Latest news with #BCOne
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ab-Soul Keeps Hip-Hop's Spirit Alive At Red Bull BC One
On Sunday (May 18), over a dozen of the country's most talented breakers arrived in Denver to leave it all on the floor at the Red Bull BC One Cypher to wrap its 2025 U.S. season. In total, 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls — including Olympians B-Girl Logistx and B-Girl Kate — united to compete for a chance to advance to the world finals in Tokyo later this year, but first, they had to battle one another. Camaraderie is shared between the dancers as they stretch and get in the zone, but on center stage, the mutual respect is channeled into elite routines. Ahead of the main event, Red Bull hosted the competitors as well as a select group of media and content creators and offered a warm welcome into its world of breaking. This included movement workshops, workout classes, and crew battles. At the Red Bull Camp, a new 2v2 format called Breakfighter was introduced, pairing breakers with gamers in a crossover clash featuring the iconic Japanese game, Street Fighter. At stake, a chance to win a trip to the Tokyo finals. The event also featured Salt Break City, an all-girl battle that paired B-girls with all-style dancers, uniting the power of breaking with the versatility and style of street dancing. Once it was time for the BC One, the camp closed shop and the activity moved to the city's Mission Ballroom to host hundreds of ticketholders excited for the competition. Each round grew more intense as one by one, breakers were knocked out of the competition, with many of the battles close. Judged by Red Bull BC One All-Star B-Boy Taisuke, B-Girl Beta, and OG B-Boy Ken Swift of the Rock Steady Crew, each dancer was ranked on creativity, musicality, and flow. A performance from Ab-Soul kept the Hip-Hop-centered event culturally grounded as he repped California with 'All That' and 'Do Better.' 'Man you know im KRS-2,' joked the Soul Burger performer with VIBE before taking the stage. 'This is what I really came to do. I really came to represent and keep the spirit alive. Keep the roots healthy as it [Hip-Hop] grows older. You know what I'm saying, with break dancing being one of the pillars. So I'm grateful to be a part of it.' In the end, B-Girl Logistix and B-Boy Hijck rose above their competitors and earned their respective spots in the finals. 'What's important is how you put your fingerprint on this dance,' explained Hijck, the now two-time Red Bull BC One Cypher USA champion, in a statement. 'It's not just about signature moves – it's about signature style. I can't wait to represent [the] USA, but most importantly, represent Hawaii.' 'I feel proud of myself for navigating life while training for this battle,' added B-Girl Logistx, also the 2021 Red Bull BC One World Champion. 'I am grateful for this win and the people who supported me on this journey. I'm ready for Tokyo, but this time I am working my way up from the National Final. In order to do this opportunity justice, I have to win in Tokyo.' Take a look inside the Red Bull BC One Cypher below. More from Ab-Soul Speaks On Joey Bada$$ And West Coast Rap Feud: "It's A Sport" Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul Trade Bars Amid Coastal Rhyme War With Ray Vaughn Ab-Soul Teases Possible Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Involvement In Cryptic Post Best of 10 Rap Albums Snubbed Of The Grammys' Album Of The Year Award 21 Black Entertainers Who Are Almost EGOT Winners 11 Black-Owned Games To Play At The Next Function Or Kick Back
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ab-Soul Dishes Out Key Ingredients To ‘Soul Burger'
For Ab-Soul, rapping is not only his musical gift but a tool to honor his past, present, and future, while depicting life's highs and lows through metaphors, hyperbole, and personification. With each album release, the 38-year-old finds himself drawing inspiration from pockets of hope, lived experiences, pits of despair, and pursuits of solace, and that's all apparent in his most recent release. On his latest album, Soul Burger, he fuses his talents with the spirit of his close friend and collaborator, the late Armon 'Doe Burger' Stringer, who was killed in December 2021. Through 15 tracks, Ab-Soul ensures his brother's creative legacy lives on. While sitting backstage before his performance at Red Bull's BC One tournament in Denver, VIBE sat with him and explored the inspirations behind some of the album's stand-out tracks. The Carson native's smile was just as sharp as the fresh braids neatly fashioned on either side of a deep center part. Despite his dark sunglasses, worn due to legal blindness caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome, suggesting a sense of mystique, one thing became clear: Ab-Soul is an open book for those willing not to judge its cover. For nearly half an hour, the father of two engaged in conversation. We laughed, reflected, hugged, and connected on the unique ingredients that went into Soul Burger, how he prepared for the Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker's Edition with Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, Earl Sweatshirt, and others, and much more. VIBE: Congrats on the tour. How excited are you for that, and what cities are you most excited to hit? Ab-Soul: I'm always always excited. I'm always appreciative and always looking forward to going out and touching the people, and actually feeling a response from the projects because it's literally kinetic. It's a really strange energy, and it's so important to me versus just releasing me when I should be chillin. I actually be feeling the energy, so that was very important. I don't have any particular cities that I'm looking forward to, but of course I love New York. I lived in the Bronx for a couple of years. That's where they say Hip-Hop started…That's what I heard. But, yeah, definitely looking forward to it, man. It's a blessing. With this being The World Famous Soul Burger Tour, can fans expect the album top to bottom? Are you gonna bring some old stuff or new stuff? I'm planning to come to see you in Atlanta. What am I looking forward to when I pull up to this show? Expect the best, man. Prepare for the worst. The worst meaning I said the craziest. It became crazier and crazier and crazier. You said Atlanta, right? Yeah, you see it? You'll get it later. But you know, I got collabs all over the place. I've got a tour coming with Wiz Khalifa. We just hit Red Rocks for 4-20. Wiz is really cool, man. Real cool dude. This is personal because you were gone for a minute, and life was life-ing. But with your last couple of projects, that momentum is coming back. You're outside more. What does the last few years feel like compared to prior years? To be perfectly honest with you, at this point in my life, it's kinda like second nature. Like I said, man, I'm just grateful to still be alive, man. As you know, I done been through some sh*t. I've lost some important people to me. Like you said, life, lifing and all that. But Hip-Hop definitely keeps me going. It gives me purpose. To get up and keep trying and keep doing it and trying to be of service. Because no matter what I'm going through, I know somebody else is going through that. Going through something similar or worse. And if I can get up and keep going, then so can they. So I think that's the best way I could put that. I want to talk a little bit about some of the songs on Can you talk about some of the collaborations on the album and how some of these tracks came to be? The first one that comes to mind is '9 Mile.' That was very therapeutic for me. I wanted the album to come off sounding like Belly. The beat switch with the Eight Mile aesthetic was magical. It just happened. And that's how I like to let it happen organically. Come to find out, it's a Soul II Soul sample. Didn't think about that. And the song was about a near-death experience, and the album actually dropped on the same day as Eight Mile. [everyone laughs] That was planned. Absolutely not. I'm just a vessel. I'm like, it's not my fault. It was written… That's one of those that's one of those joints that just give me confidence or even faith in knowing that everything is as it should be. So it leads to 'California Dream.' Ninth Wonder, one of my favorite producers of all time. For sure. Shout out to the big homie. Hearing Vince [Staples] over Ninth Wonder was just crazy to me. Not that you haven't heard him over soul samples or anything like that, but that was just like a dope aesthetic for me personally. And he delivered as he does. And that was dope. The story behind 'Crazier' is that it was actually JID's record first. He asked me to get on it. Now what happened was, and shout out to the homie, Kal Banx. What happened was, Kal, I guess, just over time, I guess there was some kind of miscommunication, and he sold the beat to someone else. So JID's like, 'What's up with your man ?' [Ab-Soul impersonates JID]. So some time had passed, and then JID sent me another record to get on. JID, he goes so crazy, man. Shout out to the homie. The song he sent me didn't even need a feature on it. It was like, 'Yo, you sure you want me to rap on this as well?' He's like 'Yeah man, trust me.' So, I'm like, 'All right. Well, listen. If I do this, man, you gotta let me have Crazier.' He's like, 'Alright, say nothing.' And then sure enough, I link up with Kal later on down the line, and he played me this 'Crazier' beat. We recreated it, extended it, and just made it Crazier. So that's the story there. The beat was called 'Pakistan.' I be paying attention. You gotta pay attention to the producers too. You gotta pay attention to how they label their stuff too. Sometimes they'd be spot on. That's a crazy story. Funny thing. Are we getting a music video for it? We thought about it. It could still happen. You know what I'm saying? And I believe I'm on his upcoming album as well. So look out for that. Anything could happen. My favorite song from the album at the moment is 'Saudi Sweats.' What was your creative inspiration or your motivations behind that one? It's actually very simple. 'Saudi Sweats' is actually… Because Soul Burger is not me. It's a fusion of me and my brother, Doe Burger. And one of our favorite artists is this kid Asaad. One of his nicknames is Saudi. He's into fashion, he's a designer. And he has these dope sweats. I still ain't even got me none. I need to get me some. They're like a stack a pair, man. Get your money out [laughs]. So he's just amazing. I really encourage everyone to check him out. And he's a real hidden gem, I think, by choice. He likes to be a rarity. The last album we listened to was his album New Black History Month. That was the last album that we listened to together before he passed. And so it was important for me to channel Saudi. You 'stealing Saudi Money's whole flow.' That wasn't even me. Shoutout to Saudi. You know the movie The Pursuit of Happyness? I like how he pointed out the fact… He was talking about how it's life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Because happiness is not tangible. It's not something that you can hold in your hand. It's fleeting. And so you have to just have to enjoy your moments of happiness or peace with these things because they're momentous. You can't appreciate happiness without the journey. So anyway. I think I heard my auntie say, 'I ain't got time to be happy.' I think I actually got that from my auntie. 'I ain't got time to be happy right now. I gotta make you happy.' And it stuck with me. It stuck with me, too. See what I'm saying? You just got to… You can't chase it. You gotta appreciate it when it happens. Can you tell me a little bit about that 'All That' With JasonMartin and Thirsty P? It was very organic. I was in the studio. Lately, because I've been known to be so cerebral. I'm like Jackson Pollock right now, man. I just throw paint, and let it fall where it may, versus trying to be so meticulous, so specific, so calculated. I just really try to express myself in the most organic way. I don't even pick beats no more. I let the homies pick them for me. I tell all my guys, 'Yo, just send me three or four beats you need to hear me on.' Don't overwhelm me and send me 30 beats. I'm gonna get an aneurysm. Send me three or four joints that you need to hear me on. No. I don't have a vibe. No, I'm not on anything. I'm trying to find it. Help me.' And that was one of the joints my man Rascal sent me. I think he collaborated with Tae Beast on that one. I just went in there, just did my two-step on it, and it just sounded crazy. I think [my tour manager] Matt [Miller] walked in like, 'See, this is what I'm talking about. We need more beats like this. This is the sh*t that's gonna work, man if you're trynna win.' I think it is more so just about not thinking. It tends to happen when I stop thinking. I think even Jason said that when you start thinking, that's when you're forcing music. You're not even supposed to think. It's supposed to just happen. Quincy Jones said, 'Melody is the voice of God.' Find the melody, find the flavor, find that. And let the words or the poetry or the bars fall where they may. And I think that's the most important thing to me right now. More from DJ Akademiks Clowns Ab-Soul For Being Legally Blind In Response To Diss Track Ab-Soul Adds To Joey Bada$$ Vs. West Coast Feud On Untitled Track Ab-Soul Speaks On Joey Bada$$ And West Coast Rap Feud: "It's A Sport" Best of 10 Rap Albums Snubbed Of The Grammys' Album Of The Year Award 21 Black Entertainers Who Are Almost EGOT Winners 11 Black-Owned Games To Play At The Next Function Or Kick Back
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Florida hotels that guarantee one thing this summer: You're on a boat
Heading into Memorial Day and the hot days of summer, there's no place better to be in Florida than on a boat. No boat? No problem! Florida hotels are leaning into the boating lifestyle, offering exclusive ultra-luxe amenities such as boat or yacht excursions — some are even complimentary for guests — and boat shuttles/taxis to the beach or other sun-soaked destinations. Here's where to check in and embrace the boat life this summer in Florida. The Brazilian Court, Palm Beach Want to explore the glitzy yachting lifestyle of Palm Beach? Guests of The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach can schedule a complimentary ride on the hotel's yacht beauty, BC One. Board the 44-foot Brunello Acampora-designed Italian Solaris Power Yacht to cruise around the Intracoastal Waterway, past Peanut Island and the area's most fabulous mansions. The free two-hour cruises are offered three times a day at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. and must be scheduled in advance. Guests can add on food from on-property restaurant Café Boulud (of Chef Daniel Boulud fame), and even schedule private excursions for a fee. When you're done, lounge by the hotel's tucked-away, palm-fringed pool with a signature cocktail in hand. The Elser Hotel & Residences, Downtown Miami Miami on a boat with friends is always trending. Those vacationers living the high life in downtown Miami at The Elser Hotel & Residences can seize the chance for a sea day with the hotel's 'Seas The Day' yacht experience. Choose between a 6-hour or 3-hour cruise with a private captain and crew, and there is the option to accentuate the trip with different food and drink experiences, including a sunset dinner cruise with a six-course omakase and full bar. A minimum of eight passengers is required to book the yacht experience, and the guest lists top off at 15 total. The cruise route is flexible (but dependent on water conditions), and expect perks like a welcome cocktail, high-quality sound system, and a floating mat for on-the-water fun. Hotel Continental, Miami Beach At the newly renovated Hotel Continental, a boutique 1940s property, you'll feel all the retro-chic vibes. When you're not sunbathing around the 1950s MiMo-inspired pool, book a cruise on their private 34-foot Chris-Craft Launch powerboat. The sleek cruiser fits up to eight guests and has everything needed for a relaxing — or active — day on the water, including a spacious sun pad and a swim platform with a retractable ladder. Opt for a sunset tour with refreshments prepared by the hotel's executive chef or book a private celebratory cruise for bachelor and bachelorette parties, proposals, vow renewals and more. Available upon request on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 or 5:30 p.m. The cost is $150 per person. The Perry Hotel, Naples Newcomer The Perry Hotel, Naples takes advantage of its prime, serene perch along the Cocohatchee River in North Naples, offering hotel guests a free boat shuttle to the beach. Sign up in advance to hop aboard the shuttle for a 15-minute ride to Barefoot Beach, one of Naples' most beautiful beaches that's known for incredible shelling and a peaceful atmosphere. During the boat ride, the captain and crew will scout for marine life like dolphins, turtles or manatees. The boat anchors directly on the shoreline, where guests will disembark on the sand for a glorious beach day. The resort will even lend guests beach chairs for the day. There are also paddle boards, kayaks and GoBoats for guests' use at the resort. Three Waters Resort & Marina, Islamorada The newly opened Three Waters Resort & Marina in Islamorada also offers a free water taxi for hotel guests at its on-property marina. The Rum Runner Water Taxi shuttles guests to all three of the hotel's sister properties, including Amara Cay and La Siesta. You can stop for a meal at one of the resorts, use the shared amenities like the pool, or simply enjoy the breezy ride, which surveys the clear blue waters. The Boca Raton, Boca Raton Can't go to Italy this summer? We've got the next best thing. Guests staying at The Boca Raton resort's newly renovated Beach Club can take a complimentary 15-minute cruise around Lake Boca on the peachy dream called 'Sorbetto.' The one-of-a-kind Miami Edition Fiat boat fits up to three people (with a captain), and you're sure to be the stars of Boca's water parade while cruising around. Club members and other resort guests can rent the Fiat boat for 30- or 60-minute cruises along the Intracoastal. Definitely spring for the bubbly option for make-your-friends-peach-with-envy photos. Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon This free Florida Keys boat ride comes with a catch — but it's one that'll make you feel good. The high-end Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon is now partnering with the Conch Republic Marine Army, offering hotel guests the chance to clean up the surrounding waterways. In exchange for helping to remove debris from the all-important mangroves (and keeping the Keys' waterways a beautiful treasure), guests are treated to a scenic boat ride. The cleanup excursions take place every Wednesday and Saturday and are free to resort guests. Reservations are required. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key The adults-only paradise Little Palm Island Resort & Spa provides everything you'd want on a luxe private island in the Florida Keys, including complimentary access to Boston Whaler boats. The small boats are offered to guests on a first-come, first-served basis, but there's usually no problem getting a boat to yourself. The staff will load you up with a cooler and hand you a map on where to go. We suggest boating to nearby Picnic Island, where you can take social media-worthy photos on a swing, gather at a submerged table in the water, and check out all the kitschy things nailed to the trees. You can also head to a sandbar or bring your own gear to snorkel the crystal-clear water.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National breaking competition qualifier coming to Minneapolis
A major break dancing competition is about to call Minnesota home. Red Bull BC One Minneapolis Cypher will come to the Twin Cities on March 29. It will be the first official event held at Royalston Square in Minneapolis' North Loop, a new, high-tech private event space with hopes of being compared to Las Vegas' the Sphere. It's one of two national qualifiers where breakers will compete to head to the U.S. National Final in Denver. Winners from that competition have the chance to take part in the World Finals, which will be held in Tokyo later this year. 'The Minneapolis breaking scene has been thriving. So, it's exciting to bring back Red Bull BC One, especially with an important event like a national qualifier,' says Jake Riley, owner of House of Dance Twin Cities and host of this year's event. The Red Bull BC One is the largest breaking competition in the world, making the qualifiers a hub for catching some of the best talent in the region. The main event features 16 competitors in a boys bracket and eight in the girls bracket, who will work their way through a one-on-one knockout competition. Dancers will include winners from an open preliminary held the night before the BC One. Tickets for the Red Bull BC One Cypher Minneapolis are on sale now.
