and collaborations with the likes of Juice WRLD, Halsey, Demi Lovato, Bastille, Kane Brown, Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, and more, Marshmello has clocked almost a staggering 13 billion streams across Spotify alone. With almost 40 million monthly listeners on the platform, he’s one of the top 40 most streamed artists in the world on Spotify and the third-most- subscribed artist on YouTube. Featured on the cover of the Forbes magazine “30 Under 30” issue, Marshmello has proved to not only be an innovative producer, but a forward-thinking businessman. With his own brand of chocolate-filled marshmallows (“Stuffed Puffs”), he’s also launched a children’s entertainment channel, Mellodees. Marshmello collaborated with the Jonas Brothers on their early summer smash “Leave Before You Love Me,” which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also nominated for the best dance / electronic album at the 2022 Grammy’s. Most recently, Marshmello teamed up with Khalid to release “Numb,” which was accompanied by a music video that surpassed 1.4 million views within 3 days of its release.

ABOUT NANCY AJRAM

Dubbed the “Queen of Arab Pop” by Spotify, Lebanese artist, singer, songwriter, and superstar Nancy Ajram is a global force to be reckoned with. Attributed with leading the revival of Arabic pop music in the 21st century, Ajram was the most-streamed Arabic female artist on Spotify in 2020. Signing her first record deal at the age of 15, she has since released 12 studio albums and a slew of chart-topping singles, cementing herself as a pop icon in the MENA region. Not to mention, she has sold over 30 million records and amassed over 200 million Spotify streams over the span of her 20-plus year career, as well as won the World Music Award for the Best-Selling Middle Eastern Artist, marking Ajram as the youngest World Music Award winner to date.

MARSHMELLO:

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

NANCY AJRAM:

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

Night Tales – Lovesong

Night Tales Released Official Cover of The Cure’s, “Lovesong,” Ahead of Debut Album on June 24.

After relocating to Los Angeles, the Australian act is ready to bring their internationally acclaimed catalog to iconic venues and festivals throughout the Summer.

Listen HERE.

To sum it up, Night Tales are doing things differently. The enigmatic Aussie duo stormed onto the scene in 2018 behind viral single releases that conveyed their alluring blend of electronica packed with singer-songwriter sensibilities. Pushing an identity of swag & soul in indie dance music, Night Tales is bridging the gap between urban & electronica.

Night Tales is leading a wave of progressive electronic acts that implement real vocals, storytelling and live instruments within a DJ environment. Their acclaim has yet to reach such heights as it did when Night Tales was released an official cover of The Cure’s classic, “Lovesong.”

Quote from Night Tales:

“Throughout the pandemic and especially in Australia, we lived under extreme lockdown measures. Literally confined to our homes with only one hour of exercise a day and allowance to get essential goods. This meant no studio time or the ability to work together in the same space. So I (Aaron) continued to produce ideas and in turn send them to Kamaliza for him to create lyrical & vocal ideas. He sent back this amazing idea and melody, which was an adaptation of iconic British band The Cure and their track, “Lovesong.” Immediately we knew it was special.”

The duo has chosen to invigorate this growing genre space with a vein of synthwave music that blends 80’s nostalgia with modern electronica. In April, the producers released their first 2022 single, “Thinking About You,” which previewed their forthcoming album set for release following a Summer of exploring their new home in America. Last month, single no.2, “Take It Slow,” follows up on the vocal and melody-led dance music that packs the crossover appeal befitting Night Tales’ enormous potential and acclaim thus far.

Spirited production and intrapersonal lyricism mark the first glimpse into the 2022 release calendar for Night Tales. The producers offer high paced production, synths and echoed vocals to present a soundscape that is both emotional and energetic. While Night Tales offer the storytelling and lyrics for widespread accessibility, their roots in electronica provide credence to their ability to connect with both mainstream and festival audiences.

The Night Tales project has been nearly a decade in the making. One half of the duo, Aaron Bannie was born in the U.K. before moving to Ibiza, where he learned how to mix and play on vinyl. He would later relocate to Australia in hopes to elevate his own electronic project, Third Floor. Kamaliza Salamba is an Aussie native, and also had his own career in music prior to Night Tales. He played in various bands, in addition to his own R&B electronic project, Kamaliza.

The two connected via a booking agent, and almost immediately began collaborating on a house-infused, singer-songwriter project. With a production partner in Bannie, Salamba was able to focus more on his skills as a vocalist. Influenced by acts like the Talking Heads, the two dove into more thematic compositions that cover a wide range of music. Salamba writes the vocals and melodies, while Bannie provides his own vocals in addition to running drum and trigger pads.

This arrangement gives them the chance to take all original songs and break them down in a totally different experience and energy. In 2018, the duo struck a 3-single deal with the German label, Majestic Casual. The label has provided a home for innovative acts like Edamame and Two Feet, so it made for a perfect fit for an enigmatic act like Night Tales.

Following the deal, the two went to the studio and quickly wrote a series of singles, including ”Friends.” This first series put onto the display the representation of human emotion and personal relationships. “Friends” would go on to rack up 5.7 million Spotify streams globally. To the delight of the duo, they discovered they already had a listening audience overseas in America and Europe. This lifelong benchmark for success and key to traveling to America came right as the pandemic swiftly took over the globe.

Stuck inside their home studio during the pandemic, the two reacted by doubling down on their creativity by committing to monthly single releases. Fans rewarded their output, as Night Tales’ monthly listeners rose to 300+ monthly and their music placed in several key Spotify Editorial playlists.

Night Tales’ mission is to pioneer urban culture in the alternative electronic music scene. Their hope is to diversify and represent people of color in electronic music – championing acceptance and accessibility.

The producers are lined up for a big Summer in 2022, with upcoming performances at Electric Forest and Breakaway Festival, in addition to their own tour dates in cities like SF, LA, CHI, Denver, Toronto, Detroit, MIA, and NYC. Their forthcoming album is set for release in October.

More from Night Tales:

“The Cure’s original version of ‘Lovesong’ was created and performed within a band structure, so all live instrumentation. Our version sits in our world which is completely electronic. How we made our own version besides the electronic creation was to accompany The Cure’s “Lovesong” lyrics with our own additional & completely original vocals which are; “follow your light, follow it deep inside, open your eyes, rise up to the morning light.

“We are so extremely humbled & excited that Robert Smith and the cure estate gave us their seal of approval of reimagining their timeless classic.”

FOLLOW NIGHT TALES:

SPOTIFY |INSTAGRAM| FACEBOOK | TWITTER

UPCOMING NIGHT TALES TOUR DATES:

August 26th – Breakaway Festival (Columbus)

October 1st – Breakaway Festival (Charlotte)

Mostly Mozart Festival

Pianist/composer Conrad Tao’s upcoming appearances with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra under the direction of Louis Langrée at Damrosch Park on July 19 and 20, presented by Lincoln Center as part of Summer for the City.

Conrad will be performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 and Still’s “Out of the Silence”, arranged for piano, flute, and strings, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The program also features the overture to Bologne’s lone surviving complete opera, L’Amant anonyme.

The Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra performs two free outdoor concerts in Damrosch Park in celebration of the city in Renée and Robert Belfer Music Director Louis Langrée’s 20th year at the helm. Incorporating Music: Not Impossible wearable technology for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members, the program opens with the overture to Bologne’s lone surviving complete opera, L’Amant anonyme. The virtuosic pianist Conrad Tao joins for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 and Still’s “Out of the Silence” from his impressionistic Seven Traceries, arranged for piano, flute, and strings. The evening culminates with Tao and the orchestra performing Gershwin’s jazz-tinged Rhapsody in Blue.

Conductor: Louis Langrée

Soloist: Conrad Tao, piano

PROGRAM:

BOLOGNE Overture to L’amant anonyme

MOZART Piano Concerto No. 17

STILL “Out of the Silence,” from Seven Traceries

GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue

CITY GIRLS × USHER

Heating up summer to a boiling point, Miami’s own multiplatinum duo City Girls return with a brand new single and music video entitled “Good Love” [feat. Usher] via Quality Control Music / Motown Records. Listen to “Good Love” — HERE. Watch the music video — HERE.

The track’s upbeat production kickstarts a head-nodding dancefloor-ready groove. Eight-time GRAMMY Award-winner Usher cruises through with an instantly irresistible promise, “I can freak you ‘til the morning.” Meanwhile, Yung Miami and JT trade slick, seductive, and scorching bars. In the accompanying visual, Usher and the ladies take over a roller rink in true throwback style complete with show-stopping choreography on skates! It might just be the wildest video yet from City Girls.

It arrives on the heels of the fan favorite “Top Notch” [feat. Fivio Foreign]. It has already amassed 3 million Spotify streams and over 7 million YouTube views on the music video. Right out of the gate, it landed major looks. Beyond plugs from The FADER and more, HYPEBAE noted, “Yung Miami and JT demonstrate their flavor,” and HYPEBEAST exclaimed, “On the hard-hitting ‘Top Notch,’ JT and Yung Miami confidently refute rumors and gossip.” NME put it best, “It’s full of the duo’s typical bravado.”

Right now, City Girls are prepping their follow-up to 2020’s City On Lock. The latter graced year-end lists by NPR, Rolling Stone, and Vice, to name a few.

City Girls continue to run the game. JT recently joined forces with Summer Walker for “Ex For A Reason” on Still Over It, generating a staggering 32.2 million Spotify streams and 10 million YouTube views on the music video. Additionally, the album bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top 200.

Most recently from Yung Miami was the lasciviously lusty “Rap Freaks.” It earned widespread acclaim from UPROXX who noted, “Miami rap duo City Girls is already well-known for their raunchy rhymes, but on Yung Miami’s new solo single ‘Rap Freaks,’ she pulls out all the stops.” However, Billboard put it best, “Yung Miami just went there.”

Now, these two are back and ready for their boldest moment yet.

It’s a City Girl Summer.

Reasons For the Volatility of the Crypto Market

Cryptocurrency is a rapidly-growing market. This is not breaking news. You probably know both sides of the coin (so to speak): crypto has made kings —and paupers. But those wins and losses don’t necessarily come from winners picking good coins and losers picking bad ones.

It is possible to talk to two people who have both invested in Dogecoin, but one lost money and the other gained a profit. Whether you gain or lose can depend largely on timing. This is because cryptocurrency is an incredibly topsy-turvy investment. All cryptocurrencies experience huge fluctuations in their valuation—a concept known on Wall Street as volatility.

In one day, Bitcoin’s value dropped 30%. But, why? This question brings up something that we often forget with cryptocurrency: it isn’t intrinsically valuable. There isn’t gold or diamonds or anything backing up crypto’s value. At no point did the U.S. Treasury say, “Yes, any time someone wants to bring us Bitcoin, we will give them X number of dollar bills from our reserves.” Not all die-hard crypto fans would agree, but there is an argument that crypto’s value really only comes from how much people are willing to trade for it—in goods, other cryptocurrencies, or in dollars.

The the360mag website gives more information on the importance of blockchain to the cryptocurrency in ensuring it protects the volatility of crypto assets. The primary reason for volatility in cryptos is their newness. All new concepts take time to settle and be accepted.

The asset class, the market as well as investors/speculators are still finding their feet and so it is still the initial stages of price discovery. Cryptos have gained global prominence (or notoriety) in the last few years. But as an asset class, it’s not as accepted as traditional assets such as stocks or gold.

Growing acceptance and maturity of the market go hand in hand. That is why when Tesla indicated that cryptocurrencies will not be accepted as a mode of payment, the value of Bitcoin crashed. Business Standard reported that when Tesla boss Elon Musk wrote ‘Doge’ on his Twitter post, the value of Dogecoin increased. Such influencing events or personalities are adding to the volatility, just the way when some star investor buys a particular company’s shares.

Given the lack of understanding and rules, trading is at present, highly speculative. Investors bet on the prices going up or down, and these speculative bets cause a sudden influx or outgo, leading to high volatility. We have discussed the reasons for the volatility below.

Lack Of A Controlling Agency

Unlike other asset classes that have some sort of governing or controlling agencies, cryptocurrencies are by their very nature not controlled by any entity.

Forkast reported that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has sought to entice the crypto-wealthy to the country’s shores. TAT is working with regulators and Bitkub, the country’s largest crypto exchange, to enable tourists to pay with cryptocurrencies and position the country as a “crypto-positive society”.

The iGaming sector is also growing rapidly, with several crypto-friendly sportsbooks and casinos provided by Asiabet. The recommended sites also offer other traditional means of payment. Players can also enjoy welcome bonuses, a large variety of events with impressive odds, and FAQs such as details on deposits and withdrawals.

The Sentiment Factor

When cryptos get more popular and accepted, more investors will understand the factors that influence their movement. Till then, a lot of the movement is speculative in nature as investors are buying or selling based on sentiment.

Even those who are looking at cryptos for the long term are doing so as they believe that the asset class will gain acceptance. Tesla’s Musk, for instance, explained that he owned Dogecoin because many of the employees own Dogecoin.

“Many young investors are putting money in cryptos. Their aim is to invest and earn quickly. So when they lose a big amount, they usually quit the market, leading to volatility in the market,” says Ajeet Khurana, a crypto project advisor, and investor.

One such young investor is Delhi-based student Shivam Tiwari, 21, who has been investing in cryptos regularly since 2016. “My maximum loss so far has been Rs 89,000 and profit has been one-fourth of that. But we have to keep in mind that the volatile nature (of cryptos) makes it different from other forms of investments,” says Tiwari.

Williams Advanced Engineering

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) will showcase its industry-leading high performance battery technology at The Battery Show Europe from 28-30 June, in Stuttgart.

Visitors to the WAE stand in Hall 8, stand F50, will have the opportunity to examine an example of the company’s innovative Adaptive Multi-Chem advanced battery pack, together with the Triumph Motorcycles TE-1 prototype demonstrator.

Combining power and energy in one advanced battery system, Adaptive Multi-Chem sets new standards for performance and efficiency, with the advantage of being totally customisable for individual customer requirements.

Triumph’s first zero emission prototype demonstrator motorcycle – the battery pack for which delivers a peak power of 130kW and continuous power of 90kW, with a capacity of 15kWh – will also be on display. With the optimum balance of power and energy, TE-1’s battery gives the rider access to greater electric power for longer, regardless of battery charge, and matches exhilarating acceleration with exceptional range. The 360-volt system also enables a fast-charging time of under 20mins (0-80%).

WAE developed the technology to support the TE-1 prototype demonstrator, a unique collaboration between Triumph Motorcycles, Integral Powertrain Ltd, and WMG at the University of Warwick funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles through Innovate UK.

In addition, the stunning 2200 horsepower Deus Vayanne electric hypercar, brought to life by WAE’s collaboration with Deus Automobiles and Italdesign, is on display on the Deus Automobiles stand Hall 8, Stand D-30.

This customer project demonstrates WAE’s sector-leading partnership with ItalDesign, which sees WAE provide a highly sophisticated composite EV platform and powertrain, with ItalDesign contributing the body design, safety systems and electric architecture.

The partnership provides a unique offering for established car companies and start-ups who want a luxury, high-performance EV, without having to spend many years – and billions of dollars – developing a proprietary EV skateboard and associated technology.

Taking place from 28 – 30 June 2022 in Stuttgart, Germany, The Battery Show Europe is Europe’s largest battery technology showcase and conference. With more than 480 suppliers in attendance, The Battery Show Europe provides an ideal opportunity for WAE to showcase its motorsport-derived, zero-emission mobility solutions.

On day one of the conference, Tim Engstrom, WAE Manager – Advanced Battery Technologies, will also deliver the keynote presentation, ‘Examining the Role of Motorsport as a Platform to Accelerate Battery Technology, And Why It Matters’.

Dyrr Ardash, Head of Strategic Partnerships, WAE said: “The Battery Show Europe is an ideal event for WAE to showcase its high-performance battery and EV platform technology. As the world electrifies, motorsport developments act as a springboard to bring world-class technical innovation for a decarbonised and sustainable future. WAE’s role in electric motorsport has significantly accelerated the development of the lightweight battery and e-powertrain technology we can offer our customers today. We continue to learn valuable lessons from our motorsport involvement that will deliver further transformative benefits to the users of EVs in terms of power, performance, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Following the acquisition by Fortescue Metals Group, which completed in March 2022, WAE will continue to service its existing customers and commercialise new technology opportunities, in addition to playing a key role in supporting Fortescue’s decarbonisation strategy.

The Company was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation 2018.

For more information see www.wae.com, follow on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Culture Creators Sixth Annual Awards

Continuing to make waves throughout the creative community and celebrating distinguished diverse leaders, Culture Creators returns with its sixth annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch in partnership with Netflix and Strong Black Lead. Exclusively announced by The Grio, It will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Thursday, June 23.

In addition to presenting sponsor Netflix and Strong Black Lead, the event graciously welcomes empowered partner CÎROC, back for the second year, and partners Pivotal Ventures, Lexus, and Morgan Stanley. Hosted by R&B superstars and actors, Tank and Coco Jones, the exclusive invite-only gala remains one of the most influential events taking place during the BET Awards Week. In 2021, the event honored the achievements of culture-shifting leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and more.

The 6th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch will celebrate Black culture at the highest level. This year, we raise a glass to 2022 Icon Award recipient and “music man” L.A. Reid for his storied career in entertainment. 2022 Innovator of the Year Award recipient Robin Thede, the creator of A Black Lady Sketch Show, will be honored for her accomplishments in television as well as her influence on the next generation of Culture Creators. Additional honorees include Shari Bryant, the co-president of Roc Nation, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure, Nicole Lynn, the president of football operations for Klutch Sports Group, actor and activist Kendrick Sampson, CEO and Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row Brandice Daniel, visual artist Flo Ngala, and entrepreneur Kenny Burns. In addition, guests will be treated to a captivating performance from Amber Riley.

Previous Icon award recipients include Andre Harrell, Russell Simmons, Sylvia Rhone, Byron Allen, and Swizz Beatz. Innovator of the Year award recipients have included Jesse Collins, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Liles, Marsai Martin, and Derrick “D-Nice” Jones. Across-industry award winners include Charles D. King, Kenya Barris, Angela Rye, Charlamagne tha God, Cari Champion, James Lopez, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Phyllis Newhouse, Shanti Das, Jason Bolden, Antoine Phillips, and Zerina Akers, just to name a few.

Culture Creators continues to honor the culture’s most impactful, influential, and inspirational voices at the forefront of entertainment, music, sports, and beyond.

Innovators & Leaders Awards 2022

ICON AWARD:

L.A. Reid

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Robin Thede

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings

Earn Your Leisure

ENTREPRENEUR

Kenny Burns

FASHION:

Brandice Daniel

Harlem’s Fashion Row

MUSIC:

Shari Bryant

Co-President, Roc Nation

SOCIAL IMPACT:

Kendrick Sampson

SPORTS:

Nicole Lynn

Klutch Sports Group

VISUAL ARTS:

Flo Ngala

KEEP UP WITH CULTURE CREATORS!

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Hotel Californian’s Summer

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, Hotel Californian is pleased to announce its summer calendar of engaging events and immersive experiences. Catering to visitors and locals looking to indulge in the hotel’s iconoclastic spirit, the chic urban hotel has curated a series of seasonal events that showcase its compelling indoor and outdoor spaces while embracing the vibrant vibe of the surrounding neighborhood. The exciting roster of activities includes the reintroduction of the hotel’s HOWL @ Djinn full-moon event series and Sunset Sessions with live DJs on the Mirador rooftop deck – both back after a two-year hiatus – along with the hotel’s first-ever Winemaker Dinner Series at Blackbird restaurant and in person wellness programming – all designed to further demonstrate the hotel’s connection to the local community and position as the pinnacle destination along the American Riviera. Dedicated to the pursuit of getting lost in the experience, Hotel Californian invites guests to fill their summer days and nights with unforgettable happenings that capture the untamed essence of Santa Barbara through these invigorating summer programs.

HOWL @ DJINN

Monthly at Djinn, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Guests can expect the unexpected as Hotel Californian brings back its popular HOWL @ Djinn full-moon event series with inventive cocktails by legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa. Happening monthly during each full moon in Djinn, the hotel’s library bar named after supernatural genies from Moroccan folklore, each event features mystic libations – with each month featuring a unique cocktail based on the lunar cycle, personalized Tarot card readings, and classic board games while local indie record label Val-Mar Records spins vinyl. Complimentary to join and open to guests and the public, visit Hotel’s Californian’s online calendar of events for more information or to RSVP for the next HOWL @ Djinn event:

• Wednesday, July 13: Buck Moon

• Thursday, August 11: Sturgeon Moon

• Friday, September 9: Harvest Moon

• Sunday, October 9: Hunter’s Moon

• Monday, November 7: Beaver Moon

• Wednesday, December 7: Cold Moon

SUNSET SESSIONS

Every Sunday from July 3 – September 4, Mirador rooftop deck, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Every Sunday from July 3 to September 4, audiophiles and sunset seekers alike can come together for Sunset Sessions at Mirador, Hotel Californian’s exclusive rooftop deck, to enjoy craft spirits, delectable bites, and live DJ sets. The ultimate wind down to the weekend, guests can take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and majestic Santa Ynez Mountains as the sun sets over the American Riviera. The complete list of participating musical tastemakers, which will be unveiled on an ongoing basis, is being curated by popular local DJ Dan Dubinsky, who will also headline throughout the summer. Sunset Sessions is free to hotel guests and costs $15 presale and $20 at the door for locals. Space is limited so advance registration via Hotel Californian’s website is highly encouraged.

WINEMAKER DINNERS

Monthly at Blackbird, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The newest addition to Hotel Californian’s program lineup is the Winemaker Dinner series, a monthly food and wine pairing hosted in Blackbird restaurant by visiting winemakers from the Foley Family Wines portfolio. Traveling oenophiles and local wine enthusiasts can indulge in exquisite wines paired with a four-course meal curated and prepared by Hotel Californian Executive Chef Travis Watson. This special dining experience features a rotating selection of wines from across the Foley Family Wines portfolio paired alongside local, sustainable dishes for a contemporary upscale dining experience like no other. Guests who enjoy the wines featured at the Winemaker Dinners can experience them again by visiting The Society: State & Mason, which is now open daily, from Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Serving as Santa Barbara’s newest refuge for wine aficionados in the bustling Funk Zone neighborhood, the intimate tasting room celebrates the intersection between world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and immersive, memorable travel experiences. To learn more and book a reservation to the first Winemaker Dinner of the series on Thursday, June 23, visit Hotel’s Californian’s online calendar of events. Timing for each monthly event will be available online ongoing and pricing for each event varies.

SATURDAY SESSIONS AT MAJORELLE

Every Saturday until October 1, outdoors (weather permitting), 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Workouts don’t have to feel like work at Majorelle’s Saturday Sessions, which has returned in-person after being hosted virtually for the past two years. This summer, the exclusive fitness series will be curated by Los Angeles-based fitness instructor and founder of Recharge Wellness Co., Rachel McClusky, who also created The Recharge Method. Rachel has hand-selected a rotating lineup of all-star instructors and classes that emphasize the connection of mind and body while moving and creating a release, and she will also host her own series of classes during Saturday Sessions. From sun salutations to sculpt, HIIIT, barre, Pilates, dance cardio, healing meditation, and more, these feel-good fixes are suitable for all levels and provide the perfect excuse to hit pause, reconnect and recharge. Curious exercisers can continue to join these sessions via Hotel Californian’s Instagram LIVE every Saturday morning to get fit and fabulous from anywhere in the world. Upcoming Saturday Sessions include:

· Saturday, June 18: Barre with Amanda Glassman

· Saturday, June 25: Sculpt with Katie Mullen

· Saturday, July 2: Recharge Method with Rachel McClusky

· Saturday, July 9: Sculpt with Remy Kam

· Saturday, July 16: Yoga with Marquite Rene

· Saturday, July 23: Pilates with Alysia Pope

Saturday Sessions classes are $10 for locals and complimentary for hotel guests and members of Majorelle’s membership program. This newly launched offering provides members with two 60-minute Custom treatments per month, complimentary Fitness Center access, 20 percent off additional treatments and spa retail, access to the Tan-Tan rooftop pool (blackout dates apply), 10 guest passes per year, and $10 daily valet parking. Members also receive 15 percent off the Best Flexible Rate for an overnight stay and a 15 percent food and beverage discount at The Society: State & Mason, Blackbird, Goat Tree, Djinn, and Tan-Tan poolside dining. More information about membership and Majorelle’s one-of-a-kind spa treatments can be found at HotelCalifornian.com.

Situated 90 minutes from Los Angeles, 15 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport, and one block from the Amtrak station, Hotel Californian is ideally situated for travelers seeking an iconoclastic getaway. Reservations for The Society: State & Mason’s seated tastings can now be made on Tock.com or by calling the hotel directly at (805) 882-0100. More information about the tasting room, membership to The Foley Food & Wine Society, and Foley Family Wines can also be found online at HotelCalifornian.com and FoleyWines.com.

Madonna’s Pride

On the night of June 23, Madonna, who is known for her Pride Month activations and championing LGBTQ rights throughout her career, once again outdid herself with an LGBTQ celebration at Terminal 5 in New York. The show was also in celebration of FINALLY ENOUGH LOVE, Madonna’s 16-track career-spanning remix compilation album, released on streaming today.

Madonna was joined by renowned drag queens Violet Chachki, Bob the Drag Queen, Pixie Aventura, and Laganja Estranja who arrived at the event on the Gaultier double-decker Pride bus.

Bob the Drag Queen served as MC of the show, with tongue-in-cheek skits featuring audio soundbites of Madonna supporting the LBGTQ community throughout the years. Laganja performed an epic rendition of “Vogue,” where she was joined by Jose Xtravaganza, one of Madonna’s dancers on the Blond Ambition tour. Saucy Santana fired up the audience with a performance of his hit song “Walk.”

Madonna thrilled the crowd when she joined Tokischa on stage to perform “Hung Up on Tokischa.” She then gave an electrifying performance alongside Saucy Santana to a remixed version of his song “Material Gwerll” with new lyrics. David Banda, Madonna’s son, joined the show on multiple occasions as a dancer, delivering added energy and excitement. Madonna, joined by all of the performers, ended the night with a show-stopping performance of “Celebration.”

For the “Material Gwerll” remix debut, Madonna wore a custom-made Versace suit dress complete with custom hand-painted Versace pins in pride colors. The look was a nod to her original “Material Girl” music video where the dancers were dressed in tuxedos, with Madonna wearing the iconic pink dress, which Saucy’s look paid homage to.

Madonna’s 16-track career-spanning remix compilation album, Finally Enough Love, is available to stream NOW. The icon’s 50-track, complete remix compilation Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones will be released on August 19th in digital and physical format (CD and Vinyl). The upcoming remix album celebrates Madonna’s 50 #1 hits on Billboard’s Dance Music Charts, the first and only recording artist to reach this feat.

Madonna, who has been a leader in the NFT space, partnered for another time with WoW (World of Women) a thriving community celebrating representation, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all. The event was sponsored by The Sandbox who has partnered with WoW to create the WoW Foundation, which will invest $25 million over five years in education and mentorship. Programs will include via a virtual academy for artists and building inclusive spaces across the metaverse. In addition, there will be an incubator, offering advice, funding, and access across The Sandbox ecosystem.

Madonna, who has been a leader in the NFT space, partnered for another time with WoW (World of Women) a thriving community celebrating representation, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all. The event was sponsored by The Sandbox who has partnered with WoW to create the WoW Foundation, which will invest $25 million over five years in education and mentorship. Programs will include via a virtual academy for artists and building inclusive spaces across the metaverse. In addition, there will be an incubator, offering advice, funding, and access across The Sandbox ecosystem.

M·A·C Cosmetics VIVA Glam provided Madonna-inspired touch-ups to amp up all beauty looks for guests. Madonna said of the partnership, “Pride and M·A·C Cosmetics go hand-in-hand. In 27 years, the M·A·C Viva Glam Fund has raised over half a billion dollars and partnered with NGO’s all over the world to end HIV/AIDs. Together, we have made much progress and will not give up. This year M·A·C partnered with my dear late friend Keith Haring, known for his activism artwork, which M·A·C used to create a special edition of the VIVA GLAM lipstick. Tonight, we are here to celebrate HIS life, YOUR life, and stand by the LGBTQIA+ community to protect their rights for the same equality we ALL are owed. Don’t ever be afraid to EXPRESS YOURSELF! VIVA GLAM.”

Guests sipped on Madonna-inspired cocktails by Belvedere Vodka, including The Material Girl and Into The Groove. Food was served from Made in NY Pizza and Big Gay Ice Cream. Support partners also included Linktree, WoW, and The Sandbox.