Dancehall music may have evolved in Jamaica in the late 1970s, but it didn’t hit stateside until the 1980s. By the 1990s, dancehall became increasingly popular, with artists constantly linking up with American artists to create some of the classic records we spill spin today. But, it’s important to understand the genre’s roots. Class is […]

The world is marching to the rhythm of West Africa. Afrobeats have gone global and artists are clamoring to capitalize off of the infectious sound. Afrobeats, not to be confused with Afrobeat, created by Fela Kuti, gets its upbeat and energetic melodies from a hybrid of West African music and American jazz and funk. Wizkid, Davido […]

Throughout her career, despite being asked repeatedly, Mahalia Jackson refused to sing secular music.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Yolanda Adams was the oldest of six children. Her mother studied music and raised Yolanda in a strict Christian home where Gospel music had a strong presence. As an adult Yolanda became a school teacher and lead singer with the Southeast Inspirational Choir. After years of singing in the church […]

June is Black Music Month, a celebration of African-American musicians, creators, innovators and influencers. For 2018, the Urban One family is highlighting 25 of the most influential musicians of all-time that have contributed to black spaces far and wide, ranging from inspirational, to hip-hop and R&B. Artist: James Cleveland Genre: Gospel Quick Highlights: 4x Grammy […]

June is Black Music Month, a celebration of African-American musicians, creators, innovators and influencers. For 2018, the Urban One family is highlighting 25 of the most influential musicians of all-time that have contributed to black spaces far and wide, ranging from inspirational, to hip-hop and R&B. Artist: Donnie McClurkin Genre: Gospel Quick Highlights: One of […]

The legendary Winans family is widely recognized as the First Family of Gospel. The original Winans were comprised of the second, third, fourth and fifth sons of the ten children of David Pop Winans and Delores Winans born in Detroit, MI. They Winans released their debut album, Introducing the Winans, in 1981, which featured the […]

The Rance Allen Group is known for their unique incorporation of rock and soul into traditional black gospel music and is one of the most explosive groups to emerge from the legendary Stax Records label in the 1970s. However, the group was formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen with his brothers Tom (drums), Steve (bass guitar). From […]

BeBe & CeCe Winans have won numerous awards, including three Grammys, nine Dove Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards.

June is Black Music Month, a celebration of African-American musicians, creators, innovators and influencers. For 2018, the Urban One family is highlighting 25 of the most influential musicians of all-time that have contributed to black spaces far and wide, ranging from inspirational, to hip-hop and R&B. Artist: Fred Hammond Genre: Gospel Quick Highlights: Grammy Award […]

Along with her musical accolades, Winans is also a published author and a minister. Winans and her husband pastor Nashville Life Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Crowned the “First Lady of Gospel Music,” Shirley Caesar began her recording career at the tender age of 12. With a career spanning over 60 years, Caesar is the recipient of several awards including, 11 Grammys and 14 Stellar Awards. In late 2016, Caesar captivated millennial audiences as the creator of the #unameit challenge. https://youtu.be/Olu36QuHUWc […]