Mo Wilks interviewed playwright Mfoniso Udofia about her nine-play cycle of the Ufot family in the production “In Old Age” which will be performed at ArtsEmerson’s Liebergott Black Box Theater, 559 Washington Street, Boston, MA, from June 13-28. The play is courtesy of theatre company Front Porch Arts Collective @FrontPorchArtsCollective Mfoniso discussed her background as…
It was September 16, 1979. Rap music had been around for roughly seven years, but many in the music industry believed it to be a passing trend that was not a profitable investment. Then the revolutionary song, an original 12-inch vinyl release lasting just under 15 minutes, changed everything. “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang…
The history of Hip-Hop cannot be written without acknowledging the structural shifts of the mid-1990s. As the genre exploded into the mainstream, a fiercely talented, effortlessly cool artist from Chicago stepped up to rewrite the rules for women in rap. Shawntae Harris, universally known as Da Brat, didn’t just break through the glass ceiling—she shattered…
Emerson College Assistant Professor Jonathan Kitt stopped by Studio 8-8-9 to share his acting journey in Black theater as well as his latest performance in the Actors Shakespeare Project’s August Wilson play, ‘Gem of the ocean.’ Wilson’s historic stage play is being performed live at Nubian Square, Roxbury at Hibernian Hall. Gem of the ocean…
Emerson Urban Dance Theatre has a unique ability to turn a show theme into something deeper. I had the opportunity to attend their Thursday’s tech rehearsal, and once again, I was amazed. The theme, Time and Time Again, is a broad theme, yet extremely powerful. What stood out most was how differently each person interpreted…
Urban Coordinator Anytza D. sat down with and interviewed featured performers Patrice Jean-Baptiste and Yasmeen Duncan discussing their roles in the play “Angry Ruckus and Shamelessly Gorgeous” at Lyric Stage Boston. The conversation covered the themes of generational tension and legacy passing between women artists, with Patrice playing Anna Campbell and Yasmeen playing Precious Pete…
Written by: Alexandra Paul Graphics by: Anytza Delgado One might know her from her iconic roles in some of your favorite movie franchises like Barbershop, or one of her hits ‘What Ya Want’. Eve is a multi-talented creative who has greatly influenced the female rap game as it exists today. Born Eve Jihan Jeffers in…
Written by: Alexandra Paul Graphics by: Anytza Delgado We have all hit the iconic Lil’ Kim move at least once in our life at some family function. The Brooklyn-born rapper, actress, and fashion icon known as Lil’ Kim redefined female hip-hop with her confident style. Kimberly Denise Jones was born on July 11th, 1974. When…
Luther Vandross is the modern blueprint for an R&B/Soul songwriting superstar. Prior to Luther paying his dues early in his illustrious career Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. was a Harlem, New York City-born youth who had dreams of making his name in the entertainment business. Both of his parents, his mother Mary Ida and father Luther…
In this interview, Mo Wilks from Studio 889 discussed Chrisette Michele’s musical journey, influences, and upcoming performance at City Winery Boston. Chrisette shared her early exposure to jazz legends and her development as a singer, while also highlighting her experiences collaborating with artists like Rick Ross and Nas. They explored her evolution as an artist,…