–DJ Khaled, Snoop Dogg, Birdman and Jermaine Dupri are among the industry celebs who will sit down for the popular “Genius Talks” series at BET Experience at L.A. Live next weekend (June 25-26). ESPN His & Hers host Michael Smith will chat with Khaled, while multimedia personality Angie Martinez will moderate a panel featuring Snoop Dogg, Birdman and Dupri — the cast of BET’s new show Music Moguls, premiering June 28. The additional “Genius Talks” sessions will feature actress Gabrielle Union in conversation with political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry and gospel star Kirk Franklin in discussion with author Devon Franklin. Free concerts during that weekend will include performances by Desiigner, Rae Sremmurd, Dreezy, Bibi Bourelly, BJ the Chicago Kid, Jacquees and Chloe x Halle. Tasha Cobbs and Tye Tribbett will be among the artists featured on BET Experience Gospel Showcase (June 26). For more details, visit BETExperience.com.
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-Songwriter/producer Vincent Berry II (co-writer/co-producer of Lemonade track “Sandcastles”), soul singer Joshua Ledet (American Idol season 11) and R&B group Mindless Behavior will be among the performers at the ninth annual Toast to Urban Music Executives at Hollywood venue Tinhorn Flats on June 22. This year’s honorees are Warner Bros. VP of publicity & lifestyle Phylicia Fant, RCA VP of urban promotions Brad Davidson, Empire director of rhythm radio promotion Brian Samson, Secret Road VP of film/TV ads Jerome Spence and ASCAP Rhythm & Soul associate director Moya Nkruma.
Usher, Future, Bryson Tiller & More to Perform at 2016 BET Awards
-The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has developed Rivers of Rhythm, a web-based digital exhibition that doubles as a comprehensive resource of the more than “50 genres identified as created or influenced by African Americans. The interactive program — sponsored by Belmont University — houses curated digital content, playlists, sound samples and streaming links to hear various artists’ music and their influences, discographies and videos, among other information. More curated and user-submitted content will be added in future phases. The Rivers of Rhythm digital exhibition can be viewed via mobile phone or online by visiting riversofrhythm.org.
–Prince, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and the Supremes will be among the R&B pioneers inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame. Hosted by Supremes founding member Mary Wilson, the fourth annual ceremony will take play on Aug. 21 at the Ford Performing Arts Theater in Dearborn, Mich. The evening will feature performances by Warwick and the Dramatics, among others, and include special salutes to Prince and Jimi Hendrix.