Celebrated writer Ntozake Shange debuts new work

On the ‘A’ w/Souleo In her private residence, playwright Ntozake Shange is lost in her own world: one made up of words, rhythm and recovery. The writer of the legendary theater piece, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the

Questlove and Nelson George go searching for the funk

On the “A” w/Souleo:  At this year’s 17th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival, presented by BET Networks, numerous attendees were seeking the funk. One of the event’s most anticipated films, Finding the Funk was screened and brought out stars including George Clinton of Parliament

Goodie Mob addresses Southern hip-hop’s bad rap

On the “A” w/Souleo If the influence of Goodie Mob were to be measured solely by the number of contemporary socially conscious Southern hip-hop artists, one might assume that the veteran group from Atlanta left virtually no mark. At least

Roxanne Shante brings her message to fashion charity show

On the “A” w/Souleo Cancer, alopecia and diversity are not usually synonymous with fashion, yet several events are integrating these topics with their celebration of all things sartorial. Hip-hop pioneer and breast cancer survivor, Roxanne Shante will serve as co-host

Saul Williams wants Jay-Z to remain quiet on social issues

On the “A” w/Souleo  On the surface two major events held this past weekend could not appear to be further apart. Separated by over 200 miles was the Washington, D.C. kickoff to the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and in Brooklyn’s

Melvin Van Peebles, Renaissance man, makes visual art debut

On the “A” w/Souleo Melvin Van Peebles has virtually taken on every career imaginable, including being a novelist, journalist, director, playwright, actor, rapper and musician. Now on the cusp of turning 81, he is ready to introduce the world to

Ronald Isley joins Stevie Wonder’s boycott of Florida

On the “A” w/Souleo When Stevie Wonder says “boycott” you take heed. That’s exactly what musical legend Ronald Isley believes since he’s decided to join Wonder’s boycott of Florida following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of

On the ‘A’ with Souleo

Adepero Oduye replaces Condola Rashad in Broadway’s The Trip to Bountiful  Broadway’s hit revival The Trip to Bountiful recently welcomed a new cast member with the addition of actress Adepero Oduye. In her Broadway debut, Oduye takes on the role

Philly soul music legends on being unsung

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo  When considered unsung, you learn to be grateful for every honor received. For The Legendary Intruders, one of those moments of appreciation occurred at last week’s Motown to Def Jam: Love Train gallery talk where two

Feeling stressed? Well, Ky-Mani Marley has a drink for you

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo With “One Love” and “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” Bob Marley created classic reggae songs that put many listeners into a state of relaxation. Now the Marley family focuses on providing a

Martha Wash faces reality of aging in the music business

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo With over 30 years in the music business dance music diva, Martha Wash refuses to let age slow her down. She isn’t opposed however, to let life’s maturation process teach her a

The Force MD’s launch comeback with new ventures

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo The Force MD’s are ready to reclaim the spotlight with a slew of new projects including their appearance at the St. George Library Center for the Q&A series, Fame and Fortune. The

Mary J. Blige and Deborah Cox, tribute to Chaka Khan

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo To pay tribute to Chaka Khan you don’t just call on any vocalist, you call on some of the best: Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Holliday, Mary J. Blige and Deborah Cox. These divas