Month: August 2022

Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Projected to Debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Powered by Strong First Week

by
FYzsIadWIAE9Mqr

Beyoncé is set to return to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. Queen Bey’s new album, Renaissance, is projected to unseat Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti at the top spot behind an estimated 275,000 to 315,000 total album-equivalent units, according to Hits Daily Double.

In its availability, Renaissance is already the most-streamed album in a single day by a woman on Spotify. The album is predicted to surpass 170 million plays in the United States.

The new release is the first solo album from Queen Bey since 2016’s Lemonade, but get ready for more. In a statement before the album’s release, Beyoncé revealed this is just Act 1 as this era is a three-act project.

The full statement is available below:

This three-act project was recorded over three years during the pandemic. A time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative. Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world.

It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.

I want to give a special thank you to Rumi, Sir, and Blue for allowing me the space, creativity, and inspiration. And a special thanks to my beautiful husband and muse, who held me down during those late nights in the studio. A big thank you to my uncle Johnny. He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album. Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you. Thank you to my Parkwood crew, my slab, Dream, and all of the talented producers involved. Mama, I luhhhh you. To my father, my O.G., my first teacher: You inspire me in every move that I make. I love you.

To all of my fans: I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.

Love y’all deep,
B

You can stream the new album below.

The post Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Projected to Debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Powered by Strong First Week appeared first on The Source.

Lenny Santiago Partners with PUMA’s “FOR ALL TIME” Series

by
22AW GE For All Time LennyS 2322 RGB

Lenny Santiago, one of Hip-Hop’s favorite photographers, has teamed up with global retailer PUMA for its ongoing “FOR ALL TIME” program in July.

The FOR ALL TIME platform from PUMA emphasizes the iconic footwear brand’s rich history and influence. Lenny is the campaign’s Visual of Still Photography, furthering his reputation as a tastemaker and accomplished photographer. Lenny has been a significant effect on the culture for many years thanks to his work as SVP of Roc Nation and his passion endeavor, photography. He is in charge of hiring, overseeing, and photographing some of the biggest hip-hop acts.

Lenny is a member of “The Collective” at PUMA, a collection of legendary cultural figures that have influenced the shoe industry over the past 50 years. Lenny has chosen Jocko Graves and Melvin Williams as the following creatives to be featured as part of the platform; they will each get a $10K grant from PUMA as part of the passing of the torch. Jocko Graves is a multi-talented artist who has received recognition from publications like GQ, Vogue, Forbes, Def Jam, Complex, and Milk Studios for his custom portraiture and portrayal of contemporary New York City nightlife.

image001 9

The post Lenny Santiago Partners with PUMA’s “FOR ALL TIME” Series appeared first on The Source.

A.J. Brown Calls Out Titans In Response To Deebo Samuel’s 49ers Deal

by

A.J. Brown responded to reports that the San Francisco 49ers have signed Deebo Samuel to a three-year, $73.5 million deal by throwing shade at his former team, the Tennessee Titans. $58.1 million of Samuel’s contract is guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Brown was traded to the Eagles, earlier this year, in exchange for two 2022 draft picks amid his contract dispute.

“Basically all 4 of us got the same contract and I’m the only one got traded… yeah keep believing it was me,” Brown tweeted on Sunday. “Anywho Go Birds.”

A.J. Brown
Wesley Hitt / Getty Images

While he couldn’t get paid in Tennessee, the Eagles ended up offering him a four-year deal worth $100 million after the trade.

In May, Brown released a statement addressing the trade, revealing that upset fans had threatened him.

“I’m so sorry I let down your kids and many others but I will not put myself in a place where my peace is going to be threatened by adults who feel a way because I was traded,” Brown stated at the time.

Samuel’s contract comes after a tumultuous offseason that saw the star wide receiver request a trade, scrub his social media of Niners content, and more.

In 2021, Samuel made a name for himself for his unique ability to play both receiver and running back. He finished as the third player in NFL history to have at least 1,000 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns, and five rushing scores in the same season.

Check out Brown’s tweet below.

[Via]

Elon Musk Calls On US To Release “People In Jail For Weed” In Response To Brittney Griner Meme

by

Elon Musk suggested that the United States should free people imprisoned for marijuana in its own country in response to reports that the Biden administration is working on a deal to get WNBA star Brittney Griner out of Russia.

“Maybe free some people in jail for weed here too?” Musk wrote in response to a meme reading, “People in the US in jail for weed while the government trades a Russian war criminal to free a woman’s basketball player in jail for weed.”

Elon Musk
Win McNamee / Getty Images

The tweet comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Wednesday that the US made a “substantial proposal” to Russia to bring the two-time Olympic gold medalist home.

Sunday isn’t the first time that Musk has called for the US to release prisoners sentenced for marijuana-related crimes. Back in 2020, the Tesla CEO tweeted, “Selling weed literally went from major felony to essential business (open during pandemic) in much of America and yet many are still in prison. Doesn’t make sense, isn’t right.”

According to CNN, the US has offered notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout in a prisoner swap for Griner and Paul Whelan. Griner has been held in Russia since February after being caught carrying the drug at a Moscow airport, where it is illegal. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Check out Musk’s tweet below.

[Via]