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Source: Kate Green/BAFTA / Getty / Sarah Bond
We are quickly seeing the aftereffects of Xbox’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. Xbox is reorganizing its leadership structure, and Sara Bond is rising in the ranks.Following the $69 billion acquisition was FINALLY approved, Microsoft and Xbox have begun moving with way more confidence after walking on eggshells, hoping regulatory agencies would give them the green light.
Now that everything is officially a go, Xbox has reorganized its marketing and leadership less than two weeks after the ABK deal was given the thumbs up.
Microsoft is promoting Matt Booty to president of game content and studios, and he will also oversee ZeniMax. Sarah Bond is now Xbox president and will oversee the Xbox platform and hardware work.
Chris Capossela, who has been with Microsoft for 32 years, is stepping down as chief marketing officer.
In an internal memo obtained by The Verge, Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer explained broke down the reorganization, “ZeniMax will continue to operate as a limited integration entity led by Jamie Leder, President and CEO, reporting to Matt.”
With Booty now overseeing Zenimax and Bethesda, the goal is to avoid another Redfall situation. Redfall was one of the first-party titles Xbox gamers were looking forward to, but when it launched, it was a broken mess, It has since been patched up and is running better.
“Great games are fundamental to everything we do,” Spencer continues in the memo. “We believe that an expanded gaming content organization — one that enables Xbox Game Studios and ZeniMax’s development studios to collaborate effectively together — will empower those world-class studios to do their best work in growing our portfolio of games players love.”
Sara Bond Has Been A Rising Star In Xbox Ranks
It’s been no secret how vital Sara Bond has been to Team Xbox since joining in 2017, and for her brilliant work behind the scenes, she earned a promotion.
She was pivotal in getting the ABK deal done, especially with her explanation of video games and the Xbox business to Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley during her appearance at the FTC v. Microsoft hearing.
Bond will now take over the hardware and software platforms of Xbox.
“To manage the platform of today and build the platform of tomorrow, we are bringing together the teams that will make this possible,” says Spencer. “Sarah Bond will lead this team as President of Xbox — bringing together Devices, Player & Creator Experiences, Platform Engineering, Strategy, Business Planning, Data & Analytics, and Business Development.”
News of Bond’s promotion was celebrated on X (formerly known as Twitter). It’s no secret in the video game space that Black and Brown representation in the world of gaming is still a struggle; to see a Black woman in such a high position is a massive win.
Salute to Sarah Bond.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Kate Green/BAFTA / Getty
2. Neccesary reading.
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Source: Jeff Kravitz / Getty / Eminem
Eminem is dead serious about his Mom’s Spaghetti and is now dropping his own spaghetti sauce, and some of his fans are big mad.
The Detroit rapper had teased that something big was coming, leaving many to believe he was about to drop some new music. It turns out he was talking about a new spaghetti sauce.
The sauce serves as a way for people to bring it from his Mom’s Spaghetti restaurant in Detroit into their homes across the country.
Eminem confirmed the Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce’s existence in an Instagram post on Tuesday, October 24, revealing it will be available starting today, and you can pick up a bottle by heading here.
The reception to the announcement of the sauce that pays homage to Eminem’s classic song, “Lose Yourself,” off the iconic 8 Mile soundtrack was mixed.
While fans were happy the sauce was now available, they were also disappointed that they were not getting any new music from Slim Shady.
“Not the drop I wanted, but I’ll take 10,” one person wrote in the comment section.
“Marshall, the sauce we really want is the album,” another added. “Drop the bomb tracks tho Marshall,” another fan wrote.
We understand their thirst. Eminem has not dropped an album since 2020’s Music To Be Murdered by which featured guest appearances from the late Juice WRLD, Yung M.A., Royce da 5’9″, Ed Sheeran, Don Toliver, and more.
Oh well.
Eminem clearly has nothing but sauce and spaghetti on his mind, but we are sure he’s cooking up some music in the lab.
Until that day arrives, you can see more reactions to Eminem’s Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce in the gallery below.
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Photo: Jeff Kravitz / Getty
3. Not everyone was upset
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Source: Nacon / Teyon Games / RoboCop: Rogue City
Xbox has some new pep in its step after finally closing its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. To show its focus is back on what’s essential, games, we got a glimpse of what’s to come during the Xbox Partner Preview.
Like PlayStation’s State of Play presentations, the Xbox Partner Preview spotlighted the games coming to the Xbox Series X and Series S console from third-party studios.
During the 30-minute presentation, we got trailers and gameplay footage from Xbox’s third-party partners like Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Remedy Entertainment, Studio Wildcard, Nacon, Konami, and more.
Gamers were happy to see the first in-engine footage from Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, island activities from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, more gameplay footage from RoboCop: Rogue City, the first footage from Ark: Survival Ascended, and so much more.
In case you missed the Xbox Partner Preview program, we are here to break it down for you.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Source: Konami / Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Snake is back, and he looks better than ever. No, this isn’t a new game, but a revisit to a game many say is the greatest entry into the Metal Gear Solid franchise, Snake Eater.
Now called Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami has reimagined the tactical espionage stealth action game using the powerful Unreal Engine 5, giving the game a complete graphics overhaul.
The in-engine look gave us a glimpse of the dense jungle vegetation that will help Snake hide and take out his enemies and the predatory animals that not only pose a danger to Snake but also could be his next meal and help him survive.
Unlike the original game released in 2004, Metal Gear Solid Detla: Snake Eater will not only feature cutting-edge graphics but 3D audio as well when it arrives.
[embedded content]
RoboCop: Rogue City
Source: Nacon/Teyon Games / RoboCop: Rogue City
RoboCop: Rogue City is high on our list of games to play in 2023. While we don’t think this one will be on the level of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 or Diablo IV, it looks fun as hell, dishing out justice and handing out parking tickets as the cyborg.
In the latest look at the game, we get some more story beats, a look at Alex Murphy, aka RoboCop, his partner Lois, some gunplay action, and even a showdown with ED-209.
RoboCop: Rogue City is now available for pre-order—no release word on a release date.
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To see the rest of the announcements from the Xbox Partner Preview, hit the gallery below.
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Photos: Konami / Nacon
1. Alan Wake II Launch Trailer
Per Xbox:
Ritualistic murders in a small town. An FBI agent looking for answers, and a writer looking for an escape from the nightmare he is writing. Who is the victim, and who is the monster? Follow the horror story into the dark when Alan Wake 2 launches on October 27th. Play as the writer, Alan Wake, and the FBI agent, Saga Anderson. Explore two beautiful and terrifying realities, and solve a deadly mystery before it’s too late. Alan Wake 2 is available October 27th on Xbox Series X|S.
For more, head here.
2. ARK: Survival Ascended – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Respawn into a new dinosaur survival experience beyond your wildest dreams… as ARK is reimagined from the ground-up into the next-generation of videogame technology with Unreal Engine 5! You awake on a mysterious island, your senses overwhelmed by the blinding sunlight and brilliant colors bouncing off every surface around you, the azure waters of a verdant Island lapping at your bare feet. A deep roar echoes from the misty jungle, jolting you into action, and you stand up – not afraid, but intrigued. Are you ready to form a tribe, tame and breed hundreds of species of dinosaurs and other primeval creatures, explore, craft, build, and fight your way to the top of the food-chain? Your new world awaits… step through the looking-glass and join it!
For more head, here.
3. LIKE A DRAGON: INFINITE WEALTH | DONDOKO ISLAND REVEAL TRAILER – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Too many street punks getting you down? Time for the getaway you deserve? Dondoko Island is the destination for you. Create the resort of your dreams in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth when it launches January 26th, 2024.
4. Still Wakes the Deep – Gameplay Reveal – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Still Wakes the deep is an upcoming survival horror game from The Chinese Room. Set on an oil rig, this game pushes you through claustrophobic environments and freezing waters escaping an unthinkable horror. Still Wakes The Deep is coming to XBOX in 2024. Secret Mode are a Video Games publisher under Tencent and Sumo Group. Our goal is to delight and inspire you, and that’s why we are Secret Mode.
5. Manor Lords – Release Date Announcement Trailer – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Manor Lords, the highly anticipated historical city-building game, is coming on day one to PC Game Pass! Manor Lords launches in Game Preview on April 26th, 2024.
6. IKARO: Will Not Die – Announce Teaser – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
From Futurlab, the award-winning creators of Powerwash Simulator and Velocity, in partnership with Thunderful, comes IKARO: Will Not Die, a momentum-based, fast-flowing action rogue-lite.
7. Spirit of the North 2 – Announcement Trailer – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Embrace the aurora and save the guardians in Spirit of the North 2, coming to Xbox Series X|S. Unveil the mysteries of a beautiful ancient world in this breathtaking 3rd-Person Adventure, a sequel to the acclaimed ‘Spirit of the North.’ Take on the role of an isolated fox with a raven companion on a quest to restore the lost guardians and return home. In an ancient world left in ruin, embark on the journey of an isolated fox far from home. With the help of a wise Raven companion, seek out the lost legendary guardians and release them from the grasp of the dark shaman Grimnir.
8. Dungeons of Hinterberg Social Gameplay Reveal – Xbox Partner Preview
Per Xbox:
Join us for a deeper dive into the social side to Dungeons of Hinterberg gameplay! In this new trailer, we explore a day in the life of Luisa, what she gets up to and who she meets.
9. THE FINALS – Open Beta Trailer – Xbox Partner Preview
Fight alongside your teammates in the world’s biggest, loudest, and most anticipated combat entertainment game show. Experience destruction in a way you haven’t before. THE FINALS Open Beta kicks off on Xbox Series X|S on October 26 – November 5, 2023.
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Source: Prince Williams / Getty
Drake isn’t letting backlash to his alleged incel-friendly album get him down. To celebrate his 37th birthday, the 6 God hosted a party in Miami that featured guests and occasional actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame serving drinks.
The shindig went down on Monday night (Oct. 23), at a new restaurant and nightspot called Casadonna, which reportedly via David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality and Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss’ Tao Group Hospitality. As for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman—Cranston and Paul, respectively—they held down bartending duties. Drake producer BNYX shared a clip of the famed duo serving up libations.
But don’t think Cranston and Paul happened to be handing out. They have a liquor brand called Dos Hombres that they are pushing, and their stock surely just got a boost.
You can’t make this stuff up. Check out photos and reactions from what surely will be only one of Drake’s birthday celebrations in the gallery.
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Source: WWD / Getty /Trey Songz
The man who once boastfully sang about women thinking he “invented sex” has racked up another sexual assault allegation.
*Trigger warning: this post contains detailed accusations of alleged sexual assault.*
Right now, Trey Songz has more sexual allegations than hit records. TMZ exclusively reports two women are suing the allegedly dangerously horny crooner of sexual assault.
According to the victims, Mr Songz, born Tremaine Neverson, “forced himself” on the two alleged victims, who passed out after allegedly being drugged while attending his house party.
Per TMZ:
According to a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the women are accusing Trey of sexual assault and battery for an alleged 2015 incident at his Los Angeles-area estate.
In the docs, the women say they first met Trey in June 2015 when they went to his concert and got invited to an after-party he was hosting. They say subsequent interactions led them to be invited to his home in August for his birthday party.
The women claim they took an Uber to Trey’s home and were forced to give a password and turn over the phones to gain admittance. Inside, they say it was mostly women and only a handful of men, and the ladies were pressured to drink alcohol from unsealed bottles.
In the suit, the women say they suddenly felt overwhelmingly intoxicated, despite drinking what they felt was a modest amount … and believe they were drugged.
They claim they sat on a couch by the pool, and that’s when Trey swooped in and led them to an upstairs bedroom where they passed out with their clothes on.
The next morning, the women say the woke up naked … with a naked Trey forcing himself on them.
One of the women alleges Songz performed nonconsensual oral sex on her while she tried to resist his unwanted cunnilingus.
The other alleged victim says she woke up with the Ready crafter allegedly biting her nipples and forcing his fingers into her private area.
Trey Songz Denies The Sexual Assualt Allegations
In a statement to the celebrity gossip site, through his attorney, Michael Freedman, Trey Songz denies the accusations.”This is yet another example of nearly decade-old allegations being repurposed to take advantage of California’s constitutionally questionable new look back window. We look forward to vindicating Trey on the merits in court,” Freedman said to TMZ.Again, these are just allegations, but eyebrows and ears are perking up as social media is using the moment to remind X users about his other sexual assault accusations.
We are getting very close to that Surviving Trey Songz Lifetime special.
You can see more reactions to the news in the gallery below.
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Photo: WWD / Getty
1. Keke tried to tell y’all
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Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
Day 3 of New York Comic Con 2023 came and went; you guessed it, there was more cosplay to take in.
The rain and fall temperatures didn’t stop cosplayers from showing up in droves to the Jacob K. Javits Center on Saturday, October 14.
Keeping that same energy from Day 1 and Day 2, blerds and nerds came together to celebrate geek culture. It’s a known fact amongst the NYCC faithful that cosplayers usually save their best cosplay drip for the weekend, and that continues to be the case.
On Friday, we were stuck in the Spider-Verse with plenty of takes of arguably Marvel’s most popular superhero in the building. Saturday saw more Spideys, but his foes took centerstage this time, like Spot from Across The Spider-Verse.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
Another Across The Spider-Verse “villain” who showed up was Miles Morales as The Prowler. We strongly lean toward this take on the character as our favorite cosplay from the day.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
Marvel Was Everywhere At New York Comic Con
Other Marvel characters we spotted were Jane Foster as Thor, a spin on Wolverine in a tuxedo, another Spidey villain, Mysterio, Mile’s homie and possible love interest Spider-Gwen, Bishop from the X-Men (pictured at the top of the post), Namor from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and, of course, Loki variants.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez
Day 4 is underway, and if you are at The Javits Center, enjoy all the cosplay and scoop all the collectibles you can.
We will be back next year, but until then, you can see more cosplay photos in the gallery below.
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Photo: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
1. Black & White Ninjetti Rangers (Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
2. Luke Skywalker & Grogu
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
3. Star Wars
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
4. Sith (Star Wars)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
5. New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
6. Blue Beetle
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
7. Mysterio
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
8. Wolverine
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
9. Thwomp (Super Mario Bros.)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
10. Tifa Lockhart & Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
11. Nightmare Springtime Bonnie (Five Nights At Freddy’s)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
12. Bender (Futurama)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
13. Sentinel (X-Men)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
14. Krillin (Dragon Ball Z)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
15. 2B (Nier Automata)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
16. Thor/ Jane Foster
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
17. President Loki and Sylvie
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
18. Spider-Punk (Hobie Brown)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
19. Namor (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
20. Titan Shifter (Attack on Titan)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
21. Aunty Entity (Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
22. President Barbie (Barbie Movie)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
23. Ghost Rider
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
24. Nurse (Silent Hill)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
25. Loki Miss Asgard Variant
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
26. X-23
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
27. Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn / Forbidden West)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
28. Macho Man / Beetlejuice
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
29. Samurai Leonardo
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
30. The Mandalorian/ Din Djarin
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
31. Spider-Man Group Shot
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
32. Spider-Gwen
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
33. Captain America / Venom
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Day 3 Cosplay cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: aqua / iOne
New York Comic Con 2023 kicked off on Thursday, October 12 at the Javits Center in New York City and it was the grand spectacle we’ve come to expect. The first day was once the “slow” day but if the massive crowds were any indication, the entire weekend will be jam-packed.
While the cosplayers were once again in full effect—see our gallery of the best cosplay here—there were plenty of booths, activations, panels and even actual comics for all sorts of fans of all things fantasy.
We got there early enough to peep some booths on the show floor you should definitely take the time to visit if you’re a Hip-Hop head making your way to New York Comic Con this weekend. From Kid Cudi getting in his Star Trek bag to Crocs being sold on the floor via Foot Locker, there’s plenty to see, so make sure your shoes have plenty of cushioning.
Check out our recommends…
Stranger Comics – Booth #3317
Source: aqua / iOne
Stranger Comics is the publisher of actress and activist Amandla Stenberg’s renowned Niobe character and comic. Niobe is a Black, half human and half elven hero and she kicks ass. What more do you need to know? Definitely worth tapping into the World of Asunda.
Foot Locker x Crocs – Booth #3001
Source: aqua / iOne
Speaking of, Crocs are supposed to be comfy and Foot Locker was in the building and moving plenty of pairs of the collab between Crocs and Demon Slayer at Booth #3001
Source: aqua / iOne
Kid Cudi x Star Trek – Booth #2653
Source: aqua / iOne
Mr. Rager is rocking with the Star Trek franchise and they collaborated for an official capsule collections that includes tees, hoodies and a mean varsity jacket.
Source: aqua / iOne
Source: aqua / iOne
BAIT – Booth #1435
Source: aqua / iOne
The BAIT store has gotten bigger and bigger each year at New York Comic Con. This year’s installation includes collabs with the anime series One Piece and Yu-Gi-Uh!
Source: aqua / iOne
Source: aqua / iOne
Heroes & Villians: MUTATIS MUTANDIS – Booth #1335
Source: aqua / iOne
X-Men fans are surely familiar with the Xavier School for Gifted Youngster. Turns out they were freshly dipped with a collection, via the Heroes & Villains “Mutatis Mutandis” booth, that includes tees, hoodies hats and varsity jacket. The prep-familiar fashion is inspired by Wolverine, Rogue, Storm and other classic characters.
Source: aqua / iOne
Source: aqua / iOne
The Boondocks – Booth #1043
Source: aqua / iOne
The Boondocks booth offered prints and Boondocks apparel. Even the dude who voiced Uncle Ruckus was on hand to sign autographs and take photos.
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Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
It’s that time of the year when New Yorkers spot people dressed up as their favorite superheroes, supervillains, and pop culture icons taking a ride on the train because New York Comic Con is back.
The annual celebration of all things geeky is back and in full effect at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The event officially kicked off on Thursday, October 12, marking the second full convention at maximum capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic and all restrictions were lifted.
Like we always do, HipHopWired/Cassius Life is on the scene and on the prowl for the best cosplay, and we most definitely spotted some winners.
While roaming the halls of the giant convention center, we spied a Doctor Strange (pictured above) and Tony Stark cosplays that could serve as stunt doubles for the actual cast members from the Marvel films.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
They weren’t the only Marvel characters in the Javits Center. Loki, Thor’s villainous brother, is enjoying newfound popularity thanks to Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of the comic book character in the movies, and the Disney+ series has become a favorite among cosplayers.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
No surprise, fresh off the popularity of the Greta Gerwig film starring Margot Robbie, we ran into plenty of Barbie cosplay. We didn’t see any Kens out, but there is still Friday, Saturday, and possibly Sunday to see someone showing they are “Kenough.”
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
Cosplayers As Video Game Characters
The world of video games was also well-represented at NYCC. We ran across what we believe is the best Call of Duty cosplay we have ever seen.
Just look at the cosplay of Simon “Ghost” Riley below. It’s impressive.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
We also saw a great cosplay of the Mindflayer from the popular video game Baldur’s Gate 3, an excellent play on Joel from the PlayStation-exclusive video game and hit HBO series The Last of Us.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
This was only day one, so keep it locked on HipHopWired and Cassius Life for more photos from NYCC weekend.
Hit the gallery below for more cosplay photos.
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Photos: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez
1. LEGO Green Goblin
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
2. Wolverine
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
3. Princess Leia
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
4. Annakin Skywalker
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
5. Moon Girl
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
6. Barbies
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
7. Spider-Punk (Hobie Brown)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
8. Pokémon Trainer
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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9. New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
10. Boastful Loki & Alligator Loki
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
11. The Winter Soldier
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
12. Doctor Strange
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
13. Han Solo
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
14. Samara Morgan (The Ring)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
15. New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
16. Joel (The Last of Us)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
17. Billy The Puppet (Saw)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
18. The Joker
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
19. Rey (Star Wars)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
20. Catwoman
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
21. Captain Price (Call of Duty)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
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Source: Sony / InZone Buds
Not to be outdone by its own new PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, Sony has unveiled a pair of new Inzone Buds geared explicitly towards gamers.
Sony Electronics is dropping a pair of $199 InZone Gaming Buds, the company’s first pair of gaming-focused wireless earbuds.
When the Inzone Buds arrive (available for pre-order today), Sony promises to deliver exceptional battery life (up to 12 hours of use) and audio at the lowest latency possible.
While not specifically made for the PlayStation 5 console, the InZone Buds will pair with your PS5, the new “PS5 Slim,” PCs, and mobile devices.
Most users will connect using the provided dongle that Sony boasts will cut latency to below 30 milliseconds. For users with the latest Android smartphone, you can use Bluetooth LE Audio.
Source: Sony / InZone Buds
360 Spatial Audio is also an option in the new InZone Buds. The Verge reports setting that all up will require a series of steps that have to be taken.
Per The Verge:
Sound Field Optimization creates a personalized hearing profile by taking photos of the user’s ears using the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer smartphone app. The InZone Buds go one step further through the Sound Tone Personalization feature, individualized to the ear canal by playing test sounds from the driver units and using feedback microphones to measure how the sound fills the ear canal. Based on the acoustic analysis, the sound is then uploaded onto the InZone Hub PC software, where further personalization can be done to curate a truly personalized spatial listening experience with unparalleled spatial sound precision.
The Fit
As far as comfort, Sony claims the InZone Buds are designed to provide the wearer with a comfortable fit over extending gaming sessions.
The company achieves this goal by designing the buds to reduce the pressure on the wearer’s ears while using them. There are four sets of silicone ear tips, including an extra small sizing because no ear is the same.
Source: Sony / InZone Buds
Can The InZone Buds Be Used For Music & Movies
The Verge reports the InZone Buds that you can use them InZone Buds for other forms of entertainment, but Sony says it has designed them to improve your gaming experience.
Active noise-cancellation is also available to completely immerse you in whatever you may be doing while using the InZone Buds.
The InZone Buds are now available for pre-order and will ship sometime in November.
For more photos, hit the gallery below.
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Photo: Sony / InZone Buds
1. Sony InZone Buds
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2. Sony InZone Buds
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8. Sony InZone Buds
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9. Sony InZone Buds
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11. Sony InZone Buds
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12. Sony InZone Buds
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Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty / DJ Envy
Moooooorrnnnninnngg everybody, D J Envy could be in some serious trouble.
The co-host of the popular Power 105.1’s morning show, The Breakfast Club, is linked to a New Jersey real estate venture that many investors call a scam that has left them out of millions, local affiliate News 4 NY’s I-Team reports.
When he is not setting off the beige rage meter, Envy is very vocal about his real estate ventures with his buddy, Cesar Pina, plus his wife, Jennifer, and often promotes them during the show.
“We’ve helped so many people, not just regular people, but celebrities, athletes, executives,” the radio host said on The Breakfast Club.
On top of mentioning the venture on the nationally syndicated radio show, Envy also linked up with Pina for seminars and at the convention center, where they were pitching opportunities to flip properties mainly located in “distressed areas,” aka the hood, News 4 New York reports.
The news outlet also shared numerous accounts from investors who now feel like they were hoodwinked and bamboozled after being lured into the alleged scam after hearing about it from DJ Envy.
Per News 4:
Jose Santiago and his wife, Jessica Ortiz, say they believed investing in a real estate venture in a Paterson neighborhood would be their ticket to the American dream.
“That’s the reason I got into real estate, so we can actually start flipping properties, buying properties so we can have something for our kids in the future,” Ortiz told News 4.
The couple says they connected with entrepreneur Cesar after seeing him on social media with DJ Envy.
“He’s advertising this all over radio and television, so I thought this was legit,” Santiago said. “We invested $200,000, and it looks like we won’t ever get it back.”
The pitch: to invest in run down properties that would be renovated and flipped for money. The promised return: up to 30% of the profits. In some cases, Cesar didn’t even own the properties, including the one Santiago and Ortiz took $200,000 in equity from their Florida home to finance the project. They said they were told profits would come within four months, but they never saw a dime.
“I am paying the interest right now every month, and I have nothing,” Santiago said.
Nigel Chamblin claims he was conned by Cesar into investing $235,000 into that same Paterson property, along with homes in Hawthorne and Maplewood that each required $300,000.
” There were other people investing in these exact same properties,” Chamblin told News 4.” It was a scam, it was a lie.”
But Wait, There Is More Struggle To Report
Another victim, Augie Rios, who owns a custom auto wrap and has worked on the DJ Envy’s cars for years, says he got one return on an initial investment but claims a second investment on a Patterson property flopped.
He also notes how Envy’s involvement was the only reason he got involved.
“I wouldn’t have invested in Cesar if it wasn’t for Envy,” Rios told the I-Team. “I lost a total of $64,000.”
The struggle gets worse, Rios says, after getting two bounced checks. He claims Pina came through with a box of jewelry from him to hold onto.
“He says take this jewelry until I can pay you back,” with Rios estimating the jewelry was worth up to $15,000-$20,000.
Another victim, record producer Anthony Martini, lost “a million dollars” after investing in what he thought was a “promising apartment complex.”
Like many others, he only got involved because of Envy, whom he has known for years. He is now suing.
What Does DJ Envy Have To Say?
The radio host, born Rasshaun Casey, initially opted to speak through his real estate attorney. Envy’s attorney claims his client has also lost “half a million” dealing with the Pinas.
“[Envy] is a victim, just like the other alleged victims are in connection with the scam,” Massimo D’Angelo, Envy’s attorney, said. “He is contending daily with cases that are being filed improperly against him.”
When asked why Envy doesn’t use his radio show to warn other victims, the attorney cites “ongoing litigation” as the reason.
Envy’s attorney is also pushing to have all the lawsuits against his client dismissed and is suing TonytheCloser for defamation despite showing up on his show.
TonytheCloser is a self-proclaimed real estate scam watchdog, and many of the alleged victims of the scam appeared on his show.
Envy has finally broken his silence, going against the advice of his attorneys.
Social media is reacting to the news of DJ Envy possibly being a scammer.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Johnny Nunez / Getty
1. Ruh Roh