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.

NEW COMEDY – BUST DOWN

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New Unconventional Comedy Series to Premiere
on Peacock Thursday, March 10

Watch Trailer HERE.

Bad deal. Worse friends. #BustDown Drops March 10th on Peacock

SERIES DESCRIPTION:

BUST DOWN stars Jak Knight, Langston Kerman, Sam Jay and Chris Redd as four casino employees living dead-end lives with dead-end jobs in middle America, and the massive mess they manage to make out of it.

Quote from Langston Kerman, Jak Knight, Sam Jay and Chris Redd re: Inspiration for the Trailer:

“We wanted the ‘Bust Down’ trailer to reflect the absurdity of the show. This isn’t about warming hearts or giving voice to the voiceless. Our show is about finding comedy in the unimportant. Each episode these four characters escape societal pressures to strive and excel by digging themselves further into a metaphorical hole, which led us to this concept.”

Quote from Langston Kerman, Jak Knight, Sam Jay and Chris Redd re: Inspiration for the Series:

“’Bust Down’ is rooted in our friendship. Every character is a hyperbolic version of how we see each other, and every story is inspired by the bad choices we each naturally make out in the world. There aren’t a lot of straight comedies right now where people truly go for jokes that are raunchy, irreverent, and complicated, and at its core that’s what ‘Bust Down’ is all about. We believe true equality is being able to make a show about nonsense the same way white people have been doing forever. We just wanted to make something so fucking hilarious that it makes people laugh so much that they miss jokes and then have to circle back to watch again.”

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BLACC ZACC- LOOKIN LIKE

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South Carolina’s ultimate trap star Blacc Zacc (South Coast Music Group/Interscope Records) is ready to break even more ground this new year after a productive 2021. To get things rolling, Zacc taps platinum producer JetsonMade for his thumping new track “Lookin Like.” Directed by TKTKTK, Zacc gives the 1999 seminal film The Matrix a modern-day flip after being asked to choose money or a chain. Zacc opts for the latter and morphs into a moneymaking machine. After landing a colossal goldmine in the form of a $100,000,000 deposit, Zacc encounters bloodthirsty agents. Luckily, he dodges their attacks with a Neo-inspired move and takes them out on his own. Watch HERE.  

In 2021, Zacc unleashed a pair of videos in “Lace Front” and “Dirty Money,” which came on the heels of Zacc’s 2020 album 803 Legend. He also opened up for MoneyBagg Yo as part of the Memphis rapper’s A Gangsta’s Pain Tour. Released in October 2020, the Carolina Narcos MC tightened his grip on the trap world with his 13-track collection. With features by Kevin Gates, 42 Dugg, Foogiano, Fat Loc, and more, 803 Legend included a flurry of highlights, ranging from “Tennis” to his bombastic tune “Knew Dat.”

Since his 11-track debut album Carolina Narcos’ release, Blacc Zacc has emerged from the trenches with his trap-infused raps. Featuring his rap compatriots DaBaby, Moneybagg Yo, Yo Gotti, Stunna 4Vegas, fans have gravitated towards Zacc’s street appeal. The album also boasted production by Young Kio, OG Parker, Romano, and more.

Blacc Zacc “Lookin Like” eSingle is HERE.  

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ELLA MAI – DFMU

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Ella Mai (10 Summers/Interscope Records) has audiences back in their feelings with the highly anticipated release of her latest single “DFMU” (Don’t F*** Me Up). Teaming up with her longtime musical collaborator Mustard and working alongside Prince Charlez on the track, Ella speaks from the heart opening up about how it feels to fall in love and the internal battles that accompany that journey. With lyrics like “didn’t think it’d ever be so hard, crazy I’m letting down my guard,” this new single is a snapshot of Ella at her most exposed. Ella Mai is featured on the cover of New Music Daily and R&B Now on Apple Music. Fans can listen to her newest offering HERE.  

Ella drives home the message of “DFMU” with a stunning, moody visual directed by Loris Russier. The 90’s-inspired flare reflects the songstress’s love and appreciation for the R&B artists of that time. Showing off a more vulnerable side we see Ella and her lover slowly drowning inside a car, an appropriate representation of how a toxic relationship can pull you down. Watch HERE.  

In 2018 Ella Mai’s first single “Boo’d Up” broke the record for the most weeks at No. 1 of any song by a woman on the R&B/Hip-Hop Billboard Airplay chart and is RIAA Certified 7x multi-Platinum. Her follow-up single “Trip” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and her album, Ella Mai, is RIAA Certified 2x Platinum. In addition to her chart-topping domination and success, the 10 Summers Records’ breakout star Ella Mai has won several awards, including her first GRAMMY for Best R&B Song, three Billboard Music Awards including the coveted Top R&B Artist, three iHeartRadio awards including R&B Artist of the Year, three Soul Train Awards, and a BET Viewers’ Choice Award. 

Ella Mai “DFMU” eSingle
Video is HERE. 

Let your decor tell your story 

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No matter if you are an indie, grunge, or cottage core person, posters are a simple way to add that aesthetic to your surroundings. Posters alone can do so much more than that. In this article, we will explain how. 

Whether you are just now starting to find your own style or if you’ve connected with a certain type of aesthetic for quite some time, it can sometimes be a challenge to let that vibe permeate through your entire life. A simple way to enhance your aesthetic in your home is by acquiring art prints and posters. You can purchase posters online or in home furnishing and decor stores.

How do I find good posters?

Start by allowing yourself to get inspired 

There are plenty of places to get inspired and find the style of prints and posters you’re looking for. For example, apps such as Pinterest act as visual discovery engines to help you find more of what you like. Of course, magazines such as 360 MAGAZINE are also great sources of inspiration when browsing through different sections. 

Next: choose how personal you want to get 

Choosing which prints and posters to purchase is very similar to the process of deciding to get a tattoo.  You can go two ways: choose something just for fun or choose something with personal meaning for you. In terms of posters, a personal print can be something related to a place you’ve been, a memory or an inside joke you have, etc. 

Personal touches helps elevate your prints from simply looking chic. It isn’t a must, of course. You can also choose to make it personable by presenting your prints in some sort of combination with personal photos or art. 

How do I present my posters?

Simply choosing prints with personal-related themes isn’t the only way to personalize your decor. You can also make them more unique in presentation. 

Experiment with the frames

For example, an effective way to make your prints stand out is by choosing the right frames. This can be done in several ways for different aesthetics. You can personalize your frames by decorating them and/or making them yourselves, or you can diversify the types and thicknesses of the frames to create storytelling in the prints. 

An observer’s eye will naturally be drawn to the boldest frames and motifs first, so keep that in mind if you want to present a story arc of some sort. 

Experiment with format

You can also create a storytelling arc by experimenting with formatting of posters and prints. For example, you can do this by using both vertical and horizontal pictures, or by experimenting with the amount and use of “white space”, that is the amount of unused space between the actual motif and the frame.  

By using these simple means, you can find innovative ways to tell your story or open for conversations. If nothing else, prints and posters can be a good ice breaker as well as a good free weekend project to be completed alone, or with friends. 

Four Types of Internet Plans Everyone Should Know About

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We can all agree that we live in an internet-dominated world, where most people (perhaps including you) are heavy consumers of online content. However, we all have different needs and preferences when it comes to internet usage and consumption of digital content. 

Moreover, it’s a fast-paced world where most people want to accomplish tasks online at supersonic speed, and access information over the web easy-peasy.

Well, all this is determined by the web access plan you purchase. Now, finding the best internet plan for your needs can be overwhelming, but, thankfully, we’re here to help break it down for you. 

In this piece, we will cover the four most common types of plans and highlight their differences, so you can choose the one that might be right for you.

1. Fiber Optics Internet 

With a maximum speed of around 2000 Mbps, fiber is today’s fastest, and perhaps the most widely accessible internet connectivity option. If you’re keen on comparing fiber internet plans from different providers, there’s a big chance you’ll never experience slow internet. 

This is especially if you seek professional help in the process. Most fiber ISPs have different plans that you can select from to suit your needs in terms of speed and the preferred services.

Nonetheless, there is one thing you should know about fiber internet. 

The closer you are to the service location, the faster your connection will be. For instance, if you are 15 minutes away from the nearest service center, your broadband could be max out at 5 Mbps. 

Because of that limitation in availability, there are areas where fiber optic cable internet (FiOS) may not be your best option.

2. Cable Internet 

One of the best things about cable internet is that it is not only reliable, but it is also widely available. Apart from Ethernet, cable internet lets you connect to the web via various alternative means, including broadband. 

It is also available in a wide range of plans, which can range anywhere between 3 Mbps and 1 Gbps. On the bright side of things, cable internet is quite easy to install and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including phones, TV, laptops, and – you name it! 

3. Satellite Internet 

Could this be what you need in your home or office? Well, it boasts wide availability but it could hurt your wallet if you’re not an avid user of the internet. Here, no cables or telephone lines are required to access the web, but the internet speed is rather wanting. Some users actually consider it expensive.

Nevertheless, you could get speeds of up to 3 Mbps for uploads and 15 Mbps for downloads at home, even though business plans of 100 Mbps are available these days. For the best experience, you will want to locate the nearest provider to you. 

4. DSL 

This is the type of internet subscription service known as Direct Subscriber Line. It is often touted as one of the most affordable and reliable options, perhaps because it provides convenience even while on the go. You can look at it as the mobile internet option.

What’s more, DSL allows you to share your internet connection with several devices depending on the provider’s specification and the plan you purchase. With DSL, you can comfortably watch your Netflix favorites, stream YouTube, or play games online. 

It is said to be a little slower than cable internet, especially if your device is a bit distant from your provider’s signal booster. 

Moreover, you are likely to have two different options to pick from depending on your provider. These are: 

  • ADSL – Asymmetrical Direct Subscriber Line, which offers faster downloads and slower uploads
  • SDSL – Symmetrical Direct Subscriber Line, where upload and download speeds are equal 

The best part is that DSL is widely available, affordable, and reliable. Nonetheless, the costs can be a bit high if you’re using it for your business. 

Internet connectivity is almost becoming a need in today’s society. More often than not, you will need it at home, in the office, and even while traveling. 

You can consider the above pointers as a summary of your options when looking for a reliable way to stay connected at home or in your business.

Seven Tips to Help Yourself Unplug Before Bedtime

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Modern society is becoming increasingly reliant on technological devices. While many of the technological advancements of the last decade or so have arguably changed life for the better for many, new technology also presents a host of new issues.

Screen addiction, constant notifications that can cause anxiety, and the way social media can make us feel insecure and isolated even though it’s supposed to connect us are just a few of the downsides of technology that we have started to notice over time, and that we have to be aware of. These factors don’t mean we shouldn’t engage with new technologies, but instead that we just have to be a lot more mindful of how we engage with them. 

One area where many people would benefit from being more mindful about technology is before bedtime. You likely know the benefits of unplugging before bedtime, but powering down our devices and detaching from the stress of the day can be easier said than done. It can be a challenge to calm racing thoughts or stop planning how you’ll tackle your upcoming stressful day. 

Thankfully, several research-backed methods help you slow down and prepare for sleep. Here are seven ways to calm your mind and get better rest. 

  1. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Aim to get ready for bed at the same time every night. Wind down from a stressful day by taking a warm shower. Consider listening to soothing music while applying essential oils to pressure points and moving through simple yoga poses to further your relaxation. Next, move into bed and read a book until you start to drift to sleep. Try to go to bed and wake at the same time every day, even on the weekends.

Consider these additional factors when making your room the perfect environment for rest. Ensure your bedroom temperature isn’t too hot or cold — the ideal temperature for sleep is between 66 and 70 F. Get blackout curtains or eyeshades to keep the sunshine out of your room. Try a white noise machine or fan to limit noises in your home that interrupt your rest.  

  1. Turn Off Your Phone

One of the best ways to help you prepare for rest is to turn off your phone. The high-energy blue light in digital screens can cause interruptions to your sleep patterns and suppress melatonin secretion. You could find it more difficult to unwind or rest if you use a blue light device too close to bedtime. However, 71% of Americans report using their phones until they fall asleep. 

Studies recommend avoiding blue light two to three hours before bedtime to keep your circadian rhythms in sync. Consider blue light suppressing glasses if you need to use a device to work. You can also apply an app on your phone or tablet to filter out damaging blue light. However, the best practice is to sleep with your phone charging outside your room.  

  1. Use Meditation Techniques

If you find your head spinning with thoughts as you lay in bed, you might soon begin glancing at your watch as your anxiety starts to rise. You can stop those thoughts in their tracks with helpful mindfulness and breathing techniques.

  • Progressive muscle relaxation: Use this mindfulness technique to activate each area of your body and eliminate the stress you’re carrying. You’ll progressively tense and relax each muscle group, relaxing into sweet slumber.
  • 4-7-8 breathing technique: To practice this breathing activity, inhale for four counts. Hold your breath for seven seconds. Then, exhale through your nose for eight counts. Repeat this technique to steady your breathing and lull you into deep relaxation. 
  • Yogic breathing: The practice of pranayama or yogic breathing has been proven to slow one’s breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. Practicing it for five minutes can prepare you for sleep.     
  1. Exercise More

Consider adding exercise into your daily routine. Whether you bike, run or walk, research suggests there’s a positive relationship between exercise and sleep. You’ll find it easier to unwind and fall asleep the more regularly you work out. However, because physical activity is stimulating, it’s best to exercise earlier in the day and at least three hours before bedtime.    

  1. Make a List 

If you find you have a lot on your mind and are having difficulty shifting your thoughts from the stresses of tomorrow, consider making a list to organize the coming day. Write down all the things you’ll need to accomplish, outlining the necessary tasks at work and home. A study conducted in 2018 found participants who created to-do lists for their upcoming days fell asleep faster than those who didn’t. 

  1. Disconnect From Work

Make an effort to create boundaries between you and your job. Do not check your work email in the evening or only do so once for half an hour after dinner. Put this plan into effect by turning off your notifications when you get home and resisting the urge to check them. Consider turning your phone off and putting it away if you think you’ll be tempted to do it. Remember, the boundaries are to help you unplug and unwind. 

  1. Limit Social Media

Another great way to feel more relaxed and ready for bed is to limit your social media use. The easiest way to restrict it is to turn your phone off an hour before bed. This might not be an option if you use your cellphone for other purposes like an e-reader or a white noise machine. 

Try scheduling your social media time to an hour a day. That way, you don’t waste time mindlessly scrolling. Another great option is to limit your platforms to a couple of sites rather than all of them. You’ll be happy you don’t have to keep up with all the notifications. 

Follow These Steps to Detach

Following these tips will give you the best opportunity to get quality rest. Utilize mindfulness and breathing techniques to relax and unwind if you find it challenging to unplug. You’ll be entering dreamland in no time.

Ten Tips for College Students to Take Care of Their Health This Semester

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Taking care of yourself in college is challenging. Students balance the pressures of school, work, and a social life, all while trying to make decisions about their future careers. With all of these pressures, it’s no wonder that poor mental health and burnout are common. 

However, students can fight burnout and protect their health by developing a set of simple, healthy habits. Here are 10 ways that college students can take care of their health this semester. 

  1. Plan to Sleep

American culture vastly underestimates the importance of sleep and its impact on productivity. Without proper rest, your body and brain will start to have trouble functioning. Although every person is different, the human body is wired to work on a cycle where sleep is very important to wakefulness. 

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you’re serious about getting enough sleep, make sure you create a bedtime routine that allows you to turn the lights off when you actually need to. There is always something else to do, but you won’t have the energy you need for tomorrow without a good night’s rest. 

  1. Move Your Body

By the time they reach college, the typical American student is used to sitting still for long periods of time each day. However, the human body does not respond well to long periods of inactivity – it was made to move. One of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health is to get active. 

Sign up for a group exercise class or workout with YouTube in your dorm. Even doing jumping jacks or push-ups for five minutes can help you get your blood moving and refocus on your homework. Two of the most basic needs your body has are movement and rest, and meeting these needs will make it much easier for you to reduce stress and stay healthy.  

  1. Watch Out for SAD

During the spring semester, more students are likely to experience symptoms of depression. There’s less sunshine, students aren’t spending much time outside, and they’re already tired and stressed from the fall semester. During these darker months, it’s especially important to care for your mental health. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) describes the way winter conditions can cause seasonal symptoms of depression. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to combat these feelings. Taking vitamin D, investing in a sunlight therapy lamp, and exercising may all help to reduce symptoms so you can finish the semester strong. 

  1. Outsmart Stress

Before “stress” was used to describe feelings of anxiety, it meant to put pressure on something. Constant stress puts pressure on your mind and body, weakening your immune system and making you feel sick. It’s important to find ways to reduce stress in your daily life to keep yourself healthy. 

Start by identifying what causes you stress. For college students, stressors could include getting poor grades, uncertainty over the future, low finances, and relationship challenges. Confronting the issues that are causing you anxiety can help. For instance, talking through an ongoing conflict with a friend or making a financial plan for the semester can reduce your levels of daily stress. 

  1. Eat Whole Foods

Every article out there about health for college students mentions eating well. While it may get repetitive, consuming whole foods and drinking plenty of water are two of the best ways to invest in your health this semester. The typical American diet – full of processed carbs and sugar – is a disaster waiting to happen for your health. 

Proper nutrition improves sleep, memory, focus, and your ability to respond well to stress. The food you eat is the fuel you’re giving your body to run on. Especially in college, you need this fuel to be top-notch. Although you shouldn’t rely on too much caffeine for energy, coffee in moderation can be a good source of antioxidants. 

  1. Build Friendships

Prolonged isolation is incredibly damaging to your physical and mental health. People need connection, so taking the time to build friendships is an investment in your health. Time spent with friends can help you unwind from school and refocus on what matters most in your life. 

College is an ideal time to build friendships and connect deeply with others. You are surrounded by people your age who are facing the same challenges you are. Students can support each other during this phase of life by promoting healthy habits and offering emotional support. 

  1. Work Through Your Thoughts

Taking care of yourself physically will go far toward supporting your health. However, many students are carrying such a large load of stress and anxiety that these foundational steps may not be enough. If you are practicing self-care but find that you’re still overwhelmed, it may be time to focus more closely on your mind and emotions. 

Studies have shown that people who journal are better able to process their thoughts and find peace in challenging situations. Meditating on healthy ideas can also help you keep worry at bay. You should never feel embarrassed about talking to a certified counselor or therapist – this is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 

  1. Enjoy Fun Hobbies

Hobbies are another way to take care of your health this semester. A hobby can be something as simple as baking every Friday night or something as complicated as running a YouTube channel on the side. The important thing is that you find an activity outside of school that brings you joy. 

After you leave college, hobbies are a part of your daily routine that you can take with you. They can make the transition from school to adult life easier, and they offer stress relief. Hobbies improve productivity and may even give you insight into your future career path. Although they may feel like a guilty pleasure, they are well worth your time. 

  1. Focus on Giving

Looking outside yourself and giving to others can also increase your mental and physical wellbeing. Volunteering and donating to worthy causes are two ways you can incorporate giving into your weekly schedule. However, there are many meaningful ways you can support the people around you each day. 

Calling your parents, sending a stressed friend a card, and driving another student to the grocery store are all ways to give back. Even smiling has been shown to have powerful health benefits. Practicing kindness can raise your spirits if you feel low and encourage those around you.  

  1. Celebrate Everyday Moments

Because it can be hard to slow down during college, one strategy is to make the most of small moments. For instance, you can take time to notice nature and the weather while you’re walking between classes. You can also plan small moments of enjoyment throughout the day, like stretching for ten minutes in the morning or drinking tea while the sun goes down. 

Celebrating the everyday is sometimes called “romanticizing your life.” This is based on the idea that you’ll find what you’re looking for – whether that’s more stress or a moment of peace. College students in particular can benefit from taking deliberate moments to slow down and remember to enjoy their day. 

Health Is a Priority

Caring for your health is important, especially for students who are experiencing high levels of stress at college. Investing in your health will keep you focused, emotionally stable, and ready for whatever curveballs college life throws at you. 

Follow these 10 tips to stay healthy and make the most of your college years. Feeling good is worth the extra effort, and every step you take matters. You’ve got this!

Jazmine Sullivan – Mo’ Tales

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After a year of taking 2021 by storm with the lauded Heaux Tales, Jazmine Sullivan announces today that Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe will be released February 11 via RCA Records. More details will be revealed over the coming weeks. Click here to pre-save.

Released January 8, 2021, Heaux Tales debuted at #1 on the R&B Albums chart, #2 on the R&B/Hip Hop chart and #4 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Heaux Tales marked Sullivan’s second #1 R&B Albums chart debut, fifth Top 5 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums debut and her highest debut on the Billboard 200 chart. The recently RIAA-certified Platinum track, “Pick Up Your Feelings,” earned Jazmine her first #1 on both the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay and Mediabase R&B Airplay charts and peaked at #9 at R&B/Hip-Hop radio.

The year-long impact of Heaux Tales landed the project at #1 on several best of the year lists, including NPR, Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, Vulture; and within the top 10 on The New York Times (#4), FADER (#5), Complex (#5), Rolling Stone (#7), Billboard (#9), Time (#10), and more.

Sullivan is currently nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album,Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Pick Up Your Feelings,” upping her total to fifteen nominations. Additionally, Sullivan is nominated for four 2022 NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album. Last year, she won a BET Award for Album of the Year, plustwoSoul Train Music Awards for Best Album/Mixtape and Best R&B/Soul Female Artist.

Upon release, Heaux Tales immediately resonated with fans and fellow creatives (Cardi B, Issa Rae, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Summer Walker), and over the years, peers such as Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Monica, have praised her singing and songwriting skills. With stellar performances on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk, Super Bowl LV and more, Jazmine’s mind-blowing vocals have turned into a master class crash course for several singing challenges on TikTok, resulting in They Have The Range dubbing Jazmine Sullivan their #1 vocal moment for the year.

On February 15, Sullivan will kick off her long-awaited “The Heaux Tales Tour,” with Tiana Major9as the opening performer. Produced by Live Nation, the 25-city tour will make stops across North America in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Nashville, Atlanta, Jazmine’s hometown of Philadelphia, and more before wrapping up in Chicago, IL at the House of Blues Chicago on March 30. See below for full tour dates.

THE HEAUX TALES TOUR DATES:

Tue Feb 15 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

Thu Feb 17 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre

Sun Feb 20 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic

Tue Feb 22 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre-Oakland

Wed Feb 23 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades

Fri Feb 25 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

Sat Feb 26 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

Mon Feb 28 – Denver, CO – Summit

Wed Mar 02 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Fri Mar 04 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

Sun Mar 06 – New Orleans, LA – Fillmore New Orleans

Tue Mar 08 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

Wed Mar 09 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

Sat Mar 12 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

Sun Mar 13 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

Wed Mar 16 – Boston, MA – House of Blues Boston

Thu Mar 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre

Fri Mar 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia

Sun Mar 20 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

Tue Mar 22 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s

Wed Mar 23 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues Cleveland

Fri Mar 25 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

Sun Mar 27 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall

Tue Mar 29 – Minneapolis, MN – Fillmore Minneapolis

Wed Mar 30 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues Chicago

Pre-save Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe HERE.

Stream Heaux Tales HERE.

All things Jazmine Sullivan HERE.

*Photo: Myesha Evon Gardner

Ten Interesting Facts About Chinese New Year

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If you didn’t get the most out of your western new year celebration, perhaps you can get a second chance. Chinese New Year begins on February 1, 2022, and some of the celebrations outshine even Times Square.

Many people in the west don’t know much about this holiday. However, it is one of the most important to those of this heritage. Here are 10 interesting facts about Chinese New Year to guide your private celebrations.

1. This Year Is the Year of the Rat

Chinese astrology has 12 signs like the western one. However, they don’t correspond to different times of the year but rather the year itself. For example, everyone born in 1985 is an ox, and those born in 1986 are tigers. Like western astrology, some signs are considered more compatible than others.

This year marks the year of the rat. This animal symbolizes wealth and surplus because of its rapid reproduction rate. People born in this year have lucky colors of blue, gold, and green. Lilies and African violets make auspicious gifts if you’re congratulating the parent of a newborn.

2. It’s the Longest Chinese Holiday

Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring New Year. It’s the longest Chinese holiday, lasting a hair over two weeks. It begins on Chinese New Year’s Eve and ends on the 15th day of the month.

The public holiday might cause some surprises for travelers to the region, as many things shut down so people can celebrate. Most public employees enjoy at least seven days off work at the beginning of the festive season. Prepare for a few more supply chain woes during this time.

3. It Doesn’t Fall on Any Specific Date

Chinese New Year is similar to Christian Easter celebrations in that the festivities don’t begin on any one specific date. Rather, the party commences on the first new moon appearing between January 21 and February 20.

Please don’t be fooled. Yes, the festivities begin on the first of the month this year. Next year, things get off to an earlier start on January 22.

4. It Causes the Biggest Fireworks Display in the World

Chinese New Year celebrations in Beijing and around the globe feature some of the most extensive fireworks displays on earth. Each year, pyrotechnicians create more stunning designs. The tradition goes back to the mythology surrounding this festive time.

According to legend, a terrible monster with the features of a lion, unicorn, and ox lived in the mountains. At the end of each year, it would descend upon civilization, destroying crops and livestock and even killing people. The villagers called the beast “Nian.”

However, the villagers soon discovered the monster shied away from loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. In one version of the tale, the people crafted an equally fearful monster out of cloth and bamboo, animated by men underneath. This legend inspires the lion dances at many Chinese New Year parades and celebrations.

In another, a young village boy discovered burning dry bamboo created a cracking sound that terrified the beast. Armed with these firecrackers, he drove the monster from the land. This version of the tale explains why fireworks play an extensive role in the celebration.

However, this year’s celebrations might be a bit quieter than in the past, due to air pollution concerns. Shanghai has banned all fireworks in inner-city areas, employing hundreds of thousands of volunteers to fine violators. Beijing hasn’t forbidden displays but has indicated they will enact restrictions if air pollution levels climb into the orange or red.

5. It Also Causes the Largest Human Migration

However, a lack of big bangs won’t keep those of Chinese heritage from visiting their kin. The celebration is attended by millions of people, spurring a tradition called chunyun, when people return to their home villages to reunite with their families.

However, the pandemic threatens to delay such plans yet again this year. The Chinese government issued guidance restricting non-essential travel and encouraging folks to stay at home. Those who choose to venture forth must take COVID tests and quarantine upon reaching their destination. Experts predict that only half as many people will travel compared to normal years.

6. It’s a Day for Worshiping the Gods

The Chinese pantheon contains many gods. Many families use this time to worship Tsai Shen, the god of wealth. They burn incense and light fireworks to invite him into their homes in the early hours of New Year’s Day. They also attend temples to worship and pay respect.

According to the legend, Tsai Shen ascends to heaven on the second day after the new year, once he receives his offerings. People burn pictures as they pray for a more prosperous year. They seal the deal by eating dumplings, once said to resemble ancient bags of precious metal.

7. But You Dare Not Tidy Up Your House

Chinese New Year invites good luck to your body and home. Therefore, you shouldn’t take a shower or clean on this holy day. Doing so might sweep the good fortune right out your front door.

However, that’s not to say you should welcome the new year in a pigsty. Traditionally, people clean the day before the celebration to sweep the old bad luck away. They then adorn their doorways with red to frighten Nian.

8. Children Receive Money in Red Envelopes

The children are the future. As a symbol of coming wealth, the little ones receive money in red envelopes, indicating coming prosperity.

If you have little ones at home, this tradition is a charming way to introduce your kids to Chinese New Year. Who wouldn’t like waking up to an envelope tucked under their pillow? They didn’t even have to sacrifice a tooth!

9. The Holiday Comes With Spectacular Desserts

Food is a key part of any celebration. Chinese New Year brings out the sweet stuff.

People eat almond cookies and fortune cookies. Sticky cake is eaten to appease the Chinese kitchen god so that he will smile favorably on the family’s behavior in the coming year. Folks also enjoy rice pudding, preserved kumquats, and sweet red bean soup.

10. It Even Has a Special Wine

Traditionally, folks wash down their sweet treats with baijiu, or Chinese white wine made from fermented sorghum. It’s also made from glutinous rice, wheat, and barley.

However, you can substitute any alcoholic beverage of your choice. You don’t have to wait until midnight to pop the bubbly!

Interesting Facts About Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays globally. Each year, billions ring in a fresh start with fireworks, special traditions, and parties galore. This holiday is steeped in tradition. May these interesting facts about Chinese New Year inspire you to greet 2022 one more time!