Very few pop culture events bring worldwide fans together for an extended, in person extravaganza. One is the Super Bowl; another is the World Cup; and another, believe it or not, is Wrestlemania.Wrestlemania week is a celebration of both wrestling and pop culture with various events throughout the host city, which for Wrestlemania 39 is Los Angeles. This will undoubtedly be one of the highest profile events in wrestling history, for two reasons: it’s in Hollywood, a media capital; and Vince McMahon is back in charge. He’s reportedly looking to sell the platform, so expect him to pull out all of the stops to spike impact, build awareness, and boost value.Every year during Wrestlemania, one artist flexes his creative chops and deep roots in this culture. That artist is Wale. His offshoot event, Walemania, features the ultimate mix of wrestlers, hip-hop stars, and impresarios that clash live on stage for once-in-a-lifetime moments. The performances, the podcast, the surprise guests…you really have to see it to believe it.WaleMania VII will take place at The Novo in L.A. this Thursday. The event is produced by Wale, Kazeem Famuyide (Spotify, The Ringer Wrestling Show), and Nue Agency. We are also working with Golden Voice and AEG this year. It will be an interactive environment that encourages attendees to participate in social media during the show and beyond, and will include a live taping of “The Masked Man Show” with David Shoemaker and Kazeem. DJ Whoo Kid & DJ Money will spin, and special guests from the worlds of professional wrestling, music, and sports will appear. Naturally, Wale will perform. Limited tickets are still available for purchase.Sadly, due to the tragic passing of my uncle, I will be sitting Shiva in Texas and unable to attend. I am, however, available remotely for event-related requests. Wale is an inspiration and I expect nothing short of fireworks from Kaz, Emilio Sparks, and all of the guests. High fives and body slams all around.Enjoy the big, big, big show!
BEATS
Beyoncé, Adidas Mutually Agree to Part WaysBut there has apparently been major creative differences between Ivy Park and Adidas, and Beyoncé is excitedly looking to reclaim her brand, chart her own path and maintain creative freedom. (Hollywood Reporter)
GloRilla Is Tommy Jeans' Newest FaceAt the forefront of counter-culture, you could always find Tommy Hilfiger’s recognizable red, white and blue draped over the bodies of everyone from Britney Spears to Aaliyah.
Rap Lyrics About Cash App Could Help Sink Jack Dorsey’s BusinessA report from a financial research firm uses rap songs to suggest that criminals run rampant on the platform owned by the former Twitter CEO. (Rolling Stone)
420 Meets 305: Rick Ross’ New Cannabis Stain is 100% MiamiRicky Rozay’s Collins Ave strain is set to release in the summer of 2023 in partnership with cannabis brand High Tolerance alongside two other flower products. (Boardroom TV)
The Age of AIIt’s clear from the inescapable headlines & product announcements that we are witnessing an exponential, rapid-growth moment for artificial intelligence. It will be felt across all industries. (Where Music’s Going)
Why I Don't Announce Artist Lineups for Our Music Festivals AnymoreAs an event producer, planning a show’s unexpected “moment” is an art form. There is something very special about the element of surprise at a live event that hits differently than an expected performance, especially when the artist crushes it. (LinkedIn)
Digital Art Streaming Platform Loupe Raises $3M to Transform Art Distribution and Announces Loupe for Business to Support Artists, Hospitality and Commercial SpacesLoupe is ushering in a new era of streaming art for home TVs, commercial buildings, and out-of-home digital signage with distribution on 14 TV platforms including Amazon, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Sling TV, ViX and Vizio WatchFree+; via Loupe for Business web application for Out of Home displays; and the relaunch of its art marketplace. (PR Web)
The Age Of AI Has BegunThe development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet, and the mobile phone. It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care, and communicate with each other. (Gates Notes)
Turntable Live Raises $7M In Seed Round To Launch Social Music PlatformThe company is targeting a full public launch later this year and says it is currently working with music industry partners to be “fully legal and licensed” for the upcoming launch. (Music Business Worldwide)
BYTES
Austin Hurqitz is joined by Daniel Allan & Cooper Turley to discuss Daniel’s $1M seed round for Daniel Allan Entertainment. The round was led by Coop Records with support from Palm Tree Crew Crypto, Noise DAO, Woodstock DAO and Fire Eyes DAO.
Grab a seat for Season 6 Episode 2 with agent and founder of Klutch Sports Group Rich Paul, comedian and internet personality Druski, rapper Cordae, businessman and record executive Steve Stoute, marketing executive Paul Rivera, and entrepreneur Maverick Carter.
Apple Music has released its new standalone app dedicated to classical music. Apple Music Classical, as the app is called, is now available to download and offers access to the world’s largest classical music catalogue of over five million tracks in the highest audio quality (up to 192 kHz/24 bit Hi-Res Lossless) with thousands of recordings in immersive spatial audio, as well as numerous exclusive albums.
Chappell Roan, the stage moniker for 24-year-old Kayleigh Rose Amstutz from Willard, Missouri. Chappell is a star who refuses to be tamped down, curly red hair flying, raised on drag and generations of pop divas. Confident, bombastic, sensual, with the kind of energy to turn a room into a disco dance party where everyone can feel like the most fun, the most free version of themselves.
This week's newsletter was carefully curated by the Nue Agency staff and our editor Rachel Meisner. If you think we missed something this week or have any suggestions/comments for next week's newsletter, let us know!