Urban Magazine

Fantasia Barrino Responds to Father’s Public Accusations Against Her Husband R&B singer and “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino addressed her father’s social media post this week that publicly accused her husband, Kendall Taylor, of financial misconduct. The exchange followed a Valentine’s Day proposal in Houston, where Taylor formally proposed to Barrino with an 11-carat diamond ring after 11 years of marriage. Joseph Barrino, the singer’s estranged father, took to Facebook shortly after the proposal to criticize the moment and allege that Taylor was involved in missing funds from Barrino’s professional circle.

Fantasia Barrino Responds to Father’s Public Accusations Against Her Husband

R&B singer and “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino addressed her father’s social media post this week that publicly accused her husband, Kendall Taylor, of financial misconduct. The exchange followed a Valentine’s Day…

The Peaky Blinders Are Back: First Trailer for ‘The Immortal Man’ By order of the Peaky Blinders, the wait is finally over. The first full trailer for the highly anticipated movie, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, has just dropped, and it’s everything fans could have hoped for and more. Set in the early 1940s amidst the chaos of World War II, the trailer confirms the return of Cillian Murphy as the iconic Tommy Shelby.

The Peaky Blinders Are Back: First Trailer for ‘The Immortal Man’

By order of the Peaky Blinders, the wait is finally over. The first full trailer for the highly anticipated movie, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, has just dropped, and it’s everything fans could have hoped for and more. Set in…

Editorial: Are you an Artist or a Hobbyist? As someone who has been working in the entertainment industry for nearly 30 years, one thing I have learned with zero exceptions is that a lot of people who consider themselves to be artists are really hobbyists. According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, a hobby is "a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation." I hope the word "relaxation" stands out to you, because that's the reason a great deal of talented people never succeed in the pursuit of their dreams.

Editorial: Are you an Artist or a Hobbyist?

As someone who has been working in the entertainment industry for nearly 30 years, one thing I have learned with zero exceptions is that a lot of people who consider themselves to be artists are really hobbyists. According to Merriam-Webster's…

Art@War CEO James McMillan Talks AI’s Role in Music, Artist Control and Creativity James McMillan has spent decades negotiating at the intersection of creativity and commerce. As CEO of Art@War, he has worked with artists including Honey Bxby and members of the YBN collective, structuring deals designed to protect ownership and long-term control. In this conversation, McMillan turns his focus to artificial intelligence and its growing role in music creation, distribution, and contracts. Drawing on experience that spans the shift from physical formats to streaming, he argues that while technology will continue to evolve, real artistry remains irreplaceable.

Art@War CEO James McMillan Talks AI’s Role in Music, Artist Control and Creativity

James McMillan has spent decades negotiating at the intersection of creativity and commerce. As CEO of Art@War, he has worked with artists including Honey Bxby and members of the YBN collective, structuring deals…

DJ Vlad Addresses Roc Nation Satire And Conspiracy Claims Media personality DJ Vlad said he posted a satirical message about Roc Nation to test how quickly online users would accept false claims that support conspiracy theories. “My point for posting this was to show how people will believe any outrageous lie that someone says to prove their own conspiracy theory,” Vlad wrote. “I proved my point. I know that a lot of people will take this post and create a new narrative that Jay-Z forced me to do this.

DJ Vlad Addresses Roc Nation Satire And Conspiracy Claims

Media personality DJ Vlad said he posted a satirical message about Roc Nation to test how quickly online users would accept false claims that support conspiracy theories. “My point for posting this was to show how people will believe any…

Cardi B Kicks Off Sold-Out “Little Miss Drama” Tour GRAMMY Award–winning rapper Cardi B launched her highly anticipated first headline arena tour last week, selling out venues across the country and marking a milestone in her career. The Little Miss Drama Tour opened February 11 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert and quickly moved to a sold-out performance at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The tour then arrived in Los Angeles for back-to-back nights at the Kia Forum, making Cardi the first female rapper to sell out two consecutive shows at the venue.

Cardi B Kicks Off Sold-Out “Little Miss Drama” Tour

GRAMMY Award–winning rapper Cardi B launched her highly anticipated first headline arena tour last week, selling out venues across the country and marking a milestone in her career. The Little Miss Drama Tour opened February 11 at Acrisure Arena…

Top 10 Plays From 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend The spotlight returns to the game’s biggest stage. Relive the top 10 plays from the NBA All-Star Weekend, where the league’s premier talent delivered a series of high-flying dunks, deep-range shooting, and no-look passes that brought the crowd to its feet. From coast-to-coast drives to late-game daggers, this countdown captures the skill and showmanship that define the National Basketball Association’s midseason showcase.

Top 10 Plays From 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend

The spotlight returns to the game’s biggest stage. Relive the top 10 plays from the NBA All-Star Weekend, where the league’s premier talent delivered a series of high-flying dunks, deep-range shooting, and no-look passes that brought the crowd to its…

R&B Singer Ayanna Irish Talks Past, Present, and Future Ayanna Irish grew up in a Caribbean home where music was central to family life and daily practice. That early training shaped an incredible career built on discipline, performance, and staying true to her voice. You were born into a multi-generational Caribbean musical family. What did music represent in your home growing up? Music was very important in my home. My dad was a musician and had a music school on my island of Montserrat.

R&B Singer Ayanna Irish Talks Past, Present, and Future

Ayanna Irish grew up in a Caribbean home where music was central to family life and daily practice. That early training shaped an incredible career built on discipline, performance, and staying true to her voice. You were born into a…

You Be The Solution New Jersey Regional Challenge Set For Feb. 21 In Rahway The You Be The Solution™ New Jersey Regional Challenge 2025 will take place Feb. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center. The event, formerly known as the You Be The Chemist Competition, is organized by the Urban League of Union County and BASF. This year’s regional competition is presented in partnership with KOBO with ReWORLD Waste.

You Be The Solution New Jersey Regional Challenge Set For Feb. 21 In Rahway

The You Be The Solution™ New Jersey Regional Challenge 2025 will take place Feb. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center. The event, formerly known as the You Be The Chemist Competition, is organized…

Country Music Star Elsie Covers Urban Magazine’s February Issue In a groundbreaking celebration of Black excellence, Urban Magazine proudly announces that country music star Elsie graces the cover of the February 2026 issue, making history as the first artist of her genre to achieve this remarkable feat. "I find Elsie to be a very authentic, soulful artist who pours her heart and soul into her music. She's not one of these artists who decided to enter the genre because Beyoncé made it cool for people who previously ignored it," explains the magazine's publisher, Be'n Original.

Country Music Star Elsie Covers Urban Magazine’s February Issue

In a groundbreaking celebration of Black excellence, Urban Magazine proudly announces that country music star Elsie graces the cover of the February 2026 issue, making history as the first artist of her genre to achieve this…

OWN Greenlights Two Iyanla Vanzant Specials After Strong Debut Of ‘The Inside Fix’ The Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered two new television specials featuring spiritual life coach and Emmy winner Iyanla Vanzant following the launch of “IYANLA: THE INSIDE FIX.” The network said the series has drawn strong viewer response nationwide, positioning it as a Saturday night destination for Black women and audiences seeking personal growth programming. OWN also cited its standing as the top cable network among African American women on Saturdays as a factor in the decision.

OWN Greenlights Two Iyanla Vanzant Specials After Strong Debut Of ‘The Inside Fix’

The Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered two new television specials featuring spiritual life coach and Emmy winner Iyanla Vanzant following the launch of “IYANLA: THE INSIDE FIX.” The network said the series has drawn…

Alex Isley Announces Major Label Debut, Releases ‘Sweetest Lullabye’ Singer-songwriter Alex Isley will release her major label debut album, When The City Sleeps, on March 20 through Free Lunch Records and Warner Records. The album is described as an ode to her hometown of Los Angeles. Ahead of the release, the Grammy-nominated artist shared a new single, “Sweetest Lullabye,” timed for Valentine’s Day. The track marks her first release of 2026.

Alex Isley Announces Major Label Debut, Releases ‘Sweetest Lullabye’

Singer-songwriter Alex Isley will release her major label debut album, When The City Sleeps, on March 20 through Free Lunch Records and Warner Records. The album is described as an ode to her hometown of Los Angeles. Ahead of the…

Former President Obama Responds to Trump’s Racist Post Depicting Obamas as Apes Former President Barack Obama condemned a racist video shared on President Donald Trump’s social media account that depicted Mr. Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, calling the incident troubling and lamenting the state of political discourse in the United States. In his first public comments since the Feb. 5 post on Truth Social, Obama said the clip was symptomatic of a broader loss of “decorum and respect for the office” of the presidency and that many Americans find such behavior deeply troubling.

Former President Obama Responds to Trump’s Racist Post Depicting Obamas as Apes

Former President Barack Obama condemned a racist video shared on President Donald Trump’s social media account that depicted Mr. Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, calling the incident troubling and…

Africa All-Star Soirée Spotlights Continent’s Expanding NBA Influence More than 300 VIP guests gathered at Lucia LA for Africa Courtside Holding’s annual Africa All-Star Soirée, a private event focused on Africa’s rising role in global basketball. The exclusive event united NBA figures, investors, entertainers, and cultural leaders to highlight Africa’s impact on the league. Organizers noted it gathered “investors, key stakeholders in live entertainment, and celebrities” to celebrate Africa’s rising role in the NBA.

Africa All-Star Soirée Spotlights Continent’s Expanding NBA Influence

More than 300 VIP guests gathered at Lucia LA for Africa Courtside Holding’s annual Africa All-Star Soirée, a private event focused on Africa’s rising role in global basketball. The exclusive event united NBA figures, investors,…

Seattle’s Jaymin Releases Debut EP ‘Sweet Nothings’ Via Warner Records Seattle artist Jaymin has released his debut EP, Sweet Nothings, marking a formal arrival for one of contemporary R&B’s emerging voices. The 10-track project is available now via Warner Records. Built from self-recorded sessions at home, Sweet Nothings centers on intimacy and direct expression. Jaymin blends layered production with candid songwriting, shaping a project that revisits romance through a present-day R&B lens.

Seattle’s Jaymin Releases Debut EP ‘Sweet Nothings’ Via Warner Records

Seattle artist Jaymin has released his debut EP, Sweet Nothings, marking a formal arrival for one of contemporary R&B’s emerging voices. The 10-track project is available now via Warner Records. Built from self-recorded…

NY AG Letitia James Says Court Order Forces Release Of Gateway Funding New York Attorney General Letitia James said a court order requiring the federal government to release more than $200 million for the Gateway Program’s Hudson Tunnel project is now in effect, clearing the way for long-delayed funding to move forward. James issued a statement after her office secured the order, which directs the federal government to release funds tied to the Hudson Tunnel project, a central component of the broader Gateway Program.

NY AG Letitia James Says Court Order Forces Release Of Gateway Funding

New York Attorney General Letitia James said a court order requiring the federal government to release more than $200 million for the Gateway Program’s Hudson Tunnel project is now in effect, clearing the way for long-delayed…

How Keanna Sanders Turned Early Responsibility Into A Child Care Enterprise Keanna Sanders learned business fundamentals long before launching a company. Raised by her grandparents in Baltimore, she assumed financial and household responsibilities as a young adult while helping care for her grandmother, gaining early exposure to decision-making and accountability. Her career began in the automotive industry before she transitioned into early childhood education, where she founded Sandbridge Early Learning Center. The organization has since expanded from a single site to multiple locations serving families across Maryland.

How Keanna Sanders Turned Early Responsibility Into A Child Care Enterprise

Keanna Sanders learned business fundamentals long before launching a company. Raised by her grandparents in Baltimore, she assumed financial and household responsibilities as a young adult while helping care for her…

Marques Anthony Releases New Single “Say Yes” Marques Anthony, an R&B singer and songwriter, has released his new single, “Say Yes.” The song emphasizes intimacy and connection, showcasing his vocals and R&B style. It revolves around themes of love and chemistry, perfect for late-night listening. Alongside the release, Anthony shared a From the Block performance, giving listeners a closer look at the tone and presence he plans to carry into future releases and live shows.

Marques Anthony Releases New Single “Say Yes”

Marques Anthony, an R&B singer and songwriter, has released his new single, “Say Yes.” The song emphasizes intimacy and connection, showcasing his vocals and R&B style. It revolves around themes of love and chemistry, perfect for late-night listening.…

Ludacris To Headline Entertainment For NBA All-Star 2026 In Los Angeles The National Basketball Association and NBC Sports on Tuesday announced that Ludacris will headline the entertainment lineup for NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles, placing the three-time GRAMMY Award winner at the center of the league’s annual midseason showcase. Ludacris will take the court on NBA All-Star Saturday, Feb. 14, delivering an in-arena performance ahead of the AT&T Slam Dunk at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Ludacris To Headline Entertainment For NBA All-Star 2026 In Los Angeles

The National Basketball Association and NBC Sports on Tuesday announced that Ludacris will headline the entertainment lineup for NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles, placing the three-time GRAMMY Award winner at the center of the…

Sharon Marley Sets Debut Album “Firebird” For March 2026 Release Sharon Marley has announced her debut album, “Firebird,” scheduled for release on March 20, 2026. The reggae singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy Award winner is the daughter of Bob and Rita Marley and has spent decades contributing to music and culture behind the scenes and on stage. The album reflects Marley’s roots and centers on resilience, rebirth, empowerment, and love. It honors the Marley legacy while focusing on her own experiences and perspective.

Sharon Marley Sets Debut Album “Firebird” For March 2026 Release

Sharon Marley has announced her debut album, “Firebird,” scheduled for release on March 20, 2026. The reggae singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy Award winner is the daughter of Bob and Rita Marley and has spent decades…

Floetry Announces 2026 Say Yes Tour With Raheem DeVaughn And Teedra Moses After nearly ten years off the touring circuit, Floetry will return in 2026 with its first national tour together since 2016. Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart will reunite for Floetry Presents: Say Yes The Tour, bringing their music back to stages across the U.S. Presales for local, venue, and promoter access begin Thursday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m.

Floetry Announces 2026 Say Yes Tour With Raheem DeVaughn And Teedra Moses

After nearly ten years off the touring circuit, Floetry will return in 2026 with its first national tour together since 2016. Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart will reunite for Floetry Presents: Say Yes The…

Brandon Ingram Named To Replace Steph Curry On USA Stripes For 2026 NBA All-Star Game Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry on USA Stripes for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The 75th NBA All-Star Game will be played Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. ET at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The game will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.

Brandon Ingram Named To Replace Steph Curry On USA Stripes For 2026 NBA All-Star Game

Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace injured Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry on USA Stripes for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The 75th NBA…

Bad Bunny Tour Sees 1,567% Increase In Interest After Grammy Wins And Super Bowl Spotlight Public attention around Bad Bunny spiked sharply this week, according to new data released by Sudoku Bliss, pointing to rapid shifts in search behavior and social media engagement tied to recent awards recognition and a high-profile performance. The data show that a key search term related to the artist rose 525% compared with its baseline from the previous week. The increase reflects the scale and speed of rising public interest, as online searches climbed over a short period.

Bad Bunny Tour Sees 1,567% Increase In Interest After Grammy Wins And Super Bowl Spotlight

Public attention around Bad Bunny spiked sharply this week, according to new data released by Sudoku Bliss, pointing to rapid shifts in search behavior and social media engagement tied to recent awards…

Elle Duncan Ethers Jason Whitlock on X Elle Duncan’s social media reply to an unprovoked attack from Jason Whitlock did not just land because it was snarky. It resonated. She was somewhere, minding her business, writing a celebratory post about the impact of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime performance. "Woke up cheesing knowing somewhere this morning, a kid who saw themselves last night is walking into school a little taller.

Elle Duncan Ethers Jason Whitlock on X

Elle Duncan’s social media reply to an unprovoked attack from Jason Whitlock did not just land because it was snarky. It resonated. She was somewhere, minding her business, writing a celebratory post about the impact of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime…

Renowned Marketer Aria F. Wright Builds Campaigns Across Luxury, Tech, and Entertainment Aria F. Wright has worked across luxury, technology, and entertainment, building campaigns centered on connection and cultural impact. She focuses on community response and authenticity beyond sales metrics. You've built campaigns across luxury, consumer goods, technology, and entertainment. How do you shift your thinking when moving from one sector to another while keeping the brand grounded? I actually shift my thinking based on the brand.

Renowned Marketer Aria F. Wright Builds Campaigns Across Luxury, Tech, and Entertainment

Aria F. Wright has worked across luxury, technology, and entertainment, building campaigns centered on connection and cultural impact. She focuses on community response and authenticity beyond sales metrics.…

Seahawks Defeat Patriots 29-13 To Win Super Bowl LX The Seattle Seahawks won their second Super Bowl title with a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, closing the 2025 NFL season with a performance shaped by defense and special teams. Seattle controlled the game by limiting New England’s offense and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Kicker Jason Myers converted five field goals, setting a Super Bowl record.

Seahawks Defeat Patriots 29-13 To Win Super Bowl LX

The Seattle Seahawks won their second Super Bowl title with a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, closing the 2025 NFL season with a performance shaped by defense and special teams. Seattle…

Corey Holcomb Says Viral Video Led To Canceled Gigs, Industry Backlash Comedian Corey Holcomb has publicly linked the cancellation of multiple bookings to the fallout from a widely circulated video showing him in an altercation with another comic, Holcomb said this week. Holcomb, a stand-up performer and host of the 5150 podcast, told listeners he has lost “a lot of my gigs” since footage of the incident outside the Hollywood Improv was shared online by media outlets, including TMZ.

Corey Holcomb Says Viral Video Led To Canceled Gigs, Industry Backlash

Comedian Corey Holcomb has publicly linked the cancellation of multiple bookings to the fallout from a widely circulated video showing him in an altercation with another comic, Holcomb said this week. Holcomb, a stand-up…

Ari Lennox Announces North American Tour In Support of Vacancy GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist Ari Lennox will tour North America in 2026 in support of her third studio album, Vacancy. The 31-city run is produced by Live Nation and begins April 12 at WAMU Theater in Seattle. The tour concludes June 6 at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in Charlotte, North Carolina. The tour includes stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Toronto, Brooklyn, and other major markets across the United States and Canada.

Ari Lennox Announces North American Tour In Support of Vacancy

GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist Ari Lennox will tour North America in 2026 in support of her third studio album, Vacancy. The 31-city run is produced by Live Nation and begins April 12 at WAMU Theater in Seattle. The tour concludes June 6…

Fans Can Visit Los Angeles Venues Ahead Of “Predator: Badlands” Release As of today, Feb. 8, Predator fans in Los Angeles still have several days to take part in themed events tied to the release of Predator: Badlands on Hulu and on 4K Blu-ray and DVD. Slasher World, Horror Vibes Coffee, and Killer Fitness are hosting experiences connected to the franchise, including photo opportunities, specialty drinks, and fitness classes. Each venue is also offering movie merchandise and entries for ticket giveaways.

Fans Can Visit Los Angeles Venues Ahead Of “Predator: Badlands” Release

As of today, Feb. 8, Predator fans in Los Angeles still have several days to take part in themed events tied to the release of Predator: Badlands on Hulu and on 4K Blu-ray and DVD. Slasher World, Horror Vibes Coffee, and…

Trump Post Sparks Outrage After Racist Video Depicting Barack and Michelle Obama President Donald Trump on Thursday posted a video on his social media platform that included a brief clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto bodies of apes in a jungle scene, drawing widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil rights advocates. The one-minute video, shared on Trump’s Truth Social account late Thursday, primarily amplified debunked election fraud claims about the 2020 presidential election.

Trump Post Sparks Outrage After Racist Video Depicting Barack and Michelle Obama

President Donald Trump on Thursday posted a video on his social media platform that included a brief clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed onto…