Grammy-winning singer Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African artist to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The celebrated West African performer from Benin joins the Walk of Fame’s 2026 class alongside stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, and ABC News anchor Robin Roberts. “Thanks to all my fans who brought me here,” Kidjo shared on Instagram following the announcement. While the exact date of her ceremony is yet to be announced, recipients typically have two years to schedule their induction.  Born in 1960 in what was then Dahomey (now Benin), Kidjo began her journey in the arts studying music, drama, and dance. She released her debut album Pretty in 1981 but left for Paris two years later to escape the political unrest under the country’s communist regime. “From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second,” she once told the BBC. Her move marked the start of a global musical journey that would eventually land her in Brooklyn, New York. In Brooklyn, Kidjo released a trilogy of albums—Oremi, Black Ivory Soul, and Oyaya!—celebrating the musical connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. Her groundbreaking artistry has earned her numerous accolades, including a spot on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2021 and the prestigious Polar Music Prize in 2023. She also appeared in The Woman King, contributing the duet “Keep Rising” with Jessy Wilson to the film’s soundtrack. Now, with her star on Hollywood Boulevard, Kidjo's global influence is etched into history.

The legendary Clark Sisters are finally receiving one of the entertainment world’s highest honors: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As part of the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, the iconic gospel group joins a prestigious list that includes stars like Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Shaquille O’Neal. Though the official unveiling date has yet to be announced, excitement is already growing for the long-overdue recognition of their powerful legacy. Hailing from Detroit and mentored by their visionary mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, the Clark Sisters have shaped the sound of gospel music for over 50 years. With their unique blend of gospel, soul, R&B, and jazz, they helped bring gospel into the mainstream with timeless hits like “You Brought the Sunshine,” “Blessed and Highly Favored,” and “Is My Living in Vain.” Their story reached a new generation in 2020 through The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, a critically acclaimed Lifetime biopic executive produced by Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige. The film chronicled their rise from humble beginnings and personal struggles to becoming the highest-selling female gospel group in history.  With multiple Grammy Awards, the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, and now a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Clark Sisters' impact continues to resonate across generations. From Sunday morning services to global stages, their message of faith and resilience has inspired millions. As their name joins the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, their legacy as gospel music pioneers will shine even brighter.

HarbourView Equity Partners has acquired select catalog assets from legendary producer and songwriter Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the firm announced Thursday (May 29). The deal includes Jerkins’ producer royalty income streams, though financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition follows a 2020 agreement Jerkins made with Hipgnosis Songs Fund, which involved 100% of his writer’s share and publishing interests across a 982-song catalog. The latest deal was facilitated by Swedish music tech firm Chapter Two, which specializes in royalty data analytics and music rights transactions. “This transaction is a clear sign that creators are realizing the true value of their work faster and more transparently than ever before,” said Chapter Two CEO Michel Traore. “Rodney is setting a new benchmark in the industry, and we thank HarbourView for their vision in working with us.”  Jerkins, a multi-Grammy Award winner, is known for producing hits for icons like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber. His work includes chart-toppers such as Say My Name, The Boy Is Mine, Stay With Me, and Telephone. Since its founding in 2021, HarbourView has rapidly expanded its music portfolio, now boasting over 41,000 songs and investments in two media companies. Other notable names in the firm’s growing catalog include T-Pain, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, and Wiz Khalifa.

Jamaican singer/songwriter Romain Virgo is back with the visuals for "Two Faced", a single that he released this past May. In the video, Romain smoothly sings about choosing singlehood over being in a toxic relationship, something many of us can relate to. 

Jamaican reggae singer Lutan Fyah, renowned for fusing spiritual and conscious lyrics with infectious melodies, continues that tradition in the powerful new video for his single, "Judgement."

Grammy-nominated artist Stokley returns with “RARE (No, No, No),” the vibrant lead single from his upcoming album iAmTheCulture. Blending Caribbean influences and genre-defying sounds, the track celebrates identity and self-worth. Already gaining strong radio support nationwide, the song sets the tone for an album that highlights Stokley’s cultural impact and musical legacy.

London producer Mera Bhai drops “Set You Free,” a euphoric single blending French House energy with UK garage flair, built around a sample from Black Merda’s 1970 debut. Serving as a protest anthem for the dancefloor, the track is from his new EP Now I Need You, a club-focused project that's out now.

London artist Olympia Vitalis unveils her full EP People Watching, showcasing a rich blend of vintage jazz, modern soul, and British street soul influences. Her soulful vocals channel artists like Erykah Badu, while her lyrics offer sharp, graceful character studies. With a jazz-tinged palette and emotional depth, Vitalis delivers a striking debut that reveals wisdom and artistry beyond her years.

RAAHiiM returns with his new single “Falling Off” featuring Bay Swag, blending smooth vocals, emotional lyrics, and a modern R&B sound. The track explores love, distance, and fading connection, continuing the momentum from his recent release “Just Like Me” and cementing his rise as a standout new voice in R&B.