World News
5 men jailed for total of 30 years for illegally streaming Premier League matches
An illegal streaming gang who offered cut-price subscriptions for Premier League matches to more than 50,000 people have been jailed.
The Premier League said five men were convicted of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and contempt of court after generating more than £7 million in five years.
Mark Gould, from London, was reported to have masterminded the operation and was handed an 11-year prison sentence at Chesterfield Crown Court on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old and co-defendants Steven Gordon, Peter Jolley, William Brown and Christopher Felvus offered illegal access to matches from hundreds of channels around the world, as well as tens of thousands of on-demand films and TV shows.
A sixth gang member, Zak Smith, failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, the Premier League said.
The league added that the illegal streaming businesses had 30 employees, with one undercover at a specialist anti-piracy company.
Brown, from Stoke-on-Trent, denied conspiracy to defraud, claiming to have been an undercover informant acting in the interests of law enforcement authorities and broadcasters
But the 33-year-old was unanimously convicted by a jury after a seven-week trial as the Premier League said he used his technical skills to hack legitimate customers’ accounts to access and copy streams – intending for them to take the blame if identified by authorities.
He was jailed for four years and nine months, the Premier League said.
Jolley, 41, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, was handed a prison sentence of five years and two months for two counts of conspiracy to defraud and one count of money laundering after concealing £500,000 in his parents’ bank accounts.
Gordon, 46, from Morecambe, was jailed for five years and nine months for two counts of conspiracy to defraud.
The Premier League said Felvus, 36, from Pontypool, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to defraud and was jailed for three years and 11 months.
The prosecution was supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s trading standards team and the intellectual property protection organisation Fact.
Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb said: “Today’s sentencing is the result of a long and complex prosecution of a highly sophisticated operation.
“The sentences handed down, which are the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes, vindicate the efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and reflect the severity and extent of the crimes.
“This prosecution is another concrete example of the clear links between piracy and wider criminality, a warning we repeatedly make.
“While most Premier League fans enjoy watching our games in a safe way, those who were customers of these services were effectively supporting individuals involved in other sinister and dangerous organised crime.
“The Premier League’s substantial financial contribution to the entire football pyramid is made possible through the ability to sell our broadcast rights.
“We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League’s rights.
“We will continue to protect our rights and our fans by investigating and prosecuting illegal operators at all levels.”
SOURCE: Yahoo
World News
Apple Music’s Top 100 Albums of All Time Day 2: 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, Neil Young and more
For in-depth analysis of each album, archival interviews and so much more please visit the new Apple Music 100 Best microsite – updated daily at 9am PT to make it easy for fans to follow along with us.
Albums 90-81 on Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums list
- 90: Back in Black – AC/DC
- 89: The Fame Monster (Deluxe Edition) – Lady Gaga
- 88: I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone
- 87: Blue Lines – Massive Attack
- 86: My Life – Mary J Blige
- 85: Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
- 84: Doggystyle – Snoop Dogg
- 83: Horses – Patti Smith
- 82: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ – 50 Cent
- 81: After the Gold Rush – Neil Young
Press Release: https://www.apple.
Apple Music 100 Best: https://100best.music.
Tomorrow we will reveal albums 80-79 on the list. Follow @AppleMusic on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X and be part of the conversation.
World News
Paris 2024 in Cannes!
The Festival de Cannes and the City of Cannes are gearing up for Paris 2024! Sports personalities and athletes will be the guests of an exceptional evening on Tuesday, May 21, for the premiere screening of Mickaël Gamrasni’s documentary Olympiques! La France des Jeux, with its most prestigious ambassador, the Olympic flame!
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World News
Usher, Solange and Travis Scott Albums Launch Apple Music’s Top 100 Best Albums of All Time list
Apple Music today announced the release of its 100 Best Albums of all time, a celebratory list of the greatest records ever made, crafted by Apple Music’s team of experts alongside a select group of artists, including Maren Morris, Pharrell Williams, J Balvin, Charli XCX, Mark Hoppus, Honey Dijon, and Nia Archives, as well as songwriters, producers, and industry professionals. The list is an editorial statement, fully independent of any streaming numbers on Apple Music — a love letter to the records that have shaped the world music lovers live and listen in.
Apple Music is bringing its 100 Best Albums to life with a countdown celebration beginning today, revealing 10 albums each day for the next 10 days, along with a brand-new 100 Best microsite, new and exclusive content, dedicated Apple Music Radio episodes, and so much more. The countdown will culminate on the final day with the reveal of Apple Music’s top 10 albums of all time during a broadcast radio special.
“100 Best brings together all the things that make Apple Music the ultimate service for music lovers — human curation at its peak, an appreciation for the art of storytelling, and unparalleled knowledge of music and an even deeper love for it,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s senior director of content and editorial. “We have been working on this for a very long time, and it’s something we are all incredibly proud of and excited to share with the world.”
“Putting this list together was a true labor of love, both in that it was incredibly difficult to do and in that we are all so passionate about it,” said Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global creative director and lead anchor for Apple Music 1. “We were tasked with selecting the 100 best — that’s practically mission impossible. But as music fans, it was also amazing to really take a minute and sit and think about the music and albums and artists that we love so much in this context. If this list sparks more debate among fans outside of Apple Music and gets people talking passionately about the music they love, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
Introducing the Top 100 – 91 Albums
The first 10 albums, revealed today, offer a glimpse into Apple Music’s unique approach with 100 Best. With seven of the 10 records hailing from the 21st century, two from the 90s, only one from the 70s, and various genres represented, the list spotlights contemporary artists like Tyler, The Creator; Robyn; Lorde; Travis Scott; Solange; Burial; and more who have helped define this century through their music and its influence on others.
100. Body Talk, Robyn
99. Hotel California, Eagles
98. ASTROWORLD, Travis Scott
97. Rage Against the Machine, Rage Against the Machine
96. Pure Heroine, Lorde
95. Confessions, USHER
94. Untrue, Burial
93. A Seat at the Table, Solange
92. Flower Boy, Tyler, The Creator
91. Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, George Michael
“There are so many fun facts for our listeners to discover about these albums,” said Scott Plagenhoef, Apple Music’s global head of music programming. “For example, two of the records revealed today were promoted without the image of the artist, but for opposite reasons — Burial’s Untrue because the artist was still operating anonymously at the time, and George Michael’s Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 because the artist was actually retreating from fame.”
Discover, Learn, and Share with Friends
To accompany the list, today Apple Music also revealed a dedicated microsite that will update every day of the countdown, making it easy for listeners to follow along. Available now at 100best.music.apple.com, the new 100 Best microsite spotlights in-depth analysis of each album, archival interviews, and more, and makes it easy for fans to share their favourite albums with friends and on their social channels.
Explore records 100-91 of Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums at 100best.music.apple.com.
Follow Along on Apple Music Radio
Fans will also be treated to a full 100 Best Albums Radio takeover on Apple Music Hits, where round-the-clock specials with Apple Music Radio hosts and daily specials at 9 a.m. PT (noon ET) will be broadcasted, plus exclusive content will drop every day on demand on Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
The last 10 albums will be revealed on Wednesday, May 22, with a special roundtable discussion broadcasting globally on Apple Music that features guest artists Nile Rodgers and Maggie Rogers reflecting on the list alongside Apple Music’s own Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden. Lowe will also curate a special mashup-style DJ mix featuring songs from all 100 Best Albums.
Apple Music will keep the momentum going after the countdown ends with an additional week of 100 Best Albums Radio takeover on Apple Music Hits.
All 100 Best Albums recipients will be given an award comprised of blasted anodized aluminum, sourced entirely from recycled Apple products, in a unique polished PVD gold. The design on the back of the award takes its cues from a vinyl LP record and is inscribed with the artist’s name, the album title, and the album’s year of release.
Explore Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums at 100best.music.apple.com and check back daily to discover the full list. Get exclusive content by following @AppleMusic on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X.
World News
Ice Spice returns with “Gimmie A Light”
Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated global superstar Ice Spice returns with “Gimmie A Light” — the first official single from her forthcoming debut album Y2K. Set for release via 10K Projects/Capitol Records, the massively anticipated Y2K is due out later this year. Go here to stream/download “Gimmie A Light,” and check out the video here.
Produced by Ice Spice’s longtime collaborator RiotUSA — who also handled production on career-defining hits like her gold-certified breakout single “Munch (Feelin U)” — “Gimmie A Light” centers on a sample from dancehall legend Sean Paul’s 2002 single “Gimme the Light.” With all the effortless star power that made her an icon soon after emerging from New York drill scene, the Bronx Baddie unleashes a two-minute anthem spotlighting her whip-smart bars, rapid-fire delivery, and potent vocal command. Slick and self-possessed, the result is a high-energy track stacked with bouncy beats and irresistible hooks.
For the video to “Gimmie A Light,” Ice Spice once again joined forces with fellow New York City natives George and Frederick Buford, aka The Evil Twins — the fast-rising filmmaking duo behind the visuals for past hits like “Deli” and “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” (her platinum-certified, chart-topping 2023 collaboration with PinkPantheress). Equal parts fantasy and hyperreality, “Gimmie A Light” places Ice Spice in a dizzying sequence of high-glamour scenarios: sipping Patrón El Alto on the dancefloor with a shiny piece of bling bearing her own likeness; posing with fat stacks of cash in her J’adore Dior baby tee; twerking in the back of a hot-pink Range Rover, surrounded by stuffed animals as the smoke-filled SUV speeds through the streets of her hometown.
Last month at Coachella, Ice Spice thrilled the crowd with a sneak-peak performance of “Gimmie A Light.” Her debut at the famed festival instantly drew raves from the likes of UPROXX, who proclaimed that Ice Spice “will almost certainly headline Coachella in the near future if her trajectory continues.”
Due out later this year, Y2K has been hailed as one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2024. With its title nodding to her birthday (January 1, 2000), Ice Spice’s full-length debut will also include her recent smash single “Think U The Shit (Fart).” The album arrives on the heels of her widely acclaimed debut EP Like..? — a 2023 release that landed on best-of-the-year lists from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and more and featured hits like “Munch (Feelin U)” and the platinum-selling “In Ha Mood” and “Princess Diana.”
World News
Dennis Bergkamp: 55 Years of Football Brilliance
Dennis Bergkamp, the legendary Dutch footballer, celebrated his 55th birthday today amidst a global outpouring of love and admiration from fans, clubs, and football personalities.
🇳🇱🥳 Happy Birthday to Dennis Bergkamp! What a magnificent player. pic.twitter.com/NVB7bsrBGT
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 10, 2024
Known for his exceptional skill and contributions to both Ajax and Arsenal, Bergkamp’s birthday has become a worldwide celebration of his illustrious career, highlighting his impact on the sport and his enduring legacy.
From Ajax to Arsenal, Bergkamp’s artistry on the pitch has left an indelible mark, with fans and experts alike hailing him as one of the greatest players in football history.
There will never be another Dennis Bergkamp 👑🇳🇱pic.twitter.com/qoxxC4ya2O
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) May 10, 2024
As the tributes pour in, it’s clear that Bergkamp’s influence extends far beyond the trophies and accolades, cementing his place in the hearts of football fans worldwide.
Happy birthday, Dennis Bergkamp, and here’s to many more years of celebrating your remarkable contribution to the beautiful game
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Charli XCX Releases ‘360’ Video Featuring All-Star Cast
Charli XCX today releases ‘360’ – the fourth track taken from her highly anticipated forthcoming new album ‘BRAT’.
You can listen HERE and watch the Aidan Zamiri-directed video HERE.
The blockbuster video stars an impressive all-star cast of friends and collaborators including Julia Fox, Chloë Sevigny, Gabbriette, Alex Consani, Rachel Sennott, Emma Chamberlain, A. G. Cook, Hari Nef, Isamaya Ffrench, Matisse Andrews, Quenlin Blackwell, Sakura Bready, Chloe Cherry, Greer Cohen, Anna Collins, Blizzy McGuire, Tess McMillan, Salem Mitchell, Peri Rosenzweig, Richie Shazam and Niki Takesh.
‘BRAT’, Charli’s eagerly awaited sixth studio album, will be released on Friday 7th June and promises to be an exhilarating club record built around high art references and social commentary. The album includes the hit single ‘Von dutch’ – the brash and synth heavy first taste of the record – alongside recent releases ‘Club classics’ and ‘B2b’.
You can pre-order ‘BRAT’ HERE and pre-save ‘BRAT’ HERE.
In support of ‘BRAT’, Charli will be embarking on her biggest ever headline shows in arenas throughout the UK in November and December. Charli is also teaming up with longtime collaborator Troye Sivan for their highly anticipated co-headline US arena tour ‘Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Present: Sweat’, including a newly announced second show at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Tickets can be found HERE.
Charli threw a momentous Boiler Room in New York’s Brooklyn in February to launch the ‘BRAT’ campaign with A. G. Cook, George Daniel, Finn Keane and Doss. The show broke the record for the most ever RSVPs to a Boiler Room event, with over 40k people registering to attend. Featuring special guest appearances from the likes of Addison Rae and Julia Fox, the show has easily become one of the viral moments of the year. You can watch the full stream of ‘Boiler Room & Charli XCX Presents: PARTYGIRL’ HERE.
Alongside her new album, Charli has been working on multiple film & TV projects following the breakout success of her Barbie soundtrack contribution ‘Speed Drive’ last year. She is co-executive producing the score for the A24 film ‘Mother Mary’ with Jack Antonoff and also producing original music for Benito Skinner’s series ‘Overcompensating’ on Prime Video. In addition, Charli will star in the Daniel Goldhaberremake of 1978 cult horror film ‘Faces of Death’.
Avant-pop and electronic superstar Charli XCX has become an iconic figure in the arts, having helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade by seamlessly traversing the underground and mainstream with her artistic output. Over the course of a trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit and seen her forward-thinking approach reshape pop culture in the process.
Her lasting impact was cemented last year when Charli was honoured with the Visionary Award at the annual Ivor Novellos in London, while she also received the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony in March and the ASCAP Global Impact Award earlier this week.
Charli XCX assets can be found here.
‘BRAT’ Tracklist:
1. 360
2. Club classics
3. Sympathy is a knife
4. I might say something stupid
5. Talk talk
6. Von dutch
7. Everything is romantic
8. Rewind
9. So I
10. Girl, so confusing
11. Apple
12. B2b
13. Mean girls
14. I think about it all the time
15. 365
Charli XCX 2024 Tour Dates:
Sat 01/06/24 – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera (Live) – Sold Out
Fri 07/06/24 – London, UK – Outernet (PARTYGIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out
Tue 11/06/24 – New York, NY – Knockdown Center (Live) – Sold Out
Wed 12/06/24 – Chicago, IL – Radius (Live) – Sold Out
Sat 15/06/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Shrine (Live) – Sold Out
Wed 19/06/24 – Mexico City, Mexico – Club Loo Loo (PARTYGIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out
Fri 21/06/24 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Club Zig (PARTYGIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out
Fri 28/05/24 – Somerset, UK – Glastonbury Festival (PARTYGIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out
Sat 14/09/24 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Mon 16/09/24 – Montreal, QC – Place Bell
Wed 18/09/24 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Fri 20/09/24 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Mon 23/09/24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Wed 25/09/24 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Thu 26/09/24 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Sat 28/09/24 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Mon 30/09/24 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Wed 02/10/24 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Thu 03/10/24 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sat 05/10/24 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center
Sun 06/10/24 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
Wed 09/10/24 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Fri 11/10/24 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sun 13/10/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
Tue 15/10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Wed 16/10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Fri 18/10/24 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Sun 20/10/24 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
Tue 22/10/24 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Wed 23/10/24 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Wed 27/11/24 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Arena
Thu 28/11/24 – London, UK – The O2
Fri 29/11/24 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena
Mon 02/12/24 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Arena
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