Rolling Loud and BMAC Partner to Raise Social Justice Awareness at RL California

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The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) announces a new partnership with Rolling Loud, the world’s largest hip-hop festival, for Rolling Loud California, occurring at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino on December 10th-12th. Together, BMAC and Rolling Loud will prioritize activism, community, and awareness of social justice issues with a series of panel discussions, fundraising initiatives, and more, continuing their mission to fight against all forms of discrimination and inspire them to be the change they want to see in the world. The new partnership between BMAC and Rolling Loud arrives as more and more hip-hop artists feel compelled to raise their voices and speak out against inequality and injustice in the political landscape.

“The Artists community has the reach, the influence and the power to force this nation to live up to its promise.  Artists have always provided the soundtrack that inspired or provoked change in this world.  As others turn down the volume around the issue of racial and social justice, we salute a company who’s willing to keep the noise rolling LOUD!” –Prophet, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of BMAC

Throughout the 3-day festival, Rolling Loud and Black Music Action Coalition will host panel discussions featuring industry thought leaders, activists, and musicians who have used their platforms to advocate for change. Rolling Loud California will display curated art installations with messages promoting social change, will promote fundraising initiatives during the festival, and offer limited edition merch, with profits going to charity. Rolling Loud and BMAC look to foster an environment where fans can express themselves, explore new ideas, and advocate for whatever they believe in.

“Rolling Loud is proud to use our platform to help the Black Music Action Coalition in its mission to keep the fight for racial and social justice alive. Hip-hop is rooted in community, and it’s important for all members of the culture to do their part.” – Tariq Cherif, Co-Founder/CEO of Rolling Loud

“BMAC salutes Rolling Loud for stepping up and their willingness to use the platform to support racial equity and social justice.  This is a bold and strong move from one of the leaders in the live space.  We are moving past hashtags and into true action.” – Shawn Holiday, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of BMAC’s Executive Leadership Council

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Janet Jackson Drops Off as Headliner of 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival Due to ‘Personal Matters’

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Queen City music fans will have to wait a while to see Janet Jackson after the pop star announced on Thursday (March 20) that due to “personal matters” she will not be headlining the second night of this summer’s Cincinnati Music Festival.

“To all my Cincinnati Music Festival fans…. I’m so sorry that I won’t be able to be with you all in July. Some personal matters have come up and I am unable to attend. I look forward to seeing you all soon!” Jackson, 58, said in a statement shared by promoters.

Jackson — who previously headlined the festival in 2022 — was slated to headline on July 26 at Paycor Stadium on a bill that also includes Lucky Daye, 112, The Bar-Kays and a tribute to one of the event’s most beloved perennial stars, late R&B legend Maze frontman Frankie Beverly featuring the TMF Band (formerly Maze) feat. Jubu, as well as special guests Ronald Isley, Joe, After 7, Dave Hollister and Raheem DeVaughn.

“We just learned that Janet Jackson is unable to perform at the 2025 Cincinnati Music Festival presented by P&G due to personal matters,” the event’s promoters said in a statement. “Festival organizers are working quickly to fill her spot on the lineup.”

Night one of this year’s show (July 25) will be headlined by Earth, Wind & Fire and also feature Anthony Hamilton, PJ Morton, Jazmine Sullivan and a Zapp Band tribute to the King Records legacy featuring Dreion. The beloved summertime classic that draws fans from across the country first took place in 1959 in French Lick, IN with a lineup that included the Miles David Quintet, Duke Ellington’s Big Band, Count Basie and Sarah Vaughn.

It has changed names, and profiles, over the years, but has always remained one of the calendar highlights for both the city and music lovers.

After moving to Cincinnati in 1962, it began to shift from a jazz-focused gathering to one that also incorporated a wide range of blues, R&B and soul, featuring such 1970s headliners as Roberta Flack, Ray Charles, Ike & Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye. In the 1980s and 90s it welcomed everyone from Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross, to New Edition, Natalie Cole and Patti LaBelle.

Though the 2000s have continued to focus on those genres with sets from D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, John Legend, Fantasia, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and hometown hero Bootsy Collins, in recent years it has added a third night of programming at the adjacent Brady Music Center spotlighting hip-hop. This year’s opening night will feature sets from Scarface, Goodie Mob, the Sugarhill Gang and Young MC.

While Jackson will not be back this year, at press time the singer’s official site still listed a run of six weekend residency shows at the Theatre at Resorts World Las Vegas between May 21-31.

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