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← Older postsOMARION RETURNS WITH O2-PART 1 OUT NOW!
June 26, 2026Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum R&B artist Omarion releases his long-awaited new album, O2-Part 1, today via Create Music Group/Immaculate Frequency Records. The project arrives as one of the most anticipated R&B releases of 2026 and marks a defining moment from one of the genre’s most enduring performers. O2 finds Omarion at his most vulnerable and reflective, exploring themes of sacrifice, healing, and what it truly takes to sustain love through its most difficult seasons. That sense of intention runs deeper than the music. In recent years, Omarion has been equally committed to his growth as a man, embracing a holistic approach to wellness that spans mental, physical, and spiritual practice. He explored that journey in depth in his 2022 book, Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy (Amistad/HarperCollins), a deeply personal guide to wholeness, grace, and intentional living that resonated well beyond his fanbase. Through his ongoing Unbothered Mondays series, he has continued that conversation, building a community around the principles of balance and self-mastery. Those same values are woven into every corner of O2, making the album as much about inner work as it is about love. The project was previewed through three singles that speak to its range. “For War,” an emotionally charged ballad about fighting for a relationship worth saving, set the tone and announced the new era in striking fashion. “Fantasy” followed with the kind of infectious energy that reminded everyone why he still owns a room. Most recently, “The One” arrived with an official music video, built around a sample of Snoop Dogg‘s 2002 classic “Beautiful” featuring Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson, and has already climbed from #63 to #38 on Urban radio with no signs of slowing down. The production across O2 is equally dynamic. Featuring production and songwriting from Grammy Award-winning duo Blaq Tuxedo and G-Elz, the project is anchored by lush, soulful R&B that will feel familiar to fans of the original O, while rising producer Ethos brings a fresh perspective, signaling where Omarion is headed. “I Can Do It,” featuring South Africa’s own Major League …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a commentSHREK 5 | Watch the Teaser
June 26, 2026Next summer, DreamWorks Animation invites audiences on a thrilling, magical new comedy adventure from one of the most beloved global animated franchises of all time: Shrek 5. Comedy legends Mike Myers, Oscar® nominee Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz return to their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona. Emmy winning superstar Zendaya (The Odyssey, Dune franchise) joins the cast as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter Felicia, along with Marcello Hernandez (Saturday Night Live, Happy Gilmore 2) and Skyler Gisondo (Superman, Booksmart) as Felicia’s brothers, Fergus and Farkle. Shrek 5 is directed by acclaimed filmmakers and Shrek franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn. Vernon was a member of the directing team on the Academy Award® nominated Shrek 2 as well as on DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and Monsters vs. Aliens. Vernon has also provided the voice of Shrek fan-favorite Gingerbread Man, aka “Gingy,” across all titles in the Shrek Universe. Dohrn worked on the second and third Shrek films as a writer and artist and as Head of Story on the fourth film. Dohrn also voiced the character of Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After. Dohrn served as co-director on the first Trolls film and directed Trolls World Tour and Trolls Band Together. The film is produced by returning producer Gina Shay (Trolls franchise), who produced Shrek Forever After and by Illumination CEO and Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri (the Super Mario, Despicable Me and Minions franchises). The film is co-directed by Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Simpsons). For the past two decades, audiences have been enchanted by the delightful, irreverent adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his ragtag group of roguish fairytale folk, based on the book by acclaimed author William Steig. Beginning in 2001 with Shrek, the winner of the first ever Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, Shrek, Donkey and Fiona (along with their friends, family and tormentors), have grown into an indelible part of pop culture, reminding audiences around the globe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTamar Braxton & Ms. E Return with Season 2 of ‘COOKING SESSIONS WITH TAMAR & MS. E’ on CLEO TV
June 26, 2026The ladies are back in the kitchen! “Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E” is coming back for season two. After premiering as CLEO TV’s highest performing series debut ever, the hit series returns Wednesday, July 8, with all-new episodes. Hosted by Tamar Braxton and Ms. E, each episode features the ladies spicing things up in the kitchen with delicious recipes and even more laughter. New episodes of “Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E” air Wednesdays at 9:30 PM ET/CT, on CLEO TV. “Cooking Sessions with Tamar and Ms. E” is produced by Powerhouse Productions, with Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead serving as Executive Producers, and Kenneth Colbert as Senior Producer. Evelyn Braxton serves as an Executive Producer. Tamar Braxton also serves as an Executive Producer for Tamar Braxton Productions. Susan Henry is the VP, Original Programming and Production for CLEO TV. For more information on “Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E” visit MyCLEO.tv and follow CLEO TV on Facebook, Instagram and X using the handle @mycleotv. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #CookingSessions.
Posted in TV | Leave a comment41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominations Announced
June 24, 2026Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. across 31 categories (+ 6 Gospel Radio categories), honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2026 show is set to be hosted by Kirk Franklin; and feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike, all under the theme “Feels Like Home.” Tickets are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com or by visiting Ticketmaster. Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “As we celebrate the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, we are reminded that gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in our communities. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, musicians, and visionaries whose faith-filled contributions have shaped culture and touched lives around the world. As we begin this new chapter, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of gospel music while embracing the next generation of voices who will carry its message forward for years to come.” “It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have celebrated the artists, songwriters, musicians, and leaders who continue to use gospel music to inspire, heal, and bring people closer to God. Every year, this stage reminds us of the incredible power of faith, community, and music to impact lives around the world. I’m excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song,” shares Kirk Franklin. Adding to the excitement, August …
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentDISCLOSURE DAY – IN THEATERS Now
June 19, 2026If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to … Disclosure Day. Universal Pictures is proud to release a new original event film created and directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars SAG winner and Oscar® nominee Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, A Quiet Place), Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor (Challengers, The Crown), Oscar® winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, Kingsman franchise), Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters, The Perfect Couple) and two-time Oscar® nominee Colman Domingo (Sing Sing, Rustin). Based on a story by Spielberg, the screenplay is by David Koepp, whose previous work with Spielberg includes the scripts for Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Combined, those films earned more than $3 billion worldwide. Koepp also wrote the script for this 2025’s Jurassic World Rebirth. Disclosure Day is produced by five-time Academy Award® nominee Kristie Macosko Krieger (The Fabelmans, West Side Story) and by Spielberg for Amblin Entertainment. The executive producers are Adam Somner and Chris Brigham. Steven Spielberg is one of the industry’s most successful and influential filmmakers. The top-grossing director of all time, Spielberg has helmed such blockbusters as Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones franchise and Jurassic Park. Among his myriad honors, he is a three-time Academy Award® winner, including Oscars® for Best Director and Best Picture for Schindler’s List, which received a total of seven Oscars®, and for Best Director for Saving Private Ryan. His most recent film, The Fabelmans, was released by Universal in 2022 and received seven Academy Award® nominations, including for Directing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Picture. Genre: Thriller Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo Directed by: Steven Spielberg Screenplay by: David Koepp Story by: Steven Spielberg Producers: Kristie Macosko Krieger and Steven Spielberg Executive Producers: Adam Somner and …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentJAPAN PREMIERE OF MICHAEL AT TOHO CINEMAS IN TOKYO
June 8, 2026FEATURING STARS JAAFAR JACKSON & JULIANO VALDI AND PRODUCER GRAHAM KING Lionsgate and Kino Films hosted the Japan premiere of MICHAEL at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, bringing together the cast, filmmakers, and hundreds of fans to celebrate the film ahead of its theatrical release in Japan on June 12. Excitement filled the red carpet as stars Jaafar Jackson and Juliano Valdi, along with producer Graham King, greeted fans and posed for photos. Also in attendance were executive producers Prince Jackson, John Branca, and Karen Langford. The evening featured two special stage appearances by Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, and Graham King. The group expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome from Japanese audiences and reflected on Michael Jackson’s longstanding connection to Japan, a country that held a special place in his heart. They spoke about the honor and excitement of bringing the film to Japanese audiences and celebrating Michael’s enduring legacy alongside fans. MICHAEL opens in theaters across Japan on June 12, 2026.
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBlack American Music Awards Presented By Unite Atlanta
June 8, 2026The Black American Music Awards brought together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black music, culture, and legacy. Hosted by Michael Mauldin (founder and CEO of Unite Atlanta and bamX), the Black American Music Association, and emceed by entertainment reporter and TV personality, AJ Calloway, the event welcomed more than 300 guests to the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, GA. One of the night’s pivotal moments came when Jermaine Dupri received the inaugural Jam & Lewis Global Creative Impact Award from legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. “Georgia is the true place where American Black music lives,” Dupri said during his acceptance speech. The evening opened with a performance by Kenny Lattimore, setting the tone for a night dedicated to honoring excellence across generations of Black music. Lattimore’s performance was dedicated to music veteran and icon, Peabo Bryson. Legendary groups BRICK, CAMEO, and The S.O.S. Band were presented with the, Legacy Foundational Honor, in recognition of their lasting contributions to music and culture. Jagged Edge was also honored during the evening, using the moment to thank Dupri for his guidance and support in helping turn their musical aspirations into reality. The celebration also highlighted the global reach of Black music with the introduction of a creative collaboration between Atlanta’s Unite Atlanta | bamX and South Africa’s MACIE: Mzansi-Atlanta. Artists Siphokazi and LisaD graced the stage for performances. As he introduced the initiative, Calloway underscored the significance of the partnership, telling attendees, “Black music doesn’t have borders.” Later in the program, Michael Mauldin presented Kenny Lattimore with the Chairman’s Award. Guests were then treated to a special medley performance by The Ton3s in honor of Anthony Hamilton before he took the stage to accept the Voice of Soul Award. “Atlanta has taken me …
Posted in Highlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentABFF 2026 Announces Panels & Conversations Line Up
May 23, 2026The 2026 American Black Film Festival Announces Panel & Conversations Line Up for May 27-31 in Miami Beach. From Story to Impact: Black Queer Stories and Allyship Driving Culture and Change Sponsored by GLAAD Thursday, May 28 | 10:30 am – 11:45 am Peacock’s Strung: From Script to Screen Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal Thursday, May 28 | 11:30 am – 12:45 pm NBCU LAUNCH Talks: Crafting A TV Writing Career Sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal Thursday, May 28 | 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Built First: How Legacy Is Created A Conversation with Dawn Staley Sponsored by Ally Financial Thursday, May 28 | 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm HIGH TEA, BEYOND THE GATES — An Immersive Panel Experience Sponsored by CBS Thursday, May 28 | 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm A Conversation with Regina King Sponsored by American Airlines Thursday, May 28 | 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm Meet the ABFF 9:16 Microdrama Creators Thursday, May 28 | 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm Crunchyroll Presents: Black Fandom and Anime Sponsored by Sony Pictures Entertainment Friday, May 29 | 10:30 am – 11:45 am DC as a Creative Capital — Pathways to Production and Power Sponsored by Motion Picture Association Friday, May 29 | 10:30 am – 11:45 am Vertical Money: A Distributor’s Truth About the Microdrama Game Sponsored by Hartbeat | Codeblack Friday, May 29 | 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm “From Stage to Screen: Aleshea Harris on Directing Is God Is“ Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios Friday, May 29 | 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm Netflix’s Celebration of Black Television Panel Sponsored by Netflix Friday, May 29 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm BOB Talks: Inspiring Stories, Black-Owned Brands Sponsored by Walmart Friday, May 29 | 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Living Fully, Leading Forward: Taye Diggs on Longevity, Resilience, and Purpose Sponsored by …
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentAngel Reese Gets Into Apparel
May 23, 2026Angel Reese has always been that girl. She spent her first two seasons in Chicago being one of the most watched, most talked about, most everything players in the WNBA, and her move to Atlanta hasn’t changed a thing about that. “Atlanta has really been a breath of fresh air, and that feeling hasn’t worn off,” Reese tells ESSENCE. “Chicago will always be part of my story and I’m forever grateful for the fans and the city, but I’m so excited for this new chapter. The city has its own energy too, Black excellence, culture, fashion, music. I feel at home.” Her arrival in Atlanta also comes at a moment when the Dream are making some of the biggest changes the organization has seen in years, starting with how they think about their fans. At the center of those changes is the Homegrown collection, and Reese is the face of it. It was developed in partnership with Monarch Commerce, a division of Monarch Collective, a venture capital firm built entirely around women’s sports, and nothing in the league looks quite like it. The line ranges from everyday fan pieces to more expressive items like lounge sets, scarves, and bags made from upcycled jerseys. The centerpiece is a new Nike Rebel Edition uniform that Dream players Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray designed themselves, pulling from Atlanta in every detail: black as the foundation, peach for Georgia’s heritage, and the city’s area codes woven into the fabric. “The Dream’s Homegrown collection just feels like Atlanta,” Reese said of the line. “Atlanta has its own energy and people here know when something is authentic versus when it’s just trendy. I think that’s what makes it special.” For a long time, women’s sports fans have been buying what was available (usually in men’s sizing or styling) rather than what was actually made …
Posted in Atlanta Scene | Leave a commentLegendary R&B ICON, Multi Award-Winning Platinum Singer, Songwriter and Philanthropist, JOHNNY GILL, Releases New Single, “A DANCE, A KISS”
May 23, 2026“A Dance, A Kiss” is a sultry R&B song that captures the magnetic pull between two people moving in perfect rhythm. “I love giving intimate storytelling through my music and this song is just that. You’re getting sexiness, seduction and more! I was inspired to go back into the studio after I got back off the road with “The New Edition Way Tour”. “A Dance, A Kiss” makes everything unforgettable. Grown folks music!” shares Johnny Gill. “A DANCE, A KISS” was produced by Snoop Dogg and Priest “Soopafly” Brooks and penned by Johnny Gill, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., Priest Brooks, and Justin Randall Keitt. Another certified hit song under the Johnny Gill catalog. Gill’s chart success includes other Billboard Top 10 singles from “Let’s Get the Mood Right” to “One Night.” Johnny has also appeared on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album charts by having (7) of his albums on the prestigious charts. With a total of 27 Top 10 solo hits on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (including (8) Top 10 records), there is no denying of Gill’s musical impact in the soundtrack of our lives.
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a comment ← Older posts
