Brian Jackson & Yasiin Bey Honor Gil Scott-Heron in Tokyo Tribute

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

A special tribute to the legacy of Gil Scott-Heron is set to take center stage in Japan, as Brian Jackson and Yasiin Bey join forces for a one-night-only live performance on Friday, May 22, 2026. The event will be held at the iconic Blue Note Tokyo, a venue renowned for hosting world-class jazz and soul performances.

The show pays homage to Scott-Heron’s influence on music, poetry, and social commentary. As a pioneering voice whose work bridged jazz, soul, and early hip-hop sensibilities, his catalog remains deeply relevant, and this tribute seeks to reintroduce that message to contemporary audiences through a live experience.

Leading the performance, Yasiin Bey will handle vocals, while Brian Jackson—Scott-Heron’s longtime collaborator—anchors the musical direction on vocals, Fender Rhodes, and flute. They will be supported by a carefully assembled ensemble: Lex Cameron (keyboards, flute, vocals, musical director), Sara Madaluni (keyboards, flute, vocals), Dean Mark (bass), and Chris Morris (drums).

Click here for tickets.

The LOX and State Property Join Method Man & Redman for Philly Show on May 16

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Hip-hop heavyweights Method Man and Redman are set to perform live at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The concert, scheduled for an 8:00 PM start, brings together some of East Coast rap’s most influential names.

Joining them on the lineup is legendary trio The Lox—comprised of Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch—alongside the “homecoming” of State Property, featuring Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Young Gunz, and Peedi Crakk.

The event blends multiple eras of East Coast hip-hop, uniting artists whose careers helped define the genre from the 1990s through the 2000s. Click here to buy tickets.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Returns with Diverse 2026 Lineup

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2026 returns as one of the world’s premier cultural events, taking place from April 23 to May 3, 2026, at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. Spanning two weekends, the festival continues its longstanding tradition of celebrating the rich musical heritage of Louisiana while welcoming globally recognized artists across multiple genres.

The 2026 edition features an impressive and diverse lineup of headliners, including Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Kings of Leon, Lorde, T-Pain, and Jon Batiste. Additional major acts such as Nas, The Black Keys, Sean Paul, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, and The Isley Brothers further highlight the festival’s cross-generational appeal.

Beyond its global stars, Jazz Fest remains deeply rooted in local culture, featuring renowned Louisiana talent like Trombone Shorty and a wide array of regional performers across jazz, gospel, zydeco, and R&B. The event also continues its Cultural Exchange Pavilion, with a special focus on Jamaican music and culture in 2026, showcasing artists such as Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley.

With hundreds of performances scheduled across multiple stages, the festival offers more than just music. Attendees can experience authentic New Orleans cuisine, local arts and crafts, and cultural traditions that reflect the city’s unique identity.

Berklee College of Music to Host Lecrae at 19th Annual Business of Hip-Hop Music Symposium

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Berklee College of Music Business/Management Department will welcome Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and entrepreneur Lecrae as a featured guest at its 19th Annual Business of Hip-Hop Music Symposium on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Widely recognized for his impact on hip-hop and culture, Lecrae’s participation underscores the symposium’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with influential voices shaping today’s music industry. Known for both his chart-topping releases and entrepreneurial ventures, he will bring firsthand insight into navigating artistry, business, and purpose within a competitive global landscape.

The event will include two key segments. An A&R Listening Session will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Red Room, located at 939 Boylston Street, offering emerging talent the opportunity to present their music for professional feedback. Later that evening, Lecrae will headline a “Real Talk” Conversation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, where he will engage in an in-depth discussion on the realities of the music business.

Presented in collaboration with Reach Records, the symposium forms part of Berklee’s broader initiative to bridge academic learning with real-world industry experience. Each year, the event provides a platform for students, creatives, and aspiring executives to gain practical knowledge directly from established professionals.

Lecrae’s presence is expected to draw significant interest, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear from an artist who has successfully balanced commercial success with independent vision and cultural influence.

Lupe Fiasco Explores ‘The Current State of Rap Theory’ at Peabody Institute on April 3

Posted on April 1, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University is set to host acclaimed rapper and lyricist Lupe Fiasco as a Distinguished Visiting Artist for a special master class titled “The Current State of Rap Theory.”

Scheduled for Friday, April 3 at 3:30 p.m., the session will take place at the Centre Street Performance Studio, located at 5 E Centre Street in Baltimore. The event is free to the public, and no tickets are required. This class offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insight from one of hip-hop’s most respected voices.

Brooklyn Bowl Hosts Talib Kweli with Special Guests in April

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Hip-hop fans in New York can look forward to a live performance by Talib Kweli at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, April 10. Known for his sharp lyricism and influential role in conscious hip-hop, Kweli remains a dominant force in the rap scene. Joining him for the evening are Lill Twinn and Mizzy Coke.

For those not in the know, Brooklyn Bowl is located at 61 Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. This concert is expected to draw a diverse crowd of hip-hop enthusiasts to one of the city’s most vibrant settings to experience live music.

Hip-Hop Icons Nas & DJ Premier Release “GiT Ready” Visual

Posted on March 21, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Hip-hop icons Nas and DJ Premier have unveiled the official video for “GiT Ready”, released on March 18 as the second track from their long-awaited collaborative album Light-Years. The visual arrives as a major moment for fans who have followed the duo’s influential partnership over the decades.

Light-Years represents a 30-year creative legacy brought full circle, reinforcing Nas and DJ Premier’s standing as one of hip-hop’s most respected rapper-producer pairings. Their chemistry, deeply rooted in the culture’s evolution, continues to shape the genre’s sound and direction.

The project also forms part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It campaign, a seven-release series spotlighting legendary artists including Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, and De La Soul.

Fans can watch the official video for “GiT Ready” now on the YouTube channels of Nas, DJ Premier, or Mass Appeal.