Black History Inspirations: Charlie Wilson's Playlist Brings Together Old & New Generations of R&B

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and  Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

In 2019, the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported that 2018 was a historic year for black filmmakers, noting a “record high when it came to hiring black directors.” The report reflected a significant change, showing the push for diversity both behind and in front of the camera. Though the numbers are increasing, the report also proved that Hollywood still has a long way to go.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The words "I am truly sorry" have not been uttered often in the #MeToo era. So when soprano Luz del Alba Rubio woke up Tuesday to see an apology from opera superstar Placido Domingo, she was in shock.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free. We continue the celebration in 2020, with soul/pop singer Melody Thornton sharing her soundtrack today.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

As a creator and writer, I dreamed of hiring a team of women that looked like the black female leads I create. Women who are bold, innovative, and challenge the status quo. It took months to find one animator. Then weeks to find the next. I brought these artists together and was stunned to find an untapped pool of talent, struggling for a permanent place in the animated world.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

It may be Valentine's Day, but Charlie Wilson wants you to be his love for more than just one day.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and& Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

Back in 2016, Matthew A. Cherry put out a call on Twitter looking for 3D artists to help with a project. On Sunday, Cherry was standing on the stage of the Dolby Theatre celebrating his Oscar win for best animated short for “Hair Love.”

Actors David Alan Grier, Blair Underwood and Celia Rose Gooding have a shared passion for telling powerful stories on stage, but they say it's the personal experiences they had leading up to their big breaks that helped shape how they celebrate and honor each other's successes.

Blake Lively is a very busy woman striking a balance between being a mother to 3 daughters and her professional life but even when she is away from her family, she can’t stop gushing about her beautiful daughters like a proud mother. Blake Lively made an appearance at Michael Kors’ New York Fashion Week show in a fabulous men’s wear-inspired look.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and& Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free.

There’s no shortage of star power in the first trailer for Wes Anderson’s highly anticipated new film,. The director’s 10th feature-length film stars Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, French actress Lyna Khoudri, comedian Stephen Park, and various stars, including Jeffrey Wright, Léa Seydoux and Mathieu Amalric.

We're just over a week into 2020. And to celebrate, we turned to some of the most brilliant African-American writers and thinkers we know to recommend some of their favorite books.From collections of poems and poignant YA page-turners to classic novels, the books in this list are a testament to the varied creative expressions of the black experience.

Last year, as part of Billboard's Black History Month celebration, we asked Black artists spanning all genres to compile unique playlists exclusive to Billboard's Spotify account. Everyone from Normani and Khalid to DJ Premier and Rapsody shared tracks that represented their love for the culture across the diaspora -- from childhood favorites to songs that make them feel free. We continue the celebration in 2020, with Dreamville Records' own Lute sharing his soundtrack today.