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The Best Vinyl Releases Of September 2024

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Uproxx

Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.

Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of September below.

Black Star — No Fear Of Time (Reissue)

Rhymesayers

For the first time ever, Black Star’s 2022 sophomore album No Fear Of Time is available on vinyl. The Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli project has come a long way from its initial podcast-only release.

Get it here.

Perfume Genius — Too Bright (Reissue)

Matador Records

Perfume Genius just wrapped up a brief tour, and the occasion was the anniversary of his beloved album Too Bright. He just dropped a vinyl reissue, pressed on a special edition crystal-clear LP, while the project’s streaming edition got three new bonus tracks.

Get it here.

Built To Spill — There’s Nothing Wrong With Love (Reissue)

Sub Pop

There’s Nothing Wrong With Love is now 30 years old. Built To Spill is celebrating their classic second album with a new vinyl pressing, on “Up Records Blue” vinyl. Like Perfume Genius, Built To Spill also just wrapped up an anniversary tour in celebration of the album.

Get it here.

Schoolboy Q — Oxymoron (10th Anniversary Edition)

Interscope Records/UMe

Schoolboy made his major-label debut with 2014’s Oxymoron, so it’s a major release in his discography. He’s marking the occasion with a new 10th anniversary edition, which comes in exclusive clear and silver vinyl versions that are only at Target. But we particularly love the picture disc double-vinyl offerings, which feature Q’s face both masked up and clean shaven. This is a landmark album and essential to any collection.

Get it here.

Bob Dylan And The Band — The 1974 Live Recordings

Bob Dylan

Uproxx’s Steven Hyden wrote of the expansive new Bob Dylan box set, “A sprawling data dump of music, The 1974 Live Recordings collects every known professionally recorded show from the tour, amounting to 431 tracks (all but 14 never before released) spread across 27 discs. This mountain of material attempts to make a small but nevertheless crucial point: The ’74 Tour represented a fascinating crossroads for the musicians in the spotlight. For Dylan, it marked a return to live performance after an extended hiatus, and the beginning of perhaps the most rigorous year-in and year-out tour schedule for any rock star in the past 50 years.”

Get it here.

Madonna — Like A Prayer (The Silver Collection)

Rhino

Like A Prayer is iconic, even still as the crucial release celebrates its 35th anniversary. As part of Madonna’s “Silver Collection” of reissues, Like A Prayer is now available in a limited-edition edition opaque-silver vinyl release. If you order through Rhino.com or Madonna.com, it even comes with an exclusive poster of the black-and-white photo from the album’s back cover.

Get it here.

10,000 Maniacs — MTV Unplugged (Expanded Edition)

Rhino

MTV Unplugged was an institution in its time, and 10,000 Maniacs had one of the more memorable appearances back in the ’90s. Now, that performance, including three tracks that didn’t make the original release, have been pressed on vinyl for the first time ever. For many, it was their introduction the the Bruce Springsteen/Patti Smith classic “Because The Night,” while also help solidify Natalie Merchant as a star before she launched her solo career.

Get it here.

Cass McCombs — Not The Way EP (Reissue), A (Reissue), and Prefection (Reissue)

Orindal

For McCombs, it all started with three releases: Not The Way EP, A, and Prefection. Now that the projects are all hovering around 20 years old, they’ve gotten a fresh reissue. This marks the first time these projects are back in print since their original release in the early 2000s.

Get it here.

Marvin Gaye — In The Groove (Reissue)

Motown

Motown has been crushing it with the monthly series of reissues that has been underway over the past few months. Among September’s offerings is Marvin Gaye’s In The Groove, featuring the iconic single “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Other highlights for the month include a Mono edition of Meet the Temptations and The Supremes’ Love Child.

Get it here.

The Get Up Kids — Something To Write Home About (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Polyvinyl Record Co.

Something To Write Home About is among the more iconic emo albums, and now it has gotten the reissue it deserves on its 25th anniversary. This edition is remastered and expanded, as it comes with a bunch of demos, including original four-track acoustic recordings by Matt Pryor.

Get it here.

Gus Cannon — Walk Right In (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)

Vinyl Me, Please

Cannon is an icon of American roots music, and Vinyl Me, Please is honoring that with a reissue of 1963’s Walk Right In. The album’s original release was just a run of 500 copies, but now it’s been lovingly remastered for a new generation to enjoy.

Get it here.

Michael Hutchence — “One-Way” and “Save My Life”

Boss Sonics/Deko Entertainment

Found in the vault were a pair of unreleased songs from late INXS singer Michael Hutchence, which have now been pressed on a 10-inch vinyl. The picture disc is particularly striking with its stark black imagery.

Get it here.

Vanilla Ice Reflects On Dating Madonna And Her Sharing Their Intimate Photos Publicly

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Vanilla Ice is already multiple parts deep into his series of Vlad TV interviews and he’s already revealed a ton of interesting information. He’s discussed stories of his dramatic rise to fame including astonishing highs and paralyzing lows. In the newest interview part he discussed one of the most talked about moments of his entire career. He stunned music fans in the 90s when he got into a relationship with legendary pop sensation Madonna.

Madonna is 10 years older than Vanilla Ice and when the pair met she was 30 while he was just 20. They met during one of the rapper’s performances at Madison Square Garden and he noted that she danced throughout his entire performance. From there things developed into a romance, until the moment that most people remember from the pair’s time together. Madonna released a photobook that included NSFW pictures of the pair, something that didn’t sit right with Ice. That eventually led to their breakup, though he was sure to clarify that he still respects her and appreciated their time together. Check out the full interview where he shares all of those details below.

Read More: Vanilla Ice Claims Pablo Escobar Was “Great,” Recalls Hanging Out “Constantly”

Vanilla Ice Discusses His Relationship With Madonna

Last year, Vanilla Ice weighed in on the increased interest in 2pac’s murder. Last year, Las Vegas police finally made an arrest in the long-cold case of the rapper’s murder. The trial of Keefe D, the man arrested, is due to start later this year. Firstly, he claims that Tupac called him great, something that certainly surprised rap fans watching the interview. He also revealed that he knows “too much” about Pac’s eventual murder and that he’s glad it’s finally being more thoroughly investigated.

What do you think of Vanilla Ice reflecting on his relationship with Madonna and how it fell apart? Do you think his anger at the pop icon for releasing compromising photos of the pair is justified? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Vanilla Ice Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

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Cardi B Surprised The Crowd At Madonna’s Show By Joining As A Celebrity Judge For The ‘Vogue’ Dance-Off

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As Madonna has been making stops across North America as part of The Celebration Tour, she has also brought a ton of surprise guests to join the party. During one segment of the show, Madonna brings out a celebrity judge to help her rank a dance-off that takes place during “Vogue.” And for her Monday (March 11) concert in Los Angeles, it was none other than Cardi B who came to help out.

Cardi and Madonna matched their blonde hair and black bodysuits as they held up the “10” or “Chop” cards. The two sat on chairs and just let the dancers show off their skills.

Although they had previously collaborated on Quavo’s “Champagne Rose” back in 2018, which appeared on the rapper’s debut album, Madonna and Cardi B had a brief dispute on social media back in 2022. “I literally [paid] this woman homage so many times cause I grew up listening to her,” Cardi wrote at the time, according to Variety. “She can make her point without putting clown emojis and getting slick out the mouth.”

Yet, they immediately patched things up with a phone call. “I talked to Madonna… It was beautiful… Have a great day and drive safely yallll,” Cardi added.

“I love you @iamcardib!!” Madonna tweeted back. “Always have and always will.”

Check out some clips of Cardi and Madonna sharing the stage and judging panel below.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Best Luther Vandross Samples In Hip Hop

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Soul & R&B royalty Luther Vandross has long been revered for his unparalleled timeless compositions. Considering the excellence of his music, it was only a matter of time before Hip Hop artists recognized the goldmine of inspiration embedded within his catalog. For decades now, the singer’s music has been sampled in Hip Hop tracks, contributing to many unforgettable gems.

While it’s been almost two decades since he sadly passed away, Luther Vandross remains in the hearts of fans. His name recently made its way into tabloids following an incident at a Madonna show. The “Like a Prayer” singer included Luther’s photo in an AIDS/HIV tribute when, in fact, he died of a stroke and didn’t have either disease. Nevertheless, since we’re all thinking of Luther Vandross and honoring his legacy, let’s take a look at some of his best samples in Hip Hop.

“Excuse Me Miss” — Jay-Z Ft. Pharrell Williams

After releasing The Blueprint 2 in November 2002, Jay-Z dropped “Excuse Me Miss” as its third single on February 4, 2003. The track is a mesmerizing blend of smooth R&B vibes and hard-hitting rap verses. Produced by The Neptunes, it boasts an infectious groove driven by crisp percussion, lush synths, and a hypnotic bassline. In addition, it features lyrics and melodies from “Take You Out” (2001) by Luther Vandross. The sampled material appears within the first minute of “Excuse Me Miss” and is sung by Pharrell Williams.

“Things I’ve Been Through” — Jadakiss

“Things I’ve Been Through” was released as a part of Jadakiss’ third album, The Last KisI (2009). Although it didn’t get the single treatment, this is undoubtedly one of the standout tracks on the album. An introspective masterpiece, it offers a poignant glimpse into the rapper’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Additionally, it features one of the most memorable Luther Vandross samples in Hip Hop. The iconic hook of Jadakiss’s track was lifted from “Promise Me,” a song from Luther’s 1982 sophomore album. The sample comes on at the beginning of “Things I’ve Been Through” and is present throughout the song.

“Got Me Waiting” — Heavy D & The Boyz

When Heavy D & The Boyz dropped this song in 1994, it quickly rose to the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. “Got Me Waiting” is arguably the most successful single from the group’s Nuttin’ But Love album, and for good reason. The track seamlessly blends velvety R&B melodies with infectious rap verses in a way that only Heavy D could master. However, this song would not be what it is without the Luther Vandross sample that quite literally gives it life. It samples the instrumental from the 1981 Luther Vandross song “Don’t You Know That?”

“The Way Life Used To Be” — Snoop Dogg

An underrated gem in Snoop’s discography, “The Way Life Used to Be” was released in 2011. It appears on the rapper’s eleventh album, Doggumentary, and is one of its best tracks. Set against a backdrop of lush production characterized by silky melodies, the song captures the essence of West Coast Hip Hop at its finest. Another standout feature of “The Way Life Used to Be” is its excellent use of a Luther Vandross sample. The song it borrows from is “Bad Boy / Having a Party,” off of Luther’s sophomore album.

“Mind Of A Souljah” — Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is one of the most revered rap groups in the history of Hip Hop. With a discography like theirs, it’s easy to see why they have the reputation they do. “Mind of a Souljah” was released as a part of their third album, The Art of War. Like “Things I’ve Been Through” by Jadakiss, this song samples “Promise Me” by Luther Vandross. The haunting melody the sample sets the stage for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to deliver their powerful message with unflinching intensity.

“No Better Love” — Young Gunz Ft. Rell

“No Better Love” by Young Gunz is a timeless anthem of youthful exuberance and the pursuit of success. Released as the lead single from the duo’s debut album, Tough Luv, it showcases their musical strengths. The song’s hook and upbeat tempo create a vibe that is both nostalgic and irresistibly catchy. Additionally, it features a smooth sample of the instrumentals of Luther Vandross’s “Better Love.” 

“Slow Jamz” — Twista Ft. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx

On December 2, 2003, Twista released “Slow Jamz” as the lead single of his fourth album, Kamikaze. All three artists on this track bring their A-game and deliver a masterclass in storytelling. Without a doubt, Jamie Foxx and Kanye West’s contributions elevate the song to iconic status. Equally iconic is the sample of “A House Is Not a Home” by Luther Vandross featured on “Slow Jamz.” The sped-up vocals of the singer appear throughout the song and add an undeniable flavor to it.

The post Best Luther Vandross Samples In Hip Hop appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Madonna AIDS Tribute Has Luther Vandross’ Estate Addressing His Inclusion

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Even in her mid-60s, Madonna continues to make waves throughout the music world. She’s currently embarking on her Celebration Tour, which has consistently been in the news for everything from on-stage tumbles to now, an unnecessary tribute to the late Luther Vandross. As TMZ notes, the legendary singer passed away in 2005 due to complications from a prior stroke, not AIDS, as the Queen of Pop seemed to suggest during a recent show. While honouring friends like Freddie Mercury and Keith Haring, who openly battled the disease, an image of Vandross flashed up on the screen while Madonna was performing “Live to Tell.”

“Luther Vandross passed away in 2005 due to complications from a stroke suffered two years earlier,” a representative told Page Six this week. “While we appreciate Madonna’s recognition of those lives lost to AIDS, Luther was NEVER diagnosed with AIDS or the HIV Virus,” they doubled down. During his life, the New York native addressed gossip about his health head-on, calling out a British magazine in the mid-80s that suggested his dramatic weight loss was related to a battle with AIDS.

Read More: Madonna’s BBL Angers 50 Cent: “Who The F**k Did This?”

Luther Vandross Didn’t Have AIDS, Despite Queen of Pop Honouring Him On Tour

Vandross’ image is no longer a part of Madonna’s tribute segment, and it seems the matter between both parties was resolved amicably. The “Le Freak” artist never came out as anything other than a straight man while in the spotlight, though his sexuality clearly remains a hot topic of conversation.

Madonna and her team might’ve missed the mark when attempting to pay homage to Luther Vandross, but hip-hop has done a great job of continuing the late vocalist’s legacy over the years. One of the most recognizable samples of his work appears on Jay-Z and Pharrell’s “Excuse Me Miss” over the years, but several other artists have cleverly interpolated Vandross too. Read all about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: 7 Best Luther Vandross Samples In Hip Hop

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The Weeknd, Madonna, And Playboi Carti Live The Life In Their Lavish ‘Popular’ Video

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If you were playing any Fortnite Festival last weekend, odds are you had seen The Weeknd, Madonna, and Playboi Carti’s new video for “Popular,” as it debuted exclusively on the platform and was available to watch from February 15 to 18. If you’re not a gamer but would still like to see the clip, though, they’ve given the visual a wider release and it’s available on YouTube as of today, February 22.

It’s a video that shows off the high life, as the three artists find themselves performing and flexing in a gorgeous castle environment.

The tune is a relic from the era of The Idol, The Weeknd’s 2023 HBO show that ultimately kicked the bucket after a short and controversial run. The song was intended for The Idol, but while it was initially shared and promoted in association with the show, it ultimately never ended up on any of the show’s soundtrack releases.

The Weeknd previously said of the song, “I’m proud of it. I’m definitely proud of it. Me and Carti had this… I mean, we’ve jammed out before. We’ve had a different version of this song prior. So I’ve had these vocals for a while and I’ve kind of just worked around it, and then kind of kept it in the tuck. But now it felt like it was time. It was time. And it felt right and it felt cohesive with this album that I’m working on right now. Or that I just actually finished. The Idol soundtrack, yeah. And so I’ve been producing the song for a while. And then Madonna, Madge. She’s the ultimate co-sign for this song, for this album, and for this TV show. And you’ll hear more of her in the show as well, too. She is the ultimate pop star.”

Watch the “Popular” video above.

Lionel Richie Expressed Regret Over Not Including Madonna On ‘We Are The World,’ But Still Stands By Cyndi Lauper’s Selection

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Each year, music’s biggest names come together to compete for high recognition at the Grammy Awards. But occasionally, entertainers can put aside their competitive spirits for the right cause. In January 1985, that moment came when Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and Michael Omartian set out to record “What Are The Word.”

The track pulled in several chart-topping musicians to lend their voices for charity. On February 16, during his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Richie revealed that even though the moment was magical, he did have a few regrets that night, including not including Madonna in the fold. Despite Madonna’s superstar success at the time, the team opted for Cyndi Lauper instead.

Richie went on to explain the relation behind the decision. “We had only a half a line to sing,” he said. “So, we had to have voices that people knew right away. You had to have an identifiable voice… Cyndi had that.”

In the new Netflix documentary The Greatest Night In Pop, viewers can relive the moment as footage from the star-studded recording session outlines the meticulous work that went into recording the song.

Watch the full clip above.

The Greatest Night In Pop is exclusively streaming on Netflix. Find more information here.

How To Watch The Weeknd, Madonna, And Playboi Carti’s ‘Popular’ Video In ‘Fortnite Festival’

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Last June, The Weeknd had a big moment, linking up with Madonna (and Playboi Carti) on The Idol soundtrack cut “Popular.” The song now has an official video, but you’ll need to head into the world of Fortnite to watch it.

How To Watch The Weeknd, Madonna, And Playboi Carti’s “Popular” Video In Fortnite Festival

The video made its exclusive debut on Fortnite Festival on February 15 at 7 p.m. ET, and is set to play repeatedly until February 18 at 7 p.m. ET. To watch, it’s simple: log into Fortnite on your preferred platform (PlayStation, Switch, PC, etc.) and find the Discover screen. Then, enter the Festival Jam Stage, and there, there will be a dedicated viewing area, featuring a giant screen showing the video. The video is currently not officially available on any other platform, so find more details here.

The Weeknd previously said of the song, “I’m proud of it. I’m definitely proud of it. Me and Carti had this… I mean, we’ve jammed out before. We’ve had a different version of this song prior. So I’ve had these vocals for a while and I’ve kind of just worked around it, and then kind of kept it in the tuck. But now it felt like it was time. It was time. And it felt right and it felt cohesive with this album that I’m working on right now. Or that I just actually finished. The Idol soundtrack, yeah. And so I’ve been producing the song for a while. And then Madonna, Madge. She’s the ultimate co-sign for this song, for this album, and for this TV show. And you’ll hear more of her in the show as well, too. She is the ultimate pop star.”

Madonna is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

What Is Madonna’s Best-Selling Album?

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In pop music, few albums have sparked as much fervor as Madonna’s 1984 masterpiece, Like a Virgin. This album marked a pivotal moment in Madonna’s burgeoning career and a seismic shift in the pop music landscape. Before Like a Virgin, Madonna was a rising star with a penchant for catchy hooks and a unique fashion sense. However, this release crystallized her status as a global icon. It set the stage for her to become one of the most influential figures in modern music.

Released in an era dominated by synth-pop and dance tracks, Like a Virgin captured the early ’80s with Madonna’s unmistakable vocal timbre. The album was a bold declaration of artistic identity. It broke conventions and challenged societal norms, mirroring Madonna’s own ethos of relentless self-expression and reinvention. It was a collection of songs that would not only dominate the charts but also leave an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the decade.

Like A Virgin: Synthesizing The Sound Of The ’80s

The essence of Like a Virgin lies in its groundbreaking production and the way Madonna seamlessly fused dance-pop with her distinctive style. The album’s title track, “Like a Virgin,” produced by Nile Rodgers, became an anthem of self-expression and empowerment. Its driving bassline and catchy chorus characterized it. Its musically and lyrically boldness encapsulated the spirit of an artist ready to challenge the status quo.

Beyond the title track, the album was laden with hits that showcased Madonna’s versatility and ability to connect with a wide audience. Songs like “Material Girl” cemented her as a pop culture icon, intertwining a playful critique of materialism with a melody that was impossible to forget. “Angel” and “Dress You Up” were testaments to her knack for crafting pop songs that were both reflective and universally relatable, each track contributing to the album’s cohesive yet varied feel.

The production on Like a Virgin was a masterful blend of the era’s technology and artistry. Synthesizers, drum machines, and an array of electronic instruments were used. They created a sound that was both of the moment and timeless, a testament to Madonna’s vision and her producers’ expertise.

Commercial Success & Cultural Phenomenon

Upon its release, Like a Virgin rocketed to the top of the charts. It firmly established Madonna as a force in the global music scene. The album was a commercial juggernaut, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and staying there for six consecutive weeks. Its title track became a signature song for Madonna. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and resonated with audiences worldwide. The success of Like a Virgin was not just a triumph of marketing. It was a testament to its appeal across diverse demographics.

Beyond its commercial achievements, Like a Virgin was a cultural watershed. Madonna’s image, characterized by her unique fashion sense and unabashed confidence, became emblematic of the 1980s. She challenged societal norms around female sexuality and empowerment. Madonna became a role model for a generation of young women and a point of contention for conservative critics. This album propelled her to the status of a pop icon, influencing music, fashion, dance, and popular culture at large.

The Enduring Legacy Of Like A Virgin

Decades after its release, Like a Virgin stands as a testament to Madonna’s enduring influence on popular culture. The album went beyond commercial success. It became a blueprint for future pop artists, demonstrating the power of blending catchy music with a compelling public persona. Madonna’s ability to reinvent herself with each album, starting with Like a Virgin, laid the groundwork for what it means to be a pop icon in the modern era.

Like a Virgin‘s influence is evident in pop music’s evolution. It set a precedent for integrating fashion and music, encouraging artists to express themselves through their image as much as their sound. The album also played a crucial role in normalizing female sexual agency in music, paving the way for future generations of female artists to explore and express their sexuality without fear of censorship or backlash.

The post What Is Madonna’s Best-Selling Album? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kevin Abstract Finds A Muse In ‘Madonna’ On A New Song From His Upcoming Album, ‘Blanket’

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We are just days away from Kevin Abstract’s new album, Blanket. Ahead of the album, Abstract has shared some new tracks, on which he dives more into a rock- and pop-inspired soundscape, including “Blanket” and “What Should I Do?”

Today (November 1), Abstract dropped “Madonna,” a smooth, guitar-driven track, which features Abstract telling the story of a woman coping with heartache by way of hedonism and escapism.

“She’s better off in the club dancin’ how she wanna / Do her thing, what she feel, smokin’ marijuana /Spend her bands how she needs, she thinks she Madonna / She thinks she Madonna, maybe she Madonna,” Abstract sings on the song’s chorus.

“Madonna” is accompanied by a short film called OTTERPOP. In OTTERPOP, a young boy runs through a field to a popsicle stand, and is handed an assortment of popsicles by a friendly purple monster. The boy then dances as “Madonna” plays in the background. The boy then, naturally, pukes out a rainbow.

The upcoming album, Blanket, marks Abstract’s first solo album in six years, and the first since the disbandment of his band, Brockhampton.

You can listen to “Madonna” and watch the OTTERPOP short film above.

Blanket is out 11/3 via RCA/Video Store. Find more information here.