5/20/26 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: Da Cypher – Conway The Machine, 38 Spesh, Dave East

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

5/19/26 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Chris Brown – For The Moment

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

5/17/26 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band

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

5/17/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: CeCe Winans – What A Friend We Have In Jesus

“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

5/17/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Jamel Gaines Named Artistic Director of Brooklyn North High Schools

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. When we entered the New York City College of Technology and headed towards the theater the mood immediately changed to one of academic excitement. Inside arts educators for Brooklyn North High Schools (BKNHS) were participating in the third in a series of four arts professional development workshops conducted by the district’s new Artist Director, Jamel Gaines.

The pedagogic atmosphere recalled the energy depicted in Rapheal’s fresco School of Athens. But instead of Aristotle flanked by Plato Gaines was introduced by a different scholar, Superintendent of Brooklyn North High Schools Dr. Rushell White. Dr. White (still basking in the afterglow of her April 28th appointment to Superintendent) welcomed the engaged teachers/mentors; and expressed her appreciation for their commitment to nurture the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. She was instrumental is the implementation of this new arts initiative now more than two-thirds through its first year.

Gaines role as Artistic Director goes beyond merely increasing classroom engagement, but to also provide professional assistance to the 47 schools that comprise the Brooklyn North High School District. To help guide the real-life/professional application of the students emerging artistry through sharing auditions techniques for dance, theater, and film, assist with creating a portfolio, exploring the seemingly less glamorus but neccesary technical/production career opportunities in house, stage and production managing, light, set and costume design. He will also work with educators to develop arts centric programming that reinvigorates and reimagines teaching techniques as prescribed by the Department of Education’s Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Educators and students will also receive hands on instruction/interaction from his staff of experienced teaching artists, all who have earned accolades and renowned for their vast professional experiences.

JGDC BKNHS Arts Profesional Development Series 3

Gaines began his mission in 1994 when JHS 113 in the Fort Green section of Brooklyn (this was before you could buy a latte or scones in that neighborhood) became his “Lyceum”, the home of the school for the Jamel Gaines Dance Company. His encouraging yet discipled methodology/mentorship has offered young people an expressive haven for over thirty years; and the tutelage ranges from dance decorum to banquet etiquette. This philosophy prepares not just the performer but the entire person for any field of endeavor. “Our goal is to ensure that students receive industry-standard training and technical development. To cultivate and empower the next generation of young artists”. Marketing/Production Assistant Shandale Rickets proudly proclaims, “We want them to lead with creativity and confidence”.

The final BKNHS arts professional development workshop will take place on Wednesday May 20th at New York City College of Technology. O&A NYC will be in the house (who knows what teaching tips we might learn).

In Photo: 1. Jamel Gaines, 2. Dr. Rushell White 3. Jamel Gaines, cast and BKNHS teachers

Walter Rutledge Photographer

5/16/26 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Angélique Kidjo Ayra Starr – Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)

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

5/16/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour 1997 (Live In Munich)

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

5/15/26 O&A NYC IRIE FRIDAY: Sean Paul – Magnificent / Press Back

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

5/14/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: ABBA – Dancing Queen

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 1976, followed by a UK release and the rest of Europe. Continue reading

5/13/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: The Best Of WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: The Best Of Cookie Lyons

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