TRENDING WITH MS TRE

Meet Mavis Beaumont. She’s proudly thick, newly single, and ready to take over the world as an aspiring stylist, one fitting at a time. New York ain’t ready, but you are! Inspired by Michelle Buteau's hilarious memoir, Survival of the Thickest, is available to stream now on Netflix.

BET announces “BET Awards” 2023 will return LIVE from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 25. Culture’s Biggest Night will celebrate five decades of Hip Hop throughout the LIVE telecast on BET. “BET Awards” has been the #1 cable award show among all adults 18-49 for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2021, and is the #1 cable award show among Black adults 18-49 for the 21st consecutive year (CY02-CY22).

"We are thrilled to be back in LA for BET Awards 2023 and to celebrate a huge cultural milestone- the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop," said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. "For five decades, Hip Hop has not only influenced American culture but has become a global phenomenon and one of the most influential musical genres of our lifetime. From music to fashion, art, and entertainment, we are honored to have always provided a platform for Hip Hop to thrive. We look forward to paying tribute to the pioneers and innovators as we amplify the new generation of Hip Hop artists like only BET can."

Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee and Executive Produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy to Co-Executive Produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.

Bet.com/bet-awards is the official site for “BET Awards” 2023 and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. The media credential application for “BET Awards” 2023 will be available soon.

Music Fest Orlando is the ultimate music and cultural experience in the heart of Orlando. This premier music festival is bringing together some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry with an eclectic artist lineup of national and award-winning R&B, hip-hop, neo-soul, and afrobeat artists, including Fantasia, Babyface, Goodie Mob, Plies, Lyfe Jennings, the 69 Boyz, JT Money, Levelle, KowKow, and Pretti Emage. Also, the special local artist segment featuring performances by Arkeshia, Ashley Peck, Lolita, and The Don D'rel. The one-day outdoor live music festival will be hosted by acclaimed comedian, actor, and national radio personality, Rickey Smiley on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds.

"Music Fest Orlando's focus is building the ultimate festival experience, bringing together family, friends, and music lovers of all genres while creating an economic impact on our community through scholarship opportunities and internships. Also, the festival will allow up-and-coming local artists to showcase their talents on a big stage, positioning them on a platform that will assist them in elevating their careers to the next level.," said Music Fest Orlando Founder Ernest Wilson.

Music Fest Orlando is a celebration of Black music and culture and a party with a purpose. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the HBCU Initiative. This initiative seeks to provide students in the Central Florida area with financial assistance to further their post-high school education.

In addition to the live performances, the 2023 Music Fest Orlando will feature delectable bites and a myriad of retail buys from the Merchandise Village. Also, during the weekend, attendees can enjoy a pre-social party hosted by artist CeeLo Green, the night before the festival, March 24, 2023 at Dove Cote in the heart of downtown Orlando.

​For tickets and more information, visit www.musicfestorlando.com.

DJ KHALED ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH DEF JAM RECORDINGS

THE MULTI-PLATINUM, GRAMMY-WINNING SUPERSTAR WILL RELEASE HIS NEW ALBUM WITH DEF JAM, ALONG WITH FUTURE RELEASES FROM HIS LABEL VENTURE, WE THE BEST

DJ KHALED JOINS THE UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP FAMILY IN NEWLY CREATED GLOBAL CREATIVE CONSULTANT ROLE

​ Grammy-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled announced an exclusive partnership with Def Jam Recordings for his We The Best label venture, as well as his future releases as a multi-platinum recording artist.

Khaled - who in his celebrated career as an artist, producer, DJ and curator has amassed global sales of over 20 million singles and 6 million albums in addition to garnering 4 billion-plus streams - will also join the Universal Music Group in an executive role, serving as Global Creative Consultant to Def Jam and UMG’s family of artists worldwide.

This major announcement serves as a homecoming for DJ Khaled, who originally took on an executive A&R position at the label in 2008, developing hits for major stars like Rick Ross and others.

DJ Khaled states, “This new chapter marks a special time for me. The energy at this point in my career is at an all-time high and I’m grateful to Sir Lucian Grange for allowing me to join his empire at this stage in my journey. Together, we will achieve even greater heights and take it to the next level. I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I’m excited to not only partner, but to come back home to Def Jam. Tunji Balogun is not only an extraordinary A&R, but a true music-man and visionary who continuously is responsible for introducing the world to some of its next greatest superstars. I’m excited to join my sister and visionary executive LaTrice Burnette once again, as we have had tremendous success on every single project we have collaborated on in the past. Def Jam is the culture and together we will make history yet once again.”


Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO, said, “DJ Khaled is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator. It gives me great pleasure to welcome him home to UMG where we look forward to working together to amplify his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision.”


“Beyond a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist, and consummate showman, DJ Khaled occupies the rarified air of cultural icon,” said Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. “His uncanny ability to continuously have his finger on the pulse of the culture, to reach audiences all over the world in innovative yet authentic ways, and his remarkable savvy for marketing, promoting and eventizing everything he touches is absolutely second to none. We are thrilled to partner with DJ Khaled and We The Best, both as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and as a valued executive. Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”

“DJ Khaled has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a decade,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings/President, 4th & Broadway. “Throughout our years together at Epic, Khaled and I developed a special working bond and broke barriers through a united vision, focused partnership and hard work. I have a tremendous respect for Khaled’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy, and boundless positive energy. I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to Def Jam, and can’t wait to see what we cook up next.”

Last week, DJ Khaled was joined by an all-star cast - including longtime friend, collaborator, and manager JAY-Z, rap superstars Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, and new Def Jam label-mate Fridayy - for a showstopping performance of his ‘Song Of The Year’ nominated smash “GOD DID” at the 65th Annual Grammys Awards – one of his six nominations for the night and ten Grammy nominations overall. Over the course of his legendary career, Khaled has been nominated for 15 BET Awards, an astounding 56 BET Hip-Hop Awards, 15 MTV Video Music Awards, and countless prizes and recognitions across the globe.

“GOD DID” is the title track of DJ Khaled’s thirteenth full-length studio album, GOD DID, his fourth career #1 debut on the Billboard Top 200 and fifth straight #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. The album arrived with an unprecedent rollout of music videos, interviews and cultural conversation, and notched 10 entries on the Billboard Hot 100.

Along with today’s announcement of his new label home at Def Jam, Khaled took the opportunity to update media and fans on more exciting developments in his world.

Khaled has once again joined forces with Jordan for one of the year’s most-anticipated sneaker drops—the WE THE BEST AIR JORDAN V. Introduced to the market via an immersive, inventive, and innovative campaign on par with both entities’ respective reputations, the collaboration continues a longstanding relationship, dating back thirteen years to 2010. A proud member of the Jordan family of athletes, entertainers, and other collaborators, DJ Khaled represents the spirit of the brand– dedication to greatness, commitment to excellence, a love for the culture, and a desire to have an impact for the community. As one of Jordan’s most ardent and vocal supporters, Khaled proudly presents “another one” with this shoe. It follows a massive drop on Cyber Monday, resulting in the biggest collab launch in the history of the Jordan brand. With the company focused on “Self-Belief” for 2023, Khaled is proud to be among the standard bearers of this positive message. DJ’s Khaled’s We The Best Foundation will continue its partnership with the Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment, which over the last two years has invested almost seventeen million dollars with over seventy five nonprofits, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Ida B Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, and the Legal Defense Fund.

In keeping with Khaled’s philanthropic spirit and commitment, this year the We The Best Foundation - a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to uplifting individuals throughout underserved communities across the United States and the support various non-profits – announces its inaugural scholarship program, in partnership with Roc Nation.

The 2023 scholarship grant has been awarded to Felisha Agenor. The high school senior has attended the Overtown Youth Center since elementary school. Friends and faculty refer to as “The Achiever,” and she lives up to this moniker with a 4.2 GPA and active participation in seven clubs and sports such as Student Government Association, National Honors Society, Volleyball, and Softball, to name a few few. She also works as a Youth Worker for OYC at another local elementary school.

Today, DJ Khaled also announces his partnership with streetwear retailer Snipes for a Miami location. Khaled, who serves as Chief Creative Officer for Snipes has partnered with the leading sneaker and streetwear retailer to bring a new and exciting retail experience to Miami. Set to open its doors in the heart of Collins Ave., the We The Best Snipes store will be a true reflection of South Florida's sneaker & streetwear culture. With the latest SNIPES apparel and exclusive co-branded merchandise, this concept store will offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Visitors will be entertained with a live DJ, a sound booth for up-and-coming artists, and a showcase of the hottest apparel from local Miami fashion designers. The We The Best Snipes concept store is set to open later this year.

In more hometown news, DJ Khaled was honored with both the key to the City of Miami and the key to Miami Beach in recognition of his ongoing work in the community. By proclamation, February 9th is now recognized as “WE THE BEST” day in the city of Miami, and November 26th will be “KHALED KHALED” day in the city of Miami Beach.

It’s about to be his biggest season yet…

PATRICE ROBERTS ENDS 2022 WITH THE #1 WORLDWIDE SOCA SONG

Hit song 'Mind My Business' A Favourite According To Statistical Data and Makes Other Prominent Lists

Patrice Roberts' 'Mind My Business' is the Worldwide Number One Soca Song of the year. According to The Soca Source, the song which was released on December 19, 2021 has been dominating the year. Penned by Mical Teja and produced by Dan Evens and Travis World, 'Mind My Business' quickly became a favourite. The phrase "Drink Water and Mind My (Your) Business" became the mantra of many. Much to the surprise of Roberts, the song's virality on social media platforms was not solely in Caribbean circuits.
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The Soca Source article published on December 10, 2022; Patrice Roberts’ MIND MY BUSINESS: Worldwide No. 1 Soca Song of the Year identified the song's success as "a milestone not only for the artist but for the Soca genre overall." On hearing the news, Patrice Roberts shares that, "Learning of 'Mind My Business' being the #1 Worldwide Soca song reinforces the potential of Soca music and the need for support from the diaspora." Additionally, Patrice recognizes that "public opinion is very important but statistical data is equally important and holds extreme value." Both Patrice and her team are focusing on understanding her statistics.

Receiving another accolade from the youth-driven music platform Audiomack, 'Mind My Business' is one of the 50 Best Songs of 2022. Audiomack describes the hit song as "a playful anthem at the buzzer of 2021" and "the motto for 2022, 2023, and beyond." Professionally, 2022 has been rewarding for Patrice. In addition to the aforementioned, 'Mind My Business' also captured the attention of NPR Music. First on their listing of Top 10 Songs of 2022 of NPR Music 2022 Staff Picks: Nikki Birch is 'Mind My Business.' The article's author, Nikki Birch, choice of songs and albums are purely based on the impact on her.

Excited about the future, Patrice shares that "As the year closes out, I am looking back at my achievements and it is fueling me to do more." She also expresses gratitude for, "Every bit of support and feedback that I have received throughout my career and more so in 2022." With Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival quickly approaching, Patrice will be hosting her now signature event 'Strength Of A Woman' on February 15.
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Thus far her Carnival 2023 contributions have been receiving tremendous support. Namely, 'Sugar Cake', 'Bless This Party', 'Soft Man', 'Feeling It' and 'Some Of This' are favourites. Music lovers can anticipate more releases from Soca's leading lady as the days progress.

Tickets are officially on sale for the 22nd annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) taking place February 23-26, 2023. Widely recognized as America’s favorite gourmet gathering on the beach, the four-day Festival returns to the sand with more than 100 events spanning Miami-Dade and Broward counties. For the 22nd installment, Food Network personalities, Grammy-winning musicians, and more than 450+ chefs and wine and spirit producers will come together for an unforgettable celebration comprised of walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, late-night parties, brunches, lunches, master classes, wine seminars and more!

The Festival kicks off on Thursday, February 23 with iconic chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author, Emeril Lagasse, as he hosts the 16th annual Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® with a special performance by Grammy-nominated country music group, Midland.

Sprawling several blocks on the sands of South Beach, the Festival’s two iconic open-air tasting tents – North Venue and Grand Tasting Village – return to showcase the nation’s most talented chefs and lifestyle personalities who are supported by more than 1,200 student volunteers from Florida International University. Events include:

The return of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE hosted by Guy Fieri featuring more than 25 eateries from the hit show. (Friday, February 24)
Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast will highlight fan-favorite Food Network and Cooking Channel personalities and the nations most celebrated chefs. (Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26)
Tacos & Tequila presented by Tequila Cazadores will be hosted by American actor and star of Machete Danny Trejo and feature more than 25 chefs serving up various iterations of Mexico’s most iconic dish. (Saturday, February 25)
BACARDĺ Carnival hosted by Andrew Zimmern will close out the 22nd annual Festival with the ultimate Sunday night beach party! (Sunday, February 26)

From Overtown to Wynwood to Hallandale Beach and the Miami Design District in between, the Festival has curated a series of events to showcase the vibrant local cuisine and culture of these neighborhoods and the profoundly important role they have had in shaping the South Florida of today. Event highlights:

The Cookout hosted by JJ Johnson and Dwyane Wade (Saturday, February 25)
Smorgasburg After Dark hosted by and special performance by Rev Run (Saturday, February 25)
Chicken Coupe hosted by Michelle Bernstein part of the Miami Design District Event Series (Saturday, February 25)
Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience part of the Hallandale Beach Event Series (Saturday, February 25)
Williams Family Kitchen Soul Food Brunch hosted by Pharaoh and Pharrell Williams (Saturday, February 25)
Overtown EatUp! hosted by Marcus Samuelsson (Sunday, February 26)
Farmer’s Market Brunch hosted by Michael Schwartz part of the Miami Design District Event Series (Sunday, February 26)

​There is nothing like the Magic City by day and the Festival put together a sensational line-up of brunches and lunches to shine a light on the bright and vivacious scene. Those looking to shop and dine should snag seats at the Bal Harbour Shops ACCESS: Fashion Show & Luncheon hosted by Geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian which will feature a fashion show presented by Balmain, the Parisian Fashion House. Two-time James Beard Award winner Mashama Bailey will take over the Festival’s headquarter hotel, Loews Miami Beach, to host Our Sunday Table: Brunch with The Grey and Friends part of The NYT Cooking Series featuring an eclectic roster of local and national chefs. A piece of Nashville’s “hot chicken” empire will make its way to Miami with a Lunch hosted by Hattie B’s taking place at SGWS Wynwood. Lunch hosted by Cédric Vongerichten and Tyson Cole at Wynwood hotspot, Uchi, will showcase both chefs’ layered approach to multi-cultural cuisine as they deliver a menu with fresh, exotic flavors of the East. Pablo Zitzmann and Wilson Tang will team up to host a Dim Sum Brunch at Coral Gables outpost, Zitz Sum, recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by The Michelin Guide. Close out the weekend at the North Beach Bandshell with an extravaganza of epic proportions – Drag Brunch hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris featuring Miami’s very own Athena Dion and the queens from the R House Wynwood’s show-stopping weekend drag brunches. Following the brunch, will be the first annual Tea Dance and Drag Show hosted by Kalen Allen with a special performance by Thelma Houston, the Grammy-winning Motown legend who’s slated to perform a set of chart-topping hits alongside the one and only Symone, season 13 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Guests looking to sharpen their cooking skills alongside the experts should snag seats to one of the Festival’s Master Classes! Choose from a variety of classes such as a Pierogi-Making Master Class hosted by Martha Stewart, Sushi-Making Master Class & Lunch at Gekkō Miami, Croqueta-Making Master Class with Eileen and Jonathan Andrade, BBQ-Making Master Class and Lunch hosted by Smoke & Dough, Dumpling-Making Master Class hosted by Temple Street Eatery, a Master Class and Happy Hour hosted by Flour & Weirdoughs and more! Wine enthusiasts looking to master their inner sommelier can choose from one of the Wine Spectator Wine Seminars taking place throughout the weekend at the Eden Roc Miami Beach.

The Festival’s crown jewel, Tribute Dinner presented by Capital One and part of The NYT Cooking Dinner Series, will take place on Saturday, February 25 and honor the outstanding accomplishments of the culinary community’s beloved and iconic Alex Guarnaschelli, along with Alexandre Ricard of Pernod Ricard. 2018 Tribute Dinner honoree, Bobby Flay will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and a stellar cast of chefs including Eric Adjepong, Antonia Lofaso, Scott Conant, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Duff Goldman and Geoffrey Zakarian will serve up dishes to pair perfectly with some of the finest wines from the Pernod Ricard portfolio.

A plethora of unique one-night-only collaborations hosted by some of the country’s most critically acclaimed chefs and paired with a variety of high-end wines and spirits from the Festival’s exclusive provider, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, will accent this year’s Intimate Dinner Series. Participating chefs and personalities include Giada De Laurentiis, Tommaso De Simone, Juan-Manuel Barrientos, Maneet Chauhan, Michael Symon, Andrew Zimmern, Katie Button, Zak Stern, Gabriel Kreuther, Esther Choi, Timon Balloo, Jet Tila, Antonio Bachour, Brooke Williamson, Jonathan Waxman, Lindsay Autry and Marc Vetri.

To date, the Festival has raised more than $34 million in support of its educational mission to cultivate future leaders of the hospitality industry at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). Between SOBEWFF® and its sister NYCWFF, more than $48 million has been raised to benefit the respective charities of each Festival. Beyond the funds raised, both Festivals draw attention to the vibrant dining cultures of their respective cities, provide economic stimulus in their communities, and serve as a platform to drive awareness and engagement for a wide array of philanthropic activities.

The complete line-up of events for the 22nd annual Festival is now available online at sobewff.org. Stay up to date all year long by following along with the #SOBEWFF hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the 27th annual event will be held in Miami Beach June 14-18, followed by a virtual segment streaming on ABFF PLAY June 19-25, 2023. Submissions for the upcoming festival are now open in three categories: narrative features, documentary features and web series. Submission dates for the festival’s short film category will soon be announced. For submission, deadline and eligibility details, visit https://www.abff.com/miami/submissions/.

Filmmakers compete for Jury Awards in the narrative features category — including Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, Best Screenplay and the coveted John Singleton Award for Best First Feature — and for Best Documentary, Best Web Series and the prestigious HBO Short Film Award.

The ABFF is a premier venue for Black storytellers and celebration of Black culture. The festival presents a wide range of independent films, studio and network screenings, and series of panels and networking events. ABFF continues to spotlight talent both in front of and behind the camera supporting a number of talent discovery programs, providing a platform for emerging artists.

ABFF sponsors and partners to date are City of Miami Beach, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) (Presenting), and UPS (Premier).

For more information about ABFF, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook.

Afrobeats has been sizzling the airwaves with chart topping hits across the globe. Afrobeat artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems and Rema have been dominating the music charts and for good reason. Delivering sensational performances on his current Love, Damini 2022 Summer Tour; Grammy Award Winning Burna Boy kick starts Miami Carnival Weekend 2022 by headlining Tipsy Music Festival Miami on Friday, October 7th at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Fl 33132 from 3pm to 11pm.

“Carnival in Miami is a beautiful time to see a plethora of Caribbean cultures converge to showcase their freedom of expression through music, food, dance and fashion. We hope to give you a taste of all things multicultural and want to make Tipsy Music Festival Miami an unforgettable experience. We are bringing the best Caribbean and African acts that music has to offer,” says Crystal Cunningham, Tipsy Music Festival Spokesperson.

Produced by Twisted Entertainment and Project X Productions, the very best of Caribbean artists like Skinny Fabulous, Voice and Hypasounds with an all-star cast of DJ’s like Deejay Puffy, Tony Mix, Jus Jay and Travis World are set to perform.


WHO: Grammy Award Winner Burna Boy, Skinny Fabulous, Voice and Hypasounds

WHAT: Tipsy Music Festival Miami

WHEN: Friday, October 7th, 2022; 3:00PM-11:00 PM

WHERE: Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132

Tickets can be purchased HERE.