The ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola is expanding its creative team for 2026 by bringing in Cultural Curators to shape different parts of the festival experience. They join Chief Curator Teyana Taylor, who oversees the overall vision and direction of the event. Three curators will each lead a key […]
Months after a 14-year-old girl’s body was discovered inside a towed SUV, alt-pop singer D4vd has been arrested and officially charged in connection with the case, according to authorities. The 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Burke, was taken into custody April 16 on suspicion of murder in the death […]
In 2009, she sang, “That Rihanna reign just won’t let up,” and the line continues to hold true today. As of April 15, Rihanna has become the first woman to surpass 200 million RIAA singles certifications, despite not releasing a full studio album in 10 years. She currently holds third place […]
According to prosecutors, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, their three children and others were inside their Los Angeles home when a woman reportedly fired at the home on Sunday. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, faces multiple felony counts, including attempted murder, following the incident. No one was injured. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan […]
Rising singer-songwriter Mariah Dawne, aka MARIAH., has released her latest single, “Won’t Let Go,” featuring The Colleagues. Written by Dawne and produced by Jamil Johnson with Phase Recording and Media, the sultry track is “from a place of pure adoration and submission.” “Love encompasses many aspects—physical, emotional, mental,” Dawne said. “This […]
On the heels of winning his sixth GRAMMY Award, soul singer, songwriter, and producer PJ Morton is taking his label, Morton Records, to new heights with a partnership with the SRG-ILS Group. The New Orleans native has earned six GRAMMYs and 22 nominations, sold out countless shows, including the Apollo Theater, […]
Actor and singer Keith D. Robinson is back in the music spotlight with his latest single, “Different Languages,” the third release from his anticipated forthcoming album, Love Episodic II, set to drop this summer. Robinson, who considers music his first love, explores the deeper side of relationships in “Different Languages.” The […]
The icon, legend, and artiste that is Jill Scott will venture onto her newly announced “To Whom This May Concern World Tour,” which includes dates in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The 36-date tour starts in Nashville and moves through the Oxon Hill, MD/D.C. area, Atlanta, […]
Women who have persevered, broken records, and built lasting legacies will take center stage as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® has announced the first wave of performers for 2026. Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, Kehlani, Latto, and Brandy & Monica are officially on the bill. This year will mark […]
For 2.5 hours, New Edition, Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton delivered, engaged, sang, danced and gave their all from start to finish on The New Edition Way Tour, brought to life by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC). Watching them on Valentine’s Day allowed the music to take on even deeper […]
Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons recently exchanged words on social media, with the public back-and-forth seemingly tied to their past relationship and Kimora’s new television project. On Dec. 11, PEOPLE published an interview with Kimora Lee Simmons accompanied by a graphic featuring a quote attributed to her. The graphic read: […]
Mariah Carey has Carey-ed her record-breaking career to a new level. The legendary singer-songwriter has earned her third Diamond-certified album with Merry Christmas, which has sold 10 million copies since its 1994 release, joining Music Box and Daydream. She now ties Whitney Houston and Shania Twain as the female artists with […]
Rissi Palmer is back on the scene with a new introspective single and forthcoming EP. Her new song, “Old Black Southern Woman,” is set to appear on her upcoming “Perspectives” EP. In a video on social media, Palmer said the songs were all chosen “specifically for this project,” adding that “words […]
A gripping new trailer has arrived for The Dutchman, the modern adaptation of the 1964 Obie Award–winning play. The film stars André Holland as Clay, a successful but troubled Black businessman fighting to save his marriage through therapy — until their mysterious therapist begins appearing outside their sessions. Clay’s life spirals […]
In recognition of World AIDS Day, Raheem DeVaughn is using his voice and platform to bring attention to HIV prevention, education and access, especially within Black communities. During a recent conversation with the artist and humanitarian, DeVaughn discussed the importance of awareness around PrEP and why he believes visibility, transparency, and […]
