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.
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
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 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.
Tyler, the Creator is having a historic year and continues to carve out his own lane within the music industry. His latest album “CHROMOKOPIA” has secured the top spot on the Billboard 200. Tyler is on a run in the past four years that is unprecedented.
The Odd Future leader’s project earned nearly 300,000 units in its first week after releasing his album on a Monday, disregarding the Friday release that most artists follow. Taking the road less traveled earned “CHROMOKOPIA” the second-highest rap release of 2024 behind Travis Scott. “CHROMOKOPIA” is the sixth-biggest overall debut this year.
The numbers tell the story. “CHROMOKOPIA” generated more than 212 million streams and sold 142,000 units that were driven by physical album sales and merchandise. What stands out with this specific release is that it is Tyler’s fourth release in the last four years that has hit No. 1. This unprecedented achievement separates him from the pack.
Legendary producer Quincy Jones has died at age 91. Jones was a titan in the music industry with a career spanning more than seven decades. His collaborations read like a who’s who of American music.
The South Side of Chicago native, born March 14, 1933 made an impact across multiple musical genres. The 28-time Grammy Award winner remained a mainstay in the entertainment industry.
He began as a jazz musician, touring with Lionel Hampton in 1953 at age 20. After working as a studio musician for Elvis Presley, he toured with Dizzy Gillespie in the Middle East. In 1957, he moved to France and became a music director. He later toured North America and Europe with his 18-person band, the Jones Boys.
In 1961, Jones became the first Black vice president at Mercury Records. Throughout his storied career, Jones worked on nearly 40 major motion picture scores. He produced the iconic “Sanford and Son” theme, and his song “Soul Bossa Nova” became the theme for the blockbuster film “Austin Powers.”
Jones collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. He produced the soundtrack for “The Wiz” in 1978 and Michael Jackson’s record-breaking album “Thriller.” His film “The Color Purple” received 11 Academy Award nominations and introduced Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey to global audiences.
In 1985, he united music’s biggest stars to perform “We Are the World” to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. He leveraged industry relationships to bring artists including Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Diana Ross together to record the charitable song.
In the 1990s, Quincy Jones Entertainment brought “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to television, launching Will Smith’s career as one of Hollywood’s most successful stars.
Jones recently partnered with Chance the Rapper and Jennifer Hudson to reopen the Ramova Theatre on Chicago’s South Side.
His extraordinary career achievements are too numerous to list completely. His impact on music and entertainment will resonate for generations.
His family shared a statement below.
“Tonight, with full, but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother, Quincy Jones’ passing,” the statement read. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived, and know there will never be another like him. He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense joy in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones is survived by seven children. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States (Photo source: instagram @kamalaharris)
This election has been historic for all the wrong reasons.
It’s 2024, and Joe Biden is president of the United States, while Vice President Kamala Harris is running to become president. Her opponent, the 45th president and a convicted felon, is believed to have incited supporters to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
All of that, for lack of a better word, sounds CRAZY! However, what’s crazier is that it’s all true and has created unprecedented political tension in this country. It permeates our computer and cellphone screens. People are choosing sides, many blindly. While Black men have been targeted as a demographic that could prevent Harris’s election, White women actually wield that electoral power. Recent election data shows this clearly: White women have consistently represented 37% of the electorate in presidential elections. In 2020, 53% of White women voted for Trump over Biden, similar to 2016 when 52% supported Trump over Hillary Clinton.
Trump has been hitting the campaign trail, energizing his base with controversial remarks and behavior. The recent rally at Madison Square Garden drew comparisons to Nazi rallies held on Feb. 20, 1939. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s comment calling Puerto Rico an “island of garbage” was met with widespread criticism.
These events have overshadowed the truly historic moment before us. Harris is an election away from becoming the first woman to hold the nation’s highest office. If successful, she would accomplish what Hillary Clinton could not. Harris follows in the footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black person and woman to run for president. In 1972, Chisholm’s campaign was considered bold and, to many, improbable. However, its impact reaches 52 years into our present.
Harris, who already made history as the first woman vice president of South Asian and Caribbean heritage, stands on the precipice of changing history. This HBCU graduate, former California attorney general and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., could become the first Black woman to hold the highest office in the land, representing progress in a country built on the foundation of racism and slavery.
When you go to the polls this week to make your selection, consider what side of history you want to be on and which historic moment matters most to you
New Orleans vibrates with music and has given the world artists who have changed the soundscape. Lil Wayne stands as one of those artists. As jazz notes float through the French Quarter, Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest, founded in 2015, filled the Smoothie King Center with fans and the sounds of a legend. Wayne is a cultural icon and hometown hero, celebrated as such. However, even though he can pack an arena, Wayne will be found standing outside of the Super Bowl as a performer.
Kendrick Lamar being chosen earlier this year as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime performer has caused a stir in the industry for several reasons. The biggest: The game will be held in New Orleans, and many believe Wayne should have been given that opportunity.
Wayne has been a fixture in hip-hop culture since 1991 when he signed to Cash Money Records at age 9, becoming the label’s youngest artist. His signing was the start of a revolution. His years with the Hot Boys laid the foundation for Cash Money, and his solo career would show the world what Wayne was capable of.
The numbers tell the story.
“Tha Block Is Hot” went platinum. “Tha Carter III” moved 1,005,545 copies in its first week and went octuple platinum. “Tha Carter IV” sold 1,184,103 copies in its first two weeks, and “Tha Carter V” crossed the million-unit threshold in sales and streams.
Wayne has 186 entries on Billboard’s Hot 100 and is a five-time Grammy Award winner. The numbers he has amassed are impressive; however, his greatest impact came through his mixtape run. The “Dedication” and “Da Drought” series changed the game, introducing us to Lil Wayne the MC, who recorded these legendary tapes in hotel rooms and tour buses.
Wayne’s influences are hailed by today’s notable artists like Young Thug, who tapped into Wayne’s melodic offerings to create his own style. Kendrick Lamar hails Lil Wayne as his favorite rapper. We also can’t forget to mention that Wayne built Young Money and provided the world with Drake and Nicki Minaj, fundamentally altering hip-hop’s landscape.
Considering Wayne’s global impact, it’s easy to understand why he and many of his fans feel an opportunity was taken from him. Since Roc Nation has been at the helm of the Super Bowl selection process, it has been more rap-friendly, and Lil Wayne would seem like the perfect fit based on his legacy alone.
Wayne hasn’t been without flaws along his journey. In 2020 he was locked up for a firearms charge for which he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump and he has had some unfavorable and controversial political stances when it comes to Black people. Even during these challenges he managed to stay consistent and provide music to his fans.
However, on the heels of a fiery battle between Kendrick and Drake, and the smash hit “ Not Like Us” playing at every sporting event and homecoming across the country, one could say Kendrick’s selection was the smart decision.
While many may debate this, one thing that can’t be debated is Lil Wayne’s legacy. On Nov. 2, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and his longtime rival and New Orleans native Master P presented him with a key to the city.
Wayne addressed his thoughts on not performing at the Super Bowl during Lil WeezyAna Fest:
“When the first Super Bowl was here, I made sure I bought tickets at the beginning of the season, and you know I did the same when I moved to Miami. I was wishing my team made it, and guess who made it that year? The Saints,” Wayne said. “I was able to give my mama that suite. She was able to bring my family and other people from New Orleans, and they had a ball. That moment I said to myself, ‘I want to be on stage for the Super Bowl one day in front of my mom.’ And I worked my ass off to get that position, and it was ripped away from me. But this moment right here, they can’t take this away from me.”
On November 2, 2024, Live Nation Urban, in partnership with Culture Creators, will debut Lil’ WeezyCon—a dynamic addition to the annual Lil WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans. The inaugural event will take place at The Fillmore from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering high-level networking opportunities with thought leaders, creatives, artists, and young professionals.
The event encourages participation from college students, high school seniors, and community organizations, providing a platform to connect with industry leaders in sectors they aspire to join. Designed with empowerment in mind, Lil’ WeezyCon will feature professionals in entertainment and entrepreneurship who will share their expertise and insights. Students from Dillard University are taking part in producing the event, with volunteers from LSU, Xavier University, and other local schools helping ensure it has a lasting impact throughout the city.
Tickets for the event are free, and college students with a valid ID will receive VIP access.
“We knew we wanted to do something special with this year’s festival, and tapping the Culture Creators Foundation to help us create Lil’ WeezyCon felt like the perfect way to engage the community and bring college students into the mix,” said Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Live Nation Urban. “This partnership allows us to expand beyond music and create an experience that leaves a lasting impact on young professionals and emerging creators.”
Industry leaders from Amazon, Ebony, and SoundExchange will be among those offering insights to attendees through panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. Topics on deck include music industry trends, media representation, and its cultural impact.
Lil’ WeezyCon will conclude with the Lil WeezyAna Fest Thank You Brunch on Sunday, November 3, at 10 a.m. at the House of Blues in New Orleans.
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