more than 10 years of urban music and culture
Round Two employee Richie. Photo by Leon Laing.
Like the classic Luniz song, Round Two got five on it. The vintage boutique celebrates their five-year anniversary this month. Continue reading ‘Famous boutique hits milestone, expands’
Dj Jazzy Jeff. Photo by Leon Laing.
Over the years, Level 2 has booked notable DJs including DJ A-Trak, Kanye West’s former DJ. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the upscale nightclub in downtown Harrisburg hired the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff to spin. Level 2 held this milestone on May 31. Continue reading ‘Nightclub celebrates anniversary, books legendary DJ’
Glenn Lewis. Photo by Leon Laing.
Husband-and-wife duo Kindred holds a musical showcase called Kindred Presents. The showcase offers an intimate conversation and performance. On May 7, the musical guests included DJ Aktive, Big Bub, EST and Glenn Lewis. Kindred, the modern-day Ashford & Simpson, hosts the event at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. Continue reading ‘Glenn Lewis and company’
Smooky MarGielaa. Photo by Leon Laing.
In 2017, Smooky MarGielaa dropped “Not Right,” a song dedicated to freeing Meek Mill. On May 8, Meek is free, and Smooky preps to perform in Meek’s hometown of Philadelphia. Continue reading ‘Staying 100’
Tracy Heather Strain. Photo by Leon Laing.
“Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart makes [it] abundantly clear that there is so much more to know” about Hansberry than A Raisin in the Sun, the flyer reads.
The flyer promotes the new documentary from producer/director/writer Tracy Heather Strain, a native of Harrisburg, Pa. On April 17, Strain and WITF held a special screening for the doc in Strain’s hometown. Continue reading ‘Harrisburg hosts Hansberry event’
April Walker. Photo by Leon Laing.
What better way to launch a hip-hop museum than hold a book signing for the legendary April Walker. From Jan. 19-Jan. 21, the Mini Hip-Hop Museum held its grand opening at its location in Baltimore. Walker signed her book, Walker Gems: Get You’re A$% Off the Couch, for fans on Jan. 20. Walker Gems offers inspirational words for life as well as business. Continue reading ‘Walker Gems drop jewels’
PnB Rock. Photo by Leon Laing.
With PnB Rock’s concert being held on a holiday, school was closed, giving fans ample time to prepare for the event. On Oct. 9, Christopher Columbus Day Christopher Wallace Day, PnB performed at Chameleon Club, a Lancaster-based venue that was jam-packed with concertgoers. Continue reading ‘Everyday he lit’
Symone Sanders. Photo by Leon Laing.
CNN has a new generation of political commentators. Two of them are spunky, intelligent, witty and unapologetic black women: Symone Sanders and Angela Rye. On Sept. 30, Sanders, 27, gave a lecture in Harrisburg. Continue reading ‘CCN commentator makes two stops in Hbg.’
The Weeknd. Photo by Leon Laing.
I’ve been following The Weeknd since day one.
At that time, his group was called The Weeknd. “Love Through Her” stood out as one of my favorite songs. Then the Canadian-based singer, né Abel Tesfaye, took The Weeknd as his stage name. About two Grammy Awards and one co-sign from Drake later, The Weeknd would chop off his Basquiat-like hairdo and become a pop sensation. He became mainstream while keeping his street cred and without compromising his music’s integrity. Continue reading ‘A Starboy is born’
Playboi Carti. Photo by Leon Laing.
On the heels of his infectious single “Magnolia” and being selected as a 2017 XXL magazine freshman, Playboi Carti performed for a sold-out crowd. The ATL-based artist held the concert at Philadelphia’s Theatre of Living Arts on Aug. 15. Continue reading ‘In Philly, he Milly Rock’
