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W.E.B. Du Bois Medal Recipients Honored at Harvard for Contributions to African American Culture

By goodblacknews on November 9, 2015
DuBois Medal recipient Nasir “Nas” Jones (PHOTO BY KAYANA SZYMCZAK FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)

Awarded since 2000, the Du Bois Medal is Harvard’s highest honor in the field of African and African American Studies. It is awarded to individuals in the U.S. and across the globe in recognition of their contributions to African American culture and the life of the mind.

The Hutchins Center for African & African American Research hosted the celebration at Sanders Theatre. Ali picked up the honor earlier in September, but a video of his presentation played during the ceremony. Last year’s honorees included Shonda Rhimes, Maya Angelou, and Harvey Weinstein.

article by Meredith Goldstein via bostonglobe.com; additions by Lori Lakin Hutcherson

Malia Obama, Zendaya Coleman, Amandla Stenburg Named Among TIME Magazine's Most Influential Teens

By goodblacknews on November 8, 2015

Influential teens Malia Obama, Zendaya Coleman and Amandla Stenburg (photo via theculture.forharriet.com)

Three of our all-time favorite black girls have been named to TIME’s annual 30 Most Influential Teens list. Malia Obama, Zendaya Coleman, and Amandla Stenburg are honored by TIME for their “accolades across numerous fields, global impact through social media and overall ability to drive news.”
The oldest First Daughter, Malia, is described as a “full-fledged cultural icon” by TIME. That title is perfect for the first daughter whose fashion choices and college visits are followed by millions of Americans. Like her parents, this 17-year-old Obama has big things ahead of her.
Former Disney Channel star Zendaya Coleman earned her spot on the list for emerging as a positive voice and role model for girls everywhere. She unapologetically reminds the media body positivity. In this year alone she eloquently schooled E!’s Giuliana Rancic for mocking her dreadlocks at the Oscars and shared unretouched photos from a magazine photoshoot.
17-year-old Amandla Stenburg lands a spot on TIME’s list for being a bold active critique of pop culture. Earlier this year the talented actress known for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games” made the video “Don’t Cash Crop My Cornrows” which detailed cultural appropriation in pop culture and went viral. Not only is Amandla a talented actress and pop culture critic, she is also a musician and author.
Congratulations to these young women! We can’t wait to see the continued impact they will surely have on society!
article via theculture.forharriet.com

TV One to Air All 99 "Unsung" Episodes in 1st-Ever Marathon Leading Up to Landmark 100th Episode Special Hosted by Donnie Simpson

By goodblacknews on November 7, 2015
UNSUNG

In a network first, TV One has announced that the network will air all 99 episodes of its entire library of its signature series, “Unsung,” beginning Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.
The “epic” six-day marathon will take over TV One, all day and night, leading up to the 100th episode premiere on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
Hosted by Donnie Simpson (he inked a multi-year agreement with Radio One – parent company of TV One – earlier this year, bringing the veteran out of retirement), the landmark 100th new episode, “Unsung: Top Ten That Changed The Game,” will feature a countdown of the top 10 most exceptional “Unsung” episodes – impacting profiles that were selected for their representation of the breadth and depth of the series through fan feedback, social engagement and their influence on pop culture.
“Since its conception over seven years ago, ‘Unsung’ has been, hands-down, one of our most loved series,” commented Brad Siegel, TV One’s President. “Music is at the root of black culture and this show continues to celebrate and honor artists vital to those roots and explore stories that continue to shock and amaze our viewers today.”
The marathon and 100th episode will be pushed across TV One’s digital and social landscape with episodic trivia, quizzes and user guesses for the top 10 artists. In addition to the six-day ‘Unsung’ event, themed episodes will air in primetime throughout the marathon, as listed below:
Primetime Episode Themes:
Motown Masters: Thursday, Nov. 26, 8 – 11 p.m. ET
· 8 p.m. ET – David Ruffin
· 9 p.m. ET – Eddie Kendricks
· 10 p.m. ET – Tammi Terrell
Legendary Icons: Friday, Nov. 27, 8 – 12 a.m. ET
· 8 p.m. ET – DeBarge
· 9 p.m. ET – Teena Marie
· 10 p.m. ET – Rick James
· 11 p.m. ET – Ike Turner
Disco Infernos: Saturday, Nov. 28, 8 – 12 a.m. ET
· 8 p.m. ET – Jennifer Holliday
· 9 p.m. ET – Sylvester
· 10 p.m. ET – Nile Rodgers & Chic
· 11 p.m. ET – Rose Royce
R&B Groups: Sunday, Nov. 29, 8 – 12 a.m. ET
· 8 p.m. ET – H-Town
· 9 p.m. ET – Force MDs
· 10 p.m. ET – Hi-Five
· 11 p.m. ET – DeBarge
Hip Hop Classics: Monday, Nov. 30, 8 – 12 a.m. ET
· 8 p.m. ET – Kid N Play
· 9 p.m. ET – Big Daddy Kane
· 10 p.m. ET – DJ Quik
· 11 p.m. ET – Nate Dogg
article by Tambay A. Obenson via ShadowAndAct

Jay Z’s TIDAL Adding Exclusive Drama & Comedy Shows to Service

By goodblacknews on November 3, 2015

Jay Z At Tidal
Jay Z at Tidal (photo via theurbandaily.com)

Jay Z’s music streaming service TIDAL is expanding its content beyond just music, according to exclusive reports on Variety.
Today (November 3), a new show titled “No Small Talk” is set to premiere on the service. The comedy, which will initially include five, 25-30 minute episodes, is hosted by DJ Cipha Sounds, who himself is signed to the management arm of Jay Z’s Roc Nation. Each episode is set to detail the lives of three burgeoning comedians performing at Manhattan’s Comedy Cellar.
“I didn’t want it to feel polished like the standup specials you see on TV,” Cipha Sounds says. “My goal is to help new guys get known, like Def Comedy Jam set up a lot of people’s careers.”
Elsewhere, TIDAL has ordered the second season of “Money & Violence,” an urban drama based on the lives of a group of thieves and drug dealers in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The second season, which is scheduled to premiere in January, is set to be comprised of 12 episodes and will be available exclusively on TIDAL for one week prior to wider distribution, Variety reports.
This change in strategy is part of TIDAL’s next step forward to increase value to its subscribers, Tim Riley, TIDAL’s Senior VP of Artist and Label Relations, said.
“If someone is paying for Tidal, we want that to be the best experience they can have,” Riley said.
article by Henry Mansell via theurbandaily.com

Salt-N-Pepa Celebrates 30 years in Music With ASCAP Honor This Week

By goodblacknews on October 25, 2015

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Members Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa) and DJ Spinderella (Deidre Roper) paved the way for women in hip hop. (photo via dailynews.com)

It’s been 30 years and Salt-N-Pepa is still pushing it.  Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa), who splashed onto the music scene in 1985, will be honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers on Wednesday night.”It feels amazing to be coming up on 30 years in the game and have our work still acknowledged and respected as pioneers in music,” James told the Daily News.
Fresh off of a sold-out show in Winnipeg, Canada, the rap stars said they are still blown away by fans who line up to greet them at the airport .
“I don’t know how they know what flight we’re on, but the fans are always there at baggage claim,” Denton said. “They keep old CDs and other things forever to have us autograph.”
They were once called Super Nature and an answer song to Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show” called “The Showstopper” transformed them from unknowns to nationally-known rap artists.
“The first time we heard that song on the radio we were driving down the boulevard in Queens,” James reflected. “Pep hopped out of the car in the middle of the street and I was screaming at her to get back in the car.”
From that point on the ball kept rolling with top-selling albums including “Hot Cool & Vicious,” “Black’s Magic,” and “Very Necessary.”
Additionally, before the Spice Girls, TLC or Destiny’s Child came along, they owned the girl power theme with songs including “Expression,” “Independent,” “None of Your Business” and “Ain’t Nuthin’ But a She Thing.”
They also inspired a generation of young women to take risks – and nothing says teetering on the edge like coming home with an extreme buzz cut.
“The asymmetrical hairstyle was a hit,” Denton says about her iconic look. “We still have fans coming up to us saying they shaved off their hair. We brought fashion, fun and femininity to hip hop.”
Along with crazy haircuts, came wild threads. A mix of masculine and feminine style elements via slouchy jackets and leotards dictated the trends.

Salt-N-Pepa marks 30 years in music biz with ASCAP "Women in Music" honor.

“Nowadays everyone has a stylist – we were raw; wearing 8 ball jackets with kente hats and spandex,” Denton says. “It’s a quintessential look that everyone loved.”

The duo plans to translate their style into an athletic wear line. “This is Pep’s brilliant baby that was inspired by our song ‘Push It,’” James said. “We are into being healthy and staying motivated.”
James says she’s even gone to a few fitness classes that were themed after the song. “It’s become more than a song; it’s a lifestyle. There are so many obstacles in life that you have to keep pushing through.”
Asked to describe the journey in one word, Denton says “experience,” James, “blessed.”
article by Candace Amos via nydailynews.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Honors Smokey Robinson at 20th Annual Music Masters Series

By goodblacknews on October 23, 2015

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R&B and soul legend William “Smokey” Robinson will be honored by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Case Western Reserve University during the 20thAnnual Music Masters™ series, presented by Klipsch Audio. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a part of the sophomore class of inductees in 1987. The weeklong celebration, Nov. 2-7, 2015, will culminate with the Annual Music Masters concert on Sat., Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. EST at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre.
The tribute concert, presented by Klipsch Audio, on Nov. 7 will feature previously announced Inductees Dennis Edwards, Martha Reeves, and Mary Wilson, as well as the Robert Glasper Experiment.  New guests scheduled to perform include Avant, Avery*Sunshine, Bilal, JoJo, Eric Roberson, and Michelle Williams. Adam Blackstone (who has worked with artists such as Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake) will serve as the tribute concert’s Musical Director.  Robinson will attend the tribute concert to accept the award but is not scheduled to perform.
Tickets to the Nov. 7 concert range from $30 – $100 and are available now at the Playhouse Square box office, by calling (216) 241-6000, or by visiting www.playhousesquare.org. A limited number of premium seating and VIP packages beginning at $300 are available by contacting the Rock Hall’s development office at (216) 515-1201 or development@rockhall.org by Fri., Oct. 30.
To open the tribute concert, Case Western Reserve will bestow an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Smokey Robinson, recognizing his many musical and cultural contributions, which extend from enduring songs to his leadership in the music industry. The university awards honorary degrees to recognize those who exemplify in their work the highest ideals and standards of excellence in any valued aspect of human endeavor, including scholarship, public service and the performing arts.
Additional events include:
JUST ANNOUNCED!  FREE with RSVP – Mon., Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. – “Smokey Robinson and the Sensual Black Avant-Garde” / Author Series with Jason King at the Rock Hall’s Library and Archives (2809 Woodland Avenue, Cleveland).  Reservations can be made through the Rock Hall website at https://tickets.rockhall.com or at the Rock Hall Box Office.
FREE with RSVP – Wed., Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. – An Evening with Members of the Music Masters tribute band in the Rock Hall’s Foster Theater.  This event will be streamed live at http://rockhall.com.
FREE – Thurs., Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. – Keynote Lecture “You Really Got a Hold On Me” by Dave Marsh at Case Western Reserve University’s Tinkham Veale University Center (11038 Bellflower Road, Cleveland OH).   Marsh, rock critic, historian, anti-censorship activist, talk show host, and “Louie Louie” expert, has written more than 20 books about rock and popular music, and edited that many more.  In this talk, Marsh will explore more than 50 years of listening to Smokey and why, in his opinion, Smokey Robinson is the best singer-songwriter ever.  This event is free and reservations are not required.  Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event will be streamed live at http://rockhall.com.

Sat., Nov. 7 from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. – Annual Music Masters Conference in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Foster Theater

The conference will celebrate Smokey Robinson’s impact on popular music, including a panel discussion on Smokey moderated by renowned author and Smokey Robinson autobiography co-author, David Ritz. Ritz will be joined by Harry Weinger, Vice President, A&R at Universal Music Enterprises; Jason King, Director of Writing, History & Emergent Media Studies at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music; and Andy Flory, Assistant Professor of Music at Carleton College. There will be a special Motown-inspired performance and master class with the youth of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland as well as interviews with special guests. Tickets are $25 ($10 lunch voucher included) and are available through the Rock Hall website at https://tickets.rockhall.com or at the Rock Hall Box Office.  Admission to the Museum is free with the purchase of a conference ticket. 

Sat., Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. – Annual Music Masters Tribute Concert at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre.  Tickets to the November 7 tribute concert range from $30 – $100 and are at the Playhouse Square box office, by calling (216) 241-6000, or by visiting www.playhousesquare.org.  A limited number of premium seating and VIP packages beginning at $300 are available by contacting the Rock Hall’s development office at (216) 515-1201 or development@rockhall.org by Friday, October 30.  

Special programming for teachers and students:

Tues., Nov. 3 – Digital Classroom: Launch of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles Education Unit

The Rock Hall’s award-winning education team will launch a special Smokey Robinson and the Miracles teaching unit as part of their Digital Classroom online curriculum on Tuesday, November 3. The Digital Classroom allows teachers and students to learn more about rock and roll history with lesson plans, listening guides, and exclusive content that can be used in classroom. To learn more, visit http://www.rockhall.com/digitalclassroom.

About Smokey Robinson:

Save for founder Berry Gordy, no single figure has been more closely allied with the Detroit-based recording empire known as Motown than William “Smokey” Robinson. In addition to leading the Miracles, Robinson served as a Motown producer, songwriter, talent scout and Gordy’s most trusted confidant and right-hand man.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles scored twenty-seven pop-soul hits at Motown between 1960 and 1971, including the classics “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Shop Around,” “Going to a Go-Go” and “I Second That Emotion.” The Miracles’ brightest moments on record – “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown” foremost among them – still kindle memories for those who came of age in the Sixties.

Hip-Hop Artist Lupe Fiasco Creates Nonprofit to Help Inner City Businesses

By goodblacknews on October 19, 2015
Rapper Lupe Fiasco (photo via bet.com)

Lupe Fiasco wants businesses in underserved communities to succeed. The rapper has teamed up with tech business leader Di-Ann Eisnor to create the Neighborhood Start Fund, a nonprofit organization that will provide monetary aid to projects in low-income areas. In addition to funding, entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship opportunities and networking events.

Those struggling to launch their businesses can compete for funding by sharing their startup goals on stage to a panel of judges. The live pitch competitions will take place around the country, with winners receiving $5,000. The first “Idea” competition will take place November 13, 2015, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, in New York City.
And because it’s important to keep investing in your community, proceeds from the funded startups will be used to fund other businesses. So it’s a project that will keep on giving.
To learn more about the program and submit an idea for selection into the Brownsville live pitch, visit start.fund.
article by Dorkys Ramos via bet.com

Obamas Sing Happy Birthday To Usher At White House [VIDEO]

By goodblacknews on October 19, 2015

Usher and the Obamas (photo via youtube)
Usher and the Obamas (photo via youtube)

Usher may be the reigning King of R&B, but, right now, we’re pretty sure he’s feeling like the King of the World.”
The soulful singer spent October 14, his 37th birthday, recording a taping of PBS’ concert series “In Performance at the White House.” He and his bride Grace were chatting with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama when they surprised him by singing “Happy Birthday” and presented him with a cupcake topped with a single candle.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9D6jk3cRHo&w=560&h=315]
The former “The Voice” coach seemed humbled — and in total disbelief — by the experience, at one point, turning to the videographer and asking, “Are you getting this?
After the First Couple were done singing to Usher, President Obama said, “That’s a good cupcake, too.”
Along with Usher, Queen Latifah, Smokey Robinson, and Esperanza Spalding also performed at the White House for the concert series.
See the Obamas serenade Usher in the video above.
article via newsone.com

Jon Platt Named CEO of Warner/Chappell Music

By goodblacknews on October 6, 2015
Jon Platt 2015
Jon Platt speaks onstage at the 2015 SESAC Pop Music Awards at New York Public Library on May 4, 2015 in New York City. (Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for SESAC) 
Jon Platt will lead Warner/Chappell Music going forward.  As part of a transition plan, Platt, who joined Warner/Chappell in 2012, will be promoted to the company’s CEO on Nov. 1 from his current position as president, North America. Subsequently, in May 2016 (most likely when Cameron Strang’s contract ends), Cameron Strang, currently chairman & CEO, will step down to devote his full focus to serving as chairman & CEO of Warner Bros. Records.
Platt is known for being a doubled-edged sword, having great creative skills combined with top-notch leadership. On the creative side, he has helped attract such artists and songwriters as Jay Z, Beyoncé, Vance Joy and Echosmith to Warner/Chappell.
“Jon has a deep understanding of the creative process, an outstanding devotion to songs and songwriters, and an innate ability to nurture the next generation of talented publishing executives,” Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper said in a statement. “His combination of artistic sensibility and commercial savvy is very rare, and is clearly why so many of the world’s greatest songwriters want him as their partner and champion.” Cooper added that Platt will enhance Warner/Chappell’s “position” as the best home for songwiters.
Over the last five years, Warner/Chappell’s revenues have steadily declined, from $582 million for the year ended Sept. 30, 2009 to $503 million for the year ended Sept. 30, 2013, before rebounding last year to $517 million. In the first nine months of this year, Warner/Chappell revenue stands at $359 million, down from $387 million, or 7.2 percent.
Platt’s ability to attract top flight songwriters should help boost the company’s bottom line. Over the last several years, Warner/Chappell has added such songwriters as Pharrell Williams’ pre-2010 repertoire, Taio Cruz, Aloe Blacc, Sean Douglas, Belly, Mano, Julia Michaels, Steve Kipner, Nico & Vinz, Slash, Dave Mustaine, Mike WiLL Made It, Lady Antebellum, Liz Rose, and Lee Miller, as well as the Roc Nation publishing catalog.
“Ever since Jon came on board in 2012, he has played a pivotal role in our success story, making enormous contributions to the company’s rapid development,” Strang said in a statement.”Warner/Chappell is now ready for the next phase of its ongoing evolution, and Jon is exactly the right executive for the job. He is a force of nature: a brilliant creative collaborator; a principled leader; and an inspiring mentor. He will be a terrific CEO, as he brings his dynamism and expertise to our songwriters, teams and business around the world.”
Cooper added that “with a smooth transition underway at Warner/Chappell, Cameron will lead our plan to build on [Warner Bros. Records] existing success, turbocharge its long-term growth and deepen our commitment to A&R and artist development.”
Prior to joining Warner/Chappell Platt, who received SESAC’s Visionary Award in May, spent 17 years at EMI Music Publishing, where he signed an early-career Jay Z, Kanye West, Usher, Drake, Ludacris, Mary Mary, Young Jeezy, Fabolousand Snoop Dogg, according to Warner/Chappell’s announcement.
“Warner/Chappell is an iconic music company with an incomparable roster of extraordinary songwriters,” Platt said in a statement. “Our mission is to develop, grow, reward and sustain a prosperous and healthy creative community — the community of songwriters who make it possible for music to have such a special place in all of our lives. My vision for Warner/Chappell is one of peerless commitment to the songwriter and unmatched advocacy for the value of music.  I see us leading the industry in our service not only to our songwriters, but also to the partners and fans that help make their livelihoods possible.”
article by Ed Christman via billboard.com

Ice Cube to Play Scrooge in Christmas Movie ‘Humbug’

By goodblacknews on October 4, 2015
Ice Cube to Play Scrooge in

 

Universal Pictures has purchased the script “Humbug” from writers Todd R. Jones and Earl Richey Jones with Ice Cube attached to star and Tim Story to direct, sources confirm to Variety.
The script is a contemporary retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic story of a wealthy real estate mogul who is shown a path to redemption by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.  Cube will produce alongside Jeff Kwatinetz. Jones & Jones will co-produce.
The film marks another collaboration between Cube and Story that began with the box office hit “Barbershop,” which spawned two two sequels, the third recently wrapped production with Malcolm Lee at the helm. The two also worked on the “Ride Along” series for Universal with the sequel bowing this January with Story directing and Cube and Kevin Hart co-starring.
Cube just produced box-office smash “Straight Outta Compton” and is about to start filming the New Line Comedy “Fist Fight” with Charlie Day.
The Jones brothers’ past credits include “Rio” and “Johnson Family Vacation.”
article by Justin Kroll via Variety.com