A Cardi B exclusive masterclass and a discourse on the escalating relationship between the music industry and AI are among the hot topics being presented by the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) during Grammy Week in Los Angeles. Rounding out the organization’s two-day slate of events (Jan. 27-28) are its annual Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Dinner.
“Am I The Drama?: A Masterclass” will kick off the proceedings on Jan. 27 (5 p.m-8 p.m.). Presented in partnership with CURATED by Live Nation, the panel brings together Cardi B’s management team and experiential marketing experts to examine how the Grammy-winning artist “transformed authenticity into a cultural and marketing force.” Moderated by cultural marketer Sierra Lever, the discussion will feature Cardi B’s manager and Giant Music co-founder Shawn “Tubby” Holiday, her day-to-day manager Courtney Worrell at Full Stop Management, Atlantic Records executive vp, sales and streaming Angelique Jones and Walmart head of experiential marketing & cultural engagement Allison Barrie Rand.
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BMAC joins forces with Universal Music Group on Jan. 28 (1 p.m.-3 p.m.) to present “Artists & Music in the Age of AI.” Described as “a first-of-its-kind gathering,” the panel session features a mix of CEOs from several of the leading AI companies, artists, songwriters and executives. Discussing the ethical, creative and economic concerns about AI will be: Prem Akkaraju (Stability AI), Ary Attie (Klay Vision), artist BT/Sound Labs, songwriter Michelle Lewis (SONA), executive Michael Nash (Universal Music Group), Shari Reich (NVIDIA), Andrew Sanchez (Udio), Kakul Srivastava (Splice), artist and executive Don Was (Blue Note Records) and artist/entrepreneur will.i.am.
That evening (7 p.m.-10 p.m.), BMAC will cap its 2026 Grammy Week events with the aforementioned Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Dinner. Being held in partnership with ASCAP, this dinner will be hosted by BMAC, Jam & Lewis and Victoria Monét. In addition to revealing the next-gen recipients of the 2026 BMAC x ASCAP x Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant, the evening will mark the presentation of the first-ever BMAC Music Maker Impact Award to Culture Collective founder/CEO Jonathan Azu, whose management roster includes 2026 Grammy nominee Leon Thomas. Attendees will be treated to a special musical tribute to Jam & Lewis curated by Adam Blackstone and friends, featuring surprise musical guests.
“Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are living examples of generosity,” commented ASCAP president and chairman Paul Williams in a statement. “As two of the most successful songwriter-producers of all time, their mentorship is a phenomenal gift that helps others to achieve their dreams. ASCAP is thrilled to support this Music Maker program to help the next generation of great writer-producers, who will learn from the best.”
Noted BMAC CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, “Black music has always powered the culture, but opportunity has not always matched the scale of its influence. The BMAC x Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant is our commitment to changing that reality not with symbolism, but with real investment, real access and real pathways forward. By connecting the next generation of creators to two of the greatest architects of modern music, we’re ensuring they’re not just inspired by the legacy, but equipped to build their own and shape the future of this industry.”
