About Matthew Allen

Matthew Allen is a Brooklyn-based TV producer, director and award-winning music journalist. He’s interviewed the likes of Quincy Jones, Jill Scott, Smokey Robinson and more for publications such as Ebony, Jet, The Root, Village Voice, Wax Poetics, Revive Music and Soulhead. His video work can be seen on PBS/All Arts, Brooklyn Free Speech TV and .BRIC TV.

All Articles

OPINION: In recognition of Black Music Month, theGrio breaks down the tense feelings that the Black community has harbored for pop music and examines whether Black artists sell out when they make pop.
June 20, 2023
TheGrio’s fourth annual video special celebrating Juneteenth featured appearances by Roy Wood Jr., Eboni K. Williams and the Alvin Ailey dance
June 20, 2023
The hitmaking 1990s R&B trio embarks on a 25-city reunion tour, performing in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta and
Kanye West - The Yeezus Tour BRISBANE
Opinion: On the 10th anniversary of Kanye West’s “Yeezus,” theGrio examines how the artist made a polarizing album as a
June 16, 2023
Opinion: Part four of theGrio’s four-part series on Prince engages in discourse about the moral dilemma when it comes to
Netflix and Big Freedia celebrate Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story with a bounce waltz at Xavier University of Louisiana on April 15
The Queen of Bounce guest stars in the popular online YouTube series of educational sing-along videos. Big Freedia just added
Opinion:  Part three of theGrio’s four-part series on Prince analyzes how he reappropriated rock and other genres considered to be
Tyler Perry Studios Grand Opening Gala
June 14, 2023
Both Baker and Edmonds confirmed that he was removed from her Songstress Tour after Baker accused Edmonds’ fans of ongoing
2023 Apollo Spring Benefit
Gladys Knight, Wyclef Jean and more performed at the annual gala for the Harlem Theater. The 2023 annual Apollo Spring
OPINION: Part Two of theGrio’s four-part series on Prince examines the complexities of the iconic artist’s reaction to hip-hop and
Review: Part one of theGrio’s four-part series on Prince is a recap of the annual festival and convention at his
50th anniversary of hip-hop concert, Run-DMC, theGrio.com
“Hip-Hop 50 Live” is scheduled to take place on hip-hop’s birthday, Aug. 11, in the Bronx, featuring Snoop Dogg, Ice
The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" - Arrivals
Review: Here are the most unforgettable moments of the annual Summer Jam concert featuring Cardi B, French Montana, Ice Spice,
Tina Turner
Turner died on Wednesday at age 83 after suffering a long illness. The death of music legend Tina Turner yesterday
Ice Cube Performs At Yaamava' Theater In Highland, CA
The rapper-actor says he will sue anyone who tries to create AI-generated versions of his voice on music without his
94th Annual Academy Awards - Governors Ball
May 22, 2023
Opinion: Following the recent premiere of the HBO documentary, “Love to Love You, Donna Summer,” theGrio counts down the century’s
David Foster And Friends In Concert
Review: “Love to Love You, Donna Summer,” premiering on HBO Max on Saturday, uncovers the career of the late singer-songwriter
Opinion: In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Guru’s solo debut, “Jazzmatazz Volume 1,” theGrio examines its affect on hip-hop
65th GRAMMY Awards - GRAMMY Gift Lounge
The Wu-Tang co-founder says he noticed the show’s writers were taking “a lot of liberties” in the popular series. In
Janet Jackson, theGrio.com
REVIEW: Janet Jackson performs the second of two consecutive sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York during her