On October 7, 2025, the Leon Tarver Cultural and Heritage Center at Southern University came alive with sound, rhythm, and soul. The occasion was the long-anticipated unveiling of Riley: The Mixtape by Brian Jordan Jr., the multi-talented actor and singer you may know from the hit series Sistas. What unfolded that day was more than a listening session; it was a celebration of the HBCU experience and the communities that built it.
Brian Jordan Jr. has always drawn deeply from his own upbringing, investing his creative projects with personal authenticity and a sense of connection to the places that shaped him. Standing before the crowd at Southern, he spoke with emotion and conviction. “Riley is a tribute to the communities that raised me, and this music is the heartbeat of that world,” he said. His words echoed through the auditorium, grounding the project in something larger than art—it was a movement, a memory, and a message.
The mixtape itself is a vibrant reflection of life at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, told through stories, songs, and the shared rhythm of Black excellence. Each track builds on the next, painting vivid scenes of homecomings, late-night study sessions, band practices, and the quiet resilience that defines the HBCU journey. As Brian described, he wanted to elevate the stories of Black colleges and the experiences often marginalized or overlooked in mainstream media. Riley is his way of preserving that legacy while celebrating the brilliance found in those spaces.
A standout highlight of the day came when Brian Jordan Jr. discussed the STRUNT Challenge, one of the mixtape’s most energetic tracks. Among the participants featured in the challenge was Airelle, a two-time Dancing Dolls captain, whose talent and dedication earned her a spot in the project. She was selected to be part of the Riley movement after showcasing her creativity and spirit through the challenge. Airelle shared how grateful she was for the opportunity, saying, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” Her words reflected the determination and pride that define students pursuing their dreams at HBCUs.
Following the mixtape showcase, the afternoon transitioned into a dynamic panel discussion that brought together artists, students, and alumni. They explored what Riley means for the future of Black storytelling and how HBCU culture continues to shape the creative landscape. One attendee, Tina, summed it up beautifully: “The Black college is definitely an experience, one that we can take out into the real world.”
Brian spoke passionately about the track Defense, a song born out of his journey as both artist and dreamer. “This play started as an idea in 2018,” he explained. “Defense comes later, defense is like a tool. It’s about taking risks that may not seem a part of your journey but still move you closer to your purpose.”
By the end of the day, one thing was certain. Riley isn’t just an album, it’s a testament to identity, perseverance, and the power of community. For anyone who has attended or admired an HBCU, this mixtape is more than music—it’s a mirror of pride, progress, and purpose. The Mixtape is set to release October 17, 2025
