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Izzo Blues Coalition Brings Bluesy Energy to the Holidays with “Merry Christmas Baby”

Eric Alper
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Izzo Blues Coalition Brings Bluesy Energy to the Holidays with “Merry Christmas Baby”

There are calm, soothing versions of Christmas carols and standards that are amplified throughout shopping malls and big box stores. But Montreal blues rock group Izzo Blues Coalition have injected a fresh sense of verve and energy with their blistering cover of “Merry Christmas Baby.” It’s a performance that would make Santa question whether he wants to put himself on the nice or naughty list.

According to the group — consisting of singer and keyboardist Annie Major-Matte, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Tino Izzo, bassist and backing vocalist Domenic Romanelli, and drummer Bob Telaro — “Merry Christmas Baby” was a spur of the moment source of inspiration. “A last-minute thought, Tino Izzo suddenly decided to take the song into the studio and start working on a seed of an idea for the arrangement,” the band says. “Annie came in to record her vocal take even before the song fully took form. They had to wait a week for Bob to get back from vacation, unrehearsed to rush into the studio with Domenic to record the drum and bass tracks. This spontaneous process gave the song a raw, authentic energy…”

Originally written by Johnny Dudley Moore and Lou Baxter and first performed by Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers back in 1947, “Merry Christmas Baby” has had a rich history in the nearly 77 years since then. Recorded by the likes of Otis Redding, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley and Melissa Etheridge among countless others, “Merry Christmas Baby” is a scorching blues rock single from Izzo Blues Coalition. Major-Matte’s delivery in the vein of Sass Jordan, Beth Hart, or Bonnie Raitt is playful and sassy, while Izzo delivers a rollicking solo that can be heard and appreciated by the busy elves in the North Pole. The rhythm section of Romanelli and Telaro are solid throughout, laying the foundation for the bluesy but slightly funky groove that keeps your mistletoes, er, toes tapping and head bobbing.

“Merry Christmas Baby” is the latest release from Izzo Blues Coalition who have a new studio album entitled Rise Again slated for release on Feb. 7. Izzo Blues Coalition released its debut album Complicated Man in 2019, while their sophomore effort Take It Or Leave It came out in the fall of 2021. Izzo, influenced and inspired by guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, has worked with, written for, or produced an array of powerhouse artists over his career, including Celine Dion, Roch Voisine, Petula Clark, and Bobby Bazini, among others. Izzo also earned a Billboard Choice Award for instrumental guitar albums he released in the ’90s.

Izzo Blues Coalition, who will tour in support of their forthcoming Rise Again album, have played at Festival International du Blues de Tremblant among others while covering classics by Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Winter and Albert King alongside original material. In short, they are a great live band who deliver a “genuine live music experience.” Not bad for a group who reportedly formed when Izzo and Telaro (a longtime musical partner of Izzo) met for a jam session while drinking some scotch!

Now with a new album on the horizon and “Merry Christmas Baby” ready for the festive season, Izzo Blues Coalition will ensure that every creature is stirring with this incredible, bluesy rendition. Even the mice!

Toronto Hip-Hop Icon Saukrates Revisits the Past with Album Bad Addiction

Eric Alper
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Toronto Hip-Hop Icon Saukrates Revisits the Past with Album Bad Addiction

For well over two decades, Toronto music legend Saukrates has built a dynamic and critically acclaimed career while continuing to grow his fan base. Now, the artist has re-released “Comin’ Up,” a single originally issued over two decades ago and featured on his forthcoming studio album Bad Addiction.

Originally released in the U.S. as a 12-inch vinyl single alongside “Sumthin 4 Da Streetz” in 2003 and found on the Canadian version of the 2 Fast 2 Furious Soundtrack, “Comin Up” is a brilliant ode to surviving in hip hop and fighting the good fight while proudly representing Toronto. And although Vince Carter is now an NBA Hall of Famer and doesn’t play at the Skydome but instead has his Raptors jersey hanging up in the Scotiabank Arena rafters, the reference of the basketball legend in “Comin Up” by the hip hop legend remains both timeless and contemporary. As does his musical modus operandi.

I hit you with the wisdom, you ain’t with it then kiss em
The nuts! If you dissin watch me from a distance
I’ma hit you with the words that’ll make ya soul vibrate
The things that we contemplate when we comin up…

Bad Addiction is loaded with great singles, and, stealing a song title, it’s “awesome!” (to quote Roam n Mr Attic). From the lead off single released earlier in the year “My Pager Burnin Up (Easide of Thangs),” with its funky groove which cites Saukrates being appraised by the PBS series Antiques Roadshow to “Soxtacy,” Bad Addiction gets in your sonic bloodstream and you simply can’t get enough. “The One” – single #3 – has a soulful, mid-tempo ’70s vibe oozing throughout as the artist proves to stand for something, pays attention, and falls for nothing. The song also seems to epitomize Bad Addiction, an album brimming with big beats, big ideas, and deep truths about the bigger picture overall. Elsewhere “Oh So Cold” has an infectious afro-country-tinged foundation as Saukrates appeals for more humanity in a world that becomes more callous each day. If that wasn’t enough, “My Piece” has a swampy, Prince-ish hue and an excellent bass line that perfectly melds with the musician’s stark, poignant story. The full LP is a “time capsule” of sorts as the 12-track effort features previously unreleased material culled from his ever-growing “vault.” And would you believe it if we said this album is a pirate radio show? This would mean let it play, beginning to end.

This latest installment is the proverbial exclamation point on what has been a tremendously busy and productive year for Saukrates. In August, he released a special 25th anniversary edition of The Underground Tapes featuring over 40 tracks with each song accompanied by a narration from himself regarding the specific track’s significance and attributes. And in 2024, his collaboration with the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals entitled “Caps 11” received an Emmy Award nomination. The song highlighted the 11 black players who have played for the Capitals in franchise history, beginning with Mike Marson in 1974 through to Devante Smith-Pelley in 2019. The song also noted the rich Black culture in the Washington, D.C. area.

The rumors are true with another impressive release in a career that has come a long way since creating rhymes as a teenager and issuing incredible material including the singles “Still Caught Up,” “Father Time,” “Hate Runs Deep,” “Play Dis” featuring Chicago’s own Common, and The Brick House EP. As a founding member of hip-hop collective The Circle — Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, Jully Black — and lead vocalist of his own super group Big Black Lincoln (whose album Heaven’s Caught On Fire remains an excellent piece of work and is cited by many as the “quintessential album”), Saukrates has garnered the respect of those who enjoy and collect quality music.

He’s also worked with the likes of Nelly Furtado and a who’s who of the rap game, whether it’s Red n Mef, Nas to Drake (as he helped influence the young and talented rapper/singer after he left Degrassi). Full-length solo album releases include The Underground Tapes, 2012’s Season One, 2014’s Juno Award nominated The Amani EP, and 2017’s Season 2.

Bigg Soxx, who’s own MySeat app (available soon on IOS and Google Play) offers exclusive content to fans internationally (look out for exclusive Bad Addiction LP content featuring production by Mr attic), recently signed with Frostbyte Media Ltd., a Canadian boutique label falling under the SRG-ILS family. Because SRG-ILS is distributed by Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music division, more fans and more listeners will be able to hear what Canada and the United States have known for decades: Saukrates continues comin’ up with ridiculously relevant poetry and soul both allies and rivals could only dream of.

Nashville Rockers Goldy lockS Band Deliver a Crushing Groove and Heartbreak in “I Didn’t Know”

Eric Alper
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Nashville Rockers Goldy lockS Band Deliver a Crushing Groove and Heartbreak in “I Didn’t Know”

They say that knowing is half the battle; what they don’t tell you is that it’s only the first half, and maybe not even the hardest half either. On their new single, “I Didn’t Know,” Nashville crossover rockers the Goldy lockS Band capture that moment when you realize you’ve been hoodwinked—and must acknowledge not only the time you’ve wasted on a lie but the shadow of uncertainty it’s cast across your future.

The song is a portrait of betrayal that’s rendered in stark, snapshot-like images: a rainy bus stop, a dead cell phone, a “missing ring” that turned into a “nasty thing.” Somebody’s done somebody wrong, all right, and the tune’s chorus couldn’t do a better job of laying out just how much of a cause for despair that is: “I didn’t know/ How quick that this would fold/ I didn’t know/ And our love could grow so cold.” Which begs the nagging question: Now what?

The thought is left deliberately hanging, but there’s nothing indecisive about the music itself. “I Didn’t Know” makes a typically exhilarating addition to the band’s catalog of full-bodied, eminently commercial bangers, with a pointedly askew, “Smooth Criminal”-type crush groove that’ll bring you to your feet—and keep you on your toes, just like its disillusioned protagonist.

Giving its tears of heartbreak a little extra sting, the track features contributions from hardcore country artist (and pro wrestler) Mickie James Aldis, plus Clay “Uncle Snap” Sharpe and Brian Andrew “Rooster” King of country rappers The LACS. It was almost fated that Aldis and GLB frontwoman Goldy Locks would team up for a song someday, since the latter has been a part of TNA Impact Wrestling as a commentator, a manager and a wrestler in her own right (not to mention having a podcast, Goldy’s Closet, that’s a sub-cast of ex-WWE writer Vince Russo’s The Brand).

“I can’t believe it’s taken so long for Goldy Locks and I to rock out together!” Aldis says. “She’s a force to be reckoned with and brings so much passion to everything she does. This was such a rockin’ blend of two worlds colliding, and I think it turned out pretty magical!”

The artistic alchemy the Goldy lockS Band engages in, though, goes beyond simply mixing harder-hitting sounds with elements like country. Their entire process is a study in creative improvisation, with guitarist Johnny Oro laying down riffs on the tour bus and at sound checks, just so Locks can later put words and melodies to them during workouts at the gym. That work in progress gets sent to drummer Rod Saylor so he can bash out parts in his home studio, and then all the way to Brazil, home base of the bassist Wandley Bala the group retains for recordings only. A circuitous way to operate, to be sure, but so far, it’s paid off handsomely: The outfit’s deep repertoire has made them a top concert draw as both a headliner and an opener for heavyweights like Nickelback, Stevie Nicks and Maroon 5, and on record, they’ve sold thousands of albums over the years of performing.

They’ll be adding to that tally with a new, as-yet-untitled album in the months ahead. Before then, the group has two big shows coming up to round out the year in style. December the GLB will be packed with private parties. The Goldy lockS Band will ring in 2025 with a New Year’s Eve bash at Kahuna OS in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Forget what we said earlier about the burden of knowing: When the music is this good, here’s to 12 more months of fooling around and finding out.

5 Surprising Facts About ‘Paid in Full’ by Eric B. & Rakim

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About ‘Paid in Full’ by Eric B. & Rakim

Released in 1987, Paid in Full redefined hip-hop and built its blueprint. From its groundbreaking lyrics to innovative production, Eric B. & Rakim’s debut album remains a cornerstone of golden-age hip-hop. But there’s more to this record than meets the ear. Here are five lesser-known facts about the album that changed everything:

1. Written in a Flash—Literally
Rakim wrote the lyrics for “Paid in Full” in under five minutes, just hours before the duo’s record label deadline. Eric B. added the now-iconic ad-lib at the end to extend the song. The result? A timeless anthem that wasn’t meticulously planned but captured the duo’s raw brilliance. It’s proof that sometimes the best art comes under pressure.

2. A Game-Changing Sample
“I Know You Got Soul” didn’t just popularize James Brown samples—it made them essential to hip-hop’s DNA. With its digitized cymbal crashes, breathing sounds, and infectious bassline, the track elevated sampling to an art form. Fun fact: British band M|A|R|R|S borrowed the “Pump up the volume” lyric for their chart-topping single of the same name.

3. Flavor Flav in “I Ain’t No Joke”
The music video for “I Ain’t No Joke” is a time capsule of golden-age hip-hop, featuring Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav dancing alongside Rakim. Shot on a shoestring budget, the video used Harlem hangout spots as its backdrop. Rakim’s no-cursing lyrical approach in the song helped it dominate airwaves, proving that hard-hitting rhymes didn’t need profanity to make an impact.

4. The Remix That Divided Opinions
The “Seven Minutes of Madness” Coldcut remix of “Paid in Full” became one of hip-hop’s first commercially successful remixes, mixing Ofra Haza’s haunting vocals with the original track. While Eric B. dismissed it as “girly disco music,” Rakim called it the best remix he’d ever heard. It even helped introduce Haza’s music to a global audience.

5. Dapper Dan and the Album Cover
The iconic Paid in Full cover, with Eric B. and Rakim decked out in custom Gucci outfits, wasn’t your typical photo shoot. These pieces were crafted by Harlem’s legendary designer Dapper Dan, whose work defined streetwear’s early luxury aesthetic. The cover became as legendary as the music, symbolizing the duo’s blend of grit and style.

Paid in Full the birth of a movement, a cultural shift, and an eternal reminder of hip-hop’s boundless creativity. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or hearing it for the first time, its legacy continues to pump up the volume.

Rick Moranis Nails Michael McDonald in Hilarious SCTV Sketch

Eric Alper
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Rick Moranis Nails Michael McDonald in Hilarious SCTV Sketch

In a legendary SCTV sketch from 1981, Rick Moranis hilariously portrayed Michael McDonald, capturing the whirlwind life of the blue-eyed soul icon as a session vocalist in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The skit used Christopher Cross’s “Ride Like the Wind” to showcase McDonald’s hectic schedule, with Moranis embodying the harried musician running between recording sessions.

Even McDonald himself couldn’t help but laugh when he first saw the sketch, calling it a moment of “hilarious self-awareness” after realizing he wasn’t hallucinating—just watching SCTV genius at work.

TBN Celebrates Andrea Bocelli’s 30th Anniversary With Exclusive Concert Special On December 27

Eric Alper
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TBN Celebrates Andrea Bocelli’s 30th Anniversary With Exclusive Concert Special On December 27

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is delighted to present a powerful concert special, Andrea Bocelli: 30 Years of Inspiration, honoring the life and legacy of internationally acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli. Airing exclusively on TBN Friday, December 27 at 8 PM ET, with an encore on January 3 at 8 PM ET, this inspiring event highlights the intersection of faith, family, and music in Bocelli’s extraordinary journey.

“We are excited to bring Andrea Bocelli: 30 Years of Inspiration to TBN viewers this holiday season,” said TBN president Matt Crouch. “It’s an honor to celebrate Andrea Bocelli and his 30-year career in such a cinematic setting. Our hope is that viewers are inspired by the moments of faith woven through this special, and are captivated by the incredible musical performances.”

Set against the stunning backdrop of Tuscany, Italy, this once-in-a-lifetime concert was filmed at the Teatro del Silenzio, an iconic outdoor amphitheater in Bocelli’s hometown of Lajatico. In Andrea Bocelli: 30 Years of Inspiration, Bocelli shares his inspirational repertoire of beloved classics and powerful duets. Joining him in this celebration are an extraordinary cast of artists, including Grammy Award-winner Lauren Daigle, rising star, Matteo Bocelli, and genre-spanning musician Jon Batiste. Together, they deliver performances that elevate the spirit and demonstrate the power of music to bring people together.

With extraordinary staging, production, and visuals captured alongside the unparalleled beauty of the Tuscan hills, Andrea Bocelli’s history of faith and sensational career come to life in a truly unforgettable experience. Directed by Emmy Award-winner Sam Wrench, this is a celebration of an international icon and revered classical voice with a grandeur and scale that reaches new heights.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music and inspiration, airing exclusively on TBN and TBN+ this holiday season. F

American Greetings Launches Holiday Creatacard Collection With Sia

Eric Alper
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American Greetings Launches Holiday Creatacard Collection With Sia

Just in time for the holiday season, American Greetings has unveiled a series of four all-new Creatacard greetings with singer and songwriter Sia. The virtual cards will be free of charge and were personally designed by Sia and her team.

Celebrating the joy of the season, the red and green cards feature unique artwork inspired by Sia’s signature style and personality. Users can add a snippet from one of her widely popular holiday songs, including “Snowman,” “Santa’s Coming for Us,” and “Candy Cane Lane.” Additionally, these festive greetings can be customized with photos or video, a personalized message, digital envelope liner, and matching stamps.

“Every year Sia’s holiday songs are becoming more synonymous with Christmas,” said Rob Matousek, Executive Director, Direct to Consumer Business at American Greetings. “Consumers send more cards during the holiday season than at any other time during the year, so being able to offer a holiday collection featuring her songs and designs is a gift for everyone.”

Sia’s cards will be joining other virtual cards that feature some of music’s biggest names, including Jelly Roll, who recently launched a collection to support World Mental Health Awareness Day, as well as Luke Combs, who launched a Father’s Day series this past June. Additionally, Dolly Parton has a variety of Creatacards with American Greetings and Lainey Wilson debuted her Creatacard collection with the brand earlier this year.

Creatacard greetings are available on www.americangreetings.com, www.bluemountain.com, and on the Creatacard offerings, American Greetings and Blue Mountain ecard apps for iPhone and Android. They can be shared via email, text, or on social media. Users can sign up for a monthly, yearly, or two-year American Greetings account to have the ability to send an unlimited number of Creatacard greetings —as well as all American Greetings digital offerings—over the course of their membership period. Membership costs range from $6.99–$39.99, depending on the length of membership.

There is no artist in the world like Sia. Try to think about an artist who transformed from an indemand indie pop vocalist and chanteuse into a global pop superstar more than a decade into their career. Try to imagine that same global pop superstar writing and producing music for many of the other most iconic stars of our time. And then let yourself think about how Sia Furler has racked up more worldwide streams and hits (8 in the “Billions Club” on Spotify, and counting…) all while never showing her face, never compromising her artistic vision, and never letting anyone else define pop stardom for her. It’s staggering to imagine any artist doing just one of these things, let alone all of them, over the course of a career that continues to reach new heights. It’s worth repeating: there is no artist in the world like Sia.

Generative AI Market To Grow By USD 97.75 Billion (2024-2028)

Eric Alper
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Generative AI Market To Grow By USD 97.75 Billion (2024-2028)

The global generative artificial intelligence (AI) market size is estimated to grow by USD 97.75 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 50.22% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for AI-generated content is driving market growth, with a trend towards acceleration in deployment of large language models (LLM). However, lack of quality data poses a challenge. Key market players include Accenture Plc, Adobe Inc., Alphabet Inc., Altair Engineering Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Autodesk Inc., DataRobot Inc., De Identification Ltd., Diabatix NV, Genie AI Ltd., Hexagon AB, International Business Machines Corp., LeewayHertz, Microsoft Corp., MOSTLY AI Solutions MP GmbH, nTopology Inc., NVIDIA Corp., OpenAI L.L.C., Rephrase Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and Synthesia Ltd..

The Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is experiencing significant growth as businesses adopt AI technologies to drive solutions in various industries. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision are leading trends, with Generative AI gaining popularity through advancements like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Transformer models, and Multimodal data processing. AI is revolutionizing Entertainment with text and image generation, summarization, and personalized content. In Healthcare, AI is transforming document generation, model architectures, and unsupervised learning techniques for text and image analysis. Entertainment, Finance, and Education industries are leveraging AI-driven solutions for content creation and customer support through conversational interfaces, intelligent virtual assistants, and conversational chatbots. Advanced algorithms like deep learning, probabilistic modeling, and iterative training techniques are powering AI applications in Robotics and Automation, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. However, challenges such as model drift, inaccurate content, biased content, and inappropriate content require continuous monitoring and mitigation strategies. Data security concerns, particularly with unstructured data and personally identifiable information, necessitate tagging, encryption, and access control measures. AI ethics, machine learning techniques, and computer resources are essential considerations for businesses adopting AI. AI tools and conversational interfaces are enabling IT professionals to create virtual worlds, simulations, and game environments for various applications. In conclusion, the Generative AI market offers immense potential for businesses to innovate and create value across industries. However, it’s crucial to address challenges and ethical considerations to ensure the responsible and effective implementation of AI technologies.

The generative AI market has experienced notable growth with the implementation of Language Model Machines (LLMs). These models employ deep learning methods to generate text that resembles human speech. Businesses can utilize these models to automate and enhance tasks such as customer service, content creation, and data analysis. For instance, Open AI’s GPT-3 language model has gained widespread recognition. It produces human-like text, making it an effective tool for companies to automate content generation, including product descriptions, news articles, and social media posts.

The Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is experiencing significant growth as businesses seek to leverage AI technologies for various applications. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision are two key areas where Generative AI, including Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Transformer models, and Variational Autoencoders, are making a mark. These AI-driven solutions offer text generation capabilities, summarization, personalized content, document generation, and model architectures for text, images, video, audio, and more. Entertainment and healthcare industries are major adopters, with Generative AI used for content creation, media and entertainment, and AI-driven simulations. Advanced algorithms like deep learning, neural networks, and probabilistic modeling are at the core of these applications. However, challenges persist, including model drift, inaccurate or biased content, and inappropriate content. Synthetic data management and AI ethics are crucial to address these issues. AI accelerators, computing vouchers, and IT professionals are essential to overcome the computational demands of Generative AI. Data security concerns, especially with unstructured data and personally identifiable information, require tagging and encryption methods. The future of Generative AI lies in its ability to create human-like text, power intelligent infrastructure, and provide personalized support through conversational AI and chatbots.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) can produce data for various applications, such as news articles or product descriptions. However, the quality of the generated data can be inconsistent and may not meet expectations. Inaccurate or incomplete information can be disseminated to the public through AI-generated news articles, potentially misleading readers and damaging the credibility of the news outlet. Similarly, poor-quality data used to generate product descriptions on e-commerce websites could deter potential customers from making a purchase due to misleading or confusing information. It is essential to ensure the data used to train generative AI models is of high quality to produce accurate and reliable results.

The generative artificial intelligence (AI) market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for software that can analyze data and produce unique outputs. One notable example is GPT-4, a deep learning-based text generator capable of creating text indistinguishable from human-written content. Businesses are utilizing this technology for content creation and customer service automation. Another application is StyleGAN, a machine learning software generating realistic human faces, benefiting the fashion and beauty industry. Several startups, like Runway, develop generative AI platforms for designers and artists. These advancements are expected to boost the market’s expansion during the forecast period.

The Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is experiencing exponential growth due to the increasing adoption of AI technologies in various industries. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision are two major areas of AI that are revolutionizing how we interact with text and images. Generative AI, a subset of advanced algorithms, is leading the charge with its ability to create new content, from text to art and even music. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are a popular generative AI technique that uses two neural networks to generate realistic data. Digitization and AI-driven solutions are transforming industries such as Entertainment and Healthcare, with generative AI powering personalized content and predictive analytics. Standard AI systems use machine learning, simulations, and videos to learn patterns and make decisions. Neural networks, deep learning, probabilistic modeling, and iterative training techniques are essential components of these systems. Recurrent neural networks and convolutional neural networks are advanced algorithms that enable AI to understand context and recognize patterns in data. GPT series and other generative models are creating new possibilities in text generation, while AI applications in virtual worlds and the metaverse are pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. IT professionals are in high demand as businesses seek to leverage these advanced technologies to gain a competitive edge.

The Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is experiencing exponential growth, driven by advancements in AI technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision, and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). These technologies enable AI-driven solutions to create and process multimodal data, including text, images, video, audio, and more. Generative AI is revolutionizing industries like Entertainment, Healthcare, and Robotics and Automation, with applications ranging from text generation and summarization to personalized content and document generation. Model architectures like Transformer models, Neuro-symbolic approaches, and Unsupervised learning techniques are pushing the boundaries of what AI can do. However, challenges such as model drift, inaccurate content, biased content, and inappropriate content require ongoing attention. AI accelerators, large language models, and training data preparation are essential components of the generative AI ecosystem. The market also includes various AI applications, standard and advanced algorithms, machine learning techniques, and neural networks like Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The Entertainment industry, Finance industry, Education industry, and others are leveraging generative AI for content creation, simulations, and conversational interfaces. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also significant areas of application, with potential use cases in VR games, VR training simulations, and game environments. AI ethics and data security concerns are critical considerations as the market continues to evolve.

Snoop Dogg Launches Direct-to-Consumer Cannabis Lifestyle Marketplace

Eric Alper
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Snoop Dogg Launches Direct-to-Consumer Cannabis Lifestyle Marketplace

Today, Snoop Dogg announced an expansion of his Smoke Weed Every Day (S.W.E.D.) cannabis empire by launching the e-commerce site, SWED.com. This new direct-to-consumer marketplace builds off the successful openings of a S.W.E.D. dispensary in Los Angeles and a coffee shop in Amsterdam this summer, bringing his passion for cannabis to the digital space.

The online store will feature a curated selection of authentic Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records branded hemp-derived cannabis products, smoking accessories, premium tobacco cigars and wraps, as well as limited-edition lifestyle merchandise available to consumers nationwide. SWED.com will also serve as a directory for S.W.E.D.’s physical dispensaries, providing information for the Los Angeles and Amsterdam store, as well as other soon-to-be launched locations.

“The holidays are all about sharing, and this year, I’m sharing access to S.W.E.D. with the world,” said Snoop Dogg. “Whether you’re shopping in person or online, for yourself or someone on your list, you’ll find the same high-quality products I enjoy every day no matter where you are.”

SWED.com is designed to deliver a complete lifestyle experience with products hand-selected by Snoop himself. From Dogg Leaf natural tobacco leaf wraps to exclusive Death Row Records rolling trays and odor-proof backpacks, the site is a one-stop shop designed to offer a premium experience for collectors, connoisseurs, and everyday users alike. With a limited initial selection, the range of products will expand significantly in the coming weeks as more products are certified by the megastar, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. With a focus on quality, exclusivity, and cultural richness, Snoop is committed to elevating the standard for online cannabis shopping.

The launch of SWED.com marks another milestone in Snoop Dogg’s long-standing advocacy for cannabis and his dedication to making top-tier products accessible to everyone. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Snoop’s new venture underscores his leading role in the movement for cannabis normalization and consumer choice.

Smoke Weed Every Day (S.W.E.D.) is a cannabis lifestyle brand founded by legendary artist and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg, celebrating the intersection of cannabis and music. With retail shops in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, S.W.E.D. offers a curated selection of premium cannabis products, smoking accessories, and exclusive merchandise. The brand extends its reach globally through SWED.com, providing innovative smoking products and experiences for cannabis enthusiasts around the world.

Olivia Wolf Explores The Depths Of Grief On Debut Album ‘Silver Rounds’ Due January 17

Eric Alper
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Olivia Wolf Explores The Depths Of Grief On Debut Album ‘Silver Rounds’ Due January 17

Blending the soulful influence of Bobby Charles with the inspirational lyrics of Gillian Welch, Northern California native Olivia Wolf has crafted a sound of both heartache and emotional healing. Her debut album ‘Silver Rounds’ is due January 17th.

Two weeks before her wedding day, Olivia Wolf lost the love of her life. What followed was unimaginable grief and a roller coaster of emotion that she channeled into 10 anguishedly delicate and intimate songs, co-written by only four songwriters.

“This album tells the tale of riding the cosmic waves between the earthly and the spiritual realm,” explains Wolf. “The connection of light and dark are so close and divided only by a thin line, one moment can change it all. When you lose someone unexpectedly, you find a deeper connection to the spiritual world while having to exist within the earthly one. This tells the journey of trying to hold on to both of those worlds.”

Produced by revered songwriter Sean McConnell, ‘Silver Rounds’ defies the tensity of both the living light and the celestial dark.

Out today (12.6), the album track “Cosmic Appalachian Radio” has the air of a portal to the other side. Written at the helm of a 1950s typewriter, Wolf drew inspiration from a collection of Post-War era broadcasts titled “WPAQ: Voice of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” The result is a gypsy-spirited reflection on symbolism (bluebird feathers, a gold ring), harnessing a Sedona tarot card reader’s dark energy.

There isn’t one stage of grief untouched across the album. Songs like “Lucky One” and “High Life” reflect a hopeful optimism in the wake of tragedy, juxtaposed with denial and escapism. “Lie In Wait” is the precipice that falls into the darkness of a “Good Smoke Too” bad-girl era. Followed by the feeling of existential crisis in “The Veil,” too-stoned-to-cry mantra “Weed King” and the eviscerating title track, “Silver Rounds.” The album concludes with “Meet You at The Cross” and “The Wild,” which tell stories of reaching peace and finding comfort after trauma.

“These songs reflect a story of devastation and rebirth, lust and revenge, mysticism and truth,” explains Wolf. “This album embodies everything a human can experience after losing someone who meant everything.”

In addition to being entirely co-written by Wolf, ‘Silver Rounds’ features a standout lineup of musicians including Billy Justineau (Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs) on keys and percussion, Sam Berce on guitar (Tanya Tucker, Colby Acuff), Justin Tocket (Leyla McCalla, Randy Rogers Band) on bass, Logan Todd (Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker Band) on drums, Lillie Mae on background vocals and fiddle, Taylor McCall on banjo and guitar, and more

‘Silver Rounds’ Tracklist:
1. “Cosmic Appalachian Radio” (Olivia Wolf, Sean McConnell)
2. “Lucky One” (Olivia Wolf, Sean McConnell)
3. “The High Life” (Olivia Wolf, Taylor McCall)
4. “Lie In Wait” (Olivia Wolf, Sean McConnell)
5. “Good Smoke Too” (Olivia Wolf, Taylor McCall)
6. “The Veil” (Olivia Wolf, Sean McConnell)
7. “Weed King” (Olivia Wolf, Taylor McCall)
8. “Silver Rounds” (Olivia Wolf, Rochelle Elie)
9. “Meet You at The Cross” (Olivia Wolf, Sean McConnell)
10. “The Wild” (Olivia Wolf, Rochelle Elie)

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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