iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence

iHeartRadio

We’re celebrating Black History Month by highlighting artists in the black community throughout the month of February.

Hear from our hosts Dames Nellas, Azalea Hart, Jamar McNeil and Leah Abrahams as they discuss important topics from their own experiences in the music industry, and much more.

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iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Childish Gambino
01-02-2021
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Childish Gambino
As black history month continues this February, we’ve been highlighting artists that have changed popular culture in more ways than one. Whether it be music, acting, philanthropy or social justice. It’s important and imperative to highlight their achievements. Through their craft and their actions, they’ve been able to impact a generation of now, while leaving a legacy for generations to come. In today’s episode we’re talking about Childish Gambino.  Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino was born in California and raised in Stone Mountain Georgia… Just north-east of Atlanta. While creative as a child, he didn’t start exploring the arts until he reached high school. This is where he found his footing in entertainment. Performing in school musicals and plays. He was actually voted “Most Likely To Write For The Simpsons” in his yearbook. He would move on to study and graduate with a degree New York University’s Tisch School Of The Arts in Dramatic Writing. While attending university, he started to develop his voice in the booth and Childish Gambino was born. Sort of. How did he get the name? The internet of course. He managed to secure his alias using an online Wu-Tang name generator and began recording, producing and DJing. From humble beginnings, his 2013 release of Because The Internet put him in the conversation with the very best music had to offer, garnering him his first of 12 Grammy nominations to date. He’s s gone on to win 5 Grammys, including 4 for his chart topping, ground breaking song and video THIS IS AMERICA. To date, the video has garnered ¾ of a BILLION views on youtube alone, and was 1 of the largest cultural talking points of 2018. While we know Childish Gambino for songs like Redbone and This Is America. We recognize Donald Glover from where we’ve seen him. It all started as a writer on the hit TV 30 Rock. Hand picked by Tina Fey, she had this to say “He was literally still living in the NYU dorms,” Fey said. “And that was a great resource for us. We would turn to him and ask, ‘What would a young person say here?” He spent 3 seasons on 30 Rock as a writer, before transitioning to acting in another cult classic “Community”. After 4 seasons on Community, the ever evolving entertainer decided to put all the puzzle pieces together and try his hand at producing, writing and starring in “Atlanta”. He’s won 2 Golden Globes for “Best television series Musical or Comedy” and “Best Actor” – television musical or comedy. His role in Atlanta also landed him in the history books when he became the first black man to win an Emmy for “Outstanding Directing In A Comedy series.” In 2017, Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino was named to Time 100 list of most influential people.  He has managed to use his influence for some great social causes. In 2020, he reunited with the cast of Community for a live read to benefit World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods’ COVID-19 relief efforts. The take away from Donald Glover’s story is to be you. Pursue what your heart desires, don’t let anyone tell you what can and can’t be done. Never confine yourself to one thing. You’re so much more. Your options are infinite.  Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino is Black Excellence. Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​ CREDITS:Research By Dames Nellas and John R. Kennedy Donald Glover Time 100 Most Influential People By Miles Bowe https://www.factmag.com/2017/04/20/chance-rapper-donald-glover-time-100-most-influential-people-of-2017/#:~:text=Chance%20the%20Rapper%20and%20Donald,those%20who%20have%20shared%20them.%E2%80%9D  Donald Glover “Community” Cast to reunite for COVID-19 relief By Althea Legaspihttps://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/donald-glover-community-cast-reunite-covid-19-relief-event-995873/
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Beyoncé
01-02-2021
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Beyoncé
In this episode of #BlackExcellence we highlight a woman who’s first name alone is recognized worldwide as a pillar of artistry, philanthropy, business, social justice and overall Black Excellence. iHeartRadio’s Jamar McNeil walks you through some of the many reasons why Beyoncé is an example of Black Excellence.  Queen B’s evolution started as a Little B in Houston TX, performing in talent competitions. Beyoncé has said that seeing Michael Jackson perform when she was five years old inspired her to pursue a music career. She has also cited Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as her influences.   At 8 She was part of a 6 girl group called Girls Thyme who after a loss on the famous TV talent show Star Search, broke off to a 4 girl group called Destiny’s Child! By the time they split in 2005 Beyoncé and her group mates were considered one of the best girl groups of all time.  As a solo artist Beyoncé went on to become a phenomenon. Hits like Single Ladies, Run the World, Halo, Baby Boy, Crazy In Love are STILL to this day Hip Hop and R&B party ANTHEMS.  She’s a literal hit maker. She is the first solo artist to have six consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the only artist, besides Mariah Carey, to have No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in four different decades. Beyoncé is a singer a dancer producer voice actor, director Beyoncé Dominates On stage, Behind the Mic and in front of the camera. Beyoncé made her big screen debut as Foxxy Cleopatra opposite Canada’s Mike Myers in 2002’s Austin Powers in Goldmember. Four years later, she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Dream Girls and has gone on to play the voice of Nala in Disney’s remake of The Lion King! As her star and her voice grew so did her influence and with it, her desire to affect change. She’s a Self described modern day feminist, she’s spoken out in favour of gun control, LGBTQ discrimination and has been more than present during the social justice fight against anti Black racism.  From start to finish Beyoncé's story is one of a Child of Destiny who’s become a Black Woman of Excellence. All hail Queen Bey, Beyoncé Check back for more #BlackExcellence​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​ CREDITS:Research By Jamar McNeil, John R. Kennedy Single Ladies, Columbia Records Run The world, Columbia Records, Parkwood Halo, Columbia Baby Boy, Columbia Records and Music World Crazy In Love, Columbia Records and Music World  Austin Powers, New Line Cinema Lemonade Film, Parkwood Entertainment, Good Company Beyoncé Earns 6th No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart By Keith Culfield https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/7350372/beyonce-earns-sixth-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-with-lemonade   Beyoncé calls for Social and Judicial Changes after this weeks Robbery of Lives By Hilary Weaverhttps://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/07/beyonce-end-gun-violence
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Janelle Monáe
01-02-2021
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Janelle Monáe
As we continue to celebrate Black History month during February, we’ve been showcasing and highlighting artists that have shaped popular culture and made an impact far beyond their respected craft. In this episode of Black excellence, we’ll take a look at who some are calling America’s most revolutionary artist: Janelle Monáe . Born in Kansas City, Janelle was exposed to music at an early while being raised in the church. While always encouraged, the dream of becoming a famous singer couldn’t be further from reality as Janelle had to overcome obstacles early on. She comes from very humble beginnings, and while that in itself can be a crippling disadvantage, her father also battled with addiction. To quote Janelle directly “I come from a very hard working class family who make nothing into something… I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from.” Those humble beginnings laid the foundation for success in her entertainment career. Singing wasn’t the only thing Janelle was talented at… She was also a fantastic playwright. At just 12 years old, she penned a script that told the story of a boy and a girl who were competing for the love of a plant… A story inspired by Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. She received a scholarship to study musical theatre at the American Musical an Dramatic Academy in New York, however it wasn’t the right fit for her. Feeling creatively stifled, Janelle decided to move to Atlanta and her breakthrough would come soon after. While in the ATL, Janelle was on the music circuit trying to make a name for herself as a singer/songwriter. Her quest had her performing at an open mic one night, when just by chance Big Boi of the legendary Hip Hop duo Outkast was in the audience. Thoroughly impressed with her performance, she would start working with the group and make appearances on their Purple Ribbon All Stars Album, and soundtrack for feature film Idlewild. Following this, she caught the attention of infamous record producer Sean Puff Daddy Combs, and signed to Bad Boy Records. Her debut album, The ArchAndroid was released in 2010 and nominated for a Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammys. In 2012, she enjoyed the #1 Spot on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as in 12 other countries with her feature on Fun’s “We Are Young”. She was also named one of the new faces of CoverGirl saying “It's time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them. While an exceptional musician and singer, her opportunity to fulfill her acting dreams came to fruition in 2016 starring in the brad pitt executive produced, Oscar winning film Moonlight. Moonlight, a powerful drama that explores a young man’s difficulties with sexuality, identity and emotions as he matures, launched Janelle into the spotlight. In 2018, she covered Rolling Stone magazine describing herself as “a Black Queer Woman.” Later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.’ I’m open to learning more about who I am.”  It should come as no surprise that she is willing to give back to the communities that rally and support her endeavours. In 2020, she was 1 of many high profile celebrities that offered to pay bail for the protestors in Minnesota following the killing of George Floyd. She is also a co-chair in Michelle Obama’s “When We Vote” campaign, and hasperformed to benefit many human rights campaigns including “Turning Up TheFight Against Poverty” Art as a word in itself is subjective. What is art? Can it actually be defined? Or is it just expression in any form? If that is the case, and that is the answer then who is America’s Most Revolutionary artists? Whether it be music, musicals, plays, movies, or television… I think it’s safe to say it is Janelle Monae. From small beginnings to substantial impact, Janelle Monáe  is black excellence. Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​​
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence John Legend
01-02-2021
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence John Legend
As we continue to celebrate Black History month during February, we’ve been showcasing and highlighting artists that have shaped popular culture and made an impact far beyond their respected craft. For this episode of #BlackExcellence​ iHeartRadio’s Jamar McNeil highlights just some of the reasons why John Legend is and example of #BlackExcellence​.  Legend started playing piano at age four and sang in his church choir at seven. His mother sang and directed the church choir, his Grandmother played the organ, his father was a drummer. John Legend WAS DESTINED to be a musical man. He was homeschooled but was so smart academically that he skipped 2 grades!  As a young kid in Ohio he earned some awesome opportunities. He got into Georgetown, Harvard and eventually went to U Penn where he was a member of the popular a cappella group The Counterparts. Where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in English and African American Lit. Once he started getting recognized as an artist to look out for, he was introduced to Lauryn Hill by a friend, and that's exactly who you hear playing the piano on her classic song Everything is Everything. Another key Intro would send John Legend to the next level. Kanye West, who hired him to sing some hooks on some of Kanye’s early songs. It was at that time that the crew gave John his stage name LEGEND because of his voice. For such a new artist he had a distinct old school swag and sound. Like he was already a legend….John Legend. I clearly remember Kanye and John Legend coming to do small shows on the college circuit when I was in School in DC. I thought that the combination of Kanyes old school samples and Legends Old Soul Sound was INCREDIBLE and so authentic. It was amazing. That relationship became solidified when Kanye signed him as one of the founding members of his new Label GOOD Music. The world now knew of the power of the voice of John Legend.  In 2008 you may remember when he  Sang for former President Obama’s campaign song produced by Wil I Am - Yes We Can. He did a pop produced by Andre 3000 of OutKast, Green Light which joined Ordinary People as his one of his highest charting singles but then he really expanded.He is one of 16 people, and the first Black man, to achieve EGOT status – winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards. In addition to numerous acts of service through philanthropic work, Legend has been outspoken on a number of social justice issues. HIV AIDS/AntiRacism/Women's Education Heath and Justice He has spent five seasons as a coach on The Voice, where he had the Season 16 winning singer, in 2019. And his No. 1 hit was 2013’s “All of Me,” a ballad about his wife Chrissy Teigen is a radio and WEDDING CLASSIC HIT or LEGENDARY track. Black History has truly been enrich by the legendary career of John Legend, Black Excellence. Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​​ CREDITS:Research By Jamar McNeil, John R. Kennedy
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence The Weeknd
01-02-2021
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence The Weeknd
The inaugural edition of Black Excellence highlights a young man who has changed the sound of R&B pop music over the past decade. We hold him in high regard for all that he has achieved and accomplished… Plus he’s one of the biggest acts to ever come out of Canada. iHeartRadio's Dames Nellas walks you through just some of the reasons Abel Tesfaye AKA The Weeknd is an example of Black Excellence. Hailing from the east end of Toronto, The Weeknd starting making noise in 2010, and his his critically acclaimed mixtape “House OF Balloons” was released in 2011. He’d follow up with with Thursday and Echoes of silence before signing his first record deal with Republic Records. It didn’t take long for him to climb up the Billboard charts, landing 2 #1 ’s “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” in 2015. His album “Beauty Behind The Madness” also landed him his first Grammy for “Best Urban Contemporary Album”.   Since then, The Weeknd has gone on to win 3 Grammys, 5 American Music Awards, 10 Junos and he’s even been nominated for an Oscar thanks to his song “Earned It". With the success of his music, The Weeknd has been able to partner with companies like Marvel comics and Puma.  In 2020, he announced a partnership with TD Bank to launch The Black HXUSE, which is an incubator for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Toronto. To date, he has raised over $2 million dollars to support social injustice platforms like Black Lives Matter, Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights defense initiative and TikTok's equal justice Initiative after the devastating explosion in Lebanon.  While donating abroad is always encouraged, he has been doing his part in his home community as well. The Weeknd has donated thousands of dollars to the Ethiopic Studies program at UofT, while purchasing $500k worth of PPE for frontline staff at Scarborough Health Network to combat COVID 19 Check back for more #BlackExcellence episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Alicia Keys
01-02-2021
iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence Alicia Keys
iHeartRadio’s Jamar McNeil highlights just some of the reasons why Alicia Keys is #BlackExcellence.  Keys started playing piano at age six and studied classical music and jazz. Her exposure to the music of Billie Holiday Ella Fitzgerald and Thelonius Monk as well as Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin explain her signature style of fusing the classical sound with Black Swag.  She wrote her first song at the age of 12 on the piano and shortly after She signed a record deal at 15.  She had a rough start in her professional career. Creative disputes about her songs her look, her hair and her overall presentation made things difficult for her during her relationship with record label. She was able to get attention from the one and only Clive Davis who brought her over to his new label J Records where he allowed her to have creative control of her music and her likeness. Without that support, we might not have gotten the Alicia Keys with her urban wear and her signature Corn rows that let us know that this classic piano virtuoso was keeping it ALL THE WAY REAL At 20, she released her debut album Songs in A Minor. It's one of my fav albums. A combo of Soul, Classical Piano, Neo Soul and BoomBap east coast hip hop. She’d been working on it since she was only 14. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned Keys five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for “Fallin’ Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization that supports families with HIV and AIDS in Africa and India. In 2017, she was named  by Amnesty International, an award that also went to Canadian Indigenous rights activists. Alicia Keys over came her rough environment of Hell’s Kitchen Manhattan and the tough pressures of the corporate recording industry to be given titles like, Artist of the decade, one of the 100 Greatest Women in Music, 100 most influential people in the world to name a few.  CREDITS:Research By Jamar McNeil, John R. Kennedy Subscribe now!