Hot News 16 April 17 2026

We Remember Two Hip Hop Icons. Afrika Bambaataa was the head of the Zulu Nation and was a pioneering force in hop hop in the early 80’s. Known for the songs Planet Rock he was 67 and died after a battle with Cancer.

We also remember Rapper Blondy from the group The Sequence. Gwendolyn Chisolm along with the late Angie Stone. And Cheryl the Pearl Cook were members of the first Female rap group signed to a major label (Sugarhill Records) they had the 1979 hit ‘Funk you Up . Blondy was 66 and she died after a brief illness.

April 18th at The Lansdowne Theater 31 N.Lansdowne Avene Bill Bellamy, Nephew Tommy, Donnell Rawlings and Michael Colyar.

Mark your calendars for April 24th the long-awaited movie on the life of Michael Jackson ‘Michael” hits theaters. Michael Jackson Nephew Jafar the Son of his brother Jermaine is playing the role of the king of Pop. The movie also stars Nia Long as Katherine Jackson and Philly Native Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson.

Katt Williams is bringing his comedy tour The Golden Age of Comedy to the Liacouras Center April 24.

David and Tamela Mann are coming to Philly at The Met Broad and Poplar April 26th

Mary J Blige is headed to Las Vegas. My Life, My Story is her new Residency starts in May.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 hits theaters May 1stth With Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Jodeci, Xscape and Kenny Lattimore Saturday May 9th Mothers Day Music Festival Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City

Mothers Day Sunday May 10th After 7 and Brownstone Caesars Circus Maximus Theater

Mothers day Gospel Concert at the Liacouras Center with Eddie Levert , Maurette Brown Clark and John P Kee to name a few

Queen Latifah will be hosting the 52ND 2026 American Music Awards on Memorial Day Monday May 25th on CBS. The show will be Live from Las Vegas. Latifah last hosted in 1995.

The Morris Chestnut Medical Drama Watson has been cancelled by CBS. It will not be back for a 3rd season.

Back in the 90’s Arsenio Hall was the hottest Talk Show Host around and now he’s back to talk about it in a new book ‘Arsenio.

Sheinelle Jones from the Today Show and Jenna and Sheinelle on NBC has a new book out, Through Mom’s Eyes, Simple Wisdom from Mothers who raised extraordinary Humans. The book is coming out Mid April featured Mothers include Oraacene Price the mother of Venus and Serena. Alma Wahlberg the mother of Mark and Donnie Wahlberg. And Tina Ann Drew the mother of Jessicaa and Ashley Simpson the name a few.

The Roots Picnic May30th and 31st. Performers Include Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, Rapper T.I. Singer Brandi, Adam Blackstone, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jermaine Dupri.

The Summer of 2026 is going to be hot...Preparations are going on now for Wawa Welcome America. 16 Days of food, Fun, Fireworks and Entertainment celebrating the nations 250 birthday. Everything kicks off Juneteeth June 19 with DJ Jazy Jeff at the African American Museum. Other acts included in the celebration include Queen Latifah with the US Army Field and Soldiers Chorus. Rapper/Actress Eve in a celebration of June Black Music Month. Gospel Sensation Kirk Franklin headlining Gospel on Independence. R&B artists PinkSweat$ headlining the new 3 days festival Philly Fair 250. Soon to be announced the headlining act for July 4th on The Parkway.

Tyler Perry is back with a new Madea Spinoff this time featuring Madea’s brother Joe. Joes College Road Trip starts streaming now on Netflix.

Saturday June 6th at the newly renovated Lansdowne Theater Will Downing and Jeffrey Osborne

Saturday June 6th October London, Laylah Hathaway and Eric Benet at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Saturday June 20th Meek Mill and Friends..Lit in AC

Lionel Richie and Earth Wind and Fire at the Xfinity Mobile Arena Thursday July 16th

Tickets are on sale now Jill Scott who is returning home to Philadelphia July 24th,25th and 27th at the Met Broad and Poplar.

Ne-Yo and Akon July 25th at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden New Jersey.

DJ Cassidy is coming to the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City. The night will feature 20 Iconic Hip Hop Artists Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh, Rakim, Slick Rick, Monie Love and Special Ed to name a few. Friday, August 7th.

Bruno Mars the Romantic Tour with Leon Thomas, Anderson Paak, Victoria, Monet Tuesday and Wednesday Sept. 1 and 2 at Lincoln Financial Field.

TLC, Salt N Pepa and Envogue September 13th at the Freedom Mortgage Pavillion

Boyz II Men with the Philly Pops September 18th at the Mann Center for the performing Arts

Music Theater in Philly is also going to be hot as Ensemble Arts Philly Unveil a new Broadway Season featuring Phanton of the Opera, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Great Gatsby and Hells Kitchen to name a few.

Mary J Blige is headed to Las Vegas. My Life, My Story is her new Residency starts in May.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 hits theaters May 1stth With Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Toy Story 5 is set for release next year on June 19th. It’s Toys VS Tech as Buzz, Woodie and Jessie face a new threat to playtime.

Debbie Alen will be one of the Executive Producers when the A Different World reboot debuts on Netflix. The story will focus on the daughter of Dwayne Wade and Whitley.

The nationwide search is for a Dreamgirls revival headed to Broadway Fall of 2026.

After nearly 20 years the Wayans Brothers are returning to the Scary movie franchise. Regina Hall and Anna Farris are returning to the scary movie Franchise in Scary Movie 6 with the Wayans. The movie comes out June 5th 2026

What's next for the Oscar Winning Member of The Roots Quest Love. He’s working on a new documentary about Earh wind and fire.

I am now part of the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame. My bronze plague is on Broad Street. Broad and Pine in front of The University of The Arts.

`

If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day on 105.3 Wdasfm. Or join me on Social Media Twitter:Mspattyjackson Instagram Wdaspatty and Facebook Patty Jackson and on Youtube Patty Jackson