Music

Majur DeVeaux Makes Major Moves

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In one striking image, Majur DeVeaux, dressed in all-black leather with a jacket, corset, and high-waisted pants, grips a mic mid-performance in a stance that speaks volumes. Her posture is bold and unmistakable. With eyes locked forward and mouth open mid-verse, she exudes command like an artist who’s mastered the stage. With over a decade of experience and fresh off the release of her debut EP, “Still Try,” the mother of three is now more than ever ready for the spotlight

Jamarius is a Floridian-Bred, Atmospheric Quiet Storm in Alternative R&B

“I describe my artistry as alternative R&B,” says Jamarius, who tells stories, draws on gospel roots and early R&B influences, and has a sharp ear for contemporary sound. Based in Los Angeles and originally from Lake Wales, Florida, Jamarius fuses smooth melodies with emotionally grounded lyrics to create a brand of alternative R&B that feels both familiar and refreshingly personal.

Alexander Lloyd Blake’s Choral Tribute to Ahmaud Arbery

That question, Blake says, struck a chord with many who heard it. “Someone said to me, ‘I’ve never heard anyone talk about the weight of being Black—the weight of being Black around people who do not consider us safe.’ I’ve never heard that in a piece.”

My Platinum Playlist’ Concert Felt Like Outside Karaoke

On Saturday, May 10 The Greek Theatre, which is located in Griffith Park, was filled with guests who all presumably had one thing in common – their shared love for great music, specifically timeless r&b and hip hop. Bobby Dee Presents, in collaboration with Justin Romo and The Greek Theatre, curated a nostalgic concert featuring the sounds of r&b songstress Ashanti, Brooklyn-bred rapper Fabolous, chart-topping contemporary r&b crooners Jeremih and Lloyd, Bronx-born breakout artist Lumidee, Houston rapper Mike Jones, and twin sister hitmakers Nina Sky. Hosted by Dj, actor, and comedian J. Valentino, the night was filled with lots of dancing, smiling, and essentially, just good vibes.

Genre-Jumping and High Note-Hitting Princess Fortier Won’t Be Boxed In

“I sing for my supper,” says Princess Fortier, the Los Angeles-based model, actress, and recording artist. “Country, opera, musicals, jazz, I’ll sing anything,” she adds, self-assured and smiling. From the moment she began releasing original music to her recent contributions on high-profile projects like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” which won this year’s Album of the Year, Princess has proven she is a voice for every genre.

Kendrick Lamar enters BET Awards with a leading 10 nominations for the ceremony’s 25th anniversary

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar extends his dominant musical reign, entering next month’s BET Awards as the leading nominee. The rap megastar earned 10 nominations Thursday, including an album of the year for his highly-acclaimed project “GNX,” the network announced. His ubiquitous diss track “Not Like Us,” emanating from the Drake feud, received nominations for video of the year and viewer’s choice award. Lamar made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the year for “Not Like Us.” He followed up with a groundbreaking halftime show, becoming the first

Jamael Dean Channels Lineage and Prayer in a Piano-Led Invocation

For Jamael Dean, prodigy pianist and grandson of legendary jazz drummer Donald Dean, May 2, 2024, was just another gig, another performance, another chance to help cover rent that had suddenly spiked by hundreds of dollars. In a familiar theatre, with no setlist, no script, he sat perched at the grand piano at 2220 Arts + Archives in Los Angeles, unsure of what might come. What followed was an hour-long improvisation that became “Oriki Duuru,” his latest album, dropping May 9 via Stones Throw Records.