The Recording Academy has unveiled its 2025 Special Merit Awards recipients, recognizing influential figures who have shaped the music industry across multiple genres and decades. Soul legend Frankie Beverly, punk pioneers The Clash, gospel icon Dr. Bobby Jones, blues master
A Minneapolis City Council member faces criticism from families of police violence victims after using the “Say Their Names” slogan to reference police horses during a budget discussion. Council member LaTrisha Vetaw sparked controversy during a recent city budget meeting
Minnesota artist Tmichael Cunigan transforms interior spaces through handcrafted custom rugs, creating unique pieces for residential and commercial clients. Drawing from his artistic background, Cunigan hand-tufts each rug using traditional techniques while incorporating contemporary designs that range from abstract patterns
In his home, Marques Houston settles into a white sofa, his demeanor thoughtful as he prepares to release his latest album. At 43, the former child star has evolved from the precocious lead singer of R&B group Immature to a
University of Connecticut women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers is breaking new ground in college athletics, becoming the first name, image and likeness (NIL) athlete to design and launch a player-edition basketball sneaker with Nike. The Nike G.T. Hustle 3, set
The Black Promoters Collective is turning back the clock with The Millennium Tour 2025, bringing together some of R&B and hip-hop’s most prominent names from the 2000s for a nationwide tour. Headlined by multi-platinum artists Trey Songz, Omarion, and Bow
Minneapolis entrepreneur Teto Wilson is expanding his community development efforts in North Minneapolis with a new business venture. The longtime resident already owns Wilson’s Image Barbers & Stylists and founded Wilson’s Image College Scholarship program, which provides financial aid to
Clifton Prescod has established himself as one of the entertainment industry’s most sought-after campaign photographers, known for capturing compelling visuals that define modern media. His distinctive style and technical mastery have made him the go-to photographer for major streaming platforms
R&B artist Chris Brown’s three Grammy nominations for his album 11:11 (Deluxe Edition) have sparked renewed debate about separating art from the artist, as fans and critics take to social media with polarized reactions. The Recording Academy recognized Brown in three
R&B sensation Muni Long has emerged as the frontrunner in this year’s Grammy nominations, securing four nods that solidify her position as a powerhouse in contemporary rhythm and blues. The Recording Academy’s announcement positions Long at the forefront of the
In St. Paul, Minnesota’s historic Rondo neighborhood, entrepreneur Tyrone Minor envisions a renaissance through the Mali Center, a new business hub designed to unite minority-owned enterprises and reconstruct the legacy of Rondo through economic empowerment and cultural connection. The center
In the marble halls of Belize’s Parliament building, Moses Barrow’s commanding presence draws attention. He addresses his colleagues with the confidence that once characterized his performances in recording studios. Few would guess that this respected opposition leader once dominated the
In an era where musical boundaries continue to blur, Leon Thomas is a testament to artistic versatility. The 30-year-old Brooklyn native has evolved from a promising talent into a multifaceted artist, moving between music production, performance and acting. Thomas’ 2023 debut
The 15th annual ONE Musicfest transformed Atlanta’s Central Park into a celebration of urban culture’s finest, drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans Oct. 26-27. The two-day festival showcased a powerhouse lineup spanning R&B, hip-hop, and soul, featuring Grammy winner Jill Scott,
Festival-goers experienced more than just music at ONE Music Festival, as major brands transformed the grounds into an interactive playground of activations and experiences. Spirit brands dominated the landscape, with Jack Daniel’s, Hennessy, Don Julio and Red Bull serving their
In the early 1990s, a young Mary from Yonkers, New York, would emerge as the voice of a generation, blending raw emotion with soulful melodies to create a sound that would define contemporary R&B. Mary J. Blige, often hailed as
Music legends from diverse genres gathered in Ohio on Saturday for the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The star-studded event took place Oct. 19 at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Performers being honored include Dionne Warwick, Mary
Malik Rucker is in charge of transforming health and wellness in his community as executive director of V3 Sports. Inspired by local needs, V3 aims to elevate North Minneapolis residents’ physical and emotional well-being. The organization’s approach addresses longstanding health
When Pamela Weems faced breast cancer not once, but twice, she didn’t just survive — she thrived. Now, she is using her experience to uplift others battling the disease. Weems, founder and CEO of The Pink Ladies, has transformed her
Legendary R&B artist Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds brought his soulful sound to a sold-out show at Mystic Lake Casino on Friday, Oct. 4, delighting fans with a career-spanning performance. Edmonds thrilled fans with a powerful performance showcasing his extensive catalog of
