Music

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

All The Love is a track by Ye (formerly Kanye West) featuring André Troutman, released as the fourth song on his twelfth solo studio album, BULLY. Continue reading

Sade performing ‘Is It A Crime’ at Live Aid in front of 72,000 people in Wembley Stadium, London on the July 13, 1985. The event was organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. Broadcast across the world via one of the… Continue reading

One of the earliest captured live versions of Ooo Baby Baby featuring Smokey Robinson and The Miracles on the television show Ready Steady Go. The 1965 live performance showcases the group in their prime. Continue reading

Bianca Censori has officially unveiled her self-directed music video for Father a collaborative track from Ye and Travis Scott. Premiering alongside the release of Ye’s new album BULLY, the buzzed-about visual project takes the form of a short film set within a surreal dream that exists entirely outside of conventional… Continue reading

Shouting At The Wall is the debut official single by MC Abdul (Abdalrahman Alshantti), a young Palestinian Rapper from Gaza. Released on June 29, 2021, when he was just 12 years old, the track serves as a powerful commentary on life under occupation and the resilience of those living in Gaza.… Continue reading

So Easy To Fall in Love is by British R&B artist Olivia Dean, released on September 26,2025 as the fourth single from her second studio album The Art of Loving, which was released on the same day. Continue reading

Canadian hip-hop artist Zach Diamond released a single, Rules, on March 6, 2026. The song’s motivational lyrics centered on self-love and resilience has gained it significant traction on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Continue reading

The Harlem Sandman features Nick Stewart, Count Basie, Jack Williams, Dorothy Dandridge, Ernest Morrison and Pops & Louie from Hit Parade of 1943. Continue reading

King Bach released a parody of Ryan Coogler‘s film Sinners in May 2025. The sketch was written and directed by King Bach and features a guest appearance by Taye Diggs, who also served as an executive producer for the project.  Continue reading

In 1994, Whitney Houston took the stage in Durban, South Africa, making her the first major Western musician to visit the newly unified, post-apartheid nation following President Nelson Mandela’s winning election. This performance was more than a concert; it was a celebration of freedom, hope, and unity. Whitney’s powerhouse voice… Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is presenting their New York City season from March 17th until Easter Sunday April 5th. The two-week season will offer two eclectic programs featuring a total of six works. The March season also marks the fifth anniversary of Artistic Director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell… Continue reading

When I Pray  by Gospel artist DOE (Dominique Jones), featured on her debut album Clarity. The uplifting ballad topped Billboard’s Gospel Airplay and MediaBase charts in September 2022, focusing on connecting with God through struggles, and earned a Dove Award nomination.  Continue reading

Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?) is a collaborative single by legendary Beninese artist Angélique Kidjo and Nigerian AfroPop star Ayra Starr, released on March 27, 2026. Continue reading

TLC, En Vogue, and Salt-N-Pepa performed a historic joint medley for the first time ever at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Continue reading

All The Man That I Need is one of Whitney Houston’s most iconic power ballads, released in December 1990 as the second single from her third studio album, I’m Your Baby Tonight. Produced by Narada Michael Walden, the track is celebrated for its gospel-infused climax and a soulful saxophone solo… Continue reading

Save The Best For Last is by R&B artist Vanessa Williams from her second studio album, The Comfort Zone. Written by Phil Galdston, Jon Lind and Wendy Waldman, and produced by Keith Thomas, Wing and Mercury Records released it as the album’s third single on January 14, 1992. . Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Ailey II presented their fifty second New York City season March 17 through March 22 at the Joyce Theater. The sold out six-day eight performance season offered two programs New Works and Legacy/Future. The season featured Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Streams and four New York City premieres by… Continue reading

Freeway of Love is a classic hit by Aretha Franklin, released as the lead single from her thirtieth studio album, Who’s Zoomin’ Who?. The song marked a major comeback for the Queen Of Soul, becoming her highest-charting single in over a decade and earning her a Grammy Award for Best… Continue reading

Love Is Blind is by Hip Hop artist Eve, the official remix featuring  Faith Evans was released from Eve’s second studio album Scorpion.The song is directed toward a man who had been abusing Eve’s best friend. Continue reading

I Miss You (Come Back Home) is the debut single by  R&B artist Monifah, featuring Hip Hop artists Heavy D and McGruff.The song was notably featured on the soundtrack for the popular NYC police drama New York Undercover. Continue reading

Lena Horne performed by The Lady Is a Tramp from the musical Babes in Arms (1937). The musical features music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart. Continue reading

“Soldiers In The Army” (often titled “I’m a Soldier In the Army of the Lord”) is a classic gospel song famously recorded and performed by the legendary Rev. James Cleveland. Continue reading

Oleta Adams, Grammy-nominated singer, pianist, and songwriter, performed live at the Miramar Cultural Center in 2024, wowing the crowd with her soulful mix of R&B, gospel, and jazz. Continue reading

Loser is a popular dancehall track by Lady Saw  (Marion Hall) featuring Cecile.The song is a “diss track” or empowerment anthem where the two artists trade verses about a man who has lost his appeal or status. The hook repeatedly labels him a loser for wasting their time. Continue reading

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A-Tisket, A-Tasket is the 1938 breakout hit that catapulted Ella Fitzgerald to national stardom. Co-written by Fitzgerald and arranger Al Feldman (Van Alexander), the song is a playful jazz adaptation of a 19th-century children’s nursery rhyme. Ella famously performed the song in her 1942 film debut, Ride ‘Em Cowboy. Continue reading

By Alex Smith, Jr. Sunday night was the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ (AMPAS) 98th Oscar Awards at the Dolby Theatre, in Los Angeles, CA. I have watched the Oscars for decades now. I have found some Oscar programs better than others. I can’t remember any of them… Continue reading

Jury is by R&B/Soul artist by Kiana Ledé. It is featured as a standout track on the deluxe version of her third studio album, Cut Ties (Deluxe). Continue reading

The musical tribute to Sinner at the 98th Academy Awards featuring a special appearance by former American Ballet Theatre principal dance Misty Copeland. Continue reading

Go Get It is a hit Gospel single and the title track of the 2012 compilation album by the R&B/Gospel duo Mary Mary. The song is known for its empowering message about faith and perseverance, encouraging listeners to pursue their “blessings” because it is their “season”. Continue reading

The Works & Process performing arts series at the Guggenheim Museum recently hosted a preview and discussion of American Ballet Theatre’s revival of Othello: A Dance in Three Acts. The presentation featured a discussion moderated by ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe with choreographer Lar Lubovitch, offering insights into his creative process and the… Continue reading

I’m Outta Love is by Pop artist Anastacia, released as her debut single. Written by Anastacia, Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello and produced by the latter two, it was released on February 29, 2000, as the lead single from her debut album, Not That Kind. Continue reading

Die For You is a single by Dancehall artist Shenseea. The track was produced by frequent collaborator Rvssian and is also featured on her 2024 album, Never Gets Late Here. Continue reading

Sarah Lois Vaughan  was described by Scott Yanow as having “one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century. Continue reading

Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix) is a legendary Hip Hop collaboration released on June 24, 1997, for the soundtrack of the film Nothing to Lose. It features Lil’ Kim alongside Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Left Eye (Lisa Lopes) and Angie Martinez. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Ronald K. Brown/Evidence presented their New York City season at the Joyce Theater February 24 through March 1, 2026. The company offered two programs, a total of eight works spanning the years 2006 through 2017. The production experienced some snow drama with the cancellation of the February… Continue reading

Angel  is the debut solo single by R&B artist Angela Winbush. The track was released in 1987 as the first single from her debut album, Sharp on Polygram Records. Continue reading

More Than A Woman is by R&B artist Aaliyah for her eponymous third and final studio album.It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it. Continue reading

The hills are alive with the files of Epstein. Which Trump has surpress for a 1000 days. Continue reading

Down Through the Years by Pastor Emeritus Jasper W. Williams, Jr. was released in 2010, the popular gospel song and radio single song is featured on his traditional gospel album, Landmark. Continue reading

Add To Me is by R&B artist  Ledisi, released as the second single from her ninth studio album, Let Love Rule. Continue reading

Romantic Call is a Dancehall and Hip-Hop collaboration by Jamaican artist Patra featuring Yo-Yo. Released as part of Patra’s debut album, Queen of The Pack. Continue reading

Maya Plisetskaya, Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Bolshoi Ballet, danced Maurice Bejart’s Bolero set to the famous Maurice Ravel score in 1975. Plisetskaya created a stunning theatrical experience. What makes the piece so compelling is that although Plisetskaya may be accompanied by dozens of other dancers mirroring her movement, the… Continue reading

Strange Fruit a song performed most famously by Billie Holiday, who first sang and recorded it in 1939. Continue reading

Gotta Man is by Hip Hop artist Eve, released on August 31, 1999 as the second single from her debut studio album Let There Be Eve, Ruff Ryders First Lady. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Black History Month 2026, a month of reflection, remembrance and rejoicing the accomplishments of Americans of African descent, has come to an end. It was a month spent celebrating and remembering not only the sacrifices of the renowned such as Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King Jr. and… Continue reading

At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026, Afrobeat pioneer Feli Kuti was posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive this prestigious recognition. Fela Kuti was recognized nearly 30 years after his death for his role as the Father of Afrobeat and his use of music… Continue reading

Wattstax was a benefit concert organized by Stax Records  to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 riots  in the African American community of Watts, Los Angeles. The concert took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 20, 1972. The concert’s performers included all of the Stax’s prominent artists at… Continue reading

Marvin Gaye’s performance of What’s Going On at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special in 1983 is widely considered one of the most poignant moments in music history. Taped on March 25, 1983, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the special celebrated the 25th anniversary of Motown Records. Gaye’s appearance was particularly… Continue reading

Baby Keem’s Birds And The Birds is a music video featuring Lara Raj. This follows the February 20, 2026, release of his second album, Casino, under PGLang/Columbia Records. Continue reading

Corbin Bleu performed an electrifying rendition of Mein Herr from the musical Cabaret at the 2023 Broadway Backwards benefit. Bleu opened the show, which took place on March 13, 2023, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.  Continue reading

In this episode of A Black Lady Sketch Show Gabrielle Dennis as a woman who is repeatedly visited by R&B legend Patti LaBelle every time she experiences a breakup. Continue reading

 The first concert of bandleader/pianist William ‘Count’ Basie and his Count Basie Orchestra at the North Sea Jazz Festival 1979. Basie did two concerts at the festival, one month before his 75th birthday. Continue reading

Oh Happy Day is a 1967 gospel music arrangement of the 1755 hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge. Recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, it became an international hit in 1969. It has since become a gospel music standard. Continue reading

Untold Stories is a landmark Reggae song by Buju Banton, released as part of his critically acclaimed album Til Shiloh.Recorded when Buju Banton was only 22, the track is a semi-acoustic ballad that signaled a major shift in his career from dancehall toward more socially conscious and spiritual themes. Continue reading

Can You Stand The Rain is a classic 1988 R&B ballad by the group New Edition. Written and produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was the third single from the group’s multi-platinum fifth studio album, Heart Break. Continue reading

Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925. He was an African- American entertainer who broke many barriers and paved the way for entertainers in all  disciplines. Davis was primarily a dancer and singer, but he also received acclaim as an actor of stage and screen, musician,… Continue reading

Grammy-winning R&B singer Ledisi delivered a powerful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, at the Caesar’s Superdome in her hometown of New Orleans. Continue reading

You Got Me is a song by Hip Hop Band The Roots, featuring vocals from Erykah Badu and Eve, then known as Eve of Destruction, who raps the second verse but does not appear in the music video. Continue reading

Sammy Davis Jr.’s iconic live performance of Mr. Bojangles in Germany took place on June 28, 1985, at the Hohensyburg Casino in Dortmund. Continue reading

Gospel music has experienced a great loss with the passing of one of it’s legends – Mama Mosie Burks of the Mississippi Mass Choir, she was 92. Known as “Mama” Burks, the former lead soloist of the Mississippi Mass Choir’s gospel was born June 17, 1933 in Forest, Mississippi. Continue reading

Don’t Love Me is a single by Nigerian Afrobeats star Omah Lay. It serves as the second single from his highly anticipated sophomore album, Clarity of Mind. Continue reading

The original music video for Freddie McGregor’s 1986 hit Push Come To Shove has two distinct versions, with the Director’s Cut being the most sought-after by purists. Continue reading

Whip Appeal is a R&B ballad by Babyface, released on February 22, 1990, as the third single from his double-platinum second album, Tender Lover. Continue reading

A soulful pick for Valentine’s Day. “Betcha By Golly, Wow” is a cornerstone of Philadelphia soul that perfectly captures the “Quiet Storm” romantic vibe. Continue reading

The Mobb Deep 30th Anniversary “The Infamous” LP live show with Nas, Raekwon the Chef and Big Noyd took place at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York City. Continue reading

Jill Scott recently appeared on Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch, a popular D.C.  based performance platform, where she debuted her new single Lifting Me Up. Continue reading

Vision Of Love is by R&B artist Mariah Carey, recorded for her eponymous debut studio album (1990). The song was re-recorded and produced by Rhett Lawrence and Narada Michael Walden.  Continue reading

Le’Andria Johnson joins gospel superstar Yolanda Adams for a powerful performance of The Battle Is The Lord’s at the 2020 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Continue reading

Stepping Razor is one of the most iconic songs and monikers associated with Reggae legend Peter Tosh (born Winston Hubert McIntosh). Continue reading

Gangsters Of The Groove is a classic post-disco and funk track by the multinational band Heatwave, released in late 1980. Continue reading

Special is a 2026  single by GloRilla, known for its unapologetic and affirmational lyrics. The song features GloRilla rapping about her self-worth and desirability over a beat produced by BankRoll Got It, Lil Ronnie and others. Continue reading

Excerpt from the tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack at the 2026 Grammys.An 11-minute medley began with Nothing Even Matters, continuing with Brown Sugar and featuring Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton performing Lady. Continue reading

SNL Musical guest Cardi B performs “ErrTime” on Saturday Night Live. Continue reading

Relive some of the most unforgettable Record Of The Year wins in Grammy history, featuring memorable moments from Michael Jackson, Silk Sonic, Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Bette Midler, U2, Sam Smith, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant and more. Continue reading

Blessings by Soul of Afrika is a powerful Gospel drill anthem filled with faith, confidence, and spiritual strength. The music video captures real energy, bold declarations, and a message of divine covering and favor—reminding listeners that blessings follow those who stand firm in faith. Continue reading

Spice released Soft Girl Era in January 2026 as her first single of the year, marking a new, independent phase focusing on self-love, luxury, and unapologetic feminine energy.  Continue reading

The Roots perform Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around from the  2014 soundtrack of the film For A Revolution. In this clip, which juxtaposes black and white footage of 20th-century Civil Rights protests with color footage of the band performing in a recording studio. Continue reading

The final act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks takes place after the death of Dr. King . John Jones (Dr Martin Luther King), Sheila Rohan (Rosa Parks) and James E. Murphy (Assassin). Continue reading