Deon Cole, born in Chicago, Illinois, is an acclaimed actor, comedian, and screenwriter. He is widely recognized for his role as Charlie Telphy in "Black-ish" and "Grown-ish," earning multiple NAACP Image Awards. Cole also received Emmy nominations for his writing on "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" and "Conan." His stand-up specials include "Cole Hearted" and "Charleen's Boy." He also stars in "Average Joe."
Grammy-winning Philadelphia DJ, producer, and turntablist Jeff Townes is known as half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince alongside Will Smith. He pioneered the Transformer scratch, executive-produced Jill Scott's multi-platinum debut, and released solo albums including The Magnificent.
Born in New York, rapper Rakim is widely regarded as one of the greatest MCs of all time. As half of the influential 1980s duo Eric B. & Rakim, he helped pioneer internal rhyme schemes on classic albums like the platinum debut Paid in Full. He later released acclaimed solo projects including The 18th Letter.
GRAMMY Award nominee Eric Roberson is an independent singer, songwriter, producer, and Howard University alumnus. Celebrating over twenty years of releasing Honest Music since 2001, he has produced thirteen solo albums while maintaining artistic freedom.
Louisiana-bred, Chicago-based R&B singer-songwriter Terisa Griffin has independently released albums like My Naked Soul and Revival of Soul. Known for her gospel- and soul-rooted style, she competed on The Voice and produced one-woman stage productions honoring legendary vocalists.
Philadelphia native Rochelle Fleming, lead singer of disco group First Choice, is known for hits like "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and "Let No Man Put Asunder." Her distinctive voice helped define Philly soul and disco, collaborating with Norman Harris and producers from the Salsoul label. Fleming's vocals are widely sampled in dance music, and she remains a celebrated figure in disco and house scenes.
Houston, Texas gospel singer Yolanda Adams blends contemporary gospel with R&B and soul. Her 1999 breakthrough Mountain High Valley Low went multi-platinum, hit the pop Top 40, and won a Grammy; she later hosted The Yolanda Adams Morning Show.
Chicago DJ/producer Mike Dunn helped pioneer acid house, performing live with reel-to-reels and drum machines at basement parties. He released Dance You Mutha (1987) and tracks like Let It Be House, Magic Feet and Face the Nation.
Terry Hunter is a DJ/producer known for house music. A three-time Grammy nominee, he has spent over four decades in the scene and runs Mirror Ball Recordings with Emmaculate, a label described as producing chart-topping songs.
West London MC turned Grammy-winning R&B/hip-hop artist; blends African, gospel, reggae & dub. Hit “American Boy” w/ Kanye; “Conqueror” on Empire; Grammy-nom “Thank You”.
Chicago-born Slique Jay Adams blends rhythm & ghetto soul with R&B, gospel, pop, and hip-hop. Awarded Best Male Vocalist and Chicago Artist of the Year twice, he's a versatile singer, songwriter, and producer known for heartfelt songs about love and life.
