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Thirteen-Time Grammy Winner Babyface and Six-Time Hip Hop Award Winner Busta Rhymes Join 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit Honoring Music Legend Clive Davis
Benefit Marks Last Fundraiser in the Apollo Theater Before Historic Renovations. Teyana Taylor to Receive Inaugural Innovator Award
New York, NY–May 19, 2025 – Thirteen-time Grammy-Winner Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will join Grammy-winning, multiplatinum recording artist Monica to present music legend CliveDavis with the Apollo Theatre’s special Legacy Award honor at the 2025 Apollo Spring Benefit on June 4 at 7:00 PM. The Apollo simultaneously announced that six-time hip-hop Award winner, Busta Rhymes all headline a special performance tribute to Davis featuring Deborah Cox, Shosahna Bean, and others.
The widely anticipated event– the last before the globally renewed 91-year-old theatre’s historic renovation –will also feature the induction of Davis into the Apollo’s Walk of Fame by Gamma Co-Founder, Larry Jackson and iconic music executive, L.A. Reid, as well as the presentation of the inaugural Innovator Award to multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor and director, Teyana Taylor.
Clive Davis is being recognized by The Apollo for his pivotal role shaping the careers of many of contemporary music’s most iconic Black artists. With a career spanning over six decades, Davis visionary leadership and unwavering belief in talent, equality and bridging gaps between audiences have left and indelible mark on the soundtrack of our lives.
“It’s a deeply meaningful moment,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo. “To see visionary leaders and legendary artist unite on the stage–honoring the remarkable work of Clive Davis, the ingenious spirit of Teyana Taylor, and the iconic legacy of The Apollo. It will be a powerful celebration of music’s transformative influence on culture and boundless creativity that shapes our world.”
From the earliest days at Columbia Records, through his groundbreaking work at Arista and J Records, and currently, as Sony Music Entertainment’s Worldwide Creative Director, Davis has consistently championed Black artists. His keen ear and deep respect for artistry have helped launch, elevate or reenergize the careers of such legends as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind & Fire, Miles Davis, Dionne Warwick, Usher, Gamble & Huff, Ray Parker, Jr., Jennifer Hudson, Herbie Hancock, Fantasia, Toni Braxton, Outkast and TLC, among many others.
Davis has a special personal connection to “Babyface” Edmonds and Larry Jackson. In 1989, Edmonds cofounded Laface Records with L.A Reid through a major joint venture with Davis’ for Arista Records. The record label was a catalyst for Atlanta’s burgeoning music industry, signing renowned global artist such as Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton, and more. Davis mentored Jackson which culminated in his driving critical A&R work for RCA Music Group and Sony Music that propelled the superstardom of Santana, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin,Dionne Warwick and many more.
Other performances throughout the evening will include an opening sequence from Martha Redbone and Grammy-winning singer Avery Sunshine, tributes to the late and great Richard Parsons featuring 8x Grammy nominee, The Baylor Project, and other special features from 4x Tony nominated director and choreographer, Camile A. Brown & Dancers. D-Nice will return to DJ the Spring Benefit’s official after party.
This year’s Spring Benefit will be The Apollos final fundraiser before embarking on the first full-scale renovation in its 90-year history. The renovation marks a new chapter for the iconic theater – continuing to honor its rich legacy while bringing forward the new enhanced audience experiences.
All proceeds will support the non-profit organization’s year-round, world-class artistic, education, and community programs, as well as its commitment to articulating and projecting the African American narrative using arts and culture and creating a 21st century performing arts canon.
The Spring Benefit begins with red carpet arrivals at 4:30pm, Clive Davis’ induction ceremony at 5:30PM, followed by the Benefit concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 PM.
Watch for upcoming announcements as the Apollo unveils a thrilling line -up of special honorees and performers. Visit www.ApolloTheatre.org for more information. To purchase benefit tickets, make a donation, or for more information, visit https://www.apollotheatre.org/benefit-2025.
For exclusive photos, updates and more use hashtag #ApolloSpringBenefit and follow The Apollo:
About The Apollo
The legendary Apollo –the soul of American culture –plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artist and launching legends. Since its founding, The Apollo has served as a center of innovation and creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York,and the world. In 2024, The Apollo opened The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theatre,making the first ever expansion in its 90-year history. The Apollo also has plans to renovate its Historic Theater. For more information about The Apollo visit www.ApolloTheatre.org.
With music at its core. The Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes the world premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at The Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; and the annual Africa Now! Festival. The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend The Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.
Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, The Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artist working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres–including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at The Apollo are Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, H.E.R. D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, Machine Gun Kelly, and Miri Ben Ari, and The Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For More information about The Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.
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The Unstoppable Rise of Baby Kingpin: Amplifying the Voices of the Voiceless

In the heart of Oakland, California, a powerful new voice is resonating through the hip-hop scene. Baby Kingpin, a rapper born and raised in the historic East Oakland neighborhood, is making a profound impact with his thought-provoking lyrics and compelling message. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Baby Kingpin is committed to harnessing the power of music to drive positive change and uplift his community.
Rooted in Activism and Music
East Oakland, the birthplace of the Black Panthers, has a rich legacy of activism and social justice that has profoundly shaped Baby Kingpin’s worldview and artistic vision. Drawing inspiration from hip-hop legends like Tupac Shakur, Baby Kingpin is determined to follow in their footsteps and change. His music is a testament to the power of art to inspire and mobilize individuals towards a common goal.
A Deep Connection to the Community
For Baby Kingpin, his connection to the community is at the heart of his music and message. As a representative of the oppressed urban society, he understands the struggles and challenges faced by many individuals around the world. His music is a reflection of this understanding, and he aims to use his platform to uplift and empower those who are often overlooked.

A Vision for a Brighter Future
In the next five years, Baby Kingpin envisions himself playing a pivotal role in the progress of his people worldwide. Driven by a desire to be a voice for the voiceless in oppressed societies globally, he aims to connect with his audience on a spiritual level, using his music to inspire and motivate positive change.
A New Project: Amplifying the Message
Baby Kingpin’s new project is a powerful testament to his commitment to his craft and his community. With lyrics that speak directly to the soul, his music is designed to resonate with listeners and inspire them to take action. Through rhythm and rhyme, Baby Kingpin aims to connect with his audience on a deeper level, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
A Rising Star in the Hip-Hop World
Baby Kingpin is a rising star in the hip-hop world, and his music is a powerful reflection of his values and vision. With a deep connection to his community and a commitment to social justice, Baby Kingpin is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry. As he continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one thing is clear: Baby Kingpin is a voice for the voiceless, and his music will be felt for years to come.
Follow Baby Kingpin:
- Instagram: @baby_kingpin
Through his music and message, Baby Kingpin is inspiring a new generation of artists and activists. His commitment to social justice and his community is a testament to the power of hip-hop to drive positive change. As Baby Kingpin continues to rise to prominence, his impact will undoubtedly be felt far beyond the music industry.
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