‘S.W.A.T.’ Renewed For 7th and Final Season After Initially Being Canceled
After initially canceling the hit drama series, S.W.A.T., CBS has made the surprising decision to renew it for a seventh and final season. We discuss it here!
Shemar Moore stars in CBS drama series S.W.A.T.
By: Omar Cook
After initially canceling the hit drama series, S.W.A.T., CBS has made the surprising decision to renew it for a seventh and final season.
In an exclusive report on Monday (May 8), Deadline revealed that the series led by Shemar Moore will continue, as confirmed in an official statement. Additionally, the 53-year-old actor is being brought on as an executive producer of the show.
In a joint statement put out by Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment, and Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television, they stated “We have listened to our viewers and their outpouring of passion for S.W.A.T. and we have reached an agreement to renew it for a final season of 13 episodes to air during the 2023-2024 broadcast year.”
“S.W.A.T. has aired for six seasons on CBS and garnered a devoted following. We are pleased that we found a way to bring it back and give closure to the show’s storylines and characters, which audiences deserve. Once again, we appreciate the talents and efforts of the cast, writers, producers and crew, and everyone who has contributed to the success of S.W.A.T. We look forward to its return next season.”
On May 6, Moore expressed his frustrations about the show being canceled through an Instagram post.
“I got sunglasses on cuz I’m a little bit sad. I’m a lot a bit sad. We got canceled,” he said. “S.W.A.T. got canceled. It makes no sense. Look up the articles, read the articles. We are the best shows on Friday night at 8 for CBS. The last two years we have been killing it.”
He continued on to say “We’ve done nothing wrong. We did everything that was asked for. And let me tell the truth. We’re diverse. Did you know I am the only African American male lead on network TV? Not streaming, not cable, network television. — I’m asking my homies, my fans, and my baby girls, and the rest of the world who follow me or follow the show, follow the cast, my brothers and my sisters: Make some f**king noise. And let them know that canceling ‘S.W.A.T.’ is a f**king mistake.”
This is major news not only for Shemar Moore, but for the entire production as they get to stay employed for another season. The season finale of Season 6 of S.W.A.T., will be released over 2 episodes on May 12 and May 19. The fans get watch excited knowing there will be more in store in season 7.
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Michael Ealy Joins Cast of Power Book II: Ghost as it Renewed for Season 4
Power Book II: Ghost renewed for season 4, as Michael Ealy joins cast as series regular. We discuss it here!
Michael Ealy
By: Adonis Armstrong
Fans of the hit Starz series Power Book II: Ghost will be thrilled to hear the news Michael Ealy joining the cast for the series in season 4. The renewal for season 4 was announced just as season three is set to premiere on March 17.
With the renewal for season four already confirmed, fans can look forward to even more gripping drama in the future. As the series continues to break records and captivate audiences, the addition of Ealy will bring a new level of excitement to the show. His versatility and dynamic range as an actor will surely make him a standout character in the Power Universe.
Ealy, known for his roles in Barbershop, Think Like a Man, and The Perfect Guy, will bring his acting talent to Power Book II: Ghost as an hard-nosed drug task unit detective named Don Carter. Detective Carter, a rising NYPD officer was on track to become Police Commissioner until his wife was murdered in a drug related shooting between competing gangs. Carter exchanged in his tie for a kevlar vest and now leads an elite NYPD drug task unit that achieves real results against drug-related violence.
The third season of Power Book II: Ghost promises to be just as intense as the first two, with new challenges and twists for the characters. The cast, which includes Michael Rainey Jr., Method Man, and Mary J. Blige, will continue to deliver powerful performances that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Michael Ealy's joining of the cast adds a new dimension to an already outstanding show. The renewal for season 4 ensures that fans will continue to be entertained for years to come. Get ready to tune in on March 17, and see the latest developments in this electrifying drama series.
Check out the trailer below!
Power Book II: Ghost | Official Teaser | Season 3
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Zoe Saldaña Makes History as First Actor to Have Four Movies Gross Over $2 Billion Box Office
Zoe Saldaña makes history by becoming the first actor to have four movies to gross over $2 billion box office. We discuss it here!
Zoe Saldaña
NBC via Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
Zoe Saldaña, the actress best known for her roles in the Avenger and Avatar franchises, has made big history by becoming the first actor to have four movies to gross over $2 billion box office.
Saldaña’s latest blockbuster hit, the Avatar: The Way of Water, has already grossed over $2 billion worldwide, joining her previous box office hits Avatar (2009), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: End Game in the exclusive $2 billion club.
Zoe Saldana as Neytiri in Avatar
This is a noteworthy achievement for Saldaña, who has carved out a fruitful career in Hollywood by taking on challenging and diverse roles. Her performances in the Avatar franchise, in which she plays the blue-skinned alien Neytiri, have been praised for their emotional depth and physicality.
Zoe Saldaña as Gamora in Avengers
Saldaña’s part in the Avengers franchise as Gamora, a gifted assassin and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, also showcases her versatility as an actor. She brought a sense of humanity and vulnerability to the character, making her one of the most liked characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Saldaña’s achievements in Hollywood too serve as a reminder of the significance of representation in film. As one of the few Latinx actresses to attain such commercial success, Saldaña’s visibility in these blockbuster movies makes a difference to break down boundaries and open up opportunities for other actors from underrepresented communities.
Expect for Saldaña to accomplish more greatness with the Avatar and Avengers franchises respectfully as she is just heating up.
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Sheryl Lee Ralph Confirmed to Perform at 2023 Super Bowl, Alongside Babyface
The Super Bowl already had a major buzz with Rihanna making headlines as the halftime performer, and the lineup just got another upgrade! Sheryl Lee Ralph has been confirmed to be one of the event’s opening acts.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
By: Omar Cook
The Super Bowl already had a major buzz with Rihanna making headlines as the halftime performer, and the lineup just got another upgrade! Sheryl Lee Ralph has been confirmed to be one of the event’s opening acts.
Sheryl has had quite the success lately, by winning Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Abott Elementary” at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards.. She also won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the Emmy Awards in 2022.
There will be other major talent alongside Ralph performing in in the pre-show festivities as Grammy-winning country music artist Chris Stapleton, will sing the National Anthem and R&B legend, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, will sing a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
The Abbott Elementary star has worked over 4o years in Hollywood, getting her first big break in 1977’s A Piece of the Action, when Sidney Poitier casted her to play a delinquent teen. Ralph then took over Broadway a few years later, where she earned a Tony nomination for her role in the original cast of Dreamgirls. The sky was the limit after that as Ralph went on to star in the hit 90s sitcom, Moesha for six seasons. This Super Bowl should be a memorable experience off the performances alone.
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Oscars Snubs 2023: Ignoring Masterpieces of Black Cinema | 'The Woman King', 'NOPE', and 'Till'
The Academy Awards' snubbing of critically acclaimed black films such as The Woman King, Nope, and Till highlights Hollywood's lack of representation and diversity in the award ceremony. We discuss it here!
The Woman King | Till | and NOPE
By: Adonis Armstrong
In the world of film, the Academy Awards are frequently seen as the extreme measure of success. However, in recent years, there have been a number of critically acclaimed black movies that have been snubbed for Oscars. Three outstanding cases from 2023 areThe Woman King, Nope, and Till, with particularly the extraordinary performance of Danielle Deadwyler standing out who starred in Till.
The snubbing of these movies is a reminder of the continuous issue of Hollywood's lack of representation and diversity. The Academy Awards have a long history of underrepresenting people of color, especially in the major categories. The disappointment to recognize the achievements of The Woman King, Nope, and Danielle Deadwyler is a missed opportunity to celebrate the commitments of black filmmakers, performing artists and to bring consideration to critical issues of race and history.
The Woman King
The Woman King is a historical drama that tells the story of the powerful female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey, who fought against French colonial forces in the 19th century. The film received rave reviews from critics, who praised its powerful performances, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes. Despite this, the film was not nominated for any Oscars, including in categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, or Best Actress. Also The Woman King was directed, co-produced by, and starred black women. A Black Director has never won Best Director and a Black woman has never been nominated. SELMA is still the only film directed by a Black woman to be nominated for Best Picture.
Another critically acclaimed black film that was snubbed for Oscars in 2023 is Nope, a science fiction drama that explores the intersection of race, power, and technology. The film was praised for its bold storytelling and its ability to tackle complex issues with nuance and insight. Despite its critical success, Nope was not nominated for any Oscars.
Finally, the Till movie was praised for its powerful performances, emotive storytelling, and their ability to capture the injustices of the past and the ongoing fight for racial equality. Notably, Danielle Deadwyler, who starred in the Till movie, was praised for her outstanding performance, yet was not nominated for any Oscars despite her critical success.
In conclusion, The Woman King, Nope, And Till are 3 cases of critically acclaimed black movies and performances that were snubbed for Oscars in 2023. Their exclusion from the awards is a reminder of the progressing issue of Hollywood's lack of representation and diversity. It is vital for the Academy to recognize the accomplishments of Black filmmakers and to bring attention to critical issues of race and history.
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Iconic TV Fathers: Words of Wisdom From Our Favorite Black Sitcom Dads
Like most 90s babies, the television set unquestionably had a hand in raising us. Here are some words of wisdom from some of our favorite Black TV dads!
The Bernie Mac Show
By: Joshua Martin
“First things first rest in peace Uncle Phil
For real, you the only father that I ever knew
I get my bitch pregnant I'mma be a better you”
- J.Cole '“No Role Models”
Those words hit home in a way I'm sure many of us can relate to. With the recent resurgence of Reginald VelJohnson, Carl Winslow (Family Matters), in Progressive Insurance ads, many have begun to recall the numerous lessons the patriarchs of our favorite Black sitcoms gave us.
Like most 90s babies, the television set unquestionably had a hand in raising us. As a latchkey kid growing up in that era, I routinely found myself gazing at the t.v. for hours. I along with my peers became enamored with the structured family dynamic that the shows and movies of that era depicted.
Though they had many different defining quirks and personality traits, the prototypical head of the household had the kind of sensibilities that definitely resonated with the youth. Many of them were honorable, wise cracking, and hardworking. Bestowing upon us words of wisdom while also showing us it's ok to be wrong and how to properly delegate and problem solve.
A special bond was formed between the audiences and the families we would watch every night. From John Witherspoon (The Wayans Bros., Friday) reminding us of the importance of hard work and education.
Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and John Witherspoon
“Well, I’ll tell you one thing: round here, you go to work, you go to school. First of the month, the rent is due. If you ain’t got nothin’ on the table, you ain’t gotta worry about catchin’ a dog. You gotta worry about a dog catchin’ YOUR *ss!” – John Witherspoon as Mr. Jones, ‘Friday’
To Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show) reminding us the importance of contraception.
“If you wanna be happy, dont have kids.”
These men helped raise a generation!
Last but not least, a few words from one of our favorites, James Avery (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) who lends us his thoughts of the definition of success.
James Avery and Will Smith
PHOTO: CHRIS CUFFAIO/NBCU PHOTO BANK/GETTY IMAGES.
“Monetary success is not success. Career success is not success. Life, someone that loves you, giving to others, doing something that makes you feel complete and full. That is success. And it isn’t dependent on anyone else”
Say less Uncle Phil, say less…
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Tupac & Afeni Shakur Docuseries ‘Dear Mama’ Sets Premiere Date
A five-part docuseries, Dear Mama, chronicling Tupac & Afeni Shakur, debuts on FX this April and director Allen Hughes guarantees it'll have unreleased audio and video of the late Rap legend. We discuss it here!
Dear Mama | The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur
FX
By: Adonis Armstrong
On April 21st, a new docuseries will examine the unconditional love between Tupac Shakur and Afeni Shakur, his mother. The documentary will be called Dear Mama and will be airing on FX and will be streaming on Hulu after. The series is named after his hit single “Dear Mama” off of his third project Me Against the World.
Tupac and Afeni Shakur
Afeni Shakur was a revolutionary, an intellect and a voice for the people. She became a women's activist sweetheart of the '70s, a female pioneer within the Black Panther Party. Tupac was a rapper, poet, a political visionary, actor, and philosopher who became known as one of the most influential artists of all time.
Afeni had the vision, Tupac shared it with the world. FX’s @DearMamaFX, a new docuseries. This Spring on FX. Stream on Hulu. #DearMamaFX pic.twitter.com/KpHjn9c6Nb
— FX Networks (@FXNetworks) December 25, 2022
Allen Hughes worked closely with Tupac before the tragic incident in Las Vegas. Hughes directed a couple of the rapper’s videos and casted him in Menace II Society until the two had differences on set. Allen will serve as director, executive producer, and writer of the five-part docuseries. Joining Hughes on the series is executive producer and writer Lasse Järvi and executive producers Quincy Delight Jones III (QD3), Staci Robinson, Charles King, Peter Nelson, Nelson George, Adel “Future” Nur, Ted Skillman, Jamal Joseph. According to Deadline, Hughes promises to make this a must-see series stating there will be unreleased video and audio footage.
“There’s also audio that’s never been heard. And not just some of his acapellas and vocals, there is a lot of stuff of Tupac from his baby years that had never been seen. For Tupac superfans, I believe that two of the most important things in the project is the never seen before. But most importantly, you get to understand why he made certain decisions.”
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'The D.O.C.' Documentary Set to Release Spring 2023
30 years after losing his voice in a near fatal accident,The D.O.C. is set to release his self titled documentary, following the legend as he considers going through the process of having his vocal cords restored through a dangerous surgery.
The D.O.C.
Credit: Elizabeth Lavin
By: Omar Cook
In 1989, The D.O.C., a hip-hop legend who wrote for NWA and Dr. Dre, was critically injured in a car crash that took his voice. 30 years after the incident, The D.O.C. documentary follows the legend as he considers going through the process of having his vocal cords restored through a dangerous surgery.
According to Variety, the documentary will be released in Spring 2023 as Vertical Entertainment has landed North American rights to the film. The D.O.C. premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film will show the inspirational story of a hip hop icon who’s life was altered by a near fatal crash. Brent Mack, a producer on the film, is eager to share The D.O.C.’s story with the world.
“One of the greatest untold stories in hip-hop provides the backdrop for a man searching for his true purpose in life.—-What DOC went through, losing his voice and his identity, at the height of his fame, is unimaginable to me. How he dealt with that, and the people and music he influenced along the way, is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride that is both heart wrenching and inspirational.”
Snoop Dogg, The D.O.C., and Warren G
The D.O.C will feature some dope appearances and interviews from fellow legends Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Too $hort, Ice Cube, Xzibit, Kurupt, Das Dillinger and many more. Erykah Badu, who shares a daughter with D.O.C., also makes an appearance in the film.
D.O.C. has an extensive resume including his platinum selling debut album, No One Can Do It Better, writing lyrics for N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton, Eazy-E’s Eazy-Duz-It, and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic. To add to that, he also co-funded Death Row records with Dr. Dre and Suge Knight. West Coast hip hop fans should be on the look out for this film, coming soon to streaming services.
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Abbott Elementary Wins Big at the 80th Golden Globe Awards
Abbott Elementary wins big taking home three Golden Globes Awards!
Abbott Elementary
ABC
By: Adonis Armstrong
Abbott Elementary has been a smash hit mockumentary sitcom series that has taken the world by storm. The fan favorite show has had a wonderful year with winning major awards that includes three Primetime Emmy Awards. The show picked up five more nominations by the Golden Globes including Best Television Series, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress twice. The show won three out of the five nominations which is incredible especially for the culture. The show stars Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Quinta Brunson accepts the Best Actress in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
Rich Polk/NBC via Getty Images
Quinta Brunson won big at the Golden Globes after receiving Best TV Actress for a Musical-Comedy or Drama series. She also won from Tyler James Williams winning Best Supporting Actor in a Musical-Comedy or Drama series. Quinta portrays, Janine Teague, an optimistic Second Grade teacher who is going through personal problems but she is on a mission to help her students.
“I created this show because I love comedy...Comedy is so important to me. Comedy brings people together. Comedy gives us all the same laugh.”
Tyler James Williams accepts the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
Rich Polk/NBC via Getty Images
Tyler James Williams is now a Golden Globe winner after receiving the award for Best Supporting Actor. The Everybody Hates Chris star took the award home for his role in the hit comedy show, Abbott Elementary. Williams plays First Grade teacher named Gregory Eddie at a Philadelphia public school who grows a crush for Janine.
“I pray that this is a win for Gregory Eddie and for his story and for stories like this that we may understand but his story just as important as all of the other stories that have to be told out here. Thank you so much for this.”
Abbott Elementary is also the first series to get picked up at ABC for its third season. It is to no shock after coming off of a historic night at the Golden Globes the series would be renewed. Let’s continue to show support to this show as it’s been positive entertainment with the comedic relief we all need in this stressful world.
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Angela Bassett Makes History Winning a Golden Globe For 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'
Angela Bassett makes history at the Golden Globes as the first actor to win a major award for a Marvel Movie. We discuss it here!
Angela Bassett accepts the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture award for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Rich Polk/NBC via Getty Images
By: Adonis Armstrong
Angela Bassett is no stranger to winning a Golden Globes as she won Best Supporting Actress in a motion picture, What’s Love Got to Do With It. She makes history becoming the first performer to win a Golden Globe in a Marvel film in an acting category. It’s great seeing one of our own winning major awards to shine a light that anything is possible.
“We showed the world what black unity, leadership, and love looks like beyond, behind, and in front of the camera”
Everyone was interested to see the storyline of the film after losing Chadwick Boseman to colon cancer in 2020. Bose man inspired people from all around the world with his portrayal of Black Panther and his impact is still being felt today. Angela gave some kind words to the late Chadwick Boseman in her acceptance speech.
“We embarked on this journey together, with love...we mourned, we loved, we healed, and we were surrounded each and every day by the light and the spirit of Chadwick Boseman”
It is a big achievement for Marvel fans and other action hero movies who usually don’t receive high praise for major awards. Could a possible trend or shift happen for more upcoming action based films? I think it should as more action movies are adding more drama elements to the protagonist arch in stories rather than just for the villain. Angela gave some thanks to the Marvel fanatics during her acceptance speech as well.
“To the Marvel fans, thank you for embracing these characters and showing us so much love. We just made history with this nomination and with this award, and it belongs to all of us. Thank you”
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First Look at The New and Final Season of "Wu-Tang: An American Saga"
Wu-Tang: An American Saga is returning for its third and final season, which is set to premiere February 15, 2023 on Hulu. We discuss it here!
By: Adonis Armstrong
Wu-Tang Clan is undeniably one of the greatest rap groups of all time, dropping classic albums such as “36 Chambers” and “Wu-Tang Forever”. With that being said, HULU, created one of the greatest Hip Hop stories ever called, Wu-Tang: An American Saga. It is returning for its third and final season, which is set to premiere February 15, 2023. The final season will sum up the group’s rise to stardom.
The dramatized series debuted first in 2019 and quickly became a popular show about the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. The series is set in the 90s and is inspired by the group’s early lives and their rise to fame. Several of the clan members are involved in creating or producing the show such as RZA, who is a co-creator and executive producer, Method Man who’s an EP as well, Ghostface Killah, GZA, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, and the late great Ol’ Dirty Bastard are consulting producers.
Wu-Tang Clan photoshoot
Bob Berg | Getty Images
The show stars Ashton Sanders, Shameik Moore, and Dave East. Season one, Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ was playing Inspectah Deck before taking a more featured role on STARZ hit show Power Book 3: Raising Kanan.
The hit TV series took to its official Twitter account to unveil the first look at the show’s upcoming third and final season. The photos show the cast shooting on set in different areas.
First look at the new season 👐
— Wu-Tang: An American Saga (@WuTangOnHulu) January 5, 2023
The Final Season of Wu-Tang: An American Saga premieres February 15. #WuTangOnHulu pic.twitter.com/M9ZhDy24Q7
The final season will follow closely on the Wu-Tang Clan‘s five-year plan and the different obstacles that comes with it. It will also explore the clan members’ solo careers. RZA is responsible for rallying the clan together to turn to music instead of the too familiar streets most of them are accustomed too. As popularity, ego, cash and business threaten to tear the clan apart, they must discover a way to overcome the distractions and secure their legacy.
The final season’s three episodes will be available to stream on HULU February 15. New episodes will premiere every Wednesday night afterwards.
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Celebrating John Singleton's Birthday: Ranking His Top 5 Movies
It’s been 3 years since legendary filmmaker, John Singleton, died but his legacy continues to live on through iconic films and tv shows. In honor of his birthday, we’ve ranked his top 5 movies! Check out the list here!
John Singleton
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis, via Getty Images
By: Omar Cook
It’s been 3 years since legendary filmmaker, John Singleton, died but his legacy continues to live on through iconic films and tv shows. John Singleton is responsible for directing some of the most iconic Black movies in history and in honor of his birthday, we’re doing the impossible and ranking his top 5 movies! Check out the list below!
1. Boyz N The Hood (1991)
Director John Singleton with Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, and Morris Chestnut filming Boyz N the Hood, in South-Central Los Angeles, 1990. FROM MPTVIMAGES.COM
This movie is an absolute cult classic and easily John SIngleton’s most memorable film. Boyz N The Hood was Singleton’s directorial debut, which starred some of Hollywood’s biggest Black stars early in their careers including Laurence Fishburne (Larry Fishburne at the time), Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut, Angela Bassett, and Nia Long.
2. Poetic Justice (1993)
Janet Jackson and Tupac in Poetic Justice
The chemistry between Tupac and Janet Jackson was second to none in this classic film featuring the two music legends. The storyline itself is fairly simple, but the acting and situations Singleton has the characters go through is top notch. The film shows an unlikely romance between a woman still grieving her boyfriend who was murdered, and postal worker with a bit of an edge. Poetic Justice is a movie that will stand the test of time. The film also features Regina King and Joe Torry.
3. Higher Learning (1995)
Omar Epps, Richard D. Alexander, Ice Cube and Busta Rhymes in John Singleton’s Higher Learning. (Eli Reed / Columbia Pictures)
This movie was well needed for the time, showing racial tensions on a college campus as well as students struggling to find their identities. Featuring an all star cast with Omar Epps, Laurence Fishburne, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Tyra Banks, and Regina King, Higher Learning set a new standard for how college movies should look. Singleton touched on real issues surrounding college students which ultimately made the film extremely relatable, no matter what time period you watch the film.
4. Baby Boy (2001)
Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese Gibson in Baby Boy
It’s hard to deny the impact Baby Boy has had on Black culture, especially seeing how many times BET chooses to keep it in rotation. This coming of age film featuring an African American man in Los Angeles, showed the daily struggles he went through to mature, provide for his family, and navigate his personal and family relationships. Tyrese and Taraji P. Henson will forever be remembered for their performances in this movie as they portrayed the chaos in this film perfectly. The cast also featured other stars including Ving Rhames, A.J. Johnson, Snoop Dogg, and Omar Gooding.
5. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Photo: Universal Pictures
As many Fast and Furious movies as there is, 2 Fast 2 Furious is arguably the best film in the series. This high tempo, crime drama, car racing film featured non stop action and drama. Starring Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes, and Ludacris, 2 Fast 2 Furious will go down in history.
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5 Highly Anticipated Movies Coming Out in 2023
The New Year is set to bring us some top tier movies! Here are 5 highly anticipated movies to look out for in 2023!
By: Adonis Armstrong
A new year is upon us and we all need some entertainment in our life. Here are 5 highly anticipated movies to look out for in 2023!
House Party (January 13, 2023)
Two club promoters and friends Damon and Kevin, are scarcely keeping things together. The duo is out of cash, down on their good fortune and close to losing their house. To add fuel to the fire, they were fired from their low income jobs as housekeepers. The pair need a colossal fortune to solve all their money issues. In a desperate need, the two choose to throw a party at a very exquisite mansion that they end up cleaning and happens to belong NBA superstar LeBron James. What could possibly go wrong?
Starring — Bill Bellamy, Jacob Latimore, D.C Youngfly
Creed III (March 03, 2023)
After overpowering the boxing world, Adonis Creed has been flourishing in both his family life and career. When an old friend from childhood and previous boxing wonder, Damien Anderson, appears after serving a major jail time, he is enthusiastic to show that he needs a shot in the ring. The face-off between previous friends is more than a battle it’s a war. Damien has nothing to lose but Adonis must put his future on the line to prevail.
Starring — Jonathan Majors, Michael B. Jordan, Phylicia Rashad , Tessa Thompson
The Little Mermaid (May 26, 2023)
Ariel, the youngest of King Triton’s is eager to find out more than just the sea. While visiting the land she falls for Prince Eric, even though mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans. Ariel is unknowing that her father’s crown is in jeopardy by Ursula, the evil sea witch, who has bigger plans in store for Ariel to experience life on land.
Starring — Halle Bailey, Daveed Diggs, Noma Dumezweni
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 02, 2023)
After rejoining with Gwen Stacy, Miles Morales the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, is catapulted over the Multiverse, where he experiences a group of different versions of Spider-man or girl who must save the universes. Miles is caught in a unlikely situation when the heroes clash, but in order to save the ones he loves, he has to think on what it is to be a hero.
Starring — Shameik Moore, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Vélez
The Color Purple (December 20, 2023)
Musical alteration of Alice Walker's books shows the nearly life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the south in the midst of the early 1900s.
Starring — Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Danielle Brooks, David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Louis Gossett Jr.
They Cloned Tyrone (December 30, 2023)
An improbable trio explores a sequence of unnatural events, alerting them to an evil scheme prowling underneath their hood.
Starring — Jamie, Foxx, John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Tamberla Perry, Jason Louder, J. Alphonse Nicholson
Honorable Mention: LA Undercover (TBD 2023)
A Rookie cop in the LAPD, Corey Shaw, must go undercover to take down a cold-blooded crime-lord. With everything on the line, Corey battles between maintaining his relationship, doing his job, and staying true to his identity.
LA Undercover is an indie movie from 247LC Films that has already garnered top reviews and is set to hit festivals and streaming in 2023.
Starring — Omar Cook, Clay Cureton, Adonis Armstrong, Ajima Cole, and Dustin Harnish
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Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong Release Trailer To Debut Feature Film 'LA Undercover'
247LC Films duo, Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong, are set to make their feature film directorial debut with the release of an action packed trailer for their upcoming movie, LA Undercover.
Omar Cook Starring in 'LA Undercover'
247LC Films duo, Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong, are set to make their feature film directorial debut with the release of an action packed trailer for their upcoming movie, LA Undercover.
“We want to bring back the nostalgic cinematic vibe that some of the 90s Black classic films had. This film will showcase a lot of upcoming talent and ultimately fill a void in the crime drama sector that was left with the death of John Singleton.”
Clay Cureton Starring in 'LA Undercover'
This film brings the 90s Black cinema feel reminiscent of classic movies such as In Too Deep and Deep Cover. Cook and Armstrong are carving a lane for themselves as directors and actors in the film industry with the release of 4 short films in 2022 that have racked up over 30 awards in festivals across the world. LA Undercover is the first feature coming from this dynamic filmmaking duo.
LA Undercover features a load of upcoming talent starring Omar Cook (God of Dreams), Adonis Armstrong (Coke Boys), Clay Cureton (Coke Boys), Ajima Cole (All I Want For Christmas), and Dustin Harnish (Only for One Night). Also showing out in supporting roles are Akin Coley (It's Mitzy!: The Masquerade Ball!), Shala White (Growing Up Chrisley), Marcus Palmer (Trigonus), Brandon Paul Johnson (I Hate My Neighbor!), Sydney Martin (Euphoria), and Gentel Sharrie (Deadly Thoughts).
Adonis Armstrong and Sydney Martin in 'LA Undercover'
“A lot of hard work was put into this project to make it special so the industry would take notice. What I expect is to receive major awards from the benefits of our labor here at 247LC.”
The film follows Corey Shaw (Omar Cook) a rookie cop in the LAPD with his intentions set on bettering his community. As crime ramps up in LA, Corey must go undercover to take down a cold-blooded crime-lord, Kevin "Keys" Lyles (Clay Cureton). With everything on the line, Corey battles between maintaining his relationship with his girlfriend Sierra Morgan (Ajima Cole), doing his job, and staying true to his identity.
Ajima Cole Starring in 'LA Undercover'
LA Undercover is expected to do a major festival run before heading to streaming. After watching the trailer, viewers can look forward to a gritty action packed crime drama movie on the way!
Watch the trailer below!
Official trailer for ‘LA Undercover’ movie directed by Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong
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Megan Thee Stallion Launches Mental Health Resource Hub for Her Fans
Megan Thee Stallion launched a new site titled 'Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too', which provides men and women with tangible mental healthcare resources. We discuss it here!
Megan Thee Stallion Launches Mental Health Resource Hub for Her Fans
Despite the shade being thrown at the Hot Girl Coach online, Megan Thee Stallion is always using her platform to promote positivity and spread awareness on real issues like mental health. Since the start of her career, the hip-hop superstar has suffered many tragic events and losses. She has always been transparent about how important mental health is to her.
“I have a responsibility to use my platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who may not have access to resources and support services.”
Taking that responsibility to heart over the weekend, the Grammy Award Winning recording artist launched a new site titled 'Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too', which provides hot girls and boys with tangible mental healthcare resources. BBHBDT organizes its resources in four categories: free therapy organizations, mental health hotlines, resource directories, and LGBTQIA+ community resources. Now that is some real HEALED girl sh!t.
The site was announced yesterday on Twitter by user Shea Jordan Smith who tweeted, “Megan @theestallion created a website that compiles a list of diverse mental health resources and is sending it out to her fans and followers. Real hot girl sh*t.”
Megan @theestallion created a website that compiles a list of diverse mental health resources and is sending it out to her fans and followers. Real hot girl shit.https://t.co/dUAnYKW0mb pic.twitter.com/b8sSO9oiba
— Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) September 25, 2022
He also included a message to the fans from The Stallion herself, “Hotties! You know how much mental wellness means to me so I created a hub with resources that can help when you might need a hand. Head to https://www.badbitcheshavebaddaystoo.com now and check it out. Love y’all so much.”
"Hotties! You know how much mental wellness means to me, so I created a hub with resources that can help when you might need a hand. Head to https://t.co/dUAnYKW0mb now and check it out. Love y'all so much 🖤" - @theestallion pic.twitter.com/LMta2wIIRK
— Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) September 25, 2022
The website's name stems from a line in the song Anxiety from her album Traumazine. In this song, the lyricist lets her raw feelings flow about dealing with grief, insecurities, and anxiety. In the chorus, Megan says, “All I really want to hear is it’ll be ok. Bounce back cause a bad b!tch can have bad days!”
We can all feel and relate to the lyrics to this song. In addition to escaping the world with her uplifting music Megan has given her fans a hub of resources to go beyond the surface on their healing journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, check out and share https://www.badbitcheshavebaddaystoo.com and get on your real healed girl sh!t!
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Disney Releases Trailer for Live-Action "The Little Mermaid" Starring Halle Bailey
The live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid has had very controversial responses since the casting of singer Halle Bailey, a black woman, was announced to play Arielle. Disney released the official trailer Friday, September 9th, and it did not come without controversy! We discuss it here!
Disney Releases Trailer for Live-Action "The Little Mermaid" Starring Halle Bailey
The live-action remake of Disney's The Little Mermaid has had very controversial responses since the casting of singer Halle Bailey, a black woman, was announced to play Arielle. While many aren't fans of the Disney remake culture, the backlash from this film seems race-related as the Ariel in the original movie was white. Twitter hashtags like #NotMyAriel and tainted racial comments of disapproval of the casting circulated. In contrast, others believe that the mermaid is a fictional character and race does not affect the character's story.
All I can say is wow... These racist mfs are really triggered over Little Mermaid... Make it make sense #LittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/UKvAtzexZW
— Witty 💯 (@Joseph_Witty) September 16, 2022
Disney released the official trailer Friday, September 9th, and the controversy continued. The trailer received over 8 million views in two days, but what stood out most was the 1.2 million dislikes that it received. The number of dislikes resulted in YouTube completely disabling the dislike button; however, Halle Bailey's posture is a pure example that love always wins!
Since the casting announcement, Halle Bailey has remained graceful and focused on the positive. In an interview with Variety, Halle Said, "I don't pay attention to the negativity. I just feel like this role is something bigger than me, and greater, and it's going to be beautiful. I'm just so excited to be a part of it."
Despite the number of dislikes and backlash, since the trailer's release, several heart-warming reaction videos from little black girls have gone viral on TikTok. The video's caption read, "when your favorite Disney Princess looks like you," and shows a 3-year-old girl with her hand over her heart declaring, "I think she's brown. Brown Ariel is cute." The video spread like wildfire and gained over 5 million views and thousands of comments, including one from Halle herself. "Oh my goodness my heart," the new Disney princess replied.
Bailey shared an emotional message on Twitter, stating, "People have been sending me these reactions to me all weekend and I'm truly in awe this means the world to me." These reactions prove that when black women are cast as characters that white women traditionally depict, it is a significant step in minority representation in film and media. Halle's stance on focusing on the positive and thinking of the bigger picture makes her the epitome of the perfect person to portray this vibrant, optimistic princess in The Little Mermaid.
The film will hit theaters in May of 2023. More information to come soon. If you haven't already, check out the trailer below. What are your thoughts?
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Omar Cook Dedicates "Coke Boys" Crime Drama Film To 90s Film Directors
Award winning filmmaker Omar Cook dropped an action packed trailer to his new crime drama short film Coke Boys. Co-directed by and starring both Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong, the film pays homage to 90s films such as Menace II Society, Boyz n the Hood, Juice, and New Jack City.
Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong Star In “Coke Boys”
“Crime Drama is my favorite genre to watch and I wanted to create an entertaining film that was dramatic and gave life lessons at the same time. I like to show characters going through crazy situations to generate an emotional response from the audience and will leave you thinking afterwards. Legendary filmmakers such as John Singleton did an amazing job making you feel empathy for his characters through dramatic situations.”
Adonis Armstrong and Omar Cook in Coke Boys
This film pays homage to 90s crime dramas New Jack City, Menace II Society, Juice, and Boyz n the Hood, with some of the characters being named after pivotal characters from these classic films. Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong tag team to co-direct this thriller short film. The duo racked up 18 awards in international film festivals this year from short films SKANDALOUZ and Deadly Thoughts, including Best Short Film, Best Debut Filmmaker, Best Actor, and Best Drama.
Coke Boys follows Cain (Omar Cook), a major Los Angeles drug dealer, and his crew as they supply the streets with coke and pills and taking out anyone standing in their way. The operation becomes shaky after one of his crew members, Trey (Adonis Armstrong) turns police informant, creating tension from within. Cain is caught between a booming drug operation and disloyalty among his associates.
Clay Cureton, Jon Budinoff, and Adonis Armstrong in Coke Boys
The film features outstanding performances from D’Asia Kaliyah as “Mya”, Clay Cureton as “Detective Harvey", and Andrew Smith as “Q”. Other supporting performances include Josh Butler, Michael Middleton, Alexander Texidor, Jon Budinoff, Jermaine Edmondson, and Shala White.
The soundtrack helps elevate the mood and tone of the film featuring multiple unreleased tracks from rising hip hop artists LijahT and William Prize.
Omar Cook in Coke Boys
Coke Boys is expected to do a major festival run before heading to streaming. The action packed trailer leaves you eager to see the full film in anticipation. 247LC Films is on a role with their third short film of the year and this one certainly did not disappoint.
Watch the action packed trailer below!
Official trailer for “Coke Boys” short film directed by Omar Cook and Adonis Armstrong
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Omar Cook Makes His Directorial Debut in Award Winning Short Film "SKANDALOUZ"
Rising actor and filmmaker, Omar Cook, makes his directorial debut with his six time award winning short film, SKANDALOUZ. Starring Adonis Armstrong as “Marcus Williams” and Jessie Reeder as “Kayla Williams”, SKANDALOUZ is a must see film that touches on domestic violence, infidelity, and deviousness within friendships.
Adonis Armstrong, Jessie Reeder, Omar Cook, Gentel Sharrie Star in "SKANDALOUZ"
Rising actor and filmmaker, Omar Cook, makes his directorial debut with his six time award winning short film, SKANDALOUZ. The film has garnered international success taking home awards such as Best Short Film and Best Drama.
Jessie Reeder Starring in “SKANDALOUZ”
SKANDALOUZ is a must see film that touches on domestic violence, infidelity, and deviousness within friendships. Starring Adonis Armstrong as “Marcus Williams” and Jessie Reeder as “Kayla Williams”, the film takes on a journey into a young couple’s relationship and their ups and downs. Marcus Williams (Adonis) is a successful young lawyer on the verge of becoming Junior Partner. He is career driven and selfish in his motives. After Kayla Williams (Jessie) , his wife of 5 years, finds out Marcus is cheating, Marcus is left to deal with his own mess, with serious consequences.
Adonis Armstrong Starring in “SKANDALOUZ”
Omar Cook also stars as “Derek”, Marcus’s close fiend while Gentel Sharrie stars as Stacy McCall, Marcus’s co-worker. Adonis Armstrong and Jessie Reeder put on strong dramatic performances earning them both nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress at the Black Panther International Film Festival. Adonis portrays the character of “Marcus” so well you believe he is the character in real life.
“I wanted to create a film that would bring people to the edge of their seats in every scene and tell a story that people can relate to through dramatic experiences. Domestic violence and infidelity are common issues in our society and this film touches on both topics equally.”
Gentel Sharrie Starring in “SKANDALOUZ”
Jessie Reeder and Omar Cook have had major success in other movies this year including starring in award winning sci-fi movie, God of Dreams” which is an official selection at the American Black Film Festival this year.
Omar Cook Starring in “SKANDALOUZ”
Keep a look out for all of these rising actors as they are all involved in some exciting projects this year. Omar Cook has proven that he can wear the Director hat as well as write and act as well. Jessie Reeder and Adonis Armstrong showcased their skills as leading actors while Gentel Sharrie provides a supporting role that provides major importance to the entire film.
Watch the award winning film below!
SKANDALOUZ | Award Winning Drama Short Film (2022)
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Remembering The Godfather of Black Cinema, Melvin Van Peebles
Iconic Black filmmaker, Melvin Van Peebles, passed away Tuesday night at his home in Manhattan at 89. Known as The Godfather of Black cinema, Melvin Van Peebles helped to bring modern cinema to light in the 70s, paving the way for other Black filmmakers.
By: Omar Cook
Iconic Black filmmaker, Melvin Van Peebles, passed away Tuesday night at his home in Manhattan at 89. Known as The Godfather of Black cinema, Melvin Van Peebles helped to bring modern cinema to light in the 70s, paving the way for other Black filmmakers.
Melvin Van Peebles Passes Away at 89
Born in Chicago in 1932, Van Peebles was prominent during the Blaxpoitation era, with his most notable film being Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971). Van Peebles financed and released the film independently, making way for a new system of independent films.
Melvin Van Peebles was more than a filmmaker, he was a playwright, novelist and composer. Van Peebles shot his first short film, Pickup Men for Herrick in 1957, and the rest is history. Van Peebles made sure to place Black protagonists front and center of his films and tell stories of hustlers and revolutionaries.
In a statement via social media, Melvin Van Peebles Jr. stated "Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth? We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free," Mario Van Peebles said of his father's work in a statement. "True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer's mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty and interconnectivity of all people."
Rest in Peace, Melvin Van Peebles.
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) September 22, 2021
Godfather of Black cinema, Godfather of (all) American independent cinema, and so much more. https://t.co/VYmLcinVbk
Sending condolences to the family of the late great #MelvinVanPeebles💔
— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) September 23, 2021
A true legend in his time and an old friend of my moms. Their kids would go on to work together when @MarioVanPeebles directed me on #21Jumpstreet and we starred together in #KillersInTheHouse
RIH MVP 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/8Y6dOpfAvl
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"A Black Lady Sketch Show" is Important for Black Women
HBO’s hit series A Black Lady Sketch Show is a necessary show for Black women! This show is the first of its kind featuring an all-black female writing room, director, and a cast composed entirely of black women. We discuss it here!
By: Alexis Oatman
HBO has finally released the much anticipated second season of A Black Lady Sketch Show which is available on streaming services.
Created by actress and comedian Robin Thede, the series features an all-star cast of many beloved black female entertainers like Issa Rae, Angela Bassett, Laverne Cox and up-and-coming stars like Quinta Brunson, Skye Townsend, Ashley Nicole Black, and more. The sketch show addresses the comedic landscape lack of black female voices. This show is the first of its kind featuring an all-black female writing room, director, and a cast composed entirely of black women.
Each episode takes a deep dive into culturally relevant themes like societal norms, religion, sex, dating, relationships, and how black women navigate those spaces. From hair weaves, to bad b*tch therapy, this show has been tailored for Black women.
With only six episodes in the first season, the series offers the audience a satirical look at the many issues Black women face daily.
A Black Lady Sketch Show writers are showcasing our issues, our trauma, our tropes as black women and making it digestible and funny. These black ladies have not only empowered me but have allowed me to reflect on issues in my own life. This show is proving that black women are funny and that we are not a monolith.
Here are some of my favorite sketches from season one of A Black Lady Sketch Show.
Sketch: Get the Belt
This sketch starring Marsai Martin from Black-ish focuses on the trauma that black children experience with corporal punishment, also known as "spanking" or "whooping." The writers were able to take something serious like this and make it laughable. It’s been said that whooping children has been a part of black culture since slavery. There is research showing the black children are often disciplined more and harshly than their non-black peers. This is often linked in retrospect with the Bible, where it is said, " Spare the rod, spoil the child." Usually, this is a method of black parents to help keep their children from becoming statistics.
Still, this is an action steeped in cultural trauma from one generation to another. Whooping black children has still not statically helped them do better, but it will stay as a mainstay for many black households.
Sketch: Invisible Spy
This sketch focuses on the top spy of a government organization. The best agent is ironically a black, dark skin, overweight woman. She states she is the perfect agent because “no one notices her.” In media and entertainment, black women, particularly darker-skinned heavier black women, do not get much representation. Often these women are marginalized within our communities because they are not seen as desirable. These women are usually the butt of the joke and usually only fill dramatic and comedic roles entrenched in stereotypes.
What makes this show different is that they give the character three-dimensionality. They made her funny and relatable. Her character itself is its own precedent. Ask yourself how many movies, particularly action movies, feature an overweight, darker-skinned woman as a lead character? The answer is there are none.
Sketch: Courtroom Kiki
Probably one of the best sketches I have seen so far on the show. This sketch focuses on seeing another black professional in a predominantly white space, like law. The sketch starts with all the black women in the room noticing and wallowing in each other’s prescience. Also, it speaks to black women becoming the most academically advanced and educated beyond their peers.
Many black professionals or college-educated people have all that feeling of being the one of one. Being the only black person in a predominantly white space can be challenging, especially when you are asked to speak on behalf of your whole race. Seeing another black person in that space is almost of sigh of relief. I can remember being the only black woman in many of my college courses, and whenever another black person would walk in, I couldn’t contain my excitement.