by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2026

Suno CEO Reveals How ‘Comfortable’ The Music Industry Is Becoming With AI-Generated Content

The CEO of a leading AI music platform says a “market shift” is underway, with more artists and producers using AI to shape their sound.

What began as skepticism and criticism of AI’s growing role in music is now giving way to a noticeable “market shift” toward broader acceptance, industry insiders say.

Mikey Shulman, CEO and co-founder of Suno, a leader in AI music generation, says he’s already seeing more artists and industry figures embrace AI in music creation—marking a shift that has accelerated in just the past few months compared to the end of last year.

“I don’t meet a lot of producers and songwriters who aren’t using Suno at least a little bit in their workflows,” Shulman told the Hollywood Reporter. “I think people are starting to be a little more comfortable being public and upfront about their use, and most importantly, I think a bit more optimistic about the future. It’s not everyone, but there’s definitely a market shift.”

The shift follows early industry backlash that led to lawsuits from major labels accusing platforms like Suno and Udio of using music catalogs without permission to train AI models. Some cases have since been settled, with companies like Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group striking deals to allow only authorized content.

Suno has also worked to build trust by hosting initiatives such as a Grammy Week songwriting camp in Hollywood, which brought together artists, executives, and songwriters to demonstrate how AI can support the creative process.

“We were there and are there to listen a lot and learn and also show,” Shulman said of the camp.

Led by Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, the writers used Suno to generate fully produced tracks from simple prompts within minutes, then added live instrumentation for a human touch. Shulman said the process shows how AI enhances, not replaces, talented musicians’ creativity.

“You hang around for one hour, it’s very apparent that the best creatives in the world make better sh-t with these things than us mere mortals do,” Shulman said.

Now, creativity is playing out among everyday users on platforms like TikTok, where people regularly remix, speed up, and rework songs. He says it highlights a simple truth: “Everybody is creative. Everybody has the drive to make something.”

“In the future, people will be creating a lot more, and that means interacting with music in new ways,” he said. “And of course, that means interacting with the music of their favorite artists in new ways.”

Tatiana Cirisano, a music industry analyst at Midia Research, said she’s “pleasantly surprised” by how the industry has handled AI so far, adding that music may be better prepared than film and TV, since AI is largely accelerating challenges it has already faced for years.

Still, some remain skeptical. Songwriter Autumn Rowe, who has worked with artists like Jon Batiste, Dua Lipa, and Ava Max, has seen peers use Suno to create demos that later land with artists. She’s begun experimenting with it herself by remixing older, unreleased songs, but worries the process could dilute the authenticity of songwriting.

“I’ve got concerns with AI, I worry about younger writers who use Suno before they’ve spent the many, many hours crafting songs,” Rowe said. “But I do think AI in music will keep getting more prominent, and I think it could help writers get more leverage if they can do a lot of that production early themselves.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 15, 2026

J. Cole’s Basketball Career Ends After 1 Game

An issue with his visa forced him to return to the States

After resuming his professional basketball career by signing with the Chinese Basketball Association, hip-hop recording artist J. Cole announced that he would no longer play in the league after appearing in one game.

The Born Sinner lyricist wrote to his fans on his personal blog, The Algorithm, and explained why his sports stint had swiftly ended. He said he had visa issues that curtailed his time with the Nanjing Monkey Kings. He did get the chance to play in one game before he had to leave China. Cole was initially scheduled to play in at least three games for the basketball team.

He acknowledged that he played for eight minutes but was unable to make a shot.

“I want to say thank you to the Nanjing club and to the CBA for allowing me to have that incredible experience. Also, to my teammates who were mad cool, and who really wanted me to get a bucket! I got to play 8 minutes in one of the top leagues in the world, got a few good looks, but wasn’t able to hit one.”

In the blog post, he expressed amazement that the basketball fans came to the game with his album so he could sign it for them.

“I also didn’t realize there were so many people in China that rocked with my music! Thank you to everybody who showed up and brought an album to sign. I was blown away.”

This was Cole’s third time playing professional basketball in another country.

Cole, who played on his high school team in North Carolina, played in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 for the Rwanda Patriots. The next year, the 2014 Forest Hills Drive rapper signed to play for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

The artist recently released his latest album, The Fall-Off, on his label, Dreamville, distributed by Interscope Records, Feb. 26.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 15, 2026

Andrew Young Foundation Wants $100M Peace Center In Atlanta To Honor City’s Famed Mayor

The peace center would host the famed former mayor's personal collection of papers, awards, and more.

The Andrew Young Foundation is exploring a $100 million peace center in one Atlanta neighborhood to honor its famed mayor.

The foundation pitched the development idea to break ground in Vine City, a historic area surrounding the west side of the city. According to Axios, the global peace institute would reside amid Atlanta’s storied HBCU campuses and sports stadiums.

To commemorate the city’s civil rights history and Young’s legacy, the foundation has suggested an 80,000-square-foot neoclassical building. Inside, the center would host art galleries, educational spaces, a theater, and a research library.

Young, a former U.N. ambassador who turned 94 in March, was an early pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement. Before his appointment as the mayor of Atlanta in 1982, he became the first Black man elected to Congress from Georgia since the Reconstruction era. Throughout his political career, he remained a lauded public figure for his upliftment of Atlanta and marginalized communities.

Young’s personal collection of papers, awards, and art would also be on display throughout the space. The peace center would also include a domed rotunda, overlooking the historically Black neighborhood that housed legendary Atlanta natives such as Martin Luther King Jr.

To bring this idea to fruition, the organization has asked for a $2 million public investment from Invest Atlanta. The money will remove sewer pipes from underneath its desired project site, a 2.77-acre city-owned lot overlooking Rodney Cook Sr. Park. Atlanta has offered the Andrew Young Foundation a lease rate of $1 per year for a five-year term, with the option to extend for 100 years.

City leaders have welcomed the idea, but want its entire funding secured by 2032. City documents detailed that the project stands a better chance of securing philanthropic grants once construction can begin.

As the foundation continues to secure financial backing, supporters have emphasized the peace center’s mission to amplify Atlanta’s history as a place of justice and equity.

“We want to make sure that the message of inclusion, of brotherly love, friendship, all that the movement represents, continues to be reflected in that particular location,” council member Michael Julian Bond told Axios.

If approved, construction could begin as early as mid-2028, with potential completion before the end of the decade. Invest Atlanta may consider the foundation’s request at its next meeting April 16.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 15, 2026

Karen S. Carter Named Dow CEO; Number Of Black Women Running Fortune 500 Companies Now At 2

The HBCU grad, receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Howard University, joins a small group of women running Fortune 500 companies as the new Dow CEO and an even smaller group of Black women who lead them.

Dow announced some changes to its leadership on the board of directors, promoting Chief Operating Officer Karen S. Carter to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She will replace Jim Fitterling.

The move becomes effective July 1.

“She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow’s businesses and customers,” Richard Davis, Dow’s independent lead director, said in a statement. “This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.”

The appointment makes Carter the first Black woman to lead a major U.S. chemical company, according to Chemical & Engineering News. Carter has more than 30 years of experience at Dow.

During her tenure as COO, she oversaw business and operational performance across company lines. while strengthening customer engagement and accelerating innovation.

Carter said she is “deeply honored” to sit in this role and excited to lead “into our next chapter.”

“Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve,” Carter added. “Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance.

“I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

Previously, Carter served as president of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics, the company’s largest operating segment.

Carter, who received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University, joins a small group of women running Fortune 500 companies—and an even smaller group of Black women who lead them. A record-high 55 women hold CEO roles, but only two are Black women.

WBLS, Hot 97, radio stations, New York City, Medicaid

by Mitti Hicks

April 15, 2026

New Medicaid Rules Require At Least 1 Month Of Work; Some States Demanding More

The changes are expected to begin on January 1, 2027.

For the millions of people who apply for or receive Medicaid, they must prove they are working, attending school, or volunteering for at least a month to either gain or retain their health insurance. President Donald Trump signed the changes to the government health program into law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

However, as CBS News reports, some lawmakers believe the changes don’t go far enough, so they’re upping the ante.

In Indiana, for example, lawmakers are leading this charge. Governor Mike Braun signed a new bill into law on March 4 that requires applicants to prove they’ve worked or participated in work or volunteer programs for three consecutive months to be eligible for benefits. Indiana is now the first state to set the Medicaid work requirements at three months. It’s the longest period allowed under federal law.

Meanwhile, in Idaho, Republican lawmakers are also requiring a three-month requirement. Governor Brad Little signed the bill into law on April 10.

More States Consider Longer Requirements

It likely won’t end there. State lawmakers are reportedly considering similar laws, including those in Arizona, Missouri, and Kentucky. As a part of Trump’s bill, states can decide whether to require one, two, or three months of work history.

“Normally, you would not see state legislators weighing in on these decisions,” Lucy Dagneau, a senior official with the American Society’s advocacy arm, told CBS News.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nearly 19 million adults will be affected by the new Medicaid rules, which will be enforced in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The changes are expected to begin on January 1, 2027. In general, the rules do not apply to children, people 65 years of age or older, people with disabilities, and individuals with serious health issues.

According to KFF, nearly two-thirds of adults ages 19 to 64 on Medicaid are already working.

by Ahsan Washington

April 15, 2026

New Edition Is Done Touring, But Its Members Are Standing On Business Offstage, Too

New Edition's members are getting to the bag.

New Edition has entertained multiple generations for more than 40 years. Despite the legacy act’s decades of excellence and success, they were not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2026.

Though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame may have missed the mark, New Edition is proving that a legacy is measured by ownership, not just accolades.

New Edition has not only demonstrated its enduring stage presence—”The New Edition Way Tour” just wrapped a 30-city run—but the members have had success in business ventures away from the stage. Having overcome incredible financial strife in their early years, New Edition’s members are getting to the bag.

What Does New Edition Do Offstage?

Michael Bivins

Sporty Rich Enterprises is a lifestyle brand Bivins’ created to deliver fashion and entertainment products alongside community programs. Through Biv 10 Records, Bivins established his talent development cred by launching Boyz II Men, Another Bad Creation, and 702. Bivins extended his reach into media and philanthropy through Biv Entertainment and the Bivfam Foundation. The Harlem Festival of Culture benefited from Bivins’ strategic advisory role in cultural preservation in 2022, strengthening his impact outside of music.

Ronnie DeVoe

Ronnie DeVoe established DeVoe Real Estate and DeVoe Broker Associates to work in Atlanta’s housing market, where he focuses on residential and commercial transactions. In 2021, DeVoe joined eXp Realty to grow his platform and promote generational wealth and boost Black homeownership rates. DeVoe directs community programs such as Bikes & Backpacks while supporting relationship-focused initiatives through Married4LifeWalk.

Bobby Brown

Bobby Brown is growing his brand with consumer products and media ventures. Bobby Brown Foods started with sauces, seasonings, and marinades before a specialty coffee line was added. Brown retains ownership of his master recordings and creates content through projects such as his docuseries, Bobby Brown: Every Little Step. New Edition Entertainment handles production support and brand management functions.

Ricky Bell

Ricky Bell operates his music-related business activities through RNB Entertainment LLC, which he established in 2003. The company handles his touring operations alongside recording activities and brand management.

Ralph Tresvant

Through Reach Media, Ralph Tresvant hosts the nationally syndicated Love and R&B show, and has broadcasting and entrepreneurial ventures. He uses his radio platform to generate income from his voice and brand. Noss’TAP LLC, operated by Tresvant, oversees music distribution along with business management and entertainment collaboration.

Johnny Gill

Johnny Gill is founder and CEO of J Skillz Records, the independent label that manages his brand and released his last music projects, Game Changer and Game Changer 2. The label partnered with SRG/ILS Group for distribution.

Trump, protections, South Sudan, Migrants

by Janee Bolden

April 15, 2026

Grace Ladoja Makes History With Nike Air Max Design Rooted In African Culture

The Our Homecoming founder becomes the first African woman to design a Nike sneaker, bringing Lagos and the diaspora to the global stage.

Grace Ladoja has spent years building bridges between Africa and the diaspora. Now, she’s turning that vision into something you can wear.

The cultural entrepreneur and founder of the Our Homecoming Festival has partnered with Nike to design a new Air Max Plus sneaker—marking the first time an African woman has designed a shoe for the global brand.

The collaboration, created under the Our Homecoming banner, is bigger than a fashion moment. Ladoja’s offering, combined with its historical impact, represents a true cultural statement.

With an intentional approach to the design, Ladoja’s offering arrives in two colorways: “Pan-African,” featuring a black base with red, green, and white accents, and “African Sunrise,” a bold orange gradient inspired by the glow of West African mornings. Both versions include symbolic detailing, from detachable charms like the Nigerian eagle and cowrie shell to maps of Africa, grounding the shoe in heritage and identity.

For Ladoja, the Air Max Plus is a silhouette that’s particularly personal to her lived experience.

“I saved up my bus fare to buy the shoe when I was young,” Ladoja said in an interview with Hypebae, which revealed her connection to both the style and sneaker culture. “I walked to school for 60 days to buy this shoe, so it feels really special to have it be the first thing I’ve worked on with Nike.”

The design also communicates volumes about Ladoja’s dual British-Nigerian heritage.

“That shoe is about being from two places at the same time, thinking about where home is,” Ladoja told Business of Fashion. Home for me is London. But the fabrication of the shoe is really Lagos. It’s really Africa.”

The mesh used for the shoe is based on the African sponge, while Ladoja’s model also incorporates a waterproof toe for functionality, adjustments she says she made with Lagos in mind. The shoelaces are a callback to Ladoja’s upbringing in London, where lace style often reflected where you were from.

That full-circle moment mirrors the trajectory of her career. Born in the U.K. to Nigerian parents, Ladoja has become one of the most influential cultural curators shaping the global perception of African creativity. Through Our Homecoming, the Lagos-based festival she launched in 2018, she has created a platform that brings together music, fashion, art, and sport, attracting talent and audiences from across the diaspora.

The Nike collaboration builds on that foundation, translating the spirit of Homecoming into a global product. It also reflects a broader shift in how brands engage with culture, moving from inspiration to collaboration, and from collaboration to authorship.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2026

Studio Museum In Harlem Opens Applications For 2026-2027 Artist-In-Residence Program

The Studio Museum in Harlem is accepting applications for the coveted 2026-2027 Artist-in-Residence program.

The famed Studio Museum in Harlem announced that applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Artist-in-Residence program.

On April 13, the Studio Museum in Harlem announced on Instagram that applications are now open for its coveted annual residency, offering an 11-month program for three artists of African descent from around the world working in any medium.

“The residency program offers artists an unparalleled opportunity to develop their practice from within the Museum’s walls,” the Museum shared in its caption. “Individuals selected for the residency receive institutional guidance, professional development, research support, studio space, and a stipend paid out over the course of the residency.”

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A post shared by Studio Museum in Harlem (@studiomuseum)

The 2026–27 Artist-in-Residence program will run from Nov. 2, 2026, to Oct. 3, 2027, culminating in an in-house exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Since its founding in 1969, the program has supported more than 150 artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent, shaping generations of contemporary talent.

In the 1980s, then-director Mary Schmidt Campbell formalized the residency by standardizing its structure and cohort size. Selected artists receive studio space, a $37,500 stipend, and mentorship from museum staff and visiting arts professionals.

Since its inception, the program has helped fill a critical gap by supporting artists of color navigating financial and personal challenges while staying true to their creative vision. Alums of the program continue to widely recognize its importance across Harlem and the broader art world.

“One of my fondest memories of being in the program is the camaraderie that I had with the other two artists [Terry Boddie and Nicole Awai], feeling that we were all embarking on a new journey,” said Sanford Biggers, a cohort within the 1999 – 2000 program.

“The residency maintained the momentum I was building and offered me access to people, exhibitions, and most importantly, the opportunity to begin regularly showing public works outdoors,” said Chakaia Booker, a cohort within the 1995 – 1996 residency.

In February, the Studio Museum in Harlem named Derriann Pharr, Simonette Quamina, and Taylor Simmons as its 2026 Artists-in-Residence. They are the first cohort to work in the J. Bruce Llewellyn Artist in Residence Center at the Museum’s new home, which opened in November 2025 with an installation honoring past residents.

Track, Race, Sport, Sprint, Starting line, Track Athlete, 400 meter, university of Virginia

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 15, 2026

HBCUs Remain Disadvantaged As Unregulated NIL Rules Divides College Athletics

NIL remains an ongoing concern for HBCU players and athletic programs, especially as they try to strengthen their teams.

HBCU sports enthusiasts are concerned about how unregulated NIL rules could impact players.

With collegiate athletes now able to make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), many are more aware of the potential, if not current, exploitation of players. Now, players may feel obligated to throw away games or join certain schools to receive a sizable paycheck.

One HBCU athletic chair, Trayvean Scott, has already warned of the negative impact of NIL, which could jeopardize the future of college athletics. A previous college athlete and NBA player, Scott is well aware of the pressure surrounding players at all levels.

In his latest position as the vice president for intercollegiate athletics at Grambling State University, Scott wants to protect athletes from exploitation. However, he believes that federal regulation remains needed for NIL rules.

Although not official yet, Congress is working on a nationwide standard for college athletes. If passed, schools that generate high revenue from sports would have to provide health benefits and at least 16 varsity sports.

In Scott’s opinion, the laws are crucial to ensuring that players across various institutions, such as HBCUs, can still recruit and retain top talent.

“The word I kept coming back to [during testimony to Congress] was opportunity,” he told Capital B News. “If we continue not to regulate what we’re doing, we’re going to miss opportunities.”

With this new standard in college athletics, HBCUs stand at a disadvantage, with fewer funds to go around to pay all-star players. With this in mind, many fear losing current and future athletes to bigger schools, but Scott believes federal intervention can pave the way for more financial gain.

“We’re in a space at HBCUs, at Grambling, for example, where 95-98% of our athletes are Pell Grant eligible,” Scott said. “Being able to understand where they are can sometimes be able to help assist with getting the necessary resources.”

However, new NIL legislation has divided HBCU supporters, as it could either thwart or aid athletic programs. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in March that would limit athletes to one transfer during a four-year degree program.

While some champion the effort, others have criticized the proposed law for restricting players’ ability to grow their careers and paychecks. However, the executive order has also urged schools not to take away women’s sports or other less-profitable teams to make way for bigger payouts.

Currently, many HBCU athletes, typically competing in smaller conferences, have gone without the lucrative NIL deals that other schools have capitalized on. However, as NIL becomes a more prevalent aspect of collegiate sports, HBCU players hope that regulation will put them on an equal playing field.

by Janee Bolden

April 15, 2026

Georgia Fire Chief Seeks Living Kidney Donor After Decades Of Service

Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen is seeking a living kidney donor as his health declines from polycystic kidney disease.

A Georgia fire chief who has spent decades serving others is now asking for help of his own.

According to WSB-TV, Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen is searching for a living kidney donor as his health continues to decline.

Allen, who has served in public safety for nearly 40 years after a stint in the U.S. Air Force, has been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition that causes cysts to form on the kidneys and gradually reduces their function.

“My kidneys have several cysts on them,” Allen said, explaining that his condition was first discovered in 2010 during a routine medical evaluation.

Now, more than a decade later, his condition has progressed significantly. Allen says his kidney function has dropped to about 13%, putting him at risk of needing dialysis if he cannot find a donor.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects hundreds of thousands of Americans and often progresses silently for years before symptoms become severe. As kidney function declines, patients may eventually require dialysis or a transplant to survive. The need for donors is especially critical in Black communities, where patients are disproportionately affected by kidney disease but often face longer wait times for transplants.

In an effort to find a match, Allen has partnered with Piedmont Hospital and the National Kidney Registry, expanding the search beyond family members, who may also be affected by the same genetic condition.

“I’m reaching out to family, friends, co-workers, strangers,” Allen said, encouraging those with healthy kidneys to consider testing.

Doctors note that kidneys from living donors can last significantly longer than those from deceased donors, making early matches especially critical.

Those interested in becoming a donor or learning more about the process can visit the National Kidney Registry at www.kidneyregistry.org or contact Piedmont Hospital’s transplant program for additional information.

For Allen, the request is rooted in both urgency and hope.

“If you have two good functioning kidneys, be a blessing to someone else and get tested,” he said.

Now, the man who has spent his career responding to emergencies and protecting his community is hoping someone will step forward to help save his life.