5/6/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: The Notorious B.I.G. WARNING

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

5/5/26 O&A NYC BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: What Is The Gateways Festival Orchestra?

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 of Harlem (DTH) and members of the Gatesway Festival Orchestra (GFO) during the dance’s company New York City Season April 16th thru April 19th at New York City Center. The dance company and orchestra performed the revival of DTH’s iconic Firebird ballet, and it proved to be an extremely harmonious relationship. Continue reading

5/3/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Tasha Cobbs Leonard – The Hands That Keeps Holding Me (Official Live Performance Video)

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

5/3/26 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Gaise Baba & Lawrence Oyor – No Turning Back II

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

5/2/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Rihanna – Live at Made In America 2016 Full Show

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

5/2/26 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY SPECIAL: Dub Aura ft. CHELLO – Black Truck Thru The Trenches

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

5/2/26 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Johnny Drille, Arya Starr, Young Jonn – Colorado

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

5/1/26 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Omarion – The One

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

4/30/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Cheryl ‘Pepsii’ Riley – Thanks For My Child

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

4/30/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Firebird – Dance Theatre of Harlem

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 Firebird. The overwhelming response recalls the nostalgic revival of Dougla. It seems the public is clamoring for more from the Arthur Mitchell era. Continue reading