Issa Rae Leads Panel For Upcoming Film “One Of Them Days” at Micheaux Film Festival
Issa Rae, alongside writer Syreeta Singleton and director Lawrence Lamont, discusses her new film 'One Of Them Days' in a panel at the 6th Annual Micheaux Film Festival, highlighting the importance of diverse storytelling. We discuss it here!
Issa Rae Talks “One Of Them Days” For the First Time at the 6th Annual Micheaux Film Festival
Credit: Micheaux Film Festival
By: Omar Cook
LOS ANGELES, CA - On the evening of October 26, 2024, the Los Angeles-based 6th Annual Micheaux Film Festival played host to a significant event as acclaimed producer and actress Issa Rae led an engaging panel discussion. Joined by writer Syreeta Singleton and director Lawrence Lamont, Rae unveiled their upcoming film, “One of Them Days,” to the public for the first time. The film, which stars Keke Palmer and SZA as two roommates navigating a financial crisis, is slated for release in January 2025 by TriStar Pictures. The panel delved deep into the complexities of film and television production, emphasizing the critical role of representation in media and encouraging aspiring artists to boldly pursue their creative passions.
The festival, held at The Culver Theater from October 21st to 27th, celebrated its sixth year, continuing its tradition of spotlighting diverse voices and innovative storytelling in cinema. Notable attendees such as musician Jidenna, comedian Page Kennedy, and producer Robi Reed graced the red carpet, highlighting the festival's ongoing commitment to building community among artists and fans alike.
“One of Them Days” promises to be a comedic yet poignant look at the trials of friendship under economic strain, featuring a dynamic ensemble cast that includes Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams, among others. The discussion at the festival not only raised anticipation for the film but also showcased the broader influence of such gatherings in fostering a supportive network for filmmakers and artists. As the Micheaux Film Festival continues to grow, it remains a cornerstone for celebrating the legacy of pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux and for advancing the conversation around diversity and representation in the arts.
For more details on the festival and future events, visit Micheaux Film Festival.
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MAX Cancels Issa Rae's Hit Show 'Rap Sh!T'
Issa Rae’s hit series Rap Sh*t is officially canceled over at MAX after two seasons. We discuss it here!
Rap Sh!T Canceled After Two Seasons
Issa Rae’s new series Rap Sh*t is officially canceled over at MAX after two seasons. Fans flocked to Social media to express the frustration about another popular black series canceled before the story could develop more. Rap Sh*t lasted two seasons.
Ain’t no way they cancelled Rap Sh!t and on a cliff hanger! @IssaRae we not standing for this #RapShit pic.twitter.com/SjOJ9FmtIu
— Scuba Gooding Jr. (@SylviaMphofe) January 18, 2024
Max came out with a statement. “We are extremely grateful to Issa Rae for creating Rap Sh*t a one of a kind comedy with compelling social commentary that reached viewers in a way only Issa’s talents can accomplish.” Sadly we won’t get to see the “Seduce and Scheme “ rappers on our tv in the future. But at least the bops they provided will stay with us forever.
Rap Sh*t focused on Shawna and Mia both high school friends from Miami who came together to form the rap group. Season 2 finale aired Dec 21, 2023 and it serves as the series finale. We don’t know what to expect from Issa next as this is the second series of hers that MAX has canceled.
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RAEDIO and MAX Light Up LA with Epic 'Rap Sh!T' Soundtrack Release Party
Raedio and HBO MAX took over XR Studios in LA for an exclusive listen to Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape and a screening of the first two episodes of Season 2. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: MAX
On November 2nd, Raedio and HBO MAX took over XR Studios in LA for an exclusive listen to Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape and a screening of the first two episodes of Season 2.
As Issa Rae's television series on Max, "Rap SH!T” makes its highly anticipated return on November 9th, this first take at the mixtape prepared us for what is to be expected next week. If you haven't tuned in to the show yet, here's a little recap to get you up to speed.
Rap Sh!t is a story about the fictitious lifestyles and musical adventures of Shawna Clark (Aida Osman) and Mia Knight (KaMillion). Filmed in Miami, the show draws inspiration from the rise to fame of South Florida's own sensational group, City Girls, who also act as co-executive producers for the series.
Photo Credit: Sharmaine ‘Nuee’ Johnson
Upon entry, guests hit the blue carpet and the photo booth to create memorable content for their socials and mingled with other guests as they arrived. The space was dimly lit and showcased the infamous old-school car that 'Chasity' (Jonica Booth) drives in the series. The jumbo screens in both rooms displayed a slideshow with pictures of all the artists featured on Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape. Complimentary cocktails, named after some of the tracks like We Live, Call Me Daddy, Going On A Drill, Run It Up, and City 2 City, got the guests grooving to the tunes of the tape.
Before the screening began, showrunner Syreeta Singleton expressed her excitement for the new season in her opening statements, and the lights dimmed for showtime. The first two episodes are a complete plot twist! Anything you assumed would happen from watching the last episode of Season 1 is probably WRONG. As Mia and Shawna take their talents on tour the real rollercoaster begins!
After the screening, it was time to enjoy performances from some of the artists who contributed to the musical vibes of the new season.
Photo Credit: Sharmaine ‘Nuee’ Johnson
We experienced performances from Rico Nasty, Omeretta The Great, Guapdad 4000, Southside Yoko, Cam and China, ThankGod4Cody, and Enchanting. The energy in the building was insane as the eclectic artists poured their hearts and personalities into their performances. Although Issa Rae is known for paying homage to artists who are on the rise, Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape has some big mainstream names attached to it as well, such as Sexxy Red, Rico Nasty, Guapdad 4000, Slimeroni, and Aleza. Each song has a different vibe and style that gives the audience insight into some of the emotions and experiences they can expect in the new season.
The series has always made excellent use of music, just like Rae's previous smash-hit show Insecure did. Rap SH!T's soundtrack, Rap SH!T: The Mixtape (Soundtrack from the Max Original series, S2), is just as hot as you would expect. Check it out right now on all streaming platforms I guarantee that you will find your new anthem. Be sure to also tune in to the return of Rap Sh!t to MAX on November 9th to see what songs will make it to Season 2 Episode 1.
Rap Shit: Season 2 - Official Trailer - HBO Max
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Issa Rae Named Creative Director for 2024 ABFF
The 2024 American Black Film Festival just got a dose of Issa Rae's magic as she will now serve as the festival's creative director. We discuss it here!
By: Joshua Martin
Get ready to mark your calendars because the 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) just got a dose of Issa Rae's magic! That's right, the brilliant mind behind the Emmy-nominated hit series "Insecure" is taking center stage as the festival's creative director, and it's going to be a lituation.
In this newly created role, Issa Rae, the queen of creativity, is teaming up with ABFF co-founders Nicole and Jeff Friday to craft a lineup that will leave you on the edge of your seats. This isn't Issa's first dance with ABFF – she served as the festival's ambassador in 2022 and gave us a sneak peek of her sensational Max series, "Rap Sh!t." And guess what? Its second season is dropping this fall, after a delay due to the ongoing writer's strike.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JUNE 12: Issa Rae attends the 2019 Women In Film Annual Gala Presented by Max Mara with additional support from partners Delta Air Lines and Lexus at The Beverly Hilton on June 12, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Women In Film
“Throughout the course of her career, Issa Rae has made an indelible impact within the entertainment ecosystem ranging from her wide array of roles – in front of and behind the camera – to her fierce advocacy for equitable representation and opportunities for Black creatives. We couldn’t think of a better partner to help us continue to embody the ABFF mission of showcasing Black talent — and discovering and amplifying new voices.
”
Issa Rae is no stranger to making waves. She's the genius behind the New York Times best-seller The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and the mastermind who brought us the captivating world of Insecure, a show that had us hooked for five entire seasons. In 2020, she shook things up again by founding Hoorae, a media powerhouse that covers film, TV, and digital.
“There’s no other festival highlighting us in this way, highlighting our film, highlighting our television shows, and it’s in an elegant way. That’s what I admire so much about this particular festival - it’s so intentional. Even thinking about the awards that they do later, ABFF as a brand is so solid, and I feel proud of having my work showcased here.”
So, mark your calendars for June 12th to the 16th because the 2024 American Black Film Festival is hitting Miami Beach, Florida, and with Issa Rae calling the shots, you know it's going to be an unforgettable cinematic journey. Don't miss out on this epic celebration of Black talent and storytelling!
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Recapping The Best Moments From "Insecure" As It Nears Its End
Insecure is more than just a hilarious show, it's a spotlight onto black women's lives, and it's what we needed! We recap some of the best moments from this iconic series as it nears its end!
By: Kwana Adams
If you search my Twitter name + insecure, you'll see so many tweets, and that's not including the insecure hashtag for live-tweeting. Insecure is my favorite show, and I am so beside myself with sadness that it will be ending soon. Issa Rae is a comedic genius, and I love what she's created.
Insecure is more than just a hilarious show, it's a spotlight onto black women's lives, and it's what we needed. We had some great moments with it, though, and I know that all things must end. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm going to rewatch it until I just can't anymore! I'm going to miss sitting on my couch every Sunday night anticipating the new episode and being upset that it's only half an hour long!
I love Issa Rae, and I can't wait to see her success and her bag keep getting bigger and bigger. Insecure is excellent, but I know she can top it. Before the new and final season airs, let's reminisce about all the best Insecure moments. I've decided to compile a few of the moments I could never forget.
First and foremost, I couldn't create this article without mentioning the first season's first episode. You all remember Broken P*ssy, right? What am I thinking? Who could forget? It was hilarious and the perfect way to kick off the show. While Issa struggled to deal with her relationship with Lawrence, her best friend Molly was also going through relationship woes of her own.
Issa decided to take her out to a small, out-of-the-way club where she bumped into Daniel, an ex-flame. He dares her to go on stage and rap. She does her thing, singing about broken p*ssy. It's so hilarious and one of my absolute favorite episodes. Of all the things to rap about...
My next favorite would have to be Season 2, Episode 1. Issa's relationship struggles with Lawrence get worse when she gets dumped for cheating on him. To lure him back to the apartment and talk to him, she sets up a 'Wine Down' party and asks him to come to get his mail. Unfortunately, this blows up in homegirl's face when he doesn't show, and the "Wine Down' gets so out of hand that her kitchen catches on fire.
INSECURE | Lawrence Finds Out Issa Cheated
Now, I know this is a breaking point in Issa's life, and I shouldn't find it so funny, but I do! Of all the things that can happen, someone lit a fire in her trashcan and almost tore up the place. What makes it funnier is her other best friend, Kelli, being asked for her number while she's trying to escape the fire. Issa's habit of adding humor to difficult situations makes it hard not to laugh at scenes like this! Better luck next time, Issa!
It seems like a lot of my favorite moments of Insecure happen during the first episode of the season. Is it because Issa is just that good at hooking people in, or am I just easily impressed? Either way, my next favorite moment happens during season 3, episode 1. After losing out on a promotion and moving out of her apartment, Issa decides to live with Daniel and drive Lyft to make money. This is a great episode because we get introduced to "Nathan with the face." Handsome Nathan joins her Lyft queue with some complaints about LA, but he seems cool, and he and Issa seem to vibe immediately. When another passenger enters the Lyft and refuses to stop smoking a blunt in the backseat, Nathan throws his blunt out the window, and a fight ensues. Molly and Issa panic in the front while Issa screams until she eventually pulls over, and Nathan takes off running. This scene is so funny and chaotic. I had to rewind it a few times cause I couldn't get enough.
Season 3, in general, is just one of the funniest seasons. Another of my favorite moments is season 3, episode 5, when my favorite girl group takes Coachella. From Kelli tripping off edibles to Kelli causing a brawl and getting everyone kicked out, this episode was a blast from start to end. This was hands down, one of the best Insecure episodes. Issa put her whole foot into writing this episode, and Kelli carried the entire thing on her back. Her getting tased and attacking white people was the best moment of the episode. I'm sad they missed Beyonce, though, but I had such a good laugh. This episode also happened to be the starting point to my next favorite moment.
Last but not least is season 4, episode 5. Issa's block party finally came to life. I was so happy about it, I almost cried. We watched Issa work so hard and go through so much to get to that point. The talent, the music, the food, and the effort that went into it made this a fantastic episode. It inspired me to want to plan my own block party. Everything was so excellent until Molly ruined it. Yes, I am entirely blaming Molly because it was her fault, and I'm still upset about it. Other than that, there were so many great moments. When the whole crowd did the Wobble together, my heart swelled. It was a beautiful moment. My heart completely broke when it ended the way it did. I still blame Molly... Just a reminder, in case you forgot.
Insecure Wobble Dance
When I think of these moments, I think of how much of a genius Issa Rae is. I look up to her as a writer and actress. She inspires me to write every day and put my best foot forward. Before I go, I have a few mentions that weren't specific episodes but still deserved their flowers. The first one goes to Thug Yoda. He was hilarious and should have had more air time. I always quote, "where y'all going with that bouch," often. Aside from Thug Yoda, the shows within a show also deserved an honorable mention. Due North and Looking for Latoya were just a delight to watch while watching Insecure. When I'm not quoting Thug Yoda, I'm saying, 'I hate slavery!' Insecure just had so many funny moments, and I'm hurt to see it end, but I'll always have these moments.
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Issa Rae Discusses the Renewal of 'Insecure' for a Fourth Season
Issa Rae’s hit HBO series Insecure was renewed for a fourth season and the creator and star of the comedy series made it very clear who her loyalty on the show is to!
“I could never do this show and have a predominantly white staff.”
By: Omar Cook
Issa Rae’s hit HBO series Insecure was renewed for a fourth season and the creator and star of the comedy series made it very clear who her loyalty on the show is to! In a recent interview, Issa Rae discussed that the success of the show is due to the predominantly minority staff that creates a show that black people can relate to without having to explain the overall blackness of the show to its non-black viewers. It's safe to say the show is unapologetically black, and she is perfectly ok with it being portrayed that way.
Rae uses Los Angeles as the setting for her series and lets it be known her discomfort of the gentrification of the area. “White people left the neighborhood, there was white flight, and now they’re coming back and pushing us out,” Rae told The Shade Room creator Angelica Nwandu. “I’m moving back there—that’s what I want—but I’ve already seen the change. It’s disheartening.”
Even though the majority of the show's viewers are non-black, Issa Rae discussed the importance of “surrounding myself with people of color. I could never do this show and have a predominantly white staff.” Issa Rae giving credit to her minority staff is what the culture needs—acknowledgement. African American culture needs more shows that highlights our culture and shows us being ourselves in a positive light, and this show provides just that. This is what black excellence looks like, from on the screen to behind the scenes.
Season 3 popped off on August 12 and you can view it on Sunday nights at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Meet Deion Higginbotham, media correspondent for 247 Live Culture!