National Geographic Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre, the stars of National Geographic’s Genius: MLK/X, a docuseries exploring the lives, accomplishments and differing philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, say they were apprehensive about taking on the roles of such historical giants. They spoke to ABC Audio about how they put their emotions aside so they could best play…
From a new gospel album to the return of hip-hop greats and a ladies anthem, check out this week’s New Music Friday for the culture’s latest and greatest in music. Koryn Hawthorne, On God — The former The Voice finalist released her third studio album, one she says has been two years-in-the-making. Fivio Foreign, Pain & Love 2 — It’s the…
ABC/Disney Parks Andra Day says the opportunity to take the Super Bowl 58 stage with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” feels just right. She spoke about the big gig in a press conference Thursday, opening up about the “honor” it is to be the one who’ll sing the song widely known as the Black national anthem. “More…
mega/gamma Usher‘s ninth studio album, Coming Home, has finally arrived. The 20-track project includes appearances by H.E.R., The-Dream, Summer Walker, 21 Savage and Latto, with a title song featuring Burna Boy. It also follows the release of the #6 track, “Ruin,” and its matching music video featuring Nigerian artist Pheelz. Coming Home comes after a 2023 that saw Usher’s well-attended My Way Las Vegas residency go viral — and kicks off an action-packed 2024 with an upcoming headlining…
Streamcut & RCA Records Latto is taking things to church with her latest new single, “Sunday Service,” making it clear to any doubters that she’s the IT girl. “I don’t sing R&B but, b****, I’m really her, f*** wrong with n*****?” she raps on the chorus. “I hang up the phone on n***** (Click) You ain’t my…
Usher during the Black Eyed Peas’ halftime show in 2011; Christopher Polk/Getty Images Bringing out special guests during the Super Bowl halftime show has become a thing in recent years — except for Rihanna, unless you want to count the baby in her belly at the time as a “guest.” This year’s Super Bowl halftime performer, Usher,…
On this day in Black history, February 9: — In 1953, author Ralph Ellison became the first Black writer to win the National Book Award for his debut novel, Invisible Man. — In 1971, Leroy “Satchel” Paige became the first Negro League veteran to be nominated for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The pitching legend was inducted in August 1971.…
Ethan Miller/Getty Images While trying to decide which of his many iconic hits he’ll try to jam into his halftime at the Super Bowl Sunday, Usher‘s criteria can be summed up in one word: celebration. “What I did is, I was very mindful of my past, celebrating my present, which is here in Las Vegas, and thinking…
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for STARZ Nicki Minaj will soon hit the road on her highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 Tour, but she won’t be traveling across the U.S. alone. Grammy-winning singer Monica has been announced as the tour special guest, joining Nicki on the North American dates. The duo’s first stop is in Oakland on March 1. They’ll also travel to…
ABC/Michael Le Brecht II Lola Brooke has released her latest single, a tribute to rappers who have died called “God Bless All the Rappers.” On the new track, the New York native makes mention of a few rap artists who were victims of gun violence, including Pop Smoke and PnB Rock. In one of the verses Lola raps, “How could you kill Chinx Drugz, King…
