Let me tell you something – I’ve been in this game for over 25 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Black music doesn’t follow trends, we create them! From the cotton fields where blues was born to the South Bronx where hip-hop exploded, to the digital studios where today’s Gen Z artists are crafting the next wave of innovation, Black creativity has been the driving force behind every major musical revolution in American history. And right now, as we celebrate Black Music Month 2025, we’re standing at another pivotal moment, one that demands we not only honor our incredible legacy but actively shape what comes next.
Music
ASCAP 2025 Highlights Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Hit & Cardi’s Cultural Crown
The 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards brought together the industry’s most influential voices for a night celebrating boundary-pushing songwriting, chart-topping hits, and cultural impact.
Stray Kids Ignite Sofi Stadium with Two Sold-Out Shows of Fire, Energy, and Innovation
Last weekend, the sensational K-pop boy group Stray Kids did something quite unheard of in the industry by selling out two stadium shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, an experience we were delighted to be part of.
The Grammy award-winning hip-hop group ‘The Roots’ celebrates its 18th year of The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. The festival is a Philadelphia staple that, unofficially, yet officially, kicks off summer every year at The Mann in Fairmount Park. The two-day event offers the city an impressive lineup of musical artists and vendors for attendees to enjoy.
We rounded up some of our favorite releases of last month to help you build the soundtrack of your summer. Our first roundup of June includes a diverse mix of tunes, including new releases from Rob Tirea, Avalon Kane, Monkey Safari, Big Gigantic, Keinemusik, HUMS, and many more.
Janet Jackson at Resorts World: A Rhythm Reset and Legacy in Motion
Thank you to AEG and Janet’s incredible management and publicist, via the introduction, facilitated by Joanne Juele of AEG Presents for Resorts World Las Vegas, for the warm welcome. I had the pleasure and honor of attending the final night of Janet Jackson’s May 2025 residency on May 28th — and what a night it was.
BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 wrapped its 12th edition with all the sun-soaked elegance and sonic swagger the Bay Area has come to expect.
Grand National Vibes: Kendrick Lamar’s SoFi Takeover with SZA and a Surprise from Justin Bieber
On Friday night, SoFi Stadium transformed into a buzzing epicenter of music and energy as Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour took over Los Angeles. The anticipation was electric—fans of all ages and backgrounds filled the massive venue, ready to witness a night that would be etched into the city’s musical history.
xikers Leave Their Mark on LA—A Grand Finale of Chaos, Choreo, and Connection
Closing out the North American leg of their ‘Road to XY: Enter the Gate’ world tour, xikers reunited as a full 10-member group to deliver a high-energy, loud, rowdy, and truly unforgettable performance at The Novo in Los Angeles.
J-pop Group BE:FIRST Answers “Who is BE:FIRST?” on Their First-Ever North American Tour
J-pop group BE:FIRST set out to answer the question “Who is BE:FIRST?” — the theme of their world tour — and we got to catch them on the North American leg in Los Angeles at the iconic Novo theater.