Category: Whats Buzzing in the Streets

Slick Rick

Richard Martin Lloyd Walters (born January 14, 1965); better known as Slick Rick, Rick The Ruler and MC Ricky D, is a British-American rapper. He has released four albums: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988), The Ruler’s Back (1991), Behind Bars (1994) and The Art of Storytelling (1999). His music has been sampled and interpolated over 600 times, in over 35 songs by artists including Eminem, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, The Beastie Boys, TLC, Nas, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Black Star, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, MC Ren, Montell Jordan and Color Me Badd. In the process, Walters has become the most-sampled hip-hop artist ever. Many of these songs based on Slick Rick samples went on to become hit singles. He’s been a VH-1 Hip Hop Honors honoree, and About.com ranked him No. 12 on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time, while The Source ranked him No. 15 on their list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. He has acted and cameoed in 10 movies and videos.Walters was born and raised in the southwest London district of Mitcham, to a British-Jamaican family. He was blinded in the right eye by broken glass as an infant. In 1976, he and his family migrated to the United States, settling in the Baychester area of the Bronx. At Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music & Art, where he majored in visual art, Rick met Dana Dane. The pair became close friends and formed The Kangol Crew, performing at school contests, parks and local hole-in-the-wall clubs.At a 1984 talent showcase he entered, Rick met Doug E. Fresh. Impressed by Rick’s talent, Doug made him a member of his Get Fresh Crew (which also included DJs Chill Will and Barry Bee). Doug’s beatbox and Rick’s fresh flow turned “The Show”/”La Di Da Di” into an international anthem that turned rap music on its head and became the launching pad for “Hip Hop’s greatest storyteller.”His career began in late 1985; Walters first gained success in the rap industry after joining Doug E. Fresh’s Get Fresh Crew, using the stage name MC Ricky D. He was featured on the single “The Show” and its even more popular B-side, “La Di Da Di”, which featured Walters’ rapping over Doug E. Fresh’s beatbox. Both tracks gained some mainstream attention, they appeared on Top of the Pops and Soul Train with the Get Fresh Crew. Reflecting on the double-sided gem in Rolling Stone magazine, Roots drummer and Tonight Show bandleader Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson said, “Point blank: Slick Rick’s voice was the most beautiful thing to happen to hip-hop culture […] Rick is full of punchlines, wit, melody, cool cadence, confidence and style. He is the blueprint.”In 1986, Slick Rick joined Russell Simmons’ Rush Artist Management and became the third artist signed to Def Jam Records, the leading rap/hip-hop label at the time. Collaborating with his friend, DJ Vance Wright, Walters produced his solo debut, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, which came out in 1988 on Def Jam. The album was very successful, reaching the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart. It also featured three charting singles: “Children’s Story”, “Hey Young World”, and “Teenage Love”. The release is known for its storytelling and vocal characterizations. “With the combination of Rick’s Dick Van Dyke-on-dope accent and his unique narrative style, the record was an instant classic,” wrote critic Matt Weiner. “Each of Rick’s songs was an amusing, enthralling story that lasted from the first groove to the last.”In 1989, Walters’ mother, Veronica, hired his first cousin, Mark Plummer, as his bodyguard. By 1990, Plummer had become a liability, having tried numerous times to extort money from the artist. Plummer was fired and, unsatisfied with his severance package, tried to rob Walters on numerous occasions and also threatened to kill the rapper and his mother. When Walters found bullet holes in his front door, he bought guns for protection. On July 3, 1990, Walters spotted Plummer in his neighborhood, and fired at least four shots. One bullet hit Plummer; another caught a passerby in the foot. Neither suffered life-threatening injuries.He eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and other charges, including assault, use of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon. The rapper called it an act of self-defense. He spent five years in prison, two for the then-second-degree attempted-murder charges he received for the shooting, and three for his struggle with the Immigration and Naturalization Services over his residency in the U.S. He was released from prison in 1997After being bailed out by Russell Simmons, Walters recorded his second album, The Ruler’s Back, released in 1991. Despite peaking at No. 29 on the Billboard 100, the album received mixed reviews and wasn’t as commercially successful as his debut. In the documentary film, The Show, Russell Simmons interviewed Walters while he was imprisoned on Rikers Island.Walters’ third studio album (the fourth for Def Jam) Behind Bars was released in 1994, while he was still incarcerated. It was met with lukewarm sales and reviews. Behind Bars peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and No. 51 on the Billboard 200.Walters remained with the Def Jam label, and on May 25, 1999, released a fourth album, The Art of Storytelling. Generally considered the authentic follow-up to his 1988 debut, The Art of Storytelling was an artistically successful comeback-album that paired him with prolific MCs like Nas, OutKast, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg. The Los Angeles Times announced it as the “triumphant return of rap’s premier yarn-spinner,” calling the song “2 Way Street” “a much-needed alternative to rap’s misogynistic slant.” It charted higher than any of Slick Rick’s prior releases: No. 8 on the Billboard 200; No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.After performing on a Caribbean cruise ship in June 2001, Walters was arrested by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) as he re-entered the United States through Florida. He was promptly told that he was being deported under a law allowing deportation of foreigners convicted of felonies. Rick was continuously refused bail, but after 17 months in prison he was released on November 7, 2003. In October 2006, the Department of Homeland Security began a new attempt to deport Walters back to the United Kingdom, moving the case from the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit based in New York to the more conservative Eleventh Circuit. The court is based in Atlanta, Georgia but the trial was expected to proceed in Florida, where immigration agents originally arrested Walters.On May 23, 2008, New York Governor David Paterson granted Slick Rick a full and unconditional pardon on the attempted murder charges. The governor was pleased with his behavior since the attempted murders. Slick Rick has volunteered his time to mentor kids about violence.Walters married his wife Mandy Aragones in April 1997, four years after the couple met at a Manhattan nightclub. The performer has two children, Ricky Martin Lloyd Santiago and Lateisha Walters, from a previous relationship. He and his wife have donated about a dozen items from his collection to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.Slick Rick and the Soul Rebels Brass Band collaborated on June 21, 2012 in Washington, D.C. at the historic Howard Theatre which re-opened in April 2012.In 2014, Rick participated in Will.i.am’s “Trans4M” concert, which raised more than $2.4 million for the music producer’s i.am.angel Foundation.In addition, Rick recently was a Mixx Cares Humanitarian Award recipient.On April 15, 2016, Rick was granted U.S. citizenship, remarking, “I am so proud of this moment—and so honored to finally become an American citizen.” He will also retain his UK citizenship.On November 2, 2018, Rick released the single “Snakes Of The World Today”.

Written by Dianne Washington

Teddy Pendergrass dead

Theodore DeReese “Teddy” Pendergrass (March 26, 1950 – January 13, 2010) was an American singer–songwriter and composer. He first rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s before a successful solo career at the end of the decade. In 1982, Pendergrass was severely injured in an auto accident in Philadelphia, resulting in his being paralyzed from the chest down. He subsequently founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a foundation that helps those with spinal cord injuries. He commemorated 25 years of living after his spinal cord injury with the star-filled event, “Teddy 25 – A Celebration of Life”, at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. His last performance was on a PBS special at Atlantic City’s Borgata Casino in November 2008.

Written by Dianne Washington

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige was born on this date in 1971. She is an African American singer.Blige was born in Savannah, GA, moving with her mother and older sister to the Schlobam housing projects in Yonkers, NY, as a young girl. Her rough life there produced more than a few scars, physical and otherwise. Blige dropped out of high school in her junior year, spending time doing her friends’ hair in her mother’s apartment and hanging out.When she was at a local mall in White Plains, NY, she recorded herself singing Anita Baker’s “Caught Up in the Rapture,” into a karaoke machine. Her stepfather passed the recording on to Uptown Records’ CEO Andre Harrell. He was impressed with Blige’s voice and signed her to sing backup for local acts like Father MC. In 1991, Sean “Puffy” Combs took Blige under his wing and began working with her on her debut album, “What’s the 411?” Combs and his stylish touches added to Blige’s unique vocal style, created a stunning album that bridged the gap between R&B and rap in a way that no female singer had before.Her 1995 follow-up, “My Life,” again featured Combs’ handiwork, stepping back from its urban roots and featuring less of a rap sound and making up for that with its subject matter. “My Life” was full of ghetto pathos and Blige’s own personal pain and rocky relationship with artist K-Ci Hailey, which likely contributed to the raw emotions on the album.The period following the recording of “My Life” was also a difficult time professionally for Blige as she severed her ties with Combs and Uptown, hired Suge Knight as a financial advisor, and signed with MCA. 1997’s “Share My World” marked the beginning of Blige’s creative partnerships with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The album was another hit for Blige and debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. Critics soured somewhat on its more conventional soul sound, but Blige’s fans seemed undaunted.By 1999, the fullness and elegance of her new sound appeared more developed, as Blige displayed a classic soul style aided by material from Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Stevie Wonder, and Lauryn Hill. She made it obvious that the ghetto and harsh aspects of her music were gone, while the sensitive power remained. That power also helped carry the more modern-sounding 2001 release, “No More Drama,” a deeply personal collective effort musically with more of Blige’s songwriting than anything before. “No More Drama” allowed listeners to see her musical path that produced an older, wiser, but still expressive artist.Before Corona, Blige has been touring and acting. She started her own label, MJB Records. To many, Blige is more than the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Through all of her life, she was determined to find and maintain her own musical voice. By doing so, she has become one of the most successful R&B/hip hop writer/performers in the country, and has paved the way for many others who have followed her course.

Written by Dianne Washington

Greatness Speaks!: The Story of Hākeem Turé

As a person like myself whose incredibly in love with hip hop culture, I always stress how much I love meeting someone who has a similar mind, aesthetic, or vision as mine. It’s when they either open their mouths to express some incredibly dope talent or they say things in conversation that mirrors exactly how I feel. It’s like being in some sort of exclusive hip hop club for those who completely understand the root of the culture. For real tho, there’s this tall, dark, dope MC who followed me on Instagram some months ago; I’m not really sure how long ago. One day I finally went through his page and actually heard what he had to say on the mic. Every single photo, every single video of this guy on the stage, his style, his presence, his energy, his attitude, his overall aura screams HIP HOP!!! No fillers, no saturated over hyped, catchy hooks & simple “raps”, this isn’t to diss, this is what we call it in the culture, preserving or simply keeping it real. I was absolutely blown away and became an instant fan. He didn’t harass me with his links and about what he do. I naturally discovered how dope he is myself. I love that. Him being dope was just an extreme bonus for me. I had to hop on the opportunity to connect with this talented brother and give y’all this piece about the one and only Hākeem Turé. A Virgo MC born on September 21st, 1991 and raised in Harvey, Illinois. Turé begins to tell his story, “Life growing up for me was extreme neglect from family, teachers, and friends who didn’t know how to identify, nurture, or assist a young rebel and creative. I learned how to deal with black man hood through hip hop and Islam.” That definitely hits home! Sounds all too familiar. So many of us black men have a similar upbringing. It’s super cliché but it’s reality. It’s real life. This is everyday and the effects it has on us runs deep in both good and bad ways. With life experiences comes with inspiration. Ture continues, “My 6th grade poetry teacher Mrs. Garderner made me Walter in ‘A Raisin In The Sun’ and read to me an Amiri Baraka poem and told me I would be famous for my voice.” I remember “A Raisin In The Sun.” Not what it was about but actually learning and studying it. That was years ago. Also, there’s always that one person who changed your life with just a little bit of encouragement and a push. Feels good to be understood and supported in ways you don’t know could effect you in a very positive way. He continues, “Master P was the first rapper I heard no matter where I went or who I was with, so he stuck with me, BUT I knew I wanted to be a rapper when I saw Nas perform ‘Street Dreams (Remix)’ on “All That.” I remember seeing that performance with the black skully hat and crewneck sweater that Nas was wearing too. That’s one of my favorite songs from him as well and I prefer that version over the original. The MC then goes in about his start. “Man, I’m trying to hold on to and replenish the culture. Around my 7th grade year all my homies switched from east coast rap to down south rap and we became a product of a fatigued culture. Ain’t nobody reading no books, ain’t no body dropping the knowledge of self that I was raised on.” That’s what I’m talking about! Took me years to understand knowledge of self. I wasn’t raised on it but when I did my homework, it changed my life forever. It truly feels amazing to hear someone else talk about the culture in this way. A conversation like this nowadays can be refreshing. It’s like one big battle in hip hop between whose who and who represents what. It can be frustrating. Once you understand someone’s mindset in hip hop, that can tell you everything about the type of music that they make. I definitely wanted to know what this dope MC is working on and what he already created and put out. “I’m getting ready to drop my album “Will Rap 4 Dap” featuring Saba, Vic Spencer, and Gabe Gizz. I’m excited to let the world hear my story but also for the responsibility to cultivate some young black minds. After that, I’ll be dropping another album called “Blood In My 3rd Eye” that I wrote in solitary confinement.” Awww man! Definitely excited about this! It’s very rare that I get excited about new music anymore. Only real shit gets me excited. You can come a long way in life and might have regrets…. or not. “No regrets, just lessons learned. I’ve learned that you can not make anyone see greatness that they do not see in themselves. Many people have talent but few have the discipline.” Ain’t that the truth!!! We can go on and on about that. It’s a different time, a different era, a different world. Definitely gotta set an example that’s going to create a new world. “Years from now, I see myself using hip hop as a tool strengthen our Moorish-American influence throughout the African diaspora and reafrikanize not only our music but our youth.” Looking forward to that!!! Such an inspiration indeed. If you were inspired, you can find Hākeem Turé on IG @hakeemturespeaks.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

Cuba Gooding Jr.

On this date in 1968, Cuba Gooding, Jr., was born. He is a Black actor.He was born in the South Bronx, N.Y., the son two singers. Cuba Gooding, Sr., was the lead singer for The Main Ingredient and his mother, Shirley Gooding, a former backup singer with Jackie Wilson’s touring band, the Sweethearts, in the 1960s. His younger brother, Omar, s an actor.Gooding, Jr., began as acting in a high school performance of Lil Abner. His professional beginnings of his extensive career on the small and large screen began in 1986, with a guest appearance in “Amen.”He also made appearances in “MacGyver,” 1989-91, and “Murder Without Motive: The Edmund Perry Story,” 1992. Other TV Movies were “Daybreak,” 1993; and “The Tuskegee Airmen,” 1995.Feature films for Gooding include an ever-growing list which began with: “Coming to America,” 1988; “Sing,” 1989; “Boyz N the Hood,” 1991; “A Few Good Men,” 1992; “Gladiator,” 1992, “Hitz,” 1992; “Judgment Night,” 1993; “Lightning Jack,” 1994; “Losing Isaiah,” 1995; “Outbreak,” 1995; “Jerry Maguire,” 1996; “The Audition,” 1996; “As Good As It Gets,” 1997; “Do Me a Favor,” 1997; “What Dreams May Come,” 1998; “Welcome to Hollywood,” 1998; “A Murder of Crows,” 1999 “Chill Factor,” 1999; “Instinct,” 1999; “Men of Honor,” 2000; “Pearl Harbor,” 2001; “Rat Race,” 2001; “Snow Dogs,” 2002; “Radio,” 2003. Also Gooding, Jr., has starred in “Home on the Range,” 2004; “Dirty Salim,” 2005; “Shadowboxer,” 2006; “End Game,” 2006; “What Love Is,” 2006; “Norbit,” 2007 and more.Gooding, Jr., won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for 1996’s “Jerry Maguire.” Two years earlier he married Sara Kapfer, a school teacher; they have three children. In 2014, Kapfer filed for legal separation from Gooding. Gooding filed for divorce in January 2017.On June 13, 2019, Gooding was booked on charges of misdemeanor forcible touching and sexual abuse in the third degree in New York City relating to an incident the previous weekend in which he allegedly groped a woman at a bar in Times Square. On October 10, he was indicted on a separate, additional sexual abuse charge. As of August 2020, 30 women have accused Gooding of unwanted sexual touching. He has pleaded not guilty.On August 19, 2020, Gooding was accused of raping a woman twice in 2013 in a New York Hotel room. A legal representative of Gooding denied the accusation, calling it “completely false and defamatory.

Written by Dianne Washington

The Story of E.M.G.

In an era and world where social media is the main platform for all things entertainment and more, it’s always such a pleasure to also come across some of the world’s talented people. Imagine being a music fan and then meeting other music fans who share the same exact taste in music as you, sounds great right? It gets better. Then you find out that these same music fans are also very talented individuals who share their talent and knowledge of music with you and it absolutely blows you away how incredible they are. I personally don’t remember in detail how I first became friends with this talented brother but this brother actually became my brother. One of the dopest producers and rappers I’ve had the honor of getting to know and connect with. His sounds are both hard hitting yet soulful. He’s got sounds for the parties and sounds for the bedroom when you want to hook up with somebody to call on a late night. Very rarely have I ever come across a consistency of bad sounds from this brother. Always consistent with the hits and bangers. He goes by the name E.M.G. Born on December 2nd, 1996, Evan Marquis Gantt was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but then my moved to Minneapolis, MN 4 months later in April of 1997 with his mother. As long as I personally knew this guy, I’m now just learning his full story. It’s my favorite part about getting to know someone. The stories always tell you and remind you of how and why people are the way they are. A full understanding of them answers everything. Gantt starts to tell his story. “Life for me was a bit interesting, to say the least. I never had to financially struggle or wonder when my next meal was coming but we weren’t rich by any means. It was fun for the most part but life never ceased to remind me that things can take a turn. Honestly speaking, my life was better than most people in my family in hindsight. The Entreé was fun, negativity was just a side dish or seasoning on the side, if that makes sense Lol.” Yes Ev. It makes plenty of sense. LOL! Life is a balance indeed. Where there’s good, there’s the bad. Where there’s beauty, also comes with the ugly. Just gotta learn to roll with the punches and not let things drag you and keep you down. Always remain on top. He continues his storytelling about his inspirations in life. “On a personal level, my brother. I used to always freestyle with him, we have similar tastes in music & movies, we’re the opposite yet the same and I’ve always looked up to him. My mother is my biggest inspiration for everything. She’s always inspired me to do great, yet be myself, and be the best person I can be. On a artistic level, many artists have inspired me. 2Pac, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Whodini and Heavy D are just a few artists that inspired me. They gave me confidence in myself when I needed help finding it. My biggest musical inspiration is Prince.” That’s dope! I always believe the most influential family members are the greatest ones and the artists selections are really dope too. Hip hop selections that represent a good mixture. Dance, romance, street, party, poetic, political, and then there’s a dash of soul…. Prince. The purple one himself. An incredible musician and artist who was about his art. With great art comes with inspiration. Gantt then goes on about his start as an artist. “I’m gonna be honest here, I’ve always loved music but basketball was originally my main love. The only problem was though, I was never able to fully put my heart & mind into it like I needed to in order to be great at it. Plus, I always lost to my older brother & my uncle and I just got sick of losing! Lol. I decided that I was gonna go ahead with this music thing and I found that it was my true love & what I was meant to do. Prince, Mint Condition and DJ Quik really made me feel like I could do it all. They wrote and produced their own music and that made me say “Aw yeah, this is really something I’m gonna do!”. I’m glad I made that decision. Oh, and girls of course. From an early age I saw that women, including the girls at my age loved and adored rappers so that helped the lightbulb go off Lol.” Ha! Nobody wants to be a loser, everybody wants to be a winner. Definitely felt that! Why not do what you truly love and try to get the attention of girls at the same time? Sounds like a winner to me. LOL! Now of course, the music most definitely got to be on point and of course, the right girl always comes along eventually. Keep your eyes on the prize though Ev. Don’t chase a girl, let her find you. It’s a safe bet! My boy made so much music but recently he’s been promoting his new joint like crazy. Seeing him promote like crazy made me tell him like “Yo! It’s time for you to tell your story Bro! The people gotta know!” So we definitely talked about his projects. “My most recent project is 2019’s “23 Rotations”, my new single “R5” is available on Audiomack, SoundCloud and Youtube. As far as future projects, right now my aim is to switch up from the typical Laid-Back grooves and mood of my previous works and focus on other things. I’m focusing on doing more upbeat songs and more meaningful and thought provoking material. I can’t tell you when my future projects are gonna come but they will come.” Whew! Can’t wait! My boy always delivers. I’m never worried. Always impressed. I’m always curious though about artists having regrets. So I asked. “The main regret I have is not taking my music serious sooner than I did. I didn’t really realize my talent and gift until 2017/2018, by then I was already more than 3 projects deep. I regret not being more personal in my music sooner, I guess I was a little insecure and unsure of myself. I also regret not performing as often as I should’ve. I’m no where near rusty but that would’ve put me in a more recognized position by now, in my opinion.” Makes mad sense Bro! You’re a pro now though. Been at this for a couple years now but you got plenty more years to come. Where do you see yourself years from now? “I see myself in the best place/space I could ask for. I mean, not being super famous but still having a name, having respect from my peers, my fans and Hip-Hop legends as well. I can also see myself doing financially well and stable. I see myself inspiring a new slew of artists who just wanna be themselves and be respected. That’s where I see myself.” Sounds good to me! Y’all have to check out this dope guy and his music. You can do that by reaching out to him on his social media accounts. Facebook Music Page: E.M.G, Instagram: _evanmgantt, Twitter: Tha612Rep, SoundCloud: E.M.G, YouTube: Evan G, and Audiomack: E.M.G (Tha 612 Rep). 


Written by Jalen Hemphill

Donna Summer

LaDonna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012), widely known by her stage name Donna Summer, was an American singer, songwriter, and painter. She gained prominence during the disco era of the late 1970s. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Summer was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and charted four number-one singles in the U.S. within a 12-month period. Summer has reportedly sold over 140 million records worldwide, making her one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. She also charted two number-one singles on the R&B charts in the U.S. and a number-one in the U.K.Summer earned a total of 32 hit singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in her lifetime, with 14 of those reaching the top ten. She claimed a top 40 hit every year between 1975 and 1984, and from her first top ten hit in 1976, to the end of 1982, she had 12 top ten hits (10 were top five hits), more than any other act during that time period. She returned to the Hot 100’s top five in 1983, and claimed her final top ten hit in 1989 with “This Time I Know It’s for Real”. Her most recent Hot 100 hit came in 1999 with “I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)”. While her fortunes on the Hot 100 waned through those decades, Summer remained a force on the U.S. Dance/Club Play Songs chart over her entire career.While influenced by the counterculture of the 1960s, Summer became the lead singer of a psychedelic rock band named Crow and moved to New York City. Joining a touring version of the musical Hair, she left New York and spent several years living, acting, and singing in Europe, where she met music producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte.Summer returned to the U.S., in 1975 after the commercial success of the song “Love to Love You Baby”, which was followed by a string of other hits, such as “I Feel Love”, “Last Dance”, “MacArthur Park”, “Heaven Knows”, “Hot Stuff”, “Bad Girls”, “Dim All the Lights”, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” (duet with Barbra Streisand), and “On the Radio”. She became known as the “Queen of Disco”, while her music gained a global following.Summer died on May 17, 2012, from lung cancer, at her home in Naples, Florida. In her obituary in The Times, she was described as the “undisputed queen of the Seventies disco boom” who reached the status of “one of the world’s leading female singers.” Giorgio Moroder described Summer’s work with him on the song “I Feel Love” as “really the start of electronic dance” music. In 2013, Summer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In December 2016, Billboard Magazine ranked her as the 6th most successful dance artist of all-time.Born in the Dorchester community of Boston, she was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines, one of seven children raised by devout Christian parents. She sang in church, and as a teenager joined a rock group called The Crow. At 18, she left home and school to take up a supporting role in the Broadway musical, “Hair.” The show moved to Germany shortly afterwards and she eventually became a German resident.She settled in Munich, performed in German versions of several musicals, including “Godspell” and “Show Boat” and also performed with the Viennese Folk Opera. In 1971, she released her first solo recording in Europe titled “Sally Go ‘Round The Roses.” She then recorded the song that would make her an international breakout star, “Love to Love you Baby” in 1975.She married Austrian actor Helmuth Sommer (“Summer” is an Anglicization of his last name) in 1972 and gave birth to daughter Mimi the following year. She performed in various musical and did jobs in studios and theaters for several years, including with the pop group Family Tree from 1974-75.While singing back-up for Three Dog Night, she met producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, signed a contract and issued her first album, “Lady of the Night,” which included the European hit, “The Hostage.” The couple divorced in 1976.In 1978, she collaborated with the R&B Pop group the Brooklyn Dreams for the song “Heaven Knows.” While at the session recording the single, she met Bruce Sudano. The duo began a romance that culminated in their July 16, 1980, marriage, and later the birth of daughters Brooklyn and Amanda. Today, Mimi and Amanda sing alongside their mother and Brooklyn has done some acting. Summer is now a grandmother of three.Summer dealt with controversy both professionally and personally in her career. In the early 1980s, she reportedly suggested that AIDS was a divine punishment from God. Her songs were banned for a number of years in some gay establishments. Summer has long denied such allegations, and finally took legal action against a newspaper which printed the rumors during a review of a concert. In 1991, during the height of the Gulf War, Summer’s song “State Of Independence” was banned from US radio play.Her talent and musicianship (aided by Giorgio Moroder) are embraced as the epitome of the disco era. On September 27, 2007, Summer, was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Summer died on May 17, 2012, at her home in Naples, Florida, aged 63. The non-smoker had been diagnosed with lung cancer, which she believed was caused by inhaling toxic fumes and dust after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City.Summer was survived by her husband, Bruce Sudano; her daughters Mimi (with ex-husband Helmut Sommer), Brooklyn Sudano, and Amanda Sudano; her siblings, Ricky Gaines, Linda Gaines Lotman, Mary Ellen Bernard, Dara Bernard, and Jenette Yancey; and son-in-law Rick Dohler.

Written bu Dianne Washington

LeBron James

LeBron Raymone James Sr. (born December 30, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Often compared to Michael Jordan for the title of the greatest basketball player of all time, his accomplishments include three NBA championships, four NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVP Awards, and two Olympic gold medals. James has appeared in fifteen NBA All-Star Games and been named NBA All-Star MVP three times. He won the 2008 NBA scoring title, is the all-time NBA playoffs scoring leader, is fourth in all-time career points scored, and is ninth in all-time assists. He has been voted onto the All-NBA First Team twelve times and the All-Defensive First Team five times. James played basketball for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, where he was heavily touted by the national media as a future NBA superstar. A prep-to-pro, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 as the first overall draft pick. Named the 2003–04 NBA Rookie of the Year, he soon established himself as one of the league’s premier players; he won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2009 and 2010. After failing to win a championship with Cleveland, James left in 2010 to sign as a free agent with the Miami Heat. This move was announced in an ESPN special titled The Decision, and is one of the most controversial free agent decisions in American sports history. James won his first two NBA championships while playing for the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013; in both of these years, he also earned league MVP and Finals MVP. After his fourth season with the Heat in 2014, James opted out of his contract to re-sign with the Cavaliers. In 2016, he led the Cavaliers to victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, delivering the franchise’s first championship and ending Cleveland’s 52-year professional sports title drought. His teams appeared in the NBA Finals in eight consecutive seasons (from 2011 to 2018). In 2018, James opted out of his contract with the Cavaliers to sign with the Lakers. Off the court, James has accumulated additional wealth and fame from numerous endorsement contracts. His public life has been the subject of much scrutiny, and he has been ranked as one of America’s most influential and popular athletes. He has been featured in books, documentaries, and television commercials. He has also hosted the ESPY Awards and Saturday Night Live, and appeared in the 2015 film Trainwreck.James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio to Gloria Marie James, who was 16 at the time of his birth. His father, Anthony McClelland, has an extensive criminal record and was not involved in his life. When James was growing up, life was often a struggle for the family, as they moved from apartment to apartment in the seedier neighborhoods of Akron while Gloria struggled to find steady work. Realizing that her son would be better off in a more stable family environment, Gloria allowed him to move in with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach who introduced James to basketball when he was nine years old.James began playing organized basketball in the fifth grade. He later played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars. The team enjoyed success on a local and national level, led by James and his friends Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, and Willie McGee. The group dubbed themselves the “Fab Four” and promised each other that they would attend high school together. In a move that stirred local controversy, they chose to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private Catholic school with predominantly white students.James has three children with Savannah Brinson, his high school sweetheart: Bronny (b. 2004), Bryce (b. 2007), and Zhuri (b. 2014). James proposed to Brinson at a December 31, 2011, party celebrating New Year’s Eve and his 27th birthday, and the two were married on September 14, 2013, in San Diego, California.During his stint with the Heat, James resided in Coconut Grove, where he bought a $9 million three-story mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay. In November 2015, James bought a 9,350 square-foot (870 m2) East Coast-style mansion in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for about $21 million.Now he’s an activist and philanthropist for his people.

Written by Dianne Washington

Tyrese

Tyrese Gibson (born December 30, 1978), also known mononymously as Tyrese, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actor, author, television producer, former fashion model and MTV VJ. He played Joseph “Jody” Summers in Baby Boy, Angel Mercer in Four Brothers, Roman Pearce in the Fast and the Furious series and Robert Epps in the Transformers film series. After releasing several albums, he transitioned into films, with lead roles in several major Hollywood releases.Gibson was born and raised in Watts, Los Angeles, California. His mother, Priscilla Murray Gibson (née Durham), raised him and his three older siblings as a single parent after Gibson’s father, Tyrone Gibson, left. Gibson attended Florida A&M University. However, he has stated that this is inaccurate and he never attended FAMU.Gibson’s career began when he auditioned for a Coca Cola commercial at the suggestion of his high school music teacher. An appearance in a 1994 Coca-Cola advertisement, singing the phrase “Always Coca-Cola”, led to bigger fame. It led him to other appearances for Guess and Tommy Hilfiger.In early 1998, Gibson was signed as an artist to early RCA Records. Afterwards, he released his debut single “Nobody Else”. It quickly rose on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #36. On September 29, 1998, he released his self-titled album Tyrese at the age of 19. It debuted on the Billboard charts at #17. In late 1998, Gibson became the new host of the weekday music video show MTV Jams on MTV and a host and VJ for the channel. Afterwards, he released the second single from the album “Lately”. It made it to #56 on the Billboard charts. Then, the album’s third single and highest charting single “Sweet Lady” became the album’s biggest hit, reaching #9 on the R&B charts. The single earned Gibson a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. The album eventually went on to be certified Platinum. Gibson along with singers Ginuwine, RL of Next and Case were featured on the soundtrack of The Best Man on the single “The Best Man I Can Be”.On May 22, 2001, Gibson released his second studio album, 2000 Watts. The first single off the album was “I Like Them Girls,” which reached #15 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The album went on to be certified Gold, selling over 500,000 copies. The third single off the album, “Just a Baby Boy,” with Snoop Dogg and Mr. Tan, was featured on the soundtrack to the film Baby Boy, Gibson’s first major acting role.After RCA Records was disbanded Gibson went on to sign to J Records. There he released his third studio album I Wanna Go There on December 10, 2002. His first single from the album and arguably his most successful single to date “How You Gonna Act Like That” debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #7.On December 12, 2006, Gibson released his fourth studio album Alter Ego, his first double disc album. It was also his first album in which he debuts his rapping persona. The first single off the album was “One” debuting on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #26. The album itself is considered Gibson’s lowest selling album to date. In 2007, Gibson, Ginuwine and Tank founded TGT.After taking time from music to focus on his family and his highly successful acting career, Gibson decided it was time to return to music. In 2011, he signed himself and his newly founded label Voltron Recordz to EMI and announced he was working on a new album titled Open Invitation. On August 16, 2011, Gibson released the lead single “Stay”.the music video for the single featured fellow actor, friend and Baby Boy co-star Taraji P. Henson. It peaked on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #11. The second single “Too Easy” featured fellow actor, friend and rapper Ludacris. It peaked on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #38. The third single “Nothing On You” peaked on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #61. Open Invitation was released on November 1, 2011. It debuted on the US Billboard 200 albums chart at #9, sold 130,000 copies in its first week and has gone on to sell over 400,000 copies. In 2013, the album earned Gibson his third Grammy nomination at the 2013 Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album.In early 2013, it was announced and confirmed after much speculation that Gibson, Ginuwine, and Tank would be releasing their debut collaboration album, to be distributed by Atlantic Records. On April 10, 2013, Gibson announced that he is working on a new album titled Black Rose, expected to be released some time in 2014. It will serve as Gibson’s final studio album. It will be a double album set to be released in the summer of 2015. On July 10, 2015, Black Rose was released and had debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 77,000 copies, making it Gibson’s first number one album of his career.Gibson rose to prominence as an actor when he starred in John Singleton’s Baby Boy in 2001.Gibson has a recurring role in two of the highest-grossing film series: The Fast and the Furious and Transformers.On May 8, 2012, Gibson released his first book, titled How to Get Out of Your Own Way. It went on to be a New York Times best seller. On February 5, 2013, Gibson co-authored his second book along with close personal friend Rev. Run titled Manology: Secrets of Your Man’s Mind Revealed, which also went on to be a New York Times best seller.Gibson was married to Norma Mitchell from 2007 to 2009, and the couple had one child, daughter Shayla, born July 11, 2007. He married Samantha Lee on February 14, 2017.Right about now, he’s divorced and single with custody of his beloved daughter.

Written by Dianne Washington

Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Sphere “T. S.” Monk III was born on this date in 1949.He is a Black jazz drummer, composer and bandleader. Born in New York City, he is the son of jazz pianist Thelonious Monk and Nellie Monk. He began his music career early in his life, honing his skills throughout the 1970s. Monk’s destiny was sealed when Art Blakey gave him his first drum set at the age of 15, and began lessons with Max Roach.After earning a reputation in school as a rabble-rouser (and graduating), the young Monk joined his father’s trio and toured with his dad until the elder Monk’s retirement in 1975. Monk then launched into the music that had captivated him and his generation, R&B. He first toured with a group called Natural Essence and afterward, along with his sister Barbara, formed his own band. By the dawning of the 1980s, he had formed his eponymous band, which featured him on drums and occasional lead vocals.The group’s début album, 1980’s House of Music, placed singles on the Billboard R&B chart, including “Bon Bon Vie (Gimme the Good Life)”, which featured Monk on lead vocals, and “Candidate for Love”. The band went on to release two more albums throughout the early 1980s. The band broke up shortly thereafter. Shortly after his father died in 1982, his sister, Barbara, died of cancer in 1984. To honor his father’s legacy and support the efforts of education, Monk created the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.Monk received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual “Recording of the Year” award and Downbeats’ 63rd annual Album of the Year Reader’s Choice Award for Monk on Monk. This is the “80th Anniversary Birthday Tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk” featuring 20 guest artists including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, and Howard Johnson. Under the guidance of Monk in 1996 and 1998, the Thelonious Monk Institute gathered for ‘A Celebration of America’s Music’ hosted by Bill Cosby and featuring Natalie Cole, Jon Secada, Tony Bennett, k.d. lang, as well as Thelonious performing his father’s signature tune, “‘Round Midnight”, with Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, and Nnenna Freelon.

Written by Dianne Washington