Universal Attractions Agency is excited to announce the exclusive signing of influential Minnesota rapper and activist, Brother Ali. UAA’s co-owner, Jeff Epstein, and Ben Sauberman will act as responsible agent.

Brother Ali released his debut album in 2000 titled “Rites of Passage” on Rhymesayers Entertainment, a label established by fellow Minnesota rappers, Slug and Ant of Atmosphere. Renowned for a discography of critically acclaimed albums addressing socially conscious themes, Brother Ali’s notable works include “Shadows of the Sun,” “The Undisputed Truth,” and “Us,” among others. In the previous year, Brother Ali released his tenth studio album, “Satisfied Soul.”

A longtime key figure in the underground hip-hop scene, Brother Ali has collaborated with several of the most politically and socially engaged rappers in the genre’s history, including Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Killer Mike, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and Immortal Technique.

In addition to his musical career, Brother Ali is recognized for his activism, community leadership, and teaching of Islamic spirituality. He has lectured at universities including Princeton and Stanford, and delivered the keynote address at the 25th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum in 2013. His contributions as both an artist and community activist have earned high praise from Dr. Cornel West, Dave Chappelle, and Brother Ali’s early mentor, Chuck D.

Brother Ali will perform at the 2026 Reggae Rise Up festival in Redmond, Oregon, this summer, as well as at additional tour dates in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Vancouver. Further dates will be announced soon.

For tickets, visit: www.brotherali.com/events

Universal Attractions Agency is pleased to announce the exclusive signing of the legendary soul and jazz-funk fusion group, The Blackbyrds. Co-owner Jeff Epstein and Rob Hoffman will serve as the responsible agents for the group.

Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Donald Byrd founded The Blackbyrds in 1973, establishing a group known for blending jazz, funk, and R&B that defined the cutting edge of the jazz fusion movement of the mid-1970s. The Blackbyrds earned a Grammy nomination for their platinum hit “Walking in Rhythm” and released several successful albums, including “City Life” (1975), “Unfinished Business” (1976), and “Action” (1977), among others. During this period, The Blackbyrds toured with the likes of Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, and Roberta Flack.

The band reformed in 1999 and, in 2003, released “Mysterious Vibes” with Dave Lee and Joey Negro, followed by “Gotta Fly” in 2012, which included the late original member Allan Barnes. The Blackbyrds are the recipients of the 2026 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies) Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award.

The Blackbyrds are recognized as one of the most sampled groups in music. Their 1975 hit “Rock Creek Park” has been sampled by artists such as Nas, Ice Cube, Massive Attack, Eric B. & Rakim, and De La Soul. Other notable acts who have sampled The Blackbyrds include hip-hop royalty such as Tupac Shakur, Mobb Deep, Gang Starr, MF Doom, and, most recently, Jeezy & DJ Drama on their 2025 joint mixtape.

Speaking on the signing, UAA’s Rob Hoffman said: “We see immediate touring potential with The Blackbyrds, a historic group whose sound helped define jazz, funk, and R&B, and still absolutely delivers on a modern stage. We’re excited to get them in front of the right rooms and build real momentum in today’s live market.”

In regard to the new relationship with UAA, founding member of The Blackbyrds, Keith Killgo added: “This is a tremendous opportunity to work with an agency that has provided quality entertainment around the world. I look forward to working with them as we chart new territories for The Blackbyrds.”

The Blackbyrds’ upcoming performance dates include stops in St. Louis, Nashville, and Baltimore, as well as a string of dates in the UK this August. Additional dates will be announced soon.

The Blackbyrds current lineup includes original founding members Keith Killgo (drums and vocals) and Joe Hall (bass), Paul Spires (vocals), Dominique Toney (vocals), who is the daughter of original band keyboardist Kevin Toney, Roberto Villeda (keyboards), Charles Wright (guitar), Thad Wilson (trumpet), Marshall Keys (saxophone) and Sean Anthony (percussion).

Following last week’s highly publicized legal victory, Afroman has announced the first leg of the 2026 “Freedom of Speech Tour.”

The announcement follows Afroman’s viral victory in a defamation lawsuit after an Ohio jury ruled in his favor against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, siding with Afroman and his use of 2022 police raid footage at his home in two music videos, citing it as “free speech and artistic freedom.”

The first leg of the tour will see Afroman make stops in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Sacramento, and two nights at the Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu, among others, on the 30-plus-date run. Other stops on the tour include a spot on the Tortuga Music Festival bill with Post Malone, Ice Cube, and Kenny Chesney. Many more dates are to be announced soon.

UAA’s Brian Lottermann, who is Afroman’s agent, spoke on the lawsuit and working with the iconic rapper, saying: “Afroman is one of a kind, a road warrior like no other, and a workaholic with great passion for his craft. He’s one of the most prolific artists I’ve ever worked with – when he’s not on tour, he’s in the studio cooking up new music. After his recent high-profile lawsuit victory over the Adams County sheriff’s department, he became an American hero overnight, championing free speech and artistic integrity. This is not only a huge win for him, but for creatives all across the country.”

For updates on upcoming tour dates, visit www.ogafroman.com.

Afroman 2026 Freedom of Speech Tour Dates 

Bold*** = Just announced shows. More dates to be announced shortly.

3/24 – Lafayette, IN – Rat Pak Vene

3/25 – Marthasville, MO – Outfields Sports Bar & Grill

3/26 – Brumley, MO – Brumley Tavern

3/27 – Poplar Bluff, MO – Jake Loch Loma Lounge

3/28 – AV Fair Event Center – Lancaster, CA (with Too $hort)

3/29 – Ventura, CA – KJ’s Neighborhood Bar

3/30 – Victoria, TX – Aero Crafters

3/31 – Cleveland, TX – Pour Station

4/1 – Hawkins, TX – Red Rooster Icehouse

4/2 – Jackson, MS – Martins Downtown

4/3 – Houma, LA – The Balcony

4/4 – Hattiesburg, MS – Brewsky’s

4/5 – Mobile, AL – Merry Widow

4/6 – Orange Beach, AL – The Undertow

4/7 – Tallahassee, FL – Fire Betty’s

4/8 – Deland, FL – Cafe Da Vinci

4/11 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Tortuga Music Festival

4/15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent***

4/16 – Nevada City, CA – Miner’s Foundry Cultural Center

4/17 – Reno, NV – The Alpine

4/18 – Sacramento, CA – Pot Stars of California 420 Celebration

4/19 – Honolulu, HI – Blue Note Hawaii

4/20 – Honolulu, HI – Blue Note Hawaii

5/1 – Corinth, MS – Crossroads Arena (with Buba Sparxxx)

5/2 – Huntsville, AL – Furniture Factory Bar & Grill

5/24 – Sturgeon County, Alberta – Venue TBA***

7/11 – Costa Mesa, CA – OC Fair & Event Center (with The Elovaters)

7/17 – London, Ontario – Rock the Park Music Festival

7/18 – Ann Arbor, MI – Venue TBA***

10/10 – Lorain, OH – Venue TBA***

Afroman is represented by Universal Attractions Agency. For booking and press inquiries, please contact Brian Lottermann / brian@universalattractions.com.