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Spotify Proves Black History Is Now With Phenomenal Black Music Campaign
Contrary to white-washed belief, black folks have had a profound impact on the evolution of the entire musical landscape. From country crooner DeFord Bailey injecting the Grand Ole Opry with a taste of the blues as one of its very first stars in the 1920s, to funk metal gods Bad Brains revolutionizing contemporary punk, our…
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North Carolina's Latest Scheme to Suppress Black Votes Gets Shut Down in Court
Because it’s 2020 and racism is still alive and well, we have North Carolina, whose new voter identification law just hit a snag—and by snag, I mean it’s apparently sorta-kinda racist. From Reuters: A North Carolina appeals court on Tuesday blocked the state’s voter identification law from going into effect, finding it was a discriminatory…
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A Blazer for Black Royalty: Crown Royal Released a New Slick Blazer, and Ya Boy Tried It
Black folks love Crown Royal. We hold this truth to be self-evident. But what happens when one of our most beloved brands veers into the wonderful world of fashion? Inspired by Crown Royal’s XR Extra Rare series, celebrity designer ALBA has unveiled a limited-edition bespoke blazer—one of which I was blessed enough to receive—that’s equal…
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You Get a Pardon! And You Get a Pardon! Career Criminal Donald Trump Passes Out Get Out of Jail Free Cards to Disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Others
There are some words and phrases in the English language that are open to interpretation, while others—like “criminal”—are pretty cut-and-dried. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is a fucking criminal. While most would point to his terrible dye job as proof that he belongs behind bars, there’s also the fact that he racked up an astounding…
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White House Correspondents' Dinner Taps Kenan Thompson to Bring Back the Funny
Nearly two years removed from the spectacle that was the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the annual gala will return to its comedic roots. The Hill reports that Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson will host its 2020 dinner on April 25. And because you can never get enough comedians of color on the same…
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Rebels of Black History: How Bad Brains Redefined the Spirit of Defiance
In music journalism, where platitudes like “legendary” often feel like consolation prizes, Bad Brains jazz fusion ensemble are that and so much more.
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Ladies and Gentlemen, We Present Your 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend Preview
Each year, millions of people forgo Cupid and his machinations to descend upon the NBA’s host city of choice in favor of something we all know and love: NBA All-Star Weekend. Sadly, I won’t be in attendance, but here’s a preview of what’s in store. Eerily reminiscent of the MTV Rock & Jock games from…
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Exclusive: On the 2-Year Anniversary of the Parkland Shooting, Black Violin Takes 'One Step' Against Gun Violence, Police Brutality
The duo Black Violin—comprised of members Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste— merge hip-hop, classical and rock elements to create dynamic music with a message. And on the two-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting, they’re making a statement with the world premiere of their music video “One Step.” “‘One Step’ intends to take the audience on…
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LeBron James Surprises 193 Students With Free College Tuition: 'It's Probably the Best Thing I've Ever Done'
While Sallie Mae has never put me in a headlock—I love you too, Air Force!—I’ve heard plenty of horror stories about her wreaking havoc on the bank accounts and mental stability of my peers. But hopefully, students at I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, won’t suffer a similar fate after LeBron James gifted them with…
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Colin Kaepernick Launches Book Publishing Company, Reveals Plans to Release Memoir in 2020
I’ve said for a while now that I can’t wait to read the inevitable Colin Kaepernick memoir about the trials and tribulations he’s faced throughout his life, and apparently the exiled quarterback can no longer wait, either. Variety reports that the untitled memoir will be released sometime this year as part of a multi-project deal…
