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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Remembered in TV One Special ‘Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement’ Airing Jan. 18

TV One shines a light on Stevie Wonder and Gil Scott-Heron’s work to rally support to establish a holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. in the two-hour, two-part special Unsung Presents:…

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TV One shines a light on Stevie Wonder and Gil Scott-Heron’s work to rally support to establish a holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. in the two-hour, two-part special Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement airing Monday, January 18, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET/7C.

In the documentary that provides a timeline denoting how music from Black artists served as the soundtrack to the Black experience in America, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton describes the impact of Wonder’s 1980 MLK tribute “Happy Birthday,” tour featuring Scott-Heron, and historic rally at the Washington DC monument in 1981.

Sharpton recalls former President Ronald Regan initially opposing creating a holiday in honor of King and Wonder and Scott-Heron helping to bring more attention to the cause. “The president at that time was saying, ‘That’s absurd we’re not going to do that,’” Sharpton says in the television special. “In fact, Ronald Regan had called Dr. King at some time a communist at some point in his life. As those of us in the King movement started to petition, Mrs. King was out front. All of a sudden there was a rhythm set to that movement, Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron, and the movement blew up, and it became a cultural phenomenon to accompany the political aspirations.”

In November 1983, three years after the release of Wonder’s King tribute, President Regan signed a bill to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day an American federal holiday.

King received the support of numerous Black musicians, including Aretha Franklin, says Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement Co-Executive Producer P. Frank Williams. “People think of her as the greatest singer ever, but Aretha’s a very political woman,” Williams says. “And she actually funded part of Martin Luther Kings’ marches. She was always a part of it.” Williams, an Emmy and 8-time NAACP Image Award-winning producer, has also produced shows like American Gangster on BET and Who Killed Tupac on A&E. She is the former Executive Editor of The Source Magazine. Her company, Prophet From It Entertainment, recently produced an upcoming Black History Month social justice series and a hip-hop game show for Viacom.

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Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement tells the stories of dozens of Black musicians including Billie Holiday, Curtis Mayfield, Public Enemy, and Beyonce, their music, and the impact they have had in fighting for equality and justice. 

The post Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Remembered in TV One Special ‘Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement’ Airing Jan. 18 appeared first on The Source.

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Phlo-osophy shares a new single, “Scientist Mind (Living My Life)”

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Phlo-osophy’s “Scientist Mind (Living My Life)” is a thoughtful and relaxing meditation on intellect and existence, packaged with laid-back production that encourages both thought and comfort. The song starts with atmospheric synths and a low-key beat, creating a space that is the laboratory of contemplation.

Phlo-osophy’s lyrical style steers into tough concepts spontaneous physics of thought, the chemistry of emotion — and yet remains highly accessible. The production is the strength of the production: soft, warm textures, synth pads, muted guitar echoes, quiet electronic pulses, cohere into a hushed, private atmosphere.

The result is a song that teeters between heady curiosity and soulful expression. It’s not out to swamp us with complexity, but to suggest a room in which mind and emotion can cohabitate thoughtfully. “Scientist Mind (Living My Life)” serves as a signal of Phlo-osophy’s approach as an enlightening artist who writes not only with heart, but with mind and who welcomes the listener on its journey of self-discovery.

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Police Scanner Audio Suggests Lil Nas X May Have Been Tased During Bizarre Studio City Arrest

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Last week, an unexpected and surprising situation unfolded involving rapper Lil Nas X. Reports from police audio shared by TMZ reveal a dramatic scene where the Grammy-winning artist was allegedly found walking naked near Universal Studios. This led to police being called to intervene. According to the recordings, things escalated quickly, with indications that officers may have used a taser as Lil Nas ran towards them. As a result of this incident, Nas spent the weekend in jail and appeared in court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty.

He was later released after paying $75,000 in bail. The details from the police recordings provide a rare glimpse into this intense moment that led to his arrest. Sharing a more personal view, Nas’ father, Robert Stafford, spoke to TMZ, reporting that his son is doing well. “He’s great. God is good, God has a plan. I think you all know everything that you need to know about what happened Thursday,” Stafford stated, showing his faith and support. He reassured fans that Nas is feeling remorseful about the incident, but emphasized that challenges can happen to any family.

He added that Nas is getting the help he needs and encouraged everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers. This unfolding story has gained a lot of attention, partly because it provides insight into a part of celebrity life that people don’t usually see. While news often focuses on the finished stories, these police recordings show events as they actually happened, making the situation feel more real and striking. As the legal process continues, many are watching to see what will happen next for Nas, both in his personal life and career.

The police audio serves as a strong reminder of how quickly life can take unexpected turns, even for well-known figures in music. With the support of his family and a focus on moving forward, Nas seems ready to handle this challenging time with responsibility and dignity. This unusual incident highlights the human side of celebrity news, reminding fans that there’s always more to a story than what’s seen in the headlines.

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