Atlanta musicians Vahn Black, J Nolan and Uncle Bubz showcase their talents at WABE Mixtape Block Party

Three local performers, (from left to right) Uncle Bubz, J Nolan and Vahn Black, will take the stage for WABE's Mixtape Block Party on Sunday. (Courtesy of Uncle Bubz, J. Nolan and Vahn Black)

Our series, “Speaking of Music,” highlights local musicians telling their stories in their own words. Today we have a special treat – three of the few local acts playing WABE’s Mixtape Block Party this Sunday. The artists are R&B act Vahn Black, Hip Hop artist J Nolan and R&B artist Uncle Bubz.

 R&B Artist Vahn Black:

“I would describe my music as a celebration of blackness and a celebration of queerness,” Vahn Black says. “I play a little bit of guitar. I play the bass, which is my favorite instrument to play, and I additionally am a little proficient on piano.”

More information about Vahn Black is available here

Hip Hop Artist J Nolan:

Hip Hop artist, songwriter and music business advocate J Nolan. “I would describe my music as progressive Atlanta, rap, ok?” J Nolan said. “So when you say ‘progressive Atlanta rap,’ think about soul, you think about R&B, you think about jazz. All of those elements do play a part in my music…. You know, I talk about my real life, I talk about the things that I’ve seen, I talk about the environment that I come from as a black man from the south side of Atlanta. So all of those things play a part.”

More information about J Nolan is available here.

R&B artist Larry Lambert AKA Uncle Bubz:

“I would describe my music as feel-good music,” Uncle Bubz said. “I play the piano, the keyboards, the organ, and the drums.” Coming from a musical background of singers and musicians, Uncle Bubz says his love of music started at home and in church.

More information about Uncle Bubz is available here.