R&B royalty headlines Miami Gardens’ signature music fest

The Hard Rock Stadium will again transform into a musical haven as the 18th annual Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) festival returns March 8-9, 2025, featuring an extraordinary lineup that bridges generations of musical excellence. Five-time Grammy Award winner Ms.

Elizer Darris’ path from consultant to changemaker

Elizer Darris is the chief visionary officer and founder of Darris Group, a consultancy specializing in political, governmental, NGO and business strategies with community-centered solutions at its core. Through his work as an executive coach, trainer and speaker, Darris has

Ann Nesby (Photo courtesy of JOCMEDIA)

Grammy winner Ann Nesby returns with love anthem ‘My Man’

Legendary soul singer Ann Nesby demonstrates the enduring power of love with her latest single, “My Man,” which will be released on Friday, Jan. 24. The two-time Grammy winner returns to the spotlight with a contemporary R&B ballad that showcases

Nadvia Davis (Photo provided by Nadvia Davis)

Nadvia Davis weaves life lessons into children’s literature

Nadvia Davis, a Minneapolis North High School alumna and Minnesota-based children’s book author, is making her mark in educational literature with stories that blend essential skills and valuable life lessons. Her debut book, “Grant Practices Math with Manners,” draws inspiration

Mary J. Blige wears a black dress on the red carpet.

Mary J. Blige premieres movie ‘Family Affair’ ahead of tour

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy-winning artist Mary J. Blige continues to expand her entertainment empire with new music, touring, record label, and television projects. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul executive produced Family Affair, a new Lifetime original

Sean Burns (Photo provided by Sean Burns)

Sean Burns teaches youth ministry through art of stepping

Sean Burns’s “Step With Soul” youth move with purpose across any hardwood floor, where the rhythmic sounds of hands clapping against thighs and feet striking the ground in precise formations echo through the space. As the founder of Step With

Nicole Pacini (Photo provided by Nicole Pacini)

Nicole Pacini lifts female power with ‘unBITTER B.I.T.C.H.’

Nicole Pacini has transformed the self-development landscape with her unBITTER B.I.T.C.H. (“Being In Total Control of Herself”) movement. As an author, speaker, and women’s empowerment leader, she guides women through authentic living and self-discovery. Her platform offers practical tools for

Nakara Forje

Nakara Forje peels back pain, power in raw ‘Toxic Pack’ EP

Hip-hop artist Nakara Forje explores the raw aftermath of toxic relationships in her latest EP, Toxic Pack, new EP from her “Healed Hoochie” trilogy. The EP series weaves sharp-tongued verses while showcasing Forje’s trademark blend of vulnerability and roughness. Forje’s

TMichael Cunigan (Photo courtesy of Ryann Frolik)

Tmichael Cunigan weaves passion into custom handmade rugs

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

Minnesota’s Paige Bueckers makes NIL history with signature shoe

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

Trey Songz

Y2K magic unleashed: Millennium Tour 2025 brings nostalgia

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

Teto Wilson

Teto Wilson builds community through North Minneapolis barbershop empire

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

Clifton Prescod steps into focus as celebrity photography’s rising star

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

Chris Brown

Grammys stir controversy over Chris Brown nominations

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

Muni Long

Muni Long scores 4 Grammy nominations

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

Tyrone Minor

Tyrone Minor’s Mali Center aims to boost the local economy

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

Moses Barrow (Photo Courtesy of Andscape)

From hip-hop to parliament: The extraordinary journey of Moses Barrow

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