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Tom Joyner Foundation

Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise

November 7, 2019 by KC Burks

The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage was created as a fundraiser to support students in schools at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the long-running music and empowerment-themed event generally features more than 50 plus live entertainment acts, seminars, daily inspiration, celebrities, and fun theme nights. Cabins are going fast!

We will be sailing aboard ROYAL CARIBBEAN’s Independence of the Seas, departure is from Miami, Florida on Saturday, April 27, 2024 returning on Saturday, May 4, 2024

For more information, interested travelers can visit www.FantasticVoyage.BlackAmericaWeb.com or call (214) 495-1963 to get on the cabin waitlist.

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The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018

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Date/time: Apr 29 to May 6

The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® Cruise on Carnival Breeze Sets Sail for its 19th time, April 29 – May 6,2018 with a Line Up of Superstars & Favorites

Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Isley Brothers, O’Jays & More NEW Music and Artists Than Ever Before

The original Party with a Purpose known for empowerment, community, and entertainment works to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The party continues, bigger than ever and it just won¹t stop! The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® Cruise on the Carnival Breeze features nonstop empowering activities, theme nights, and entertainment including Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Isley Brothers, O¹Jays and a wide range of hit-makers that are new to the cruise. Now in its 19th year, the original Party with a Purpose® will travel from Galveston, TX April 29 – May 6, 2018 and make stops in Montego Bay and Cozumel on the Carnival Breeze. This chartered cruise event features a customized seven-day itinerary with concerts, celebrities, inspiration, motivating seminars, and more while raising money to help keep students in school at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Hosted by renowned radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner, this annual cruise is one of the most buzzed about events, generally selling out and showcasing popular entertainers from yesterday and today.

The line-up for the 2018 cruise includes Divas, Soul, Throwback Hip Hop, Funk and Comedy.

SWV, En Vogue, Jones Girls, Heatwave, GQ, Taste of Honey, The Sylvers, Brothers Johnson, Ying Yang Twins, Eastside Boyz, Trillville, Young Bloodz, Bonecrusher, Raheem Devaughn, Dwele, Eric Roberson, 112, the Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston, Force MD¹s, Das EFX, Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio (Furious Five), DJ Kool, EPMD, Fat Boys and more to be announced.

The cruise also boasts exclusive guest activities, including empowering seminars, live demonstrations, parades, an art auction and numerous day parties. Each day usually begins with morning inspiration and fitness, performances and interactions with artists throughout the day, and ends just before sunrise with late-night after party celebrations.

The Tom Joyner Foundation began its annual voyage to raise money for HBCUs in 1999 as the first to ever charter and program an entire ship. Currently, the Fantastic Voyage® is the only charter that promotes philanthropy in an environment that is fun and uplifting.

For more information on The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® presented by Ford and a full list of this year¹s entertainment, visit BlackAmericaWeb.com . Itinerary, schedule and performances are subject to change.

The Tom Joyner Foundation

The Tom Joyner Foundation was founded in 1998 as the brainchild of nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The mission of the Foundation is to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with scholarships, endowments and capacity-building enhancements. Through fundraising and donor development initiatives, $65 million has been raised to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs.

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Tom joyner cruise with a mission sold out.

The sold-out Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage is embarking on its 19th cruise this week from Galveston, TX. Generally known as the original Party with a Purpose, the event specifically caters to the cruising needs of the African-American community through its mission and featured entertainment. Setting sail April 29-May 6, the 2018 Voyage includes An Evening with Anita Baker and performances from artists Tamar Braxton, The Isley Brothers, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, 112, SWV, En Vogue, and The O’Jays. Hosted by renowned radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner, this year’s event will take place on the luxurious Carnival Breeze.

“Our cruise just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said Joyner. “Of course, I love that the Fantastic Voyage is the most fun and entertaining event in the country, but I’m really proud that it’s a way to keep on giving to a cause I’m so passionate about. Over the years, we have been able to help so many students that attend historically Black colleges and universities and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.”

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Janet Jackson

Photo: Ander Gillenea/AFP/Getty Images

Janet Jackson To Headline Tom Joyner Foundation's 20th Fantastic Voyage

More GRAMMY winners cruising on the "party with a purpose" include Shirley Caesar, Maxwell and Smokie Norful

On April 7–14, the 20th cruise of the Tom Joyner Foundation's Fantastic Voyage will ship off from Miami and tour the Caribbean with wide-ranging activities and an incredible array of musical performances planned. Headlined by Janet Jackson , the "party with a purpose" also includes Shirley Caesar , Fantasia , Maxwell , Chrisette Michele , Smokie Norful , and Fatman Scoop .

In addition to concerts, enriching activities and fun, as well as Fantastic Voyage's fundraising for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), this year a Filmmaker's Scholarship Program in partnership with Denny's will spotlight the work of a half dozen HBCU creatives who've made movies on the reality of hunger at the community level. Through the years, the Tom Joyner Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in scholarships, also including support for K-12 students.

"I'm proud of a lot of things we've accomplished on the Tom Joyner Morning Show ," said Joyner, "but I think I'm most proud of all the students we've helped stay in school for the last 20 years, and our biggest fundraiser for HBCUs is the Fantastic Voyage cruise."

With 13 GRAMMY nominations, R&B/Gospel singer Charlie Wilson stands out among the previous nominees in the announcement. Others include Kem , Mase , MC Lyte , Sheila E. , War , and Brian Courtney Wilson .

Check out the full list , which includes emerging DJs and many more memorable artists such as Biz Markie, Midnight Star and the S.O.S. Band.

Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation 1814': For The Record

Sheila E. performs during the GRAMMYs Salute To Prince

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Living Legends: Sheila E. On Prince, Playing Salsa And Marching To The Beat Of Her Own Drum

"I was a percussion player leading my band, playing timbales, which no one really understood," Sheila E. says of her debut record. Forty years later, the GRAMMY-nominated multi-hyphenate is still forging her own path on the energetic new record, 'Bailar.'

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter, producer and percussionist Sheila E . has certainly had a glamorous life — and has done a lot with it.

The child of percussionist Pete Escovedo and goddaughter of legendary timbalero Tito Puente , Sheila Escovedo has been energizing stages for most of her life. First performing as a child, Sheila was one of few female percussionists in the 1970s and '80s, and rose to the upper echelons of the music industry — performing alongside Marvin Gaye , Michael Jackson , Lionel Richie , Herbie Hancock and Diana Ross . Whether in session or onstage, her dynamism and inventiveness continually made Sheila the star of the show.

"I think outside the box," Sheila E. tells GRAMMY.com. "You just come up with ideas and it doesn't have to be traditional. It just has to be from your heart, a feeling that makes sense, that compliments whatever song it may be."

Sheila's energy and unique approach to playing drums, timbale, and percussion caught the attention of Prince , a unique artist in his own right. The two spent decades as creative partners – Sheila acting as the Purple One's drummer, producer, musical director and, for a time, romantic partner; Prince shepherded her 1984 solo debut, A Glamorous Life , into being — and worked together until his death. Among her lasting contributions to their musical legacy, Sheila performed on the Purple Rain sessions and toured the album, and her vocals appear on "Erotic City." The two duetted on Sheila's 1986 single "A Love Bizarre" and, fittingly, got engaged in the middle of a performance .

In addition to her list of impressive accomplishments (which include co-founding the educational nonprofit Elevate Oakland ), Sheila E has released eight albums as a solo artist. Her ninth, Bailar , finds the one avenue Sheila had yet to pursue: salsa.

Recorded in Miami with a cast of local musicians, the 10-track record features originals and covers in both Spanish and English, and its lead single — an energetic cover of Celia Cruz 's "Bemba Colorá featuring Gloria Estefan & Mimy Succar — fittingly has Sheila playing percussion, timbale and singing.

"This is the best record I've ever done. I feel that good about it," she says. Ahead of Bailar 's April 5 release, Sheila E. spoke with GRAMMY.com about creating music in a new idiom, the importance of collaboration, and finding space in music.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

You've been working in the funk, R&B and pop space for years. What brought you to salsa now?

I've wanted to do a salsa record for a long time. My bucket list is extensive, and then I met [GRAMMY-winning producer and timbale player] Tony Succar in 2015… he did a project and took Michael Jackson songs and flipped them into salsa. I said, "Man, if I ever do my salsa record, we have to do it together because you understand."

I'm bringing that Oakland vibe to salsa. My dad was a Latin jazz artist — that's the foundation of who I am — however, he also played salsa music in the house. I grew up listening to Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria , Ray Barretto , Eddie Palmieri , Celia Cruz and Tito Rodriguez, and the Fania All-Stars . Our whole family loves salsa dancing.

There was music that I had written for an R&B album that I didn't release, and I said we can take some of this and flip it into salsa. This is another side of me that I'm excited about sharing with the people.

Bailar sounds like something you would hear in New York or Miami, but there's something slightly different about it. What are you bringing to this record that might be different from another salsa band?

Salsa is very demanding. It's specific and traditional; there are things that are supposed to be played in specific sections of a song — whether it's a conga rhythm, a timbal rhythm, a cowbell rhythm. The element of the Bay Area and the Latin jazz with a little bit of funk, that was me [adding something new].

I always wanted to do "Bemba Colorá." I did a rumba in front of it and took a conga solo, and when I got to the half-time of that song, I said, "I want to take a drum solo." I don't think anyone has taken a drum solo or have even played drums on this song…especially a woman. Just adding different elements like that, as well as the way that I mix: where I place the horns and where I place the percussion and where the bells are and where the drums are.

Tony Succar and I produced this record together. I did a couple of arrangements [and] co-wrote seven of the 10 songs. The songs that I had already written were arranged, but then we wanted to flip them into salsa.

Are there any other songs on this record that you're particularly proud of?

All of them. Every one is a different story. The only woman that I could think of to call [for "Bemba Colorá"] was Gloria Estefan ; she's like my sister. Mimi Succar is a new and upcoming artist, so we had her to sing as well, and the three of us just had a blast.

[Also] playing "Anacaona," which is a song I used to hear [by] Fania All-Stars and Cheo Feliciano. My dream was to have Rubén Blades sing on my record; he sang that song and I started crying. I was just overwhelmed.

["El Rey del Timbal"] was one song that I had played with Tito [Puente] and my dad many times. When Tony sent me the demo, I listened to it and was like, "We got to go way faster than that. If Tito was playing it, he would've played it this way, and I know because I've played it with him." So I started taking a solo, banging my legs while I was listening to it through the phone, and I just kept going faster, and then Tony's like, "Are you serious? This is 200-something BPMs."

It was perfect for me taking the timbale solo, but when I had to then overdub and play all the parts on the bells and everything, it was so fast, I was like, What was I thinking? The horn section had it worse. A trumpet player yelled on the track — "Ahh!" — and I boosted him yelling [on the final mix], because that's real stuff. It took everything for them.

I'd love to hear a little bit about your relationship with Tito Puente and any important musical lessons he taught you, especially now that you're coming out with an album that's very much influenced by his work.

He was such an influence. He was amazing. He did so much for us as a family, musically, as well as being our friend and growing up listening to him. He and my dad met when they were 18, and having him around the house when I was growing up, I didn't even know he was.

The biggest thing was we would go to New York, my dad and I, and we would sit in with Tito at the Palladium and the Corso. And back then, you'd have four bands playing in one night until 6 in the morning. And they would jump from one club to the other. It was the most stressful time because, as jazz artists, we didn't hardly sit in with salsa bands. I was like, "But papa, I don't know the clave, I don't understand what bell pattern or what conga pattern to play." He goes, "Don't worry about it. You don't listen to those guys. You just go play you."

So he kept encouraging [me]: it doesn't matter, you have the heart to go ahead. And my pops would say the same thing: We might not understand it technically, but we play it from our heart. [Tito] always encouraged me, and I got to play with Celia, Tito and [bassist] Cachao [Lopez] at the same time.

What a dream come true. Tito introduced me to all of these musicians as well, but really just telling everybody, "You be quiet and just let Sheila play."

Read more: Celebrating Tito Puente's Centennial: 10 Essential Songs By The Mambo King

Bailar is a bit more celebratory than your last album, 2017's Iconic: Message 4 America , which was heavily political. Obviously we continue to live in increasingly fraught times; why was it important for you to put more positive messages out into the world? One of your tracks is even called "Possibilities."

We are living in hard times, and it's challenging. Things are changing every single day. And everyone is going through something every single day. One of the things that has been such a blessing to me is the gift of music. I don't take it for granted. To be able to share music and at least make people happy for the five minutes that you listen to this song or the entire record…is healing.

Many times in my shows, people end up crying. It's emotional, and music brings joy. It lifts you up. It brings you to a place of happiness and love, and we just want you to have a good time. But the joy that I get to be able to do this, it heals me too. And I just thought it was important.

Your work and relationship with Prince is so extensive and deep. What would you consider the peak of your creative partnership?

I don't think there ever was. We continued to grow and just kept experimenting on different sounds, and recording and jamming. We first jammed together in 1977 when he came to my house. We either recorded or played together [on] so many songs. There's still tons of stuff in the vault…I counted at least 200 songs I played on that I haven't even heard yet.

We were always jamming, coming up with something, or recording. A lot of times I would engineer for him as well; it's just he and I [in the room] most of the time. I taught myself some engineering when I was growing up; I saved all my money and started buying recording gear so I could learn how to write and produce myself when I was in my teens.

So when I started to record with [Prince], I had already recorded songs on tape before. Being in the studio with him, we would see who could stay up the longest, who's going to fall asleep first. We would catch each other [falling asleep] almost at the same time.

* You also worked with Prince on your debut album, 1984's The Glamorous Life . You'd been working so much as a musician up to that point already that it's interesting to think of it as your debut. How did you work on that project together? *

We had already been jamming and playing together before we did all that. And I had been out on tour with so many artists beforehand; when we first met, I was already touring with George Duke in the mid-'70s. [Prince was] like, "I've been watching you and I'm following your career, and maybe one day we could do something together."

He started doing all these albums, and then he becomes the Prince that we all know. He changed every record, which was amazing musically. At the time [we recorded Glamorous Life ], he was at Sunset Sound [recording studio and] he had all the rooms going at the same time. We just went in and started recording.

Prince was very involved in getting me the deal with Warner Brothers. He just one day said, "You want to do the record now?" And I was like, "Yeah, I think I'm ready. Let's do it." It was that simple. We went into the studio and we were pretty much done with my record, from top to bottom, in a week.

We just stayed in there, literally no sleep. We were so excited. We had so much fun.

Back then, I wasn't really playing drums a lot. I wanted to make sure that my percussion was in the forefront, and he knew that too. That's how Glamorous Life came about, to showcase me in a light that I wasn't really a singer. I was a percussion player leading my band, playing timbales, which no one really understood because, in pop culture, no one had done that.

So it took even a minute for [Warner Brothers] to understand releasing the record. They wanted to release "Belle of St. Mark" first as the single and not "Glamorous Life"; I had to fight them on it because I said, "'Glamorous Life' is a song that is important to me, and it showcases me as a percussionist and a singer. If I do 'Belle of St. Mark,' it's only me singing. I'm not even playing percussion."

I would love to hear about other musical collaborators who are a big part of your story.

I've been able to play with so many people: George Duke and my dad, and [drummer] Billy Cobham, [bassist] Alfonso Johnson, and it went on. Then [jazz guitarist] Lee Ritenour and [jazz pianist] Patrice Rushen and all of these other artists; Herbie Hancock…. Then you go switch over to Marvin Gaye, and then you go to Brooks & Dunn . I just hopped all over the place with Con Funk Shun and sitting in with so many people and recording. When we do these events, you get to sit and play with Phil Collins and Elton John ; I'll just play percussion, I'll be the backup. I don't need to be in the front. Part of what I love is I get to be on both sides.

I can be a team player and play with a group, which is so exciting. Or if you want to feature me, that's fine. That's kind of what had happened throughout my life; anyone that I performed with would just say, "Sheila, you just go out in the front." They would push me out there. Marvin Gaye is like, "Sheila, you take over. I'm going to go back and change." He made it a part of his show. And then same thing with Lionel Richie. Everyone would just feature me, it became that thing. Everyone has influenced me in some sort of way.

You're out there being featured and just putting so much into your performances. You have this incredible amount of energy. What powers you?

God's given me the gift and point-blank. I am forever grateful to be able to do what I get to do because of that gift. I don't take it for granted.

You have musical directed the Obama's Festival Latina, the Recording Academy's Tribute to Prince, and of course, you were his musical director for many years. Does that work require a special set of musical muscles?

When it comes to music and just being an artist, whatever you put into it is what you get out. I would always do the homework that was needed to play with an artist — learn all the music — so when I walked into a situation, I would walk in with confidence. I wasn't a great reader at all; it was really all by ear. That preparation is everything.

Putting together my first ever band during that time in the early '80s, I knew what I wanted. [Today] I'm able to put together projects and put the right people together. For some people, it's just a gig and for me, it's more than that. It's a lifestyle and it's family and it's trust and it's respect.

How did you choose the music for "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Tribute To Prince "?

Some of the songs they already had, some of the other songs I suggested. Almost everything that they were going to play, I knew and I had a lot of the original music. I had a lot of the samples; I had Prince's vocals. There were things that I had that could help in some of the arrangements, and a lot of the arrangements I used from my show.

You try to adjust to make sure that [the artists] shine and that they feel comfortable, because everyone was really nervous. I had many conversations with people making sure, "Is this a good key for you?" Making sure that "You don't have to sing it like Prince. This is your representation of who you are and you happen to be doing a Prince song and no one's going to judge you for it."

Speaking of collaborative efforts, The Greatest Night in Pop music doc came out recently. What do you remember from recording "We Are the World"?

I kind of didn't want to do it because, initially, we were on the Purple Rain tour [and] we were exhausted. At some point I thought, Do I even belong in that caliber of people?

[At the "We Are The World" session,] everyone was hanging out, everybody was really cool. No one had a huge entourage. I was excited to meet people I hadn't met before. One of the people I was excited about meeting was Cyndi Lauper . I loved her. I wanted to meet Bruce Springsteen , the boss.

In that moment of being in that room with everyone, and it was just amazing to [think], Wow, we're going to do something incredible to be able to raise money for people who are starving. Then you just take a breath and you do what you do, and then things happen.

Do you think that you have changed or contributed to the sound of percussion in R&B and pop music?

My style is my style. Different artists from the Bay — Sly and the Family Stone, Carlos Santana , my dad's band [Azteca], Grateful Dead , Tower Of Power, of course, Pointer Sisters — listening to all those bands and being able to watch their rehearsals when I was a teenager influenced me.

The key was being adaptable to what needed to be for that specific song. You have to make up your own beats, because being a percussion player is like [working on] a beautiful painting that's already painted and they're asking you to put one color in there or you see a space — what would you put in that space?

It's not about playing all over the place and playing something that doesn't belong. You have to figure out those spaces and, to me, the most important part of music is space. That space is what allows a song to breathe.

I would use different things even in the studios; I didn't use all of the right mics all the time. I would bite on an apple and sample it and put that sound on top of the snare. I just experimented. I started on pots and pans, and I used keys, and I used a spray bottle can that blows out air to clean your computer as a high hat. Everything can be musical.

One of the biggest things is Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough." Quincy [Jones] had called me and said, "Michael wants this kind of sound, I don't know what it is, bring all your toys." I brought everything. I ended up getting two bottles and I poured water in it, and I used the holder to play the triangle on the sides of the bottle. So "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough" has those bottles.

You just come up with ideas and it doesn't have to be traditional. It just has to be from your heart, a feeling that makes sense, that compliments whatever song it may be.

Are there any other female percussionists out there right now that you see carrying the torch that you lit?

Oh my God. There are so many drummers right now. I go on social media frequently throughout the week, and I try to find at least someone new and DM them and say, "You're amazing. God bless you. Thank you for your gift. Keep doing what you're doing," and people freak out.

That's part of my job, to continue to encourage the young people to keep playing.

You've mentioned in previous interviews that you've dealt with a lot of harassment throughout your career as a woman playing an instrument that women don't traditionally play. I'd like to know how you continued to move forward and own your vision in an industry, and in an era, where women are often belittled or posited as like sex objects.

When I first started, I didn't know it was a big deal that I was one of few — or one of one — that was doing what I was doing. In the Bay Area, you see a lot of women playing percussion. In Berkeley, we all go and hang out at the park and everyone plays and it's like 20 or 30 of us and whoever brings their instrument, they just jam with us.

Coming to L.A. and recording with other artists, when I walked into a room, the drummer would say, "Can you get me a cup of coffee?" And I'm like, "I'll get it for you but I'm not the receptionist or anything. I'm the percussion player." They would freak out.

When that first started happening and things were being said that were really rude and bad, I would go back to my parents. They would just say, "You just keep doing what you're doing. They're jealous or they're mad because you're there, or they've never seen anyone like you. You have a gift and you just go ahead. You learn the music, know what you have to do, so when you walk in with confidence, it's not an issue." A lot of the time, those musicians were not prepared, and I was, and they hated me even more because I knew everything.

I got so much joy out of performing. And even with all the nos and the nastiness and the stuff that was being said [like], "Hey, if you sleep with me," all of these other things. It just made me stronger. You keep pushing through; you just keep playing.

When you find your passion and that's your purpose, no one can stop you. I stand on that word.

Living Legends: Cuban Pianist & Composer Chucho Valdés On Developing "The Creation," Growing Up On The Island & Loving Dizzy Gillespie

Photo: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

GRAMMY.com’s 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Coverage: A Recap

The Recording Academy’s celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary included televised events and captivating interviews. Check out the wide range of articles and features produced by GRAMMY.com commemorating this musical milestone.

When we look back at the Recording Academy’s 2023, the 50th anniversary of hip-hop will loom exceptionally large.

The ongoing celebration permeated every facet of the world’s leading society of music professionals this year, from the 65th Annual Awards Ceremony in February to the special airing of "A GRAMMY Salute To Hip-Hop" in December — a dense, thrillingly kaleidoscopic televised tribute to the breadth of this genre.

One major accompaniment to this was coverage of the genre’s legacy via GRAMMY.com, the editorial site run by the Recording Academy. If you haven’t been keeping up, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a highlight reel of the work GRAMMY.com published in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

We Profiled Rising Stars

From Lola Brooke to Tkay Maidza , GRAMMY.com engaged in comprehensive in-depth interviews with artists who are at the forefront of shaping the future of hip-hop, and held a roundtable discussion about exactly what the next 50 years might look like.

We Published Conversations With Legends

DJ Kool Herc and Questlove , who have played unquestionable roles in hip-hop’s continuing evolution, spoke to GRAMMY.com about their profound and abiding connections to the idiom.

The Contributions Of Women Were Highlighted

Without the inspired vision of countless women, hip-hop would not be what it is today. The "Ladies First" segment, which kicked off "A GRAMMY Salute To Hip-Hop" featuring Queen Latifah , Monie Love , and MC Lyte , among other lady greats with Spinderella as DJ, was an ode to this.

In acknowledgment of female trailblazers in a world dominated by men, GRAMMY.com wrote about teen girl pioneers , women behind the scenes , a revealing Netflix doc , and women artists pushing the genre forward in 2023, from Ice Spice to Lil Simz .

We Revisted Hip-Hop’s Biggest Releases

From Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers ) to Jay-Z’ s The Black Album to Cardi B ’s Invasion of Privacy , GRAMMY.com dove deep into the core hip-hop canon. We also broke down the genre’s development decade by decade through the 70s , 80s , 90s , 00s , 10s , and 20s , with a focus on classic albums from each era.

Listen To GRAMMY.com's 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Playlist: 50 Songs That Show The Genre's Evolution

We Criss-Crossed The Country

GRAMMY.com’s series of regional guides — from the Bay Area and SoCal , to Texas and the Dirty South , to D.C. and NYC — highlight hip-hop’s diversity of culture and sound.

We Went International

Although hip-hop is a quintessentially American phenomenon, its impact, appeal, and influence has spread worldwide. The international appetite for hip-hop was showcased in coverage of Latinx and Argentinian rappers to know, as well as five international hip-hop scenes to know : France, Nigeria, Brazil, South Africa, and England.

We Explored Hip-Hop’s Larger Impact

Hip-hop is more than a sound. It’s a culture that permeates almost every sector of life. Showcasing this effervescence, GRAMMY.com ran pieces about the evolution of hip-hop’s influence on educational curriculum worldwide, as well as its biggest fashion and style moments .

We Covered On Stage Celebrations

"A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop," the two-hour special that aired in December on CBS and is available on demand on Paramount+ represented a culmination of the Recording Academy’s 50th year anniversary celebration.

Revisit the 2023 GRAMMYs’ hip-hop revue , and check out a recap of "A GRAMMY Salute" with photos, a rundown of all the performers and songs and coverage of the Black Music Collective’s Recording Academy honors in February.

It Didn’t Stop There…

Notable coverage also included the evolution of the mixtape , 11 Hip-Hop Subgenres to Know and 10 Binge-worthy Hip-Hop Podcasts , as well as a breakdown of Jay-Z ’s Songbook and Snoop Dogg ’s discography .

For everything GRAMMY.com and all things hip-hop — including our rap-focused run in the GRAMMY Rewind series — visit here .

2023 In Review: 5 Trends That Defined Hip-Hop

Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Inside Resonance: Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop At The GRAMMY Museum

"Nothing resonates more in our everyday lives than hip-hop," Jimmy Jam said during the celebratory event Resonance, which honored the legacy of hip-hop at the GRAMMY Museum.

The Recording Academy is continuing to honor the legacy of hip-hop, to one of the most popular genres of music in America. Held on Dec. 4 at the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles, Resonance: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop was presented by the Academy's Black Music Collective and sponsored by City National Bank.

The Resonance event took over the Museum's fourth floor, which is home to the recently unveiled " Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit ." There, members and leadership from the Academy and BMC, along with musicians and industry professionals, celebrated 50 years of music that has transcended boundaries, inspired advocacy and fostered impactful social change.

Guests were welcomed into the space by an unparalleled collection of artifacts — an ode to the genre through memorabilia and interactive displays showcasing the evolution of hip-hop music and culture. Tupac ’s all-white suit — worn in the last video he made — is displayed next to Notorious B.I.G. 's red leather pea jacket worn in the music video for Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s "Players Anthem." The impact of the museum’s intentionally curated collection evokes the extended struggle of the Black experience in America, while celebrating its culture, creativity, and endurance against all odds.

The power of connection and representation was emphasized by five-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Jam , an R&B songwriter, music producer, and illustrious GRAMMY Museum Board Member. "The idea of 'resonance' struck a chord in me because the mission is unification, amplification and to celebrate Black music. Nothing resonates more in our everyday lives than hip-hop."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Black Music Collective (@blackmusiccollective)

A legendary figure who made his mark in the '80s by producing artists such as Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and producing partner Terry Lewis , were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

"I'm proud to have known my partner Terry Lewis for 50 years. We were raised on hip-hop," he told the crowd. "Hip-hop inspires, it embodies transcendence. Hip-hop advocates and fosters social change, and the cultural significance is astounding."

Jimmy Jam highlighted the integral role of partnerships between the Black Music Collective and sponsor/supporters such as City National Bank and Amazon Music. Such relationships have enabled the third year of the Amazon Music-sponsored Your Future Is Now , a scholarship program.

"We have the opportunity to pour knowledge, resources and many opportunities into the young talent and the young creatives of the future. And that's what we're here to do," he continued.

GRAMMY Museum Board Member and Executive Vice President of City National Bank, Linda Duncombe, who was introduced by Jimmy Jam as "music’s best friend" spoke to the critical work of support.

"We protect and celebrate those who have shared their gift as well as ensure their artistic contributions are accessible for people of all walks of life around the world and for future generations," she said, adding that as a Museum board member, "educating the next generation of artists and teachers is always top of mind. The 'Mixtape Exhibit' really will inspire students to pursue hip hop and the music industry."

Host Lady London , a rapper and songwriter from The Bronx summed up the power of hip-hop and its ability to transcend music. A hyped crowd enthusiastically received her words.

"It's beautiful to see what we have been able to cultivate in such a short amount of time. We are the culture, we have the power to shift the culture and we continue to move mountains," she said. "We are influences in fashion and design and the Black family education, economic empowerment, the arts. We're limitless.

"We have balanced everything and there is nothing that is quite parallel to that," Lady London continued. "I'm so proud to be a part of the culture."

As guests mingled among the exhibits many displays and highlights like original lyric sketches, mixtapes, and an interactive "sonic playground" where guests could interact with recording devices, make 808 beats and record tracks. Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. reflected on the culmination of a year celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

"Hip hop has been a defining force in our culture and it is so important to be able to honor it in this way" he said. "This is the end of a year that started with us celebrating at our GRAMMY Awards show last season."

Los Angeles' DJ Jadaboo — who has performed for Tommy Hilfiger at New York Fashion Week and a slew of celebrity parties and high profile events — set the vibe all night. Her mix spanned all five decades of the genre and beyond, from R&B to hip hop classics by Jay-Z and Drake , stacking much-sampled songs like Curtis Mayfield ’s "Pusher Man" into the set.

As the event carried on, Jimmy Jam’s earlier remarks echoed between the museum’s walls. "Look at what's been done in the last 50 years. You see it all around here," he said. "Now take a look at each other and know all that is happening right now… is because we are the people that are gonna continue to carry this on for another 50 years."

The GRAMMY Museum’s " Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit " runs through Sept. 4, 2024. "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop" will air Sunday, Dec. 10 , from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET and 8 to 10 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network, and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

How To Watch "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop": Air Date, Performers Lineup, Streaming Channel & More

Graphic promoting the "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" TV special, airing Sunday, Dec. 10 and presented by the Recording Academy, Jesse Collins Entertainment and CBS

Image courtesy of the Recording Academy

Additional Performers Added To "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" Live Concert Special: 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, Three 6 Mafia & More Confirmed

The star-studded tribute will take place Wednesday, Nov. 8, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. Tickets are on sale now. "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" will air on Sunday, Dec. 10, on CBS and Paramount+.

This article was updated Sunday, Dec. 10, to add the full performer lineup .

The massive lineup for the "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" live concert special just got bigger and more legendary with the addition of rap icons and next-gen hip-hop superstars: 2 Chainz , T.I. , Gunna , Too $hort , Latto , E-40, Big Daddy Kane , GloRilla , Juvenile , Three 6 Mafia , Cypress Hill , Jeezy , DJ Quik , MC Lyte , Roxanne Shanté , Warren G , YG , Digable Planets , Arrested Development , Spinderella , Black Sheep , and Luniz have all been added to the lineup.

They join previously announced performers Black Thought , Bun B , Common , De La Soul , Jermaine Dupri , J.J. Fad , Talib Kweli, The Lady Of Rage, LL COOL J , MC Sha-Rock , Monie Love , The Pharcyde, Queen Latifah , Questlove , Rakim, Remy Ma , Uncle Luke, and Yo-Yo , who will perform at a once-in-a-lifetime live concert special celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop , which the Recording Academy is honoring all year long across 2023. See the full performer lineup .

Read More: 50 Artists Who Changed Rap: Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem & More

Airing Sunday, Dec. 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+, "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" is a two-hour live concert special that will showcase the profound history of hip-hop and celebrate the genre's monumental cultural impact around the world. The special will feature exclusive performances from hip-hop legends and GRAMMY-winning artists and much more.

The live concert comprising the "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop" special, which is open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California . Footage from the concert will then air on Sunday, Dec. 10 , as a live concert TV special.

Tickets for the "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop" live concert are available to the public now.

Explore More Of "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop"

Full concert details are below:

Concert: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 (tonight) Doors: 6 p.m. PT Concert: 7 p.m. PT

Venue: YouTube Theater 1011 Stadium Dr. Inglewood, CA 90305

Full List Of Confirmed Performers For "A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop":

Arrested Development

Big Daddy Kane

Black Sheep

Black Thought

Boosie Badazz

Chance The Rapper

Cypress Hill

Digable Planets

DJ Diamond Kuts

DJ Greg Street

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Doug E. Fresh

Jermaine Dupri

Kool DJ Red Alert

The Lady of Rage

MC Sha-Rock

The Pharcyde

Public Enemy

Queen Latifah

Roddy Ricch

Roxanne Shanté

Spinderella

Talib Kweli

Three 6 Mafia

^Names in bold indicate newly added artists.

Purchase tickets here.

Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com for more news and updates about "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop."

A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment. Jesse Collins, Shawn Gee, Dionne Harmon, Claudine Joseph, LL COOL J, Fatima Robinson, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson for Two One Five Entertainment serve as executive producers and Marcelo Gama as director of the special.

Hip-Hop Just Rang In 50 Years As A Genre. What Will Its Next 50 Years Look Like?

1 Janet Jackson To Headline Tom Joyner Foundation's 20th Fantastic Voyage
2 Living Legends: Sheila E. On Prince, Playing Salsa And Marching To The Beat Of Her Own Drum
3 GRAMMY.com’s 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Coverage: A Recap
4 Inside Resonance: Celebrating 50 Years Of Hip-Hop At The GRAMMY Museum
5 Additional Performers Added To "A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop" Live Concert Special: 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, Three 6 Mafia & More Confirmed

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FYI “Kevsum” equals Kev’s Summary. This past week, I took a MUCH needed vacation. Actually, the first REAL vacation in 20 years of running my own business and an incredible 20th Anniversary gift.

This was the very first time I have ever attended the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage cruise and while I have never been on a cruise, I could not resist the invite.

I took a flight from LA to Miami, then got on the ship in Miami and we went to the Cayman Islands, Montego Bay, Jamaica and Honduras.

That’s a LONG way to go by air and sea to take a vacation, I know but as they say, time flies when you are having fun and that’s exactly what happened.

My goal was to cover the event while attending but I left the plug to my Mac laptop at home, which meant I could not use my camera and the internet connection was not that great in various parts of the cruise so I realized it was in the cards for me to take a real vacation, get drunk, eat like a pig and gamble my life savings away on the ship’s casino.

Of course I have more self control than that so I didn’t gamble ALL my money away. All of these pics are courtesy of my iPhone 6.

I found it odd that I had never met Tom Joyner in 30 years of being in the broadcast industry. I remember being in high school and college and reading about “The Fly Radio DJ” in Jet Magazine while standing in line at the grocery store and thinking how hard it must be to fly from Chicago to Dallas 5 days a week for years (I believe he said it was 14) and there are very few Radio DJs even in syndication who have been around as long as Tom.

He told me, “You’ve been in radio a long time haven’t you?” I said “Yep, so have you…” he then said “No, I just started.” (lol).

The initial impression I got was how great it was to be around so many positive and happy black people and culture. Everything in LA is so spread out and you have to literally drive for miles to find black culture unless you live in the few areas that it exists.

If I was to use one word to describe my trip, I would say it was inspirational, productive, educational and energizing. Oh that’s four words. I met a LOT of GREAT people, new contacts and gained an incredible amount of perspective in just one week.

The most memorable was the Art Auction where I met a man named Jonathon Romain who is around my age who was selling his paintings.

He had a very interesting background (look for a full interview in the June Issue of TheIndustry.biz ) and as some of you know, I am also an artist, painting and sketching but I have not been working on it for a while because a “friend” who’s wife is a painter told me artists never make money so it’s a labor of love with no return but after talking to Jonathon and a couple of other artists on the ship, I was told that’s what people say when they don’t sell their own art (lol).

I was greatly inspired to continue to do my work after that conversation considering I HAVE sold a couple of pieces of my art.

During the art show Reach Media hosted a Meet and Greet where I got to meet and catch up with industry people that I hadn’t seen in years or met for the first time, Celebrities and Sponsors.

CL Smooth (Pete Rock and CL Smooth) was telling me how he is still touring especially overseas and how he feels about today’s industry and I met Avery Sunshine and talked about her music and her performance on the cruise.

I also met DJ Nabs who did an incredible set on the cruise and many other industry people I have written about in TheIndustry.biz but never met.

There was absolutely no shortage of comedians that told some of the most hilarious jokes and J. Anthony Brown was a smash hit. He completely let loose and was very X-rated but he repeatedly won the crowd over whenever he was on stage.

Sybil Wilkes did an art auction and she too was hilarious. Of course whenever Tom appeared the crowd went nuts showing their love and appreciation for him and the TJMS.

Every night had a theme and I was not prepared. There was the all red night, the all white night, throwback night, favorite Celebrity Night and even a Pajama night which was the MOST interesting.

Coming from the Pacific Time zone and going through so many other time zones, my sleep was off and I would get 3 or 4 hours here and there because I didn’t want to miss anything MISTAKE…

One must get one’s rest and it was easy to do so because the cabins were quiet and the ship felt like we were floating on air for the most part.

There were also MANY great seminars where I learned a lot of valuable information from.

The writer Zane was present and I was going to congratulate her on her success during one of her seminars and low and behold she was selling her new line of vibrators and dildos.

I was wondering why the whole room was full of women. Is that market REALLY that hot? I know Khandi Burress sell a line too.

While we have a GREAT time. The cruise was to help The Tom Joyner Foundation. (Founded in 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $65 million to help keep students enrolled in black colleges. It has assisted more than 29,000 students and worked with more than 100 HBCUs.

You can learn more at https://tomjoynerfoundation.org ) This is a great effort considering I myself went back to school to get a degree (graduated this year) and I was incredibly disappointed to see how black students had to compete for grants and funding with foreign students and had to wait in line to get classes over them.

In addition , I try to tell many older Radio DJs to consider going back to school as well. I had to set an example instead of telling others to do it.

Tom broadcasted the morning show live from the event and every element of the morning show was used in some capacity during the cruise. I honestly didn’t know so many people were involved in the show.

The food was great, the entertainment was also amazing. That was the fastest 8 days I’ve ever seen and the staff was outrageously hospitable. They called me by name and spoke everyday.

Carnival deserves KUDOS for their well trained staffs. Everyone from Jennifer Hudson to Earth Wind & Fire performed and Fantasia was probably the best performance hands down closely followed by Eric Benet.

She really put on an amazing show that left the CROWD exhausted and Eric sang like I never knew he could sing, Kenny Latimore was also great along with Chrisette Michelle who seems incredibly shy off stage.

I kept hearing people say, make sure take a couple of days off when you get back home to catch up and I now know what they meant. I am fighting a cold because I came back in full swing and made a stop in Atlanta after the cruise.

Provided I am invited next year, I’ll be more prepared. Finally, I along with a few other exclusive media folks enjoyed a great private breakfast with Tom where he informed us of all the things that Reach Media is working on, the company’s goal and mission.

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The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018

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Date/time: Apr 29 to May 6
Phone: 972-980-7245
Web: https://fantasticvoyage.blackamericaweb.com/

The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® Cruise on Carnival Breeze Sets Sail for its 19th time, April 29 – May 6,2018 with a Line Up of Superstars & Favorites

Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Isley Brothers, O’Jays & More NEW Music and Artists Than Ever Before

The original Party with a Purpose known for empowerment, community, and entertainment works to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The line-up for the 2018 cruise includes Divas, Soul, Throwback Hip Hop, Funk and Comedy.

The Tom Joyner Foundation

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If You Want A Fun And Lively Party Cruise, Tom Joyner's Cruise Is The One For You

Some parties are too big to contain in a single day — or even a single country. Iconic radio show host Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage, which brands itself as "the ultimate party with a purpose," is a prime example, as per its Facebook page. The cruise has been around for years and has become one of the most popular sailings for Black Americans and people of color, with its incredible line-up of soul, hip-hop, and R&B acts. In 2024, guests can catch performances by music legends Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Bobby Brown, Ashanti, and Method Man and Redman, among others. When not busy dancing, sailers can also participate in a comedy showdown between Myra J., George Wallace, and J. Anthony Brown.

The cruise departs from Miami, Florida, on April 27, and over the following seven days, passengers can visit Haiti's Labadee Beach, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic , and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Between stops and live music, passengers can also partake in nightly parades, dips in the pool and jacuzzis, daily workout classes, and seminars on topics such as health and business.

From the water to the ports of call, the fun never stops, so don't expect a calm and quiet getaway when you book a spot on the Fantastic Voyage.

The festivities are all for a good cause

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chris Jey (@chrisjeyofficial)

Booking a cruise can be an act of self-care, especially when you're in desperate need of a vacation, but joining the Fantastic Voyage also means giving back to others. The annual trip is in partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation, an organization that aims to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the students and communities they serve. The cruise was started as a way to fundraise money for these institutions, and people who sail on the voyage in 2024 can feel good knowing that a portion of their fare goes toward scholarships for HBCU students (part of the purchase may even be tax deductible, according to the cruise).

Tom Joyner discussed the impact of the Fantastic Voyage during an interview with BlackAmericaWeb : "It's a party with a purpose, and the purpose is helping kids stay in school at HBCUs. And we've raised more than $71 million for HBCUs since 1998." He added that over 29,000 scholarships have been awarded to young people throughout the years, largely thanks to the partygoers who board the Fantastic Voyage.

What to know before booking your cabin

Cabin fare for Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage is all-inclusive and covers a room, standard meals and beverages (alcohol and soda are extra), taxes and gratuities, on-board entertainment, and port charges. It also includes a complimentary shuttle from Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Airport, for passengers who will be flying into the area. Some additional amenities, such as phone calls and Wi-Fi, massages, and casino fees, are sold separately.

Fares vary depending on the suite and the number of people who will be bunking together — and gathering a few of your closest friends to accompany you during the week-long celebration typically results in lower prices. For a group of four, staterooms can range from $2,470 to $5,865 per person.

Note that Fantastic Voyage might not be the right cruise for you if you're looking for a family-centric trip. From the grown-up comedy shows to the bars and nightclubs, the party mostly caters to a mature audience. Fittingly, as of 2024, Fantastic Voyage requires passengers to be at least 21 years old.

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Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage 2019

Tom Joyner cruises sell out every year. 2019 will mark the 20th year for the Fantastic Voyage cruise. This cruise caters to African Americans through its entertainment.

Sunday April, 29th – May 6, 2018

Ship: Carnival Breeze

Ports of call from Galveston: Montego Bay, Jamaica, Cozumel & 4 sea days

Prices start from $3,150 pp double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Entertainers include Anita Baker, Babyface, En Vogue & the O’Jays. Past entertainers include R. Kelly, Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton and Bell Biv Devoe.

This is the 19th annual Tom Joyner cruise, that helps raise money for their scholarship program to supporting historically black universities and colleges across the country.

Logo is the property of the Tom Joyner foundation and Fantastic Voyage.

Saturday, April 27, 2024 – Saturday, May 4, 2024

Departure Port: Miami, FL

Ports of Call: Labadee, Haitia, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puerto Rico

Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas is the third and final of Royal Caribbean’s ground-breaking Freedom-class ships — once the largest in the world before the launch of Oasis of the Seas and its sister ships.

Independence of the Seas is a large cruise ship with a maximum capacity of 4,515 guests, its deck plan is well laid out. Cabins are spread over multiple decks, but bars, restaurants, pools and entertainment venues are on decks 5 – 11 to 15. This keeps most areas within a quick elevator ride or a couple flights of stairs away from having a great time.

Health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. Due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE SHIP

Woman leaning on large painted letters spelling out "Labadee" on the beach of Royal Caribbean's private coastal peninsula of Labadee, Haiti

Photo Credit: UCG

Port – Labadee, Haiti

Beachside meets mountainside on the shores of Labadee — a Royal Caribbean® private destination on Haiti’s northern coast. Here you’ll find pristine sands, coral reefs and jungle-covered hilltops nestling lagoon-like bays. There’s no shortage of places to relax and recharge across five stretches of beach. Or dial up the thrills on an active adventure like a half-mile-long zip line ride over the ocean. There are also plenty of water activities and tours available like fishing charters, luxury sailboat trips, snorkeling excursions, and catamaran cruises. Maximize your day by hopping on the free tram to get around. December through April are good months to visit for pleasant weather. And fascinating culture, history and the natural beauty of Haiti’s spectacular coasts wait to be discovered around every corner. Escape to the Western Caribbean for a wilder way to experience paradise.

Dominican Republic - Puerto Plata - Parque Central ( central park )

Photo Credit: Sanniely

Port – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata , officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata , is a major coastal city in the Dominican Republic, and capital of the province of Puerto Plata. The city is a major trading port. Puerto Plata has resorts such as Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada, which are located east of the city proper. There are 100,000 hotel beds in the city. The first aerial tramway of the Caribbean is located in Puerto Plata, in which visitors can ride up to the Pico Isabel de Torres, a 793-meter (2600-foot) high mountain within the city.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fortress in Puerto Rico

Photo Credit: Wirestock

Port – San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, sits on the island’s Atlantic coast. Its widest beach fronts the Isla Verde resort strip, known for its bars, nightclubs and casinos. Cobblestoned Old San Juan features colorful Spanish colonial buildings and 16th-century landmarks including El Morro and La Fortaleza, massive fortresses with sweeping ocean views, as well as the Paseo de la Princesa bayside promenade.

“*All itineraries, dates and times, vessel, ports, artists, performers, appearances, locations, etc. are subject to change without notice.”

**Consult with your accountant or preparer regarding the tax-deductible donation.

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Featured Musical Artists Include Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, New Edition, Johnny Gill and Many Others

For the fourth consecutive year, Carnival Cruise Line is partnering with the Tom Joyner Foundation to present the 2016 Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage.

The Ultimate Party with a Purpose®, the voyage will take place aboard Carnival Breeze with a customized eight-day Caribbean voyage departing April 23, 2016 , and visiting the beautiful tropical destinations of St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Grand Turk.

The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Ford is hosted by renowned radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner and serves as a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the Historical Black Colleges and Universities of which Carnival is a proud sponsor.

“This is one of those special experiences that will stay with you forever,” said Tom Joyner. “We sell out every year and our partner, Carnival, takes the event to the next level with a premiere ship and outstanding service.”

The star-studded line-up of artists performing during the cruise includes Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, New Edition, Johnny Gill, and more than 60 entertainers. The ship is programmed from sunup to sundown with exclusive concerts, fitness classes, and inspiration and empowerment seminars. Each night is a colorful party with theme nights including All Black Everything, Denim & Diamonds, #FlashbackFriday, Mardi Gras , Pajama Night, Represent Night, White Night, and a formal Sneaker Ball. There will also be “Day Parties,” including a special event to honor military veterans.

“We’re pleased and honored for Carnival Cruise Line to serve as the Official Cruise Line of the Fantastic Voyage, supporting the efforts of the Tom Joyner Foundation,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest leisure travel company with a portfolio of 10 of the world’s leading cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line. “This year’s cruise promises to deliver an unforgettable experience featuring top entertainers, great destinations and exciting on-board activities while supporting students at our historically black colleges and universities,” he added.

Commented Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line , “We’re delighted once again to serve as a proud partner of the Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage which provides participants with a lifetime of wonderful memories both on board and ashore, all while raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

For additional information on the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage, please visit fantasticvoyage.blackamericaweb.com .

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2018 Day 4 Tom Joyner Cruise ft CEO Workshops
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018

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Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise
Cabins are going fast! For more information, interested travelers can visit www.FantasticVoyage.BlackAmericaWeb.com or call (214) 495-1963 to get on the cabin waitlist. The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage is back and will sail in 2023 to the delight of many and is currently booking cabins aboard Royal Caribbean's, Voyager of the Seas.
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018. The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® Cruise on Carnival Breeze Sets Sail for its 19th time, April 29 - May 6,2018 with a Line Up of Superstars & Favorites. Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Isley Brothers, O'Jays & More NEW Music and Artists Than Ever Before.
2018 Day 7 Tom Joyner Cruise ft Beach party
A behind the scene look of Tom Joyner Cruise ft Beach dance contest with songs Percolator by Jamie Jones Vault - My boo by Ghost town dj's - Teach me how to...
Fantastic Voyage 2024
CRUISE POLICIES; PHOTOS; FAQS; CONTACT; 00 days. 00 hours. 00 minutes. 00 seconds. This countdown has been ended already! 00 days. ... The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2023 was SOLD OUT! Call (214) ... As of 2018, Ja Rule has sold 14.4 million units in the US and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. ...
Cruise Packages
Cabin Door Decoration. $150 Cruise Cash Credit (onboard usage only) Huggy Lowdown & Chris Paul Go Go Package. Custom Badge with autograph area section. Access to DMV Day Party (Serenity Deck) Choice of One (1) Cruise Ship Amenity. $100 Cruise Cash Credit (onboard usage only) Tony Terry Everlasting Love Package.
TJMS 25: The First Fantastic Voyage With Ashford & Simpson
Celebrating 25 Years Of The TJMS: The First Fantastic Voyage With Ashford & Simpson. Tom and Sybil are taking it back 18 years ago to the first Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise with Ashford and Simpson being the first musicians to perform on the ship. Take a listen to this awesome performance as Tom and the crew relive it.
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018. The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® Cruise on Carnival Breeze Sets Sail for its 19th time, April 29 - May 6,2018 with a Line Up of Superstars & Favorites. Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Isley Brothers, O'Jays & More NEW Music and Artists Than Ever Before.
Apr 29, 2018: Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage at Carnival Cruise Line
Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage. Apr 29, 2018 Carnival Cruise Line - Carnival Breeze Galveston, Texas, United States
The 2018 Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise Set To Sail
The TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION FANTASTIC VOYAGE CRUISE on the CARNIVAL BREEZE is set for 2018. In its 19th year, the 7-day trip will travel from GALVESTON, TX APRIL 29th-MAY 6th; stops to be made in ...
Tom Joyner Cruise With A Mission Sold Out
0. The sold-out Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage is embarking on its 19th cruise this week from Galveston, TX. Generally known as the original Party with a Purpose, the event specifically ...
19th annual 'Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Denny
This year's sold-out Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Denny's is embarking on its 19th cruise this week from Galveston, TX. Generally known as the original Party with a Purpose, this empowering and groundbreaking event specifically caters to the cruising needs of the African-American community through its mission and featured entertainment. Setting sail April 29-May 6 ...
Anita Baker To Perform On Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage Cruise
The eight-time Grammy Award winner will honor radio pioneer Tom Joyner by performing live aboard his annual benefit cruise sailing April 29 - May 6, 2018. Anita Baker's performance will be a highlight on the cruise as we well as part of a celebration of Joyner's 25 years in syndication. As the most groundbreaking entertainment cruise, the ...
Reach Media Inc
The BIGGEST party with a purpose across the land and sea… the Fantastic Voyage is fully chartered non-stop entertainment filled cruise extravaganza! The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage benefits students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the Tom Joyner Foundation; this event is known to attract over 4,000 guests ...
Top Of The Morning: Going Back To The Inaugural Fantastic Voyage
3/9/18- It's Friday which means we're looking back! And this time we're going back 18 years ago to the very first Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise. There was a lot of experimenting and some growing pains, but Tom made it happen! READ MORE STORIES ON BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM: GET THE HOTTEST STORIES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX:
Janet Jackson To Headline Tom Joyner Foundation's 20th Fantastic Voyage
On April 7-14, the 20th cruise of the Tom Joyner Foundation's Fantastic Voyage will ship off from Miami and tour the Caribbean with wide-ranging activities and an incredible array of musical performances planned. Headlined by Janet Jackson, the "party with a purpose" also includes Shirley Caesar, Fantasia, Maxwell, Chrisette Michele, Smokie ...
KEVSUM: Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise Review
FYI "Kevsum" equals Kev's Summary. This past week, I took a MUCH needed vacation. Actually, the first REAL vacation in 20 years of running my own business and an incredible 20th Anniversary gift. This was the very first time I have ever attended the Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage cruise and while I have never been on a cruise, I could not ...
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2018
The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage® Cruise on Carnival Breeze Sets Sail for its 19th time, April 29 - May 6,2018 with a Line Up of Superstars & Favorites. Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Isley Brothers, O'Jays & More NEW Music and Artists Than Ever Before
If You Want A Fun And Lively Party Cruise, Tom Joyner's Cruise Is The
Booking a cruise can be an act of self-care, especially when you're in desperate need of a vacation, but joining the Fantastic Voyage also means giving back to others. The annual trip is in partnership with the Tom Joyner Foundation, an organization that aims to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the students and communities they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Your cabin purchase benefits The Tom Joyner Foundation, and a portion of your cabin purchase may qualify as a charitable contribution. Please consult with your tax advisor for details. Q: What are the travel dates, ports, and the name of the Cruise Ship? A: Saturday, April 2 7, 202 4 - Saturday, May 4, 202 4. Ports: Leaving from Miami ...
Entertainment
CRUISE POLICIES; PHOTOS; FAQS; CONTACT; 00 days. 00 hours. 00 minutes. 00 seconds. ... As of 2018, Ja Rule has sold 14.4 million units in the US and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. ... The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage 2023 was SOLD OUT! Call (214) ...
Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage 2019
Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage 2018 Tom Joyner cruises sell out every year. 2019 will mark the 20th year for the Fantastic Voyage cruise. This cruise caters to African Americans through its entertainment. Sunday April, 29th - May 6, 2018 Ship: Carnival Breeze Ports of call from Galveston: Montego Bay, Jamaica, Cozumel & 4 sea days […]
Itinerary 2024
Independence of the Seas is a large cruise ship with a maximum capacity of 4,515 guests, its deck plan is well laid out. Cabins are spread over multiple decks, but bars, restaurants, pools and entertainment venues are on decks 5 - 11 to 15. ... More from Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage Itinerary Fantastic Voyage 2023: Represent Night Cruise ...
2016 Tom Joyner Foundations Fantastic Voyage, Will Set ...
The Ultimate Party with a Purpose®, the voyage will take place aboard Carnival Breeze with a customized eight-day Caribbean voyage departing April 23, 2016, and visiting the beautiful tropical destinations of St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Grand Turk. The Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage presented by Ford is hosted by renowned radio ...

Tom Joyner Foundation Fantastic Voyage Cruise

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