Rob Base, one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock and the voice behind the genre-crossing 1988 anthem It Takes Two, passed away on May 22, 2026, at age 59 after a private battle with cancer.
Black music
Posted inMusic
New Edition Wins Fan Vote but Falls Short of 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
New Edition Rock Hall omission despite leading the fan vote with over one million votes sparks frustration as the 2026 induction class is announced without the Boston R&B legends.
Posted inOn the Radar
Drummer, Educator, and Griot Kevin Washington Is Keeping Black Music Alive in Minnesota
Kevin Washington modern griot and Walker West Music Academy educator joins MSR On the Radar to discuss Black music, teaching and his renewed mission as a drummer and bandleader.
Posted inOpinion
How Bad Bunny became famous by gentrifying Black music
The Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show has sparked debate over reggaeton’s Black roots and how global commercialization reshapes cultural ownership.
Posted inArts + Culture
Nominees Announced for the 57th NAACP Image Awards as Black Excellence Takes Center Stage
Nominees for the 57th NAACP Image Awards have been announced, with public voting now open ahead of the February 28 live broadcast celebrating Black excellence.
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo, Soul Visionary and Reluctant Icon, Dies at 51
D’Angelo, the trailblazing artist whose sound reshaped modern R&B, has died at 51 after a private battle with cancer. From “Brown Sugar” to “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” his live, groove-rich music and fearless artistry influenced a generation and expanded what Black music could be.
Posted inMusic
Sounds of Blackness releases youth-powered anthem “WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE”
Sounds of Blackness releases “WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE,” a youth-driven anthem of resilience and movement featuring Jamecia Bennett, NUNNABOVE, and Atlanta Drum Academy.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Carbon Sound aims to bolster appreciation of Black music
‘The goal of my show is to brighten people’s day and make it a little bit better.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Black history reflections and Valentine offerings
It’s Black History Month, so let’s highlight, honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans and upcoming offerings.