We told ya that Meshell Ndegeocello's new album 'Pour Une Ame Souveraine' (coming October 9) is a tribute to Nina Simone. “She had things to say, she protested. She was a loud, proud black, female voice during a time when black female voices were not encouraged to make themselves heard.”, says the artist. The tracklisting has been revealed (see below). It features collabs with Sinead O’Connor, Toshi Reagon, Valerie June, Cody ChesnuTT, Lizz Wright, Tracy Wannomae. Who's eager to…

Take that homophobia! Rapper Murs breaks barriers in his latest video 'Animal Style', going as far as playing the role of a gay boy, kissing a man on camera, and sporting a "Legalize Gay" T-shirt (calling for the repeal of California's ban on same-sex marriage Prop 8).

This shouldn't be a big deal, but let's face it, it still is.

Murs says: "Animal Style is a song I did for many reasons. The first was to be an advocate for people close to me who are out, and those who…

Voting is over! Congratulations to the following TOP VOTED 16 Bands in our 'Battle Of The Bands' for a chance to perform at the Afropunk Festival 2012: School Ov Thought, Tess, (I Am) Isis, Blind Benny, Femi The DriFish & The Out Of Water eXperience, London Bridgez, Sweatshop, Joe Jordans Experiment,…

We know many of you guys are real excited about the upcoming Jimi Hendrix biopic starring Andre 3000. As we've told you before, Hendrix's estate refused to authorize the use of original music or copyrights created by Jimi Hendrix. So the team had to get creative to work around this. Producers told magazine Rolling Stone that they will use new recordings of songs that…

Afropunk is more than music and fashion it’s a lifestyle. It’s the spirit of youth- having a vision and not waiting for permission to see it manifested. I'd like to tell you about the Lil Raggamuffin Summer Camp – an arts and entrepreneurship summer program located in the mountains of Jamaica. Many members of the Afropunk community are volunteering this year (and have been for the past 6 years!).…

Another find right from the AP community: Ms. Johnnie Heartbreak and the rAdiCaL Legs. If the demo for 'Shotgun' is any indication, we should be in for some kick-ass tunes when they're done recording their project. Rocking and rolling with a dash of hip-hop. "Urban rock", as they put it. The vocals go back and forth between smooth sensuality and defiant fierceness. You can say you heard them here first. :) - Lou…

Did you hear about singer Frank Ocean's online post in which he reveals that he once fell in love with a male friend? "4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. WE spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. I’d hear his conversation and his silence until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realized I was…

AP Fam, we have a pair of tix to the following screening Fri July 6th + a pair of tix to the Fishbone show at Brooklyn Bowl Sun. July 8th at 8pm. Email us by 5pm EST today July 4th 2012 at afropunkcommunity@gmail.com with "FISHBONE" as the subject for a chance to win. xo



PALE GRIOT FILM PRESENTS A SCREENING OF

“EVERYDAY SUNSHINE: THE STORY OF…

With a lead singer called Mat Bastard, France-based punk band Skip The Use is causing a commotion around the country. After making the festival rounds and putting out a couple of records, they released their second album 'Can Be Late' earlier this year. These guys look and sound like trouble... :) Let us know what you think. - Lou C-D…

We'd like to hear news like that every freaking day: UK rock/pop duo Noisettes' album 'Contact' will be released August 27th, preceded by first single 'Winner' on August 13th. In the meanwhile, here's the artwork for the LP + behind-the-scenes footage of the upcoming 'Winner' video (+ in case you missed it a snippet from the song). xo

- L C-D…

Here is your chance to perform at AFROPUNK FEST 2012!!!

Badass musical 'Fela!' is back on Broadway for a limited time. Have you seen it? Scroll down for a discount offer from the production:…

This year's Afropunk Festival will be off the hook, you know that, right? CALLING all AFROPUNKS! We are in need of volunteers and interns in the NYC area for this summer. Please contact us at Volunteers@afropunk.com if you are interested. …

AP Quickie! Frank Ocean revealed the artwork and tracklist for is upcoming album 'Channel Orange' (due out July 17th). Among the guests: Andre 3000, Odd Future colleague Earl Sweatshirt and... John Mayer. Check it out below, and in case you missed it, grab a free download of (nearly 10-minute long) first single 'Pyramids', which surfaced earlier this month.

'Black Traffic'. That's the title of classic UK rock band Skunk Anansie's upcoming album, to be released on September 17 (the first to be released through their own label, in partnership with 100% Records). Lead singer Skin says it better: "We've wanted to be in charge of our own destiny for many years. The doom and gloom merchants may whine about the music industry, but we've seen it as a positive chance to re-invent how we work and take more control over our art form. (...)…

As you may know, Lauryn Hill was charged with tax evasion and could even face prison time. The artist released a statement explaining that she didn't pay taxes in order to remain free from "a media protected military industrial complex". She tackles many topics (see full statement below), let us know what you guys think.

Lauryn Hill's statement:

“For the past several years, I have remained what others would consider underground. I did this in order to build a community…

Time for the BIG announcement. Fasten your seat belts, this year's Afropunk Festival line-up is banging! Erykah Badu & the Cannabinoids, Janelle Monae, Gym Class Heroes, Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely, Straight Line Stitch, Das Racist, Skindred, Toro Y Moi, Reggie Watts, Spank Rock, Ninjasonik, The Memorials, Bad Rabbits, Gordon Voidwell, Cerebral Ballzy, Phony Ppl, Body Language & more to be announced. In a word: get your @ss to Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn August 25th…

You already know we love comedian/musician Reggie Watts (so much that he's on this year's Afro-punk Festival line-up!). Reggie's got a new show called 'Comedy Bang! Bang!' premiering tonight at 10 p.m. EDT on IFC. IFC says: "In each episode, Scott Aukerman engages his guests with unfiltered and improvisational lines of questioning, punctuated by banter and beats provided by bandleader, one-man musical mastermind Reggie Watts, to reinvent the traditional celebrity…

AP Fam, let's wish a speedy recovery to Tash Neal of The London Souls. The following statement was released yesterday:

"As many of you know Tash Neal was a victim of a hit and run taxi cab accident last week on Bleecker and Broadway in New York City. The cab he was in was struck by a BMW that was drag racing down Broadway. According to his doctor when he arrived at the hospital he was unresponsive…

Ever heard of soulful hard rock? Well get with the program 'cause that's the kind of music The Memorials manage to make. Founded by drummer Thomas Pridgen (formerly of The Mars Volta), the group showcases their musicianship and creativity in their new album 'Delirium'. Click here to buy the record (preview a…