Recording Artist ETCETERA’s 'Dance For You' Song featuring Kaya Jones of The Pussycat Dolls Wins Best Pop Rap Performance at World Entertainment Awards…

Recording Artist ETCETERA has won Best Pop Rap Performance for his song “Dance For You” off his 3rd album SAGITTARIUS at the World Entertainment Awards. The song “Dance For You” features Kaya Jones of the Pussycat Dolls, giving the record and album a global appeal. Check out the visual below…

‘Dance For You’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0TZ3QLX_6c

The event took place at the iconic Writers Guild of America Theater in Beverly Hills. During ETCETERA’S speech, the Brooklyn native shared his gratitude as an artist being acknowledged for his work. “It is truly a humbling experience to be nominated and recognized by such respected figures in the industry. I’m incredibly grateful”, said ETCETERA.

SAGITTARIUS is his 3rd album, independently released through his own record label IDOL Music Group Inc., distributed by United Masters. The album has consistently dominated the charts and is widely praised for its musical diversity and collaborations. Collaborations include:

•    Kaya Jones: From the multi-platinum and mega singing group, The Pussycat Dolls. Jones accompanied by vocalzbyjamelle delivers a powerhouse performance that leaves an incredible lasting impression, making their contribution to the album truly unforgettable with the song “DANCE FOR YOU” & “DANCE FOR YOU” K EDM REMIX.

•    Trisha Covington: Renowned for her soulful vocals and captivating stage presence. Covington lends her unmistakable talent to the first track “BY YOUR SIDE”, elevating the album to new heights.

•    Grapevine: From the legendary hip hop group Trends Of Culture, lends his infectious voice and unique sound to the juggernaut track "CHURCHES AND ANGELS," adding an uprising perspective to ETCETERA's signature wordsmith and dynamic phrase play landscape.

•    Serena: The Latin up and coming powerhouse singer hailing from Argentina, known for her world renowned Latin soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics. Serena brings her signature style to the table, infusing the track “FUEGO” with sexual emotion and playful depth.

•    Billionz: Brooklyn native hits you with this razor-sharp chorus and dominant presence on the track. Billionz commands attention to the song “WAY UP”, leaving listeners hungry for more.

•    Adam Shenk: "Mr. Crooner" A rising star on the music scene. Shenk brings his unique vocals and innovative sound to the club banger "SEXIOUS" showcasing his undeniable talent and sultry sound.

•    My Friend Thayne: 1/3 of the Orlando-based alternative group Dear Tatiana. Heavily influenced by acts such as Childish Gambino, Kanye West, Air Dubai, and Chance The Rapper- My Friend Thayne’s gives you blends classic rap flow with a pop punk attitude and delivers an eyebrow raising the subject matter in the inspirational backpack song “THE BEST WORST DAY”.
Next up, ETCETERA is setting up for the second leg of his national tour scheduled for mid-March 2025. The tour is being co-sponsored by ETCETERA’s new Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rum, SAGITTARIUS (named after his album). Details for the tour coming soon. ETCETERA and his team will be casting and shooting for his new sitcom premiering on TUBI / FOX this fall.

Limited Edition Rum Tasting for SAGITTARIUS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkH4JNPB6lU

SAGITTARIUS is available now at https://unitedmasters.com/m/sagittariusthealbum

For more information, visit www.iametcetera.com.

R&B Legend Gavyn Rhones Shares His Thoughts on Babyface’s Treatment at The Grammys, Expressing His Disappointment in the Ongoing Silencing of R&B Music..…..

February 03, 2025 - So; if you had an opportunity to watch the red carpet ceremonies for this past weekend’s Grammy Awards, you were witness to the unfortunate travesty with legendary R&B singer, producer, and executive Kenny Edmonds, know. ‘Round the world as Babyface! While being interviewed on the red carpet; which was swarming with celebrities in all areas, the singer was abruptly cut-off in answering a question when the two young AP reporters caught a glimpse of rising star Chappell Roan.

Fellow R&B legend Gavyn Rhones took a few moments to weigh in on the incident, for which the Associated Press has since released a statement and apology to Babyface following heavy criticism…

“It saddens me to see R&B continuously pushed further into the background. The genre still has a powerful voice, and whether you're a newcomer or a legend, you deserve to be heard. Babyface was the one who opened doors for me when I first started, and seeing an R&B icon set aside in favor of a new Pop artist only reinforces the ongoing disregard for R&B—as if it has no place in today’s culture dominated by Pop.

Babyface, we salute you and all that you've accomplished. As for that insincere apology on the red carpet by the AP—it wasn’t genuine, just an attempt to save face in my eyes.

Google Me, I stand with R&B”

Many people; from fans of Babyface to other industry professionals, shared the same sentiments!

Stay tuned to U.G. Digital Magazine for further coverage!

NEW STANDOUT DRAMA; “STARTING OVER BLUES”, NOW AVAILABLE ON TUBI…

February 3, 2025 - In the evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, Starting Over Blues has emerged as a standout drama, captivating audiences with its raw emotion and gripping storytelling. Written and directed by the visionary Niki Frazier-Curry, this compelling film is now streaming on Tubi and has garnered significant attention, securing nominations and official selections in prestigious film festivals.

A Stellar Cast Delivering Powerful Performances

A film’s strength lies in its cast, and Starting Over Blues boasts an ensemble of remarkable talent. Leading the charge is Taylen Washington (A Naughty Christmas Story, Seeds, Life of an Alpha Male, Nun Nancy), alongside Miami Millz (Trending Hip Hop Artist/Naked Hustle AllBLK Network), Tercola Durham (Stripped from Insanity, Trapped, Thanksgiving Roast, Dark Zero 48), and Tyree Grimes (Night Haul, A Naughty Christmas Story, Black Thunder). Supporting performances from Zoryah Nomak, Chaka Balamani, Patricia Renderos, and Paul C. Jerry adds further depth to this emotionally charged narrative.

A Story of Redemption and Betrayal

At its core, Starting Over Blues explores themes of redemption, betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of past actions. The film follows Melvin, a former drug dealer striving to rebuild his life after serving time in prison. With his wife Jasmine’s unwavering support, he works to overcome societal barriers and carve out a better future for himself and his family.

In contrast, Kirk, a charismatic but deceitful man, is entangled in a web of lies—maintaining a marriage while expecting a child with his mistress, Charlene. As Kirk’s duplicity unravels, tensions escalate, leading to dramatic confrontations, violent conflicts, and a shocking climax that threatens to undo Melvin’s hard-earned redemption. The film masterfully weaves these intertwined narratives, delivering an emotionally charged journey that keeps viewers engaged until the very end.

Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition

Since its release, Starting Over Blues has earned widespread recognition on the festival circuit. It was a finalist at the 2024 Prince Georges Film Festival (Narrative Feature category) and received nominations for Best Narrative Feature at both the 2024 Atlanta Cinema Awards and the 2024 Chicago Indie Film Awards. Additionally, it was officially selected for the 2024 Miami Women Film Festival (Best Indie Film) and the 2024 New York Independent Cinema Awards (Best Independent Film), further cementing its status as a must-see drama.

Niki Frazier-Curry: A Filmmaker to Watch

At the helm of this cinematic success is Niki Frazier-Curry, a powerhouse filmmaker and creative force at Iconek Films. A Washington, DC native, Niki’s storytelling roots began in journalism, writing for Elan Extreme Magazine, Ya’Heard Magazine, and Mad Flavor TV. Since transitioning to film in 2014, she has built an impressive portfolio, including Blade: Existence (Best Action Sequence, 2018 Urban Action Showcase), Mine This Christmas, Black Slasher(Tubi), and Thanksgiving Roast (Amazon Prime/Tubi). Starting Over Blues is yet another testament to her ability to craft thought-provoking, emotionally resonant narratives.

Why You Should Watch Starting Over Blues

With its gripping performances, intricate storytelling, and emotional depth, Starting Over Blues is a film that lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll. A must-watch for drama enthusiasts, it offers an unforgettable cinematic experience filled with powerful character arcs and thought-provoking themes.

Watch Starting Over Blues Now on Tubi

Don’t miss out on this electrifying film—now available for streaming on Tubi.

Watch Now: Starting Over Blues on Tubi

Watch the Official Trailer: YouTube

Stay Connected

Follow Director Niki Frazier-Curry on Instagram for updates: @Niki4words

ZAY FRIDAY: A Family Fun Adventure By Shadow Trax Media Arts….

Shadow Trax Media Arts is thrilled to announce the premiere of ZAY FRIDAY, a family-friendly G-rated film brimming with adventure, mischief, and self-discovery. Featuring rising Philadelphia artist "Zay Money" in the lead role, the film also includes special appearances by Damon Feldman, owner of Celebrity Boxing, and Nakobe Dean, linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The movie will be shown at two special events:

• Thursday, February 13, 2025- Time: 6 PM EST
  Zay’s House Event Space
  3527 North 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA

• Friday, February 14, 2025- Time: 6-8pm EST
  Community College of Philadelphia - Main Campus
  1700 Spring Garden Street, Room C-228, Philadelphia, PA

Tickets are on sale now at www.shadowtraxmediaarts.org.

ABOUT THE FILM

ZAY FRIDAY follows 12-year-old Zay and his 14-year-old brother, Tre, on an unexpected citywide adventure. What starts as an ordinary plan to skip school transforms into a thrilling journey filled with humor, challenges, and life lessons.  Also featured in the film is Zay Money's new single, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble," now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Director: Joanne Hamiel
Producer: Ellis Hamiel

Cast:

• Zayvion Hamiel as Zay Money

• Tre’von Hamiel as Tre Da Dancer

• Zaki Hamiel as Ki

• Zakiah Hamiel as Felicia

• Zani Starks as Big Ni

• Justin Pryor as Mr. Cloud 9

ABOUT ZAYVION “ZAY MONEY” HAMIEL

Zayvion Hamiel, aka Zay Money, is a 12-year-old rising star from Philadelphia. A talented rapper, singer, and dancer, Zay inspires youth to embrace creativity and stay out of trouble. Guided by his parents, Rodney and Joanne Hamiel, prominent local activists, Zay has been performing at community events, school tours, and anti-violence rallies since childhood.

Zay recently showcased his talent in Viral: The Movie, starring American battle rapper Bill Collector, which premiered in Philadelphia on January 5, 2025. The film is now touring other states, bringing Zay Money’s talent to a wider audience.

COMING SOON: ZAY’S HOUSE

In addition to his film and music achievements, Zay Money is launching a youth-focused reality show, ZAY’S HOUSE. The show will feature young talent competing and collaborating to create music, projects, and friendships in a supportive environment.

Over nine weeks, participants will grow as artists and individuals, with two standout performers earning contracts with Zay Money’s youth record label. ZAY’S HOUSE will demonstrate the positive power of Philadelphia youth and their creativity.

Stay tuned for updates on ZAY’S HOUSE, coming soon to a platform near you.

JOIN US

Experience the premiere of ZAY FRIDAY and celebrate the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of Philadelphia’s youth.

For tickets and more information, visit www.shadowtraxmediaarts.org.

UGG TV PREMIERES WILD, UNFILTERED "RATCHET ROOM" REALITY SERIES…

LOS ANGELES, CA, July 24, 2024- Just when you thought reality TV couldn’t get any bolder, here comes a scintillating new program that’s as raw and real as it can possibly get! Prepare for the July 29th premiere, where the esteemed director/producer Shylise Simpson, alongside co-producers Sederick Campbell, Helecia Choyce, and Donald Carter, will introduce you to The Ratchet Room, where nothing is scripted, and everything happens in unforgettable, spontaneous real time. Series creator Shylise Simpson has brought together six motivated female contestants, living together in this titular house, where they are vying for entrée into the music industry. As they face daunting, dynamic challenges navigating life in The Ratchet Room, these ladies showcase their boundless energy and emerging talents in fierce competition with each other. Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing, amidst their efforts to compose dope music and move ahead. Drama inevitably ensues, with explosive arguments, heated rivalries, and even some memorably poignant moments, in exactly the way real life unfolds.

Along the way, the young competitors are guided on this journey by celebrity guest mentors, and notable judges from the music industry, as they overcome both personal and professional obstacles, letting their unbridled passion for music carry them all the way to the top! It’s definitely a must-watch experience, as your host, Tayf3rd, joined by co-hosts Breezy Blonco and Mr. Fliii Bentley, take your screen to a whole new plane of reality! The music world will be forever changed, and nothing is off the table in The Ratchet Room! Buckle up, for the wildest thrill ride in the history of reality television, courtesy of UGG TV Productions. You can sign up today to stream The Ratchet Room via Roku at the UGG-TV website, where hip-hop TV, new films, and original series live 24/7.

About the Director:Shylise Simpson is a television producer, director, and creator, known for founding the former site Undergroundgirlsofhiphop.com and Power In Pink 501c, among other ventures. Motivated by her dedication to empowering women in hip hop, she used her personal funds to initiate the first "Female Hip Hop Honors Awards" in May 2010. The first ceremony honored hip hop legends and Grammy Award winner Queen Pen, rapper/actress Lady of Rage, and rap artist/actress/Golden Globe nominee Kimberly Rivers Roberts. Following the event's success and the support from female hip hop artists, the second annual Female Hip Hop Honors Awards took place in May 2011, honoring hip hop legend Roxanne Shante, female hip hop artist Shawnna, rap artist/humanitarian Suga-T, and R&B songstress Michel'le. The third Female Hip Hop Honors saw even more celebrities participating than before, with artists such as Oaktown's 357, JJ Fad, Adina Howard, Medusa, Grammy Award nomineeCharli Baltimore,  Lifetime's The Rap Game Young Lyric, and the legendary Sparky D showing their support for the movement.

Shylise Simpson went on to promote herself through acting as a main character on the hit series "The Nest", and also did a national Quicken Loans commercial. Currently she has the brand UGGTV Zone with original film projects on her platform like The Ratchet Room, The Story Behind the Pen (Queen Pen), Love The Ladies of the West, She Got Barz Battle League, Social Net Stories: Millionaire Son and The Letts (which is also available on Tubi).

The Host: 
Tayf3rd (pronounced Tay-ehf-Third) is an urban, underground hip-hop artist hailing from the same Southern California city renowned for birthing gangsta rap legends like Warren G, Snoop Dogg, and DPG. A native of Long Beach, California, he rose to prominence with tracks such as "I Smoke, I Drink, I Jerk," creating music that resonates with the jerk dance movement.  Although from Southern California, Tayf3rd brings a totally different flavor to West Coast Hip Hop with a unique style of his own which is like no other.  

UB40 IS BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM, “UB45” AND A 21-CITY US TOUR CELEBRATING THEIR 45-YEAR LEGACY…

The last few years have been marked “the age of the comeback “, and 2024 appears to be no different. Pop band UB40 is making their welcomed comeback to the music scene with the upcoming release of UB45!

“UB45” is a 14-song celebration of the past, present, and future of the band. The collection includes new recordings alongside several classic UB40 songs reimagined to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the group way back in 1978.

The first single from the new album, “Gimme Some Kinda Sign” breathes new life into the 60’s classic originally recorded by Brenton Woods. Combining the band’s insouciant grooves, a breezy melody and trademark effervescence, “Gimme Some Kind a Sign” is a bona fide triumph. Lead vocalist Matt Doylesuggested it to Robin Campbell, unaware that it had been sitting on his wish list since the Labour of Love (1983) album days four decades ago.

“Gimme Some Kinda Sign” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album “UB45”. The album releases globally on Friday April 19th, via the SRG-ILS label imprint. “UB45” is available for pre-orders now; https://fanlink.to/ub45.

(MUSIC VIDEO) "GIMME SOME KINDA SIGN" by UB40

UB45 ALBUM TRACKLISTING::
1. Home
2. Food for Thought
3. King
4. Champion
5. Tyler
6. Trouble
7. Red Red Wine
8. Fool Me Once
9. Cherry Oh Baby
10. Say Nothing
11. Sing Our Own Song
12. Gimme Some Kinda Sign
13. Kingston Town
14. Hope She'll Be Happier

“UB45” is also a featured release on Record Store Day (April 20) in the United States and United Kingdom. This exclusive pressing on bright yellow vinyl also includes a 12-page booklet with exclusives photos and full liner notes from the band.

UB40 is supporting the new album with a massive world-wide tour which includes 21 dates in North America. Maxi Priest, Inner Circle, Third World and Big Mountain to join on select dates. https://ub40.global/tour/

July 2 New York, NY
July 3 Boston, MA
July 5 Ledyard, CT
July 6 Charlestown, WV
July 7 Selbyville, DE
July 10 Bergen, NJ
July 11 Niagra Falls, ON
July 12 Flint, MI
July 13 Davenport, IA
July 19 Park City, UT
July 21 Tacoma, WA
July 25 Saratoga, CA
July 26 Cabazon, CA
July 27 Primm, NV
Aug 2 Santa Ynez, CA
Aug 3 Chandler, AZ
Aug 5 Santa Fe, NM
Aug 8 Clearwater, FL
Aug 9 Pompano, FL
Aug 10 St Augustine, FL
Aug 11 Melbourne, FL

CONNECT WITH UB40:
Website: www.ub40.global.com
Instagram: @UB40Official
X:@UB40Offical
Facebook: /Ub40Official

TANYA NOLAN Releases The Visuals To Her Newly Released Steamy and Sensual Single, "HONEY."…

R&B Singer and songwriter Tanya Nolan has followed up with visuals for her steamy and sensual new single, "HONEY", from Billboard Chart-topping singer-songwriter-activist TANYA NOLAN . "HONEY" is available on all streaming and download platforms now, via the ArtsessionZ label imprint.

"HONEY" was written by Tanya Nolanand Raheem DeVaughn and produced by Karl Powell Jr. (KP The Colleagues)and Timothy L. Jordan. "Honey," is a fusion of passion and soul, creating an indelible imprint on the charts. "The song is a blend of raw emotion, sensuality, and an unapologetic celebration of love. Music fan can anticipate a musical journey into passion and desire and a different side of me," shares Tanya. "HONEY" made its exclusive world premiere on ThisIsRnB.com and the release of the single was celebrated with a huge Billboard in Times Square, New York.

Tanya Nolan is no stranger to the Billboard charts, as her most recent single, "LET'S CELEBRATE" reached Top 20 on Billboard, while joining her previous chart-topper single, "PACE YOURSELF" featuring
Grammy nominated R&B superstar, RAHEEM DEVAUGHN. The still fan-favorite song topped the charts at #13. Simultaneously, she went on to release the celebratory single, "CREATE YOUR BEST LIFE," in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Season, which quickly became an anthem. Tanya was also tapped to be part of the iOneDigital "Say It Loud" LGBTQ Campaign.

The LGBTQIA+ activist and openly gay woman of color, continues to give music lovers exactly what they came to get, "good music", as she plans to continue to release new music frequently in anticipation for a bigger body of work. "I've been working at my musical craft most of my life and have put out music before, but this time just feels different. I am in a space where I can follow my dreams freely, control my destiny and tell my own personal truth," she adds. "I hope that my fans will relate to my stories and vibe with me on this journey."

Tanya continues to make a mark in the world and takes her place alongside influential figures such as Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, and Oprah Winfrey on a new poster promoting READ, a project of the American Library Association (ALA). The campaign aims to champion the cause of literacy and highlight the importance of reading, using the influence of cultural icons to inspire individuals to explore the world of books. Tanya Nolan's involvement in the ALA Celebrity Read campaign is a testament to her commitment to fostering a love for literature. Recognizing the transformative power of literature, she believes in the ability of books to uplift, inspire, and broaden horizons. The chosen book for Tanya Nolan's feature on the poster is Maya Angelou's "The Heart of a Woman."

(VIDEO LINK) "HONEY" by TANYA NOLAN

(AUDIO LINK) "HONEY" by TANYA NOLAN

(LYRIC VIDEO) "HONEY" by TANYA NOLAN

Black Owned Entertainment Channel UBCTV Joins FreeCast’s Lineup

NEW YORK CITY, NY— UBCTV, one of the top Black Owned Television Networks worldwide has inked a deal to join Freecast, one of the world’s largest Free Ad Supported Television (FAST) platforms. The UBCTV Network is an urban lifestyle content channel, featuring a wide variety of both curated and original programming, ranging from sports and music programming to entertainment and talk shows. Viewers can find us on Channel #3844 in the Channel Section under TV categories and featured in the BLK section of the Channel Guide as well as on Freecast.com mobile.

The partnership with the platform that has over 700 free streaming channels, and aggregates over half a million on-demand movies and TV episodes from ad-supported, subscription, and pay-per-view sources, will give UBCTV 24 hour programming, where they will air all of the new shows that the platform has added to the network.

UBCTV's current line up will include: UBC Fiscal Fitness, Rucker Park Basketball, UBC Independent Music Videos, Style and Beauty Cafe, Its A Ant Jones World, If These Walls Could Talk, National Sounds Of Gospel TV, City Vines, This Week Africa, Culturally Lit Africa, Grindhard TV, UBC Wellness, Triverity Talk, Body By Alexis, The Final Round, Live From The Next Sound Studio, Global Women's Basketball, and Mr. Jay V Comedy Show.

Tracy West, FreeCast’s Executive Vice President of Digital Content, discussed the channel “We’re excited to welcome UBCTV to our platform. It’s a channel that serves and speaks to urban communities across the country, and provides our users access to another high quality channel for free. Each one of our hundreds of channels helps our service stand as a no-cost alternative to those big cable bundles.”

• Peggy Dodson, UBCTV’s CEO says, “What better platform for UBCTV to roll out its 24-hour channel than Freecast? It’s one of the most innovative companies in the industry and UBCTV fits in well. I am excited about growing and expanding our audience and reach on Freecast.”

Additionally, UBCTV, has unveiled their new Urban Shopping Experience. The Shoppers Showcase program, modeled on the long-running QVC home-shopping show allows, interested brands to self-promote their goods and services to audiences that can make live purchases in real time. It’s a great way for designers, brands, and purveyors of high-quality wares to reach new customers from all over the world!

Cross-promotion will be a prominent feature of the Urban Shopping Experience and Shoppers Showcase. Look for Fashion Week-style shows, virtual and live pop-ups, special events, and other exclusive, original urban content. Peggy Dodson, founder and CEO of UBCTV, says of the new venture, “I am so excited about this! Wow, it has taken a few years to get this in place. With the rollout of UBCTV, it will put Urban Shopping in a great position for immediate growth and that is exciting.” To further support the new platform, UBCTV is partnering with Smart Card Marketing Systems, (OTCQB: SMKG) a Canada-based industry leader in specialized industry e-Commerce, Cloud and Mobility Marketplaces and Applications delivering White-Label and Private-Label solutions to the global PayTech, FinTech and Blockchain markets. Max Barone, Smart Card CEO, enthusiastically welcomed the partnership, saying, “It is exciting to work and collaborate with Peggy and UBCTV Network. She is doing great things and we are happy to be part of her initiatives as she shakes up the scene. It's been quite the transformation for UBCTV and we are happy to be part of the puzzle."

UBCTV continues to march forward as the premier urban entertainment network in today’s marketplace, making major strides that mark the platform as an industry leader. UBCTV reaches over 10 million viewers via Glewed TV, expanding its scope across multiple streaming platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV and now available on the 24 hour platform Freecast. Soon, people around the globe will have access to a wide-ranging experience second to none in the online entertainment world. UBCTV has also rolled out UB Social, a network-related social media platform that brings viewers, content creators, network stars and sponsors. You can also follow all the newest content and happenings at UBCTV here. Check out the Urban Home Shopping Network at their new site here.