Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Category: Music
Posted inBaltimore News
Star power and local pride shine at AFRAM 2025
Day One of AFRAM 2025 brought over 150,000 people to Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park for a celebration of Black culture, music, and community featuring stars like JT, Stefflon Don, and Juvenile. The festival also introduced a new stage for local talent and showcased everything from food and fashion to art and wellness.
Posted inEntertainment
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is unlikely to testify as judge says jury could get case next week
Sean “Diddy” Combs is unlikely to testify in his federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, with his defense expected to conclude within days and the jury possibly beginning deliberations next week. The trial, marked by explicit testimony and video evidence from former partners, hinges on whether the encounters were consensual or coerced, as prosecutors and defense attorneys present starkly opposing narratives.
Posted inArts & Culture
AFRAM 2025 to feature Patti LaBelle, Juvenile and Saweetie
Patti LaBelle and Juvenile will headline this year’s AFRAM festival on June 21-22 at Druid Hill Park. The free event will also feature Saweetie, Teedra Moses, Amerie, and Vedo, celebrating Black culture with music, food, and vendors. AFRAM attracts over 100,000 attendees annually.
Posted inBUSINESS
Beyond the recording studio: Musicians turned business moguls
For generations, Black musicians have shaped American culture while battling an industry that often denied them fair compensation. Today, many are reclaiming power by turning their art into platforms for business ownership and generational wealth.
Posted inMusic
Sly Stone turned isolation into inspiration, forging a path for a generation of music-makers
Sly Stone revolutionized music production by transforming the studio into a compositional tool, using overdubs, drum machines, and tape loops to craft deeply personal and experimental tracks like those on “There’s a Riot Goin’ On.” His innovative approach to recording laid the groundwork for modern music-making, influencing generations of artists from hip-hop to bedroom producers.
Posted inMusic
Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82
Sly Stone, the visionary frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, died at age 82 on June 9, 2025, after a groundbreaking career that revolutionized popular music with its blend of funk, soul, rock, and social commentary. Celebrated for uniting Black and White musicians and addressing the highs and lows of the 1960s-’70s era, Stone’s influence continues to resonate through generations of artists.
Posted inMental Health
‘DMC’ of Run-DMC reveals: ‘10 Ways Not To Commit Suicide’
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC opens up about his past suicidal thoughts and depression in his memoir “Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide,” emphasizing the importance of therapy—especially for Black men—as a powerful and necessary step toward healing. His story sheds light on mental health struggles and the urgent need to break the silence around suicide in the Black community.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Awards bring star power as Doechii, Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey shine in 25th anniversary show
The 25th BET Awards celebrated Black excellence and social impact with standout moments from Doechii, Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey, blending emotional speeches with powerful performances. The night featured heartfelt tributes, sharp comedy from Kevin Hart, and Kendrick Lamar’s win for album of the year, while honoring icons like Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82
Sly Stone, the legendary musician and showman who transformed popular music with hits like “Everyday People” and “Stand!”, died at the age of 82 after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other ailments.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Key moments from the second week of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial
In the second week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, witnesses—including celebrities like rapper Kid Cudi, former staff, and associates—testified about alleged abuse, threats and coercion, as prosecutors aim to prove he used his businesses to run a racketeering operation.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Cassie testimony against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs ends after she spent days describing abuse
R&B singer Cassie testified in court on May 13 that music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs abused and sexually exploited her for years, describing coerced participation in violent, drug-fueled sex acts known as “freak offs” and physical assaults during their relationship.
