Was The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill really a hip hop album? This article argues that Lauryn Hill’s masterpiece is better understood as a classic R&B album—one that blends gospel, soul, doo-wop, funk, and hip hop in the tradition of Black American music.
Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, formerly known as Christian Scott, delivered a powerful Stretch Music performance at the Blue Note. Backed by Elena Pinderhughes, Andrew Renfroe, Kris Funn, and John Davis, the band moved from quiet atmospheric passages to explosive moments while carrying forward the tradition of Black American jazz innovation.
Motown’s “Dancing in the Street” didn’t just become a hit—it helped reshape rhythm and blues. With its fast groove, bebop-influenced horns, and Detroit’s polished production style, the record pushed R&B into mainstream pop and helped define the Motown sound.
Charlie Bereal brought warmth, restraint, and elite musicianship to the Blue Note, redefining the Death Row narrative with live band energy rooted in groove and love. Backed by a powerhouse lineup of Los Angeles–based players, the night delivered textured drums, melted horn arrangements, and a falsetto that echoes the early ’70s while remaining unmistakably his own.
Cory Henry’s Church Experience in Inglewood isn’t just a concert — it’s a high-energy, feel-good celebration of Black church sound and musical excellence. With a 30-piece choir, powerhouse band, and Cory commanding the organ, the night delivers a wall of sound that feels like praise and worship without the all-day Sunday service. The crowd is diverse, the vibe is welcoming, and you don’t have to be religious to be moved — but if you grew up in church, this one hits different.
How Berta & Charles “Red” Bell, Athen Nelson, and Sonny Sims Shaped an American Original