Treach is the front man of the multi-platinum selling rap trio Naughty by Nature that took the world by storm in the early 90’s.
Continue readingTreach of Naughty by Nature
TK Soul
20 years in the game of the underground music scene called Souther Soul. Created by TK Soul.
Continue readingFlavor Flav Teams Up with Raising Cane’s to Back Women’s Sports Foundation
At Raising Cane’s flagship restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, Flavor Flav took orders, cooked, and served food on April 23. He also entertained fans with his hit, “EVERY WHERE…
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 9: Hip-Hip artist and DI Flavor Flav performs at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate Party at Mardi Gras World on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Skip Bolen/Getty Images)(Photo by Skip Bolen/Getty Images)
At Raising Cane’s flagship restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, Flavor Flav took orders, cooked, and served food on April 23. He also entertained fans with his hit, “EVERY WHERE MAN.” His shift started a push to support the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Flavor Flav Clockin’ In
Rock N Stonez artist Kelly Salvagio crafted glittering, limited-edition Raising Cane’s clock necklaces signed by Flavor Flav for the campaign. Each sale funds programs that back female athletes across the country.
With four daughters at home, Flav is a strong advocate for women in sports. He’s a big fan of the WNBA, especially the New York Liberty, and has said he wants to meet Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark.
During the event, he honored 18-time Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long with a custom clock piece for her 31 total wins.
“I’m so proud of Jessica and everything she’s achieved – it’s going to be hard for someone to beat this record of 31 medals,” said Flav to The Source. “She’s the GOAT. The Olympics gave her many medals, and it was time for me to give her one of mine.”
He also praised his longtime partner, Chuck D. “He knows his stuff, and he does his research. I feel like the state of hip hop needs more records with messages instead of just glorifying drugs, women, and jewelry.”
During the event, Raising Cane’s CEO, Todd Graves, said, “Flavor Flav is an icon in many ways and I couldn’t think of anyone better to join us at Cane’s today and be the face of our upcoming campaign about flavor… It makes me proud that we can team together and support the Women’s Sports Foundation and continue making a difference.”
If you’re interested in snagging a clock chain yourself? They are available for a hefty penny on the Raising Cane’s website for a limited amount of time.
GenX – The Takeover Comedy Tour – One Sheet
Get ready for a night of laughter, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments with four of the funniest social media influencers around! The GenX Takeover Comedy Tour features:
THE REAL SLIM SHERRI
Known for her unapologetic authenticity and hilarious takes on everyday life, Sherri has captivated nearly 5 million followers with her unique blend of humor and real talk.
KELLY MANNO
Your best friend in your head, Kelly brings energy and charm to the stage, making you feel like you’ve known her forever. Her relatable humor and infectious personality have made her a social media darling for over a decade.
DADBOD VETERAN
With his viral “Pizza Delivery before GPS” video, Jon has entertained millions with his sarcasm, satire, and comedic reflections on the past and present. Join the DBV Nation and experience his witty take on life.
NICK HARRISON
From grocery store jam sessions to professional wrestling entrances, Nick’s unpredictable and energetic performances have brought smiles to people worldwide. After a 15-year career in education, he’s now focused on spreading joy through comedy and music.
JUSTIN RUPPLE
A master of impressions and stand-up comedy, Justin has wowed audiences with his incredible talent and quick wit. His performances are a rollercoaster of voices and characters that keep everyone laughing.
TOURING HISTORY
MEDIA
Billy Cobham to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at next week’s 2025 Jazz FM Awards
Billy Cobham
Jazz FM today (17 April) announced that pioneering drummer Billy Cobham will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Jazz FM Awards (in conjunction with PPL and PRS for Music). The award will be presented at the ceremony at KOKO in London on Thursday 24 April, hosted by musician, actor and comedian Ben Bailey Smith (AKA Doc Brown).
Cobham is widely regarded as one of the most important drummers in modern music history. Acclaimed for his groundbreaking work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, and his own solo albums, Cobham’s unique creative vision helped to define the jazz fusion movement of the 1970s and during a career spanning over five decades he has inspired countless artists across jazz, rock, funk and beyond.
The Jazz FM Lifetime Achievement Award honours musicians whose careers have shaped the landscape of jazz through decades of innovation, influence and artistry. Past recipients include Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Dame Cleo Laine and Tony Bennett.
Cobham commented: “It’s been a long, long journey – almost 60 years – and so I’m deeply honoured that I have been recognised in any way, shape or form for my contributions in the small amount that I’ve made to the musical fabric of the jazz community.”
“Billy Cobham’s influence on the world of jazz and modern music is immeasurable. His visionary approach broke new ground in the 1970s and his music continues to resonate today. We are delighted to honour him with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Nick Pitts, Content Director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical.
This year’s Jazz FM Awards will also honour Jamie Cullum, who will receive the Impact Award, and Melody Gardot, who will be presented with the Gold Award.
The 2025 nominees feature a mix of artists including Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Michael Kiwanuka, Shabaka, Samara Joy, Jalen Ngonda, Alice Zawadzki, and corto.alto.
We’ll have a full list on winners next week, as soon as they’re announced – watch this space!
‘Laundry’ and ‘Reconciliation’ Among American Black Film Festival Winners (EXCLUSIVE)
Okema T. Moore’s “Laundry” and Ian Phillips’ “Reconciliation” were among the winners of this year’s American Black Film Festival (ABFF), presented by Nice Crowd and Walmart as part of the third annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Director’s competition.
The 29th annual ABFF will return to Miami Beach from June 11 through June 15, and is dedicated to elevating the stories of Black men as fathers and leaders within their communities.
George Tillman, Jr. returns to ABFF as a mentor to the emerging filmmakers, providing invaluable feedback and industry insights through dedicated and purpose-driven sessions.
The winning directors will also receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the festival. Each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online global platform, and Walmart’s YouTube channel from June 16-24.
The competition will culminate with the premiere screenings of the top three winning films, followed by an insightful onstage panel discussion moderated by Dr. Brandon Frame of The Black Man Can, with the three winning directors, offering a personal glimpse into their father-child dynamic.
ABFF, a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards’ short film categories, was founded by Jeff Friday in 1997. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work and supported the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.
2025 Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project Winning Films
“Laundry” *World premiere
After his son’s tragic accident, a husband struggles to save his marriage and himself, until a chance encounter at a laundromat shows him that even in grief, hope and healing can all come out in the wash.
USA – 18m 50s
Director: Okema T. Moore
Writer: Alterik Miller
Producers: Alterik Miller, Okema T. Moore, Wink Woodall
Cast: Danielle Monè Truitt, Tobias Truvillion, Aaron Kingsley Adetola
“Reconciliation” *World premiere
A young man reconnects with his father after many years of distance.
USA – 16m 07s
Director: Ian Phillips
Writer: Ian Phillips
Producers: Ian Phillips
Cast: Elijah Gbotoe, Nathan Gbotoe, Gershan McKenzie
“Freshman. Again.”
Learning has no age limit.
USA – 20m
Director: Aji Bass
Writer: Geeta Gandbhir
Producers: Mikha Grumet, Geeta Gandbhir
Cast: Lenny Bass, Deva Grumet Bass
Banda El Recodo On Upcoming Album ‘En Vivo Desde Japón’: ‘An Incredible Experience & Great Source of Pride’
The album, to be released in five installments, was recorded last year during the group’s show at the De Camino a Latinoamérica festival in Tokyo.
Banda El RecodoFonovisa/Universal
Legendary regional Mexican group Banda El Recodo is gearing up for the release of their new album, En Vivo Desde Japón (Live from Japan). Recorded last year during their performance at the De Camino a Latinoamérica festival in Tokyo at Odaiba Pier, the album will be rolled out in five weekly installments starting this Thursday (April 3).
“We decided to release it this way to offer something different,” says Alfonso “Poncho” Lizárraga, leader of the group that was founded in Mazatlán nearly 87 years ago, in an exclusive interview with Billboard Español. “Each installment will feature a collection of songs grouped under a specific theme.”
The first part, titled Orgullo por México (Pride for Mexico), will include tracks like “Puño de Tierra,” “El Sinaloense/El Corrido de Mazatlán,” and “El Rey/Cielito Lindo/Viva México.” This will be followed by Amor Como Lenguaje Universal (Love as a Universal Language) on April 10, featuring a medley of “Te Presumo/Me Gusta Todo de Ti/La Mejor de Todas,” “Y Llegaste Tú,” and the spotlight track “No Me Aprovechaste,” an unreleased song written by Luciano Luna.
On April 17, the third installment, Separación, Distancia, Desamor (Separation, Distance, Heartbreak), will be released, featuring songs such as “Que te Ruegue Quien te Quiera,” “Yo Sé que te Acordarás/Vas a Llorar por Mí/Acá Entre Nos,” and “Triste Recuerdo/Te Ofrezco un Corazón.” A week later, on April 24, Viva La Fiesta (Long Live the Party) will debut, showcasing the tracks “La Crazy Loca,” “La Culebra,” and “La Quebradora/Vámonos de Fiesta.” Finally, on May 8, En Vivo Desde Japón will be completed with a second unreleased track, “El Malo Soy Yo,” along with “Qué Bonita/El Farol.”
This marks the second time Banda El Recodo has recorded a live album outside of Mexico. Back in 1995, they released Desde París, Francia, La Gira Europa ’95 (En Vivo) (From Paris, France, The Europe Tour ’95 Live). It is also their second time performing in Japan, where they first visited in 2002 to support the Mexican National Soccer Team during the World Cup, playing in five different cities.
“This time, we were part of an event where we were invited to share a piece of our culture with an audience of 5,000 people. It was an incredible experience and a great source of pride,” says Lizárraga. “Nowadays, there’s a growing openness to discovering Mexican music — and we find it very important that mariachi and banda are represented worldwide.”
“It’s important to honor and dignify traditional Mexican music,” Lizárraga continues. “We want the history of Mexican music to be respected and preserved. This doesn’t mean we don’t support new talents or younger generations, but it’s crucial to keep our traditions alive.”
Banda El Recodo will kick off the U.S. leg of their ’90s Banda Tour on May 25 in Newburgh, N.Y., joined by Banda Machos, Banda Los Recoditos, and Banda Maguey. The tour will blend traditional banda hits with technobanda and la quebradita, a music and dance explosion that took the scene by storm during the 1990s.
In Mexico, the tour is called Las Más Perronas (Mexican slang roughly meaning the Baddest) and includes only Banda El Recodo and Banda Machos, with three dates announced: July 11 at the Auditorio Telmex in Guadalajara, August 9 at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico, and Sept. 5 at the Arena Monterrey.
Reggae Icon Barrington Levy Celebrates 40th Anniversary of His Acclaimed LP, “Here I Come” With the “Here I Come Tour (A Fi Yuh)” 2025 Summer Tour
April 1, 2025 – New York, NY – Barrington Levy and Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) with Live Vision Agency (LVA) have announced the 35+ date “Here I Come (A Fi Yuh)” 2025 summer tour in support of the 40th anniversary of Levy’s acclaimed 1985 album, “Here I Come.”
The reggae and dancehall legend known for hits such as “Black Roses,” “Murderer,” and “Here I Come” will kick off the tour in Tucson, Arizona, on June 1 at the Rialto Theater. The summer trek will hit cities such as San Diego, Miami, Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston before concluding in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14. Below is the current list of tour dates with more to be added.
As Barrington Levy prepares for his first U.S. tour since 2016, the reggae legend expresses his excitement for his upcoming single, “A Fi Yuh.” He commented, “The song has already received positive responses. I look forward to its release and to sharing it with audiences across the U.S. during the tour.”
Presale will begin on April 3, and general sales will start on April 4. Tickets to the “Here I Come Tour (A Fi Yuh)” can be purchased at local ticket outlets.
Speaking on the booking of the tour, UAA’s Jay Wright said: “It’s a true honor to represent the legend Barrington Levy. Curating this tour has been about more than just confirming dates and cities — it’s about reminding the world of his impact. Barrington is one of the most influential voices in reggae history, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help create a moment where both longtime fans and new listeners can experience his music live once again.”
2025 Barrington Levy “Here I Come Tour (A Fi Yuh)” Dates
6/1 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater
6/5 Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
6/8 Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
6/12 Seattle, WA – Nectar Lounge
6/13 Tacoma, WA – Airport Tavern
6/19 Arcata, CA – Arcata Theatre Lounge
6/20 Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone
6/21 Truckee, CA – Truckee Amphitheater
6/22 Petaluma, CA – Mystic Theatre
6/26 Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall
6/27 San Diego, CA – Beach House
6/28 Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
7/19 New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
7/22 St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
7/23 Miami, FL – Miami Beach Bandshell
7/25 Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theater
7/27 Virginia Beach – Elevation 27
7/31 Washington, D.C. – Howard Theater
8/1 Richmond, VA – Ember Music Hall
8/13 Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
8/14 Asbury Park, NJ – House of Independents
8/15 New York, NY – Sony Hall
8/16 Hartford, CT – The Webster
8/22 Gray, ME – Stonehedge
8/23 Burlington, VT – Burlington Fest
8/24 Boston, MA – Middle East
8/26 North Hampton, NH – Bernie’s Beach Bar
8/28 Bar Harbor, ME – 1932 Criterion Theatre
8/30 Westerly, RI – Paddy’s Beach Club
8/31 Martha’s Vineyard, MA- The Cove
9/6 Cincinnati, OH – Ludlow Garage
9/10 Minneapolis, MN – Dakota
9/11 Minneapolis, MN – Dakota
9/14 Chicago, IL – Promontory
*More tour dates are to be added soon. Check local listings for more details.
Levy: One of the great success stories of the 1980s, Barrington Levy, arrived on the dancehall scene and quickly transformed it in his own image. While many DJs and vocalists came and went during this decade, Levy was one of the few with lasting power, continuing to release massive hits decades after his debut. Born in 1964 in Clarendon, Jamaica, Barrington Levy formed the Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres as a young artist. Their first single, “My Black Girl,” was released in 1977. The following year, Levy launched his solo career with his debut single, “A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love.” In the years that followed, Barrington gained acclaim with early hits such as “A Yah We Deh,” “Shine Eye Gal,” and “Moonlight Lover,” which were later compiled on his 1979 debut album, “Bounty Hunter.” His follow-up album, “Englishman,” solidified his status as a leading reggae star in the early 1980s, achieving notoriety in both Europe and North America. The 1980s and 1990s were prolific periods for Barrington Levy, during which he dominated the reggae and dancehall charts with a plethora of hit singles, including “Under Mi Sensi,” “Murderer,” “Here I Come,” “Dancehall Rock,” “Black Roses,” and “Living Dangerously.” The latter became the biggest reggae song of 1996, spending months at number one on dancehall charts worldwide.
Throughout his career, Barrington Levy has shared the stage with a remarkable lineup of reggae and international music legends, including Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, U2, Snoop Dogg, and many others.
In 2016, Barrington Levy was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Additionally, in 2023, Rolling Stone ranked him 119 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA:
Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades.
Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader.
UAA’s commitment to personalized attention and professionalism has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment sector, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of the live music and entertainment industries.
To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.
Everything We Know About Erykah Badu’s New Album
Photo by Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
In an interview with Billboard released last night (March 19), legendary neo-soul singer Erykah Badu confirmed that she is working on a new album in collaboration with hip-hop producer The Alchemist. The news arrives just months after an interview with the Breakfast Club, in which Badu teased that she had a new “collab album” in the works.
The upcoming album is rumoured to be a follow-up to Badu’s last full-length LP New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, released in 2010. The 54-year-old singer released the mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone in 2015, which featured a rare post-Outkast verse from Andre 3000.
The Alchemist, meanwhile, enjoys legend status in the hip-hop scene, with production credits stretching back to the early 90s, and collaborations with Eminem, Mobb Deep, Freddie Gibbs, Earl Sweatshirt and countless others. The Beverly Hills-born producer and DJ is also set to release a collaborative album with Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) next week (March 28) under the group name Forensics.
Speaking to Billboard, Badu also suggested that her upcoming album will lean into the hip-hop side of her artistry, telling the publication: “Rap is the people. Hip-hop is the people. It’s the folks. It’s the tribe. I have the luxury of experiencing having children who I watch grow up and love and encourage very much, and I cannot separate them when I see artists who are that age coming up. That’s how they feel. They are continuing the tradition.”
Despite having confirmed work on the new project, however, Badu also shared that much of her time is still taken up with touring and live performances. “I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years. That’s what I do. I’m a performance artist. I’m not a recording artist,” she told Billboard. “I come from the theatre. It’s the immediate reaction between you and the audience and the immediate feeling. The point where you become one living, breathing organism with people. That’s what I live for. It’s my therapy. And theirs, too. We’re in it together. And I like the idea that it happens only once.”
Love that, Erykah, but also finish the album soon please?
DJ Jazzy Jeff produced Philadelphia’s “Sonic ID” for 2026 FIFA World Cup
As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Philadelphia is gearing up to take center stage as one of the tournament’s 16 host cities.
The city is ready to embrace the global spotlight, and on Thursday, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 dropped its official “FIFA World Cup 26 Host City Sonic ID” — an audio brand capturing the very essence of the City of Brotherly Love.
Produced by none other than DJ Jazzy Jeff, a two-time Grammy-winning producer from West Philadelphia, the “Sonic ID” is more than just music; it’s a reflection of the rhythm, culture and passion that define Philadelphia.
“I cut my teeth in a place that expects excellence. They want you to give your heart,” DJ Jazzy Jeff said.
DJ Jazzy Jeff has been a driving force in shaping the sound of Philadelphia for over four decades. From his early days in West Philly to becoming a global music icon, his unique blend of beats and rhythms has captured the spirit of the city.
Now, he’s taking that sound to a worldwide audience, representing Philadelphia in one of the biggest sporting events on Earth.
“I’ve done a lot of international traveling, and it wasn’t until I left the United States to understand that the world game is soccer,” DJ Jazzy Jeff said.
The “Sonic ID” was created to give a musical preview of the “sounds of the city” that visitors and fans can expect during the tournament. As part of the World Cup festivities, the audio branding will be featured in stadiums, during broadcasts, at FIFA Fan Festivals and across digital platforms to create a deep connection between the game and the unique culture of Philadelphia.
“I knew I had to incorporate pretty much some history,” DJ Jazzy Jeff said. “Some of the Gamble and Huff and the Philly International Sound. Some of the sound of the Neo Soul Movement from the late 90s, and not only did I want it to sound good, I want it to feel good.”
As the world prepares for this historic event, Meg Cain, host city executive for Philadelphia, highlighted the role of music in uniting people across cultures. The “Sonic ID” is one of 16 distinct sounds representing the host cities, each crafted to showcase the unique cultural identity of its location.
“He’s a legendary DJ, he’s a two-time Grammy winner. He’s from West Philadelphia. He’s one of us,” Cain said.
The power of music to bring people together is at the heart of this World Cup experience, Cain said. The “Sonic IDs” will play a crucial role in amplifying the excitement, creating an unforgettable soundtrack for fans in the stadiums, watching at home or celebrating at the FIFA Fan Festivals.
“This time, with all of the different host cities across three countries, 16 different host cities, we wanted each city to have its own special sound,” Cain said.
Philadelphia will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a knockout Round of 16 match on July 4, which coincides with the United States’ 250th birthday celebration. The tournament promises to bring a wave of excitement, and Philadelphia will play a central role in this historic moment.
In addition to the matches, the city will also host the FIFA Fan Festival, a vibrant celebration of soccer culture at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park. This festival will be a hub of activity, offering soccer fans of all ages a chance to immerse themselves in the excitement of the World Cup.
