Charm City Live Returns to Baltimore with Star-Studded 2026 Lineup

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Baltimore’s popular Charm City Live returns on Saturday, September 5, 2026, bringing an impressive lineup of R&B talent to War Memorial Plaza in downtown Baltimore. The fifth annual festival will run from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

This year’s event will feature three major headliners: legendary R&B group Boyz II Men, acclaimed singer Case, and Grammy Award-winning British singer Estelle. In addition to the headliners, Charm City Live will feature DJs and additional entertainment.

Tessanne Chin to Headline Sunday Souls in Montego Bay on August 30

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Sunday Souls, the popular series celebrating the best in soul and R&B, has added a standout addition to its live lineup: Grammy-nominated and The Voice champion Tessanne Chin.

The event takes place on Sunday, August 30, at Harbour City Shopping Mall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, running from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Admission is free, and organizers are encouraging guests to “come out early” to secure a good spot for the evening’s festivities.

Known for her powerhouse vocals and soulful delivery, Chin is expected to bring an electric energy to the Sunday Souls stage, fitting seamlessly into the series’ reputation as a go-to destination for lovers of soul and rhythm-and-blues music.

KRS-One’s “What Is The Message” Video Is a Vibrant Reminder That Authentic Hip-Hop Is Alive

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

KRS-One has released the official video for “What Is The Message” today, August 11, and the visual matches the spirit of the song with undeniable energy.

Bright, colorful, and deeply rooted in hip-hop culture, the video feels like a visual representation of everything KRS-One has stood for throughout his career. From graffiti-covered walls and trains throughout the city to break-dancers bringing movement and energy to the streets, the video puts the culture front and center.

Vinyl also gets its moment, with record stores and displays featuring classic albums that remind viewers of hip-hop’s rich musical history. At the center of it all is KRS-One himself, delivering his rhymes with the authority, passion, and conviction that have defined his career for decades.

“What Is The Message” is already a captivating track on its own, but the official video takes the experience to another level. Rather than simply accompanying the song, the visual reinforces its message by showcasing the art, movement, music, and community that make hip-hop more than just a genre.

At a time when debates about the state and direction of hip-hop continue, KRS-One offers a simple but powerful reminder through both the song and its visual: authentic hip-hop is not dead.

Keyshia Cole and Lloyd to Headline “Love on the River” at Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Detroit’s Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre will host “Love on the River,” a special concert event featuring R&B stars Keyshia Cole and Lloyd, on Saturday, August 30.

The riverside venue will open its doors at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m. As with all performances at the amphitheatre, the event will proceed rain or shine, and organizers note that ticket prices may increase closer to the date of the show.

Cole, known for chart-topping hits and a devoted fan base built over two decades in R&B, headlines the bill alongside Lloyd, the Grammy-nominated singer celebrated for his smooth vocals and steady run of radio hits.

Tickets are available exclusively through the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre box office, TheAretha.com, and Ticketmaster. The event is presented in partnership with Motor City Casino and the City of Detroit.

“Return of the Legends Vol. 23” Brings Classic Hip-Hop Lineup to Detroit This September

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Detroit hip-hop fans have a major show to look forward to this fall. The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre will host “Return of the Legends Vol. 23” on Saturday, September 5th, featuring a stacked lineup of respected veterans in the genre.

Headlining the event is Houston rap icon Scarface, joined by West Coast production legend DJ Quik. The bill also includes fellow Houston artists Slim Thug and Paul Wall, along with Devin the Dude and Lil’ Flip.

The event is presented by McDonald’s and supported by Detroit radio stations 97.9 WJLB and Mix 92.3. Tickets are available exclusively through the box office, TheAretha.com, and Ticketmaster.

As with all shows at the venue, the concert is rain or shine, and event details are subject to change. Prices may increase on the day of the show, so early ticket purchases are recommended.

“Rap Like A Girl”: LaNell Grant, TuKool Tiff, Tylynn & Porsha Love Unleash a Hard-Hitting New Visual

Posted on August 9, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

LaNell Grant, TuKool Tiff, Tylynn and Porsha Love turn up the intensity with “Rap Like A Girl,” a hard-hitting Christian rap collaboration accompanied by an equally powerful official music video, shared August 6 on LaNell Grant’s YouTube channel.

Released July 24, “Rap Like A Girl” is anything but soft. The hardcore Christian rap track gives each of the four women an opportunity to showcase their lyrical ability, commanding flows and undeniable presence. The song has already earned attention within the Christian hip-hop community, including placement on Rapzilla’s “Christian Rap” playlist and NewReleaseToday’s “New Christian Rap Queens” playlist.

The accompanying visual matches the song’s energy from beginning to end. Shot entirely in black and white, the video puts LaNell Grant, TuKool Tiff, Tylynn and Porsha Love front and center as they spit their respective bars with aggression and confidence.

What makes the video particularly captivating is its editing. Quick pops, screen shakes, split-screen sequences and other visual effects heighten the intensity of the performances, creating a fast-moving visual that feels every bit as forceful as the track itself.

Ironically, despite its title, these women are not “rapping like girls.” They are going as hard as the guys, delivering their lyrics with the kind of conviction, aggression and technical skill that demands attention.

Musiq Soulchild Announces Multi-City Residency Tour at City Winery Venues

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Musiq Soulchild will embark on an extensive multi-city residency tour at City Winery venues across the country, bringing his signature blend of neo-soul and R&B to fans in seven major cities through the end of the year.

The tour kicks off in New York City with performances on August 21, 22, and 24, featuring six total shows with two performances each night. From there, the tour heads to St. Louis for three dates—September 1, 3, and 4—also offering six shows with two sets per night.

Chicago audiences will get an extended run, with four performance dates on September 7, 8, 11, and 12, totaling eight shows across two nightly sets. The tour then takes a break before resuming in the fall with a stop in Atlanta, where Musiq Soulchild will perform November 20, 21, 24, and 25, again delivering eight shows with two performances each evening.

Nashville follows with three dates on November 28, 29, and December 1, rounding out six shows with two sets nightly. The tour continues in Philadelphia with four dates—December 17, 18, 21, and 22—offering eight total performances across two nightly shows.

The residency concludes in Pittsburgh, where Musiq Soulchild will close out the year with performances on December 27, 28, and 30, totaling six shows with two sets each night.