New Edition, Frankie Beverly to Receive NAACP Image Awards Honors

New Edition

The NAACP and BET have announced that New Edition will be inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th NAACP Image Awards. This recognition celebrates pioneers in their fields whose influence shapes generations to come. Previous inductees include Eddie Murphy, Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Sidney Poitier, Earth Wind and Fire and Aretha Franklin.

Additionally, R&B icon Frankie Beverly, frontman of MAZE, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner on March 14 in Los Angeles. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights alongside their accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

Frankie Beverly

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement, "It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly—musical icons who have shaped our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence. We recognize the power of their artistry in showcasing the enduring excellence of Black artists in the arts."

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, added, "New Edition and Frankie Beverly’s influence has laid the foundation for modern R&B, shaping the genre's sonic landscape and resonance in numerous ways. We are thrilled to celebrate these musical luminaries, whose melodies are intricately woven into the very fabric of our culture."

New Edition, one of the most successful male singing groups in R&B history, has entertained audiences for over 40 years, selling a cumulative 30 million records worldwide. The group's members, including Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and Bell Biv DeVoe, have also enjoyed successful solo careers. Their biopic, "The New Edition Story," garnered critical acclaim and a record-breaking viewership of 29 million unique viewers.

Beverly is a trailblazing artist and prolific songwriter. Known for timeless hits such as "Golden Time of Day" and "Before I Let Go," Beverly's influence extends beyond the stage, making lasting contributions to the cultural landscape.

The award show will air live at 8:00 PM ET/PT on March 16, 2024, on BET and CBS.

Beyoncé Saddles Up, Announces 'Cowboy Carter' Album

Get ready to dust off your boots and embrace a whole new side of Beyoncé as she saddles up for her latest musical adventure with her upcoming country-inspired album, "Cowboy Carter," slated for release on March 29.

The announcement of the album's title came on Tuesday. Previously hinting at a country music project and the next phase of her acclaimed 2022 album "Renaissance," Beyoncé officially revealed it as "Act II: Cowboy Carter" through a subtle update to her Instagram bio and a western-themed image on her Instagram Story.

Photo Credit: Instagram/Beyonce

This highly anticipated album serves as the second installment of Beyoncé’s ambitious “three-act project,” building upon the success of her critically acclaimed "Renaissance" album.

The album's unveiling follows a teaser during a prominent Super Bowl advertisement in February, initially referred to as "Act II." Beyoncé offered fans a taste of her new musical direction with the release of two singles, "Texas Hold ‘Em" and "16 Carriages," both of which quickly soared to the top of the charts.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" made an impressive debut by claiming the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Beyoncé's ninth solo chart-topper. Notably, the song also secured the top position on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman artist to achieve this milestone, solidifying her influence across genres.

While details about the album remain scarce, country music icon Dolly Parton hinted at a potential collaboration with Beyoncé during a recent interview with Tennessee outlet Knox News. Parton suggested that Beyoncé has recorded her own rendition of Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration and praising Beyoncé's vocal prowess.

Hip-Hop Mourns Loss of Bo$$: Def Jam's First Female MC Dead at 54

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Bo$$ (born Lichelle Laws), the trailblazing female rapper who made history as the first woman signed to Def Jam Recordings. Bun B confirmed her passing at 54 on Monday via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the late artist.

"Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws AKA Bo$$," he wrote. "One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!"

Bo$$'s influence on the rap scene was undeniable. Fellow icons like Jermaine Dupri, Jadakiss and DJ Premier expressed their condolences and shared memories of working with the Detroit-born legend, whose musical journey began in her hometown before she caught the eye of Def Jam's West Coast division, leading to her groundbreaking debut album, "Born Gangstaz," in 1993.

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In recent years, Bo$$ faced significant health challenges, battling kidney disease since 2011. She also suffered a major stroke and seizure in 2017. To support her medical costs, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a recommended specialized procedure.