RJ’s Latest Arrival has returned with new music after more than three decades with the single “One Step At A Time” featuring Slum Village. The group took its former funk and R&B sound and swapped out the funk for hip-hop. “One Step At A Time” has all the polish of perfectly executed ballroom dancing and car cruising with the added texture of Slum Village’s words. DeDe Leitta still has the same effortless control over her silky vocals as her delivery in the ’80s. The single is the true definition of coming full circle because RJ Rice’s Barak Records worked with Slum Village back in the ’90s. Today they have reconnected for the next era of two classic Detroit groups.  RJ Rice and Leitta conveyed their excitement to be working artists again in a press release.

“It’s a great change to get from behind the desk, working with so many artists, to now create music for ourselves.” – RJ Rice

“I’m so excited with the new direction our music is taking, it’s fun to sing!” – DeDe Leitta

RJ’s Latest Arrival was reintroduced to the public earlier this year when their hit “Shackles” was heard on STARZ’s BMF series. Their sophomore Harmony album was also remastered and re-released under  Shackles. Listen to “One Step At A Time” and hear the rebirth of the beloved group as they reclaim ownership of their creativity. 

The Living Legends Foundation announces its 2023 Annual Awards Gala and dinner. This year’s event celebrates 50 years of hip-hop and will be held on Friday, October 6th at Taglyn Cultural Complex in Hollywood, California. The honorees this year include Walt “Baby” Love, syndicated air personality, Gospel Traxx, who will be presented with the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award; Ed Lover, syndicated air personality of The Ed Lover Show with Monie Love, who will receive the Jerry Boulding Radio Award; Lionel Ridenour, founder and CEO of Anchor Promotions, will be presented with the Music Executive Award; Tracey Jordan, partner of Lazin/Jordan Productions, will receive the Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award; Rocky Bucano, executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, will be presented with the Hip Hop Visionary Award; Nelson George, author and filmmaker, will receive the Media Icon Award; Vernon Brown, Esq., founder of V. Brown & Company, will be presented with the Entertainment Advocate Award; and Shanti Das, former music executive and founder of Silence The Shame, will receive the A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award.

David C. Linton, chairman of the Living Legends Foundation made a statement about the acknowledgment of hip-hop’s 50 years. 

“This year is particularly special because, in addition to our annual awards ceremony, we are also celebrating 50 years of hip-hop. We are the first generation of music executives to help break and recognize hip-hop as a global music art form. Most of our board and advisory members were responsible for signing many of today’s hip-hop legends and icons to recording contracts and record label imprint deals, ultimately creating the phenomenon known to the world as ‘hip-hop culture.’ Additionally, for the past three to four decades, many of our board members have guided the careers of these legends and icons via management, marketing, radio promotions, publicity, sales, and A&R.”  

Lady B, an on-air personality for  Classix 107.9 in Philadelphia had this to say: 

“I am honored to be a Dinner Chairperson for the Living Legends Foundation’s 2023 Awards Gala. As an original hip-hop pioneer with the distinction of having the first rap record recorded by a female, I appreciate that the foundation pays tribute to the people behind the scenes who worked tirelessly in all genres of Black music. I’m thrilled that we will be able to celebrate the career achievements of all of the honorees.”

The dinner and gala will be a time to honor hip-hop and the award recipients and also to raise money for the foundation. For more information about The Living Legends Foundation check out livinglegendsfoundation.com.

Alicia Keys’ original HELL’s KITCHEN musical is coming to the New York Public Theater in the fall. Keys wrote new music for the production based on her life in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in New York City. Playwright Kristoffer Diaz,  choreographer Camille A. Brown, director Michael Greif and musical supervisor Adam Blackstone all worked on the show. Seventeen-year-old Ali is the main character who is seeking her dream of stardom and falls in love with a drummer. Ali and her mother address issues of race and growing up in the chaos of New York City.

The cast of HELL’S KITCHEN will include Shoshana Bean (Jersey), Chad Carstarphen (Ray/Ensemble), Reid Clarke (Ensemble), Chloe Davis (Ensemble), Nico DeJesus (Ensemble), Brandon Victor Dixon (Davis), Timothy L. Edwards  (Ensemble), Badia Farha (Understudy), Vanessa Ferguson (Tiny/Ensemble), David A. Guzman (Ensemble), Crystal Monee Hall (Crystal/Ensemble), Gianna Harris (Understudy), Chris Lee (Knuck), Jackie Leon (Jessica/Ensemble), Kecia Lewis (Miss Liza Jane), Raechelle Manalo (Ensemble), Maleah Joi Moon (Ali), Onyxx Noel (Understudy), Sarah Parker (Ensemble), William Roberson (Understudy), Niki Saludez (Ensemble), Mariand Torres (Maria/Ensemble), Donna Vivino (Understudy), and Lamont Walker II (Riq).

HELL’s KITCHEN runs from October 24-December 10th. Public Theater Supporter Plus tickets go on sale June 13th and Public Theater Support tickets go on sale June 15th. Full-price single tickets will be available on July 18th. For more information check out publictheater.org.

Tyler, The Creator’s  Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival returns this year in November at Dodger Stadium. Advance passes go on sale today with the option of GA, VIP and Super VIP packages. The merchandise and levels of access include dedicated entry lanes, exclusive food and viewing areas, keychains, water bottles, shoes and a bike. All of the passes include carnival rides but games tickets are sold separately, It’s been four years since the last Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival and Tyler has released two albums, been on multiple tours, won a couple of Grammys and launched his GOLF le FLEUR line of merchandise.He released the deluxe edition of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale earlier this year. The lineup for the carnival which takes place November 11th and 12th will be announced soon but the limited advanced passes are available at www.campfloggnaw.com. Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Mac Miller, SZA, Solange, A$AP Rocky and Ms. Lauryn Hill are some of the artists who have performed at past carnivals.