The Music Is Black: A British Story Grand Opening on Sat 18th April 2026. A must see exhibition. We attended the Lenders Reception which was incredible. Black British Talent is undeniable.
Our Born This Way Cookie Crew outfits are now on display as part of the Exhibition. It’s an absolute honour to have our costumes included in such an important UK Cultural moment.
These pieces carry so much history. Carefully collected by V&A staff (treated like the treasures they are!), they weren’t even allowed on public transport; they had to be driven to their destination. And for good reason, this is the very first time they’ve left our homes in over 35 years, where they’ve been safely & preciously stored along with our other archive & 80s memorabilia.
They were originally made in Harlem NYC in 1988, by a tailor who made them for our photoshoot. I remember that day so vividly, we were taken to an all black traders indoor market, by an amazing woman named Carmen Ashurst @radiantnana from Rush Management. We chose the fabric, explained what we wanted, got measured up, & a few hours later, boom they were ready & collected.
Featured across our press & promo images, in our Born This Way video, and on our US album cover; these outfits travelled with us everywhere. We graced many stages in our Afro-centric get-up, dookie earrings, African pendants, LA Gear trainers, and our unmistakable South London attitude. It was all rooted in our unapologetic love for Hip Hop & everything the culture embodied.
To see them now, preserved and celebrated, is something truly special. From Harlem (1988), to the V&A (2026) who would’ve thought?
We understand that what’s on display is only a fraction of what black British talent/artists in this country have contributed, which makes it even more meaningful to be included in telling this powerful and necessary story. To have our style & our contribution recognised in this way is something we don’t take lightly.
Thank you @cbmb_uk & all at @vam_east@vamuseum - it’s simply stunning.
We shall...proceed...and continue...to rock the mic!
Image 10 & 11 photo credit @janettephoto
#V&A #BornThisWay #CookieCrew #UKHipHop #BlackBritishHistory
Black Music is culture, it’s also commerce, community and global influence.
@_UKMusic releases Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth in the UK - a landmark, first report of its kind in Europe that measures the cultural, commercial and community impact of Black Music across 30 years (1994-2023) of the £30billion UK recorded music market.
The numbers are undeniable:
• Black music contributed 80% (£24.5bn) to the UK recorded music market across 30 years
• British artists making music originating from the full spectrum of Black Music genres contributed 40% (£11.94bn)
• Yet representation and equity in Black Music does not match its impact
This report celebrates the legacy of Black Music - and sets out clear actions to future-proof the UK’s world-leading music industry.
Black Music has powered the UK music industry for THREE decades - now the data proves it.
🎶 80% of UK recorded music value
💷 £24.5 billion generated
🌍 A global cultural force - born, built and exported from the UK
Black Music Means Business is the first European report of its kind, measuring 30 years of cultural, commercial and community impact - and setting out what must change next.
THE CALL FOR PAPERS!!
⬇
📥 - Download the full report: [/ztjabzjx]
#BlackMusicMeansBusiness #BlackBritishMusic #UKMusic #MusicIndustry #CreativeEconomy #counterculture
The Music Is Black: A British Story
Opening on the 18th April @vam_east
Prepare to experience something truly extraordinary.
This landmark exhibition brings together over 125 years of remarkable items that celebrate the immense talent, creativity, and global influence of Black British music and culture. From iconic artefacts to powerful stories, every piece reveals how Black British artists have shaped and continue to shape the sound of Britain and beyond.
Impeccably curated by Jacqueline Springer: Curator, Africa & Diaspora V&A @cbmc_uk (I literally bow in her presence), the exhibition is a bold, vibrant exploration of heritage, innovation, and cultural impact.
Visitors can expect an unforgettable journey through sound, style, resistance, and creativity showcasing the artists, movements, and moments that changed music history!
Be ready for rare objects, powerful narratives, and a celebration of talent that has reverberated across generations and continents.
It’s gonna be overwhelming and magical.
📍 Opening 18th April at the V&A East
🎧 The Music IS Black! The music IS British!! The Impact IS Global!!!
#TheMusicIsBlack #TheMusicIsBritish #BlackBritishStories #BlackBritishMusic #VAMuseum #MusicHistory #ExhibitionLaunch
/watch?v=vHe--e91tVc
Don’t front people........TICKETS ON SALE NOW! linktr.ee/vam_east
‘LIFE OF BRIAN – THE DJ SWING TRIBUTE’ @lifeofbrian.thedjswingtribute
To mark 20 years since his passing in March 2006, a special one off event is taking place to celebrate his life, his influence and the music he loved.
‘Life of Brian – The DJ Swing Tribute’ will take place on Saturday 21 March 2026, featuring over 25 DJs, all of whom shared a connection with Brian and are donating their time in his honour.
100% of proceeds from this event will be donated to the ACLT.
📆Sat 21 March
📍SWAY, Holborn
⏰6pm-2am
🎟️TICKETS via : search ‘Life of Brian - the DJ Swing Tribute’
TICKETS: : search ‘Life of Brian - DJ Swing Tribute’
#thedjswingtribute
#djswing20yearanniversary
#lifeofbrianDJSwing #aclt
🎤 25th–26th Sept Milton Keynes Open University Presents: Hip Hop and The Institution 2025
Also joining the lecture for an unmissable panel:
✨ Hanifa McQueen Hudson (@1980s_bgirl_hanifa ) - the UK’s Original B-Girl
🎓 Dr Richard Bramwell (Loughborough University) - leading Scholar of Hip Hop studies
A mix of Pioneers and Academics exploring the intersections of culture, history & higher education.
#HipHopAndTheInstitution
#HipHopAcademics
#CallForPapers
#HipHopIntellects
#CultureMeetsCampus
#HipHopOnCampus
#CookieCrew
#bgirlhanifa
#Foundation
#miltonkeynesopenuniversity
#HipHopMiltonKeynes
Yes Rotimi (Sky’s the limit), and one love Mr Bradley........Lloydy Lloyd! (Cultural Historian Extraordinaire)
Was awesome to sit down with you both and dissect the history. Stories, we got ‘em......we pulled up and chopped it up! 🎤🥛🍪🧑🏽🍳 📼 📻 🎶 🎧 ⛪🏫
Thanks for making this happen and more importantly for inviting me to the Table of Legends 🙏🏼💪🏾 this was not a solitary journey..........I do it for the ancestors!
Keep the undercurrents flowing on ✊🏾 BLACK | 🇬🇧 BRITISH | 🌟 BRILLIANCE
Listen → podfollow.com/manyrivers
@manyriverspod@romeysky@lloydbradley4@darksidemediahq@tomdark
#manyriverspod #darksidenediahq #BlackBritishBrilliance #CookieCrew #FromBatterseaToTheBronx # #WomenInRap #UKHipHop #HipHopThrowbacks #UKHipHopFoundation #HipHopRoyaltyAlert🚨 😁
🌺🌼🌹IN BLOOM 🌻🌷💐
As one-half of the iconic UK rap group The Cookie Crew, Cookie began her career as a recording artist, collaborating with homegrown talent including Danny D, as well as U.S. music legends such as Gang Starr, Stetsasonic, Black Sheep, Davy DMX, Roy Ayers, and Edwin Starr. Sharing the stage with influential acts like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Guy, and supporting Bobby Brown at Wembley, helped solidify Cookie’s deep connection to the music industry and its culture.
Following her time as a performer, Cookie transitioned into the business side of music, bringing her passion and first-hand experience into a dynamic career behind the scenes. She started by organising club nights and partnering with promoters, with a particular focus on sponsorships, brand partnerships, and product placement for FMCG brands.
In the realms of marketing and promotions, Cookie played a key role in campaigns for a wide range of music icons including Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, Brandy, Tweet, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, The Roots and Eve. These projects laid the groundwork for her work as an independent consultant, advising both local and international artists and labels, especially from a UK perspective, on navigating the ever-evolving music industry.
Her impressive career includes pivotal roles at MCA/Universal Music (Press & Club Promotion), Atlantic Records (Marketing Manager), AEG/The O2 (Events Marketing Manager), and MOBO (Talent Booker). She has also consulted for U.S.-based companies including Timezone International, Koch Ent/In The Paint Records, SMC Recordings, and Strange Music Inc.
A passionate music mentor, Cookie is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of talent and executives. Whether helping emerging artists develop their craft or offering guidance on navigating the industry, she remains focused on fostering sustainable growth and long-term success. Currently, Cookie serves as Director of Label Management at The Orchard UK.
Cookie shares some words of wisdom for this month’s In Bloom 🧡 #thedebrief