W hen Best of Japanese Soca  arrived on streaming platforms on September 6, 2025, it marked a rare moment of reflection for soca, a genre typically defined by movement, immediacy, and celebration. Curated and produced by Selector HEMO , the DJ credited with introducing soca music to Japan, the compilation asserts soca's evolution in Japan. It documents more than two decades of Japanese-Caribbean musical exchange, positioning soca not as an imported novelty but as a living sou

Born Sam Fallie in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Sam’s musical journey began early, shaped by a childhood split between Memphis and Los Angeles. It was in LA where he first discovered his passion for music, a spark that followed him back to Memphis and into his high school choir, where his talent quickly stood out. After graduation, he formed several groups, including Mellow Mystics, Naked Truth Band, and Perfectionist, that, while short-lived, became stepping stones to something g

WHAT: Mental Health Meets Hip-Hop (MHMHH) presents a community event focused on mental health, healing, and resilience in hip-hop culture, featuring a panel discussion, live music, wellness vendors, and opportunities to engage with professionals and community leaders. WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Youth & young adults Educators & school leaders Mental health professionals Community members & caregivers Artists & creatives WHEN: January 31, 2026 WHERE: Harold Washington Cultural Center 4