In the ‘hood and abroad, John Singleton is a legend—the man responsible for bringing such classic characters as Ice Cube’s Doughboy from Boyz n the Hood and Tupac’s Lucky in Poetic Justice to the big screen, while placing much-needed emphasis on the poignant tales the inner city has to offer. While some Hollywood heads might […]

When she first came on the scene three years ago with her first album Denials, Delusions, and Decisions, Jaguar Wright found herself aligned with a debatable category of music labeled Neo-Soul. You might remember seeing her on stage with one of Hip-Hop’s most intriguing groups, The Roots, or maybe you remember how she kicked out […]

From the first time Buju Banton crossed the Caribbean Sea to find success in America, he has beaten a unique path. Most of his peers crafted Dancehall anthems that still get the party started in any urban nightclub, leaving the “culture”, or more conscious – almost religious – music to the elders who had toiled […]

In an industry where styles are copied and images are duplicated on a daily basis, it’s hard to find the originator of anything. In the last few months, Atlanta-based singer Tori Alamaze (pronounced al-lah-MAH-zay) has witnessed fellow newcomers the Pussycat Dolls pilfer her song “Don’t Cha”, a sassy adaptation of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Swass”. Tori initially […]

It’s the day of Leela James’ release in more ways than one. Not only has the Los Angeles native’s debut album A Change Is Gonna Come finally hit stores after receiving rave reviews, but her long, hard work is paying off at last. It’s high time for a little exuberance. Just hours before hitting up […]

The Sugar Hill Gang introduced the masses to Rap music by way of “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979. It didn’t matter that Grandmaster Caz penned Big Bank Hank’s lyrics, or that the crew was based out of New Jersey. In time, more certified emcees like Busy Bee and Melle Mel would emerge to let audiences decide […]

What good is a dynasty without a reigning queen… or perhaps a princess in the case of Roc-A-Fella Records? Meet Teairra Mari, a 17-year-old Detroit native who is the sole female artist on the label, and is currently the only R&B act. She may not be old enough to vote yet, but don’t get it […]

This summer heat calls for barbequing, and in the list of essentials, The Gap Band records come only after the homemade sauce. For well over 30 years, Charlie Wilson has kept the Gap Band’s name moving, as well as crucial drops on Hip-Hop records like “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head” – but perhaps the best work […]

For most artists, going platinum is the ultimate measure of success. It keeps the label happy, and ensures that the royalty checks will be rolling in. For Raghav, who is still an unknown among the mainstream U.S market, going platinum is already a done deal. One of the few global breakout stars of this generation, […]

Esthero is one artist whose name has flowed through the lips of music connoisseurs as an answer to the question of who is on the verge of taking over music. Citing Esthero comes with just cause, as the Toronto native revolutionized music at the age of 18 and has finally returned to bring the revolution […]

Very few independent artists have the luxury newcomer R&B singer Sumeet has. For starters her debut single, a catchy club track titled “Agony”, is a collaboration with none-other than Dancehall superstar Elephant Man. The importance of a big name is obvious in urban music but that doesn’t mean new artists can’t hold their own. But […]

Inside Hollywood there is an array of young actors that dare to be different, try to find their niche, and master their craft. You can definitely put 25-year-old Rick Gonzalez into that category. A native of New York, Bushwick to be exact, Rick definitely does his thing on the silver screen. From playing Timo Cruz, […]

At a time when women are seen as objects and not companions, soul singer Lina has set out to prove that it’s what inside that truly makes you beautiful. Raised in Dallas-Ft.Worth, Texas, Lina grew up in a music-loving family with roots in Gospel and Jazz. She began singing in her local church at the […]

You heard her on Eve’s “Gotta Man” and Jay-Z’s “Girl’s Best Friend,” saw her in Cassidy’s “Get No Better” video, and you probably know she’s married to former Ruff Ryders producer Swizz Beatz. But after blessing numerous hooks with her saintly vocals and songwriting skills, it’s finally time for Mashonda Tifrere to hold her own. […]

The title of prophet is often a heavy cross to bear. In addition to dealing with the constant scrutiny of those who wait to see him or her fail in their righteous mission, a prophet also has to not only avoid the temptations of the world, but find a way to get his message out […]

Since hitting the American scene in the early 1970’s, Reggae music has been very influential to all music as a whole. With classic artists like Bob Marley, Super Cat, Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul, Beenie Man and countless others influencing both the way American music sounds and moves, it was only a matter of time before […]

Blowing up is one thing, staying up is another. Some of the most talented blends of street and R&B have been susceptible to the ills of the music industry. Mismanagement of all levels has caused the demise of many a group, and the industry graveyard continues to grow. Enter Fatty Koo, a group of young, […]

Refreshingly authentic artists are always welcome on the R&B stage. While you probably wouldn’t recognize her face, Maya Azucena’s (pronounced AH-zoo-SAY-na) sugary voice—a concoction of soul, Hip-Hop, and funk with a little bit of rock—reverberates across television screens daily. The well-traveled Brooklynite first gained notice doing live shows with her aptly-titled ‘Band’ at local New […]

With only one season under his belt, Marlo Stanfield all but took over prime street corners in HBO’s#### series The Wire. Brooklyn-born actor Jamie Hector plays the sadistically driven drug lord who quickly riveted Wire fans already captivated by the show’s authentic portrayal of urban street affairs. But from Hector’s amicable demeanor recently at Barnes […]

AHHA: He killed—he set up D’Angelo’s murder in prison. Jamie: Yeah, he set up one of his own to be murdered. I mean, he was grimy. On the streets if you really look at—let’s take away the name Stringer Bell and let’s just put the name of some wild dude on the streets with some […]