2017 WENT OUT LIKE A QUEEN

The last year had many ups and but as 2017 bid us adieu, it did so with a whimsical wave and a friendly reminder that in 2018, there is much to do.

Hands to shake and babies to kiss is the mantra of the year as we all focus on the empires we are destined to build, both internally and beyond.

Here's some notable news as the year came to close.

Wishing all a happy, healthy and exceptionally prosperous New Year!

MUSIC

THE BEST VIDEO'S OF 2017

Written by: Quinn Morel and & Ryan Dombal and Modification by THE REVIEW

Pics And Content Courtesy Of: Pitchfork

7. Lil Peep: “Downtown”

Released in the days after Lil Peep’s death, this candid montage by the rapper’s videographer runs like a hopeful highlight reel. Over a track that samples the poignant sweep of Beach House’s “Silver Soul,” the shaky footage shows Peep embracing friends onstage in front of packed rooms when he’s not trying on very colorful, very expensive-looking clothing. But the clip also dials back to offer a glimpse of the 21-year-old behind the hype, the guy who’d kneel down to kiss a cute dog on the street or take serious calls while getting his head shaved. It has the feel of something to look back on, fondly, years later. –RD

6. Brockhampton: “BOOGIE”

There’s an early "Simpsons" episode where a bored Bart and Milhouse bribe Kwik-E-Mart clerk Apu into making an “all-syrup Super Squishee,” which sends the boys into a sugar bender. The video for Brockhampton’s “BOOGIE” imagines a world where the buddies never emerged from their trip, painted themselves blue, and stalked around a convenience store like they owned the place. It’s as overstimulating and vibrant as the track’s own barrage of horns, voices, and braggadocio. Or, as one esteemed critic put it, “I’m overwhelmed.” –QM

5. Kendrick Lamar: “LOVE.” [ft. Zacari]

This video is as subtly complex as the hook upon which it is built, the plea to “love me, just love me.” Those words may sound simple, but embedded in them are worlds of vulnerability, trust, and mercy, qualities that even Kendrick admits require work. “LOVE.” visualizes this through the rapper’s relationships with several women, which range from lighthearted to turbulent. But the video is largely composed of shots celebrating these same women and placing them on a pedestal. “Am I in the way,” he asks, and as if taking the worry to heart, he fades into the shadows and contemplates the majestic power of the women who raise him up. –QM

4. Migos: “MotorSport” [ft. Cardi B and Nicki Minaj] Director: Bradley & Pablo, Quavo

The recent Blade Runner sequel expanded the original film’s perpetually rainy dystopia, but it also left a lot of questions unanswered. Such as: Where will our iconic rappers of the drenched future go to look impossibly cool in front of sleek sports cars? Luckily, Migos, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj fill in that blank with this video, which mostly takes place in a neon-lit showroom where the gleaming suicide doors are always up and models make their living examining every single detail of a Lamborghini tail light. Migos look nonchalantly fly, as usual, but the real stars here are Cardi and Nicki. While the Bronx upstart preens in a wet-look seapunk wig alongside her fiancé (?), the Queens icon gets her very own white-on-white penthouse, where she whips around floor-length pink braids by herself. Nicki’s special treatment here doubles as a tragic sort of flex: Even in an imagined future filled with flying Lyfts, she’s still at the top, all alone. –RD

3. SZA: “The Weekend” Director: Solange

All of the videos for SZA’s Ctrl have been as beautiful as the record itself, but the prospect of a clip for “The Weekend” concerned me. What if they went literal with the song’s talk of timeshare romance? Who could possibly be worthy of playing SZA’s weekend lover?! My fears ended up being for naught, because Solange (!) worked her magic and channeled the song’s most cherished virtues: desire and independence. As SZA comes to terms with her communal affair, she’s shown dancing alone on the balcony of a geometric building, in a parking garage, and throughout other minimalist, abandoned locales. Together, the two R&B visionaries sidestep the song’s side-chick drama and capture its empowered sexuality. –QM

2. Yaeji: “Raingurl”

A certain amount of FOMO accompanies the video for Yaeji’s “Raingurl.” The emerging house producer-vocalist and her friends are shown having such an amazing time tearing up the dance floor of a Brooklyn warehouse, you’ll wish you could jump through the screen and join them. Sadly, such technology does not yet exist. But there’s nothing stopping you from drawing inspiration from the image of Yaeji breaking it down in a sheer plastic raincoat and umbrella combo as you plot your next bedroom dance party. –QM

1. JAY-Z: “Marcy Me”

“Marcy Me” is a prayer for the past, present, and future of JAY-Z’s native Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and the song’s stunning video follows suit. It takes place on a clear summer night, through two perspectives. On the ground, black men and women run footraces, make out, and pick up snacks at the local bodega. In the sky, white NYPD officers man a helicopter, blasting its spotlight onto those same people down below, turning their everyday acts into blinding accusations. Directed by Good Time auteurs Ben and Joshua Safdie, who are masters of tapping into whatever human grit New York City has left, the clip exposes the detached, bird’s-eye view so often used to vilify underserved black communities like the one JAY-Z grew up in. As the track fades out, the cops eventually switch off their light, but not before its beam sears into the psyche of one young boy; in the final shot, he looks directly at the camera—at a complicit society—with a face full of disgust. –RD

ART

THE 2017 REVIEW

Written by: The Editors of ARTNEWS and Modification by THE REVIEW

Pics and content Courtesy of: ARTNEWS

Lets get right to it: following below is a chronological list of the 20 most-read articles published on the ARTnews website over the past 12 months. Trump fills three slots, and Damien Hirst fills two. There are stories on luminaries we lost this year, auction records that were shattered, and controversies that gripped everyone’s attention. Thank you for tuning in this year.

Report: Trump Administration Plans NEA, NEH Elimination, by Alex Greenberger, January 19 – MoMA Installs Works by Artists From Banned Muslim Countries, by Andrew Russeth, February 3 – Andrea Rosen, Chelsea Stalwart, Closes Permanent Space, by Andrew Russeth, February 21 – Disowning Ivanka: The Art World Stares Down the First Daughter, by Nate Freeman, March 7 – ‘The Painting Must Go’: Hannah Black Pens Letter to Whitney, by Alex Greenberger, March 21 – Glenn O’Brien, Writer and ‘TV Party’ Host, Dies at 70, by Zoë Lescaze, April 7 – Vito Acconci, Bedrock of Performance, Dies at 77, by Andrew Russeth, April 28 – A Disastrous Damien Hirst Show in Venice, by Andrew Russeth, May 8 – Which Collectors Are Actually Buying from Damien Hirst’s Venice Show?, by Nate Freeman, May 12 – The 2017 ARTnews Top 200 Collectors, by the Editors, September 12 – On the Guggenheim’s ‘Art and China after 1989′ Removals, by Stephen F. Eisenman, September 27 – Dirty Looks Presents a Gay Porn Theater for 24 Hours in New York, Maximilíano Durón, September 29 – Holly Block, Executive Director of Bronx Museum of the Arts, Dies, by Alex Greenberger, October 7 – Christie’s to Offer Last Leonardo Painting Left in Private Hands, by Nate Freeman, October 10 – Following Knight Landesman Suit, More Women Come Forward, by Nate Freeman, October 25 – Artforum Editor Michelle Kuo Resigns, David Velasco to Succeed Her, by Nate Freeman, October 25 – Michelle Kuo on Why She Resigned, by Andrew Russeth, October 26 – Linda Nochlin, Trailblazing Feminist Art Historian, Dies at 86, by Andrew Russeth, October 29 – Leonardo’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ Sells for $450.3 M., Shattering Records, by Nate Freeman, November 15 – Jewish Museum Suspends Jens Hoffmann, by Andy Battaglia, December 4

ADS AND BRANDS

NEWEST ADS FOR SOME OF THE LARGEST BRANDS OF 2017

Written by: The Editors of AdAge and Modification by THE REVIEW

Pics and content Courtesy of: ispot.tv

Every weekday, we bring you the Ad Age/iSpot Hot Spots, new TV commercials tracked by iSpot.tv, the real-time TV ad measurement company with attention and conversion analytics from more than seven million smart TVs. The ads here ran on national TV for the first time yesterday.

A few highlights: Coca-Cola wants you to know that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar—the successor to Coke Zero—"really tastes like a Coke." Royal Caribbean, the cruise line brand, says that it's "not a vacation factory" in an ad that hypes "adventures from $549." And the latest Colonel Sanders brags about finding "a cheaper way to make commercials" (spoiler: a green screen is involved) for KFC.

Outback Steakhouse: Outback Bowl Is January 1st Premiered on: SportsCenter, ESPN Outback Steakhouse data for the last 30 days Impressions: 443,296,499 (7% of industry) Est. TV Spend: $5,627,109 (9% of industry) Attention Score: 87.52 Attention Index: 104 (4% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar: Nailed It Premiered on: College Football, ESPN Coca-Cola Zero Sugar data for the last 30 days Impressions: 94,100,627 (2% of industry) Est. TV Spend: $2,252,991 (4% of industry) Attention Score: 92.15 Attention Index: 120 (20% fewer interruptions than avg.)

KFC: Green Screen Premiered on: Vinny & Ma Eat America, Cooking Channel KFC data for the last 30 days Impressions: 1,066,088,584 (5% of industry) Est. TV Spend: $15,943,968 (8% of industry) Attention Score: 87.22 Attention Index: 76 (24% more interruptions than avg.)

Fabletics.com: Stand-Out Pieces Premiered on: Damnation, USA Network Fabletics.com data for the last 30 days Impressions: 127,453,579 (5% of industry) Est. TV Spend: $924,869 (2% of industry) Attention Score: 94.64 Attention Index: 148 (48% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Not a Vacation Factory Premiered on: Good Morning America, ABC Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines data for the last 30 days Impressions: 42,744,311 (24% of industry) Est. TV Spend: $190,697 (10% of industry) Attention Score: 87.94 Attention Index: 57 (43% more interruptions than avg.)

Data provided by iSpot.tv, Attention and Conversion Analytics for TV Ads

TV Impressions - Total TV ad impressions delivered for the brand or spot.

Est. TV Spend - Amount spent on TV airings for the brand's spots.

Attention Score - Measures the propensity of consumers to interrupt an ad play on TV. The higher the score, the more complete views.

Actions that interrupt an ad play include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV.

Attention Index - Represents the Attention of a specific creative or program placement vs the average. The average is represented by a score of 100, and the total index range is from 0 through 200. For example, an attention index of 125 means that there are 25% fewer interrupted ad plays compared to the average.

HOSPITALITY

HERE’S WHAT’S TRENDING AS WE APPROACH 2018

Written by: Virtuoso for The Latest Hotel Trends and Modification by THE REVIEW

Pics And Content Courtesy Of: Virtuoso®’s

To discover what's trending in 2018, travelers need only to browse through Virtuoso庐's newly released 2018 Best of the Best catalog of the world's best hotels and experiences. The largest edition to date, featuring 1,250 hotels, resorts, villas and private island retreats in 108 countries alongside 54 one-of-a-kind experiences, Best of the Best showcases Virtuoso's Hotels & Resorts Program, a hallmark of this renowned global luxury travel network. New this year: a record-setting addition of 110 properties, courtesy of unprecedented expansion.

Virtuoso's curated collection of hotels boasts diversity in both size and feel, with properties ranging from four to 4,004 rooms. The portfolio's impressive breadth spans hotels, resorts, lodges, tents, camps, private islands, villas and apartments. More than 550 of the featured hotels work exclusively with Virtuoso, choosing not to associate with other travel organizations. Almost half of Virtuoso's hotels are under 100 rooms, and a similar number are independent properties not affiliated with a collection or brand. Here are the most significant trends observed among the new additions to the industry-leading collection:

The Cool Factor: Stunning design, on-point amenities and unique character define a new breed of Virtuoso lifestyle hotels and resorts, which deliver a cutting-edge experience unlike traditional properties.

Trusted luxury brands grew their Virtuoso presence with Pendry San Diego, Thompson Seattle, Andaz Scottsdale and The London EDITION. NUO Beijing offers a dynamic atmosphere where Ming Dynasty tradition meets hip modernity.

Sao Paulo's innovative Hotel Unique is where architecture, design, gastronomy and service intersect.

Adventure Abounds:With its wide appeal to all travelers, the allure of adventure remains hot, with experiences ranging from soft adventure to nature immersion all the way to the extreme.

Guests at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka can discover the area by bicycle, go whale watching and explore national parks.

Tutka Bay Lodge and Winterlake Lodge in Alaska offer activities such as deep-sea and freshwater fishing, river rafting, bear viewing, glacier trekking, ocean kayaking and hiking. Cities Rule:Virtuoso stayed ahead of the curve by adding an array of properties in the world's most alluring cities. Shopping, spa treatments, art and architecture, and culinary wonders abound at these urban retreats.

European grande dames steeped in history are what define properties such as Hotel Kamp in Helsinki, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich and the Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris.

Understated elegance reigns at properties including London's The Langham and Four Seasons New York Downtown.

Indulge passions such as art at The First Hotel Roma and cultural immersion at Hoshinoya Tokyo.

Exotic Glamping:Demand for luxury camping thrives as interest in authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences grows.

Minor Hotel's tented camps in Kenya and Tanzania provide valuable perks for Virtuoso clients. At Loisaba Tented Camp, guests learn about preserving the local wilderness, then enjoy a private sundowner with cocktails and canapes. The Manor at Ngorongoro offers a coffee tour of the estate and private gourmet picnic with sparkling wine.

The Ultimate Travelling Camp offers unprecedented access to India's mountains, deserts, jungles and festivals. These deluxe camps include spacious tents, complete with a private butler.

Family Fun:The 2018 Virtuoso Luxe Report identified family travel as a dominant niche, bolstered by the network's portfolio of family-friendly properties.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania houses a Wildlife Academy with animals from all over the globe to educate and entertain guests.

Switzerland's Kulm Hotel St. Moritz offers a variety of perks as part of its Very Important Kids program, including free hot chocolate and ice cream.

VILA VITA Parc Resort in Portugal provides an array of children's activities including an adventure playground, painting and baking. Best of the Best is currently being distributed to the homes of 150,000 of Virtuoso's best clients worldwide, as selected by their advisor. To view the directory online, click here.

Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts is the longest running and most prestigious program of its kind, with more five-star properties than any other. Virtuoso provides guests with exclusive benefits valued at up to $450 per stay such as spa treatments, golf and dining experiences.

EVENTS

HOW THE WHITE HOUSE CLOSED OUT THE YEAR

Written by: Greg Lovett for New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago and Modification by THE REVIEW

Pics and content Courtesy of: The Palm Beach Post

Barron Trump, left with his father, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk the red carpet to the ballroom for the Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eva Gala at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Sun., December 31, 2017 in Palm Beach, Fla. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post)

UPDATE 12:15 a.m.: Hundreds of people attended the pricey New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, former baseball star Keith Hernandez and Donald Trump’s three oldest children.

PHOTOS: New Year’s Eve red carpet at Mar-a-Lago

Revelers inside the ballroom of the Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eva Gala at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Sun., December 31, 2017 in Palm Beach, Fla. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post) Greg Lovett

The president predicted a “fantastic 2018” as he arrived to ring in 2018.

RELATED: Trump spends day with governor, golf, attends party with wife, son

Barron Trump, left with his father, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk the red carpet to the ballroom for the Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eva Gala at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Sun., December 31, 2017 in Palm Beach, Fla. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post) Greg Lovett

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve gala were for $600 for club members and $750 for guests, Politico reported.

RELATED: “Trump Squad” gets surprise invite to Mar-a-Lago

Lou Dobbs and his wife Debi Lee Segura walk the red carpet to the ballroom for the Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eva Gala at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Sun., December 31, 2017 in Palm Beach, Fla. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post) Greg Lovett

UPDATE 10:40 p.m.: Dr. Gina Loudon, media personality and regular guest on Fox News and Fox Business.

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump arrive with daughter Arabella Kushner and son Joseph Kushner for a New Year's Eve gala at Mar-a-Lago, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post) Greg Lovett

UPDATE 9:03 P.M. Eric Trump and wife Lara on the red carpet tonight.

Eric Trump and Lara Trump arrive for a New Year's Eve gala with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., Dec. 31, 2017. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post) Greg Lovett

Donald Trump Jr. arrives for a New Year's Eve gala to join his father, President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., Dec. 31, 2017. (Greg Lovett / The Palm Beach Post) Greg Lovett

UPDATE: 8:55 p.m. There was some good eating at Mar-a-Lago. Lobster ravioli, tenderloin, sea bass and the traditional New Year’s Eve baked Alaska.

2018, we're ready for you! Let's go!