CULTURETECHLENSWho’s Who
The CultureTechLens Who’s Who: the artists, icons, and cultural figures shaping Black culture right now — each with a CTL video Short, a profile, and Medusa keywords for the machines.
Pitbull
PITCOIN: 24 Tracks, KISS, Bon Jovi & Mr. Worldwide's Biggest Swing
Mr. Worldwide just dropped PITCOIN — his 14th studio album, 24 tracks, featuring KISS, Bon Jovi, Enrique Iglesias, Lil Jon, Jason Derulo, Akon, Wiz Khalifa and Ne-Yo. CultureTechLens breaks down why this album matters.
Chaka Khan
Chakzilla: The Queen Returns to the Dance Floor
Chaka Khan is back on the dance floor with Chakzilla — her first album since 2019, featuring Sia, Snoop Dogg and Lenny Kravitz. The Queen's reign continues.
Victoria Monét
The Grammy Winner's Next Chapter
Victoria Monét follows up her Grammy-winning breakthrough with a stunning new chapter. The R&B songwriter-turned-superstar keeps raising the bar.
Rakim
The God MC's New Project
Rakim — the God MC, the architect of modern lyricism — has a new project. Half of Eric B. & Rakim, forever the standard.
B2K
Reunion: "Mileage" Is Out, Eclipse Album Coming
B2K is back together. "Mileage" is out and a new album called Eclipse is in the works. Omarion, Lil Fizz, Raz-B and J-Boog return.
Tinashe
A New Chapter for the R&B Innovator
Tinashe enters a bold new chapter — the independent R&B innovator who built her own lane keeps pushing forward.
Rhiannon Giddens
Hope Is the Thing with Feathers
Rhiannon Giddens keeps Black musicians in the story of American roots music. Her new album Hope Is the Thing with Feathers celebrates musicians responding to each other in the room.
Amaarae
BLACK STAR: Ghana's R&B Star Goes Global
Amaarae's BLACK STAR album is here — the Ghanaian R&B and Afrobeats star with tracks featuring Charlie Wilson. Global sound, Black star power.
Black Sherif
"Changes," "Iron Boy" & the Konongo Takeover
Black Sherif won't stop — "Changes," "Iron Boy" and more. The Konongo, Ghana phenomenon keeps dropping heat.
K. Michelle
From R&B to Country: The Genre Jump
K. Michelle crosses into country — the R&B star's bold genre move is one of fall 2026's most talked-about pivots.
Quavo
Taking Hip-Hop Somewhere New
Quavo pushes hip-hop in a new direction this fall — the Migos star's solo evolution continues.
Shabazz Palaces
Afrofuturist Hip-Hop's New Transmission
Shabazz Palaces beams in a new project — Ishmael Butler's Afrofuturist hip-hop collective keeps transmitting from the future.
Sade
Celebrated in BBC's 100 Years of Black British Music
Sade anchors the BBC's "The Music Is Black Mixtape" — 100 years of Black British music, 200+ artists.
Stormzy
Grime's King in BBC's Black Music Century
Stormzy stands tall in the BBC's 100-year Black British music celebration — grime's biggest star.
RAYE
The Breakout Star in BBC's Black Music History
RAYE shines in the BBC's "The Music Is Black Mixtape" — the breakout British star takes her place in 100 years of Black UK music history.
Kendrick Lamar
133.5M Halftime Record Sets the Bar for Super Bowl LX
Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show pulled 133.5 million viewers — the most-watched halftime performance ever.
Dave Chappelle
The Walkaway That Became Legend
Dave Chappelle walked away from $50 million — and became a legend on his own terms.
Richard Pryor
The Blueprint of Modern Stand-Up
Richard Pryor didn't just do stand-up — he invented the blueprint every comic since has followed.
Freddie Jackson (1956–2026)
Rest in Peace to the Quiet Storm King — Tribute
Rest in peace, Freddie Jackson (October 2, 1956 – October 5, 2026). The Harlem-born voice of the quiet storm — "Rock Me Tonight," "You Are My Lady," "Jam Tonight."
Mike Ditka (1939–2026)
Rest in Peace, Da Coach — Tribute
Rest in peace, Mike Ditka (October 18, 1939 – October 9, 2026). Iron Mike. Da Coach. The Hall of Fame tight end who led the 1985 Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XX glory.