Music
Tory Floyd Learns To Love Life “As It Is” With New Pop Single

“As It Is” is a colorful, sultry escape into romanticizing life at every stage.
LA-based pop artist Tory Floyd is releasing her bright, R&B-inspired single, “As It Is,” on February 4. Working alongside her brother Preston (aka Press Tone) of Press Tone Productions, the song came to life almost instantly. The track, interestingly enough, started out with the goal of Julia Michaels cutting it for NBC’s Songland. Luckily for Floyd, the song eventually fell back into her lap, which allowed them to transform it into her signature style of soulful, R&B infused pop. The music video for “As It Is” will release on February 11 and will feature Floyd discovering the magic in life through cosmic adventures.

“As It Is” will be available on all major streaming platforms on February 4
Although “As It Is” went on a quite unique journey to become what it is today, the message behind it always remained the same. “I’m someone who has struggled with the internal battle of anxiety and comparison,” says Floyd. “It doesn’t accept the state of paralysis we put ourselves in, waiting for an idyllic world and the chance to wish on the right star.” The single takes a lighthearted approach to this issue, allowing listeners to feel safe in accepting their habits of comparison and begin working towards positive change. “As It Is” welcomes the desire to live and the love life you’re given. “We’ll still have moments of weakness, we’re human, but we’re able to re-center ourselves much faster on this one,” says Floyd. “It refuses to accept the paralysis we bring upon ourselves waiting on an idyllic world if we could just wish on the right star.”

Originally from the midwest, Tory Floyd grew up between two worlds: putting on “at-home concerts” to her parent’s heavy rotation of artists like The Jackson 5 and a deep relationship to the world of sports. Floyd’s athletic ability gave her a path to college, but songwriting and performing always took the lead. Music’s role in the family didn’t stop at playing records as kids, but both she and her brothers have managed to turn that influence into their own careers. Going back to the early sessions of 2018’s “Bloom”, she’s constantly been in the studio with her number one collaborator and producer; her brother Press Tone of Press Tone Productions. Her soulful pop style pulls influence from melody master Ariana Grande & lyrical storyteller Julia Michaels.
Expanding her impact on the industry, Floyd has caught the attention of those in the TV & Film world as well. Already having multiple nationally and internationally aired music placements, her artistry speaks for itself. Notable examples are The CW’s Black Lightning & the critically acclaimed Black-ish spinoff, Grown-ish. The edgy pop/R&B blend “A(WY)” comes in next with gritty Ariana & SZA vibes. Decoded, this title means “Alone (With You)”. It’s especially fluent in the female perspective; knowing when it’s time to take back control and when it’s time to bounce. Summer ’21 rolled in hot with the light, flirty anthem “Keep You Mine”; for those that want to soak in a new love before unleashing it on to the world. Be on the look out for her string of releases slated for rollout this year. Introspective, yet rhythmic, they are the perfect summation of what makes the human experience both complex and colorful.
Mainstage
Shannon Sharpe Steps Away From ESPN Amid Explosive Lawsuit

Pro Football Hall of Famer and a popular personality on ESPN, Shannon Sharpe, has decided to step away from his job at the network temporarily. This decision comes after a $50 million lawsuit was filed against him this week by an anonymous woman who accuses him of sexual assault. Sharpe strongly denies these claims. Sharpe addressed the situation directly in a message on social media, making it clear that he believes the relationship in question was completely consensual. He emphasized that while the accusations are serious, he is not trying to avoid them but rather to confront them head-on.
In his message, he announced, “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be taking this time to focus on my family and to respond to these false allegations against me.” He reassured fans and colleagues that he plans to return to ESPN by the start of the upcoming NFL season, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. ESPN has expressed agreement with Sharpe’s decision to take a break, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation in a brief statement.
Check out this article: Shannon Sharpe Claps Back with NSFW Ammo in $50M Lawsuit Drama
Sharpe is known for his strong opinions and charismatic presence on shows like First Take, and his absence is sure to be felt by fans. Despite the controversy, many feel that this is not a permanent farewell but rather a difficult pause in his career. While the allegations hang over him, Sharpe’s determination to address the situation could pave the way for a comeback in the media world. The public’s acceptance of his return will likely depend on both the legal proceedings and how they perceive the situation, as public opinion can shift dramatically, often before any final decisions are made in court.
Artist Spotlight
“Young Man” by Highrise echoes soul-stirring lessons from the flames of his past

Produced entirely from his home studio in Kansas City, Highrise crafts chapters of life experiences, transforming into the spotlight with “Young Man,” a song that sparks an open conversation we all recognize but often try to forget. This rap-rock anthem features smooth guitar arpeggios woven together with clean vocals, modern hip-hop drums, and hard-won wisdom that resonates with emotion and intention.
At first listen, “Young Man” radiates like one part heartfelt advice tossed to the wind, a cautionary tale directed at the younger men of the next generation as they navigate chaos. But dig a little deeper, and it’s revealed this song is a mirror reflecting Highrise’s own younger self, haunted by the echoes of choices made and paths taken. The production balances rawness and refinement, giving the track a lived-in yet polished musical quality.
Vocally, Highrise shines with a melodic and emotionally charged delivery, comfortably occupying a sonic space that fans of MGK, Bryce Vine, or Ryan Caraveo will find familiar, yet it feels uniquely his own. The standout bridge hits hard: “Take it from me, I’ve been down this road…” a poetic gut-punch for anyone who’s been too stubborn to listen before learning the hard way.
Inspired partly by his late grandfather, the track carries a weight of generational reflection. It tiptoes through the complexities of enduring legacy and shifting perspectives with age, acknowledging the scars of youthful mistakes while nodding to the lessons passed down. “Young Man” doesn’t preach; it empathizes, and humility makes it particularly impactful. It is an anthem for anyone who looks back at their younger self and wishes they could whisper, “Slow down.”
Highrise has established his influence in making music and building a legacy, one brutally honest track at a time, telling truths that echo long after the song ends.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Highrise’s “Young Man“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Highrise | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
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