Late on Monday, September 26, 2022, Maverick City Music released a statement on Instagram after Bowe was accused of incidents “inconsistent” with the music collective’s “core values and beliefs.”But,what is the alleged “behavior” mentioned in the collective’s statement? This is the question many have been asking. However, an official answer has not been given.
Read the full statement below:
“Due to behavior that is inconsistent with our core values and beliefs, we have decided to put a pause on our professional relationship with Dante Bowe,” the statement opens. “Maverick City Music is a collective of various artists from many different backgrounds and life experiences; as such no one artist’s actions or behavior can always be attributed as a reflection of our core beliefs and values.”
The statement concludes by inviting Maverick City Music fans to offer Dante Bowe their support.
Fans Respond To False News That Dante’s Release was in wake of alleged Bad Bunny singalong
Earlier this month, Dante Bowe allegedly shared a video to his Instagram account of him and friends, some of them Maverick City affiliates, partying on a bus and singing along to Bad Bunny track Despues De La Playa, which was released this year.
According to other news sources, the friends were celebrating the birthday of Sabrina Harrison, co-founder of MINT Dentistry and AMEN Church, and founder of Equipped By Faith Ministries, a non-profit organization that empowers women of faith.
The video came to the attention of Maverick City followers, with explicit lyrics in the Bad Bunny song causing concern. Many fans have been assuming that the release it due to this video being released on his socials. However, Maverick City does not give this or any other reason as the cause for their decision.
Some Fans think collective should ‘extend grace’…
Fans seem divided on the news as many have argued that Maverick City Music should extend grace and others were happy to see action taken over Bowe’s alleged behavior. However, what many fans may still not realize it that an exact reason for their decision has not been made public. However, it is the talk of the video which has given the story more attention and confusion among some fans.
On Tik Tok, one user wrote: “I get it’s concerning but we fall short all the time. I fell short today, we fall short every day. So, I truly don’t get it. It’s funny when someone falls short and we don’t extend grace.” Watch this fan’s full video below:
Not #maverickcitymusic “pausing” #dantebowe I’m very shocked and speechless! When it’s time for Christians to practice extending the grace they talk about, it’s forgot about!! 💔💔 praying for Dante in this time of confusion and his career moving forward!!
we dont have the full story with Maverick City but grace and forgiveness does not absolve you from consequences… thats not a Christian concept, thats life. just because you’re forgiven doesnt mean things dont change bc of your behavior… #DanteBowe
This #DanteBowe situation is still very unclear but what I do know is that grace & accountability CAN coexist. Nevertheless, I love Dante. & I hope he has love around him to get him through whatever this is.
Whew chile. I’m glad nobody recorded me at that wedding reception last weekend cause I definitely rapped EVERY WORD of Lil Kim’s verse on “All About the Benjamin’s”WITH PRIDE. Praying for #DanteBowepic.twitter.com/aLwGDlHuP4
It’s clear that many fans don’t feel the punishment matches the actions in this case. Others have argued online that artists and celebrities in both mainstream and Christian circles have remained covered publicly but disciplined privately for worse circumstances. Many have been left confused by the recent actions of the collective. While there are rumors of other possible reasons for this release, no other statement has been made from the Maverick City Collective at this time. But, Dante has recently responded directly to his fans regarding the news.
What is important for fans to remember is that An Official Statement of What The Dante’s Alleged Behavior Is Has Not Been Publicly Shared. What has been shared via the official statements of each party is the only factual news that has been released at this time.
Dante Bowe’s Official Statement
The Grammy Award winning artist released his own statement on social media in response to the collective’s announcement of his release:
“In light of recent events and opinions, I’ve talked to some of the wisest leaders and brothers around me. I’ll be taking time off social media to rest mentally and physically.
“Years ago, when I dreamt of all I would accomplish one day, I didn’t account for the pressure and opinions that would come with it. It’s important for everyone to know when to step back and refocus. Hope y’all understand and support. I’ll hit you up when I’m back.
“Love you guys! This is for the best.”
Posts from his fellow collective members are seen below his statement showing love and support and he takes a break. It’s a good sign to see his team supporting him during this time. Our prayers are also with the collective as they seek how to best cover Dante and help him move forward.
Will Dante Bowe’s Personal Tour Be Cancelled?
We don’t know the full story beyond the information we have shared. But, we will reiterate that according to the collective’s public statement, this is currently a temporary release.
There is no news yet regarding Dante’s up and coming tour featuring Evvie McKinney and CHH group Social Club. We will share more as this story continues to develop. Until then, join us as we continue to support Dante with prayer.
ArtSoul Radio is a 24/7, online Christian Radio Station and Entertainment news site promoting new and diverse sounds in Christian music! We highlight both indie and mainstream artists in Contemporary Gospel, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, Alternative, and Spoken Word Poetry.
Lore’l of The Morning Hustle recently had a moment with Jordan at the movie premiere of his latest project, Creed III in Atlanta. During the start of the interview, she reminded him that they attended high school together in Newark, New Jersey. She introduces him to the camera saying, “And you know we know each other. We go way back, all the way back to Chad Science in Newark.”
JORDAN LOOKS HER STRAIGHT IN THE EYES WITH A SMILE AND SAID, “I WAS THE CORNY KID, RIGHT?”
Lore’l, likely uncomfortable responded with a laugh while quickly defending herself with another smile saying “I did not say that! I was misquoted, for sure.”
But Jordan didn’t let up and he briefly reminded her that the “corny kid” statement had been burned into his memory. There was still good energy present showing that he clearly had forgiven her, but he made it known he didn’t forget.
The interviewer briefly stayed in defense mode replying, “I said we used to make fun of the name.” She turns to the camera and says, “But yeah, he is obviously killing things out here.”
She quickly keeps the interview moving while remaining positive and continued to speak to Jordan about directing the latest movie and even brings up the expected union of him and Will Smithworking together in the future. As the interview is over, she seemingly admits to calling him corny when she says, “Well, you’re not corny anymore,” Jordan walked away with a slight smirk as he moved on to the next interview.
According to other news sources, Lore’l had previously stated that, as schoolmates, she and her friends would tease The Wire alum as he was pursuing his dream of becoming an actor.
Lore’l stated, “You know what’s so crazy? I went to school with Michael B. Jordan at a point in life. We went to Chad Science [Academy] together in Newark, and to be honest with you, we teased him all the damn time because his name was Michael Jordan. Let’s start there, and he was no Michael Jordan. And he also would come to school with a headshot. We lived in Newark; that’s the ’hood. We would make fun of him like, ‘What you gonna do with your stupid headshot!?’ And now look at him!”
The moral of this story is simple! But be careful who you bully!
Hailing from the Bronx New York and raised in Philly, Samara Joy’s new career has been catapulting like a rocket ship! As of yesterday, at only 23 years old Samara is now the winner of two Grammy awards: “Best New Artist” and “Best New Jazz Vocal Album” for her latest project “Linger Awhile”.
The singer comes from a legacy of music and a strong background in both Gospel and Jazz. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, sang in the famous soul gospel Philadelphia group, The Savettes. Joy’s father is Antonio McLendon, a singer and bassist who toured for years with another gospel star, Andraé Crouch.
In 2020, a viral Facebook video of Joy singng Ella Fitzgerald’s “Take Love Easy” as a thank you for receiving the Ella Fitzgerald Scholarship in 2020 while a student at State University of New York at Purchase led to her receiving a record deal. Her viral video caught the attention of actors like LaKeith Stanfield and Regina King, the latter of whom credits Joy’s music with helping her get through the pandemic.
There are few other ways to describe it. Samara embodies a sound of the past echoing all of the jazz greats from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sara Vaughan and more. The ArtSoul staff has been following Samara for a couple years now. At first listen, it was clear that she is the future of jazz bringing in both a new younger and older audience of the genre that is quickly becoming enamored by her talent as she re-introduces songs like “Can’t Get Out of This Mood”, “Guess Who I Saw Today”, “Someone To Watch Over Me and More”.
What happens when a 23 year old beauty from the Bronx brings back classic jazz standards? Apparently Tik Tok goes crazy!
In addition to going viral on Facebook where she was originally discovered during the pandemic, Joy has continued to go viral on Instagram and Tik Tok. In addition to growing new listeners to her music, new remixes of Joy’s songs have also been popping up from young Gospel and Jazz fans and musicians such as Producer and YouTube/IG&TikTok sensation Yaahn Hunter Jr who created a Chill Hip Hop infused version of Joy’s single “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” which is still trending on Tik Tok. Listen below…
The video below left many wondering if Samara was lip singing! But, as she has proved live on TikTok from her room and all the way to Paris, France on tour, Samara continues to show us all that she is the real deal!
We are excited to watch Samara Joy’s career continue to thrive as she continues to grow and leave audiences in awe. If you have never seen her live, do yourself a favor and show up to one of the stops on her current tour beginning February 11th through September 11th.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
The unfortunate news confirming Stephen’s passing was released today on all major news outlets. A representative for Boss told NBC News he died by suicide.
Stephen “tWitch” Boss, is known as the popular “So You Think You Can Dance” alum and as the former DJ for “Ellen DeGeneres Show”. The official news was reported by his wife, fellow dancer Allison Holker Boss. She confirmed the news with the following statement to CNN:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Holker Boss said in a statement. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” she added. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”
No further information was provided regarding the cause of his death. Stephen was only 40 years old.
Holker Boss concluded her statement to CNN by saying “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
His final instagram post was a ‘shared posted’ released by his wife Allison on Monday showing the two of them dancing in front of the Christmas tree. His wife’s message under the post read “HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE!! With my lover @sir_twitch_alot.”
This beautiful pair met when they were all-star dancers on Season 7 of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2010.
“We shared a dance at the wrap party of that season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and we have been together ever since,” Boss told People in February.
“There was no dialogue, there was no conversation or a first hangout. Literally, we danced and we were together holding hands the very next day,” Holker Boss added. “And we never looked back.”
Most Recent Work
After leaving the Ellen show in 2020 where he had recently been promoted as the co-producer of the show, ‘tWitch’ returned to “So You Think You Can Dance”. In February of 2022, he and his wife announced the launch of the new Athleisure line “Fly” with Dicks Sporting Goods where they served as the new brand ambassadors.
Most recently, ‘tWitch’ and Allison both appeared with major roles in the new Disney film “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” which released on Nov 25th, 2022.
Responses started to flood social media Wednesday morning from celebrities and fans:
“I’m heartbroken,” wrote Ellen DeGeneres on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair hugging. “tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children — Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
Ciara – “I am so crushed to hear the news that you are no longer with us. I’ve always known you as joy, laughter, good times and a big smile! Heaven has gained an angel today! May you rest in paradise. Praying for your family during this difficult time. (see full tweet)
Viola Davis – “I’m at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones.” (see full tweet)
Valentin – “This is not possible. I am absolutely lost for any words or comprehension. Heartbreaking.” (see full tweet)
Mickey Guyton – “You just never truly know what anyone is going through. Check on your loved ones. Always be good to people. Man this one hurts.” (see full tweet)
Yvette Nicole Brown – “What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always. Oh tWich! If you are feeling despair PLEASE call 988. #PleaseStay” (see full tweet)
Kirk Franklin – “My heartfelt condolences to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s family… beautiful children, beautiful wife. It’s really heartbreaking…” (see his full message here)
The responses continue to flood social media after the release of this news. Please join the ArtSoul Radio family as we continue to keep the family, friends and loved ones of tWitch in prayer during this difficult time.