Apple said earlier today it was releasing the latest version of Apple Watch software to developers, which lets those app makers use Siri on the Watch for certain functions within their apps. This new Siri option for third-party app makers is significant, especially at a time when more and more gadgets offer voice control, but it’s the Watch’s new Theater Mode that has me more intrigued in the short term.
Because for the past couple weeks, I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch to sleep at night in the hopes that I would get some kind of valuable heart rate data out of it; and like a lot of other wrist wearables I’ve tested, the darn thng lights up the dark space around me when I toss and turn.
Theater Mode, in short, is the ability to shut off the Apple Watch’s screen and prevent it from waking even when you raise your wrist. It’s different from the Do Not Disturb option that’s been offered on Apple Watch since the beginning, because while Do Not Disturb prevents all notifications from popping up, the Watch’s display will still light up when you move your wrist around. In Theater Mode, the smartwatch won’t light up unless you physically press on it.
The feature’s name indicates it’s primarily aimed at — you guessed it — theater goers, who by now well know the etiquette around smartphone usage during a show but might still annoy people with their wrist computers. It’s a feature that could also be useful during dimly lit exercise sessions, like a yoga class or extremely cultish SoulCycle classes. That’s all well and great.
But if Apple Watch ever is going to be a sleep tracker, something the company has reportedly been working on, this is another step in that direction. Currently, the Watch doesn’t have a built-in app for tracking sleep, and the accuracy of consumer sleep trackers is questionable at best. (Also, since the battery life isn’t more than a day, you risk waking up to a dead smartwatch the next morning.)
There are third-party apps that still try to do this, though. AutoSleep and Sleep++ are two of the more well-known sleep-tracking apps for Apple Watch. Lately I’ve been using Cardiogram, a nifty heart rate-tracking app that identifies spikes in my heart rate and tells me my average resting heart rate, because I’m more interested in that kind of information than the “you were sort of awake at 3:14AM” kind of data.
While the watchOS 3.2 software is only available to developers right now, it should reach consumers soon. And while sleep tracking may not be the stated purpose of Theater Mode, I’m hopeful it will work well for that. Apple has been going hard at making the Watch a viable health gadget, but Apple also isn’t immune to the problems that its wearable competitors face: they need to offer more value, otherwise, we’ll take them off at night and forget to wear them after that.
The UK may have found its first R&B male jewel, with singer and songwriter Angel. The rising R&B artist has already made his mark by working with Swizz Beats, who mentors Angel, Ed Sheeran, Jeremih, Jason Derulo, Dizzee Rascal, Stormzy, and many more. His accolades go even further, Angel has been in the studio with Kehlani and even wrote the UK’s #1 single, “Green Light.”
HYPEFRESH chatted with Angel about his previous work, being a father and more.
We’ve learned that your real name isn’t Angel, it’s Sirach Charles! How did you come across the stage name Angel and what does it mean to you when you use it?
Name is kind of controversial for me, I am a very spiritual person and when I sing I am told I sing like an “Angel”. I did not come up with the name, I got it when I was away at camp as a nickname from my friend because of how I used to write my letters.
Your EP, HER, dropped in November under Island Records, can you describe for our readers/listeners who haven’t listened yet what they can expect from this project? What’s your most prized creation (song) from it?
It has a lot of melodies in the vocals on the EP, I am a freak for harmonies and melodies, so they should watch out for that. Also, watch out for the elements of different genres. I mix a lot of different genres in the EP: a bit of Reggae, Rock, old school R&B. The whole nostalgia era. “Fvxk With You” was one of the songs that I played with a different sound and had fun with, it reminds me of the sound I grew up around.
How did the collab with Rich Homie Quan in “Fvxk With You” come about?
I was out in LA, hooked up with a friend back home from London because she was out there for a while, I met up with Rich Homie Quan and he played the rhythm for me and I was like “yo, that right there is crazy.” After that I wanted to create a record and give the rhythm an international sound. I contacted Rich Homie and he genuinely liked what I had to offer. It was fun, organic and comfortable working with him.
In the “Fvxk With You” video, you’re sporting a retro windbreaker, and holding an old-school cellphone, is that purposefully symbolic of something greater? Do you think the 90s has had an impact on your personal style?
It is very symbolic to where I come from and the time I grew up in, which was the 90’s. It also showcases my British style. I remember growing up watching that type of style in videos, and I wanted to emulate that into the video this time around. In all of my music I like to just be and showcase that I am me, this is Angel.
They say looks can be deceiving and in your case, that saying would be pretty accurate. You seem to carry yourself with this bad-boy persona, but then you turn around with this voice of an angel. Has anyone ever pointed that out to you before?
I often do get that how I sound or how I even speak is shocking to some people. They often tell me that “I never thought you’d sound like that;” however, that is just who I am — I never wanted to be the “bad-boy” type.
Many artists dream of being picked up by big names to help jumpstart their careers but few ever make it. You were blessed enough to work with the likes of Swizz Beats early in your game. Can you tell me a little more about what that was like? What is your relationship like with him today? How has he influenced you?
Swizz Beats has been a mentor, a brother, and friend to me. He is always there to keep me grounded and show me what and what not to do. Swizz Beats reminds me to continue the hard work and dedication I have for music, all the conversations that I have with him are encouraging. Swizz is a genuine true soul, it’s a blessing to have him around.
Do you remember the exact moment you decided you were going to start music and take it seriously? What was that day like for you?
I remember a day I came home from school and I just wanted to record. My dad was a musician and had all the equipment but never let me record. So, one day when my dad went out, I used the equipment to record and from that day on I wanted to do nothing else but record music. After that I just locked myself in the room at night for years making and writing music, until I decided to make it my life.
If you could work with anyone in the industry, dead or alive, to produce the next chart topper, club banger, feel-good song, who would you have to be featured?
It would have to be Michael Jackson; I’ve been inspired by Michael when it comes down to music. I love his sound. In the videos, I start off with dialogue, I take advantage of skit usage like Michael Jackson did back in the day when creating the music videos.
In your recent feature with UK’s edition of Complex, you talk about your children and I understand that you’re a new dad to a beautiful baby girl. How do you balance being a father and being an artist at the same time?
It gets tough sometimes because I always want to be with my daughter, every second I’m away from her. But I always remember that I also have a responsibility and that I’m doing it for her. What I’m doing is for my daughter. I want my children to know to always be open minded, have faith and be strong. Do whatever you want to do, and if things happen to not go as plan, continue to have faith and positivity.
There are many brilliant British female R&B singers, including Marsha Ambrosius, Sade Adu, Emeli Sande, and Corinne Bailey Rae, just to name a few. But here in America, we don’t hear about black male R&B singers too often from the UK. What is that scene like where you are? In a way, you sort of show what that demographic is capable of. Some would say that would make you an icon. How does it feel to be a break out artist?
It’s a great feeling. Every day I open my eyes and it overwhelms me that I’ve come this far in accomplishing what I want to do and I’ve met so many great artist along the way. I pray about it every day because I still can’t believe it. Making that transition into the United States and have people from my hometown support me, it means something to our community and the British culture because it is something that we need and always wanted. I represent me and where I come from in my music, I am proud to be from London.
The most recent iteration of the YEEZY release went down in December, when the “Core White” 350 V2s arrived before Christmas. Now, we have reason to suspect that the highly coveted “Black/Red” edition will arrive on February 11, with the “Zebra” version dropping two weeks after on February 25. Reports have also stated that there will be a very limited release, in even less numbers than the “Beluga” V2, so if you’re still trying to get your hands onn the glory, now is your chance.
Breaking records since 1985, the Air Jordan 1 Mid is back with a new colorway that sees the entire silhouette embossed in an updated tonal grey iteration. Combining full-grain leather and a Nubuck upper, the Air Jordan 1 Mid also features solid rubber cupsoles and outsoles for the perfect fusion of flexibility, durability and style. Check out the images above and gets yours now at select retailers such as SneakerPolitics for $110.00 USD.
Casanova is Brooklyn’s latest lethal weapon. The rapper is making major waves sonically. When he’s not tearing down the stage with high energy performances, he’s unleashing valuable gems. Listen and find out #WhatsInSeason for the “Don’t Run” rapper.
It’s no surprise that when it comes to the hip-hop and pop music, Barack Obama was really important to artists. From inviting rappers to the White House to the support of Beyonce, Jay- Z and Kendrick Lamar, Obama will forever be the coolest President to walk the earth. Although he couldn’t rectify the most pressing issues that have plagued our country since the beginning of time, Obama did inspire hope and change into a country that was blinded by racial cynicism. So, when Obama left office, the hip hop and music community started to thank him for his service and wish him farewell.
“We really gonna miss you champ. The good you’ve done & opportunities you’ve given. Truly never know what we’ve got til it’s gone. Thank u,” Kendrick Lamar wrote on Twitter.
Adele also wished Obama farewell on Twitter, sharing a pic of him waving goodbye. Rihanna showed respect to Obama in the most Rihanna way ever by posting a pic of Obama on Instagram with the caption, “worst breakup ever.”
On January 4th, rumors emerged of an epic collision between high fashion and streetwear with the partnering of Supreme X Louis Vuitton. The long awaited rumor has just been confirmed during Paris fashion week when LV reviled the men’s fall runway show in Paris earlier today. With this collection being so kept under raps it wouldn’t be long before some pictures leaked.
Fueled by bandanas, gloves, belts, bags and purses, the range focuses heavily on the accessories. But no worries, you can also check out some dope loafers and obviously a baseball bat. Most items are adorned with both the box logo and LV’s iconic monogram pattern. You can check out some of the pictures below. And yes, that is VLONE founder A$AP Bari rockin’ a Supreme & LV bandana in the second photo.
Louis Vuitton’s men’s artistic director Kim Jones spoke with WWD about the recent partnership, “You can’t have the conversation of New York men’s wear without Supreme right now, because it’s such a massive global phenomenon.”
Even Travis Scott was too excited to keep this reveal to himself; he posted some exclusives for his Instagram followers to drool over.
Fashion Week is pushing the bounders and giving us new looks to evolve our street and sartorial styles. But what Balenciaga is doing for their FW17 line is putting a fashion twist on this past campaign run.
Balenciaga’s FW17 collection pays tribute to Bernie Sanders from their high fashion hairstyles all the way to the footwear. Demna Gvasalia’s work, both for Vetements and Balenciaga, and his FW17 show for the Parisian couture house was no different. Gvasalia re-worked his look on the corporate suits and also messed around with the silhouettes, much like he did last season. Given that this is his first ever menswear show, he has redesigned the classics wardrobe and gave it some patriotic edge. This FW17 collection, Gvasalia payed homage to Bernie Sanders with logo-flipped bomber jackets and scarfs, and Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company.
With this menswear line, Demna has taken flak in the past for only using majority-white male casting models, but with this lineup for FW17 he enlisted middle-aged models to join the casting of his “mega-young boys.”
Demna also made a statement on the runway with the new additions to Balenciaga’s accessories. He introduced the orthopedic sneaker, culling inspiration from the nursing home with an ugly-cool vibe (a la Adidas X Raf) pushing it to make it attractive to the eye. From afar they may not look that cool or extremely dope, but once you see the pictures of these sneakers you will want to scrap up some change and get you a pair immediately. We believe that once they drop we will be seeing them on everyone’s feet in no time.
Balenciaga even went as far to show off the “Bazaar” bag, which was inspired by laundry bags. It appeared to be a leather version of a paper bag you would get from a high end retailer such as a Bloomingdales, or Sacks Fifth. Given that Jil Sander did something similar back in the day, with leather versions of paper grocery bags, it’s nothing, but definitely a dope idea regardless.
Question is, will you be sporting this Balenciaga FW17 look around?
“Now more than ever it is important for individuals to come together as one. This sneaker represents that call for unity and equality, while also pushing people to look beneath the surface and uncover the hidden messages,” Lamar said via press release. “This is something I try to do with my music, and now here with the Club C.”
AMA LOU tackles one of the most conflicting issues in the LGBT-QAA community: gender fluidity/nonconformity. Debuting exclusive visuals to ‘Not Always’ via NYLON, the British recording artist portrays a character who wants to be socially identified as a man, simultaneously (while her best friend) wants acceptance in being a woman.
“Although on the surface ‘Not Always’ appears to be a love song or a criticism of a past relationship, it is really a play on introspective thinking; talking about our negative mental voices, inner reflection and superficial worries or more developed anxieties that constantly affect our lives – ‘am I attractive’ ‘am I not masculine enough’ etc. As well as how gender as a concept is something that restricts so many people and how our society causes us to place superficial judgements on others.”
Content of this nature hasn’t been touched on as of recent via hypefresh. AMA LOU does an amazing job at conveying her point, while offering an alternative perspective for viewers who can’t relate/understand.
“This idea of finding who we really are extends into to the idea of gender fluidity/non conformity and other societal grey areas that can be so important to individual people but are not always well represented or defended in the media. ‘Not Always’ is my effort to support such representations.”
The visual was directed by AMA LOU’s older sister, Mahalia John, while the track was recorded with Brooklyn, New York-based duo Like Minds.
“The song is written from the perspective of someone addressing themselves or their inner self and that voice we all have in our heads addressing us – ‘’i try to work harder for you, even when you’re wrong” , ‘you were the best of me’ – and in the video we expanded this idea; expressing no matter your gender or place in society, it is about simply and truly feeling comfortable in your own skin.’”
More music should be like this. Fearless, unwavering and shamelessly revealing. If AMA LOU keeps this momentum going, we’ll be watching her win a few GRAMMY’s in the near future.
Meet Styles Johnson IV, a 7-year-old from Arizona. Cecily Gueyser, 20, told BuzzFeed News that her little brother is obsessed with one particular hero. “Everything is Spider-Man,” she said. “He’s seen it, he’s read it, he has it.”
Seriously, Spider-Man…
…is this little guy’s life.
On Friday the 13th, Styles’ mom and two older sisters were out of the house when they received an awful call from paramedics. Styles was hit by a car.
His family rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“I’m still going through the anxiety of it,” his mom, Rachel Blevins, said.
According to Gueyser, Styles was hit while crossing the street with a friend. “Somebody took the turn into our neighborhood going beyond the neighborhood speed,” she said.
He flipped through the air and landed in a neighbor’s yard.
Gueyser said her little brother was extremely lucky and had only a mild concussion. After extensive tests and time in the trauma wing, Styles was released to a room for rest.
While his mom credits God, and his sister calls it luck, the 7-year-old says his Spidey sense helped him survive. “My little brother was hit by a car today,” Gueyser wrote on Twiiter, “and he said he’s lucky he’s Spider-Man or else he wouldn’t have survived.”
my little brother was hit by a car today and he said he's lucky he's spiderman or else he wouldn't have survived pic.twitter.com/GeQTb6QXeW
Days later, the 7-year-old is fine and sticking to his belief that his powers saved him. Gueyser said that he’s been questioning her about his Spidey sense.
“Would any other kid have survived?” he recently asked her.
His sister said that she responded, “You are Spider-Man, so it’s hard to say.” Source:BuzzFeed
It’s been a while since fans have received new music from Jersey’s Mir Fontane, but that has all changed now. And it’s a clear indication that he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.
After releasing his highly anticipated Who’s Watching The Kids project last August, Fontane joined Birth of a New Nation Tour alongside PnB Rock, Dae Dae and Shy Glizzy. And with a big bang, the Jersey artist ended 2016 by announcing a signed deal with 300 Entertainment and a re-release for his popular song “Down By The River.”
Now with 2017 in motion, Fontane teams up with his frequent $outh$ide producer Kev Rodgers to deliver a new freestyle called “Before The Locs.” The title itself serves as a nod to his “Options” verse where where he raps “I remember Fontane way before he had the locs.”
As a soulful sample from Donny Hathaway’s “Giving Up” plays through your speaker, listeners will hear Mir Fontane reflect on his success and the changes that he has experienced so far.
Built for today’s urban nomad, the adidas NMD _XR1 pushes the limits of modern street style bleding a sleek, deconstructed silhouette with a two-tone “white noise” graphic. Utilizing a sock-like construction, molded EVA plugs and boost’s energy-returning properties, the adidas NMD _XR1 is the ideal fusion of forward thinking technology and street ready design. Check out the gallery above and get yours now for $150.00 USD at select retrailers such as SneakerPolitics.
