Emanuel Okusanya's profile photo

Emanuel Okusanya

Brooklyn, New York

Freelance Music Contributor at Variety

Music Editor at Ebony

Articles

  • 1 week ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

    When The Emancipation of Mimi dropped on April 12, 2005, it didn’t just reignite Mariah Carey’s chart dominance—it redefined what a comeback could look like in pop music. With powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp songwriting and undeniable cultural sway, the era remains a masterclass in reinvention. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, The Emancipation of Mimi became Carey’s highest first-week sales at the time, moving over 404,000 units.

  • 1 week ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

    Cozz, the 31-year-old rapper from South Central Los Angeles and a signee to J. Cole’s Dreamville label, is entering a new era—one rooted in clarity, accountability and growth. In a recent conversation with EBONY at Dreamville Fest, the rapper opened up about his evolving creative process, finding freedom from past constraints, and the personal reckoning that pushed him toward sobriety.

  • 1 week ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

    In 2009, Keri Hilson's remix of "Turnin' Me On" ignited controversy due to lyrics perceived as disses toward fellow artists Beyoncé and Ciara. The backlash from fans, particularly Beyoncé's dedicated Beyhive, was swift and intense, casting a long shadow over Hilson's burgeoning solo career. Despite her talents as a singer and songwriter, the incident led to a significant decline in her public image and professional opportunities.

  • 1 week ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

    Ciara returns with “Ecstasy,” a steamy new single released under her Beauty Marks label via Warner Music/ADA Worldwide—and the black-and-white visual that accompanies it reminds fans exactly why she’s still a force in R&B. Sleek, minimal and dripping with sensuality, the video plays like an homage to her past iconic visuals while reaffirming her presence in the now.

  • 2 weeks ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

    Joe Kay doesn’t just DJ—he curates worlds. For over a decade, the co-founder and head of Soulection has helped shape a global movement rooted in discovery, intention and community. What started as a radio show has grown into a cultural institution, where genre-fluid sounds and emotionally rich storytelling come together to connect people across borders. And now, after 14 years of championing other artists, Joe Kay is stepping into the spotlight with his first official EP, If Not Now, Then When.