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← Older posts Newer posts →EMPIRE – 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 Highlight | 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 TV | 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 & Film | 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. …
Posted in TV | Leave a commentFLAIR – Former Ebony Fashion Fair Models Reunion Fundraiser Gala held in Atlanta, August 22
August 23, 2015The Fashion Legacy Association for Industry Recognition (FLAIR) hosted its biennial event in Atlanta, Georgia, August 22, 2015. FLAIR is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of over 500 former models, commentators and staff of the world renowned Ebony Fashion Fair® show that toured the country from 1958 to 2009. Many have transcended the runway, created successful brands and become leaders in the community including B. Smith, Richard Roundtree and Judy Pace. On Saturday, August 22, 10 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., at C.A.U.S.E. for Elegance in Phipps Plaza, the organization hosted its FLAIR Cares Mentoring Event of seminars for an audience of selected FLAIR mentees from local fashion and design schools. FLAIR members provided sessions on self-esteem, make-up/self-image, entrepreneurship/leadership and social media/networking. While the private workshops were in session, the public was invited to meet and greet FLAIR members and enjoyed the shopping experience at C.A.U.S.E for Elegance. A Saturday evening red-carpet FLAIR Charitable Event took place at Mason Fine Art from 6 pm – 12 midnight, where the organization honored members of FLAIR, provided live entertainment and a fashion show featuring local designers. Honorees included iconic restaurateur, author and pioneering transcultural lifestyle expert B. Smith, Atlanta’s own Sonjia Waller Young and commentator Virginia Tibbs. A tribute was made to African-American designer, Patrick Kelly, made posthumously; and Atlanta-based fashion designer and makeup artist Edouard Johnson, whose fashions were featured in the FLAIR fashion show. Spelman College Student Lizette Terry was on hand to cover the event for Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag. Check out a few photos below: Fashion Show Photos by Lizette Terry FLAIR’S mission is to empower, promote and provide educational and professional development programs for those demonstrating achievement in the fashion industry. “This weekend will afford us an opportunity to give back to the community as we mentor fashion and …
Posted in Music & Film, Photos | Leave a commentNFL legend and ESPN Analyst Ray Lewis “Inspires” MegaFest 2015 Attendees in Partnership with the Let’s Move campaign
August 21, 2015Participation Includes MegaFit Session with Angela Davis and Empowerment Panel on Saturday, August 22 NFL legend and ESPN analyst Ray Lewis and Denise Brown, Director of Let’s Move Nation!, have partnered to deliver a slate of motivational opportunities for MegaFest attendees addressing the body and spirit: “MegaFit in the Park with Angela Davis and Ray Lewis” powered by “Let’s Move!” on Saturday morning, August 22 at Klyde Warren Park and empowerment panel “I’ve Fallen and Can’t Get Up – What Labels Are Keeping You Down?” on Saturday afternoon. Beginning at 7 a.m., Lewis will join Davis for a spirited fitness session encouraging attendees to achieve their health and wellness goals on the road to a healthier lifestyle. Following the MegaFit event, Denise Brown will moderate a panel titled “I’ve Fallen and Can’t Get Up – What Labels are Keeping You Down?” where panelists will discuss how to remove the labels and re-brand your life in ways that will lead to fulfilling a God-given purpose and living the life God has planned specifically for you. Fe atured panelists include Lewis, ESPN analyst and retired NFL player (Baltimore Ravens), Akin Ayodele, Co-Founder of The Dreambuilders Foundation, Retired 10-year NFL Veteran (Cowboys) and Kwame Jackson, entrepreneur/businessman. ***RAY LEWIS JOINS EMPOWERMENT PANEL @MEGAFEST *** I’VE FALLEN AND CAN’T GET UP: What Labels Are Keeping You Down? D ate: Saturday, August 22, 2015 Time : 2:30pm – 3:30pm CT Where : Expo Hall/Empowerment Stage Description : Falling down is certain in life. We will face obstacles, barriers and disappointments that bring us to our knees. When we fall there are a variety of labels that are assigned to us and often that we assign to ourselves. How we deal with these labels has everything to do with our ability to achieve and succeed. In this empowerment session, learn how to remove the labels and re-brand your …
Posted in 2026 BET AWARDS | Leave a commentEntertainers and Athletes Come Out for 3RD ANNUAL CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER GOLF CLASSIC
August 19, 2015JIM BROWN, ROB RIGGLE, GEORGE LOPEZ, FRANK ROBINSON, ERIC DICKERSON, SALLI RICHARDSON, MARCUS ALLEN, SUGAR RAY LEONARD, RODNEY PEETE, AND MORE ATTEND 3RD ANNUAL CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER GOLF CLASSIC Boris Kojoe, DL Hughley, Richard Roundtree and more attend Pre-VIP Reception Held At Toscanova in Calabassas The Hall Of Fame Photo: (L to R) Marcus Allen, Frank Robinson, Eric Dickerson, Cedric The Enterrtainer, Jim Brown, Willie Gault, Ty Law, Rodney Peete, and Jim Plunkett at Spanish Hills Country Club for the third annual Cedric The Entertainer Celebrity Golf Classic held Monday. (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC) (Los Angeles, CA – Wednesday, August 19) — For the third consecutive year, charismatic actor/comedian Cedric The Entertainer (“The Soul Man”) hosted his star-studded celebrity golf classic at the luxurious Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo Monday. Sponsored by Zacapa Rum, YP (Yellow Pages), and Xerox proceeds from the event benefit The Kyles Family Foundation , The Brotherhood Crusade of Los Angeles and The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo . The celebrity guests donating their time for a great cause included host Cedric The Entertainer, Jim Brown, George Lopez, Rob Riggle, Frank Robinson, Marcus Allen, Richard Roundtree, Jim Plunkett, Ty Law, Boris Kojoe, Sugar Ray Leonard, Eric Dickerson, Royce Clayton, Kathleen Bradley, Flex Alexander, and Seema Sadekar to list only a few. It is hard to keep a straight face when Cedric “The Entertainer” and George Lopez hit the links at the 3rd Annual Cedric “The Entertainer” Golf Classic. (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC) “Let’s Be Cops” star Rob Riggle joined Cedric for a round of golf on the links at Spanish Hills Country Club for the 3rd Annual Cedric The Entertainer Golf Classic. (Photo: A Turner Archives/CTE_CGC) Cedric poses with his golf ambassadors before they escort him to the greens to tee-off the 3rd Annual Cedric …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentStraight Outta Compton In Theaters August 14
August 12, 2015Synopsis: In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. Taking us back to where it all began, Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how these cultural rebels-armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent-stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today. Straight Outta Compton stars O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, and is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job). The drama is produced by original N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, Gray and Scott Bernstein. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Adam Merims, David Engel, Bill Straus, Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni. – Universal Pictures The Donald Group, Archive Entertainment and Ratchet People Meet presented an advanced screening of Universal Pictures SRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON hosted by Emmanuel Hudson & DC YoungFly at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Thursday, August 13. Several celebs came out, including artist Andre 3000 and actress Terri Vaughn. Sonya Jenkins, publisher of Sonya’s Spotlight web mag and author of Shayla’s Catch, had this to say about STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON: “Straight Outta Compton was the best movie I’ve seen all year. It was an emotional journey that made me laugh, cry and cringe – especially when it pertained to the police brutality and issues we still …
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