The Chicago Journal

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Adele’s “Easy on Me” Secures Fourth Consecutive Week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 Chart

After debuting on Billboard’s Hot 100 from its first five hours of release, Adele’s “Easy on Me” continues to dominate radio airplay, streaming, and sales, a feat that not every household name in today’s music industry can accomplish. On the chart dated October 23, her new song following six years of hiatus landed on the 68th spot, thanks to its first five hours of availability. Since then, the single remained on top and is currently enjoying its position at the summit for the fourth consecutive week. It also stands as the biggest song in the world, notching a fourth No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excluding U.S. charts. 

The lead single off her fourth studio album, “Easy on Me” brings listeners back to Adele’s brand of vocals. This ballad produced by Greg Kurstin is a brutally honest take on divorce and serves as her plea to her son to be kind to her as she contends with the implications of a dissolved marriage. Upon its release on October 15, it immediately received positive reviews from music critics and shattered records. Not only did it break the previous Spotify record set by BTS’ “Butter” when it garnered over 24 million streams in its first twenty-four hours, but it also earned the most streams in a single week with 84.9 million streams. 

“Easy on Me” is the English singer-songwriter’s 14th career entry on the Hot 100 and her fifth chart-topping track. Its performance on multiple platforms so far is not surprising, given the hype surrounding the single and the quality for which Adele’s discography is famous. 

This week, Billboard reported that the ballad drew 78.1 million radio airplay audience impressions (up by 12% from last week) and 23.6 million U.S. streams. Additionally, it sold 14,600 downloads in the November 5-11 tracking week. Considering that Adele was one of the powerhouses in an era dominated by physical and download sales, her ability to still reign in a time where streaming has taken over the music industry is clear evidence of her rule. On top of staying at the No. 1 spot for the fourth consecutive week on the Hot 100, “Easy on Me” holds the honor of leading the U.K. singles, as well. This domination of both the U.S. and U.K. charts is only the start of what’s expected to be a historical run for Adele. 30, her upcoming fourth studio album, arrives on November 19 and features 12 songs, with the deluxe edition containing three more bonus tracks. Anticipation is already high about the album earning numerous recognition as the Grammy Award-winning singer is known for snagging achievements every time she drops a new body of work.

Oscar P Pushes for Relatable Comedy Content, the Making of a Star

Art is relative, and it means different things to different people. To some, an artist’s work may serve a practical purpose such as entertainment or self-expression; In contrast, others pursue art because they love the process of creation itself – without any ulterior motive! In this instance, we see how Oscar P uses comedy as another tool in his arsenal, which brings laughter into audiences’ lives with joyous abandon while at times tackling severe issues head-on.

Oscar P. He’s an American stand-up comedian who took his comedy career to new heights in 2012 after performing at Loose Goose, a small bar and grill near Memphis where he started working open mics before joining Funny Bone where he met Lester Bibs, who became the host of the club until Chuckles Comedy House came calling. Nowadays, you’ll find him shooting pilots for Double Duty and Chocolate Sundaes at the Laugh Factory LA. He was also featured in this years’ 2021 World Series of Comedy.

According to Oscar, comedians often find themselves walking on eggshells and being careful about what they say. But he points out that there is no choice but for creatives in today’s world where everything has become more conservative to find humor wherever they can so that tension doesn’t build up on the stage. “Comedians have to be the beaming light or the dark tunnel to expose the humor in this thing called life. So, I feel that my brand of comedy confronts issues as well as heel hurts at the same time.”

When comedy came calling, Oscar P didn’t just see it as a passion or an avenue to make the audience laugh. Instead, he sought creative ways to mode his craft and monetize it with hard work that he learned from watching his father getting up each day striving to make things happen.

Through all this effortful dedication, he was eventually able to land himself gigs and appearances on stage and TV shows where he has been able to perform stand-up routines alongside luminaries.

In addition, Oscar is spearheading a change in the comedy industry alongside some like-minded individuals about the possibility of making it safer for comedians and their audiences while reducing the chances that people will turn against them. “Essentially, the idea is to make the stages a safer place for comedians to connect with their audience on a different level and to ensure cross-relatability between the audience and the jokes being told.”

“The next five years, I plan on continuing to build my brand and creating content for TV. My ambition has me focusing on the big stage giving the audience’s laughter for their soul and giving back to the community.” Oscar P also hopes to make his way into movies, sitcoms and travel the entire world, spreading humor and love.

The world is imperfect, and people are always looking for ways to better themselves. Oscar P sees this as his mission in life, in which he achieves something for other folks around him to feel more confident about their potential by being compassionate but challenging when needed. “We all can do better. I am at fault; you are too. We got to love,” he shared.

Connect with Oscar P via his official website and Instagram Page.

Anna Starostina on Achieving Fame through the Power of Social Media

The rise of modern technology paved the way for social media platforms to flourish and among these fastest-growing platforms is Instagram. With its diverse approach to media and marketing, Instagram continues to be the talk of modern influencers.

To keep up with current trends, Anna Starostina joined Instagram way back in 2011, a year after it was developed, to try out the application. She was just starting her modeling career and was posting her photos without a clue that she would soon turn into a famous figure. Then Agent Provocateur, a famous women’s underwear brand, noticed her and published one of her Instagram photos on the brand’s account. Fate instantly directed her life, and she went from being a simple girl with modeling dreams to a professional model who people admire and look up to. Anna’s Instagram page developed a spike in the number of followers from hundreds to thousands. 

Anna’s page now contains posts and photos that convey her lifestyle, allowing her followers to take a glimpse of her work and day-to-day life events. Her rise to fame came hand in hand with the trust and respect of an audience, and numerous brands conveyed their interest in collaborating with her for product advertisements in the form of sponsorships.

To show appreciation and gratitude to the people supporting her, Anna made an effort to learn various techniques to enhance her Instagram page. From the basics of mobile photography to editing and marketing, the young model was committed to improving her reach. She also did giveaways for her followers to promote her brand partners and build product awareness. 

One’s path to success is never easy, but Anna believes that anyone can achieve their goals with hard work and discipline. Her breakthrough is a by-product of her passion for her craft and the courage to chase her dreams. In addition, she also understands that success comes with responsibility. By being transparent, she ensures that the trust given by the thousands of her followers and her partner brands will not go to waste.  

With over a decade of experience, Anna is currently enjoying her career of being an independent model and a self-made Instagram influencer. She is able to connect with her followers by not just having a pretty face but also by being genuine to herself. Anna continues to be a girl with substance and value coupled with the dedication to pursue growth and success. Her tireless effort paved the way for her to enjoy doing what she loves—modeling and photography. 

Despite being busy, Anna does not forget to relax and enjoy life as it comes. As seen on her Instagram posts, the model knows when to unwind and travel in her free time.  

Anna would love to have a family of her own and potentially grow a personal brand in the future. But right now, she is focusing on her thriving career and solidifying her identity within the modeling and influencer industry. 

Learn more about Anna Starostina by keeping up with her Instagram.

MUPO Entertainment and MUPO TV, Two Budding Powerhouses Launched by Success-Enabler Michele Mupo

There are countless materials that detail the steps aspirants need to take to achieve success and translate their visions into reality. From physical books to online articles, a wealth of information is available for those who wish to give their target fields a shot. But, once a go-getter reaches great heights and manages to secure a position at the top, it could prove challenging to find answers to one of the biggest questions: what then? In the case of Michele Mupo, it became clear that she had to continue capitalizing on her influence and impressive set of skills upon knowing that the entertainment industry remained merciless toward budding and established artists. Her decision to come out of retirement preceded the launch of two emerging powerhouses, MUPO Entertainment and MUPO TV. 

Michele Mupo, also known as Fuchsia, is a well-respected figure with a long list of accomplishments under her belt. Over the years, the New Jersey-based fempreneur has worn many hats, building her reputation with every role she played. Before gaining a solid foothold in the industry, she was a dancer on Club MTV and acted, as well, as a ghostwriter for several recording artists with multiple top ten hits attached to their name. Ultimately, the professional singer and songwriter signed a ten-year contract with the company led by Rodney Jerkins, Sr. and bagged deals that included being endorsed by Cool Music Incorporated. 

On top of gracing stages as a member of a rock band, Michele Mupo appeared on numerous TV series and movies, such as Soap Dish, Basic Instinct, and What We Do. Diversifying her portfolio, she entered the entrepreneurial realm and created an entertainment company with former WWE Diva Dawn Marie, Bernard Purdie, and Carlene Tanner. MuTan Entertainment, her brainchild, is responsible for elevating the careers of a roster of rap acts who are still selling singles and touring up to this day. 

Given her in-depth knowledge of the complexities of today’s industries and extensive experience in navigating the challenging waters of the worlds of music and entertainment, it’s not surprising why Michele Mupo has gained the ability to steer hopefuls and newcomers in the right direction. In 2020, she brought that competence to the table once again when she came out of retirement to establish MUPO Entertainment, a purpose-driven venture that offers full-service representation that is not only strategic but also collaborative and team-based.

At the heart of MUPO Entertainment is the overarching goal of enabling success for those under its wings. It aims to stand as a pillar of support for artists who would have otherwise been taken advantage of by the cut-throat industry.

“We have assembled an experienced team of leaders who understand the entertainment scene and marketplace and know what it takes to operate and manage a successful career,” she shared. 

Michele Mupo envisions MUPO Entertainment transforming into a household name in the years to come. But, for now, she’s excited to announce the launch of MUPO TV, a digital entertainment platform that will soon become available in every home worldwide. Learn more about Michele Mupo and MUPO Entertainment by visiting her website. More information about MUPO TV can also be found on their Twitter page and Instagram.

ArieCan Productions Offers Talents a Platform to Shine and Flourish in Baltimore

Attaining stardom is no longer difficult, thanks to the proliferation of the internet. The power to rise to the top is now up for grabs, and it has become easier than ever to get noticed by notable platforms. Larry Harris and Leonard Martin took things into their hands to establish a production company called ArieCan Productions to help talents grow, thrive, and achieve success.

The Baltimore-based entertainment executives set out to launch a company fully in charge of the type of content it releases and how it achieves that. Knowing that their goal was to create entertaining and exciting content, Larry Harris and Leonard Martin got to work immediately and produced their first web series titled Chapter 2. Taking the company’s destiny into their hands was their way of setting the tone for how they wanted the company to be. With Chapter 2’s success, they have created many other series available on their website for streaming.

ArieCan has implemented a revenue model to make it a highly rewarding company worthy of building a budding career.. The company does not stop at discovering new talents and giving them a shot; it also ensures they are well-compensated thanks to its various subscription models and other revenue-generating features on the platform. Giving back to the city of Baltimore is Larry and Leonard’s top priority, and all of ArieCan Productions’ plans are centered around that. “Our goal is to make ArieCan a household name and to build doors of opportunity for our community. Baltimore is filled with so many talented people, and we want to showcase that,” Larry Harris said.

The production outfit has a vast catalog of original and diverse content that it hopes will appeal to a wide range of people worldwide. Audiences globally can stream and rent content as they wish. The website also sells VIP passes to give users full access to ArieCan Productions’ content library. To make sure that future productions have all the talent they need to be successful and interesting, ArieCan Productions organizes in-house casting calls to discover and evaluate new talents seeking opportunities in the film world.

In the next few years, Larry and Leonard see ArieCan Productions competing favorably with big-name film studios. They hope to produce high-budget films and television shows as well as create high-quality merchandise for its teeming audience globally. The ArieCan Productions platform gives equal opportunities to everyone and makes sure everyone is fairly represented regardless of color, tribe, race, and sexual orientation. The company recently announced its upcoming productions for 2022, and leading the pack are two new shows, Secrets (a drama) and Dear Diary (a comedy), slated to premiere in February 2022.To learn more about ArieCan Productions, check their official website or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates.

Kathy Ireland Brightens the Thanksgiving Holiday Season for American Families by Sponsoring The Waltons’ Homecoming Airing

Celebrating the holidays is one thing virtually every American family looks forward to every year. This year is not any different, mainly due to the challenges the world has seen in the past year. Kathy Ireland, the founder, CEO, chair and chief designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide, is set to make the holidays a remarkable one for American families by sponsoring The Waltons’ Homecoming

The film, executive produced by Emmy Award winner Sam Heskell, who also serves as the president and chair of Magnolia Hill Productions, aired on The CW on November 28. An encore will also be shown on December 11, and Kathy Ireland has expressed pride at being privileged to be the sole presenting sponsor of this American classic.

The film’s airing comes in the wake of a time when hope and encouragement are essential for everyone in the world. The film reiterates some of the purest values that Americans hold sacred: faith, family, love, and inclusivity. So much has happened in the past year that has made The Waltons’ Homecoming a necessary gift to Americans. 

“I am happy to present this film, and there is no one more talented or appropriate to bring this message into our homes on Thanksgiving weekend than Sam Haskell, whose accomplishments in television are legendary and iconic,” Kathy Ireland said. “To know Sam is to trust him and love him. So when we began dreaming of what gift we could give to virtually every American family this year, this film became our powerful choice,” she added.

Apart from kathy ireland® Worldwide’s sponsorship for this film, its partner brands and affiliated organizations like NPCF, American Family Insurance, Lamps Plus, MIVI, and many others have thrown their weights behind this holiday gesture Kathy Ireland has championed. Basking in recognition of her brand as the 15th most successful licensed brand in American history, kathy ireland® Worldwide has a lot to celebrate as a brand. “The Waltons’ Homecoming is an ideal gift from our CEO to the hearts of the American families that have made kathy ireland® Worldwide the respectable brand it is today,” Jon Carrasco and Stephen Roseberry Worldwide Creative Director and President CMO, of kathy ireland® Worldwide, respectively, said in a joint statement.

In addition to the brand’s success, Ms. Ireland received the Business International Religious Freedom Champion Award from the IRF, Icon Award from International Home Furnishings Association, and became the youngest woman ever to be elected to the Hall of Fame by Licensing International as the highest-ranked solely owned licensing company of any woman in America.

The Waltons’ Homecoming stars Bellamy Young, Ben Lawson, Logan Shroyer and is narrated by the original John Boy, Richard Thomas. The film features music by seven-time Grammy Award winners, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. “For all who experience this treasured film, please know that, as Elizabeth Taylor often said, ‘Something wonderful is about to happen,’” Kathy Ireland promised.

Learn more about kathy ireland® Worldwide on the brand’s website.

DJ Chris Angel Shares About the Power of Investing in One’s Ideas

While trying to pursue success actively, so many become engrossed in gaining the support of other people. And while earning admiration is excellent, insightful musician Christian Younan realizes that it is far more essential to invest in his ideas. After all, before others can see the value of his work, he must first believe in and advocate for himself.

The gifted disc jockey who goes by the artist name DJ Chris Angel is making waves in the entertainment and party scene for his innate musical prowess. However, most people do not know that before he started making a name in the industry, he had to conquer several hurdles.

The young man did not have the best childhood. He even felt that his circumstances forced him to grow up at an early age. And at the back of his mind, he knew that something had to change.

When he was 14 years old, he started working by watering plants for a coffee shop. By the time he turned 16, he had to balance two jobs at a fast food joint and a music store on top of his studies. 

Throughout his hardships, what helped him get by was his interest in scratching and experimenting with music. Motivated by his newfound passion, he worked various jobs so he could save up enough money to buy music equipment and old records. At 16 years old, this was his very first act of investing in his dream.

The dedicated individual used to be part of the high school football team, but he often skipped and worked on his craft instead of staying to practice. He also had long hair, and as a result, his teammates gave him the nickname Chris Angel, which has stuck ever since.

Aside from the adversities he encountered in his youth, DJ Chris Angel also experienced a significant setback in adulthood. After leaving the US military to continue pursuing his career as a disc jockey, he suffered from depression and social anxiety. The debilitating conditions have severely impacted the performer’s ability to appear in large crowds.

Nevertheless, the talented DJ persevered and worked hard to overcome his situation. Now, DJ Chris Angel has established himself as one of the most promising musicians of his time.

Because of his excellent tracks, the professional musician has amassed a considerable following. Through his unique sound, he has captured the attention of music enthusiasts, festival goers, electronic fans, and bass lovers worldwide. On top of that, he keeps his fans and listeners guessing by creating highly diverse music.

Recently, he has dropped his latest track, “Dakati.” The single is available for streaming on all music platforms alongside his other releases.

DJ Chris Angel’s massive success is a testament that people should not be afraid to invest in their ideas. By following this principle, the talented young man was able to scale his success to greater heights. In the future, the multi-talented disc jockey plans to continue creating more songs and become a pillar in the music industry. Find out more about DJ Chris Angel by visiting his Instagram page. You can also find the links to stream his latest release here.

Hip-Hop Artist Yung Dub D Sheds Light on His Rise and How He Developed His Onstage Persona

As more stars are emerging daily, the level of competition in the music industry has increased tenfold, making it difficult for aspiring musicians to break out. With challenges scattered along the road to recognition and fame, many potential artists often throw in the towel too early, losing out the opportunity to reach their goals. However, perseverance can be rewarding as rising hip-hop artist and rapper Yung Dub D has found. If not for his determination to carve his own path, the world would not have had the chance to listen to tracks like “Core,” “Put It All On Me,” “I Agree,” and so much more.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Kedric Dewon Battee has made a name for himself as an extraordinary talent under the stage name Yung Dub D. The rising musician is known for his passion for his craft, which can be reflected in his heartfelt lyrics. Although he has only started out, Yung Dub D has already amassed thousands of fans worldwide. The artist has also collaborated with a number of artists in the industry, performing alongside the likes of DJ Cinemax, DJ Mad Lurk, DJ Official, and DJ Tom Cruise, to name a few.

Many of Yung Dub D’s lyrics give listeners an idea of the trials and tribulations that the musician went through in his life. At 6 years old, he lost his father, and it was the pain of losing a loved one that inspired him to pursue such a career. Even when he started to gain more recognition, Yung Dub D never lost sight of the man who meant the world to him.

“I came up with ‘Yung Dub D’ because I am a double of my father,” the musician explained. “Even though he is deceased, I know he is still with me on my journey. I feel like my first name should have been Donald. Moreover, my middle name is Dewon, so that’s where Dub D comes in.”

Like many in the industry, Yung Dub D cites Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Lil Wayne as his primary influences. “They have been the reason for me taking up music and pursuing it seriously,” he said. “These music geniuses have been known to express distinct feelings through their songs, which have motivated me ‘til no end.”

Yung Dub D started to actively pursue his musical career in 2014, creating mixtapes and recording with a group called Check Life. He would later produce records for one of the group members. By 2017, Yung Dub D started to go solo. Thanks to his early works, the artist was able to start a new career to instant acclaim, gaining thousands of views and streams across multiple major platforms. He has also been featured in various hip-hop publications. 

Since pursuing a solo career, Yung Dub D has released multiple mixtapes and albums, including tracks like “Put It All On Me,” “In My Head,” “What You Gonna Do,” and “Alligator Lizard,” among many more.

With his career on the rise, Yung Dub D hopes to elevate his career even further and become one of the top artists in the industry, inspiring other aspiring artists to persevere and obtain their goals.Stay updated with Yung Dub D’s latest tracks by following him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Check out his new music video for “Codes” and his new mixtape.

Gifted Singer-Songwriter Lucas Muñoz Lends His Voice to the Misunderstood

Music has a magical way of bringing people together. Cognizant of this, rising star and singer-songwriter Lucas Muñoz has made it his mission to create songs that many can resonate with.

The talented musician from Central Florida was exposed to the music industry at an early age because of his father, a professional jazz guitarist. So it did not come as a surprise when the young man also developed a strong passion for music.

His musical roots involve playing the guitar and jazz, thanks to his dad. Some of his biggest musical influences were also famous guitarists like Joe Bonamassa, Slash, Gary Moore, Eric Johnson, and Eric Johnson. 

On the other hand, the creative individual has also successfully forged his own career path. In fact, what makes the multi-talented artist stand out is his flexibility, as he firmly believes that the music industry is headed toward a more fluid sound. On top of that, he has seen artists with great potential slowly lose their audience because they were unwilling to explore and elevate their craft. As a result, he makes it a point to experiment with several musical styles and not stick to one genre.

But aside from his incredible artistry, perhaps what separates Lucas Muñoz from the competition is his intent to connect with his listeners. As he perfectly explained, “I strive to have my music resonate within my generation and speak about the struggles or problems. My music also addresses topics previously taboo in preceding generations, such as mental health.” 

Guided by this impressive perspective, his debut EP Mutasis features inspiring tracks like “As I Suffer in Silence (1-800-950-6264),” “Hope for the Underrated Youth,” and “True Grit.” The record consists of the musician’s influences and the music he currently enjoys, such as dark pop, hip-hop, alternative, blues, and rock. It is available in digital stores and can be streamed on various platforms online.

As he rises to the top of the music scene, Lucas Muñoz remains steadfast in his commitment to making evocative music that people can relate to. As an independent artist, he writes, records, and produces songs at his home studio. Furthermore, he is also a session guitarist for fellow artists in the Tampa Bay area. 

In the future, the gifted singer-songwriter hopes to work and collaborate with like-minded people within the industry. In addition, he wants to continue his passion and perform on the biggest stages all over the world.

However, his biggest goal as an artist is to make an impact on the lives of his fans and listeners. He hopes that his songs can provide them with inspiration and hope to persevere and go after their dreams just like what he did. 

As the insightful man profoundly said, “Music helped me embrace my individuality and my weirdness to express myself without fear of judgment. Music helped me improve myself and try to get healthy. I wanted to build my brand to help others that feel misunderstood, shunned, or ignored.”You can check out Lucas Muñoz’s LinkTree to listen and stream his music or visit his social media accounts.

Dr. Susan Landers Shares Her Life Experience as a Mother and Neonatologist in Memoir So Many Babies

For many women, having a great career while navigating the maze of motherhood seems like a far-fetched—almost impossible—idea. Many women feel they have to give up one dream to achieve the other. Neonatologist Susan Landers shares her engaging memoir, So Many Babies, a chronicle of her three decades’ worth of experience as a neonatologist and a mom of three, proving that having the best of both worlds is achievable.

Dr. Susan Landers is a neonatologist who raised three children while practicing medicine full-time. Spending most of her life within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), she witnessed many changes in neonatal care and high-risk obstetrics, such as artificial surfactant, high frequency ventilation, infertility treatments, and a surge of multiple births. She also witnessed moments of shared joy, love, and friendship between the NICU staff and parents as they worked together to navigate some of the most distressing periods of their sick babies’ lives.

Through her book, Dr. Landers takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions as she shares bittersweet memories of her time in the NICU caring for fragile, sick, preterm babies while also providing psychological support to worried parents. In her interview, she shared that she prefers to be honest with parents, and also to provide gentle encouragement.

“I tell them that this is the most stressful thing that will ever happen to them as a couple and that feeling overwhelmed is understandable. I advise them to be present in the NICU as much as possible, to touch and talk to their baby, to hold their baby skin-to-skin, and to ask a lot of questions,” she said.

Dr. Landers also shared in the book that although her practice greatly influenced her as a wife and mother, she is no superwoman. She shared her experience with a major depressive episode after having a baby at forty years of age. Like all mothers, her children tested her in many different ways throughout the years—the worst of which was an adolescent daughter’s eating disorder. Yet, through it all, she persisted. She found resilience and endurance, taking one step at a time, day by day, and she managed to postpone burnout until later in her career.

Each chapter of the fascinating and critically acclaimed memoir So Many Babies weaves together her motherhood experiences with stories of her professional challenges with a few terminally ill babies and quality improvement initiatives to evaluate clinical practice patterns and unnecessary complications. After a late-career advancement into breastfeeding medicine, she worked as a physician trainer for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is now retired and lives in Austin, TX. Her experience allowed her to gain perspective on her life as a physician and a mother, recognizing each as its virtuous endeavor. She wants to encourage other working mothers to strive to be an effective and caring parent while pursuing a high-stress career.

Since its publication, the book has met with positive reviews, one of which reads, “As a part-time pediatrician and mother, I’ve often struggled to find direct and uncensored mentorship about balancing parenting and navigating practice as a woman. I found Dr. Landers’ book full of excellent anecdotes and ripe with the valuable perspective of a working mother who has seen her children through all sorts of ups and downs.”To learn more about Dr. Susan Landers, MD and her memoir So Many Babies, visit her website. You can also check her on LinkedIn and Instagram.