Friday, July 7, 2023

Watch: 'One Love' Film Trailer Offers a Glimpse into the Life of Reggae Icon Bob Marley

Photo Courtesy Paramount
A Bob Marley biopic is set to hit the big screen over 40 years after his passing, offering a captivating portrayal of the reggae icon's life and musical legacy. The highly-anticipated film, titled "Bob Marley: One Love," released its first trailer Thursday, providing a glimpse into the Jamaican singer-songwriter's extraordinary journey.

In the movie, Kingsley Ben-Adir takes on the role of the reggae legend himself, while Lashana Lynch portrays his wife, Rita. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, the feature film delves into Marley's rise to fame alongside his band, The Wailers, as they captivated audiences with their powerful music.

The trailer also offers a glimpse into the aftermath of a 1976 assassination attempt on Marley, believed to be politically motivated. Despite the ordeal, Marley's unwavering spirit led him to return to the spotlight, headlining the iconic "One Love" peace concert in Kingston, Jamaica.

Marley, who succumbed to a rare form of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981, left an indelible mark on the music world with his soulful melodies and powerful messages of love and unity.

The biopic is a collaborative effort, with involvement from Marley's family. Ziggy Marley, the late singer's son, daughter Cedella and Rita serve as producers, alongside industry veterans Brad Pitt, Robert Teitel, Jeremy Kleiner and Dede Gardner.

The film aims to celebrate Marley's extraordinary life and his enduring musical legacy, inspiring generations with his powerful message. It provides audiences with an opportunity to discover the transformative journey behind his revolutionary music and his triumph over adversity.

During CinemaCon, Ziggy Marley, representing the film as a producer, expressed his excitement, stating, "People will deepen their connection to Bob and honor Bob in the right way."

"Bob Marley: One Love" is scheduled for release on January 12, 2024. Fans can catch a glimpse of the film's essence by watching the recently released trailer below.

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Iconic Tupac Ring to Command Spotlight at Sotheby's Hip-Hop Sale

Legendary auction house Sotheby's is preparing to showcase its third dedicated hip-hop sale, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the genre and celebrating its profound impact on art and culture. Among the extraordinary collection of historical treasures, one particular gem stands out—the self-designed gold, diamond and ruby ring of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
Photo Courtesy Sotheby's
Crafted by Tupac himself, the ring bears the inscription 'Pac & Dada 1996,' symbolizing the artist's engagement with Kidada Jones and serving as a powerful symbol of love and creativity. It gained global attention when Tupac proudly displayed it during his appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards.

Now, it takes center stage at Sotheby's auction, commanding an estimated value ranging from $200,000 to $300,000.

The ring is presented by Yaasmyn Fula, Tupac's godmother and confidante, who played a pivotal role in supporting his artistic endeavors and achievements.

Accompanying the ring, the auction features a remarkable collection of hip-hop artifacts, including original artwork, historic studio equipment, sneakers, jackets, flyers and rare memorabilia. These items pay homage to influential pioneers such as Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Ice-T and Afrika Islam, showcasing the rich tapestry of hip-hop's cultural impact.

Online bidding for the event will be open from July 18th to July 25th. For those eager to experience these extraordinary artifacts firsthand, a dedicated exhibition will be on display at Sotheby's York Avenue galleries from July 18th to July 24th.

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Money Moves: Nelly's Catalog Nets $50 Million in Record Sale

Grammy-winning rapper Nelly has secured a major deal with HarbourView Equity Partners, obtaining $50 million for 50% ownership of his catalog. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Nelly's career, involving the sale of his iconic recorded assets, including chart-topping hits like "Ride Wit Me," "Dilemma" featuring Kelly Rowland, and the mega-hit "Hot in Herre."

While exact figures were not disclosed, TMZ reported that the deal amounted to $50 million. This substantial agreement allows HarbourView Equity Partners to acquire eight albums and a collection of No. 1 singles spanning over two decades of Nelly's illustrious career.

Expressing his excitement for the partnership in a statement, Nelly emphasized the importance of preserving his musical legacy and reaching new audiences. He said, "My music is my legacy which I want to last beyond me, continuing to make my existing fans happy while reaching new generations and new audiences."

Sherrese Clarke Soares, Founder of HarbourView Equity Partners, recognized the cultural significance of Nelly's catalog, which showcases a unique fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and country music. She highlighted the impact of Nelly's works, particularly songs like "Hot in Herre" and "Shake Ya Tailfeather," which defined a distinct era in music. Soares expressed enthusiasm for incorporating these influential pieces into HarbourView's repertoire and supporting artistic endeavors within their ecosystem.

This $50 million deal further solidifies Nelly's position as one of the industry's most successful and influential artists. Throughout his career, Nelly has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Usher. His contributions have earned him three Grammy Awards and three American Music Awards, attesting to his widespread recognition and impact.

In addition to his musical ventures, Nelly has ventured into entrepreneurship. He recently introduced "MoShine," his own moonshine brand, paying homage to his hometown of St. Louis, MO.

Currently, Nelly is working on his ninth studio album, "Heartland 2," which serves as the spiritual sequel to his 2021 album, "Heartland." The album, heavily influenced by country music and featuring collaborations with notable country stars, peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard 200 chart.

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