By Jonathan Landrum Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience June 28 with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor” after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award, before closing the show with “Everything Is Everything.” Introduced by Ice […]
Category: Music
Posted inMusic
How Black artists shaped rock and roll—and how that story was reframed
Rock and roll is often associated with artists like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, but its origins trace back to rhythm and blues created by African-American musicians. Scholars and industry figures say that history has often been reframed, obscuring the genre’s Black foundations.
Posted inMusic
Usher says stadium tour with Chris Brown is a statement for R&B
Usher says his upcoming stadium tour with Chris Brown is about elevating R&B and proving the genre belongs on the biggest stages. While acknowledging Brown’s controversies, Usher emphasized their shared commitment to fans and hopes the collaboration will pave the way for more major joint tours.
Posted inMusic
Peabo Bryson, known for duets from Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ has died at 75
Grammy-winning R&B legend Peabo Bryson, whose powerful voice helped define romantic ballads and Disney classics such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” died June 2 at age 75 following a stroke. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Bryson earned international acclaim through hit solo recordings, celebrated duets and stage performances, leaving behind a musical legacy that touched generations of fans.
Posted inObituaries
Rob Base, pioneer of ’80s and ’90s rap, dies at 59
Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock achieved mass appeal with their fast-paced, catchy music that combined infectious grooves, scratching, and hooks, paving the way for ’80s and ’90s rap to become universal pop music.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
‘Michael’ moonwalks to $97 million opening, shattering record for music biopics
“Michael” soared to a record-breaking $97 million opening weekend in North America and $217.4 million globally, becoming the biggest debut ever for a music biopic despite mixed reviews and production setbacks. Starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, the film overcame controversy and costly reshoots to draw strong audience enthusiasm, with sequels already under consideration.
Posted inMusic
Sade, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 class includes many Black creatives, such as Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Sade and more. The honorees span multiple genres and eras, with additional awards recognizing artists like Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and MC Lyte. The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 14 in Los Angeles, with a television broadcast set for December.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
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Trick Daddy performance halted at AKA Regional Conference
By AFRO Staff “You can’t give me no playlist … this ain’t your wedding.” That was the response from Trick Daddy in a video posted to social media and later reported by BIN News, after his performance was halted at a gathering of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Miami rapper had been booked to […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The Apollo Theater and The Howard Theatre co-present ‘Best of The Apollo’ in Washington, D.C., with special performance by legendary hip-hop duo Clipse
Apollo Theater and Howard Theatre will co-present “Best of The Apollo” on April 26 in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by hip-hop duo Clipse and rising artists, while celebrating the legacy of “Amateur Night” and supporting the Howard Theatre Foundation.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
It’s music festival season. How to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the show
As music festival season kicks off, experts advise attendees to prioritize safety by planning ahead for risks like heat, dehydration, injuries and overexposure to noise, while staying aware of surroundings and personal limits.
Posted inMusic
Ye attempts a comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Lauryn Hill
By Ryan PearsonAP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback from years of controversy. Eleven months after releasing a song titled “Heil […]
