‘R&B Divas: LA’ star Leela James talks new music

On the “A” w/Souleo Leela James hasn’t decided on the title of her forthcoming album but if her current state is anything to go by, then perhaps the word “good,” should be somewhere in the title. She recently joined the

Win tickets to see Bobby Womack live in NYC

Bobby Womack’s daughter, GinaRe is concerned whenever her father hits the stage to perform. During his nearly 50 year legendary career, Womack has battled substance abuse, developed diabetes and successfully undergone surgery to eradicate a potentially cancerous tumor. “She is

Misty Copeland’s journey captured in Ballerina’s Tale

On the “A” w/Souleo While the atmosphere was festive at last week’s Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opening night gala benefit at New York City Center, there were some who had serious issues on their minds including ballerina Misty Copeland.

Spoken word film ‘Slam’ celebrates 15th anniversary

If there were a poem to describe the thoughts of independent film producer and director Marc Levin on the 15th anniversary of his gritty film, Slam, it would likely include the phrase “blown away.” Levin is still surprised at the

Why Iyanla Vanzant doesn’t feel the need to forgive DMX

On the “A” w/Souleo While this time of year calls for giving thanks, spiritual life coach Iyanla Vanzant is focused on forgiveness with her new interactive self-help book FORGIVENESS: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything. But in her personal

Stax Records book explores issue of race

Stax Records was more than a music machine releasing hits by the likes of Otis Redding and The Staple Singers. According to author and music historian Robert Gordon it was also an example of unity in 1960s segregated South Memphis.

LisaGay Hamilton and Yolonda Ross star in ‘Go for Sisters’

When actresses LisaGay Hamilton and Yolonda Ross finished reading the script for two-time Oscar nominee John Sayles’ new film, Go for Sisters, they immediately knew they wanted to be cast in it since they appreciated the script’s sensitivity in dealing

Najee feels the spirit of George Duke on new album

The spirit of the late jazz legend George Duke was with multi-instrumentalist Najee during the recording of his latest album, The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey. Duke’s presence was so strong that it inspired Najee to record a song

Henry Louis Gates Jr. hopes series will change system

Henry Louis Gates Jr. hopes that his latest PBS documentary,” The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,“ will not only educate the public but also lead to reform in the nation’s public school system. “We need one documentary to show the whole

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

NJPAC gala talks politics and pop culture concerns

On the “A” w/Souleo During an evening inspired by the whimsy of “The Wizard of Oz,” attendees at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) 18th Annual Spotlight Gala didn’t hesitate to delve into less lighthearted topics such as the government

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

Musiq Soulchild teams up with Syleena Johnson on ‘9ine’

On the “A” w/Souleo Musiq Soulchild is a reinvigorated singer these days and he has Syleena Johnson to thank for the change. The two decided to create a full-length album after a chance encounter at a recording studio where they

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