June is Black Music Month, a celebration of African-American musicians, creators, innovators and influencers. For 2018, the Urban One family is highlighting 25 of the most influential musicians of all-time that have contributed to black spaces far and wide, ranging from inspirational, to hip-hop and R&B. Artist: Maxwell Genre: R&B Quick Highlights: 3x Grammy Award winner, Neo-soul pioneer. […]
From East Point, GA to world domination, rap duo Outkast changed the way we look at southern Hip Hop. André “André 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton created Outkast as high school students in 1991. They released their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in 1994. The single “Player’s Ball” reached number one on the Billboard. They then honed in on their sound to […]
Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds has written over twenty-six number one R&B hits so far throughout his career and we don’t think he’s done yet! Babyface got his name from funk king Bootsy Collins in the late 70s while playing for him because of his youthful look. Early on in his career Babyface join the groups After […]
When it comes to great music, few have been able to do what Chaka has done. Her era began in the 1970s, however, it has spanned five decades making her one of the most celebrated artists of all time and the Queen of Funk. Khan got start as as the lead vocalist and focal point of the funk […]
This Black Music Month we recognize Gospel’s most popular sisters, Mary Mary for their iconic contributions to Music, TV, and Business. Mary Mary, comprised of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell, was formed in 1998. The duo has sold over 8 million records worldwide and won 4 Grammy Awards (nominated for 11.) The name Mary Mary […]
The Clark Sisters are an American gospel vocal group consisting of five sisters: Jacky, , Denise, Elbernita “Twinkie,” Dorinda, and Karen. The Clark Sisters are the daughters of gospel musician and choral director Mattie Moss Clark. They are credited for helping to bring gospel music to the mainstream and are considered as pioneers of contemporary […]
Robert Sylvester “R.” Kelly singer, songwriter, record producer, and former professional basketball player. The Chicago native started his singing career in the late 1980s and debuted in 1992 with the group Public Announcement. After going solo in 1993, Kelly released his debut “12 Play.” The album gave Kelly his first number-one hit, “Bump N’ Grind”, […]
Rapper Common stared his career as Common Sense in 1992. He released his debut album “Can I Borrow A Dollar” to critical and underground acclaim. After his 1994 album Resurrection, Common dropped the “Sense” from his name and reached new levels. Albums such as like “Be” and “Finding Forever” help Common reach the status as one […]
Jill Scott busted into the music industry with a huge first release Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 in 2000 right in the midst of the neo-soul movement. Scott grew up in a single parent household in Philadelphia and was known for her poetic talent and writing abilities gaining her the nickname […]
Once considered just the “kid sister” to Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson evolved into her own singular being. Beginning with 1986’s Control, Jackson would embark on a streak of not only changing the sound of R&B but also setting a mark for female artists, regardless of genre. With her collaborations with former Prince proteges Jimmy Jam […]
