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← Older posts Newer posts →Gladys Knight Gives the World “Just A Little” Taste of G70 with New SINGLE “JUST A LITTLE”
September 23, 2015The Empress of Soul Strikes Back with First Dance Single Release in Nearly 20 Years Seven-time Grammy Award winning icon and legend Gladys Knight wants to carry fans away as she announces the release of her upcoming dance single, “Just A Little”. The upbeat jam, produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Symbolyc “S1” One (Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z) and written/vocal produced by R&B crooner and Knight protégé, Avehre, will be released on Friday, September 25th. “Just A Little” is the first mainstream dance record from Knight in nearly twenty years. The song serves as the lead single from her twelfth solo studio album slated to be released in 2016. Knight is no stranger to the dance floor. Viewers saw as she hit the floor on the 14th season of the popular show “Dancing With The Stars”. Songs such as “Taste of Bitter Love” and “It’s Better Than A Good Time” are considered dance/disco essentials. Flash forward to 2015 and Knight partnered with S1, who is known for hits such as Kanye West’s “Power” and Beyonce’s “Best Thing I Never Had”, to craft her upcoming LP. By celebrating and highlighting music of the past, present and future, Knight has called the sound the #G70Series. The G70 Series is in celebration of the last 70 years of music and culture. The G70 Series is a blend of gospel, soul, funk and sonically refreshing sounds that are nostalgic yet forward-thinking. “Just A Little” features live instrumentation, horns and percussion while Knight’s voice coos listeners into dancer’s paradise. “It don’t matter who you are / Love can carry you away / Just keep shining you’re a star / Golden like a Summer day,” sings Knight on the infectious pre-chorus. Bassist, Nigel Rivers, who’s played for the likes of John Legend and Erykah Badu, assists …
Posted in In The Spotlight | Leave a commentNEW 3D ANIMATED SERIES DA JAMMIES PREMIERES ON NETFLIX — AVAILABLE NOW!
September 15, 2015Family-Friendly Animated Series About 5 Diverse Tweens Seeking the “Big Time” Finds New Home on Netflix First of its kind new 3D animated urban music series Da Jammies is now streaming across the country, exclusively on Netflix. Combining hip-hop dance, music and fashion in a way never before seen in animation, Da Jammies follows five diverse ‘tweens from the suburbs attending a performing arts middle school, who form a group in hopes of making it to the ‘big time.’ With support from their genius friend Einny, Da Jammies — Novelist, Dolla, MoMo, Seven and Lala — study singing, dancing and music to prepare for a run at superstardom, learning big life lessons along the way. Together they learn that the road to success, while a bumpy one, can still be navigated with hard work, dedication and most of all belief in oneself. Da Jammies tackles the sometimes difficult issues of growing up today, such as bullying, identity, self esteem, homelessness and other real world challenges but never loses its fun approach. The vibrant 3D animation, multicultural cast, relatable subject matter and skillful choreography create a world that engages young viewers, providing them with role models they can look up to and learn from — but most importantly, dream with. The voice actors who bring Da Jammies to life include Aulsondro Hamilton (Novelist), William Chapman (Dolla), Dani Nicolet (LaLa), Alisa Reyes (MoMo), Anderson Johnson, Jr. (Seven) and Shane Tsurugi (Einny), along with guest stars Darius McCrary (as Principal Cransberry), Buddy Lewis (as Klondell the security guard), and Kel Mitchell (as Mike Fresh). In addition, special cameo appearances are made by rap legends Kurtis Blow and Yolanda “YoYo” Whitaker, actors Tommy “Tiny” Lister, Kyla Pratt, and the late James Avery. Da Jammies is the perfect family programming– not only does it appeal to younger audiences but it also entertains the kid within all of us. Da Jammies was co-created by Aulsondro “Novelist” Hamilton …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a comment2015 TRIUMPH AWARDS RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE – AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON TV ONE OCTOBER 3rd
September 13, 2015THE EVENING OF EXCELLENCE FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY ESTELLE, JAZMINE SULLIVAN, LEDISI, TASHA COBBS,TYRESE GIBSON WITH ROBERT GLASPER AS MUSICAL DIRECTOR In a year defined by civil rights cases that have galvanized the country, the National Action Network (NAN) and Reverend Al Sharpton, have partnered with TV One to present the first-ever television broadcast of The 2015 Triumph Awards. Hosted by Tichina Arnold, this esteemed ceremony, which was filmed on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Atlanta, GA, recognizes the positive impact this year’s honorees have made on our society. Civil rights leader, activist and minister Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery and John Legend, human rights advocate and vocal champion for social justice, join previously announced honorees, including recording artist and philanthropist Tyrese Gibson, Emmy® winning comedienne, actress and producer Wanda Sykes and Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel Rosalind Hudnell. The awards special will premiere exclusively on TV One this October. This star-studded event included amazing performances by Triumph Award honoree Tyrese Gibson, Jazmine Sullivan, Estelle, Ledisi, Tasha Cobbs. Additionally, a distinctive musical experience from jazz pianist, Robert Glasper, who as musical director orchestrated the house band throughout the evening. Celebrity Presenters included Mayor Kasim Reed, Nicole Beharie, Soledad O’Brien, Syleena Johnson, Afemo Omilami, Richard Lawson, Big Freedia and Patrik-Ian Polk. “The premiere of the Triumph Awards on TV One is set to captivate audiences. There is a history of music being part of the movement and the fight for equity,” remarked Janaye Ingram, Executive Director of National Action Network. “Through our show, people will experience the power of musical artistry as a message medium while it is interwoven with the triumphant stories of the luminaries who will be honored.” Tichina Arnold is a two-time NAACP Image Award winning actress for her role as Pam Jones on the hit T.V. series Martin and the critically acclaimed comedy Survivors Remorse produced by LeBron James, Maverick Carter and Mike O’Malley for Starz. Tichina has also appeared on television in Happily Divorced, …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSerena Williams beats Venus Williams to reach U.S. Open semis
September 9, 2015Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports Serena Williams of the USA winning the 3rd game in the second set against Venus Williams of the USA on day nine of the 2015 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. less NEW YORK — The hug at the net was the conclusion to an evening that would make a great — no, a grand — chapter in the book of Serena and Venus Williams’ careers: the two embracing, older sibling with words of praise for her kid sister: “I’m so happy for you.” Venus, never happy to lose, could walk away with her head held high: On this night Serena was the better player, a 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 winner in a battle that was as much physical as it was mental and emotional. The victory delivers Serena into the semifinals of the U.S. Open, just two matches from a rarified calendar Grand Slam. What Serena faces next is what many call the easy part: She has 43rd-ranked Roberta Vinci in the semifinals, a player she’s never lost to in four meetings. Win and she’s into a fifth consecutive U.S. Open final. She’s 21-4 in major championship matches. The difference Tuesday night was the one shot that has helped her rise above the rest: her serve. The 33-year-old world No. 1 blasted 12 aces and won 77% of points played on her first serve. It has also been the shot that has given Williams the most trouble during this U.S. Open. She has hit 38 aces, but also 22 double faults through five matches. She has returned to the practice court after earlier matches in clear frustration, blasting buckets of balls as coach Patrick Mouratoglou has looked on. “There are always things to work on,” Mouratoglou said. “You …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentEMPIRE – The Drama of the Season
September 9, 2015EMPIRE Highlights of the Season THE LYONS ARE BACK Season Two picked up three months after the shocking arrest and incarceration of Empire Entertainment head LUCIOUS LYON (Terrence Howard). Still in federal lockup, Lucious is trying to run Empire from inside, while a headline-grabbing state prosecutor hangs her political ambitions on bringing him down – no matter what it takes. Meanwhile, Cookie stages a star-studded #FreeLucious concert in his support, while scheming with Andre, Hakeem, Anika and the business savvy Mimi Whiteman (guest star Marisa Tomei) to finalize the hostile takeover of Empire in the all-new “The Devils Are Here” Season Two Premiere episode of EMPIRE aired Wednesday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Cast: Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon, Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon, Bryshere ‘Yazz’ Gray as Hakeem Lyon, Trai Byers as Andre Lyon, Grace Gealey as Anika Calhoun, Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon, Gabourey Sidibe as Becky, Ta’Rhonda Jones as Porsha and Serayah McNeill as Tiana Guest Cast: Marisa Tomei as Mimi Whiteman, Chris Rock as Frank Gathers, Kelly Rowland as Leah Walker, Don Lemon as Himself, Al Sharpton as Himself, Andre Leon Talley as Himself, Swiss Beatz as Himself, Rafael De La Fuentes as Michael Sanchez, Tyra Ferrell as Roxanne Ford and Petey Pablo as Himself Watch Full Season 1 Episodes of EMPIRE here: http://www.fox.com/empire/full-episodes In case you missed the 3/18/15 Two-Hour Season Finale of EMPIRE, this is what you missed: SEASON ONE OF EMPIRE – A LOOK BACK In case you missed the 3/11/15 episode of EMPIRE, this is what you missed: In case you missed the 3/4/15 episode of EMPIRE, this is what you missed: In case you missed the 2/25/15 episode of EMPIRE, this is what you missed: In case you missed the 2/18/15 episode of EMPIRE, this …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentTHE PERFECT GUY in theaters September 11
September 2, 2015Sony/Screen Gems has made it even harder to date in 2015 with the release of its latest suspense thriller, THE PERFECT GUY, starring Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy, and Morris Chestnut. THE PERFECT GUY is an intense, heart pounding film surrounding a woman (Lathan) who quickly jumps into a relationship after leaving a man who she thought was “the one” (Chestnut). Upon meeting a “perfect” gentleman (Ealy) she soon learns that her new man is psychotically infatuated and will do just about anything to keep her. We see Michael Ealy in a role that we have never seen him in before, as the charmingly handsome villain. THE PERFECT GUY opens in theatres Friday, September 11! #ThePerfectGuy
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentFaith-Based ‘War Room’s’ Director Talks Box Office Success and “Secular Critics”
September 2, 2015The Christian drama vastly overperformed in its box-office debut this weekend, earning $11 million from only 1,135 theaters. Brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick‘s faith-based empire is determined to convert religious-centric film doubters to believers through consistent box office success, as witnessed by War Room‘s $11 million debut this weekend. Despite playing in only 1,135 theaters, War Room placed No. 2 behind Straight Outta Compton, which grossed $13.2 million from 3,142 locations. The prayer-themed film marks the highest debut for the siblings, and their fifth collaboration after Courageous (2011), Fireproof (2008) and Facing the Giants (2006). Their first movie, Flywheel, was released on DVD in 2003. All of their projects have gone out through Sony’s faith-based TriStar/Affirm label. Courageous is the brothers’ highest-earning film with a lifetime gross of $34.5 million. “The Affirm and Provident partnership with the Kendricks has been proven effective over several films now,” Rich Peluso, senior vp of Sony Pictures’ Affirm Films said. “They are intimately connected to faith leaders across the country and work hard to integrate themes within their movies that resound with these leaders and provide resources that allow the use of the movie as both entertainment and a useful tool to change lives and hearts.” Earning an A+ CinemaScore — the first film to do so this year since American Sniper — War Room is the first of their films to feature African-Americans in the leading roles. Actor T.C. Stallings was cast following his supporting role in Courageous. War Room, made for $3.5 million, tells the story of a struggling family who searches for a solution through prayer. “When we started writing out the plot, it occurred to us that this movie would be more powerful or passionate as told from an African-American perspective,” Alex Kendrick, who directed and co-wrote each of the …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentMeet the 2015 ESSENCE Street Style Award Honorees!
September 2, 2015Singer Ciara, Actress Gabrielle Union, Designer Charles Elliot Harbison and Celebrity Stylist Jason Rembert will be recognized at ESSENCE magazine’s 2nd annual ‘Street Style Awards’ Dinner during New York Fashion Week, September 13. GABRIELLE UNION – Closet Crush Award WHY GABRIELLE? Because she, and her TV character, Mary Jane, look effortlessly fresh, modern and polished at every turn. Gabrielle knows how to play up her killer figure without overdoing it. TRUE GLAM: “When someone who loves and cares about me compliments me, I feel more glamorous than when the flashbulbs are going off on the red carpet.” Follow her on Instagram @gabunion. CHARLES ELLIOTT HARBISON – Designer to Watch WHY CHARLES? The Parsons School of Design grad launched his first women’s wear collection in 2013 to rave reviews. After his 2014 spring collection, The New York Times reported, “Mr. Harbison is certainly going places. . . .” Beyoncé and Solange agree and rock his gear regularly. HIS FASHION MOJO: “My personal style—a combo of ease, classicism, quirk and romance—definitely impacts my work. My clients are intellectual and bold, yet easy and relatable. I love that.” Follow Charles on Instagram @hrbsn. CIARA – Curator of Cool WHY CIARA? New mom, new boyfriend, new look! Ciara has moved from being a chic pop star to a more aspirational red-carpet fixture—who still manages to have a little fun (backward baseball cap, anyone?). HER STYLE TIPS: “Don’t overthink your fashion choices. Whatever you feel in your gut, roll with it. Have fun with fashion. When I have fun, it always comes out right.” Follow Ciara on Instagram @ciara. JASON REMBERT – Style Disruptor WHY JASON? In less than seven years, this 27-year-old celebrity stylist has dressed Usher, Taraji P. Henson, Solange, Ciara, Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Nicki Minaj, Prince, Iggy Azalea …
Posted in Music | Leave a comment‘Straight Outta Compton’ Heading Straight Outta America
August 25, 2015by Tatiana Siegel 8/19/2015 9:30am PDT Can the surprise hit conquer the world the way it has dominated the U.S. box office? “I don’t think anyone should assume it’s a North America-only kind of movie,” says one analyst. Straight Outta Compton will attempt to conquer the world. On Aug. 20, Universal kicks off an ambitious international rollout throughout Europe. It’s a significant effort as studios once considered black-themed films as having little overseas prospects. But Universal is so bullish on the N.W.A story’s appeal overseas that it will open Compton in 23 territories, including Britain (Aug. 28), Korea (Sept. 10) and Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates (Oct. 1). Discussions are underway in additional territories, where there is growing excitement based on the F. Gary Gray-helmed film’s U.S. performance. “In order to greenlight it [at a budget of $29 million], we had a conversation about its prospects internationally,” says Universal chief Donna Langley. “To us, it’s a very aspirational, very inspirational film — a great rags-to-riches story with a political component.” Just three years ago, Fox’s George Lucas-produced Red Tails — about a crew of African-American pilots during World War II — was released overseas in only Croatia and the U.K., earning $489,000. Even Universal’s 2014 comedy hit Ride Along, co-starring Compton producer Ice Cube, took in only $19 million — or 12 percent of its $154 million worldwide total — in international territories. But Compton could pave the way for other films with predominantly black casts. N.W.A enjoys a rabid following in Europe, where Universal is hoping to launch a reunion tour. What’s more counterintuitive is that the film — starring O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell — will play in Asia and the Middle East. “There is a potential audience to reach [outside Europe],” says BoxOffice.com …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentBounce TV’s New Original Series In The Cut Premieres Tues. Aug. 25
August 25, 2015Bounce TV ( http://bouncetv.com ), the nation’s first-ever over-the-air broadcast television network for African Americans, will launch a new original series In The Cut – a half-hour situation comedy created by Bentley Kyle Evans (Family Time, The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin) – in a special six-week summer series run Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. starting tomorrow. In The Cut stars Dorien Wilson (The Parkers, Dream On), Ken Lawson (The Parkers) and also features Jackee Harry (Sister, Sister) and John Marshall Jones (The Smart Guy) along with special guest stars Vanessa Bell Calloway (Shameless), Golden Brooks (Girlfriends) and Chastity Dotson (Single Ladies). The show centers on Jay Weaver (Wilson) who owns several businesses in a strip mall in San Diego and spends most of his time working in his barbershop, Jay’s Chop Shop. Jay also co-owns a beauty salon a few doors away – Nadine’s Shop – named for his ex-wife (Harry) who still runs it. One day, a young man named Kenny Clark (Lawson) shows up out of nowhere claiming to be Jay’s 31-year-old illegitimate son from a short-lived fling. Kenny sticks around and begins to take on a role in the family business as he and Jay start to bond. Jay’s long-time sidekick Clevon “Smitty” Smith ( Jones ) also works at the barber shop and adds to the comedy — as well as the occasional drama — that comes into their lives. The series was created by Bentley Kyle Evans and is produced by Evans and partner Trenton Gumbs, both of whom produce the current Bounce TV hit original series Family Time . Evans also produced the hit series Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show, and both he and Gumbs produced Love That Girl. The third season of Family Time, starring Omar Gooding and Angell Conwell, will premiere on Bounce Tues. Oct. …
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