Multi-Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and producer Marcus “MarcLo” Lomax is entering a new era, this time front and center. With the release of “Interest,” MarcLo sets the tone for what feels like his most personal chapter yet. Bright, warm, and effortlessly groovy, the single is rooted in gratitude and grown-up love, showcasing an artist fully comfortable in his own voice.
Directed by Aaron Katter, the official video mirrors the song’s sincerity and ease. “Interest” was the first record created for MarcLo’s upcoming project, and it serves as the emotional anchor. Written as an ode to his partner, the track reflects on a transformative kind of love that changes you in ways you can’t quite repay, no matter how deeply you try.
Long respected behind the scenes, MarcLo’s musicianship has helped shape records for artists like Dua Lipa, Zedd, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, and Elmiene. Now, he’s stepping forward with intention. Following a recent jam session with Justin Bieber and a strong co-sign from collaborator Teddy Swims, his momentum feels natural and right on time.
“Interest” builds on the foundation laid by “Marvel,” a performance-driven release that highlighted MarcLo’s deep musical roots. Channeling the lineage of Maxwell, D’Angelo, and Musiq Soulchild while existing in the same creative space as Leon Thomas, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, Lucky Daye, Ty Dolla $ign, and Jacob Collier, MarcLo is crafting a sound that honors tradition without feeling nostalgic.
Imagine working your entire life for a specific dream, achieving it, and then losing it all in just 33 days. That is the reality Lanny Smith faced when a career-ending knee injury cut his NBA journey with the Sacramento Kings short. Yet, what seemed like the end was actually the beginning of a massive cultural movement. Today, Smith is the founder of Actively Black, a premium athleisure brand that has generated over $30 million in revenue in less than five years. Here is how he turned personal tragedy into a global powerhouse.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Lanny Smith’s story begins with a devastating pivot. After signing his first NBA contract in 2009, a collision with a teammate tore the articular cartilage in his knee just over a month later. Suddenly, he went from an NBA roster to living back home with his mother, battling depression and an identity crisis. Smith recalls asking himself, “Who am I without this game of basketball?” However, the discipline he learned as an athlete allowed him to transition into entrepreneurship. He realized that while his hoop dreams were over, his ability to impact the world was just beginning. 🌟
Defying the Odds with “Actively Black”
When Smith launched his brand in 2020, amidst the global pandemic and social unrest following the murder of George Floyd, he faced skepticism. Industry executives and peers warned him that naming a company “Actively Black” would limit his success and alienate consumers. Smith ignored the noise. He recognized a gap in the market: Black consumers spend billions annually on apparel but rarely own the brands they support. His goal was not to ask for a seat at the table, but to build his own table. By ignoring the pressure to assimilate and instead super-serving his niche audience, he created a brand that resonated deeply with a community hungry for representation.
Quality Over Everything: Securing Major Collaborations
One of Smith’s non-negotiables was excellence. He refused to let Actively Black be a brand where customers supported the mission but settled for inferior products. He invested heavily in premium fabrics and “cut and sew” manufacturing rather than printing on cheap blanks. This commitment to quality caught the eye of major players. A meeting with Daymond John, founder of FUBU, led to introductions that secured historic collaborations with Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the Muhammad Ali estate, and Bob Marley’s family. These entities saw that Actively Black could represent their legacies in a way no mainstream brand could.
Actively Black is more than just hoodies and leggings; it is a vehicle for economic empowerment. From hiring his mother—a former top computer programmer—to sourcing cotton from Black farmers for his “Harvest Collection,” Smith is dedicated to circulating wealth within the community. As Lanny Smith continues to scale this generational brand, he proves that greatness is indeed in the DNA of his community. If you are looking for inspiration to start your own journey or simply want to support a purpose-driven business, check out Actively Black and become part of the tribe.
Two young hyenas just stepped on the scene and turned the temperature all the way up.
Niko Brim taps in with La Reezy for a blazing remix of “Feel Us,” and the chemistry is undeniable. With production handled by none other than Khrysis, the foundation was already solid—but this link-up takes it to another level.
Shot on a cold pier outside of New York City, the visuals might scream winter, but the bars? Straight heat. Both artists trade verses with hunger, confidence, and that gritty edge you can’t fake. It’s that “we’re outside and we’ve got something to prove” energy—raw, focused, and unapologetic.
Khrysis laces the track with a head-nodding backdrop that lets both emcees flex without overcrowding the beat. Niko Brim sets the tone, and La Reezy slides in effortlessly, making this remix feel less like a feature and more like a statement.
If this is what the new wave sounds like, we’re paying attention.
Watch the full video below and keep your eyes on these two—because this won’t be the last time you hear their names.
Shaleah is stepping into her power and she’s doing it on her own terms. With “Right Back,” the Seattle-bred R&B artist delivers a smooth but firm anthem about knowing your worth and refusing to entertain old energy. The message is clear: once you’ve grown, there’s no spinning the block.
As the granddaughter of Bootsy Collins, Shaleah carries a legendary legacy, but she’s not leaning on history, she’s building her own future. Blending modern R&B textures with sharp, conversational storytelling, she creates music that feels personal yet universal. “Right Back” captures that calm confidence that comes when you’ve seen the pattern before and you’re no longer impressed.
Managed by Shawn Barron co-founder of EZMNY, Shaleah is carving out a lane that feels fearless and fresh. Her sound speaks directly to a new generation of women who move with intention, set boundaries without apology, and refuse to shrink for anyone.
There’s something effortlessly cool about the way she delivers the message. Vulnerable, but never soft. Honest, but never unsure. With a growing audience and undeniable presence, Shaleah Jean is proving that empowerment doesn’t have to be loud, sometimes it’s just about standing still and not going “right back.”
Fresh off the release of his latest project, Klassik Poet is keeping his foot on the gas. The rising lyricist just dropped a cinematic visual for “Body Language,” a standout record from his album Somewhere In The Grey Area—and it’s a whole vibe.
The video, directed, filmed, and edited by JIHVD, brings the track to life with moody aesthetics and sharp storytelling that matches the record’s emotional weight. Klassik Poet not only delivers on the mic—he also produced the track himself, with additional production from Quigs, giving the record a polished yet raw feel that hits different when paired with the visuals.
“Body Language” captures that unspoken tension—the glances, the energy, the moments that say everything without saying a word. The cinematic treatment elevates the experience, pulling viewers deeper into the grey area Klassik Poet navigates so effortlessly.
If you’ve been sleeping, this is your wake-up call. Press play, tap in, and let the visuals speak for themselves.
When hip-hop legends collide, history isn’t just retold; it is relived. In a monumental conversation on Sway’s Universe, the iconic Lord Finesse was joined by a surprise guest, the legendary DJ Premier, for a discussion that peeled back the layers of the Golden Era. From the serendipitous discovery of Finesse’s demo tape to the untold stories of The Notorious B.I.G.’s recording process, this interview served as a masterclass in rap history. 🎙️
The Wild Pitch Era and Guru’s Golden Ear
The story of Lord Finesse’s rise begins with Wild Pitch Records, a label that became the breeding ground for icons like Gang Starr, Main Source, and Chill Rob G. During the interview, DJ Premier called in to share the incredible story of how his late partner, Guru, actually discovered Lord Finesse. It wasn’t a corporate A&R decision; it was Guru digging through a shoebox of demos at the label owner’s house.
Premier recalled Guru telling him, “Yo, check this other guy out… his name is Lord Finesse.” Guru was meticulous about lyricism, specifically telling Premier to listen to the “compound words” and flow patterns. This discovery led to Finesse becoming the first artist Premier produced outside of Gang Starr. The bond was so tight that Premier would personally pick Finesse up in his Nissan truck for studio sessions, mentoring him through the recording process of his debut, Funky Technician.
The Truth About Biggie’s “Mental” Pen Game
One of the most compelling moments of the conversation revolved around The Notorious B.I.G. While many emcees claim to never write down their lyrics, Lord Finesse confirmed that with Biggie, it was the absolute truth. Finesse, known for his complex “compound punchlines,” admitted that he usually wrote his rhymes down because the thoughts were too intricate to lose. However, his experience with Biggie was different.
Finesse reminisced about studio sessions where Biggie’s fun-loving personality masked a serious work ethic. “He was a jokester… you ain’t even know you was in there making music,” Finesse explained. Yet, when the beat dropped, Biggie would step into the booth and execute flawlessly without a notepad in sight. Finesse noted, “I ain’t never seen him really write,” validating the long-standing legend of Biggie Smalls’ mental pen game. 👑
The “Lords” Rivalry: Finesse vs. Lords of the Underground
History often forgets the friction between artists, but Finesse opened up about a genuine rift he had with the group Lords of the Underground. The tension stemmed from branding confusion. With Finesse already established as “The Funky Man” and the “Lord,” the arrival of a group using “Lords” and “Funky” in their titles felt like a dismissal of his groundwork.
“I’m Lord Finesse… they Lords of the Underground. I’m the Funky Technician… they got ‘Return of the Funky Child,'” Finesse recounted. This led Finesse dropping a freestyle dissin Lords of the Underground that circulated globally. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. The beef was eventually squashed, culminating in a heartwarming moment where DoItAll from the group showed up to Finesse’s 40th birthday just to celebrate him, cementing a brotherhood that exists to this day.
The Lost Art of Organic Collaboration
Both Finesse and Premier lamented the current state of music production, specifically the trend of emailing beats rather than working in the studio. They reflected on the magic of D&D Studios, a hub where artists like M.O.P., Jay-Z, and Nas would cross paths naturally. It was this environment that allowed for organic collaborations that felt cohesive rather than forced.
Lord Finesse dropped a gem of an analogy regarding his production style: “I’m like a tailor. You know? I might have some suits made, but I got some new fabric in. Let me size this up for you.” This “tailor-made” approach to hip-hop—sitting with the artist, catching a vibe, and building the track from scratch—is what they believe is missing from today’s algorithm-driven music landscape.
As hip-hop continues to evolve, the stories from architects like Lord Finesse and DJ Premier become the blueprint for the next generation. Their insistence on authentic collaboration, lyrical sharpness, and respecting the culture’s roots serves as a reminder that great music isn’t just created; it’s crafted. For those in Los Angeles, don’t miss the chance to see history live as Lord Finesse performs for the first time ever in LA at the Regent Theater.
Jai’Len Josey returns with “Housewife,” a bold and magnetic new single that continues to define her as one of modern R&B’s most compelling storytellers. Known for her emotionally rich songwriting, the Atlanta native leans fully into her power here, blending playful confidence with intentional vulnerability to create a record that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
Built on crisp handclaps, sweeping strings, and airy keys, “Housewife” feels luxurious yet grounded. Jai’Len’s voice shifts effortlessly between tender introspection and self-assured charm, embodying the emotional duality at the heart of the song. She doesn’t just sing about love, she reframes it, challenges it, and ultimately reclaims it.
At its core, “Housewife” is about redefining submission on a woman’s own terms. Jai’Len flips traditional narratives, rejecting the notion that women are meant to be displayed, possessed, or rewarded like trophies. Instead, she presents devotion as intentional and powerful a choice given freely, and only to someone worthy. The result is a track that feels modern, self-aware, and unapologetically in control.
The single began with Jai’Len shaping the production herself before enlisting Grammy Award-winning producer Noah Ehler, known for his work on “Luther” and GNX, to help elevate the record into the layered, polished masterpiece it is today. Together, they crafted a soundscape that mirrors the song’s message: lush, deliberate, and confidently composed.
Love doesn’t respect borough boundaries—and Yonkers emcee Iman Nunez proves it with his latest release. Fresh off the success of his emotionally charged single “Want Ur Luv,” Nunez continues to explore romance through a New York lens with “Bed-Stuy Baby,” a soulful ode to cross-borough connection that arrives complete with an official music video.
Featuring the smooth vocals of SWEATA and sleek production by Haysuse, “Bed-Stuy Baby” captures the uniquely New York challenge of maintaining romance across the five boroughs. SWEATA serenades a “Bed-Stuy baby” and an “A-Train queen” over a mid-tempo groove, emphasizing that whether it’s a late-night Uber or an express train ride, no distance is too great when you’ve found the right person.
The track balances vulnerability with determination, painting a picture of urban romance that anyone who’s ever crossed multiple subway lines for a relationship will recognize. It’s intimate without being overly sentimental, grounded in the real logistics of New York love.
Directed by Dre Hartwell, the official music video brings this urban romance to life with atmospheric precision. The visual opens with SWEATA delivering his melodies before introducing the woman who inspired the record. Throughout the piece, Iman delivers verses amidst shifting hues of deep orange and cool blue—a visual metaphor for the flickering NYC streetlights passed during those late-night commutes to see someone special.
“Hear the city in your tone, I know where you reside / I put your name on the list, you ain’t waiting in line,” Iman raps, blending his signature lyrical edge with a newfound melodic softness that showcases his artistic evolution.
“Bed-Stuy Baby” marks Iman’s second release of 2026 and serves as another standout in his evolving R&B-influenced era. The track follows a massive 2025 that saw the artist showcase his skills on BET’s 106 & Park and release the well-received collaboration “You and Me” with Abby Jasmine.
With each release, Nunez continues to prove that vulnerability and street credibility aren’t mutually exclusive. “Bed-Stuy Baby” is authentic storytelling wrapped in smooth production—exactly what we’ve come to expect from one of New York’s most promising voices.
Check out the official video now and join the conversation about love, distance, and dedication in the city that never sleeps.
Two comedy heavyweights are joining forces to bring some serious laughter (and chaos) to the big screen. Kenan Thompson and Lamorne Morris are set to star in Unwanted, an action comedy based on the hit podcast of the same name.
Morris dropped the news during a recent episode of The Lamorning After, where Thompson appeared as a guest. The podcast, which Morris co-created with his longtime collaborator Kyle Shevrin, originally debuted in 2021 and quickly rose to the top of the fiction charts. Seeing these two Black creatives take ownership of their narratives and expand from audio to film is exactly the kind of boss move we love to see.
From Podcast Charts to the Big Screen
The story of Unwanted follows two degenerates who attempt to cash in on a $1 million reward by tracking down an escaped convicted murderer. As expected, the plan spirals fast, with the pair finding themselves wildly unprepared for the danger and mayhem that comes with the job.
It’s a classic setup for comedy gold, but what makes this project special is the talent behind the scenes. Morris and Shevrin, who wrote and directed the original audio series, have penned the screenplay adaptation themselves. They will also produce the film through their 11 Below banner. Thompson and John Ryan Jr. are producing through Artists For Artists.
By writing, producing, and starring in their own projects, Morris and Thompson are showing the world that they aren’t just funny faces in front of a camera—they are creators and business moguls building their own legacies.
A Powerhouse Production Team
The team bringing Unwanted to life includes some heavy hitters. Additional producers include Carter Swan and Billy Magnussen—who starred opposite Morris in the original podcast—along with QCode’s Rob Herting, Ben Curtis, and Nick Shanks. Jonathan Davino will executive produce.
Richie Keen is set to direct, with production scheduled to begin this summer.
Booked and Busy
Morris continues to expand his already busy slate. The Emmy winner is set to appear opposite Nicolas Cage in Prime Video’s Spider-Noir and is currently in production on the next installment of the Jumanji franchise. Beyond acting, he remains active in the podcast space, hosting The Mess Around with former New Girl castmate Hannah Simone.
Meanwhile, Thompson maintains his record-setting run on Saturday Night Live, now in its 51st season. He also co-hosts and executive produces Prime Video’s sports series Good Sports alongside Kevin Hart, and recently reteamed with Kel Mitchell for the upcoming horror comedy Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein.
With proven chemistry, deep comedy roots, and a built-in audience from the podcast world, Unwanted is shaping up to be a natural transition from audio hit to big-screen success. We can’t wait to see what these two bring to the table.
When Jill Scott walks into a room, you feel it. And during her exclusive SiriusXM Town Hall on Sway In The Morning, that presence was undeniable.
Celebrating her new album To Whom It May Concern, the legendary songstress sat down with Sway, Heather B, and Tracy G for a raw, grown, and deeply personal conversation that reminded everyone why she remains one of the most respected voices in music.
Image by Alex McCray
Growth, Grit & Philly Roots
Jill opened up about returning to Philadelphia and balancing her many roles — mother, businesswoman, artist, and spiritual woman. Sharing an untold story from her North Philly childhood, she revealed the survival instincts that shaped her strength and sharpened her pen.
That lived experience fuels this new project. To Whom It May Concern feels intentional — a letter to the world rooted in truth and self-awareness.
The Music: Soulful and Fearless
When discussing “Beautiful People,” Jill described it as an affirmation — a reminder of softness and strength. “Pressure,” on the other hand, hits with bold confidence.
Then came one of the most electric moments of the Town Hall: her lyrical ability.
Sway highlighted her collaboration with DJ Premier and Tierra Whack on “North Side,” and Jill didn’t hesitate to recite bars live on air. The cadence. The breath control. The pen game. It was a reminder that before neo-soul crowned her queen, she was — and still is — a poet who can out-rap many in today’s field.
Image by Alex McCray
Spirituality, Motherhood & Legacy
Jill also spoke about self-discipline, overcoming anxiety, and the influence of her son on her creative process. Songs like “Ase” reflect her spiritual grounding and gratitude. Nothing about this album feels rushed. It’s crafted with purpose.
That’s what made this Town Hall so special. It wasn’t just promo — it was perspective. Sway and the team created space for authenticity, allowing Jill Scott to show every layer of who she is.
In an era that often prioritizes trends over talent, Jill remains rooted in artistry. She doesn’t chase moments — she creates timeless ones.
If you value real songwriting, vocal mastery, and fearless storytelling, this is an interview you don’t want to miss.
Watch the full Town Hall now on Sway’s Universe and experience Jill Scott’s genius in real time.
