Dire Straits’ iconic “Sultans of Swing” captures the magic of live music in an unexpected setting, inspired by a jazz band in a South London pub. Written by Mark Knopfler, the track’s intricate fingerpicking and dynamic Stratocaster sound helped launch the band into global stardom, making it a timeless classic of the rock genre.
Ice Spice Drops Y2K!: I’m Just A Girl (Deluxe)
Today, 4x GRAMMY-nominated and Bronx phenom Ice Spice dropped her explosive Y2K!: I’m Just A Girl (Deluxe) album, out now via 10K Projects/Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. The Deluxe features 5 brand new tracks including “Hannah Montana” featuring NLE Choppa and DaBaby, with additional features from BB Trickz and Anuel AA. Listen HERE.
Ice’s wildly anticipated official debut album Y2K! was originally released in July and came stacked with hits including the Sean Paul-sampling “Gimmie A Light” and hater-dismissing “Think U The Shit (Fart),” which notably became her highest solo charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 (#37). The album also included hits like “Phat Butt,” “Oh Shhh…” featuring Travis Scott, and the smash summer anthem “Did It First” featuring Central Cee. The video for the infidelity anthem (watch HERE) has since racked up over 42M views, while the song went on to peak on Spotify’s US (#34) and Global (#41) charts.
Pitchfork hailed Y2K! for featuring “some of her most dynamic and abrasive bars to date,” while also praising the album for sounding “like nothing her peers could make, swerving from one sonic inspiration to the next.”
Ice spent the summer dominating the world with her Y2K! WORLD TOUR. Produced by Live Nation, the tour began with a series of festival performances across Europe, and included her first ever headlining North American run with sold out shows at Terminal 5 in New York City, the iconic Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, and more. The Y2K! WORLD TOUR also saw Ice take Europe and the UK by storm with a fall headline run that included shows across Dublin, Manchester, London, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, and more.
Y2K! confirms what’s been in the air since Ice’s 2023 debut EP, Like..?, landed her on year-end lists from the likes of Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and numerous others. Hits like “Munch (Feelin U)” and the Platinum-selling “In Ha Mood” and “Princess Diana” have taken Ice straight to the top of the rap game and brought her a slew of honours, including two People’s Choice Awards, an MTV VMA, a BET Hip-Hop Award, and the Hitmaker Award at the 2024 Billboard Women In Music event. All signs point toward Ice extending her dominance.
With a sugar rush of playful sensuality and unbothered cool, Ice Spice has established herself as the music world’s latest shapeshifting superstar. Since emerging with “Munch (Feelin’ U),” in the fall of 2022, she has reconfigured the raucous energy of the Bronx to make anthems for baddies and their baddie friends—sexy theme songs that ring off in the club or a NY deli, places Ice Spice has no problem turning into her own personal dancefloor. Powered by singles like “In Ha Mood” and “Princess Diana,” as well as the deluxe edition of her Like..? EP, she’s collected more than 2.5 billion streams, multiple top 5 Hot 100 singles, and four GRAMMY® nominations, including nods for Best New Artist, Best Rap Song, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media. More symbolically, she’s become an emblem of the new Big Apple, a fact that isn’t lost on the media.
Writing for The New York Times, Maya Salam listed Ice Spice as the breakout pop artist of 2023, citing her “cool, confident, raw” signature sound. Meanwhile, Variety listed Like..? as her fourth favourite project of last year, praising her “sharpshooter flow” and her all-around versatility on the project. For their part, Billboard named Ice Spice 2023’s Rookie of the Year. It’s all part of a calculated level up at the intersection of planning, distinctive style and unfailing belief. As Rolling Stone put it, “it’s already tough to imagine we ever lived in a world without her.”
Ice Spice’s breakout really began with “Munch (Feelin’ U),” a track that quickly became a playgirl’s dancefloor bat signal. The song earned Ice Spice her first RIAA-certified Gold plaque before amassing nearly 120 million Spotify streams. After initially releasing the song and its follow-up, “Bikini Bottom,” she signed a deal with Capitol Records and 10k Projects. From there, she fortified her buzz with “In Ha Mood” and the Lil Tjay-assisted “Gangsta Boo.” Both tracks landed on her debut EP, Like..?, a critically acclaimed project that crystallized her star status.
The hits have only continued to pile up. In February 2023, Ice Spice appeared on “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2,” a PinkPantheress single that’s equal parts infectious and emotionally vulnerable. That March, it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Then came the “Princess Diana” remix with her idol Nicki Minaj. All of that was before she guested on Taylor Swift’s 2023 single, “Karma,” which hit No. 2 on the Hot 100. Ice Spice parlayed that popularity surge into 12 performances as Doja Cat’s opening act for The Scarlet Tour. It was her first time performing in arenas, which has set her up for even bigger stages, like Coachella, which she hit in April 2024.
Her musical impact has only made her a ubiquitous cultural force. Last year, she appeared as the star of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS campaign, with her fly everygirl persona making her a perfect fit for an emerging fashion powerhouse. That summer, she teamed up with Nicki Minaj again for “Barbie World,” a single that belonged to the Barbie soundtrack. A flurry of effervescent pop, the track peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100 chart. She also appeared alongside Ben Affleck for a Dunkin’ commercial introducing her MUNCHKIN Drink, a frozen treat named after her dedicated fan base. Malleable enough to oscillate among brands, genres, and fans, it’s no surprise that Google announced Ice Spice as the second-most searched musician of 2023. Her level-up isn’t stopping anytime soon. With her debut album on the way, Ice Spice plans to continue to make varied soundscapes her playground.
Y2K!: I’m Just A Girl (Deluxe) Tracklisting:
Phat Butt
Oh Shhh… (with Travis Scott)
Popa
Bitch I’m Packin’ (with Gunna)
Plenty Sun
Did It First (with Central Cee)
BB Belt
Think U The Shit (Fart)
Gimmie A Light
TTYL
GYAT
Hannah Montana (with NLE Choppa & DaBaby)
So What?
BB Belt (Remix) (with BB Trickz)
Popa (Remix) (with Anuel AA)
Like
5 Surprising Facts About The Who’s “Who’s Next”
When it comes to legendary albums, Who’s Next by The Who is always in the mix. Released on August 2, 1971, the album evolved from Pete Townshend’s ambitious but scrapped Lifehouse project and became one of the most celebrated records of all time. While its hits like “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” are etched in rock history, there are still surprising details about this iconic album that even die-hard fans might not know. Here are five fascinating facts about Who’s Next.
- A Synthesizer Revolution
The use of synthesizers on Who’s Next wasn’t just decorative—it was revolutionary. Pete Townshend used a Lowrey organ and early synthesizers to create the iconic loops on “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” blending analog warmth with futuristic sounds. At the time, integrating synthesizers so prominently in rock music was groundbreaking and set the stage for its use across genres. - The Mystery of the Monolith
The Who’s Next cover photo is one of rock’s most iconic images. For decades, its exact location remained a mystery. Recently, the Derbyshire Times revealed the photo was taken near Temple Normanton, Derbyshire, during the band’s journey back to London on May 15, 1971. Photographer Ethan Russell, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey, directed the band to mimic scenes from the film. The monolith, now partially buried on private farmland, has become a pilgrimage site for fans—just be sure to ask the landowner for permission before recreating the moment. - The Forgotten Concept Album
Who’s Next was born out of the ambitious Lifehouse project, which envisioned a multimedia rock opera exploring themes of technology, individuality, and spiritual enlightenment. While Lifehouse was shelved due to its complexity, many of its songs—like “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Bargain”—found new life on Who’s Next. - A Gift from Joe Walsh
Pete Townshend’s signature guitar sound on the album came from a 1959 Gretsch 6120 gifted to him by Joe Walsh. This guitar, paired with a Fender Bandmaster amp, became a defining element of Who’s Next’s unique sound, proving that the right gear can make rock history. - The CSI Connection
The tracks “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” gained an unexpected second life as theme songs for the CSI franchise. “Baba O’Riley” was used for CSI: NY, while “Won’t Get Fooled Again” became synonymous with CSI: Miami, making Who’s Next a surprising pop culture staple for crime show fans.
Who’s Next remains a masterpiece, blending raw power, innovative technology, and timeless songwriting. Whether you’re blasting “Baba O’Riley” for the millionth time or discovering its deeper cuts, this album continues to prove why The Who are rock legends.
How ‘Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein’ Inspired Jerry Garcia’s Creative Genius
Jerry Garcia reveals how Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein was more than just laughs —it shaped his creative worldview. In this 1995 AMC interview, the Grateful Dead legend dives into the movie magic that inspired him.
That Time Jefferson Airplane Appeared On Dick Clark’s American Bandstand In 1967
On June 3, 1967, Jefferson Airplane appeared on American Bandstand at the height of their fame with the breakthrough hits “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.” The band’s spirited exchange with Dick Clark provided a snapshot of the counterculture movement’s charm and wit during the Summer of Love. Grace Slick, at 27, succinctly credited San Francisco’s promoters for their creative freedom, a sentiment emblematic of the era.
5 Fascinating Facts About Curtis Mayfield’s “Super Fly”
If you think soundtracks are just background noise for films, Curtis Mayfield’s Super Fly will blow your mind. Released on July 11, 1972, Mayfield’s funk-infused melodies and socially conscious lyrics elevated Super Fly beyond the confines of the Blaxploitation film it accompanied, making it one of the most celebrated albums of the 1970s. Here are five fascinating facts about Super Fly that will deepen your appreciation for this masterpiece.
1. The Soundtrack That Outshone the Film
Not only did Super Fly gross more than the movie itself, but its critical acclaim also left the film in the dust. While the movie had an ambiguous stance on drug dealing, Mayfield’s music delivered an unflinching critique of poverty and addiction, making the album a more powerful narrative than the film it accompanied.
2. A Full Orchestra in Three Days
The lush, cinematic sound of Super Fly was the result of a massive in-studio band featuring up to 40 performers. Amazingly, most of the album’s instrumentals were recorded in just three days at Curtom Studios in Chicago. Guitarist Craig McMullen noted how having a full orchestra allowed Mayfield to create intricate arrangements where every note had room to shine.
3. The Basement Chronicles
Mayfield wrote much of Super Fly while living in a basement apartment during a trial separation from his wife and children. The isolation fueled his creativity, as he channeled his emotions into songs that were both deeply personal and universally resonant.
4. A Grammy Snub for “Freddie’s Dead”
Despite being a chart-topping hit and one of the most iconic tracks on the album, “Freddie’s Dead” was ruled ineligible for an Academy Award for Best Original Song because its lyrics weren’t sung in the film. It did, however, receive a Grammy nomination but lost to The Temptations’ “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”
5. The Birth of Blaxploitation Soundtracks
Super Fly wasn’t just a hit album—it created an entire genre. Its success inspired other legendary Blaxploitation soundtracks, including Bobby Womack’s Across 110th Street, James Brown’s Black Caesar, and Willie Hutch’s The Mack. Mayfield’s ability to blend storytelling with infectious grooves set a standard that’s influenced artists for decades.
Curtis Mayfield’s Super Fly proved that a soundtrack could transcend its film and become a standalone masterpiece. With its unforgettable melodies and razor-sharp social commentary, Super Fly continues to inspire and influence artists across genres. So next time you hear the opening notes of “Pusherman,” remember: you’re listening to history.
Maria’s Scarf by Zoro Is A Moving Memoir Of A Mother’s Love
A beautiful and transformative memoir, Maria’s Scarf is the incredible story of a mother’s love, a family’s unbreakable bond, and a starry-eyed boy who never lost sight of his dreams.
As the fatherless biracial child of a Mexican immigrant, Danny Donnelly was never expected to amount to much. Before the age of nine, his single mother had moved her seven children more than thirty times–from the impoverished streets of South Central Los Angeles to rural Oregon and everywhere in between.
Sometimes there was no home to go to, so they slept in their ’62 Chevy; sometimes dinner was a slice of bread; sometimes they showered in a nearby park. Desperate yet ever hopeful, they clung to the only thing they had–each other. Through it all, Danny longed for his father’s love and approval, ultimately channeling his pain and transforming himself into Zoro, one of the world’s greatest drummers.
Eloquent, hilarious, and remarkably tender, Maria’s Scarf: A Memoir of a Mother’s Love, a Son’s Perseverance, and Dreaming Big, tells the story of a family fighting for survival against almost insurmountable odds. Through laughter, tears, and many misadventures, Zoro touches the heart of every reader–young or old, citizen or immigrant–and speaks to the dreamer in all of us, emboldening everyone to live fantazmical lives.
The history of Casinonic Casino: how the online platform developed
By Mitch Rice
The development of digital entertainment has opened up a wide range of formats for leisure activities. One of the most popular platforms is casinonic.app, which since its inception has been able to gain the trust and attention of the audience thanks to the wide range of features and high quality of the platform.
The history of this platform is an example of how the combination of reliable technologies, thoughtful approach to work and deep understanding of the interests of users helps to create a comfortable space for interaction and choice. Looking at the stages of the platform’s formation, we can highlight a number of important decisions that influenced its success.
History of creation
The idea of creating a space for entertainment and leisure, combining modern technology and a variety of formats, led to the launch of the project in 2019. The developers laid the foundation focused on the quality of services and user convenience. One of the first tasks was licensing: management was transferred to a company registered in Curaçao. This ensured that standards were met and trust was established.
Over time, the project team expanded the list of available solutions, attracting major developers to create a wide library of offerings. The name Casinonic Casino has come to symbolize the wide selection and high quality of services, which has helped the company gain a strong position in the industry and keep users interested.
Security and licensing
To ensure transparency and reliability, the activity is supervised by a Curaçao license. This document confirms compliance with the established standards and guarantees the observance of users’ rights. Special attention is paid to data protection, which is realized with the help of modern encryption methods. This approach reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access to personal information.
The policy of responsible service, implemented on the platform, is aimed at minimizing possible violations. Casinonic Casino complies with license requirements, including regular audits of internal processes and transparency guarantees. In addition, users can rest assured that their data is protected from being shared with third parties. Such measures contribute to a safe environment for all.
Assortment of games
Cooperation with leading software developers has become the basis of the entertainment process. This made it possible to create a diverse collection of entertainment, including modern formats. Users have access to interactive slots, as well as to traditional variants that have remained popular for many years.
Special attention has been paid to those who prefer a format with live interaction elements. For this purpose, sections with live dealers have been added, where you can enjoy a dynamic process in real time. These include various variations of table entertainment such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat, providing the opportunity to choose between different levels of difficulty.
The name Casinonic Casino has gradually become associated with a wide range of entertainment thanks to the regular updating of the collection. Gradual introduction of new products from leading manufacturers allows to keep the interest of users and attract new ones, creating conditions for a comfortable leisure time.
Bonuses and promotions
For those who register for the first time, a generous welcome package is provided. It is divided into six steps and includes up to 1200 euros. Each step allows you to increase the amount, starting from 100% on the first deposit and ending with 50% on the following ones. This approach makes the process as accessible as possible for new users.
Regular activity is encouraged through various bonuses and promotions. On Tuesday, you can take advantage of an offer of 100% up to 100 euros, and Wednesday pleases with 200 free spins if the minimum conditions are met. Casinonic Casino also offers a Friday bonus that increases the balance by 50% up to €200, and a special weekend offer with extra spins when you enter a promo code. For those who are ready to deposit large sums, there is a VIP bonus with a 30% deposit.
Payment Methods
For the convenience of users, a wide range of deposit methods has been introduced. The list includes popular solutions such as Visa and Mastercard bank cards, as well as Skrill and Neteller systems. Minimum amounts and fast transactions make the process simple and comfortable. This allows them to take into account the needs of different categories of users, maintaining a high quality of service.
In addition to traditional methods, modern alternatives are provided for maximum flexibility. Casinonic Casino focuses on the speed of processing requests, ensuring minimal delays. Robust data protection is realized through the use of advanced encryption technologies. This creates an environment where security remains a priority.
Support Service
To ensure quality service, there is 24/7 access to contacts with technical support. The main way of communication is live chat, which allows us to quickly solve arising questions. Users can also contact via email, where detailed assistance is provided for complex queries. These channels ensure promptness and attention to detail.
Responses to queries are handled in a short time frame to minimize potential difficulties. Casinonic Casino’s support team is ready to help with clarification of promotions, rules and other issues. Each appeal is handled professionally and correctly. This approach is aimed at creating a comfortable environment for communication.
Conclusion
The history of development demonstrates how a thoughtful approach and attention to detail help to achieve success. Licensing, a wide range of features and quality service make this platform interesting for a large audience. A well-thought-out bonus system and a variety of entertainment formats keep users interested. All this contributes to the strengthening of positions in the market.
Continuing development, the brand focuses on taking into account the needs of its audience. Casinonic Casino emphasizes safety, reliability and high quality of services provided. This approach forms the conditions that ensure the comfort and trust of users. It is stability and attentiveness to requests that allowed the brand to become in demand.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, Brings its Leading Sports Betting Content to SiriusXM
VSiN, the first media network dedicated to sports betting, will bring its premier sports betting programming back to SiriusXM beginning January 17, 2025. Airing nationwide on SiriusXM channel 158 and on the SiriusXM app, VSiN’s content will bring SiriusXM listeners and sports enthusiasts the expert insights and analysis they need, 24/7.
“We’ve always understood the importance of the SiriusXM platform for sports fans and betting enthusiasts and are thrilled to deliver the unique sports betting content this engaged and growing audience is looking for – straight from the entertainment and gaming capital of the world in Las Vegas,” said Brian Musburger, President and Chief Business Officer at VSiN. “Distribution on SiriusXM is a critical component of our expansion strategy and helps solidify VSiN’s position as the nation’s largest sports betting network.”
VSiN’s dedicated channel will be available to listeners across North America on the SiriusXM radios in their cars and on the SiriusXM app.
In addition to the 24/7 channel, VSiN and SiriusXM are collaborating to produce a new show that will air exclusively on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82) weeknights from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET. This new show, “VSiN Live on Mad Dog Sports Radio,” hosted by Patrick Meagher and Dustin Swedelson, debuts tonight, January 6, and will deliver sports talk and wagering-focused content to listeners while games are in progress.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the great team at SiriusXM again and excited that this agreement will allow us to collaborate on wagering and fantasy sports content that will entertain their national sports audience,” said Steve Cohen, Executive Vice President, Talent and Programming at VSiN. “A great first example of this collaboration is the daily show we’ll be jointly producing for Mad Dog Sports Radio, and we look forward to delivering additional first-in-class sports talk programming together.”
“The demand for sports wagering content continues to grow and VSiN is a leader in this space,” said Eric Spitz, Vice President of Sports Programming for SiriusXM. “We’re very pleased to offer our listeners access to VSiN shows and personalities 24/7 on their dedicated channel, and are excited to work together on a new exclusive show on Mad Dog Sports Radio that will deliver sports fans the kind of smart, insightful content they want and expect.”
VSiN programming previously aired on SiriusXM from 2017 to 2020.
VSiN delivers news, analysis, and insights that bettors and fantasy sports enthusiasts use to make informed wagering and fantasy lineup decisions, with 18+ hours of live linear sports content each day. Featuring some of the industry’s most knowledgeable sports betting and fantasy experts, as well as legendary book makers, VSiN’s goal is to inform and entertain the growing number of Americans betting on sports – whether they’re sharp bettors or new to sports betting. VSiN’s exclusive content sets the stage for the day’s biggest sports betting events and includes expert tips and predictions on college and pro football, college and pro basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis and more.
VSiN, The Sports Betting Network, is the first sports media company dedicated to providing news, analysis and proprietary data to the millions of Americans who wager on sports and make sports betting a multibillion-dollar industry. Fueled by award-winning broadcasters and legendary oddsmakers, the network informs and entertains consumers with the latest sports betting news and industry trends on multiple platforms. Fans can access VSiN content on YouTube TV, Rogers’ Sportsnet, NESN, Marquee Sports Network, MASN, Spectrum SportsNet LA, SportsNet Pittsburgh, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, more than 300 terrestrial radio stations throughout the U.S., VSiN.com, and VSiN.com/Podcasts.
VSiN’s newsroom studio is located in the sportsbook at the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

