Hip-Hop Legend Doug E. Fresh Drops a Beat to Support Redesign of McCormick® Herbs & Spices

An Exclusive Song by “The World’s Greatest Entertainer, The Original Human Beatbox,” Doug E. Fresh is Celebrating the Brand’s First Bottle Redesign in Nearly 40 Years and the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Hip-Hop icon and beatboxing pioneer Doug E. Fresh and the McCormick® brand today released an original song and accompanying music video to celebrate two milestones – the brand’s first bottle redesign in nearly 40 years and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. A Hip-Hop Hall of Fame inductee and BET Hip-Hop Awards Icon honoree, Fresh delivers an original song featuring bold, sizzling beats in the kitchen, the pop of the new SnapTight™ lid snapping, along with lyrics to savor.

“I’m back in the kitchen, cooking up some hot new sounds to introduce McCormick’s new red caps, which are designed to keep flavor fresh, like me,” said hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh. “I’ve used McCormick seasonings for as long as I can remember and I’m excited to collaborate with the brand to add some of my flavor using their iconic herbs and spices. Music and cooking are two of my biggest passions and this partnership allows me to explore both while having some fun.”

In addition to releasing the new song, Fresh will be leading a one-of-a-kind cooking class for local New York consumers on the early evening of Thursday, September 14, 2023. Selected guests will have the opportunity to taste the fresh flavor of McCormick® seasonings and cook alongside a musical icon, before enjoying their finished dishes. To enter the official sweepstakes to attend the free cooking class, click HERE and view official rules HERE. The sweepstakes opens today and ends on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. with limited spots available through a random draw.

Fresh will be sharing his savory version of Spiced Cod with Mashed Plantains, and leading class participants through the recipe. The dish is a medley of mashed plantains with a touch of coconut milk to complement the cod fillets, which are rubbed with a blend of garlic powder, thyme, crushed red pepper, and more. The fish is then seared to perfection to form a gorgeous, bold crust.

“It’s a privilege to be partnering with such a cultural pioneer, during this milestone year for the hip-hop community,” said Giovanna DiLegge, Vice President Marketing, NA Consumer at McCormick. “An innovator in the studio and in the kitchen, we watched as Doug E. Fresh transformed into Doug E. Chef for his popular cooking videos on Instagram and are excited to deliver his mouth-watering recipe and original sounds for our own landmark year.”

Earlier this year, for the first time in almost 40 years, McCormick launched a brand-new design of its core red cap-branded products. The new bottles are now available nationwide on retail shelves and feature an easy-to-find best by date and the new proprietary SnapTight™ lids that audibly seal for long lasting fresh flavor of the most essential herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and crushed red pepper.

Media: Music lovers and flavor fanatics alike can watch Doug E. Fresh’s music video HERE. To download high-resolution images of Doug E. Fresh’s recipe and of him cooking, and the redesigned bottles, please click HERE.

About McCormick
McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 170 countries and territories, we manufacture, market and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce channels, grocery, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands include McCormick, French’s, Frank’s RedHot, Stubb’s, OLD BAY, Lawry’s, Zatarain’s, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick.

Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland USA, McCormick is guided by our principles and committed to our Purpose – To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor. McCormick envisions A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable, and delicious go hand in hand. To learn more, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com or follow McCormick & Company on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Contacts
Margaret Nam
McCormick & Company
Margaret_Nam@McCormick.com

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
spices@ssmandl.com

SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.

Travis Porter Signs Exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency

June 26, 2023 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce that Atlanta hip-hop trio Travis Porter has signed exclusively to UAA, with Adam Zagor acting as Responsible Agent.

 

This Friday, June 30, Travis Porter will release the lead single from their forthcoming LP titled “Streets R US.” The single, “Big God,” will feature longtime collaborator Waka Flocka Flame. Recently, Travis Porter has also been a mainstay on the “Millennium Tour: Turned Up Edition,” where the trio has performed their club hits alongside other popular hit makers of the era, including Bow Wow, Ying Yang Twins, and Bobby V.

 

Speaking on Travis Porter signing exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency, Adam Zagor said: “I am really excited to work more closely with Travis Porter. I believe Travis Porter are only scratching the surface of their full potential, and I look forward to helping grow their careers.”

 

Travis Porter are best known for their hit singles “Bring It Back” and “Make It Rain,” along with a prolific string of mixtapes, including “Who Is Travis Porter?” Travis Porter has also frequently collaborated with Waka Flocka Flame and made guest appearances on projects from numerous high-profile southern hip-hop artists, such as Future, Gucci Mane, and Juicy J.

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. 

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today.  To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

 

Jackson Stone Promoted to Agent at Universal Attractions Agency

May 30, 2023, New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce the promotion of Jackson Stone to agent based out of the New York office. Jackson will represent Universal Attractions as the East Coast small-capacity (1,500 and under) agent. Prior to his promotion, Jackson was an assistant at UAA to three senior agents.

At Universal Attractions, Jackson works with the acclaimed neo-soul artist Bilal and is Co-RA to Rob Base with agency owner Jeff Epstein. 

On the promotion to agent, Jeff Epstein said: “Jackson is a shining star at UAA; through his time as an assistant, he has been tenacious, dedicated, and consistent. We are confident that Jackson will continue to excel as he represents Universal Attractions as our new East Coast  small-capacity agent.” 

Jackson Stone initially joined Universal Attractions in July 2022, joining the agency shortly after receiving his bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Michigan. Throughout his college years, Jackson began consistently attending concerts and live music events, where he discovered his passion to pursue a career in the music industry.

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. 

UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today.  To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

“I Love the 90’s Tour,” headlined by Vanilla Ice and featuring Treach, Mark McGrath, Tone Loc, Rob Base, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Young MC & more, kicks off May 13

New York, NY (May 4, 2023)–Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) announces the seventh summer “I Love the ‘90s Tour,” headlined by Vanilla Ice, and featuring top hitmakers of the 90’s decade including Treach of Naughty By Nature, Tone Loc, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Rob Base, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Young MC, Blackstreet, Kid N Play, Montell Jordan, Sugarhill Gang, DJ Jazzy Jeff, C+C Music Factory Featuring Freedom Williams, Tag Team, 2 Live Crew, DJ Kool, and Young MC.  The 23-city U.S. and Canadian tour will include a rotating lineup, kicking off at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT on May 13.  All U.S. dates will be presented by SiriusXM’s ‘90s on 9.

 “I Love The ‘90s Tour,” this year’s arena-sized dance party, will bring the era’s biggest stars to such cities as Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and more, where fans can expect to hear such mega-hits as “Ice, Ice Baby,” “O.P.P,” “I Wanna Sex You Up,” “Funky Cold Medina,” “It Takes Two,” “I Swear,” and “This Is How We Do It.”  Since the tour’s inception, the ongoing, revolving lineup of ‘90s icons performing the era’s biggest hits has sold millions of tickets, selling out amphitheaters and arenas nationwide. 

 Says Jeff Epstein of Universal Attractions Agency (UAA), also co-owner and co-architect of the tour, “We started this seven years ago, and the fans just want more and more.  We are happy to deliver! Thank you to all of the promoters who keep presenting the tour and all the fans who continue to support it!” 

 The blockbuster throwback tour originally launched in 2016, and was “an instant hit,” according to Rolling Stone. With more than 325 tour dates since its launch, it continues to be a fan favorite time and time again, landing it on Pollstar’s “Top-Grossing Tours” list ahead of some of today’s biggest acts, in its inaugural tour. Says E! Online, “Whether you are a ’90s kid that wants to relive the music of your youth or a music junkie that wants to experience the iconic era, this … immersive dance party is the perfect event for you.”

 To purchase tickets for the tour, visit www.ilovethe90stour.com;  For official tour merchandise and fax experiences visit www.90smerch.com

“I LOVE THE 90’S” – 2023 TOUR DATES (check local listings for artist lineups):

5/13/23        Mohegan Sun                                                     Uncasville, CT

5/26/23        SOAK Pool at Palms Casino Resort                 Las Vegas, NV       

5/27/23        Los Angeles County Fair                                   Pomona, CA

6/2/23          The Mill                                                               Terre Haute, IN

6/2/23          The Grand Casino Hinckley                               Hinckley, MN

6/3/23          The Grand Casino Hinckley                                Hinckley, MN

6/10/23        Fraze Pavilion                                                        Kettering, OH

6/16/23        Abbotsford Centre                                                Abbotsford, BC

6/17/23        Seven Feathers Casino                                         Canyonville, OR

6/24/23        Mari Showroom at Paragon Casino Resort         Marksville, LA

7/6/23          The Cove at River Spirit Casino                                 Tulsa, OK

7/7/23          The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory                        Irving, TX

7/8/23          Concrete Street Amphitheater, Pavilion Stage           Corpus Christi, TX

7/15/23        Plymouth Motor Speedway                                        Plymouth, IN

7/21/23        Ocean Casino                                                              Atlantic City, NJ

7/22/23        Delaware State Fair                                                     Harrington, DE

7/25/23        Explore Edmonton, K-Days Main Stage                  Edmonton, AB

7/28/23        Grey Eagle Event Center                                           Calgary, AB

7/29/23        Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede                  Medicine Hat, AB

8/4/23          Liberty Bank Amphitheater                                        Alton, IL 

8/25/23        Guaranteed Rate Field                                               Chicago, IL

8/31/23        Oregon State Fair                                                        Salem, OR

9/23/23        Bloomsburg Fair                                                         Bloomsburg, PA

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent legendary artists and contemporary entertainers such as Ashanti, Doug E Fresh, Fred Hammond, K. Michelle, Keith Sweat, Flo Rida, Ja Rule, Mary Mary, Marsha Ambrosius, Morris Day & The Time, O-Town, Stephanie Mills, T.I., Tone Loc, The Jacksons, The Stylistics, Treach of Naughty by Nature, UB40, Vanilla Ice, Will Downing and such packages that include “Hip Hop 50 Tour”, “Lost 80’s Live Tour”, “Pop 2000 Tour”, “The 70’s Soul Jam” “The I Love the 90’s Tour”, and many many more.

 To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

“Bust a Move” by Young MC Powers Up

Wednesday is 80’s night on “The Masked Singer,” and the show is bringing out a 1980s superstar to make it official.

In the exclusive video clip above, Grammy Award-winning rapper Young MC has everybody dancing, as he performs his 1989 hit “Bust a Move.” Back in the day, the song peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 39 weeks and 20 weeks in the top 40 — and obviously became a dance party staple, unless you don’t know what to do (just bust a move).\

While Young MC was rocking the crowd, of course he back-up dancers started break dancing – I mean it is 80’s night after all.

And just in case you missed last week’s episode, we finally got to see the identities of Fairy and Axolotl. You might remember, Ken Jeong was convinced Fairy was Jennifer Anniston, but it turned out it was “21 Jump Street” actor Holly Robinson Peete — so, we have to give Jeong a little credit when he pointed out the significance of the number 21.

As for Axolotl, the judges were on the right track thinking she was an athlete – it was WWE superstar Alexa Bliss. She admitted to TheWrap she got some advice from a member of NSYNC when she decided to join the show.

This season’s “The Masked Singer” contestants are very accomplished, with a combined 28 Emmy Nominations, six Grammy Wins, 10 Gold Albums, four Golden Globe Nominations, five Medals, 26 Books, two Tony Award Nominations, five Lifetime Achievement Awards, four Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a combined 95,231,000 records sold.

The Masked Singer” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

By: Joshua Vinson

About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA: 

Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades. 

Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader. 

UAA’s commitment to personalized attention and professionalism has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment sector, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of the live music and entertainment industries. 

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website. 

Universal Attractions and Capitol International Launch “Tacos & Tequila Fest” Featuring Rick Ross and More Nationwide

March 20, 2023 – New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is proud to announce the representation of “Tacos & Tequila Fest” in conjunction with producer Capitol International Productions, Inc. The rotating city/one-day festival will boast a lineup of chart-topping artists such as Rick Ross alongside high-grade tequila tasting, vendors, and local food trucks.

The inaugural “Tacos & Tequila Fest” on May 20 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, CA, includes Rick Ross, and Lil Jon. Future lineups will include the likes of Flo Rida, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Mase, Juvenile, and more hit-makers. 

Other festival offerings with two different exciting brands include Lucha Xtreme: “Battle for the Gold Tour,” fusing Lucha libre and American styles of professional wrestling, along with “Toybox,” which will represent the most high-end automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and high-performance vehicles at select tour stops. This allows the opportunity for venues/promoters to get their local tequila activations for “Tacos & Tequila Fest” or “Tequila Fest.”

On the partnership between UAA and Capitol International Productions Inc. and bringing “Tacos & Tequila Fest” to life, UAA owner Jeff Epstein said: “Mick Scully, the President of Capitol, has been friends of UAA for many, many years. I personally spent a lot of time speaking with Mick over the height of the pandemic discussing the future of live entertainment and that we needed to work collaboratively to create new content and give fans a better and different live experience. I am excited to have landed on this project with Mick Scully, Lance Cardoza, Deana Rudy, and the Capitol International Productions Inc. team.” 

Lance Cardoza, Executive Vice President of Capitol International Productions, Inc., said: “Our many promoters are extremely excited about this potential annual event, Tacos & Tequila Fest or Tequila Fest, being the event that fans come back to every year for some great tacos, throwback entertainment, and of course tequila!” He went on to say, “This partnership with UAA is fantastic; they get throwback entertainment like no other. Also, the opportunity for venues to engage their local tequila distributor for local activation is truly a hit with them!”

*Additional “Tacos and Tequila Fest/Tequila Fest” dates and lineups will be announced shortly.

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today, such as T.I., Ja Rule & Ashanti, Keith Sweat, Flo Rida, and countless others. UAA also created one of the most sensational tours of the last decade with the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” which has sold out large amphitheaters and arenas across the country, selling millions of tickets.

About Capitol International Productions Inc:

Capitol International Productions Inc has been in the entertainment industry for nearly 60 years. We are a premiere entertainment buying service for national acts in the arena, stadium, theater, PAC, and the largest independent supplier of ground entertainment, booking many genres in the entertainment industry.

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

Joel Brandes to Head Casino Division; Chase Edwards Promoted to Casino Agent at Universal Attractions Agency

Pictured left to right: UAA client Keith Sweat, Joel Brandes, Chase Edwards

 

Feb 21, 2023, New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce the promotions of Joel Brandes and Chase Edwards, both based out of the Los Angeles office. Joel Brandes will oversee all casino endeavors, while Chase Edwards will represent Universal Attractions Agency as the West Coast casino agent.

 

Music industry veteran Joel Brandes joined Universal Attractions Agency in 2014 as part of the agency’s then-newly minted casino division. In the years since, Joel has overseen immense growth in the casino department, including the additions of agent Ricky Regalado (promoted in 2021) and the most recent promotion of Chase Edwards. 

 

Joel’s most significant accomplishments at Universal Attractions Agency include brokering Keith Sweat’s Las Vegas residency at The Flamingo and bringing the acclaimed “I Love the 90s” tour to MGM’s Mandalay Bay. Each of these garnered high notoriety, paving the way for greater UAA casino department success.

 

Chase Edwards, who joined the agency in 2017, was most recently the West Coast small-capacity (1,500 and under) agent before his promotion to casinos, fairs, and festivals in the same territory. At Universal Attractions Agency, Chase is the responsible agent for numerous acts, including Sir Mix A Lot, Warren G, Nappy Roots, and DJ Skribble, among others.

 

On Joel’s accomplishments, Universal Attractions Agency General Manager Nick Martucci said: “After working with Joel for a decade-plus, I can say nobody is more tenacious or passionate about servicing casino talent buyers. His ambition is contagious and continues to add tremendous value to our agency. We consider Joel family, and I have been fortunate to watch him rise the ranks with us at Universal Attractions.”

 

Universal Attractions Agency announced the expansion of the casino division in 2014. This coincided with the agency’s Los Angeles office opening in the same year.

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today, such as Nelly, Ludacris, T.I., Ja Rule & Ashanti, Cedric the Entertainer, UB40, Keith Sweat, Flo Rida, and countless others. UAA also created one of the most sensational tours of the last decade with the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” which sold out large amphitheaters and arenas across the country, selling millions of tickets.

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

Brian Lottermann Promoted to Agent at Universal Attractions Agency

Feb 6, 2023, New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce the promotion of Brian Lottermann to agent based out of the Los Angeles office. Brian will represent Universal Attractions as the West Coast small-capacity (1,500 and under) agent.

Brian Lottermann initially joined Universal Attractions in October 2019 as an intern, later joining the agency’s trainee program. His most recent role was as an executive assistant before the promotion to agent. 

At Universal Attractions, Brian is the responsible agent for the acclaimed Southern Soul Tour, which features a rotating lineup currently consisting of Calvin Richardson, FatDaddy, King George, Marvin Dixon, Nellie Tiger Travis, Sir Charles Jones, and T.K. Soul.

On Brian’s promotion to agent, Universal Attractions owner Jeff Epstein commented: “Brian has been a great assistant, and I’m looking forward to working with him in his new role as agent. I’m confident Brian will excel in representing Universal Attractions as our new West Coast small-capacity agent.”

Brian graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 2019 with a bachelor’s in Music Business Management. Outside his career, Brian is also a gigging musician, primarily playing bass guitar.

 

About Universal Attractions: 

In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today, such as Nelly, Ludacris, T.I., Ja Rule & Ashanti, Cedric the Entertainer, UB40, Keith Sweat, Flo Rida, and countless others. UAA also created one of the most sensational tours of the last decade with the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” which sold out large amphitheaters and arenas across the country, selling millions of tickets.

To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.

Baby Got Snacks! Chex Mix Collaborates with Hip-Hop Legend Sir Mix-A-Lot to Bring Back the Iconic Bagel Chip

Sir Mix-A-Lot remixes his ‘90s hit to celebrate the return of the fan-favorite Chex Mix piece

Fans asked, Chex MixTM answered—with a little help from hip-hop legend Sir Mix-A-Lot. After years of calls, petitions, and social media pleas, Chex Mix is bringing the beloved bagel chip back to Traditional Chex Mix. To remix the classic in a way only Sir Mix-A-Lot and Chex Mix can, the mix master is releasing a remix of his hit “Baby Got Back” for the first time in the song’s 30-year history.

The duo teamed up to create a snack-inspired remix and corresponding music video, aptly titled “Bagel is Back.”

“You can’t name a better duo than Chex Mix and Sir Mix-A-Lot. But something was missing, we needed another hit in the membership, and knew we had to bring back the bagel chip—with a remix,” said Sir Mix-A-Lot. “Chex Mix has always been a go-to snack for me, so I’m excited to collaborate on a remix to celebrate the return of this iconic piece.”

Bagel chip makes its highly anticipated return to Chex Mix original recipe, joining corn and wheat Chex, pretzels, rye chips and mini breadsticks, all combined with a unique seasoning blend for a one-of-a-kind snack.

“Chex Mix fans have been calling for the return of the bagel chip for years and we knew when the time came that we needed to bring it back in a big way,” said Stephanie Lensing, Brand Experience Manager for Chex Mix. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with mix master, Sir Mix-A-Lot, to not only bring back the bagel chip but to also drop a remix to his legendary song in its honor.”

Inspired by the classic video with some Chex Mix twists, the song was brought to life in a music video led by award-winning director DAPS and features nostalgia enthusiast and content creator, Chrissy Allen. Fans can catch the “Bagel is Back” song and video by visiting chexmix.com and YouTube.

Chex Mix is available at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $3.99. To explore all the offerings and to learn more, visit chexmix.com and follow @ChexMix on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About General Mills

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to drive shareholder value by boldly building its brands, relentlessly innovating, unleashing its scale and standing for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2022 net sales of U.S. $19.0 billion. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1.1 billion.

Inside Vanilla Ice’s New Spiked Energy Drink

TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 23: Vanilla Ice attends the Joyburst Summer Launch Party at Rebel Nightclub on June 23, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Ryan Emberley/Getty Images for Joyburst). Getty Images for Joyburst

George Clooney has Casamigos. Diddy has Ciroc. Angelina Jolie as a rosé brand and now, Vanilla Ice has solidified his beverage legacy: a spiked and no-proof energy drinks.

The flavor? Well, I don’t need to tell you: it’s vanilla ice.

The “Ice, Ice, Baby” rapper, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, launched the product in partnership with Canadian energy drink brand Joyburst. In addition to Vanilla Ice’s namesake flavor, the naturally-caffeinated, plant-based energy drinks are also available in elderberry, frosé, grape, lime and peach treatments.

“I like creative control,” Van Winkle told me during the Toronto launch. “I want to let the juices flow during projects. Joyburst allowed me to come into this project and design the can, the flavor — everything.”

Every part of the brand, from the tune to the label, leans heavily into 90’s nostalgia. (Apt, considering Van Winkle was one of the kings of the decade). Cans are glowing blue with neon pink graffiti announcing the flavors, drinks are neon-hued, and the namesake single accompanying the launch finds Van Winkle and Joyburst CEO Brad Woodgate shoot hoops in front of lava lamps and cruise in a 90’s mustang, all while wearing shimmering silver sweatsuits.

I bring the good vibes when I do my joy walk, the song buzzes. “It has the perfect amount of catchiness,” says Van Winkle. “We’ve been going around just singing it because it really gets stuck in your head.”

Van Winkle and Woodgate channel heavy 90’s nostalgia with the launch of Joyburst’s new Vanilla Ice flavor. (Photo by Ryan Emberley/Getty Images for Joyburst) Getty Images for Joyburst

“I wanted to make the product feel like the 90’s in a can,” said Van Winkle. “I want drinkers to relive the era! I want to give people a little pep in their step, get out their front door, live their life and be successful because we all need a little energy to tackle things.”

“The brand is called Joyburst for a reason,” Woodgate continues. “We want you to experience that nostalgia.”

The partnership was born when Woodgate’s team tossed around potential names for future collaborations. “When it came to creating a campaign, I thought: who was someone I would really vibe with?” explains Woodgate. “We tossed out a few names, then one of my team members mentioned Van Winkle. Are you kidding me? I am a huge fan of Vanilla. I’m 44, so I was there when he brought hip hop into the mainstream for us. ‘Ice, Ice Baby’ is an anthem.”

“When we met,” he continues, “I wanted to see if we got along, because he wouldn’t be just a brand ambassador – his name is on the product! I went to his house, and we just developed a friendship from there.”

You can tell the two are close. They laugh in step and finish each other’s sentences. “I’m from the business world, so walking the red carpet and performing in front of people,” describes Woodgate. “Rob has made it so comfortable and easy.”

You can tell the two are close. They laugh in step and finish each other’s sentences. “I’m from the business world, so walking the red carpet and performing in front of people,” describes Woodgate. “Rob has made it so comfortable and easy.”

Van Winkle immediately turned to Woodgate: “You’ve got a great energy about you, and it’s very inspiring. You have that energy, that push, and that drive, and a lot of characteristics that I see in myself. We need those qualities to sprinkle that fairy dust on whatever we’re doing. I appreciate this opportunity and the freedom to create this product the way we want.”

Joyburst is based in Toronto, Canada and is a sister brand of No Sugar Company, a brand focusing on sans-sugar energy bars and snacks.

While the celebrity drink space is saturated — the number of actor-backed rum brands and model-slung roses surpasses 80 – Joyburst is jovial, capturing both Woodgate and Van Winkle’s love of nostalgia.

“Projects like these are all corporate until you meet the people and you gel and become real friends,” says Ice. “All of a sudden, it becomes fun. We’re going to set the world on fire with this fun. It’s an all-day, party seltzer. We give you that energy drink to get you through the day and get your work done, and the party seltzer for the night.”