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STOKLEY “RARE (NO, NO, NO)”

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GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST STOKLEY RETURNS WITH INFECTIOUS NEW SINGLE “RARE (NO, NO, NO)”

ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING ALBUM “iAmTheCulture,” SET FOR RELEASE LATER THIS YEAR

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and sonic architect Stokley makes a dynamic return with his latest single, “RARE (No, No, No),” via Bluraffe Entertainment. Written and produced by Stokley, the track is already garnering strong support from iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, MusicChoice, and stations around the country in cities including DC, Detroit, Charlotte, Louisville, Raleigh, Greensboro (see below)  and is poised to make noise across airwaves nationwide, serving as the first release from his forthcoming album, iAmTheCulture, due out later this year.

Blending Caribbean influences, addictive rhythms, and Stokley’s signature genre-blending brilliance, “RARE (No, No, No)” is a vibrant anthem of self-worth, identity, and bold expression. The track opens the door to a deeper conversation that will flow throughout the new album.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM “RARE (NO, NO, NO)

Introducing “iAmTheCulture”

Stokley’s forthcoming album, iAmTheCulture, is more than a title — it’s a statement. It reflects a powerful truth about his personal journey, his contributions to music, and the broader cultural impact of Black people throughout American & world history.

“This isn’t just about me, it’s about all of us,” says Stokley. “We make up so much of the American culture. We’re an essential part of the foundation, the soul, the soil. Black culture is the most influential on the planet it seems. Whether it’s art, food, language, style, sports, rhythm, resistance, or innovation, Black culture IS the culture. Infinitely everywhere, even if the world tries to erase it.”

As the voice of the iconic R&B band Mint Condition, Stokley has long been recognized by fans and industry insiders alike as one of music’s most respected vocalists and musicians. His influence has touched generations — he’s toured with legends like Prince and Whitney Houston, recorded with icons including Elton John, Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, and New Edition, and collaborated with a new wave of stars from the likes of  Wale to  Usher. His artistic reach is far and wide, with a legacy that continues to resonate across genres and eras.

iAmTheCulture pays homage to that legacy — not just Stokley’s, but the legacy of Black creators who have molded American culture from the ground up. From the journey of Harriett Tubman leading Black people to freedom to Barack Obama becoming the first Black President, to the birth of Rock & Roll, Jazz, & Hip-Hop.  Black people have created, innovated, and built the foundation of this country, often without recognition.

“We’ve contributed everything and we still have to fight for our space. But this album is about reclaiming it. Our joy, our genius, our rhythm, our brilliance. That’s the culture. That’s me, That’s us,” Stokley adds.

Continuing the “Sankofa” Legacy

iAmTheCulture follows the success of Stokley’s 2021 album Sankofa, which delivered five Billboard Adult R&B Top 10 singles, including the Snoop Dogg-assisted tracks “Vibrant” and “Casscade” featuring The Bonfyre, hit love letter “WOMAN” featuring Ghanian superstar KiDi, and collaborations with H.E.R., Wale, and more. The album’s standout single “She” hit #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart, solidifying Stokley’s reintroduction as a solo force while honoring the sounds and stories of the past.

Fresh Off Tour – Back to the Studio

Stokley recently wrapped the first leg of his 2025 tour, which began in January and brought his electrifying live show to cities nationwide. He’s now back in the studio finalizing iAmTheCulture, with the second leg of his tour picking back up in August.

Experience Stokley live and witness a master of music in motion:

🎶 Upcoming Show Dates

  • August 8, 2025 – Reynoldsburg, OH
  • August 10, 2025 – Willingboro, NJ
  • August 23, 2025 – Cleveland, OH
  • August 29, 2025 – Dallas, TX
  • August 30, 2025 – Sterling Heights, MI
  • August 31, 2025 – Napa, CA
  • September 12, 2025 – Baltimore, MD
  • September 13, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN
  • October 18, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV
  • November 7, 2025 – Hampton, VA
  • November 8, 2025 – New Orleans, LA
  • November 9, 2025 – Glendale, AZ
  • November 26, 2025 – Montgomery, AL

Additional dates to be announced soon.

Follow Stokley:
 Instagram | Twitter/X | Facebook | TikTok | Website

STANLEY CLARKE DELIVERS “THE MESSAGE”

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Stanley Clarke is undeniably one of music’s most renowned bassists–with an astounding career spanning over forty-five years. On June 29th, 2018, Stanley released his latest album titled “The Message.” Clarke was accompanied by his virtuoso band mates Cameron Graves, Mike Mitchell, and Beka Gochiashvili. Also joining the band and having lent their talents to “The Message” are Doug E. Fresh, Mark Isham, Steve Blum, Skeyler, Trevor Wesley, and Doug Webb. This album was crafted while the band’s European tour was briefly interrupted in Paris. Fortunately for us, that unexpected extra time in Paris was put to great use, and it led to the creation of this project. Clarke says that his first thought once he heard the material was “how honest it was.” He would like everyone who hears this project to know that “The Message” is a “message of love.”

Listen as Stanley and I talk all things music and “The Message”: 

Stanley Clarke Band

Stanley Clarke Band

 

THE LEGENDARY SPYRO GYRA

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In a studio in Rhinebeck, NY, the members of Spyro Gyra agreed to spend 3 days collectively improvising. After writing and recording for those 3 days, their new album, “The Rhinebeck Sessions,” was created. The legendary group has been making music and pleasing fans for over 35 years. Jay Beckenstein, the saxophone player, played all through school. His father exposed him to artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. While in Germany with his father on an Army base, he had the opportunity to play in bands and was introduced to R&B. He later returned to the states and attended college in NY. When Jay graduated, he spent time working in bands around town and eventually reconnected with his friend Jeremy Wall. Together they would evolve into what we now know as Spyro Gyra. Much to their surprise, their early project skyrocketed, and the group sold over tens of thousands of records in a year. They immediately captured the attention of an audience that loved their music. Jay describes the group as an instrumental ensemble that rarely has vocals. He credits the band’s tendency to be natural, pure, unpretentious musicians who put the welfare of the band before themselves with its longevity. This is evident still when listening to “The Rhinebeck Sessions.” Although some may think it’s edgier than previous albums, it’s also Spyro Gyra at their best. Jay would like the legacy of Spyro Gyra to be that their music impacted a new generation.

Spyro Gyra
Spyro Gyra

Jay Beckenstein
Jay Beckenstein