Urban Updatez
Share
The Update to News, Music & Culture. Promoting Indie Artists, Entrepreneurs & Black owned businesses
Urban Updatez is a media brand based in the Hudson Valley that strives to be the number one source of music and entertainment news. We are dedicated to bringing our readers the latest updates in music, culture, fashion and entertainment. Our mission is to provide insightful and engaging content for our readers with a focus on the local community. We aim to inspire creativity and foster discussion around music and entertainment so that our readers can make informed decisions about their favorite topics.
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Actor and comedian Orlando Brown is preparing to bring his comedic personality to the Hudson Valley as the announced host of the upcoming “845 Be Wildin’” comedy game show, scheduled for February 20.
“Shout out to the 845. I’m coming, y’all,” Brown said in the video, confirming that he will host the comedy game show and promising an entertaining experience for participants and audiences.
The production, organized with local promoter Moochie, is seeking cast members, comedians, performers, artists and content creators interested in participating in the show. Auditions are being promoted for Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 89 Church Street in Poughkeepsie, New York.
According to promotional materials, Brown will not attend the auditions. Rehearsals are expected to begin in mid-October, with additional celebrity appearances to be announced.
The upcoming production aims to spotlight talent from the 845 area while bringing a nationally recognized entertainer to the local stage. Those interested in auditioning can contact Moochie at 570-780-0431 for additional information.
🎥: Orlando Brown / Moochie Merchant
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — An NJ Transit bus driver reportedly lost control of a bus early in the morning, crashing through a residential lawn, striking a parked vehicle and slamming into a neighboring home.
The incident involved Bus 166, which was reportedly heading toward its first scheduled stop when the driver veered off the roadway and onto a residential property.
According to reports, the bus damaged newly installed landscaping before striking a parked car and crashing into the neighboring house, leaving residents startled by the early morning collision.
Homeowner Karina Martinez, who had recently moved into the neighborhood with her husband, said they heard a loud noise around 5:30 a.m. Initially believing it was passing truck traffic, the couple quickly realized something more serious had happened.
Martinez recalled her husband looking out the window and exclaiming, “Oh no, my car,” after discovering the bus had struck their vehicle.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and reportedly removed the bus driver from the vehicle on a stretcher. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and was later released.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed, and authorities have not publicly established what caused the driver to lose control. The extent of the structural damage to the home remains unclear.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A 41-year-old Arizona man is accused of tracking wealthy acquaintances through social media and burglarizing their homes while they were away on vacation.
Authorities allege that Tyler Lee Johnson used Instagram and connections within his social circle to identify potential victims. Investigators say he monitored vacation posts to determine when homeowners were out of town before targeting their properties.
According to allegations, Johnson drove a white Toyota Camry to the homes and cut off the main electrical power in an effort to disable security cameras. Investigators say he then forced his way inside through rear glass doors or windows while wearing black clothing, a ski mask and gloves.
Among the luxury items reportedly stolen were Rolex and Cartier watches, Louis Vuitton and Chanel handbags, and a signed Kobe Bryant MVP jersey reportedly valued at more than $100,000.
Investigators believe Johnson may be connected to burglaries involving more than 20 victims across at least five cities. Authorities are examining the possible connections between the incidents as the investigation continues.
Johnson was reportedly booked into the Maricopa County Jail on charges including second-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools, with bond set at $20,000.
The allegations have drawn attention to the potential security risks of publicly sharing travel plans on social media. Johnson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
10/09/2026
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — Newburgh recording artist Nickelplated L is using his new song “What Happened to Our Boys” to bring attention to the challenges facing young Black boys, the importance of education and the responsibility of communities to advocate for the next generation.
Produced by Drawzilla, the record continues Nickelplated L’s commitment to creating music that goes beyond entertainment, addressing social issues and encouraging conversations about subjects he believes deserve greater attention.
“I’m speaking up for the little people in this record,” Nickelplated L said, emphasizing that the song is directed toward schools and the need for parents to become more involved in advocating for their children.
At the center of the record is Nickelplated L’s concern about educational priorities. He believes schools and communities should place greater emphasis on academic development, opportunities and the overall success of young Black boys.
The Newburgh artist also raises concerns about the influence of social media, questioning how online culture shapes public conversations and the messages young people encounter. Through the record, he encourages listeners to think critically about what is promoted across digital platforms.
For Nickelplated L, the message reflects a larger responsibility he believes artists carry.
Throughout his musical journey, he has increasingly focused on using hip-hop as a platform for awareness and encouraging listeners to look beyond the music itself.
“What Happened to Our Boys” adds another socially conscious record to his growing catalog, reinforcing his belief that hip-hop can serve as a voice for concerns that are often overlooked.
With this release, Nickelplated L hopes to encourage more conversations about education, community responsibility and creating a better future for young people.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Former First Lady Michelle Obama helped celebrate a historic milestone for civil rights activist Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” with a surprise visit honoring her 100th birthday.
Lee, who turned 100 on October 7, has spent decades advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Her activism helped build national support for making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
During the birthday celebration, Obama greeted Lee with flowers and shared a heartfelt moment with the longtime activist. Footage of their meeting circulated across social media, drawing messages of appreciation for both women.
Obama also honored Lee’s contributions to American history, writing, “Our nation owes you a deep debt of gratitude,” while recognizing her lifelong dedication to uplifting Black communities and preserving their history.
Lee became nationally recognized for her symbolic walking campaigns, including her effort to walk 2.5 miles to represent the two and a half years between the Emancipation Proclamation and the announcement of freedom in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865.
The celebration marked a century of life for a woman whose advocacy helped transform Juneteenth into a nationally recognized holiday, preserving an important chapter of American history for future generations.
🎥: Michelle Obama / Social Media
10/08/2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump says his administration is considering an FBI investigation into the death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black teenager whose body was discovered on a Mississippi island following a Fourth of July boating trip with friends.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, October 7, Trump was asked whether he would support an independent federal investigation into the teenager’s death. The president responded, “Well, we’re looking at that. Yes, we are.”
Wells disappeared during a July 4 outing with friends near Horn Island, located off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. His body was discovered July 6, prompting questions from his family about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
In September, a Jackson County grand jury unanimously declined to indict anyone in connection with the case. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said investigators found no evidence supporting allegations of criminal wrongdoing or a racial motive. However, the official cause and manner of Wells’ death remain undetermined.
Wells’ family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump have continued pushing for an independent federal investigation. An autopsy commissioned by the family identified unexplained injuries, including blunt-force trauma to the back of the teenager’s head, raising additional questions for his loved ones.
Following Trump’s remarks, Crump welcomed the possibility of federal involvement, saying his legal team stands ready to work with federal authorities to ensure the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death are fully investigated.
Although Trump indicated that his administration is reviewing the matter, no new FBI investigation had been publicly confirmed at the time of his remarks. Wells’ family continues seeking answers nearly 100 days after his disappearance.
10/08/2026
NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York Historical has opened a new exhibition celebrating the music, culture and creativity that transformed New York City during the 1970s, highlighting the emergence of hip-hop, disco and punk.
Titled “You Should Be Dancing: New York, 1976 and Beyond,” the exhibition explores how artists and communities helped reshape music during a period of financial hardship and social change throughout the city.
Visitors can explore the early days of hip-hop, when pioneering DJs introduced new techniques that helped establish a cultural movement. The exhibition also highlights New York’s disco scene and the punk movement that flourished at legendary Manhattan venues such as CBGB.
Among the historical artifacts featured are a guitar signed by Dee Dee Ramone, original artwork from the first issue of Punk Magazine, vintage disco platform shoes, and a drum machine and turntable once owned by hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash.
The exhibition also features photographs, album covers, music recordings and video footage documenting the era. Visitors can participate in interactive experiences, including an opportunity to mix music using a DJ turntable.
“You Should Be Dancing: New York, 1976 and Beyond” will remain on display through April 4, 2027, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the cultural movements that helped influence generations of artists around the world.
📸: Reflections nightclub, New York City, late 1970s — photographer not identified.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis City Council meeting erupted into chaos Tuesday evening, October 6, after lawmakers voted to postpone a decision on a proposed moratorium that would temporarily halt new data center development in the city.
The council voted 7-5 to delay the decision until October 20, sparking outrage among residents who had gathered at City Hall demanding action. Protesters began chanting inside the council chambers, prompting officials to halt the meeting and call for police to clear the room.
Tensions escalated further when a physical altercation broke out in the lobby. Police responded, but authorities reported no arrests or injuries connected to the confrontation.
The proposed moratorium would temporarily pause new data centers and expansions for 12 months while city officials examine their potential effects on public health, electricity demand, water consumption and local infrastructure.
Much of the controversy surrounds Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI, which operates major artificial intelligence computing facilities in the Memphis region. Some residents have raised concerns about air pollution, noise and the strain large data centers could place on surrounding communities.
Supporters of the moratorium argue that stronger safeguards are needed before additional facilities are approved. Opponents warn that restricting development could discourage investment and push technology companies into neighboring communities.
The council is expected to revisit the moratorium on October 20 as the debate over AI infrastructure and its impact on Memphis continues.
🎥: CBS News
10/08/2026
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — Will Smith’s early rise in hip-hop alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff will inspire a new scripted television series titled 215, a reference to Philadelphia’s area code.
Westbrook Studios and The Malar Group are developing the coming-of-age series as the first project under a new film and television partnership. The story will be set in West Philadelphia during the late 1980s.
The series will follow a teenage rapper, his DJ best friend and their circle of friends as they pursue a record deal while Philadelphia’s hip-hop scene expands. The story is also expected to explore label meetings, hometown loyalty, sudden fame and the challenges their growing success placed on their friendships.
Smith and Jeffrey Townes became known as DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, helping hip-hop reach wider audiences through songs including “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and “Summertime.” Their partnership later continued through The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where Townes made recurring appearances as Jazz.
No cast, streaming platform or release date has been announced.
Source Credit: Entertainment Weekly / Deadline
Photo Credit: DJJazzyJeffVEVO / YouTube
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Website
Address
Newburgh, NY
12550
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Urban Updatez posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.