Stray Kids unveil their anxiously awaited third full-length album and one of the most anticipated releases of 2023, 5-STAR, out now via JYP Entertainment / Imperial / Republic Records. It notably marks the collective’s first full-length offering in two years (during this span, they notably notched consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard 200).
Brought to life in the imagery of 5-STAR, the entire package suggests unparalleled and unmatched quality in terms of production, songwriting, and spirit. This vision is backed up by one anthem after another, such as “S-Class,” “Hall of Fame,” “ITEM,” “Super Bowl,”“TOPLINE” [feat. Tiger JK], and more. Stray Kids’ own producing team 3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN—notably powered the entire project, giving it sonic cohesion throughout.
In 2022, the Stray Kids made history with two aforementioned mini-albums, ODDINARY & MAXIDENT, both capturing the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 Chart consecutively. Recently, the song “CASE 143” hit 100 million views and counting on YouTube. Stray Kids’ last full-length album, NOEASY, was released in August 2021.
Stray Kids recently completed their 2nd World Tour “MANIAC” which included 42 shows in 18 regions. The world tour was met with rave reviews, outlets like Alternative Press enthusiastically proclaimed, “Truthfully, not even a stadium can contain the energy Stray Kids bring to the stage. It’s the secret to their potency.” and Consequence agreed, “The energy between the members and the audience could probably power the entire Fulton County power grid; the energy and genuine, visible camaraderie between the members puts everything over the edge.”
Since launching in 2017, Stray Kids have impressively amassed over 4 billion global Spotify streams, becoming one of only four K-Pop boy groups in Spotify history to reach this milestone. In 2021 alone, they generated the third-most streams of any K-Pop group on Spotify. They also hold the distinction of being JYP Entertainment’s first triple million-selling artist, moving 1.1 million units of NOEASY in under two weeks and with MAXIDENT selling over 3 million units. Their total sales in 2021 exceeded over 2.7 million. NOEASY notably also reached #1 in 40 territories on the iTunes Overall Albums Chart, while “Thunderous” soared to #1 in 52 territories on the iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart. The “Thunderous” video also trended at #1 worldwide on YouTube for four days. In 2022, Stray Kids made history as their mini albums ODDINARY and MAXIDENT debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and Top Album Sales Chart – solidifying the group’s explosive transformation from underdogs to global dominators.
Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Daniel Caesar drops the official music video for his fan-favorite song “Toronto 2014,” taken from his critically acclaimed album NEVER ENOUGH. The video, directed by Trent Munson and featuring collaborator Mustafa, features home videos shot in Sudan and Toronto. The video highlights the beauty of both artists’ home countries, and Daniel will be donating a portion of funds generated from the video’s revenue to Sudan Relief Fund, which helps local Sudanese people with immediate needs, such as food, water, shelter, and medication.
Mustafa says, “This video explores home, the idea that we’re neither global citizens nor nomads; that we live in the air between, questioning our dispensability in any place we’ve lived in. We travelled to Sudan last year to witness a homecoming, the beauty of Sudan can’t be replicated. We were met with such warmth that you could feel in fragments in this video. Now, as generals senselessly battle & leave our country in ruin, one can’t help but to think of all the kind people and family who assisted us in our journey—the buildings that have collapsed, the trees that went in fire—donate what you can to local efforts.”
WATCH “TORONTO 2014” VIDEO HERE Released last month, NEVER ENOUGH is Caesar’s highest charting album to date—debuting at #2 on Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and Top 15 on Billboard 200 Chart upon release. The album marked the biggest sales debut for a male R&B artist this year. Viral song “Always” climbed to #1 on Genius’ Trending Lyrics Chart and peaked at #13 on Billboard Hot R&B Songs Chart and Top 25 on Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Chart. Following the album release and social support from BTS’ V, “Vince Van Gogh” shot up to #1 on Billboard Hot Trending Songs Chart.
NEVER ENOUGH was produced by Caesar alongside Dylan Wiggins, with additional collaborations from Ty Dolla $ign, Omar Apollo, and serpentwithfeet. It features previously released singles “Do You Like Me?,” “Let Me Go,” and “Valentina.”
Daniel recently announced tour dates across Asia this July as part of his “Superpowers World Tour”—see dates below and stay tuned for an exciting announcement regarding North American tour dates soon!
In 2022, Caesar dropped “Please Do Not Lean” feat. Badbadnotgood—which received a 2023 Juno Awards nomination for “Traditional R&B/Soul Recording”—after a career-defining headline performance at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which drew massive crowds and featured a surprise appearance by Justin Bieber to sing their smash hit “Peaches.” In addition, Caesar took to the 2022 GRAMMY® Awards stage alongside Bieber and Giveon to perform the song, after it received four GRAMMY® nominations, two Billboard Music Award nominations, amassed billions of streams, and also landed Caesar his first #1 on the Billboard 100 Chart.
Critical Acclaim for Daniel Caesar & NEVER ENOUGH: Featured in Esquire’s “20 Best Albums of 2023 (So Far)” “One of the great songwriters of our time” – NPR “The four-year break between albums was well worth the wait.” – Variety “Daniel Caesar has solidified his place as one of R&B’s key players.” – Grammy.com “He’s coming back stronger than ever.” – Hot New Hip Hop “Tender and Thoughtful…Brutally Honest R&B Album” – HYPEBEAST “Caesar’s introspective take on music feels like a deep sigh of relief, each sonic exhalation breathing new life into the R&B space.” – Billboard “The album shows off Caesar comfortable in his sound and confident in his music-making.” – V Magazine “A return to form…the Toronto singer excels on his first project in three years.” – UPROXX “‘NEVER ENOUGH’ feels like the quintessential Daniel Caesar album.” – Clash Magazine NEVER ENOUGH(BONUS VERSION) TRACKLISTING:
“Ocho Rios”
“Valentina”
“Toronto 2014”
“Let Me Go”
“Do You Like Me?”
“Always”
“Cool”
“Disillusioned”
“Buyer’s Remorse”
“Shot My Baby”
“Pain Is Inevitable”
“Homiesexual”
“Vince Van Gogh”
“Superpowers”
“Unstoppable”
“Please Do Not Lean” (Bonus)
“Always” feat. Summer Walker (Bonus)
“Valentina” feat. Rick Ross (Bonus)
“SUPERPOWERS WORLD TOUR” – LEG 1: ASIA July 15th Seoul, South Korea Have A Nice Trip Festival July 17th Singapore, Singapore The Star Theatre July 19th Manila, Philippines World Trade Center Metro Manila July 21st Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Good Vibes Festival July 22nd Jakarta, Indonesia We The Fest July 25th Hong Kong, China KITEC Star Hall July 28th Niigata, Japan Fuji Rock Festival
ABOUT DANIEL CAESAR:
Multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Daniel Caesar is on a journey of self-actualization. He’s built his name across the gamut of contemporary R&B—contemplative soul and evocative rock to intergalactic alternative and understated pop—with artistry at his core. One of the most critically and commercially successful artists today—he’s one of the Top 10 most-streamed Canadian artists of all time on Spotify with over 20 million monthly listeners on the platform and 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube—he’s ready to elevate his artistry in 2023 and beyond. His 2017 debut, Freudian, was released independently and was a R&B breakthrough, bolstered by the 5x-platinum “Best Part” [feat. H.E.R.] and 3x-platinum “Get You” [feat. Kali Uchis]. Daniel received a GRAMMY® Award for “Best R&B Performance” for the former, and the b-side “Blessed” was featured on President Barack Obama’s annual favorites playlist. 2019’s follow up, CASE STUDY 01 [featuring John Mayer, Brandy, and Pharrell Williams], debuted at number 17 on the Billboard Top 200. His first number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 came two years later with Justin Bieber’s megahit “Peaches” [featuring Giveon], amassing billions of streams. 2022’s “Please Do Not Lean” has garnered nearly 70 million global streams to date and received critical acclaim from across the globe, including a “Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year” Juno Awards nomination. In 2023, he returned with a slew of singles, “Do You Like Me?,” “Let Me Go,” and “Valentina,” which set the tone for his new album NEVER ENOUGH, out now.
Father’s Day may seem far away, but June is right around the corner. It’s never too early to begin shopping for the important men in your life. 360 Magazine has put together a list of the best gifts for men that will come in handy this Father’s Day. There is no need to get your dad another necktie. We have options for many men’s different interests.
BALVENIE × GRAND CENTRAL WATCH
In celebration of Father’s Day, The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky has partnered with renowned luxury watch repair institution Grand Central Watch to help consumers honor their own family stories through a unique, collaborative Father’s Day gifting opportunity for watch and whisky fans across the country.
Available May 30 through June 30, consumers will receive a complimentary consultation at Grand Central Watch (virtual or in person) and a personalized Father’s Day gift set following the completion of their heirloom’s restoration. In addition to the complimentary consultation, The Balvenie is also gifting consumers who send in their heirlooms for repair a $100 voucher to redeem a bottle of their favorite The Balvenie expression and a commissioned keepsake book. The keepsake book will capture the consumer’s family story, the craftsmanship behind their timepiece and honor the legacy behind their heirloom.
The Balvenie + Grand Central Watch partnership via 360 MAGAZINE.
ICONIC JACKET GIVEAWAY
Iconic selvedge denim brand, 3sixteen, and Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky have teamed up to drop the hottest denim collab of the season – a limited-edition run of cherry blossom-inspired hand-stitched denim jacket (standard SRP: $285+) – and readers can (try to) get their hands on them for free. To enter the giveaway, go to @glenfiddichUS and/or @3sixteen.
Iconic selvedge denim brand, 3sixteen, and Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky have teamed up to drop the hottest denim collab of the season via 360 MAGAZINE.
LV FATHERS
Louis Vuitton Father’s Day selection of ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories.
Louis Vuitton Father’s Day selection of ready-to-wear, shoes, leather goods, and accessories via 360 MAGAZINE.
Gucci Guide
Gucci has an assortment of gifts for almost every stylish dad – accessories, weekenders, and wallets.
Every year, we have the opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to the women who gave us life. 360 MAGAZINE has compiled an extensive list of ideas, which are sure to provide a huge smile on their mother’s faces.
LV Gifts
Louis Vuitton has curated an unprecedented listing of accessories and handbags for moms with unparalleled swag. No cap!
Louis Vuitton’s Mother’s Day Gifts via 360 MAGAZINE.
GUCCI LEATHER GOODS
Gucci’s Mother’s Day gift offerings, featuring a curated selection of the House’s iconic handbag styles including Gucci Bamboo, GG Marmont, and Horsebit 1955.
FAMOUS FOOTWEAR
Choose from thousands of shoes from sandals, boots, and sneakers on FamousFootwear.com for some fun online exclusives. Here are some shoes we’ll be seeing this year at festivals.
The Doc Marten Gladiator Sandals are a funky twist on the original Doc Marten Gladiators. These Gladiator Sandals include a long lace-up string that extends up the leg to give your outfit some extra edge. Pick from black, white, or dark brown leather.
Doc Martens offers stylish sandals for moms into music.
“I love you say it back.” The sweatshirt will have you wanting to netflix and chill all night long — with the coziest cotton and poly blend material you’ll never want to take it off. True to size and free from shrinkage (just like we like it). This cozy piece will be great for staying in on the weekend or wearing out to be in spirit!
“Text me when you get home” Text Me When You Get Home is the new love language, am I right? So why not show the world you care about by repping this 24/7. Yeah, we know you won’t want to take it off. With different styles and colors in this text collection, you’ll have people lining up for your number.
Lonely Ghost clothing, accessories and home via 360 MAGAZINE and VaughnLowery. Lonely Ghost clothing, accessories and home via 360 MAGAZINE and VaughnLowery. Lonely Ghost clothing, accessories and home via 360 MAGAZINE and VaughnLowery. Lonely Ghost clothing, accessories and home via 360 MAGAZINE and VaughnLowery. Lonely Ghost clothing, accessories and home via 360 MAGAZINE and VaughnLowery. Lonely Ghost clothing, accessories and home via 360 MAGAZINE and VaughnLowery.
LV + KUSAMA
Louis Vuitton + Yayoi Kusama’s launch in January, we are thrilled to announce that Drop 2 has officially hit stores! Now available in the Miami Design District, Bal Harbor Shops, and Aventura Mall, Drop 2 offers an array of items for both men and women across all product categories.
The collection is built on several themes iconic to Yayoi Kusama: dots, flowers, pumpkins, and faces. The Maison’s Savoir Faire takes center stage, displaying exquisite attention to detail through a variety of printing and embellishment techniques.
Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama’s launch of drop 2 via 360 MAGAZINE.
Flossing bristles reach deep into grooves, under the gum line, and between teeth to break up plaque and brush away food residue
Silver-infused bristles naturally eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on your toothbrush within 6 hours after use!
Ergonomic comfort grip handle is easy to hold and puts pressure in all the right places
Resilient polyester bristles last up to one month longer than a typical nylon bristle
Developed by a nationally-renowned dentist
Works well with braces, dentures, and other dental hardware
Mouthwatcher toothbrush, an alternative toothcare system, announced via 360 MAGAZINE.
Uber Appliance produces vuluptuous electronics that possess huge counter appeal. Starting at $99 with warranty. Easy-to-use touch panel with 7 pre-sets and comes with a recipe book.
UA uses a durable material, a bold display, and a snug drawer that makes this the heavyweight contender. It’s like having a BMW parked in your kitchen on the counter.
Featured image: Photographer and magazine publisher Vaughn Lowery captures the essence of West Sovinsky (a two-year-old Black, Swedish, and Puerto Rican) for 360 MAGAZINE Mother’s Day gift guide. His father, 360 auto contributor, is Anthony Sovinsky.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Take a peek at the Champagne Rose commission from Rolls-Royce. A flower, most moms would love to have.
Rolls-Royce champagne rose just in time for mother’s day via 360 MAGAZINE.
Uber Appliance Air fryer XL Premium – 5QT SS
Ninja and Zavor are about to get a KO!
This non-toxic air fryer is the ideal gift for Mother. It melts approximately 80% of the fat away from already fried foods. You won’t need any grease. Cook food in its own fat, and with their new crispy tray technology, you get crunchy for the money. Perfect for reheating Domino’s doughy pizza or their undercooked wings. Non-stick components allow easy cleaning. Further, easy-to-use operation with seven presets. Includes a small recipe pamphlet.
On the whole, it is beautifully designed with durable stainless steel panels, a bold display, and a cozy drawer that reminds us of a BMW car door thud when closed. Finally, it is a superb device that has tons of counterattractiveness.
With a resurgence of heritage Oakley styles in recent fashion trends, Rauw Alejandro has developed an affinity for the brand and incorporated key Oakley pieces into his overall performance looks for his SATURNO Tour that’s happening now.
Since he appeared on the scene in 2017, Latin GRAMMY award-winning and GRAMMY nominated Puerto Rican singer and songwriterRauw Alejandrohas been making waves, not only for leading the new generation of Latin music artists, but also for his unique bold style.
Throughout Rauw’s global tour, he partnered with Oakley to outfit himself and his dancers in a range of the brand’s eyewear.
Listed below are style references:
Rauw‘s been rocking Oakley’s iconic OVERTHETOP, which first debuted in the 2000 Summer Olympics and was worn by Trinidad & Tobago’s Ato Bolden in the Men’s 100-meter dash where he won silver. From there, the shades have been part of a number of historical style moments including rapper Flavor Flav wearing them in the early 00’s and street style sensation Kerwin Frost recently incorporating them into his looks.
Oakley’s Eye Jacket Redux has also been seen on tour, inspired by the original Eye Jacket that revolutionized the look of sport performance eyewear, and features the same bold oval silhouette that first hit the scene in 1994. Since its debut the brand has updated the design with today’s revolutionary lens technology.
Additional styles include Oakley’s latest performance eyewear including Kato, Encoder, Sutro, Re:SubZero, Resistor , each equipped with Oakley’s Prizm Lens Technology.
The OVERTHETOP frames are known for turning heads with its cutting-edge design that sweeps over the top of the head, futuristic lenses, and all-metal detail. Rauw was first drawn to Oakley’s OVERTHETOP, thinking this specific style was like nothing else he’s seen before. From there, his relationship with the brand blossomed through his appreciation for Oakley’s innovative and unique design approach.
“Ever since I started creating the mood board for the SATURNO Tour, I’ve been searching for spatial outfits and elements that support the theme and represent my personality. Every element included in my outfit had to express aggressiveness and athleticism,” said Rauw Alejandro. “Growing up in Puerto Rico and watching the Olympic Games during my adolescence, I remember looking at photos of Ato Boldo’s iconic Oakleys. I instantly knew they would perfectly complete my look.”
After the scorching viral success of “SHAKE SUMN,” DaBaby (South Coast Music Group/Interscope Records) is back to take fans to the next level with a three-track bundle titled CALL DA FIREMAN. The project finds the Charlotte-bred rapper hand delivering an assortment of hard-hitting, speaker knocking anthems for fans to indulge in.
Teased on Easter Sunday, Baby‘s strong social media push of the sure fire twerk anthem, “SHAKE SUMN” — which includes a combined 18 million views on Instagram, 80.2 million views on TikTok and shares from celebrities such as legendary actor and comedian Kevin Hart — has garnered incredible success for the rap superstar and opened the door for him to hit fans with even more vibes for the incoming Summer season.
Following “SHAKE SUMN” is “GHETTO GIRLS>>>>,” a song that finds DaBaby reflecting on the type of women that catch his eye over a beat sampling the classic Cash Money Records track of the same name. “SELLIN CRACK,” on the other hand, has the GRAMMY-nominated rapper serving up his razor sharp bars that fans have been fiending for with a fiery guest verse from Offset.
Inside the JEDI Center Using Psychedelics To Expand Your Mind
Star Wars Day is May 4th, and at a remote retreat center outside Vancouver, Canada, there are two entrepreneurs who are ready to help you become a Jedi master with magic mushrooms. It may sound like science fiction, but according to those who have attended these psychedelic retreats, the experience gave them a deeper connection to the universe and humanity as a whole. Surely, Yoda and Obi Wan would agree that this is the next frontier in exploring your mind.
Rob Grover and Gary Logan are the founders of The Journeymen Collective, the company creating these luxury guided magic mushroom retreats from their stunning retreat estate. Calling the space the Journey Education & Discovery Institute or JEDI Center for short, they’ve hosted everyone from performers and athletes to entrepreneurs, CEOs/executives, couples and groups invested in the highest level of self-discovery and personal development.
The force is strong with Rob and Gary, the pair have a combined 50+ years of education in spiritual and metaphysical training, executive level mindset coaching, energetic healing modalities, Alexander Technique lessons, and provide support integrating the transformational retreat. Visitors are immersed in an extraordinary personalized experience that often results in accelerating guests’ success and their intentions to create more of a conscious impact on the world.
Rob and Gary believe that when psychedelics are facilitated in a professional manner, they can improve our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. The two feel that magic mushrooms should be treated with reverence and respect as a plant medicine that can clear away our old energy and help us move past trauma we’ve been holding onto in our lives. They noted psilocybin has been used by humans for thousands of years in a ceremonial way to open up awareness and perception. It’s very much a journey not a weekend trip for guests as part of the program for The Journeymen Collective involves weekly preparation calls in the month leading up to the in person retreat and ongoing integration support following it.
Becoming a Jedi Master does sound like it would take some intensive training and inner work so none of that should come as a surprise but the setting curated by Rob and Gary looks much more luxurious than Luke Skywalker had in Dagobah.
Featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Condé Nast Traveler, Marie Claire, and Robb Report, The Journeymen Collective has a profound effect on the individuals enrolling in their retreats.
MIKE BAHÍA RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM “CONTIGO”
The album completes the “Navegando Contento Contigo” discographic trilogy that Bahía began in 2019 with “Navegando,” and features the previously released singles “La Falta,” “El Egoísmo,” “De Qué Manera,” and “Mi Pecadito” feat. Greeicy, as well as the Colombian superstar’s latest single “Corazón.”
Stream “Contigo” now on digital platforms.
Following the outstanding success of Amantes Tour: Kai, the incredible U.S. tour he realized with Greeicy, as well as the release of multiple popular singles, today Latin Grammy winner Mike Bahía, one of the most prominent artists in the urban pop scene, returns with his highly anticipated new album “Contigo.” The album is the third and final installment in the discographic trilogy that he initiated in 2019 with the release of “Navegando.”
Featuring the crisp production and co-writing of two-time Grammy nominee and four-time Latin Grammy nominee Keityn, the man who recently brought Karol G and Shakira to the top of the global music charts, as well as the contributions of the team at La Creme, “Contigo” sees Bahía channeling the power of human connection, sharing relatable stories of romance, pain, and heartache that will leave fans yearning for more from their favorite music star.
While “Contigo” without a doubt captures the brilliant positive energy and infectious spirit for which the acclaimed artist has become recognized by both listeners and press around the world, overflowing with intoxicating tropical vibes that echo the refreshing breeze of the Caribbean sea, Bahía also explores the darker side of life and love on this rich 12-track project, demonstrating striking vulnerability especially on his latest single “Corazón.”
“Contigo” also includes the previously released singles “La Falta,” the powerful, statement-making release with regional Mexican star Carin León; the undeniably irresistible “El Egoísmo” featuring Keityn and rising Colombian singer and songwriter Dekko; “De Qué Manera,” the salsa song with which Bahía pays tribute to his hometown of Cali, Colombia; and of course, “Mi Pecadito” featuring Greeicy, the song with which he experiments with the sensual sounds of bachata, fusing the genre with the vibrant tropical rhythms that have come to define his work over the years.
Bahía shares, “‘CONTIGO’ is actually just what it says. I made this album WITH YOU, with who is listening to me…Everything that exists, what I’ve done throughout my career, I’ve done with wonderful people; I haven’t done it alone. From the composition, the song creation, the mixing, the musicians, the promotion, the fans…It’s an energy that’s being transmitted. This isn’t done alone. I have to represent and carry the inertia of the wave, but in the end, this is something that spreads to a team of many people who give me energy, who give it energy, and who give life to this project. That’s why I love it.”
“Contigo” completes the extraordinary discographic trilogy that Bahía began with the release of his first song in 2014 and his first album “Navegando” in 2019, and that he then continued with the release of “Contento” in 2021. Together, the titles of these three albums form the phrase “Navegando Contento Contigo,” a name and concept that serve as a reflection of—and dedication to—the incredible journey that is his musical career and the people who have supported him thus far, including his team, his fans, and his family.
One of the hottest Colombian stars in Latin music today, Mike Bahía’s unique style and charming persona have won him a massive base of dedicated fans that spans the globe. With more than 7 million subscribers on social media, and more than 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, he is becoming a global icon, spreading joy and good vibes through his music. To date, his captivating music videos have collectively attained more than 1 billion views on YouTube, an impressive number that will only continue to rise higher as time goes on.
TRACK LIST
1. De que manera 2. Mi Pecadito 3. Si Dios Fuera Poeta 4. Enfocado 5. La Mia 6. El Egoismo 7. Corazón 8. El que ama sufre 9. ¿Qué Será? 10. La Falta 11. Amor Sincero 12. Nostalgia
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER SWIZZ BEATZ RELEASES HIP-HOP 50: VOL. 2 VIA MASS APPEAL, FEATURING NAS, LIL WAYNE, LIL DURK, A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE, JADAKISS, JAY ELECTRONICA, BENNY THE BUTCHER, FIVIO FOREIGN, SCAR LIP AND BANDMANRILL
HIP HOP 50: VOL. 2 IS THE LATEST IN MASS APPEAL’S HIP HOP 50: THE SOUNDTRACK CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING HIP HOP’S 50TH BIRTHDAY
Grammy Award-winning producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Swizz Beatz, releases his triumphant EP – Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 – via Mass Appeal. The 5-track project marks the second EP in Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack. Coming off the first installment of the EP series with DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50 Vol. 1, Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is entirely produced by Swizz Beatz. The EP is an ode to New York rap and includes star-studded features from Nas, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jadakiss, Jay Electronica, Benny The Butcher, Fivio Foreign, Scar Lip and Bandmanrill. Fans can also stay tuned for the “Say Less” video featuring Lil Durk & A Boogie wit da Hoodie releasing next week.
Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 is the culmination of Swizz Beatz’s career spanning over two decades and the sound that inspired it. The Verzuz creator first rose to prominence as a Ruff Ryder producing songs for DMX and Eve. The success of “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” launched Beatz’s career as a highly sought-after and regarded artist. He’s since gone on to create some of the most prolific songs in Hip Hop, working with JAY-Z, Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Nas, Rakim, Lil Wayne, and many more. Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2 will be followed by eight more EPs from iconic figures who’ve had a hand in expanding the culture from the streets of the Bronx to the global community. Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack, distributed via Mass Appeal’s new deal with The Orchard, is the score to the biggest birthday bash ever.
A portion of all Hip Hop 50 proceeds will be donated to the various charitable organizations, including the Universal Hip Hop Museum set to open its doors in 2024. Mass Appeal recently announced Hip Hop 50 partnerships with CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka – the official Vodka of #HipHop50, as well as Google Pixel and Sony Music Entertainment. In January, Mass Appeal partnered with Fotografiska to launch Hip Hop Conscious, Unconscious exhibition – currently on view in New York City til May 21st before traveling to other locations. Additionally, Mass Appeal has teamed up with Live Nation Urban to produce live event programming, as well as Paramount + / Showtime for a premium content partnership with captivating documentaries such as: YOU’RE WATCHING VIDEO MUSIC BOX, CYPRESS HILL: INSANE IN THE BRAIN, SUPREME TEAM and more.
ABOUT SWIZZ BEATZ
Swizz Beatz is Grammy-Award Winning music producer, entrepreneur and visionary, producing for some of the biggest musicians in the world including Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Kanye West (contributing to more than 350 million records sold). Over the years, Swizz has worked closely with various global brands from Bacardi, to Aston Martin and Reebok (to name a few) and most recently American Express.
Recent graduate of Harvard Business School’s OPM program, Swizz began collecting art in his twenties, and in 2014 launched The Dean Collection, which began as his personal art collection and has since grown into a global discovery zone for art enthusiasts. Swizz later launched No Commission – a live art and music festival where artists retain 100% of their sales. In 2019, Swizz and Timbaland launched the global digital series VERZUZ which has become a powerhouse in programming for artists and music catalogs. With millions of viewers each show, the brand continues to push boundaries and “give artists their flowers.
While highly accomplished, Swizz remains authentic, and humble. According to him, “The sky is not the limit; it’s just the view.” With a true passion for business, no matter the industry, Swizz hopes that his success will continue to inspire others.
ABOUT HIP HOP 50
Hip Hop 50 is Mass Appeal’s love letter to Hip Hop. A manifestation of the company’s commitment to celebrating the culture in the most authentic and globally impactful way possible. Hip Hop 50 is activating through unique storytelling that is realized in timeless content, original music, live experiences, strategic partnerships, custom products and much much more. Every facet of the Hip Hop 50 Universe includes a charitable component connected to the Universal Hip Hop Museum. Find #HipHop50 online, on-air and on the block.
ABOUT MASS APPEAL
Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music, and creative services stoke Mass Appeal’s ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.
Kenny Rogers uncovered hidden gems will be displayed in his new album, Life is Like a Song. On June 2, 2023, 10 new songs will be available, touching on subjects of faith, love, family, and loss. These archives will be available on vinyl, CD, as well as on all streaming services. This notable release will be his first non-holiday album in the last 10 years.
Produced and curated by the late artist’s wife, Wanda, Life is Like a Song will feature eight new songs, recorded through the years of 2008-2011, as well as various covers. Some of those include Lionel Richie’s “Goodbye,” as well as Kenny Rogers’ duet with the coveted country icon, Dolly Parton.
“I think the record is fabulous, and it is going to make Kenny so proud,” said Wanda Rogers. “These songs are such a beautiful reminder of his love ‘for the feelings a song can make’ for a person. He would often say that he wanted his songs to be ‘what every man wants to say, and every woman wants to hear.’”
As of April 12, fans can listen to two songs from the album, “Love is A Drug” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”
See the track lists here:
Life Is Like a SongTrack List (CD) 1. Love Is A Drug 2. I Wish It Would Rain 3. Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes) 4. Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton) 5. Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal) 6. Wonderful Tonight 7. Catchin’ Grasshoppers 8. That’s Love To Me 9. I Will Wait For You 10. Goodbye
Life Is Like a Song Track List (Vinyl) Side 1 1. Love Is A Drug 2. I Wish It Would Rain 3. Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes) 4. Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton) 5. Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal) Side 2 1. Wonderful Tonight 2. Catchin’ Grasshoppers 3. That’s Love To Me 4. I Will Wait For You 5. Goodbye
Life Is Like a Song Track List (Digital Deluxe) 1. Love Is A Drug 2. I Wish It Would Rain 3. Am I Too Late (with Kim Keyes) 4. Tell Me That You Love Me (with Dolly Parton) 5. Straight Into Love (with Jamie O’Neal) 6. Wonderful Tonight 7. Catchin’ Grasshoppers 8. That’s Love To Me 9. I Will Wait For You 10. Goodbye 11. Say Hello To Heaven (Bonus Track) 12. At Last (Bonus Track)
