February 3, 2022 - Artist Weekly

Lil Nas X’s First Album Montero Debuts at the Second Spot on the Billboard Charts

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Famous singer and rapper Lil Nas X has proven once again that he has what it takes to be a worldwide sensation. A week after the release of his long-awaited studio album MONTERO on September 17, the LP has successfully debuted at the Top 2 spot of the prestigious Billboard 200 Albums Chart.

The young musician, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, first rose to fame with “Old Town Road,” 2019’s hottest summer track. Since then, Lil Nas X skyrocketed to the top of the music scene and showed no signs of slowing down.

The success of his debut album can be attributed not only to his impressive musical prowess but also to his superb marketing strategies. The artist had long been teasing fans and listeners about his album by posting snippets on his social media accounts.

On the 26th of March, he finally dropped the first single, “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).” In the following months, he subsequently released the second and third songs on the album, which are respectively called “Sun Goes Down” and “Industry Baby.”

The songs quickly became trending on the social media site TikTok, and millions of users were using them to create content. Lil Nas X is also active on the app. He continues to build momentum by engaging with his audience and giving them minor updates as well as little sneak peeks on what to expect from the album.

Aside from making catchy tunes and writing clever lyrics, Lil Nas X has captured listeners’ attention due to his authenticity. Most, if not all, of his songs, take inspiration from his experiences. On top of that, he is known to be very outspoken, opinionated, and open, which adds to his charm and charisma.

MONTERO debuting at the second spot on the highly coveted chart is an already impressive feat, being that it is only the hitmaker’s first-ever album. The top spot still belongs to Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, which has been the number one album for the last three weeks.

In addition to this, three tracks from the album have also seen immense success and have made it to this week’s Billboard Top 100, including the recently released “That’s What I Want.”

The LP is distributed by Columbia Records and contains a total of 15 tracks. Fans can also listen to it via music streaming platforms. It features this generation’s most sought-after musicians such as Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Jack Harlow, and Doja Cat. Music legend Elton John has also joined the singer for the single “One of Me.”

Lil Nas X has definitely hit the ground running. The gifted musician has successfully proven the skeptics wrong and has removed all traces of doubt that he is a one-hit-wonder. Fans and music enthusiasts alike should be on the lookout for upcoming projects and future releases from the young artist as he continues to dominate the industry one song at a time.

Damion Hype Bridging Cultures through His Crossover Music Concept

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Music knows no bounds, and artists like Damion Hype understand its universality the most. And while one could take Damon’s music and put it under the Dancehall category, there are many other elements to his songs that exude melodies and aspects of many other genres. Accordingly, the artist is out to challenge cultural divides as he progresses in his music career.

Damion Hype is a singer and songwriter who originally hails from Jamaica. The son of a professional musician, his life revolved around music.

“My dad had a great influence on me as I can remember going to watch him perform at hotels in Jamaica with a band,” shares Damion. “Just the outpouring love from the guests inspired me to become a musician too.” The artist’s calling into music as a career was further confirmed while attending Happy Grove High School, where he would get through everyday beating his desk and creating songs and stringing lyrics in his head during class.

Damion grew up listening to Dancehall and Reggae artists like Bob Marley. After moving to the United States, He would widen his scope and start listening to other genres, especially rap. He would listen to Jamaican rappers like Shaggy, Sean Paul, and Louie Culture, expanding his music and polishing his sound.

In 2016, Damion Hype took a giant leap and recorded his first single track, “Gone,” alongside artist Twaine Henry. The song received a good reception from audiences, especially his family, who encouraged Hype to continue pursuing music. After releasing his first single from his home parish of Portland, he flew back to Jamaica to record his second track. While working on the sophomore release, Damion could brush shoulders with his music idol Louie Culture who praised the Dancehall artist for his “unique voice.”

While Dancehall would become the bedrock for the Jamaican artist’s music career, Damion Hype started expanding his sound a bit more.

“I am from Jamaica, and the slangs we used are not always easy to understand; some say it should be a language, but I make the most of my music with the intent that everyone will understand it,” shares Damion Hype. “In some cases, I used order foreign languages in some of my songs, like in my single ‘Tonight’ that has some Spanish, and ‘Baby Boo’ that has some African languages. And I have at least four songs out in a foreign language.” Just recently, Damion released his new single “Secret” as production starts on the visuals so that he can showcase to the world.

By bringing together languages and elements from other cultures, Damion hopes to break barriers and differences globally. Currently, he has a very diverse listenership, with his audiences and fans now hailing from over 26 different countries. By catering to a global audience and creating music with various influences, he hopes that people will connect with his music and each other.

Some of Damion Hype’s other songs include tracks like “Bad Gal,” “Tonight,” “Above Di Wata,” “Baby Boo,” “You Mi Want,” and “Identity,” to name some of them. His music is most popular in the United States, Jamaica, Kenya, and the Caribbean and circulates in various radio stations in those countries and beyond.

Damion currently resides in Memphis. Learn more about his music and life by visiting his YouTube channel and Instagram profile.

Comedian Keith Ross Nelson Opens Up about Illustrious Career as a Comedy and the Perspective that Age Showed Him

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

A comedian’s greatest challenge is conjuring jokes that can make his audience burst into laughter, often relying on real-life situations that they encountered. Nobody knows this better and longer than standup comic Keith Ross Nelson.

Keith has been in the comedy business for a quarter-century, making people laugh in all fifty states and worldwide. From comedy clubs to cruise ships, Keith has been everywhere, entertaining multitudes of crowds and making their night. He has also toured globally to visit bases to lighten the mood of U.S. troops. With years standing under the spotlight, Keith Ross Nelson has developed a different perspective as a professional comedian.

Like most comedians, Keith relies on his experience to make an impact on his audience. After performing for many years, he has come to use middle ageas the butt of his jokes, delivering them in a way that appeals to all age brackets, even cracking up the youth. Keith revealed that he has received praises from people between 25 to 30 years old.

What makes Keith so unique as a comic is his presentation, as it allows everyone to relate to him. Whereas most comedians would take on every other subject in their acts, the seasoned comic does not shy away from his experience of maturity, sharing some of the most mundane situations with comedic expertise. As a result, Keith often receives compliments from people who describe him as “a cool dad.” His popularity played a role in opportunities to feature in several media outlets and podcasts, including All Things Comedy, The Bash, LA Wire, Live Nation, NY Weekly, and many more.

The comedian has hit celebrity status throughout the years that prompted filmmakers to invite him for appearances in their projects. He has appeared as a guest act for shows like Entertainment Tonight and Hulu’s Comedy Time. Keith would later participate in independent films like The R.M., Mobsters and Mormons, F.M.L., and Jack and Cocaine.

Since then, his venture has extended to more than just brief appearances as he started writing his own stories. By 2018, Keith played multiple roles in the production of the TV ShowNot For Nothin’ on Amazon Prime where he performed, wrote, and produced. He would also make his directorial debut in the television series, Electives, where Keith continued to perform as an actor.

Outside of entertainment, Keith has also been successful as an athlete. His accomplishments include winning the National Championships three times in a row and holding a record in the Masters High Jump. He was also the top athlete for outdoor high-jumping in 2000 and indoor high-jumping in 2006. Keith is also a third-degree black belt holder in Kung Fu and is currently on track to his fourth.

Whenever he has the chance, Keith Ross Nelson likes to advise young comedians about their careers. Knowing how difficult it can be to thrive in comedy, he often encourages the next generation not to give up.

Learn more about Keith Ross Nelson by visiting his official website and Instagram.

Leikyn Bravo Sheds Light on Finding One’s Own Pace in Order to Achieve Success

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Success is not a finish line to a sprint but an end goal to a marathon. Countless aspirants fail to recognize that attaining victory is not about who finished first. It consists of a number of challenges that steadily test one’s patience, perseverance, and precision in completing these seemingly insurmountable obstacles. For this reason, those who maintain their pace throughout the race have the capability to exceed limitations, conquer challenges, and rise above. Leikyn Bravo, an esteemed artist and emerging powerhouse, encourages others to chase their dreams and keep the faith, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Leikyn Bravo is a singer, songwriter, and actress who is highly recognized for her versatility and multitude of talents. Her diligent efforts of propelling her career towards greater heights have earned countless praises from aspirants and industry leaders, cementing her position across a cutthroat trade. This power player does not only create music that captures the hearts of many listeners worldwide, but she also produces a sound that motivates others to thrive and get ahead.

Born with an unparalleled passion for beats and rhythm, this multifaceted personality is an all-around musician who is not afraid to dip her toes into the intricacies of a cutthroat trade. Ever since she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in songwriting from an internationally recognized institution, Berklee College of Music, Leikyn Bravo has been making waves in the industry, impressing her peers with passion, precision, and perseverance. This emerging musician not only writes songs that gather attention from listeners worldwide, but she also produces melodies that genuinely reflect her unmatched love for music.

Over the years, this musical powerhouse has earned countless praises from aspirants and established authorities across the industry for her brilliance and unique approach to music. Unlike other musicians, Leikyn Bravo takes pride in handling her career organically, from producing songs to managing her brand. This independent musician supports herself, demonstrating her versatility as an artist.

Although her musical skills and talents elevated her position at the summits of the music industry, Leikyn Bravo’s passion for traveling and cultural diversity has enabled her to spread her inspirational message across the world. As a matter of fact, she has toured around 45 countries across six countries. More impressively, Leikyn has also delved into Broadway, cementing her reputation across various media outlets, such as Chicago Tribune, Fox, LA Wire, and more.

This 2021, Leikyn Bravo debuts as a solo artist as she shares glimpses of her struggles in overcoming obstacles and rising above through her self-made album, “Songs You’ll Never Hear.” Through this masterful piece, she hopes to share the power of believing in oneself in achieving success.

Although Leikyn Bravo took some time to attain victory, she could still translate her dreams into reality at her own pace. In the coming years, this inspiring figure hopes to become a beacon of hope for aspirants to work for their dreams and achieve everything they have set from the get-go.

To know more about Leikyn Bravo, you may visit her website.

15 Years of Digital Music Streaming: How Spotify Radically Impacted the Music Industry

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Music streaming has significantly evolved throughout the years from bulky vinyl, CDs, and the radio. Today, the music streaming industry is dominated by Spotify. The platform did not merely provide a more convenient solution for one of America’s greatest pastimes but also addressed various problems faced by record labels and independent artists, such as piracy. After 15 years since its founding, Spotify remains at the top.

Spotify was founded in 2006 by two Swedish entrepreneurs, Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. The duo wanted to build a platform that would address the rising demand for audio-streaming services among consumers who did not particularly want to purchase physical albums or might want easy access to a library of songs by artists from any part of the world. Spotify is an open archive offering unlimited streams for those who avail of its subscription, but it also offers free streaming for users who do not mind listening to advertisements.

Initially headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Spotify reached new heights when it finally launched in the US market in 2011. Since then, the platform grew from having only 7% of users in the United States in 2010 to a staggering 83% by the end of 2020, according to Variety. Spotify currently has offices in 17 countries, has over 356 million active users worldwide, and over 158 million paying subscribers. Spotify’s library holds over 70 million songs from various record labels and media companies, all of which are subjected to the streaming platform’s digital copyright restrictions.

With Spotify’s affordability, experts have found a significant decline in online piracy. Record labels and music companies have been struggling to fight against piracy after the illegal downloading and file-sharing solutions introduced by Napster, Limewire, and other sites encouraged people to disregard the idea of paid music. By introducing a cheaper alternative to the traditional CD albums, Spotify changed a generation’s perspective about piracy and digital property.

Spotify’s vast library also allows users to explore multiple genres. The platform also created “Mood Playlists,” categorizing songs into moods, therefore saving users time to search for songs that carry the same vibes. The “Mood Playlist” includes songs from various genres. One of Spotify’s generated playlists is called the Mood Booster, which includes happy songs from multiple genres, artists, and even languages.

The platform’s unique feature called Spotify Clips also revolutionized the industry as it gave listeners a glimpse of the lives of their favorite artists through the stories they share. Artists can record short clips of themselves and connect with fans as they would on Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Spotify also stepped in to help communities amid the challenging times of the pandemic. The platform launched a feature called Artist Fundraising Pick, which allows fans to donate directly to artists, who will then give the proceeds to their chosen charity.

Spotify has indeed radically changed the way people stream music. Beyond portability, the platform has addressed some of the most controversial issues in the music industry and provided avenues for artists to showcase their everyday life. With its rapid growth in 2021 despite the pandemic, there’s no doubt that Spotify is here to stay.

Sources:

https://variety.com/2021/music/news/spotify-turns-15-how-the-streaming-giant-has-changed-and-reinvented-the-music-industry-1234948299/

https://www.fastcompany.com/90630368/spotify-q1-2021-covid-at-home-streaming-boosts-premium-subscribers-to-158-million

Fast & Furious: The Return and Reunion of the Furious Clan

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Image Commercially Licensed from: Unsplash

It is nostalgia season as all the eight seasons of the movie franchise “Fast & Furious” returns to cinemas across the US ahead of the release of its much-anticipated sequel “Fast & Furious 9.”

In preparation for the 9th installment of the fast-track action film, all preceding films of the franchise will be made available at selected cinemas for fans to catch up on their favorite films. In addition to its return to cinemas, fans will not have to pay for the cinematic experience either as they have to be “fast” and book their free tickets as soon as possible because each show operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Aptly titled “Fast Friday Screenings,” the viewing will commence on April 30 with the first film, “The Fast and The Furious,” which will be followed by “Fast & Furious 2” the following week, with each film up each week until June 18, when “Fast & Furious 8: The Fate of the Furious” will be available for screenings.

Exactly seven days later, the new film, “Fast & Furious 9,” will be released for viewing in the US on June 25 and in the UK on July 8. According to the franchise’s official webpage, fans can book their cinema seats through participating chains such as AMC, Epic Theatres, Showcase cinemas, Megaplex, Cinépolis USA and EVO.

In a released statement, the franchise’s production company, Universal Pictures, shared that the franchise wanted to thank their vast family of Fast fans in the US for their passion and dedication for the past two decades by dedicating the Fast Friday Screenings to their entertainment. In the much anticipated season F9, Vin Diesel will again depict Dom Toretto’s character as he shares the screen with Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang and “Game of Thrones” star Nathalie Emmanuel.

The first trailer for F9, released on January 31, 2020, delivered shocking revelations to the fans. First, the villain Jakob, reprised by John Cena, turned out to be Dom’s estranged brother, then it was revealed that Han (Sung Kang) was still alive. A second trailer also shows the crew going off to space courtesy of a rocket car. Some of the actors will also be making a comeback in the new season. Jordana Brewster (Mia), married to the late Paul Walker’s character Brian, will also be returning. There may be a possible return of Brian to the movie, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham may make a cameo appearance on the movie following their spin-off movie “Hobbs & Shaw.” Charlize Theron will also be returning to reprise her villainous role as Cipher, while Helen Mirren will be back as Shaw’s mother, Magdalene. Cardi B will be making her debut in the movie as Leysa, while Marvel star Michael Rooker is playing a character named Buddy.

F9 is expected to promote moviegoers’ return to theatre after the lockdown break of 2020 with its gravity-defying stunts and action-packed plot. As the release date draws near, all fingers remain crossed.

References:

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a36255652/fast-and-furious-movies-cinemas-free-screenings/

https://screenrant.com/fast-furious-9-trailer-vin-diesel-save-theaters/

https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a832625/fast-and-furious-9-10-cast-plot-trailer-release-date/

Stack Or Starve Sink Or Swim Is Making Its Mark in the Music Scene Under the Leadership of Artist and Entrepreneur Tadashi Monclova, More Famously Known as Hillside Drama

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Hillside Drama’s foray into the music scene began at the age of 13. The self-made entrepreneur has been performing at such a young age, displaying his passion for music and performing arts. The talented music artist also started his roots in Queens, New York, which is home to the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame and an apt starting point for the independent record label’s musical journey.

Though that journey wasn’t always smooth from the jump, in a tragic turn of events, Hillside Drama started losing friends and family to street violence and various addictions. He decided to change his life. In spite of all the challenges and the change in environment, music remained to be his salvation, which pushed him, X Dineroo, and their two other brothers to create their independent record label.

The esteemed hip-hop artists and their independent record label have been releasing hit after hit after hit. The man is non-stop. In 2021 alone, Drama and the record label released around 10 singles, including songs like “ZaZa” by Hillside Drama, “On and On” featuring X Dineroo, “Keep On Working” by X Dineroo featuring Hillside Drama, and “Tempting” By X Dineroo , which have been captivating audiences since their debut. Xavier better known as X Dineroo has accumulated over 25,000+ views on his Youtube channel and Hillside Drama has managed to reach his goals charting at 10,000+ followers on Instagram and gaining 20,000+ views on YouTube in just 3 months. This year, they are cooking up yet another set of projects that will take the music industry by surprise. The independent label has already done shows and collaborated with a diverse set of big-name DJs and artists such as Zipemup Kshine, Fred The Godson, and DJ Drewski. On the horizon are upcoming project features from both Fmb Eli and Nikoduh9. X Dineroo and Hillside Drama definitely plan on going big with their new upcoming video release “On and On” and with Hillside Drama’s single releases “ Classy Girl” and “Love Letter” dropping around the 14th of February, Valentines Day.

The advancements in digital technology have opened up a world of opportunities for go-getters from all walks of life—opportunities that have allowed them to translate their personal visions into reality on their own. Aspiring musicians, in particular, are now carving a path toward the forefront of the music and entertainment scene, even without a push from industry giants. However, while it is inarguable that a growing number of artists have found success despite a lack of support from record labels, it’s undeniable that it pays to be under the wing of those well-versed in navigating the complex waters of the industry. Stack or Starve / Sink or Swim is among those that seek to maneuver artists in the right direction.

Stack or Starve / Sink or Swim Entertainment is a purpose-driven company dedicated to providing quality music and content for all fans. Stack or Starve / Sink or Swim Entertainment was founded in 2019 by X Dineroo, Nikoduh9, FMB Eli and Tadashi Monclova, also known as Hillside Drama, Since its establishment, it has operated under the recognition that finding a reliable and reputable resource or institution in the music industry, which is known for its cutthroat nature, continues to be a challenge.

“Without the help and partnership of X Dineroo and my other 2 brothers none of this would be possible. When we started to take music seriously as a profession, we began to notice that there weren’t many people or places to go to that would actually teach you the right way to do things,” shared Hillside Drama.

In the years following its launch, Stack or Starve / Sink or Swim has gone all-out in guiding hopefuls and giving them the platform from which they could pursue their craft. Additionally, it has consistently placed a heavy premium on building a connection with fans and listeners, doing so by approaching the creation of music with authenticity and high regard for individuality.

Given its founder’s competence and admirable drive, it’s not surprising why Stack or Starve / Sink or Swim has managed to reach great heights. Armed with a portfolio that includes a record label, T-shirt company, and a tattoo business, Tadashi and X Dineroo are young musicians and entrepreneurs who have cemented a reputation not only for starting and scaling multiple ventures but also for giving back to their communities. Apart from giving food and clothes to the homeless and the less fortunate in their area, Tadashi is in the midst of providing cosmetic tattoos, as well, for breast cancer patients and those who have lost pieces of themselves because of their illnesses.

More can be expected from Stack or Starve / Sink or Swim Entertainment and the minds behind the company in the future. With their eyes set on snagging numerous awards and transforming the label into a million-dollar enterprise, they are not slowing down anytime soon. On top of establishing their names in the music industry, Hillside Drama and X Dineroo are also committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Currently, they are in the midst of opening a program for elementary and middle school students, one that would teach children different art techniques and skills. Moreover, they are hoping to mentor high school students interested in music and running a business mostly to teach them how important it was for them to graduate and get their high school diploma and how it helped them in their business today.In the near future, Stack or Starve/ Sink or Swim Entertainment hopes to tour across the United States and become a household name. With the way things are going now, and with the amount of talent that they have, the sky’s the limit for the thriving hip-hop artist. Truth be told, it’s only a matter of time before X Dineroo , Hillside Drama, and their Independent record Label reach the pinnacle of the music industry, and their fans will definitely enjoy being along for the ride.

Renowned Singer/Songwriter Will Buck Tells the Story of His Trials and Tribulations Through His Music

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

The power of music can never be stated enough. It is a vehicle for human expression that can resonate deep within the soul through powerful lyricism and beautiful melodies. Will Buck is an alternative singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Baltimore, Maryland, who is currently based in Los Angeles, California.

The esteemed singer-songwriter combines heavy blues guitar, strong storytelling lyrics and some electronic elements. Will Buck’s sound has been formally described as renegade folk with an electro-grunge type of delivery, but his music tends to transcend genres creating a distinct musical style of his own.

In the early parts of his career, he moved to Colorado and formed a high-energy rock and roll band called West Water Outlaws. He toured on the road over 100 days a year throughout the US by his early twenties with his band. Will Buck slept on hotel room floors, working odd jobs and playing three-hour bar sets for small fees and some food.

Will cut his teeth as a performer in dive bars around the United States, but as the saying goes: “All good things must come to an end.” After five years of building the band from playing parties in their basement to selling out venues and appearing at major festivals, this promising act broke up virtually overnight before they were poised to play the biggest show of their career, sign a management deal, and land multiple network television placements.

In the aftermath of the sudden disbandment in 2015, Will Buck sold the majority of his possessions, packed up his truck and headed west for what would be a year-long solo journey of rediscovery ending in eastern Australia.

The band’s sudden breakup in 2015 left Will Buck traveling solo before moving to Los Angeles for a shot at redemption. Fast forward several years, multiple EPs, countless shows, setbacks and triumphs, Will Buck has been dubbed as “someone to watch” by the Hollywood Digest, “a diamond in the rough” by Voyage LA, and has finished as a semi-finalist in The Opening Act’s Hollywood Bowl competition.

While his songs range from personal redemption and the unbreakable human spirit to addiction, healing, grief, and ultimately cultivating inner peace, what wins out in the end is Will’s honesty in his experiences and willingness to share it openly through his remarkable music. Coming off the heels of his newest release, “Shadows,” Will Buck is poised to make 2022 his year.

The renowned singer-songwriter has fought tooth and nail to get to where he is today. He hopes to inspire more and more people to actively pursue their passions and reach for their dreams through his music. As he continuously expresses his genuine artistry through his craft, more and more people are gravitating towards his music, and he is quickly gaining a loyal following who await his latest releases.

Will Buck is slowly making a name for himself with each new song he releases, and he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. Old fans and new fans alike should be on the lookout for new music he puts out real soon.

Learn more about Will Buck through his Spotify and Instagram accounts.

Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” Rises to No. 5 in Billboard Hot 100

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Image source: Allure

Dua Lipa is blasting off. Following a record-breaking 29 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 tracks, the pop star’s iconic TikTok hit single “Levitating” is soaring to new heights, peaking at the chart’s coveted No. 5 spot.

Born on August 22, 1995, Dua Lipa is a model and award-winning singer and songwriter signed with the giant record label “Warner Music Group.” Before her grand entrance into the music industry, Dua already had a penchant for music.

Her father, Dukagjin Lipa, was a vocalist for the rock band “Oda” in Kosovo. With talent running through her veins and music playing at home, the young star knew that she would one day shoot across the sky as a world-class performer. Deciding to pursue her passion, she moved to London at only 15 years old.

Establishing herself as an artist was the tricky part. Fortunately, she took notes from Justin Bieber’s legendary rise through YouTube and jumped on the platform herself. Dua Lipa held nothing back and, soon, producers started calling her.

In August 2015, she made her official debut with the single “New Love.” At present, the track has accumulated over 48 million views on YouTube and countless streams on popular sites.

“At the time I was writing this song, it was about finding my place in an industry that often seems to neither want nor need you. This is a song about facing the fear of losing the only thing that matters to you,” she reveals to “The Fader.”

Following “New Love,” Dua continued to release several singles until she struck gold in 2016 with “Hotter Than Hell.” The track catapulted her to awe-inducing stages and was her first big step towards stardom. Then, in 2017, Dua Lipa released her self-titled album.

One of the songs in “Dua Lipa” was her iconic global hit “New Rules.” The song peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent a whopping 48 weeks on the chart, establishing the artist’s residence on the spot. Since “New Rules” had people worldwide filming by the pool, Dua has conquered the charts with “Don’t Start Now” at #2, “Break My Heart,” “IDGAF,” and “We’re Good,” among others.

Her single, “Levitating,” featuring DaBaby, is also one of Billboard Hot 100’s top guests, staying afloat for 29 weeks and counting. The fifth track of Dua’s latest album, “Future Nostalgia,” the song debuted as a TikTok dance craze and boasts over 459 million listens on Spotify.

“Levitating” first peaked at number 5 on February 6, 2021, before recently regaining the position in its 29th week. Outside of the Billboard Hot 100, it has also climbed back up the Billboard Global 200, currently sitting comfortably at #4.

Due to its impressive return to the Top 10, “Levitating” has gained the distinction of “Greatest Gainer” for Billboard’s May 1, 2021 week ranking – continuing to take the world by the storm through TikTok, among other platforms. With “Levitating” hitting the elevator button “up” and Dua Lipa producing smash hit after hit, it won’t be long before the music artist dominates new heights in the industry.

Experience love on zero gravity with Billboard Hot 100’s rising single “Levitating.” Listen to the “Future Nostalgia” track on Dua Lipa’s YouTube channel, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Stay updated on the young pop star’s future ventures and upcoming music on Twitter, Instagram, or her official website.

References:

https://www.billboard.com/music/dua-lipa

https://www.thelist.com/232917/the-stunning-transformation-of-dua-lipa/

Pixar’s Inside Out Upholds Its Relevance by Emphasizing the Importance of Accepting Every Emotion

Artist Weekly Staff on February 3, 2022

Image Commercially Licensed from: Unsplash

When people discuss films, they often dismiss cartoons or animated films as something that is merely for children. However, they seldom realize the magnitude of the arts as a tool to entertain and touch on subjects that can help younger audiences understand the world a little better. Pixar has always taken pride in creating movies and shorts that deliver powerful messages, and its 2015 film Inside Out is no different.

Inside Out introduces the audience to emotions as living beings that live inside and guide people. The protagonist, an eleven-year-old girl named Riley, is driven by Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness. Joy acts as the captain who drives Riley to become a happy-go-lucky individual chock full of confidence. While she regularly lets others take control of the situation, Joy singles out Sadness, believing she plays no part in Riley’s growth.

Riley and her family move to San Francisco, and Joy tries her best to keep Riley’s spirits up. The conflict is created when Joy and Sadness get entangled over a core memory and get taken outside their base, leaving Anger, Fear, and Disgust to take the rein. Far from home, the two set off on a journey to get back to help Riley cope with her new surroundings. Without Joy and Sadness, Riley spirals into confusion, unable to hold herself together.

Inside Out talks about how most children (and adults to some extent) need to be okay with handling emotions, not just the positive ones but also the negative. Joy’s attempt to maintain the upbeat personality that Riley had in her former home may have been for good intentions but only left her struggling to accept change. In the early stages of Riley’s transition from her old home to her new one, there were moments when Sadness was needed to deal with change. Joy’s control left her no room to settle into a new environment.

To get into the head of a teenage girl, director Pete Docter consulted with experts and psychologists. While cartoons often exaggerate certain aspects of the world, Docter was determined to make Inside Out as scientifically accurate as possible. Although the film took five years to develop, the team’s hard work paid off, with many psychologists praising the movie. Experts have cited how the film captures Emmy Van Deurzen’s compass of emotion. Van Deurzen mentions how people need to experience every emotion. The act of avoiding them leaves people trapped, much like Riley in the film. As the movie progresses, Riley slowly starts to shut down and exhibit symptoms of depression, opening the door to her plan to run away from home.

Inside Out emphasizes the importance of accepting all kinds of emotions for children and adults. It also reaches out to parents who often tell children to ignore their negative feelings. The film is a perfect example of the magnitude of how emotional suppression can lead to bad decisions and possibly trauma if kept in for a long time. Negative emotions are still emotions, and the film’s conclusion shows how acceptance can still bring people together, learn from one another, and work together to improve their situation.

References:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/savvy-parenting/201507/inside-out-movie-focuses-the-importance-emotions

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/08/why-one-lesson-of-pixars-inside-out-will-touch-adults-so-much-more-deeply-than-kids/

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_lessons_from_inside_out_to_discuss_with_kids