Solange Knowles to be the First Black Woman to Compose Music for New York City Ballet

beyRaph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The artist once known best as Beyoncé's little sister, Solange Knolwes, continues to prove that while she may never equal her older sibling's acclaim as a singer — her considerable talents behind the mic and beyond, place her among the most exciting performers working today.

Knowles' — who went from being an occasional backup dancer for the Beyoncé-fronted girl group Destiny's Child to a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer — latest venture is writing a score for a New York City Ballet production.

She announced the collaboration on her official Instagram account Tuesday.

"🖤very excited to announce i've composed an original score for the New York City Ballet 🖤 choreography by Gianna Reisen, score performed by the City Ballet Orchestra and soloist from my ensemble," Knowles wrote.

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The NYCB confirmed the news on its Facebook page.

"Multi-hyphenate recording artist Solange Knowles will foray into ballet for the first time, composing a score for Gianna Reisen's 2022 Fall Gala world premiere," it posted. 

It is not the first time the 36-year-old singer-songwriter has spread her wings artistically beyond music. She has also worked as an actress, and in recent years ventured into performance art.

"I’m not at all interested in entertainment," she told Surface magazine —during a discussion about her artistic ambitions — in a 2018 interview. "I’m really interested in energy exchange between the viewer and the performer. One way to do that is to make an inclusive experience through style, through energy, through space." 

Knowles has debuted performance art pieces around the globe, including putting on shows at Germany's famed Elbphilharmonie (Witness!) concert hall and Los Angeles' Getty Museum (Bridge-s). 

After its premiere during NCYB’s annual Fashion Gala on Sept. 28., the production will be staged later this year on Oct. 1, 8, 11 and 16. It will also return for five performances during the Company’s 2023 Spring Season on May 2, 11, 13, 17 and 18.

Rapper, Nipsey Hussle, Receives Posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Nipsey Hussle was honored posthumously today with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The ceremony came over three years after the rapper was shot dead outside his Marathon clothing store in South Los Angeles on what would have been his 37th birthday.

It took place in front of family and friends on Hollywood Boulevard. His longtime girlfriend, actress Lauren London, was in attendance — along with his sister Samantha Smith and grandmother Margaret Boutte.

"I think I speak for the entire city of LA when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness," said London, addressing the crowd. "This moment only amplifies this for us. Nip would've been honored by this moment."

Smith added, "Nip the Great, look at who you are, look at what you did. I'm in awe but I'm not surprised. You've been a star in my eyes, the family's eyes, God's eyes, far before the accolades caught up."

Boutte accepted the star on behalf of Hussle's family.

"He lives forever,'' she said. "And I look at his picture and remember all the wonderful times we had together. Nipsey, I love you; I miss you, but you're close at heart always."

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, the Los Angeles native worked his way from gang member to Grammy Award-winning musician and gang reformer during his abbreviated life.

To help keep others out of gangs, Hussle worked with the city on public works projects and provided shoes for students and shelter and accommodations for the homeless. One of his community improvement efforts, a redeveloped strip mall, housed the shop where he was killed on March 31, 2019, by 32-year-old Eric R. Holder Jr.

The gang member was convicted of first-degree murder in July. Sentencing is set to take place in September. Holder faces up to life in prison.

Watch the entire presentation below:

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Virginia Street to be Renamed in Honor of Missy Elliott

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What do you get for the rapper with everything?

Portsmouth, Virginia, may have found the answer — at least when it comes to its native superstar, Missy Elliott.

The Portsmouth City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to rename a portion of one of the municipality's streets, "Missy Elliott Blvd.," in honor of the woman dubbed "Queen of Rap" by various media outlets over the years.

Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliot at the city's Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, seemed moved by the honor.

The artist, who has sold more than 30 million records over her career and won four Grammys, responded to the announcement by tweeting, "I am forever GRATEFUL🙏🏾 P-TOWN🙌🏾 VA #757 LOVE💜."

Currently named McLean Street, the road serves the city's recently rezoned entertainment district. A shopping center, community college and the future home of the Portsmouth Rivers Casino are among the businesses and institutions that lie along its path.

I am forever GRATEFUL🙏🏾 P-TOWN🙌🏾 VA #757 LOVE💜

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 10, 2022