News Archives - Black Promoters Collective (BPC)

News

Billboard UK  ·  Music  ·  Music News  ·  News  ·  UK Live
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) Announces First Artists For 2026 Festival

ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), an annual new music showcase for European acts, has announced its first wave of artists for 2026.
Next year’s festival, which will take place between 14-17 Jan. in Groningen, Netherlands, will mark its 40th anniversary edition. On Tuesday (Sept. 9), organisers shared additions to the line-up, including British-Indonesian artist Nadia Kadek, French songwriter and composer Léonie Pernet and Coca Puma, a jazz experimentalist from Italy. 

Elsewhere, there will be appearances from Latvian duo ZeMe, Scottish soul vocalist Becky Sikasa, Serbian alt-pop band Turbo Trans Turisti and many more. View the bill here.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

In a press release, Robert Meijerink, Head of Programme and Booker at ESNS, said: “These artists show the incredible creativity coming from all over Europe, from intimate songwriting to cutting-edge electronics and powerful live bands. They capture the energy and innovation that make ESNS a unique meeting place for music lovers and industry professionals.”

Trending on Billboard

Delegate passes are now all available via the official ESNS website. Three-day passes start at €470 ($552.36), while general festival tickets are yet to be released.Founded in 1986, ESNS is a non-profit organisation focused on the promotion of emerging new European music. As part of its European Talent Exchange program, ESNS annually invites festival bookers and promoters from across the continent to start building their lineups for the following summer. 

Since its inception in 2003, the initiative has helped more than 2300 artists to earn major festival bookings across the continent. Previous iterations of the four-day event have presented early shows from global stars such as Fontaines D.C., CMAT and Mercury Prize 2024 winners English Teacher.The conference side of ESNS, meanwhile, attracts thousands of music industry professionals and representatives from over 400 international festivals. It plays host to over panel discussions, interviews, keynotes and more, covering topics focusing largely on sustainability and music industry development.

The 2025 iteration of ESNS saw performances from the likes of Alessi Rose, who supported Dua Lipa on tour this summer, plus new talent Antony Szmierek, Jordan Adetunji, Jacob Alon, viral star Joalin and more.

September 9, 2025

News
AFROTECH’s Blavity Stage Programming: Here’s Everything To Know

Blavity’s AFROTECH Conference is right around the corner, returning to Houston from Oct. 27-31 to gather Black innovators, entrepreneurs and more for five days of networking, discussions, performances and other programming. This year’s conference will include The Blavity Stage, presented by Blavity Media Group, that will be home to dynamic, sponsor-led sessions showcasing cutting-edge products, impactful campaigns and the thought leadership driving culture-forward innovation.

Read on for more about The Blavity Stage’s exciting programming.

‘Native Land Pod’ live recording

Native Land Pod hosts Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross, Andrew Gillum, and Bakari Sellers will join The Blavity stage for a live podcast recording, where they’ll discuss the current political landscape, wielding insights and unapologetic analysis, unraveling the threads that connect Black Americans and marginalized communities to a place they courageously call home.

The live recording will include live audience participation. 

Blavity Comedy Night, presented by Blavity House Party, featuring KevOnStage

On Friday, Oct. 30, All Access ticket holders will get the chance to attend Blavity Comedy Night presented by Blavity House Party, a special evening event that offers attendees the opportunity to unwind and enjoy premium entertainment and surprise moments. Featuring comedian KevOnStage & Friends, Blavity Comedy Night’s doors will open early for attendees to secure their seating and connect before the performance.

‘Roland Maritn Unfiltered’ Live from AFROTECH

AFROTECH and Roland Martin is bringing #RolandMartinUnfiltered to this year’s conference, broadcasting live through the week. Known for tackling news, politics, culture, and more, Martin will deliver sharp commentary and real-time reactions to the biggest moments happening on site. Attendees can catch tapings where Martin interviews key voices in tech, entrepreneurship and public policy—right from the center of Black innovation.

Blavity Creator Summit, in partnership with Dream Con

Blavity is teaming up with anime and gaming convention Dream Con on a one-day creator summit at AFROTECH. The experience will offer the next generation of Black digital entrepreneurs, creators, influencers and esports talent tactical insights, new connections, and support building pathways to sustainable success.

Blavity’s creator summit in partnership with Dream Con will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center– General Assembly from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm CST on Oct. 31.

Creator Meet-Up

This year’s AFROTECH Conference will also give content creators, influencers, and digital storytellers casual networking spaces to connect, collaborate and share insights. Creators still building their social media presence will get the opportunity to meet peers and spark lucrative partnerships.

Blavity supports the creator economy via programs like The Blavity Creator Collective Fellowship, a paid quarterly program that helps diverse talent across Blavity’s brands: Blavity.com, Travel Noire, 21Ninety, and Home & Texture. The fellowship aims to elevate emerging creators by offering tools, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their creativity in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Blavity Market at the Expo Hall

AFROTECH attendees who want to support Black-owned businesses should look out for Blavity Marketplace at the AFROTECH 2025 Expo Hall. The Marketplace will include brands across industries from fashion and beauty to tech and lifestyle.

To purchase a booth to connect with attendees and grow your business, visit AFROTECH’s vendor booths page for more information.

Stay tuned for more updates on AFROTECH 2025 programming here.

September 9, 2025

News
Car Registered To Singer D4vd LAPD Found With Body Inside, LAPD Says

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating after a body was found inside an impounded Tesla at a Los Angeles tow yard. According to law enforcement, the vehicle is registered to New York singer d4vd.

Police made the shocking discovery Monday afternoon at a Hollywood tow yard on the 1000 block of North Mansfield Avenue after reports of a foul odor coming from the impounded vehicle, ABC 7 reported.

Law enforcement said the electric vehicle had been impounded on the lot for several days and that the human remains were stuffed inside a bag in the front trunk of the Tesla. The identity of the victim remains unknown.

The impounded car had Texas license plates

The vehicle is registered in Hempstead, Texas, to the 20-year-old Queens native, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. Police said the car was reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills five days ago, according to the New York Post.

D4vd has remained active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he has millions of followers.

He is scheduled to perform in Minneapolis on Tuesday night as part of his Withered 2025 World Tour that began last month. D4vd has a tour stop in Los Angeles on Sept. 20.

D4vd is known for his popular tracks, such as “Here with Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” which have garnered him billions of Spotify streams, per the New York Post.

He dropped his debut album, Withered, on April 25, following the release of two EPs, Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals.

September 9, 2025

Billboard UK  ·  genre pop  ·  Music  ·  Music News  ·  News  ·  UK Live
Laufey Announces U.K. & European Arena Tour to Visit London and Manchester: See Dates

Modern jazz-pop scene-leader Laufey has lined up a string of live dates around the U.K. and Europe for spring 2026.
The Icelandic-Chinese singer and multi-instrumentalist will perform at Manchester’s Co-Op Live (March 4) and  London’s O2 Arena (March 8), alongside venues in Europe, hitting Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, France and more. The shows will mark a continuation of her current world tour, which heads to North America this fall. See the newly-announced dates below. 

A special fan presale will go live tomorrow (Sept. 10) at 9 a.m. (BST), while general sale goes live on Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. Further ticketing details can be found on Laufey’s official website.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

The shows will make for her biggest ever bookings in the U.K. and Europe, and will support the recent release of her third LP A Matter Of Time. The album, which was released via AWAL last month (Aug. 22), debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart – Laufey’s highest placings to date.

Trending on Billboard

Notably, on the Billboard 200, A Matter of Time became the highest-debuting jazz album since Dec. 2018, when Michael Bublé’s Love peaked at No. 2. It also marks Laufey’s first top 10 in the US.

Posting to Instagram, Laufey described A Matter Of Time as “an exploration of time, genre, space, emotion – a true portrait of what it feels like to fall in love and the self discovery that comes with it.” The record follows 2023’s Bewitched, which saw the 26-year-old make a mainstream crossover and scoop a Grammy award for best traditional pop vocal album.

Laufey’s North American tour begins next week (Sept. 15) and will see her play two sold-out Madison Square Garden dates in New York City, as well as nights at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Support will come from Suki Waterhouse, while an opening act for the U.K. and European leg is yet to be announced.

Here’s the full list of Laufey’s 2026 U.K. and Europe tour dates:

Feb. 18: Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion

Feb. 19: Dusseldorf, Germany @ Mitsubishi Electric Halle

Feb. 22: Copenhagen, Denmark @ Royal Arena

Feb. 24: Berlin, Germany @ Velodrom

Feb. 26: Vienna, Austria @ Stadthalle

Feb. 28: Brussels, Belgium @ ING Arena

March 1: Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome

March 2: Paris, France @ Adidas Arena

March 4: Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live

March 6: Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena

March 8: London, UK @ O2 Arena

March 14: Kopavogur, Iceland @ Korinn Arena

September 9, 2025

News
Black Cracker Barrel Employee Says She Was Called ‘Burned Biscuit’ In Lawsuit

A former Nashville Cracker Barrel employee is suing the restaurant chain, claiming she was wrongfully fired instead of her coworkers after she endured blatant racism and assaults from them.

According to The Independent, court documents filed by Roberta Mendez’s legal team on August 21 revealed that she is suing the national enterprise for ignoring her human rights based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This section of the legislature specifically prohibits discrimination by employers and unions based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Additionally, this Title also sparked Congress to develop the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to support and “enforce Title VII,” per eeoc.gov. The lawsuit is focused on two parts of this portion of the act: race discrimination and retaliation.

The former Cracker Barrel employee alleges that she was verbally and physically abused by her white coworkers at work

Despite Mendez’s last name, she embraces and recognizes herself as a Black woman. In the lawsuit, it stated that during her 15 year-tenure Cracker Barrel “subjected her to pervasive harassment on the basis of her race, created a hostile work environment, and terminated her employment… when she complained of racially disparaging comments and behavior from her coworkers and supervisors,” per The Independent. It also mentioned that the “defendant’s actions were intentional, willful, and taken in reckless disregard of Mendez’s rights as protected by Title VII.” 

The alleged victim accused her white peers of constantly calling her degrading terms such as “nappy headed [N-word],” “burnt biscuit” and “monkey.” She also says her former coworkers “physically pushed and hit” her, resulting in employees being “segregated” by their race. To add insult to injury, a shift leader allegedly told her, “I don’t like Black people” in 2024. Mendez says it’s a slap in the face because she has been an asset to the location, continually going above and beyond in her role. All of these encounters made it clear why she was “treated less favorably than her Caucasian counterparts who made derogatory comments to [her] based on her race,” per her suit’s filing.

Mendez reported workplace misconduct to her supervisors and the HR department, but says she was punished instead of the offenders, even being written up after flagging an incident in 2023. Despite filing a grievance with Cracker Barrel corporate in August 2024 about her and other Black employees’ treatment, she was fired the next month for allegedly breaking company policy, which she is unaware of, while white coworkers were not disciplined for similar and vile behavior. 

“When Mendez escalated her concerns to Human Resources, she was only told not to sign the write-up,” the complaint further alleges.

The complaint argues that Mendez’s termination was discriminatory and retaliatory, and she is seeking reinstatement with the salary and seniority that were rightfully hers, as well as back pay, benefits, compensatory damages for disciplinary actions and legal fees.

The lawsuit comes after Crack Barrel’s attempt at rebranding itself

One of Mendez’s lawyers, Kyle Biesecker, shared that the legal process is just beginning and expressed confidence that her claims will be supported as the case progresses.

“Next, Cracker Barrel will file their answer to the complaint and discovery will proceed from there,” Biesecker told The Independent. “We expect depositions to bear out many of the facts as alleged by Ms. Mendez.”

This isn’t the first time they’ve faced racist claims concerning Black employees or customers. As Blavity reported in 2022, a former Cracker Barrel hostess in Arizona went viral on TikTok after exposing that employees used “Canadians” as a code word for Black customers. She shared that she only caught on after noticing her coworkers groan whenever she seated “Canadians” in their section. In the comments, people chimed in with their own experiences, saying they’d heard phrases like “NIMS,” short for “N-words in my section,” and other coded ways of being blatantly racist on the job.

As Blavity reported, all this comes following Cracker Barrel’s recent attempt to rebrand with the change of their logo, removing the older man that was once included. After facing backlash from loyal conservatives, they backed down and returned to the original logo. 

Cracker Barrel hasn’t released a statement regarding this legal matter.

September 8, 2025

Blavity-U  ·  branded content  ·  News
Balancing Duty and Dad Life: How One Army Dad is Raising the Next Generation

By day, he wears the uniform of a U.S. Army staff sergeant. By night, he’s a hands-on dad present for bedtime routines, school projects, and everything in between. For Jonathon Nolen-Kitchen, the balance between military duty and fatherhood isn’t just a challenge; it’s his driving force. He brings the same discipline and commitment from the Army into a structured, purpose-driven home life for his family.

Sharing a glimpse into his personal life, the doting father says that his biggest accomplishment is raising his four daughters alongside his beautiful wife. 

Identifying himself as a soldier, gym enthusiast, gamer and, most importantly, a family man, Jonathon Nolen-Kitchen sharpens his approach to parenting with the same discipline, structure and emotional maturity he’s learned through Army service. He leads with his role as a father and husband, never neglecting the responsibilities that matter most at home. His unwavering commitment to hard work, intentional leadership and hands-on parenting continues to shape the man he is today.

Transferable Skills and Daily Habits

As a millennial parent, Jonathon embraces new approaches to parenting that differ from how he and his wife were raised. From creating educational activities, to nightly Netflix movies, shared meals, and bedtime hugs and kisses, Jonathon is building everyday traditions his family now cherishes.

“When I was in summer school growing up, I was able to do whatever I wanted,” Jonathon recalls. “But for my kids, I’m coming up with activities and things for them to do. There’s more guidance.”

As an active father and husband, Jonathon has taken on his Army day-to-day approaches to raising and motivating his family. His passion for the gym and fitness influenced his children, who have all developed a strong interest in working out and staying healthy. Whether they’re working out together in their home gym or going for family runs through the neighborhood, Jonathon’s daughters can’t wait to spend every possible moment with their dad. 

Shaped by his Army experience, Jonathon found his voice as a leader. As his sense of self strengthened, so did his ability to lead with intention, both in his Army career and at home. That growth sparked a shift in how he parents: no longer just meeting his children’s physical needs, but prioritizing emotional connection. He began setting new norms such as, asking the deeper questions, creating a safe space, and showing his kids that strength begins with presence.

 “Being in the military really forced me to break out of that shell. It broke me out of my mold and really helped me find out  who I am as a leader. And then those characteristics carried over to being a father and husband. For my  wife and I, we love working together as a team,” Jonathon said. 

Advice for Army Parents

Learning to leave work at the door is more than a personal practice; it’s a principle Jonathon shares with fellow Army parents. He believes the stress of the job has no place at home, and he’s intentional about drawing that line. Being able to detach from work allows him to be fully present with his family, using the time he has at home to focus on what matters most, which is being fully invested in raising his kids and nurturing a strong family bond.

“Leave work at work, and don’t take it home. The Army is just another job,” Jonathon explains. “You can be stressed out, but if you’re stressed at work and take that home? There’s no reason for it.”  

Jonathon counters misconceptions about Army life with quiet optimism and relatability. For him, fatherhood is just as much a duty as his Army service. He credits the structure and discipline of his Army training with giving him an edge not in commanding, but in connecting. Building strong, intentional relationships with his children is his greatest mission.

“Don’t let being in the Army stop you from being a parent. Reach out to your kids,” he says. “Go do something with [them]. Don’t just stay locked up in the house. Go out, be productive, and be a part of [their] lives.”  

Looking back on his own childhood, Jonathon says fatherhood has given his life deeper meaning. To him, it’s “all worth it.” The pride he sees in his children when they witness his role in the Army pushes him to lead with both love and discipline, and motivates him to grow not just as a father, but as a husband and man.

The Balance of Love and Discipline 

The biggest life lesson Jonathon and his wife have learned from their kids is the value of patience and acceptance. Overall, he expresses affection and encourages open communication, making sure every family member feels heard.

Jonathon says the support of his wife has helped him become a better soldier, father and person. Together, they’re committed to raising children who are respectful, free from societal stereotypes, and encouraged to pursue careers they love, without facing the same hardships their parents did.

With his faith being a leading force and the power of prayer in their home, Jonathon often reminds his children, “To whom much is given, much is required.” He takes full responsibility for staying active in his kids’ lives despite the challenges, believing it builds confidence and self-esteem.

One thing Jonathon hopes his children will remember is his presence and that he cherishes their trust in him to be the best dad he can be. 

“I never want my kids to think they cannot come to me,” he says. “I want them to acknowledge my presence, and know that Dad was always there.” 

Discover more stories about the men and women who make up today’s U.S. Army at the Blavity x U.S. Army Content Hub.

September 8, 2025

genre kpop  ·  genre pop  ·  Global  ·  interview  ·  Music  ·  Music News  ·  News  ·  Pop
Monsta X Isn’t Worried About ‘Lost Time’ — Just Continuing to Raise the Bar After More Than a Decade

Of all the muscles that Joohoney strengthened during his mandatory enlistment in the South Korean military, his mind was the most important. To carry out day-to-day tasks, the 30-year-old rapper found he needed to build up a solid mental core — and that stability has neatly carried over into his equally demanding civilian life as one-sixth of K-pop powerhouse group Monsta X.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

“I’ve always loved the phrase ‘just do it,’” he explains to Billboard, sitting next to bandmates Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun and Hyungwon in a cozy L.A. studio (the final member, I.M, is recuperating from an injury back in Seoul at the time of the interview). “It was in the military that I took that further and started thinking, ‘No brain, no pain,’” he continues. “Right now, that’s pretty much been my approach. No matter what kind of challenge I’m faced with, not to get caught up in the moment and keep moving forward.”

Trending on Billboard

Still, there was a lot to consider while making their latest EP, The X, which is at once a celebration of 10 years together and a long-awaited return to form. Now having all completed their compulsory, 18-month military service apart from I.M, the six members of Monsta X were more than eager to pick up where they left off. “It’s been four years since, as a group, we’ve released a new album,” says honey-voiced Kihyun. That’s nearly an eternity in a landscape that moves as fast as K-pop. The gap weighed heavily on the recording process. “That was my mindset,” he adds. “We had to show what we got.”

The result is a display of remarkable stamina. Sophisticated B-sides (“Savior,” “Tuscan Leather,” “Catch Me Now”) speed light years ahead of peers, unrivaled in their sensuality. But ground-shaking, Dem Jointz-produced banger “N the Front” sends the boldest message — Monsta X remains at the top of their game, it seems to say, leading the charge not only for their generation of K-pop, but also setting the standard for an entire industry that they just took extended time away from. 

That spirit is borne out by the chest-puffing lead single “Do What I Want,” which I.M mentions over email that he hoped would “shock” fans. “Yup, it’s been a while since I crushed this race, ya/ You already know I have the pace of a stallion,” his writing partner Joohoney brags in its lyrics. This isn’t empty bravado, either. In the intervening year-and-a-half off, he made 40 songs, mostly while on vacation. “I wouldn’t say I felt like I needed to catch up on lost time once I got back,” the rapper shrugs. “I knew that I’d get back into a rhythm.”

Today is yet another test of the group’s endurance. While never-ending rounds of press spread into the evening, Monsta X sets a tempo and refuses to waver, cracking jokes and hyping each other up while taking stabs at English. As always, no time or effort is being spared in the lead-up to KCON LA — a homecoming to the stage Monsta X first played just months after debut — and the subsequent album release. Recently, though, there’s a new wrinkle in the members’ schedules: shooting TikToks, which they manage to squeeze into a short break between two sit-down interviews.

“These days, the trend is short form,” explains Minhyuk. It’s not exactly a development to his liking, he says, tossing his hands up in faux indignation. “But I can’t change the world.”

Regardless of whether he’s putting on extra ire for comedic effect, there’s truth to what Minhyuk is saying. “It feels like we’ve moved away from a culture of appreciating the whole music video, the whole song,” he adds. “Because now it’s become more like, ‘Is there a moment that is going to go viral?’”

The critique almost makes you forget that the singer is only in his early thirties. Yet, while the six members aren’t quite elder statesmen of K-pop, they’ve witnessed some of these seismic changes take root over the past decade.

What really stands out, though? The ways the industry has remained just the same: Monsta X was originally formed in 2015 by a brutal Mnet reality show, which put talented young hopefuls through the wringer for a potential spot in the lineup. These programs still abound to this day, despite the mental and physical toll they take on contestants.

Returning to a similar show as a mentor earlier this summer, Kihyun felt like he had just stepped back in time. “All of this must be really tough,” he recalls thinking during the taping. “I’ve been in their shoes, so I felt like I knew exactly what [the trainees] were feeling.” It stirred a mixture of sympathy and awe inside him: their earnestness took him back to the start of their journey, not knowing if “making the cut” would even translate to success in the real world. As he considered the “challenges they will have to face,” he realized those were once ahead of him, as well.

Monsta X debuted as a group of adults aged 19 to 22, which is hardly common practice, since K-pop labels seek to maximize viable years for their boy groups. Kids are frequently scouted as early as elementary school, “while they are still very much growing up and figuring themselves out,” Minhyuk points out, scratching the back of his neck. “It usually means that idols are learning to manage and reciprocate the love and attention they are getting from their fans before they ever really learn to take care of their own mental health.” He continues, “Just being honest with you here, I personally think it’s one of the bigger flaws of the K-pop industry.”

He offers a piece of wisdom to his fellow idols. “My wish would be for those in K-pop, those who are making music, those who are performing for audience… Learn to put yourself first,” the singer says. He doesn’t have all the answers, but hopes those at the top, too, can work toward putting guardrails in place. Joohoney, who took a hiatus to manage his anxiety in 2020, doesn’t mince words: “I also think it’s important for the companies leading the K-pop industry to really support and respect their artists,” he says, bluntly enough to startle a laugh out of his members.

One such show of respect is allowing groups to determine their own identities. In the last decade, “things have already changed a lot” in that regard, Kihyun notes, though offering input remains a constant push and pull.

“Idols aren’t just carrying out what their companies have planned,” he says. “We see more involvement than there was before. And yet, it doesn’t mean that everyone gets to have entirely free rein, right?” In an ideal world, the vocalist adds, it would be “so fulfilling if they get to have agency and [create] albums they feel inspired to create.” 

In that arena, they’ve long been pioneers. While Monsta X operates under the direction of Starship Entertainment, their management company, Joohoney and I.M have also worked on many of their own songs since the very beginning. Over time, they moved up from writing their rap verses to stepping into more significant roles producing and directing groupmates in the booth. Along the way, the others — including former member Wonho — have picked up the pen, too. 

Thus, if K-pop idols are taken more seriously as artists now, Monsta X helped unravel those stereotypes. “I once saw an interview of someone saying, ‘K-pop is not real music,’” Joohoney says. “Of course, I do acknowledge that there may be aspects that may lead others in the music industry to feel that way.” The business of K-pop doesn’t always lend itself to the appearance of “sincerity and authenticity,” the rapper clarifies. “But I really just want to say that it makes me proud to know that K-pop has become [recognized as] its own genre.”

K-pop has left a stamp that’s bigger than just marketing — it’s influenced a new global sound. At the same time, it’s hard to pin down, uniquely able to shapeshift. K-pop may crib from many other genres, sure, but that changeability, that experimentation, is ultimately its own special sauce. Hyungwon, who moonlights as a DJ and co-wrote the new EP’s ultra-groovy R&B cut “Fire & Ice” alongside collaborators from around the world, notes that the flow of ideas increasingly goes both ways. 

“More recently, I’ve noticed many more kinds of music, these different genres that are loved across the world, bring new colors to what we’d consider K-pop. And, out of that, have come these new shades,” he says. “I think we’ve entered a generation of artists who are constantly pushing themselves to explore new techniques and to experiment with new kinds of music, without feeling bound to one genre.”

If there’s one word to describe Monsta X, it’s “boundless.” That’s how the group became the third K-pop act to reach the Billboard 200’s top 10, after all. In 2020, the group released the English album All About Luv, opening it up not only to a new language, but new everything: bass-heavy hip-hop switched out for airplay-friendly pop hooks, rappers trying their hand at singing (which they’re quite skilled at, for the record), blatantly sexual lyrics replacing softer innuendo. Then, in another flex of versatility, Monsta X did it again, with 2021’s The Dreaming.

“It takes a great deal of skill and talent for a Korean artist to write and release an album in a language that is not their own,” Hyungwon says, referring to the two past works with a lot of pride. “Our group, and other K-pop artists, get to take part in this, and it’s not something you see all too often elsewhere.” So, can we expect another English album? “Spoiler,” Joohoney quips. But with major global ambitions intact, it can only be a matter of time. 

“We want to be part of the big K-pop wave,” Shownu suddenly offers, the leader finally stepping into a speaking role, after being mostly content to hand that duty off to his members. It’s a surprise for more reasons than one: Even apart from the U.S. chart milestones, the group has demonstrated itself as a prolific creative force in the K-pop industry. What else is there to prove?

“Not enough,” he replies. “More into the big wave.” But that’s exactly what they’ve been saying this whole time: The only ones who can set Monsta X’s ceiling are the six members themselves.

Additional translation provided by Claire Min.

September 8, 2025

News
Unemployment Rate For Black People Is The Highest Since The Pandemic

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed that the unemployment rate for Black people is now at its highest level since 2021. According to the latest data, the unemployment rate for the demographic rose to 7.5% in August, increasing from 7.2% in July.

What is the reason for the increasing rate of unemployment for Black people?

Julie Su, former acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor under President Joe Biden, is one of many economists who blame Donald Trump’s policies for the rising unemployment rate.

“Once again, the proof is in the numbers: Donald Trump is the worst president for workers we’ve seen in generations,” Su said, per The Grio.  “Donald Trump’s War on Workers may be playing well with his billionaire buddies, but it’s leaving everyone else less stable, less secure, and poorer.”

Economists specifically point to Trump’s tariffs and his effort to slash the federal workforce.

“Trump told Black Americans that immigrants were a threat to their jobs. The truth is, it’s Trump’s own policies that are crushing opportunity,” Brandon Weathersby, a spokesperson for American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic research firm, told The Grio. “Families everywhere are struggling, and no one is feeling that failure more than Black workers, especially Black women, who continue to bear the brunt of his broken promises. Trump promised prosperity, but what he delivered is an economy rigged against the most vulnerable.”

Researchers have revealed that Black women are particularly impacted by the federal cuts. According to MSNBC, about 300,000 Black women lost their jobs in a three-month span this year. Many of them lost their jobs due to Trump’s effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) intiatives and politices.

Speaking to The Grio, Democratic strategist Joel Payne said the current state of the economy was predictable when Trump was elected.

“Democrats talked about what Donald Trump was going to do. He was pretty transparent when caught on the hot mic a couple of times about who he was building this economy for,” Payne said, per theGrio.  “He wasn’t building this economy for Black workers, and I think we’re seeing the result of that.”

What is the latest national unemployment rate?

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the national unemployment rate continues to increase. Per the data, the national unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, with a mere 22,000 new jobs created on the job market.

“Black unemployment is often routinely double white unemployment, but the gap has been narrowing in recent years following the pandemic, as unemployment fell for all workers,” Angela Hanks, Chief of Policy Programs at The Century Foundation and former Department of Labor official, told theGrio. “This jobs report concerningly shows that gap is widening, with rising Black unemployment disproportionately driving that gap.” 

September 7, 2025

News
Keke Wyatt’s Son Alleges She Told Him His Cancer Was ‘Karma’ For ‘Being Apart Of The Alphabet Mafia’

Rahjah Ke’ Morton, the 23-year-old son of Keke Wyatt, is calling out his mother for failing to support him after he was diagnosed with cancer. Morton allges that Wyatt appeared to be supportive in public, but she was only exploiting his condition for “personal gain” and “attention.”

What did Rahjah Ke’ Morton say about his relationship with his mother?

Morton spoke out about his mother when he participated in the “put a finger down” challenge on TikTok. As he joined the challenge, the 23-year-old alleged that his mother believes that cancer is her son’s karma for being gay.

 “Put a finger down if you were diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and your parent decided to publicly announce your diagnosis for personal gain and attention, but behind the scenes saying that your diagnosis is karma for you being apart of the Alphabet mafia — and if they known that you were gonna turn out like this they could’ve kept their money,” Morton said in his video.

He then put up four fingers while keeping his thumb down.

What did Keke Wyatt say when her son was diagnosed with cancer?

When her son was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Wyatt expressed her thoughts on social media. Per Vibe, the singer asked her fans to pray for the family and told them that she is shaving her heard to stand in solidarity with Morton.

“Haven’t really said too much about my personal life, but my child has been fighting cancer and lost all of their hair that they loved. It hurts me so bad,” Wyatt wrote on Instagram at the time. “I need a complete healing for my baby.”

In 2018, Wyatt announced that her son had become cancer-free.

“NO MORE CANCER,” she wrote in a YouTube video, per VIBE.

The mother and son also sat together at that time and talked about how they navigated the challenges cancer brought, including the time when Morton had a seizure in the hospital.

“Whenever something happens with you, the whole hospital pops up at your door,” Wyatt said to her son. “Everybody had something to do on you. That was the scariest crap I had ever been through in my life. If there was ever a time in my life where I would lose my mind, that would be the day.”

September 7, 2025

News
Was Trump An FBI Informant For The Epstein Case? Here’s What Mike Johnson Said

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Donald Trump on Friday when he was asked about Trump’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Speaking to a reporter, Johnson blamed Democrats for bringing accusations against Trump and claimed that the President has been assisting authorities in the case of Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while he faced charges of sexual abuse and trafficking underage girls.

What did Mike Johnson say about Donald Trump’s involvement in the Jefferey Epstein case?

Johnson defended the President when he was asked to explain why Trump is referring to the Epstein case as “the Democrat Epstein Hoax.”

“What Trump is referring to is the hoax that the Democrats are using to try to attack him,” Johnson said, per NewsNation. “It’s been misrepresented. He’s not saying that what Epstein did is a hoax. It’s a terrible, unspeakable evil; he believes that himself. When he first heard the rumor, he kicked him out of Mar-a-Lago.”

According to Johnson, Trump also worked closely with investigators to provide information on Epstein.

 “He was an FBI informant to try to take this stuff down,” Johnson said. “The President knows ― and has great sympathy for the women who suffered these unspeakable harms. It’s detestable to him.”

What is the latest in the Jeffrey Epstein case?

The House Oversight Committee recently met with the survivors in the Epstein case and released about 30,000 documents related to the charges. On Wednesday, the survivors delivered their statements on Capitol Hill, urging the government to release all the documents related to the case, including information on Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. While the Trump administration says Epstein didn’t have a client list, the survivors said they will come forward with their own list.

“I’m encouraged that this group of brave women is taking it upon themselves, since the government continues to fail them, to compile their own list of Epstein’s enablers and perhaps even co-abusers,” Arick Fudali, who represents 11 of the survivors, said in a statement to NewsNation.

September 7, 2025

Page 1 of 4