On December 7th, 1800 Seconds, a collaborative effort by Pusha-T and 1800 Tequila, finally dropped on all major music platforms. The new album featured songs from up and coming artists from across the country selected by the Pusha, whom he mentored personally. The project is a new artist discovery and recording platform that gives unsigned artists a chance to write and release one new three-minute track produced and marketed by a record label — the artists involved were Ant White (Philadelphia, PA), Cartel Count Up (Hampton, VA), Don Zio P (Middletown, CT), Hass Irv (Harlem, NY), Monalyse (Detroit, MI), Nita Jonez (Houston, TX), Sam Austins (Detroit, MI), T Got Bank (Brooklyn, NY), Trevor Lanier (Wilmington, NC) and Tyler Thomas (Los Angeles, CA).
The album sessions were held in Los Angeles, at the world-famous Westlake Studios, where Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, and Frank Ocean have recorded some of their hits. Part of the recording process entailed each of the artists working with Pusha-T to refine their songwriting skills, beats, delivery, and bouncing ideas back and forth with the rapper.
“The 1800 Seconds platform is a time for me to connect on an executive and mentor level and push the next generation of creatives in music forward,” Pusha-T said in a statement. “Making it in hip-hop is hard—the only things you can control are the creativity and yourself—and new artists on the rise will strive when they know who they are and what they want. Hip-hop is all about staying connected to culture, being inspired by what’s happening on the streets and translating that to your audience. The new 1800 Seconds compilation does just that.”
With Super Bowl LIII getting closer, the announcement of Maroon 5 as the halftime performer has stirred a mixed reaction from the internet. Especially after Dave Grohl, former Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters frontman, told to KROQ in LA that he was recently approached by the organizers about performing during the coveted slot. He also confessed that this is far from the first time that the organizers have asked. “We’re like, ‘Oh my god, I think we’re gonna do the Super Bowl!’ And then it’ll be Madonna or Katy Perry or someone like that,” Grohl said with a laugh.
With only four months remaining until the next halftime show, we’ve rounded up the best shows over the years.
5. Diana Ross, 1996 – Super Bowl XXX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCEY7kXDvCQ
It’s difficult to imagine that a single performer can successfully pull off a show of this calibre – unless you’re Diana Ross. With a different outfit for every song, a gold cape covering the entire stage, an entrance in an illuminated platform and a legendary exit in an actual helicopter, the diva’s halftime show left little to the imagination in 1996. Needless to say, the production and vocal delivery definitely set the bar for 21st Century prima donnas at Super Bowl halftimes. They call her the boss for a reason!
4. U2, 2002 – Super Bowl XXXVI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH5tHgXS-2M
Taking place only a few months after 9/11, U2 took the halftime stage by playing “Beautiful Day,” “MLK,” and “Where the Streets Have No Name,” modifying some of the lyrics to emphasize a sense of community and support, while a list of names of 9/11 victims were projected behind the band as they played. During the last song, frontman Bono turned his jacket inside out, revealing an American flag – a truly powerful and tear-jerking performance that has not been forgotten.
3. Beyonce, 2013 – Super Bowl XLVII
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suIg9kTGBVI
Although nothing less was expected of the Queen, the show was complete with an acapella rendition of “Love on Top,” a flawless delivery of “Crazy in Love,” and “Single Ladies,” accompanied by former Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. It’s not surprising that she returned to perform at the halftime show only three years later alongside Bruno Mars and Coldplay, with an equally impeccable performance and tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement.
2. Michael Jackson, 1993 – Super Bowl XXVII
One of the most watched events in American television history, the inaugural halftime show played a pivotal role in the future selection of top artists to grace the stage. In addition to “Billie Jean” and “Black or White,” the king of pop sang “We Are The World” accompanied by a 3,500 children’s choir, seamlessly transitioning into “Heal The World.” An immaculate and trailblazing performance from the King of Pop.
1. Prince, 2007 – Super Bowl XLI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NN3gsSf-Ys
Prince’s halftime show, opening with his rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” remains the greatest halftime show to date. Complete with a cover of the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and ending with his signature song “Purple Rain” during a downpour, the Artist was in true form during his 2007 set on television’s biggest stage.
Another fashion tribute to celebrate Michael Jackson’s birthday (which was on August 29th, btw), Giuseppe Zanotti launched 2,000 limited-edition pairs of numbered sneakers. His children, Paris and Prince Jackson, also kick-off the auction for the No.1 sneaker, a one-of-a-king, ruby and diamond-studded pair of shoes expected to go for $30,000-$50,000 at auction. All proceed will benefit The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Final bidding will take place at New York’s Hard Rock Café on November 9-10.
In the meantime, the other 1,999 pairs will be available at Neiman Marcus, NeimanMarcus.com, select Giuseppe Zanotti stores worldwide, and GiuseppeZanotti.com mid-October, retailing for $1,295.
In honor what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday, on August 29th BOSS released an exclusive collection inspired by the legendary performer. The four-piece collection features a slim white tailored BOSS suit, inspired by the one worn by Jackson on his career-defining and record-breaking 1982 album, Thriller, in addition to three graphic tees. Each t-shirt features artwork by the British artist Graham Dolphin, including a reinterpretation of the album cover, a silhouette of Jackson performing his signature moonwalk, and an illustrated portrait of the King of Pop. Check out some pieces from the collection below.
Th BOSS x Michael Jackson capsule collection is available online now at select BOSS stores worldwide.
Part of his Swimming Pools series–the sexiest poolside companion this summer—MICK cooked up a mixtape for Essential Homme‘s June/July 2015 issue, ready for a party of possibilities wet, wild, and more.
NOTE: THIS SOUNDTRACK HAS APPROX 2 MINS OF WHITE NOISE BEFORE THE MUSIC. PLEASE SKIP TO 00:02:00 FOR THE OFFICIAL MIX.
Audio: MICK.
Track list in the following order:
01. “Jungle Lady” – Lion Babe
02. “Often” – The Weeknd (Kygo Remix)
03. “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” – Jamie XX ft. Young Thug
04. “Rock the Boat (Lean On Bootleg)” – Aaliyah
05. “Head Over Heels (Virgin Magnetic Material Remix)” – Tears For Fears
06. “Sexual Healing (Kygo Remix)” – Marvin Gaye
07. “Sky’s the Limit (Rad Stereo Remix)” – Biggie
08. “Skyline” – Sammy Bananas ft. Lindsey
09. “Strong Anticipation” – J*Davey
10. “Remember The Time (Louis La Roche Remix)” – Michael Jackson
11. “All of the People (Option 4 Remix) – Panama Wedding
12. “Silent Treatment (Kaytranada Remix)” – The Roots
13. “At All” – Kaytranada
14. “Rather Be (The Magician Remix)” – Clean Bandit
15. “That Thing (Golden Boy Remix)” – Lauryn Hill
16. “Holding On” – Disclosure
17. “I Gotta Feeling” – Mowgli
18. “Truffle Butter (Danny Diggz Bootleg)” – Nicki Minaj ft. Drake
19. “Where We From”- Graves
20. “Owe U One” – Deep Shoq
21. “Mind (StéLouse Remix)” – Jack Ü
22. “Clear Eyes” – Donnie Trumpet ft. Vic Mensa
Note: Neither Essential Homme nor MICK claim ownership of any of these songs. If you have ownership of music in this playlist and wish to not be included, please contact us at INFO [at] essentialhommemag.com and we will remove immediately.
For some, it might come as a shock that earlier this year pop musician Jesse McCartney celebrated a decade in show business. Achieving his first break at the of age 12 in the short-lived tween boy band, Dream Street, the star capitalized on his all-American good looks and undeniable charisma. But it only took a short while for the precocious entertainer to leave the group, setting out to carve a credible career solo. Readers from a certain decade of growing-pains should readily recall the memorable 2004 smash “Beautiful Soul,” the consummate pop record in which the pre-pubescent teen crooned his way into the hearts of hormonal teens across America. Four years later, 2008 welcomed even more success for McCartney with the release of his solid hit, “Leavin’,” as well as co-writing the international best selling song of the year, “Bleeding Love” with uber-producer Ryan Tedder for British songstress Leona Lewis. Today McCartney describes his career trajectory so far as “a slow climb, almost like painting a picture instead of throwing the paint at the wall all at once.”
After a short musical hibernation, McCartney released “In Technicolor” this summer, a retro-inspired album in a bid to cement his transformation from teen idol to legitimate adult star. During the self-imposed hiatus, he took on acting projects, including a role on Lifetime’s “Army Wives,” meanwhile quietly orchestrating a blueprint for his musical comeback, and turning to the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s for “research that I had to do to make this kind of record,” says McCartney. Citing the musical oeuvres of legends such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Earth Wind & Fire as influences, the artist set out to create a project “that people could listen to for years.” The self-assured 27-year-old points out that the maturation process “was just an evolution, but for people who haven’t seen or heard from me in several years, to them it’s probably like a reinvention.”
“Superbad,” the lead single off the record is already sonically more refined, showcasing mature—and even sexual lyrical content. The accompanying music video reflects a decidedly fashion-forward direction inspired by cinematic cultural references. A homage to stylish 1960s gangster films, with McCartney convincingly playing the role of a charming playboy cavorting with a “Sharon Stone-esque” beauty, the video presents a never-before-seen side of the entertainer. “With a song like ‘Superbad,’ it would have been very easy to get gimmicky,” says McCartney. “I didn’t want it to be something people watched and chuckled at…I wanted it to be sexy.”
In a day and age where credibility is sought out by engaging in club brawls and parading around with one’s derrière fully exposed, McCartney has gracefully avoided the pitfalls of celebrity. Steering clear of public fiascos and melt-downs, he surrounds himself with a team willing to put their foot down if need be. “I’m the face of this operation. It’s my name on the masthead but it couldn’t be possible without an amazing team behind me,” says McCartney. “Having people in my life that say no.” He hopes the future will bring more musical and acting ventures such as his most recent stint on the ABC family hit comedy, “Young & Hungry.” With his feet set firmly in the ground, anything is possible for McCartney, who seems to be hitting his stride into adulthood.
@Artisttjan: Is there anything that you have done, or been through in your past, that you look back on and think, “I lost a piece of myself because of that?”
Yes, most definitely. I sometimes say this to myself when I think of all the people I have dated. In the past, I tended to give all of myself to others and never got it back in return… I know it’s the story of all our lives. In one relationship, I realized I was lying to myself and I had to stop it because I was losing myself not only to the situation, but also to a person that didn’t deserve me.
I never know exactly where it is that I will want to be, but I know how I want to feel. I want to feel unstoppable in every way possible—all the way to the infinite. They say the average human only uses 10% of its brain, and I think a lot of the hindrance comes from following society and the way we think that we should live. I don’t want to live like that anymore. I don’t want to just be a dot in the universe, but a stamp in time.
@reperezrosas: Are you in a relationship? When was your last?
I am not in a relationship. My last one was almost a year ago and it lasted for two years. I am happy now that I have myself again.
@kristina4410: If you could eat dinner with five celebrities dead or alive who would they be?
Michael Jackson, Gene Wilder, Morgan Freeman, Nelson Mandela, and Meryl Streep. It would be an inspirational night and would feel like a room full of uncles, an aunt, and their nephew.
I don’t at all. I try my hardest to ignore it and act as if it didn’t happen. Negativity is only the way you perceive something. I try to look at everything in a positive light.
@dimasammar22: How does it feel to inspire so many people ?
It feels good. To know that my voice has traveled light years away from where it started is always amazing to me. It does get overwhelming sometimes, because to do that you don’t want to let anyone down and you always have to reinvent yourself so that others can look at themselves a little better.
@di0rwhore: What were you doing before you were brought into the spotlight?
I used to dance for years in a dance company, off and on teaching kids ballet and other forms of dance. I loved recording YouTube dance videos of myself to get advice from others online and that lead to my career today.
I sure do. I want to have two of my own and adopt two others.
@Discodan92: As a gay man I struggle with body image. I know you work in one of the most body conscious industries that exists. How do you deal with the pressure and the abundant amount of shady queens?
Queens will always have something to say, just like any other negative person. That’s all they are and all they ever will be. You just have to keep it moving and understand who you are and what you stand for in this world. People shy away from what they don’t understand. I don’t think you should worry because I never deal with it. I keep moving so much that I don’t even notice.
@destynriley: Being a busy model, you may not get to see your friends and family as often as you like, so when you do see them what are some of the things you like to do?
My friends are always traveling as much as I am; I don’t believe in being around people that don’t inspire me or aren’t on the same level I am. So if I don’t see them, it’s usaully because they are off jet setting somewhere too. As for my family, they understand what I am doing so it’s never an issue. When I do see them, we always like to turn up at hometown places or family members’ houses and just kick back. With my friends, it’s basically the same but just a bit more: we like to go on late night adventures and party in the ugliest clothing because no one else is looking.
No one can do it quite like the King—and nobody’s calling that into question—but damn Zac Efron knows how to bust a move. According at least to his Instagram, where the That Awkward Moment star posted a #FBF video of his best impression of Michael Jackson’s moonwalk at what appears to be an airport terminal. A synchronistic move, seeing as in his last appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (the one last week with the Viagra shout-out), the actor was asked, “Do you get excited about seeing people, or are you over that now? You know, people that you admired growing up or actors that you were star struck by?” To which Zefron replied, “I still save my voicemails…if somebody I look up to calls me. My most cherished is Michael Jackson gave me one. He called me.”
Sending some love up to Michael, Efron gave a welcomed reminder that post-High School, he’s still got the music in him.
Why stay at a traditional, boring hotel when you could instead be at a hotel slash home to a pop-up casino art installation by a world-renowned artist? The W, not wanting you to waste time contemplating such frivolity, turned to visual and performance artist Desi Santiago to curate CASINO DIABOLIQUE: an interactive casino experience that features wardrobe curated by Hood By Air along with a variety of prizes (including a trip to the soon-to-open W Verbier!).
From November 15th to 17th (8-10PM) at the W New York, CASINO DIABOLIQUE will usher guests into an alternate reality. The experience begins at check-in, where attendees will be given casino chips with instructions on how to play the many festivities of the night. They are then whisked up to the Extreme WOW suites (W brand’s version of the Presidential Suite) where their fate awaits them through a series of games including The Zodiac Wheel, The Pendulum, Black Jack, and a Tarot card reader.
Not too shabby Not shabby at all. Even better, no one leaves empty handed. Prizes provided by W Hotels include room stays, room upgrades, Bliss Spa treatments, complimentary cocktails and a stay at the highly anticipated W Verbier, due to open in December of this year.
We sat down with Desi to rattle off some of our burning questions:
Essential Homme: Experiences are difficult to describe in words because they are a moment in time that can often be hard to capature, but if you absolutely had to, how would you describe this to a friend over a drink?
Desi Santiago: It’s a dark, upbeat art installation within the guise of a casino. Very mysterious, very seductive, multi-scensory experience; all-encompoassing. It’s all about chance. Taking the New York experience as a metpahor and encapsulating it into the spirit of a casino.
EH: How did you begin the process of figuring this all out. Was it like a puzzle with all the pieces laid out, or did you have a beginning and work your way through to the end?
DS: [Getting started] I’ll have the nuts of what it’s supposed to be in my head. The first thing after the seed — the thought — is the space. The space always depicts the layout. So I went to the W, got a tour, and I saw these suites with two terraces, and the whole thing felt to me like a casino in the sky. From there, I started filling it in with what I thought it should feel like and look like. I referenced Black Lodge; referenced The Shining. Lots of reds and blacks. And I took this as an opportunity to collaborate with others including Hood by Air (wardrobes), Tomas Delucia of The Sense Society (custom scents), Azari & III (original soundtrack) and Seva Granik (dramatic lighting).
EH: How did the collab with the W hotel come about?
DS: I was approached originally by W — they were looking for some interesting experiences [and had] created a space within the hotel for artists coming up with ideas — so I was basically given the hotel space as a canvas. And I always wanted to do the casino, so this just seemed like the perfect spot.
EH: Looking specifically at the last 20 years, so let’s say from 1993 to now, how — if at all — has the definition of a performance artist or performance art piece changed?
DS: Wow. That’s a big question.
EH: We never said this was going to be cakewalk.
DS: It’s funny, now this whole performance thing… Back then it was so much more singular. It dealt so much more with the body, and the body as the vehicle; as the medium. My flesh was what I manipulated. Over time, you [had n, I feel like it became so much more about pop culture and art fusing, like Marina and Gaga and all these people that are making performance for the masses. I think twenty years ago, you had to search out for you tribe more and speak to that community and now everyone is aware of everything as it’s happening simultaneously, and in some ways that’s a little let down by performance, somewhat dissipated; watered down, because a lot of people have the same references now whereas before there was much more indivualization.
EH: Ceremonial, relational: what’s the root of your — can we say fascination — with a shared experience?
DS: It all stems from my chilhood. We were raised above [the bar my parents owned], and [they] were always playing host in that space. Then eventually moving to New York, and working in nightlife for many years — the whole club kid thing — it was always about the idea of this shared experience and the idea of the party. [Every] evening had this whole arc that began, then got crazier and crazier, and then sort-of deteriorated and disappeard. It’s very ephemoral. I’ve always been interested in creating that. I love creating a pocket, a bubble, somewhere in the world, where people can go and lose inhibitions and get inspired and become something else. But also feel safe and develop a camaraderie with everyone. As far as collaboration, it enriches my personal work, and there’s certain aspects of the people you work with that you bring into your own vocabulary, into the way you move within the world, and so my work is often composites of the people that have inspired me.
EH: Katie Grand described you as having a “gentle manner” though I am sure you’re often in high-stress situations, how do you maintain this?
DS: I think, honestly, I create drama in the work, and I don’t think I need to express it outside of those experiences. I’ve had a lot of death in my life, my brother and several muses and friends, and every time those things happen, it’s a slap, a wake-up, to get over petty shit you’re dealing with ’cause it’s not a big deal. I’ve always been very aware of how I wanted to present myself to the world and how I wanted to move through the world and what I wanted to leave behind. So I try to leave behind a nice trail and use the darkness in my work as a release.
EH: You’ve met, worked with, and befriended some of the biggest legends: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Marc Jacobs, just to name a few. What’s the greatest piece of advice or inspiration one of them has given to you?
DS: I worked on Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour, and got to spend time with Michael five days before he passed during fittings in LA. He was just such a kind being, no ego, very gentle nature. I don’t get starstruck by anybody, but he’s just such a transcendent being that I couldn’t help but think, ‘Wow, I’m actually meeting this creature, how amazing.’ We all held hands in a circle and he told us that we were all here to create together and we’re all here to make our dreams happen and this is how we have to be in the world. And I felt kindered with him. It was amazing.
EH: You’re big on shared experiences, in light of Halloween just passing (that it seems to keep carrying on), say you had the magical power to give every attendee the same experience, what would you want them to walk away collective feeling?
DS: Ecstasy.
You want more information about CASINO DIABOLIQUE? Makes sense. Get that here: www.wnewyork.com/wcasino.
