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← Older posts Newer posts →Grammy Nominated Singer Johnny Gill to Perform at UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball in Atlanta
December 10, 2015Four-time Grammy nominated R&B recording artist Johnny Gill will provide live entertainment for the 32nd Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the Marriott Marquis Atlanta Hotel. The annual fundraising gala and premier social event of the holiday season will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a VIP Masked Award Reception, Silent Holiday Auction, Red Carpet Parade of Stars and Dignitaries, Elegant Dining, Parade of Masks, Dancing and Live entertainment by Johnny Gill. Started by Billye Aaron along with former Mayor Andrew Young in 1983, the Ball is hosted by the city’s current Mayor and is largely supported by local corporate and civic entities. A much anticipated holiday event that raises unrestricted dollars for UNCF’s support for local students, the Ball attracts a diverse array of attendees from across the area, including local celebrities, dignitaries, civic and elected officials. Johnny Gill’s new album, Game Changer, was released on his label, J Skillz Records in partnership with Caroline Music/Capitol Records. Game Changer features songs produced by GRAMMY®Award-winners Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Tony Dixon, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, and Vidal Davis. The first single, “Behind Closed Doors,” peaked at No. 6 on Billboard’s Urban Adult Contemporary charts. His latest single, “Game Changer,” produced by Baby face and includes additional songwriting by Anthony Hamilton, is quickly risingup the charts, currently on Billboard’s Top 20. As a musician, songwriter and singer and member of R&B groups New Edition and LSG along with Keith Sweat and the late Gerald Levert, Washington, D.C. born Gill is perhaps best celebrated for his self-titled 1990 Motown album produced by mega producing duos LA Reid and Baby Face and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that delivered hits like “My My My” and “Rub You The Right Way” and reached #1 on the top 100 R & B …
Posted in MOTIVATION | Leave a commentTHE HATEFUL EIGHT in theater December 25th (Christmas Day!)
December 8, 2015SYNOPSIS: In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all… THE HATEFUL EIGHT marks a continuation of the long-standing relationship between the celebrated filmmaker and the Weinsteins, who have collaborated on all of Tarantino’s films from RESERVOIR DOGS through DJANGO UNCHAINED. The lead cast for THE HATEFUL EIGHT will include: Samuel L. Jackson (DJANGO UNCHAINED), Kurt Russell (ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK), Jennifer Jason Leigh (MRS. PARKER AND THE VICIOUS CIRCLE), Walton Goggins (Justified), Demian Bichir (A BETTER LIFE), Tim Roth (RESERVOIR DOGS), Michael Madsen (RESERVOIR DOGS), and Bruce Dern (NEBRASKA). Written and directed by Tarantino, THE HATEFUL EIGHT is produced by Richard N. Gladstein, Stacey Sher and Shannon McIntosh. Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Georgia Kacandes are executive producing, and …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentKendrick Lamar Tops Grammy Nominations
December 8, 2015The awards show will air on CBS on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016 The nominations for the 58th annual Grammy Awards were announced on Monday morning. Kendrick Lamar scored a leading 11 nominations, with Taylor Swift and The Weeknd each earning seven nominations. Drake scored five nominations. Lamar, Swift and The Weeknd will face off in the category of album of the year, going up against Alabama Shakes and Chris Stapleton. Swift’s “Blank Space” is also up for record of the year, as is The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face.” They’re up against D’Angelo and the Vanguard’s “Really Love”; “Uptown Funk,” from Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars; and Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” Lamar and Swift will also vie for the song of the year Grammy, with Lamar’s “Alright” going up against Swift’s “Blank Space.” Other nominees in the category, which awards the songwriter, are Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s “See You Again” and Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” The best new artist nominees are Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly and Meghan Trainor. Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s Furious 7 soundtrack hit “See You Again” scored three nominations, including ones for song of the year, best pop duo/group performance and best song written for visual media. Two songs from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack — Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do” and The Weeknd’s “Earned It” — also scored multiple nominations. “Love Me Like You Do” is up for best pop solo performance and best song written for visual media. “Earned It” is up for best R&B performance, best R&B song and best song written for visual media. Meanwhile, Dr. Dre’s Straight Outta Compton-inspired release Compton is up for best rap album. The best song written for visual media category includes a number …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment47TH NAACP Image Awards to Air LIVE on Friday, February 5, 2016 on TV One
December 8, 2015The nominees for the 47th NAACP Image Awards were announced December 8 during a press conference from The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CA. The categories and nominees were announced by Guillermo Díaz (Scandal), Tika Sumpter (The Haves and the Have Nots), Danielle Nicolet (Born Again Virgin), Marsai Martin (Black-ish), and Miles Brown (Black-ish). In addition, the event was live streamed and special commentary was provided by Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight). The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced during the two-hour star-studded event, which will broadcast LIVE on TV ONE on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 9pm/8c as a two-hour special. A one-hour pre-show will air live from the red carpet at 8pm/7c. “The Image Awards celebrates individuals who model principles of hard work, perseverance, and community empowerment and with the announcement of this year’s nominees the NAACP continues to spotlight the achievements of those in our community,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “We have enjoyed a great collaboration with TV One and look forward to working with them again this year to create a memorable evening of entertainment.” “The NAACP Image Awards has become more than just a ceremony, but an institution for artists and social justice warriors of color to be recognized and celebrated,” stated Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO, NAACP. “As the Image Awards continues to grow and evolve, the principles of social justice will remain at its core.” ABC and BET lead the nominees in the TV categories with 28 and 13 nominations respectively, followed by FOX with 12. In the recording category, Columbia Records leads with 10 nominations, …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentConcussion In Theaters Christmas Day
December 7, 2015Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world. In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play. Director:Peter Landesman Writers:Peter Landesman, Jeanne Marie Laskas (GQ article “Game Brain”) Stars: Will Smith, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin | See full cast and crew Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322364/plotsummary
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentKobe Bryant Retires: So What’s Next?
December 7, 2015by Ryan Parker Legendary Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant is hanging up his sneakers after this season, he announced in a poem. “He is singularly focused on basketball. That level of focus keeps him at a distance from a lot of people,” Shelburne told SI. “Yes, he forms friendships with players around the league, but they are the ‘mutual admiration’ kind of friendships.” Charles Barkley has previously talked about leaving sports broadcasting when his contract with Turner Sports is up in 2016, according to SI. Bryant has been suggested as an obvious replacement. Shortly after his announcement Sunday, other analysts and writers agreed Bryant going behind the broadcast desk was the obvious next move. He’s never expressed interest in a post-broadcasting career but Kobe Bryant would be a cant-miss analyst if he opted for that gig. — Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) November 30, 2015 “He’s obviously smart and articulate and he would be a great candidate,” Craig Barry, Turner Sports senior vice president and executive creative director told SI in January. “But like any job there is a certain amount of passion that the person needs to have for the day to day. That element of passion and wanting to share the game is a huge part of being able to connect with the viewer.” Basketball/ broadcasting’s version of “Party of 5” Wonder if TNT goes after Kobe to join Shaq (interesting) , Kenny, Charles and EJ? — chuck swirsky (@ctsbulls) November 30, 2015. Swirsky raises an interesting thought — Kobe and Shaquille O’Neal back together again. Following his retirement in 2011, O’Neal became an analyst for Turner Sports, often working with Barkley and Ernie Johnson Jr. O’Neal, never shy in front of the camera even when he was a player, has also hosted Saturday Night Live. The duo had a feud for years dating back to their days …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentHOLLYWOOD BEAUTY LUPITA NYONG’O GRACES JANUARY COVER OF ESSENCE
December 1, 2015“…The stage of self-doubt is never eliminated. It’s work. It doesn’t come naturally or easily because I have a golden statue sitting on my shelf…”—Lupita Nyong’o, ESSENCE ESSENCE COVER STORY: FINDING LUPITA… After her Oscar win, life swept Lupita Nyong’o into a dizzying swirl of fame. She became an overnight style and beauty icon and filmed three movies, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens. All that busyness came at an emotional price. Lupita has found her roots—and herself—again. The January issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on Friday, December 4th. (Page 36). *You can also find a flashback to Lupita’s moving ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood OTHER ARTICLES IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF ESSENCE HEALTH & RELATIONSHIPS: GET YOUR MIND & BODY BREAKTHROUGH…Discover your best body ever with our six-month plan for health, happiness and transformation inside and out. (Page 72) HAPPILY EVER NOW…It begins like this: “Once upon a time..” And what happens next is up to you. ESSENCE Lifestyle & Relationships Editor Charreah K. Jackson shares why it’s critical to love on the right terms, no matter your relationship status. (Page 84) LET IT GO!…Tips on refreshing your mind and space just in time for the New Year. (Page 86) GREENS, PLEASE…Looking for a quick way to improve your overall health for 2016? Pile on the greens! Here’s how to get more in your daily routine. (Page 89) YOUR BEST YEAR YET…Pastor Joel Osteen offers a message of hope and gratitude. (Page 92) MONEY & POWER: MIND OVER MONEY MATTERS…In an exclusive excerpt from her new book, Real Money Answers For Every Woman, money maven Patrice C. Washington offers the secrets to lasting financial freedom. (Page 51) SCENE: TWEET: SAY MY NAME…The” Southern Hummingbird” returns to the spotlight—this time, on her terms. (Page 39) BOOKS: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION READS…Want …
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentSHAYLA’S CATCH ROMANCE NOVEL FOR $15.00
November 25, 2015Includes signed copy. Just click on “Buy Now” below. Specify the name you want signed in instructions. Are You A Catch? Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL Option 1 $15.00 USD https://youtu.be/urXs0nw4HyQ Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL Option 1 $15.00 USD SHAYLA’S CATCH takes readers on the journey of Shayla, a young lady who falls hard for the heart-thumping enchantment of Calvin “CK” Moore, one of the most popular and highest-paid receivers in the NFL. CK is just as flattered with Shayla’s innocent smile, her enticing natural beauty, and definitely with her curvaceous figure. But little did Shayla know that her good-natured flattery would be a light snack in the continuous meals of CK’s stable of gold-digging girlfriends. SHAYLA’S CATCH is a valid and timely depiction of the competitive nature of American sports mixed with romance, money, sex and broken hearts. Every woman, whether single, dating, or married will be able to relate to SHAYLA’S CATCH. And every man will see himself in the male characters, whether he is a faithful “Catch” or a skirt-chasing womanizer. Kindle Edition On Sale $6.99 –http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT4DGF0 Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL Option 1 $15.00 USD
Posted in BLACK MUSIC HONORS 2024 | Leave a commentTHE WIZ LIVE! COMING TO DVD ON DECEMBER 22, 2015
November 23, 2015NBC’s musical television production of The Wiz Live! stars world-class performers and recording artists including Queen Latifah (Chicago), Mary J. Blige (Empire), Ne-Yo (Red Tails), and David Alan Grier (In Living Color). Staying true to the groundbreaking Broadway show that put a vivid urban spin on the land of Oz, this fresh new trip down the yellow brick road also stars Common (Being Charlie), Elijah Kelley (Hairspray), Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Amber Riley (Glee), Stephanie Mills (The Love Boat), and newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy. Also included on the DVD will be the NBC special, The Making of The Wiz Live, featuring the behind-the-scenes story of producing this live television event! Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, the original 1975 hit Broadway production of The Wiz became a cultural touchstone that also spawned the classic film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Now, a Tony-winning creative team has brought together the imaginative acrobats of Cirque du Soleil and a cast of extraordinary actors, singers and dancers to produce an exciting new version unlike anything seen before. Premiering on NBC to rave reviews, The Wiz Live! will be a holiday classic to watch for years to come! The spectacular television event is executive produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, whose numerous credits include the 2002 Chicago, which won six Oscars® including Best Picture, the television series Smash and the Tony Award-winning Broadway revivals of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Promises, Promises. Thursday’s live telecast of The Wiz Live! delivered hit ratings, averaging a 3.4 rating, 11 share in adults 18-49 and 11.5 million viewers overall to dominate the night for NBC. It was the network’s best Thursday average in total viewers, excluding sports, since September 2014, and nearly tripled NBC’s best …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentHow a Bout of Depression Led to Dwayne Johnson’s Career-Defining Moment | Master Class | OWN
November 16, 2015“You’ve just gotta remember, hold onto that fundamental quality of faith,” he said. “Have faith, and on the other side of your pain is something good.” The Rock is among many celebs who have spoken out about coping with depression, including Demi Lovato, Hayden Panettiere, Ellen DeGeneres, Cara Delevingne and Kanye West, to name a few. With a ton of impressionable fans watching their every move, it’s refreshing to see Hollywood stars who aren’t afraid to be transparent, despite the industry pressure to project perfection at all times. Source:http://www.cambio.com/2015/11/14/the-rock-struggles-with-depression/?ncid=edlinkuscamb00000023 For more on Oprah’s Master Class visit http://www.oprah.com/OprahsMasterClass After playing football for four years at the University of Miami, Dwayne Johnson was passed over by the NFL. While he played for the Canadian Football League for a short time, he was ultimately cut from his team, the Calgary Stampeders, and sent packing. At 23, Dwayne found himself living in his parents’ small apartment, battling depression Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN
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