Unapologetically Disrupting Urban Culture Since October 1983
About Advertise Contact
Home Celebrity Music Business Sports Tech Style Lifestyle Events Shop Media Kit About
BREAKING
Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards light up The Beverly Hilton, see the red carpet Grammy nominations drop this week, who's in the running? New releases from R&B's hottest acts hit streaming tonight Afrobeats crosses 10 billion streams worldwide in 2026 Black Beat next issue arriving May 2026, subscribe now Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards light up The Beverly Hilton, see the red carpet Grammy nominations drop this week, who's in the running? New releases from R&B's hottest acts hit streaming tonight Afrobeats crosses 10 billion streams worldwide in 2026 Black Beat next issue arriving May 2026, subscribe now
In Memoriam
Peaceful Journey
Peabo Bryson, A Man of Soul
A voice that touched generations. A legacy that lives forever. Read our tribute →
Cover Story Vol. 12, May 2026

Chris Brown
20 Years a Showman

From a 16-year-old with a No. 1 debut to the highest-grossing tour of his career, Chris Brown's two-decade run cements his place among R&B's all-time greats.

Read Full Story
Chris Brown
Career Highlight
Music
Southern Rap in 2026: Who's Holding It Down?
Celebrity
Black Producers Taking Over Hollywood's Soundtrack
Style
Streetwear That Slaps: Brands to Know Right Now
Lifestyle
Natural Hair Isn't a Statement, It's Non-Negotiable
Video Highlights
Watch: The Best Performances of the Month
Latest from the Culture
All Stories
LA City Prep
Community
LA City Prep: Building Strong Foundations for Los Angeles Families
More than childcare: a mission centered on education, family support, nutrition, and community empowerment.
Six Fathers Father's Day feature
Father's Day
Judge the Results: Six Fathers Whose Legacies Speak Louder Than the Criticism
A Father's Day look at six men whose children changed music, sports, and culture, and the legacies behind the criticism.
Tay Keith
In Memoriam
Tay Keith: The Producer Who Helped Define a Generation
The Memphis hitmaker behind some of the last decade's biggest records leaves a sound that reshaped modern hip-hop.
Danny Simmons, 1953 to 2026
In Memoriam
Danny Simmons, Renowned Artist, Author, Poet, and Philanthropist, Dies at 72
The acclaimed abstract expressionist and brother of Russell Simmons and Rev Run built a legacy of his own.
Lunden De'Leon
Film & TV
Lunden De'Leon Delivers a Powerful Performance in Only 48
The veteran actress anchors a psychological thriller now streaming on Tubi and Prime Video.
Chaz Lamar Shepherd
Celebrity
Chaz Lamar Shepherd: From 90s Heartthrob to Creative Force
Thirty years after Set It Off, the actor, singer, and minister returns to Black Beat, now building behind the scenes.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Walk of Fame
Music
Layzie Bone: Still Thuggin', Still Leading
As Bone Thugs-N-Harmony heads to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a founding member reflects a legacy that never faded.
Jay-Z Reasonable Doubt white vinyl
Music
Jay-Z, Target, and the Price of a Classic: The Reasonable Doubt Deal Sparks Debate
A 30th anniversary vinyl celebrates a hip-hop classic, while the retailer behind it puts the moment at the center of a boycott.
Angelique Bates
Culture
Angelique Bates: From All That to a Life of Purpose
The 90s Nickelodeon star has spent decades reinventing herself as an entrepreneur, advocate, and creative.
Erica EMissyK Lindsay
Culture
Erica "EMissyK" Lindsay: Building Legacies, Changing Lives, and Giving Culture a Voice
Founder of ReachLA Angels and EMissyK Entertainment, leading a new era rooted in service and authenticity.
Shedrack Anderson III, Let It Fall
Music
Shedrack Anderson III: From Hollywood to Heartfelt R&B
The former child star of Hook and Fat Albert is writing a new chapter through music and creative independence.
Faith Evans Way street dedication in Newark
Music
Newark Gives Faith Evans Her Flowers, Literally
The R&B queen returns home as Newark, New Jersey dedicates a street in her honor.
In Memoriam: Fred Alexander Jr. of Lakeside
In Memoriam
Rest in Power: Fred Alexander Jr., the Heartbeat of Lakeside
We honor the drummer whose groove moved a generation, and whose rhythm lives on forever.
Sasha Santiago
Music
Sasha Santiago Is Focused on the Mission: Getting to the Money and Building Her Brand
How one AI-powered artist is creating her own lane in the future of music.
Porscha Coleman
Celebrity
Porscha Coleman: The Triple Threat Who Never Stopped Evolving
How Hollywood's hidden gem continues to shine across television, music, and entertainment.
FIFA World Cup 2026 and U.S. tourism
Business
How Donald Trump's Foreign Relationships Could Impact Tourism and the U.S. Economy
The global perception factor behind America's tourism industry, and what the 2026 World Cup could mean for the economy.
Ca$ino Future
Music
Ca$ino Future's "Emotional Mayhem" Is Turning Pain Into Power
The West Coast lyricist is proving authenticity still resonates, and Texas is listening.
The Rose Gold Reserve cigar box
Business
The Rose Gold Reserve: How a Beverly Hills Cigar Became a Statement of Black Luxury
In barely a year, Omar McGee turned a Honduran-crafted cigar into a fixture on America's biggest cultural stages.
Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
Red Carpet
Black Hollywood Shines at the 2026 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
The stars hit the red carpet at The Beverly Hilton for a night of glamour and Black excellence, honoring Tyler Perry, Meagan Good, Kehlani, Kirk Franklin, and RZA.
Cardi B
Celebrity
Cardi B: Still Standing on Her Own Terms
Through the noise and the comparisons, one of hip-hop's most magnetic figures keeps proving the doubters wrong.
Black Directors at Cannes 2026
Film & TV
Meet the Black Directors Dominating Cannes 2026
Five filmmakers who took the world's most prestigious festival by storm this year.
BET Awards 2026
Awards
BET Awards 2026: Our Predictions and Bold Picks
Who deserves to take home the biggest honors in Black entertainment this year?
Music & Videos
Full Coverage
Explore Black Beat
More From The Culture
Section
Business
Ownership, deals & generational wealth.
Section
Sports
Where athletics meets culture.
Section
Tech
AI, startups & the digital frontier.
Section
Style
Fashion, beauty & the trends.
$
WS
Business Executive Spotlight
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers
Co-Founder, President & CEO · Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC)
An entertainment executive and lifelong activist, Prophet founded the Black Music Action Coalition in 2020 in the wake of #TheShowMustBePaused, building it into one of the industry's most powerful forces for racial equity, holding labels accountable while creating real pipelines of access and opportunity for Black artists and executives. He's also CEO of 50/50 Music Group Management, mentored under Rev. Al Sharpton at the National Action Network, and was honored with SESAC's Visionary Award for his work championing the culture from the inside out.
Powered by Black Beat Magazine
Get Black Beat Delivered
Print + Digital edition. No algorithms. No gatekeepers. Just pure Black music and culture, straight to you. Since 1983.
Celebrity.

From the BET Awards to Hollywood, we bring you the latest on the biggest names in Black entertainment, with commentary that cuts deeper than the headlines.

NOW
BET Awards 2026 nominees announced, see the full list Exclusive: Interview with this year's most talked-about artist Hollywood Unlocked impacts: How celebrity news changed in 2025 BET Awards 2026 nominees announced, see the full list Exclusive: Interview with this year's most talked-about artist Hollywood Unlocked impacts: How celebrity news changed in 2025
B2K & Bow Wow Boys 4 Life Tour. Credit: Maro Hagopian
Breaking News
B2K Reunited and the Fans Are Ready: A Full Recap of the Comeback Tour
It was the reunion nobody expected but everyone needed. Black Beat was there for every moment, from the emotional backstage scenes to the packed arenas. Here's everything that went down.
Read the Full Story
Jason Lee
Film & TV
Jason Lee & Hollywood Unlocked: The Impact on Celebrity Culture
How one platform changed what it means to break celebrity news in the Black community.
Troyman
Music
Troyman: The Artist Who Refuses to Be Categorized
A rising rapper with a melodic edge is making the case that his city is producing some of the most original hip-hop in the country.
Culture Creators
Culture Creators
Culture Creators Celebrated: The Visionaries Shaping 2026
Black Beat honors the creatives redefining art, music, and entertainment on their own terms.
10
Culture
A Decade Strong: Inside Culture Creators' 10th Anniversary
How Joi Brown built one of entertainment's most influential rooms, and the 2026 honorees taking the stage June 26.
Raven-Symoné
Celebrity
Raven-Symoné: The Work of Becoming Herself
From child star to grounded adulthood, an icon defines life on her own terms.
Music.

Hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, soul, jazz, go-go, we cover the full spectrum of Black music with the depth it deserves. Charts, reviews, and exclusives.

★ Song Choice of the Week
IT
DEP
“It Depends”
Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller
Why we picked it: A smooth, grown R&B record that flips the bridge of Usher's “Nice & Slow” into something brand new, and earned Grammy nods for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. Breezy and Tiller still have the formula.
✦ Artist to Watch
DD
Detroit Diamond
Artist · Songwriter · Detroit / LA
An independent artist, songwriter, model, and actor who turned grief into purpose, channeling the loss of her brother into music that keeps his legacy alive. A self-described “professional risk taker” who refuses to follow trends, she built her fanbase city by city, including a breakout run on MossFest. Authentic, versatile, and driven, exactly the kind of original Black Beat is built to champion.
Follow @_detroitdiamond_ →
Hot 50, This Week
1
GK
Blue Flame
Gold Kizz ft. Sasha V
▲ 2
2
MO
Midnight Frequencies
Monét
0
3
AK
Lagos Nights
Ayra Kemi
▲ 5
4
TR
Trap Theology
Trey Raw
▼ 1
5
JX
God Body
Juno X
▲ 8
6
NB
Brown Sugar 2026
Nova Bell
▲ 3
7
CB
Crown and Thorns
Cipher Blaq
▲ 14
8
DS
South Side Story
Dough Street
▼ 3
Latest Reviews
GK
Blue Flame
Gold Kizz · Hip-Hop / R&B
Masterclass in vulnerability and bravado. His most complete project yet.
9.4
/ 10
MO
Frequencies
Monét · R&B / Soul
Commands your attention through restraint and raw vocal power.
8.9
/ 10
AK
Lagos Unlimited
Ayra Kemi · Afrobeats
Bridges continents without losing her roots. A crossover that doesn't compromise.
8.5
/ 10
Lifestyle.

Fashion, beauty, health, culture, and events. Black lifestyle isn't a niche, it's the standard. We cover it with the respect it deserves.

Fashion
Streetwear That Slaps: The Brands You Need to Know Right Now
From independent Black-owned labels to major collabs, these are the pieces defining the look of 2026.
Jade Harris · 5 min read
Health & Wellness
Mental Health in the Black Community: Breaking the Silence in 2026
More artists and athletes are speaking openly. What's driving the shift, and who's leading it?
Dr. Amara Osei · 8 min read
Culture & Events
Summer 2026 Events: The Festivals, Concerts, and Celebrations You Can't Miss
From Essence Fest to local block parties, your complete guide to Black summer 2026.
Tiana Cross · 6 min read
Food & Culture
Soul Food for a New Generation: Black Chefs Reclaiming the Kitchen
Comfort classics reimagined on their own terms, no compromise, all flavor.
Rashida Okafor · 7 min read
Sports & Culture
Athlete, Activist, Artist: The Triple Threat Refusing to Stay in Their Lane
A new generation of Black athletes is redefining what it means to show up, on and off the field.
Marcus Bell · 9 min read
Unapologetically
Disrupting Urban Culture

The urban source for celebrity news, music, culture, lifestyle, and entertainment, since October 1983.

Our Story

Black Beat Magazine was born in October 1983 with a single, clear purpose: to give Black music and culture the platform they deserved, not as an afterthought, but as the main event.

For over four decades, we have been the urban source for celebrity news, music, culture, lifestyle, and entertainment. We've covered the icons who shaped history, and the rising voices who are writing the next chapter.

From hip-hop's earliest days to the global rise of Afrobeats, from the pioneers of R&B to the new jazz underground, Black Beat has been there. Not just as observers, but as participants in the culture.

We are not a mainstream publication that occasionally covers Black stories. We are a Black publication that covers everything that matters to our community, with the depth, respect, and unapologetic pride it deserves.

What We Cover

Celebrity news and interviews. Music reviews, charts, and exclusives. Film & TV coverage. Style and beauty. Health and wellness. Culture and events. Video highlights. And everything in between that makes up the rich, layered tapestry of Black life in America and around the world.

We cover B2K reunions and Grammy nominees. We introduce you to the underground rapper from your city. We profile the culture creators nobody else is talking about. We give you the full picture, because our community deserves nothing less.

1983
Founded, October
40+
Years in Print & Digital
822+
Posts on Instagram @blackbeatmagazine
2,570
Instagram Followers & Growing
Commitment to Black Culture
Our Staff
KN
Kevin J Nelson
CEO / Editor-In-Chief
PT
Phil Tyner
Senior Editorial & Brand Strategist
AW
Anthony Williams
Head of Creative
TR
Tevin Rhimes
Sr VP of Operations
VD
Vernell Dillingham
Staff Photographer / Correspondent