iHeartRadio Presents Black Excellence

Jully Black sits down with Jamar McNeil a few days after singing the Canadian National Anthem at the NBA All Star Game, and discusses her decision to change one word in the Anthem. Jully tells Jamar about how she struggled to stand behind the anthem after droves of Indigenous children's bodies were found near Residential School sites, and how the generational trauma of the Indigenous experience is not one that she has as a Black Canadian, but one that she empathizes with. Jully talks about her journey through taking action with Truth & Reconciliation, and walks us through what she was feeling all the way through the Anthem Soundcheck. Jully and Jamar talk about the empathy they feel for the Indigenous community, and why Jully took the stand she took. Jully and Jamar talk about the solidarity and bridge building between Black, Indigenous, and all people of colour in Canada.

Dames Nellas, Jamar McNeil and Leah Abrahams sit down to discuss Rihanna's Super Bowl performance, her confidence, her vibe - and what they were expecting overall from the show. The three debate the subtlety of Rihanna's pregnancy announcement, and the type of risks she took risks while performing.  Dames, Leah and Jamar debate whether Rihanna is 'polarizing' and if that had any effect on the Half Time performance. Finally, the three talk about the overall global influence of the West Indies on pop culture, and Toronto's role in that integration.

New Artist King Cruff sits down with Virgin Radio's Dames Nellas to talk about "Samurai Chop" "Souffle" (available now!) and how he's gotten to this point in his career. King Cruff and Dames Nellas talk about challenging the norms of music, and talk about where they think Hip Hop culture is right now. Subscribe for more Episodes of Black Excellence all Month long!

Haviah Mighty sits down with CHUM 104.5's Jamar McNeil to talk about her historic Junos achievement, balancing artistry with awards, and trying to impact as many avenues as possible in her career. Haviah Mighty talks about her musical Jamaican/Bajan upbringing in Scarborough, Toronto an Brampton - and how her parents were not originally the biggest fans of hip-hop, but were incredibly supportive of her dreams. Haviah talks about how Get Rich or Die Tryin' influenced her come up in to hip-hop, and creating music online from the age of 12! Haviah talks about pushing through with vulnerability with her art, and shifting the culture from the norms of 'blackness' and bridging sides, and not fitting in to boxes. Haviah and Jamar talk in-depth about so called nerd culture is sometimes frowned upon in black communities, and talk about the wide variety of black experiences that should be respected and recognized and about her project '13th Floor'. Finally, Haviah Mighty gives us her top 6 artists! (Today) Stay tuned all month for more episodes of Black Excellence!

Jamar from CHUM 104.5, Dames Nellas and Leah Abrahams sit down to talk about Lizzo's big Record of the Year win at the 2023 #GRAMMYs and if she deserved more! The three talk about how even successful artists look up to Beyoncé as a mentor and a peer, and always give homage to her as a fan... and talk about how Lizzo and Beyoncé are at different points of career. Jamar Dames and Leah give Harry Styles his due, and open up the discussion to Beyoncé's legacy. Dames, Jamar and Leah roll off Beyoncé's accolades, her status as a superstar currently, and wonder what the next album will sound like, and speak about her being the most Iconic Artist of all time. What Is Beyoncé's Legacy? Will She Ever Win Album of the Year? Is She the Most Iconic Artist Ever?

iHeartRadio's Jamar McNeil, Leah Abrahams and Dames Nellas sit down after the 2023 GRAMMY Awards to talk about Dr. Dre's new "Global Impact Award" his legacy in hip hop, and the charges against him from his past. Jamar, Dames and Leah get in to a larger discussion about what awards are shown on big shows like the GRAMMYs, the History of Hip Hop, and when to separate the art from the artists. Subscribe for more BLACK EXCELLENCE videos coming all February long. Dr. Dre Gets GRAMMY Named After Him; 50 Years of HIP HOP; When to Separate the Art From The Artists?

Dames Nellas (Virgin Radio Weekender) and Leah Abrahams (Virgin Radio's Virgin Mornings with Adam Wylde TJ & Jax) are joined by CHUM 104.5's Jamar McNeil and Azalea Hart, to discuss the hot button issue of Cultural appropriation. The panel sits down to discuss real world examples of appropriation vs appreciation, citing Adele, the Kardashians, and more - and give their thoughts on what they feel cultural appropriation is, and all of the nuances that come with it. The panel go deep in to discussions around cultural appropriations in music, language (the 'blaccent'), fashion, slang, hairstyles and cultural events - and where appropriation can lead to straight up racism. Jamar, Leah, Azalea and Dames talk about their own personal experiences in the workplace, and in mainstream, white culture - and how the simplest, most natural things like hair texture, or accent can often be judged upon, appropriated, or given a 'different set of rules' for black people. Thank you for listening to season one of Black Excellence - stay tuned for more content from the panel and more in the coming months. Don't forget to review and subscribe to this podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

From the left side of a small island comes a pop and fashion icon that we know today as Rihanna! CHUM 104.5's Azalea Hart takes you through the life and times and accomplishments of one of the world's biggest superstars. Subscribe to iHeartRadio Black Excellence for more episodes just like this!

Canadian Hip Hop Pioneer and LEGEND Michie Mee joins the panel today to speak with Leah Abrahams (Virgin Radio's Virgin Mornings with Adam Wylde TJ & Jax), Dames Nellas (Virgin Radio Weekender) and CHUM 104.5's Jamar McNeil and Azalea Hart, to discuss Black Female representation in Hip Hop and Mainstream Media. Michie Mee tells her story of coming up in Canadian and American markets in the early days of Hip Hop, and the barriers she faced and had to overcome throughout her career. Michie Mee gives her thoughts on the current state of the music industry landscape, and whether or not Canada has the infrastructure, and the marketing commitment to support artists in a meaningful way. The panel picks up where they left of last week and discusses the importance of our generations taking the ball and running with a more diverse media landscape moving forward. Don't forget to review and subscribe to this podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

CHUM 104.5's Jamar McNeil is joined by Azalea Hart, Leah Abrahams (Virgin Radio's Virgin Mornings with Adam Wylde TJ & Jax), and Dames Nellas (Virgin Radio Weekender) to discuss Black representation in Mainstream Media. The panel, recognizing that their voices are Mainstream voices in Toronto, discuss how they choose to represent Black culture in the city, what the relationships between the listener and the broadcaster can look like when diversity empowers a variety of voices, and they continue the chat from last week on the concept of censoring hip hop in pop radio. Dames, Jamar, Leah and Azalea talk about how far along black representation has come just over the last few years, the power of social media to move culture forward, and what decision makers, and those in power at the very top need to know about opening up to and championing diversity. Don't forget to review and subscribe to this podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

CHUM 104.5's Azalea Hart is joined by Jamar McNeil (CHUM 104.5's Marilyn & Jamar), Leah Abrahams (Virgin Radio's Virgin Mornings with Adam Wylde TJ & Jax), and Dames Nellas (Virgin Radio Weekender) to discuss how Black Music and culture influenced their lives growing up, and their careers moving forward. Each member gives us a look in to their upbringings, their passion for music, and what it means to them. The roundtable panel discusses and debates the history of hip hop, and other Black-led genres, and the influence it has had on all of music past, present, and future. The panel gets honest about how Black culture can often be misunderstood, misrepresented or mismanaged in mainstream media, and they discuss the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime show, and if the predominantly black performers will make a political statement while the world is watching. Don't forget to review and subscribe to this podcast on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

As black history month continues this February, we’ve been highlighting artists that have changed popular culture in more ways than one. Whether it be music, acting, philanthropy or social justice. It’s important and imperative to highlight their achievements. Through their craft and their actions, they’ve been able to impact a generation of now, while leaving a legacy for generations to come. In today’s episode we’re talking about Childish Gambino.  Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino was born in California and raised in Stone Mountain Georgia… Just north-east of Atlanta. While creative as a child, he didn’t start exploring the arts until he reached high school. This is where he found his footing in entertainment. Performing in school musicals and plays. He was actually voted “Most Likely To Write For The Simpsons” in his yearbook. He would move on to study and graduate with a degree New York University’s Tisch School Of The Arts in Dramatic Writing. While attending university, he started to develop his voice in the booth and Childish Gambino was born. Sort of. How did he get the name? The internet of course. He managed to secure his alias using an online Wu-Tang name generator and began recording, producing and DJing. From humble beginnings, his 2013 release of Because The Internet put him in the conversation with the very best music had to offer, garnering him his first of 12 Grammy nominations to date. He’s s gone on to win 5 Grammys, including 4 for his chart topping, ground breaking song and video THIS IS AMERICA. To date, the video has garnered ¾ of a BILLION views on youtube alone, and was 1 of the largest cultural talking points of 2018. While we know Childish Gambino for songs like Redbone and This Is America. We recognize Donald Glover from where we’ve seen him. It all started as a writer on the hit TV 30 Rock. Hand picked by Tina Fey, she had this to say “He was literally still living in the NYU dorms,” Fey said. “And that was a great resource for us. We would turn to him and ask, ‘What would a young person say here?” He spent 3 seasons on 30 Rock as a writer, before transitioning to acting in another cult classic “Community”. After 4 seasons on Community, the ever evolving entertainer decided to put all the puzzle pieces together and try his hand at producing, writing and starring in “Atlanta”. He’s won 2 Golden Globes for “Best television series Musical or Comedy” and “Best Actor” – television musical or comedy. His role in Atlanta also landed him in the history books when he became the first black man to win an Emmy for “Outstanding Directing In A Comedy series.” In 2017, Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino was named to Time 100 list of most influential people.  He has managed to use his influence for some great social causes. In 2020, he reunited with the cast of Community for a live read to benefit World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods’ COVID-19 relief efforts. The take away from Donald Glover’s story is to be you. Pursue what your heart desires, don’t let anyone tell you what can and can’t be done. Never confine yourself to one thing. You’re so much more. Your options are infinite.  Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino is Black Excellence. Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​ CREDITS:Research By Dames Nellas and John R. Kennedy Donald Glover Time 100 Most Influential People By Miles Bowe https://www.factmag.com/2017/04/20/chance-rapper-donald-glover-time-100-most-influential-people-of-2017/#:~:text=Chance%20the%20Rapper%20and%20Donald,those%20who%20have%20shared%20them.%E2%80%9D  Donald Glover “Community” Cast to reunite for COVID-19 relief By Althea Legaspihttps://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/donald-glover-community-cast-reunite-covid-19-relief-event-995873/

In this episode of #BlackExcellence we highlight a woman who’s first name alone is recognized worldwide as a pillar of artistry, philanthropy, business, social justice and overall Black Excellence. iHeartRadio’s Jamar McNeil walks you through some of the many reasons why Beyoncé is an example of Black Excellence.  Queen B’s evolution started as a Little B in Houston TX, performing in talent competitions. Beyoncé has said that seeing Michael Jackson perform when she was five years old inspired her to pursue a music career. She has also cited Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey as her influences.   At 8 She was part of a 6 girl group called Girls Thyme who after a loss on the famous TV talent show Star Search, broke off to a 4 girl group called Destiny’s Child! By the time they split in 2005 Beyoncé and her group mates were considered one of the best girl groups of all time.  As a solo artist Beyoncé went on to become a phenomenon. Hits like Single Ladies, Run the World, Halo, Baby Boy, Crazy In Love are STILL to this day Hip Hop and R&B party ANTHEMS.  She’s a literal hit maker. She is the first solo artist to have six consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and the only artist, besides Mariah Carey, to have No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in four different decades. Beyoncé is a singer a dancer producer voice actor, director Beyoncé Dominates On stage, Behind the Mic and in front of the camera. Beyoncé made her big screen debut as Foxxy Cleopatra opposite Canada’s Mike Myers in 2002’s Austin Powers in Goldmember. Four years later, she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in Dream Girls and has gone on to play the voice of Nala in Disney’s remake of The Lion King! As her star and her voice grew so did her influence and with it, her desire to affect change. She’s a Self described modern day feminist, she’s spoken out in favour of gun control, LGBTQ discrimination and has been more than present during the social justice fight against anti Black racism.  From start to finish Beyoncé's story is one of a Child of Destiny who’s become a Black Woman of Excellence. All hail Queen Bey, Beyoncé Check back for more #BlackExcellence​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​ CREDITS:Research By Jamar McNeil, John R. Kennedy Single Ladies, Columbia Records Run The world, Columbia Records, Parkwood Halo, Columbia Baby Boy, Columbia Records and Music World Crazy In Love, Columbia Records and Music World  Austin Powers, New Line Cinema Lemonade Film, Parkwood Entertainment, Good Company Beyoncé Earns 6th No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart By Keith Culfield https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/7350372/beyonce-earns-sixth-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart-with-lemonade   Beyoncé calls for Social and Judicial Changes after this weeks Robbery of Lives By Hilary Weaverhttps://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/07/beyonce-end-gun-violence

As we continue to celebrate Black History month during February, we’ve been showcasing and highlighting artists that have shaped popular culture and made an impact far beyond their respected craft. In this episode of Black excellence, we’ll take a look at who some are calling America’s most revolutionary artist: Janelle Monáe . Born in Kansas City, Janelle was exposed to music at an early while being raised in the church. While always encouraged, the dream of becoming a famous singer couldn’t be further from reality as Janelle had to overcome obstacles early on. She comes from very humble beginnings, and while that in itself can be a crippling disadvantage, her father also battled with addiction. To quote Janelle directly “I come from a very hard working class family who make nothing into something… I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from.” Those humble beginnings laid the foundation for success in her entertainment career. Singing wasn’t the only thing Janelle was talented at… She was also a fantastic playwright. At just 12 years old, she penned a script that told the story of a boy and a girl who were competing for the love of a plant… A story inspired by Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. She received a scholarship to study musical theatre at the American Musical an Dramatic Academy in New York, however it wasn’t the right fit for her. Feeling creatively stifled, Janelle decided to move to Atlanta and her breakthrough would come soon after. While in the ATL, Janelle was on the music circuit trying to make a name for herself as a singer/songwriter. Her quest had her performing at an open mic one night, when just by chance Big Boi of the legendary Hip Hop duo Outkast was in the audience. Thoroughly impressed with her performance, she would start working with the group and make appearances on their Purple Ribbon All Stars Album, and soundtrack for feature film Idlewild. Following this, she caught the attention of infamous record producer Sean Puff Daddy Combs, and signed to Bad Boy Records. Her debut album, The ArchAndroid was released in 2010 and nominated for a Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammys. In 2012, she enjoyed the #1 Spot on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as in 12 other countries with her feature on Fun’s “We Are Young”. She was also named one of the new faces of CoverGirl saying “It's time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them. While an exceptional musician and singer, her opportunity to fulfill her acting dreams came to fruition in 2016 starring in the brad pitt executive produced, Oscar winning film Moonlight. Moonlight, a powerful drama that explores a young man’s difficulties with sexuality, identity and emotions as he matures, launched Janelle into the spotlight. In 2018, she covered Rolling Stone magazine describing herself as “a Black Queer Woman.” Later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.’ I’m open to learning more about who I am.”  It should come as no surprise that she is willing to give back to the communities that rally and support her endeavours. In 2020, she was 1 of many high profile celebrities that offered to pay bail for the protestors in Minnesota following the killing of George Floyd. She is also a co-chair in Michelle Obama’s “When We Vote” campaign, and hasperformed to benefit many human rights campaigns including “Turning Up TheFight Against Poverty” Art as a word in itself is subjective. What is art? Can it actually be defined? Or is it just expression in any form? If that is the case, and that is the answer then who is America’s Most Revolutionary artists? Whether it be music, musicals, plays, movies, or television… I think it’s safe to say it is Janelle Monae. From small beginnings to substantial impact, Janelle Monáe  is black excellence. Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​​

As we continue to celebrate Black History month during February, we’ve been showcasing and highlighting artists that have shaped popular culture and made an impact far beyond their respected craft. For this episode of #BlackExcellence​ iHeartRadio’s Jamar McNeil highlights just some of the reasons why John Legend is and example of #BlackExcellence​.  Legend started playing piano at age four and sang in his church choir at seven. His mother sang and directed the church choir, his Grandmother played the organ, his father was a drummer. John Legend WAS DESTINED to be a musical man. He was homeschooled but was so smart academically that he skipped 2 grades!  As a young kid in Ohio he earned some awesome opportunities. He got into Georgetown, Harvard and eventually went to U Penn where he was a member of the popular a cappella group The Counterparts. Where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in English and African American Lit. Once he started getting recognized as an artist to look out for, he was introduced to Lauryn Hill by a friend, and that's exactly who you hear playing the piano on her classic song Everything is Everything. Another key Intro would send John Legend to the next level. Kanye West, who hired him to sing some hooks on some of Kanye’s early songs. It was at that time that the crew gave John his stage name LEGEND because of his voice. For such a new artist he had a distinct old school swag and sound. Like he was already a legend….John Legend. I clearly remember Kanye and John Legend coming to do small shows on the college circuit when I was in School in DC. I thought that the combination of Kanyes old school samples and Legends Old Soul Sound was INCREDIBLE and so authentic. It was amazing. That relationship became solidified when Kanye signed him as one of the founding members of his new Label GOOD Music. The world now knew of the power of the voice of John Legend.  In 2008 you may remember when he  Sang for former President Obama’s campaign song produced by Wil I Am - Yes We Can. He did a pop produced by Andre 3000 of OutKast, Green Light which joined Ordinary People as his one of his highest charting singles but then he really expanded.He is one of 16 people, and the first Black man, to achieve EGOT status – winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards. In addition to numerous acts of service through philanthropic work, Legend has been outspoken on a number of social justice issues. HIV AIDS/AntiRacism/Women's Education Heath and Justice He has spent five seasons as a coach on The Voice, where he had the Season 16 winning singer, in 2019. And his No. 1 hit was 2013’s “All of Me,” a ballad about his wife Chrissy Teigen is a radio and WEDDING CLASSIC HIT or LEGENDARY track. Black History has truly been enrich by the legendary career of John Legend, Black Excellence. Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​​ CREDITS:Research By Jamar McNeil, John R. Kennedy

The inaugural edition of Black Excellence highlights a young man who has changed the sound of R&B pop music over the past decade. We hold him in high regard for all that he has achieved and accomplished… Plus he’s one of the biggest acts to ever come out of Canada. iHeartRadio's Dames Nellas walks you through just some of the reasons Abel Tesfaye AKA The Weeknd is an example of Black Excellence. Hailing from the east end of Toronto, The Weeknd starting making noise in 2010, and his his critically acclaimed mixtape “House OF Balloons” was released in 2011. He’d follow up with with Thursday and Echoes of silence before signing his first record deal with Republic Records. It didn’t take long for him to climb up the Billboard charts, landing 2 #1 ’s “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills” in 2015. His album “Beauty Behind The Madness” also landed him his first Grammy for “Best Urban Contemporary Album”.   Since then, The Weeknd has gone on to win 3 Grammys, 5 American Music Awards, 10 Junos and he’s even been nominated for an Oscar thanks to his song “Earned It". With the success of his music, The Weeknd has been able to partner with companies like Marvel comics and Puma.  In 2020, he announced a partnership with TD Bank to launch The Black HXUSE, which is an incubator for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Toronto. To date, he has raised over $2 million dollars to support social injustice platforms like Black Lives Matter, Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights defense initiative and TikTok's equal justice Initiative after the devastating explosion in Lebanon.  While donating abroad is always encouraged, he has been doing his part in his home community as well. The Weeknd has donated thousands of dollars to the Ethiopic Studies program at UofT, while purchasing $500k worth of PPE for frontline staff at Scarborough Health Network to combat COVID 19 Check back for more #BlackExcellence episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth

iHeartRadio’s Jamar McNeil highlights just some of the reasons why Alicia Keys is #BlackExcellence.  Keys started playing piano at age six and studied classical music and jazz. Her exposure to the music of Billie Holiday Ella Fitzgerald and Thelonius Monk as well as Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin explain her signature style of fusing the classical sound with Black Swag.  She wrote her first song at the age of 12 on the piano and shortly after She signed a record deal at 15.  She had a rough start in her professional career. Creative disputes about her songs her look, her hair and her overall presentation made things difficult for her during her relationship with record label. She was able to get attention from the one and only Clive Davis who brought her over to his new label J Records where he allowed her to have creative control of her music and her likeness. Without that support, we might not have gotten the Alicia Keys with her urban wear and her signature Corn rows that let us know that this classic piano virtuoso was keeping it ALL THE WAY REAL At 20, she released her debut album Songs in A Minor. It's one of my fav albums. A combo of Soul, Classical Piano, Neo Soul and BoomBap east coast hip hop. She’d been working on it since she was only 14. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned Keys five Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for “Fallin’ Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization that supports families with HIV and AIDS in Africa and India. In 2017, she was named  by Amnesty International, an award that also went to Canadian Indigenous rights activists. Alicia Keys over came her rough environment of Hell’s Kitchen Manhattan and the tough pressures of the corporate recording industry to be given titles like, Artist of the decade, one of the 100 Greatest Women in Music, 100 most influential people in the world to name a few.  CREDITS:Research By Jamar McNeil, John R. Kennedy Subscribe now!