NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 05: JustCordell performs onstage during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

JustCordell Reflects on Stellar Awards Nomination, ESSENCE Festival Performance & Dream Collaborations

JustCordell is embracing the full-circle moments as the gospel artist and award nominee recently brought his energy to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2026 for a performance, as well as connecting with fans during one of the biggest celebrations of Black music and culture. For JustCordell, the opportunity to perform at […]


Loren LoRosa Talks Finding Balance Between Journalism and Talent at #ESSENCEFest

As a journalist and on-air personality on The Breakfast Club, Loren LoRosa brought her signature energy to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, where she opened up about navigating the balance between being a journalist and recognizing herself as talent. During an interview with InquisitiveCarter.com, LoRosa admitted that finding that balance has […]


Hope Giselle

Hope Giselle Almost Didn’t Submit ‘Not Your Average Girl’ to ESSENCE Film Festival—Then It Won Best Documentary

Before Not Your Average Girl won Best Documentary Film at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Hope Giselle nearly kept the eight-year passion project from being submitted at all. During a conversation with InquisitiveCarter.com, the activist, author and filmmaker reflected on the self-doubt that almost prevented audiences from seeing the documentary, […]


Raheem DeVaughn

Raheem DeVaughn on Becoming the Voice of WHUR’s The Quiet Storm: ‘I’m Blessed to Be Aligned With the Brand’

For generations across the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, The Quiet Storm has been more than a late-night radio show. It’s a cultural institution. A soundtrack for first loves, long drives home, family gatherings and moments of reflection. Since its debut on WHUR in 1976, the format has influenced radio […]


Shamea

Shamea Morton Says Time Has Been Her Greatest Defense Amid RHOA Criticism: ‘In Time All Things Are Revealed’

Shamea Morton is embracing her second season as a full-time peach holder on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, but she isn’t letting public criticism distract her from what matters most. Speaking with InquisitiveCarter.com during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Morton addressed the online scrutiny surrounding the current season, reflected on […]


Eve Brings Energy and Nostalgia to NPR Tiny Desk During Black Music Month

In the latest episode of NPR’s Black Music Month celebration, Grammy Award-winning rapper, actress, and entrepreneur Eve graced the Tiny Desk stage. The platinum-selling artist performed a medley of hits from her first three albums, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of her sophomore album, “Scorpion.” Eve’s full setlist includes “Satisfaction,” “What […]


joe

R&B Veteran Joe Highlights Black Music Month with the Classics on NPR Tiny Desk

R&B fans were treated to a nostalgic showcase of smooth vocals and timeless hits as Joe took center stage for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series in celebration of Black Music Month. The veteran singer delivered a performance that highlighted the signature sound that made him one of R&B’s most recognizable voices. […]


Daley

#NewMusic: Daley Makes Long-Awaited Return With ‘Lavender’

After an extended hiatus, Daley returns with his new single “Lavender,” marking his first release since 2018. Written and produced alongside UK genre-bending producer Swindle, the track blends alternative R&B, soul and cinematic textures into a lush meditation on intimacy, escapism and emotional surrender. Opening with sweeping orchestral strings before transitioning […]


From Broadway to Def Jam: Jai’Len Josey Drops Debut Album ‘Serial Romantic’

Singer-songwriter, musician, and Broadway star Jai’Len Josey has officially stepped into a new chapter with the release of her debut album Serial Romantic. The project, released via Def Jam Recordings, marks a defining moment for the Atlanta-born artist, showcasing not only her evolution as a performer but also the depth of […]

JAI'LEN JOSEY