MAXINE’S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY

Sylvester November 9, 2023

Directed by | Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz

Produced by | Gelila Bekele, Jasmine K. White, and Asante White

Synopsis | Writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head and media titan, Tyler Perry, is America’s consummate multihyphenate. But underneath this entertainment behemoth is a man working humbly to heal his childhood trauma by transforming his pain into promise. Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, a nod to his mother’s love, is a tender and intimate portrait of visionary and innovator Tyler Perry and his harrowing but faithful road to the top of an industry that didn’t always include him. Nearly a decade in the making, with unfettered access, directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz lead us into the inner-world of a man, whose story has never fully been told, as he becomes a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. The product is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go.

Robin Williams’ longtime San Francisco home has been listed by his former wife for $25 million (Photos)

Sylvester November 7, 2023

Beloved funnyman Robin Williamsgot his start with a scholarship to the Julliard School, where he pursued an unconventional style and amazed his teachers with an uncanny talent for accents. After getting rave reviews for his early stage roles, he left the staid classical institution and moved to the West Coast to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. Scoring a role as the alien Mork on TV’s Mork and Mindycatapulted him into Hollywood, where he would go on to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Good Will Hunting, plus six Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards. He was especially adored by children after starring as the Genie in Aladdin, Peter Pan in Hook, and a loving if eccentric father in Mrs. Doubtfire among many family film roles. Suffering from degenerative brain disease, he took his own life in 2014.

Marsha Garces Williams, the actor’s second wife and mother of two of his children – including actress Zelda Williams – has listed the San Francisco home where the couple lived from the early ‘90s until 2010 for sale at $25 million. Styled like an Italian Renaissance Villa, the home was built in 1926 and extensively remodeled by Robin and Marsha, who took the property down to the studs but preserved the unique and irreplaceable building materials of the original home. Fully walled and gated, the property offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay.

With an elegant marble facade, terra-cotta roof, columned archways, and wrought-iron details, the estate projects an image of timeless luxury. Extensive windows bathe the wide-plank hardwood floors and high-beam ceilings in natural light. A central staircase connects the three stories of the 10,598-square-foot home. Capping the mansion’s twenty rooms, the primary suite offers sweeping panoramic sea views, a Japanese-style bathroom, a private balcony, and a safe room hidden behind a paneled wall. Another secret panel in the billiards room opens to reveal a Prohibition-era bar, while a secret passageway connects the bedrooms in which the Williams children grew up. Other special features include a spacious movie theatre with drop-down projector, a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances including a La Cornue range, a butler’s pantry with wet bar, a gym and sauna, a whiskey room, a wine cellar, and a one-bedroom guest apartment with its own entrance. A tiled patio, a firepit, an outdoor BBQ and lovely gardens complete the estate.

Sea Cliff is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful neighborhoods, known for its large mansions and spectacular views. The Williams estate is located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio of San Francisco with 1,500 acres of hiking trails, two beaches, The Legion of Honor Museum, and the historic Lincoln Park Golf Course. Other illustrious residents include Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett.

The listing is held by Steve Mavromihalis at Compass Nor Cal. Photo Credit: Open House.

MGM+ Greenlights True-Crime Docuseries ‘The Wonderland Murders & The Secret History of Hollywood’

Sylvester November 7, 2023

MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced it has greenlit the true-crime docuseries The Wonderland Murders & The Secret History of Hollywood (working title), based on Michael Connelly’s (Bosch; The Lincoln Lawyer) hit Audible podcastof the same name. Directed by Alison Ellwood (San Francisco Sounds, Laurel Canyon), the four-episode docuseries will be the definitive examination of the infamous Wonderland murder case in 1980s Los Angeles. The Wonderland Murders & the Secret History of Hollywoodwas released exclusively on Audible as a limited documentary podcast series and audiences have spent 150,000 hours listening to Connelly’s riveting investigation.

On July 1, 1981, four people were discovered severely beaten to death in a suburban home in Laurel Canyon on Wonderland Avenue. The murders’ aftermath spans two decades and reaches into present day with details, subplots, and investigative twists that prove the old adage that truth is stranger than fiction. From a bought-off juror to the biggest porn actor of his generation, an alleged corrupt federal agent and a kind of Zelig of Hollywood’s dark underbelly, much about the case remains unresolved, and there are people who got away with murder.

Through explosive in-depth reporting, new developments, rare archival footage, and pivotal testimony from “missing witness” Scott Thorson (best known as Liberace’s boyfriend and the writer of the tell-all Behind the Candelabra), Wonderland Murders will delve into the gruesome crime that has captured the public’s imagination for nearly half a century, and tell a broader story about Los Angeles, the American dream, and when justice does—and doesn’t—work. 

“Wonderland Murders joins MGM+’s growing stable of smart, insightful, and thought-provoking true-crime docuseries,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “Michael Connelly is a renowned and tenaciouscrime writer, and Alison Ellwood is a visionary director, so there is no better team to explore one of Hollywood’s most notorious crimes.”

“I love Alison’s work and look forward to working with her and MGM+,” said Michael Connelly. “The Wonderland murders left an indelible impact on Hollywood, and exploring it with the original detectives and witnesses is exciting, and is going to help us answer many of the questions that are still out there.”

“Michael has curated an exceptional slate at MGM+, and we are thrilled Wonderland Murders will be in such illustrious company,” said Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, heads of Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). “Alison is a filmmaker IPC has been chasing for years, and we feel incredibly fortunate we finally get to collaborate. Her take on Michael Connelly’s groundbreaking reporting will undoubtedly yield one the best true crime documentaries of the year.”

“It’s been one of the thrills of our professional lives to have worked with Michael Connelly over these past few years on the Wonderland podcast and now on the doc series,” said Jen Casey and Nick Gilhool. “And for the documentary adaptation to be led by Alison Ellwood, the consummate filmmaker, at a home like MGM+, with Michael Wright and Jill Burkhart, two of the best execs in the business, along with veteran storytellers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, and not to mention Rick Jackson with his inimitable expertise and access. We couldn’t imagine a greater team to usher this bigger-than-life story to the screen.”

“The Wonderland Murders has all the qualities of a page-turning thriller that fans expect from Michael Connelly’s novels, except that it’s also a true story,” said Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible. “We could not be more excited to see this unforgettable and incredibly well-told storycome to life in a new format with the support of our Amazon colleagues at MGM+.”

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC) and Miziker Content, and executive produced by Michael Connelly, Alison Ellwood, Jen Casey and Nick Gilhool, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman for IPC, and Rick Jackson.

D.C. Youngfly Honors Jacky Oh on her Birthday

Sylvester November 3, 2023

D.C. Younfly honored his Queen Jacky Oh on her birthday! R.I.P.

“Dear Heavenly Father, we come together humbly. We just want to say we’re thankful, and we’re grateful, Father. We’re thankful for Jacklyn’s life, heavenly Father, and we’re going to continue to just lift her up, heavenly Father. And we pray, Heavenly Father, that you just continue to guide everybody in this circle, Heavenly Father. Grant us the strength, the motivation to continue to just love each other, Heavenly Father. And to continue to just do your will and walk in our purpose, Heavenly Father. We just pray, Heavenly Father, that you grant us the strength, the guidance, the motivation, the inspiration, the tools, the mindset to just continue to be uplifted, Heavenly Father. Have great joy, have great spirit, Heavenly Father. Remove any negative energy, remove any doubtful thoughts. Remove any unrighteouness. And we pray that you continue to just keep me and my loved ones healthy, safe and protected. And we know that Jacquelyn is safe, Heavenly Father.”

Hulu’s “Drive with Swizz Beatz” 

Sylvester November 2, 2023

Onyx Collective’s

“Drive with Swizz Beatz” 

In “Drive with Swizz Beatz,” hip-hop legend and car collector Swizz Beatz and son Nasir Dean (also known as Note Marcato) visit car-loving destinations, where they’ll examine the area’s distinctive car culture and bring together two otherwise disparate car clubs over a shared love of all things automotive and an appreciation for what it’s like to beat the odds through sheer drive alone.

Credits: “Drive with Swizz Beatz” is produced by Jay Brown and Ty-Ty Smith of Ty-Ty and Jay Brown Productions, Raymond Garcia of Major TV, Emmet Dennis of Black Drive Originals, and Christian Sarabia of 51 Minds.

“SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” 2023 PRESENTED BY BET ANNOUNCES NOMINEES

Sylvester November 1, 2023

“SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” 2023 PRESENTED BY BET

ANNOUNCES NOMINEES, PREMIERE DATE, AND NEW LOCATION

———

SUMMER WALKER, SZA, AND USHER LEAD WITH 9 NOMINATIONS EACH, FOLLOWED BY 21 SAVAGE WITH 8 NODS AND 
COCO JONES AND VICTORIA MONÉT WITH 6 NODS EACH

———

OTHER TOP NOMINEES INCLUDE BURNA BOY, CHRIS BROWN, 
JANELLE MONÁE AND OCTOBER LONDON WITH 4 NOMINATIONS EACH

———

“SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” 2023 PREMIERES 
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 AT 8 PM ET/PT ON BET AND BET HER

———

#SOULTRAINAWARDS

Today, BET announces the nominees, premiere date, and location of “Soul Train Awards” 2023, presented by BET. BET has released the official nominations for “Soul Train Awards” 2023, which recognizes the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop from established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. The official “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominees were selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders, performers, and presenters. Taping from a new location in Los Angeles, CA, this year’s show will reimagine the traditional award show ceremony into an unforgettable Soulful Party in Hollywood, celebrating the best in soul music and the iconic legacy brand. “Soul Train Awards” 2023 premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. (Photo Credit: Kingsmen Media Group)

Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop continue to top the charts and drive culture forward. This year, we are taking inspiration from these genres to innovate and disrupt the award show format while celebrating the legacy of Soul Train,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “We are proud of this year’s list of esteemed nominees and look to deliver an unforgettable night of Soul with our new location, performances, and show moments.”

Summer Walker, SZA, and Usher lead “Soul Train Awards” 2023 nominations with nine outstanding nods, marking a historic three-way tie. Summer Walker for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Video of The Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ and twice for ‘Best Dance Performance,’ and ‘Best Collaboration.’  SZA for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and twice for ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ and ‘Song of the Year.’  Usher for ‘Certified Soul Award,’ ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and twice for ‘Best Dance Performance,’ and ‘Video of the Year.’ 21 Savage garnered the second most nods with eight nominations. Coco Jones and Victoria Monét are tied at six nods each, followed by Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Janelle Monáe, and October Londonwith four nominations each.

The “Soul Train Awards” 2023, presented by BET, will feature an exciting lineup of electrifying performances, special moments, and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing the impact of Soul Train on music and dance, from the ‘70s to today.

Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show and Executive Produce for BET with Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials & Music Programming. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, to serve as Executive Producer of “Soul Train Awards” 2023 along with Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jeannae Rouzan–Clay and Dionne Harmon.

The complete list of nominees for “Soul Train Awards” 2023:

BEST NEW ARTIST

AMBRÉ  

AYRA STARR    

COCO JONES   

DOECHII

FLO         

FRIDAYY

TYLA      

WANMOR          

CERTIFIED SOUL AWARD

ANTHONY HAMILTON  

ASHANTI

CIARA    

ERIC BELLINGER         

MONICA 

PJ MORTON      

RONALD ISLEY & THE ISLEY BROTHERS    

T-PAIN    

USHER

BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD 

ALL OF THE GLORY                  SHIRLEY CAESAR

ALL THINGS                               KIRK FRANKLIN

CAME TOO FAR                         FRIDAYY FEAT. MAVERICK CITY MUSIC & MY MOM

CRY                                             KORYN HAWTHORNE

FEEL ALRIGHT (BLESSED)      ERICA CAMPBELL

GOD PROBLEMS                      MAVERICK CITY MUSIC, CHANDLER MOORE, NAOMI RAINE

THE JOURNEY                           H.E.R.

TRY LOVE                                  KIRK FRANKLIN

BEST R&B/SOUL FEMALE ARTIST 

ARI LENNOX     

BEYONCÉ         

COCO JONES   

H.E.R.     

JANELLE MONÁE         

SUMMER WALKER       

SZA        

VICTORIA MONÉT

BEST R&B/SOUL MALE ARTIST 

6LACK    

BABYFACE        

BRENT FAIYAZ 

BURNA BOY      

CHRIS BROWN 

ERIC BELLINGER         

OCTOBER LONDON     

USHER

ALBUM OF THE YEAR 

THE AGE OF PLEASURE                      JANELLE MONÁE

AGE/SEX/LOCATION                             ARI LENNOX

CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP                       SUMMER WALKER

GIRLS NIGHT OUT (EXTENDED)         BABYFACE

I TOLD THEM…                                      BURNA BOY

JAGUAR II                                               VICTORIA MONÉT

SOS                                                         SZA

WHAT I DIDN’T TELL YOU (DELUXE)  COCO JONES

SONG OF THE YEAR 

BACK TO YOUR PLACE                        OCTOBER LONDON

FAVORITE SONG                                  TOOSII

GOOD GOOD                                         USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE

ICU                                                          COCO JONES

KILL BILL                                                 SZA

LIPSTICK LOVER                                   JANELLE MONÁE

ON MY MAMA                                         VICTORIA MONÉT

SNOOZE                                                 SZA

THE ASHFORD AND SIMPSON SONGWRITER’S AWARD 

BACK TO YOUR PLACE                        OCTOBER LONDON

FAVORITE SONG                                  TOOSII

GOOD GOOD                                         USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE

ICU                                                          COCO JONES

KILL BILL                                                 SZA

ON MY MAMA                                         VICTORIA MONÉT

SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD         BURNA BOY FEAT. 21 SAVAGE

SNOOZE                                                 SZA

BEST DANCE PERFORMANCE 

BETTER THANGS                                  CIARA FEAT. SUMMER WALKER

BOYFRIEND                                           USHER

GOOD GOOD                                         USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE

HOW WE ROLL                                      CIARA & CHRIS BROWN

ON MY MAMA                                         VICTORIA MONÉT

SNOOZE                                                 SZA

SUMMER TOO HOT                               CHRIS BROWN

UNDER THE INFLUENCE                      CHRIS BROWN

VIDEO OF THE YEAR 

BACK TO YOUR PLACE                        OCTOBER LONDON

BOY’S A LIAR PT. 2                                PINKPANTHERESS & ICE SPICE

BOYFRIEND                                           USHER

GOOD GOOD                                         USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE

ICU                                                          COCO JONES

KILL BILL                                                 SZA

LIPSTICK LOVER                                   JANELLE MONÁE

ON MY MAMA                                         VICTORIA MONÉT

SPECIAL                                                  LIZZO

BEST GROUP

DVSN     

FLO         

JAGGED EDGE 

KOOL & THE GANG      

MAVERICK CITY MUSIC          

PHONY PPL       

RONALD ISLEY & THE ISLEY BROTHERS    

TANK AND THE BANGAS        

WANMOR          

BEST COLLABORATION 

AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM (REMIX)              BEYONCÉ FEAT. KENDRICK LAMAR

BOY’S A LIAR, PT. 2                                          PINKPANTHERESS & ICE SPICE

CREEPIN’ (REMIX)                                  METRO BOOMIN, THE WEEKND, DIDDY FEAT. 21 SAVAGE FLY GIRL                                                            FLO FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT

GOOD GOOD                                                     USHER, SUMMER WALKER, 21 SAVAGE

SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD                    BURNA BOY FEAT. 21 SAVAGE

SPECIAL                                                             LIZZO FEAT. SZA

TO SUMMER, FROM COLE (AUDIO HUG)       SUMMER WALKER, J. COLE

THE BURIAL – Now streaming on Prime Video

Sylvester October 13, 2023

Inspired by true events, when a handshake deal goes sour, funeral home owner

Jeremiah O’Keefe (Academy Award® winner

Tommy Lee Jones) enlists charismatic, smooth-talking attorney Willie E. Gary (Academy

Award® winner Jamie Foxx) to save his family business. Tempers flare and laughter ensues as the unlikely pair bond while exposing corporate corruption and racial injustice in this inspirational, triumphant story.

Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Jamie Foxx, Jurnee Smollett, Mamoudou Athie, Pamela Reed, with Bill Camp, and Alan Ruck Directed by Maggie Betts Story by Doug Wright

Screenplay by Doug Wright and Maggie Betts

Based on The New Yorker article by Jonathan Harr Produced by Celine Rattray, p.g.a., Trudie Styler, p.g.a., Jamie Foxx, p.g.a., Datari Turner, p.g.a., Jenette Kahn, p.g.a., Adam Richman, p.g.a., Bobby Shriver, p.g.a.

The Color Purple | Official Trailer 2

Sylvester October 10, 2023

Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is King,” “The Burial of Kojo”) and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.

“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson (“What Men Want,” “Hidden Figures”), Danielle Brooks (“Peacemaker,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Colman Domingo (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fear the Walking Dead”), Corey Hawkins (“In the Heights,” “BlacKkKlansman”), H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration”), Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid,” “Grown-ish”), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”), and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).

The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley (“Maid,” “The Chi”), based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs, Adam Fell, Courtenay Valenti, Sheila Walcott and Michael Beugg.

Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are director of photography Dan Laustsen (“John Wick: Chapter 4,” “The Shape of Water”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“The Flash,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) and editor Jon Poll (“Bombshell,” “The Greatest Showman”). The choreographer is Fatima Robinson (“Coming 2 America,” “Dreamgirls”) and the costumes are designed by Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“Emancipation,” “One Night in Miami…”). The music supervisors are Jordan Carroll (“The Greatest Showman,” “Godfather of Harlem”) and Morgan Rhodes (“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Selma”); the music is by Kris Bowers (“King Richard,” “Green Book”); and the executive music producers are Nick Baxter (“Babylon,” “CODA”), Stephen Bray (“Respect,” “Juanita”) and Blitz Bazawule.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Harpo Films Production, an Amblin Entertainment Production, a Scott Sanders Production/a QJP Production, “The Color Purple.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and internationally beginning 18 January 2024.

MR. CHOW – HBO Original documentary film

Sylvester October 5, 2023

A Vibrant Portrait Of Legendary Multi-Hyphenate Artist, Actor, And Famed Restaurateur Michael Chow

Synopsis: AKA MR. CHOW details the vibrant and varied life of Michael Chow. Born Zhou Yinghua in 1930s Shanghai, he would use creativity to triumph over childhood trauma, personal loss, and systemic prejudice, growing up to become the actor and artist before inventing a new identity, Mr. Chow, when he opens the first of his iconic restaurants. Having found fame and fortune in the West, Mr. Chow celebrates his Chinese roots and finds catharsis by returning to painting, reemerging as the artist M.

In an intimate, spirited, and no-holds-barred interview, Michael Chow unveils the irrepressible spirit and personal philosophy that led him to counter the hardships of his early life. By single-handedly building a business empire in the 1960s and 1970s with his restaurants, he showcased the richness and opulence of Chinese food and culture and by capturing the cultural zeitgeist, they became dazzling hubs for the most celebrated artists, film stars, musicians, designers, and models of the times.

The film takes us back to his deeply personal journey, as the son of a renowned Beijing Opera grand master grappling with the profound sense of loss emanating from the early separation from his parents and home as he is sent to England at the age of 13. This familial and cultural longing informs everything from his work and personal life to his insatiable desire for success. With clips from his past work, colorful archival footage, expansive animation, and photographs of the bold-faced names who would frequent his dining spots, AKA MR. CHOW reveals a man of extreme creativity and vitality, a champion of artists whose portraits blanket his walls, and a true showman once again redefining himself in the self-titled “fifth act” of his life.

The HBO Original documentary film aka MR. CHOW debuts SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

Offset, DaBaby, GloRilla, + More Set to Perform at The “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023

Sylvester September 28, 2023

The “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 is heating up with an electrifying list of top performers in hip hop music and culture. Today, BET announced the continuation of its ‘Non-stop Hip Hop Party’ celebrating five decades of the genre with performances by Offset, DaBaby, Fivio Foreign, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and a deejay and producer tribute featuring Kid Capri, Kool DJ Red Alert, Scott Storch, and Spinderellawith more names to be announced. “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2023 will also honor the 30th anniversary of iconic record label So So Def with an all-star roster of hip hop icons taking the stage, including GRAMMY®-Award-winning producer, songwriter, hip-hop artist, author, and DJ, Jermaine Dupri, as well as Bone Crusher, Bow Wow, Da Brat, Dem Franchize Boyz, Ludacris and more

Super producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz will present this year’s cypher in a hip hop celebration deejayed by DJ E Feezy and DJ Runna, with lyricists Bun B, Cassidy, Foggieraw, Gloss Up, Lady London, Lola Brooke, Scar Lip, and Symba going head-to-head. The digital cypher will feature DJ Hed, LaNell Grant, Maiya The Don, and That Mexican OT. Hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and media personality Fat Joe, the annual show premieres Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 9:00 PM ET/PT.

In addition to the jam-packed performances, previously announced nominees include 21 Savage and Cardi B, leading this year with an outstanding 12 nods each, followed by Drakewith nine nods, Burna Boy and DJ Khaledround out the top five with an impressive seven nods each. J. Cole scored six nods. Coi Leray, GloRilla, and Jay-Z are tied at five nods each. Other notable nominations include Lil Uzi Vert, with four nominations, rounding out with DaBaby, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Lil Durk, Megan Thee Stallion, and Metro Boomin,scoring three nominations each. 

The Plus One

Sylvester September 26, 2023

Lizzie (music superstar Ashanti) is looking to have the perfect destination wedding thanks to her doting father (Cedric the Entertainer) but her carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when her ‘man-of-honor’, Marshall (Jonathan Bennett, Mean Girls), brings his ‘ex-from-hell’, Marie.

in theaters Sept. 29

Rick Ross Donates Clothing & School Supplies

Sylvester September 22, 2023

On Tuesday, September 19, the rapper and entrepreneurshowed up at both Miami Norland Senior High School and his alma mater Miami Carol City Senior High School to give away over $200,000 worth of clothing and school supplies to students. According to WSVN, Rozay teamed up with Councilman Reggie Leon and owners of THRT Demin Manny Garcia and Greg Morales to help empower the kids and provide them with essential resources at the beginning of the academic year. They also donated a $4,000 check to both schools’ band programs. 

Taye Diggs is Murdered Businessman Lance Herndon in New BET+ Film

Sylvester September 19, 2023

“Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy” recounts the story of the slain tech millionaire.

Taye Diggs plays Herndon in Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy, coming to BET+ on Sept. 21 (part 1) and Sept. 28 (part 2). The film is adapted from the book “Redbone: Money, Malice and Murder in Atlanta” by Ron Stodghill.

The film stars Diggs’ real-life partner Apryl Jones as well as Keesha Sharp, Nicole Lyn, Ernestine Johnson, Ty White, Anton Peeples, Yung Joc, Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith. The movie is directed by Jaira Thomas and written by Gregory R. Anderson.

Prior to his death, Herndon’s success as founder of computer consulting firm Access led to President Bill Clinton appointing him to the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business. He was also known for donating to philanthropic causes benefitting children.

As Hendon was a known womanizer who was married and divorced three times, his murder made headlines in the mid-1990s.

“Everybody’s a suspect until they’re not. It’s all about motive and opportunity,” Detective Colin De Luca (David Vaughn) says while working with prosecutor Ryan Sullivan (Tye White) in the film’s trailer. “For his lovers, it’d be a crime of passion… revenge. For his business partners, millions slip from your fingers. Now that Lance is dead, it’s all yours again.”

JEKALYN CARR ANNOUNCES LONG-AWAITED NEW SELF-TITLED ALBUM, JEKALYN

Sylvester September 14, 2023

GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award winning Jekalyn Carr announces her new self-titled album, JEKALYN, due via WayNorth Music.  JEKALYN is preceded by the Billboard Gospel National Airplay #1 single, “I Believe God,” and is due in stores and online Friday, October 20, 2023. 

JEKALYN, is full of inspiration, faith filled messages, encouragement, empowerment with each lyric bringing excitement, freedom, and restoration into the listeners atmosphere. Jekalyn Carr delivers a timeless album that shows maturity and defines the elevation of Jekalyn’s faith that has inspired people for years and, as it will continue for years to  come. The self-titled, JEKALYN, marks Carr’s first-full release in four years.

Currently, Carr is currently nominated for a 54th GMA Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year with her collaboration “New Day” (Word Entertainment) with Blanca.

Carr starred in the Universal Pictures’ Will Packer produced film, PRAISE THIS, as “KiKi.” Carr received rave reviews for providing comic relief as her portrayal as the ghetto-fabulous choir member. Jekalyn Carr continues to expand her brand with offerings under her-all new, JEKALYN BEAUTY, collection. Jekalyn Carr can also be heard during the midday on Radio One’s Atlanta affiliate Praise 102.5 as the host of her radio show “Jekalyn Carr Family Affair Show” which airs Monday-Friday 10am-3pm EST.

Follow Jekalyn Carr on social media using the handle @JekalynCarr, visiting Facebook and on her website at: IAMJekalynCarr.com. 

THE EQUALIZER 3 TAKES HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Sylvester September 5, 2023

The Equalizer opened to a healthy $34.1 million at the end of September in 2014 and went on to gross $101.5 million domestic and another $90.8 million internationally. Its cost: $55 million. The Equalizer 2 tried the summer route at the end of July 2018. It opened to $36 million and finished with just over $102 million and $88 million internationally. How is that for equal? What wasn’t equal was its cost, which rose to $62 million. Both films were still marginally successful.

Now arrives The Equalizer 3 with a budget reported at $70 million and a four-day holiday haul of $42 million ($34.5 million estimated for the three-day). That is the second-best Labor Day weekend of all time, well behind Shang-Chi’s $94.6 million but decidedly ahead of Rob Zombie’s 2007 Halloween($30.5 million) — appropriate, as reviews have described Denzel’s Robert McCall as a cross between a justice-seeker and a serial slasher.

STARZ SETS MARCH 1, 2024 PREMIERE DATE FOR THE THIRD SEASON OF HIT SERIES “BMF”

Sylvester August 31, 2023

STARZ announced today that the highly anticipated third season of its hit drama “BMF” will debut on Friday, March 1, 2024. The announcement comes in a new teaser featuring sneak peeks of upcoming returning fan-favorite series on STARZ, which will roll out consistently through late Spring, offering viewers non-stop action-packed drama.

New episodes of “BMF” will be available Fridays at midnight ET/PT on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and internationally on the LIONSGATE+premium streaming platform in the U.K. and Ireland. On linear, each will debut on STARZ at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.

STARZ BMF SEASON 3 TRAILER

https://www.starz.com/videos/embed/2307d436-5e76-442e-b2ea-bc7f49759ff8

Season three of “BMF” resumes the storyline inspired by brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory (Demetrius Flenory, Jr.) and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory (Da’Vinchi), who established one of the most infamous crime families in the country known as, Black Mafia Family. We kick off Season Three in the early ’90s when the Flenory Family has reinvented themselves. Meech has moved to Atlanta on a mission to build up the BMF empire in the south that he and Terry created in Detroit. The series continues to humanize the choices of the brothers’ business and their pursuits of the American Dream. “BMF” is executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through his G-Unit film and television (Executive Producer of the “Power” Universe, “For Life,” and Hip Hop Homicides), alongside showrunner, executive producer, writer, and Detroit native Randy Huggins(“Star,” “Rebel,” “Power”) and interim showrunner and executive producer Heather Zuhlke. Anthony Wilson and Anne Clementsalso serve as executive producers on the series. “BMF” is produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television in association with Lionsgate Television for STARZ.

NEW TRAILER FOR SEASON TWO OF À LA CARTE

Sylvester August 29, 2023

DIJON TALTON AND MEAGAN GOOD EXECUTIVE PRODUCED 

SERIES RETURNS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Kandi Burruss, Juan Gil, and Xavier Avila Star Alongside 

Newcomers Shani Marq, India Love and Alex Jacke

Tami Roman, Romeo Miller, Aspen Kennedy, Terayle Hill, and Leon Fleisher Recur; Tammy Rivera Guest Stars

Today, ALLBLK, the popular streaming service for Black television from AMC Networks, released a steamy trailer for the sophomore season of the popular, intriguing dramedy, À La Carte. Centering around the Black millennial dating experience, the 10-episode series premieres Thursday, September 14, 2023, with new episodes dropping every Thursday, exclusively on ALLBLK. 

This season explores who Misha (Shani Marq,Top Five), Reign (Kendall Kyndall,Social Society, Games People Play), and Shyra (Jenna Nolen, Animal Kingdom) are as friends to each other without the friend that brought them all together: Mahogany. Her absence will serve as a catalyst for comedy and drama within this new friend dynamic. In your mid-20’s, relationships of convenience are fickle, and in L.A. especially, they are not easy to sustain. The mistakes they make will bring them closer in some ways and push them further apart in others. These three friends will continue their independent and collective journey discovering and unraveling who they are through the lens of comedy, love, sex, fire, and trial & error.

In the first episode, appropriately titled “The Leftovers,” Reign finds himself in danger of losing his law internship when one of his SugarBaby clients decides to go public; Shyra is looking for a new place when her old roomie gets promoted, while Misha and Nicole lay out the rules for their new open relationship.

Series leads Kendall Kyndall (Games People Play) and Jenna Nolen (Animal Kingdom) welcome newcomer Shani Marq(Top Five) who will assume the role of ‘Misha,’ while Kandi Burruss (Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Chi), Juan Gil (The Cypher) and Xavier Avila (Breaking) return as series regulars. 

The cast expands this season with social media star India Love (College Hill: Celeb Edition) and musician Alex Jacke. Joining the cast as recurring characters are Romeo Miller (Growing Up Hip Hop), Tami Roman(Truth Be Told/The Ms. Pat Show), Aspen Kennedy (Kingdom Business), Terayle Hill (Step Up: High Water) and Leon Fleisher(Remember). Tammy Rivera (Waka & Tammy) comes to spice up the season in an episode.

À La Carte is directed and Executive Produced by Dijon Talton and The Talton Company. Meagan Good Executive Produces alongside Co-Executive Producers Christopher O’Conner for Prodigi Arts Entertainment and Deonte Staats. Melissa A. Young Produces and Brett Dismuke, Head of Content, and Nikki Love, SVP Development & Original Production, Scripted Executive Produce for ALLBLK. Ashley McFarlin, VP of Development & Original Production, Scripted Co-Executive Produces.

Steve Harvey shuts down claim his wife cheated on him

Sylvester August 28, 2023

Steve Harvey And His Wife Are Very Much Okay — Regina Daniels’ Billionaire Husband, Ned Nwoko Confirms After Reaching Out To The American TV Host Amidst Divorce Rumour

He wrote: “Fake news has been taken to new heights all over the world and this is so unfortunate. We experience this practically everyday and so when we read about Steve Harvey and his lovely wife having issues, we had to contact Steve Harvey and He has confirmed that he and his wife are very much okay and it’s all fake news and should be disregarded. The family is happy together and we wish them all the best”

Jamie Foxx To Play ‘GOD’ In ‘Not Another Church Movie’

Sylvester August 28, 2023

Deadline is reporting Jamie Foxx will be playing none other than God himself in the upcoming spoof Not Another Church Movie. 

The film, which reportedly wrapped production before the SAG-AFTRA strike, also stars Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke as the Devil.

Joining Foxx when the movie hits theaters later in the year will be Kevin Daniels, Vivica A. Fox, Tisha Campbell, Jasmine Guy, Kyla Pratt and Lamorne Morris. Not Another Church Movie was directed and co-written by Real Husbands of Hollywood veteran Johnny Mack.

According to the trade, Daniels plays Taylor Pharry, “an ambitious young man given a holy mission from God,” only to find out that “the Devil has plans of his own.”

A BAD DECISION LANDS KEVIN HART IN A WHEELCHAIR

Sylvester August 26, 2023

Comedian Kevin Hart says he is in a wheelchair after trying to “do some young man stuff” — and challenging friend and former NFL running back Stevan Ridley to a race.

“I got to be the stupidest man alive,” Hart said in an Instagram video posted Wednesday.

‘The Comeback’ Trailer: Featuring Taye Diggs And Apryl Jones

Sylvester August 23, 2023

The release date and trailer have been revealed for The Comeback, the rom-com film starring Taye Diggs and Apryl Jones. 

Maverick Entertainment, announced that the film will be available for streaming on NBCUniversal’s Peacock beginning Aug. 25. 

The Comeback takes an unexpected turn when the Murray family’s seemingly perfect plan collides with a whirlwind of family issues, A mom’s new boyfriend, and a parade of ex-lovers eagerly awaiting their return. The resulting chaos will have audiences rolling in the aisles while sympathizing with the relatable challenges faced by this lovable and quirky family.

A MILLION MILES AWAY- TRAILER

Sylvester August 22, 2023

Here is a first look at the inspirational event of the year, Amazon Studios’ A MILLION MILES AWAY. Starring Michael Pena, this is the true story of a young migrant farmworker who dreamed the impossible and a life dedicated to seeing that dream come true.

Start Hispanic Heritage Month with this beautiful true story that champions the power of family, courage against all odds, and shooting for the stars, time and time again. 

Season Two Premiere of “Invasion”

Sylvester August 21, 2023

Apple TV+ is excited to unveil a sneak peek clip from the season two premiere of “Invasion,” debuting globally Wednesday, August 23, 2023. From Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Simon Kinberg, who serves as showrunner, and David Weil, “Invasion” is a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. “Invasion” will debut on Apple TV+ the first episode of its ten-episode second season, followed by one new episode weekly, every Wednesday through October 25, 2023. 

Episode 201: Something’s Changed

Mitsuki is taken to an alien ship in the Amazon jungle. Aneesha and her children take refuge with a

group called the Movement.

About “Invasion” Season 2:

The action-packed second season of “Invasion” picks up just months after the events of the first season, with the aliens escalating their attacks in an all-out war against the humans. 

The series stars Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland and Tara Moayedi. New series regulars joining season two include Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor and Naian González Norvind.

“Invasion” is produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker. In addition to series creators Simon Kinberg & David Weil, Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin and Katie O’Connell Marsh serve as executive producers.

CHRIS BROWN DROPS “SUMMER TOO HOT” VIDEO

Sylvester August 18, 2023

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Chris Brown shares his new music video for the single “Summer Too Hot.” Directed by Christian Breslauer, the video showcases dancers from all of Brown’s past eras in a vibrant, playful way that asserts that love rules all. It is an ode to a passionate summer in Los Angeles, where he continues to level up and find his groove while acknowledging the people who have led him to where he is.

Keke Palmer Unbothered in Usher’s ‘Boyfriend’ Video After Being Dumped by Baby’s Daddy

Sylvester August 16, 2023

Just days after hinting at their collaboration, the duo took center stage once again in the Las Vegas-inspired music video for Usher’s latest single, “Boyfriend.”

The video showcases Palmer preparing for a girls’ night out. It then ends in an electrifying dance sequence featuring Palmer and the seasoned industry veteran.

Chris Tucker Announces Stand-Up Comedy Tour

Sylvester August 13, 2023

The Legends Tour will sweep through 30 cities starting September 8 in North Carolina. The tour will also touch down in Memphis, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Houston, and New York. It will extend through January 2024. Tickets will go on sale via Ticketmaster Friday, August 11.

“I started my career doing stand-up in comedy clubs and it’s stand-up comedy that prepared me for all of my movie roles,” Tucker said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to my roots. I love performing live, there’s nothing like the energy of a live crowd and making people laugh.  I’m excited to be back out on tour.”

source: BET

Reggie ‘Chair Man’ Ray from the Montgomery Riverfront Brawl has been arrested

Sylvester August 11, 2023

Police said Reggie Ray, 42, surrendered to authorities Friday afternoon. He is charged with disorderly conduct and being held in Montgomery’s Municipal Jail.

TRAILER FOR SEASON TWO OF “POWER BOOK IV: FORCE”

Sylvester August 11, 2023

STARZ released today the high-octane trailer for season two of “Power Book IV: Force,” along with dynamic gallery images and key art for the highly anticipated drama series. Season two of STARZ’s scripted drama “Power Book IV: Force,” returns on Friday, September 1 at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform across the UK and Ireland. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8 PM ET/PTin the U.S. and Canada.

Nothing stands in Tommy Egan’s way this season as he makes his play at becoming the sole drug distributor in Chicago. Alliances form and competitors become targets as a turf war heats up and Tommy must race to stay one step ahead of everyone. Meanwhile, a federal task force is zeroed in on him and he has an eye on a special someone, forcing him to decide what he is willing to sacrifice to claim Chicago as his.

Season two of “Force” stars Joseph Sikora(“Power,” “Ozark”) as “Tommy Egan,” Isaac Keys (“Get Shorty,” “The Oath”) as “Diamond Sampson,” Lili Simmons (“Banshee,” “Ray Donovan”) as “Claudia Flynn,” Shane Harper(“Hightown,” “A Teacher”) as “Vic Flynn,” Kris D. Lofton (“Ballers,” “Snowfall”) as “Jenard Sampson,” Carmela Zumbado (“You,” “Chicago PD”) as “Mireya Garcia,” Manuel Eduardo Ramirez (“Snowfall,” “Queen of the South”) as “Miguel Garcia,” Miriam A. Hyman(“The Chi,” “The Laundromat”) as “US Attorney Stacy Marks,” Adrienne Walker (“Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “FBI”) as “Shanti ‘Showstopper’ Page,” Anthony Fleming III(“Prison Break,” “The Beast”) as “JP,” Lucien Cambric (“Chicago P.D.,” “The Chi”) as “D-Mac,” and Tommy Flanagan (“Sons of Anarchy,” Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) as “Walter Flynn.”

“Power Book IV: Force” is the third series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise. Gary Lennon (“Power,” “Euphoria”) serves as showrunner and executive producer for season two. The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM. Terri Kopp and Chris Selak also serve as executive producers. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ.

Ciara Pregnant with Baby 4

Sylvester August 10, 2023

Ciara revealed she’s pregnant with her fourth child in a new song that includes lyrics about making babies with her NFL superstar husband Russell Wilson.

After dropping the single “How We Roll” with controversial singer Chris Brown on Friday, Ciara posted on Instagram Tuesday that the words to the song were intended to confirm her pregnancy.

JAY-Z’s 40/40 Club Closes After 20 Years

Sylvester August 10, 2023

JAY-Z’s original 40/40 Club location has shuttered its doors after two decades of operation. According to 40/40 representative Andrea Thomas, the club ended its run at the end of July, but has plans to reopen at a new location in 2024.

Opened in 2003, the 40/40’s flagship venue was located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District and reigned as one of NYC’s hottest clubs at its peak. The success of the sports bar, lounge, and restaurant resulted in the opening of other 40/40 Club’s across the country, including ones in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Atlanta, and in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center.

More info

https://www.vibe.com/news/business/jay-z-40-40-club-location-closes-1234779461/?fbclid=IwAR2Bw6ej9b1KnUDwvteU4GANc8KCvHnU-q3l-pyNpOoyby4bYqWNH8Pa95o_aem_Afr-IPCyeUggz-rZRsGmWWBTznaCnEk_XnsB-ZqsdtQVuJWdIocWQS5I_vZmGoo5r7g&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Montgomery police issue warrants after attack on Alabama riverfront dock

Sylvester August 8, 2023

Authorities in Alabama have issued misdemeanor arrest warrants after a chaotic brawl broke out Saturday on a Riverfront dock with punches thrown, people hit with chairs and at least one person tossed into the water.

Jamie Foxx Apologizes for Antisemitic IG Post

Sylvester August 5, 2023

Jamie Foxx previously fired off an Instagram post that found him saying, “They killed this dude name Jesus… What do you think they’ll do to you???! #fakefriends #fakelove.” The cryptic message seemed random, but many, including Jennifer Aniston, took it as an anti-Semitic message, causing the actor to issue an apology while clarifying what the message meant. 

Via Twitter, Foxx explained: “I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post. I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I’m sorry. That was never my intent. To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that’s what I meant with ‘they’ not anything more.”

Chris Rock’s ‘Everybody Still Hates Chris’ Animated Series Greenlighted For Run On Paramount+ & Comedy Central

Sylvester August 2, 2023

Chris Rock’s autobiographical series Everybody Hates Chris is getting an animated reimagining with Everybody Still Hates Chris. The upcoming series received a straight-to-series order by MTV Entertainment and will premiere on both Paramount+ and Comedy Central.

Sanjay Shah wrote the pilot script which like its predecessor is inspired by the comedian’s teenage years growing up as a skinny nerd in a large working class family in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, during the late 1980s.

And like the original, Rock will narrate Everybody Still Hates Chris. The new show’s additional voice cast will be announced at a later date.

READ: Keke Palmer to Host Reboot of The Gameshow Password

Jake ‘The Problem Child’ Paul on UNTOLD Vol. 3

Sylvester July 28, 2023

About UNTOLD: Jake Paul the Problem Child:

At 26, is Jake Paul the boxing world’s new savior or a “delusional” promoter who packs more punch in his marketing skills than in his right hand? It depends on whom you ask in UNTOLD: Jake Paul the Problem Child, an unflinching deep dive into how a wide-eyed kid from Ohio morphed from Internet sensation to most polarizing man in sports. For every high-profile critic (UFC president Dana White), there’s another supporter in his corner (former professional boxer Mike Tyson). In 2013, Jake and his older brother, Logan, lit up social media with pranks and antics posted first to Vine and then a YouTube channel that racked up millions of views. The brothers parlayed their online success into lucrative side hustles, with Jake releasing music and landing a role on a Disney Channel show (Bizaardvark). As their notoriety grew, so did tensions between the once-close siblings. When Jake’s real-life controversies nearly ruined his career, he got a second chance as a boxer who shocked skeptics as he knocked out one opponent after another. Built on gripping interviews with the Paul brothers – along with their parents, fans, fellow boxers, and the skeptical old guard – the film culminates with a nail-biting match that will prove if Jake has what it takes to rule his new kingdom.

Quote from Andrew Renzi, Director

“To be able to sneak my way into the formative story of the state of modern boxing through the journey of one of the internet’s first influencers, a Disney star by the name of Jake Paul, a name that inspires so much repulsion and so much reverence depending on which one of the millions of fans he has around the world, and this is the kid that has somehow become the most important topic in one of the world’s most beloved and classic sports. 

To be able to somehow connect the dots between the birth of The Influencer, the nostalgia of that era of YouTube, and the collapse and reshaping of a dying global pastime felt like we were making a science-fiction film, but thanks to Jake Paul, it really is a documentary.”

About UNTOLD VOL 3

You think you know these stories, but you don’t. UNTOLD returns with Vol 3 – a four-week event beginning August 1st:

• August 1 – Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child
• August 8 – Untold: Johnny Football
• August 15 – Untold: Hall of Shame
• August 22 – Untold: Swamp Kings