music

May 14, 2025

From Radio Waves to Photo Frames: A Tribute to the Godfather of Black Radio

It was the early 1980s. On any given Sunday, over the loud horns and hustling New Yorkers, you would hear Hal Jackson hosting the top-rated “Sunday Classics” on 107.5 WBLS, playing records by everyone from Prince to Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston at a time when Black artists weren’t played on the radio as much. Each week, whenever Hal gave away CDs or concert tickets on air, his wife of then-15 years, Debi B, would be on phone duty, writing down winners’ names on a sheet of paper and handing it to Hal to announce. One day, he asked her to make the announcement. 

By Lynise Olivacce

April 21, 2025

Angel Cintron Sang Through the Rage—At the Other End of it was Peace

Singer-songwriter Angel Cintron reflects on her journey from teen performer to independent artist, channeling heartbreak, rage and vulnerability into her newest album, '5 Ever.'

By Melanie Love Salazar

April 18, 2025

I’m Not Sorry About My Unhealthy Obsession with Justin Bieber

"People thought I’d grow out of it. They were wrong." The author shares her nearly lifelong experience of being a Justin Bieber superfan, despite now being in her 20s.

By Valeria Garcia

February 18, 2025

Essay: The Emancipation of Mimi and JaeJae

The time I met Mariah Carey and connected to her journey of resilience

By Jannelle Andes

September 29, 2023

Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Tuning up for Fair Contract

Artists of the Philadelphia Orchestra demand fair wages and benefits amid a nationwide labor movement.

By Genevieve Hartnett