Music

Super Fly is the third studio album by soul and funk musician Curtis Mayfield, released in July 1972 on Curtom Records. It was released as the soundtrack for the blaxploitation film of the same name. Continue reading

Back to My Roots is a vibrant house and dance-pop track by entertainer RuPaul, released on April 27, 1993, as the fourth single from the debut album Supermodel of the World. The song functions as a bold celebration of Black beauty, traditional hairstyles, and self-expression, heavily utilizing the famous phrase… Continue reading

What a Friend We Have in Jesus is a powerful gospel arrangement performed by The Mississippi Mass Choir on their live album, God Gets The Glory, released on September 23, 1991. Arranged with the choir’s signature powerhouse vocals and soulful harmonies, this track is a definitive staple of modern traditional… Continue reading

There is a Balm in Gilead performed by Kathleen Battle and Jessye Norman at Carnegie Hall remains one of the most culturally significant and vocally sublime moments in classical music history.  Continue reading

The legendary Grace Jones delivered an unforgettable headlining performance at the North Sea Jazz Festival on Friday, July 7, 2017, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She commanded the Nile stage from 7:15 PM to 8:30 PM, showcasing her signature blend of avant-garde fashion, pop, reggae, and disco. Continue reading

What You Need is a song by Nigerian Afro Pop Tems, released on June 3, 2026 via RCA Records. The song was written and produced by Tems alongside frequent collaborator GuiltyBeatz. Continue reading

Duet from Concerto Six Twenty-Two is set to Concerto in A for Clarinet and Orchestra, K. 622 by  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Choreographer Lar Lubovitch premiered this work on his company, the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, at the Municipal Theatre in Angers, France on December 12th 1985 on dancers Sylvain Lafortune and Edward… Continue reading

Get Them Outta Here (Knicks Mix) is a high-energy Hip Hop anthem released by Harlem Hip Hop Artist Jae Millz in late May 2026 to celebrate the New York Knicks historic run to the 2026 NBA Finals. Continue reading

Kehlani is keeping the momentum behind her latest album going with the release of the official video for Back and Forth, her collaboration with Missy Elliott. The track serves as the third single from Kehlani’s self-titled fifth studio album, KEHLANI. Continue reading

Can You Stop The Rain is a hit song released by R&B artist Peabo Bryson on June 4, 1991. Written by John Bettis and Walter Afanasieff, it served as the lead single and title track for Bryson’s fifteenth studio album. Unfortunately Peabo Bryson is no longer here with his fans… Continue reading

Still Free is a rap song by Brooklyn Hip Hop artist Young M.A, released on May 29, 2026, as the second track on her highly anticipated album, Kween. Continue reading

Energy is a vibrant Afrobeats single by the Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, featuring a multi-generational collaboration with veteran music icon Wande Coal and rising star Mavo. Continue reading

Game Time is an official single from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, released on May 29, 2026, as a collaborative anthem by American Hip Hop icon Future and South African Pop star Tyla. Continue reading

Say It is a R&B/Soul track by R&B artist and actor Josh Levi, released on October 9, 2025. The song is a standout track from his debut studio album, Hydraulic. Continue reading

Al Jarreau’s 1999 full concert at the North Sea Jazz Festival captures the legendary vocalist at his peak, delivering a masterclass in vocal gymnastics, jazz-pop fusion, and charisma. The performance took place on July 9, 1999, in the Prins Willem Alexander (PWA) zaal at the Nederlands Congres Centrum in The… Continue reading

No Fear is a powerful Christian and Gospel track recorded by the music collective Soul of Afrika. Released on May 7, 2026, the song is featured on their EP titled Prayer & Power under Lyripedia Records. Continue reading

If You Can’t Help Me is a powerful traditional gospel song performed by Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers. Originally composed by Margaret Allison, the track was prominently featured on the album Malaco 50th Celebration, released by Malaco Records. Continue reading

Ye (Kanye West) made his monumental return to the U.S. stage with a two-night comeback event titled Ye Live In Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium on April 1 and April 3, 2026. The shows marked his first major headlining performances in the city since 2021. Continue reading

Ma Bella is an R&B track recorded by artist Joé Dwèt Filé and released on May 22, 2026. The track is part of his studio album titled HateLove, distributed under the label Play Two. Continue reading

Nigerian Afrobeats Superstar Davido has dynamic ties to Amapiano, frequently collaborating with South African artists and infusing his music with the genre’s signature log drum baselines. While he doesn’t have a single solo song titled “Amapiano,” his catalog is rich with cross-continental Amapiano hits and remixes. Continue reading

Pull Over is the 2026 comeback single by legendary Atlanta Hip Hop artist Ludacris, marking the start of the rollout for his highly anticipated upcoming studio album. Produced by DJ Toomp, the anthemic track serves as his first major solo release since his 2015 album Ludaversal. Continue reading

Ms. Tundra is a country-infused R&B single by three time Grammy Award-winning artist Ne-Yo. Released on May 22, 2026, the track is accompanied by an official visualizer directed by Cedric Tang. Continue reading

The legendary songstress Nancy Wilson delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island on August 15, 1987. Backed by her stellar trio, including longtime drummer Roy McCurdy, her set blended traditional jazz standards, pop-infused melodies, and signature storytelling ballads. Continue reading

YSF (which stands for “You’re So Fine“) is an Afrobeats track by Nigerian-American Hip Hop artist Wale, featuring Nigerian Afrobeats artists Teni and Seyi Vibez. The song was released on May 22,2026, under Def Jam Recordings as part of Wale’s album, titled Everything Is A Lot. Continue reading

Marvin Gaye sang the Star-Spangled Banner at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Gaye’s highly soulful performance received much acclaim from the crowd and has became an instant classic. Continue reading

Bruno Mars brought The Romantic Tour to a packed, rain-soaked Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on May 20, 2026. Despite the wet weather and heavy traffic, fans filled the stadium for his first major headlining tour in nearly a decade. Continue reading

Turbulence is the hit collaborative single by Nigerian Afrobeats superstars Wizkid and Asake, released on January 23, 2026. It serves as the opening track for their highly anticipated joint EP titled REAL,Vol. 1. Continue reading

Talk To Me Nuh is a hit Dancehall single by Jamaican artist Shenseea, featuring the iconic Vybz Kartel and produced by Rvssian. Released on March 13, 2026, the track debuted straight at #1 on the US Reggae iTunes chart, fueled by the undeniable chemistry between the two dancehall powerhouses. Continue reading

Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This is a classic R&B and contemporary jazz duet written by Rachelle Ferrell and performed alongside Will Downing. Released on September 12, 1992, the track serves as a standout single from Ferrell’s critically acclaimed, self-titled Capitol Records album. Continue reading

The 2018 return of Geoffrey Holder’s masterwork Dougla to the repertoire Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) was a resounding success. The work is a sensorially sumptuous movement fest; and it is no wonder Dougla has remained an audience favorite since its premiere on April 16, 1974. Continue reading

Sumthin’ Sumthin is a mid uptempo song by Neo Soul singer Maxwell. The third single from Urban Hang Suite. The woman featured in the song’s music video is French fashion model Chrystele Saint-Louis Augustin. Continue reading

Da Cypher is a heavy-hitting East Coast Hip Hop collaboration featuring Conway The Machine, 38 Spesh, and Dave East. Produced by DJ Profluent, the single was officially released on March 6, 2026, as part of the compilation project Reshaping The Culture Vol. 1 by EMG The Label. Continue reading

For The Moment is a prominent R&B/Soul track by R&B artist Chris Brown, released on May 8, 2026, as part of his twelfth studio album, titled Brown. The track quickly gained traction alongside a highly stylized official music video dropped simultaneously with the album. Continue reading

The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band is one of the world’s most enduring and popular Afro-Cuban Jazz ensembles, led by legendary, Grammy-winning conguero Poncho Sanchez. Continue reading

“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” is the powerful gospel single by legendary artist CeCe Winans, officially released on May 15, 2026. The track serves as the lead single for her upcoming studio album titled The Hymns, which is scheduled for full release on June 5, 2026. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge The local weather had predicted steady morning rain with below average temperatures for April 30th; and for once they were spot on. A brigade of umbrellas seemed to march down Jay Street in downtown Brooklyn. With heads slightly bowed they maneuvered through the wet and dreary inclemency.… Continue reading

Aye Kan is a song by Beninese artist Angélique Kidjo featuring Nigerian Afro-Pop artist Ayra Starr, released on  March 27,2026 through Parlophone and Warner Music France as the second single from Kidjo’s album Hope!. Continue reading

Michael Jackson’s HIStory World Tour live performance in Munich, Germany took place on July 4 and July 6, 1997, at the iconic Olympiastadion. The July 6 concert, which attracted over 72,000 fans, is considered one of the most famous and definitive video recordings of Jackson’s entire touring career. Continue reading

Magnificent / Press Back is a double-feature music video released by Jamaican Dancehall icon Sean Paul on May 13, 2026. The release showcases two individual singles paired together into a singular, continuous visual project directed by Kieran Khan. Continue reading

Dancing Queen is a song by Swedish Pop Group ABBA, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Arrival (1976). It was written by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson.Andersson and Ulvaeus also produced the song. “Dancing Queen” was released as a single in Sweden in August… Continue reading

Cookie Lyons was the urban Alexis Carrington of 2010’s television drama Empire. Debuting on January 15, 2015 Cookie Lyon, the main female protagonist portrayed by actress Taraji P. Henson is the outspoken, fiercely protective, and fashion-forward matriarch of the Lyon family. Continue reading

The official visualizer for Ella Mai’s song Might Just was released on February 5, 2026. The track is a featured song on her 2026 album, Do You Still Love Me?. Continue reading

Forgiveness is a song by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake, released on April 30, 2026, as part of his album M$NEY. The track is a reflective Afrobeats song where Asake explores themes of regret, growth, and seeking mercy from God. Continue reading

The guitar battle in the 1986 film Crossroads is one of the most legendary musical showdowns in cinema history. It features the protagonist, Eugene Martone (played by Ralph Macchio), dueling for his mentor’s (Joe Seneca) soul against the devil’s champion, Jack Butler, portrayed by guitar virtuoso Steve Vai Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge On Thursday April 30th Brooklyn North High Schools (BKNHS) held an Arts Professional Development Day at the New York City College of Technology. The day of networking, pedagogy, workshops and performance was the third of a four-part series moderated by Superintendent Dr. Russell White and conducted by… Continue reading

The fantastic foursome of Fourplay features Bob James on keyboards, Lee Ritenour on guitars, Nathan East on bass and Harvey Mason on drums. They are joined by special guests Chaka Khan, Phillip Bailey and Phil Perry in the spectacular live DVD An Evening Of Fourplay. Continue reading

Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams, known professionally as Shirley Caesar is considered the First Lady of Gospel Music. The singer, songwriter and recording artist career has spanned over six decades. Caesar is a multi-award winning artist, with eleven Grammy Awards and seven Dove Awards to her credit.  Continue reading

The official music video for Use Me by Shaggy was released on February 13, 2019. The track is part of his album Wah Gwaan?!. Continue reading

A Song For Mama is a single by R&B group Boyz II Men. The song was written and produced by Babyface served as the theme song to the 1997 motion picture Soul Food and spent two weeks at number one on the US R&B chart. Continue reading

Fallin is a single by R&B artist Chris Brown featuring Leon Thomas, released on May 1, 2026. The track is the final single from Brown’s 12th studio album, Brown. Directed by Travis Colbert, the 1930s-themed video features cameo appearances by Usher and Tank. Continue reading

Stayin Alive a Disco song by the Bee Gees, from the Saturday Night Fever Motion Picture soundtrack. The song was written by Bee Gees members Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb and produced by the Bee Gees, Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson. Continue reading

The Trap Animation version of Warning by The Notorious B.I.G. is a viral animated tribute that reimagines the classic 1994 track. This animation brings Biggie’s vivid storytelling to life, illustrating the famous 5:46 AM phone call and the subsequent plot to rob him. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Dance is a supportive/collaborative art. It requires costumes, lighting, sets, and music. The two disciplines with the closest bond are the marriage between movement and music. If the music provides the melody, then the dance are the visual lyrics. This was the bond between the Dance Theatre… Continue reading

The official live performance video for The Hand That Keeps Holding Me by Tasha Cobbs Leonard was released on August 5, 2025. The song serves as a powerful declaration of faith, describing the feeling of being held by God even when life feels rough or faith is shaken. Continue reading

No Turning Back II is a powerful Afro-Gospel anthem released on May 16, 2025, by Nigerian artist Gaise Baba in collaboration with worship leader Lawrence Oyor. Continue reading

Rihanna’s headlining performance at the Made in America Festival 2016 took place on September 3 in Philadelphia. The show was a centerpiece of her Anti World Tour, featuring a setlist heavy with tracks from her Anti album alongside her career-defining hits. Continue reading

Black Truck Thru The Trenches is a track by Harlem’s Hip Hop artist Dub Aura featuring CHELLO, released in late April 2026. The song, which features a music video directed by CloudKickaPiff, is a continuation of Dub Aura’s “Black Truck” series, following his 2020 single “Black Truck Thru Atlanta”. Continue reading

Colorado is a collaborative single by Nigerian artists Johnny Drille, Ayra Starr, and Young Jonn, released on April 10, 2026. The track is a blend of Nigerian R&B and Afro Pop, released under the Mavin Records Label. Continue reading

The One is the latest lead single from multi-platinum R&B artist Omarion, released on April 24, 2026. Produced by Pharrell Williams, the upbeat track reworks the melodic foundation of the classic hit “Beautiful” by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell, blending modern dance energy with smooth R&B vocals. Continue reading

Thanks for My Child is the debut single by R&B artist Cheryl Pepsii Riley. Debuting on October 1, 1988, the single was the most successful release for Riley on the Hot Black Singles, and was her only release to make the Hot 100. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge The Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) presented their New York City season April 16th thru 19th at New York City Center. The company offered new DTH favorites by William Forsythe, and Jodie Gates, and Artistic Director Robert Garland, and the much-anticipated revival of the iconic story ballet… Continue reading

Yeah Ha is a collaborative single by Harlem’s Hip Hop artists Vado and Dave East, released on April 23, 2026. The track marks another link-up between the two New York artists and was released alongside an official music video directed by Panoramic Films. Continue reading

Can’t Lose is by Hip Hop artist CHELLO, featuring Dub Aura. Released on May 14, 2020, the song is a standout track from CHELLO’s album, Sacrifices. Continue reading

On April 25, 2026, shots were fired at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents Dinner — one of the most high-profile events in American political life. The President, Vice President, and the entire senior cabinet were present. Continue reading

Runway is a House and Hip Hop collaboration between pop icon Lady Gaga and Doechii, released on April 10, 2026. The track serves as the lead anthem for the soundtrack of the film The Devil Wears Prada 2 and is heavily inspired by Ballroom Culture. Continue reading

Jonathan Butler, a South African music icon and virtuoso guitarist, graces. The 2024 Atlantic City Jazz Festival at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City with his soulful melodies and captivating performances. Experience the magic of his music and be transported to a world of rhythm and emotion. Continue reading

I’m Gonna Be Ready is a song by Gospel artist Yolanda Adams. The song was a single from her 2001 studio album Believe, her last album with major record label Elektra Records. Continue reading

Dance For Jesus is a high-energy collaborative single by Afrobeats artists Fido, Zlatan and ODUMODUBLVCK, released on April 9, 2026. The track blends Nigerian Street Music with Afrobeats, celebrating faith through upbeat rhythms and infectious dance energy. Continue reading

Early In The Morning is a song originally performed by The Gap Band, and written by member Charlie Wilson and producers Lonnie Simmons and Rudy Taylor. Continue reading

We Want The Funk a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music, spans from gospel, soul, highlife, and early jazz roots, to its rise and impact on new wave and hip-hop, as funk music has been transcendent for creators and listeners alike. Continue reading

How Can I Ease the Pain is a song by Lisa Fischer, from her album So Intense. Continue reading

Chicago (2002) the musical comedy-drama film adapted from the satirical stage Bob Fosse musical of the same name. Both the movie and the stage play explore themes of celebrity, scandal, and corruption in Jazz Age Chicago. The film stars Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere and Catherine Zeta-Jones and also features Queen Latifah, John… Continue reading

Always On Time is a powerful worship song by Elevation Worship featuring vocalist Bella Cordero. It was released on July 12, 2024, as part of their album When Wind Meets Fire. Continue reading

I Found the Answer is a classic gospel song famously recorded as a duet by Tramaine Hawkins and Mahalia Jackson.  Continue reading

New from Andrew Lloyd Webber comes the musical of our time. Continue reading

Idi Bad is a high-energy collaboration between Afrobeat Kcee and legendary Nigerian rapper Olamide, released in April 2026. The track blends Kcee’s melodic Afro-Pop style with Olamide’s signature street-hop edge. Continue reading

The Dangerous World Tour (1992–1993) was one of Michael Jackson‘s most successful tours, reaching over 3.5 million fans across 69 concerts. While many shows were filmed, the most famous full recording is the Live in Bucharest concert, which originally aired on HBO and set a record for the highest ratings in cable history… Continue reading

She Did It Again is a collaboration between Tyla and Zara Larsson, released on April 17, 2026. The track serves as the lead single for Tyla’s second studio album, A-Pop. Continue reading

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Give It Up To Me is a song written by Reggae artist Sean Paul featuring Keyshia Cole for his third album, The Trinity.The single meant to be released after “Temperature”  but was switched to “Give It Up to Me” to promote the film Step Up. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Cats: The Jellicle Ball made it’s Broadway debut on April 7that the Broadhurst Theater. The new production has replaced the London alley/junkyard with a New York City gay ball. Called a “radical reimagining” this reincarnation of Daniel Lloyd Webber iconic musical is a fun, raucous, high energy theatrical… Continue reading

One Of Them is a Hip Hop single by DJ Khaled featuring Atlanta’s finest Future and Lil Baby. The track serves as the lead single for DJ Khaled’s fourteenth studio album, Aalam Of God, which is scheduled for release on July 17, 2026. Continue reading

After Donald Trump sparked controversy with an AI-generated “Jesus” image that quickly got deleted, the internet didn’t stay quiet… and neither did Iran. Continue reading

Step into a vibrant celebration of rhythm, culture, and pure joy with Simba, a powerful Afro-inspired anthem brought to life in the soulful style of Rihanna. This song blends uplifting melodies with rich South African influences, featuring traditional chants, rhythmic drums, and a unifying message that connects hearts across every… Continue reading

Before Black Panther and Creed, Ryan Coogler made this short film at USC. This was the first collaboration between director Coogler and composer Ludwig Goransson. Both attended USC Film School at the same time. Continue reading

With Melania Trump‘s weird press announcement about Jeffrey Epstein, which has left everyone headscratching, it felt like the right time for a little song about the Most Famous Slovene. Continue reading

Erroll Garner (1921–1977) was a legendary American jazz pianist and composer, widely celebrated as one of the most virtuosic and distinctive musicians of the swing and bop eras. Known for his joyful “orchestral” approach to the piano, Garner was a self-taught “ear player” who never learned to read music, yet… Continue reading

Immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring performance as the legendary John Legend takes on the iconic role of Jesus Christ in the unforgettable live concert production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Witness a breathtaking rendition of Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say) as John Legend delivers an emotionally charged portrayal that will… Continue reading

The live recording of I’ve Got the Victory is a renowned gospel performance by Ricky Dillard & New G, featuring a powerful lead vocal by Lillian Lloyd. Continue reading

African Soldier is a reggae single by Nigerian Afro Reggae artist Patoranking, featuring legendary Jamaican Reggae artist Buju Banton. Released on March 11, 2026, the track serves as the second single from Patoranking’s upcoming fifth studio album. Continue reading

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Martha Graham Dance Company, April 8 through April 12 at the New York City Center, O&A NYC Magazine reposts Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring. Appalachian Spring premiered on October 30th, 1944, at the Library of Congress, Coolidge Auditorium in Washington DC, with Martha Graham… Continue reading

Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) has a long tradition of collaborating with visual artists, including Richard Barcliff, Geoffrey Holder, Hilary Knight, and Artis Lane among others, to help bring ballets to life beyond the stage. Continue reading

In this James Bond parody, Donald J Trump is Acrid Goldsphincter in Executive Odors‘ version of the classic Bond Goldfinger theme song. All voices and singing performed in studio by Executive Odors. All music performed by real musicians. Continue reading

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 Please Let Me Stay is a tragic duet from the Department of Disposable Loyalty. As the latest wave of loyalists are quietly shown the door, Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem, two true believers, face the unthinkable: what comes next!.  Continue reading

More Than A Lover is a mid-tempo R&B single by Mary J. Blige, released as an exclusive Valentine’s Day track. Produced by Camper, the song celebrates a deep, “transcendent romance” that goes beyond surface-level connection. Continue reading

When Sunday Comes performed by Daryl Coley was featured on Donald Lawrence’s 1995 gospel narrative album Bible Stories.  Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge The second week of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago began Tuesday March 31 and runs thru Easter Sunday, April 5th at the Joyce Theater. The two-week run offered two programs each running for six consecutive days and seven performances.  Week two features choreography by Aszure Barton, Bob Fosse,… Continue reading

Tessanne Chin’s (Jamaican-Chinese Artist) music is a diverse blend of several genres, most notably Reggae, Pop, R&B and Rock. She frequently describes her own signature sound as a “sultry fusion” of these styles, often incorporating dancehall influences while maintaining soulful vocals. Continue reading

Bully featuring CeeLo Green is the title track from Ye’s (Kanye West) solo album BULLY, which was released on March 28, 2026. The track serves as the centerpiece of the 18-track project, marking Ye’s first solo album in four years. Continue reading