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- Kendrick Lamar buys $40M LA crib, Texas stock exchange, Travis Kelce starring in "Grotesquerie”, and breakdancing in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
Kendrick Lamar buys $40M LA crib, Texas stock exchange, Travis Kelce starring in "Grotesquerie”, and breakdancing in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
Chris Thompson
June 12, 2024
Welcome back to irl Media NEWS. The only newsletter bringing you the business behind the news, with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
In today’s newsletter we discuss:
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FROM THE EDITOR
Today’s edition was fun to write, because as I was writing it I was thinking about how much fun it’ll be to record for the new irl Media NEWS PODCAST that we’re launching in the next few weeks. More on that as we get closer to the launch date.
We’re also trying to grow our YouTube channel, so if you haven’t already subscribed do us a solid and help us grow our channel, so we can continue to bring you the business behind the news.
And lastly, check out the video below about how Scarlett Johansson stood up against Sam Altman’s OpenAI when they tried to steal her voice. This is a YouTube video I’m pretty excited about, but for whatever reason the YouTube algorithm hasn’t seemed to care. So this is where you come in. If you can watch the video, give it a thumbs up, and share it on your socials then I think together we can change the YouTube algorithm’s mind and make this video successful.
Thanks!
YOUTUBE
Why Scarlett Johansson Doesn't Trust AI
BUSINESS
Are Stock Exchanges Bigger In Texas?
It turns out things really are bigger in Texas, at least if you're Citadel or BlackRock and want to start your own stock exchange.
In a potentially significant development for the financial markets, the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) plans to officially launch by 2026 and compete with the long-established NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
And this isn’t just a small startup being built in someone’s garage. This new stock exchange is being backed by some big time financial powerhouses, including BlackRock and Citadel Securities.
The idea behind the planned launch of the Texas Stock Exchange is rooted in the growing sentiment among some investors and corporations who feel disenfranchised by what they perceive as the increasingly stringent and politically influenced regulations of the traditional stock exchanges. The NASDAQ and NYSE have, in recent years, introduced several rules aimed at promoting diversity and corporate social responsibility. While these rules are well-intentioned, they have been met with resistance from those who view them as overreach. The TXSE presents itself as an alternative that champions free-market principles without the added layer of what some critics call "woke" policies.
Texas has long been a symbol of independence and economic freedom, making it a fitting location for this new exchange. The state's business-friendly environment, coupled with its less restrictive regulatory framework, offers an attractive proposition for companies looking to avoid the more prescriptive measures of other exchanges. This appeal is further enhanced by Texas' robust economy and its status as a hub for various industries, including technology, energy, and healthcare.
The involvement of financial giants like BlackRock and Citadel Securities adds significant credibility to the TXSE. BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, and Citadel Securities, a leading market maker, bring substantial expertise, resources, and investor confidence. Their participation suggests that the TXSE is not just a regional experiment but a serious contender on the national and potentially global stage.
While the TXSE's anticipated launch is generating excitement, it is also raising questions about its potential impact on the existing financial ecosystem. Some analysts believe that the TXSE could siphon off listings from both the NASDAQ and NYSE, particularly from companies that align more closely with its regulatory philosophy.
Think Red states versus Blue states.
However, others argue that the established exchanges have entrenched positions and a level of liquidity and global reach that will be challenging to match.
The TXSE's approach to technology and trading infrastructure will be crucial to its success. Modern stock exchanges rely heavily on advanced technology to ensure fast, efficient, and secure trading. The TXSE is expected to leverage cutting-edge technology to provide a seamless trading experience, potentially incorporating innovations such as blockchain to enhance transparency and reduce transaction costs.
Despite some early optimism surrounding the TXSE, it will face several challenges. Building a new stock exchange from scratch requires significant investment in infrastructure, regulatory approval, and the ability to attract a critical mass of listings and trading volume. Additionally, the TXSE will need to navigate the complexities of market dynamics and investor behavior, which are influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic conditions, political developments, and global financial trends.
The idea of launching the Texas Stock Exchange is intriguing from both an economic and technological perspective, but it remains to be seen whether the TXSE can achieve its ambitious goals. No doubt its development will be watched closely by investors, companies, and regulators alike, offering a fascinating case study in the interplay between regulation, market forces, and innovation in the financial industry.
Rich People Problems
The Super-rich Can Have Their Luxury Vehicles Transported To Them Anywhere In The World
The super-rich don’t just hook their luxury cars up to the back of a U-Haul and transport them across the U.S. by themselves.
Oh no!
They have them shipped using specialized transporters who ensure these prized possessions are moved safely and efficiently around the globe.
The logistics involved in transporting these vehicles are complex and can cost tens of thousands of dollars per trip. Companies specializing in this service use custom containers to protect the cars from damage, climate-controlled environments to prevent weather-related issues, and advanced security measures to guard against theft. Real-time tracking systems are employed to keep car owners updated on their vehicle's journey.
The super-rich have become accustomed to having their own vehicle available to them wherever they go in the world, and plenty of global automotive transport companies have stepped up to serve this growing market.. This practice reflects the super-rich's commitment to maintaining their lifestyle and status, regardless of their location.
ENTERTAINMENT
Travis Kelce To Star In Ryan Murphy's New Horror Series "Grotesquerie"
Travis Kelce, best known for being the Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, is set to expand his horizons with a role in Ryan Murphy's new horror series "Grotesquerie."
While he’s mostly known for his skills on the football field, Travis Kelce has proven his entertainment chops with his weekly podcast show “New Heights with Jason and Travis” that he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce.
This new TV series, created by the prolific Ryan Murphy, promises to be a chilling addition to the horror genre, and Kelce's involvement has generated substantial buzz.
Travis Kelce's transition to acting is not entirely unexpected, given his charismatic presence and previous appearances in reality TV. However, his foray into a genre as intense as horror showcases a different facet of his talents. Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind acclaimed shows like "American Horror Story" and the equally scary world of high school in the TV show "Glee," is known for his ability to draw out compelling performances from his actors, suggesting that Travis Kelce's role in "Grotesquerie" could be a memorable one.
Adding another layer to Travis Kelce's high-profile year is his much-publicized relationship with global pop sensation Taylor Swift. The couple's romance has been a hot topic since they first went public, captivating both sports and music fans alike. Swift, who is no stranger to the limelight, has been spotted supporting Travis Kelce at various football games, further intertwining their celebrity worlds.
The intersection of Travis Kelce’s sports career, burgeoning acting endeavors, and his relationship with Taylor Swift highlights a unique blend of pop culture and sports entertainment. As Kelce takes on this new challenge in "Grotesquerie," fans eagerly await to see how his multifaceted talents will unfold on screen, all while keeping an eye on his ongoing romance with Taylor Swift.
REAL ESTATE
Kendrick Lamar Just Spent $40 Million On A New LA Crib During His Feud With Drake
Kendrick Lamar has just purchased a modern farmhouse style home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles for over $40 million. This 16,200-square-foot estate, located at 1707 Westridge Road in Lower Mandeville Canyon, was previously owned by Viet Dinh, the former chief legal and policy officer at Fox Corporation. Dinh acquired the property in 2019 for $19.5 million.
The estate, designed by Philip Vertoch and built in 2018, features 8 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and a 925-square-foot guest house. It boasts luxurious amenities such as a wine cellar, gym, media room, spa, and an elevator. The farmhouse-style home, made from stone, marble, and reclaimed wood, also offers distant ocean views and includes an outdoor pool.
Kendrick Lamar’s purchase follows his ongoing public feud with fellow rapper Drake, adding a layer of intrigue to this real estate acquisition. The property acquisition also highlights Kendrick Lamar's growing real estate portfolio, which previously included a penthouse in Brooklyn, New York and a home in Bel-Air, California.
Kendrick Lamar, born Kendrick Lamar Duckworth on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California, and is a highly influential figure in hip-hop. Kendrick Lamar's life and career are emblematic of the transformative power of music, rising from the challenging environment of Compton to global stardom. His music, renowned for its lyrical depth and social consciousness, has earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including 14 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Music, making him the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the latter.
Beyond his music, Kendrick Lamar has made significant investments in real estate, reflecting his rise to financial success. Earlier in his hip-hop career, he purchased a modest home In 2014 in Eastvale, California for $523,500. In 2017, Kendrick Lamar made a more substantial investment by acquiring a $2.65 million mansion in Calabasas, California. This luxurious property boasts 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a large swimming pool, and a sprawling backyard, highlighting his elevated status in the industry.
That brings us to the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, which is all anyone can talk about these days in the world of hip-hop. Even your average person on the street is being forced to choose between Team Kendrick or Team Drake.
For the record, I’m Team Kendrick all the way.
The beef can be traced back to Kendrick Lamar's infamous verse on Big Sean's "Control" in 2013. In this verse, Kendrick Lamar called out several rappers by name, including Drake, and declared his ambition to outshine them all. This bold move was perceived as a direct challenge to the rap game, shaking the industry and its fans.
Drake, known for his smooth, emotionally resonant style, and Kendrick Lamar, celebrated for his lyrical complexity and social commentary, represent two distinct approaches to hip-hop. While initially, their relationship seemed friendly—with collaborations like "Poetic Justice"—Kendrick Lamar's verse on "Control" marked a turning point.
The rivalry simmered as both artists took veiled shots at each other in their lyrics. Drake's song "The Language" and Kendrick Lamar's "King Kunta" are often cited as examples where subtle disses are aimed at one another. The tension heightened during the BET Hip-Hop Awards in 2013 when Kendrick Lamar performed his "Control" verse, making his competitive stance clear.
Then Kendrick Lamar restarted the feud with a tweet, and released his comeback track “Euphoria” on April 30, 2024, which was a 6-minute long scathing diatribe calling out Drake for using the N-word, questioning his fashion sense, and his place in hip-hop.
From there things have escalated lyrically, but luckily so far the feud hasn’t taken to the streets like the unfortunate Biggie Smalls/Tupac feud of the 1990’s that resulted in both rappers being shot in separate drive bys.
Though neither Kendrick Lamar nor Drake has explicitly confirmed a deep-seated feud, the undertones in their music suggest a mutual recognition of competition. This rivalry is fueled by their respective fan bases, which are often vocal about their allegiance on social media. The tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake underscores a broader conversation about the direction of hip-hop, pitting mainstream appeal against lyrical prowess.
Despite the rivalry, both artists have shown respect for each other's craft. Their competition has arguably pushed both to elevate their artistry, benefiting the hip-hop community as a whole.
SPORTS
Breakdancers Practice Their Uprocks Ahead Of Their Debut At The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics
As breakdancing gears up for its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, U.S. Olympic hopefuls are refining their skills and preparing for the global stage. Leading the American breakdancers is Logan Edra, known as "Logistx," who has already made a significant mark by winning the 2021 Red Bull BC One World Final. The athletes are excited and motivated, viewing the Olympic inclusion as a validation of their art form and an opportunity to showcase their skills to a broader audience.
Breakdancing, also known as breaking or b-boying, began in the Bronx, New York City, in the early 1970s. It developed as a street dance style within the burgeoning hip-hop culture. DJ Kool Herc, a pivotal figure, helped shape the dance by extending the break section of songs, allowing dancers more time to showcase their moves. Breakdancing combines four main elements: toprock, footwork, freezes, and power moves.
Initially, breakdancing was primarily performed at block parties and social gatherings, serving as a way for youth to express themselves and compete in a non-violent manner. As the dance evolved, it incorporated influences from martial arts, gymnastics, and other dance forms, leading to the development of more complex and physically demanding moves.
The 1980s marked a significant period for breakdancing as it gained mainstream attention. Movies like "Beat Street" and documentaries such as "Style Wars" and "Wild Style" brought breakdancing to a global audience. This exposure led to its spread across the world, influencing diverse cultures and spawning international breakdancing communities.
In the following decades, breakdancing continued to grow, with organized competitions like the Battle of the Year and Red Bull BC One showcasing the talents of dancers from around the globe. The dance form's recognition reached new heights now that it’ll be included in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, reflecting its cultural significance and athletic rigor.
Today, breakdancing remains a dynamic and evolving art form, celebrated for its creativity, athleticism, and cultural impact. It stands as a testament to the power of hip-hop culture and its ability to unite people through dance.
The U.S. Olympic breakdancing team is focusing on both physical preparation and strategy, understanding the need to impress judges who will be scrutinizing every move. Breakers are also addressing the challenge of maintaining the authenticity of street dance culture while adapting to the formalized Olympic setting. The inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics represents a significant milestone, providing an unprecedented platform for the sport and its athletes.
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— Chris Thompson
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