Buffalo-born, Atlanta-based lyricist Che Noir continues to cement her place among independent hip-hop’s sharpest voices. Over the past several years, she’s built a catalog defined by patience and precision — project by project, feature by feature, bar by bar. Now she’s adding the next chapter with It Takes A Village, arriving October 23, 2026, and widely regarded as her most personal, fully realized project yet.

The Story Behind “Grandma’s Cookies”

Following the release of lead single “Urban Essence,” produced by Mobb Deep’s Havoc, Che Noir returns with “Grandma’s Cookies,” now streaming at all DSPs alongside its accompanying video.

The track draws from memories that linger long after childhood ends. “Grandma’s Cookies is really inspired by the memories that stay with you long after you’ve grown up,” Che Noir explains. “This is me just rapping, no gimmicks, and no distractions. Playa Haze gave me this gritty smooth backdrop, and the title is so nostalgic; but at its core, the song is really about the kind of substance and authenticity I feel like hip-hop is always going to need.”

That authenticity shows. The production from Playa Haze sets a warm, understated tone, giving Che Noir room to showcase the technical rapping that’s earned her respect across generations of hip-hop fans.

A Village of Collaborators

True to its title, It Takes A Village brings together an impressive roster of talent. The project features guest appearances from Black Thought, Havoc, Ransom, and Bruiser Wolf, with production credits spanning Conductor Williams, Mathematics, Chuck Strangers, and Nottz. It’s a lineup that speaks volumes about the deep respect Che Noir commands within hip-hop’s most discerning circles.

With contributors spanning different eras and regions of the genre, the album promises a cohesive yet varied listening experience — one shaped by artists who’ve each left their own mark on hip-hop’s evolution.

Mark Your Calendar

It Takes A Village drops October 23, 2026. With “Urban Essence” and “Grandma’s Cookies” already setting the tone, anticipation is building for what could be Che Noir’s defining statement yet. Stream “Grandma’s Cookies” now and watch the video to experience the first full taste of this highly collaborative project.

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Twenty-three years in the rap game isn’t just longevity — it’s a masterclass. Starlito recently sat down with Tim Gent on Sway’s Universe to break down what he calls his “Jordan Year,” 23 seasons as a professional recording artist, and the conversation went deep. They covered the industry’s toughest realities, mental health, and why staying rooted in Nashville has meant everything to his career.

Nashville gets called Music City, but hip-hop has always lived in the shadow of country and rock there. That’s changing, thanks in part to Starlito and his Step Brothers partner Don Trip, plus Black-owned infrastructure like Make a Play Hospitality reshaping the scene. This is the story of an artist who refused to age out of a game that once told him his clock was ticking.

Redefining Longevity in Hip-Hop

When Starlito started out, the industry narrative was brutal: hip-hop was a young man’s sport, and you either made your mark fast or got left behind. “I thought it was a young man’s sport at the time,” he admitted. “Early on, it was almost like you could age yourself out of this whole game.”

Watching veterans like Scarface, 8Ball & MJG, and Bun B thrive on legacy runs shifted his thinking. Hip-hop is finally giving its elders the same respect other genres have always extended. Starlito says he feels “sharper than ever” — proof that experience adds depth instead of expiration dates.

The 10-Year Grind Nobody Talks About

Starlito got real about the money side, too. He signed his first deal at 19, but didn’t see actual industry money for almost a decade. Nothing was handed to him. He built it by:

• Grinding the Chitlin’ Circuit, performing anywhere that would have him
• Selling CDs out of his trunk
• Dropping five or six free projects a year to keep fans fed

Everything changed in 2013 when digital distribution flipped the industry on its head. Going independent and connecting directly with fans let Starlito see the real size of his audience. A project he planned to give away for free ended up on the Billboard charts through Empire — proof his fanbase could sustain a career without a traditional label.

That “rinse and repeat” approach — consistent free music, constant output — planted seeds that eventually paid off. Starlito points out that the young-man’s-sport myth pushes artists to quit right before their breakthrough.

Music as a Saving Grace

The climb wasn’t a straight line. Starlito opened up about mental health struggles in an industry that demands toughness. Being autobiographical in his music became his outlet for substance abuse, migraines, and what he calls his “war with himself.”

In 2011, at a genuine crossroads, he released every song sitting on his hard drive as At War with Myself. Those songs born from his lowest moments became some of his biggest records. “Creatively, as an artist, this is our outlet,” he said. “I just pour it out here, and a lot of times it’s been my saving grace.”

Tim Gent shared how 2012’s Funerals and Court Dates helped him navigate life after high school. Starlito hears similar stories often — fans who played his music in hospitals or during their darkest hours. That connection, he says, matters more than any paycheck.

Why Stay in Nashville?

Plenty of artists relocate to LA, New York, or Atlanta once they make it. Starlito never did. His reason is simple: family. Unless his whole circle could come with him, leaving never made sense.

Nashville’s infrastructure is catching up, too. Make a Play Hospitality — a group of young Black entrepreneurs — now runs venues including No Special, Jar 10, Bungalow 10, and the soon-to-return Minerva. That kind of local ownership gives homegrown artists real places to build and thrive.

Key Takeaways for Independent Artists

• Plant seeds early. Today’s work might not pay off for years, but it builds your foundation.
• Own your narrative. A direct-to-consumer model can outperform a label deal once you’ve earned a loyal audience.
• Vulnerability connects. Honest, autobiographical work deepens your bond with listeners.
• Adapt or fade. Starlito’s career survived CDs, mixtapes, and streaming because he kept evolving.
• Don’t delay someone’s destiny. As the host put it, holding back your art can delay the impact it was meant to have on someone else.

Starlito’s story is resilience in real time. He’s hit his Jordan Year with the hunger of a 19-year-old and the wisdom of a vet, becoming a defining voice for Nashville and hip-hop at large. Whether he’s rapping about street life, fatherhood, or mental health, his music keeps showing up as a beacon for people fighting their own battles — and he’s proving you can age into greatness, not out of it.

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Country music’s history is often told through a narrow lens, one that leaves out the Black artists, songwriters, and innovators who built its foundation. In a recent conversation on Sway In The Morning, two Nashville titans, Alice Randall and Shannon Sanders, set the record straight.

Alice Randall made history as the first Black woman to write a number-one country song, “XXX’s and O’s (An American Girl),” and has spent over four decades on Music Row. Shannon Sanders, a three-time Grammy and Emmy winner and Executive Director of Creative at BMI Nashville, joined her for a masterclass on the past, present, and future of Black country music.

Detroit Roots and Front-Row Genius

Alice Randall’s story doesn’t start in Nashville. She was born in Detroit the same year as Motown Records, surrounded by Black excellence as the norm. Her father’s friendship with the Gordy family gave her a front-row seat to music history. She remembers watching Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye in their early days; Gaye even worked briefly for her father, letting Alice hear demos before they became demos. She also credits Anna Gordy, who founded Anna Records a year before her brother Berry launched Motown, for shaping her belief in what Black creators could achieve. That upbringing became her armor when she arrived in Nashville, not seeking permission, but already knowing Black artists had laid the genre’s groundwork.

The Banjo, Jimmie Rodgers, and an Erased Legacy

Randall’s research dismantles the “whitewashed” version of country music history. Black people invented the banjo, she notes, a fact the industry long ignored. She points to “Blue Yodel No. 9,” one of country music’s most celebrated recordings by Jimmie Rodgers, as proof. The session also featured Louis Armstrong and his wife, Lil Hardin Armstrong, a classically trained pianist and Fisk University alumna who played on every bar of the track. For years, historians denied any Black involvement, then begrudgingly acknowledged Louis while still erasing Lil. Johnny Cash called it the greatest country song ever recorded. Randall calls the genre what it truly is: an Afro-Celtic hybrid, co-created by Black musicians since its earliest days.

Beyoncé, Cowboy Carter, and Nashville’s Reckoning

The conversation turned to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, which Sanders called “enormous” in impact. “It gave a lot of people permission to really come home,” he said, describing the Black experience in country music as being locked out of a house they helped build. “Beyoncé didn’t just knock; she kicked the door in and said, ‘We belong here.'” Still, both guests agree Nashville’s establishment has far to go. Randall, a 40-year CMA voting member, recalled skipping the awards after Beyoncé’s Lemonade-era country work was snubbed, comparing the fight for inclusion to throwing elbows for every inch of ground.

Build the House Yourself

Sanders offered a different lens for Black creators: stop seeking validation from gatekeepers who never built space for them. “I think we spend a lot of time as Black creators in that space seeking acceptance and validation instead of building this out for ourselves,” he said. His advice is to start with the community rather than waiting on mainstream rejection. Institutions like Fisk University and Tennessee State University play a key role here, archiving history and reminding the next generation that they aren’t invading country music, they’re reclaiming it.

Black Joy as Radical Healing

Randall’s latest project, My Black Country, treats music as a tool for healing, turning what’s “too hard to bear” into beauty. For her, Black joy itself is a radical act, one she finds in her own songwriting and in rising artists like Mickey Guyton and Rissi Palmer.

The Future Is Black Country

Nashville’s road to equity remains long, but Randall and Sanders show the movement is gaining real momentum. By reclaiming their history, Black artists are ensuring country music finally reflects everyone who built it. As Randall puts it, the goal is finding a place where you feel “at one with yourself,” whether through a book, a song, or a conversation that finally tells the truth.

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Philadelphia’s Young Chris is reminding listeners that the pen, the experience, and the Philly energy are still intact with his latest single, “Making Drops,” now available across all DSPs. The record serves as the first taste of his upcoming project, Catch A Vibe, arriving October 21, 2026, and marks another chapter in a career that has already taken him from the streets of North Philadelphia to the Roc-A-Fella era and beyond.

A cornerstone of Philadelphia hip-hop, Young Chris first made his mark alongside childhood friend Neef Buck as one-half of Young Gunz, while simultaneously becoming a key member of Beanie Sigel’s State Property collective. The duo’s breakout came with “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” which became a Top 15 Billboard Hot 100 hit and earned Young Gunz a 2004 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Their success led to the albums Tough Luv and Brothers from Another, with Tough Luv making an impressive No. 3 debut on the Billboard 200. 

But Young Chris’ story goes deeper than one hit. Before the success, Jay-Z famously name-checked “Chris and Neef” on “Takeover” from The Blueprint, helping introduce the Young Gunz to a much larger audience. Chris and Neef also appeared in the original State Property film, adding acting to their growing résumé. Throughout his career, Chris has continued building outside of the Young Gunz name, releasing a steady stream of solo projects and collaborations while working with artists including Kanye West, Cam’ron, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Meek Mill, and Dave East. 

That consistency has been especially visible in 2026. Earlier this year, Chris connected with MadeinTYO for Made In Philly before following up with his three-track EP Brief Intermission in August. He also participated in a major State Property reunion at Philadelphia’s Roots Picnic alongside JAY-Z, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk and Memphis Bleek, bringing a piece of Philadelphia hip-hop history back to the stage. Now, with “Making Drops,” Young Chris is shifting the energy toward what comes next.

Catch A Vibe feels like another opportunity for Chris to show why longevity matters. He has already experienced the major-label machine, the group success, the Grammy recognition, the mixtape grind, independent releases and collaborations with a new generation of artists. “Making Drops” taps into that seasoned perspective while keeping the sound current, setting the stage for a project that promises to represent where Young Chris has been, where Philadelphia hip-hop is today, and where he’s headed next. Pre-save “Catch A Vibe” HERE

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R&B is having a moment, and Sway’s Universe correspondent Khrissy B is here to make sure you don’t miss a beat. From surprise chart-toppers to long-awaited debuts, this week’s roundup spans the genre’s biggest names and its most exciting rising voices. Here are four new releases demanding a spot in your rotation.

Jhené Aiko Surprises Fans with Westside Whisky – Westside Whimsy

Six years after the release of her beloved Chilombo (2020), Jhené Aiko is back. The American singer-songwriter surprise-announced her fourth studio album, Westside Whisky – Westside Whimsy, on social media the same week it dropped on September 11, 2026, via ArtClub International and Def Jam Recordings.

The project features an impressive collaborator list, including Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Larry June, Ohma, and Tyga. That star power paid off: the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 74,000 album-equivalent units, marking Aiko’s first-ever chart-topping album.

For longtime fans, this is a milestone moment. Aiko has always had a loyal following, but a number-one debut cements her as a genuine force in R&B rather than just a critical favorite.

Cleo Sol Gets Honest on Gentlewoman

Cleo Sol’s new album, Gentlewoman, finds the UK singer speaking from a place of raw honesty. Across the project, she reflects on life’s challenges while leaning on her faith and her belief that better days are always ahead.

Through the album’s highs and lows, love remains the constant thread. It’s a theme that feels especially resonant given Sol’s reputation for crafting intimate, soul-baring music that rewards close listening. If you’re after a record that feels more like a conversation with a close friend than a performance, Gentlewoman delivers.

Daley Launches 27-City Tour Behind Strange Nature

Multi-faceted R&B and soul singer-songwriter Daley has officially released his long-awaited studio album, STRANGE NATURE. The 10-track project is available now via SRG-ILS (Virgin Music/UMG).

Daley isn’t just dropping an album and disappearing, either. He’s kicked off an ambitious 27-city STRANGE NATURE US Tour, launching the run of live shows in St. Louis, Missouri. For fans who’ve waited years for new Daley music, this tour offers a rare chance to experience the new material live, city by city, across the country.

Jaymin Brings ’90s-Inspired Sensuality to Static

Rounding out this list is Jaymin, whose new EP STATIC showcases a warm, unhurried voice that flows like a calm river. The 11-track project is filled with timelessness and delicate production choices, channeling the sensual mood that defined R&B’s golden era throughout the ’90s and 2000s.

That magnetism is rare in today’s releases, which makes Jaymin’s approach feel both nostalgic and refreshing. Sway’s Universe fans may already recognize him from his standout performance in our SU Garage Series alongside Tank and The Arti$t.

STATIC builds on that momentum, proving Jaymin is more than a one-off collaborator — he’s an artist carving out his own lane.

Keep the Playlist Going

Four albums, four completely different takes on what R&B can sound like right now. Whether you gravitate toward Jhené Aiko’s chart-dominating comeback, Cleo Sol’s faith-driven honesty, Daley’s road-ready soul, or Jaymin’s throwback sensuality, there’s something here worth hitting replay on.

Catch more exclusive music coverage, artist breakdowns, and interviews only on Sway’s Universe. Stay tuned to our channels for the next round of Hot Topics.

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“She never had to hit him to break him.”

That powerful message sits at the heart of Man Of The House, the long-running stage production created by writer, producer, director and actor A’ndre Davis. For more than a decade, the dramedy has used laughter, music and storytelling to open a conversation that too often happens in silence: men can be victims of domestic violence, too.

Now, Man Of The House is continuing that mission with upcoming performances in Chicago on October 10, 2026, followed by New Brunswick, New Jersey, on October 31, 2026.

Tickets are on sale now, but fans shouldn’t wait too long. Upcoming performances are selling quickly as the production continues to bring its combination of entertainment and social awareness to audiences around the country.

Domestic Violence With a Different Perspective

Man Of The House follows James, played by Davis, as he struggles to save his relationship and get his life back on track while the woman he loves controls his home—and seemingly every other part of his world.

It’s domestic violence told from a perspective that isn’t explored nearly enough: the man is the victim, not the abuser.

And physical violence is only part of the conversation.

The production specifically examines the emotional, mental and psychological forms of abuse that can exist inside relationships. Its message challenges the assumption that domestic violence must leave a physical bruise for the damage to be real.

As the production’s awareness campaign puts it: “Emotional abuse leaves no bruises. But it leaves scars.”

That message has been central to Man Of The House since its debut. According to the production, its goal is not only to entertain audiences but also to challenge assumptions and broaden the public’s understanding of domestic violence. MOTH 2026 College Pres. (1)

Finding the Balance Between Laughter and a Serious Message

Despite the weight of its subject matter, Man Of The House isn’t presented as a lecture.

It’s a dramedy.

Davis intentionally uses humor to keep audiences engaged and emotionally connected to the characters. Importantly, the abuse itself is never the joke. Instead, comedy creates room for audiences to laugh, relate and lower their guard before confronting some uncomfortable realities.

The story digs into domestic violence alongside unresolved emotional issues, relationship dynamics and generational cycles that can continue when trauma goes unaddressed.

It’s an approach that has allowed the production to become more than a night at the theater.

Man Of The House premiered at Luna Stage in West Orange, New Jersey, in August 2014. Since then, the show has traveled throughout the Tri-State area and beyond, including stops at colleges and universities where it has been incorporated into domestic violence educational programming. The production’s history includes appearances at institutions such as Rutgers University-Newark, Coppin State University, William Paterson University, the University of the Arts and NJIT, among others.

Star Power Has Helped Bring the Story to Life

Another element of the show’s longevity has been its rotating lineup of established entertainers and emerging talent.

Over the years, Man Of The House has welcomed celebrity guest features including J-Boog of B2K, Willie Taylor of Day26, R&B singer and actor Christopher Williams, Trinity Whiteside of Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Cortez Smith of The Chi and Oshea Russell of All The Queen’s Men. MOTH 2026 College Pres. (1)

The current production continues that tradition with R&B powerhouse Monifah, whose career includes the hits “I Miss You (Come Back Home),” “You Don’t Have to Love Me” and “Touch It.”

Also joining the production is Christian “C. King” King, an actor, comedian and recording artist whose credits include MTV’s Wild ‘N Out, along with Oshea Russell, known for Tyler Perry’s All The Queen’s Men.

At the center of it all is Davis himself.

In addition to writing, directing and producing the production, Davis stars as James. His career has included sharing stages with artists including Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Boyz II Men, Tamia, India.Arie, The Temptations, Tank, Joe, Brian McKnight and Patti LaBelle. His acting credits include Dreamgirls, After The Walk and Underneath It All.

Twelve Years Later, the Conversation Still Matters

Perhaps the most powerful thing about Man Of The House is that the conversation it began in 2014 remains necessary today.

Men experiencing abuse can face shame, disbelief and deeply rooted ideas about masculinity that make speaking up difficult. Man Of The House asks audiences to reconsider what a victim looks like—and to recognize that abuse doesn’t become less damaging because the person experiencing it is male.

It’s why the show’s message reaches beyond theater.

Audiences can come for the comedy, recognizable faces and performances, but they may leave having an entirely different conversation about relationships, emotional abuse and the people who suffer quietly behind closed doors.

Chicago — October 10, 2026
New Brunswick, NJ — October 31, 2026

Tickets are on sale now, and upcoming shows are selling out quickly.

After 12 years, Man Of The House is still entertaining audiences. More importantly, it’s still challenging them to listen to voices that too often go unheard.

Because domestic violence has no gender—and sometimes the scars no one can see are the ones that need to be talked about the most.

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Wu-Tang Clan’s own Mathematics is back with a powerful new release, dropping the single and video “God Body”featuring hip-hop heavyweights Method Man and AZ. Built around Mathematics’ signature production, the record brings together two of the culture’s most respected lyricists for a soulful, reflective, and bar-heavy collaboration. “God Body” serves as the first look into Mathematics’ forthcoming album, Black Samson: The Saga Continues, arriving November 6, 2026.

The project follows Mathematics’ acclaimed 2025 release Black Samson: The Bastard Swordsman, which topped the iTunes Rap chart. Produced entirely by Mathematics, Black Samson: The Saga Continues continues his tradition of bringing together elite lyricists, with appearances from Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa, U-God, AZ, Ransom, Cormega, Rome Streetz, Che Noir, Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Grafh, NEMS, Cory Gunz, and more. The album feels like another chapter in Mathematics’ ongoing mission to preserve the essence of lyricism while connecting generations of hip-hop.

Beyond the music, Mathematics remains deeply embedded in Wu-Tang history. As the creator of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan logo, the group’s longtime Tour DJ, and a producer with credits on every Wu-Tang album since their classic debut, his fingerprints are all over the culture. With Black Samson: The Saga Continues on the way and an expanded re-release of his debut album Love Hell Or Right following November 13, Mathematics is showing that his role in the Wu-Tang legacy continues to evolve—both behind the boards and at the forefront of the music.

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For decades, we have known Tisha Campbell as the vibrant, hilarious, and talented force behind some of the most iconic characters in television history. From Martin to My Wife and Kids, her smile has been a staple in our living rooms. But recently, Tisha sat down for a raw and revealing interview to discuss a side of her life she kept hidden for years: the reality of raising a child on the spectrum and her own journey toward a late-life neurodivergent diagnosis.

In a conversation that was as emotional as it was enlightening, Tisha shared the inspiration behind her new book, a “love letter” to her son, Zen, and why she is finally choosing to take off the mask she wore for the public.

The Celebration of an Unbreakable Bond

Tisha’s latest project isn’t just a memoir; it is a celebration of the unbreakable bond forged through adversity between a parent and a child. For years, topics like autism were treated as “taboo” or embarrassing in many communities, leading families to suffer in silence. Tisha is determined to change that narrative.

Her son, Zen, who is now 25, has been the catalyst for this transformation. While Tisha was initially apprehensive about sharing their private world, a shift in culture, and Zen’s own blessing, convinced her it was time. After seeing the positive reception of shows like Love on the Spectrum, Zen told his mother he felt “validated” by her writing. This validation from her son gave Tisha the green light to share their story with the world, moving beyond the romanticized or purely comedic versions of life often seen in the media.

Life Behind the Mask: The “My Wife and Kids” Era

One of the most shocking revelations from the interview was the timing of Zen’s diagnosis. Tisha revealed that she received the news while she was starring in the hit sitcom My Wife and Kids. Despite the devastating weight of the news, she felt a professional responsibility to maintain the happy, family-oriented environment created by her co-star, Damon Wayans.

“I wore that smile for the public for so long,” Tisha admitted. While she was coordinating therapies, researching gluten-free and casein-free diets, and navigating the complexities of the spectrum behind the scenes, she was “masking” her pain on set. She didn’t want to bring her problems to work, so she leaned into the role of the “strong Black woman”, a trope she now recognizes as damaging to the nervous system.

The Physical Toll of Hiding the Truth

Tisha spoke candidly about the “strong Black woman” trope and how it prevents women from grieving, feeling anxiety, or expressing anger. By suppressing her emotions to maintain a public persona, she began to experience physical illness. The “mask” served her professionally, but it was destroying her health. This realization is what eventually led her to “unmask” and show the world the heart, heartbreak, and hope that defined her reality.

The Challenge of Diagnosis in the Black Community

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the disparities in autism diagnoses. Tisha highlighted a critical issue: Black children are frequently misdiagnosed or diagnosed much later than their Caucasian counterparts.

• Delayed Diagnosis: On average, Black children are diagnosed two to three years later than other children.
• Mislabeling: Often, neurodivergent behaviors in Black children are dismissed as “bad behavior” rather than being recognized as symptoms of autism.
• Early Intervention: Tisha emphasized that “time is not on your side.” Getting a child into early intervention services as soon as possible is vital for their development.

When Zen was first diagnosed in 2002, resources were scarce, and few doctors or teachers truly understood the spectrum. Tisha’s advocacy today is rooted in the hope that other families won’t have to navigate that darkness alone.

A Personal Revelation: Tisha’s AuDHD Diagnosis

In a powerful moment of vulnerability, Tisha shared that she recently received her own diagnosis: AuDHD (a combination of ADHD and Autism). After working with a therapist to process complex PTSD and trauma, she was encouraged to get tested.

She realized that her entire public persona, the loudness, the jokes, the boisterous energy, was a form of masking for her natural shyness and “autistic tendencies.” Growing up in Newark in the 70s and 80s, Tisha felt she couldn’t “look or act different,” so she mastered the art of human emotion to fit in. Ironically, it was this mastery of emotion that allowed her to be a great actress and, more importantly, allowed her to notice that Zen wasn’t emoting the same way as other “neurotypical” babies at just 18 months old.

Key Takeaways for Parents and Advocates

• Trust Your Intuition: Tisha knew something was different from the moment she brought Zen home from the hospital. Even when others dismissed her as a “nervous new mom,” her intuition was correct.
• Seek Validation, Not Just Diagnosis: Understanding your neurodivergence (or your child’s) can provide a profound sense of validation and clarity.
• Community Matters: The love and support from social media and the autism community have helped boost Zen’s confidence to new heights.
• Unmasking is Healing: Letting go of the need to appear “perfect” can save your physical and mental health.

A Message of Hope and Heart

Tisha Campbell’s journey from a “first crush” actress to a fierce advocate for the neurodivergent community is a testament to her strength. By sharing her truth, and Zen’s truth, she is breaking down the barriers of shame and silence. Her story reminds us that while the path of a caregiver or a neurodivergent individual is filled with challenges, it is also filled with hope, humor, and an unbreakable bond of love.

As Tisha continues her book tour and stand-up comedy, she does so without the mask, proving that being your authentic self is the most powerful role you can ever play.

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After years of helping bring other artists’ visions to life, Grammy Award-winning vocalist and songwriter ROE is stepping into the spotlight with a story that is completely her own. Her new EP, Lincoln Blvd, is a personal look at the people, places, and experiences that helped shape her as both an artist and a woman.

Born and raised in Venice, Los Angeles, ROE has already built an impressive career behind the scenes and in the studio. Her resume includes work with artists from Usher, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Chloe x Halle, Kiana Ledé, Kash Doll, Big Sean, and Leon Thomas. Discovered by Macy Gray at just 15 and later signed to Interscope, ROE has gone on to become a Grammy Award-winning vocalist with more than 100 million streams to her name.

But Lincoln Blvd isn’t about listing accomplishments. It’s about going back to where it all started. Named after one of Venice’s most recognizable streets, the EP gives listeners a closer look at ROE’s experience growing up as a black woman in Venice and the culture that surrounded her. From the community to the music and the artists who came before her, the project feels like a love letter to the place that helped shape her sound and perspective.

That connection to Venice also ties into ROE’s relationship with the late Teena Marie, along with the generations of Black creatives who helped make the area such an important part of Los Angeles’ music history. Rather than simply reflecting on that legacy, ROE is adding her own chapter to it.

Her solo journey is already picking up momentum. ROE’s song “Stay” was featured on Barack Obama’s Top Songs of 2025, while her recent first solo performance at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood marked another major step forward. Now, with Lincoln Blvd setting the tone, ROE is preparing for an upcoming full-length album expected later in 2026.

After spending years lending her voice to some of the biggest records in music, ROE is finally giving listeners the chance to hear the story behind the voice.

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Hip-hop’s biggest night is almost here, and the race for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards is stacked with familiar faces — several of whom have history with the Sway’s Universe family.

Cardi B and Kehlani are in the running with “Safe,” a record Cardi opened up about during her raw “Am I The Drama?” sit-down on Sway In The Morning, where she reflected on her creative process and what it takes to stay true to herself under constant scrutiny. Don Toliver’s “E85” and Drake’s “Janice STFU” round out the pack, alongside Megan Thee Stallion’s “LOVER GIRL.” Megan is no stranger to Sway’s studio either, having delivered one of the most memorable freestyles in the show’s history back in 2019, showcasing the bar-for-bar skill that’s carried her career ever since.

Travis Scott’s “DUMBO” and Tyler, The Creator’s “Sugar on My Tongue” complete the nominee list. Both artists have their own Sway In The Morning legacy: Travis once impressed the room with a freestyle so sharp Sway called it “the blueprint,” while Tyler’s 2013 freestyle remains one of the channel’s most-watched moments, racking up over 11 million views. Watching these artists now compete for one of hip-hop’s most coveted video honors is a full-circle moment for longtime fans of the show.

Good luck to all the nominees this week — Sway’s Universe is rooting for you.

When and Where to Watch the 2026 VMAs

The 2026 VMAs air live on Sunday, September 27, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT). The ceremony makes its return to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marking the show’s first LA appearance since Katy Perry hosted at The Forum in 2017.

Catch it live on CBS, simulcast on MTV, or stream it on Paramount+ if you’re on the move.

Make Your Voice Heard

Fans play a huge role in deciding who takes home the golden Moon Person. If you’ve got a favorite in the Best Hip-Hop Video category — or any category, for that matter — don’t forget to cast your vote before the polls close. Every vote counts toward crowning this year’s winners. VOTE HERE.

Who are you rooting for? Drop your pick in the comments and join the conversation.

The post 2026 VMAs: Meet the Best Hip-Hop Video Nominees appeared first on Sway's Universe.