Macy’s returned to downtown New York City for the 49th edition of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.
It started with a video I had recently directed — gritty, New York, and visually bold. After seeing it, a friend said, “This feels very Scar Lip. She would love this style.” That led me to take a closer look at her work, and I agreed, her energy, her voice, and the way she carries herself matched the kind of raw visual storytelling I had been exploring.
The 31st Annual HOT 97 Summer Jam was a night to remember, lighting up the Prudential Center on June 20th with high-energy performances, surprise tributes, and a crowd that came ready to celebrate Hip Hop in all its glory.
We’re closing out the month with some of our favorite new releases. In this edition of our NMR, you’ll find music from Bender, Lunnari, Whipped Cream, and more.
Rain or shine, nothing could stop the energy at this year’s All About Us Festival, which returned to Jersey City’s waterfront for its third, and biggest, year yet. The event transformed the area into a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, culture, and freedom.
After solidifying his legacy with the creation of the classic “Cupid Shuffle” back in the early aughts, Bryson “Cupid” Bernard is back with another track prime for all the summer BBQs and family reunions to come this upcoming Summer season and beyond: “The Cookout.”
After a whirlwind year releasing their debut album and touring alongside The Driver Era, this band’s shared creative vision continues to take shape.
From 8 PM to 2 AM, the energy inside Avalon was electric. The night blended music, celebration, and artistry in a space that matched the bold, genre-defying spirit of Leon Thomas’ latest project.
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.