Review: Donell Jones Verzuz Joe was Food for the Soul
Last night’s Verzuz battle between R&B legends Joe and Donell Jones was more than just a trip down memory lane; it was a masterclass in the enduring power of the genre and a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding the modern music industry. While I’ve been a devoted fan of Joe’s work for decades, I’m…
Cleo Sol Returns With New Album Gentlewoman (Spotify)
Cleo Sol is back with a new album. The British soul singer released her fifth studio album, Gentlewoman, on August 20, 2026. It marks her first solo album since Heaven and Gold, both released in 2023. In typical Cleo Sol fashion, the announcement was simple and understated. She revealed the album shortly before its release,…
Donnell Jones and Joe Turn Verzuz Into a Night of R&B to Remember
The year was 2020. The world was inside its homes, unsure of what the future held for itself and society as a whole. COVID-19 brought everyday life to a halt, leaving people searching for ways to cope, reconnect, and find entertainment from home. With gathering in person no longer an option, people turned to their…
Machel Montano’s Soca Legacy Takes Center Stage at Brooklyn Public Library Exhibition
Brooklyn Public Library will celebrate the life and five-decade career of soca star Machel Montano with a new exhibition highlighting his music, Caribbean heritage, and longstanding ties to Brooklyn. “Journey of a Soca King: The Exhibition” opens August 22, 2026, at the library’s Central Library and features costumes, trophies, vinyl records, and other artifacts from…
Colorado City Manager Fired Over Response to Racist Incident Involving Snoop Dogg Doll
Scott Vargo, the city manager of Golden, Colorado, was fired after the city council determined the city’s response to a racist incident involving a Snoop Dogg-themed doll at a fire station “did not meet expectations for action and accountability.” The council voted unanimously Aug. 11 to terminate Vargo following a review of how city leaders…
DJ Beauty and the Beatz Launches Beatz Lab, a Hands-On DJ Experience in Miami
Miami tourists can spend an afternoon on the water, wander through Wynwood’s murals or, in a new experience, step behind the decks and learn how to DJ. DJ Beauty and the Beatz, a professional DJ who began learning the craft at age 6, has launched Beatz Lab, a personalized DJ experience at Moxy Miami Wynwood…
erika bryant’s Doing It Scared in Love & Relationships Now Available for Pre-Order
Doing It Scared in Love & Relationships, the new book from Emmy-nominated television producer, showrunner, film producer, director, songwriter, and author erika bryant (intentionally lowercased) is now available for pre-order, offering an early chance to purchase the intimate guide to healing relationship patterns, choosing yourself, and finding the courage to experience love differently. Set for…
Nadège August Talks ‘Ruthless,’ Fearless Storytelling and Finding Strength in the Unexpected
From scene-stealing moments on “Ruthless” to creating stories that challenge assumptions on and off the screen, Nadège August has built a career defined by curiosity, range, and fearless authenticity. Joan began as a recurring character on “Tyler Perry’s Ruthless” before becoming a series regular. Looking back, what do you think resonated with audiences and the…
