MUSIC

On behalf of Grammy award-winning gospel artist Le’Andria Johnson, we want to share

that she has voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation center near Nashville. At this time,

she is taking the time to prioritize her health and heal past trauma. She is committed to

this journey, looks forward to the positive transformation it will bring, and anticipates

returning to the stage in the future.

Le’Andria would like to thank her fans, friends, and family for your continued support.

We ask that you respect her privacy and keep her and her family in your prayers as she

takes this important step. Her management team at 615 JJ Entertainment is thankful for

Le’Andria and for her commitment to her health.

For any questions, please contact Jimmy Maynes

Chris Brown sold out two consecutive shows in Johannesburg, South Africa, performing for over 90,000 attendees each night, showcasing his musical talent and receiving immense love from the crowd.

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Despite facing opposition from women’s rights activists who petitioned against his show due to his past history of violence, Brown’s concert sold out in less than two hours and received support from fans and attendees who appreciated his performance.

The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards took place in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, July 20th Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley. 

Winners included multiple wins for Tye Tribbett including the “James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award”, Kim Burrell received the “Aretha Franklin Icon Award”, and more…

The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8PM and 11PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4 at 8 PM ET/PT. The Red Carpet Xpecial will be available via Xumo Play on-demand on August 10. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards to be available on September 9.

Hailing from Brooklyn, singer-songwriter Bonita Jalane has been captivating audiences since 2012. Not only has she graced the stage alongside musical powerhouses like Chris Brown, Monica, and Fantasia, but her vocals have also enriched recordings by artists like Cam’ron.

Now residing in Atlanta, GA, Bonita continues to make waves. She’s known for selling out local shows at renowned venues like City Winery. Her talent has garnered recognition from major media outlets like FOX News, Upscale Magazine, and Huffington Post.

Get ready to be swept away by her latest single, “So High,” produced by Gregory ‘Grams’ Moore. This fan favorite is quickly gaining momentum, and a captivating music video is on the horizon. Check out her interview with Skyebutterfli HERE

Visit Bonita on IG @BonitaSings

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Killer Mike was detained at the Grammy Awards on Sunday after the rapper and activist won three Grammy awards including his first in more than two decades.

In a video posted by the trade website The Hollywood Reporter, Mike was escorted in handcuffs by Los Angeles police at Crypto.com Arena after some joyous moments for him at the Grammys’ Premiere Ceremony on Sunday, where he won his awards in quick succession.

Police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez said Mike being detained stemmed from an altercation inside the arena around 4 p.m.

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A representative for Mike did not immediately respond to emails or text messages requesting a comment.

“The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing,” the 48-year-old Mike said backstage. He won for best rap performance, rap song and rap album.

“At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer,” he said. “At 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I’ve done. At 45, I started to rap about it. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”

Mike’s first win came after he won for best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” which also took home best rap song. The single features Andre 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane.

He won best rap album for “Michael.”

Before Sunday, Mike’s last Grammy came in 2003 when he won for “The Whole World” won for best rap performance by a duo or group.

When he collected his third award, the Atlanta-based rapper shouted out, “Sweep! Atlanta, it’s a sweep!”

As a member of Run the Jewels, Mike, along with producer El-P, pumped out four critically acclaimed albums. He made noise outside of music as a social-political activist who has spoken out against inequality for Black people, race relations and became a vocal supporter of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.

The Grammy-winner hosted Netflix’s “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike,” a 2019 documentary series about issues that affect the Black community. He also made an emotional plea to calm a protest against police brutality that turned violent in Atlanta.

Jay Z accepts the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 2024 Grammy Awards and shades the recording academy for never giving Beyoncé “Album of the Year” despite winning 32 Grammy awards. 

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SILVER SPRING, MD – January 9, 2024 – Today, Urban One announced that GRAMMY™ and EMMY Award-winning singer, OSCAR®-nominated actress and legendary Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige will be recognized as the prestigious Entertainment Icon Honoree at “URBAN ONE HONORS.” The two-hour “URBAN ONE HONORS: Best in Black” event premieres during Black History Month on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 8p/7c, on TV One and simulcast on CLEO TV.

Mary J. Blige is one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), an EMMY award, two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul, and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album “What’s the 411?” The multi-platinum set quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: “You Remind Me” and “Real Love.” Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s “My Life.” She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You,” “No More Drama,” and “Family Affair,” all of which have made her a force in music. Over her career, Blige has released 15 studio albums, in addition to starring in films and television programs such as “Mudbound”, “The Umbrella Academy”, “Respect”, “Power Book II: Ghost” and more. 

“Urban One is thrilled to honor the incomparable Mary J. Blige as our 2024 Entertainment Icon. Mary’s immeasurable talent and award-winning music has shaped our culture and has had a profound impact on artists and music across all genres, but most notably the elevation of female artists in both R&B and Hip Hop across generations. She fully personifies the ”Best in Black” theme of this year’s Urban One Honors,” says Michelle L. Rice, President of TV One and CLEO TV.”

Blige joins previously announced esteemed honorees:  Dionne Warwick, recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, honored as a Living Legend, and Donald Lawrence, acclaimed for his Inspirational Impact. 

Teyana Taylor, Bebe Winans, Damon Little, Angie Stone, October London, alongside a reunion featuring KeKe Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Nicci Gilbert (cast of R&B Divas) round out the star-studded lineup of performers and presenters. GRAMMY™ Award-winning singer and actress LeToya Luckett returns to host the event’s “Backstage Pass,” featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters.

Sponsors for Urban One Honors include Ally, P&G, Rocket Mortgage, Subaru, Intuit TurboTax, Walt Disney World® Resort, and Walmart.

“URBAN ONE HONORS” is the ultimate celebration of Black Excellence, acknowledging  individuals whose remarkable achievements and significant contributions have left an indelible mark on the arts, media, music, and the community. Presented by TV One, the 2024 “URBAN ONE HONORS” is the official kickoff celebration for TV One’s 20th Anniversary, marking two decades of excellence in entertainment. 

“URBAN ONE HONORS” is produced for TV One by James Seppelfrick of The Cheat Code. Marilyn Gill is the Executive Producer. Myriam Leger will serve as Director and Daniel Moore as Music Director. Kashon Powell is the Vice President of Programming for Radio One and Susan Henry is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One. 

ABOUT TV ONE NETWORKS

TV One Networks is the hub of black culture and entertainment with a broad offering of original programming and classic series, serving both diverse audiences for TV One and CLEO TV. Launched in January 2004, TV One currently serves 44 million households and CLEO TV, launched in January 2019, is the sister network with a 41 million household reach. Each network has a unique audience that serves viewers with fan favorites from TV One such as Unsung, Uncensored, Fatal Attraction, Payback, Tough Love: Atlanta, Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story and Urban One Honors. While, CLEO TV, a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color, delivers content that uplifts and inspires today’s modern-day woman. Viewers of CLEO TV can expect award-winning content in both original and acquired series including Boss Girl’s Guide, Culture Kitchen, New Soul Kitchen, Just Eats with Chef JJ, Global Gourmet, Living By Design, Tia Mowry’s Quick Fix and All Things Adrienne House to Home. Both networks are solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, http://www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned and operated multi-media company.

ABOUT URBAN ONE

Urban One Inc. (urban1.com), together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 44 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform, and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As of September 30, 2022, we owned and/or operated 66 independently formatted, revenue producing broadcast stations (including 55 FM or AM stations, 9 HD stations, and the 2 low power television stations)  branded under the trade name “Radio One” in 15 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and the DL Hughley Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), our wholly owned digital platform serving the African American community through social content, news, information, and entertainment websites, including its Cassius, Bossip, HipHopWired and MadameNoire digital platforms and brands. We also have invested in a minority ownership interest in MGM National Harbor, a gaming resort located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Through our national multi-media operations, we provide advertisers with a unique and powerful delivery mechanism to the African American and urban audiences.

(ATLANTA) – November, 22, 2023 – On November 19th, the 2023 Media Girls On Tour Series– powered by Media Girls Network and Media Girls Marketing PR – hosted their annual multi-city tour stop in Atlanta, bringing in 200+ industry professionals during the annual social. In a groundbreaking event that echoed with the beats of hip hop and reverberated with media excellence, the Media Girls on Tour 2023 celebrated a momentous occasion in Fulton County. Led by the visionary Jelisa Raquel  and the Media Girls Network, the tour marked the establishment of the inaugural Black Media & Entertainment Day—a historic proclamation from Fulton County, the largest county in the state.

https://youtu.be/FIahADxLsiA?si=TKinuo1NsB2pFIvR

MGOT 2023 celebrated Atlanta’s TOP media mavens across media and entertainment industries: Hip Hop, TV, film, radio, production, content creation, and editorial/print media. Some of ATL’s best were recognized and honored with proclamations; such as Dina Marto, Ray Daniels, Yung Joc, Deelishis, Chelsea Alexandra, Lia Dias, Liz Smith, Jazmyne Byrd, Lia Dias, Dr. Rashae Barnes, Lalaa Shepard, AR Shaw, Manni Supreme, Aleesha Carter, Belinda Sanders, Antwan Williams, and Latoya Forever!

Attendees received vital information, gems, and tools to gain access and build a career in the entertainment and media industries from some of the most powerful creatives in the industry! This empowerment series included amazing networking, pink carpet interviews by Ellori Nicole, music by DJ E, and DJ A-Rod, plus complimentary beauty touch ups by Slayed by Blades, & Jazz Alexis! The event included plenty of photo ops, delicious bites by Mo Flavorz, Omni Coffee and Eggs, Teranga City and tasty cocktails sponsored by Bomade Vodka, Belaire, and Jade! The MGOT media panels were moderated by April B. & Jasmyne Flowers! MGOT attendees enjoyed exclusive vendors, and VIP Gift bag merchandise provided by sponsors, plus more! The tour is set to travel to New York next for NYFW 2024!

The Media Girls on Tour 2023 Hip Hop and Media Celebration in Fulton County was more than an event—it was a cultural milestone. Through the recognition of 22 creatives and the establishment of Black in Media Entertainment Day, the tour left an indelible mark on the landscape of media and hip hop, paving the way for continued growth, diversity, and empowerment in the industry.

For information on upcoming events, follow the network on Instagram @mediagirlsnetwork, @mediagirlsontour and visit our website at mediagirlsontour.com. 

The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame will host its 50th Year of Hip Hop Celebration this October at The Biltmore Ballrooms. This installation will honor historic and entertainment leaders, such as Lil Wayne, Dallas Austin, Marvin Sapp, Jermaine Dupri and Mahalia Jackson.

Induction Ceremony for the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame took place outside of Mercedes Benz stadium on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Honorees included Dallas Austin, Marvin Sapp, Jermaine Dupri, and Estate of Mahalia Jackson

The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame events included 50th Year of Hip Hop Celebration honoring Lil Wayne, Dallas Austin, Queen Latifah, Marvin Sapp, Jermaine Dupri, and Busta Rhymes.

Tuesday October 17th Big Bank hosted another installment of The Shhh Show at the Buckhead Theater with special performance by Young Dro. 

After a series of performances including singers, rappers, and comedians Georgia native Bella Blaq won the crowd with a rap performance winning a $1,000. grand prize. Check out her performance below.

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NEW YORK, NY – October 4, 2023 – Hip Hop’s Main Event, “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023, will premiere its annual broadcast on Tuesday, October 10 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET. Taped from Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA, on Tuesday, October 3, this year’s show paid homage to 50 years of Hip Hop with a non-stop party. Tip “T.I.” Harris, Nelly, City Girls, Fabolous, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Tyrese, Chingy, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Holiday, D-Nice, and Technician the DJ joined previously announced performers. Hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and media personality Fat Joe, “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 premieres Tuesday, October 10 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images for BET)

Viewers can visit the official site at BET.com/HipHopAwards, to get up-to-date info on this year’s trailblazing “BET Hip Hop Awards,” look back at past awards, and peer into the future with hot new original digital series and offerings. Join the conversation on social media by logging on to multiple BET social media platforms:

On Twitter by using the hashtag #HipHopAwards; follow us @HipHopAwards and @BET

On Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/HipHopAwards.

For more information about “BET Hip Hop Awards” including the latest news and updates, visit www.bet.com/hiphopawards

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ABOUT BABY TATE:Fueled by self-love and manifested dreams, Baby Tate is forever evolving. The Atlanta-based artist, formerly known as Yung Baby Tate, has a new, concise moniker, but the 25-year-old’s sound remains sprawling. Within a single body of work, you’ll hear summery pop, amorous R&B, and hard-hitting hip-hop. Baby Tate’s debut project, 2015’s ROYGBIV, saw her exercising full creative control, as a singer, songwriter, rapper, producer, and engineer—independent skills she’s been honing since she was 13 years old. By 2018, Baby Tate had locked into executing concept albums, releasing the thematic BOYS EP, followed by her breakthrough project, GIRLS, in 2019. With both collections, Baby Tate expanded her musicality and songwriting processes, connecting strongly to women and femme audiences through kaleidoscopic beats and highly relatable lyrics. At the center of Baby Tate’s endeavors is an intentional interweaving of female empowerment and joy, as evidenced by her cohesive, yet varied 2020 EP After the Rain, the home of her viral, confidence-boosting hit “I Am.” A genuine heroine for any person who’s ever faced intrapersonal challenges, the multi-hyphenate artist offers both gentle and assertive reminders that all we need is faith, fortitude, and fearlessness. With each release, Baby Tate provides her fans with potent anthems and inspiring bars, unveiling new facets of her technicolor character in the process.

Five-time Grammy Winning Record Producer Shondrae Crawford, a.k.a. Bangladesh, best known for his production work with Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Mario, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Brandy, Ciara, and more… sat down for an exclusive interview with Jett Blakk to talk about his career, life, and hot topics. Check out his interview below!

Black Music Honors, Premiering In June, Is A Powerful Tribute To The Rich Legacy Of African-American Music, Timed To Coincide With Black Music Month Featuring a Salute To The Late Bobby Caldwell’s Soulful Legacy Transcending Racial Boundaries.

(CHICAGO, IL.) – May 2, 2022 – The 2023 Black Music Honors unveils its awe-inspiring roster of performers, poised to honor the music that has captivated and influenced generations with a special live taping at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Friday, May 19. 

Exhilarating performances are slated by music heavyweights including belting vocalist and Reality TV superstar Tamar Braxton; the sweet-sounding and quartet-influenced Anthony Hamilton feat. The Ton3s; powerhouse singer and Gospel staple Tina Campbell of Mary Mary; falsetto-serenader and diamond-selling recording artist Robin Thicke; Hip-Hop & R&B superwoman Lil’ Mo; modern soul man and crooner Kenny Lattimore; influential 90’s R&B group 702; three-time GRAMMY-nominated, “The Love King,” Raheem DeVaughn; Chicago soulful veteran Dave Hollister; melodic songbird and actress Elle Varner; six-time ASCAP award-winning singer-songwriter Sevyn Streeter; multi-talented singer-songwriter Nicole Wray; southern hummingbird and songstress Tweet; contemporary Gospel vocalist and pastor Beverly Crawford; Gospel soloist and Sunday Best winner Le’Andria Johnson; Gospel award-winning singer-songwriter Zacardi Cortez; member of the multi-platinum R&B group Xscape and inspirational artist Latocha Scott; raspy-tone Gospel singer and composer Melvin Williams; retro R&B/Soul trio The Shindellas; New Orleans rapper Juvenile; Gospel viral sensation and songster Kelontae Gavin; and dynamic gospel chorale ensemble Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling.

“As we come together to celebrate the rich cultural milestone that is Black Music Month, we get the unique opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of talent within the Black music community,” says Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. “The vibrant future of Black music will be epitomized by captivating performances while spotlighting the unforgettable legacies of musical greats and their diverse contributions.”

The late Bobby Caldwell will be recognized with a special salute for his over 25-year career as an acclaimed in-demand songwriter and soul performer. Other honors for the celebration include Music Innovator Icon tapped to be received by Hip-Hop superstar Missy Elliott; Urban Music Icon to be presented to girl group SWV; R&B Music Iconawarded to singer-songwriter Evelyn “Champagne” King; Legends Award snagged by R&B/Soul crooner Jeffrey Osborne; and Gospel Music Icon set to be received by gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family.

The dynamic duo of Grammy-winning artist LeToya Luckett and acclaimed comedian DeRay Davis return as co-hosts with their infectious charisma and electric energy. The televised tribute will debut on the Stellar Network TV June 3 with national broadcast syndication starting June 10 – July 2 and an airing on Bounce TV June 19. The 8th Annual Black Music Honors is presented by Procter and Gamble. Sponsors include AT&T, General Motors, Johnson & Johnson, State Farm, Verizon and Walmart. The 8th Annual Black Music Honors show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; and Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director.

Tickets for the live-taping event are available at www.blackmusichonors.com or you can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

CULVER CITY, California—April 3, 2023—Following the widespread success of the critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning series Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, today Amazon Studios and Lizzo announced the global superstar’s first-look deal has been extended. To date, Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls Season One has earned three Emmy wins in categories including Directing, Picture Editing, and became the first streaming series to win in the Outstanding Competition Program category. The series also won various industry awards such as the Critics Choice Real TV Awards, Costume Designers Guild Awards, Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Producers Guild Awards.

“Lizzo is one of the most exciting, creative, joyful artists in the industry, and the impact of her Emmy award-winning series Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls exceeded our every expectation,”said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon and MGM Studios. “We are excited to continue our relationship with Lizzo and can’t wait for our global Prime Video audience to experience what’s next.”

“I’m thrilled to continue this partnership with the Amazon team after an incredible experience on season one of Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” said Lizzo. “I’ve witnessed lives change through this show and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue making space for even more Big Grrrls around the world to shine and break down barriers across this industry.”

Coming off the success Lizzo had finding Big Grrrl dancers for her world tour, she is now looking for singers that can also dance their asses ON! She’s searching for dynamic women to join her world and perform onstage. Singers who think they’ve got the juice can apply now at the casting site HERE until April 9.

Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is produced by Amazon Studios and Lizzo’s production company, Lizzo Bangers. 

Follow Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls:
Official Hashtag: #LizzosBigGrrrls
Instagram: @PrimeVideo
Twitter: @PrimeVideo