Music

Reach Out is the sleek, dance floor single by Grammy-winning R&B artist Victoria Monét, released on July 21, 2026. Coinciding with the track’s release, Monét officially announced her highly anticipated sophomore studio album, Frequency of Love, scheduled to drop on October 2, 2026 via Lovett Music and RCA Records. Continue reading

Buju Banton delivered a spectacular live performance of his Dancehall track Butterflies as the musical guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, July 20, 2026. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge PHILADANCO! (The Philadelphia Dance Company) returns to New York City for a highly anticipated six performance season at The Joyce Theater from July 29 through August 2, 2026. This celebrated company’s mission, to preserve the Black American concert dance traditions, will be on full display with a… Continue reading

Alley Oop single by Harlem artist Dave East, Styles P and producer Harry Fraud. The track serves as a promotional single for the collaborative project Price of Pain by Dave East and Harry Fraud. Continue reading

 By Walter Rutledge   Summerstage in association with the Joyce Theater will present a one night only dance and live music event tomorrow July 22nd at Central Park’s The Rumsey Playfield. Doors open at 7 pm and the performance starts promptly at 8pm. A tribute to the legendary women of… Continue reading

The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) is the groundbreaking 1997 debut solo single by Hip Hop artist Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott. Produced by her longtime collaborator Timbaland, the track is famous for its infectious hook that samples Ann Peebles classic 1973 soul record, I Can’t Stand The Rain. Continue reading

Mileage is the official comeback single by the iconic R&B group B2K, released on July 17, 2026. The track marks the group’s first new musical release together in more than 20 years, reuniting all four original members: Omarion, Lil Fizz, J-Boog and Raz-B. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge An informal presentation of dance works inspired by 20th century modern mover Erick Hawkins was offered on July 16th at the Joan Weill Center for Dance, studio 5D. A Tribute to Erick Hawkins featured two dances by Gloria McLean and a dance/theatre work by Bert Gstettner. The… Continue reading

Recorded live in Copenhagen, Denmark, April 1968. Song For My Father was recorded in October 1964 and released on the Blue Note Label. The album was inspired by a trip that Horace Silver had made to Brazil. The cover artwork features a photograph of Silver’s father, John Tavares Silva, to… Continue reading

Lead Me On (Live) is a powerful contemporary worship anthem by Grammy-nominated artist Chandler Moore, recorded for his live solo project Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles. The song and its Official Music Video were released on June 14, 2024, by Tribl Records. Continue reading

Portrait of Billie (1960) is an iconic modern dance duet choreographed by John Butler as a poignant tribute to the legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday portrayed by Carmen de Lavallade. Continue reading

Hold You (also known as “Hold Yuh“) is a highly popular 2010 dancehall reggae fusion track by Jamaican artist Gyptian. Produced by Ricky Blaze, the song became a global anthem driven by a hypnotic, minimal piano chord progression and Gyptian’s smooth falsetto. Continue reading

The Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene from 1992 movie Malcolm X featuring Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Choreographed with the help of Frankie Manning (blue suit) and Norma Miller (yellow dress) and the scene included background dancers Dawn Hampton and Ryan Francois. Otis Sallid was the choreographer and the song… Continue reading

Al Green’s iconic soul masterpiece, Let’s Stay Together, has been captured in several legendary live performances throughout his career. Originally released as a single in late 1971 before anchoring his landmark 1972 studio album, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified Green’s signature Memphis Soul style. Continue reading

Low, Short and Squatty is a vibrant jump blues and swing song recorded by African-American vocalist and actress Vanita Smythe, released on December 2, 1946. The track was famously released as a “soundie”—a three-minute musical film that served as a precursor to modern music videos—and became a prominent jukebox hit… Continue reading

1991 (Wyclef Jean ft. Price & Kayla GC Part 1)is a prominent single by Wyclef Jean. Released initially as an audio track on June 25, 2026, the song is part of his album Clef Notes – Quantum Leap Vol. 1, distributed under the SodoMood Lab Label. Continue reading

Might Just is a hit R&B single by British artist Ella Mai, released as part of her third studio album, Do You Still Love Me?. Produced by long-time collaborator Mustard, the track explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and unfaithfulness. Continue reading

Sepia Cinderella (1947) is the second in a series of films produced by Jack Goldberg and Arthur Leonard, made primarily for the 684 theatres (in 1947) that catered exclusively to Black audiences that were kept out, or placed in a special balcony section, in most of the theatres in segregated… Continue reading

Rihanna shocked the crowd with a surprise appearance during Night 3 of Jay-Z Extra Innings concert residency at Yankee Stadium. The unexpected reunion marked one of her first live stage performances in years, sending the sold-out stadium into a complete frenzy. Continue reading

Jay-Z celebrates 25 years of The Blueprint at Yankee Stadium with Slick Rick, Eminem, & Pharrell. Continue reading

The viral collaboration of Jesus Is A Love Song featuring Kim Burrell, Tim Bowman Jr., and Faith City Music is a high-energy live recording originally captured during a tribute event honoring the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters. Continue reading

Tornado is a hit single by Nigerian AfroPop artist Ayra Starr, released on June 12, 2026. The track serves as a lead release ahead of her highly anticipated third studio album, Starrgirl. Continue reading

Fat Joe and Jadakiss debut their collaboration Aroma featuring Stove God Cooks off Joe’s upcoming Organized Crhyme album with special guest DJ Khaled, who crashed the Joe and Jada set. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge A Tribute to Erick Hawkins, an informal showing of two solos by Gloria McLean and a work by Vienna based dancer/choreographer Bert Gstettner will take place on July 16, 8pm at the Joan Weill Center for Dance, 405 West 55th Street in Studio 5D. These works are… Continue reading

Live Performance, Continue reading

The Jackson 5 performed Forever Came Today live on the Carol Burnett Show, which was recorded in July 1975  and aired January 1976. The song was originally a 1968 hit by The Supremes, the Jackson 5 updated the track into a high-energy disco anthem for their final Motown studio album,… Continue reading

Whisper My Name is a hit song by Canadian Hip Hop artist Drake, released on May 15, 2026. It serves as a standout track on his ninth studio album, Ice Man, which arrived as part of a massive triple-album drop alongside Maid of Honour and Habibti. Continue reading

Alive is a breezy, collaborative single by British artist Jorja Smith featuring Nigerian Afrobeats icon Wizkid, officially released on July 2, 2026. The track serves as the lead single for Jorja Smith’s highly anticipated third studio album, titled What Are The Odds, which is scheduled for release on August 21,… Continue reading

A masked white nationalist hate group rolls into Washington, DC with a grand plan to save America. Unfortunately, they can’t even handle the basic challenges of everyday life without turning it into an absurd disaster. Continue reading

In a powerful moment of worship inside a women’s correctional facility in Nevada, God Behind Bars Music leads I Trust in God—but what happens at the end is something no one expected. As the room fills with faith, hope, and raw honesty, an inmate steps forward and takes the lead,… Continue reading

The Pas de Deux and Finale of George Balanchine’s tribute to our flag and country, Stars And Stripes. He made this to the music of John Philip Sousa, orchestrated by Hershey Kay. Danced here by Margaret Tracey and Damian Woetzel. Continue reading

Find A Way is a highlife-influenced single released by Ghanaian Afrobeat artist Black Sherif in June 2026. The song serves as a reflective anthem about resilience and the winning mindset. Continue reading

A perfect example of a Frug is found in the movie Sweet Charity, which contains a number called “The Rich Man’s Frug”, a wildly energetic dance number comprising three “movements” (“The Aloof”, “The Heavyweight” and “The Big Finish”) that showcases director Bob Fosse’s distinctive choreography style, particularly his creative use… Continue reading

Footprints is a critically acclaimed dancehall reggae song by the Jamaican group T.O.K., released on their 2005 album, Unknown Language. Produced by the legendary Don Corleone on the iconic “Drop Leaf” riddim, the track stands as one of the group’s most poignant and enduring hits.  Continue reading

Alright is by R&B artist from her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Written by Janet  Jackson and Jimmy Jam also Terry Lewis, he song was released on March 4, 1990, by A&M Records as the fourth single from Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. Continue reading

Waiting For Response is a song Harlem Hip Hop artist Jim Jones, released as a single on June 5, 2026, and featured on his album THE LANDLORD. Produced by Piff Mann and Soon, the track delivers Jones’ signature gritty street commentary. He brought the record back into focus by releasing… Continue reading

Ray Charles iconic performance of A Song For You live at the Montreux Jazz Festival took place on July 19, 1997. His deeply emotional, soul-stirring rendition of the Leon Russell classic served as a major highlight of his hour-long set. It showcased his timeless vocal prowess alongside his 15-piece orchestra. Continue reading

Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson delivered one of the most powerful moments of the 2026 BET Awards with a heartfelt In Memoriam tribute honoring the artists, visionaries, and cultural icons we’ve lost.  Continue reading

You Brought the Sunshine is the iconic 1981 masterpiece by the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters. Written and composed by Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark, the song made history by blending traditional gospel vocals with reggae rhythms influenced by Stevie Wonder‘s Master Blaster. It broke musical boundaries by crossing over from… Continue reading

Housecall also known as (Your Body Can’t Lie to Me) is a landmark crossover reggae-dancehall track released in 1991 by Jamaican artist Shabba Ranks featuring British reggae vocalist Maxi Priest.  Continue reading

She’s My Religion is an alternative single by American artist WILLOW (Willow Smith). Released in June 2026, it serves as the second teaser track for her eighth studio album, The Thread. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge One of the more rewarding aspects of being a cultural commentator is the opportunity to observe so much young talent. People from all walks of life converge on New York City with their dreams wrapped in the invincibility of youth. It’s amazing! It’s like seeing Geese flying… Continue reading

Sylvester James, Jr., better known as disco and soul singer-songwriter Sylvester, was often described by the mainstream media as a drag queen, but he repeatedly rejected such a description. His flamboyant and androgynous appearance exemplified  the late 1970s. Sylvester became known in the United States under the moniker of the… Continue reading

In this contemporary American adaptation of the 1978 outrageous French farce LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, the story centers on the life of a middle-aged, flamboyant gay couple…Armand and Albert…in the eclectic community of South Beach, Florida, who have raised a straight son. Continue reading

R&B legend Joe (Joe Thomas) made his highly anticipated debut on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert on June 10, 2026. Released as part of NPR’s Black Music Month celebration in partnership with BET, the performance was a heavily requested event that fans had petitioned for over several years. Continue reading

CeCe Winans latest Gospel anthem Come Jesus Come has recently been re-released as duet featuring the legendary Pastor Shirley Caesar. Continue reading

Nigerian music star Tems delivered a captivating live performance of her hit song Me & U at the historic grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on  June 18, 2026. Continue reading

The Ahmad Jamal Trio’s Jazz Session from June 25, 1971, recorded live at Studio 104 of the Maison de la Radio (ORTF) in Paris, is widely celebrated as one of the most legendary, high-energy live performances in modern jazz history. Continue reading

The Agon pas de deux, choreographed by George Balanchine in 1957 to a score by Igor Stravinsky, is a revolutionary milestone in 20th-century ballet. Its original cast paired Arthur Mitchell, the first Black principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, with Diana Adams, a caucasian ballerina. Continue reading

I Love Your Smile is the Grammy-nominated, R&B single by American artist Shanice. Serving as the lead single from her second studio album, Inner Child, the track remains her most successful and globally recognized signature hit. Continue reading

Single released by Bryson Tiller on June 5, 2026, through TrapSoul and RCA Records. Produced by Reezy On Da Beat, the track serves as the second taste of music from Tiller’s upcoming untitled album slated for release later this year, following his April single Its Ok. Continue reading

  Marvelous is a highly celebrated traditional gospel song written and performed by the late Bishop Walter Hawkins alongside the Love Center Choir. Continue reading

De Stanley Brothers are a rising teenage contemporary Christian and gospel music duo from Nigeria, consisting of brothers Joshua Stanley and Goodluck Stanley. Continue reading

I Can’t Look Away is a hit single by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Mr. P (Peter Okoye), released on June 5, 2026. Serving as the lead track for his upcoming solo project OG Forever, the song features an upbeat, dance-ready tempo and vibrant visuals that have quickly sparked viral dance challenges… Continue reading

Murderer is a collaborative single by Jamaican Dancehall artist Tommy Lee Sparta and Hip Hop artist Trippie Redd, released on October 14, 2025. The track dropped during Spooky Season, perfectly matching both artists dark and alternative musical styles. Continue reading

Watching Us is a hit Hip Hop and R&B collaboration by American artist Wale featuring R&B artist Leon Thomas. Released on February 3, 2026, the track serves as a prominent standpoint from Wale’s eighth studio album, Everything Is A Lot. Continue reading

Tiberius: The Hood Hitman is an episodic comedy sketch series created by and starring Los Angeles-based comedian, director, and influencer Bigg Jah (Jahdai Pickett). The character Tiberius first debuted in 2017 and quickly became one of the creator’s signature viral hits, helping to grow his massive multi-million follower fanbase. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Memorial Day weekend, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and an African market have all become synonymous with DanceAfrica; America’s largest celebration of African’s diasporic achievements in dance, music, art, theatre, fashion, craft, culture, and cuisine. The 2026 “Afrofest” faced challenges from Oya the Yoruba Orisha of storms,… Continue reading

If I Ever Fall In Love is the iconic 1992 debut single by the R&B/Soul quartet Shai. Written and produced by group member Carl “Groove” Martin, the song is celebrated as one of the definitive a cappella tracks in mainstream music history. Continue reading

New York by Ja Rule, featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss, is a 2004 NewYork Hip Hop anthem from Ja Rule’s sixth studio album, R.U.L.E. Produced by Cool & Dre, the track is famous for its iconic chorus, which interpolates Boogie Down Productions 1990 classic, “The Symphony.” Continue reading

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