What's On Today - Friday

My First Time: Kevin Powell Recalls Meeting Rap Icon Tupac Shakur

A good interviewer knows the importance of forming a bond with their subject, especially as it can lead to a deeper connection beyond the Q&A itself. No one knows that sentiment better than veteran journalist Kevin Powell, who had the rare pleasure of meeting late rap icon Tupac and interviewing him on multiple occasions.

Powell was even present in Las Vegas on the tragic night of September 7, 1996, when the West Coast icon was gunned down in his vehicle, tragically succumbing to his injuries on September 13, 1996.… Read more

SZA AND THE SOCIAL MEDIA STRUGGLE: NAVIGATING THE WAVES OF ANXIETY

In the age of information and connectivity, even the brightest stars in the entertainment industry find themselves navigating the tumultuous waters of social media. SZA, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and raw lyrics, has been candid about her struggles with anxiety. The pressures of the digital world amplify this battle.

For an artist like SZA, whose authenticity and vulnerability are at the core of her music, the sea of social media presents both a platform for expression and a source of anxiety.… Read more

TODAY IN HIP-HOP HISTORY: QUEEN LATIFAH DROPPED HER DEBUT ALBUM ‘ALL HAIL THE QUEEN’ 31 YEARS AGO

 SHA BE ALLAH

 NOVEMBER 28, 2023

On this date in 1989, Dana Owens aka Queen Latifah dropped her first full-length studio album All Hail The Queen on the now-defunct Tommy Boy Records.

As the first artist on N.J. based Flavor Unit collective, Latifah filled a void for female emcees with her regal appearance and her commanding rhyme style, which at that time, was only rivaled by the males. Social consciousness, African awareness, and civilization were at the forefront of Latifah’s image and music, thus, the album’s title, All Hail The Queen.… Read more

Giving Tuesday: Contrary To Popular Belief, Black Folks Have Been Philanthropists ‘Since The Beginning Of Time’

Black people — despite finding themselves at the bottom rung of the nation’s economic ladder — are collectively among the top ranks of financial contributors to charitable causes.

As Giving Tuesday arrives this year, it’s important to remember that having meager resources has not stopped the Black community from being among the most reliable donors, philanthropic experts told NewsOne. The annual observation comes the Tuesday following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday to encourage people to support charitable causes.… Read more

SZA, Usher Atop The Soul Train Awards 2023 Winners’ List

The 2023 Soul Train Awards were full of festive performances, featuring wins from SZA and Usher with honors given to Janelle Monae’ and T-Pain.

On Sunday (November 26), BET aired The 2023 Soul Train Awards from Hollywood, California with Emmy Award-winning actress and entrepreneur Keke Palmer as the host. The night was filled with top-notch performances from Coco Jones, BJ The Chicago Kid, Danté Bowe, Fridayy, Muni Long, and Jermaine Dupri along with SWV who appeared as special guests.… Read more

Fetty Wap Discusses His Career In First Interview Behind Bars

The story of Fetty Wap is a cautionary tale that all rappers should take heed to. He has conducted his first interview since being in prison.

XXL Magazine has secured the MC’s first Q&A while he serves time. While it seems that he is holding himself accountable he did make it clear that he knows he made some big mistakes. “Some of the things I think about really is being home,” he said. “I take accountability for everything I did.… Read more

‘I Appreciate You Riding With Me’: Steve Harvey Pays Emotional Tribute To Wife Marjorie

Steve Harvey doesn’t play about his wife, Marjorie Harvey

Over the weekend, the 66-year-old television host got emotional during his acceptance speech at theGrio Awards. The comedian was presented with The Television Icon Award at the annual awards ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 25, and when he took the stage to accept the honor, he dedicated his speech to Marjorie Harvey, his wife of 16 years.

“That woman right there been down with me like four flat tires,” the Family Feud host said while pointing at Marjorie.… Read more

Rap Albums That Turned 20 Years Old In 2023

As fans, there are certain years that we’re blessed with a premium of amazing music. 2022 is a prime example. Last year, we got albums from heavyweights such as Beyoncé (Renaissance), Kendrick Lamar (Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers), Drake (Honestly, Nevermind AND Her Loss), SZA (SOS), Summer Walker (Still Over It) and Future (I NEVER LIKED YOU). In 20 years when we look back at 2022, it will be difficult for us not to consider it as a standout year for music, with numerous potential classics. … Read more

Diddy’s Former Head Of Security Speaks On Allegedly Witnessing Cassie Abuse

The Diddy scandal continues to get even more bizarre. His former head of security has cryptically spoken up after being named in Cassie’s lawsuit.

As spotted on TMZ last week, the scandal brought another former Bad Boy Entertainment employee out of the shadows. The “Me & U” singer claimed in her court documents that Roger Bonds, Diddy’s former security director, saw her go through a harrowing experience. In the paperwork, she says that the mogul attacked her back in 2009 after learning she had spoken to a music manager at a Los Angeles nightclub.… Read more

Giving Thanks: Americans Have A Lot To Learn About Being Grateful

Families and friends traditionally gather to express gratitude during this time of year. Many also participate in acts of service and charity as a way of giving back to their local communities.

As communication scholars who study intercultural communication, we have studied how the many languages around the world have their own unique words and expressions for saying “thank you.” In turn, these expressions reveal very different assumptions about how human beings relate to one another and about the world we collectively inhabit.… Read more