Hip Hop & R&B Radio History & News

SACEM, UMPI, SoundCloud Finalize European Licensing Deal

Digital and Radio FactsJune 3, 2016May 26, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 3, 2016May 26, 202601

SACEM and Universal Music Publishing International finalized a new European licensing deal with SoundCloud covering 33 territories for the platform's ad-supported and subscription services.

Music Business News

Tarzan Teams with Stop Ivory to Protect Elephants

Digital and Radio FactsJune 3, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 3, 2016May 9, 202612

The Legend of Tarzan movie partners with Stop Ivory to protect endangered forest elephants in Gabon. Stars Alexander Skarsg�rd and Margot Robbie feature in PSAs.

Reviewed

Ghostbusters Soundtrack Coming July 15

Digital and Radio FactsJune 3, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 3, 2016May 9, 202609

The Ghostbusters soundtrack drops July 15th featuring new music from Elle King, G-Eazy ft. Jeremih, Fall Out Boy ft. Missy Elliott, and more artists.

Industry Related News Reviewed

135th CEO Shante Bacon Named Ad Age “Women to Watch”

Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 202609

Shante Bacon, CEO of 135th Street Agency, was named to Ad Age's prestigious Women to Watch 2016 list for her marketing work with major Hollywood

Reviewed

Ebony Steele Replaces Dee Dee on Doug Banks Show

Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 20262 13

Ebony Steele replaces Dee Dee Renee on the reformed Doug Banks Show, now called 'The Afternoon Rush with Rudy and Company' under Access 1 management.

Industry Related News

BET Experience Fan Fest 2016 Lineup Announced

Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 2026020

BET Experience 2016 announces star-studded lineup featuring Snoop Dogg, Nick Cannon, Rae Sremmurd, and Desiigner for free Fan Fest at LA Convention Center June 25-26.

Hip Hop

Wiz Khalifa Sues Former Manager for Undisclosed Profits

Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 202604

Wiz Khalifa filed suit against former manager Benjy Grinberg and Rostrum Records, alleging concealed profits from deals over a decade. The rapper seeks $1M+ damages.

Industry Related News

Virtue Joins Essence Festival Gospel Event

Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsJune 1, 2016May 9, 202603

Grammy-nominated trio Virtue joins the 2016 Essence Festival's Sunday Gospel Celebration lineup. Their single "Miracle" has spent 6 weeks in Billboard's Gospel Airplay Top 30.

Reviewed

Fast & Furious: 15th Anniversary Return

Digital and Radio FactsMay 26, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 26, 2016May 9, 202608

Universal Pictures re-releases The Fast and the Furious in theaters on June 22 to celebrate the film's 15th anniversary. The original 2001 movie launched a

Reviewed

Unheard Bird: Never Before Released Charlie Parker Sessions

Digital and Radio FactsMay 26, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 26, 2016May 9, 202601

Verve/UMe releases 'Unheard Bird: The Unissued Takes' featuring 58 never-before-heard Charlie Parker studio recordings. The two-disc set celebrates jazz history.

Reviewed

Man Shot Dead at TI Concert in NYC, Others Hurt

Digital and Radio FactsMay 25, 2016May 5, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 25, 2016May 5, 202604

One person died and three others were hospitalized after gunfire erupted backstage at T.I.'s concert at Irving Plaza in New York around 10 pm.

BMI

BMI and CRA Present Music Licensing Seminar

Digital and Radio FactsMay 25, 2016May 26, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 25, 2016May 26, 202606

BMI partnered with the California Restaurant Association to educate restaurant executives on music licensing and copyright law. GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb performed at the seminar,

Singers

Eric Campbell: Didn’t Take Yolanda Adams Spot

Digital and Radio FactsMay 25, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 25, 2016May 9, 202608

Erica Campbell clarifies she didn't replace Yolanda Adams on radio, launching her own 4-hour morning show 'Get Up! Mornings' with a unique gospel format.

Music Business News

VIP’S Attend Johnny Gill’s 50th Birthday Celebration:

Digital and Radio FactsMay 24, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 24, 2016May 9, 202609

Johnny Gill celebrated his 50th birthday with VIP guests including Smokey Robinson, New Edition members, and celebrities from music and entertainment.

Music Business News

Star Trek: Beyond – Trailer & WORLD PREMIERE ANNONCMENT

Digital and Radio FactsMay 23, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 23, 2016May 9, 202608

Star Trek Beyond trailer reveals the Enterprise crew facing a mysterious enemy in uncharted space. Directed by Justin Lin, the film hits theaters July 22,

Radio

National Radio Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Nominees

Digital and Radio FactsMay 23, 2016April 8, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 23, 2016April 8, 2026012

The National Radio Hall of Fame announces 24 nominees for 2016 induction across six categories. Industry voting begins with inductees to be announced July 11.

Comedians

Wendy Williams: Loni Love Knew About Tamar’s Exit

Digital and Radio FactsMay 23, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 23, 2016May 9, 2026110

Wendy Williams claims Loni Love knew about Tamar Braxton's controversial exit from 'The Real' talk show, suggesting co-hosts may have complained enough to influence the

Radio

Keke Palmer interviews Mary J Blige on “Real Talk”

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016April 8, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016April 8, 202604

Mary J. Blige interviews Keke Palmer on her radio show 'Real Talk,' where Palmer shares career insights and valuable auditioning tips for aspiring performers.

Music Publishing

Universal Music Launches Verve Label Group

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 25, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 25, 202609

Universal Music Group forms Verve Label Group with Danny Bennett as President & CEO. The new structure includes Verve and UMG's classical labels, marking deepened

Radio

Dolphins Return to 560 WQAM Radio

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016April 8, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016April 8, 202605

The Miami Dolphins return to Miami's Sportsradio 560 WQAM as their official flagship radio partner in a new long-term deal. Games will also simulcast on

Music Business News

New Ghostbusters Trailer (vid)

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 9, 202606

New Ghostbusters trailer features Paul Feig's reboot with Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. The supernatural comedy returns 30 years after the

Reviewed

Wanda Smith Comments on Amanda Davis Spark Controversy

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 9, 20262 15

V103's Wanda Smith faces backlash for criticizing news anchor Amanda Davis' public battle with alcoholism during on-air interview, sparking debate about compassion in broadcasting.

Hip Hop Reviewed

RZA and Paul Banks Launch Collaboration as Banks & Steelz

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016May 9, 2026012

Wu-Tang Clan's RZA and Interpol's Paul Banks launch their collaboration as Banks & Steelz, releasing debut single 'Love and War' on Warner Bros. Records.

Radio

Radio Facts Tour: Real 92.3 Los Angeles

Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016April 8, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 19, 2016April 8, 202607

Radio Facts CEO Kevin Ross continues national tour visiting urban radio stations, making stop at Real 92.3 Los Angeles to show support for industry professionals.

Radio

Access.1 Acquires 51% of American Urban Radio Networks

Digital and Radio FactsMay 17, 2016May 9, 2026

by Digital and Radio FactsMay 17, 2016May 9, 2026012

Access.1 Communications acquires 100% ownership of American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), the largest African-American owned radio network reaching 20 million listeners weekly.