Culture in Rotation
Culture in Rotation is Chris Malone’s take on how music and culture intersect with social consciousness and community life. It’s a column that explores art, history, and meaning in motion.
Rest In Paradise: Peabo Bryson
Peabo Bryson, two-time Grammy-winning R&B singer known for romantic classics and Disney hits, has died at 75. His legacy spans five decades of soulful music.
Johnny Gill Still Has the Magic Touch
Johnny Gill’s latest single, “A Dance, A Kiss,” reminds fans why his voice remains one of R&B’s most timeless forces. Chris Malone explores Gill’s enduring legacy, New Edition’s lasting impact, and why authentic soul music still matters.
The 5 Greatest HBCU Marching Bands
HBCU marching bands are powerful cultural institutions rooted in tradition, precision and Black excellence.
From Florida A&M’s Marching 100 to Southern’s Human Jukebox and Jackson State’s Sonic Boom, these five legendary programs define the sound and spirit of Black college culture.
The California Connection: How LA’s Black Creativity Defines America
By Chris Malone Long before algorithms dictated taste, Los Angeles was already shaping culture. From the pulsating beats of West Coast hip-hop to the cinematic language of Hollywood storytelling, the city has functioned as a powerful engine, exporting sound, style, and identity across the nation. Today, that pipeline remains strong, with Black creativity at its…