BET Suspends Hip Hop and Soul Train Awards Indefinitely
In a surprising move, BET has officially suspended both the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards indefinitely, leaving two of the most culturally impactful nights in Black music without a clear future. The network confirmed there is currently no set date for either show’s return, nor any guarantee they will continue in their traditional forms.
The announcement marks a major shift for BET and the music industry at large. Since 2006, the BET Hip Hop Awards has been a cornerstone of rap culture, famous for its high-energy performances and iconic cyphers. The Soul Train Awards, which debuted in 1987, has long been a celebration of R&B and soul excellence, honoring legends while spotlighting rising stars. Their indefinite suspension raises questions about how Black music and culture will be represented in mainstream award spaces moving forward.
BET CEO Scott Mills addressed the decision, stating, “It’s not about them being over. It’s about reimagining how we deliver them in today’s fast-changing media landscape.” He emphasized that the network is exploring new ways to present these shows, potentially beyond traditional television formats, as viewing habits continue to evolve across platforms.
Nigerian Afrofusion artist Fido has released his debut EP Olayemi , an eight-track project blending modern Afrobeats with personal storytelling. Named after his real name, the EP explores themes of identity, purpose, and resilience. Known for past hits like “Awolowo” and “Joy Is Coming,” Fido describes Olayemi as a spiritual and exciting new chapter in his musical journey.
Singer and actress Teyana Taylor is stepping away from the spotlight temporarily to focus on her health. On August 6, the “Gonna Love Me” artist revealed via Instagram that she will undergo emergency surgery to remove a benign growth on her vocal cords. “I’ve been quietly dealing with some vocal challenges for a while now,” she wrote, sharing that the noncancerous growth has been causing discomfort and affecting her voice. Though treatable, the condition requires a period of rest and healing. In light of the surgery, Taylor has canceled her upcoming appearance on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s IMO podcast to prioritize her recovery. However, she confirmed that the release of her fourth studio album, Escape Room, remains scheduled for August 22. “It’s the most personal body of work I’ve ever created,” she wrote. “Just as I was getting ready to finally share this with you, life handed me my own unexpected 'escape room.'” This isn’t Taylor’s first health scare. In 2021, she spoke candidly on her reality show We Got Love Teyana & Iman about having dense, benign tissue removed from her breasts. With a history of cancer in her family, the experience was particularly frightening. Despite the challenges, Taylor remains resilient. “I can’t wait to be on the other side of this—stronger, softer, and singing again,” she said, emphasizing her determination to return even more empowered and purpose-driven.
Legendary producer Hitman Howie Tee, born Howard Thompson, has passed away at age 61. Known for helping shape the sound of Hip-Hop and R&B in the late '80s and early '90s, his cause of death remains unknown. Raised in Brooklyn by Jamaican parents, Howie Tee made an early mark with U.T.F.O.’s hit “Roxanne, Roxanne.” Over his influential career, he launched the careers of artists like Special Ed, Chubb Rock, and The Real Roxanne, and produced major records for Whistle, Color Me Badd, and others. As an in-house producer for Select Records, he delivered classics like “I Got It Made” and “Treat ’Em Right,” while also remixing for stars like Madonna and Heavy D. Tributes poured in after news of his death, including one from The Roots drummer Questlove, who called him an “unsung hero” and a “superproducer.” From shaping early Hip-Hop to crossing into pop success, Hitman Howie Tee’s legacy remains vital to the genre’s foundation.
Tyla’s new EP WWPWWP features the long-awaited track “Dynamite” with Wizkid, blending their cultural styles in a sultry collaboration. Recorded two years ago, the song’s video, set in a Moroccan apartment, ends with an explosive, action-packed finale reminiscent of John Wick 3, matching the song’s fiery energy.
Tanzanian singer and songwriter Mbosso returns with “Pawa,” a standout love song from his new EP Room Number 3 , symbolizing his growth as an independent artist. Blending Bongo Flava with soulful melodies, “Pawa” uses rich Swahili lyrics to express love’s overwhelming power.
The Choir Room, led by GRAMMY-winning producer Dwan Hill, has released its new single “Love Never Fails” featuring Gospel legend Fred Hammond. The track is the title song from their upcoming album, out August 22 via Centricity Music, recorded live during their tour and featuring top CCM, Gospel, and Worship artists.
Usher’s 16-year-old son, Naviyd, has released his debut single, “Smooth Blues,” showcasing his talents as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Despite its title, the track blends jazzy, futuristic vibes with undeniable R&B influences.
Gospel star Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s new album Tasha delivers messages of hope and faith through a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and bluegrass, with guest spots from gospel icon Kirk Franklin and R&B vet John Legend. Marking a major shift, this is her first studio album, breaking from her tradition of live worship recordings.
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On her new LP Hella Pressure Bay-area rapper Saweetie turns up the heat. The five-track project blends striking bars with high-energy production and serves as a clear reminder that, even after the seven years since her last official release (the double-platinum High Maintenance in 2018), the Icy Girl remains firmly in control. Leading the pack here is “Boffum,” a bass-heavy banger produced by “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker J. White Did It, where Saweetie flexes with effortless swagger: “Lady or a pimp? Both of 'em”. The title track “Pressure” rides a buzzing Jersey Club rhythm, complete with a bed-squeak sample, as she boldly declares, “Everything I do is crack, bitches bump my shit”—a statement that sums up the EP’s confident tone. One of the standout moments comes with “twinzzz,” where Saweetie flips Black Box’s iconic "Everybody Everybody" into a modern-day flex anthem. It's a perfect example of her versatility and lyrical command, proving she can dominate any beat with style and ease. The vibe softens slightly on “Superstars,” an ode to pretty girls everywhere that features K-pop girl group TWICE and mellifluous production that still lets Saweetle signature swag shine through. She closes the EP with “I Need Some Inspo,” an Afrobeat-tinged groove that shows a more vulnerable side, offering a rare glimpse of emotional depth while still wrapped in style and sensuality. Coming off her debut Australian headlining tour, Hella Pressure feels like a teaser for what’s next, her long-anticipated debut album Pretty Bitch Music, due later this year. While short in length, the EP is rich in personality, reaffirming Saweetie’s presence as a multi-dimensional artist who can effortlessly balance icy bravado with melodic flair. If this is just the appetizer, fans should be more than ready for the main course. Standout Tracks: “I Need Some Inspo", "Biffum", "Superstars" Rating: 8.5/10