André 3000’s First Solo Album “New Blue Sun” Is Out Now

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

André 3000 – the American rapper, singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, and actor – who is best known for being one half of the southern hip-hop duo Outkast – has just released his first solo album.

New Blue Sun, an instrumental record made with wind instruments played by 3000, went live on all streaming platforms on Friday, November 17, 2023.

The Atlanta born lyricist surprised a lot of rap fans who were expecting him to drop an authentic hip-hop LP with bars. In an interview with GQ, André made it clear that he is now in a different place in his life, hence the wind music.

Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’ Is Back On Top Decades After It Was Released

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman is still breaking barriers with her 1988 hit song Fast Car. At the 2023 Country Music Awards – held on November 8th at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee – Fast Car won song of the year.

The record is back in the spotlight because earlier this year, country star Luke Combs released a cover version. Tracy Chapman is the first Black songwriter to win Song of the Year in the CMA’s 57-year history.

Sheryl Lee Ralph’s ‘Divas Simply Singing!’ Is All Set For Nov. 19 In LA

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and her nonprofit organization, The DIVA Foundation, will present Divas Simply Singing! this Sunday, November 19 at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, California.

This is an annual event that raises awareness and funds for programs that promote the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening health conditions.

There will be performances by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tatyana Ali, Jessica Betts, Wayne Brady, Laverne Cox, Anthony Hamilton, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Young Celie – The Color Purple), Lena Byrd Miles, Dianne Reeves, Amber Riley, Saycon Sengbloh, Jordin Sparks, Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary), and more!

Confirmed presenters are Richard Ayoub (CEO, Project Angel Food), William Stanford Davis (Abbott Elementary), Brandee Evans (P-Valley), Cynthia Erivo, Senator Vincent Hughes, Greg Mathis Jr. & Elliott Cooper, Etienne & Coco Maurice, Niecy Nash, Sharon Stone, Robin Thede, and more!

For tickets and additional information visit divassimplysinging.com.

Pre-Order Black Thought’s Book “The Upcycled Self”

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Tariq Trotter—better known as Black Thought—is the platinum-selling, Grammy-winning co-founder of The Roots, and one of the most exhilaratingly skillful and profound rappers the culture has ever produced.

In his book, The Upcycled Self, set for release on November 14th, Trotter doesn’t just narrate a riveting and moving portrait of the artist as a young man, but gives readers a courageous model of what it means to live an examined life. In vivid vignettes, he tells the dramatic stories of the four powerful relationships that shaped him—community, friends, art, and family—each a complex weave of love, discovery, trauma, and loss.

His book tour begins on Nov 11th in Philadelphia, and he will go on to make stops in Washington, DC; New York; LA and San Francisco. A virtual event is also on the schedule.

Pre-order the book now and get tickets for the book tour at tariqtrotterbook-dot-com/.

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Did You Know That Nneka Has A New EP?

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Nneka Lucia Egbuna – the Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress, more popularly referred to as Nneka – released a new five-track EP at the end of October; on the 27th to be precise. The project is titled Back and Forth.

In an interview with France 24, Nneka said the EP is all about “finding love withing ourselves, or remembering who we really are.” Those who are familiar with Nneka‘s music should know that she vibrates on a higher level, and as such, her songs are usually centered in spirituality. Click here to stream and or download Back and Forth from your preferred music platform.

Chicago’s City Winery Will Host Regina Belle On Nov. 5th

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Soul singer-songwriter Regina Belle – who started her career in the mid-1980s, and is known for hits like “Baby Come to Me” and “Make It Like It Was” – will do back-to-back shows at Chicago’s City Winery (1200 W Randolph Street) on Sunday, November 5th.

The first show, which is already sold out, will begin at 5:00 PM (local time), and will be followed by an 8:30 PM concert. On both occasions Belle will be joined by a guest artist.

Ladies R&B Kickback Concert

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Saturday, November 25th, R&B stars Faith Evans, Jon B and 702, will all perform at the Ladies R&B Kickback Concert, set for the Arena Theatre – 7326 Southwest Freeway – in Houston, Texas.

Early bird tickets, which range from $67 to $165 USD (depending on seating), is available now via Ticketmaster. This concert is being powered by Yung Fly Entertainment.