Feb. 21, 2018 | Abby O'Neill -- August Greene, the collaborative effort of Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins, was born at the White House in 2016 during a special Tiny Desk concert. It was during that unprecedented performance that the then-untitled ensemble premiered the powerful "Letter to the Free," an original song for Ava DuVernay's Netflix documentary 13th that eventually won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

For the trio's first visit to NPR headquarters, they brought some special guests: vocalists Brandy, Maimouna Youssef and Andra Day. The band performed four tracks from its upcoming self-titled album (out March 9 on Amazon Music), an impromptu freestyle, and Day's Oscar-nominated collaboration with Common, "Stand Up For Something," from the film Marshall. Common described the theme of the Tiny Desk as "Foregrounding Women," alluding to the attendance of Brandy, Day and Youssef, as well as the spiritual presence of Glasper's younger cousin, Loren, who passed just a few days prior.

The past year has been a pivotal time for women, between #MeToo and social and financial equality, and the lyrics to these songs frame women's contemporary frustrations as civil rights issues. That's important in hip-hop, which has long been dogged by an old-line adherence to misogyny, as it lays claim to the world's most popular genre.

In a spontaneous moment midway through Maimouna Youssef's verse on "Practice," the crowd gushed and you could see the joy in her eyes. Then the ebullient pop icon Brandy reprised Sounds Of Blackness' 1991 classic "Optimistic," and the magic held everyone rapt. Andra Day followed up with "Stand Up for Something"; her powerful voice blew the hinges off the doors.

August Greene's latest single, "Black Kennedy," connotes dreams of an African-American dynasty, the kind only a royal family assumes. The stark contrasts of disenfranchisement are highlighted by every wish expressed. Later, in "Let Go," vocalist and August Greene collaborator Samora Pinderhughes sings of overcoming darkness within yourself and finding hope at the bottom of Pandora's box. It's about releasing the demons so the hands can hold the blessings.

August Greene is what happens when talent embraces intention and humility. This edition of the Tiny Desk inspired me, its audience, and the artists behind the stage. We hope it has the same effect on you.

SET LIST
• "Black Kennedy" (feat. Samora Pinderhughes)

• "Practice" (feat. Maimouna Youssef)

• "Optimistic" (feat. Brandy)

• "Stand Up For Something" (feat. Andra Day)

• "Let Go" (feat. Samora Pinderhughes)

MUSICIANS
Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Robert Glasper, Karriem Riggins, Burniss Travis, Samora Pinderhughes, DJ Dummy, Brandy Norwood, Andra Day, Maimouna Youssef

CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan; Production Assistant: Joshua Bote; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.

For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast.

the rebuttal @ bossfm atlanta

⁣In an effort to manage crowds and ensure safety, Miami Beach implemented restrictions during spring break in 2025, including road closures, beach access limitations, and increased police presence. The city's "reality check" campaign aimed to discourage rowdy behavior and create a more family-friendly atmosphere. Jace Edwards reports.

Maui Fires Today live | Maui Wildfires Leave Trail Of Death And Destruction | Hawaii Wildfire News

The death toll has reached 93 in this week’s wildfires on Maui and there are warnings it could rise further. The US Fire Administrator said the Lahaina Fire is now the deadliest in over 100 years.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has described the fires as the 'largest natural disaster Hawaii has ever experienced.' He said around 2,200 structures have been destroyed or damaged and the losses 'approach $6 billion.'
The highway into the hard-hit Lahaina area remains highly restricted, with only a trickle of vehicles allowed into the historic town Saturday morning. Residents slept in a mile-long line of cars overnight, hoping to enter.


#hawaii #hawaiifires #maui ##wildfires #usa #englishnewslive #cnnnews18live #news18live

n18oc_world

⁣McDonald's said Monday it plans to hire up to 375,000 US restaurant employees this summer, its biggest hiring push in years. The Chicago burger giant said the beefed-up job openings at both company-owned and franchised stores are partly due to a US expansion.

He was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to violating the RICO act.

Shaboozey speaks out after giving major side eye during American Music Awards co-presenter Megan Moroney's speech on country music. The GRAMMY-nominee's real-life reaction to Megan saying the Carter Family 'invented country music' quickly went viral; Shaboozey is now explaining the moment and giving credit to the Black artists who also helped pave the way.

you gotta see the truth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ0CM7fipdY&feature=youtu.be

⁣A summary of digital solutions provided by Unmutedco brands and businesses offered in 2024.

The generations love music so of course they had to get into a discussion around the biggest album of 2024 so far and thats Cowboy Carter. This also leads to talking about the over saturation of major tours this year and some solid music recommendations on the backend.

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