6/29/26 O&A NYC LIVE PERFORMANCE SPECIAL: Erica Campbell & Le’Andria Johnson Honor Legends With a Moving In Memoriam Performance

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

  6/28/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: The Clark Sisters- You Brought The Sunshine

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 Sunday church services to dominate secular mainstream dance clubs like New York’s famous Paradise Garage. Continue reading

6/26/26 O&A NYC IRIE FRIDAY: Shabba Ranks ft. Maxi Priest – Housecall

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

6/26/26 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Willow – She’s My Religion (Official Visualizer)

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

6/26/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Amina – A Day In The Life Of A Dancer

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 south, Salmon swimming upstream and sometimes Lemming to the sea. Regardless, many have sacrificed with the hope of fulfilling their destiny, of living their dream. Amina Konaté is living her dream. Continue reading

6/25/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY PRIDE: Sylvester

Redo-Slyvester

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 “Queen of Disco. Continue reading

6/24/26 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY:  Wu-Tang Clan: Bring Da Ruckus/C.R.E.A.M. Medley | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

On June 15, 2026, the Wu-Tang Clan delivered a historic television appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing an energetic Bring Da Ruckus and C.R.E.A.M. medley. Continue reading

6/24/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY PRIDE: The Birdcage

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

6/23/26 O&A NYC LIVE PERFORMANCE: Joe – Tiny Desk Concert

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

6/21/26 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY SPECIAL: Tems – Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony

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