Stevie Wonder turns 75: a look back
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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Anthony Mackie hails 'beautiful human' Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Anthony Mackie remembers Malcolm-Jamal Warner as a "beautiful human being". The actor died, aged 54, from accidental drowning on July 20, and Anthony has now paid a glowing tribute to his showbiz pal, who was best known for playing Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show. The Hollywood star told People: "I'm proud to say Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a friend of mine." Anthony recalled having lots of memorable conversations with the late actor. Anthony - who is, perhaps, best-known for playing Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - said: "He's somebody that I knew and spent time with, and just was such a beautiful human being. "And every time I was around him, I was able to take full advantage of those conversations and that time. That, for me, is the most important thing." In July, Stevie Wonder admitted that his "heart is broken" following the actor's death. The 75-year-old singer admitted to feeling devastated by the news. He told TMZ: "My heart is broken because not only was he a talented man growing up and doing The Cosby Show, but even more important his commitment was telling the story, the truth. "And for me, in a time where we have so many in high places telling low-down lies, we need the truth. So yeah, I miss him. "I hope that the writers, the singers, rappers will begin to spread messages of positivity, of hope, and us moving this world forward. I'm quiet, but my heart is hurting." The music icon went on to make a cultural comparison between the late actor and West African traditions. He said: "I don't know if you know what a 'grio' is, a 'griot.' It's like the African who told the stories in the various villages would have the griot. Whenever a griot would die, it would be like a whole library of information burning." According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: "An African tribal storyteller and musician is called a griot. The griot's role was to preserve the genealogies and oral traditions of the tribe."
Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Boston Globe
From R&B to biotech, Aloe Blacc knows how to raise spirits
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Blacc is now back in the business world, but not as an underling. His Major Inc. biotech firm focuses on oncology and infectious disease prevention. He recently spoke with the Globe via Zoom from his native Southern California. Advertisement Q. You have such a distinctive and recognizable vocal sound. Was that natural or intentional? A. What happened was that I tried a million different styles. My first debut solo album was called 'Shine Through,' and I sang in multiple styles. And then on my second album, which was 'Good Things,' I sort of focused on folk-soul. And because folk-soul took off from a commercial standpoint, I've used that as my voice over my career, but I still play with a whole range of styles and voices. Advertisement Q. You started in underground rap, and early in your career, when you were on Stones Throw Records, you performed for Boston hip-hop promoter A. It was a long transition, but it was largely inspired by the songs that I was sampling for hip-hop. I was listening to Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone. Listening to these artists encouraged me to use my skill with language in a different way, and to challenge myself to combine melody with ability to rhyme at the end of the line. Q. The vocalist on one of Avicii's other huge hits, ' A. I generally write all the songs that I sing. For this particular song I came in with some lyrics, and as I was listening to the guitar progression, I just invented a melody that worked for these lyrics. And Tim [Bergling] — Avicii — put together a great production around that acoustic demo. It was a huge moment for me when the song did so well. I was lucky to be able to have this collaboration where I could extend my lyrics and my voice and my thoughts to so many more people. Q. A few years ago you put out an acoustic version, and it's also Advertisement A. Once the song started gaining a lot of popularity, I thought: This is an opportunity to tell an important story. I'm a first-generation American, so the story of immigrants is something that is intimately relevant. And so I created a music video that spoke about humanizing folks that are just looking for a better life. Q. Your songs are usually written from a very universal perspective, but on your new LP, 'Stand Together,' there's one that seems more overtly political called ' A. That was inspired by the relationship I had with my mentor Q. You sang a tribute to Charley Pride on the A. I've always been a fan of traditional country songwriting, and I feel like some of the very best, most thoughtful writers spend their nine-to-five in a writing room in Nashville. If we could get those folks writing for more of the pop artists, you'd have much better songs with great production, instead of just great production with OK songs. Q. There are those who've seen you in a suit singing conscious soul music and pegged you as a retro act. 'Stand Together' has a very contemporary production and mixes in sounds from Advertisement A. No, I don't care! I'm happy to be in any box. Just make sure there's enough people in that box to have some fun and we can do a concert! ALOE BLACC At City Winery, 80 Beverly St., Boston, Aug. 7, shows at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $45-$65. Interview was edited and condensed. Noah Schaffer can be reached at .
Black America Web
4 days ago
- Black America Web
Sentury Talks Inspiration and New Music at Urban 1 Summit
Source: Reach Media / Urban One At the Urban 1 Summit, R&B group Sentury gave us a closer look at their craft, inspirations, and upcoming projects during an exclusive interview. The group's energy and passion for bringing timeless R&B vibes to the forefront were palpable, making it clear why they call themselves 'the next leaders of the new century of R&B. 'Marking Time' in Music When asked about the origins of their name, the group members shared a deeper significance. 'The name means marking time—this is our era to make our mark,' said one member, emphasizing that Sentury carries the torch for a genre steeped in history. Bridging the gap between 'progressive R&B' and 'soulful traditions,' they aim to honor legends like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson while carving out their own niche in today's music landscape. Current Hits and What's Next Their latest single, Only Human , has captivated listeners with its raw emotion and relatability. But the quartet isn't slowing down. They revealed their next single, Forever , dropping just in time for the holidays. This love anthem celebrates family, marriage, and deep bonds. 'It's the perfect track to take your relationship to the next level,' they hinted. READ MORE STORIES: Giveon Reveals 'Beloved' Album Secrets at Urban 1 Summit Trevor Jackson Talks New Music 'Friend of a Friend' at Urban 1 Summit Mya Talks New Music, Career, and Future Projects at the Urban 1 Summit A Journey Rooted in Icons Sentury radiates respect for music's foundations. Drawing inspiration from Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, and Motown classics, they blend these influences seamlessly into their sound. 'R&B is everything, from soul to melody to progression,' one member explained. 'It's life.' Music with Meaning Beyond pleasing melodies, Sentury aims to connect on a human level. 'Life is about vulnerability and accountability,' shared another member, summing up their approach to creating tracks that resonate universally. Be sure to check out Sentury's latest project With Forever dropping soon. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
