Jun
11

Cover Story: BIG V of NAPPY ROOTS

By | Cover PageCover StoriesFilmMusic

Photo credits:  Eric Logan / Videos credits: YouTube   Vito Tisdale, also known as “Big V” or “Vito Banga,” is a former member and front man of the multiplatinum hip-hop group Nappy Roots. Big V has been credited as the architect of several of the group’s biggest hits including “Po Folks” and “AwNaw”. Hip Hop […]

May
22

COVER STORY: “DJ LIL JOHN” – Chicago’s OWN!

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusicRadio

All photo credits:  John Coleman III   John Coleman III aka DJ LIL’ JOHN, is without question one of Chicago’s most well-respected DJs. From school gymnasiums to roller rinks, from nightclub residencies to nationally syndicated mix shows, millions of people have heard his “hands do the talking.” John’s passion has always been in radio. He […]

Mar
21

Cover Story: TAMARIE T. & THEE ELEKTRA KUMPANY

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusic

Photo courtesy of  Seed Lynn   Established on the southside of Chicago in 2013, Tamarie T. & Thee Elektra Kumpany stand as torchbearers of a transformative musical odyssey, inviting audiences into the realm of Exotik Funk—an original, authentic sound curated by Tamarie T. himself. Within this sonic universe, a rich tapestry unfolds, intricately weaving together […]

Mar
02

Cover Story: “ROBBI THE PROMOTER” – CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF PROMOTING!!!

By | BusinessCover PageCover StoriesEventsMusicNight Life

Photo credit: Angieski   For 30 years, Robbi’s been treating Promotion as an art form! He puts his heart and soul into every aspect. His innovative and evolving marketing strategies, captivating social media posts, and engaging content truly captures the essence of events, which generates significant buzz among a target audience. Robbi The Promoter is […]

Feb
29

COVER STORY: The Black & Brown Gay Community’s Influence in the Formation of HOUSE

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusicNight LifeOpinion

Photo courtesy of: GRAYAREA.CO In honor of Black History Month, let’s give props to the Black & Brown members of the gay community and one of their many contributions to the world… HOUSE!!! House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities of Chicago and […]

Feb
27

Cover Story: CHICAGO’S OWN “DJ SLUGO” – GHETTO HOUSE PIONEER, LABEL OWNER, PRODUCER & REMIXER

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusic

Photos courtesy of DJ Slugo   DJ Slugo has been performing since the early 1990’s as a founding member of Chicago’s infamous Dance Mania label, along with co-conspirators Paul Johnson and DJ Deeon. Slugo is world-renowned for his hits including, “Wouldn’t You Like to be a Hoe Too?“, “A Blunt“, “Godzilla Track“, “Where the Rats?“, […]

Feb
17

Cover/Literature/Music: HOLLE THEE MAXWELL BOOK, CD & TEE SHIRT SIGNING EVENT

By | Cover PageCover StoriesLiteratureMusic

Photos provided by Holle Thee Maxwell & Connie Carroll: When you mention the name ”HOLLY MAXWELL”, you have mentioned a name that is respected all over the world. She IS “THEE entertainer’s entertainer” and IS better than she has ever been before! Musically, this lady has done it all, traveled everywhere and knows everybody that […]

Feb
10

Music: HOUSE PIONEER DJ/PRODUCER JESSE SAUNDERS NEEDS OUR HELP!!!

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusic

Photos courtesy of Facebook DONATE As most of you know, our brother in House music, Jesse Saunders suffered a severe stroke in November of 2022. Since then, he has been hospitalized, then in rehab, non-vocal, getting fed through a tube, his walk staggers, and he had been trying to get back to some semblance of […]

Jan
12

Cover Story: DJ/PRODUCER BLACK COFFEE INVOLVED IN SERIOUS FLIGHT ACCIDENT

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusicNight Life

Photo courtesy of Facebook & Article reprinted from Mixmag Magazine  Black Coffee is currently receiving medical treatment after he was involved in a “severe travel accident on a flight” while travelling to a show in Argentina, supposedly from turbulence. Please join me in prayer for a full recovery for Black Coffee.         […]

Dec
17

COVER STORY: TV/Film/Music: OZIE NZERIBE “SWAGGER” ACTOR & RAPPER

By | Cover PageCover StoriesFilmMusicTelevision

Photos courtesy of Facebook     Ozie Nzeribe, also known as “ZMNY” is an 18-year-old international rapper with genres reaching Hip Hop, melodic and lyrical Rap, R&B, and Afro Beat. He’s an Actor, Model, Humanitarian, and well-rounded scholar who appears as a series regular role on “Swagger”, with Kevin Durant’s basketball drama series on Apple […]

Nov
30

COVER STORY: Chicago’s WTTW Searching for House Dancers!!!

By | Cover PageCover StoriesDanceMusicNight LifeTelevision

Dancers pictured: (female) Cortney LaFloy & (male) Pierre Andre’ Evans @ Chosen Few Picnic’s 25th Anniversary (2015) in Chicago, IL   Information reprinted from https://www.facebook.com/akaBA   Young and mature House music dancers needed for a WTTW-TV taping!!! We are doing a re-creation of the Warehouse club in the 70’s and 80’s. WHEN: Monday Dec 4, […]

Nov
26

Music: HARRY KAPPEN / DUTCH PRODUCER, MUSICIAN & MUSIC THERAPIST

By | Music

Harry Kappen is a Dutch producer, musician and music therapist. His latest full album ‘Escape‘ (Spring 2022) contains songs about escaping reality, escaping violence, even life, escaping into love, dreams or art. It became a personal journey with personal lyrics. ‘Barefoot in the Dew‘ was the only single from this album. In the beginning of […]

Sep
06

COVER STORY: HOUSE COMMUNITY UNITE AROUND CRAIG LOFTIS TO SAVE “THE LODGE” NIGHTCLUB

By | Arts & CultureCover PageCover StoriesMusicNight Life

Photos courtesy of Facebook.com CLICK HERE TO DONATE#25ToStayAlive One of our own…Chicago’s own…House’s own…Craig Loftis, pioneering DJ, music producer, club owner and one of Frankie Knuckles’ proteges, needs our help. His club, “The Lodge”, one of Chicago’s only southside clubs dedicated to House music, culture and the community, was recently closed by the City of […]

Aug
28

Music: NIGERIAN JESSE KING BUGA – A Contemporary, Urban High-Life and Afro Jazz Singer & Producer

By | Music

Photos courtesy of Jesse King Buga   Popularly known as JESSE KING BUGA, a Contemporary, Urban High-Life and Afro Jazz singer, was born in the 1970’s to the family of Pastor and Mrs. Omokagbor, originally from Okpella in Edo State. He grew up in Lagos and attended The Boys Academy (Lagos Island), Ikeja Grammar school […]

Aug
15

COVER STORY: SOUL TRAIN DANCERS MEET “BRANDY’S DISCO BALL!!!”

By | Arts & CultureCover PageCover StoriesDanceEventsMusic

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ISAIAH JAMAL EVANS / CALI VISUALS EXCEPT WHERE NOTED OTHERWISE – @IsaiahJamalEvans @CaliVisuals     On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Chicago native and former Soul Train Dancer Brandy Sanders brought her fabulously fun “Disco Ball” to the town where the dance began, CHICAGO! It was held at the posh South Shore Cultural […]

Jun
23

Cover Story: CHICAGO’S “THE WAREHOUSE” RECEIVES LANDMARK STATUS

By | BusinessCover PageCover StoriesEventsMusicNight Life

With the support of House music fans, Preservation Chicago, the city of Chicago, and Mayor Brandon Johnson, the building that once was the location of The Warehouse received landmark status by the Chicago City Council. City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards approved landmark status for the building during its Tuesday meeting. It […]

Apr
30

Music/Dance/Theater/Television/Business: KALONDA KAY “A Quadruple Threat & Entrepreneur”

By | BusinessDanceMusicTelevisionTheatre

All photos courtesy of Kalonda Kay Born and raised in St. Louis, MO surrounded by successful business owners within her family and a grandmother who shared her life in the entertainment world, Kalonda followed in her footsteps and began dance and music as early as five years old. She began dancing at Judy Best Talent […]

Mar
04

Music/Dance/Business: ANTHONY “TSWANG” GULLENS – FUNK HOP ARTIST/PRODUCER/DANCER

By | BusinessDanceMusic

Photo courtesy of DJ Rick Williams   Born in Chicago, raised in South Bend, IN, Anthony Tswang Gullens is a graduate from John Adams High School, Ivy Tech College and attendee of IUSB College for Business. He got started doing music while living in Chicago, IL from listening to his uncles’, mother, father, and grandparents’ […]

Feb
13

Business/Music: JOHN HILL & TEAMJOHNHILL: THE MAN/THE BRAND

By | BusinessMusic

Photo courtesy of Sha Love   John Hill, Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur is not new to the entertainment industry. By the age of seven, Hill was already singing and performing for presidents and other political officers, as well as competing in opera competitions. Born and raised in Chicago, he has built […]

Feb
11

Theatre/Music/Events: Surprise Your Valentine with Tickets to Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Previews start February 25th! 

By | EventsMusicTheatre

Surprise Your Valentine with Tickets to Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire. Previews start February 25th!  Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks   Previews February 25 – March 4   Opening March 5 Running Through April 16   Reasons takes us on a journey of how Earth, Wind and Fire was formed […]

Feb
11

Business/Music: GLENN GG DALE GORDON: INVENTOR & MUSICIAN

By | BusinessMusic

All photographs courtesy of Glenn Gordon and Timothy Coles   Glenn “GG” Dale Gordon has felt a burning desire for singing since the age of five. Born in Hemingway, South Carolina, his first stage performances were in small country churches and a school marching band. Hoping to travel the world and possibly gain another outlet […]

Jan
26

Event/Music/Poetry: CELEBRATING CHICAGO’S DJ/PRODUCER/REMIXER TERRY HUNTER GRAMMY NOMINATION

By | Cover PageCover StoriesEventsMusicPoetry

Photo courtesy of Facebook Wednesday, January 25, 2023 was the day in Chicago, IL for a celebration of The Chosen Few Djs’ Terry Hunter being nominated for a Grammy Award, for the remix of Beyonce’s hit single “Break My Soul.” In addition to Terry Hunter being nominated, poet J. Ivy was also nominated for a […]

Jan
18

FRANKIE KNUCKLES: “THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE” The Man; The Music; The Memories

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusic

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia   IN HONOR OF FRANKIE’S 68TH BIRTHDAY, I AM REPRINTING A TRIBUTE I PENNED FOR FRANKIE ON  3/31/14, THE DAY OF HIS PASSING…. FRANKIE KNUCKLES: “THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE”The Man; The Music; The Memories(January 18, 1955 – March 31, 2014)First of all, I want Frankie’s family and loved ones to know […]

Jan
08

Music: SIMONE GREEN – SULTRY SINGER / SONGWRITER / BUSINESSWOMAN

By | Music

Photo Credits: Evan Marcus Imagery Simone Green is a singer and songwriter from Little Rock, Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. While at the University of Iowa, Simone was a member of the popular band Shade of Blue in Iowa where she opened for […]

Dec
24

Music: FELTON PILATE / CON FUNK SHUN

By | Cover PageCover StoriesMusic

All Photos courtesy of Felton Pilate/ConFunkShun Felton Pilate is best known as the lead singer of Con Funk Shun, an R&B Old School band created in 1974, while in Memphis, TN. Pilate was born in Jackson Mississippi to Felton Pilate Sr., a naval physician, and Benita Akines Pilate, a music major and social worker. After […]

Dec
20

Music/Business: DJ/PRODUCER TERRY HUNTER

By | BusinessMusic

Photo courtesy of Terry Hunter   It’s one thing to hit the top. It’s another thing to stay there! With over four decades of traveling the globe sharing his passion for House music, Terry Hunter’s career is the stuff of legends. As a DJ, his name consistently headlines some of the most renowned festivals including […]

Dec
09

Event / Music / Dance: THEE DEBAUCHERY BALL 2022

By | DanceEventsMusic

THE DEBAUCHERY BALL IS TODAY!!!!!! Friday, December 9, 2022 Location to be announced to TICKET HOLDERS/MEMBERS ONLY Tickets/MEMBERSHIP:  https://www.theedebaucheryball.com/contact-8   THEE FOUNDER: Khari Bowden – The Church of the Funky Soul presents – THEE DEBAUCHERY BALL   THEE MISSION: The Debauchery Ball is a celebration of sensuality, liberation, and consent from a Black cultural lens. We […]

Nov
25

Events / Music: ELECTRONIC MUSIC CONFERENCE “DECADE OF DANCE 2012 – 2022”

By | EventsMusic

EMC announces final Conference Speakers & Festival Line Up of more than 150 artists including Calvin Harris, Green Velvet, Anna Lunoe, John ‘Jammin’ Collins (Underground Resistance), Anna Morgan, Joseph Capriati, Nina Kravitz Electronic Music Conference (EMC) celebrates its 10 year anniversary under the theme ‘Decade Of Dance: 2012 – 2022’. They have now announced their […]

Oct
30

Dance/Music: JA’PAN NATION: A Provocative & Dynamic Performer

By | DanceMusic

All photos courtesy of Ja’Pan Nation “His vocals are dynamic!”“He disrupts equilibriums!”“His style is renowned!”“Ja’Pan Nation is refreshing!” Charles Hall, Jr., better known as Ja’Pan Nation, embodies the definition of sound. A collage of versatility, composing tones of dance and choreography, while conquering all haters, Ja’Pan Nation represents adversity, redefining your average perception of rhythm […]

Oct
20

Film/Television/Music: COMPOSER ROBERT “DIGGY” MORRISON

By | FilmMusicTelevision

Photo courtesy of:  Quincy  J. Trent Rob Morrison has emerged as a powerful force in the film and entertainment industry. As an award-winning composer, Morrison has worked with a wide variety of artists across multiple genres. In 2004, Morrison became a highly sought-after composer when the world-renowned artist, Beyoncé released her multi-platinum album, “Dangerously In […]

Oct
10

Music: CHANTAY SAVAGE…CHICAGO’S OWN!

By | Music

Photo credit:  Ernest Collins   The daughter of a jazz musician who hails from Chicago, was raised on the sounds of jazz and soul legends Sarah Vaughn, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Anita Baker. Also, a Prince devotee, Chantay possesses a range and power that accentuates her vocal versatility. Like so many professional […]

Oct
03

Music/Business: PRODUCER/DJ LOUIE GOMEZ & BASSMENT TAPES RECORDS

By | BusinessMusic

Photo credit:  Paris Brightledge   Louie Gómez has been involved in the Chicago House music scene since day one. As a House music pioneer, Gomez stepped onto the stage of dance music history by discovering, a then unknown, Jamie Principle. Louie went on to produce the original eight minute “Dub Vocal Mix” of “Your Love”, […]

Sep
25

Music: CHRIS JASPER NEW ALBUM “RAISE THE BAR”

By | Music

All photos courtesy of:  ChrisJasper.com   Bringing back the funk…”Raise The Bar…the Title Track from Chris Jasper’s 17th solo album “Raise The Bar” available on CD and Vinyl at ChrisJasper.com (Free Domestic Shipping). Also available at iTunes, Amazon and More! If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you know Rock & Roll Hall […]

Sep
23

Music/Dance: LONDON’S LEGENDARY PAUL “TROUBLE” ANDERSON BDAY BOOGIE

By | DanceMusic

PHOTO COURTESY OF:  Nicky Harwood   The Legendary London DJ, Dancer and Club Culture Icon … PAUL “Trouble” ANDERSON’S ALLSTAR Macmillan BIRTHDAY BOOGIE Sunday, 25th September, 20223pm – 11pm At Egg LDN Featuring Sean McCabe, Kid Batchelor, Jeffrey Hinton, Bobby & Steve Zoo, Neil Pierce, Roy The Roach, Rap Saunders, Rhythm Doctor, DJ Soulprovyder **LIve […]

Sep
02

Music/Business: JULIAN KEYZ

By | BusinessMusic

Photo courtesy of:  Pirooz Moshavash   Julian Demond Thomas (born November 5, 1993), known professionally as Julian Keyz, is an American recording artist, musician, record producer, disc jockey (DJ), singer/songwriter, actor, dancer, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, he became involved in the local music scene at the age of 10. […]

Aug
30

Music / Business: DEE JAY ALICIA (DJA)

By | BusinessMusic

All photos courtesy of:  Emanuel Love Dee Jay Alicia (DJA), a Chicago native, developed a love for music at a young age. Her musical beginnings were rooted in Soul, Steppers, and R&B. She began her DJ career in 1996 under the guidance of her mentor and then husband DJ Raphael. When she was properly prepared […]

Aug
29

Music/Radio/Business: STEVE MIGGEDY MAESTRO

By | BusinessMusicRadio

All Photo Credits: Eric Williams Born and raised in Chicago through two Belizean parents, Steve’s musical journey started at birth through osmosis. His journey marks are with vinyl, instruments, and action. His humble musical beginnings included guitar and piano lessons, as well as choirs until the Hot Mix 5 and Prince came into his life. […]

Mar
14

Music/TV/Film: TCMG PRESENTS JOHN WESLEY WILSON, JR. aka J.D. WESLEY

By | FilmMusicTelevisionUncategorized

Photo & Stylist Credit: Stacy Jordan The Corbett Music Group Presents JD Wesley! J.D. Wesley was born John Wesley Wilson Jr., an extremely talented young man. At an early age his parents along with the community, noticed that his vocal ability was strong and like none other. From that moment onward, singing and music was […]

Feb
15

Events/Music: FULL PEPSI SUPERBOWL LVI HALFTIME SHOW

By | EventsMusic

Video courtesy of: https://www.nfl.com/ Watch the full Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show with performers Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar featuring 50 Cent and Anderson CLICK LINK BELOW:   https://www.nfl.com/videos/full-pepsi-super-bowl-lvi-halftime-show-featuring-dr-dre-snoop-dogg-eminem-mary-

Feb
15

Music: STEVIE WONDER “BLACK MAN” 1976

By | Arts & CultureMusic

YouTube video courtesy of: @wipeout2649 CLICK VIDEO LINK ABOVE      #BlackHistoryMonth Stevie Wonder’s “Black Man” resonates even more in 2022, just as it did in 1976! Check out this revised video that really gives LIFE to the original monumental song. LYRICS: First man to dieFor the flag we now hold highWas a Black Man(Crispus […]

Feb
13

Music: J.D. WESLEY “THE BELL TOLLS FOR YOU” (Lyrical Breakdown)

By | Music

  Black History Month, February 2022, will continue to usher in the song, which has become an anthem and movement, “The Bell Tolls for You.” “Lyrically speaking, ‘The Bell Tolls for You’ speaks to the socio-economic injustices and marginalization of people of color. It also shines a spotlight on those souls “we lost along the […]

Jan
18

Music: PRESS RELEASE: THE BELL TOLLS FOR YOU #TheBellTolls4U

By | Music

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2022 Contact: Pierre A. Evans Media/PR Director The Corbett Music Group Contact: pierreevans@hotmail.com The Corbett Music Group presents the timely release of “The Bell Tolls for You” A poignant and profound social justice song featuring the rich and powerful voice of singer/actor/producer J.D. Wesley VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwiShOzKJ-o&list=RDMwiShOzKJ-o&start_radio=1 In the spirit […]

Jan
09

Music: “THE BELL TOLLS FOR YOU” The Corbett Music Group Releases Powerful Social Justice Anthem

By | Arts & CultureMusic

  THE BELL TOLLS FOR YOU Video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwiShOzKJ-o&t=2s Tyrone Corbett is a songwriter, producer, engineer, videographer and owner of The Corbett Music Group. Corbett is not new to the entertainment industry and has worn many hats over the years. He started as a background singer and has worked with some of the industries finest […]

Jan
09

Television / Music: JANET JACKSON | Extended Trailer | Lifetime

By | MusicTelevision

Reprint of LIFETIME’s YOUTUBE video: VIDEO PROMO HERE: http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPHFcDHJYTU It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Night one of #Janetdoc premieres Friday, January 28th at 8/7c. The four-hour event, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Janet’s first album, Janet Jackson (1982), is set to simulcast on Lifetime and A&E, two of the flagship […]

Dec
16

Music: CUEE “THE EXPERIENCE” CONCERT TOUR

By | EventsMusic

Photo credit: Jake Scherm   Originating from Chicago, Illinois, Quis Wright aka Cuee, is a hip-hop artist in Lawrence, KS. He exhibits an energetic and fun, yet smooth and motivational edge to his style of music. One of his most meaningful steps in his evolution, has been writing more openly about his sexuality and queerness […]

Nov
20

Music/Film/TV/Business: CEDRIC “WHOA BOI” COLLINS

By | BusinessFilmMusicTelevision

Cedric “Whoa Boi” Collins, was raised in the most impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Englewood. Despite all the crime, violence and drugs that saturated his community, Whoa Boi wrapped himself in his music. At the age of seven, Whoa Boi was playing the organ and drums for his neighborhood church. […]

Nov
10

Event/Film: “THE WOODSTOCK OF HOUSE” Black Harvest Film Festival Debut

By | Arts & CultureDanceEventsFilmMusicNight Life

 House music is the third largest music genre in the world!!!! Here is the trailer. https://vimeo.com/633808501   Black Harvest Film Festival will virtually stream The Woodstock of House November 13- December 2, 2021. Streaming Ticket Info:  https://watch.eventive.org/gsfc/play/6168922c7c7500030b0cfe7a The documentary “The Woodstock of House”, a film that explores the origins of Chicago House music and its’ […]

Oct
20

Music: Singer, Songwriter, Musician KERRY “KJ” JAMES ROGERS, JR

By | Music

Photo Credit: Dean Bernard Kerry James Rogers Jr. aka Kerry James or “KJ” is a 28 year old R&B/Soul artist, singer-songwriter and musician born in Chicago and raised in Gary, IN. KJ began singing at the age of 19 when his mother (and #1 fan!)) gave him his first acoustic guitar for Christmas, in 2012. […]

Oct
16

Music: Hip Hop Artist BARI “BIMPGOD” GEE

By | Music

Bari Gee aka BIMPGOD, a Hyde Park, Chicago native, has always been into music since his third-grade teacher put him in the school talent show to RAP and he won. Since then, Bari has been developing his rap and fashion style and has stayed active and relevant in the Chicago music scene. BIMPGOD is the […]

Oct
01

Music/Business: NIGEL “TREW” RIDGEWAY & TREW BRAND

By | BusinessMusic

Photo credit:  Clayton DeLa Chappelle   Nigel Ridgeway aka TREW has a love for DJing that began in grade school when using two tape decks to spin basement parties. TREW’s main aim is to weave a common thread through seemingly disparate genres. Drawing inspiration from the early 1980s NYC art/music world, he believes no genre […]