Marcus Chapman is one of the most knowledgeable people regarding music that you can come across and he’s sharing that knowledge with the world in relaunching his two-part book series, “The Coolest Music Book Ever Made a.k.a The MC 500.” Chapman, a regular contributor to TV One’s award-winning “Unsung” series,…
Jacques Fred Petrus’ story began at 15 when he left his homeland of Guadeloupe to become an engineer but ended tragically (depending on who you ask) back at home. In between, he, along Mauro Malavasi and other talented songwriters, producers and musicians, brought Italo disco to the United States via…
Leon Ware had a distinguished and long career in R&B, writing songs for Motown in the 60s, creating a classic with Marvin Gaye in the 70s and penning a hit for Maxwell in the 90s. He also created several underrated albums in the 70s and 80s, displaying his cool lyricism…
Chuck Brown mastered the sound known as Go Go years before 1986’s “Go Go Swing Live” was recorded but the live album served to be a true representation of the Latin-infused jazz funk hybrid Chuck and his band the Soul Searchers created. The spirit of the party is evident with…
Heavy D burst on the scene in late 1986 with “Mr. Big Stuff” and the rap world – and Black culture – as we knew it was about to change for the better. Heavy D and The Boyz (producer Eddie F. and dancers G-Wiz and T-Roy) were among the most…
June has been Black Music Month for the previous 46 years and year 47 might be the most important of them all. We live in a world now where anything Black people have accomplished and achieved is on target to be erased, denied and buried. Our musical contributions hold up…
It’s been four years since Syd has released a studio album, but that will change soon. Earlier this week, the frontwoman for the acid soul band The Internet announced a new album, Beard, will be released this summer. “Beard is a coming-of-age album for me. It’s a snapshot of what…
VIBE Magazine, one of the transcendent publications of Black music and Black culture, is putting new editions in readers’ hands – literally. VIBE announced Tuesday afternoon that the legendary magazine, which went to a web-based formula for a decade, will print new physical magazines starting next Tuesday, June 2. “In…
Earth, Wind & Fire has an important place in American music history as one of the best bands to ever exist. More than 50 years after their start, a documentary showcasing their greatness will debut June 7. “Earth, Wind & Fire: To Be Celestial vs. That’s The Weight Of The…
On The Groove Line podcast host and blog editor Chris Stevens was a recent guest on the Black etc. Podcast, hosted by Ian Yusef, discussing the history of one of Black radio’s most important formats, the Quiet Storm. Chris discussed the 50th anniversary of the Quiet Storm format, which began…