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how2fit · 11 months ago

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Early Friday morning, unsponsored American sprinter Alaysha Johnson qualified for the 100-meter hurdle finals at the 2024 Olympic Games. She then took to X with a plea: “If anybody wants to buy me 8 tickets so my family can watch me run then I’d love yall … but know they going for $500 a piece,” she wrote. Within an hour, her ask was answered: Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and husband of Serena Williams, had come to the rescue. Ohanian may seem likely an unlikely benefactor for women’s track and field—a “fairy godparent,” as Alison Wade from Fast Women called him—but but, as the principal owner of LA-based professional women's soccer team Angel City FC and recipient of the Women’s Sports Foundation 2022 Champion For Equality Award, the venture capitalist is a long-time champion of women’s sports. In April, he announced that his Seven Seven Six firm would sponsor a new women-only track event called Athlos on September 26, 2024. “At 776, we believe in the power of sports to drive positive change and inspire future generations,” Ohanian said in a statement. “By investing in women’s track, we aim to build a best-in-class event that elevates the profile of top women athletes and creates a more equitable sporting landscape.” Ohanian’s partner in this venture is 200-meter Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas, who added, “We hope to not only provide athletes with the resources and visibility they need to have enduring careers but also to inspire fans worldwide with a reinvented format to experience the best of our sport.” The first-of-its-kind event will feature top-tier female runners—including Thomas, Olympic 5,000-meter silver medalist Faith Kipyegon, 400-meter U.S. national indoor champion Alexis Holmes, Australian 100-meter record holder Torrie Lewis, and more—racing distances from 100 to 1,500 meters. They’ll be vying for a share of $500,000, the largest purse ever offered at a women’s track event; gold medalists will take home $60,000 each (that’s double what the Diamond League finals only award winners). To up the ante even further, Ohanian promised the 36 female Olympians running his event that he’d personally pay them $60,000 if they win a gold medal in Paris. Thomas was the first to cash in with her Olympic win. But Ohanian isn’t just ponying up for the big names. When discus thrower and first-time Olympian Veronica Fraley posted that she couldn't pay her rent, despite competing in the Olympics, Ohanian almost immediately sent her enough money to cover rent for the rest of the year. Fraley didn’t make it to the finals in Paris, but the attention she got led to $23,000 in donations on GoFundMe, which she’ll use to keep training for World Championships and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. To capitalize on what’s been an amazing Olympic track and field competition, with Team USA earning 29 medals as of publication, Ohanian has been on the ground in Paris inviting literally everyone to Athlos: Team USA gymnastics, rugby star Ilona Maher, Flavor Flav (who's the sponsor and biggest hype man for Team USA's women's water polo team). To keep the attention of new fans, you need star power and a sexy setting that requires reimagining the traditional track meet. (Case in point: The dramatic pre-race music and a light show at the Stade de France in Paris.) Athlos will feature DJs and individual entrance music for the athletes, and Megan Thee Stallion will be the inaugural headliner. “Only the best for the best,” Ohanian wrote on TikTok. (You know who else has tapped Megan Thee Stallion’s star power recently? Kamala Harris.) At the Business of Women’s Sports Summit in April, Thomas said Ohanian was inspired by the spirit of Formula 1 events, which have seen an unprecedented rise in popularity following the debut of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series in 2019. While track and field might not be having its F1 moment (yet), this is the kind of mainstream popularity the sport has rarely seen, and it’s not only thanks to Ohanian.

In February, Duæl Track—a head-to-head, bracket-style racing competition made for TV—promised a $1 million prize pool at their September event. At almost the same time as Ohanian’s announcement, legendary Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson launched Grand Slam Track, a new league debuting next year that will showcase big names like Olympic 400-meter hurdles gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Olympic 1500-meter silver medalist Josh Kerr, and 36 other athletes. In July, Netflix released Sprint, a documentary series that followed elite track and field athletes as they prepared for the World Championships; the show attracted 2.4 million views in its first week of being released and season two is already being filmed. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime has a docuseries in the works about the Ingebrigtsen brothers, including world record holder for the indoor 1500 metres Jakob Ingebrigtsen, as they prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games, according to the Norwegian newspaper VG. Athletes are also driving interest on their own via social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They’re leaning into distinct personalities (see: Sha’carri Richardson, who just won the Olympic silver medal in the 100-meter sprint, and 100-meter gold medalist Noah Lyles has 1.4 million followers) rivalries (see: Jakob Ingebrigtson versus Josh Kerr, or Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone versus Norwegian Femke Bol), and relationships (see: power couple Tara Davis-Woodhall, who won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump, and her husband, Paralympian Hunter Woodhall) to help them stand out on a global stage. Still, it never hurts to have a fairy godparent, and a savvy entrepreneur like Ohanian knows how important it is to maintain this Olympic momentum so track and field doesn’t lose that once-every-four-years spotlight—and the revenue opportunities it brings for both individual athletes and the sport as a whole—after the Closing Ceremony. “None of this came from a charitable POV. It's not because I have daughters or because I'm married to a world-class athlete,” Ohanian wrote on LinkedIn about his investment in women’s soccer—but the overall sentiment applies to all women’s sports, including women’s track and field. “It’s because these women were objectively great, and they were being objectively undervalued. It's just good business.”

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aweyblackcar · 1 year ago

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Different Types of Limousines and Their Features

Have you ever found yourself dreaming of gliding through city streets in ultimate luxury, sipping champagne, and feeling like a VIP? Limousines have long been synonymous with sophistication, elegance, and special occasions.

From weddings to prom nights, and corporate events to leisurely tours, the allure of a limousine ride remains unmatched.

In this guide, we delve into the world of limousines, exploring the various types available and their distinctive features. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a corporate outing, or a night on the town with friends, understanding the different options can help you choose the perfect ride for your needs.

Common Features of Limousines

Limousines are designed to provide unparalleled comfort, style, and convenience. Here are some common features you can expect to find:

Spacious Interiors: Step into a limousine, and you'll be greeted by an expansive interior with ample legroom and headroom. Whether you're travelling alone or with a group, there's plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

Chauffeur-Driven Experience: Leave the driving to the professionals and indulge in a chauffeur-driven experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey while your skilled driver navigates through traffic with ease.

Luxurious Amenities: From plush leather seating to state-of-the-art entertainment systems, limousines are equipped with all the amenities you need for a first-class ride. Climate control ensures your comfort in any weather, while mood lighting sets the perfect ambience for your journey.

Tinted Windows: Enjoy privacy and discretion with tinted windows that shield you from prying eyes. Whether you're discussing business matters or simply want to enjoy the scenery in peace, tinted windows offer added seclusion.

Popular Types of Limousines

Limousines come in various shapes and sizes, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types:

Sedan Limousine

Description: A stretched version of a luxury sedan, ideal for smaller groups (3-4 passengers).

Features: Elegant design, comfortable seating, often used for business travel or airport transfers.

Stretch Limousine

Description: The quintessential limousine experience, featuring an extended wheelbase for increased passenger capacity (6-8 passengers).

Features: Luxurious interior with additional amenities such as jump seats, wet bars, and entertainment systems. Perfect for weddings, prom nights, and other special events.

SUV Limousine

Description: Based on a luxury SUV platform, offering a higher ride height and spacious interior (6-7 passengers).

Features: Combines the comfort and luxury of a traditional limousine with the practicality of an SUV. Ideal for larger groups, road trips, or events requiring ample luggage space.

Convertible Limousine

Description: Experience the thrill of an open roof while enjoying the luxury of a limousine.

Features: Perfect for weddings, proms, or scenic tours, the convertible limousine allows passengers to soak in the fresh air and make a grand entrance in style.

Less Common But Specialized Limousines

In addition to the more traditional options, there are also specialized limousines designed for specific purposes:

Executive Sprinter Limousine

Description: Modified Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are known for their functionality and luxury.

Features: Ideal for corporate events, offering mobile office space with work surfaces, comfortable seating, and entertainment systems.

Limo Bus/Party Bus

Description: Large, tricked-out vans equipped with all the amenities for a party on wheels.

Features: Dance floors, DJ setups, multiple TVs, neon lighting—limo buses are perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, nights out, or any group celebration.

Conclusion

the world of limousines is as diverse as it is luxurious. Whether you're looking for a classic stretch limo for your wedding day or a party bus for a night of revelry with friends, there's a limousine to suit every occasion.

When choosing a limousine service, consider factors such as passenger capacity, amenities, and price. With the right choice, you can elevate any event from ordinary to extraordinary, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

So why wait? Treat yourself to the ultimate luxury experience and arrive in style with a limousine ride tailored to your needs.

#LimousineLife #LuxuryTravel #VIPExperience #RideInStyle #LimousineService #ElegantJourneys #SpecialOccasions #UltimateComfort #ChauffeurDriven #PartyOnWheels #WeddingLimousine #CorporateTravel #CelebrateInStyle #LuxuryTransportation #LimousineLove

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courtneydeservesbetter · 11 months ago

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Total drama Olympic sports au so far

Ezekiel- still have no idea. I want it to be one of those sports you didn’t even know existed until you randomly saw it while changing channels in the morning and unfortunately I’m focusing on the summer games

Noah- rowing coxswain

Justin- diving

Katie and Sadie- synchronized diving

Tyler- running (I specifically wanna see him fail at hurdles)

Lindsay- she’s THE Olympic sprinter

Izzy- cycling (I want the camera to lose her and randomly come out of bushes. I want her to run over someone. I want her to crash and keep going, confusing everyone there. I’m also considering a triathlon cuz it requires so much energy but I feel like she’s not serious enough lol)

Cody- table tennis

Harold- breakdancing. It was just included this year and you KNOW he’d do it

Beth- badminton

Geoff- skateboarding

Bridgette- surfing (we’re pretending the location is somewhere that allows surfing cuz it’s usually not in the same country as the other games)

Courtney- tennis it girl

Gwen- rock climbing

Trent- swimming

Dj- gymnastics (he literally does ribbon twirling)

Leshawna- gymnastics floor routine queen

Heather- volleyball

Owen- shooting

Eva- weightlifting

Duncan- he’s up for a vote cuz I was STRUGGLING cuz the sport i want to put him in is in the winter games but if it wins I’ll just pretend it’s happening at the same time

Alejandro- SOCCER

Sierra- basketball. She’s on TikTok as we speak spilling the tea on everyone in the Olympic village when she should be training

Chris and chef- sports commentators

#this is the most I’ve ever thought about sports in my life #total drama au

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theotakufiles · 2 years ago

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Night of the Living Cat Manga

"Night of the Living Cat" is a thrilling and humorous animated series that brings together two unlikely worlds – cats and zombies! In a small suburban town called Meowington, an ordinary kitten named Whiskers discovers a mysterious serum that accidentally brings the neighborhood felines back from the dead. As these eccentric, now undead cats embark on mischievous adventures, their remarkable abilities and insatiable appetite for mischief create chaos in Meowington.

Each episode follows Whiskers and his undead gang as they navigate through unexpected situations, all while trying to keep their paranormal existence a secret from humans. Whiskers leads the pack with his witty charm and cleverness, often using his newly enhanced zombie-cat powers to thwart any potential trouble.

Alongside Whiskers are an assortment of lively characters - Felix, a suave tomcat who can hypnotize humans with his mesmerizing stare; Tabitha, a sarcastic yet brilliant strategist known for her impeccable mousing skills; Fluffykins, an adorable but terrifyingly fast sprinter who scares away foes with her ear-piercing screech; and Biscuit, a lovable house cat turned zombie DJ whose infectious beats liven up any situation.

The meowsome adventures take our quirky feline heroes across different settings within Meowington: unraveling eerie mysteries at midnight in the local cemetery or outsmarting pesky authorities like Animal Control Officer Snifflesworth (who has dedicated his life to exposing Meowington's secrets). Meanwhile, they also help fellow cats in need by teaming up against common enemies like pigeon gangs terrorizing rooftops or greedy mice aiming to control the town's cheese supply.

As "Night of the Living Cat" unfolds with its playful blend of comedy, action, mystery, and friendship bonds forged amidst supernatural circumstances - viewers will be captivated by the colorful animation style and relatable personalities of these zombified kitties. Combining witty dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and heartwarming moments, the series highlights the importance of embracing what makes us unique, even if it seems a little bit undead.

So buckle up for a thrilling yet hilarious ride through Meowington's moonlit streets in "Night of the Living Cat," where these undead felines redefine what it means to be alive (or somewhere close to it) and prove that cats truly have nine lives...and then some!

To all manga enthusiasts and cat lovers out there, we have a fantastic opportunity to show our support for the incredibly talented manga author behind the captivating series 'Night of the Living Cat Manga.' By purchasing this exceptional manga at gekimanga.com, not only will you be able to immerse yourself in a riveting story featuring adorable feline protagonists, but you'll also directly contribute to empowering and encouraging this talented author to continue creating amazing content. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference – head over to gekimanga.com now and grab your copy of 'Night of the Living Cat Manga' today!

#Night of the Living Cat #Manga #animes #otaku #animefans #mangaartist

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fashioneditswebsite · 2 years ago

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The Ultimate Guide to Festivals in Arizona: Celebrating Culture, Music, and Food

Celebrating Culture, Music, and Food in Arizona Arizona, often known as the Grand Canyon State It is a place of varied natural beauty and cultural diversity in the center of the American Southwest. Despite being known for its stunning natural scenery, Arizona has much more to offer than first appears, with the Grand Canyon taking center stage. Beyond the breathtaking views, the dynamic state is home to a bustling festival culture that attracts tourists from near and far. Arizona provides a treasure trove of experiences for individuals looking to immerse themselves in the vivid fabric of human ingenuity, with a tapestry of festivals highlighting the interweaving threads of culture, music, and gastronomy. TheThereforerizona has something unique in-store if you enjoy discovering different cultures, sampling mouth-watering food, and drumming your feet to the beat of live music. We'll reveal the captivating events that highlight the state's cultural variety and provide festival-goers lifelong memories as we tour this comprehensive guide to festivals in Arizona.Key Takeaways - Renowned for its numerous festivals that honor art, music, and cuisine. Arizona is a lively state. - Arizona provides a festival for every interest, from musical extravaganzas to gastronomic pleasures and cultural exhibits. - Festivals provide an extraordinary chance to immerse in the culture, taste the local cuisine, and enjoy live entertainment. A Melody of Folklore at the Tucson Folk Festival - The Tucson Folk Festival is a well-known occasion that honors the rich history of American folk music. - Discover the compelling tales behind the brilliant artists' heartfelt songs as you lose yourself in their melodies. - This event is a musical feast for the ears, with everything from traditional folk to bluegrass and Americana. - Don't skip the workshops and jam sessions where you can pick the brains of industry leaders. Scottsdale Culinary Festival: An Exquisite Dining Experience - The Scottsdale Culinary Festival should not be missed if you enjoy the cuisine. - Enjoy a variety of delicious delicacies cooked by renowned chefs and local culinary experts. - This event offers everything for every taste and budget, from gourmet nibbles to food trucks. - To hone your culinary talents, go to cooking demos, wine tastings, and cocktail workshops. - A Cinematic Journey: Sedona International Film Festival - Film enthusiasts and up-and-coming directors may find refuge at the Sedona International Film Festival. - A carefully chosen collection of indie movies from across the globe lets you experience the wonder of the silver screen. - Participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers and performers to learn more about the craft of filmmaking. - During your tour, explore Sedona's beautiful surroundings, famed for their spectacular red rock formations. - The Arizona Renaissance Festival offers a chance to relive the age of knights, princesses, and jesters. - Be charmed by exciting entertainment, such as jousting competitions, theatrical productions, and medieval music. - Mead and turkey legs are among the substantial cuisine you may eat while exploring a lively hamlet filled with craftspeople and retailers. - If you want to experience the Renaissance, dress historically accurately. - The Dance Music Extravaganza that is Phoenix Lights Festival - All fans of electronic music assemble! An exciting celebration of EDM is the Phoenix Lights Festival. - Experience mind-blowing light shows and stage performances while dancing to the sounds of well-known DJs. - Connect with other music lovers and immerse yourself in the lively environment. - Explore the different interactive exhibitions and art installations contributing to the festival's distinctive atmosphere. Sprinter for Rent Phoenix and Rent a Sprinter Van Rent a Sprinter Van in Phoenix if you want a simple and practical way to travel with friends or family to these significant events in Arizona. A Sprinter van's roomy, comfy seating makes traveling easier for everyone. A Sprinter van rental guarantees a stress-free festival experience with plenty of space for festival gear and a trustworthy method of transportation. Sprinter for Rent Phoenix offers top-notch Sprinter vans meticulously maintained and outfitted with modern comforts. So, assemble your festival entourage, rent a Sprinter for rent Phoenix, and set off with assurance, knowing that you have the ideal mode of transportation for an outstanding festival journey. Final Thoughts Arizona's festival scene is a testament to the state's creative community and cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences, as these festivals cater to everyone, from music lovers to foodies, movie buffs, and cultural enthusiasts. Celebrating human ingenuity and passion, these festivals offer a range of activities, to mouth-watering regional cuisines and captivating cinema. Unleash your inner explorer and embrace Arizona's eclectic festival culture by packing your bags, rounding up your friends, and embarking on a journey of fun and discovery. Read the full article

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deadcactuswalking · 2 years ago

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REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 05/08/2023 (Travis Scott's 'UTOPIA', Calvin Harris/Sam Smith, Central Cee/Drake)

Content warning: More Drake than usual

For a ninth consecutive week, we have Dave and Cench at the top of the charts with “Sprinter” - welcome back to REVIEWING THE CHARTS!

Rundown

This sure was a week. A pretty busy one at that, one that’ll be a pain to write about, so in all honesty, my main goal is to keep this pretty brief… not that it’s all that easy when there are 12 new songs and a ton of what we always start with - the notable dropouts, which are songs exiting from the UK Top 75 after five weeks in the region or a peak in the top 40. This week, we say farewell to last week’s debut, “K-POP” by Travis Scott featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, for obvious reasons we’ll discuss later, but also songs that actually stayed around for at least one week longer, like “Militerian” by J Hus featuring Naira Marley, “Makeba” by Jain, “Toxic Trait” by Stormzy and Fredo, “Don’t Say Love” by Leigh-Anne, “Tattoo” by Loreen, “Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY, “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, “Boy’s a liar” by PinkPantheress, “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, “I Ain’t Worried” by OneRepublic and “Riptide” by Vance Joy - why was that still here anyway?

We then see returns for Post Malone as his #3 album AUSTIN makes its impact. We have a debut later on, but “Mourning” and “Chemical” re-enter to take up his other two spots on the chart at #56 and #24 respectively. As for our gains, which are usually infinitely more interesting, we see boosts for “Highs & Lows” by Prinz featuring Gabriela Bee at #60, “Asking” by Sonny Fodera and MK featuring Clementine Douglas at #51, “Nothing Compares 2 U” by the late Sinéad O’Connor at #30 since the impact of her death straddled between two weeks and then gains for the Barbie phenomenon: “Pink” by Lizzo is at #27, “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling is at #14 and Charli XCX gets her sixth top 10 with “Speed Drive” at #9.

This week’s top five on the UK Singles Chart has most of the surrounding madness kind of absent, as it’s pretty standard - it consists of “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo at #5, “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice and Aqua at #4, “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa at #3, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish at #2 and of course, “Sprinter” at the very top. Now for the mess below.

NEW ARRIVALS

#72 - “Deli” - Ice Spice

Produced by RIOTUSA

Okay so not only is this a busy week, it’s also not a great one. A lot of these new arrivals I am not near to being a fan of - apologies to break the illusion that I write these in order - and sadly, this deluxe track from Ice Spice is no different. Sure, the Jersey club beat is propulsing and overwhelming with its slightly fuzzier but still dominant bass and the pretty cool syncopation with the large, distorted claps and the 808 - it sounds cool, bordering on intricate beatwork and unplanned synthesis. Miss Poopie here, however, tries to convince us she’s not a “regular artist” by raising her voice for once and providing incredibly basic bars in that still limited flow. Personality doesn’t really make up for everything, and given the lack of groove or really all that many dynamics in the very short time this song has to even do anything, I think I’m starting to already be kind of over the slight novelty of Ice Spice. It’d be great if someone like Lay Bankz was here to do the beat some justice.

#68 - “Rave Out” - Turno, Skepsis and Charlotte Plank

Produced by Skepsis and Turno

Who, who and who here are UK drum and bass DJs Turno and Skepsis, and singer Charlotte Plank, who’s still charting with “Dancing is Healing” as of this week. The song is… fantastic. Genuinely, this is incredible. We have three drum and bass songs to cover here, they’re all kind of the saving grace of this week, but this one is by far the best. I don’t know if this is a sample - I couldn’t find one in my research - but the hypnotic reggae beat that starts the song is really unexpected and incredibly smooth, with the apathetic blast of horns and organic bass perfectly fitting the content about the comedown from a “rave”, which I think means a lot more than a party here. The way everything from this reggae instrumental just melts down into a liquid drum and bass groove, as Plank repeats the same paranoid questions asking where the person is going to go “when the rave’s out”, is really striking, especially with the start-stop tendencies of the chorus and the splatter of spikier bass tones warping in and out in the post-chorus. The horns come back with rising synths, but none of it is worth all that much when it gets compressed into this mindless, carefree break. If I had to nit-pick, Plank isn’t exactly as enveloping as she could be to make this tone really work, but considering the song is actually relevant to men’s mental health, with the echoed reminders from Plank serving not as a complete control over the guy’s mind but rather just a sinking feeling regarding how men don’t feel like they have much of a space to actually confide in people or relax their brains due to constantly feeling like they have to be in control or stoic. It’s a touching message and a mesmerising banger of a song to tell it in, so good work - hope to hear more of it on the charts. Oh, wait, I will…

#65 - “Bittersweet Goodbye” - Issey Cross

Produced by Luude

Alright, Luude, this may be getting kind of silly now. “Bitter Sweet Symphony”? Really? When I first heard of this, I wasn’t necessarily shocked of the sample flip but it was amusing and when I first listened to the song, I nearly did a spit-take. To do my due diligence as the chart person, I should mention that the original song by The Verve hit #2 in 1997, being blocked by Puff Daddy’s version of “I’ll be Missing You”… both songs actually sample classic rock bands, funnily enough, though The Verve do it in a much more subtle way, even if the strings from the Andrew Oldham Orchestra’s version of The Rolling Stones’ 1965 #1 hit “The Last Time”. That’s right - this is sample-ception already before Luude even touched it. For the record, I’m not much of a fan of the song, but the orchestral lead - that I personally think gets very tiring over six minutes - is pretty iconic nowadays. It’s also a bit risky to sample, given the song is infamously the host of a slimy songwriting dispute, but Richard Ashcroft is now the sole writer credited on the track as of 2019 so most of the Issey Cross royalties I have to imagine are also going to him, which should help on some of the lost residuals. There is actually very little to say about the new song itself, funnily enough, as whilst Luude may be making his money doing silly drum and bass flips of classic songs, the returns aren’t always fantastic. I still laugh every time Ms. Cross harmonises with the string melody in the pre-chorus, and the drop has fairly enough push to it to work without being fully comical. I’m not big on the song overall, but it is a fairly standard flip of a very difficult-to-deny loop, with an okay vocal performance so it just by a pinch becomes serviceable, mostly on novelty factor.

#58 - “One Direction” - ArrDee and Bugzy Malone

Produced by LiTek and WhYJay

This new collaboration from ArrDee and Bugzy Malone isn’t exactly the best song ever, but what makes it beautiful is that - okay, I’ll stop, mostly because I can’t say this is beautiful. The horn line is just staccato and obnoxious, as even if it provides some needed bombast to drill that ArrDee can absolutely replicate, it does blow the song up to grander proportions that it cannot fully reach, mostly because the refrain is… awkward, as they vaguely trade bars, and the verses range from ArrDee ironically saying that comedians should steer clear of him - in a really lazy Eddie Murphy reference that doesn’t actually make any sense - whilst delivering what is basically a comedy-rap verse. Bugzy sounds more awake than usual, sure, but mostly because he’s surrounded by annoying sound effects so it’s like he has to work for the attention of the mix, which to be fair, is pretty well done considering how much it has to deal with that is just straight-up annoying. I really want to like this given the energy, but I can’t endorse something as obnoxious as this unless it embraces the silliness of itself more so than just a couple pop culture references.

#52 - “Enough is Enough” - Post Malone

Produced by Post Malone, Louis Bell, Rami and Max Martin

Dropping on the same day as UTOPIA seems like a mistake in the short-term but honestly, I somewhat doubt the audiences overlap that much anymore, especially considering that I’m convinced now that this synth-infused depresso pop-rock is the kind of music Post actually wants to make. This didn’t stop the Official Charts Company from accidentally missing the song out when they first posted the chart, so maybe they agree that enough truly is enough? Well, I don’t see how you could be convinced either positively or negatively by this track in particular. It’s 12 tracks into the album, without a video, so this really must be the fan favourite… and it’s okay. It’s got a typical acoustic frolick and Post’s signature warble, sometimes reaching into really rough falsetto, but any potential it could have had is quashed immediately by those terribly-mixed synthpop drums crashing down into the song and rendering it worthy of car adverts, with no update to the lyrical content to warrant a more serious sound, and no real bridge to be found… so this is practically just a regurgitation of a pop formula that vaguely works. I wish Post the best, but this is dull and doesn’t really make me want to check out any more of that album.

#53 - “Big 7” - Burna Boy

Produced by Danitello, MD$, Mike Wavvs, Otis and Super Miles

Burna Boy seems to be leading up to an album with these singles and honestly, overall, they seem pretty promising, ESPECIALLY this one. Sure, it’s another pop-R&B crossover, but the vintage-sounding keys function great off of the messy bounce, which may get in the way of Burna Boy’s flow initially, but he quickly grows into it and delivers one of his richer, more soulful performances, with a rasp on the chorus that sounds experienced and wiser as a result of the deaths in his life that he mentions in the verses, of Sidhu Moose Wala and Virgil Abloh, wherein he starts to come to grips with his now-international role as a self-proclaimed simultaneous “ghetto gospel preacher” and “two-times community service breacher”. It’s not exactly anything all too new or out there, but it’s an honest and catchy song about his experiences that deserves some spins.

#31 - “Baddadan” - Chase & Status and Bou featuring IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga and Takura

Produced by Chase & Status and Bou

Read the song’s credit and its production credits - you’ve just said the word “and” five times, and it would be generous to call whatever you constructed a sentence. If you’re thinking “Who the Hell are these people?”, I kind of am too, but apart from the drum and bass DJs at the helm that we know, as well as Flowdan from the Roll Deep grime collective who actually charted earlier this year with Skrillex on “Rumble”, we have IRAH, who seems to post at least one voice-over of Family Guy scenes on his Facebook page, Takura, who’s from Zimbabwe and has actually charted with Chase & Status before at #98 in 2011 on “Flashing Lights” and Trigga, who sure is Trigga, and has collaborated with Bou before. In fact, they all seem pretty accustomed to emceeing or at least guesting on drum and bass tracks, so what harm can be done by putting them all on a track together? The trio at the production helm have curated a pretty atmospheric and dark, menacing beat with a very 2014-feeling progression, especially with the wonky synth and reverb on Takura’s voice, and none of the emcees really impress or disappoint. IRAH’s introductory verse has the most menace, but Flowdan kind of runs away with the spotlight, mostly because his rhyme scheme is so percussive that it perfectly plays with the breaks. Most of the content are just threats, and I can’t say I’m over the Moon about the drop or Takura’s contributions in general, but the melodrama Chase & Status always bring is still there, and I could see it growing on me due to its sheer intensity soon enough.

#26 - “On the Radar Freestyle” - Drake and Central Cee

Produced by Harley Arsenault and Kid Masterpiece

“You know that’s how Jesus died, that’s how Julius Ceasar died - I bet they were decent guys, I swear they remind of me sometimes” already feels like a classic Drake bar. In fact, the song has a vintage aura surrounding it - mostly because this is the best verse Drake has delivered for about a decade, and the soul sample in the back, whilst bizarrely mixed like everything else in this “song”, adds a lot of sweetness to this otherwise hype-focused Jersey drill beat. Hell, for a YouTube freestyle video, this production is pretty unique, smattering the silky sample in a lot of filtering to the point of unrecognisability under an insanely hard and groovy drill pattern. I actually really like Drake here too - I’m not a hater, but I’ll sound like one later - as he actually delivers some pretty great lines regarding his status in Canada and he’s not going for menace or intensity here as much as he is just rampantly flexing, and it comes off pretty well, especially with that recurring “six” theme referring to where he grew up in Toronto, but being implemented really slickly - particularly in the opening line where he has to put emojis over three faces because the feds can’t see those (six) eyes. When Drake wants to, he can really deliver, and the awkward pauses after some of the weirder sex bars seem absolutely built for the reaction videos. Whilst Cench isn’t nearly as lyrical, stepping up to rap after old man Drake sits down, he sounds relentless in a lot of honestly pissy and vengeful-sounding bars, riding the beat excellently and intensely with lyrics a tad more compelling than I think is probably given credit, and his flow, whilst the same as Drake’s, sounds effortless and honestly kind of better coming from Central Cee. This may not really be a song, but it’s a damn impressive set of two verses that actually has some replay value for me so whilst I don’t think it’ll stick around at all, it was great whilst it was here.

#21 - “HYAENA” - Travis Scott

Produced by Travis Scott, MIKE DEAN, WondaGurl, Noah Goldstein and Jahaan Sweet

I didn’t like the substanceless void of vaguely-cool-sounding nothingness that was UTOPIA. At best, it was a set of guest collaborators putting in their best efforts only to be trampled on by the lack of ambition of its lead artist, and at worst, that lead artist’s ambition somehow gets way ahead of him and makes a formless mess that failed at any point to actually grip me into his world like he’d done before. We don’t exactly have the three best tracks from the album lined up here either, but at least we have one of them in the form of the opening track, “HYAENA”. It is on here that Travis sounds the most focused, and it is absolutely a convicting opener when you first press play on a Travis Scott album and are met with isolated progressive rock vocals carelessly slopping into a distorted jungle of groove. It probably has Travis’ only good verses on the entire album, delivered with energy and full of… well, nothing, but it’s at least delivered well, in place of a real hook, because it really doesn’t need one. Even when trying to deliver a crazy, industrial track, Travis ends up sounding the most human on this one, even if the content isn’t exactly thoughtful. Sadly, what I expect is for this one not to last and be replaced by a fan favourite like “I KNOW ?” next week, as can be the case when the three-song rule and big albums collide.

#18 - “Desire” - Calvin Harris and Sam Smith

Produced by Calvin Harris and BURNS

Hmm… this sounds familiar. Anyway, ahem… You know, even with a weak chart, I did not expect the hype for a new Calvin Harris track to be this [DECENTLY] high. After all, his disco efforts were met with underwhelming results, and… [SAM SMITH] hasn’t had a [SOLO] hit of [THEIR] own in years, so this collaboration being as immediate of a smash as it was kind of took me aback. I do like that Harris can experiment now and step his foot into different passions for both singles and albums markets, even if the British public clearly prefers one over the other, and with BURNS on co-production (yes, seriously, that hasn’t changed either), I think I’m predisposed to as well. [SAM SMITH] sings about a relationship that gives [THEM] a heavenly euphoria and begs [THEIR] partner to take the chance to go further, and I could not think of a better instrumental for that young-love energy, as spiralling keys and synths surround [THEIR] cooing. Once [THEY GET] into [THEIR] falsetto, the plummeting hardcore bass arrives and picks up the pace, allowing for the rickety drums to clash through. Instead of a drop after that, though, we get an – admittedly cheap but charmingly so – piano breakdown that then builds itself up through a simple emotional force. It’s a basic piano melody that then hides itself back under the catchy hardcore beat for another verse, until [THEIR] falsetto once again rubs itself against a deeper bass fuzz, except this time the escalation is immediate and grandiose, with fluttering percussion reflecting their accelerating heartbeats. It never fully locks into a groove either, because their love going further, whilst possible, is still a “[DESIRE]” – only starting to feel real. My only real complaint is that it fades out for radio purposes, when I want to hear this go further and further because it deserves an even higher level of detail, I want to hear this narrative pushed through, I want to hear what happens next, and that’s the most frustrating thing. Maybe a remix will give me more closure, but an extended edit would be great, or even just hearing how this is used in a DJ mix. The fact that Calvin Harris and BURNS have me gripped into the sonic theming of this track should be telling of how well they’ve constructed it though, and if Harris is going to briefly dip back into EDM tunes, I absolutely want to hear more where this came from - and God, if that’s what I said all those months ago when I first reviewed “Miracle”, maybe the blame is on me, but this is alarmingly similar down to even the lead vocal melodies, the song’s limited vocabulary and I have the exact same qualms, given it’s also way too short… but I’m not as interested in the Sam Smith narrative than I am Ellie Goulding’s, and it does come off as a cheap recreation. Just like this review.

#13 - “FE!N” - Travis Scott featuring Playboi Carti

Produced by Travis Scott and Jahaan Sweet

This is depressingly bad. We start with cheap rage synths that don’t carry any of the filtered weight as many of the beats Carti ends up on, so it just flairs through the instrumental as Travis murmurs an intro before the beat shuts down said synth into a clogged-down bassy trap number, as it remains for the rest of its runtime. In Travis’ verse, you can hear these little MIKE DEAN-esque synth inflections that are sprinkled on top in a desperate attempt to make anything about this actually interesting, especially Travis is full of nothing as always, and Carti’s hook is mind-numbing. His verse… can you call it that? Does that fit the legal definition of a verse? His second one does, and I at least appreciate his attempt at going for a deeper voice and inflection - it’s more experimentation than Travis is doing on this. With that said, the song ends abruptly with no catharsis for any of the previous three minutes, before Sheck Wes, who’s on ad-libs, can even get a word in edgewise, which is a shame since he’s the most interesting vocal presence here. Maybe with a more lyrical rapper on one of Travis’ more mindless cuts, there can be at least something of intrigue, so we’ll see with…

#10 - “MELTDOWN” - Travis Scott featuring Drake

Produced by Coleman, BNYX, Boi-1da, Vinylz, Tay Keith, Skeleton Cartier and Travis Scott

I get so easily tired of “menacing” Drake. It never sounds authentic, and is more often just an excuse for him to say absolutely embarrassing bars and still come off as “cool” - as he does in this, or deplete himself of any required energy, as he tries not to do here but considering all three of these beats - it’s like the BTEC “SICKO MODE” - refuse to wake up. We have a rote Memphis-influenced beat with strings, followed by a beat that acts like fanfare - or at least it would if we didn’t have sound effects and Travis’ backing vocals drowning out any impact the bass could have had. I do kind of like the way that certain parts of the beats maintain their presence, even if the transitions are not as exciting or innovative as “SICKO MODE”, which it is clearly trying to emulate, especially given the last beat is a Tay Keith clunker wherein Travis kind of sounds like he’s alive… vaguely. Apparently, Drake sends shots as Pharrell and Pusha on this one, but to be honest, if I were them, I wouldn’t see much point responding as the man burns bridges for headlines that he doesn’t need. Once again, I am asking for you to retire.

Conclusion

Once again, that sure was a week. Best of the Week goes to Turno, Skepsis and Charlotte Plank with “Rave Out” though the “On the Radar Freestyle” by Central Cee and Drake was way closer than I’d usually admit, as it grabs the Honourable Mention straight from poor Burna Boy this week. As for the worst, it really is a plentiful set to choose from, but I’ll go with “FE!N” by Travis Scott featuring Playboi Carti as the Worst of the Week with a Dishonourable Mention to… hey, look, it’s Travis Scott again with “MELTDOWN” featuring Drake. Hopefully a lot of this will clear out soon enough but for now, thank you for reading and I’ll see you next week!

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