As we head into the holidays and a brand new year, this Music Monday we’re taking a look back in the rearview at some of the best soul, jazz, hip hop and reggae releases of 2021.
This playlist offers Silk Sonic, “Apple Crumble” with vocals by Idris Elba, Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Leon Bridges, Drake, Tinashe, Diana Ross, emerging new Isley vocalist Alex Isley, Amber Mark, Jon Batiste, wonderful instrumental and vocal jazz from Ron Carter, Jose James, and others.
Please enjoy. And as always, stay safe, sane, and kind.
On the heels of Teen Vogue giving prominence to Aya Jones, Lineisy Montero and Imaan Hammam on their August 2015 cover and Karrueche securing a new gig at Wilhelmina Models’ New York division last week, the melanin movement spilled into this week as Tinashe, Ciara, and Joan Smalls all scored new gigs in the fashion world.
As if performing for her idol Janet Jackson at the BET Awards and hopping on Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint Tour wasn’t enough, Tinashe is moving way up, starring in Ralph Lauren’s Denim & Supply fall campaign. Not only is the 22-year-old prepping us for autumn with classic plaid looks paired with vintage jeans, but she also had the opportunity to cover Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Rhythm Band’s iconic 1970’s hit “Express Yourself” beside Cody Simpson. Blessings on blessings on blessings.
Ciara (Photo via vibe.com)
Ciara’s 2015 has revolved around love and fashion and after being chosen as the latest celeb to rep Italian designer Roberto Cavalli, CiCi danced her way to Brand Ambassador status for Topshop USA. The mother showed face at the Fashion Retail Academy Awards in London Wednesday night, rocking a trench coat-styled black dress from the retailer with matching open toe heels where owner, Sir Phillip Green made the official announcement.
READ: Ciara Is The New Face Of Roberto Cavalli’s Fall/Winter 2015 Campaign
For those that weren’t in attendance, Ciara took to her Instagram account to share a selfie she snagged with the billionaire CEO and made the public service announcement herself. And of course, in true gentlemen fashion, Ci’s boyfriend Russell Wilson showed love and support via his Twitter saying, “Congrats! @TopShop couldn’t pick a more Dynamic woman!” Cue the aww’s here.
Joan Smalls (photo via vibe.com)
Joan Smalls is still doing big things in the modeling industry, this time showing off her physique in her undies for Calvin Klein. Also landing a fall campaign for a major brand, Smalls’ facial structure in the ad may have actually stole the shine off the intimates collection, itself, with the tagline ‘the original sexy’ fitting for the Afro-Latina model.
Janet Jackson (l) receives Ultimate Icon Award; Kendrick Lamar (r) opens the 2015 BET Awards (Photos: Getty Images)
Last night, Black Entertainment Television held its 15th annual BET Awards celebration, honoring musical legends Janet Jackson and Smokey Robinson, as well as radio and television personality Tom Joyner with special tributes and awards. Jason Derulo, Ciara and Tinashe did a tribute in dance to Jackson before she received her Ultimate Icon Award from longtime producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Jidenna and Janelle Monae arrive at BET Awards (Photo: Jerome Dorn)
Performances by Alicia Keys,Janelle Monae, Jidenna, Kendrick Lamar, Tyga and Chris Brown, to name a few, also energized the event, and it was no surprise when Best Acting awards went to deserving “Empire” darlings Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. To see the full list of winners, read below:
Best New Artist Sam Smith
Dej Loaf
Fetty Wap
Rae Sremmurd
Tinashe Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Kendrick Lamar
J. Cole
Drake
Common Big Sean
Wale “Empire” Actor Jussie Smollet (Photo: Jerome Dorn) Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Nicki Minaj
Azealia Banks
Tink
Iggy Azalea
Trina
Dej Loaf Best Actor Terrence Howard
Anthony Anderson
Idris Elba
Jussie Smollett
Kevin Hart Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Beyoncé
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
Ciara
Rihanna
K. Michelle
SEE ALSO: Janelle Monae and Jidenna Perform ‘Yoga’ and ‘Classic Man’ at 2015 BET Awards Chris Brown at 2015 BET Awards (Photo: Jerome Dorn) Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
The Weeknd
John Legend
Trey Songz
Usher
August Alsina Chris Brown Best Group
A$AP Mob
Migos Rae Sremmurd
Rich Gang
Young Money
Jodeci
