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

Drai's LIVE Kicks Off 2016 With Performance By Resident Artist Chris Brown At Drai's Nightclub In Las Vegas
November 11, 2023
TheGrio examines why artists like Chris Brown consistently include over 20 songs on albums, weighing the pros and cons.
November 10, 2023
Jones has gone from under the radar to a budding superstar, thanks to Peacock’s “Bel-Air” and her emergence as a Grammy nominee.
A Tribe Called Quest In Concert - New York, NY
November 9, 2023
TheGrio explores the importance of sampling on A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight Marauders” and Wu-Tang Clan’s “Enter The Wu-Tang.”
Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - August 17, 2023
November 3, 2023
TheGrio reviews “Colours,” the sixth album from independent singer-songwriter Goapele, featuring the single “Purple.”
November 1, 2023
Black Theater United threw its inaugural gala, “A Salute to Broadway Legends: Past, Present and Future,” Monday in New York City.
October 31, 2023
Spears worked with famed artists like Chaka Khan, Usher, Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. His death prompted responses of sadness
Michael Jackson jacket auction, Shaquille O'Neal Reebok, Allen Iverson Reebok, Pat McGrath Google pop-up, Savage X Fenty Seamless collection theGrio.com
October 27, 2023
The trailer and release date for “Thriller 40,” director Nelson George’s documentary about Michael Jackson’s “Thriller, dropped on Friday.
October 27, 2023
Spears’ memoir, “The Woman in Me,” reveals an encounter in which ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake used Black slang towards Ginuwine.
The 2020 NAMM Show – 35th Annual NAMM TEC Awards
October 26, 2023
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Herbie Hancock’s 1973 album, “Head Hunters,” theGrio examines its influence on jazz fusion.
SiriusXM's Town Hall With The Cast Of 'Shaft'
October 25, 2023
Several celebrities posted tributes to Richard Roundtree following his death on Tuesday, including Samuel L. Jackson and Gabrielle Union.
October 24, 2023
Williams, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland will co-executive produce Rhymes’ pending 10th album, “Blockbusta,” set for a Nov. 24 release.
2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - Day 2
October 21, 2023
Sheryl Lee Ralph and her DIVAS Foundation announce the initial line-up for the annual “Divas Simply Singing: Raising Health Awareness” show.
October 16, 2023
Robinson performed a mixture of memorable old favorites and some notable jams from “Gasms” for NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert” series.
The 2023 New Yorker Festival - Spike Lee Talks With David Remnick
October 11, 2023
Brooklyn Museum opens its latest major exhibition, “Spike Lee: Creative Sources,” featuring over 350 artifacts on the Award-winning director.
Drake's Till Death Do Us Part Rap Battle Event
October 10, 2023
TheGrio dissects Drake’s lyrics to diagnose the source behind his growing habit of sending superfluous dissing toward women.
Drake vs. Joe Budden, theGrio.com
October 9, 2023
Drake sends shots at the two Grammy-winning singers on his new album, “For All the Dogs,” released on Friday.
October 6, 2023
Music superstar Drake says that he is planning to take a break from music to address health concern related to his stomach.
A Conversation With Debra Lee
October 6, 2023
The first night of the residency features Chris Spencer, Michael Che, Sherri Shepherd, and Gina Yashere, with Tisha Campbell as host.
95th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
October 4, 2023
Open Mike Eagle will dissect the career of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson for season four of his “What Had Happened Was” podcast.
October 4, 2023
The RIAA certified Outkast’s 2003 album, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” 13x platinum, becoming the biggest selling hip-hop album ever.