features
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Anniversary
UB Celebrates: ‘Set It Off’ SDTK 30th Anniversary | Ivan Matias Takes Us Back
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the New Line Cinema film “Set It Off.” Directed by the great F. Gary Gray, from a screenplay by Takashi Bufford. The film became a blockbuster success! The high-stakes action-drama, “Set It Off,” stars Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox, in her film debut Kimberly Elise, Blair Underwood, John C. McGinley and Ella…
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R&B Bridgez
R&B Bridgez: Celebrating Ivan Matias’ 30th Anniversary
This year marks the 30th Anniversary debut of our very own Ivan Matias. Today, specifically is the 30th anniversary of the “Set It Off” soundtrack release. Originally released September 24th, 1996 via Elektra. The album spawned four hit singles, including En Vogue‘s biggest hit, penned by Ivan. Today we celebrate a lyrical genius, and the success his Talants have brought.…
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In Memoriam
In Memoriam: Trailblazing Journalist Florence ‘Flo’ Anthony + UB Interview
Friend of UB, trailblazing celebrity journalist, Florence “Flo” Anthony has passed away at 74. Flo was battling cancer. A graduate of Howard University, Flo resided in the East Harlem section of New York City. Simply put, Flo Anthony was a legendary celebrity journalist that was in the game for over four decades. The originator of the gossip game before tabloid…
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R&B Bridgez
R&B Bridgez: Celebrating SWV’s ‘New Beginning’ 30th Anniversary
Today is the 30th Anniversary for some Real Ones..SWV! Their sophomore album “New Beginning‘ was released, April 23rd 1996 via RCA. SWV emerged from the projects and conquered the world of music. Founded in the early 90s, they incorporated New Jack Swing & Hip Hop into their style of R&B. Making them a stand-out group, from the rest of their…
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UB Features
UB Celebrates: Merlin Santana On 50th Birthday
Today March 14th, would of been the 50th Birthday for actor Merlin Santana. Dominican-born Merlin Santana was a beloved actor, well-known for his memorable performances in television. Merlin Santana was born in March 14th, 1976 at Upper Manhattan, New York. Merlin‘s parents were born in Dominican Republic. He was an accomplished actor that received nominations and awards from The Alma…
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Anniversary
UB Celebrates Janet Jackson’s ‘Control’ 40th Anniversary
Today 40 years ago, the little girl struggling to throw off the shackles of parental manipulation Janet Jackson, finally did with the release of her third album “Control.” Originally released February 4th, 1986 via A&M Records. Janet Jackson‘s “Control” was the first album I (Aries) fell in love with. It was the first time, outside of “Thriller” that as a…
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R&B Bridgez
R&B Bridgez: Celebrating the Maestro Barry White
Today on this Throwback Thursday, we celebrate the late great Barry White with an R&B Bridgez. Barry White, born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12th, 1944, was born in Galveston during a family visit to Texas in the fall of 1944. His mother Sadie had gone to stay with her Texan relatives. It was not altogether smooth as Melvin White,…
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UB Features
UB Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. + ‘King Holiday’ Tribute Single
Today January 19th, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In November 1983, with a vote of 78 to 22, Ronald Reagan signed Congressman John Conyers’ bill to declare Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s birthday a national holiday-a date that was not officially observed until the third Monday of January, 1986, and then not by all states. South Carolina, in fact,…
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UB Features
UB Celebrates: Oran “Juice” Jones ‘The Rain’ 40th Anniversary
Today on this Throwback Thursday, UB celebrates an artist, who was an original Def Jam artist and a rare, one of a kind artist, Oran “Juice” Jones. Oran “Juice” Jones was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Harlem, New York. He was the first musician signed to OBR Records, a subsidiary of Def Jam and thus the very first…
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R&B Bridgez
R&B Bridgez: Celebrating the Unparalleled Teena Marie + The UB Interview
One of the best to ever write a soulful lyric and sing a note was the late great Teena Marie! We celebrate her today, as she passed away 15 years ago on December 26th, 2010. This feature includes The UB Interview with the legend. There have been so many artists I’ve seen in my lifetime but no one like Teena…
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