Month: December 2019

Music

Music of the Month: 6 Standout Songs from December

Post author By Conor Sheeran
Post date December 31, 2019
No Comments on Music of the Month: 6 Standout Songs from December

Music is nearing its final day of not just the year but the decade as well. Just before 2019 is a wrap, some of our favorite artists have debuted projects with new sounds and unexpected collaborations. Harry Styles blessed fans with a highly anticipated new album, and hip-hop artists like Russ and Lil Uzi Vert released some pretty banging singles after a year of waiting and predicting. With so much great new music to look back on, we picked our six favorite and most heavily rotated tracks from December. And as we do every month here at ONE37pm, we’ve curated and list of them all, just for you!

“Treat People with Kindness” is the 11th track on Harry Styles’s second studio album, Fine Line. The song opens with a theatrical chorus sung by a choir and then leads into warm-hearted verses about doing good and feeling good. The tune is individual in its own sense, sounding completely different from any other track on the album. “Treat people with Kindness” has become a commonly used catchphrase by Styles since 2017 and is featured on several of his merchandise pieces, resulting in a slogan adopted by his fan base.

In this slow-paced, reflective song, Alec Benjamin sings about overthinking and struggling to let go of his thoughts. “Mind Is a Prison” will be featured on his upcoming sophomore album, and a music video is set to follow shortly after its debut this month. Similar to his other songs, the Phoenix-born singer, who music critics have also described as a storyteller, effectively paints a picture through relatable lyrics and emotionally rich vocals for pop music consumption.

Lil Uzi is back-back, and this time for good. “Futsal Shuffle 2020” debuted this month as the first official single for his long-awaited second album, Eternal Atake. The catchy boastful track is accompanied by a dance that Uzi released the choreography himself. The track was the third release from the Philadelphia-born artist this year, following “Sanguine Paradise” and “That’s a Rack.”

“Future Nostalgia” is the title track on Dua Lipa’s new upcoming album, Future Nostalgia. The track opens with a futuristic beat and quickly leads into verses packed with empowering and feminist lyrics. The U.K. singer told Rolling Stone that the song is “playful and fun” and produced by “not taking ourselves too seriously,” but fans collected a pop tune that undeniably showcases the artist’s strengths. Dua’s unmatched vocals blended with self-assured wordplay create the perfect female alpha anthem.

In “The Worst in Me” KAYTRANADA and Tinashe join forces for the first time to create a bass-heavy chilled-out tune. A work of instrumental genius, the track is rich in texture, blending R&B vocals with Haitian-Canadian production. From start to finish, “The Worst in Me” is a total finely calibrated song, that only gets better with repeated play.

In the chill, heartfelt “Nighttime (Interlude),” Russ dives into relationship issues that have gotten worse with time. “Nighttime (Interlude)” marks the third track off the New Jersey-born artist’s upcoming third studio album, Shake the Snow Globe. Written and sung with emotion, the track’s slow beat and reasoning lyrics, set a dark, late evening mood no matter what time of the day the song is played.

Tags Culture, Music

Music

Talking the Miami Music Scene and Global Expansion with Josh Montana

Post author By Charlie Kolbrener
Post date December 30, 2019
No Comments on Talking the Miami Music Scene and Global Expansion with Josh Montana

On this week’s episode of our podcast Monday to Monday, host Mike Boyd sits down with manager Josh Montana. Montana started his independent Latin record label Rich Music LTD with his father Rich. He’s also president of the Social Hive Agency, a collective/creative agency “designed to help clients integrate into a connected world,” according to the company’s website. Boyd speaks with Montana about his introduction to management, the burgeoning Miami music scene, meeting Sech, expanding globally and his practice of documenting everything.

Montana calls Miami his home base. In the podcast, he emphasizes the importance of Miami for Latin music right now: “It just became this like, mini Hollywood of music.” Having Miami as a hub for Latin music provides an opportunity for collaborations with other artists, creating a community centered on making amazing music.

Montana also addresses his process of identifying talent: “For us, what matters is the tones and the melodies, and if it catches and makes us feel something.” It’s all about the way the music makes people feel. But he also emphasizes the importance of finding artists with a good work ethic, telling Boyd that artists have to be “ready to freaking work. This shit is not easy. They gotta have that commitment and dedication too.”

Josh Montana

Artists have to be ready to freaking work. This shit is not easy. They gotta have that commitment and dedication too.

Boyd and Montana discuss how artists and managers can work to bring music to their fans. Montana echoes Gary Vee himself, telling Boyd, “Just create content. Create the best content possible. And if you do that, you’ll get people watching. It’s just inevitable.” This commitment to posting on social platforms and creating valuable media drives the machine for Montana, informing his company’s major success and growth.

So what’s next for Montana? He tells Boyd that his team plans to work on expanding to different territories, producing content for people globally. Between Sech, Dalex, Justin Quiles and more, Rich Music LTD represents a lot of massive artists ready to take their international reach even farther.

Episode 4: Josh Montana

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/josh-montana/id1489043136?i=1000461108079

If you liked this episode and want to hear even more of Boyd chopping it up with artists and managers, make sure to check out last week’s episode, when he sat down with TisaKorean and his manager Marcus Ecby.

Tags Culture, Music

Style

7 Plus-Size Influencers Owning Street Style

Post author By Madison Russell
Post date December 27, 2019
No Comments on 7 Plus-Size Influencers Owning Street Style

Though womenswear has progressively become more size-inclusive over the years, menswear falls far behind. As someone who is actively engaged in this community—and who has been plus-size all my life—I’m well aware of the struggles and obstacles that come with falling outside fashion’s outdated beauty norms. Yet, despite the limited options available for guys who wear above a large or size 36, a rising number of plus-size/big and tall influencers have been joining the game. They’re figuring out how to do the most with the least, and their killer style is undeniable.

While models like Zach Miko are leading the big and tall modeling movement, others have taken to Instagram to inspire a new generation of men to break out of their comfort zone and start experimenting with fashion. We found seven plus-size male influencers who are owning street style, proving that fashion is for everybody, regardless of size.

There’s something genuinely refreshing about Ben James’ style. Amid the noise of Instagram, the U.K. and LA-based model offers a simplistic but elevated style. Mixing basic pieces with great photography and location shots—in addition to a killer smile—James gives men common ways that they can take their simple looks up a notch. This simple look combines a loud print with ripped white jeans and a tan fedora, letting the shirt—and background—speak for itself.

Michael-Anthony is the king of suits. He’s never afraid to mix colors, patterns, fabrics or prints, and that spirit is what sets him apart. Michael-Anthony—also known within the community as The Big Fashion Guy—always rocks a mean hat game time. He constantly styles classic pieces in new ways, and his inventiveness with suits is what lands him a spot on our list. This look is perfect for the holidays, mixing multiple prints and textures into one cohesive statement.

Bringing his style to New York, Philly and New Jersey, Tee J. Nichols, like Michael-Anthony, plays a lot with hats and suits. But he also mixes his street style with more classic looks, making an intriguing fashion cocktail. This outfit’s pop of color combined with fall essentials is doable for any guy.

Adriel, based in San Francisco, has one of the most unique personal styles in the plus-size menswear community. Often favoring black and white, he is a pro at adding a pop of color and luxury. This outfit is a favorite for many reasons, but primarily because of the simple, cohesive add-ons, like this combination of chunky sneakers, ripped black jeans, a loud shirt and a black side bag.

Kelvin Davis is one of the leading big and tall models, and he delivers his style and smile to a vast audience. While his aesthetic is usually quite simple, this look stands out. The colors work perfectly together, and the fit is impeccable.

Denzel Alexander commands attention. Playing with blacks and leather, he continuously comes up with looks that range from tough to playful. This outfit, in particular, shows off his street style skills. The all-black with a single pop of color and snakeskin boots makes for an automatic win.

David Fadd is the king of plus-size street style, hands down. Not only is he an incredible model, but his style pushes the limits on plus-size menswear, showing that style is genuinely size-less. This one outfit stands out as a favorite, and it represents Fadd well. The layering and color combination is a surefire win.

Gianluca Russo is a plus-size fashion and culture writer published in GQ, Glamour, Teen Vogue, NYLON, InStyle, Fashionista and more. Check out his work at RussoG.com.

Tags Style, What to Buy

Popular Culture

Here’s an In-Depth Look at Drake’s Resume

Post author By Kevin Smith
Post date December 27, 2019
No Comments on Here’s an In-Depth Look at Drake’s Resume

Whether you love him or hate him, it would be difficult for anyone to deny that Aubrey Drake Graham is a force. He’s broken records previously held by The Beatles. He owns a Boeing 767 jet. He popularized the phrase “YOLO,” and he made Toronto a place that people now visit. According to DJ Akademiks, Drake has spent 509 out of 520 weeks in a decade having a song in the Top 10.

That’s some résumé.

Drake’s life story might be better than the stories they’re telling about him, but behind all of his success has been years of grinding, relentless energy and faith, an obsessive work ethic, a crew of dedicated and loyal friends and quite a few side hustles. While Drake might be instantly recognizable for relatable lyrics and countless hits, a majority of his wealth comes from other revenue streams.

You may know him as a ‘Cris bottle sender and a check picker-upper, but Aubrey has done quite a few other jobs since he came on the scene.

2001-2005 // Aubrey “Drake” Graham stars on ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’

Scott Gries/Getty Images

“It was the first time I ever got to showcase rap on television. I think they gave me the opportunity after that to write a real song myself.”

Before Drake was runnin’ through the 6 with his woes (yes! I brought back this lyric! Remember when everyone was saying this? Whaddup, 2015?!), Aubrey Graham was on the Canadian teen soap Degrassi: The Next Generation. Playing popular athlete Jimmy Brooks, his basketball career gets cut short when he gets shot by an unhinged classmate.

If you’re wondering how Drake transitioned into rap, look no further than season 7, episode 4: “It’s Tricky.”

April 2008 // Drake and friend Oliver El-Khatib start a blog, October’s Very Own

OVO Blog

“Thank you, Thank you. This note will be consisting of things that I personally co-sign and or find of interest. Please enjoy and feel free to comment.”—Peace, O.

Before becoming OVO’s unofficial brand curator, Oliver El-Khatib was working at a Toronto clothing store called Lounge and living with Noah “40” Shebib, Drake’s future engineer. In need of a platform to release new music and post pre-Pinterest mood boards, they set up October’s Very Own, a blog whose namesake would later lend itself to a record label, an Apple Beats station and those cool ass owl hoodies.

February 2010 // Drake lands an endorsement deal from Sprite

“I avoided the Coke game and went with Sprite instead.”

When Sprite needed a face to represent their first global brand campaign, Spark Music Project, they had many options, but none more perfect than Drake. The commercial, which aired during the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, depicts the frustrated rapper struggling with writer’s block in the studio with frequent collaborators Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels and Noah “40” Shebib. We see Drake drink a Sprite and turn into an animatronic version of himself; finally focused, he spits out the lyrics that launched a million Instagram captions: “Last name Ever, first name Greatest.”

August 2010 // Drake and the OVO conglomerate launch OVO FEST

“Tonight is me trying my best to pay you back for all the years of support and love and loyalty. Tonight is me trying to give you the greatest party in the f**king world because you deserve it.”

Putting together a music festival is hard (see Hulu’s documentary, Fyre Fraud.) Putting together a successful music festival is even harder (see Netflix’s documentary, Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened.) OVO Fest, Drake’s annual love letter to the city that raised him, however, is sold out year after year. Whether it’s the consistently impressive roster of headliners—he’s had Meek Mill, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Offset, Rick Ross, Eminem, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, among many others— or just being in the presence of the 6 God himself, OVO Fest has joined the ranks of can’t-miss concerts.

2011 // Drake releases the first line of OVO-branded clothing

“With our brand, it really is something we started just for us. The owl being bootleg to the point where I see people walking around with owl sweatshirts—it blows my mind. And me and Oliver talk about it all the time like, ‘Man, what should we do? Should we just make these sweaters and sell them?’”

The first iteration of the partnership of OVO and popular jacket brand Canada Goose was released Nov. 13, 2010—300 all-black-everything “Chilliwack” bombers. Earlier this month, they dropped a new two-piece collection in black and “sunset orange,” the ninth time OVO and CG have collaborated. In true Drake fashion of keepin’ it in the family, OVO member Niko and baby mama Coco are featured as brand models.

The overall clothing brand has proven wildly successful, with Business of Fashion reporting the retail company has garnered $4.3 million in sales. Drake has managed to do something many of his peers have failed at when entering retail: conveying a sense of authenticity. Every design looks like something Drake and his crew would rock, and they do. Marrying streetwear, luxury and reasonable-ish prices (hats are $48, T-shirts are $58, hoodies $158), Drake has managed to not only create a clothing line that’s coveted and cool, but last year he also opened up a store in Tokyo, his ninth brick-and-mortar location.

2012 // Drake uses the OVO collective to start up OVO Sound

OVO Sound

What does PARTYNEXTDOOR, Majid Jordan, dvsn, Roy Woods, OB O’Brien and Baka Not Nice all have in common? Besides being, I can only assume, delightfully polite, all of these artists are represented by the OVO Sound record label. Launched as a platform to drop his own music as well as spotlight other rising talents, the Drake/40/Oliver triad founded this record label in 2011 and became a subsidiary of Warner Music Group’s Warner Records a year later.

July 2012 // Drake voices “Ethan” on ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’

“I get to be this over-the-top mammoth in Ice Age, and a lot of capturing these characters is going as far as you can because you have to realize that [the viewers are] not going to see your face. They’re not going to see you look awkward and screaming.”

Drake joined an all-star cast when signing on to play Ethan, a cool, athletic wooly mammoth in the movie Ice Age: Continental Drift. Working alongside Aziz Ansari, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, John Leguizamo, Jennifer Lopez, Denis Leary, Patrick Stewart and Nicki Minaj, Drake returned to his acting roots, yet…ya know, in animated form.

September 2013 // Drake becomes the global ambassador for his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors

Instagram/@champangepapi

“Today’s probably one of the best days of my life. I got to throw on the suit and be announced as the global ambassador of the Toronto Raptors.”

If there’s one thing Aubrey enjoys, it’s athletic endeavors.

Whether it’s cheering on the Miami Heat, Houston Astros or literally any soccer team that exists* (do we have time to get into all the college sports? No?), Drake has faced criticism for supporting too many teams from too many places. Through it all, his most ardent fandom has been placed behind the Toronto Raptors. Apparently, they’re fans right back. In 2013, Drake became the global ambassador for the franchise, essential in their rebranding efforts.

Earlier this year, the Raptors’ practice facility was renamed the OVO Athletic Center because of course, it was.

*See him rocking jerseys of Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, and teams from Italy, Australia, and Mexico

July 2015 // Drake launches OVO Sound Radio on Beats 1

Apple Music

“I got me a deal with Apple and I still feel entitled.”

First premiering in July 2015 on Apple Music’s Beats 1 radio station, OVO Sound Radio featured a medley of music from OVO artists and affiliates. A biweekly show hosted by co-host Oliver with frequent enough appearances by Drake, OVO Sound has been used to introduce rising artists as well as release new music. Drake has been the face of Apple ever since he signed a $19 million deal with the music platform.

June 2016 // Drake launches Virginia Black Whiskey with Brent Hocking

Instagram

How many times have you asked yourself, “Isn’t it about time that someone launched a whiskey that everyone could enjoy?” Countless times? In 2016, Drake teamed up with ex-banker Brent Hocking to launch Virginia Black, a whiskey brand with what the kids call an Instagrammable bottle. Drake took guerilla marketing to new heights to make sure the beverage was a success. He brought it on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to drink on-air and on stage at the Billboard Music Awards to take 13 shots for his 13 wins. VIP Virginia Black lounges and branded merch were also available for the Summer Sixteen tour because Drake is nothing if not thorough. This is probably what he was referencing when he said he was tired of being subtle.

June 2019 // Drake is credited as an executive producer of the hit show ‘Euphoria’

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

“Side effects include #EUPHORIA. coming soon @Zendaya @A24 @HBO”

Tired of this guy making so many right moves? Your favorite could never (did I do that right?).

Earlier this year, Drake signed on as an executive producer to HBO’s Euphoria. Starring Zendaya and some truly fabulous eye makeup, this show has been renewed for season 2.

September 2019 // Drake uses his star power to bring back canceled British drama

John Phillips/Getty Images

“I became really attached to the characters. There’s a lot of parallels between Toronto and London. It reminded me of people I grew up with and guys that I know. I really just felt super connected right away, but then it disappeared on me. I did my research and found out it had been ultimately canceled.”

Drake has done a lot of dope things, but the biggest baller move he’s managed to pull off is bringing back a canceled TV show just because he liked it.

After the British crime show Top Boy was canceled in 2013, Drake’s dedication to getting this show back on the air got him in front of Netflix, where he made a pitch for its revival. In November 2017, it was announced that Netflix had picked it up. Drake, along with his partner Adel “Future” Nur, would go on to executive produce, and the new season would air September 2019. The soundtrack, presented by none other than OVO Sound, is also available now.

Tags Careers, Drake, Grind, Hip Hop

Popular Culture

8 Side Hustles to Try in 2020

Post author By Kevin Smith
Post date December 26, 2019
No Comments on 8 Side Hustles to Try in 2020

Maybe your job already fulfills your passions. Maybe you’ve already found your purpose.

Maybe you just make too much money and you’re looking for ways to actually get paid less.

Then again, maybe not.

There are plenty of reasons why people get side hustles. For most, you can make your own hours, work from home and earn extra money. You’ve been saying that you need to get a side hustle for some time now, so make 2020 the year you finally do it.

1. Transcribe and Caption Videos

If you’re a fast typer, transcribing and captioning videos might be a viable and easy option. While many people want to create online videos, not nearly enough want to take the time to write out the closed captioning. You usually don’t need any experience, and most companies like TranscribeMe, Rev and 3 Play Media just require you have to have access to a computer and WiFi. You know you do.

2. Give Walking Tours of Your City

Who knows your city better than you? Probably tons of people. Who at least knows their city a moderate amount? You do! Companies like Urban Oyster and Wanderlust will train you (and there’s even fun, genre-specific ones like Underground Donut Tour) on how to show off everything your town has to offer while getting paid for it. This gig will allow you to meet new people, get fresh air and exercise and shamelessly brag about the best city in the world, [Insert The Name of Your City Here]. You’re basically a rapper.

3. Deliver for UberEats, Postmates, etc.

If you have a driver’s license and a form of transportation (car, bike, motorcycle, lawnmower), you can make money by driving around and dropping off food. From Grubhub to UberEats to Postmates to Doordash, the options are endless.

4. Teach a Course (That You Created!)

Do you have a special skill set or a hobby that you love? Why not share your gift while making some extra cash? Using a platform like Teachable or Click4Course or the ever-popular Udemy, you can educate others on nearly any topic while still wearing PJs. Want to teach people how to play the piano? Create a course. How to pair the right cheese with the right wine? Create a course. How to create courses? Create a course.

5. Answer a Question

Humans will never run out of questions, and if you can answer some of them, you can cash out. Whether you’re an expert in your field or just know a lot of random information, you can earn anywhere from 20 cents to $20 for a single reply. Try sites like JustAnswer to answer questions related to your profession, FixYa for electronics-related queries, StudyPool and Chegg Study for the realm of academia and Maven if you fancy yourself more of a consultant. Knowledge is power, but now it’s also money.

6. Become a Virtual Assistant

If you find yourself bored with doing the same tasks over and over again and crave new challenges, being a virtual assistant might be your (side hustle) calling. Depending on who you work for, your day-to-day responsibilities will vary. You can be tasked with providing administrative support to creating websites for buying groceries to curating online meal plans. Being organized is also a huge plus; Belay looks for college-educated applicants for executive assistant positions, Time Etc seeks to hire full-time assistants and those who prefer to be task-based, while VaVa Virtual Assistants wants people who have special skill sets like graphic design, social media, and digital marketing, and web design.

7. Get Paid for Your Photography

Remember all those skyline pictures you took over the summer? Now you can post them somewhere other than Instagram. Sites like 500pxPrime, iStockphoto, Shutterstock and even Etsy will let you sell your photos. Do some recon first by looking to see what sells—some of these sites pay $100 or more per image.

8. Become a Doula

Hear me out: A doula isn’t a midwife or a doctor—they’re professionals who are trained to provide emotional and physical support to women during labor, as well as be their advocates. Your main goal would be to help the mother have a memorable and comforting child birthing experience. According to Natural Healers, you would need seven to 12 hours of childbirth education, 16 hours of birth doula training and attend two to five births. That’s a small price to pay for a job that pays $250 to $1,000 per hour.

Sports

WWE Still Has Too Many Wrestlers

Post author By Conor Sheeran
Post date December 26, 2019
No Comments on WWE Still Has Too Many Wrestlers

Can you have too much talent on a professional wrestling roster? On Dec. 8, WWE finally granted Luke Harper his long-awaited release, along with rarely used jobbers The Ascension (Konor and Viktor) and Sin Cara. Batches of releases have been commonplace in WWE over the years, as contracts run out and wrestlers request freedom from the biggest wrestling company in the world, so the Dec. 8 bloodbath was not a surprise. All four men had their various moments of wildly different relevance—Luke Harper was an Intercontinental Champion, remember that?—but their common thread was that they were not being used consistently. Unfortunately for a big swath of the WWE roster, that still remains true.

The list of under- or misused talent in WWE is vast. For every Seth Rollins, there’s an Apollo Crews, a former NXT standout who might as well not exist in the current main roster landscape. Or, worse, a Rusev, a hyper-talented performer stuck doing cuckolding storylines with his real-life wife (at WWE’s TLC pay-per-view, Rusev lost to his wife’s new lover, Bobby Lashley, in a tables match—just another indignity). Aleister Black, who was as sure a star as you could bank on, has been hiding in a closet for months, only now finally getting a feud with Buddy Murphy, another skilled wrestler stuck doing comedy bits. The list could and does go on, and it’s only getting larger.

Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

A couple of weeks ago, news broke that former WWE wrestler (and independent stalwart) John Morrison was returning to the mothership. While he was never the most-loved performer, Morrison is a fantastic wrestler in his own right, with a fun-if-purposefully-douchey gimmick as a Hollywoodesque celebrity. And yet, returning to WWE at this moment, without the name recognition of, say, Brock Lesnar, or Batista, or Goldberg, feels like a mistake. There are simply too many good wrestlers in the company, wrestlers that fans would pay to see, to make room for one more whose biggest claim to fame is Lucha Underground, an underwatched wrestling telenovela of sorts.

Typically, this could all be easily excused from both sides. For wrestlers, WWE provides a national stage whenever they do get onscreen, as well as more financial security than the indies ever could provide. And for WWE, every great wrestler on the roster is one fewer great wrestler that can go to a competitor. But that’s the thing: With All Elite Wrestling popping up as a viable competitor with a sizable TV audience, why bury yourself amongst the talented dregs of WWE? And even if you don’t go to AEW, there has likely never been a better time to test the independent circuit.

That’s what Harper’s release, specifically, signals: There is life outside of being in the machine. Harper is a mobile, skillful big man with a great look and interesting promo chops. He should have been, at worst, a mid-tier star in WWE. Instead, after years of toiling in various tag teams and under-card roles, with that one title run thrown in, he decided that national obscurity was worth less than carving out something more. Not every WWE wrestler can afford to bail out and try, as Harper seemingly will, but plenty have the talent and fit to work elsewhere. Is taking that risk better than sitting in catering and collecting a paycheck? Maybe, maybe not. But the WWE product is in many ways a huge disappointment because of problems like this, where talented wrestlers are forgotten simply because there are too many of them. The future outside of the company is foggier, but bursting through that and trying to make it elsewhere has never been more of a viable option than it is right now.

Tags Sports, Strength

Popular Culture

How to Turn Your Internship into a Full-time Job

Post author By Kevin Smith
Post date December 25, 2019
No Comments on How to Turn Your Internship into a Full-time Job

Despite what you may have seen depicted in movies and TV shows, most internships are about way more than just fetching coffee and slaving away in a file room (although, sorry, sometimes those tasks are on the to-do list). The fact is, internships are one of the best ways to land your dream job thanks to everything from real-world experience to networking opportunities in the industry. And if you’re interning at a company you’d love to work for, you’re already one step ahead.

Countless studies have shown a positive correlation between internship experience and full-time employment, and one 2012 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) revealed that more than 40 percent of new hires were expected to come from a company’s internship program. Clearly, it’s possible to turn that college requirement into an actual career. The tricky part is how, or more specifically, how to stand out in a sea of fellow interns and applicants gunning for the same potential position. Doing your internship duties (really well) is a start, but we’ve compiled a list of practical ways to graduate from intern to employee, using both our own experience and words of wisdom from hiring managers.

1. Save the Best for Last

If you’re interning while in school, it’s a good idea to pad your resume with some relevant experience before applying for the *big* one. You know, the internship in your ideal field, at your dream company? This coincides with some of the best advice I was given while in college, which resulted in my eventual hire: Intern at the place you want to work during your last semester, and you’ll be immediately eligible for that full-time position when you leave school. Of course, this doesn’t guarantee a job offer, but it boosts the chances.

2. Do Your Research

You should be knowledgeable and well-versed in the company and your department’s role before even applying for the internship, but once you’re in, show interest and investment by asking questions and learning even more about the inner-workings. You might not be called upon to make improvements or suggestions, but if the moment arises, you’ll be fully prepared to impress.

3. Solve Problems on Your Own

You can also apply that knowledge to troubleshoot any issues you run into without constantly checking in with your manager. According to Andrea Uku, the national editor of Net-a-Porter, interns who “have the confidence to solve problems without hand-holding or running every step by their manager show that they’re ready to take on more responsibility.”

4. Be Flexible and Willing to Help

Like we said before, sometimes interns *are* asked to do a coffee run or a tedious data entry project. Hey, we all started from the bottom at some point, and it’s important not to treat any task like it’s below you (as long as you’re not being taken advantage of). In my personal experience hiring and recommending interns for full-time positions, people who always offered to help with an extra task and were willing to be flexible with their everyday duties struck me as team players I would want to work alongside.

5. Treat Your Internship Like It’s Already Your Job

What better way to show you’d be a great employee than by actually being a great employee? Show up on time, be professional and care about your work. Even if your internship comes with an expiration date (and without a salary) take the advice of Taylor Boozan, a public relations manager, and treat it like it’s already a job: “The interns I’ve hired for full-time positions have been invested in their work and the success of the company. I saw that they weren’t just here for a school requirement—they saw a future here, and then they got it!”

6. Socialize and Insert Yourself into the Office Culture

So you’ve been excelling at your duties—now it’s time to socialize! Managers are more likely to endorse someone for a position on their team if they actually like having them around, so don’t be afraid to make connections and insert yourself in the company culture. Be friendly! Be yourself! Talk about your hobbies and see what interests you share with your potential coworkers. “An intern stands out to me when they’re more interesting than their resume,” says Michael Tommasiello, a senior director at a New York ad agency. “I want to hear about what they’re doing outside of school and the office. Could I have an interesting conversation with them about something outside of work? That’s what I’m looking for when hiring.”

7. Illustrate Exactly How Valuable You Are

From the first day of your internship, you should be recording any analytics that tracks your success and contributions to the company. That way, when it’s time to step up to the plate and talk to your employer about staying on full-time, you’ll be able to show—not just tell—them why you’re valuable to the company. You can’t argue with hard data.

Tags Career Advice, Careers, Grind

Popular Culture

7 Books That Teach You the Art of the Hustle

Post author By Kevin Smith
Post date December 25, 2019
No Comments on 7 Books That Teach You the Art of the Hustle

Whether you’re thinking about launching your own business or are striving to climb the corporate ladder in your field, one thing’s for sure: You’ve got to hustle to make it happen. Don’t know where to start? Pick up one (or all) of these practical, inspiring and educational books, filled with everything you need to know about the art of the hustle. From the secrets of successful entrepreneurs to straightforward ways to work smarter, these reads are sure to provide the kick-in-the-butt motivation you’ve been waiting for.

‘Hustle: The Power to Charge Your Life with Money, Meaning and Momentum’ by Neil Patel, Patrick Vlaskovits and Jonas Koffler

Amazon

This 2016 bestseller by Neil Patel, Patrick Vlaskovits and Jonas Koffler—three of the nation’s top entrepreneurs and consultants—provides real-world advice on achieving success on your own terms. Within its three-part framework, “Heart, Head and Habits,” Hustle teaches readers how to monetize their passions, create their own luck and fuel their full potential.

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https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Power-Charge-Meaning-Momentum/dp/1623367166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471623746&sr=8-1&keywords=neil+patel

‘Hustle Believe Receive: An 8-Step Plan to Changing Your Life and Living Your Dream’ by Sarah Centrella

Amazon

Life-transformation coach, in-demand keynote speaker and author Sarah Centrella went from a single mother in poverty to an executive at a software company and a person living her dreams in just 18 months. In Hustle Believe Receive, Centrella shares her eight-step success plan called the #HBRMethod, along with over 50 stories of success from everyone from NFL and NBA stars to CEOs and banking execs. If you’ve ever looked at someone at the top of their game and wondered, “How did they do that?” this book is for you.

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https://www.amazon.com/Hustle-Believe-Receive-8-Step-Changing-ebook/dp/B019WQU81S/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=%E2%80%98Hustle+Believe+Receive%3A+An+8-Step+Plan+to+Changing+Your+Life+and+Living+Your+Dream%E2%80%99+By+Sarah+Centrella&qid=1576783026&sr=8-1

‘Mastery’ by Robert Greene

Amazon

Want to become a master in your field and surge past your competitors? Bestselling author Robert Greene will tell you how. Gleaning insight from the lives of historical greats like Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci and even Napoleon, then turning their tactics into useful tips, Mastery is a no-nonsense guide on how to work hard and unlock your greatness.

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https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Robert-Greene/dp/014312417X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1576783181&sr=1-2

‘Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days’ by Chris Guillebeau

Amazon

If you’ve been sitting on a business idea but have been too afraid to take the leap, read this book ASAP. Author, founder and podcaster Chris Guillebeau provides the step-by-step methodology and practical strategies to give you the confidence to launch that side hustle and make serious cash in as little as 27 days. According to him, anyone can do it.

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https://www.amazon.com/Side-Hustle-Idea-Income-Days/dp/1524758841/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=%E2%80%98Side+Hustle%3A+From+Idea+to+Income+in+27+Days%E2%80%99+By+Chris+Guillebeau&qid=1576783377&s=books&sr=1-1

‘Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time’ By Jeff Sutherland

Amazon

“Scrum,” a management method adopted by the world’s leading tech companies, has been reimagined for the broader business world by co-creator Jeff Sutherland. In this book, he provides unparalleled wisdom for leaders and hustlers in all fields, teaching readers how to rev up their productivity, solve complex problems with efficiency and totally transform their approach to work and life.

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https://www.amazon.com/Scrum-Doing-Twice-Work-Half/dp/038534645X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=%E2%80%98Scrum%3A+The+Art+of+Doing+Twice+the+Work+in+Half+the+Time%E2%80%99+By+Jeff+Sutherland&qid=1576783550&s=books&sr=1-1

‘H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle.’ by Brad Lomenick

Amazon

With 20 years of experience working alongside Fortune 500 CEOs, startup entrepreneurs and thought-leaders, including Malcolm Gladwell, Brad Lomenick has pinpointed 20 essential habits of highly successful people and categorizes them into “the 3 Hs”: Humble (Who am I?), Hungry (Where do I want to go?) and Hustle (How will I get there?). This simple and straightforward guide will inspire you to embrace these habits in your own life in order to achieve success.

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https://www.amazon.com/H3-Leadership-Humble-Hungry-Hustle/dp/0718088506/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=%E2%80%98H3+Leadership%3A+Be+Humble.+Stay+Hungry.+Always+Hustle.%E2%80%99+By+Brad+Lomenick&qid=1576783994&s=books&sr=1-1

‘Great at Work: The Hidden Habits of Top Performers’ by Morten T. Hansen

Amazon

When it comes to the art of the hustle, working smarter, not harder, is the key. After conducting a unique study of more than 5,000 managers and employees, Morten T. Hansen explores the secrets of top performers and turns them into seven actionable “work smarter practices” for anyone looking to maximize their time and productivity.

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https://www.amazon.com/Great-Work-Hidden-Habits-Performers/dp/1476765820/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=%E2%80%98Great+at+Work%3A+The+Hidden+Habits+of+Top+Performers%E2%80%99+By+Morten+T.+Hansen&qid=1576784384&s=books&sr=1-1

Tags Books, Grind, Productivity

Style

What Skateboarding Taught Me About Style

Post author By Madison Russell
Post date December 24, 2019
No Comments on What Skateboarding Taught Me About Style

“Do another kickflip,” my friend said. A gaggle of bug-eyed teens watched me under the blue autumn sky. The first day of our freshman year of high school had just ended, and we gathered in the parking lot of the skatepark across the street.

“Dude…ride around, just ride around,” my friend instructed. I did a lap. My friend threw his hands up. “You don’t have any style! That’s what it is. You have no style.”

“You don’t have any style! That’s what it is. You have no style.”

I was stunned, and a little aggrieved—my friend didn’t even know how to kickflip. Who was he to criticize me? I had spent the summer in seclusion, studying the kickflip and had offered it to my peers for their respect. Instead, they dogged me.

At first, I didn’t understand, then I did.

My friend—who was technically a worse skater but more thoroughly steeped in the culture—was right. I could land a kickflip and I could ride around, but it didn’t look beautiful. When I did flip tricks, I didn’t always land on the bolts—the board would hiccup and my heels would graze the ground. When I rode around, instead of throwing my foot out and arcing it back in one motion, I hobbled along like a geriatric. There was a lot more to skateboarding than just landing tricks. There was something that elevated it into art: style.

There are a few reasons one becomes a sneakerhead: through fashion, following others or by necessity. The third is the way for ballers and skaters. As soon as I began learning kickflips, my shoelaces severed and a gash opened in my shoes. Tennis shoes would no longer suffice. My mom took me to a skate shop, and I bought a forgettable pair of black, white and gray DC clunkers. But they were the first, and you always remember your first.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

My shoe game evolved with my skate game.

My shoe game evolved with my skate game. Each new trick—heelflips, frontside flips, the notorious tre—begot new shoes to replace the ones the feats destroyed. I got a pair of black És Ones, a classic shoe, the very first Nike Eric Koston shoes, baby blue Emerica Reynolds 3s, my favorite shoe of all time. These shoes stood out for their details. My Reynolds 3s had a faux-diamond earring in the eyelet, my gray-purple És-Chocolate collaboration mid-tops concealed a stash pocket and my Bryan Herman Emericas had “WUSSUP” and “HATERS” written on the heel.

My friends and I chattered about shoes constantly. I remember my friend Ethan coming into math class with a new pair of black Vans Half Cabs, an iconic skate shoe. They still had the fresh leather and chopped timber aroma. He took one off, and we passed it around, burying our noses in it, deeply inhaling like it was a skull filled with smelling salts. We nodded and smiled at each other.

Our fashion tastes climbed upwards to our legs, torsos, arms and heads. All of my favorite skaters like Jerry Hsu, Heath Kirchart and Eric Koston had a personal style, not just for tricks, but fashion. I was inspired by them and started ordering less typical apparel: high socks, corduroy pants, knit sweaters and flannels. I never felt like I was copying anyone. I took bits and pieces and combined them to create something new.

By the end of my sophomore year of high school, everyone respected my skating and my style. Kids’ eyes popped out when they saw my new shoes. Friends offered me money to buy the clothes off my back. I wasn’t the best technical skater, but I had mastered the four elements: my flip tricks got air, I pushed wood with grace, my style flowed like water and everyone knew I was fire.

As high school went on, kids dropped out from skateboarding and mastered different elements—they could breathe smoke, change mental states or down bottles of strong liquid. I left skating behind too. But skating never really left me. The principles I learned (and earned) endow my style forever.

One could learn how to do every trick in the book—or one could buy every piece of designer clothing—and yet still lack style. One could just cruise around on a skateboard and have style. It’s not what you do—it’s how you do it.

Beauty takes effort but looks effortless. It’s worth it to try.

Tags Sports, Streetwear, Style, What to Buy

Music

These Are the Top 10 Artists That Emerged in 2019

Post author By Conor Sheeran
Post date December 24, 2019
No Comments on These Are the Top 10 Artists That Emerged in 2019

Undeniably, 2019 has been an amazing year for music. Tons of new artists have hopped on the scene and made a name for themselves, making the final year of the decade their year of breaking through. Additionally, a ton of notable triumphs have been made in the music industry, like Lil Nas X coming out as a gay rapper and simultaneously creating a new genre of country-rap. Female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat have put female empowerment at the forefront of their lyrics, paving the way for a more progressive and accepting industry. And lastly, a plethora of young artists like Lil Tjay (18) and NLE Choppa (17) have mastered the hip-hop market with no restrictions to hold them back.

With so many new artists debuting and landing spots on music charts and playlists, we thought we’d pick our top ten who earned a seat at the table in 2019.

Lil Nas X rose to fame after his song “Old Town Road” grabbed the attention of TikTok users in early 2019. By November, the track was diamond certified and landed a number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 list, remaining there for 19 weeks, the longest time for a song to stay in number one since 1958. The rapper, singer and songwriter is popular for tapping into multiple genres, including pop, rock, country and rap and in less than a year he’s already endured huge triumphs like being the only openly gay artist to win a CMA award and the most Grammy-nominated male in 2019.

Rico Nasty has been making major moves for herself in the music industry since 2017, but 2019 is the year we witnessed her stardom. Signed to Atlantic Records, her songs like “Smack a Bitch” and “Anger Management” have gained heavy momentum on music playlists on multiple streaming platforms. The Washington, D.C.-area rapper has a sound like no one else, blending hip-hop with sugar-trap, creating an unparalleled aesthetic that makes any listener hype upon a first play.

We know what you’re thinking, Doja Cat isn’t new. But in 2019, the Los Angeles-born rapper took off after the release of “Juicy,” which earned Doja Cat her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Then in November, we witnessed major momentum after the release of her second studio album Hot Pink, which peaked at 19 on the Billboard 200.

As the first woman to be signed to J. Cole’s record label, Dreamville Records, Ari Lennox already had shoes to fill when she entered the scene. She guest featured on two songs with her label mates: EarthGang on “Nothing but the Best” and Bas on “Icarus.” In May, she released her debut studio album, Shea Butter Baby, went on her first headlining tour and opened for Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You Too” tour. After losing at the Soul Train Awards in November 2019, the Washington, D.C.-born artist announced she was quitting music entirely but has since reactivated her social media accounts and plans to continue her tour.

The Houston-born rapper has had one of the most amazing years yet. In 2019 she released her first full-length project, Fever, trademarked her catchphrase “hot girl summer,” signed a management deal with Roc Nation and released her song “Hot Girl Summer,” which topped the Rolling Stone 100 chart and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. But even before this year, Megan proved she has what it takes to set her apart. As the first female rapper to ever sign to 300 Entertainment and gaining popularity from a viral cipher of rap-battling men, all while balancing a college education, Megan Thee Stallion is a powerhouse through and through.

We couldn’t have made a Top New Artists of 2019 list without paying homage to DaBaby. In this year alone, the Charlotte, North Carolina-born rapper released two albums, Baby on Baby and Kirk, demonstrating his unmatched endurance. Appearing on the songs of Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Gucci Mane, Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone and more, DaBaby has been hard at work year-round with no immediate plans to slow down. Known for his energetic personality and hyped stage performance, DaBaby has the range to keep fans on their feet and welly lit with every release.

Rapper Lil Keed first started to gain popularity in the music industry in 2018, but after signing to YSL Records and 300 Entertainment, his career took off. In 2019, the artist released his debut studio album, Long Live Mexico, along with other singles and features, making this his most production-heavy year yet. His high-pitched delivery and versatile flows is one of a Cleveland Avenue, Atlanta-native, the same sound that drew listeners in to his mentor and biggest inspiration, Young Thug, years ago.

The youngest artist on our list, at just 17 years old, NLE Choppa rose to fame after the release of his 2019 song “Shotta Flow.” The track went platinum in the same year and has resulted in two sequels and one official remix version, featuring rapper Blueface. In May 2019, “Shotta Flow” ranked 96 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and later rose to 36. At such a young age, we can expect a lot more to come from this Memphis-born artist in 2020.

This Bronx, New York-born artist is only 18 years old and has the whole world ahead of him. In 2019, Lil Tjay gained popularity after his collaboration with Polo G on their song “Pop Out.” The track hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, leading to a contract with Columbia Records. Additionally this year, the singer-rapper released his debut album True 2 Myself, with songs featuring top artists like Lil Wanye and Lil Baby. His sound has been compared to A Boogie wit da Hoodie and he notes Drake and Meek Mill as his musical influences.

Benny the Butcher’s amazing run began in 2018, but this year, he really cemented himself as one of the most dominant, sought-after lyricists in hip-hop. Earlier this summer, he dropped the hard-as-nails project The Plugs I Met, featuring noteworthy cameos from heavy-hitters like Black Thought and Pusha T. After that, he got together with Smoke Dza and Pete Rock for the somewhat slept-on albeit excellent Statue of Limitations album. He closed the year out with his fellow Griselda brothers on the Shady Records Release, WWCD. In between, he secured a Roc Nation management deal and drop exceptional verses on albums from Vado, Styles P, Dark Lo, Paul Wall, etc. In the arena of gritty lyrical street rap, no one had a more impactful year than Benny. And the scary part is that he just seems to get better and better with each new outing.

Tags Culture, Hip Hop, Music