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Yamaha Redefines High-End Audio With YH-4000 And YH-C3000

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Yamaha today announced the launch of two new premium headphones — the YH-4000 and YH-C3000 — expanding its high-end headphone lineup with models that deliver extraordinary sound and comfort. The YH-4000 is an open-back model featuring Orthodynamic® drivers, drawing direct engineering and design inspiration from the flagship Yamaha YH-5000SE. It offers a more intimate and energetic sound profile, along with a streamlined accessories package. The YH-C3000 is a closed-back model featuring newly developed Armodynamic drivers and real wood housings, masterfully merging Yamaha innovation with its rich musical heritage.

The new models represent the company’s continued commitment to True Sound. This guiding philosophy aims to reproduce audio as the artist intended — with lifelike realism, emotional depth and spatial precision. Both models will be made in Japan at a Yamaha facility that manufactures flagship grand pianos and audio components.

“Headphone enthusiasts will be amazed by these new models,” said Alex Sadeghian, director of consumer audio at Yamaha. “The YH-4000 offers a fresh perspective on Orthodynamic sound at a more affordable price, while the YH-C3000 transforms the premium closed-back segment. The combination of our new Armodynamic drivers and wood housings delivers a sound that is exceptionally smooth, natural, and spacious. Plus, they look stunning and are incredibly comfortable to wear.”

YH-4000 Premium Open-Back Headphones

The YH-4000 inherits the design and engineering prowess of the flagship YH-5000SE yet offers a distinctive sound signature of its own. Providing a more intimate interpretation of the Orthodynamic experience, it reveals the presence and passion of every performance through exceptional clarity and depth. Its ultra-thin planar magnetic diaphragms deliver fast, precise response and rich musical detail. Japanese-made PET mesh filters regulate internal pressure to enhance midrange density and low-end punch, while preserving a spacious, open sound. The open-back architecture and carefully tuned acoustic volume allow the diaphragms to operate under ideal conditions, eliminating unwanted resonance and capturing the full nuance of every performance.

Comfort and craftsmanship are at the heart of the YH-4000 experience. Weighing just 320 grams (11.3 ounces), the headphones feature lightweight magnesium housings, a two-layer headband with a stepless slider for precise adjustment, and hybrid ear pads that combine soft suede and flexible PU leather for all-day wearability. An inclined swivel mechanism ensures a snug fit behind the ear, preserving low-frequency response and enhancing acoustic performance. Every component has been chosen to support immersive, fatigue-free listening with a sense of elegance and durability.

YH-C3000 Premium Closed-Back Headphones

The YH-C3000 features newly developed Yamaha Armodynamic drivers, a technology that has been over a decade in the making. These drivers use a three-layer diaphragm that sandwiches a soft foam layer between two layers of blended paper, resin and ZYLON™ — a high-performance material also found in the Yamaha flagship Hi-Fi speakers. This unique construction strikes a balance between lightness, rigidity, and internal damping, delivering smooth, high-resolution sound with a fast response and minimal distortion. A patented Y-shaped mesh damper and pure iron pole piece further enhance clarity and punch, resulting in a sound signature that’s both rich and precise.

Complementing the advanced driver system are housings handcrafted from beech, a type of wood also used in parts of Yamaha pianos, chosen for its natural acoustic properties. The housings are painted and polished to a black mirrored finish that reveals the wood’s natural grain, echoing the craftsmanship of fine musical instruments. Comfort is equally prioritized. The headphones are lightweight, weighing only 330 grams (11.6 ounces), and feature a two-layer headband with a stepless slider. The custom-made earpads are made from memory foam wrapped in silk protein leather. These elements work together to create a snug, fatigue-free fit that supports deep, immersive listening even for long sessions.

Shaq Laces Up A Sweet New Win With Sneaker-Shaped XL Gummies

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 Shaquille O’Neal, basketball legend and self-proclaimed “biggest kid in the candy store,” is lacing up for another sweet win. Introducing Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies in sneaker shapes, the new addition to his popular Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies line, which launched in 2024 in partnership with The Hershey Company. Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies in sneaker shapes are now available at retailers nationwide.

Crafted to match O’Neal’s appetite for bigger bites and bolder flavor, these XL-sized, sneaker-shaped gummies are a tribute to his larger-than-life personality and legendary shoe size of 22. The new lineup features three punchy flavors: mango (orange), lime (green) and strawberry (red). The new gummies join the fan-favorite Original and Sour varieties.

The new gummies are a nod to O’Neal’s SHAQ Footwear brand, made in the shape of his best-selling sneakers. The second generation of the best-selling gummies, now in a new shape, is inspired by both O’Neal’s time on the court and his fierce dedication to the sneaker and basketball community.

Following its launch in 2024, Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies became Hershey’s #1 sweets launch of the year, with over 11 million units sold. The Shaq-A-Licious line, including the new sneaker-shaped gummies, was ideated, developed and taste-tested by the Big Man himself. The brand has quickly become a standout in the sweets aisle thanks to its bold flavors, playful shapes and oversized treats.

Shaq-A-Licious started with a big idea—make candy that’s bold, fun and full of flavor. Now we’re stepping it up with sneaker-shaped gummies and three wild new flavors for gummy lovers everywhere,” said O’Neal. “I’ve been part of this from the start, from the flavors to the shapes, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. This is just the beginning.”

The full Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies lineup now includes:

  • NEW! Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies in sneaker shapes: Sneakers molded after the iconic SHAQ sneaker in bold mango (orange), lime (green) and strawberry (red) flavors.
  • Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies Original: Gummies shaped like Shaq’s face in vibrant blue and purple packaging, featuring peach, berry punch and orange flavors.
  • Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies Sour: A tangy trio of shapes and flavors inspired by Shaq’s legendary nicknames — Diesel, The Big Cactus and The Big Shamrock — in pineapple, mixed berry and watermelon flavors.

All three Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies varieties are available now at retailers nationwide.

Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies isn’t just a candy; it’s a brand with serious momentum. The response to our first launch was huge, and the new sneaker-shaped gummies are our way of keeping that energy going,” said Vivek Mehrotra, Senior Brand Manager, Shaq-A-Licious, The Hershey Company. “This is about more than flavor; it’s about building something fun, lasting and larger than life.”

For more info, visit: https://www.hersheyland.com/shaqalicious

Lenny Kravitz Turns Up The Volume On “Circus” 30th Anniversary Deluxe

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Rock icon Lenny Kravitz marks three decades of his transformative fourth album ‘Circus’ with a massive digital deluxe expansion available now via Virgin Records/UMe. Originally released in 1995, the gold-certified project served as Kravitz’s first top-ten entry on the Billboard 200 and remains a definitive showcase of his ability to blend gritty rock, otherworldly funk, and soulful psychedelia. This new definitive version boasts thirteen bonus tracks that have never before been available for streaming, including rare studio gems like “Another Life” and “Confused.” Fans can also dive into a previously unreleased acoustic rendition of the title track alongside high-energy live recordings of legendary hits such as “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Let Love Rule.” Kravitz himself produced and performed most of the instruments on the original set, capturing a pivotal and dynamic era of his career that continues to resonate with millions of listeners globally.

Bia Stepping Into The Light With Fierce Debut Album “Bianca”

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Global superstar Bia officially claims her throne with the release of her long-awaited debut full-length album ‘Bianca’ out now via Epic Records. This sixteen-track collection marks a career-defining moment for the Massachusetts native, who describes the project as her most elevated and unguarded work to date. The album is anchored by the undaunted single “Dade,” a high-octane collaboration with Memphis standout Key Glock that masterfully integrates the trademark flow of the legendary Project Pat. ‘Bianca’ showcases Bia’s incredible versatility across a soundscape that features heavy-hitting appearances from Denzel Curry, A$AP Ferg, and Becky G. From the viral energy of “We On Go” to the bilingual power of “Birthday Behavior” with Young Miko, the project captures every facet of Bia’s evolution from a slick songwriter to an international icon.

2 Lane Summer Take A Romantic Joyride In “When You Love Somebody”

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Rising country-pop duo 2 Lane Summer brings a sun-drenched dose of nostalgia to the airwaves with their infectious new single “When You Love Somebody” out now via Quartz Hill Records. Joe Hanson and Chris Ray deliver a masterfully crafted throwback that leans into ’90s pop-country vibes with vocal harmonies that Billboard has previously hailed as “bold and beautiful.” Co-written with hitmakers Mike Mobley and Ash Bowers, the track explores the relentless lengths one will go to for love, paired with a soaring chorus that echoes the group’s signature smooth delivery. The accompanying music video, directed by Sam Aldrich, finds the duo on the iconic US Route 163 in Monument Valley—the same stretch of road made famous by Forrest Gump—capturing the freedom of the open road during a massive cross-country trip.

Mobb Deep Reclaims The Throne With “Against The World”

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The legendary Queensbridge duo Mobb Deep returns to the forefront of hip-hop with “Against The World,” the first posthumous offering since the passing of Prodigy. Produced by Havoc, the single serves as a gritty, cinematic precursor to their highly anticipated new album ‘Infinite,’ which lands as part of Mass Appeal’s massive “Legend Has It” campaign. The track captures the haunting, unfiltered DNA of the group’s most iconic work while proving their sound remains urgently relevant in the modern landscape. With additional production from The Alchemist, the project deepens the storied legacy of a group that defined the raw atmosphere of New York’s golden era. Havoc continues to carry the torch, blending the classic darkness of the 1990s with a sharp, forward-thinking energy that reminds listeners exactly why Mobb Deep remains a cultural cornerstone.

Ink Spills Truth And Southern Soul On Debut EP “Big Buskin’”

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Grammy-nominated hitmaker Ink officially steps into her own light with the release of her debut EP ‘Big Buskin’ available now. This thirteen-track collection serves as a powerful tribute to her early days as a street performer in Atlanta, blending country, rock, and hip-hop into a sound that refuses to be boxed in. The project is led by the soul-baring single “Sweet Tea,” a track that functions as a refreshing palate cleanser while weaving together poignant childhood memories with raw, modern honesty. Ink’s songwriting prowess—already legendary through her work on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ and Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping “Luther”—shines through every chapter of this project. From the rowdy energy of “Hoedown” to the introspective “Turquoise Cowboy,” the artist showcases the technical skill and southern roots that have made her one of the most sought-after collaborators in the industry.

The Head and The Heart Revs Up With Hurray for the Riff Raff On “Cop Car”

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The Head and The Heart have unveiled a soul-stirring new version of their single “Cop Car,” featuring a collaboration with the Alynda Segarra-led project Hurray for the Riff Raff. The original track appears on the band’s critically acclaimed Verve Forecast album, ‘Aperture’, but this reimagined rendition adds a fresh layer of depth inspired by lead singer Jonathan Russell’s long-standing admiration for Segarra’s work. The two acts are currently closing out a North American headlining tour together, turning their musical chemistry into a live reality for audiences across the continent. Beyond the music, the tour serves a greater purpose through the band’s Rivers and Roads Foundation, which directs a portion of every ticket sale toward Seattle-based music education and mental health resources. This collaboration marks a significant full-circle moment for Russell, who first discovered the grit and grace of Hurray for the Riff Raff through the local scenes of New Orleans.

Rodney Atkins Rolls The Dice On Twangy Single “Helluvit”

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Country hitmaker Rodney Atkins celebrates the lucky hand he was dealt with the arrival of his upbeat and twangy single “Helluvit” available now through Curb Records. This playful track offers a clever snapshot of his real-life romance with his wife Rose Falcon and even features a lighthearted music video starring Falcon alongside their sons Scout and Ryder. Atkins co-wrote the song with Falcon and a talented team of writers to capture the unpredictable twists and turns of raising a family and finding a little bit of heaven in the middle of the madness. The production by Jordan Schmidt highlights the signature twang that has defined his career since his early days on Music Row.

This latest release provides another exciting glimpse into his upcoming studio album ‘True South’ which is set to arrive in 2026 as the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2019 project. Fans have already been embracing his recent hits like the romantic “Marry Me Again” and the fresh remake “Watching You 2.0” featuring his eldest son Elijah Atkins. With billions of career streams and multiple industry awards to his name, the ACM and CMA winner continues to prove the staying power of his soulful storytelling. His American-made anthem “True South” recently reached new audiences through the Netflix drama ‘The Waterfront’ while he remains a staple on the airwaves with his legendary catalog of chart-topping hits.

Karley Scott Collins Shows Her Grit On “Denim”

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Rising star Karley Scott Collins reveals a fierce edge on the album opener “Denim” from her debut project ‘Flight Risk’ available now via Sony Music Entertainment. This seething track targets a lover who chose style over substance and features moody lo-fi guitars paired with a venomous vocal performance. Collins took a hands-on approach to this entire body of work by co-producing alongside the Grammy-winning collaborator Chapman and playing nearly every instrument from the banjo to the violin. This level of creative control ensures that every note on the record serves as a personal and raw reflection of her journey through life and love at twenty-five. Recent hits like “Girlfriend” and “Easy To Leave” further showcase the hard-earned wisdom and technical skill she brought to the recording studio during these sessions.