B13 Peer Review

  Josephine Baker was born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, MO, in 1906 to Carrie McDonald, a laundress, and Eddie Carson, a musician. Her early life hinted at her future career. She first danced for the public on the streets of St. Louis for nickels and dimes. Later she became a chorus girl on the St. Louis stage. At age 15 she married Pullman porter William Howard Baker, but left him when she ran away from St. Louis at age 17, feeling there was too much racial discrimination in the city. She eventually made her way to Paris, France. Her first job in Paris was in "La revue negre". Her next significant job was at the Folies Bergere, where she was a member of the club's all-black revue. It was there, in 1925, that she first performed her famous "banana dance". She quickly became a favorite of the French, and her fame grew, but she had many ups and downs during her career. Although popular in France, during the "Red Scare" era of the 1950s, she was...

  In a cultural moment where traditional values are rapidly being redefined, actress Niecy Nash has made headlines by entering into a same-sex marriage with singer Jessica Betts—taking her partner’s name in the process. While the media celebrates this as progress, many see it as yet another sign of how far society has strayed from the foundational structure of marriage—an institution historically rooted in the union between a man and a woman for the purpose of family, stability, and continuity. Marriage isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it's about a time-tested framework that supports the growth of strong communities. When we redefine it to fit personal preferences, we risk weakening its purpose altogether. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niecy Nash (@niecynash1) View this post on Instagram Mrs. Carol Denise Betts 💍 @jessicabettsmusic #LoveWins🌈 📸 @robertector A post shared by Niecy Nash (@niecynash1) on Aug 31, 202...

  The “King Of Pop” Jackson’s first solo effort for Epic,  Off the Wall  (1979), exceeded all expectations and was the best-selling album of the year (it eventually sold more than 20 million copies).  Produced by industry veteran  Quincy Jones ,  Off the Wall  yielded the massive international hit singles “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You,” both of which showcased Michael’s energetic style and capitalized on the contemporary  disco  dance fad. Three years later he returned with another collaboration with Jones,  Thriller , a tour de force that featured an array of guest stars and elevated him to worldwide superstardom.  Thriller  captured a slew of awards, including a record-setting eight Grammys; remained on the charts for more than two years; and sold more than 40 million copies, long holding the distinction of being the best-selling album in history. The first single on the album, “The Girl Is Mine,” an eas...

Police arrested “Empire” actor Bryshere Gray on domestic violence charges after a nine-hour standoff with a SWAT team, authorities in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear said Monday. The incident began Sunday night at about 10:15 p.m., when Goodyear Police responded to a 911 call alleging “an adult female victim had been allegedly assaulted at her Goodyear home by her husband, who she identified as Bryshere Gray, an actor on the TV series ‘Empire,’ " police said in a  statement . Her injuries were non life-threatening, and she was treated and released, police said, adding that detectives and a Victim’s Advocate “continued to assist her after her discharge from the hospital.” When cops got to their home, Gray refused to come outside and speak with officers, the statement said. “Goodyear SWAT and Crisis Negotiations were called out to assist,” police said. About nine hours later, he was “taken into custody without incident” just after 7 a.m. Monday, arrested and booked into the Maricopa ...

B-13 Peer Review Celebrates a 25+ Year Legacy of Power, Truth, and Relevance In a special feature for B-13 Peer Review subscribers and audience members, we proudly pay tribute to one of the most influential and masterful female artists in hip-hop history. With a career spanning more than 25 years, this trailblazer has continuously reinvented herself while maintaining a voice that is both authentic and impossible to ignore. What sets her apart is not just longevity—but the way she has fearlessly put every chapter of her life “on wax,” inviting listeners into her world through music that’s raw, reflective, and revolutionary. Her lyrical delivery commands attention, compelling fans across generations to lean in and listen. She is not just an artist—she is an embodiment of cultural and musical power. Her style draws from a rich tapestry of legendary influences: the sass of Betty Wright , the raunch of Millie Jackson , the boldness of Grace Jones , the raw stage energy of Tina Turne...