World News

NBA Launches Global “NBA Together” Campaign In Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

Published

3 years ago

March 21, 2020

While the coronavirus pandemic has suspended the 2019-20 NBA season, it has not lessened the league’s global impact and reach. Over the past week, 18 NBA and WNBA players created public service announcement videos to share important health and wellness information about ways to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Those videos have generated more than 37 million views across the league’s social media accounts.

The league is using its vast digital footprint and the powerful voices of teams, players, coaches, doctors and others across the NBA family to launch “NBA Together” – a global community and social engagement campaign that aims to support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The program is centered on four pillars – Know the Facts, Acts of Caring, Expand Your Community and NBA Together Live – that will amplify the latest global health and safety information, share guidelines and resources, and keep people and communities socially connected through digital tools and virtual events as everyone copes with the impact of the pandemic.

As part of NBA Together, the NBA family is committed to contributing and helping raise more than $50 million to support people impacted by the coronavirus and community and healthcare organizations providing vital services around the world, which includes the more than $30 million financial commitment already made by NBA and WNBA teams and players to date.

Know the Facts

This week, the NBA launched its Coronavirus Information For NBA Fans webpage which is updated daily with content and links to provide global fans the latest information on developments in their regions and how they can best protect themselves and others from the virus. The site features resources to reduce coronavirus risk with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and local and federal health experts.

The NBA and WNBA will continue to use the influential voices of players, coaches and legends through public service announcements to inform fans on the best ways to stay safe and healthy in both their body and mind as the world faces the rapidly changing and evolving pandemic.

Acts of Caring

The “Acts of Caring” initiative looks to shine a light on the power of community and volunteerism by inspiring 1 million big and small acts of kindness. The NBA is calling on players, fans and the general public to share ways they are supporting friends, families and communities by posting photos and videos with the hashtag #NBATogether on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. These acts can include teaching virtual classes, buying groceries for neighbors in need or donating supplies. Visit cares.nba.com/actsofcaring to learn more.

Expand Your Community

During this time of social distancing, the NBA is encouraging fans to expand their communities through content, activities and virtual engagement in an effort to stay physically and mentally healthy and active.

This includes the launch of “Jr. NBA at Home,” a new interactive content series for young people who are currently unable to play with their friends and teammates, but still want to be active, work on their game and connect with the NBA. The program features at-home basketball skills and drills that promote physical activity and character development and can be completed individually and in limited space. It also includes curated content and messages from NBA and WNBA players to inspire boys and girls around the world to stay active in a healthy and safe way. The program will feature daily posts on the @jrnba social media channels (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and NBA digital properties across the globe, and integration with NBA technology partner and mobile basketball training application HomeCourt.

In addition to “Jr. NBA at Home,” the NBA will engage education and wellness partners, such as Scholastic Inc. , Discovery Education (https://bit.ly/2QzWsWx), and NBA Math Hoops to promote existing resources for students and parents that have been adapted for at-home learning. NBA personalities and educators will create short virtual lessons that will make learning at home fun.

And in an effort to combat the higher levels of anxiety and stress during these uncertain times, the NBA, in partnership with Headspace, will provide mental wellness and resiliency resources and tools to encourage fans to be mindful of their mental wellness and the wellbeing of those around them.

NBA Together Live

Every weekday at 3:00 p.m. EST a member of the NBA family will engage with fans globally, participating in a live interview with NBA broadcast talent or taking questions from fans on Instagram live. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will tip off the series beginning today. Additionally, every night the NBA will stream classic games on NBA social platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch. Tune in tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET to catch the Feb. 27, 2016 Warriors @ Thunder game.

To further help NBA fans stay connected with their favorite players and teams, the NBA partnered with Turner Sports to offer a free preview of NBA League Pass, the league’s premium subscription-based product, until April 22. This complimentary offering features access to full length and condensed replays of all games from the 2019-20 season, as well as an expansive archive of classic games and content. Fans can redeem this free offer by signing into their NBA account through NBA.com or the NBA App on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android mobile and tablet devices, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and other supported devices.

The phrase “bigger than basketball” is often used when discussing the efforts of a player or team to make a positive impact in their community. The response to this global pandemic is the epitome of “bigger than basketball” as the NBA looks to do its part to help people across the globe come together and work through these tough times.

Access Full Article Here: https://www.nba.com/article/2020/03/20/nba-launches-nba-together-campaign

World News

The 76th Festival de Cannes winners’ list

Published

11 hours ago

May 28, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

The 76th Festival de Cannes winners' list

After 11 days of an exceptional edition, the Jury of the 76th Festival de Cannes, chaired by Swedish director Ruben Östlund, surrounded by Moroccan director Maryam Touzani, French actor Denis Ménochet, British-Zambian screenwriter & director Rungano Nyoni, American actress & director Brie Larson, American actor & director Paul Dano, Afghan author Atiq Rahimi, Argentinian director & screenwriter Damián Szifron and French director Julia Ducournau, presented its winners’ list among the 21 films presented in Competition this year.

Feature Films

Palme d’or
ANATOMY OF A FALL
directed by Justine TRIET

Grand Prix
THE ZONE OF INTEREST
directed by Jonathan GLAZER

Best Director
TRÂN ANH Hùng
for THE POT-AU-FEU

Jury Prize
FALLEN LEAVES
directed by Aki KAURISMÄKI

Best Screenplay
SAKAMOTO Yuji
for MONSTER directed by KORE-EDA Hirokazu

Best Performance by an Actress
Merve DIZDAR
in ABOUT DRY GRASSES directed by Nuri Bilge CEYLAN

Best Performance by an Actor
Kōji YAKUSHO
in PERFECT DAYS directed by Wim WENDERS

Short Films

Palme d’or
27
by Flóra Anna BUDA

Special Mention
FÁR
directed by Gunnur MARTINSDÓTTIR SCHLÜTER

Un Certain Regard

Un Certain Regard Prize
HOW TO HAVE SEX
directed by Molly Manning Walker
1st film

Jury’s Prize
HOUNDS
directed by Kamal Lazraq
1st film

Best Director
Asmae El Moudir
in THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES

New Voice Prize
AUGURE (OMEN)
directed by Baloji
1st film

Ensemble Prize
CROWRÃ (THE BURITI FLOWER)
directed by João Salaviza & Renée Nader Messora

Freedom Prize
GOODBYE JULIA
directed by Mohamed Kordofani

La Cinef

First Prize
NORWEGIAN OFFSPRING
directed by Marlene Emilie Lyngstad
Den Danske Filmskole, Denmark

Second Prize
HOLE
directed by Hwang Hyein
Korean Academy of Film Arts, South Korea

Third Prize
AYYUR (MOON)
directed byZineb Wakrim
ÉSAV Marrakech, Morocco

Caméra d’or

BÊN TRONG VO KEN VANG (INSIDE THE YELLOW COCOON SHELL)
by THIEN AN PHAM
Director’s Fortnight

The Golden Eye, Documentary Prize – The Year of the Documentary ex æquo

FOUR DAUGHTERS
directed by Kaouther BEN HANIA

THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES
directed by Asmae EL MOUDIR

The Higher Technical Commission for Sound and Images

The jury of the CST artist-technician prize awarded the 2023 prize to Johnnie Burn, Sound Designer and Chief Sound Editor on Jonathan Glazer’s film “The Zone of Interest”. His sound design embodies the horror of genocide and questions our humanity. The 2023 jury of the CST Young technician Prize selected Anne-Sophie Delseries, head set designer on the film “Marguerite’s Theorem”. Thanks to the delicacy of her work, Anne-Sophie Delseries succeeded in giving birth to a third character who is an essential part of the film’s narrative.

World News

Q DA FOOL SHARES NEW VIDEO SINGLE “HEISMAN”

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

Q DA FOOL SHARES NEW VIDEO SINGLE "HEISMAN"

Maryland rapper Q Da Fool has just shared his homecoming single “Heisman” ahead of the release of his comeback mixtape Home Detention, out 6/2. Hailing from the small town of Largo, Q Da Fool has long been a clear-cut DMV standout, carving out his own distinct lane in which he shares detailed stories of his lived experiences and the street life in Maryland – showcased on hit singles like “Win” (9.4M streams) and a momentous collaboration with Shoreline Mafia. Having released a slew of countless dynamic street anthems and projects with the likes of Kenny Beats and Grammy award-winning producer Zaytoven, he’s distinctly chosen not to follow in the footsteps of his area’s go-go wave – an artistic decision that has allowed him to fully flex his gritty lyricism and energetic flows. Fresh off the release of his I’ll Be Back project to kick off his year, “Heisman” serves as Q Da Fool’s first release since being free, after serving 18 months in jail – and he has a lot to get off his chest.

As Q Da Fool continues to keep his foot on the gas, he’s working to capitalize on his built-up momentum. On “Heisman”, Q Da Fool is expanding upon his dynamic street-heavy sound by asserting his authority through his unwavering delivery and rapid-fire flows – “Stayed in my lane and I steady was risin’”, he raps with force towards the end of the chorus. Named after the trophy awarded to the most outstanding player in college football each year, “Heisman” finds Q Da Fool using the track’s menacing hook to creatively mimic the trophy’s stance, hitting his haters with the stiff arm in the process. With his signature street flair on full display, as he swiftly tells candid tales and riddles off his cannon of no-nonsense bars, Q Da Fool is using the release of “Heisman” to further cement himself as an essential artist and storyteller in the Hip-Hop game.

Please find links below to watch and stream “Heisman”, and stay tuned for more announcements to come:

HOME DETENTION – OUT 6/2

“HEISMAN” – OUT NOW
WATCH | LISTEN

World News

Lil Durk Drops Anxiously Awaited New Album, ‘Almost Healed’

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

After increasing excitement to a boiling point, Chicago hip-hop trailblazer and multiplatinum superstar Lil Durk unleashes his anxiously awaited eighth full-length offering and one of the year’s most anticipated albums, Almost Healed, out now. Stream Almost Healed on all DSPs HERE.

Superstar icon Alicia Keys notably stars in the music video for “Therapy Session/Pelle Coat,” which just premiered. Watch it HERE. The visual features her in emotionally charged and thought-provoking moments alongside Lil Durk. It marks their first collaboration together.

Tense production underlines his reflective rhymes as the accompanying visual explores his relationship with the streets and faith through a series of arresting vignettes. It instantly captivates—like everything he does.

Almost Healed pops off as his most personal, engaging, and enigmatic project to date. Laced with bold bangers and introspective anthems alike, it highlights his undeniable melodies and incisive bars at the forefront. He not only shines solo on the likes of “Never Again,” but he also distinguishes himself as the rare chameleonic force who can collaborate with country superstar Morgan Wallen on “Stand By Me” or the late Juice WRLD on “Cross The Globe.”

He may be Almost Healed, but he still takes no prisoners lyrically…

Check out the full tracklisting below.

Fittingly, he set the stage for the project with the single “All My Life” [feat. J. Cole]. Upon arrival, it bowed at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, arriving his first Top 5! It has already reeled in over 80 million worldwide streams and over 20 million YouTube views on the accompanying music video in just under three weeks!

In support of Almost Healed, Durk launches one of the year’s most anticipated jaunts—the Sorry For The Drought Tour. He will be joined by special guests Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama in select cities. Produced by Live Nation, the 27-city tour kicks off on July 28 at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa making stops across the U.S. in Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Phoenix at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on September 7.

The 2023 tour run comes after his successful ‘The 7220 Tour’ which hit North America in 2022 featuring special guests Doodie Lo & Booka600. Last year, Lil Durk owned the charts with the platinum-certified 7220, which crashed the Billboard 200 as his first #1 debut on the chart and boasted “AHHH HA,” “What Happened To Virgil” [feat. Gunna], and the cross-genre smash “Broadway Girls” [feat. Morgan Wallen].

Get tickets for the Sorry For The Drought Tour at Ticketmaster.com and Almost-Healed.com

Experience Almost Healed now! It’s Durk’s year…

TRACKLISTING:

1. Therapy Session

2. Pelle Coat

3. All My Life (feat. J. Cole)

4. Never Again

5. Put Em On Ice

6. Big Dawg (feat. Chief Wuk)

7. Never Imagined (feat. Future)

8. Sad Songs

9. Before Fajr

10. War Bout It (feat. 21 Savage)

11. You Got Em

12. Grandson (feat. Kodak Black)

13. 300 Urus

14. Same Side (feat. Rob49)

15. B12

16. At This Point We Stuck

17. Cross The Globe (feat. Juice WRLD)

18. Dru Hill

19. Belt 2 Ass

20. Stand By Me (feat. Morgan Wallen)

21. Moment of Truth

SORRY FOR THE DROUGHT 2023 TOUR DATES:

Fri Jul 28 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater

Sat Jul 29 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre ^&

Sun Jul 30 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Tue Aug 01 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Thu Aug 03 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

Fri Aug 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena ^

Sat Aug 05 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

Sun Aug 06 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center

Tue Aug 08 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center

Wed Aug 09 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage ^

Fri Aug 11 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Sun Aug 13 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

Tue Aug 15 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

Wed Aug 16 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

Fri Aug 18 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Sat Aug 19 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center

Mon Aug 21 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center

Tue Aug 22 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center

Wed Aug 23 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

Fri Aug 25 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

Sat Aug 26 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena ^&

Tue Aug 29 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Wed Aug 30 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Styles Resort Amphitheater

Fri Sep 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena

Sat Sep 02 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre ^&

Wed Sep 06 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

Thu Sep 07 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

World News

Rising Atlanta Star Destroy Lonely Releases Gripping Music Video For “If Looks Could Kill”

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2023

Ameyaw Debrah

Opium Sensation Destroy Lonely shares a captivating music video for, “If Looks Could Kill,” the first single off his highly anticipated debut album of the same name, which dropped earlier this month. The visuals show the 21-year-old artist leading a group of expressionless villagers through a journey of self-reflection and transformation. Dressed in beige, they are introduced to Lonely as he pulls up in an off-road vehicle filled with new attire. He stands in contrast to the bleak backdrop, sporting all black, dark shades and embodying a mysterious aura. Through Lonely’s guidance the individuals grasp they will no longer be forced to all dress the same. He guides them from creative oppression by giving them a sense of power and individuality. Watch “If Looks Could Kill” HERE.

Destroy Lonely is currently hot on the heels of the success of his debut album, If Looks Could Kill. The well praised project features 26 songs that ooze casual confidence and irrepressible style. It proceeded to reach No. 1 on Apple Music just 24 hours after it dropped. He also debuted No. 1 and earned his biggest streaming day of all-time on Spotify with nearly 10 million streams as well as charted Top 20 on the Billboard 200. Alongside the album Lonely also shared an original horror film titled, “Look Killa,” which trended No. 3 on YouTube. Watch HERE.

This year Lonely also took the stage at several festivals including Rolling Loud LA, and Thailand. This followed his lengthy North American “NO STYLIST” headline tour. From there, beginning with a Berlin stop on March 9, Lonely performed his international run to crowds in Europe and the United Kingdom. This Summer he’s also set to perform at Rolling Loud Miami, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Wireless Festival, and more.

The Opium Records artist began generating serious momentum after unloading NO STYLIST, a project coated in splashes of luminous warbles, dexterous flows and all the energy of a blossoming superstar. The project, and its follow up, this past fall’s NS+ (ULTRA), have earned him spots on 2023 artist to watch lists like Complex, Billboard, Pigeons & Planes, Alt Press, HipHopDX, The CFDA, Zane Lowe, Spotify, Genius, and more.

World News

Celine Dion cancels world tour due to health issues

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2023

VJ Scaro

Celine Dion’s “Courage World Tour” dates through 2024 have been canceled as she continues to battle a rare neurological disorder, it was announced Friday. (more…)

World News

Man accused of killing Migos rapper Takeoff indicted on murder charge

Published

3 days ago

May 26, 2023

VJ Scaro

Patrick Xavier Clark Takeoff 052623 f68f02e5f253447a825d29f9a5328300

Last December, a man named Patrick Xavier Clark was arrested for the murder of Migos rapper Takeoff, who was shot and killed on November 1 in Houston, Texas. (more…)