#KRITICIZM - Garelle “Jigga” Smith became a widely discussed name in New Orleans after authorities accused him of involvement in the killing of hometown rap legend Soulja Slim. His story remains tied to serious allegations, unsuccessful prosecutions and questions that never received a definitive courtroom answer. Soulja Slim, born James Tapp, was killed outside his home on November 26, 2003. In reporting published shortly afterward, police alleged that Smith received $10,000

#KRITICIZM - Turkey Leg Hut turned a loaded turkey leg into a Houston attraction. Founded by Lynn Price and Nakia Holmes, the restaurant became a Third Ward destination, drawing long lines, tourists and celebrities eager to experience its food and lively atmosphere. Its appeal went beyond generous portions. Turkey Leg Hut became a place people wanted to visit, photograph and talk about—a restaurant whose reputation traveled far beyond Houston. But behind the crowds, financial

#KRITICIZM - Few R&B duets have etched themselves into music history quite like “Fire and Desire,” the smoldering classic performed by Rick James and the incomparable Teena Marie. But behind the song’s legendary status lies a story of grit, passion, and unwavering dedication—especially from Teena Marie, who recorded her iconic vocals while sick with a fever of over 100 degrees. When Rick James penned “Fire and Desire,” he had only one person in mind for the duet: Teena Marie.

#KRITICIZM - In 2008, it was almost impossible to turn on the radio without hearing Estelle's “American Boy.” Featuring Kanye West, the infectious combination of R&B, pop, hip-hop and dance music transformed the British singer into an international star. The record reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom, became a Top 10 hit in the United States and eventually earned Estelle and Kanye West a Grammy Award. But as the years passed, Estelle wasn't seen nearly as often on mainstream

#KRITICIZM - Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, best known as one-third of the iconic R&B group TLC, is not only a Grammy-winning artist but also a living testament to strength and survival. From the very start, doctors told her that she wouldn't live past the age of 30 due to complications from sickle cell anemia—a painful and often life-threatening blood disorder that she’s battled her entire life. But T-Boz didn’t just live past 30—she shattered expectations. In 2000, at the very age

#KRITICIZM - During the golden era of 1990s R&B, Changing Faces created a collection of records that became unforgettable slow-jam classics. Consisting of childhood friends Cassandra Lucas and Charisse Rose, the New York duo combined smooth harmonies, relatable lyrics and a mature sound that helped them stand out in a crowded music industry. Lucas and Rose attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Before forming Changing Faces, they gained

#KRITICIZM - Actress Lynn Whitfield delivered such a powerful performance as Brandi Web in the 1996 classic A Thin Line Between Love and Hate that it blurred the line between fiction and reality — at least for some of her admirers. Whitfield recently reflected on how her portrayal of Brandi, the elegant yet dangerously unhinged femme fatale opposite Martin Lawrence, carried over into her personal life. According to Whitfield, after the film’s release, dating became an interes

#KRITICIZM - Dee Jay Daniels, born Dorian Mitchell Daniels, once captured America’s heart with his bright smile and natural comedic timing. Best known for his role as Michael Hughley on the hit sitcom The Hughleys, Daniels was a familiar face in households across the country in the late '90s and early 2000s. With a resume that included appearances in Grace Under Fire and other TV shows and commercials, it seemed Daniels was destined for a long-lasting career in entertainment.

#KRITICIZM - During the 1990s, Zhané delivered a sophisticated mixture of R&B, jazz, soul and hip-hop that separated them from many other groups of the era. Consisting of Renée Neufville and Jean Norris—now known as Jean Baylor—the duo is best remembered for the timeless party anthem “Hey Mr. D.J.” Although Zhané’s run was relatively brief, their music remains a major part of ’90s R&B culture. The Beginning of Zhané Renée Neufville and Jean Norris met while studying music at

#KRITICIZM - Back in 2005, the world watched one of the most unexpected celebrity feuds unfold — between Eminem, the self-proclaimed “Rap God,” and Michael Jackson, the undisputed “King of Pop.” Eminem had released a controversial music video for his song “Just Lose It,” in which he mocked Jackson’s plastic surgery, legal troubles, and public image. The video sparked outrage from MJ’s fans and even caused several TV networks to pull it from rotation. While many expected Micha

#KRITICIZM - At the height of Murder Inc.’s dominance in the early 2000s, Irv Gotti was known for making bold, headline-grabbing moves to keep his label on top. One of the most surprising? Paying Bobby Brown a reported $1 million for a feature on a Ja Rule record. At the time, Ja Rule was one of the biggest artists in the world, dominating radio, charts, and pop culture. Murder Inc. was running the industry, and Irv Gotti understood the value of moments — not just songs. Brin

#KRITICIZM - During the mid-1990s, Groove Theory delivered a smooth and refreshing sound that separated them from many of the R&B acts dominating radio. The duo—singer-songwriter Amel Larrieux and producer Bryce Wilson—became best known for their timeless 1995 single “Tell Me.” The record reached the Top 5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B chart, while Groove Theory’s self-titled debut album also produced memorable songs such as “Keep Tryin’” and “Baby Luv.” Their combina

#KRITICIZM - When Coolio released “Gangsta’s Paradise” in 1995, it became an instant cultural phenomenon—topping charts, earning accolades, and embedding itself in hip-hop history. But what many fans don’t know is that the song’s success hinged on one crucial green light: the approval of Stevie Wonder. The haunting instrumental of “Gangsta’s Paradise” is a direct sample of Wonder’s 1976 classic “Pastime Paradise.” However, Wonder—known for his strong values and control over h

#KRITICIZM - In the vibrant, rhythm-soaked streets of New Orleans, few names carry as much weight in bounce music history as Magnolia Shorty. Born Renetta Yemika Lowe-Bridgewater on September 30, 1982, she rose from the heart of the Magnolia Projects to become a pioneering voice in a male-dominated genre, earning her the crown as the undisputed Queen of Bounce. Though her life was tragically cut short on December 20, 2010, her influence continues to echo through clubs, radio

#KRITICIZM - Few friendships in pop culture history are as unexpected—and as human—as the connection between Tupac Shakur and Jim Carrey. At the height of Tupac’s fame and influence, during one of the most difficult chapters of his life, an unlikely source of support stepped in to brighten his days. While Tupac was serving time in prison in the mid-1990s, Jim Carrey, then rising fast as one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars, took it upon himself to send Tupac handwritten le

#KRITICIZM - Two HBCU students are proving that making a difference in their community doesn’t have to wait until after graduation. At North Carolina A&T State University, students Ryan Pennington and Ahmad Blair are balancing their college education with a mission to help ensure children in Greensboro, North Carolina, have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. In 2026, Pennington and Blair launched the Greensboro chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated

#KRITICIZM - During the early 1990s, Public Announcement helped introduce a new sound that blended traditional R&B harmonies with hip-hop production and new jack swing. The Chicago group became nationally known after joining forces with an emerging singer named R. Kelly, appearing alongside him on the successful 1992 album Born Into the 90’s. Together, R. Kelly and Public Announcement delivered songs such as “She’s Got That Vibe,” “Honey Love,” “Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ)” and “

#KRITICIZM - A new generation of R&B artists is emerging with a willingness to be vulnerable, honest and open about relationships, and St. Petersburg artist Breez Kennedy is positioning himself as one of the young voices to watch. Blending smooth melodies with emotionally transparent songwriting and contemporary production, Breez has developed a sound centered around experiences almost everyone can understand—falling in love, losing love, heartbreak and navigating complicated

#KRITICIZM - Baton Rouge has developed one of the most distinctive and influential rap scenes in the South. The city’s artists are known for transforming pain, poverty, loyalty, loss and street experiences into deeply personal music. One of the young voices who appeared destined to carry that tradition forward was Da Real Gee Money. Born Garrett Burton, Gee Money was a rising Baton Rouge rapper and a prominent member of the Top Boy Gorilla collective, better known as TBG. Wit

#KRITICIZM - Milwaukee’s music scene continues to produce artists determined to make their presence felt beyond Wisconsin, and So Glo is becoming another name worth watching. As independent artists increasingly use social media, streaming platforms, visuals and live performances to build audiences without waiting for traditional industry approval, So Glo is working to create momentum around her name and establish her own position within Milwaukee’s growing music movement. Mil