Boston · New England · New York
R&B · Jazz · Rock Fusion
The Band · Our Story
Richard Johnson started the Urban Music Factory in the late 1980s to provide first-class entertainment services to clients in the Greater Boston area. While primarily laying bass in church and working in the recording studio, writing music, the goal was to provide music from many different genres, featuring many different bands and entertainers.
The company expanded into videotaping bands and events, including the prestigious Ebony Fashion Fair, and ran two start-up nightclubs — one located on the iconic Landsdown Street in Boston.
Shortly before his youngest of three children entered college, Richard restarted operations at The Urban Music Factory by opening a studio in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Through hard work and dedication, the Urban Warriors performed all over the Boston area.
Today, Richard Johnson and the Urban Music Factory continue to work in the New England and Greater New York area — evolving into Black Rock-It!, a fusion of R&B, Jazz, and Rock that carries the soul of decades of experience.
Social Highlights · Milestones
From the Urban Music Factory to Black Rock-It — the journey in headlines
Black Rock-It! is proud to announce their landmark "Fight For Life" tour hitting college campuses and schools across New England and New York. The tour combines live music with real community conversations about rising costs, safety, and reclaiming core values. This is more than a concert — it's a movement.
We're deep in the studio putting the finishing touches on our debut music video for "Forever Love." The visuals capture everything Black Rock-It stands for — soul, power, and truth. Drop a ❤️ if you're ready. Link dropping soon.
Our "Fight For Life" tour isn't just about the music — we're launching a full Skills Network alongside it. Food, clothing, shelter, childcare, energy, transportation — we're addressing what communities actually need. Real solutions from real artists who live it.
We posted a 60-second rehearsal clip of the band running through new material and the response was overwhelming. The fusion of R&B grooves, jazz improvisation, and hard rock energy is hitting different. The people want Black Rock-It LIVE. We hear you. 🔥
Before Black Rock-It, there was the Urban Music Factory. Founded in the late 80s by Richard Johnson, UMF produced events at the Boston Center for the Arts, the Ebony Fashion Fair, nightclubs on Landsdown Street, and dozens of legendary Boston venues. Every stage prepared us for what's next.
We sat down with BNN-TV to talk about the origins of Black Rock-It, the Fight For Life Tour, and why music and community can't be separated. The full feature is live on our YouTube channel. Watch, share, and subscribe — our story is just getting started.
Shoutout to all the college radio stations picking up our tracks. When the youth embrace the music, you know the message is landing. Black Rock-It on the air — this is what the Fight For Life Tour is all about. Tag your station below 👇
Photos · Video · Press
Images from the stage, the studio, and the streets
Band Live Performance — Stage Full Shot
Vocalist Close-Up
Keys in the Studio
Rhythm Section — Drums
Brass & Band — Group Shot
Richard Johnson — Bass
Rehearsal Session
Venue — College Campus
The official music video for "Forever Love" is coming soon. Once the YouTube link is available, the video will be embedded here for the world to experience Black Rock-It's signature sound and vision.
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Initiatives · Campaigns · Vision
Music with a mission — from the stage to the community
The flagship initiative of Black Rock-It's 2026 season — a college campus tour that combines explosive live performances with real conversations about the issues that matter. Rising costs, unmet expectations, environmental concerns, loss of core values, safety, and love vs. hate. Spring 2026. Black Rock-It is fighting for life — and for you.
A comprehensive community skills exchange covering food procurement, clothing production, shelter listings, childcare, energy access, transportation, communications, security, construction, education, healthcare, and entertainment. Real resources for real needs.
A community marketplace leveraging Facebook, TikTok, and dedicated websites for product exchange, local market licensing, and a barter system that empowers communities to trade skills and goods without barriers.
Black Rock-It has partnered with BNN-TV to broadcast tour content, community stories, and original programming. Amplifying the Fight For Life message to audiences beyond the concert venue through television and digital streaming.
Official Black Rock-It merchandise available through Facebook, TikTok, and retail distribution outlets. Music available on iTunes, Spotify, and all major streaming platforms. Local market licensing available for events and media.
A multi-platform marketing campaign across Radio, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook — building anticipation for the Fight For Life Tour through strategic content, college radio partnerships, and audience engagement campaigns.
Live Music · College Campuses · 2026
New England Region · Doors 6PM · Show 7:30PM
More dates to be announced · Follow on social media for updates
For booking inquiries, venue partnerships, and college radio collaborations
Contact UsMoments · Milestones · History
Significant moments in the Black Rock-It story