Tag: PJ Morton

  • AFRAM Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Black Music

    Get ready, Baltimore! Festival season is in full swing, and this Juneteenth weekend, the city is set to host a monumental celebration of African American culture and music. AFRAM, the largest free African American-focused festival on the East Coast, is celebrating its incredible 50th anniversary, and they’re pulling out all the stops!

    A Star-Studded Lineup for a Golden Anniversary

    This year’s AFRAM festival, running from Friday, June 19th, through Sunday, June 21st, in Baltimore’s historic Druid Hill Park, promises three days packed with incredible talent. Headlining the event is the legendary Charlie Wilson, ready to bring his signature soulful sound and dazzling stage presence. Fans can expect a journey through his extensive catalog, from his iconic Gap Band days to his chart-topping solo hits.

    The celebration doesn’t stop there! The lineup also features the iconic ’90s R&B group SWV, the hard-hitting hip-hop trio The Lox, and Baltimore’s own R&B sensation Mario. Get ready to sing along with Tamia, who’s sure to deliver a show-stopping performance, and dance to the infectious beats of dance music legend Ultra Naté.

    New Music and Local Flavor

    Adding to the excitement, PJ Morton will be performing new music from his double album “Saturday Night, Sunday Morning,” which drops on Juneteenth itself! Contemporary R&B stars Normani and Chlöe Bailey are also set to deliver energetic sets, while smooth crooner J Brown will bring his mellow soul vibes to the stage.

    Baltimore and the surrounding DMV area will be well-represented, with local artists like R&B diva Lil Mo, singer Paula Campbell, and multi-instrumentalist Brandon Woody (with a touch of jazz) joining the festivities. This commitment to local talent alongside national stars truly embodies the spirit of AFRAM.

    • Headliner: Charlie Wilson
    • R&B Icons: SWV, Tamia, Mario, Normani, Chlöe Bailey
    • Hip-Hop Heat: The Lox
    • New Music: PJ Morton
    • Smooth Soul: J Brown
    • Dance Legend: Ultra Naté
    • Local Baltimore Talent: Lil Mo, Paula Campbell, Brandon Woody

    A Festival for Everyone

    True to its tradition, AFRAM 2026 remains completely free to attend, open to all ages, and offers something for the entire family – or as attendees affectionately call it, the “AFRAMily.” It’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the unifying power of music.

    If you’re looking for an unforgettable Juneteenth weekend filled with incredible music and vibrant culture, make plans to be in Baltimore for AFRAM 2026. Visit the official AFRAM website for more details and to plan your visit.

    Are you planning to attend AFRAM 2026? Which artist are you most excited to see? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Erica & Warryn Campbell Renew Vows After 25 Years

    Love, faith, and commitment truly stand the test of time! Gospel superstar Erica Campbell and her husband, producer and pastor Warryn Campbell, recently celebrated a monumental milestone: 25 years of marriage. And how did they mark this incredible occasion? By reaffirming their commitment with a beautiful vow renewal ceremony!

    A Testament to Enduring Love

    The heartfelt ceremony took place on May 16th at their spiritual home, the California Worship Center in San Fernando, California. Surrounded by family, friends, and over 600 guests, the event was more than just a renewal of vows; it was a powerful testimony to perseverance, grace, and enduring love after a quarter-century together.

    Erica and Warryn, who originally tied the knot in 2001, have openly shared the joys and challenges of their marriage, from navigating ministry and music to parenting and public life. Their journey together is an inspiration, proving that lasting love requires daily effort.

    A Star-Studded Celebration

    Erica looked absolutely radiant in a custom beaded mermaid gown designed by Nigerian bridal designer Nneka C. Alexander of Brides by NoNA. The celebration was further elevated by the presence of notable guests, including music legends Stevie Wonder and PJ Morton, adding an extra layer of magic to the unforgettable evening.

    The soundtrack for the night was a reflection of the couple’s journey, featuring songs tied to meaningful moments throughout their relationship. It was a beautiful way to honor their shared history and the love that continues to grow.

    Lasting love does not happen by accident. It requires faith, forgiveness, growth, and the decision to keep showing up for one another every single day. — MadameNoire

    As Erica and Warryn celebrate 25 years, their vow renewal serves as a powerful reminder that true partnership is built on a foundation of faith, forgiveness, and a daily commitment to each other. Congratulations to the happy couple!

    What are your thoughts on Erica and Warryn Campbell’s vow renewal? Share your well wishes in the comments below!

  • Cardi B Leads 2026 BET Awards With 6 Nominations

    Get ready for the 2026 BET Awards! Cardi B is making a major statement this year, dominating the nominations with a remarkable six nods. The Bronx superstar is set to be a big winner, recognized in categories like Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Album of the Year for “Am I The Drama?”, and the brand-new Fashion Vanguard Award.

    Cardi B: A Fashion and Music Powerhouse

    The introduction of the Fashion Vanguard Award is particularly fitting for Cardi B. This accolade honors global figures whose style has had a significant cultural impact, influencing fashion narratives and elevating it as a form of storytelling. Cardi has certainly made her mark, with high-profile fashion collaborations with brands like Marc Jacobs and Fashion Nova, and recently becoming the Global Brand Ambassador for luxury resale platform FASHIONPHILE.

    Her BET Awards nominations cap off an already stellar year. Cardi’s “Little Miss Drama Tour” was a massive success, grossing $70 million and selling out all 35 North American dates, making it the highest-grossing debut arena tour by a female rapper ever. Her album, “Am I The Drama?”, also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and quickly achieved double platinum status, making her the first female rapper with two studio albums to debut at the top of the chart.

    Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist Follow Closely

    Hot on Cardi B’s heels are rap superstar Kendrick Lamar and R&B/Pop artist Mariah the Scientist, both securing five nominations each. Lamar is recognized in key categories like Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips” with Clipse. Mariah the Scientist earned nods for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Video of the Year, highlighting her growing presence in the music scene.

    Both artists have had significant achievements this year. Mariah the Scientist received the Rising Star Award at the Billboard Women in Music event, while Kendrick Lamar’s five Grammy wins, including Record of the Year for “Luther” with SZA, brought his career total to 27, making him the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history.

    Other Notable Nominees and New Categories

    Several other artists received multiple nominations, including Doja Cat, Olivia Dean, and Latto with four nods each. Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Metro Boomin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, T.I., and YK Niece each garnered three nominations. In film categories, Michael B. Jordan, Teyana Taylor, and Delroy Lindo are recognized for their work in “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another.”

    This year also introduces “The Pulse Award,” celebrating creators, campaigns, or content series that powerfully moved Black culture forward in digital spaces. Nominees include popular podcasts and online shows like the “85 South Show” and “It Is What It Is.” Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, expressed pride in honoring the evolution of Black culture across various platforms.

    • Cardi B leads with 6 nominations.
    • Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow with 5 nominations each.
    • New categories include Fashion Vanguard Award and The Pulse Award.
    • Michael B. Jordan, Teyana Taylor, and Delroy Lindo nominated in film categories.
    • The BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT from Los Angeles.

    Who are you rooting for at the 2026 BET Awards? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

  • New Music Friday: 50 Hip-Hop & R&B Releases

    Happy New Music Friday! If you’re looking to refresh your playlist for the weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Today is packed with incredible new tracks and albums from some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats. Get ready to dive in!

    Featured Hip-Hop & R&B Drops

    This week’s releases are stacked with star power. Kehlani teams up with the legendary Missy Elliott for “Back and Forth,” promising a track that’s sure to be a vibe. Chris Brown is back with “Obvious,” and DJ Khaled enlists Future and Lil Baby for “One of Them.” Snoop Dogg is keeping the West Coast energy alive with his new project, “10 Til’ Midnight.”

    BossMan Dlow drops his album ‘Chicken Talkin Bastard,’ while Lady Gaga and Doechii join forces on “Runway.” Gucci Mane adds to the buzz with “CRASH DUMMY,” and Lupe Fiasco delivers “CRASH OUT.” Don’t miss Kelela’s “idea 1” and Destin Conrad’s new project, ‘wHIMSY!’.

    More Must-Hear Tracks

    Jack Harlow is back with “Say Hello,” and Skrilla features YoungBoy Never Broke Again on “Free 40.” DaBaby brings the energy with “Don Julio Lemonade,” while Dess Dior releases her project ‘Note To Self.’ PJ Morton offers “Mercy,” and AZ collaborates with Mumu Fresh on “So High.”

    Isaia Huron’s ‘Mr. Lovebomb,’ Joyner Lucas’s ‘ADHD 2 (Reloaded),’ and .idk.’s “C.O.P” featuring Eric André are also on the radar. REASON drops “Humble’Em,” DJ Muggs and T.F present ‘Don’t Call Me Lucky,’ and Blxst features Big Sad 1900 on “Day After Day.”

    A Diverse Mix of Sounds

    The list continues with Wesley Joseph featuring Jorja Smith on “July,” Isaiah Rashad’s “SAME SH!T,” and MARCO PLUS’s “Windows 98.” Tink’s new project is ‘Fuck, Marry, Kill,’ and Fergie Baby teams up with Cam’ron for the “Harlem River Drive (Remix).” Lemmy and Offset connect on “Where The Baddies,” and Buddy releases ‘Simmie Sims III.’

    HDBeenDope offers an extended version of “Figure Four,” TKandz presents “WORK OF ART,” and Maliibu Miitch features PC on “BBM.” Simone Ashley’s ‘Songs I Wrote In New York’ and Bay Swag’s “Dealership” are also worth checking out. Big Boogie and Kstylis collaborate on “Twerk It,” while Fetty P Franklin drops “Zelle Money” and Momo Boyd releases ‘Miss Michigan.’

    Brandy Haze questions if “If You See Me Out In Public Then It Might Be AI,” and Icewear Vezzo joins Mellow Buckzz on “I Like.” Kenyon Dixon shares “Talk You Through It,” PaperRoute Woo drops “Da Ghetto Part,” and Chase & Status feature Lancey Foux on “Homework.”

    JAE5 collaborates with Skepta, Skillibeng, and Lojay on “MINK SB.” Ovrkast. and Niontay present “Wata,” and Myles Smith releases ‘My Mess.’ DreamDoll drops the “Clockin It Freestyle,” Taj Mahal shares “Wild About My Lovin’,” and H3adband features DaBaby on “She Can Get It.” Deante Hitchcock’s “Electric Revival” and Denise Julia’s “2Good4U” round out this massive list.

    • Kehlani Feat. Missy Elliott – “Back and Forth”
    • Chris Brown – “Obvious”
    • DJ Khaled, Future, Lil Baby – “One of Them”
    • Snoop Dogg – ’10 Til’ Midnight’
    • BossMan Dlow – ‘Chicken Talkin Bastard’
    • Lady Gaga, Doechii – “Runway”
    • Gucci Mane – “CRASH DUMMY”
    • Lupe Fiasco – “CRASH OUT”
    • Kelela – “idea 1”
    • Destin Conrad – ‘wHIMSY!’
    • Jack Harlow – “Say Hello”
    • Skrilla Feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “Free 40”
    • DaBaby – “Don Julio Lemonade”
    • Dess Dior – ‘Note To Self’
    • PJ Morton – “Mercy”
    • AZ Feat. Mumu Fresh – “So High”
    • Isaia Huron – ‘Mr. Lovebomb’
    • Joyner Lucas – ‘ADHD 2 (Reloaded)’
    • .idk. Feat. Eric André – “C.O.P”
    • REASON – “Humble’Em”
    • DJ Muggs, T.F – ‘Don’t Call Me Lucky’
    • Blxst Feat. Big Sad 1900 – “Day After Day”
    • Wesley Joseph Feat. Jorja Smith – “July”
    • Isaiah Rashad – “SAME SH!T”
    • MARCO PLUS – “Windows 98”
    • Tink – ‘Fuck, Marry, Kill’
    • Fergie Baby Feat. Cam’ron – “Harlem River Drive (Remix)”
    • Lemmy Feat. Offset – “Where The Baddies”
    • Buddy – ‘Simmie Sims III’
    • HDBeenDope – “Figure Four (Extended)”
    • TKandz – “WORK OF ART”
    • Maliibu Miitch Feat. PC – “BBM”
    • Simone Ashley – ‘Songs I Wrote In New York’
    • Bay Swag – “Dealership”
    • Big Boogie Feat. Kstylis – “Twerk It”
    • Fetty P Franklin – “Zelle Money”
    • Momo Boyd – ‘Miss Michigan’
    • Brandy Haze – “If You See Me Out In Public Then It Might Be AI”
    • Icewear Vezzo, Mellow Buckzz – “I Like”
    • Kenyon Dixon – “Talk You Through It”
    • PaperRoute Woo – “Da Ghetto Part”
    • Chase & Status Feat. Lancey Foux – “Homework”
    • JAE5 Feat. Skepta, Skillibeng, Lojay – “MINK SB”
    • Ovrkast., Niontay – “Wata”
    • Myles Smith – ‘My Mess’
    • DreamDoll – “Clockin It Freestyle”
    • Taj Mahal – “Wild About My Lovin’”
    • H3adband Feat. DaBaby – “She Can Get It”
    • Deante Hitchcock – “Electric Revival”
    • Denise Julia – “2Good4U”

    Which of these new releases are you adding to your playlist first? Let us know your top picks in the comments below!

  • New Music Friday: 50 Hip-Hop & R&B Releases

    Happy New Music Friday! If you’re looking to refresh your playlist for the weekend, you’ve come to the right place. VIBE has curated a list of the hottest Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats releases dropping today. Get ready to discover your new favorite tracks and albums!

    Hip-Hop Heavyweights Drop New Tunes

    The Hip-Hop world is buzzing with new music. Meek Mill is back with “600 Racks,” promising that signature energy we love. Key Glock drops “Loco,” and Dave East delivers ‘EASTMIX, Vol 3,’ offering more of his gritty storytelling. Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y team up again for ‘Roofless Records For Drop Tops: Disc 1,’ perfect for cruising. YG features Ty Dolla $ign on “Teach You How To Luh Me,” while Joyner Lucas links up with YoungBoy Never Broke Again for “Deep End.”

    Earl Sweatshirt and Surf Gang present “Home on the Range // Back Home,” and Swae Lee offers up ‘SAME DIFFERENCE.’ Yeat’s new track “Naked” is here, alongside Chxrry’s ‘Hall of Fame.’ Trippie Red collaborates with Young Thug on “Paperbag Boy,” and Nems teams up with Ron Browz for “First48.” Brent Faiyaz adds “four seasons” to the mix, and Tory Lanez releases ‘LOL: SLUTTY BASS.’

    Further adding to the Hip-Hop lineup, 2 Chainz and Statik Selektah drop “Pops.” DDG features Polo G on “Not Friendly.” Cheryl “Salt” James returns with “Diamonds In The Light,” and 2BYG offers “Be Mine.” Red Cafe and Max B connect on “Wish Me Well,” while Sheff G drops “Him.” Miles Minnick’s ‘Somersville’ is out, and 42 Dugg shares “Goin Through It.” The collective 41 releases ‘Area 41,’ and Nine Vicious drops ‘EMOTIONS.’

    Rounding out the Hip-Hop releases are floweroflove’s “American Wedding,” Rich The Kid featuring Zeddy Will on “Back Up,” That Mexican OT’s “Still Virgil,” and Sekou’s “Dangerous Lover.” Ski Mask the Slump God delivers “BreakTheRules!,” Paul Wall reflects on “RIP Old Me,” and Johnny Venus shares “I Want You Back.” K-Trap featuring G Herbo on “Change,” JaYy Wick’s “How You Doin,” and VINSON featuring Bruiser Wolf on “On The Low” are also must-listens.

    Smooth R&B Vibes and More

    For the R&B lovers, PJ Morton’s “Mutual” is a standout track. India Shawn brings “Rain On Me,” and Hil St. Soul offers “Nasalifya.” Black Fortune’s ‘Road To Osshland IV’ is here, and Luna Elle featuring Foggieraw remixes “AMPM.” BBYKOBE drops “NO HOMEGIRLS,” Ealuhri presents “WIMPY KID,” and Poiison shares “Stupid.” C Stunna’s “Born To Stunt” and MarcLo’s “Haze” round out the R&B selections.

    Don’t Forget Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats!

    While the focus is heavily on Hip-Hop and R&B, keep an ear out for other genres. Blvk H3ro’s “Stepping Hot” brings a Reggae/Dancehall flavor, and The ARTI$t’s ‘DND’ offers something fresh. M-Dot featuring Kore and Byna on “Daydreaming,” Myaap’s “Reaper,” and Quail P’s “Wouldn’t Try Again” add further variety to this massive New Music Friday.

    • Meek Mill – “600 Racks”
    • PJ Morton – “Mutual”
    • Key Glock – “Loco”
    • Thundercat – ‘Distracted’
    • Dave East – ‘EASTMIX, Vol 3’
    • Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y – ‘Roofless Records For Drop Tops: Disc 1’
    • YG Feat. Ty Dolla $ign – “Teach You How To Luh Me”
    • Joyner Lucas Feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “Deep End”
    • Earl Sweatshirt, Surf Gang – “Home on the Range // Back Home”
    • Swae Lee – ‘SAME DIFFERENCE’
    • Yeat – “Naked”
    • Chxrry – ‘Hall of Fame’
    • Trippie Red Feat. Young Thug – “Paperbag Boy”
    • Nems, Ron Browz – “First48”
    • Brent Faiyaz – “four seasons”
    • Tory Lanez – ‘LOL: SLUTTY BASS’
    • 2 Chainz, Statik Selektah – “Pops”
    • DDG Feat. Polo G – “Not Friendly”
    • Cheryl “Salt” James – “Diamonds In The Light”
    • 2BYG – “Be Mine”
    • Red Cafe Feat. Max B – “Wish Me Well”
    • Sheff G – “Him”
    • Miles Minnick – ‘Somersville’
    • 42 Dugg – “Goin Through It”
    • 41 – ‘Area 41’
    • Nine Vicious – ‘EMOTIONS’
    • floweroflove – “American Wedding”
    • Rich The Kid Feat. Zeddy Will – “Back Up”
    • That Mexican OT – “Still Virgil”
    • Sekou – “Dangerous Lover”
    • Ski Mask the Slump God – “BreakTheRules!”
    • Paul Wall – “RIP Old Me”
    • Johnny Venus – “I Want You Back”
    • K-Trap Feat. G Herbo – “Change”
    • JaYy Wick – “How You Doin”
    • VINSON Feat. Bruiser Wolf – “On The Low”
    • Blvk H3ro – “Stepping Hot”
    • The ARTI$t – ‘DND’
    • M-Dot Feat. Kore, Byna – “Daydreaming”
    • Myaap – “Reaper”
    • Quail P – “Wouldn’t Try Again”
    • India Shawn – “Rain On Me”
    • Hil St. Soul – “Nasalifya”
    • Black Fortune – ‘Road To Osshland IV’
    • Luna Elle Feat. Foggieraw – “AMPM (Remix)”
    • BBYKOBE – “NO HOMEGIRLS”
    • Ealuhri – “WIMPY KID”
    • Poiison – “Stupid”
    • C Stunna – “Born To Stunt”
    • MarcLo – “Haze”

    Which of these new releases are you adding to your playlist first? Let us know your top picks in the comments below!

  • Baltimore Welcomes Black Women for Girls’ Trips

    Baltimore is rolling out the welcome mat, especially for Black women! Mayor Brandon Scott is making a special appeal for Black women to choose Charm City as their next destination for girls’ trips, festival weekends, and relaxing getaways. He emphasizes that Baltimore is a place where Black women are not only welcomed but celebrated and supported.

    A Haven for Black Women Travelers

    Mayor Scott understands the immense power and economic impact of Black domestic travel. Recent research shows Black travelers spend billions annually, with Black women being a significant contributor. He noted during CIAA weekend, “Black women carry the world. You need to rest.” He believes Baltimore offers the perfect blend of relaxation, delicious food like crab cakes, and a vibrant atmosphere where Black women can truly feel at home amongst their people.

    Unlike some destinations that may not fully appreciate the presence and spending power of Black women, Baltimore aims to be a place where their contributions are valued. Scott stated, “We want Black women in Baltimore, because they know they all will be loved and supported here.”

    Celebrating Black Culture Year-Round

    Baltimore is already a hub for Black culture, famously hosting the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) tournament, which Scott described as a “Black family reunion.” This event alone brings millions into the city, with Black women showing up in full force, proudly representing their HBCU affiliations and enjoying the festivities.

    But the celebration doesn’t stop there. Scott highlighted other key events perfect for Black women’s travel. He encouraged visits during Juneteenth weekend for a vibrant celebration and enthusiastically promoted the city’s AFRAM festival (June 19-21). This festival, free to the public, removes financial barriers and features a diverse lineup catering to all generations, from hip-hop legends like The Lox and Uncle Charlie Wilson to contemporary artists like Chloe Bailey and PJ Morton.

    A Thriving Hub for Black Women Entrepreneurs

    Baltimore is also home to a dynamic landscape of Black-owned businesses, many of which are owned and operated by Black women. These entrepreneurs are creating unique experiences and delicious offerings for the community. From craft cocktails and plant care education at Stem & Vine to the culinary delights of Urban Oyster and Yeiboh Kitchen, Black women are making their mark.

    Jamyla Bennu’s Oyin Handmade, in partnership with Hotel Revival, ensures inclusive personal care options for tourists with natural hair and dry skin. Mayor Scott beams when discussing these entrepreneurs, recognizing them as the backbone of the city. He stressed the critical need to support Black women in business, especially in challenging economic times, stating, “We have to double down on lifting them up.”

    Supporting Black Talent and Creativity

    The city also champions Black women’s creativity. Lena Waithe’s play “Trinity” recently debuted at the Baltimore Center Stage, drawing audiences from across the country. Mayor Scott emphasized, “When you talk about Baltimore, you talk about its history, you talk about who moves this city. You’re talking about Black women.”

    Scott’s personal journey is a testament to the power and influence of Black women. He credits his wife, mother, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and former City Hall boss, Mayor Rollins Blake, a Black woman, for his success. His message is clear: supporting and uplifting Black women is not just a priority for Baltimore, it’s a responsibility.

    Does Baltimore sound like your next girls’ trip destination? What are you most excited to experience there? Share your thoughts in the comments!