Black Music Month annually provides a national window to celebrate the history of urban music from a collective viewpoint. The roots of Black music are intricately intertwined across musical genres and continue to expand its reach by inspiring new sounds and trends in the culture.
The musical lineage that connects rock ‘n’ roll to blues to reggae to R&B to hip-hop to trap is why the industry’s next big artist, singer Jai’Len Josey, is preparing to honor her idols TLC at the annual Black Music Moguls Brunch Brunch with an interpretation of their award-winning hit “Waterfalls.”
“I feel like this is a full circle moment for me. It feels really surreal,” Josey explains, referencing the opportunity to pay tribute to the legendary group, TLC.
Josey’s deep appreciation for music goes back to her mother’s days as an executive for So So Def and LaFace Records. “My favorite memories of TLC are probably [that] every Christmas I couldn’t wait to put on ‘Sleigh Ride’ and sing every part,” she laughs.
Nicknamed the Voice of Southern Comfort, and with an EP titled, Southern Delicacy, Josey is proud of her Southern roots. “We celebrate Black music and the culture, but there is something special about the south. It’s the way we eat, the way we talk, the way we live,” Josey emphasizes. “It’s just a vibe that doesn’t need an explanation, people know it when they feel it.”
Currently signed to Def Jam Recordings, Josey is touted as one of the voices that will be instrumental in defining the future of R&B. Although her mother introduced her to the industry, Josey cultivated her own connection with music. She says watching people react positively to her singing early on gave her the confidence to keep going. With vocals as rich and flavorful as a plate of soul food, Josey is poised to chase the R&B dreams that many covet but few are able to attain.
Before the ingenue signed the record deal she’d dreamed about all her life, she got a taste of success as a songwriter. After co-writing Ari Lennox’s monster hit “Pressure,” Josey was offered the opportunity to open for Lennox on tour. Along with being on a major tour, Josey says she cherished the opportunity to work with musical legends, and the super-producer Bryan-Michael Cox.
Josey will be joined for the tribute to TLC by musical legacy talent Baby Tate, the daughter of Dionne Farris, along with other notable artists; Alex Vaughn, Malibu Mitch, Shantel May Anami and other fresh talents.
Honoring the kaleidoscope of limitless shades of Black culture to create the Black Music Moguls Brunch is the brainchild of Niya Skyy and Emma Jackson. Currently in its fifth year, the Music Moguls Brunch is another example of Black creatives establishing traditions to honor and celebrate what we know innately instead of waiting for external validation.
“We are thrilled to once again host the Black Music Moguls Brunch, an event that honors the brilliance and resilience of Black artists and industry professionals,” said founder and executive producer Niya Skyy.
“As we commemorate the achievements of our honorees, we also recognize and celebrate Black Music Mogul’s fifth anniversary of our ongoing journey toward equity and inclusivity in the music industry,” said co-executive producer Emma Jackson.
“For me, music allows for both healing and entertaining. Music has become like my therapy, but then I also love feeling the energy and love from the crowd when I’m onstage,” Josey says exuberantly. “I haven’t always been able to love the skin I’m in, but music has helped me to embrace and love myself. I want to help other young Black girls [who] may be struggling with their self-esteem to learn to love themselves also.”
Like the women she is honoring, Josey is determined to make music that empowers and uplifts. “I know that’s what TLC is about too,” Josey shares. “Their songs were about social issues, anti-bullying and promoting self- confidence. That’s why this opportunity is so special to me. That’s the kind of music I want to create. I want to help people heal and give them an opportunity to be entertained but leave [them] in a better state than they came.”
“Our Black Music Moguls team is honored to recognize the groundbreaking girl group of the ’90s, TLC. As musical icons, TLC crafted an R&B sound that changed the game forever, which is why we are presenting them with the Black Music Moguls Eternal Harmony Award,” says Skyy.
The undisputed King of the South, T.I., will also be honored at the 5th Annual Black Moguls Brunch along with music executive Amina Diop, and entertainment attorneys Leron Rogers and John Rose. The event will be moderated by the vice president of Sirius XM and Pandora J1 along with radio personality Liz Smith. The invitation-only brunch will be held on Sunday, June 9, in Atlanta.
Past honorees for the Music Moguls Brunch include: Killer Mike, 2 Chainz, Chaka Zulu, Shanti Das, Kandi Burruss, Bow Wow and Catherine Brewton, among others.
Cover image by Shawn Michael Craig
