Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Lalah Hathaway, Tamar Braxton tapped for inaugural Rise and Rhythm Cruise

Phil McCarten/CBS The inaugural Rise and Rhythm Cruise will set sail on the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship in February 2026, to uplift attendees with performances, panels and more. The Rise and Rhythm Cruise will feature sets from Kirk Franklin, David Mann and Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett, Lalah Hathaway, Kierra Sheard, Leela James and more. Tabitha Brown and Chance Brown, Tamar Braxton, and Egypt Sherrod and Mike…

Will Smith’s new album is ‘Based on a True Story’

RITW/SLANG Recordings Will Smith is back in his music bag, releasing his first full-length album in two decades. Based on a True Story features 14 tracks and appearances by Teyana Taylor, as well as DJ Jazzy Jeff and comedian/social media personality B. Simone, who appear on the intro, “Int. Barbershop – Day.” The first track finds Will addressing…

Tyler Perry launches Dream Collective for filmmakers from marginalized communities

Disney/Randy Holmes Tyler Perry is launching a program designed to cultivate filmmakers from underprivileged communities, Deadline reports. The goal of the Dream Collective is to make a short film with industry experts, hands-on training and tailored support available to them along the way, teaching them what Tyler has learned from his time in Hollywood. “For…

Patina Miller says there are ‘even more challenges’ between Raq and Kanan in season 4 of ‘Raising Kanan’

Starz Friday means another episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan. In this fourth season, the dynamic between Raq and her son Kanan has changed to focus on their new relationship as business partners. “I think there are even more challenges [between them],” Patina Miller tells ABC Audio, noting the effects of her decision to kill his dad,…

Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page to star in rom-com ‘Italianna’

Kate Green/Getty Images for Disney, Jeff Spicer/WireImage via Getty Images The Little Mermaid is set to swoon over the Duke of Hastings in an upcoming romance film. Halle Bailey will star alongside Regé-Jean Page in the new movie Italianna, ABC Audio has confirmed. The Universal Pictures film will be directed by Kat Coiro. Ryan Engle…

Philly street renamed after Will Smith

Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Will Smith now has a street named after him in Philadelphia. He celebrated the honor during a ceremony Wednesday, where a portion of 59th Street was renamed Will Smith Way. “That was one of the things these streets of Philadelphia taught me, that there’s nothing wrong for a hard day’s work,” said Smith, per…

Chris Brown announces Breezy Bowl XX Tour with Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller

Live Nation Chris Brown delivered his big announcement Thursday, as promised earlier in the week. Taking to social media, he shared that he’ll be going on another tour, this time with Summer Walker and Bryson Tiller.  The Breezy Bowl XX Tour will kick off in Amsterdam on June 8 in celebration of the 20-year anniversary…

Femme It Forward taps Monica, Keyshia Cole and SWV for inaugural Femmeland At Sea cruise

Courtesy of Femme It Forward Femme It Forward is taking its women-centered panels to the Caribbean with its first-ever Femmeland At Sea cruise, a partnership with music-led destination experience company Vibee. Sailing Feb. 20 to Feb. 23, the voyage is from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, with performances from Monica, Keyshia Cole and SWV. Other activities curated for the…

50 Cent granted lease to build sports and entertainment venue in Shreveport

Disney/Randy Holmes 50 Cent‘s plan to create a sports and entertainment event venue is coming to fruition, according to Shreveport Times. The Shreveport City Council approved his 45-year lease of Stageworks Tuesday, bringing him one step closer to transforming the building. The lease will be good for 30 years and can be extended by another 15. 50’s…

Snoop Dogg to deliver commencement address at USC Marshall School of Business graduation ceremony

Disney/Randy Holmes Snoop Dogg is often seen on the sidelines of basketball games at the University of Southern California, but in May he’ll be delivering the commencement address at the ceremony for the School of Business’ 2025 graduating class. “I am deeply honored to join USC Marshall’s commencement in celebrating the remarkable achievements of these…