Music

A group of Democratic legislators is harnessing hip-hop's cultural and political clout to tackle urgent issues affecting Black and Brown communities across the United States. The newly established Congressional Hip Hop Power and Justice Task Force, orchestrated by Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), aims to serve as a legislative voice for economic, racial, and social justice, leveraging the genre’s rich heritage of activism and advocacy. The genesis of the task force, […]

Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and BMAC Emerging Artists/ Industry Professionals Group at a Live Nation Event Live Nation has announced a new partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), a U.S.-based organization dedicated to advocating for Black artists and professionals within the music industry. This collaboration aims to launch a comprehensive music business course and paid internship program, specifically targeting non-college-bound individuals aspiring to enter the music business sector. The […]

In what can only be characterized as a stunning juxtaposition between recognition and rejection, Tennessee lawmakers faced criticism this week after House Republicans objected to a resolution honoring Grammy Award-winning musician Allison Russell. The controversy began when Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones, a sitting member of the Democratic Party from Nashville, proposed ceremonial resolutions to honor the achievements of both the band Paramore and singer-songwriter Allison Russell, whose musical prowess secured […]

Burna Boy (center) has been nominated for the Grammy award for best global music album in four of the last five years. This year, he was among the nominees for the inaugural best African music performance prize and was the first Afrobeats artist to perform on the Grammy prime time telecast. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy Earlier this month, the Nigerian superstar Burna Boy made history as the […]

Beyoncé watches Jay-Z as he accepts the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award during the 66th Grammy Awards on Feb. 4. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy An Oklahoma-based radio station said it is now playing Beyoncé's new country single, "Texas Hold 'Em," after its initial move to not play the song drew quick criticism from fans over what they perceive to be narrow-mindedness. A fan said he emailed KYKC […]

Beyoncé goes country: exposing the genre's hidden Black history Beyoncé Knowles-Carter stands poised at the epicenter of popular culture, an unmatched force who has dominated music for over two decades with her brand of fiercely confident R&B anthems belted by a once-in-a-generation voice. But in 2016, she caught many by surprise when she veered into country territory. With “Daddy Lessons,” a foot-stomping track off her album “Lemonade” that meshes trap […]

Howard's vocal malleability allows her to access a whole spectrum of contradictory emotions and gender expressions. Medios y Media/Getty Images For all the Prince worship present in pop culture, there aren't very many contemporary stars who are able to sustain the total relentlessness of his musicality — how talent oozed from every inch and in every direction, how jazz and gospel ran through his blood. Figures like Janelle Monáe have […]

Jackson State Marching Band aka Sonic Boom of The South Did you catch the halftime show at yesterday's Super Bowl? If you did, you were treated to a high-energy spectacle headlined by Usher, with a special appearance that everyone is talking about. Two members of Kappa Alpha Psi, the second-oldest historically Black fraternity in the world, joined Usher on stage, strolling with canes and shimmying alongside the pop star.  Adding […]