Jay Park Becomes The First Asian-American To Sign With Jay-Z’s Roc Nation

Korean-American rapper Jay Park has made hip hop music history after becoming the first Asian-American to sign onto record label Roc Nation.

The label, which was founded by Jay-Z in 2008, manages a host of international superstars including Rihanna, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and J. Cole.

Born in Seattle, Park is a huge figure in South Korea, and has since returned to the United States. His deal with Roc Nation certainly signals his intent to take on more than just the Asian market.

It’s Official @RocNation This is a win for the Town This is a win for Korea This is a win for Asian Americans This is a win for the overlooked and underappreciated This is a win for genuine ppl who look out for their ppls This is a win for hard work and dedication This is a win for honesty and authenticity Thank you for the acknowledgement and recognition🙏🙏 Just gettin’ started 10년차가수인데 이제부터시작이네 🙌 🙌🙌#RocFam #RocNation

A post shared by $hway BUM Park 박재범 (@jparkitrighthere) on

In an Instagram post, Park said, “This is a win for the Town. This is a win for Korea. This is a win for Asian Americans. This is a win for the overlooked and underappreciated.”

Shortly after his post on Instagram, Park also dropped his new music video of Most Hated, alongside Dok2. Watch it below.

THELIONCITYBOY Channels Netflix In His Latest Music Video ‘Start Already’

Singapore’s very own THELIONCITYBOY is back with his latest single Start Already with a music video that pays homage to some of television’s most notable tropes.

In fact, the posters for the music videos playfully takes cue from Netflix, with a play on colours, graphics and even TLCB’s branding in the style of the streaming company’s logo.

Riddled with colloquial phrases and clever use of Singlish in his raps, Start Already is Kevin Lester at the top of his game, showing us that the local rap scene is alive and well.

Lester’s flow above the beat, which is somewhat reminiscent of Nicki Minaj’s Truffle Butter, makes for a perfect combination to pay tribute to the popular local phrase “start already”.

Enough talk, we’ll let the music video speak for itself. Watch it below.

adidas Originals New York by Daniel Arsham Drops in Singapore on July 22

adidas Singapore has confirmed that its upcoming collaboration with American artist Daniel Arsham will indeed be dropping in Singapore on July 22.

The team up will see Arsham’s take on the brand’s New York silhouette, inspired by the artist’s love for iconic artefacts and archeology, as shown in the bone-like colour of the kicks.

The result is a rugged construction around its overlay and 3-stripes through the use of roughly cut canvas and frayed edges.

The unique upper sits atop a textured rubber midsole, which contains the hidden phrase “THE PAST IS PRESENT” only revealed when placed under UV light.

[caption id="attachment_6320" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: adidas[/caption]

The sneaker will retail for S$269 and will be available at adidas Originals Pacific Plaza on Saturday, July 22, from 11am.

Bring Your Kopi-Loving Bae to Singapore Coffee Festival This August, Here’s Why

If you and your partner enjoy café hopping on the weekends, this year’s Singapore Coffee Festival is an event you wouldn’t want to miss.

Presented by DBS, the event is returning for its second year with over 100 exhibitors at its new home – the waterfront-facing Marina Bay Cruise Centre.

So if you’re looking to spend some quality time with your coffee-loving bae, look no further than the Singapore Coffee Festival 2017! Here’s why we think it’s a unique and fun opportunity to have a different and more meaningful date.

1) Pick Up New Skills As A Couple

From coffee brewing to stamp carving, there will be a slew of workshops and classes at The Good Market taught by various social enterprises for you and your partner to take part in.

Get to know your partner better as you learn together how to brew coffee and pour latte art with Bettr Barista Coffee Academy. Or, pick up some tips on making healthy snacks with Boxgreen.

What’s more, if you and your partner are fans of chocolate, don’t miss the “Farmer to Bar” Craft Chocolate Workshop by Krakakoa, where you will get to participate in a “live” demonstration of chocolate making.

For the full workshop schedule, click here.

2) Spend for a good cause

In between the workshops, browse the booths set up by social enterprises, where you can not only gift your date with an extra-meaningful present but also play a part in helping communities in need.

These social enterprises – seven in all – will be at the Singapore Coffee Festival as part of The Good Market, presented by Asia For Good. These sustainable businesses come from all across Asia, selling a range of socially conscious coffee, organic snacks and all-natural skincare products.

Taiwan’s Aurora, for instance, supports aboriginal farmers in towns of Alishan, Xinyi and Reni by selling their main produce – coffee and tea. The company also provides micro-financing and price guarantees, which have improved the livelihoods of these villagers.

Also present at the festival is Indonesia’s Krakakoa, an artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate company that sustainably sources their cacao from smallholder farmers.

Closer to home, Bettr Barista has implemented a social programme that equips disadvantaged women and youths-at-risk with vocational and life skills to pave a better life and career opportunities for them.

Other social enterprises that will be on show include East Bali Cashews, Boxgreen, Farm To Beauty and Human Nature.

3) Take on the Passport Challenge for a “Live Kind” Experience

To make your Singapore Coffee Festival experience a more meaningful one for you and your partner, why not take on the “Live Kind” Passport challenge?

Brought to you by DBS, this sustainable living challenge involves easy and fun tasks related to being a socially conscious consumer.

Completing each task will get you a stamp on your passport, which can be redeemed for rewards such as a “Live Kind” coffee tumbler and a free cup of coffee!

Examples of some of the above-mentioned tasks:

  1. Show your support for a social enterprise at “The Good Market” by making a purchase from them!
  2. Look out for “Live Kind” quotes around the DBS Lounge at the Singapore Coffee Festival, snap a picture with one and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #livekind.
  3. Recycle! Drop off your used plastic bottles at the recycling machine installed and you may get special token in return.
  4. Participate in one of the specially curated workshops at the DBS Lounge, hosted by various social enterprises.

If you’re up for the challenge, don’t forget to register beforehand at https://www.asiaforgood.com/webform/live-kind-dbs.

4) Do It For The ‘Gram

[caption id="attachment_6315" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Singapore Tourism Board[/caption]

Of course, we all know a date isn’t official unless it’s posted on social media. Fret not, there will be plenty of picture-perfect hotspots at the event.

In particular, check out DBS’ outdoor space, called the DBS Sunrise Deck, where you can pose for a shot or two. The waterfront-facing view also makes for a perfect romantic spot to chill and enjoy your coffee.

On the opposite end will be the Sunset Wharf, which will also play host to Singapore Coffee Festival’s lineup of local bands and artists. They include Singapore’s very own iNCH who will serenade attendees with her indie tunes and new single Simple Kind Of Life on Saturday (Aug 5), as well as funk rapper Tim De Cotta, indie band Stopgap, country folk singer JAWN and acoustic singer-songwriter Lewis Loh.

Additionally, the DBS Lounge at Singapore Coffee Festival will be decked out in fairy lights, carpet grass and wall quotes, perfect for your next Instagram post.

5) Drink Amazing Coffee!

Last but definitely not least is the amazing line-up of cafes, baristas and vendors exhibiting at the three-day event.

They include the likes of Strangers’ Reunion, Chye Seng Huat Hardware, Foxhole Café and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee. It’s especially convenient for you coffee lovers since they’ll all be in one place!

Besides coffee, gelato patisserie Butterknife Folk will be present alongside sandwich specialists Park Bench Deli.

For a full line-up of exhibitors, click

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Singapore Coffee Festival, presented by DBS, will take place from August 4-6 at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Discounted tickets are available for DBS/POSB cardholders from S$18.

For more info, click

Brought to you by DBS Bank.

It Pays To Be A Youth in Singapore This July, Here’s Why

It’s not easy being a youth these days. From pressure at school or work, to figuring out our careers and future family life, there are way too many things to worry about and too little time left to enjoy the wonders of life.

Thankfully, it pays (literally) to be youth in Singapore this July, thanks to the National Youth Council.

In case you didn’t know, July is Youth Month in the Lion City, and with that comes with a host of perks from over 40 outlets to celebrate youths for their dreams, talents and contributions to the community and society.

Here are some highlights of youth-exclusive privileges this July for the youths of Singapore.

1) 40% off your second item at New Balance

[caption id="attachment_6292" align="alignnone" width="872"] Image: New Balance[/caption]

In the second half of July, sneakerheads will get to enjoy a 40% discount off their second item at New Balance Experience Stores in Singapore.

The offer starts from July 16 till July 31 and is valid for all items except watches, headphones and selected lifestyle footwear.

To enjoy this perk, simply flash this e-coupon at any of the New Balance outlets in Singapore.

2) Shop at Shanghood with a 15% discount

[caption id="attachment_6293" align="alignnone" width="862"] Image: Shanghood[/caption]

Streetwear fans will get enjoy a 15% discount on Shanghood’s official Image: Lickety[/caption]

If ice cream’s your thing, head over to Lickety Ice Cream and Waffles at Kampong Glam for free toppings this July.

From July 1 to 31, students will get to enjoy 1 free topping for single scoop orders and 2 free toppings for double scoop purchases. All that’s required is a flash of your student ID and free toppings galore!

[caption id="attachment_6305" align="alignnone" width="852"] Image: Pong[/caption]

Besides Lickety, dairy-free gelato maker Pong will be giving 10% discounts off all items to all students.

Present this e-voucher alongside your student ID to enjoy the promotion.

[caption id="attachment_6304" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Dazzling Cafe[/caption]

Lastly, Taiwan’s Dazzling Café at Orchardgateway will be offering a free drink for every main for the entire month.

Don’t forget to show your student ID and this e-voucher to enjoy the promotion.

4) Get a new pair of earphones

[caption id="attachment_6303" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Klipsch[/caption]

Take 10% off your Klipsch purchases on the Image: Skullcandy[/caption]

Known for their outlandish designs, NYC has also partnered with Skullcandy to offer youths 20% off wireless earphones and headphones.

The offer is valid for all youths below the age of 35 at all participating outlets.

Don’t wait too long, as the offer ends on July 31.

5) Enjoy 1-for-1 deals at these F&B outlets

[caption id="attachment_6301" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Soi55[/caption]

Thai street food specialists Soi 55 will be giving 1-for-1 promotions on all items (except Coconuts and Slushies) for all of July.

With the exception of two bottles per person, there are no limits to the amount of redemptions, so grab your friends and head over to the nearest Soi 55 outlet before time runs out.

To unlock the deal, simply flash this e-voucher!

[caption id="attachment_6300" align="alignnone" width="884"] Image: Food For Thought[/caption]

Additionally, Food For Thought at National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Botanic Gardens has a 1-for-1 deal for its milkshakes and pastas.

The offer will be for youths aged 12-35, and will require with any form of identification to qualify.

6) Learn To Cook at CulinaryOn

[caption id="attachment_6299" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: CulinaryOn[/caption]

Nothing beats the joy of picking up a new skill. International cooking school CulinaryOn has a whole lineup of cooking classes for you and your friends to enjoy and learn at the same time.

This July, every purchase of an open master ticket will entitle you to a free cookbook worth S$30.

What’s more, you can get an additional surprise worth S$88 with a purchase of five or more tickets.

7) Sweat it up with these sporty offers

If you’ve never heard of Bossaball, this new sport takes the best parts of Volleyball, Sepak Takraw and Trampolines, and combines them all into one.

Whether you’re old or new to the sport, enjoy $5 off a 2-hour session (U.P. $20/pax) for all bookings made by July 31. What’s more, you can make the booking by this month and redeem it anytime before December 31, 2017.

Private booking sessions for birthdays or team bonding will also be at $100 off (U.P. $600) for a 2-hour session, with a max of 20 people per session.

If you’re interested, quote the promo code “NYC2017” on Bossaball’s booking page.

[caption id="attachment_6297" align="alignnone" width="939"] Image: BOUNCE[/caption]

Have a jumping good time at Singapore’s premier trampoline park with your friends and loved ones as BOUNCE Singapore is taking 10% off their entry prices for General Admission & Student tickets this July.

Do note however that the offer is only valid for weekdays and will require you to flash this Facebook post and ‘Like’ BOUNCE Singapore’s Facebook page to enjoy the discount.

[caption id="attachment_6296" align="alignnone" width="946"] Image: Crossfire Paintball[/caption]

If you and your friends have been craving for a paintball match, head over to Crossfire Paintball at Singapore Discovery Centre this July.

This e-voucher will give you 20% off a standard 90-min paintball package (U.P. $26.75), which comes with a paintball marker, a mask, a vest and 50 paint pallets.

Of course, additional paint is always available to satisfy your inner Call of Duty fantasies at $7.50 for 100 pallets.

8) Be an Entertainer at a heavily discounted price

[caption id="attachment_6295" align="alignnone" width="939"] Image: Entertainer[/caption]

The Entertainer is an app that offers one-for-one deals at restaurants, attractions, retailers and more.

Some of the vendors under the app include hotspots like Fat Cow, Lepark, Kith Café, Jamie’s Italian, Wave House Singapore and BOUNCE.

While the standard price for the year is $125, youths will get to purchase the app for only $70 with the promo code “SHINEWITHUS”. To sign up, head over here.

That’s not all! The Cheers app, which works similar to The Entertainer, has a host of bars on offering including the likes of KPO, Aria Roof Bar and The Mad Men. The Cheers app will be going for $40 instead of the standard price of $125, with the promo code “CHEERSHINE”.

9) Shop Away With $5 Off Lazada

[caption id="attachment_6294" align="alignnone" width="939"] Image: Lazada[/caption]

Last but certainly not least, Singapore’s favourite online store for everything under the sun will also be participating in the Youth Month festivities.

The first 500 shoppers who apply the code “NYC5OFF” on will enjoy $5 off all items on Lazada SG (excluding Lowest Price products and Flash Deals).

The promo code can be redeemed either on Lazada’s website or via the Lazada apps on Android and iOS.

Don’t wait any longer, as promo ends July 31!

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For a full look at all the participating outlets for Youth Month perks, check out National Youth Council’s Facebook photo album below!

Brought to you by National Youth Council.

CONFIRMED: Dover Street Market Singapore To Open by End July

Update: Dover Street Market Singapore has revealed several items that will be available on launch day at its Dempsey Road store. Read more here.

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High fashion and multi-brand retailer Dover Street Market will be officially be opening it’s doors in Singapore come end July.

With little details of how the actual store looks like, DSM Singapore has dropped a teaser on its official Instagram page as well as an e-bulletin of brands the store would carry.

DSMS is opening July 29th. Photo @ryanotoolecollett

A post shared by Dover Street Market Singapore (@doverstreetmarketsingapore) on

Originally located at Dover Street, London, and with stores in New York City, Los Angeles and Japan, the opening of the DSM Singapore store would be its first venture into the Southeast Asian market.

Notable brands such as Comme Des Garcons, CDG Black, NikeLab will make a feature, as well as a DSM Jewellery Space, a DSM Sneaker Space, and a T-Shirt Space.

Additionally, expect store-exclusive merchandise, much like those released in the New York and Japan stores.

The store will be located at 18 Dempsey Road and opens officially on July 29. Stay tuned for more updates as the opening day draws closer.

Vans x Thrasher Collection To Drop in Singapore on July 29

Vans is officially collaborating with skateboarding magazine Thrasher for a capsule collection that encompasses kicks and apparel.

The collection spans a lineup of hoodies, tees and caps, with Vans’s trademark sneaker silhouettes, alongside the new UltraRange Pro.

[caption id="attachment_6281" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption]

There will be two Slip-On Pro iterations in the collection, the first with Thrasher’s iconic flaming logo, while another features the classic Vans chequered motif.

Two Sk8-Hi Pro models will also be included, one decked out in Thrasher’s iconic flame logo and another in black and brown.

The UltraRange Pro will retail for S$169, while the Sk8-Hi Pro will cost S$129 and the Slip-On Pro will go for S$99 each.

The collection will drop in Singapore on July 29 at Vans outlets in ION Orchard and VivoCity, with the Bugis+ branch stocking apparels only.

For a closer look at the collection, check them out below.

[caption id="attachment_6280" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6279" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6278" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6277" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6276" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6275" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6274" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: Vans[/caption]

 

James Rodriguez, David Alaba and Thomas Muller to Lead 5v5 Tournament in Singapore

Leading up the International Champions Cup in Singapore later this month, FC Bayern stars James Rodruguez, David Alaba and Thomas Muller will be taking part in the “Storm the City” event, organised by adidas.

The event will involve two parts: the first is a record-setting attempt to make the longest football dribbling relay through the city from Jalan Besar Stadium to Clifford Square in the CBD.

The three stars will then be leading teams of 5 for a football freestyle battle, alongside local footballers Chris Van Huizen, Fabian Kwok and Urban Street Team.

Taking place on Monday, July 24, admission to the public is free, although pre-registration is required.

Event schedule
8.30pm – Singapore Book of World Records officiation of longest football relay
8.45pm – Commencement of Storm the City football freestyle battle with FC Bayern Munich players
9.30pm – Announcement of winning team

Visit adidas SG’s

The Classic Converse Chuck Is Getting The Triple Black Treatment

The classic Converse Chuck 1970s is officially getting blacked-out.

Releasing in both Hi and Ox form, the completely black silhouette brings with it increased quality and comfort with its premium construction on both the canvas upper as well as the midsole.

Not all parts of the shoe have been murdered-out though, the only component you’ll find on the timeless classic that isn’t is the metallic silver lace loops. Which further accentuate the sleek silhouette of the sneaker.

Save the date – The Converse Chuck Taylor 1970s “Triple Black” is due to drop at select retailers in Asia on July 21.

[caption id="attachment_6240" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Invincible[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6241" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Invincible[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6239" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Invincible[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6242" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Invincible[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6236" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Invincible[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6238" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: Invincible[/caption]

 

adidas is Releasing a “Zebra Pack” For the NMD R1 Primeknit in August

Unveiled back in May, the adidas “Zebra Pack” is set to be released worldwide on August 17.

The colourway, made popular by the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 of the same name, has seen varying degrees of success in recent months, but a return to the NMD R1 Primeknit is sure to pique the interest of most.

The pack consists of two variations of the colourway, the first features a white base with black stripes while the other is the reserve, with a black base and white stripes.

The midsole bumpers on the kicks match the base colour of the upper, while both pairs take on a white BOOST midsole and translucent outsole.

Stay tuned for further details on its local release, and for a closer look, check out the kicks below.

[caption id="attachment_6248" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: adidas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6247" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: adidas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6246" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: adidas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6250" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: adidas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6245" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: adidas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_6249" align="alignnone" width="940"] Image: adidas[/caption]