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

21st Annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
August 18, 2023
TheGrio reviews ESPN documentary “The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip-Hop & Sports,” screened at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
August 16, 2023
Jazmine Sullivan is no longer headlining the Afropunk Brooklyn festival following her mother’s death, and Teyana Taylor will replace her.
21st Annual Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
August 15, 2023
Apple TV+ screening special episode of season two of “Swagger” at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, featuring John Carlos.
Kendrick Lamar thegrio.com
August 14, 2023
TheGrio examines the 10th anniversary of Kendrick Lamar’s career-defining guest verse on Big Sean’s “Control.”
August 7, 2023
TheGrio reviews the “2023 Rock The Bells Festival,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, headlined by LL Cool with The Roots.
Stevie Wonder
August 3, 2023
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s landmark album, “Innervisions,” theGrio examines its bleak but eloquent lyrics.
2023 TCA Winter Press Tour - PBS
August 1, 2023
TheGrio examines the 40th anniversary of Herbie Hancock’s “Rockit,” a song that helped hip-hop earn critical respect as a new genre.
WSJ. Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards Sponsored By Harry Winston And Rémy Martin - Arrivals
July 28, 2023
TheGrio review the Eddie Murphy documentary film, “Eddie Murphy: Life ‘Til It Hurts,” which explores the comic’s TV and film career.
2022 MTV VMAs – Arrivals x Snoop Dogg weed
July 26, 2023
The “Snoop Dogg & Friends: 30th Anniversary of Doggystyle” concerts have been canceled in support of the WGA and SAG/AFTRA strikes.
Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - February 18, 2020
July 25, 2023
Rapper-actor Ice-T pushes back against online rumors that Jamie Foxx is “a clone or AI” following his health scare.
Gabrielle's Angel Foundation Hosts Angel Ball 2022 - Inside
July 25, 2023
TheGrio reviews DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic Live!” at Radio City Music Hall in New York, featuring Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick and more.
July 24, 2023
Dupri says the So So Def Festival, celebrating his record label’s 30th anniversary, is set for Oct. 7 and 8 in his longtime hub, Atlanta.
Former President Obama Rallies Voters In Georgia For Senator Warnock's Re-Election
July 21, 2023
Former President Barack Obama revealed his annual summer playlist for 2023, including songs from Drake, Janet Jackson, and Burna Boy.
July 14, 2023
TheGrio reviews Erykah Badu’s “Unfollow Me Tour” concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, featuring Yasiin Bey and Toby Nwigwe.
July 14, 2023
In honor of National Comedy Month, theGrio ranks the best music spoofs from the classic Fox sketch show, “In Living Color.”
25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards - Show
July 8, 2023
In honor of National Comedy Month, theGrio ranks Eddie Murphy’s best impressions, from Mr. T to Jackie Gleason.
best tiny desk concerts, thegrio.com
July 6, 2023
TheGrio counts down the top 10 best tiny desk concerts of all time. From T-Pain to Usher, discover the most iconic performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk.
July 6, 2023
Beyoncé’s Pittsburgh stop on her “Renaissance World Tour” is canceled, while stops in Seattle and Kansas City are postponed.
2009 Essence Music Festival Presented By Coca-Cola - Day 2
June 30, 2023
TheGrio examines Maxwell’s “Embrya” album on its 25th anniversary, exploring its influence despite its initial criticism.
Coming 2 America
June 29, 2023
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of Eddie Murphy comedy, “Coming to America,” theGrio lists the top 10 best quotes from the film.