HEALTH

Chris Brown – Under The Influence

Grammy-winning phenomenon Chris Brown announced his UK and European Under The Influence headline tour for 2023 last Friday and within minutes the entire 19-show tour sold out, including four nights at London’s renowned O2 Arena, two nights at Accor Arena inParis, two nights at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam and more. The forthcoming tour will have rising global Jamaican rap/dancehall trap artist Skillibeng as the special guest.

The 19-date stretch, produced by Live Nation, kicks off at Dublin’s 3Arena with his two shows February 11 and 12, before heading to the UK for his first headline shows in over 10 years, then onto France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, closing the tour back in the UK in Manchester at AO Arena onThursday, March 9.

Brown released his Gramm nominated BREEZY (Deluxe) album in July (click here to listen) and the alternative BREEZY – It’s Giving Christmas version in November (click here to listen). The July 33-track deluxe version, up for“Best R&B Album” at the 65th Grammy Awards, added Anderson .Paak and Davido to the already star-studded list of features from major artists that included H.E.R., Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller and more. The It’s Giving Christmas version includes the two holiday singles, “It’s Giving Christmas” and “No Time Like Christmas.” Healso released live performance videos of the Christmas singles – watch “It’s Giving Christmas” HERE and “No Time Like Christmas” HERE. The original version of his 12th studio album BREEZY, which came out in the end of June, debuted at #2 on the R&B Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and #4 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking this as Chris Brown’s 11th album to chart in the top 10 on both the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Recently, Brown’s single “Under The Influence” fromIndigo (Extend) gained major popularity the past few months and currently has over 1 billion global streams across all platforms worldwide. It also reached #1 globally and in the US on Apple Music in addition to reaching #6 on the Spotify Global chart.

Throughout his career, Brown has continued to break records – even his own – and received a plethora of accolades. Chris Brown currently stands as the R&B singer with the most Hot 100 entries in Billboard history to-date. The original version of “Go Crazy” topped his single “No Guidance” as the longest running #1 song on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart at 28 weeks and counting. In the past two years alone, he’s garnered nominations and wins from multiple award shows. “Go Crazy” won three Soul Train Awards in 2020 for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and Best Dance Performance and garnered seven more nominations in 2021. He was also nominated for seven Billboard Music Awards, including Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album and Top R&B Song (“Go Crazy”), four BET Awards including Video of the Year (“Go Crazy”) and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, two BET Hip-Hop Awards for Best Hip-Hop Video (“Go Crazy”) and Best Duo or Group, and two MTV Video Music Awards for Best R&B Song (for two songs – “Go Crazy” and “Come Through” with H.E.R.). In 2022, Brown has been nominated for NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration – Contemporary (“Go Crazy (Remix)” with Young Thug, Lil Durk, Future and Latto) and theBET Awards for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. Chris recently won Favorite Male R&B Artist at the 2022 American Music Awards and Best R&B/Soul Male Artist at the 2022 Soul Train Awards.

Watch Under The Influence HERE.

Buy/Stream BREEZY – It’s Giving Christmas HERE.

Buy/Stream BREEZY (Deluxe) HERE.

King Combs Halftime

Breakfast Club

Two nights ago, Los Angeles Clippers fans were treated to both a win over the Boston Celtics, and a King Combs halftime show performance. The night, which saw the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in top form at the crypto arena, was capped by a performance from rapper, model, entrepreneur, and all around Bad Boy, King Combs. Combs brought his New York swagger to the West Coast in an entertaining performance of his recently minted #1 single “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” followed by the Chris Brown assisted “Love You Better.” Clad in a stylish modern velour tracksuit, Combs bopped in step with the LA Clippers Dance Squad igniting the crowd. See the full performance Here.

ABOUT CHRISTIAN “KING” COMBS

A proud New York bred native, Christian Combs, also known as King Combs, is a rising hip hop artist, model, actor and entrepreneur signed to Bad Boy. He is the perfect fusion of modern-day swagger with the nostalgia of decades past. Perfecting the art of expression in lifestyle and hustle, the emerging rapper delivers music with the confidence of a seasoned veteran while making his mark in the fashion industry and entering the acting scene. Combs is the son of legendary music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and late supermodel Kim Porter. In addition to releasing the music, King Combs has featured contributions from artists such as Chris Brown, City Girls, and Ty Dolla Sign, among others. In addition to his project, Combs was also featured on Teyana Taylor’s single “How You Want It?” which became a certified gold record in 2020.

Follow King Combs

BABYLON SOUNDTRACK

Interscope Records and Paramount Pictures release the soundtrack for the upcoming original motion picture, Babylon, which is set to hit theaters on December 23. The soundtrack consists of 48 score tracks by Oscar® winner Justin Hurwitz (La La Land, Whiplash, First Man), and follows the release of the first two singles “Call Me Manny” (Click HERE) and “Voodoo Mama” (Click HERE). The Babylon Movie Soundtrack is available now at all digital retail providers via Interscope Records.

Justin Hurwitz says, “After working on the ‘Babylon’ music for over three years, I couldn’t be more excited to release the soundtrack with Interscope. They were fantastic partners on the ‘La La Land’ soundtrack six years ago, and I’m looking forward to collaborating again on this new music.”

Click HERE to listen.

Babylon, which contains over two hours of original music, was written and directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash, First Man). The movie is an original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles, led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li and Jean Smart. A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood. Click HERE to watch the trailer.

About Justin Hurwitz

Justin Hurwitz graduated from Harvard University in 2008, where he studied music composition and orchestration. He has composed the music for all of Damien Chazelle’s films including WHIPLASH, LA LA LAND, and FIRST MAN, earning two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, three Critics’ Choice Awards, two Grammys, and a BAFTA. His most recent project is Chazelle’s next film, BABYLON, which will open nationwide in theaters on December 23, 2022. Justin lives in Los Angeles.

About Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Paramount Pictures controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

To Buy or Stream Babylon Movie Soundtrack:

http://babylon.lnk.to/Soundtrack

HALLOWS’ EVE

HALLOWS’ EVE MAKES HER MARK ON THE MARVEL UNIVERSE IN NEW ARTGERM COVER!

Spider-Man’s iconic rogues gallery just got a wild new addition: HALLOWS’ EVE! After debuting in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #14 and causing havoc throughout the upcoming DARK WEB crossover, this new villain will then headline her very own solo comic this March where fans can discover more about her fascinating abilities and her exciting future! To celebrate her arrival in the Marvel Universe, best-selling artist Stanley “Artgerm” Lau will spotlight her in a stunning variant cover for HALLOWS’ EVE #1. Fans can see it now and brace themselves for the unpredictable mischief that awaits each and every time Hallows’ Eve throws on one of her many mystical masks!

Hallows’ Eve is the new identity of Janine Godbe, the loyal longtime girlfriend of Ben Reilly. Janine Godbe’s world has been blown up several times in her life, but after the events of DARK WEB, she’s in control of her future for the first time in years. With a bag of super-powered masks and a chip on her shoulder, Janine’s crime spree as Hallows’ Eve puts her on the run from the police, but there’s someone else after her too… someone seeking to take her newfound power for themselves!

Check out the cover now and be there for Hallows’ Eve’s solo debut this March! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Uncredited: The Story of Afro Dance

Unraveling the origins of dances we consume daily on social media, a new documentary uncovers the contributions of Nigeria’s Afro Dance scene to mainstream pop culture. Featuring backstories and performances from established and upcoming artists, Uncredited: The Story of Afro Dance is available now, only on Red Bull TV.

A new documentary reveals the Nigerian dance scene – and the often-unrecognised talent behind it – which has made a profound impact on the global performing industry. Superstars of music and pop culture appear in the production, which follows astonishing Nigerian dancers as yet unknown to the mainstream public as they chase their dreams for a chance to change their lives and their communities. Uncredited: The Story of Afro Dance is available beginning December 6, 2022, only on Red Bull TV.

Uncredited deep-dives into the intricacies of Afro dance, its heritage and how it has affected African culture and the performing arts globally – from street dance to pop charts. As artists from Beyoncé to Justin Bieber incorporate African-inspired dance movement into their videos, dancer Iziegebe Odigie describes Lagos, Nigeria as the hub of Afro Beat. “This is like New York City or L.A.,” she says, “especially with the new wave of Afro Dance that’s starting to catch wildfire on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube.”

The acknowledged ‘queen’ of Nigerian dance, dancer and choreographer Kafayat ‘Kaffy’ Shafau, agrees and comments, “If you look at African culture… that is so powerful. Some of the moves that are going viral now, if you break them down to the core, it’s coming from our traditional movement.”

Yet experts interviewed in the documentary point out that while the work of Afro Dance innovators has greatly contributed to the success of music hits on the African continent and beyond, the dance originators have often gone unknown. These insiders see social media as an opportunity for dancers to secure that recognition; and for many of the artists in Uncredited, the stakes are high.

Dancer Seyi Oluyole has founded a residential academy for orphaned and indigent girls, and as the video shows, social media posts of her students’ dancing drew a visit from supermodel Naomi Campbell. The struggle to keep the facility running continues, but Seyi is undaunted, saying, “I don’t need you to open the door for me. I’m just going to break the wall and make my own door and let other people in.”

Looking to the future, the documentary follows dancers to the national finals of the Red Bull Dance Your Style contest, which spotlights the next generation of street dancers. Among them, there’s Chibueze Blayke, who had nearly given up on a dance career, as well as his brilliant student BJ Miah and dancer Eromose-Ordia Tom-Tom – part of Nigeria’s viral Westsyde Lifestyle dance crew. When Blayke and BJ make the deciding round, they must battle each other in the performance of their lives. Blayke’s eventual win sees him preparing to take the global stage at the competition’s World Final in South Africa, which will take place in conjunction with The release of the documentary.

Amongst the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finalists include David “The Crown” Staler, a Liberian-Korean, Minneapolis born and raised, self-taught dancer. Although a dancer his whole life, David began to take his craft seriously in 2012, teaching himself the styles of hip-hop, animation, breaking, popping, locking, house, and more. His dedication and skill has landed him work with artists such as G-Eazy, Lil Jon, Skee-Lo and more. In addition to dance, David is also an actor, model, poet, DJ and ukulele player.

“I’m so happy when opportunities like this arrive,” says Kaffy. “These young people are underserved with platforms, and that’s what it is – it’s just the beginning of unraveling greatness.”

Uncredited: The Story of Afro Dance is available to watch on demand, only on Red Bull TV.

The Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final will stream live from Johannesburg on TikTok on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

City of Hope

City of Hope is one of the top ten cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. Moreover, it’s a leading research institution for diabetes as well as other life-threatening illnesses. Recently, they announced the return of their #GivingisBeautiful campaign. A community of the most socially driven and influential brands, retailers, ambassadors, and individuals all striving to create a lasting change through the common goal of eradicating cancer.

Created by beauty industry leaders during the pandemic and now in its second year, the campaign featuring brands including L’Oreal Professional Products who are matching donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000, and sponsors like Revitalash, Moss Adams and Sephora has officially begun. Launched on #GivingTuesday, and culminating on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2023 the campaign harnesses the strength of the collective to power cancer innovation globally.

After raising just shy of half a million dollars in its inaugural year, and partnership from industry influencers like @jamielvandenberg, @thejesjewel and @krystalclearmakeup, this year the campaign will further expand to lifestyle industries including fashion and retail, health and wellness, design and furniture, film and entertainment, and more to accelerate breakthroughs that have improved treatments, outcomes and, quite simply, saved lives. Now WE NEED YOU.

To learn more about the campaign visit HERE.

About City of Hope

City of Hope’s mission is to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. As an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients, spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. Research and technology developed at City of Hope has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. A leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy, such as CAR T cell therapy, City of Hope’s personalized treatment protocols help advance cancer care throughout the world.

With a goal of expanding access to the latest discoveries and leading-edge care to more patients, families and communities, City of Hope’s growing national system includes its main Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. City of Hope’s affiliated family of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope. For more information about City of Hope, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Andy Warhol Exhibition

TIMED ENTRY TICKETS FOR 2023 WARHOL EXHIBITION ON SALE FOR THE FIRST TIME DEC. 3, 10 A.M.

Ticket Packages Available Just in Time for Holiday Giving

Blockbuster Exhibition to Feature 94 Works from “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America Collection” Alongside Works from the COD Permanent Art Collection, a Biographical Timeline, Silver Cloud Room, 150+ Photos Taken by Warhol.

Following the success of the summer 2021 blockbuster exhibition, “Frida Kahlo: Timeless,” the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA) and the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at the College of DuPage (COD) will present “Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America” June 3 – Sept. 10, 2023.

The Warhol exhibition will feature 94 works from “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America Collection” on loan through Bank of America’s Art in our Communities® program. Aside from the Bank of America collection, which will be on display in a dedicated space in the exhibition, there will also be over 100 works from the College of DuPage Permanent Art Collection.

“Timed Entry” tickets (tickets for a specific date and time) for the 2023 Warhol exhibition go on sale to the public for the first time beginning 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Timed entry tickets will be available to be purchased online at Warhol2023.org or by calling the Box Office at 630.942.4000. “Anytime entry” tickets are currently available for $40, offering ticket buyers the opportunity to reserve a day to attend, and then view the exhibition at any time for that reserved date.

“Timed Entry” tickets are available for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, $25 each, and Saturdays and Sundays for $30. (The exhibit will be closed on Mondays.) $2 discounts are available for seniors, youth, and military personnel. Prices exclude service charges. There is an added $4 fee for purchasing via phone and an added $9 fee for purchasing online. These charges are waived when purchasing in-person at the MAC Box Office.

Just in time for holiday gift giving, ticket package options are also available for Warhol enthusiasts. The VIP ticket package includes a poster and a Warhol-themed tote bag for an additional $15 per ticket. The “Superstar” ticket package includes a Warhol-themed tote bag, Warhol poster, and exhibition catalog for an additional $50. Package items can be picked up when attending the exhibition, or in-person at the box office in advance.

Groups of 20 or more are eligible for a 10% discount on regular priced tickets as well. For more information about group tickets. For more information about group tickets visit Warhol2023.org.

About “Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America Collection”

Notable works from the College of DuPage Permanent Art Collection will include Warhol’s 1980 screen-printed portrait of Joseph Beuys as well as his iconic $ (1983). Also included: more than 150 photographs by Warhol comprised of both black-and-white gelatin silver prints and color Polaroid prints featuring unidentified figures and celebrities alike. These photographs offer a rare and intimate glimpse into Warhol’s New York of the 1970’s and 80’s.

The exhibition will encompass both the CCMA and the MAC, unfolding across roughly 11,000 square-feet of exhibition space. Educational and interactive elements will include a biographical exhibition highlighting key points in Warhol’s life and career, video installation, a Children’s Print Factory area, Studio 54 and Silver Cloud Room experiences and Central Park-inspired outdoor space, creating an immersive, multifaceted exhibition focused on the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the past century.

Andy Warhol (American, 1928–1987) was a central figure in the Pop Art movement that emerged in the U.S. in the early 1950s and is the most recognizable artist of the second half of the twentieth century. Warhol worked across media, including painting, sculpture, film and printmaking. Warhol’s printed multiples were central to his practice allowing him to explore the aesthetics and mechanics of mass-produced images and popular culture. Warhol’s prints also touched on other themes. Warhol’s “Endangered Species” series grew out of his concern for the environment. In 1979, with “Ten Portraits of Jews of the Twentieth Century,” Warhol departed from his repeated images format to create a series of iconic images based on a single theme.

The exhibition and programming will be led by MAC Director Diana Martinez and CCMA Curator Justin Witte.

About Bank of America Art in our Communities®

At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer, and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, register for email news alerts.

About the CCMA

The late Cleve Carney provided a significant legacy gift to establish the Cleve Carney Art Gallery at College of DuPage. The gallery opened in February 2014 with its inaugural exhibition, “Selections from Cleve Carney’s Art Collection.” In fall 2020, the gallery was expanded to a 2,500 square-foot museum. The Cleve Carney Museum of Art opened June 2021 with the highly anticipated “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” exhibition. CCMA hosts exhibitions year round and will host “Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop-Works from the Bank of America Collection Summer 2023.”

Funding for CCMA is provided by the Cleve Carney Endowment Fund, which supports vital programming including artist engagement opportunities for community members and students, gallery exhibitions, artist commissions, new acquisitions and other teaching and learning tools that foster cultural enrichment in our community. More information can be found at TheCCMA.org and on social media @CleveCarneyMuseumofArt.

About the MAC

The McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is located at 425 Fawell Blvd., 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355. It houses three indoor performance spaces (the 780-seat proscenium Belushi Performance Hall; the 186-seat soft-thrust Playhouse Theatre; and the versatile black box Studio Theatre), the outdoor Lakeside Pavilion, plus the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and classrooms for the college’s academic programming. The MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual art to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and typically welcomes more than 100,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances each season.

The mission of the MAC is to foster enlightened educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. Visit AtTheMAC.org or facebook.com/AtTheMAC for more information.

About the College of DuPage Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization in 1967, the College of DuPage Foundation raises monetary and in-kind gifts to increase access to education and to enhance cultural opportunities for the surrounding community. For more information about the College of DuPage Foundation, visit https://foundation.cod.edu or call 630.942.2698.

Wanda Maximoff – Scarlet Witch

This January, Wanda Maximoff gets the fresh start fans have been waiting for! The iconic Marvel hero’s upcoming solo series will open the door to a new era for the character overflowing with mystery, adventure, and magic.

Written by Steve Orlando (Marauders, Darkhold) and drawn by artist Sara Pichelli (Ultimate Spider-Man), SCARLET WITCH will find Wanda embracing a new heroic journey to help those who need her the most. To do so, she’ll use her unmatched magical abilities to conjure up an enchanted door that appears only to those who have no one else in the world to turn to. If your need is great and your hope is gone, there you will meet the SCARLET WITCH! The quests that follow will allow the Scarlet Witch to unleash her chaos magic at its utmost potential as she tackles threats only she as the most powerful sorceress on the planet can hope to handle! Along the way, Wanda will reconnect with her complex extended family including her twin brother Quicksilver, Polaris, and Viv Vision. Fans can get their first look at Wanda’s new path in the SCARLET WITCH #1 TRAILER, featuring never-before-seen artwork!

The mesmerizing trailer lays out Wanda’s new mission and spotlights some of her upcoming feats including a breathtaking showdown with the Corrupter! Fans can also behold Wanda’s new costume designed by superstar artist Russell Dauterman and spot a new supporting character who will play a key role throughout the series—none other than DARCY LEWIS! The beloved Marvel Cinematic Universe character will make her comic book debut in the series, taking up duties as Wanda’s trusty right hand after falling through the enchanted door herself. Darcy’s mysterious past and the effect it has on Wanda’s new calling will be revealed in due time!

“Two of the major crosses that she’d been bearing for a long time had finally been lifted, so it really felt like a new moment,” Orlando told Polygon in a recent interview. “We talked about setting her up in a new place where she could put her power to service for all the people that she’s realized she could have helped if she had actually taken the time and done the work to reckon with herself sooner.”

Prepare to be spellbound when SCARLET WITCH #1 hits stands on January 4! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

STORMZY – THIS IS WHAT I MEAN

British musician Stormzy has released his highly anticipated third album, This Is What I Mean.

Over the course of his expansive, heartfelt and defiantly sprawling new album, the BRIT and Ivor Novello award-winning Stormzy has delivered an undeniable classic; effortlessly condensing any number of disparate styles and genres into music which bravely broaches any gap between modern Black British music, soul and hip-hop.

Executively Produced by British producer PRGRSHN, the album includes the top 10 single ‘Hide & Seek’; an emotive, soulful and ethereal offering and his latest release ‘Firebabe’; a beautifully delicate and deeply touching sound. An array of incredible musicians are also scattered throughout the record including vocal appearances from the likes of Sampha, Jacob Collier, Debbie and more, all of which are listed here.

A bold and courageous leap forward from his critically acclaimed previous two #1 records, ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and ‘Heavy Is The Head’, this isn’t music simply for the pop charts but rather, an intimate and sincere love letter to music. He speaks on forgiving his absent father on the mellifluous ‘Please’ and refers to his challenges with paranoia, depression and self-doubt on penultimate track, ‘I Got My Smile Back’ – which also features a guest vocal from the incomparable India.Arie. It’s a record which showcases intensely personal and lyrical themes which in turn lay bare the vulnerabilities, regret, frailties, healing, joy and triumph in a manner and to an extent that reframes the notion of what rap artists traditionally might do and be.

In a letter posted to his social media pages last night, Stormzy wrote:

“When Tyler, The Creator released the masterpiece that is ‘IGOR’ he shared a message with it and I wanted to do the same but I was hesitant. Mainly because I would love for my music to do all the talking but I thought I’d share this message anyway.

I do a lot of interviews and I forget that everything I say will be shared far and wide, which is probably naive of me. Things that I say in real life don’t feel the same when I see it in text. I feel like I overshare, which makes me feel naked at times. But I do it so that you guys can understand me a bit better and to give the art that I make some context. I’m never ever purposely trying to defy genres or go against the grain. I’m never tryna do what is unexpected of me or what is expected of me. If I rap for 7 minutes it’s because in my spirit, in that moment, I just really wanted to fucking rap. If I sing my heart out then it’s because my soul just absolutely had to. I love music. I love, love loveeeee music. I will rap for the rest of my life, I will sing for the rest of my life, I will make art for the rest of my life. And at no point will I ever do any of those things for any other reason than I JUST WANTED TO AND IT JUST FELT GOOD. I am not a calculated mastermind with the ability to gauge what kind of music to make and when I’ll make it, I literally just feel and then let it out. People been tryna box me in for years but I hope this chapter at least makes my biggest critic say “hey, he’s shit but he loves music and I guess he’s gonna do whatever he likes” lol

I pray you listen to this album in your own time, whenever you can. Listen to it properly with no distractions. I pray you listen to this album with an open heart and if you hate it after I promise to God I’m perfectly fine with that, I’m just grateful that you listened with openness. I pray that it moves you and captures your imagination. And I pray that someone, somewhere, feels it.

This Is What I Mean.

And it’s what I’ve always meant. 🙏🏿

God bless. Stormz x”

The confidence which drove the album stemmed from a deeper and far more spiritual place than we have seen from Stormzy previously. For all the success and awards that he has accrued during his brief, meteoric career, the lockdown that ensued from the coronavirus pandemic gave him one commodity he’d long lacked: time. And thanks to his sense of accomplishment following Glastonbury he was, for the first time, in a position to make the most of it.

Much of the creative energy that shaped the album emerged from a Stormzy music camp in Osea Island – a remote island in the Essex estuary that’s only accessible via a Roman Causeway for four hours a day at low tide. Surrounded by leading-edge producers and musicians each and every morning they would eat and pray together and then spend the rest of the time driven to creative heights by each other’s talents.

“When you hear about music camps they always sound intense and sombre,” says Stormzy. ““People saying: “We need to make an album.” “We need to make some hit records.” But this felt beautifully free. We’re all musicians but we weren’t always doing music. Some days we played football or walked around taking pictures. And the bi-product to that was very beautiful music. Because when you marry that ethos with world class musicians and the best producers, writers and artists in the world, and we’re in one space, that’s a recipe for something that no one can really imagine. You can’t even calculate what that’s going to come up with. And it came up with a big chunk of this album.”

The net result is that while ‘This Is What I Mean’ sounds very much like Stormzy, it sounds like no Stormzy album you have ever heard before.

Drai’s × Chris Brown × Gucci Mane × 2 Chainz

Chris Brown, Gucci Mane and 2 Chainz Headline an Illustrious December of Drai’s LIVE Concerts

Drai’s Nightclub will host an unrivaled month of live performances and more

This December, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub will bring an epic lineup of dazzling performances featuring iconic artists including Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and more, taking over the stage for full-length Drai’s LIVE concerts.

Drai’s Nightclub tickets and VIP table reservations are available on the website at www.draisgroup.com. Other special requests are available by emailing info@draislv.com.

The Drai’s Nightclub lineup for December is listed below.

DRAI’S NIGHTCLUB:

Friday, Dec. 2 – Jeezy
The Grammy-nominated artist is known for hits like “Put On” and “Amazing.”

Saturday, Dec. 3 – Special Guest TBA
Friday, Dec. 9 – Juicy J
In 2021, rapper and producer Juicy J released an extended version of his popular album, “The Hustle Continues” titled “The Hustle Still Continues,” featuring collaborations with big name artists such as 2 Chainz, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby and more.
Saturday, Dec. 10 – Rick Ross
The Grammy-nominated artist and record executive’s latest album, “Richer Than I Ever Been,” dropped in December 2021. Ross recently dropped hit singles “Kind of Girl” with French Montana and “Feelings” with DaBoyDame featuring EST Gee.
Friday, Dec. 16 – TIP
Three-time Grammy Award winner TIP has released several highly successful singles including “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna. He has also collaborated with some of today’s hottest artists such as Drake and Gucci Mane.
Saturday, Dec. 17 – 2 Chainz
2 Chainz will deliver a performance full of fan favorites including “No Lie,” “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different.” The Grammy Award winner celebrated the release of his latest album, “Dope Don’t Sell Itself” earlier this year at Drai’s Nightclub.

Thursday, Dec. 29 – Special Guest TBA
Friday, Dec. 30 – Gucci Mane
“Avatar of East Atlanta” Gucci Mane is set to make his return to Drai’s Nightclub. No stranger to the Drai’s stage, Gucci is sure to deliver an unforgettable Friday night party on New Year’s Eve weekend.
Saturday, Dec. 31 – Chris Brown
Grammy-Award winning megastar Chris Brown will take over the Drai’s LIVE stage for New Year’s Eve. Sporting a catalog rivaled only by legends in the music industry, Brown will bring his electric energy, smooth vocals and versatile lyricism to his new Drai’s residency.

Drai’s is the only nightclub in Las Vegas that offers full-length concerts by today’s top-charting artists. Every weekend, the Drai’s LIVE concert series brings big names like Lil Baby, Big Sean, DaBaby and Wiz Khalifa to the rooftop of The Cromwell, with banner performances set to the stunning backdrop of the lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Drai’s Nightclub is open from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. Friday – Saturday. Drai’s Nightclub will also be open from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29 for a special performance. The upcoming Drai’s Nightclub lineup can be found at https://draisgroup.com/las-vegas/calendar-view/.

About Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary as the pinnacle of nightlife in Las Vegas, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub takes entertainment and nightlife to new heights in an unmatched setting – 11 stories high on the rooftop of The Cromwell with dazzling views of the Las Vegas Strip at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Boulevard. Drai’s Nightclub is a 30,000-square-foot palatial, multi-level club with an expansive dance floor, massive LED lighting systems, and modern technology featuring more than 7,000-square-feet of the most state-of-the-art high-definition LEDs in production, including a towering 80-sided LED disco ball – the only one of its kind. Drai’s Nightclub is home to Drai’s LIVE, an unprecedented concert series that provides fans with the opportunity to see full-length performances by top performers such as Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa and Lil Baby in an up-close setting unlike anything else in the world. Drai’s is located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Boulevard. Drai’s Beachclub is a 35,000-square-foot oasis with multiple pools shaded by eight towering palm trees, a variety of cabanas and bungalows, a full-service gourmet kitchen and two full-service bars. The legendary Drai’s After Hourshas solidified itself as the ultimate late-night, see-and-be-seen party destination for 25 years.Drai’s After Hoursis a sleek, sexy lounge where DJs play chart-topping songs of today, including top 40, Latin and hip-hop music. In addition to bottle service, Drai’s After Hours is one of the only spots on the Strip to offer hookah nightly. Drai’s After Hours is open from 1 – 7 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. More information, including reservations, tickets and hours, is available at DraisGroup.com. Follow Drai’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – @draislv, @draisbeachclub and @draisafterhours.

About The Cromwell

The Cromwell – named a Top 10 “Best U.S. Casino” by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice, recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award and the first standalone boutique hotel on the famed Strip – brings an exclusive, luxury lifestyle hotel experience to the Las Vegas Strip, focusing on hospitality, amenities and personalized service. The Cromwell is the first hotel in Las Vegas to offer mobile key technology for digital, keyless entry to rooms via the guests’ iOS devices. Located on the bustling corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road – directly across from Caesars Palace – The Cromwell keeps it intimate with 188 rooms including 19 suites, a personalized virtual concierge service named Ivy, a 40,000-square-foot casino, Bound – the elevated hotel lobby bar, Interlude – a casino lounge featuring live entertainment, award-winning GIADA – the first-ever restaurant by celebrity chef and television personality Giada De Laurentiis, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub – a 65,000 square-foot rooftop pool and nightclub with day and nightlife experiences boasting open-air, panoramic views from 11 stories above the iconic Las Vegas skyline, and Drai’s After Hours – located at its original home beneath the boutique hotel. The Cromwell is operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR). For more information, please visit thecromwell.com or the Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas media room. Find The Cromwell on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-522-4700 ©2021, Caesars License Company, LLC.