Hearing the news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing hit like a ton of bricks. It was totally out of left field—so unexpected and sudden. As a man of a certain age, I recognize that many of my peers are experiencing major life changes. More often than not, those changes involve the loss of a loved one or their own passing. We all know that at some point, we have to go. But whenever one of us does, it always feels too soon.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death hits especially hard because of what he represented to young Black men around the world. We were introduced to him as Theo Huxtable—a clean-cut Black teen who came from a good home and lived a normal life. In the eighties, there were very few, if any, characters who resonated with Black boys in that way. He wasn’t painted by the brush of white society, and he wasn’t some sidekick. Theo was us. He got the pretty girls, had a cool best friend, and sometimes struggled in school. The mere existence of a character like Theo was revolutionary—and Malcolm embodied him in a way that was honorable and aspirational.
Malcolm carried that same dignity throughout his entire career. He consistently showed up on screen as a strong character—not a caricature. His impact was real and will endure for generations.
When one of us passes on, it always feels too sudden. But in my heart, I believe that when that moment comes, it’s God letting us know our assignment is complete—and He’s coming to take us home. I know I speak for millions of brothers when I say: thank you, Malcolm. Job well done.
BREAKING: ‘The Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dead at 54, TMZ Reports
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the beloved actor who rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on the groundbreaking television series The Cosby Show, has died at age 54. TMZ was first to report the news of Warner’s unexpected death, which has since been confirmed by multiple outlets including People Magazine, Page Six, and Fox News.
According to TMZ, Warner died from an accidental drowning. As of this writing, no additional details have been released regarding the specific circumstances surrounding his death or where the incident took place. Representatives for the actor have not yet issued an official statement, but tributes are already pouring in from fans and industry colleagues devastated by the loss.
Warner, born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, became a household name at just 14 years old. Cast as the affable and often comically misguided Theo Huxtable, he starred alongside Bill Cosby in what would become one of the most influential sitcoms in television history. The Cosby Show ran for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992 and changed the landscape of primetime TV by centering a successful, loving Black family.
The role earned Warner critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination, cementing his status as a cultural icon. But Warner was never content to rest on early success. Over the next several decades, he built a rich and varied career, starring in the hit sitcom Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000 and later appearing in shows like Reed Between the Lines, Major Crimes, Suits, The Resident, and 9-1-1.
Warner also lent his voice to educational programming, most notably as “The Producer” on The Magic School Bus, a role that endeared him to a generation of young viewers. He was also a gifted director, working behind the camera on episodes of The Cosby Show, All That, Keenan & Kel, and Malcolm & Eddie.
Outside of television, Warner was a passionate musician and spoken word artist. In 2015, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his contribution to Robert Glasper’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America.” He frequently blended his music with poetry and social commentary, performing with his band and appearing at events across the country.
In recent years, Warner hosted the Not All Hood podcast, where he explored topics around culture, community, and identity. A new episode of the podcast was released just three days before his death, underscoring the suddenness and shock of his passing.
Despite his public career, Warner kept his personal life intensely private. He is survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he never publicly disclosed. In interviews, he often spoke about fatherhood as one of his most important and grounding experiences.
Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media to express their grief and celebrate Warner’s legacy. Many have highlighted his contributions not just as an actor, but as a cultural force who brought nuance and humanity to the roles he played—especially during a time when Black characters were often underdeveloped or stereotyped on screen.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death marks the end of an era. He was more than a child star—he was a multitalented artist who continued to evolve, inspire, and uplift. His voice, both literal and artistic, will be sorely missed.
This is a developing story. Additional details and official statements are expected in the coming hours.
Fire Friday: The Must-Hear Rap & R&B Releases (July 1–4, 2025)
This week’s lineup brought serious heat across rap, R&B, and beyond. From standout lyricism and fiery mixtapes to bold visuals and emotional albums, these new drops are setting the pace for summer playlists everywhere. Here’s your full breakdown of the freshest releases from the past four days.
JID – GDLU: The Preluxe (Mixtape)
JID kicked off July 4 with GDLU: The Preluxe, a sharp, four-track teaser mixtape leading into his upcoming full-length album God Does Like Ugly. Known for his rapid-fire flow and intricate wordplay, JID doesn’t disappoint here. The project features Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK, pairing clever rhymes with slick production, making it a must-listen for hip-hop heads.
Listen to the full mixtape here:
JT – “Ran Out” (Official Music Video)
JT shines in her latest solo release, “Ran Out,” a bold track packed with swagger, attitude, and confident bars. The music video matches the energy, showing off high-end visuals, fast cars, and no shortage of luxury. It’s an anthem for anyone who loves a flashy, unapologetic flex.
Watch the video here
DDG – “That’s My Ball” (Official Visualizer)
DDG keeps the momentum going with “That’s My Ball,” an upbeat track accompanied by an animated visualizer. The fun, sports-inspired video features popular creators like Kai Cenat, Ludwig, ImDontai, and Valkyrae, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the playful, competitive song.
Watch the visualizer here:
DJ Snake & J Balvin – “Noventa” (Official Music Video)
DJ Snake and J Balvin link up once again for “Noventa,” an infectious reggaeton track filled with retro charm. The video takes it back to the ‘90s with VHS effects, throwback dance moves, and summery street party vibes, making it a certified warm-weather anthem.
Watch the video here:
Jessie Reyez – Paid in Memories (Album)
Jessie Reyez delivers raw emotion on Paid in Memories, released July 2. Her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting take center stage as she explores themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, family, and healing. From stripped-down ballads to upbeat tracks, Reyez proves her versatility while staying true to her vulnerable sound.
Stream the full album here:
This week’s releases bring a range of vibes—from emotional R&B and fierce lyricism to flashy visuals and dance-ready beats. Jessie Reyez and JID deliver standout projects for listeners looking for depth and skill, while JT, DDG, DJ Snake, and J Balvin keep the energy high with vibrant visuals and catchy hooks.
No matter your mood, these releases deserve a spot in your playlist rotation.
Each January 1, as dawn breaks over Haiti, the aroma of simmering pumpkin soup wafts through neighborhoods, telling a story of resistance and triumph. Soup Joumou, once forbidden to enslaved people under French colonial rule, now serves as the centerpiece of Haiti’s Independence Day celebrations, marking 221 years since the nation became the world’s first Black republic.
This soup represents everything we fought for. Every spoonful carries the taste of freedom.
The golden-hued soup, rich with beef, vegetables, and Caribbean pumpkin, was once exclusively reserved for French plantation owners. After defeating Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces in 1804, Haitians claimed the dish as their own, transforming it from a symbol of oppression into one of liberation.
Today, the ritual of preparing and sharing Soup Joumou bridges generations. Families gather before sunrise to carefully craft the soup, following time-honored recipes passed down through centuries. The communal nature of the dish embodies Haiti’s national motto, “L’Union Fait La Force” — Unity Makes Us Stronger.
As Haiti navigates modern challenges, this New Year’s tradition remains unwavering, serving as both celebration and remembrance. Each bowl of Soup Joumou tells a story of resilience, carrying forward the legacy of a revolution that changed the world
Dreamville Festival, the brainchild of hip-hop icon J. Cole and his powerhouse label Dreamville, is gearing up for another epic year. Set to take over Raleigh’s scenic Dorothea Dix Park on April 5-6, 2025, the festival has become a defining moment in the music calendar, blending incredible performances with a celebration of culture and community.
After breaking records in 2024 with 100,000 attendees from across the United States and beyond, Dreamville Festival is primed to surpass expectations yet again. Presale tickets go live on December 11 at 9 a.m. EST, offering General Admission (GA), GA+, and VIP options. Early buyers can lock in the best rates, as prices are expected to climb closer to the event. If presales sell out, general ticket sales will follow.
This isn’t just another music festival; it’s an immersive experience. From live art installations and local food vendors to Dreamville’s iconic Ferris wheel—where attendees can take in breathtaking views of Raleigh’s skyline—every detail reflects a thoughtful curation of music, art, and community. The festival also shines a light on meaningful causes, with proceeds supporting the Dreamville Foundation and Dix Park Conservancy.
Dreamville Festival has become synonymous with economic and cultural impact. With an annual contribution of $145 million to Wake County’s economy, the event not only entertains but also bolsters local businesses and nonprofits. Vendors, artisans, and muralists transform the park into a vibrant hub of creativity, while Nonprofit Row provides a platform for community organizations to connect with festival-goers.
At its heart, the festival is a love letter to J. Cole’s home state of North Carolina and the global Dreamville family. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes the brand a cultural powerhouse while delivering two days of unforgettable music and camaraderie.
Whether you’re a loyal fan or new to the Dreamville universe, this event offers a unique blend of energy, connection, and creativity. Mark your calendars and set your alarms—this is a moment you won’t want to miss.
Donald Trump recently announced his intention to impose tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada. Trump has proposed a 10% increase on Chinese goods and a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. He is leveraging border security and drug trafficking to legitimize this move.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods. Generally, these costs are passed on to the consumer. Car purchases, electronics and everyday items can see price hikes as a result. According to the National Retail Federation, these tariffs could reduce Americans’ spending power by $46 billion to $78 billion annually.
The idea behind Trump’s tariffs is to increase stateside manufacturing. In theory, this would increase production in the U.S. and create more jobs. However, because many items produced in the U.S. require parts from overseas, this could cause shipping delays and higher prices that could actually create job losses. Companies may opt to leave the United States to curb many of these costs.
The countries affected by these tariffs will undoubtedly make it difficult for the United States to do business and could ultimately affect the employment landscape. This strategy is an attempt to flex the economic muscle of the United States and make “Made in the USA” a point of pride while the country works to be more sustainable and independent of foreign interests.
Interest rates could potentially rise and cause strain on U.S. markets and consumer spending. This could potentially slow the economy and lessen middle-class spending power. Analysts warn that middle-income families could see their annual expenses rise by as much as $2,600 if these tariffs are fully implemented.
Trump’s assertions are already causing havoc in the markets as the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso have taken a hit. Depending on who you are and where you fit in with regard to the U.S. economy, these tariffs can be beneficial or hurtful. This has yet to be seen.
Kendrick continues his takeover of 2024. After the surprise release of GNX, he’s dropped the first video from the album for the song “Squabble Up.”
The video is a love letter to the West Coast. Kendrick stands in the middle of a yellowish-green banquet hall, wearing his cropped blue hoodie, while every facet of West Coast urban life is on full display. His understated delivery lets the representation take center stage. Crips, Bloods, low riders, and even odes to Isaac Hayes and Ice-T shine equally under the spotlight of the chandelier that opens the video.
“Squabble Up” is the perfect lead single for GNX and yet another feather in the cap for Kendrick and the West Coast.
Kendrick Lamar has put an exclamation mark on his domination of 2024 with the surprise release of his latest album “GNX.” This release emerges as a seismic cultural moment, quickly becoming the talk of the internet. Inspired by the Buick Grand National he leans on in the cover art, Lamar embraces his “villain era” with unwavering confidence.
The album opener “wacced out murals” sets the tone with production that feels like a stripped-down, bass-driven reimagining of Whodini’s classic “Friends.” Lamar embraces the darker side of that memorable hit and weaponizes the track while highlighting haters, betrayal and self-preservation. “It used to be fuck that nigga, but now it’s plural, fuck everybody,” he raps, sparing no one. He even has a words for Snoop Dogg, whom he called out for sharing Drake’s AI-generated diss track “Taylor Made” during the height of the Drake vs. Kendrick battle.
One of the standout tracks, “reincarnated,” showcases Lamar’s strength as an artist. He demonstrates his keen ability to blend storytelling and introspection. Lyrically, he takes listeners on a journey through three lives experiencing reincarnation. The track is reminiscent of 2Pac’s “All Eyez on Me.” In the first two verses, he adopts Tupac’s cadence before closing the song with his distinctive delivery. The track is layered, as the three people described are reincarnated into different lives, while Lamar’s masterful delivery suggesting that he is the reincarnation of Tupac.
The production across “GNX” captures a minimalist, bass-heavy sound of L.A. and provides space for Lamar’s verses. This is most evident on “tv off,” produced by DJ Mustard and reminiscent of 2024’s culturally relevant anthem “Not Like US.”
The album features Mexican singer Deyra Barrera and rappers, Peyso, AzChike, Dody 6, Hitta J3, Peysoh, Siete, Wallie The Sensei and Young Threat. SZA joined her former TDE labelmate on “Luther” and “Gloria.” SZA’s performance on “Gloria” is hypnotic, her voice floating with ease through the verses before building into a luxuriant guitar solo.
Another standout track, “man at the garden,” evokes the haunting tension of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” along with “One Mic” by Nas and delivers an introspective Lamar. He examines his worthiness, boldly stating “I deserve it all” when discussing his accolades, accomplishments and the work behind them.
“GNX” is a statement during a year when Lamar made it his mission to fully separate himself from his peers. He delivers his honesty with a boldness that compels listeners to dig deeper into their own identity.
The Hip-Hop community is reeling after the brutal beating of legendary rapper Buckshot in his hometown of New York.
In an exclusive statement obtained by AllHipHop, Buckshot addressed his supporters and explained what led to the incident.
“To all my friends, fans, and supporters—thank you for reaching out during this difficult time,” he said. “Recently, I was the victim of a violent assault involving multiple individuals armed with weapons, including handguns. This attack stems from ongoing disputes over my property, where I am the rightful owner but have faced issues with unauthorized occupants who escalated the situation to violence.”
Buckshot also expressed his desire to see New York become a safer place. “As someone who’s been an entertainer and part of this community for over 30 years, I am deeply disturbed that such an incident could happen in New York—a city I love and call home. Violence like this has no place here, and I’m calling on everyone to come together to make New York safer and better for all of us.”
“I am currently recovering from my injuries and am working closely with my legal team and law enforcement to ensure this matter is handled properly,” he said. “We are committed to seeing justice served, and I ask for your patience and support as the legal process unfolds. Again, thank you for all the well wishes. Let’s put an end to violence and help rebuild a stronger, safer New York.”
The 49-year-old rapper has been a staple in hip-hop culture for decades, and his call for a safer city echoes the sentiments of many in his community.
Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. Trump, a polarizing figure, secured 277 electoral votes and 71 million popular votes to secure this win. Trump’s election is unprecedented; he is a convicted felon, inspired his supporters to storm the Capitol when he lost in 2020 and survived two assassination attempts. The state of Wisconsin delivered the finishing blow, taking his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, out of contention.
Trump addressed his supporters from his election night watch party in Florida, calling for unity. “It’s time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us,” Trump said. “It’s time to unite.”
“We have to put our country first for at least a period of time,” he added. “We have to fix it.”
Despite Trump’s history of disparaging remarks, he still secured 53% of the Hispanic vote in Florida, a state he won handily. Trump won the support of 45% of Latino voters, a big jump from the 33% he secured in his loss against President Biden. It is the strongest GOP performance among Latinos since the election of George W. Bush in 2004.
Trump gained much of his momentum from Latino men, who backed him over Harris by 10 points. Over the past few months, the spotlight was on Black men and White women as the demographics that would ultimately take Trump over the top. However, Harris actually closed the gap among White women, and 8 in 10 Black men supported Harris.
As the country prepares itself for another four years of Trump, the economy, illegal immigration, the conflict between Israel and Palestine, along with the Russia-Ukraine conflict are on the short list of issues that should be addressed immediately
Precise 