October London, Tamar Braxton deliver soul in Chicago

On May 4, 2025, the historic Chicago Theatre transformed into a sanctuary for lovers of rhythm and blues as the October Nights: Calling All Lovers tour made its Windy City stop. Powered by The Black Promoters Collective, the 24-city tour

October London leads grown-and-sexy R&B revival

October London, the South Bend, Ind., native and Death Row Records signee, has been making waves in the R&B world with his velvet tone and inspired artistry. From topping the Billboard Adult R&B charts with “Back to Your Place” to

Philmore Greene honors real hip-hop with ‘The Grand Design’

In the landscape of Chicago hip-hop, Philmore Greene stands as a testament to authentic storytelling and soulful production. Known for his thought-provoking bars and deeply personal narratives, Greene has established himself as one of the city’s sharpest lyricists. With his

Stratton launches Senate bid with backing from Pritzker

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton stood before a crowd on the South Side of Chicago on a brisk Friday afternoon, April 25, to announce her intention to step into the race to succeed longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. She is

Rema’s ‘HEIS’ tour ignites Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom

On April 30, 2025, Chicago’s Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom was filled with excitement as Rema brought his HEIS World Tour to the city’s Uptown neighborhood. Fans packed the venue, eager to experience Nigerian Afrobeats live and in person. Interestingly enough,

Bears stacking weapons for Williams, the rebuild is real

The Chicago Bears approached the 2025 NFL draft with a clear plan to address key needs, protect Caleb Williams, and continue their journey towards an NFL championship. After a challenging 5-12 season, the team’s leadership, led by general manager Ryan

Bears fans roar, then reel at Soldier Field NFL Draft Party

Soldier Field was electric Thursday night as Chicago Bears fans packed the stadium for the team’s official 2025 NFL Draft Party. With the skyline glowing and the field open for exploration, fans got the full experience—posing for photos in the

Namir Smallwood stars in ‘The Book of Grace’ at Steppenwolf

Namir Smallwood is a force to be reckoned with in the theater world. Since joining the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2017, he has delivered memorable performances in productions including Seagull, Bug, True West, and BLKS. His talent has taken

What’s next for Caleb Williams and the Bears?

The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and the Chicago Bears find themselves in an extremely pivotal position. General manager Ryan Poles is tasked with the challenge of transforming this team into a competitor. The Bears have seven draft

Millennium Tour 2025 hypes night of nostalgia in Chicago

On April 18, 2025, Chicago’s Wintrust Arena transformed into a vibrant time capsule as the Millennium Tour 2025 brought together a stellar lineup of early 2000s R&B and hip-hop artists. Headliners Trey Songz, Omarion, and Bow Wow led the charge,

Tracey Young shares her maternal health testimony

During Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), stories that highlight both challenges and strength of Black mothers are being uplifted. Chicago-area pastor Tracey Young’s journey stands as a powerful testament to survival, faith, and purpose after being diagnosed with postpartum

Shawntà Hooks builds a sanctuary in stillness

Shawntà Hooks is a mindfulness practitioner and wellness curator dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with themselves through intentional rest and reflection. With a passion for creating healing spaces, she founded The Zen Zone—a multisensory, nature-based mindfulness experience designed to help

Joyce Hurley brings soul to Mesler’s All That Jazz series

Joyce Hurley is a powerhouse vocalist whose sound is deeply rooted in gospel, soul and lived experience. From her early days singing in church to commanding intimate stages like Mesler at The Sophy Hotel, Hurley has turned her passion for

Marquita Gatling serves soul with supper at the SOPHY Hotel

Chicago vocalist Marquita Gatling, better known as Miss Honeywater, is a force driven by intention, emotion and an innate desire to heal. Recently featured in the All That Jazz Dinner Series at Mesler inside the SOPHY Hotel, she and her

RICH, Soho, Groovevolt

The Play Series welcomes Rich and his haunting brilliance

On March 27, 2025, the Play Series made its Chicago debut with an unforgettable performance by Rich. Presented in a speakeasy-style setting by Groovevolt and hosted at Soho House, the night offered an intimate showcase that felt both haunting and

Jahi Kearse shines on stage in ‘Moulin Rouge’

Actor Jahi Kearse has lived a life in the arts. From booking his first role at age 8 to now lighting up the stage as Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge: The Musical, Kearse brings depth, spirit and a revolutionary soul to

Fosta Wilson and Dearborn Realtist Board enter new chapter

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Dearborn Realtist Board hosted its 84th Annual Installation Gala & Awards Ceremony at ROW 24, located at 2411 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This vibrant spring afternoon brought together trailblazers, community leaders, and real

The rise of Ashlee Bankz, find out why she is unstoppable

In an exclusive conversation with rolling out, Chicago’s own Ashlee Bankz opens up about her unapologetic approach to rap, the authenticity that sets her apart, and her triumphant journey to becoming the 312 Awards’ Rising Artist of the Year. Inspired

Illinois State Black Chamber, Business, Chicago

Illinois State Black Chamber expands global horizons

On March 6, 2025, the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce (ISBC) hosted a vibrant networking event at Gallery Guichard, situated in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. The gathering served as a significant platform for Black-owned businesses across Illinois