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The 10 Best Moments From John Legend and Alicia Keys' Juneteenth Verzuz Showdown

In a time of civil unrest throughout the country, Alicia Keys and John Legend’s Verzuz event was a healing balm. For more than two hours the pair played their biggest hits (20 each), including their solo songs and features. At times Keys sat at a fuschia piano as Legend took a seat behind a black […]

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Eminem Teases 'Recovery' 10th Anniversary Surprise

It’s been 10 years since Eminem released his 2010 album, Recovery, and the rapper has something up his sleeves to celebrate the milestone. Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, took to Twitter on Thursday (June 18) to share a 30-second clip highlighting some hits from Recovery, including “Not Afraid,” “No Love” and “Love the Way You Lie.” “‘Music is […]

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Rapper Niko Brim & Opal Lee Take Long Strides to Make Juneteenth a National Holiday With Special Sneakers: Exclusive

What shoes are fit for an 89-year-old woman trekking nearly 1,400 miles from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. to fight for Juneteenth, the day slavery ended in America, to be recognized as a national holiday? Ms. Opal Lee, who’s 93 now, made the four-month journey on foot from Sept. 16, 2016 to Jan. 10, 2017 […]

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How to Watch the 'Juneteenth Social Awareness-Thon' Featuring D.L. Hughley, Snoop Dogg & More

Actor and comedian D.L. Hughley will host a virtual fundraiser on Juneteenth to help combat the spread of COVID-19 and promote a message of Black empowerment and education. Sponsored by Master Growers, the online event will feature appearances by Snoop Dogg, Master P, TLC, Black-ish star Anthony Anderson and other celebrities. The fundraiser will stream […]

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Kelly Rowland Shares Moving Statement in Support of Black Trans Lives: 'We Must Protect Each Other'

Kelly Rowland took to social media to issue a powerful statement on the importance of supporting Black trans people amid the Black Lives Matter movement. “LET’S BE VERY CLEAR….You can not say Black Lives Matter, and those lives not include Trans!” she tweeted Thursday (June 18). “We must protect each other! And for those of […]

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Pharrell Williams Lobbies to Make Juneteenth an Official Paid Holiday on 'Kimmel': Watch

Pharrell Williams dropped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss his advocacy in making Juneteenth an official holiday. During his virtual chat with host Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday (June 18), Pharrell dished about how the ongoing wave of Black Lives Matter protests inspired him to reach out to Governor Ralph Northam in his home state of Virginia. […]

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Black Music Month 2020: THEY. Capture the Black Experience With 'Juneteenth' Playlist

This year, Black Music Month takes a different turn. Because of the horrific deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and more, we at Billboard hope to uplift and empower African Americans during this cloudy and dubious time. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the remainder of the month, an artist will provide a playlist designed […]

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H.E.R., Go-Go Guru Chuck Brown & Animated James Brown Mini-Series Amplify Black Music Month Salutes

As calls to end systemic racism continue unabated, this year’s celebrations of Black Music Month and Juneteenth (when slaves were emancipated in the U.S.), are underscored with a new urgency. Here’s a quick roundup of upcoming releases, events and other projects. “I Can’t Breathe”: H.E.R. commemorates Juneteenth (June 19) with the release of the compelling […]

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Here's How to Watch the John Legend & Alicia Keys Juneteenth 'Verzuz' Battle

John Legend and Alicia Keys will take a VIP seat at their piano benches Friday, June 19 at 8 p.m. ET for a Juneteenth special edition of the “Verzuz” battles. Created by legendary hip-hop producers Timbaland and Keys’ husband Swizz Beatz to combat the boredom of staying at home due to coronavirus, this “Verzuz” battle will celebrate Juneteenth, […]

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First Beat: New Music By Teyana Taylor, Wale and Anderson .Paak

With Juneteenth in effect, a plethora of artists came through today (June 19) with new projects and singles, most notably Teyana Taylor, Wale, and Anderson .Paak, all stepping up in their own way to focus on Black pride. Check out the releases below. Teyana Taylor, The Album Two years ago, Taylor rattled the cages of R&B […]