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MUSIC ICON CHAKA KHAN AND 112’S Q PARKER TAKE CENTER STAGE AS LIVING LEGENDS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES UNSUNG INDUSTRY HEROES DURING ITS MILESTONE 35TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IN ATL

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The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) proudly announces iconic recording artist Chaka Khan as Honorary Ambassador, and Q Parker from R&B Group 112 as the Honorary Gala Chair for this year’s Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala, taking place Friday, October 2, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. The moment holds special significance for Khan, whose history with the Living Legends Foundation stretches back more than three decades. In 1992, Chaka was among the early artists recognized by the organization, honoring not only her extraordinary artistry, but her impact on the music industry and culture. Now, 34 years later, Khan returns as Honorary Ambassador for the Foundation’s 35th Anniversary, helping turn the spotlight toward the executives, radio personalities, entrepreneurs, advocates and cultural architects whose often unseen contributions have helped build, sustain and shape Black music and entertainment.  “When you cross a bridge, you don’t think about all the hands that built it. Some of the most important contributions are the ones we never see,” said Chaka Khan. “Thank you, Living Legends Foundation, for seeing that every story matters and for honoring those hands and hearts that helped build the way for all of us.” “Having Chaka Khan serve as our Honorary Ambassador during this milestone year is incredibly meaningful,” said David C. Linton, Chairman of the Living Legends Foundation. “Chaka’s history with the Foundation reaches back to our earliest years, and her extraordinary career represents the excellence, longevity and cultural impact we have worked to celebrate for 35 years. We are honored to welcome her back as we recognize another remarkable class of Living Legends.” Adding to the significance of this milestone year, the 10-time GRAMMY® Award recipient is also entering an exciting new chapter in her legendary career with the release of Chakzilla on September 18. Her first full-length album in seven years, the highly anticipated project marks a bold new era for Chaka and features collaborations …

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DDG ANNOUNCES “HIT-A-THON ATL”A WEEK-LONG LIVESTREAM EXPERENCE COMING SEPT. 14-21

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Multi-platinum rapper, YouTuber, and Twitch streamer DDG is bringing one of his most celebrated concepts to ATL. He’ll be in full swing with “Hit-A-Thon ATL,” a weeklong livestream experience, taking place September 14-21. DDG officially announced the upcoming experience today with a cinematic trailer on socials inspired by the infamous necklace snatch scene from the 2006 film ATL. The trailer recreates the memorable scene between Rashad, played by T.I., and Erin, played by Lauren London, giving the iconic moment a “Hit-A-Thon” twist as DDG sets the stage for his Atlanta takeover. Watch HERE. The announcement follows the success of DDG’s previous “Hit-A-Thon” in Los Angeles, where he spent seven days livestreaming the process of creating his album Blame the Chat from scratch. The 24/7 streamathon gave fans a firsthand look at DDG’s recording process and inside look at how the album came together in real time. The weeklong experience featured notable guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Shaboozey, DaBaby, BIA, Lakeyah, and Rob49, bringing fans closer to the music and creative experience.  Now, as he prepares to take “Hit-A-Thon” to Atlanta, DDG is turning to his fans to help shape this year’s experiences, asking them to comment on who they want to see join him for “Hit-A-Thon ATL.” As DDG continues to push the boundaries of how artists connect with their fans, “Hit-A-Thon ATL” is set to bring music, livestreaming, and Atlanta culture together for an experience fans can follow in real time.

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CLARESSA SHIELDS KNOCKS OUT KAYE SCOTT TO WIN WBC & WBA TITLES IN EMPHATIC RETURN TO MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION

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Avengers Endgame: Encore In Theaters Sep 25

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The epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga returns to theaters as Avengers Endgame: Encore on September 25, 2026. After devastating events wiped out half the world’s population, the remaining heroes struggle to move forward. Ultimately, they must come together to restore order and harmony in the universe and bring their loved ones back in a dramatic showdown against Thanos.

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CHRIS BROWN & USHER ADD EIGHT NEW STADIUM DATES TO THE R&B TOUR FOLLOWING INCREDIBLE FAN DEMAND

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GRAMMY Award-winning icons USHER and Chris Brown today announced eight new stadium dates for The R&B Tour, extending the co-headlining run to 59 total dates following incredible fan demand and a successful first stretch across North America. The newly announced dates include first-time stops in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbia and Indianapolis, along with additional performances in several of the tour’s highest-demand markets, including a fifth show in Atlanta, fourth in Los Angeles, and third in both East Rutherford and Miami. Since kicking off with a sold-out show at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver in June, The R&B Tour has quickly become one of the summer’s biggest live music events, bringing USHER and Chris Brown’s career-spanning catalogs together in a nearly three-hour stadium production. The tour has also earned strong reviews for its ambitious production and unique co-headlining format, which sees USHER and Chris Brown trading the spotlight throughout nine cinematic acts rather than performing traditional back-to-back headline sets.  The show moves seamlessly between their respective catalogs, featuring hits including “U Remind Me,” “With You” and “Yeah!,” along with joint performances including “New Flame.” Throughout the night, the two artists also pay tribute to the R&B and music legends who helped pave the way, with special moments honoring Prince, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye woven into the show. “Brown and Usher… delivered a seamless performance. The three-hour bonanza was littered with dance numbers, acrobatic moves, special guests ranging from Lil Baby to 50 Cent and, of course, picture-perfect moments of Brown and Usher crossing paths onstage to deliver their classic collaborations” – Billboard  “The nearly three-hour stadium production featured an innovative format that saw the two superstars alternate performances across nine cinematic acts, creating a nonstop celebration of R&B classics” – The Source  Tour Success Highlights Include: The production also features Mario, Eric Bellinger and Tank, who join Chris Brown throughout the show as live backing vocalists and step into the …

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Claressa Shields Makes History

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The Olympic gold-medalist became the first Black woman to headline a major boxing event in Atlanta, finishing Kaye Scott at the State Farm Arena on Saturday night. Claressa Shields is a star. In front of a packed house in Atlanta on Saturday, the Michigan native returned to middleweight Saturday night and left the city with championship gold around her waist once again. Fighting at State Farm Arena, Shields stopped Kaye Scott in the sixth round to reclaim the WBC and WBA middleweight titles. The bout marked her first appearance at 160 pounds since 2023 after spending her previous four fights at heavyweight. Even with the weight cut, Shield remained on point the entire fight. “This was a really hard camp,” said Shields of her months-long preparation, per a report by ESPN. “I cut 38 pounds. I was at 198 pounds and got down to 160. This is the most disciplined I’ve been since the Olympics, I feel like.” Scott was willing to exchange early, but Shields quickly established control. By the second round, the effects of her offense were visible on Scott’s forehead. Shields continued to dictate the fight before landing a hard left hook in the sixth, sending Scott into the ropes and forcing a count. Shields pressed once action resumed. With Scott struggling to recover, her corner threw in the towel at 1:38 of the round, giving Shields the stoppage victory. “I was actually just trying to figure her out,” Shields said during the post-fight interview. “She was stronger than what I thought. She was very strong, and I knew that with me cutting the weight that I cut that I didn’t want to exert too much early. So I was trying to make sure I could deal with her strength and not get caught with nothing crazy because I’m …

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WINNERS & PICS: Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Keyla Richardson, Erica Campbell, Kierra Sheard, Lil Rel at 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards

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The Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated its 41st year honoring excellence in gospel music with an unforgettable evening of powerful performances, moving tributes and special honors celebrating the artists and trailblazers who continue to shape the genre. Hosted by 45-time Stellar Award winner and 20-time GRAMMY Award winner Kirk Franklin, this year’s ceremony brought “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music” to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a celebration fittingly themed “Feels Like Home.” Held at the Spectrum Center on Saturday, August 15, the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards brought together gospel legends, contemporary hitmakers and a new generation of rising talent for an evening showcasing the faith, community, innovation and musical excellence that have defined the Stellar Awards for more than four decades. A new generation of gospel artists shared the stage with some of the genre’s most celebrated voices throughout the evening. Aaron Cole performed alongside Tenroc and Jonathan McReynolds, while emerging artists Céjae and JustCordell showcased the next wave of gospel talent. The celebration also featured performances from Darrel Walls, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, William Murphy, Vincent Bohanan & SOV and more. Among the evening’s most anticipated moments, gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard was honored with the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her extraordinary career, influence and contributions to gospel music. Pastor Mike Jr. received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, celebrating his impact on the genre and his continued work expanding the reach of gospel music through music and ministry. Among the evening’s most celebrated moments, gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her extraordinary career, influence and contributions to gospel music. Pastor Mike Jr. received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, celebrating his remarkable impact on the genre and continued influence through music and ministry. The night delivered an expansive lineup of collaborations and performances, including Jekalyn Carr with Karen Clark Sheard and Yolanda Adams; Jevon Dewand & The …

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TIP “T.I.” HARRIS RECEIVES 2026 BRONZELENS CULTURAL ICON AWARD

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More Updates Loading . . . . BronzeLens 2026 Closing Weekend Highlights Friday, August 28 PowerHouse Craft Day: The Art of StorytellingNoon–7:30 p.m. | Tara Atlanta PowerHouse Craft Day brings filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, crew members and entertainment executives together for insightful conversations, career-building opportunities and an acting workshop led by celebrated performer Jasmine Guy. 1–2 p.m. | Young and Hungry: The New FilmmakersModerator: Astin RocksPanelists: Kiah Clingman, Ivan Rome and Kyle Scott 2:15–3 p.m. | Crafting the Story: Writers & Crew Building Black CinemaModerator: Tamika NewhousePanelists: Dr. Ty Johnston-Chavis, Tressa Smallwood and Shannan E. Johnson 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Below the Line: The Careers That Build Black CinemaModerator: Ronda PenricePanelists: EmmoLei, Karen Ceesay, Kyerra Weldon, Jamie Williams and Charles Robinson 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Get Funded: Producing, Financing, Crowdfunding and Protecting Your FilmModerator: Monique YoungerPanelists: Amer Marie Woods of Seed&Spark and entertainment attorney James Walker 4:45–5:45 p.m. | From Creation to MonetizationModerator: Dr. Ty Johnston-ChavisFeatured panelist: Valerie Meraz, senior vice president of FOX Entertainment Global 5–6 p.m. | Jasmine Guy Acting WorkshopInstructor: Jasmine Guy 6–7 p.m. | The ATL Effect: The Black Mecca for Movies, Music and MorePanelists: Courtney Glaude, producer at Tyler Perry Studios, and Karen Ceesay, SAG-AFTRA president Saturday, August 29 All-Day Film Screenings | Tara Atlanta BronzeLens continues its celebration of independent cinema with an expansive lineup of documentaries, narrative features, short films and student productions. Sunday, August 30 17th Annual BronzeLens Awards7 p.m. | Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College900 West End Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA The festival will conclude with a dazzling salute to its “Best of Festival” filmmakers. Awards will recognize excellence in feature films, documentaries, short films, short documentaries, web series, international films, Georgia productions, student films, music videos and dance films, along with outstanding performances by an actor and actress. The …

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Brandy Norwood Returns to Lifetime for Sequel to Holiday Movie, ‘Christmas Everyday’

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Following the success of last year’s Christmas Everyday, Grammy® Award-winning singer and actress Brandy Norwood returns to Lifetime this holiday season to star in and executive produce Christmas Everyday Again (working title). Norwood reprises her role as Francine “Fancy” Ballantine, which garnered her an NAACP award nomination, alongside real-life daughter Sy’rai Smith who stars as Fancy’s younger sister, Belle; Debbi Morgan as their mother, Evelyn; and Robert C. Riley as Fancy’s fiancé, Jaylen. The film recently wrapped production and is part of this year’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate. “I’m so excited to step back into Fancy’s world,” said Brandy Norwood. “Making Christmas Everyday was such a special experience, and I’m thrilled that audiences will get to continue this journey with these characters.” In Christmas Everyday Again, Chicago fashion designer Fancy Ballantine (Brandy Norwood) is preparing for the biggest season of her life as she works to secure the future of her thriving boutique while planning her dream Christmas wedding to her fiancé, Jaylen (Robert C. Riley). With her supportive mother, Evelyn (Debbi Morgan), and spirited sister, Belle (Sy’rai Smith), by her side, everything seems to be falling into place. But when mounting business pressures and the unexpected return of a reformed ex lead Fancy to shoulder every burden on her own, she unintentionally pushes Jaylen away. As Christmas approaches, Fancy must decide whether she’s willing to let go of the past before it costs her the future she’s always dreamed of.  Also returning to reprise their roles are Kajuana S. Marie as Deena, Journey Carter as Tia, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Germaine, and Lamman Rucker as Richard. Gregory Alan Williams joins the cast as Earl. Christmas Everyday Again is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios (FES), Relevé Entertainment, and Motion Entertainment, A WPP Media Company, for Lifetime. Executive producers are Brandy Norwood, Dr. Holly Carter, Ryan Ramsey and Stella Bulochnikov; Fernando Szew, Hannah Pillemer, Larry Grimaldi, and Adam Shepard for FES; Chet …

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Jodeci – “Forever My Lady” – 35th Anniversary 2LP Vinyl

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Jodeci fans, this one belongs in your collection.Celebrate 35 years of “Forever My Lady,” the classic debut album that gave us “Come and Talk to Me,” “Stay,” and a new era for the sound of R&B. The 35th anniversary reissue is available to order now on 2LP black vinyl, featuring bonus tracks and a never before released acapella version of “Stay.”And the celebration does not stop there. Jodeci is heading back out on tour for the 35th anniversary of “Forever My Lady,” with dates and ticket details coming soon.For the fans who lived it, loved it, and never stopped playing it, “Forever My Lady” is back. Order the anniversary reissue now and stay tuned for tour announcements. https://youtu.be/qZCPgfEZvzQ?si=N2v9dpwbXnFbzbCy

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