1. Halle Berry To Star In Horror Film ‘Never Let Go’

Academy Award winner Halle Berry is set to star in her latest project, a horror film titled “Never Let Go”. Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film follows a mother (Berry) and her twin sons (Anthony B. Jenkins and Percy Daggs IV), who develop a protective family bond that has kept them away from malicious spirits for years.  But when one of her sons becomes curious about the reality of evil, the bond is forever fractured and causes unthinkable events to occur, leading to a terrifying fight for survival. As a self-described “bonafide adrenaline junkie,” Berry shared what drew her to the role.

“With this movie, it reminded me how I would protect my children with my life,” Berry said. “We often say, ‘I would take a bullet for my kids.’ Would you take a knife for your kids?”

“Never Let Go” is slated for release on Sept. 27 in theaters.

2. Rakim Announces New Album in Almost 15 Years

Rakimm who is considered one of the best MCs ever, will release his first solo studio album in nearly 15 years.

A&R/executive producer Matthew “M80” Markoff shared on Instagram that the LP is titled God’s Network: Reb7rth and will be released on July 26. Notable guests on the album include Snoop Dogg, Method Man, DMX, Nipsey Hussle, Prodigy, Planet Asia, B.G., and Canibus, to name a few. The project is also the iconic MC’s first completely self-produced album. 

“REB7RTH (N.M.A.),” the first single featuring Kurupt and Masta Killa will drop on June 2.

3. Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight Celebrate Their 80th Birthdays

Two of the greatest singers of all time, Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight both celebrated their 80th birthdays. At a surprise party at The Glasshouse in New York City for LaBelle on May 24, Knight, Whoopi Goldberg, Nona Hendryx, Debbie Allen, Gayle King, Sherri Shepherd, Busta Rhymes, Andy Cohen, Tina Knowles, Tamron Hall, Tamar Braxton, and more celebrated the legendary songstress. 

On Tuesday, (May 28), Knight took to Instagram to highlight her special day.

"80 years of beautiful life, love, service, celebration, achievement, falling down, faith, fun, lessons, blessings, friendship, collaboration, soul sharing and more," Knight wrote.

4. The Apollo Theater Launches New Music Series With Adam Blackstone

The renowned Apollo Theater has announced the debut of its new music series, UPclose at The Apollo with Emmy award-winning musical director, musician, singer, and songwriter Adam Blackstone. 

This series offers an intimate and immersive musical experience. Adam Blackstone’s Legacy Experience is a unique pop-up jam session. 

UPclose at The Apollo premieres on Thursday, June 20, at 8 PM. 

For more information visit, www.apollotheater.org/up-close-adam-blackstone.

5. Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth With Free Times Square Concert

Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth will return for the second year with a free concert being held at Times Square on June 19th starting at 11 am.

According to the press release obtained by BET.com, the highly anticipated event will be hosted by Michael James Scott, who is currently starring as the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad will be honored with the Juneteenth Legacy Award

The event also features Black Broadway performers who will take to the stage and perform varying Broadway musical numbers. 

Steve H. Broadnax III is the writer and director, and Rashad McPherson is the Music Director.

For more information, check out www.diversity.broadway.

6. Negro League Stats To Be Included In MLB Record Book

The stats put up by Negro League players will finally be recognized by the MLB. Now, more than 3,400 players are a part of the official stat sheets of America’s favorite pastime.

“It's a big day. The great thing about it is that we’ve been saying that quite a bit over recent days and weeks as it relates to the Negro Leagues. …," said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League Museum. "This is the result of a lot of intensive effort by some incredible historians and researchers who have completely dedicated themselves to trying to do something that people thought probably wasn't possible.”

Because of the inclusion of Negro League stats, the legendary hitter and Baseball Hall of Famer Josh Gibson holds many records including the all-time leader in career batting average .372, edging out Ty Cobb's .366, his slugging percentage at .718 surpasses  Babe Ruth's .690, and OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) which is 1.177, beats Ruth's 1.164. Gibson is also the new single-season leader in each of those categories.

7. AND1 Signs LSU Basketball Champion Alexis Morris

Former LSU national champion and current Harlem Globetrotter Alexis Morris has signed a deal to be the “First Lady” of AND1. With the signing, AND1 is expanding its platform to reach the explosive women’s basketball scene.

 "As the First Lady of AND1, my personal mission is to empower women from all demographics, inspire the youth, and continue to break barriers for women in sports and streetball," Morris said about the partnership."I always aim to be a part of something bigger than myself and I hope to collaborate with streetball legends like the Mixtape OG's and other communities to create the change I would love to see." 

Morris will also be featured at AND1’s Open Run on June 23rd, in Coney Island where she’ll make her debut as an ambassador with the brand.