Seattle-born Nissim started out a Black Gangster Disciple — then became a disciple of the Torah — Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com. A trap beat fills the air, an African chant winding its way among the drum and bass. On the street, two groups of men approach each other: one in contemporary streetwear…

Thirty years after his death, the entertainer has been forgotten or dismissed — yet, he dared to live his life in defiance of expectations — Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com. He stands onstage, a cigarette in one hand and a microphone in the other, impeccably dressed in a black tuxedo and matching bow tie. It’s the mid-1960s, and the nation is…

Gospel is one of the only predominantly Black art forms left on the American cultural landscape. Here’s why. — Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com. When Kanye West debuted his “Sunday Service” sessions at the beginning of 2019, performing gospel-influenced reworkings of his songs and backed by a Black gospel choir, it was met — like…