MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced it has greenlit a 10-episode order for the fourth season of Emmy-winning drama series Godfather of Harlem, starring Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker and co-created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos). The new season will begin production next year in New York. The series is produced by ABC Signature, which is a part of Disney Television Studios.
Godfather of Harlem is MGM+’s No. 1 all time acquisition-driver for subscribers and one of the platform’s top performing original series. It’s also the platform’s most popular series for African American audiences —Season Three’s linear audience composition is 54% AA.
In Season Four, Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker) continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the emergence of a potential rival in newly arrived Black gangster Frank Lucas. After Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic death, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers.
“Forest Whitaker’s inspired performance as Bumpy Johnson has introduced an iconic, archetypal television antihero to the premium television landscape,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “The cast and creative team exceed expectations every single season, both creatively and cinematically. We couldn’t be more delighted to embark on a fourth season with this incredibly talented group of people.”
“I’m so gratified to continue my creative partnership with Michael Wright, his MGM+ team, and ABC Signature,” said Chris Brancato, co-creator. “This show has been a labor of love, and we dedicate this season to Paul Eckstein, my friend and co-creator, who passed unexpectedly this summer.”
“After such a long time away, I’m so excited to be returning to set alongside such an incredible cast, crew, and creative team, under the powerful leadership of Chris Brancato. We’re so appreciative of Michael Wright’s support at MGM+, and thrilled that Godfather of Harlem has resonated with fans around the world. We can’t wait to get to work on season four!” said Forest Whitaker.
In addition to Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) as star and executive producer, Season Four will see the return of Ilfenesh Hadera (She’s Gotta Have It, Baywatch), Lucy Fry (Bright, Vampire Academy), Antoinette Crowe-Legacy (Geechee, Passing), and Erik LaRay Harvey (Boardwalk Empire, Luke Cage), among others.
Produced by ABC Signature, the series is executive produced by Chris Brancato, Paul Eckstein, Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, and Markuann Smith. Swizz Beatz serves as executive music producer.
Today,BET announced Grammy®-nominated global superstar and visionary Janelle Monáe as the recipient of the ‘Spirit Of Soul’ award at “Soul Train Awards” 2023. For the first time ever, the award show renames its iconic ‘Lady of Soul’ category to honor the diversity and inclusivity of this year’s recipient. They are a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of music, film, fashion, and advocacy. A champion for the LGBTQIA+ community and advocate for mental health awareness, Janelle Monáe defies stereotypes and pushes boundaries with their chart-topping music and captivating on-screen roles. “Soul Train Awards” 2023 recognizes the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop from established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists.Hosted by multitalentedactress, singer, and entrepreneur,Keke Palmer, “Soul Train Awards” 2023premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
“Janelle is one of the most talented forces in the entertainment industry, and an equally impactful change agent for Black LGBTQIA+ people to see themselves fully reflected across platforms. We are thrilled to honor Janelle’s talents on soul music’s biggest stage, “Soul Train Awards,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “Janelle’s captivating sound is as multifaceted as Janelle’s many other talents within film, business, and social impact. BET is where Black Pride lives onscreen. We look forward to honoring this dynamic individual with the newly named “Spirit of Soul’ award as we continue to create inclusive spaces for diverse voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
BET Soul joins “Soul Train Awards” 2023 celebration by dedicating a full hour to the honoree’s collection of music videos. Watch many of Janelle Monáe’s bold, stunning musicvideos tomorrow, 11/17 at 11 AM and 7 PM ET. Check local listings.
Taping in Los Angeles, CA, BJ The Chicago Kid,Coco Jones, Dante Bowe, Fridayy, Keke Palmer, Muni Long, and SWV are set to perform. Summer Walker, SZA, and Usherlead nominations with an outstanding 9 nods, marking a historic three-way tie. The official “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominees were selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters. For the complete list of nominees for“Soul Train Awards” 2023 click HERE.
The “Soul Train Awards” 2023 presented by BET will feature an exciting lineup of electrifying performances, special moments and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing the impact of Soul Train on music and dance, from the ‘70s to today.
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show and Executive Produce for BET with Jamal Noisette, Executive Producer, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of “Soul Train Awards” 2023 along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.
Today, BET announced superstar Emmy Award-winning actress, musical artist, producer, and entrepreneur Keke Palmer as the host of the house party of the year, “Soul Train Awards” 2023.“Soul Train Awards” 2023 recognizes the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop from established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. Taping in Los Angeles, CA, the show reimagines the traditional award show ceremony as an intimate, unforgettable night celebrating the best in soul music and the iconic legacy brand. BJ The Chicago Kid,Coco Jones, Danté Bowe, Fridayy, Muni Long, SWV,and Keke Palmer are set to perform. “Soul Train Awards” 2023 premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
“Keke Palmer is a globally recognized multihyphenate talent who embodies confidence and positivity and is one of the most engaging and lovable personalities working in entertainment today. We can’t wait to have her host the Soul Train Awards house party,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “BET gave Keke her first talk show, where she made history as the youngest talk show host in television, and today we are honored to have her back on the ‘Soul Train Awards’ stage. As always, expect our star-studded slate of soulful artists and can’t-miss moments to illuminate your screens for a night dedicated to soul music.”
Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher lead “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominations with an outstanding ninenods, marking a historic three-way tie. The official “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominees were selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and ground-breaking rap star, renowned blockbuster film producer and actor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the BIG3 basketball league, Ice Cube, are thrilled to announce a pioneering partnership culminating in the creation of the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award.
This unique collaboration is set to honor Ice Cube’s extraordinary contributions to the world of basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game, and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice while contributing to initiatives focused on education and community development.
“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization,” said Ice Cube, a lifelong Lakers fan who grew up playing basketball at the Inglewood YMCA. “Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”
The Naismith Hall of Fame will permanently house and amplify the Ice Cube Impact Award in its museum and honor subsequent award winners each year through a dedicated exhibit and in-depth storytelling about honorees who use basketball as a platform for good works in their own communities.
“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.”
Ice Cube’s remarkable journey through the world of basketball has had a profoundly transforming effect. As the visionary founder of the BIG3, he created a professional league built on the games proven bests–Hall of Famers, World Champions, and All-Stars. The BIG3 has launched and revitalized careers and opened doors for all players and coaches who wish to continue to positively contribute to the game in a format that captures the hearts and imagination of fans nationwide. His unique and innovative approach to the game, which incorporates elements of streetball and professional basketball, also showcases the immense power of sports in uniting communities, as exemplified by the Young3 program focusing on youth in underserved areas.
The Ice Cube Impact Award will be presented to Ice Cube at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 15, 2024) in Springfield, Massachusetts.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors—both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.” Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.
Television’s most acclaimed sports documentary franchise returns with HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS, debuting TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes will debut Tuesdays through January 9, and then subsequent Tuesdays for the duration of a potential Dolphins postseason run.
The 18-time Emmy®-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage, documenting the current AFC East first-place Miami Dolphins, led by second-year head coach Mike McDaniel, as they navigate the final eight games of the regular season and battle to return to the NFL playoffs. Camera crews will begin to chronicle the team in real time ahead of their November 19 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, giving viewers an intimate look at their exciting brand of offense featuring quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and running back Raheem Mostert, as well as their talented defense anchored by the likes of Christian Wilkins, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Xavien Howard, Jalen Ramsey, and Jevon Holland.
personalities on the Miami Dolphins and the unbelievable preparation they put into each game,” said NFL Films Senior Producer Emily Leitner Cameron. “All that hard work, seven days a week, promises to deliver an exciting new chapter in this series that means so much to the NFL, HBO and football fans everywhere.”
“It is thrilling for HARD KNOCKS to be back in season with the extraordinary team at NFL Films and the Miami Dolphins,” said Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, Co-Executive Vice Presidents, HBO Documentary & Family Programming, “There is no better way to give HBO and Max viewers an exclusive inside window into what it really takes for a coach and a team to fight to get back to the NFL playoffs.”
HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON debuted in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts, followed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. The original training camp edition began in 2001 and has run for eighteen seasons, most recently featuring the New York Jets.
Nicki Minaj poses on the cover of US Vogue’s December 2023 issue.
“There’s a freeness that you have around you when you’re at your best, when you’re doing your thing at your peak,” Minaj told the magazine. “But once you start knowing that you’re being judged, there’s no longer that free spirit. People who excel at something make it look easy, but they also deal with a lot of fear of letting people down and letting themselves down. Once you make it, it’s like anything you say can be used against you.”
LeBron James’ Home Court – opening onNovember 25, 2023 in Akron, Ohio– is a multimedia storytelling experience that offers a look at LeBron’s life with never-before-seen items along his journey from Akron to the NBA, Olympics, business, philanthropy and beyond
All proceeds from ticket sales will go back into the community through House Three Thirty’s innovative job training model that employs I PROMISE students, parents, educators and family members
The LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) is set to open the world’s first and only official museum dedicated to the journey and milestones of LeBron James, aptly named LeBron James’ Home Court, at House Three Thirty in Akron on November 25, 2023. The immersive multimedia experience begins with a recreation of his Spring Hill Apartment #602 curated by LeBron’s mother, Gloria James, and continues through the historic Fab Five years at St. Vincent – St. Mary’s, the memorable 2003 NBA Draft, his championship runs in Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles, and the gold-medal winning Olympic years. The journey also takes visitors through game-changing moments in his business and philanthropy, with the self-guided tour culminating in the story of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s evolution from a bikeathon to a world-renowned model for community building.
“My dream was always to put Akron on the map, so to have a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me,” said LeBron James. “I’ve been known to hang on to a lot of things over the years, and I always knew there would be a time and place to bring them out. I’m so proud that place is House Three Thirty, a space my Foundation created to serve my I Promise families and the entire community.”
Throughout Home Court, visitors will get a walk-in-the-footsteps view of LeBron’s life through unique and notable items from his personal collection including the all-white 2003 NBA Draft suit, the infamous 3-1 drum set, his high school McDonald’s All-American jersey and the original TV from his Spring Hill apartment. The recreation of St. Vincent – St. Mary’s LeBron James Arena includes the original rim and backboard LeBron played on during his time at St. V. The gallery also includes a collection of fan art he’s received over the years, original shoes he’s played his biggest moments in, James family photos in his replica office, and notes from his journey along the way.
Reservations for LeBron James’ Home Court are available now for presale here, with the first public tours beginning on November 25th. General admission tickets are $23. All proceeds from tickets sales go back into House Three Thirty’s innovative job training program that provides I Promise students, parents, educators and family members with new skills and employment opportunities.
To celebrate opening weekend, the original paintings of Dirk Rozich’s LeBron art that is featured inside the Home Court entryway will be available for sale inside House Three Thirty’s Retail Shop as well as reproductions.
LeBron James’ Home Court is housed at House Three Thirty, LJFF’s innovative, multi-use space for I PROMISE families, the entire Akron community, and visitors from all over the world to gather and engage in immediately impactful programming. House Three Thirty convenes critical resources under one roof, including family financial health programming, job training through the venue’s varied dining, retail and entertainment spaces, and a community gathering space for large indoor and outdoor events, monthly meals, and ongoing family programming open to all.
Produced by | Gelila Bekele, Jasmine K. White, and Asante White
Synopsis | Writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media titan, Tyler Perry, is America’s consummate multihyphenate. But underneath this entertainment behemoth is a man working humbly to heal his childhood trauma by transforming his pain into promise. Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, a nod to his mother’s love, is a tender and intimate portrait of visionary and innovator Tyler Perry and his harrowing but faithful road to the top of an industry that didn’t always include him. Nearly a decade in the making, with unfettered access, directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz lead us into the inner-world of a man, whose story has never fully been told, as he becomes a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. The product is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go.
Beloved funnyman Robin Williamsgot his start with a scholarship to the Julliard School, where he pursued an unconventional style and amazed his teachers with an uncanny talent for accents. After getting rave reviews for his early stage roles, he left the staid classical institution and moved to the West Coast to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. Scoring a role as the alien Mork on TV’s Mork and Mindycatapulted him into Hollywood, where he would go on to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting, plus six Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards. He was especially adored by children after starring as the Genie in Aladdin, Peter Pan in Hook, and a loving if eccentric father in Mrs. Doubtfire among many family film roles. Suffering from degenerative brain disease, he took his own life in 2014.
Marsha Garces Williams, the actor’s second wife and mother of two of his children – including actress Zelda Williams – has listed the San Francisco home where the couple lived from the early ‘90s until 2010 for sale at $25 million. Styled like an Italian Renaissance Villa, the home was built in 1926 and extensively remodeled by Robin and Marsha, who took the property down to the studs but preserved the unique and irreplaceable building materials of the original home. Fully walled and gated, the property offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay.
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With an elegant marble facade, terra-cotta roof, columned archways, and wrought-iron details, the estate projects an image of timeless luxury. Extensive windows bathe the wide-plank hardwood floors and high-beam ceilings in natural light. A central staircase connects the three stories of the 10,598-square-foot home. Capping the mansion’s twenty rooms, the primary suite offers sweeping panoramic sea views, a Japanese-style bathroom, a private balcony, and a safe room hidden behind a paneled wall. Another secret panel in the billiards room opens to reveal a Prohibition-era bar, while a secret passageway connects the bedrooms in which the Williams children grew up. Other special features include a spacious movie theatre with drop-down projector, a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances including a La Cornue range, a butler’s pantry with wet bar, a gym and sauna, a whiskey room, a wine cellar, and a one-bedroom guest apartment with its own entrance. A tiled patio, a firepit, an outdoor BBQ and lovely gardens complete the estate.
Sea Cliff is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful neighborhoods, known for its large mansions and spectacular views. The Williams estate is located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio of San Francisco with 1,500 acres of hiking trails, two beaches, The Legion of Honor Museum, and the historic Lincoln Park Golf Course. Other illustrious residents include Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.
The listing is held by Steve Mavromihalis at Compass Nor Cal. Photo Credit: Open House.
MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced it has greenlit the true-crime docuseries The Wonderland Murders & The Secret History of Hollywood (working title), based on Michael Connelly’s (Bosch; The Lincoln Lawyer) hit Audible podcastof the same name. Directed by Alison Ellwood (San Francisco Sounds, Laurel Canyon), the four-episode docuseries will be the definitive examination of the infamous Wonderland murder case in 1980s Los Angeles. The Wonderland Murders & the Secret History of Hollywoodwas released exclusively on Audible as a limited documentary podcast series and audiences have spent 150,000 hours listening to Connelly’s riveting investigation.
On July 1, 1981, four people were discovered severely beaten to death in a suburban home in Laurel Canyon on Wonderland Avenue. The murders’ aftermath spans two decades and reaches into present day with details, subplots, and investigative twists that prove the old adage that truth is stranger than fiction. From a bought-off juror to the biggest porn actor of his generation, an alleged corrupt federal agent and a kind of Zelig of Hollywood’s dark underbelly, much about the case remains unresolved, and there are people who got away with murder.
Through explosive in-depth reporting, new developments, rare archival footage, and pivotal testimony from “missing witness” Scott Thorson (best known as Liberace’s boyfriend and the writer of the tell-all Behind the Candelabra), Wonderland Murders will delve into the gruesome crime that has captured the public’s imagination for nearly half a century, and tell a broader story about Los Angeles, the American dream, and when justice does—and doesn’t—work.
“Wonderland Murders joins MGM+’s growing stable of smart, insightful, and thought-provoking true-crime docuseries,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “Michael Connelly is a renowned and tenaciouscrime writer, and Alison Ellwood is a visionary director, so there is no better team to explore one of Hollywood’s most notorious crimes.”
“I love Alison’s work and look forward to working with her and MGM+,” said Michael Connelly. “The Wonderland murders left an indelible impact on Hollywood, and exploring it with the original detectives and witnesses is exciting, and is going to help us answer many of the questions that are still out there.”
“Michael has curated an exceptional slate at MGM+, and we are thrilled Wonderland Murders will be in such illustrious company,” said Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, heads of Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). “Alison is a filmmaker IPC has been chasing for years, and we feel incredibly fortunate we finally get to collaborate. Her take on Michael Connelly’s groundbreaking reporting will undoubtedly yield one the best true crime documentaries of the year.”
“It’s been one of the thrills of our professional lives to have worked with Michael Connelly over these past few years on the Wonderland podcast and now on the doc series,” said Jen Casey and Nick Gilhool. “And for the documentary adaptation to be led by Alison Ellwood, the consummate filmmaker, at a home like MGM+, with Michael Wright and Jill Burkhart, two of the best execs in the business, along with veteran storytellers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, and not to mention Rick Jackson with his inimitable expertise and access. We couldn’t imagine a greater team to usher this bigger-than-life story to the screen.”
“The Wonderland Murders has all the qualities of a page-turning thriller that fans expect from Michael Connelly’s novels, except that it’s also a true story,” said Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible. “We could not be more excited to see this unforgettable and incredibly well-told storycome to life in a new format with the support of our Amazon colleagues at MGM+.”
The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC) and Miziker Content, and executive produced by Michael Connelly, Alison Ellwood, Jen Casey and Nick Gilhool, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for IPC, and Rick Jackson.
D.C. Younfly honored his Queen Jacky Oh on her birthday! R.I.P.
“Dear Heavenly Father, we come together humbly. We just want to say we’re thankful, and we’re grateful, Father. We’re thankful for Jacklyn’s life, heavenly Father, and we’re going to continue to just lift her up, heavenly Father. And we pray, Heavenly Father, that you just continue to guide everybody in this circle, Heavenly Father. Grant us the strength, the motivation to continue to just love each other, Heavenly Father. And to continue to just do your will and walk in our purpose, Heavenly Father. We just pray, Heavenly Father, that you grant us the strength, the guidance, the motivation, the inspiration, the tools, the mindset to just continue to be uplifted, Heavenly Father. Have great joy, have great spirit, Heavenly Father. Remove any negative energy, remove any doubtful thoughts. Remove any unrighteouness. And we pray that you continue to just keep me and my loved ones healthy, safe and protected. And we know that Jacquelyn is safe, Heavenly Father.”
In “Drive with Swizz Beatz,” hip-hop legend and car collector Swizz Beatz and son Nasir Dean (also known as Note Marcato) visit car-loving destinations, where they’ll examine the area’s distinctive car culture and bring together two otherwise disparate car clubs over a shared love of all things automotive and an appreciation for what it’s like to beat the odds through sheer drive alone.
Credits: “Drive with Swizz Beatz” is produced by Jay Brown and Ty-Ty Smith of Ty-Ty and Jay Brown Productions, Raymond Garcia of Major TV, Emmet Dennis of Black Drive Originals, and Christian Sarabia of 51 Minds.
ANNOUNCES NOMINEES, PREMIERE DATE, AND NEW LOCATION
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SUMMER WALKER, SZA, AND USHER LEAD WITH 9 NOMINATIONS EACH, FOLLOWED BY 21 SAVAGE WITH 8 NODS AND COCO JONES AND VICTORIA MONÉT WITH 6 NODS EACH
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OTHER TOP NOMINEES INCLUDE BURNA BOY, CHRIS BROWN, JANELLE MONÁE AND OCTOBER LONDON WITH 4 NOMINATIONS EACH
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“SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” 2023 PREMIERES SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 AT 8 PM ET/PT ON BET AND BET HER
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#SOULTRAINAWARDS
Today, BET announces the nominees, premiere date, and location of “Soul Train Awards” 2023, presented by BET. BET has released the official nominations for “Soul Train Awards” 2023, which recognizes the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop from established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. The official “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominees were selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters. Taping from a new location in Los Angeles, CA, this year’s show will reimagine the traditional award show ceremony into an unforgettable Soulful Party in Hollywood, celebrating the best in soul music and the iconic legacy brand. “Soul Train Awards” 2023 premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. (Photo Credit: Kingsmen Media Group)
Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop continue to top the charts and drive culture forward. This year, we are taking inspiration from these genres to innovate and disrupt the award show format while celebrating the legacy of Soul Train,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “We are proud of this year’s list of esteemed nominees and look to deliver an unforgettable night of Soul with our new location, performances, and show moments.”
Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher lead “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominations with nine outstanding nods, marking a historic three-way tie. Summer Walker for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Video of The Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ and twice for ‘Best Dance Performance,’ and ‘Best Collaboration.’ SZA for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and twice for ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ and ‘Song of the Year.’ Usher for ‘Certified Soul Award,’ ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and twice for ‘Best Dance Performance,’ and ‘Video of the Year.’ 21 Savage garnered the second most nods with eight nominations. Coco Jones and Victoria Monét are tied at six nods each, followed by Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Janelle Monáe, and October Londonwith four nominations each.
The “Soul Train Awards” 2023, presented by BET, will feature an exciting lineup of electrifying performances, special moments, and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing the impact of Soul Train on music and dance, from the ‘70s to today.
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show and Executive Produce for BET with Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of “Soul Train Awards” 2023 along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.
The complete list of nominees for “Soul Train Awards” 2023:
BEST NEW ARTIST
AMBRÉ
AYRA STARR
COCO JONES
DOECHII
FLO
FRIDAYY
TYLA
WANMOR
CERTIFIED SOUL AWARD
ANTHONY HAMILTON
ASHANTI
CIARA
ERIC BELLINGER
MONICA
PJ MORTON
RONALD ISLEY & THE ISLEY BROTHERS
T-PAIN
USHER
BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
ALL OF THE GLORY SHIRLEY CAESAR
ALL THINGS KIRK FRANKLIN
CAME TOO FAR FRIDAYY FEAT. MAVERICK CITY MUSIC & MY MOM
CRY KORYN HAWTHORNE
FEEL ALRIGHT (BLESSED) ERICA CAMPBELL
GOD PROBLEMS MAVERICK CITY MUSIC, CHANDLER MOORE, NAOMI RAINE
THE JOURNEY H.E.R.
TRY LOVE KIRK FRANKLIN
BEST R&B/SOUL FEMALE ARTIST
ARI LENNOX
BEYONCÉ
COCO JONES
H.E.R.
JANELLE MONÁE
SUMMER WALKER
SZA
VICTORIA MONÉT
BEST R&B/SOUL MALE ARTIST
6LACK
BABYFACE
BRENT FAIYAZ
BURNA BOY
CHRIS BROWN
ERIC BELLINGER
OCTOBER LONDON
USHER
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
THE AGE OF PLEASURE JANELLE MONÁE
AGE/SEX/LOCATION ARI LENNOX
CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP SUMMER WALKER
GIRLS NIGHT OUT (EXTENDED) BABYFACE
I TOLD THEM… BURNA BOY
JAGUAR II VICTORIA MONÉT
SOS SZA
WHAT I DIDN’T TELL YOU (DELUXE) COCO JONES
SONG OF THE YEAR
BACK TO YOUR PLACE OCTOBER LONDON
FAVORITE SONG TOOSII
GOOD GOOD USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE
ICU COCO JONES
KILL BILL SZA
LIPSTICK LOVER JANELLE MONÁE
ON MY MAMA VICTORIA MONÉT
SNOOZE SZA
THE ASHFORD AND SIMPSON SONGWRITER’S AWARD
BACK TO YOUR PLACE OCTOBER LONDON
FAVORITE SONG TOOSII
GOOD GOOD USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE
ICU COCO JONES
KILL BILL SZA
ON MY MAMA VICTORIA MONÉT
SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD BURNA BOY FEAT. 21 SAVAGE
SNOOZE SZA
BEST DANCE PERFORMANCE
BETTER THANGS CIARA FEAT. SUMMER WALKER
BOYFRIEND USHER
GOOD GOOD USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE
HOW WE ROLL CIARA & CHRIS BROWN
ON MY MAMA VICTORIA MONÉT
SNOOZE SZA
SUMMER TOO HOT CHRIS BROWN
UNDER THE INFLUENCE CHRIS BROWN
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
BACK TO YOUR PLACE OCTOBER LONDON
BOY’S A LIAR PT. 2 PINKPANTHERESS & ICE SPICE
BOYFRIEND USHER
GOOD GOOD USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE
ICU COCO JONES
KILL BILL SZA
LIPSTICK LOVER JANELLE MONÁE
ON MY MAMA VICTORIA MONÉT
SPECIAL LIZZO
BEST GROUP
DVSN
FLO
JAGGED EDGE
KOOL & THE GANG
MAVERICK CITY MUSIC
PHONY PPL
RONALD ISLEY & THE ISLEY BROTHERS
TANK AND THE BANGAS
WANMOR
BEST COLLABORATION
AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (REMIX) BEYONCÉ FEAT. KENDRICK LAMAR
BOY’S A LIAR, PT. 2 PINKPANTHERESS & ICE SPICE
CREEPIN’ (REMIX) METRO BOOMIN, THE WEEKND, DIDDY FEAT. 21 SAVAGE FLY GIRL FLO FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT
GOOD GOOD USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE
SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD BURNA BOY FEAT. 21 SAVAGE
SPECIAL LIZZO FEAT. SZA
TO SUMMER, FROM COLE (AUDIO HUG) SUMMER WALKER, J. COLE
Sylvester 
