• Entertainment

by Keka Araújo

January 2, 2026

Jhené Aiko, Ludacris, Nelly And Ashanti Anchor Historic 2026 Jazz In The Gardens Lineup

The 2026 lineup is a carefully curated blend of chart-toppers and virtuosic talent:

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The cultural landscape of South Florida is set to transform this spring as the 19th annual Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Festival returns to Hard Rock Stadium on March 7 and 8, 2026. Coming off a milestone year where it was lauded by Newsweek and crowned “Best Music Festival for 2025” by Miami New Times, the event has unveiled a roster that seamlessly bridges the golden era of R&B with the heavyweights of modern hip-hop.

Produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC) in collaboration with the City of Miami Gardens, the festival continues its tenure as a premier destination for Black music and excellence.

Headlining the Weekend

Saturday, March 7, will be anchored by the ethereal soul of Jhené Aiko. Fresh from a highly publicized autumn tour alongside Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller, Aiko brings her transcendent vocals to a stage known for celebrating sonic depth.

The energy pivots on Sunday, March 8, as Grammy-winning icon Ludacris delivers a special 25th-anniversary set. Commemorating a quarter-century since his debut, the performance follows a streak of viral appearances that have reaffirmed his status as one of the genre’s most electric live performers. Joining the Sunday marquee are Nelly and Ashanti, whose legendary chemistry and collective vault of Y2K-era anthems promise a high-octane celebration of R&B longevity.

A Multigenerational Roster

The 2026 lineup is a carefully curated blend of chart-toppers and virtuosic talent:

• R&B & Hip-Hop Vanguard: Featuring GloRilla, Ella Mai, Mýa, and Joe.
• The “Club Quarantine” Experience: A signature set from D-Nice & Friends, featuring SWV, Robin Thicke, Case, Sunshine Anderson, and Kenny Burns.
• Global Jazz & Gospel: Performances by legendary saxophonist Boney James, violinist Damien Escobar, and Stellar Award-winner Pastor Mike Jr., alongside Tonio Armani and King George.

In keeping with tradition, organizers have confirmed one final “major surprise guest” remains under wraps, set to be revealed as the festival approaches.

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“Jazz in the Gardens is more than a concert; it is a powerful, joyful celebration of our community’s art and culture,” said Mayor Rodney Harris. As Florida’s largest predominantly Black municipality, Miami Gardens continues to evolve as a global entertainment hub, with the festival serving as its signature springtime event.

Troy Brown, partner and CMO of the Black Promoters Collective, echoed the sentiment: “The 2026 lineup reflects the profound impact of Black music on a global scale. We are committed to pushing creative boundaries and ensuring this year is truly exceptional.”

Attendance & Tickets

The weekend begins Friday, March 6, with the annual Women’s Impact Luncheon, an event dedicated to honoring female leadership and entrepreneurship.

Tickets are available now via www.JazzintheGardens.com. Two-day passes range from $199.00 for General Admission to $1,275.00 for the premium Titanium experience, which offers elevated viewing and all-inclusive amenities.

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• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 2, 2026

Violinist Brian King Joseph Files Lawsuit Against Will Smith For Sexual Harassment

Violinist Brian King Joseph, alleges this took place during 2025's "Based on a True Story" Tour

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Philadelphia-bred actor and recording artist Will Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, have been sued for wrongful termination by a musician who claims he was fired after reporting a sexual assault while on tour with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star.

According to USA Today, Brian King Joseph, who was hired as a violinist for 2025’s “Based on a True Story,” has filed a lawsuit accusing the GRAMMY-winning artist of retaliation, wrongful termination, intimidation, and sexual harassment.

The paperwork was filed in Los Angeles on Dec. 31, stating that he was terminated following an incident in Las Vegas in March 2025. While in Vegas, Joseph claimed that when he returned to his hotel, which Treyball booked, he found a sexually suggestive message in his room. On the note, he said that he saw this written on it. “Brian, I’ll be back no later [than] 5:30, just us [drawn heart].” He claimed it was signed “Stone F.”

Along with the message, someone left some wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication with someone else’s name on it, as well as a hospital discharge paper with another name on it.

After reporting this to hotel security and tour management, Joseph stated that management accused him of lying and blamed him. He was terminated days later, and management explained that the tour was “moving in a different direction.”

When he learned that another violinist had been brought in to replace him, he claims this proved he was not dismissed for “pretextual” reasons.

Joseph also accused Smith of “grooming and priming him for further sexual exploitation” since they met in November 2024. He alleges that he and Smith “began spending additional time alone” for months before the tour started.

He stated at one point, Smith said, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.” Joseph also accuses management of suspiciously losing his bag, which had his hotel keys in it, and based on “the sequence of events” and “circumstances of the hotel intrusion all point to a pattern of predatory behavior rather than an isolated incident, Joseph cites in the lawsuit.

The violinist says he suffers from major physiological damage and PTSD due to the incident.

The lawsuit is seeking compensation for personal and financial damages.

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• Politics

by Mitti Hicks

January 2, 2026

Trump Defends Health Amid Concerns and Speculation Over Hand Bruising, Leg Swelling

Trump is the oldest U.S. president to be inaugurated.

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President Donald Trump is defending his health following increased speculation and concern about his health during his second term. Since taking office, there has been noticeable swelling in his ankles and consistent bruising on his hands, which he has covered with makeup. He was even caught falling asleep during a recent cabinet meeting.

Yet, during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump defended his health and said that he regrets undergoing advanced imaging on his heart and abdomen at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“In retrospect, it’s too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition,” Trump said. “I would have been a lot better off if they didn’t, because the fact that I took it said, ‘Oh gee, is something wrong?’ Well, nothing’s wrong.”

Growing Speculation Over Trump’s Health

The president’s doctor, Navy. Capt. Sean Barbabella, said in a memo that the White House released in December that he had “advanced imaging as a preventive screening for men his age.”

As the Associated Press reported, Trump initially said he had an MRI but was unsure of what part of his body was scanned. Turns out, the president had a CT scan to rule out any cardiovascular issues, according to The Journal. Barabella said he took the exam in October because people “in his age group benefit from a thorough evaluation of cardiovascular and abdominal health,” even though he had already undergone an annual physical in April.

 “The purpose of this imaging was preventive: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” Barbabella said, according to MedPage Today.

At 79, Trump, who became the oldest president to take the oath of office in 2025, has been sensitive to questions about his health, despite having questioned and criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, over his health and fitness in office. Trump repeatedly referred to Biden as “Sleepy Joe.”

The White House has said the president had been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI occurs when leg veins become damaged, preventing them from properly carrying blood back to the heart. This causes blood to pool in your legs, increasing pressure in the leg veins and leading to common symptoms like swelling and ulcers.

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• Politics

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 2, 2026

A New York State Of Mind: Mayor Mamdani Invokes Jadakiss During Inauguration

'In the words of Jason Terrance Phillips, better known as Jadakiss or J to the Muah, be outside'

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A new era has emerged in New York City with the swearing in of its new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who may be the first New York City mayor in recent history to reference a popular New York hip-hop artist, Jadakiss of the trio The Lox, in his inauguration speech.

During the Jan. 1 speech at the new mayor’s inauguration, Mamdami, who labels himself a “Democratic Socialist,” has revitalized city dwellers’ hopes with his plans for the city. The surprise candidate, who took the city by storm and sparked interest among New Yorkers and people around the country who are accustomed to the tired rhetoric of politicians on both sides of the aisle, is already making strides as the city’s first Muslim mayor.  

His reference to a rapper known for his lyrical abilities, who spits lyrics that capture the essence of a gritty New York, has brought even more attention to the 112th mayor of the “Big Apple.”

In his speech, much to the surprise of those listening, the mention of one of hip-hop’s “Top 5, dead or alive” brought cheers from the crowd. Out of everything the mayor had mentioned in his speech, this was, by far, the one that stood out the most, especially among hip-hop fans and native New Yorkers. The man even called Jadakiss by his given name.

As his speech was winding down, Mamdani said:

“We will strive each day to ensure that no New Yorker is priced out of any one of those basic necessities. And throughout it all, we will, in the words of Jason Terrance Phillips, better known as Jadakiss or J to the Muah, “be outside” — because this is a government of New York, by New York, and for New York.

“Before I end, I want to ask all of you, if you are able, whether you are here today or anywhere watching, to stand with me.”

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• Entertainment

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 2, 2026

Drake Named In Civil RICO Lawsuit For Alleged Promotion Of Illegal Gambling To Boost Music Streams

Drake and streamer Adin Ross are named in a federal RICO lawsuit alleging they promoted the Stake gambling platform to artificially boost Drake’s music streams.

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Drake is finding himself back in the legal hot seat after being named in a federal class-action RICO lawsuit that accuses him, streamer Adin Ross, and the online gambling platform Stake, of using the site’s tipping feature to artificially inflate streams of his music.

According to a series of tweets from Breakfast Club host Loren LoRosa, the lawsuit claims the defendants used Stake’s “tipping” feature to send each other money, then allegedly funneled those funds to artificially boost Drake’s streams across major music platforms and digital streaming services.

“In addition, through Stake’s Tipping function, Defendants have financed their combined artificial streaming (“botting”) to create fraudulent streams of Drake’s music; fabricate popularity; disparage competitors and music label executives; distort recommendation algorithms; and distribute financing for all of the foregoing, while concealing the flow of funds,” the lawsuit states.

The class-action lawsuit, filed in federal court in Virginia by LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, alleges that Drake, Adin Ross, and Australian national George Nguyen worked with Stake to “prey on consumers,” exposing them to the serious risks of gambling addiction and threatening their financial stability. The plaintiffs claim they were persuaded to participate in Stake’s “predatory gambling environment” after watching Drake’s paid promotions for the platform, including livestreamed gambling sessions and giveaways.

The lawsuit claims the defendants used Stake’s user-to-user “tipping” feature to transfer money directly among themselves, describing the system as an “unlimited and completely unregulated money transmitter” operating outside financial oversight. It further alleges that those funds were then used to bankroll fraudulent music streams for Drake and launch “amplification campaigns” that at times pushed disparaging content about competitors.

The plaintiffs also accuse Drake of using the same botting tactics he recently alleged in his own lawsuit against Spotify over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” claiming that “At the heart of the scheme, Drake — acting directly and through willing and knowledgeable co-conspirators — has deployed automated bots and streaming farms to artificially inflate play counts of his music across major platforms, such as Spotify.”

“This manipulation has suppressed authentic artists and narrowed consumers’ access to legitimate content by undermining the integrity of curated experiences,” the suit states.

The lawsuit claims the scheme began in 2022 and “remains an ongoing and imminent threat of racketeering activity.” It accuses Drake of knowingly allowing his alleged co-conspirators to disguise encrypted transfers as giveaways that weren’t actually available to the public. The filing cites a $100,000 tip exchanged between Ross and Drake in 2023, along with Drake’s 2024 “Drizzmas” giveaway stream with Adin Ross, as examples of the defendants allegedly cycling tips among themselves to fuel botting and paid-engagement tactics.

The lawsuit aims to represent Virginia residents who lost money gambling with Stake Cash over the past three years, alleging violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act and a racketeering scheme under federal RICO law.

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• Technology

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 1, 2026

TikTok Creator Sparks Interest In Dr. Pepper With Her Viral Jingle

After watching the clip, you'll be hooked.

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A young content creator’s TikTok video has gone viral after she recorded an ode to Dr. Pepper, simply singing, “Dr. Pepper, baby, is good and nice.”

The creator, @romeosshow, begins the clip by announcing, “I have a theme song for Dr. Pepper, and it goes like this,” then sings a short verse while looking into the camera. Short and sweet, it caught viewers’ attention, with nearly two million likes and the Daily Dot reporting over 12 million views.

The clip was posted Dec. 23 and has caused many reactions. The TikToker, who has over 206,000 followers, tagged the soft drink company in the clip, asking Dr. Pepper to get back to her “with a proposition” so they can collaborate and make money together.

@romeosshow @Dr Pepper please get back to me with a proposition we can make thousands together. #drpepper #soda #beverage ♬ original sound – Romeo

The comments lit up with many appreciative posters letting Romeo know their thoughts and reactions.

One user joined her by backing her vocals with five clips of five different instruments, spliced into the video with her video standing out in the middle. The person using the screen name, thereiscoredit, replied to her video by writing, “Replying to @Dr Pepper what do we think, doc? #drpepper #soda #beverage #themesong #foryoupage @Romeo”

@thereiscoredit Replying to @Dr Pepper what do we think, doc? #drpepper #soda #beverage #themesong #foryoupage @Romeo ♬ Dr. Pepper Theme Song – there, i scored it

The amazing thing is that many people did follow-up clips themselves using Romeo’s vocals and thereiscoredit’s instrumental to join in the fun.

TikToker lowrider.mama0 added an animation featuring a dachshund to provide input on the trending clip.

@lowrider.mama0 This has been stuck in my head #drpepper #dachshunds #weineedog #weinerdog ♬ Dr. Pepper Theme Song – there, i scored it

TikToker monicajeffery4 encourages Dr. Pepper to sign the young lady to its label, forecasting that their sales would go up if they do so.

@monicajeffery4 Yassss, that even feels right🤭#fyp #fy #foryourpage #trend @Romeo I like the vibe young lady🤗@Dr Pepper ♬ Dr. Pepper Theme Song – there, i scored it

Soon after, Romeo dropped a theme song for Hyundai. That video has garnered over 2.5 million views. Seems this young creator might be on to something.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 1, 2026

Missy Elliott Looks Back On Historic 6 Consecutive Platinum Albums

She and her mother, Patricia Elliott, also donated $50,000 to Portsmouth Volunteers For The Homeless in Virginia.

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Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott reacted (again) to a resurfaced announcement that she was the first female rapper to have six consecutive platinum-certified albums.

On Dec. 28, the “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” rapper acknowledged the feat, which actually occurred in January 2022, in response to a tweet sent by Claude G.

Revolt noted that Missy, who became the first female Hip-Hop artist in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, responded after the news was initially announced on social media more than five years ago when chart data had informed its audience of the feat on its social media account.

She called it a “HUGE MILESTONE.”

A day after Missy, who became the first female Hip-Hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, responded to Claude G.’s post, she and her mother, Patricia Elliott, donated $50,000 to Portsmouth Volunteers For The Homeless in Virginia. The organization posted a message from Elliott in recognition of the funds she donated. Missy hails from Portsmouth.

WRIC reported that the organization will use the money to provide food, shelter, and housing for those in need.

This took place at the Joe B. Fleming Building, where free lunch was provided to attendees in partnership with Third Baptist Church.

“Life is so short,” Patricia Elliott said. “You can be up today, and down tomorrow. But it doesn’t mean that you stay down, ’cause we were almost there, and that’s why it’s very sensitive to us that we give and we give back to the community.”

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• BE Global

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 1, 2026

Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration Move, Keeps Protections For South Sudan Migrants

The judgment will protect close to 200 migrants from returning to South Sudan—for now.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is banned from stripping Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections away from close to 200 migrants from South Sudan on a temporary basis thanks to a ruling from a federal judge, The Hill reports. 

The goal of the ruling from U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley of Massachusetts is to make sure migrants can stay stateside until the judge considers the case more fully.

“Because of the serious consequences at stake, both for the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Court finds an administrative stay appropriate, as it would ‘minimize harm,’ while allowing the assigned District Court Judge the time this case deserves,” Kelley wrote.

Kelley will issue a new decision after receiving written briefing through Jan. 13, The Hill reports.

The TPS program, which permits migrants to stay in the U.S. and receive work authorization if they come from a country experiencing turmoil, has been at the forefront of conversation since the Biden administration. South Sudan falls in that category. Africa’s youngest country has been so riddled with violence that the U.S. State Department issued an advisory against Americans traveling there.

Despite the travel advisory, in November, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced after a review of the country’s conditions, its TPS status would end after Jan. 5. 

South Sudan, which joined the program in 2011 after gaining its independence, has close to 232 TPS recipients. According to Fox News, there are approximately 73 migrants from the country with pending applications, putting them at risk for deportation. The ruling, as a result of a lawsuit presented by African Communities Together and several South Sudanese TPS holders, claim without TPS, South Sudanese migrants would be ridded of their lawful status. 

If deported to South Sudan, the group would be at risk of receiving irreversible harm.

The Biden appointee labeled the issues as “legally complex” and touched on the  “serious, long-term consequences, including the risk of deadly harm.” The Trump administration felt the judge should deny the plaintiff’s request, arguing the group shouldn’t have waited more than six weeks after the announcement to sue. “It should not serve to directly enjoin Executive agency action, which is what Plaintiffs’ requested administrative stay would accomplish,” Trump’s DOJ said. 

Kelley, instead, rejected the administration’s arguments saying the government’s proposed approach could result in individual deportations.

Similar to protections for Haitians, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said TPS protections were “never designed to be permanent” and described the ruling as yet “another lawless and activist order from the federal judiciary who continues to usurp the President’s constitutional authority.” The Biden administration’s use of TPS, McLaughlin added in a statement, allowed “violent terrorists, criminals, and national security threats into our nation.”

Since 2013, battles have continued between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, which have caused thousands of deaths and nearly 2 million displacements. A February rift between the groups put residents, with a focus on women and children, at extreme risk, after reports of conflict-related sexual violence, killings and kidnappings flooded in.

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• HBCU

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 1, 2026

Legendary Choir Director Dr. S. Carver Davenport Celebrates 50 Years At Dillard University

Davenport has served as the associate professor of music and director of concert choir for the New Orleans-based HBCU since 1975.

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There has been a bold and vibrant sound from Dillard University over the last 50 years. It comes from the direction of Dr. S. Carver Davenport, the longest-serving HBCU choral director.

Davenport has been the associate professor of music and director of concert choir for the New Orleans-based HBCU since arriving there in 1975, Essence reports. Davenport worked with past Dillard leadership to set a fundamental foundation that helped save music education in NOLA. 

The Hampton University graduate came to Dillard after studying with his mentor, critically acclaimed composer Dr. Roland M. Carter. 

Davenport’s former students admit there was a better understanding of his teachings during his first years at Dillard, which came as Black America was trying to find its way in a newly desegregated country.

“We still had parts of our parents’ experiences from the Civil Rights Movement. While singing, we represented the children of the future,” said Courtney Carter, a student in the 1980s, highlighting that many of her classmates were second and third generation Bleu Devils. 

Dr. Valerie Anne Jones Francis, a 1979 choir member, remembered how the choir “exceeded the standard” under Davenport’s leadership.

“We learned classical music and understood the importance of singing negro spirituals in its original dialect,” the award-winning vocalist said. 

Davenport’s sound took the choir—and his career—to high and low places, including Houston, Memphis, and Chicago and serving as a sound of hope as New Orleans went through Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The choir performed for U.S. presidents such as Gerald Ford and Barack Obama and Davenport was the music director for the 1990 Super Bowl halftime show, the “Salute to New Orleans.” 

Davenport’s recognition comes when HBCU choirs are performing on world stages and going viral for their distinct Black sound. In June 2025, Florida Memorial University’s Ambassador Chorale performed at Carnegie Hall, according to HBCU Game Day. 

The Fellowship Gospel Choir of North Carolina A&T State University set another standard on social media after its outstanding rendition of Rickey Dillard’s “More Abundantly” went viral on social media. 

Texas College choir earned the 2025 University Choir of the Year at the annual Sound Awards in March, its first time receiving the award. Director Charles Shaw started the group with six members in 2022. It is now an ensemble of 70.

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• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 1, 2026

All About the Benjamin: Damon Dash’s Production Company Sold At Auction For $100—Yes, $100

Actually, $100.50.

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The misfortunes of former Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash continue.

This time an auction of his film company, Poppington Inc., ended with an embarrassing bid to offset a $1 million judgment from his defamation lawsuits.

According to The New York Post, one of Dash’s debtors, Mike Muntaser, CEO of Muddy Water Motion Pictures, placed the winning bid. It only took $100.50 to obtain Dash’s now-former property.

This is the second auction held in New York for property owned by Dash.

On Nov. 14, an anonymous Albany representative purchased Dash’s one-third share of Roc-A-Fella Records (the other two shares belong to Jay-Z and Kareem “Biggs” Burke) by placing a bid of $1 million.

The State of New York intends to resell its stake to recoup some of the funds spent, without taking on any additional risk, to recover the $8.7 million owed by Dash.

The latest auction was held after Dash refused (or did not have money) to pay the millions he owed to several debtors, including $973,000 to Muntaser after he lost a trio of civil lawsuits.

Muntaser, along with filmmaker Josh Webber, won a defamation and copyright infringement lawsuit against Dash after a dispute over the 2016 film Dear Frank.

Now, the CEO of Muddy Waters is the owner of Poppington LLC. The company was responsible for and held the rights to several of Dash’s projects made there, including Honor Up, which featured Dash, his cousin Stacey Dash of Clueless fame, and rapper-podcaster Cam’ron.

“I think he’s a fool, man,” said Muntaser.

Muntaser said since they are “grown men,” he and Dash could have hashed out their problems instead of dragging it out for years.

“He’s just a problem,” Muntaser said. “He has an ego. I think he’s just bitter [coming] from where he was to where he is, and he just blames everybody else and doesn’t look at himself in the mirror.”

The new owner of Poppington wonders what happened.

“For him being on a big stage with like Jay-Z and [Ye],” Muntaser said, “why are your peers doing good, [being] constructive and you’re just playing games with others? May God guide him.”

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