Ab-Soul Dishes Out Key Ingredients To ‘Soul Burger'
On his latest album, Soul Burger, he fuses his talents with the spirit of his close friend and collaborator, the late Armon 'Doe Burger' Stringer, who was killed in December 2021. Through 15 tracks, Ab-Soul ensures his brother's creative legacy lives on.
While sitting backstage before his performance at Red Bull's BC One tournament in Denver, VIBE sat with him and explored the inspirations behind some of the album's stand-out tracks. The Carson native's smile was just as sharp as the fresh braids neatly fashioned on either side of a deep center part. Despite his dark sunglasses, worn due to legal blindness caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome, suggesting a sense of mystique, one thing became clear: Ab-Soul is an open book for those willing not to judge its cover.
For nearly half an hour, the father of two engaged in conversation. We laughed, reflected, hugged, and connected on the unique ingredients that went into Soul Burger, how he prepared for the Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker's Edition with Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, Earl Sweatshirt, and others, and much more.
VIBE: Congrats on the tour. How excited are you for that, and what cities are you most excited to hit?
Ab-Soul: I'm always always excited. I'm always appreciative and always looking forward to going out and touching the people, and actually feeling a response from the projects because it's literally kinetic. It's a really strange energy, and it's so important to me versus just releasing me when I should be chillin. I actually be feeling the energy, so that was very important. I don't have any particular cities that I'm looking forward to, but of course I love New York. I lived in the Bronx for a couple of years. That's where they say Hip-Hop started…That's what I heard. But, yeah, definitely looking forward to it, man. It's a blessing.
With this being The World Famous Soul Burger Tour, can fans expect the album top to bottom? Are you gonna bring some old stuff or new stuff? I'm planning to come to see you in Atlanta. What am I looking forward to when I pull up to this show?
Expect the best, man. Prepare for the worst. The worst meaning I said the craziest. It became crazier and crazier and crazier. You said Atlanta, right? Yeah, you see it? You'll get it later. But you know, I got collabs all over the place.
I've got a tour coming with Wiz Khalifa. We just hit Red Rocks for 4-20. Wiz is really cool, man. Real cool dude.
This is personal because you were gone for a minute, and life was life-ing. But with your last couple of projects, that momentum is coming back. You're outside more. What does the last few years feel like compared to prior years?
To be perfectly honest with you, at this point in my life, it's kinda like second nature. Like I said, man, I'm just grateful to still be alive, man. As you know, I done been through some sh*t. I've lost some important people to me. Like you said, life, lifing and all that. But Hip-Hop definitely keeps me going. It gives me purpose. To get up and keep trying and keep doing it and trying to be of service. Because no matter what I'm going through, I know somebody else is going through that. Going through something similar or worse. And if I can get up and keep going, then so can they. So I think that's the best way I could put that.
I want to talk a little bit about some of the songs on Can you talk about some of the collaborations on the album and how some of these tracks came to be?
The first one that comes to mind is '9 Mile.' That was very therapeutic for me. I wanted the album to come off sounding like Belly. The beat switch with the Eight Mile aesthetic was magical. It just happened. And that's how I like to let it happen organically. Come to find out, it's a Soul II Soul sample. Didn't think about that. And the song was about a near-death experience, and the album actually dropped on the same day as Eight Mile. [everyone laughs]
That was planned.
Absolutely not. I'm just a vessel. I'm like, it's not my fault. It was written… That's one of those that's one of those joints that just give me confidence or even faith in knowing that everything is as it should be. So it leads to 'California Dream.'
Ninth Wonder, one of my favorite producers of all time. For sure. Shout out to the big homie. Hearing Vince [Staples] over Ninth Wonder was just crazy to me. Not that you haven't heard him over soul samples or anything like that, but that was just like a dope aesthetic for me personally. And he delivered as he does. And that was dope.
The story behind 'Crazier' is that it was actually JID's record first. He asked me to get on it. Now what happened was, and shout out to the homie, Kal Banx. What happened was, Kal, I guess, just over time, I guess there was some kind of miscommunication, and he sold the beat to someone else. So JID's like, 'What's up with your man ?' [Ab-Soul impersonates JID].
So some time had passed, and then JID sent me another record to get on. JID, he goes so crazy, man. Shout out to the homie. The song he sent me didn't even need a feature on it. It was like, 'Yo, you sure you want me to rap on this as well?' He's like 'Yeah man, trust me.' So, I'm like, 'All right. Well, listen. If I do this, man, you gotta let me have Crazier.'
He's like, 'Alright, say nothing.' And then sure enough, I link up with Kal later on down the line, and he played me this 'Crazier' beat. We recreated it, extended it, and just made it Crazier. So that's the story there. The beat was called 'Pakistan.' I be paying attention. You gotta pay attention to the producers too. You gotta pay attention to how they label their stuff too. Sometimes they'd be spot on. That's a crazy story. Funny thing.
Are we getting a music video for it?
We thought about it. It could still happen. You know what I'm saying? And I believe I'm on his upcoming album as well. So look out for that. Anything could happen.
My favorite song from the album at the moment is 'Saudi Sweats.' What was your creative inspiration or your motivations behind that one?
It's actually very simple. 'Saudi Sweats' is actually… Because Soul Burger is not me. It's a fusion of me and my brother, Doe Burger. And one of our favorite artists is this kid Asaad. One of his nicknames is Saudi. He's into fashion, he's a designer. And he has these dope sweats. I still ain't even got me none. I need to get me some. They're like a stack a pair, man. Get your money out [laughs]. So he's just amazing. I really encourage everyone to check him out. And he's a real hidden gem, I think, by choice. He likes to be a rarity. The last album we listened to was his album New Black History Month. That was the last album that we listened to together before he passed. And so it was important for me to channel Saudi.
You 'stealing Saudi Money's whole flow.'
That wasn't even me. Shoutout to Saudi. You know the movie The Pursuit of Happyness?
I like how he pointed out the fact… He was talking about how it's life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Because happiness is not tangible. It's not something that you can hold in your hand. It's fleeting. And so you have to just have to enjoy your moments of happiness or peace with these things because they're momentous. You can't appreciate happiness without the journey. So anyway. I think I heard my auntie say, 'I ain't got time to be happy.' I think I actually got that from my auntie. 'I ain't got time to be happy right now. I gotta make you happy.' And it stuck with me.
It stuck with me, too.
See what I'm saying? You just got to… You can't chase it. You gotta appreciate it when it happens.
Can you tell me a little bit about that 'All That' With JasonMartin and Thirsty P?
It was very organic. I was in the studio. Lately, because I've been known to be so cerebral. I'm like Jackson Pollock right now, man. I just throw paint, and let it fall where it may, versus trying to be so meticulous, so specific, so calculated. I just really try to express myself in the most organic way. I don't even pick beats no more. I let the homies pick them for me. I tell all my guys, 'Yo, just send me three or four beats you need to hear me on.' Don't overwhelm me and send me 30 beats. I'm gonna get an aneurysm. Send me three or four joints that you need to hear me on. No. I don't have a vibe. No, I'm not on anything. I'm trying to find it. Help me.'
And that was one of the joints my man Rascal sent me. I think he collaborated with Tae Beast on that one. I just went in there, just did my two-step on it, and it just sounded crazy. I think [my tour manager] Matt [Miller] walked in like, 'See, this is what I'm talking about. We need more beats like this. This is the sh*t that's gonna work, man if you're trynna win.'
I think it is more so just about not thinking. It tends to happen when I stop thinking. I think even Jason said that when you start thinking, that's when you're forcing music. You're not even supposed to think. It's supposed to just happen. Quincy Jones said, 'Melody is the voice of God.' Find the melody, find the flavor, find that. And let the words or the poetry or the bars fall where they may. And I think that's the most important thing to me right now.
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USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
Attempted murder charge. Bankruptcy. Music. The bizarre post-NFL life of Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown sat by the pool one night earlier this month as rows of multi-colored jewels flashed on the screen in front of him. "Let's win some money, guys," he said into the camera. For nearly 90 minutes, the man who was once the NFL's most dominant and enigmatic wide receiver hawked promo codes for an offshore gambling website while a livestream audience of a few dozen people watched him play online slots. One fan in the stream's chatroom told Brown they were praying for him. He smiled. "I can't let them take me out," Brown said with a laugh. "... Nah. AB snuck out the back door." The context was unspoken but clear. A little less than three weeks earlier, Brown had flown to the Middle East after authorities in Miami-Dade County charged him with attempted second-degree murder. According to a copy of the arrest warrant obtained by USA TODAY Sports, he allegedly grabbed a security guard's gun and fired two shots at an acquaintance outside an amateur boxing event May 16. Brown, 37, described the charge as "fake" in a post on social media but has a warrant out for his arrest − the latest twist in what has been a tumultuous three-year stretch since he last played professional football. After removing his jersey and walking off the field midway through a game in January 2022, Brown has attempted to reinvent himself as a musician, entrepreneur and crude-humored influencer on social media. He has recorded songs with well-known rappers, and briefly owned an arena football team. But he has also faced a consistent string of legal issues, including criminal charges, lawsuits alleging unpaid bills and, most recently, Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings. According to court records, the former wideout could soon be forced to sell two of his Florida homes to repay more than $3.5 million in debt. He has publicly estimated that he made more than $100 million during his NFL career. "Yeah, I'm (expletive) up," he said with a smile, when asked about the bankruptcy proceedings on "The Pivot" podcast last summer. "I just can't comply with debts. ... I'm not broke, but I'm fractured." Brown did not reply to interview requests sent via e-mail and social media. USA TODAY Sports also contacted 15 people who were or are in the former NFL star's orbit, including family members, current and former attorneys, business associates and former teammates. All of them either did not respond to messages or declined to comment on Brown. One associate requested compensation in exchange for an interview, which violates USA TODAY's code of ethics. In social media posts, livestreams and podcast interviews, however, the man commonly known as "AB" has offered frequent, if incomplete, glimpses into his life and mindset after football. "The first rule of life is self-preservation," Brown said on the "Assets Over Liabilities" podcast less than a year after his retirement from the NFL. "You've got to take care of yourself first. If you ain't self-sufficient, you can't really take care of no one else." A once great NFL career sputters In many ways, Brown's first three years outside of professional football have been a continuation of his last three years within it. After making seven Pro Bowls in nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Miami native was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019 and his career began to sputter. He bounced between three teams in three years, while also facing multiple league suspensions and lawsuits — including separate claims that he sexually assaulted a former trainer and assaulted a moving truck driver. (Brown settled the lawsuit filed by the trainer, which included an allegation of rape that he denied, and lost a $1.2 million judgment to the truck driver.) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Brown after he left the field midway through the penultimate game of the 2021 season. And although he didn't immediately announce his retirement, his focus began to shift. Brown was announced as the president of Donda Sports, the sports arm of a company founded by controversial musician Ye. He released rap songs under the name "AB," including one track featuring prominent rapper Young Thug. And he traveled to Dubai and hung out with Floyd Mayweather ahead of one of the boxer's fights. Later that summer, Brown signed a record deal with Secure The Bag (STB) Entertainment, which gave him a $150,000 advance and arranged for him to perform at a hip-hop music festival called Rolling Loud. But the relationship quickly soured when he sent the company an invoice for $178,000 after returning from the festival, which STB Entertainment refused to pay, according to a lawsuit later filed by the company. Brown stopped returning messages from STB Entertainment's owner, Ryan Kane, and began publicly distancing himself from the company with which he had signed a distribution contract, according to court records. "I don't got a deal with nobody, man," Brown said on "Assets Over Liabilities" that fall, when asked about rumors he had secured a different record deal. "I own myself." It wasn't just the lawsuit, however, that defined Brown's first fall since leaving the NFL. In October, the New York Post published video of Brown exposing himself to a woman at a hotel pool in Dubai. (He dismissed the footage in a social-media post as "disinformation.") He also faced a misdemeanor battery charge for allegedly throwing a shoe at a woman while attempting to evict her from a house in Tampa. She later declined to press charges. USA TODAY Sports does not identify the victims of alleged domestic violence without their permission. After football, Brown faces numerous lawsuits Brown has been party to at least 10 lawsuits since retiring from the NFL, according to USA TODAY Sports research. Some alleged that he broke contracts, did not repay bills and did not return lucrative pieces of jewelry. One civil case claims Brown sold the plaintiff — Kane, the STB Entertainment head — a fake Richard Mille watch for $160,000. Kane's attorney did not provide answers to written questions about his interactions with Brown. Brown has also filed several legal complaints himself — some of which cited esoteric legal statutes and appear to have been drafted without the help of a lawyer. After Tampa police responded to the domestic incident in Tampa in late 2022, for example, Brown filed a document accusing officers of trespassing and seeking $68 million in damages from Hillsborough County. One year later, he filed a 65-page complaint in federal court against 11 different entities, including lawyers and a state judge, after he was arrested for failing to pay child support. Brown − who, according to the 2018 Steelers' media guide, was born in Miami − identified himself in the document as "a foreign national by birth but not a citizen of the United States. He alleged, among other things, violations of the 1886 Civil Rights Act. The case was swiftly dismissed by a judge, who called it "a quintessential shotgun pleading." While juggling various legal claims, Brown has also remained in the public eye. In March 2023, he was introduced as a new co-owner of the Albany Empire, a National Arena League football team for which his father, Eddie "Touchdown" Brown, had previously been a star player. Within three months, the Empire was booted from the league because it said Brown failed to pay league membership fees and fines. Game checks for players also went unpaid, according to The Albany Times-Union. "I feel like this was his plan all along," Empire wide receiver Fabian Guerra told the newspaper. "I feel like he does stuff for social media and to sell his songs. I think it's just what he does. That's the type of guy he is. No one trusts him anymore." 'People don't understand' Since retiring, Brown has been a frequent guest on podcasts and TV shows, sitting for lengthy interviews in which he's discussed his music career, his stance on social media and his hopes of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027. During an appearance on "The Pivot" podcast last summer, Brown said he meets with a therapist to talk about trauma from his football career. When co-host Fred Taylor said there are people who are concerned about him, Brown interjected. "I just feel like people don't understand," he said. "It's always when people don't understand, you're crazy. Or you're not from where I'm from, so you don't get to understand it." Brown has talked openly and repeatedly about chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the neurodegenerative brain disease more commonly known as CTE. He has also posted videos and conducted interviews for a self-described sports outlet that he's dubbed "CTESPN" — a crude combination of the popular sports network and the disease that has been found in the brains of deceased NFL players. It was on CTESPN's social media accounts that he announced in May 2024 he had filed for bankruptcy − alongside a video clip featuring a comedic moment from "The Office." In initial court filings, Brown claimed to have less than $50,000 in assets. But that figure has changed drastically in subsequent filings, as he included or revealed additional assets technically owned by trusts or corporate entities he controls. Creditors and the trustee assigned to the case have criticized Brown for the financial mixups and his conduct in court − including a March hearing that he asked to postpone because he said he was dealing with an unspecified medical issue. "The Debtor, however, was not in poor health," the U.S. trustee later wrote in a court filing. "In fact, the Debtor participated as an invited guest on The Joe Rogan Experience (a podcast) for 98 minutes the very next day." Brown's first bankruptcy attorney has since resigned and his case has been converted to Chapter 7 − a form of bankruptcy in which the court can seize assets and garnish wages to repay creditors. (His current bankruptcy attorney, Chad Van Horn, declined comment.) According to court records obtained by USA TODAY Sports, the trustee in Brown's case is in the process of selling two of his homes, and also asking a judge to force him to provide accurate financial data to the court. The next hearing in the case is July 24. Andrew Dawson, a professor of bankruptcy law at the University of Miami, said the bankruptcy proceedings are actually protecting Brown by pausing any lawsuits filed against him and preventing new suits from being filed. But disobeying court orders could, in theory, prompt a judge to throw out the case. "If he loses the protection, in some ways, he might be worse off," Dawson said. "Now, creditors are actually aware that, wow, he owes a lot of money to a lot of people, and there may be some property we didn't know. It leads to what we sort of call the proverbial race to the courthouse. Everyone wants to go and file their claim." Brown apparently in United Arab Emirates One will find little evidence of Brown's financial issues on his social media feeds, where he portrays himself as living the same luxurious lifestyle he led when he was in the NFL. Since arriving in the Middle East nearly six weeks ago, he has posted images of sprawling marble floors and flashy sports cars. He celebrated his 37th birthday on a yacht with several of his children. On June 26, he posted a screenshot on X of an account balance exceeding $24 million. "Bankrupt over," he wrote in part of the caption. Tamara Lave, a former public defender and law professor at the University of Miami, said the frequent social media posts could complicate Brown's bankruptcy claims because they could be later used against him in court. "I think silence would be a virtue for him, right now," she said. Brown also is still wanted by the state of Florida after he allegedly fired two gunshots at Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, 41, during the May 16 incident in Miami. According to the arrest warrant, the shots came after a physical altercation between Brown and Nantambu, who previously sued the former NFL wide receiver, won a judgment of nearly $1 million from a jury and is now among the creditors named in Brown's bankruptcy case. Miami police have repeatedly declined to answer questions about the warrant or Brown's case, citing "an open active investigation." And it is unclear whether they, or the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office, are aware of Brown's whereabouts or have been in contact with him or his attorney. At least as of July 23, Brown appeared to be living in the United Arab Emirates, according to social media posts. Lave said that would mean he could only be taken into custody in one of two ways: If he returned to the United States, where he would likely be detained by Customs and Border Protection, or if the U.S. asked the UAE to extradite him. "I think it's more a geopolitical question − what the UAE would want to do in terms of the relationship with our president," Lave said. Brown campaigned for President Donald Trump and spoke at one of his rallies last fall. Online, at least, Brown remains relatively easy to find. He has 2.5 million followers on X, where many of his posts include racist, homophobic or otherwise vulgar language. He has also hosted multiple livestreams in what appears to be an attempt to drum up interest for a Belize-based gambling company, During one such stream, which is no longer archived online, Brown balked at the suggestion from a commenter that he was "hiding out" in the Middle East. "I'm here full-time," he said. "We're not hiding." Contact Tom Schad at tschad@ or on social media @


New York Post
14 hours ago
- New York Post
All 2025 Atlantic City Hard Rock concerts: See Earth Wind and Fire, Yes
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. The lively gambling, fine food, classy rooms, luxurious pool, state-of-the-art gym and nearby beach and boardwalk aren't the only exciting attractions at Atlantic City's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. While one theoretically could visit the massive resort for any one of those amenities and be satisfied, they'd be missing the granddaddy of them all when it comes to the Hard Rock: the music. Everywhere you look here, it's about the music. From the entrance where visitors are bombarded by high-energy live bands to the walls lined with gaudy wardrobes from rock, pop and Hip-Hop legends, this is clearly a place that loves artists and all they represent. This sentiment is reflected in the eclectic acts the venue books for their two mammoth event spaces, the 7,000-seat Etess Arena and 1,368-seat Sound Waves. Etess brings in a mix of 20th century icons (Earth Wind and Fire, Yes, Steve Winwood, Toto, Foreigner) along with modern contemporaries (Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff, Train, Khalid, Seether) and inspired choices (DJ Cassidy's Pass The Mic concert with rap's best and brightest from yesterday looks a consensus fan favorite) to cater to audiences of classic rock, R&B, folk, country, Hip-Hop, reggae and alternative metal. In the smaller space, Sound Waves hosts biggies like The Temptations with The Four Tops as well as Led Zeppelin and Queen tribute acts along with Bollywood stars. That's not to mention all the comedy shows, magicians, jiu-jitsu matches or the monthly Garden State Live series highlighting the best New Jersey has to offer. They're really got something for everyone, regardless of whether or not you're also all about the music. Sound like a good time? If so, our team mapped out the Etess Arena and Sound Waves Theater's complete 2025 event calendars to help you find the show just for you. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 2025 calendar CFFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 14 Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. Sound Waves An adrenaline-pumping night showcasing some of the best regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes. Sam Hunt Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The country superstar will be joined by special guest Austin Williams. CFFC Next Gen 1 Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Sound Waves An adrenaline-fueled night of mixed martial arts action featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world. Chicago Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Known for their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, expect hits like 'If You Leave Me Now,' 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry,' and '25 or 6 to 4.' Chicago Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Etess Arena Known for their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, expect hits like 'If You Leave Me Now,' 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry,' and '25 or 6 to 4.' Toto Friday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The '80s chart-toppers will be joined by Men at Work, and Christopher Cross. Magic Rocks Saturday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. Sound Waves Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular. Dark Star Orchestra Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The Grateful Dead tribute act continues the band builds their live show using the Dead's extensive catalog as a launching pad. Magic Rocks Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular. David Lee Roth Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The former Van Halen frontman is known for hits like 'Jump,' 'Panama,' 'Hot for Teacher,' and 'Runnin' with the Devil.' Garden State Live Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Low Cut Connie and Isn't It Always. The Avett Brothers Saturday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The Grammy-nominated folk-rockers deliver soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems. Train Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The multi-platinum rock band will be joined by '90s legend Edwin McCain. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The soulful night rock 'n' rollers headline; indie rocker Kevin Morby is the support act. Jamie Lever Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 p.m. Sound Waves A popular Indian actress and comedian known for 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon,' 'Housefull 4' and Bhoot Police. DJ Cassidy's Pass The Mic Live Sunday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Black Sheep, Buckshot of Blackmoon, CL Smooth, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Milk Dee of Audio Two, M.O.P., Nice & Smooth, Onyx, Smif-N-Wessun, Reggae legend Supercat, and Treach of Naughty Nature. Disco Night Fever Mania Saturday, Aug. 23 at 3 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, Barry White and Tina Turner tribute performances. Disco Night Fever Mania Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, Barry White and Tina Turner tribute performances. Cage Fury Fighting Championships 145 Saturday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world, Cage Fury promises non-stop action, thrilling knockouts, and hard-hitting submission holds. Purva Mantri Saturday, Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m. Sound Waves Known for her fusion of pop, Bollywood, and indie sounds, her show blends music, dance and vibrant visuals. Garden State Live Friday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring emerging NJ blues artists Billy Walton, Twisted Livin, and Debra Devi Old Dominion Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. Etess Arena The country chart-toppers will be joined by special guests Ernest and Redferrin. Buju Banton Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The reggae legend headlines alongside special guest Jesse Royal. Get The Led Out – A tribute to Led Zeppelin Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Experience the energy and passion as the band recreates Led Zeppelin's timeless classics. The Atlantic City Jazz Fest Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Gerald Albright along with support from Pieces of a Dream and Rebecca Jade. I Love The 90s Tour Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Rob Base, Young MC, and Joe Denim. Staind Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The multiplatinum rock band performs with special guest Lakeview. God Save the Queen – A tribute to Queen Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage. Los Angeles Azules Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Experience the energy of cumbia sonidera as the group performs 'Cómo Te Voy a Olvidar,' 'Mis Sentimientos' and 'Nunca Es Suficiente.' God Save the Queen – A tribute to Queen Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage. Steve Winwood Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Enjoy the Rock Hall of Famer's hits from his days with Traffic, Blind Faith, and Spencer Davis Group to his solo classics like 'Higher Love,' 'Back in the High Life Again' and 'Roll With It.' Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Awards and Induction Ceremony Saturday, Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. Sound Waves Experience an unforgettable evening featuring legendary inductees, exclusive memorabilia, and a deep dive into Atlantic City's rich boxing heritage. Seether and Daughtry Friday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Etess Arena The rock powerhouses will be accompanied by special guests P.O.D. and Kami Keho. Garden State Live Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Emerging NJ pop rock artists take the stage featuring Destinee, Red, and The Grip Weeds. Yes Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The prog rockers will play their 1971 album 'Fragile' in its entirety. Foreigner Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Expect chart-topping ballads 'I Want to Know What Love Is' and 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' as well as high-energy rock anthems like 'Juke Box Hero' and 'Hot Blooded.' My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves In this new installment of the two-decade-long saga, Anthony Pinnunziato sells his billion-dollar company, 'Body Body,' and ventures into the casino world, opening Pinnunziato Palace, the first-ever gay and lesbian casino in Atlantic City. While the grand opening sparks excitement, unexpected challenges, wild love triangles, and over-the-top characters shake things up in true Wilkinson fashion. *21+ event. Foreigner Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Expect chart-topping ballads 'I Want to Know What Love Is' and 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' as well as high-energy rock anthems like 'Juke Box Hero' and 'Hot Blooded.' My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves In this new installment of the two-decade-long saga, Anthony Pinnunziato sells his billion-dollar company, 'Body Body,' and ventures into the casino world, opening Pinnunziato Palace, the first-ever gay and lesbian casino in Atlantic City. While the grand opening sparks excitement, unexpected challenges, wild love triangles, and over-the-top characters shake things up in true Wilkinson fashion. *21+ event. Khalid Friday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m. Etess Arena The R&B/pop star is known for smash hits like Talk, Location, and Better. Dance Now America Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring Haddaway, Corona, Real McCoy, Jenny Berggren of Ace of Base, La Bouche, Daisy Dee of Technotronic, Crystal Waters, Cece Peniston, No Mercy, Ultra Naté, Jocelyn Enriquez, and Turbo B of Snap. Abhijeet Bhattacharya Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia as legendary Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya performs timeless hits from classic films like 'Yes Boss,' 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari,' 'Baadshah' and 'Chalte Chalte.' Air Supply Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The duo will celebrate their 50th anniversary with timeless love songs and soft rock classics. Warren Zeiders Friday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The high-energy country music star will be joined by special guest and 'American Idol' winner Chayce Beckham. Freestyle Free For All Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring TKA, George Lamond, Noel, and C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams. Garden State Live Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring emerging NJ country artists Megan Knight, Holdyn, Barder, and Kenny Curcio. Nek Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves One of Italy's most iconic voices, he's known for timeless hits like 'Laura no está', 'Se io non avessi te' and 'Lascia che io sia.' Willie Colon Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The tropical music superstar is bringing along special guests Héctor Acosta 'El Torito' and Tomo Rosario. Earth Wind and Fire Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The funky R&B heroes are known for 'Let's Groove,' 'September' and many other party-starting hits. Vic Dibitetto Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves A comedian known for his hilarious observations and larger-than-life personality. Earth Wind and Fire Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The funky R&B heroes are known for 'Let's Groove,' 'September' and many other party-starting hits. The Temptations and Four Tops Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves The Temptations deliver hits like 'My Girl,' and 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg' while The Four Tops take 'Reach Out I'll Be There' and 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)' to the stage. Garden State Live Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Emerging singer-songwriters featuring Max Davey, Maddie Hogan, and Camille K This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change

Miami Herald
16 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Popular water brand taking on Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius
Walk into any gas station or grocery store and the energy drink shelf almost glows. Red Bull, Monster, and Celsius dominate with bold cans, big promises, and even bigger caffeine counts. The category's become synonymous with intensity - both in branding and formulation. But with that dominance comes fatigue. For every ultra-energized gym rat, there's a consumer who wants a lift without the jitters - or a flavor that doesn't taste like battery acid. That disconnect created space. Related: These clean food brands are rightfully challenging the FDA And now one of the most disruptive beverage brands of the last five years sees an opportunity to shake things up. This company made its name with tallboy cans of water disguised as beer. It exploded online with edgy marketing, earned shelf space in major retailers, and built a surprisingly loyal base across Gen Z and Millennials. Now, it's betting that same formula: humor, health, and a little rebellion. That mix could help it punch through a market ruled by caffeinated giants. Its plan? Launch a new energy drink that dials everything down. Because when the entire industry screams, sometimes the smartest move is to whisper. Image source: ZikG/Shutterstock According to Food Dive, Liquid Death is entering the $23 billion U.S. energy drink industry with a bold yet counterintuitive strategy: less is more. Its new line, Liquid Death Sparkling Energy, will roll out in 2025 across four flavors: Tropical Terror, Scary Strawberry, Orange Horror, and Murder Mystery. Each can contains just 100 milligrams of caffeine, roughly half of what's standard for competitors like Celsius and Monster. That's not a mistake. It's the hook. The brand says many energy drinks have "gone overboard," citing the rise of 200+ milligram offerings that can leave consumers wired and crashing. Related: Heinz announces a genius new product fans will love Liquid Death is positioning itself as the balanced energy option. One that energizes without overwhelming. The drink is also sweetened with stevia and allulose (not sugar, aspartame, or erythritol), and includes naturally sourced caffeine from coffee beans, plus vitamins B12 and C. This marks the brand's fourth category expansion after water, iced tea, and flavored sparkling water. And it's well-timed: Liquid Death reported $303 million in scanned sales over the past year, a 63% increase year-over-year. With energy drinks already the No. 1 item purchased alongside its products, the brand sees massive upside and a ready-made customer base. Liquid Death isn't just launching another new drink. It's making a play to shift consumer expectations. Where most energy brands compete on more, Liquid Death is zagging toward less. Less sugar. Less crash. Less pressure to live like a high-performance influencer. It's a positioning move designed to resonate with health-conscious Millennials and Gen Z shoppers who've already made Liquid Death a viral success in other categories. Celsius, Red Bull, and Monster still dominate, but they face a potential blind spot: none offers a mainstream product that balances natural caffeine, clean ingredients, and low stimulation in the same irreverent, on-brand package. More in Retail: Why the latest Messi Stanley collab is smarter than it looksNike eliminating some classic sneaker modelsLululemon's pricing change sends an ominous sign Even a 1% share of the U.S. energy drink market could represent over $200 million in new revenue. For a company that built a business off canned water and attitude, it's a calculated leap - and one that could pay off quickly. Liquid Death already sells in major retailers like Target and Walmart, and its appeal goes beyond novelty. If the energy line lands, it could become more than a niche challenger. It could become the anti-Monster. And that might be its greatest strength yet. Related: Forget the ice cream man, try this healthy take on a summer treat The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.