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Universal Music Group Rebrands College Marketing Program

Universal Music Group has announced its intent to rebrand its college lifestyle marketing program, moving away from the previous UMUSIC Experience format to introduce °1824. It was on Thursday that the company revealed its plan at the invitations, an annual meeting that includes the grograms’s team along with the 85 students in the program.

“Our program has become a proven artist and career development platform,” Senior VP and head the program Todd Goodwin said in a statement. “Over the last four years, we evolved as our capabilities outgrew those traditional college programs. While career development, mentorship and job placement will continue to be central to our success, it became clear we needed to redesign our core program and, in turn, give our team an even larger platform to highlight their creativity by forming °1824.”

The new format the program will focus on giving college reps “actionable roles” on projects for UMG’s outreach. Projects would include influencer marketing, public relations, design, filmmaking, and strategic partnerships. Universal notes that the team was previously working on over 40 projects a month, including the behind-the-scenes series Beyond The Barricade and Chop It Up, the interview series that features artists flying in a helicopter over NYC.

The new °1824 has plans to produce over 100 annual events that will include experiential “experiential activations, screenings, HBCU homecoming events, and more.”

Lil Tecca’s "Ransom" Is No. 1 On Rhythmic Songs Airplay Chart

This week, Lil Tecca’s “Ran$om” track earns the young rapper the No. 1 slot on the Rhythmic Songs airplay chart, per Billboard, after experiencing an increase 12% in airplay. It marks for the first No. 1 songs on the chart for producer Taz Taylor while adding onto the resume co-producer Nick Mira who previously accomplished the feat with Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams.”

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The track first debuted on the chart on July 20th, cracking the top 10 in its seventh week. The airplay follows on the heels amazing streaming numbers logged by the young Tecca as the song was at No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart for seven weeks straight. Currently, it sits at No. 4.

On other charts, the track also creeps to No. 6 on the RapAirplay chart while hitting No. 13 on the R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart, increasing his audience by 18% and 26%, respectively. Billboard also notes that the cut is quietly leaving a mark on the Pop Airplay chart, sliding from No. 20 to 28 after a 5% increase.

At the bottom the Rhythmic Songs chart, you’ll also find Tecca’s “Did It Again,” also produced by Taz Taylor and Nick Mira. With a 9% boosts in plays, it holds the 40th position on the chart.

Starbucks Baristas Bust Out Secret "Joker" Frappuccino

At this point, it’s nigh impossible to escape Joker-mania. With some media outlets stirring fears gun-toting incels and others taking a hardline stance against the film’s quality, the Joaquin Phoenix-led flick has certainly garnered a slight bit controversy. And yet fans have been singing its praises, with some even labeling it among the genre’s best ferings. Should you count yourselves among that group, you can ficially represent your Joker adoration with a special, limited edition secret Starbucks beverage.

If you’re looking for instructions on how to order the custom Joker Frappuccino from your local Starbucks, Hypebeast has the answers. Luckily, it does not include laughing like The Joker, or any variation a Joker impression. Simply inquire after the beverage, albeit during a quieter time; due to the various layers, it takes a little bit time to put together. Not to mention the fact that these “secret menu” items aren’t ficially Starbucks affiliated, and therefore, a Barista might not know how to put this one together f top. Still, it’s nothing you can’t walk them through, provided you’ve got the recipe on deck.

The drink itself features green whipped cream and a hint chocolate (the hair), mixed in with Starbucks’ Matcha Green Tea Creme Frappuccino (the base). As for the iconic smile, you can thank carefully placed strawberry syrup for that. Should you be so inclined, ask your most trusted barista about this one when you have a chance.

Lakers-Inspired Air Jordan Spiz’Ike Coming Soon: Official Images

While it may not the most popular Air Jordan model, there is something to be said about the unique aesthetic Spike Lee’s infamous Spiz’Ike. The shoe is a combination multiple Jordan Brand silhouettes and has come in some pretty interesting colorways over the years. Even though the shoe doesn’t have the same iconic status as the numbered Jordans, the Spiz’Ike has built a cult status over the years and sneaker consumers are always looking forward to some new iterations.

This past week, we got a brand new look at this purple and black Spiz’Ike which looks like it would be perfect for Lakers fans. The upper is made black nubuck while the purple accents help to add a much-needed pop color. If you’re not a fan the Lakers, you can convince yourself that these are some dope Halloween shoes that are perfect for some spooky festivities.

According to Sneaker News, these will be dropping quite soon for an undisclosed price. Let us know in the comments below if you plan on copping these or if you’re going to be passing.

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Mary J. Blige Joining Cast Of Aretha Franklin Biopic

Casting for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic is complete.

Deadline reports that the film, which will feature Jennifer Hudson in the lead role, will now feature Mary J. Blige in the role Dinah Washington, a well-known jazz figure the 1950s. It adds to the impressive resume that Blige has created for herself in the realm film and television, already having claimed two Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.

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The film is set to chronicle Franklin’s childhood singing in her father’s church, tracing her rise to fame. Others who will star in the film include Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Audra McDonald, Tituss Burgess, and Tate Donovan among others.

Written by Tracey Scott Wilson and directed by Liesl Tommy, the film will begin production on November 1st and is currently eyeing a debut August 14, 2020.

“I am thrilled with the incredibly talented cast we have assembled for our film, and I’m so proud that Ms. Franklin entrusted us to tell her story and to share it with the world,” said Tommy, per Deadline. “As a storyteller, hers is the kind story we all dream telling. Her music has inspired me since I was a little girl, and the milestones her life and career have shown us all how to strive and thrive. To have this powerhouse group actors – and the phenomenal talent Jennifer Hudson in this iconic role – means we have the chance making this film as transcendent as her glorious life and legacy.”

Air Jordan 13 "Island Green" Releasing Sooner Than Expected: Details

There are two different “Island Green” Air Jordans releasing in November, including a white-based Air Jordan 5 and a black-based Air Jordan 13, both which are highlighted by the sneaker’s namesake color.

Jordan Brand has not yet announced the ficial release details but rumors are swirling that the 13s will now be available on November 6, 10 days earlier than originally expected. The kicks will carry a $190 price tag.

The “Island Green” 13s are highlighted by a textured black leather upper, accompanied by suede “Island Green” overlays in all the familiar places. The kicks also come equipped with chrome detailing on the Jumpman logos on the tongue as well as a “23” badge in place the traditional hologram on the outer ankle. Overall, the color scheme is reminiscent the iconic Tiffany Nike SB Dunks.

Continue scrolling for the latest images the 13s, and click here for ficial photos the 5s.

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Seth Rogen Comments On Teen Arrested With Fake "McLovin" ID

It’s not easy being a teenager. Especially not when the sudden urge to experiment with alcohol kicks in, only to be brick-walled by a pesky age-limitation. Twenty-one and over to drink a beer, sure, why not. To no surprise, many resourceful youths (and some not so resourceful) have turned to the Fake ID, a time-honored tradition that has yielded varying degrees success. For one Iowan young man, the cards were ultimately not in his favor. Especially not when he opted to use a novelty ID from the movie Superbad. That’s right – he committed to becoming McLovin.

Committed is not an understatement; 20-year-old Daniel Alfredo Burleson’s fake ID even had the same birth year 1981. While it’s unclear whether the McLovin actually played a role in getting him into the bar to begin with, Burleson found himself inside all the same, drink in hand. When spotted by a suspicious police ficer, the cop inquired about his age and requested some ID. Burleson failed to comply, only to later cave under pressure. After rifling through his wallet, cops discovered the McLovin, which he admitted to having purchased on Amazon.

For whatever reason, the police decided it was time to increase the difficulty setting on this man’s life, slapping him with a criminal record. Despite being all-smiles in his mugshot, Burleson found himself facing charges public intoxication, possession a fake ID, possession alcohol while underage and being in a bar after 10 p.m. while underage. Though said charges will likely prove a pain in the ass for the young man, Seth Rogen seemed to find the whole thing rather amusing. “My work here is done,” he wrote, upon seeing the destruction wrought by McLovin’s legacy. Pour some out.

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Frank Ocean Returns with New Song ‘DHL’

Frank Ocean is back with a special delivery.

Without any warning, the reclusive singer returned to the airwaves for a new episode of blonded RADIO on Saturday afternoon. During episode 008 of his Beats 1 show on Apple Music, with co-hosts Vegyn and Roof Access, he debuted his first new music of 2019 including a song called “DHL,” named after the international courier service.

“Independent juug, selling records out the trunk / I’m already rich as f**k so the product’s in the front,” he sings on the experimental track. “Got my partner in the front / Been my BF for a month / But we been fu**in’ from the jump.”

He also shared a pair of live tracks, “Cayendo (Sango Remix)” and “Dear April (Justice Remix),” which he premiered during his PrEP+ club night in New York City on Thursday.

During a recent interview with W Magazine, Ocean opened up about his interest in club music. “I’ve been interested in club, and the many different iterations of nightlife for music and songs,” he said. “And so the things I look at now have a lot to do with those scenes: Detroit, Chicago, techno, house, French electronic…”

Scarlett Johansson & Other MCU Stars Are Ready For An All-Female Film

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is being egged on by its own stars to create a female-led film and it’s safe to say the fans couldn’t agree more. Scarlett Johansson who stars as Black Widow in the MCU expressed the latter in a recent interview with Variety, detailing how she may not know the future her character but she wants a certain future for other females in the universe. “Obviously, it’s a little more opaque for my character. But that group actresses is so incredibly powerful and when they come together, it’s explosive and unstoppable. So yes, I’m pushing for that. I think audiences want it and I’m definitely one them,” she said.

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Brie Larson, who stars as Captain Marvel, even expressed her want for all the female stars to come together – clearly, it’s time.

“I think that is what we want, we want to see females working together, ideally in their own film and we really have been saying this a lot but the more that people talk about it and say they are behind that and are interested in that the higher likelihood it is that that could happen. People are listening. They’re watching,” Brie said, while Tessa Thompson (who plays Valkyrie in the MCU) added: “I want to work together as a team, us women, doing things in a film or two.”

Will "Joker" Be In New "Suicide Squad" Movie? Probably Not

These days, with Joker being the number-one movie in the country for two straight weeks, it’s easy to see the popularity the green-haired villain has garnished over the years. Back in 2016, Suicide Squad featured the villain, played by Jared Leto. However, fans may be disappointed to know that Joker probably won’t be in the second edition the Suicide Squad story.

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Recently, director James Gunn did a Q&A on Instagram. One user asked, “How can you justify a Suicide Squad movie that does not have Joker in it?” This Joker fan was probably not very content with the response they got. Gunn responded, “No one but me and a few others know all the characters in the movie, but if the Joker isn’t in the film, I don’t think it would be strange as he isn’t a part the Suicide Squad in the comics.” Gunn’s response doesn’t completely rule out the possibility Joker appearing in the movie, but it does make it seem pretty unlikely. The second Suicide Squad movie is set to release on August 6, 2021.

Still, all hope is not lost for Joker fans. The villain and his lover, Harley Quinn, are set to have their own ‘love story spin-f’ movie in which they kidnap Dr. Phil. Keep an eye out for that.

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Issa Rae Announces Raedio Label With Atlantic Records

Issa Rae’s empire is expanding.

The media hyphenate recently announced the arrival her Raedio label, birthed out a new venture with Atlantic Records.

“Music has always been an essential part every project I do and working with emerging talent is a personal passion,” Rae said. “Raedio allows me to continue that work within the music industry and audio entertainment space. The Atlantic Records team are innovators in terms shifting and shaping culture. I’m excited to join forces with them to discover new artists.”

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While formed earlier in the year, Raedio makes its ficial debut in tandem with the arrival “Kinda Love,” the latest track to come the nascent company’s flagship artist TeaMarr. The Boston-born songstress first broke out last year wither her “One Job” track and music video and finds appropriate support in Rae’s backing

“Issa Rae is a next-level, future-thinking creative force who’s been breaking down cultural barriers and conquering one field after another,” adds Atlantic Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald. “She’s made music a central character in her artistic evolution, and now she’s brought all that amazing passion, inspiration, and taste to the formation Raedio. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Issa and her team on this exciting new venture, and TeaMarrr is the perfect artist to launch with.”

Lizzo, Kehlani, Ava DuVernay & More Added To REVOLT Summit Lineup in Los Angeles

After wrapping up its appearance in Atlanta last month, the REVOLT Summit will continue its inaugural run in Los Angeles next weekend. And just ahead its ficial arrival in California, the Summit has announced the addition new talent to its lineup speakers and performers.

Having already been anchored by the support entities such as TDE, new names that include Lizzo, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Lilly Singh, Kahlani, Melina Matsoukas, Storm Reid, and Al Harrington will also be in attendance.

Rich Fury/Getty s for Coachella

“Each will bring their own voice to panel conversations rooted in the business Hip Hop and dedicated to equipping aspiring young leaders with the tools for success,” reads a press release.

For Lizzo, Kehlani, Sign and Reid, that will include taking part in the Follow Her Lead panel where they will unpack being women int he entertainment industry, “breaking barriers, pursuing their passions and chasing their goals on their journey to the top.”

In Al Harrington’s case, he will sit down with Snoop Dogg for The Smoke and mirrors panel where they will discuss the billion-dollar cannabis industry and how the hip-hop community can get in. Harrington’s qualifications for the talk stem from the former NBA star’s Viola Brands company, which specializes in both medicinal and recreational marijuana manufacturing.

The event ficially kicks f on October 25th. Tickets can be purchased at REVOLTSummit.com

Pascal Siakam Agrees To $130 Million Extension With Toronto Raptors: Report

Pascal Siakam just got paid. The Toronto Raptors forward has just agreed to a four-year, $130 million maximum rookie contract extension, agents Todd Ramasar and Jaafar Choufani told ESPN.

Siakam and the Raptors had until Monday at 6 PM ET to come to an agreement on an extension, otherwise he would have hit restricted free agency next summer. Now, the deal will keep the rising star in Toronto until the 2024 season.

Siakam is coming f a breakout season, during which he won Most Improved Player after averaging 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and shooting 36.9 percent from 3. His much-improved fensive attack, along with his usual strong work on the defensive end were major reasons why the Raptors won their first title in franchise history last season.

For what its worth, this marks the third time a player in the 2016 NBA draft class has agreed to a maximum contract, following along with the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons and Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray. I think dinner is on Pascal tonight.

G-Eazy Details How Kid Cudi Helped Squash Machine Gun Kelly Beef

Once upon a time, amid the war the white rappers, Machine Gun Kelly and G-Eazy were at each other’s throats. Halsey was in the middle this, Em was in the middle it — it was just an overall messy situation. Eventually, they squashed their beef publicly and there’s a good chance we might get some music for them in the future. Apparently, Kid Cudi is who deserves the credit for making peace between the two rappers.

G-Eazy recently sat down with Real 92.3 Los Angeles where he detailed how his feud with Machine Gun Kelly ended up being extremely shortlived. He explained that he was at Paris Fashion Week when he ended up having a chat with Kid Cudi.

“I was in Paris Fashion Week and I’m sitting at a table with Push, Pharrell,” G-Eazy recalled. “And then Don C tap me, he’s like, ‘Yo, Cudi wants to holler at you.’ I’m like, ‘What?'” He continued. “We talk for a minute and he’s like, ‘G, you just gotta do one thing for me, man. Promise me you’ll do it.’ And I’m like, ‘Huh?'” G-Eazy said. “He’s like, ‘Bro, you and Kells gotta make peace.’ And I kid you not, at this moment, Kells was walking into this party.”

Inevitably, they ended up squashing their beef and became friends from there. Peep the clip below.

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🎥 @bootlegkev @djhed

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Nike Air Max 97 "Bronze" Officially Unveiled: Detailed Photos & Release Info

Nike has taken quite a bit pride in its infamous Air Max line and one the best shoes in the library celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017. Of course, that shoe is the Nike Air Max 97 which has come in quite a few phenomenal colorways over the years. Just two years ago, the silhouette saw a huge resurgence and Nike has been releasing some brand new colorways ever since. Fans are always eager to scoop up these shoes and this past week, we got a glimpse at yet another iteration.

This time, the shoe is coming in a bronze and black colorway which sees the former grace the entire upper. From there, the tongue and midsole are black while a clear Air Max unit gives the sneaker its finishing touches. Overall, it’s yet another phenomenal colorway that is perfect for all the Air Max 97 lovers out there.

For now, there is no concrete release date but according to Sneaker News, these should be coming out within the next few weeks.