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Toyz Electronics Co-Founder and Intel Ambassador Wole Idowu Promotes Diversity in Technology While Addressing Online Bullying

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Toyz Electronics Co-founder and Intel #Hackharassment Ambassador, Wole Idowu, Promotes Diversity in Technology While Addressing Online Bullying Through a Hackathon Event Series
at Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Mellon University alum, Wole Idowu, is launching an anti-bullying hackathon series at Carnegie Mellon University. Intel selected Wole, while a student at Carnegie Mellon, along with three other student leaders from other colleges across the country, to be ambassadors to their critical #HackHarassment initiative. As an ambassador, Wole is tasked with the responsibility of finding creative ways to use technology to address the growing problem of online bullying, harassment, and abuse. While on campus, Wole Idowu formed the student organization, Toyz Nation Gaming League (TNGL), focused on addressing the issues of diversity and inclusion through technology and gaming. Wole has now launched a startup on campus, Toyz Electronics, LLC, which is a part of Carnegie Mellon’s Olympus Incubator Program.
As an ambassador for Intel’s #HackHarassment campaign, Wole through TNGL, is hosting an upcoming event this November 10-12, TNGL Presents: #HackHarassment, a Creati-con. “I joined with #HackHarassment because I personally resonated with the message of anti-hate speech and harassment,” says Wole Idowu. “I built TNGL as a resource for diverse and multicultural youth to work together and collaborate and learn from diverse experiences to solving issues. Online harassment, is one of those issues. I am proud to be #HackHarassment ambassador and bring young diverse talent to create interdisciplinary solutions involving robotics, computer vision, music, visual arts and more.”

TNGL has conducted several hackathons on Carnegie Mellon’s campus, bringing together a diverse group of students from different backgrounds and disciplines of study, to create several applications in wearable technology and virtual reality fields while having fun in a welcoming and creative environment. Disciplines include music, behavioral sciences, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, business, game development, and creative arts. For #HackHarassment, TNGL enlisted the aid of Wole’s father, hip-hop recording artist, Da Great Deity Dah who has an international fan base represented in over 30 countries on 5 continents and Quincy Big Heff Taylor a music executive that has launched the careers of several popular brands and recording artist over the last 10 years. Last Spring, Da Great Deity Dah partnered with the Carnegie Mellon School of Music to create art that could serve the TNGL mission. This pairing of musicians was historic in its scope and reach.

The lack of diversity in the technology and creative fields has been a major issue and one of the effects of that problem is abuse and bullying by the few developers and talented individuals who do get the opportunity at employment in the industry. Many of the student developers at TNGL events had experienced abuse and harassment, including Wole himself. Lack of interaction and a general insensitivity to people from other backgrounds can lead to behavior that causes tremendous pain and prevents talented individuals from contributing to their potential in the creative and technology industries.

“Stop the Bullying” is the centerpiece song of the spring hackathon that created the album, Chronicles of The Electromagnetic Field General: The Carnegie Mellon Sessions. The finished product has now been released on multiple formats: CD, limited edition colored vinyl, action figure USB, and virtually all streaming and digital platforms including YouTube Red, iTunes, Amazon, Google music, Spotify, Pandora, and many more worldwide. Two global campaigns were taken by Da Great Deity Dah in support of this collaboration with stops in cities such as Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, and Zurich to name a few. Music from the project was featured at the introductory press conference for the largest technology conference in Europe, the IFA.

At the upcoming TNGL #HackHarassment event, the artwork from the music project will be converted into a robot! Students will also remix “Stop the Bullying,” make apps and games, create 3D designs of Da Great Deity Dah robot, and use Intel RealSense cameras to create emotion detection software to address harassment. There will also be community engagement events focused on introducing next generation technologies to underserved areas, based on the applications and the robot created from these hackathons.

The limited edition vinyl of The Electromagnetic Field General: The Carnegie Mellon Sessions can be purchased here for $35. “Stop the Bullying” is available on iTunes here and can be heard on Spotify here and on YouTube here.

Event: TNGL Presents: #HackHarassment, a Creati-con
Go to https://thebridge.cmu.edu/event/1624714 for more information.
Date & Time: Friday, November 10, 2017 at 6:00 PM EST through Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 3:00PM EST
Location: Carnegie Mellon University
Hunt Library Studio A
4909 Frew Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Media Contact: Quincy Taylor Email: itwmarketingpromo@gmail.com

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Rawrrzone Picks – FaxoHxzrd Faded

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photo courtesy of @faxohxzard on Instagram

It’s amazing to see how much progress has been made, not only in the world of music but also in terms of tolerance and acceptance of different genres worldwide. Reflecting on their childhood, many can relate to not being allowed to listen to certain types of music, let alone pursue a career in it.

Growing up in a Greek household, there were limitations, and pursuing a career in music seemed like a distant dream. In many families, the expectation was to follow a more conventional path, such as becoming a teacher or a doctor. Back then, familial support for artistic endeavors was rare. However, as we step into 2024, things have significantly changed.

Parents are now not only supportive but encouraging of their children pursuing their creative dreams. There’s a newfound appreciation for the creative arts, and families play a crucial role in nurturing and supporting their children’s aspirations. This shift marks a significant change in societal attitudes towards creativity and the arts.

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The 12-track project, heavily influenced by New York drill with elements from the Vermont music scene, offers a smooth listening experience. The album not only showcases Faxohzrd’s confidence but also his passion for music.

As someone once told us, there’s a difference between artists who create to connect with their audience and those who create solely for profit. Faxohzrd aims to move his crowd and make them experience his music fully.

For example, in “Kobe Bryant,” he displays his pen game and wordplay, cleverly referencing the late Kobe Bryant’s jersey number, 24. FaxoHzard takes his shot and never misses.

“Lobotomy” is a straight pen track where he exhibits some of his best bars, blending boom-bap and drill beats, giving off takeover vibes as he talks about eliminating his competition as if performing a lobotomy.

“On Me” is a track dedicated to the ladies. Faxohzard acknowledges the women in his life, recognizing how they have always supported him and declaring his affection for his dream woman. The song gave me a taste of Mac Miller while listening to it.

Although these were our favorites from the project, without giving too much away, you need to check out the entire project for yourself.

Make sure you follow him on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/faxohxzrd/

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Artist

Lil $o$o Enjoys The View In New Visual “Passion”

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Enlisting Sexyy Red director Suave Films for the Remdolla produced small screen interpretation, Lil $o$o signals a compelling exploration beyond her usual Rap style and leans into the realm of R&B with the release of “Passion.” Following “Enhancements,” the timely track unveils a vulnerable dimension that showcases her versatility as an artist. With emotive lyrics and a smooth melody, “Passion” shines light on a deeper layer of $o$o’s artistry, inviting listeners into a journey of introspection and raw emotion.

In a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about single, the Issa Rae-approved “Florida Girl” reveals: “I love this record because it really shows another side of me. Sometimes, I feel like people are so materialistic or surface level, and I really am starting to see that ‘real’ is rare. I hope to find something deeper than that and that’s what made me put that into my music.”

There’s something in the water. From the City Girls to Kodak Black, with a long list of others, the Sunshine State has been the stomping ground for hip-hop’s culture shifters. Entertainer Lil $o$o is looking to keep that tradition alive. Despite being native to Chicago, since moving to Miami in her early childhood, she’s proudly claimed it as her musical home.

The 22-year-old Colombiana, whose real name is Sofia Donado, has persevered through trauma and pain and continues to show up for herself and her 3-year-old son, who she’s raising as a single mom. Lil $o$o’s boyfriend was gunned down in 2019, while sitting in his car, leaving her without a partner and their son without a father. He was in the music business, and after his passing, Lil $o$o found healing in discovering her musical voice. The result was upbeat rhythms intended to make people dance, smile, and feel free. It was the only way she knew how to make things better.

After laying the groundwork with promo singles “Better Life,” “Go Ooh,” “Bad Attitude,” and “Woo Tang,” the rising rapstress made her official debut Summer of 2022 with ‘$o$o World.’ Executive produced by mentor and label head LunchMoney Lewis, the 14-track collection of records includes additional instrumentation from JulianBeatz, SFL Xavi, TheonlyDiet, Toju, BrianXWhite, Diem, and SoundsbyBreezy. Guest features come by way of Roc Nation recording artist Bobby Fishscale, XXXTentacion affiliate C Glizzy, Warner Records vocalist Savannah Cristina, and Nelle.

Press play on the HD-clip for “Passion” as well as stream the official audio on your DSP of choice below via Black 17 Media / The Orchard.

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FrankDawg Drops New Song, “Hold Me”

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In the world of music, there are songs that simply entertain, and then there are those that touch the depths of our emotions, resonating with us on a profound level. FrankDawg’s latest release, “Hold Me,” falls firmly into the latter category, offering listeners a powerful journey through themes of love, longing, and vulnerability.

From the moment the first notes hit, “Hold Me” pulls you in with its soulful melody and haunting lyrics. FrankDawg’s rich vocals convey a sense of raw emotion, drawing listeners into the heart of the song’s narrative. Each verse is a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the highs and lows of love with honesty and depth.

FrankDawg On The Mic – hold me

Streaming everywhere may 14th music video available now go presave

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