Bad Bunny Appears as a Lifeguard In His First-Ever Pepsi Commercial

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is officially on guard…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican global superstar become a pool lifeguard in his first-ever Pepsi commercial, which was released today (June 1).

Directed by Dave Meyers and co-directed by Mia Barnes, with choreography from Sherrie Silver, the 90-second spot shows the Puerto Rican rapper overlooking a community pool where everyone is tired and drained from the summer heat. In an effort to get the vibes going, he discovers that his latest single “Where She Goes” easily turns up the party once a bottle of Pepsi is opened.

The summer-themed commercial is part of Pepsi’s latest “Press Play On Summer” campaign with Apple Music that offers new and qualified returning subscribers up to three months of free, unlimited listening on the music streaming platform. The campaign, available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, also includes over 100,000 instant prizes and the opportunity to travel with the purchase of select limited-edition PepsiCo beverages.

“Pepsi has a rich heritage of creating iconic music video style commercials with some of the world’s biggest artists – from Britney Spears to Ray Charles, Madonna to Dr. Dre, Beyonce to Chloe Bailey and so many more,” said Todd Kaplan, CMO of Pepsi, in a statement. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Bad Bunny to the Pepsi family with his very own spot, bringing in all the summer vibes with his newest track ‘Where She Goes.’ This song is already the soundtrack of the summer, so it is a perfect way to kick off our Press Play on Summer program that gives fans up to three free months of Apple Music with every 20oz ice-cold Pepsi.”

Bad Bunny’s Jersey Club-inspired track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, becoming his third leader on the chart, after “Un x100to,” with Grupo Frontera, two weeks earlier in May, and “Dakiti,” with Jhay Cortez (now Jhayco), for three weeks in November-December 2020. He also becomes the first soloist with three Global 200 No. 1s; overall, he’s second only to BTS, with six. Justin Bieber, BLACKPINK, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift each boast two.

Lourdes Leon Releases Debut EP “Go”

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Lourdes Leon is on the go…

The 26-year-old half-Cuban American singer and model has released her debut EP titled Go.

Her musical debut consists of five tracks released via Chemical X Records.

Leon, who goes by the musical name Lolahol, made headlines on Wednesday with the release of a dark, NSFW music video for single “CUNTRADICTION.” The music video, which features Leon dancing in the stables of a ranch, is fitting for the edgy song.

According to a press release announcing the EP, the project “spans R&B, alternative pop and classic trip-hop.”

While Go is Leon’s first EP, the singer, fashion model and designer released her first song “Lock & Key” on August 24. The song’s release coincided with the release of a sensual music video filmed on the beach.

The leap into the music industry was a natural one for the daughter of pop icon Madonna.

Leon’s mom was more than enthusiastic about the development. She took to her Instagram story to post a screenshot of the cover art for “Lock & Key,” = captioning it, “I am so proud of you Lola!”

Mariah Carey Teams Up with David Morales to Release Extended Edit of No. 1 Single “Honey”

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is sweetening up one of her hits…

The 53-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer has released an extended edit of “Honey” as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of her 1997 classic, Butterfly.

The nearly eight-minute edit comes from the extremely capable hands of David Morales, the legendary NYC DJ/producer/remixer who helped deliver pop divas to the clubs in the ’80s and ’90s and beyond via remixes of Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Madonna and a litany of other divas.

Morales worked extensively with Carey throughout her career via official edits of hits including “Dreamlover,” “Fantasy” and “Shake It Off,” among many others.

Coming as a bonus track on the Butterfly re-release, Morales’ “Honey – Another Taste of Honey David Morales Remix” edit throws the kitchen sink at the track, bumping up the BPM, turning the sizzle dial all the way up via layers of percussion, rhythm guitar, a string section, a choir and revamped powerhouse vocals from Carey.

The edit comes among other re-release bonuses including 4K remastered versions of “Honey” and “The Roof” music videos, a new “Honey” music video documentary, classic live performances being released via Carey’s YouTube during September, Butterfly on cassette, and Deluxe Butterfly 4LP and 2LP Editions.

“I will never forget the day I released this album to the world,” Carey wrote Friday (Sept. 16) on social media. “I had never felt more exposed and vulnerable yet free and euphoric at the same time. It was a true EMANCIPATION (no pun intended!) of my spirit, soul and innermost feelings which I poured into every lyric and every note on every song. 25 years later, it’s still one of the proudest moments of my life & career.”

Lourdes “Lola” Leon Releases Debut Single “Lock&Key”

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Lourdes “Lola” Leon is locking down her next career move…

The 25-year-old half-Cuban American fashion model and dancer, the daughter of Madonna, has followed in her famous mother’s footsteps by releasing her debut single “Lock&Key.”

Leon released the single on Wednesday, August 24, under the moniker Lolahol, carving her own path in the music industry with the seductive club anthem.

“Lock&Key,” which was co-produced by Eartheater, arrives via her label Chemical X.

The song is also accompanied by a Eartheater-directed, Leon-choreographed music video that takes viewers through the model/dancer’s home of New York City and its outer boroughs.

Lourdes is Madonna’s daughter with Cuban-born dancer and fitness trainer Carlos Leon.

In October, the budding star sat down with longtime family friend, actress Debi Mazar, to talk about growing up with Madge for Interview magazine. Lourdes said that unlike her always-hustling, multi-media-megastar mom, she doesn’t have a “specific” career goal, preferring to dip into modeling and dance, but she also expressed some reticence to follow the family path into acting or music.

“Honestly, actors really annoy me and I can’t be around them. As for music, I can sing. I just don’t care about it. Maybe it’s too close to home,” she explained, adding that privacy is the key to keeping her life as normal as possible.

“I’ve been judged from a young age, but I think that privacy is the reason why I was able to keep my wits about me and not find myself in a mental asylum,” she said. “I want to figure out who the f–k I am before I let anyone else try to tell me who I am, you know?”

Lourdes Leon Teases Her Ensemble for Upcoming Debut Appearance on Savage x Fenty Fashion Show Runway

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Lourdes Leon is ready for the runway…

The 24-year-old half-Latina model, fashion designer and singer, Madonna’s daughter, is preparing for her Savage x Fenty debut.

Leon is teasing her appearance in the third installment of Rihanna‘s annual lingerie extravaganza by revealing her eye-catching ensemble for the virtual fashion show, premiering September 24 on Amazon Prime.

Leon posed for a series of sultry shots, showing off her figure in a teal bra and matching panties, which were paired with thigh-high boots and a robe. She also rocked graphic eye makeup and a nude lip, while her dark hair was styled in an edgy updo.

The Savage x Fenty show will mark the second time Leon has graced a runway

In 2018, she walked for the first time in Gypsy Sport‘s Spring 2019 presentation during New York Fashion Week, visit Magazine.

As always, Rihanna recruited a star-studded lineup of models, musicians and more all representing a diverse group of backgrounds, body types and ages for the Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3.

This year, viewers can expect to see performances by Nas, Daddy Yankee, BIA, Jazmine Sullivan, Ricky Martin, Normani and Jade Novah.

Plus, there will be appearances from more celebrities including Cindy Crawford, Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo, Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk, Vanessa Hudgens, Troye Sivan, Jeremy Pope and more.

According to a press release, the event “will combine fashion, dance, music, and iconic architecture, highlighting the newest assortment of Savage x Fenty styles through subtle-yet-impactful scenic elements, lighting and filming techniques.”

All of the designs in the new collection will be available to shop at Savage X Fenty and in the Amazon Fashion store right after the show airs.

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Earlier this month, Leon also made her debut at the Met Gala in New York City, wearing a sparkly fuchsia Moschino by Jeremy Scott ensemble — complete with a bikini halter top and matching skirt, both covered in sequin embellishments.

Her appearance at the 2021 Costume Institute Gala came after she covered the September issue of Vogue for the magazine’s feature story, “Generation America: The Models Changing an Industry.” She was photographed alongside Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Precious Lee, Anok Yai, Ariel Nicholson, Sherry Shi, and Yumi Nu.

“People think I’m this talentless rich kid who’s had everything given to her, but I’m not,” Leon told the magazine, explaining that she paid her own college tuition and lives in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick, away from the glitz of Hollywood.

“A teacher of mine made me understand movement in a whole new way,” she told the outlet of her passion. “You’re using your body to define the space around you — to change it. That’s a very naked form of expression.”

Camila Cabello Brings “Cinderella” Character to James Corden’s “Crosswalk the Musical” Segment

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Camila Cabello isn’t afraid to walk the (cross)walk…

Late night television host James Corden has debuted another segment of his Crosswalk the Musical on The Late Late Show, and this time he welcomed the 24-year-old Cuban and Mexican singer/actress and their Cinderella co-stars Billy Porter and Idina Menzel.

The segment opened with Corden dressed as the fairy godmother, quipping that he gave Porter the wrong address because he’s “intimidated.” “Billy Porter is the only actor I’ve ever encountered who is almost as talented as I am,” the late-night host joked.

Porter eventually joined Cabello and Menzel, immediately calling out Corden and reminding him that he’s “the only one that’s going to be playing the Fairy Godmother” whereas Corden can play “the rat” like he does in the film, to which Corden argued was a mouse.

The co-stars then changed into their characters from Amazon’s Cinderella and stopped traffic to perform songs from the film in the somewhat busy streets of Los Angeles. The Cinderella actors and singers sang along to a few of the tunes they cover in the musical, including the mash-up of Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” and Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be.”

A few drivers looked amused and confused while others appeared slightly annoyed that their commute was delayed.

The modern version of the classic fairy tale, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, depicts the princess, played by Cabello, as an independent woman who is focused on achieving her fashion dreams. The jukebox musical features the cast’s versions of popular songs like Madonna’s “Material Girl,” Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” The film marks Cabello’s acting debut.

The segment ends with Porter, who plays the Fabulous Godparent dubbed “Fab G” in the film, turning Corden into an actual mouse. “Bibbidi-bobbidi bye bitch,” Porter says to the camera.

Amazon’s Cinderella is streaming now.

HBO Max Renews Leiomy Maldonado’s “Legendary” for Third Season

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

There are more Legendary moments in Leiomy Maldonado’s future…

HBO has renewed its ballroom competition series Legendary, featuring the 34-year-old transgender Afro-Puerto Rican dancer, instructor, model, activist and ballroom dancer, for a third season.

In addition to Maldonado, returning judges include Jameela Jamil, Law Roach and Megan Thee Stallion. MC Dashaun Wesley will also return for the series, which hails from Queer Eye producer Scout Productions.

Legendary features a group of voguing houses, each featuring five performers and a leader called the house mother. The teams compete in a competition that documents a themed ball every episode from start to finish. Throughout each episode, we learn more about each house and their performers as they tell us their moving and inspirational backstories.

The first season was shot in New York and the second season featured LA houses. It’s not clear where season three will be shot.

Maldonado recently told Deadline that the series has brought newfound respect to the ballroom community, which has been the inspiration from everything from Madonna’s “Vogue” to Beyoncé.

“This show itself has shown a lot of people and gained a lot of respect for our community,” she said. “I feel like the ballroom community is prepared for competition and the competition they can bring to this show is something that you won’t see anywhere else.”

“We’ve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to showcasing the beautiful world that is ballroom,” said Jennifer O’Connell, Executive Vice President, Non-Fiction and Live-Action Family Programming, HBO Max. “We are excited to work with our partners at Scout again to take this show to even greater heights in season three and continuing to shine a light on these compelling stories.”

“We are thrilled to return with our friends at HBO Max, as well as our iconic judges and MC Dashaun Wesley, for a third season,” added Rob Eric, Scout Productions’ Chief Creative Officer and executive producer. “We can’t wait for the next season’s talent to set the bar even higher as we continue to showcase the fabulous world of ballroom.”

Swizz Beatz to Receive ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Swizz Beatz is a voice of the future…

The 42-year-old half Puerto Rican recording artist, music producer and entrepreneur will receive the ASCAP Voice of the Culture award alongside Timbaland and D-Nice to kick off the 2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 22.

Following the presentation, the music creators will take part in a 2021 ASCAP Experience conversation, “Voices of the Culture: How Swizz Beatz, Timbaland & D-Nice United the World Through Music,” at 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT.

The virtual conversation will explore how Timbaland and Swizz Beatz’s virtual music battle series Verzuz and D-Nice’s Club Quarantine became tools for uplift within the Black music community and touchstones of empowerment during the pandemic.

To join the conversation, participants can RSVP at www.ascapexperience.com/schedule. They can also submit a question for the three creators before June 10.

Verzuz has featured such epic matchups as Gladys Knight vs. Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire vs. The Isley Brothers, and Snoop Dogg vs. DMX.

Club Quarantine attracted a virtual community of millions to Instagram Live for sets of funk, disco, hip-hop and R&B.

In addition to launching these popular events, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and D-Nice are accomplished music creators in their own right.

Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Swizz Beatz has been in the music and business worlds since he was 16. He began DJing and working at his uncle’s company, Ruff Ryders Entertainment, while still in high school. Within a short time, Swizz produced the company’s first hit, by DMX. More success followed as a producer and artist. As a producer, Swizz has worked with a diverse array of artists, including Jay-Z, Madonna, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Metallica.

The 2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards is a virtual celebration that takes place on social media from June 22-24. The event recognizes songwriters, composers and publishers behind the most performed R&B/hip-hop, rap and gospel songs of the past year. Friends and fans can join the online festivities as ASCAP shares photos, videos, acceptance speeches and more from some of its top songwriters and publishers, posted with the hashtag #ASCAPAwards to @ASCAPUrban on Instagram and @ASCAP on Twitter and Instagram.

The ASCAP Experience takes place twice a month on Wednesdays through the end of 2021. Songwriters, composers and music business professionals can join the ASCAP Experience community for access to conversations with songwriters and producers from across the musical spectrum, plus panels with top industry executives, song feedback, networking opportunities and more. The virtual sessions are free to attend and take place on a variety of platforms, including YouTube, Instagram and on the ASCAP Experience website.

Swizz Beatz to Face Off Against Timbaland in Verzuz Battle This Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Swizz Beatz is preparing for a showdown…

This Memorial Day weekend, the 42-year-old half Puerto Rican recording artist, music producer and entrepreneur and his Verzuz co-creator Timbaland will show off their producing skills as they face off in a battle once again for their hit web series.

The pair first dueled onstage in 2018 at the Hot 97 Summer Jam in East Rutherford, N.J., as part of a producer clash battle — long before Verzuz premiered virtually in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a post shared on the official Verzuz Instagram on Tuesday (May 25), the showdown was announced. “Did y’all guess who the rematch was going to be!? @THEREALSWIZZZ vs @TIMBALAND THIS SUNDAY ‼️ LIVE from @LIVMIAMI Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend with our new #VERZUZLive .”

Beatz, né Kasseem Dean, 42, commented the post, “Let’s go then .” Timbaland, born Timothy Mosley, 49, wrote, “Alrite [sic] now .”

With Timbaland’s extensive history of producing megahits for fan-favorites including JAY-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott, Kanye West, Aaliyah, Cher and Madonna, Beatz — who has produced for Eve, Diddy, Lil’ Wayne, The Weeknd, Drake, the late DMX, among many more — is in for a tough rematch.

Since its inception, Verzuz has featured friendly competitions between Monica and Brandy, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, Alicia Keys and John Legend, and the late DMX, who faced off against Snoop Dogg in July. DMX, né Earl Simmons, died on April 9.

Tune in on Sunday (May 30) at 8 p.m. ET to catch the Verzuz battle between Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, streaming on Instagram Live via the VerzuzTV account or Triller. It will also air on TV via FITE.

https://twitter.com/verzuzonline/status/1397184322537345026

Ozuna Earns 22nd Top 10 Hit on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with Black Eyed Peas-Collab “Mamacita”

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Ozuna’s Hot streak continues…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singer has earned his 22nd Top 10 hit on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated June 6) as his collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas, “Mamacita,” rises 17-7.

“Mamacita” samples Madonna’s 1987 hit single “La Isla Bonita,” which reached No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. As “La Isla Bonita” was co-written by Madonna, she also gets songwriting credit on “Mamacita.” In turn, “Mamacita” gives Madonna her first top 10 as a songwriter on Hot Latin Songs.

“Mamacita” rises on the strength of airplay and streaming activity: it logged 8 million in audience impressions (up 20%), earned in the week ending May 31, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It also pushes 10-5 on the Latin Airplay chart.

Meanwhile, “Mamacita” drew 2.4 million in U.S. streams in the week ending May 28.

In addition to its Hot Latin Songs’ hike, “Mamacita” also rises 10-7 on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart thanks to an 11% boost in digital sales.

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