Music

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Known as the Godfather of Black Cinema, Van Peebles was a man of many talents, all of which were on display with the film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which he produced, directed, starred in and distributed the film. While Van Peebles continued writing and directing film, he appeared as an actor in 44 films and television shows including Boomerang, Living Single, Panther, Girlfriends and Peeples. He also continued writing and performing songs, releasing six solo albums over the years.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The night’s headliner was the sultry voiced Lalah Hathaway, who appeared in tight black leather pants, an oversized white blouse with black blotches and looked very modern. Her first comment to the crowd, “You all don’t know how bad I was missing you!” She crooned many songs, including Anita Baker’s “Angel.” Her most touching moment featured the contemplative love song “Insanity,” which she sang with Gregory Porter on his LP “Take Me to the Alley.” “How did we ever lose our minds and fall apart, knowing we’re the only ones to heal each other’s hearts?”

NNPA NEWSWIRE — In this location the slaves were able to revive their music traditions from Africa. The rhythmic style known as Bamboula ruled the day. Eyewitness accounts detail musical movements and accompanying dance that began with a slow tempo and would steadily work its way into a crescendo of high-speed beats and frenetic dancing.

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL - Without explanation, the officers — responding to reports of a domestic violence incident in which the suspect was the white boyfriend of a neighbor — attempted to handcuff Austin, who is Black, and became upset with him when he didn’t comply, according to the lawsuit filed last year.

ROLLING OUT - In his final Instagram Stories post, Lil Loaded — whose real name was Dashawn Robertson — wrote: “Dear most high, Please forgive me for my shortcomings and all of the times I’ve fell short of making you proud and being appreciative of all the blessings that have been put in my life.

AFRO - “None of this is possible without the fans, so thank you to all the fans,” the 50-year-old entertainer said at the induction ceremony, where a plaque honoring her achievements was unveiled, according to the New York Daily News.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The NAACP bestows the hall of fame induction on an individual viewed as a pioneer in their respective field and whose influence shaped the profession for generations. Previous inductees include Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, Ray Charles, and Sidney Poitier.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — From rock and roll to blues, jazz, and hip-hop, music is as much the African American way of life as the afro was Black people's style in the 1970s. Finally honoring that history, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has opened in Nashville, Tenn.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — His fans affectionately describe his work as the perfect combination of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Frank has worked with many of the entertainment industry’s giants including but not limited to: Prince, Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, The Rude Boys, Phil Perry, Tommy Davidson, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Songwriting duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, rap duo D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith), Frankie Beverly and Maze, Teena Marie, Lalah Hathaway, Terri Lynn Carrington, Phyllis Hyman, Valerie Simpson, Philip Bailey, and more.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Available exclusively on digital platforms, The Ever Fonky Lowdown features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and vocalists Camille Thurman, Ashley Pezzotti, Christie Dashiell, and Doug Wamble. The new recording also features narration from acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme, Jack Ryan) who plays the role of “Mr. Game,” whose commentary reveals the “hustle” that keeps us at each other’s throats and prevents us from working together to build a more equitable and friendly world. “Mr. Game” is a composite strongman, part evangelical preacher, lawyer, businessman, politician, street hustler, newsman, social worker, street corner prophet, and reality show celebrity. His language is refined, colloquial and slang and his confidence and populist message keeps you hooked on the line for more. He is consistently charismatic, conniving and irreverent and so shocking in his disrespect for convention as to be provocative.