Mixtape Mixup

Keedron Bryant recently drew national attention when his stirring acapella performance of “I Just Wanna Live” on Instagram went viral in the days following the May 25 murder of George Floyd. Now the 12-year-old is making news again, announcing both his signing to Warner Records and the Juneteenth release of the song as his official […]

A never-before-heard solo version of the late Aretha Franklin’s riveting and powerful collaboration with Mary J. Blige about faith and race, 2006’s “Never Gonna Break My Faith,” has arrived on Juneteenth. Sony’s RCA Records, RCA Inspiration and Legacy Recordings released the song Friday, June 19, aligning with the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that […]

Recognize June 19 as a national holiday. Support black-owned businesses today and always. And brush up on your history. Those are some of the salient points made by Usher in a timely essay published in the Washington Post to coincide with Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. In […]

Black Eyed Peas gave us something older, and something new, when they performed at Rock the Vote’s Democracy Summer spectacular. And they used to platform to make an impassioned plea for young people to take a stand. The veteran R&B outfit, comprised of Will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo with J. Rey Soul, opened with the summery, […]

Jay Z's entertainment company blames hardships caused by the pandemic and failure to approve subleasers, while its landlord says it does not constitute force majeure. Jay Z‘s Roc Nation is suing its New York City landlord for declaring the entertainment company in default on rent for its Garment District office space. Roc Nation says it […]

Lee has three new rap projects to work on, but is apprehensive about hitting the studio. Since getting her start through a chance meeting with Gucci Mane, Atlanta-based audio engineer Kesha Lee has worked on chart-toppers like Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” and Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” and is now the go-to audio engineer for rappers including Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert. […]

As many Blacks continue to fight for racial equality and justice from police brutality, Friday (June 19) will serve as a day of celebration within the African American community in honor of Juneteenth, a day commemorating when slaves were declared free in the state of Texas following the conclusion of the American Civil War.  For […]

Lil Mosey captures his first Billboard No. 1 as “Blueberry Faygo” climbs from No. 3 to top the Rhythmic Songs airplay chart (dated June 20). The single rises through a 7% bump in plays at the format in the week ending June 14, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. “I feel blessed to have my first […]

Jay Z and Beyonce are facing a lawsuit for their Everything Is Love standout track “Black Effect” after Jamaican choreographer and academic Dr. Lenora Stines called out the couple for allegedly recording her vocals and using them in the song without her permission or credit. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of […]