Rapper Sheck Wes is Balling Overseas For Paris Basketball | Been Ballin

Sheck Wes Takes his Basketball Talents to Paris Basketball

Photo Courtesy of Paris Basketball

New York Rapper Sheck Wes has been known for hits singles “Mo Bamba” and “Been Ballin”, now he is taking his talents to France where he will play in the Paris Basketball. Wes’s officially signed a contract that will allow him to compete in the PRO B League for the ‘21 season. The Parisians are anticipating a stellar debut performance from the Harlem native. According to Paris Basketball, Sheck Wes’s official game jersey was exclusively released on Saturday. For those that have been paying close attention to Wes, he’s been grinding in the gym with renowned NBA trainers Chris Brickley and Chris Johnson.

“We are glad to announce that Sheck Wes signs with Paris Basketball. ”

— Paris Basketball

Photo Courtesy of Paris Basketball (@lebougmelo)

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Sheck Wes Been Ballin

Sheck Wes has kept the dream alive after going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. Before the kickstart of Wes’s music career, he had his sights on making it to the NBA. Back in 2016, Wes decided to put basketball aside to pursue a career in modelling. The Norman Thomas standout recalls skipping a playoff game to participate in Kanye’s Yeezy Season 3 show. That moment changed everything for him and the rise of Sheck Wes had begun. Fast forward to 2021 and Sheck Wes is balling overseas. Growing up in Harlem Wes honed his hoop skills playing alongside childhood friends and Orlando Magic Mo Bamba. Wes released the critically acclaimed hit single Mo Bamba in 2017, which speaks on his early recruitment as he rose to stardom and comparing it to the recruiting process of a 5-star recruit like Mo Bamba. The two are both a part of the sports and entertainment world living similar lives and re magnifying their Hometown Harlem, NY.

Photo by: HypeBeast

“All the things that I wanted from basketball I get now from Music, like damn a SLAM interview.. Amazing ”

— Sheck Wes

Paris Basketball

Since in existence, Paris Basketball has kept a pulse on urban culture. The intersection of fashion, sports and entertainment has cultivated a creative space for emerging talents globally. With the emergence of the Paris Basketball and Quai 54 (World Streetball Championships), basketball has now become immersed within the Paris culture. The Rendez-vous of Basketball and Hip-Hop will continue to elevate the experience on a global scale. With a prominent artist such as Sheck Wes, several other top-tier athletes will like to experience playing in a high-end leagues overseas. Sheck Wes has the potential to become the face of Paris Basketball for many years to come, From Harlem NY to Paris… Hoop Dreams never die.

Photo by: Cian Moore

“I will be taking my talents overseas to the beautiful city of Paris to join Paris Basket Club stay tuned. Paris Mon Telephone Sonne Toujours.”

— Sheck Wes

Published by: TGQ Inc.

Photography by: Paris Basketball, Cian Moore, Yoann Guerini

Featuring: Sheck Wes, Paris Basketball,

Written by: Hussein Abdullahi

Strategic Partnerships | The Futre of Businesses is All About Leveraging Relationships

Strategic Partnerships

The world of business has exploded over the past 18 months, this is courtesy of the Global Covid-19 pandemic. Over 40% of business across North America has experienced closures and/or interruptions because of this. The implications of COVID -19 have forced millions of businesses to reinvent the way they connect with their consumers (direct-to-consumer). As for the future of sustainability, businesses are looking to scale, expand their reach, and further growth and development. One common option that is exercised in the world of business is Strategic Partnerships. Strategic Partnerships have been initiated between business entities, especially during the outbreak of COVID- 19.

We will highlight the Music, entertainment, and Sports businesses that have forged a unique path with their existing partnerships. The interesting thing about strategic partnerships is that it creates an intersection between influential parts of culture. Look at LeBron James for an example, in March he became a partner of the Fenway Sports Group. The TIME'S 2020 Athlete of the year has become widely celebrated for his sheer dominance of the hardwood, but his declarative stance he's shown amid the social justice campaigns. Strategic partnerships are democratizing the global marketplace while reinventing a space for athletes, entrepreneurs, and industry professions to cash in on ROI. Below we will share some of the most polarizing figures in business and the partnerships they’ve initiated.

Verzuz Partners with Triller Network

The pandemic has given birth to a new lane for Creative Artists such as Swizz Beatz and Timberland. The Grammy-Nominated producers are have created an iconic Entertainment source with the Launch of Verzuz back in March of 2020. Since its existence, Verzuz has not only democratized the digital media marketplace but has identified prominent partners along the process. Verzuz located a partnership with Apple‘s Executive member Larry Jackson. Apple’s role in the partnership, provided an elevated experience for their consumers and avid fans of the culture while giving Verzuz that stamp of Approval. Social media has opened a new lane for creatives to reach their fans with greater access to promote user-generated content from the comfort of your phone.

Photo Courtesy of Billboard

“Finally, something that the creatives own officially. By the artist for the artist with the people. ”

— Swizz Beatz

In March of 2021, Verzuz was reportedly acquired by Triller Network ending the partnership between Apple Music and Verzuz. According to Rolling Stone, as part of the acquisition Timberland and Swizz Beatz will become Brand Visionaries and join the management team. Following the partnership, Swizz Beatz and Timberland have become shareholders in Triller and will be giving equity to performers that participated in Verzuz. Following weeks after the Verzuz and Triller Network acquisition, Verzuz entered a one-year partnership with Peloton. Swizz Beatz and Timberland are the catalysts in the evolution of creatives.

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UnitedMasters Partners with Apple

Over the past year, Apple has transcended the digital marketplace with their resurgence to prominence. From locating a key partnership with Verzuz, Apple continues to vertically integrate within the digital media space. Apple has invested $50 Million into the independent music platform, UnitedMasters founded by Steve Stoute. Since its existence, UnitedMasters stands in support of Independent Artists retaining 100% of their masters and IP while rewriting the rules to monetization on a 1-to-1 basis for the artists.

“This is the future, the fastest growing segment in the music business is independent artists. I think the industry is morphing and changing.”

— Steve Stoute

Unlike the prominent record labels, UnitedMasters has created cultural proximity to some of the most polarizing names in Music. The former Music Executive spent had his first crack in the music business during the golden age of Hip-Hop, Stoute was responsible for producing Grammy-Nominated Albums for artists such as Will Smith, Nas, Foxy Brown, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige. Unfortunately, the yesteryear rules of the music business have stunted the growth of some of the biggest names within the industry. With the technological advances, UnitedMasters helps artists maximize their economic and media value while equipping them with the tools needed to connect with their consumers and fans.

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Future of Business World

The new regime that we’re witnessing is the creation of a new shared economy; created and owned by the culture. In the current business world where collaboration and economic growth exist, forward-thinking companies have solidified their place within the marketplace courtesy of strategic partnerships. As we continue to progress through the Covid-19 era, companies will reach new targeted consumers with the acceleration of reaching new heights. Strategic partnerships will be the difference maker between a reputable brand and a preeminent company. Whether it’s within sports, music, entertainment, fashion, technology, etc., each industry holds immense value with the opportunity to leverage off their existing partners.

Written by: Hussein Abdullahi

Published by: TGQ INC. (@tgq.inc)