Alice Tan Ridley, Gospel Voice of NYC’s Underground and Mother of Gabourey Sidibe, Dies

Alice Tan Ridley performs for commuters at the 34th Street–Herald Square subway station in New York City, where she sang for decades before rising to national fame. " (Photo by Kbwords, via Wikimedia Commons)

Alice Tan Ridley, a beloved gospel and R&B singer whose powerhouse vocals captivated New York City subway riders for decades — and later millions of TV viewers — has died. She was 72.

Perhaps best known to mainstream audiences as the mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe ("Precious"), Ridley carved out her own remarkable path in entertainment, rising from subway platforms to the national stage when she became a semifinalist on "America’s Got Talent" in 2010.

Ridley died March 25 in New York, her family confirmed. Her daughter, son Ahmed Sidibe, and twin grandchildren survive her.

Ridley’s emotional performance of Etta James’ “At Last” during her AGT audition brought the house down — but her story stretched far beyond the spotlight. For years before that moment, the Georgia-born performer was a staple at Herald Square, singing for tips and drawing crowds with a voice that stopped busy commuters in their tracks.

Born Dec. 21, 1952, in Charles Junction, Georgia, Ridley was the seventh of eight siblings in a musically inclined family. “Every one of us sings or plays music,” she told The New York Times in a 2016 interview. Inspired by artists like Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson, she moved to New York in the 1970s and became a special education teacher in Brooklyn. But after losing her job and navigating the challenges of single motherhood, she turned to busking to support her family.

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers but especially to mine who is the best! 💐🌸🌷💐🌸🌸💐🌹🌸💐🐅🐯🐯 pic.twitter.com/MHB81iNZBH

— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) May 10, 2015

“I was a big secret,” Ridley said. “With so many people passing by, I wondered, ‘Why doesn’t somebody introduce me to someone who could help me out?’”

That someone eventually came along. In 2010, Israeli student Dvir Assouline spotted Ridley performing and became her manager. Not long after, she made her prime-time debut, mesmerizing viewers nationwide.

Ridley’s road to recognition included stops beyond "AGT." She won $25,000 on Fox’s "30 Seconds to Fame" in 2002, sang "Amazing Grace" in the 2005 documentary "Rize," and performed "America the Beautiful" in the feature film "Heights." She was also a regular performer at Harlem’s Cotton Club.

At 63, she released her first studio album, "Never Lost My Way," a mix of covers and originals co-written with producer Jay Stolar. She toured internationally, performed at B.B. King’s in New York, and lent her voice to commercial campaigns for Buick and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Even with her newfound fame, Ridley remained connected to her subway roots. In 2014, she returned underground to perform. “When I was no longer down under there, I missed it,” she told The New York Times.

Ridley retired in 2018 after being diagnosed with dementia. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by siblings James, Tommy, Julia, and Mildred. She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Pittman Hughes, a pioneering civil rights activist, and her brother Roger Ridley, the singer whose street performance of “Stand by Me” helped launch the Playing For Change movement.

Mentor to Nipsey Hussle, 'Big U' Henley Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Racketeering Case

Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr.

Eugene "Big U" Henley Jr., one of the most polarizing figures in Los Angeles hip-hop and street culture — known for his early mentorship of Nipsey Hussle and deep ties to both gang and community work —pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a sweeping 43-count federal indictment that charges him with racketeering, murder, extortion, wire fraud, and embezzlement.

Henley, 58, made his initial court appearance in downtown Los Angeles, where he faces allegations of leading a “mafia-like” criminal organization operating under the name Big U Enterprise — a group authorities say used intimidation, public goodwill, and alleged connections to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips to commit a wide range of crimes. He remains in custody with a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday. A trial date has been set for May 20, though prosecutors have indicated it may be delayed.

In addition to claims of violence and intimidation, federal prosecutors allege Henley used his nonprofit and label, Uneek Music, to defraud government agencies, pandemic relief programs, and high-profile donors, including NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green. According to court records, he submitted falsified financial information to secure COVID-19 relief loans and pocketed funds meant for community programs and charitable outreach.

One of the most serious allegations in the indictment is that Henley ordered the 2021 kidnapping and murder of rapper Rayshawn Williams, an artist signed to Uneek Music. Prosecutors say Williams recorded a track that “dissed” Henley. In response, Henley allegedly abducted Williams in Las Vegas, killed him, and dragged his body into the desert off Interstate 15.

Henley, who has received city funding for youth intervention work, was also accused of misusing grant money from the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program run by the L.A. Mayor’s Office. Officials allege the money — intended to reduce violence — was funneled into Big U Enterprise for criminal purposes.

From 2010 through early 2024, investigators say Henley ran a sophisticated network that mixed legitimate community work with threats, scams, and violence. He is accused of embezzling donations, robbing individuals under the guise of business deals, and using his public image to gain trust in South Los Angeles and beyond.

Before his arrest, Henley posted a video to Instagram disputing the charges: “I’m looking at all these charges in the news… Ain’t going to be no real evidence. Ain’t going to be no real nothing… They’re saying all that stuff to assassinate my character.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally said Henley's public image as a peace broker masked deeper criminal conduct. “As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity,” McNally said in a statement. “Today’s charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer.”

Henley, a former inmate who served 13 years for a 1991 drug case, has long walked a complicated line between notoriety and influence. He played a key role in launching the career of Nipsey Hussle, the South L.A. rap icon remembered for his activism and business acumen. Hussle, who was fatally shot in 2019, often credited Big U as a mentor and early guide. Henley was also seen by many as a bridge between the streets and the city’s peacekeeping efforts — a reputation that now sits in stark contrast to the federal allegations.

His legacy as both a community figure and alleged gang leader makes the charges especially significant for many in the Los Angeles hip-hop and activist scenes. His son, Daiyan Henley, is a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers.


If convicted on all charges, Henley faces the possibility of a life sentence.

Nicki Minaj Drops New Sneaker Collection With LØCI, Blending Style and Sustainability

Nicki Minaj appears in a promotional image for her initial sneaker collaboration with British brand LØCI. The rapper and fashion icon, now releasing her second collection with the Black-owned company, is an equity partner and creative force behind the designs. (Photo courtesy of LØCI)

Nicki Minaj’s fashion résumé is nearly as deep as her musical one. A generational icon with more than 100 million records sold, countless award wins, and a legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, Minaj has also built a parallel empire in beauty and fashion. Her collaborations with Fendi, MAC Cosmetics, and numerous red carpet looks have made headlines for more than a decade.

Now, the multiplatinum artist is expanding that legacy with the release of “DØPAMINE,” her latest sneaker collection in partnership with British brand LØCI. The limited-edition drop blends bold design with eco-conscious innovation and follows her first successful launch with the company.

Retailing for $145, the sneakers feature a sculptural, multi-textured upper, oversized lacing, and a chunky EVA midsole designed for comfort and impact absorption. Each pair is crafted from LØCI’s signature vegan material, made from recycled ocean plastic — 20 bottles per shoe — reinforcing the brand’s sustainability mission.

“DØPAMINE signifies that beautiful rush you feel when you're at your happiest place and higher self,” Minaj said in a statement. “We can’t just stand here. These comfortable, yet flyer-than-fly sneakers fit everyone so well. I absolutely LOVE this style.”

Minaj is more than a spokesperson — she’s a key equity stakeholder and creative driver behind the brand. LØCI, a Black-owned company founded in 2021 by brothers Emmanuel and Frank Eribo, has gained recognition for its fashion-forward approach and environmental focus. The collaboration with Minaj adds cultural momentum to its growing global presence.

“Nicki brings an unmatched level of creativity and vision to everything she does,” said CEO Emmanuel Eribo. “With DØPAMINE, we’re seeing that vision realized in a way that’s bold, fresh, and globally relevant.”

From dominating Billboard charts to breaking barriers in fashion and business, Minaj’s influence stretches across industries. This drop — rooted in self-expression, sustainability, and ownership — reflects her long-standing ethos of doing things on her own terms.

The LØCI x Nicki Minaj “DØPAMINE” collection is available now at www.lociwear.com/Nicki.