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19 Dec 2023

Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys To Host Dean Collection Art Show At Brooklyn Museum

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Christian Dior show, Autumn Winter 2017, Paris Fashion Week, France - 03 Mar 2017

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One of Hip-Hop’s power couples is sharing their art with the world. Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys will be showcasing some of their valued pieces from The Dean Collection at The Brooklyn Museum.

Hypebeast is reporting that the producer and singer will debut their inaugural exhibition titled Giants. The installation will feature some of their most prized works from Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson,  Kehinde Wiley, Nina Chanel Abney and more. According to ARTnews the Giants show will be presented in groupings to align with each section’s theme. “Giant Conversations” will delve into the social issues the Black community while “On the Shoulders of Giants” will be a tribute to the artists who “have left an indelible mark on the world”.

The iconic institution expressed their appreciation to duo in a press release. “Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have been among the most vocal advocates for Black creatives to support Black artists through their collecting, advocacy, and partnerships. In the process, they have created one of the most important collections of contemporary art,” Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak said. Alicia Keys explained why the initiative is important. “There are far too many artists of all kinds—musicians, painters, sculptors, dancers—who have unfortunately contributed so much to the culture and have died with nothing,” Keys previously told ARTnews. “As artists [ourselves], we care about living artists and the just due that we receive.”

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ Dean Collection opens at Brooklyn Museum starting February 10. You explore the exhibit further here. 

18 Dec 2023

Rome Ramirez to Exit Sublime While Original Members Explore Venture With Bradley Nowell’s Son 

When headliners Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh and Jakob Nowell took the stage shortly before midnight at the Teragram Ballroom on Dec. 11 in Los Angeles for a benefit concert for Bad Brains frontman H.R., they didn’t officially have a band name. It wasn’t until the second song during the rousing set that Nowell announced he was now leading the band his late father, Bradley Nowell, first launched with Wilson and Gaugh in 1998 — the beloved Long Beach alternative, rock and reggae group Sublime.

One week later, on Monday (Dec. 18), Rome Ramirez, lead singer of the group Sublime with Rome — the Sublime spinoff that has performed classic Sublime songs and Ramirez’s original material since 2009 — announced he was ending his run performing with the group. The announcement followed news that the Nowell family, along with Wilson and Gaugh, had effectively laid the groundwork for the younger Nowell to take over his father’s role and lead the band into a new era.

Briefly, in 2009, Wilson and Ramirez toured under the name Sublime but were sued by the Nowell family and eventually reached a legal settlement and license agreement with Nowell’s wife, Troy Dendekker, to tour under the moniker Sublime with Rome.

While Wilson and Ramirez were touring and performing, Jakob was developing his own musical talents, forming the Long Beach band LAW in 2013. Earlier this year, Jakob and his mother agreed with Wilson and Gaugh to relaunch Sublime with Jakob at the helm under the management of Kevin Zinger and Joe Escalante.

What this development means for Rome Ramirez is not totally clear. In a statement, the singer announced that “after almost two remarkable decades, I am announcing my departure from Sublime with Rome at the close of 2024. The upcoming performances over the next year will allow us to reflect on countless incredible memories together!”

Sublime with Rome currently has four dates on its website scheduled for 2024: Feb. 16 at Cali Vibes Festival in Long Beach, April 12 at Cattle Country Festival in Gonzalez, Tex., April 20 at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City, N.J., and an April 27 headliner show at Red Rocks.

“Over the last 2 years I’ve been spending countless hours pouring my soul into my solo music, and the excitement to share these songs with you is building up! I’ve got some really big news that I can’t drop yet. Just wait,” Ramirez’s statement continued. “Singing and playing guitar for this iconic band has been a lifetime opportunity and just flat out, absolutely epic. Carrying on the Sublime legacy has been a trust I’ll forever cherish. This is only the beginning…”

Sublime with Rome has put out a total of three albums, including its 2011 debut record, Yours Truly, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. They followed that up in 2015 with Sirens, which peaked at No. 34 on the tally, followed by Blessings in 2019. The band has consistently headlined festivals and in 2023 collaborated with Slightly Stoopid on the track “Cool & Collected,” along with a joint 27-date summer tour.

18 Dec 2023

Jim Ladd, Legendary Los Angeles Disc Jockey, Dead at 75

Groundbreaking Los Angeles-based disc jockey Jim Ladd, whom Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers immortalized in their 2002 song “The Last DJ,” died suddenly Sunday of a heart attack. He was 75.

A Los Angeles fixture, Ladd worked up and down the Los Angeles radio dial, including stints at KNAC, KMET and KLOS. He was considered the last freeform DJ in the country, allowed to pick his own song selections.

After leaving KLOS in 2011, he was quickly picked up by SiriusXM’s Deep Tracks channel, where he appeared until his death. Over the decades, he was well known for his interviews with such artists as John Lennon, Pink Floyd,  Stevie Nicks and Led Zeppelin.

The Doors drummer John Densmore paid tribute to Ladd on social media, posting on X, “’The Last DJ’ has crossed the tracks. There wasn’t a more soulful spinner of music. The songs he played were running through his blood, he cared so much for rock n’ roll. Irreplaceable… a very sad day, which can only be handled by carrying his spirit forward.”

Densmore’s Doors bandmate Robby Krieger also posted, “Rest in peace, Jim Ladd. He was the best friend in radio The Doors ever had. Even when people forgot about us in the late ‘70s, he kept playing our music.“

Ladd started his career  at Long Beach, Calif.’s KNAC in 1969 as FM radio was burgeoning and quickly established himself as one of Southern California’s leading rock voices. In an undated interview with Michael Simone, he said of his mentors and being at the forefront of FM radio, “We were inventing this thing as we were going along, so what I would say in radio [for role models], it is pretty much everybody that I’ve worked with that I’ve learned from or borrowed from. … As far as role models in my life, Martin Luther King would be one, and certainly when I was growing up, John Lennon and Jim Morrison were two others who had a great influence on me, as well as [Roger] Waters.”

Waters and Ladd had a long friendship, with Ladd playing a rebel DJ on Waters’ 1987 Radio K.A.O.S. album and touring with Waters on the Radio K.A.O.S. On the Road outing.

From KNAC, Ladd moved to KLOS in 1971 and then had stops at Los Angeles stations KMET, KMPC and KLSX before returning to KLOS in 1997, where he stayed for 14 years. As Billboard reported in 2011, when he was let go from KLOS after Cumulus bought the station, he signed off with Pink Floyd’s “Shine On Your Crazy Diamond.”

Ladd inspired “The Last DJ” song, which Petty told journalist Jim DeRogatis was “about a DJ who becomes so frustrated with his inability to play what he wants that he moves to Mexico and gets his freedom back.”

Flowers will be placed on Ladd’s star on the  Hollywood Walk of Fame at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. He received his star in 2005. “His legendary voice and unparalleled contribution to the world of radio have left an indelible mark on the industry,” Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremonies, stated in a statement. “Jim’s passion for music and his unique ability to connect with his listeners will always be remembered fondly.”

SiriusXM is airing tributes to Ladd, who is survived by wife Helene, on Deep Tracks as well as other classic rock channels.

18 Dec 2023

Jason Momoa Belts Christmas Songs With Kelly Clarkson (And Rips His Shirt Off in the Process)

Jason Momoa got in the holiday spirit on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Monday (Dec. 18), taking part in a festive rendition of the talk show‘s popular game segment, “Sing That Name That Tune.”

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In the game, hosted by audience hype man Rubin, the contestants must step up on the platform when they recognize the song the band is playing, and get points not only for singing the song correctly but also for the level of excitement in their performance.

In the first two rounds, Momoa didn’t stand a chance against Clarkson, who immediately began belting out “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells.” However, the Aquaman star stepped it up in the third round, and while he didn’t know the lyrics to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” he delivered a hyped-up performance, complete with dance moves and venue-shaking vocals. As a result, he ended up tying the game going into the last round.

Both Clarkson and Momoa recognized and performed “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” at the same time, giving Rubin a tough decision when it came down to the tiebreaker. However, when Momoa put his hand on Rubin’s shoulder, the hype man ended up swooning and giving the win to Aquaman.

As a result, Momoa ripped open hit shirt to reveal a tank underneath, and ran around the studio in celebration. Watch it all go down below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=d8boSTQlafY&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

18 Dec 2023

Maino & B.G. “For My City,” Curren$y “All F****d Up” & More | Daily Visuals 12.18.23

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Maino KOB4 Private Listening Party

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After serving a long a** prison bid, Cash Money OG B.G. touched home this past September and lately the man has been back on the rap scene doing his thing and showing everyone that the man hasn’t lost a step in his flow.

This time around the Hot Boy links up with Maino for the visuals to “For My City” in which the rappers showcase the environments of their respective hometowns of New York and New Orleans and show love to the cities that made them the men they are today. We don’t know about that zebra fit though, Maino. Just sayin.’

Curren$y meanwhile decides to take it back and in his clip to “All F****d Up,” the man pulls out the old school Mercedes Benz and Lexus’ from the 90’s to show that you ain’t gotta be up to date with your car game to be on some fly ish.

Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weeknd including work from Paul Wall, Trae Tha Truth featuring T.I., and more.

MAINO & B.G. – “FOR MY CITY”



CURREN$Y – “ALL F****D UP”



PAUL WALL – “AIRPLANE MODE”



BIG HIT FT. MOZZY & HIT-BOY – “WIGGLIN’”



TRAE THA TRUTH FT. T.I. – “SWARE IM”



N.A.L.B FT. CHRISEAN ROCK – “GLOSS UP”



YTB FATT – “GANGSTA OF THE YEAR”



CG SPINABENZ – “YTBFATT FLOW”



18 Dec 2023

Jung Kook Enjoys Banana Milk, Kimbap & More Korean Delicacies Off His Spotify Billion Streams Plate

Jung Kook is the ARMY’s favorite foodie, and the 26-year-old superstar enjoyed some of his favorite snacks while celebrating his Latto collaboration, “Seven,” reaching one billion Spotify streams.

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In a video posted to Spotify’s Instagram account on Monday (Dec. 18), Jung Kook finds his plate-shaped plaque honoring the milestone underneath a pile of his favorite foods — fittingly, seven of them. Among the BTS star’s picks are soy sauce eggs, banana milk, tuna kimbap, shrimp crackers, turtle chips, japchae and castella.

“Producer Bang Si-Hyuk sent a song to me to listen. It was so great. I thought, this is such an amazing song, what if I mess it up?” Jung Kook recalled of the song’s inception. “I wasn’t working on an album, but after listening to ‘Seven,’ I came out of a break. We rushed to record the music, shoot the music videos, and album photos. Since ARMY have been waiting for so long, we worked very fast.”

He continued, “Because I felt the song needed a rapper — Latto has a great voice and cool presence — so, we reached out to her and everything worked out.”

Latto even sent in a clip to thank Jung Kook for putting her on the song and allowing her to “make history” with him. “Seven” became the fastest song to reach 1 billion streams in Spotify history,  achieving the record in 108 days since it was first released.

It’s hardly the only record Jung Kook’s Latto collaboration has broken, as it landed upon its release at No. 3 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, published July 21, for the highest-charting debut by a solo Korean act. Additionally, “Seven,” launched at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated July 29). The song marked the first leader on the lists for a member of BTS as a soloist, as well as Latto’s first No. 1.

Watch Jung Kook eat his seven favorite snacks off his billion streams plaque here.

18 Dec 2023

Dictionary.com Crowns the Word ‘Era’ as 2023’s Vibe of the Year

Perhaps no word was used more this year than “era” — so much so that Dictonary.com crowed the term its inaugural Vibe of 2023 on Monday (Dec. 18).

“Vibe was one of Dictionary.com’s top lookups of the year, which led us to consider what word could best represent 2023’s overall culture vibe,” said Grant Barrett, head of lexicography at Dictionary.com. “Like vibe, the word era has been undergoing a similarly slangy evolution, referring to our moods, aesthetics, and life stages—and in 2023, we saw a real surge in this use of eras across popular culture.” 

Taylor Swift’s career-spanning, global Eras Tour trek — which will pick back up in the beginning of February with four dates at the Tokyo Dome and will end on Dec. 8, 2024 — might have something to do with the word’s popularity. “Our choice is also, of course, inspired by the year’s most high-profile, record-setting, impossible-to-ignore cultural phenomenon,” Barrett added.

The term, which originally grew in popularity via social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter), is formally defined as the “Periods of time in a person’s life characterized by something distinctive and noticeable, such as a particular emotional state, relationship, achievement, or interest.” Fans of the term, however, have used it in a both fun and casual way, often saying “I’m in my [blank] era” or referring to an artist’s album cycle as an era.

“Swift’s use of the word on the grandest of stages has helped to solidify it as a way of taking control of one’s own story,” Barrett wrote.

18 Dec 2023

Anita Baker Asks Fans to ‘Turn Off’ the Cameras Mid-Show, Audience Members Kicked Out

Anita Baker wants fans to be present during her shows.

The legendary singer was performing in Houston, Texas, on Friday night (Dec. 15), when she told fans to stop recording her performance with their phones, as seen in videos shared to TikTok. In the clip, Baker ad-libbed while singing her 1983 hit, “Feel the Need.” “Early in the morning! Late in the evening, baby,” she sang, before requesting, “Turn off the camera, baby, I don’t know who you are, move back!”

“Get on back, I don’t know who that is,” she continued while singing. In another clip, Baker asks security to remove some fans from the front row, though it’s not clear if it was because of the phones or for another reason.

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In June, Baker’s tour made headlines after she removed Babyface as her accompanying act. “After Silently, Enduring Cyber Bulling/Verbal Abuse & Threats of Violence from the Fan Base, of Our Special Guest/Support Act. In the Interest of Personal Safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, alone. Appropriate refunds will be made. Blessings,” Baker wrote on social media alongside an updated tour poster that doesn’t feature her former opener’s name on it.

In a statement to Billboard, Babyface said that he was “saddened” that he’s no longer on the tour. “It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media,” he said at the time. “While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love and respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour.”

18 Dec 2023

The MLC Being Audited by Bridgeport Music, Company That Reps George Clinton & Funkadelic

Bridgeport Music is conducting an audit of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC), according to the Federal Register. Bridgeport, which represents the interests of George Clinton and Funkadelic, is best known for its bullish approach to copyright enforcement, once accusing more than 800 artists and labels of infringement in one lawsuit in the early 2000s.

This is the first time the MLC has been audited since it officially began operations on Jan. 1, 2021.

The Nashville-based collection society dates back to the creation of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), a landmark piece of legislation for the music business that passed in 2018. The law created a new blanket license for musical work mechanicals, replacing the previous piece-meal licensing system that was complicated for both digital services like Spotify and Apple Music and for the music business. Because of the ineffective old system, a pool of $427 million in unmatched and unpaid mechanical royalties on the publishing side (often nicknamed “blackbox” royalties) accumulated.

The MMA created the MLC to collect and distribute the mechanical royalties that resulted from this new blanket license and to match and pay out as many of the “blackbox” royalties as it could. The law also stipulated that the MLC could periodically audit the digital services operating under the blanket license to verify the accuracy of their royalty payments, and allowed copyright owners to periodically audit the MLC to verify the accuracy of the royalty payments the collection society makes to copyright owners.

To begin the auditing process, the copyright owner — in this case, Bridgeport Music — must file a notice of intent to the Copyright Office and the MLC. The Copyright Office then notifies the Federal Register, which must publish that news within 45 days of receipt.

Bridgeport Music’s stringent approach in going after so-called copyright infringers, most commonly rap artists who have sampled Clinton or Funkadelic’s work without permission, has had a major impact on the music business. In Bridgeport Music v. Dimension Films (2005), it was ruled for the first time that sampling any sound recording — no matter how minimal or unrecognizable the sample is — in a newer work constitutes copyright infringement unless a license is obtained. Along with Marvin Gaye‘s estate, Bridgeport was also a plaintiff in the Blurred Lines lawsuit, which is believed to have greatly widened what elements of a song are considered protected under copyright law.

18 Dec 2023

Best ‘Wonka’ Movie Merch: 10 Must-Haves That Are Still in Stock for the Holidays

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Wonka made a sweet debut at the box office over the weekend. The prequel to the classic tale of Willy Wonka debuted at No. 1 at the box office, earning $39 million domestically and $150 million worldwide.

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Timothée Chalamet takes on the role of the eccentric inventor, magician and chocolatier, but unlike Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder, Wonka centers around the character’s early years.

Hugh Grant, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkins and Rowan Atkinson are among the cast. The movie is directed by Paul King.

In honor of the new movie, we’ve collected a list of Wonka merch that you can still shop before Christmas. If you’re looking for a sweet stocking stuffer or a last-minute holiday gift, this list has something for you.

Below, find a collection of the top 10 Wonka movie merch items that are still in stock, plus a couple nostalgic options inspired by the 1971 film.

A delicious set of Wonka-inspired merch! The Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory x Fossil Collection includes the limited-edition Wonka Bar Carraway ($195), a “likable wallpaper” version of the Raquel watch ($195), a Golden Ticket Key Fob ($45), chocolate bar clutch purse ($275) and hand-beaded fruit bag ($295). The collection, which was released on Dec. 4, is mostly sold out but you the bracelet, earrings, necklaces and limited-edition clutch ($295) still in stock.

Put something sweet under the tree! The Wonka x Kurt Geiger London Purse features a candy-like, allover print, gold chain strap, magnetic flap closure and interior pocket. The crossbody bag measures 7.7-inches wide x 5.1-inches high (2.75-inches in depth).

Revolution Beauty London

It’s not too late to give an advent calendar as a Christmas gift! This Wonka x Revolution Beauty Advent Calendar houses a collection of shimmering gold shadow, chocolate cream bronzer, blueberry blush, chocolate-scented lip gloss and other goodies encased in a colorful collectable box.

The Wonka x Happy Socks Gift Set includes three pairs of cozy, crew socks in magical designs inspired by the movie.

Converse

The Chuck Taylor All Star Swirl pays homage to Wonka’s candy empire and one of the only items still available from the Converse x Wonka Collection. The full collection includes Oompa Lumpa Chuck Taylor ($120), Chocolate Swirl Chuck Taylors (available at Stockx) Converse x Wonka All Star BB Trilliant CX Golden Ticket sneaker (available at StockX), a crewneck sweater shirt (sold out), French terry joggers $75), a bucket hat and T-shirts.

Bloomingdale’s dropped Wonka collection, which includes this Wonka x Junkfood Top Hat Tee. It’s available in (girl’s) sizes XS-XL and features the message, “Never let them steal your dreams.”

Amazon

Warner Bros. unveiled a collection of Wonka movie Funko Pop! vinyls including Mr. Wonka himself. The Wonka Funko Pop! measures 4.9 inches tall and comes packaged in a plastic display box. This particular design won’t arrive by Christmas but you can find pre-order it at Amazon and have it delivered in time for the new year.

Amazon

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this Wonka novel introduces readers to a young Wonka who is “determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time.”

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For the nostalgia lovers, Willy Wonka’s The Golden Ticket Game lets you play as the original characters from the first movie: Charlie, Veruca, Violet, Mike and Agustus. The object of the game is to collect as many Wonka Bars as possible. At the end of the game, you unwrap the Wonka bars to see which player earned the most golden tickets.

Want more golden tickets? This Wonka Bar candy wrapper will be a hit at your next candy-inspired party.