BODYARMOR Sports Drink today announced a multi-year partnership with one of New York’s most beloved superstar basketball players, Jalen Brunson. As part of the partnership, Brunson and BODYARMOR will embrace their shared values, grounded in the power of real, to bring a competitive edge against the competition.
Brunson, who prides himself on being real on and off the court, becomes an authentic addition to the BODYARMOR brand and its unique proposition of real hydration, real flavors and real ingredients.To celebrate the partnership, BODYARMOR unveiled a new social media spot featuring Jalen Brunson in the heart of New York City, where success is earned through relentless effort and unwavering dedication–a common ground for both. The spot is part of a 5-part video series that will live on social throughout the basketball season and will include a vintage aesthetic animation, providing a unique perspective on Jalen. Each of the videos within the series will incorporate a storybook-like aspect of his journey from early childhood training, high school thrilling endings, and big-league heroic moments.
“This partnership makes perfect sense because the brand values align with my personal beliefs and commitment to what’s real,” said star point guard and BODYARMOR partner, Jalen Brunson. “Just like my journey, where success is built on genuine effort and dedication, this collaboration is rooted in authenticity and real impact. I’m proud to be a new BODYARMOR partner and to stay hydrated with the best.”
The announcement comes to life just before a much-anticipated new basketball season. In addition to the video series, BODYARMOR will welcome Jalen Brunson to Team BODYARMOR via high-impact billboards and disruptive wild postings throughout midtown Manhattan.
“At BODYARMOR we champion real ingredients and authentic partnerships with athletes that believe in our products as much as we do,” saidTom Gargiulo, BODYARMOR CMO. “Jalen is stepping in to help elevate our brand to the next phase as BODYARMOR continues to evolve. This partnership holds great promise and is especially meaningful to our team because of our New York roots.”
According to a recent report from TMZ, Taurus Bartlett, who is known to the Hip Hop world as Polo G, was arrested over the weekend after police found a loaded gun in his car during a traffic stop in Los Angeles.
Polo was allegedly speeding in the San Fernando Valley on Saturday afternoon when police pulled him over. After the LAPD conducted a search of his vehicle, during which they retrieved a loaded handgun. He was arrested and charged with felony possession of a concealed weapon.
Polo is currently still behind bars, which can actually create an even larger issue due to the fact that his Hood Poet Tour with Skilla Baby is set for its first stop on Thursday in Denver.
Today, adidas Originals announces a one-of-a-kind partnership between two global superstars, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, and soccer legend Lionel Messi. The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection celebrates the incredible connection between music and sport, two passions that unite fans across the world, and pays homage to the individual legacies of Bad Bunny and Messi, while cementing adidas’ role in culture.
Bad Bunny has long admired Messi, referencing the soccer superstar in his music, including five mentions in his latest album. Messi, in turn, has expressed his own admiration for the Puerto Rican artist, revealing that seven Bad Bunny tracks are included on his personal pre-game playlist. As two adidas ambassadors, this collaboration reflects a deep mutual respect between the two stars — two titans in their fields — pushing the boundaries of their respective crafts.
The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection draws inspiration from adidas heritage models, materials, and colorways from its rich brand archives. It features two of adidas’ most celebrated silhouettes – the adidas Gazelle and the adidas F50 cleat. The F50 has been worn by Messi throughout his playing career and is widely recognized as one of the best soccer cleats of all time. The Gazelle has evolved from being worn in indoor soccer gyms to a lifestyle footwear icon and one of Bad Bunny’s favorite styles.
Each model in the collection pays tribute to individual trophies honoring Messi’s status as the best male footballer in the world, with gold hues inspired by the prestigious trophy and design elements like the ‘X’ stripe heel that reference Messi’s number 10 jersey number. The blue accents connect the designs to adidas’ heritage, blending tradition with excellence. Both the Gazelle and F50 models feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi on their famous stripes, symbolizing their mutual respect and enduring legacy. The shoes also sport the Trefoil and Badge of Sport logos, along with the inscription ‘Bad Bunny Para Messi’ on the tongue. These designs transcend their original athletic purpose, fostering a new community that merges sport, music, fashion, and creative expression.
“Messi’s last name has become its own word, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart,”said Benito Martinez Ocasio.“Watching him play with the passion he does is a privilege. I compare the love he feels for his country and his sport to the love I feel for music and Puerto Rico. Collaborating with him is an honor that so many people dream of and I never even imagined I could achieve it. Today, I feel so grateful to be able to represent our culture with the GOAT.”
“This campaign celebrates our fans. Seeing people who follow me and support me does more than just inspire me, it makes me feel very grateful. I always try to give everything I have on the pitch, so it’s great to see that there are people who appreciate that effort and always support me, even in bad times,”said Lionel Messi. On the collaboration with Benito, he commented, “Music is connected to many aspects of my life, and Bad Bunny is an artist who is never missing from my playlist.”
To coincide with the launch, adidas is releasing a campaign that commemorates this groundbreaking partnership by honoring the millions of Bad Bunny and Messi fans who have voiced their devotion through social media, in the stands, and beyond, over the years. At the center of the campaign is a touching letter, crafted from the heartfelt words of fans on Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). This powerful message is brought to life in a short film featuring Messi and Bad Bunny, who read excerpts from the letter which begins with a soulful truth for both stars, “this country wouldn’t be the same,” says Messi, “… if you were born anywhere else,” continues Bad Bunny.
With a focus on creativity and excellence, this collection redefines the interplay between soccer and music, creating a moment that will resonate far beyond the worlds of sport and entertainment.
The Bad Bunny & Messi F50 will be available globally at RRP 300 EU. The Bad Bunny & Messi Gazelle will be available exclusively in North & South America at RRP 180 EUR. Sign-ups for the collection will be available on the CONFIRMED and adidas flagship apps starting October 21st, and in adidas flagship stores starting October 26th.
Big Meech is out of federal prison and serving the rest of his sentence at a halfway house. He is now a resident of the Miami Residential Reentry Management Office. In a new picture, Meech poses next to an unidentified man dressed in all Black.
According to TMZ, Big Meech has been removed from FCI Coleman Low in Wildwood and moved to BOP’s Miami Residential Reentry Management Office. He will complete his 30-year sentence in a halfway house.
Earlier this year, Meech’s sentence was reduced by nearly three years. He was initially sentenced in 2008.
Meech’s attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, claims Meech used his 20 years in prison to focus on personal growth and begin a new chapter in his life.
DKMS, the most significant non-profit organization in the world to fight blood cancer, welcomed supporters to its 18th annual gala on October 17th at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. The black-tie event raised $4.7 million in essential funding for DKMS’s global lifesaving work. The evening’s honoree was pioneering fashion designerVera Wang, recognized for her many years of dedicated support for DKMS and her exceptional contributions to the organization’s mission.
The gala featured a performance by Grammy Award- and Golden Globe award-winning singer and actress Andra Day (The United States vs Billie Holiday, “Rise Up”), with anauction hosted by comedian and actor Mario Cantone (Sex and the City, The View, The Masked Singer).
Notable guests included fashion designer Marc Jacobs, supermodels Niki Taylor and Coco Rocha, MSNBC President Rashida Jones, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and global ambassador for Rimmel London Maya Jama, iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman, and hairstylist/entrepreneur Frederic Fekkai. Inspiring on-stage remarks were delivered by Katharina Harf, DKMS Global Chairman, and Peter Harf, DKMS Founder.
Gala guests experienced a moving, on-stage moment of gratitude when Brooklyn St. John, an 11-year-old blood disease survivor from Kansas, was introduced to her lifesaving stem cell donor, Justin Bradshaw. Brooklynn and her family’s lives were upended by a sudden diagnosis of severe aplastic anemia that nearly took her life. Last night, Brooklynn and her mother finally had the opportunity to thank her genetic twin, a firefighter paramedic, and father of two from Texas, in person with a hug.
Honoree Vera Wang shares, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from DKMS, an organization whose lifesaving mission has always inspired me. The courage and resilience of patients and donors alike are a reminder of the immense power we hold when we come together to fight blood cancer. It is a privilege to support DKMS’s incredible work, and I hope that through continued efforts, we can give even more people a second chance at life.”
Global sports brand PUMA has launched the latest chapter of its first worldwide brand campaign in 10 years “FOREVER. FASTER. – See The Game Like We Do.” The newest chapter is dedicated to establishing the brand’s position as a leader in basketball and igniting the future of its hoops division.
This 2024 Hoops campaign is all about seeing the game differently and invites all to see the game like we do: determined to win, ready to show out, and playing for the joy of the game. The campaign features PUMA Hoops athletes Breanna Stewart, Flau’jae Johnson, Scoot Henderson, LaMelo Ball, and the brand’s most recent signee Tyrese Haliburton, and draws upon each player’s unique perspective on the game. Each athlete brings their own individual story, their own crew, and a unique style of play, and together they embody the FOREVER. FASTER. mantra.
“Since the start we’ve always tried to tell the story of basketball through the lens of the player, seeing the game the way they do, both on the court and off the court. This approach has allowed us to connect those unique viewpoints with disruptive product and storytelling – impactful to anyone around the game,” says Global Head of PUMA Basketball, Max Staiger, “This Campaign, for the first time, brings together our complete narrative showcasing how Stewie, Melo, Flau’Jae, Scoot, and Tyrese embody the PUMA Hoops’ disruptive and inclusive spirit.”
The legacy of PUMA Basketball dates back to 1973, championing some of the greatest names in basketball history and developing cutting edge performance shoes, such as the iconic Clyde model, that provided sporting excellence and helped carry legendary victories. PUMA returned to basketball in 2018, merging sport with culture while introducing a new wave of PUMA basketball athletes who are known for their talent and style on and off the court. PUMA continues to push the sport forward through cutting edge technology and product innovations, boundary-pushing designs and cultivated circle of creative partners and its growing, talented athlete roster.
“This campaign is a message to the world that PUMA is doubling down on hoops,” shares Richard Teyssier, Vice President Brand and Marketing. “The campaign showcases the tenacious spirit we have for the game and the investment we are willing to make to show up as a powerhouse and continue carving our legacy. This dedicated campaign will continue to thread our message across the business and amplify our holistic vision for the brand.”
“FOREVER. FASTER – See The Game Like We Do.” debuts globally and will launch across the entire mixed media, including out of home campaigns in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte, and Miami, as well as across social media, TV and more. The campaign will include a hero brand film and supporting creative assets with featured athletes. An official NBA media partnership will also amplify the campaign to hoops fans worldwide.
On this day in Hip-Hop History, New York-based supergroup The Firm released the sole studio album, The Album. As a collaborative effort made by Nas, Aftermath label-head Dr. Dre and marketing genius Steve Stoute, The Album was designed to boost the commercial and mainstream appeal of four of New York’s most prolific emcees: Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Cormega (unfortunately Cormega and the rest of those involved never saw eye-to-eye and he was swiftly replaced by Queensbridge Nature prior to finishing The Album).
Around the time of the group’s formation, its future members were at a pivotal moment in their careers. Nas, who had recently released his prolific debut Illmatic, was not receiving his due respect as one of the greatest active rappers of the time. Of course, he was in great standing with the actual rap community (he was the first non-Wu Tang member to appear on a Wu-Tang track), his fame among the public was disproportional. This disparity forced Nas to hire Stoute as his manager in an attempt to change his commercial approach.
Ironically, this was the second collaborative project of East Coast and West Coast artists involved in the coastal beef of that era. The first being the late Tupac Shakur and the Boot Camp Clik’s 1996 One Nation project.
Simultaneously, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Cormega were all experience a momentous rise in success. Foxy Brown’s work from 1995 with Jay-Z’s hit “Ain’t No Nig*a” in 1996 lead to her becoming one of the most coveted female emcees in New York. Her popularity in the industry led to a bidding war for her contract, won by Def Jam Recordings. AZ was coming off the success of his 1995 debut LP Doe or Die and Cormega was just released from serving a bid in prison. It would seem that the stars had aligned so that this project could take place.
This first time the quartet appeared on a single was Nas’ “Affirmative Action” on his sophomore LP It Was Written. The group’s chemistry and the single’s critical and commercial success made coming together as a supergroup a no-brainer for all involved.
Both the group’s name and the title of the album are an illustration of the 1991 John Grisham legal-thriller novel The Firm.
Commercially, the endeavor as a whole was a mass success. The Album debuted at #1 on both the Billboard 200 chart and Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. It sold 147,000 copies in its first week and went on to sell 925,000 in the United States. The record also had international success charting in Canada (where it sold 50,000 units), France, and the Netherlands.
In 1991, Dres and Mr. Lawnge, collectiveluy known as Black Sheep, released their only album as a duo on this date.
On October 22, 1991, Black Sheep dropped their debut LP A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing on Mercury Records. As one the last acts to be inducted as members of the legendary Native Tongues collective, Dres and his partner in Rhyme/DJ Mr. Lawnge broke the stereotype that rappers had to be born and raised in NYC in order to make respectable Hip Hop. Hailing from Smalltown, North Carolina, the BX transplants turned their geographical diversity into a joke while making one of the most memorable albums and movements to come out of the Native Tongues’ camp.
The album features some very impressionable tracks including the video favorite “Strobelite Honey”, the incomparable “Flavor Of The Month” and the timeless club anthem “The Choice Is Yours”.
Shout out to Dres, Lawnge, Chi Ali, Q-Tip, the Native Tongues family, and everyone involved with this dope album! Salute!
No one would’ve thought back on June 1st, the day that the New York Mets retired baseball legend Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18 jersey in Citi Field and subsequently fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-5, that the team that was still six games behind the NL East division-leading Phillies would be battling for a spot in the 2024 World Series. Doubters thought that they wouldn’t get past the Braves and was absolutely sure that they couldn’t beat the Brewers, but the Kings from Queens have written nothing short of a fairy tale in the month of October. In an uphill battle set in Dodger Stadium today(October 20) with Los Angeles leading the NLCS 3-2, the stage is set for the Mets’ comeback ability, which has been nothing short of miraculous this postseason. Citi Field has become the epicenter of this beyond believable energy and The Source had a chance to capture this postseason excitement only available in Queens.
Before Game 4’s ceremonial first pitch throw by Mets pitching great Matt Harvey to former Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, The Temptations, yes, the Grammy Award winning singing group, opened up with their epic ballad “My Girl”, to which the capacity crowd of Mets fans sang along. This has become a ritual of sorts at home games as “My Girl” is also the walk up song for their star shortstop Francisco Lindor. Music is just as important as jaw dropping plays on the diamond in keeping the fans on their feet in Citi Field and having in-house DJs raised in the birthplace of Hip Hop keeps the stadium on tilt unlike any other ballpark in baseball.
Queens native DJ Lomo, dipped in exclusive Mets swag and flanked by his toddler son in the DJ booth situated on the Field Level mezzanine, dons his headphones before testing his Serato to warm up with House Of Pain’s hype-the-crowd classic “Jump Around”. When asked about his tenure with the Mets, Lomo replied, “It’s been amazing, man. From the beginning, its been a dream of mine to play in sports as a DJ. I did the first one two years ago and it’s been a wrap ever since.” Lomo, whose been on the wheels for almost two decades, has spun on the airwaves at NYC’s Hot97 and says he was influenced to become a DJ by the likes of Funkmaster Flex, DJ Camilo, DJ Enuff and the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. Now, that’s Hip Hop.
Wherever there’s music, you’re bound to have people dancing and at Citi Field, you have everyone from the cool two-steppers to the all out movers and shakers, which brings up to The Queens Crew. Headed by the director and head coach Gina Capelli, TQC has already created a fanbase of their own in their inaugural season with their uptempo, synchronized dance moves, something that was virtually unheard of in Major League Baseball until now. “What an inaugural year it has been! We’re a team of 19, but there’s usually 10 to 15 dancers per game. We’re just here to bring the hype. When the music is on, we are up dancing and we want everybody up dancing with us!”, says Capelli. When asked about the Mets’ possibility of going to the World Series, Capelli replied, “Its an absolute dream. We did not expect this. We are here for the moment, but we’re ready to go to the end.” By the end, of course, Gina means the Mets’ chance to battle in a World Series/Subway Series against the 28-time World Series Champs, the New York Yankees.
Tucked away in a small broadcast room right below the stadium’s upper deck sits the audio engineers of Citi Field, which is where we found the one and only DJ Razor. Another one of QB’s finest, Razor gives props to none other that the “Propmaster” himself, DJ Red Alert, for inspiring him to get behind the turntables. He reminisced about being about to see Shea Stadium from his Jackson Heights home as a kid and after getting in the door for making a song about the Metropolitans, he feels almost obligated to move the crowd. Rocking an official black Mets jersey just like the players, Razor has his name as well as his own number(33 1/3) on the back. He is the Mets official DJ and the way he handles each hit, homer, strikeout and even errors with such audible precision you can tell that this guy isn’t new to revving up massive crowds. Behind Razor sits a guy on an electronic keyboard that played the traditional baseball sound effects, but Razor’s view as well as his 1s and 2s were front and center to every single pitch of the game.
Arguably, there hasn’t been another MLB team in history that has their own in-house, Hip Hop DJs, 20-person dance troupe, McDonald’s-inspired mascot with his own purple seat, but their own anthem? Only in New York. The Mets officially adopted “OMG” this June and was created by the Mets’ second baseman Jose Iglesias last year during the offseason. OMG, which has now earned over 2 million on-demand audio and video streams in the U.S. through Oct. 10, has spawned the OMG sign frenzy that can be seen throughout the park, in the stands and on the field. When I asked Razor how OMG initially became the anthem, he said, “That was actually the players because the players were like, ‘you know what? We’re gonna use that for home runs’ and I used it, but I still switched it up. They wanted to stick with that one song and now we’re rolling with it.”
With Game 6 in L.A. being a must win, the energy that helped them in their 12-6 win over the Dodgers on Friday at home will be necessary tonight to stay in the fight for the World Series. All of the energy from the DJs, the dance crew, “Just The Man”, the 7 Line gang, “The Rizzler” and even Glizzy Izzy needs to be activated for the magic to happen for the Amazins tonight.
Seven years ago, rumors swirled that Drake and Jennifer Lopez were getting close when the rapper shared cozy photos of them while working on his More Life album. However, when the project dropped, J.Lo was nowhere to be found on the final tracklist, leaving fans wondering what had happened between the two.
Now, with Jennifer Lopez facing a fresh chapter following her brief marriage and impending divorce from Ben Affleck, insiders say Drake is wasting no time rekindling their connection. According to In Touch, the “Certified Lover Boy” has reached out to the multi-talented star, offering both flattery and support.
“As soon as she filed the papers, Drake reached out,” a source told In Touch. “He was very sweet and told her what a fool Ben is for letting her get away, and then he quickly let her know he’s ready and willing to step in and satisfy her.”
While Lopez may be taking her time to process the breakup, sources indicate that the two have been engaging in flirty late-night texts and calls. Though J.Lo has her guard up—fully aware of Drake’s reputation as a player—the insider revealed that Drake is filling the void for something lighthearted and fun, without immediate expectations of a serious relationship.
“He’s very intelligent and romantic, and she can count on him being discreet because he’s always kept her secrets in the past,” the insider added. “It’s still in the sexting stage, but she loves hearing from him and sharing sexy selfies. He’s very quick to compliment her and lays it on thick.”
While Jennifer Lopez might not see Drake as relationship material just yet, the source explained that the Canadian rapper is more than willing to step up if and when she’s ready to take things to the next level. “It’s just a matter of her being in the right headspace,” the source concluded, hinting that Drake is ready to “drop everything” and meet her at a moment’s notice.
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