Entertainment
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Internationally acclaimed artist and actress Mary J. Blige shared the trailer of her new documentary, My Life, on her Twitter page Tuesday. We know her as an icon who has contributed so much to music and entertainment, but in her new documentary, Mary J. Blige gives us backstage passes to the story behind My Life, one of her most successful albums. The legend shares how the album saved her in one of the darkest times in her life, and how it saved others. The trailer includes a montage of clips of Mary J. Blige’s tour around the world, highlighting her impact. Taraji P. Henson and other commentators are in the trailer speaking on how Mary J. Blige paved the way for many people. Though all of her albums and projects are record-breaking and instant household classics, My Life launched Mary J. Blige into new heights because of her being able to share herself in her most vulnerable state. The documentary will be released June 25 on Amazon Prime. https://twitter.com/maryjblige/status/1399790323241558017
Houston native TJ Boyce is a “Jack of all trades” when it comes to the entertainment industry. He sings, raps, writes, produces and directs, not only music videos, but also movies. The multitalented artist’s song, “Black Woman,” is racing up the charts, being the most “added” single on Urban AC, but his latest production, “Mr. Officer” is a piece screaming out for justice and demanding an end to racism against African Americans. Last year, the devoted father released a music video, “Ghetto America,” which received national acclaim. The piece is a stirring “twist of fate” depiction inspired by the death of George Floyd, and stars Boyce, his children (TJ III and London) and actor Omar Gooding. Ghetto America gives us a look at what “could have happened” if Floyd was white and the officer who killed him – Derek Chauvin – was Black. And today, still inspired by the country’s continued social unrest, his production, “Mr. Officer” is a extended length music video / short film that tackles the ongoing issues of police brutality against Blacks. The “how they see us” theme will leave audiences with jaws dropped and eyes wide open. Vibe Houston caught up with Boyce to get his thoughts on parenting, Houston’s entertainment scene and how, despite it all, we must keep striving to reach the top. [WATCH]: Check out trailer for Mr. Officer, premiering on Juneteenth. Vibe: How did you get started in the entertainment industry? Boyce: I turned down a recording contract when I was attending high school in Midland, Texas, but while attending Texas Southern University, I started doing some modeling after meeting people who worked with Cicely Tyson. I worked briefly in Los Angeles and from there, I started to expand my gifts, which included writing songs for other artists. Vibe: How did your kids become involved? Boyce: I noticed that my kids were exceptionally talented very early on. I put my son in local theater and started taking him to audition at a very young age. It brought tears to my eyes when I noticed the talent that God had given him and I decided to put my career on hold in order to nurture his dreams. Later on, I noticed that my daughter was following her big brother’s lead and so, it became a family affair. Vibe: What are your philosophies on parenting? Boyce: I believe that we must put our children in positions to be successful. If you see a talent, do all that you can to nurture it, and it doesn’t have to be about money. If you can’t pay for a certain training for your children, look into community programs that your children can participate in for free. There are all kinds of acting and artists workshops out there. And whenever you can, volunteer your personal services as a parent to help out with those community projects. The more you are involved, the more it can help your children. I can proudly say that TJ III has landed several commercials, has been on a comedy kids show with the amazing Wayne Brady and is beginning this month to film a Disney movie. And London has starred in “Antebellum” playing Janelle Monae’s daughter, is the face of the Blue Bell Ice Cream Sandwiches and just finished shooting with Tichina Arnold and Vivica A. Fox in her own movie, in which I’m producing, “Wonder London: I Hate My Curly Hair.” Vibe: What do you teach your children about entrepreneurship? Boyce: I teach them that being an entrepreneur, you have to put in twice as much work. I teach them that a great entrepreneur must have the ability to communicate well, strategize, focus, and sell. That is why the children have their very own ice cream truck, Boyce Kids Cream Machine, in which they actually operate themselves. We go to festivals and various outdoor events where the kids can make money while learning the value of hard work, investing and profits. And when it comes to the entertainment industry, I teach them to not wait on Hollywood. They can create their own projects. TJ III, at age 15, has already released a single and is a published author, and London – at only 8 years old – has also released a book, which is what her movie was created from. Vibe: What do you feel about the Houston entertainment industry? Boyce: I’m optimistic about it. Houston has a lot of talent. And I believe so much in it, that I am outlining plans to build a music and movie studio in Houston where we can continue to create our own projects, on a larger scale, in addition to bringing outside money from other industry leaders right to H-Town. Vibe: How did you come up with the concept of Mr. Officer? Boyce: Mr. Officer was originally inspired by the Breonna Taylor story. We all know what happened there. I just felt “enough was enough” and it made me start to think about “how do they see us?” I realized that some officers really think Blacks are nothing more than animals. You will see what I mean in the production. Vibe: Who stars in Mr. Officer? Boyce: We have a great lineup of talent. Tyrin Turner, best known as “Caine” from “Menace to Society,” is the lead actor in the film, and the music video portion features myself, Scarface and Trae tha Truth. Vibe: What is the biggest takeaway you want audiences to get from Mr. Officer? Boyce: I want them to think. I want them to be physically moved and inspired. I want police to realize that we ARE human! Vibe: Do you believe CHANGE is really coming to America? Boyce: The politically correct response would be to say “yes,” but sadly, I don’t. The recent election should be an indicator that we’re a country divided right down the middle. Vibe: What is your philosophy on giving back? Boyce: I believe that it’s a blessing to be a blessing. Giving back
Described by others as a combination of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and NWA’s “Straight Outta Compton,” the “Soundtrack to the Revolution” is a gritty, in-your-face call to action to stand against every atrocity created against African Americans, including racism, social injustice and police brutality. The project was led by Smackwater, aka the “Realest [expletive] on the Gram,” and Cornel Grant, the creator of Music Monopoly Media Group. “The single ‘Juneteenth’ is a feel good, family reunion, ‘make you want to get up and dance’ song that still touches base on the social issues today,” said Grant. “When we shot the video, which will be released on Juneteenth, everybody at MacGregor Park was smiling and having a good time, forgetting it was a video shoot. Everyone says this is their favorite song on the album.” Grant and Smackwater were on the phone with each other when they learned George Floyd had died. The two discussed how people were angry and “tearing sh** up out there,” so it was time to make a “soundtrack to the revolution.” And just like that, they had the title to their album. The duo called all of their trusted industry friends and everyone came ready to write and record on the spot. The album was complete within 27 hours; two 10-hour sessions and one seven-hour session. “We were just trying something and it came out interesting. We did it for the culture,” Grant said. Featured rappers on “Juneteenth” are Smackwater, 44 B. Young (who was recently released after serving 25 years in prison), and D.E.V.I.O.S. Kidricc James and Sudari Scott sing the hook. Click here to find album on all platforms. STAY CONNECTED: @Musicmonopoly @Smackwater790
Ready for some laughs? Billy Porter (“Pose”), Zachary Quinto (“Star Trek”) and EJ Johnson (“Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”) have joined the cast of the upcoming Disney+ animated series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.” Porter and Quinto, respectively, voice Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, mixed-race adoptive parents to 14-year-old activist Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, previously announced to be voiced by Keke Palmer. Johnson will voice Michael Collins, Penny’s best guy friend who is a non-conforming trendsetter, serving up fierce looks at school and on the basketball court. New character images were released today. “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” will pick up the story of its central character Penny Proud and also include her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and her grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). Of course, it would not be “The Proud Family” without Penny’s loyal crew Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez and Zoey Howzer, among others. Cast members reprising their voice roles from the original series are: Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer and Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez. Currently in production at Disney Television Animation for a 2022 launch on Disney+, “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” is executive-produced by Bruce W. Smith (“The Princess and the Frog”) and Ralph Farquhar (“Moesha”), both of whom led the original series. Calvin Brown, Jr. (“Moesha”) is co-executive producer and story editor, Jan Hirota (“Big Hero 6 The Series”) is producer, and Eastwood Wong (“Carmen Sandiego”) is art director. All previous seasons of “The Proud Family” are currently available on Disney+.
For the “Young and the Restless” fans who’ve missed seeing our beloved “Drucilla Winters” on screen, you still have your chance to see our one of our favorite soap stars, of all times, Victoria Rowell, back in action as she returns for another season of her hit series. Rowell , the Emmy nominated and 11-time NAACP Image Award-winning actress and New York Times best-selling author, and Days Ferry Productions announce BET Plus (BET+) is the exciting new home for her hit series, THE RICH AND THE RUTHLESS Season 4, premiering May 13. Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on BET+. Season Four unveils in its entirety beginning at Midnight PT. Fan favorite THE RICH AND THE RUTHLESS is a behind-the-scenes, dram-com soap that follows the fictional story of the first Black owned family sudser on broadcast television, stopping at nothing to stay in power. This critically-acclaimed Daytime Emmy-nominated series won Best Ensemble Cast and Best Lead Actress by the Independent Series Awards. The series stars Richard Brooks (Good Trouble; Shameless), Victoria Rowell (Birdie), Alesha Renee (Kenan), Robert Ri’chard (Harlem), Chrystale Wilson (All the Queens Men), Michael Colyar (BET’s Hollywood Heartbreak), Dawnn Lewis (Star Trek; Lower Decks), Vivian Lamolli (All the Queens Men), Kristen Mako (The Big Rant), Bryton James (The Young & The Restless) and new talent Akilah Releford. Season 4 of THE RICH AND THE RUTHLESS is executive produced by Victoria Rowell in association with Days Ferry Productions, Carletta S. Hurt, Richard Brooks, Vanzil Burke and Jill Warner. Head Writer, Victoria Rowell. Writing Consultant, Victoria Christopher Murray.
Mayor Sylvester Turner hosted a news conference Monday to announce a unique partnership between rapper, actor, and philanthropist Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, his G-Unity Foundation, and the Houston Independent School District. Jackson, Horizon United Group, and HISD have joined forces to help high school students learn the business skills that define successful entrepreneurship. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, HISD Board President Patricia Allen and school trustee Kathy Blueford-Daniels also attended today’s announcement. The partnership will bring a groundbreaking initiative, the G-Unity Business Lab, to three high schools—Kashmere, Worthing, and Wheatley—at a time when students most need to reconnect with learning and acquire critical professional skills. The three schools are located in neighborhoods within Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities initiative. Students in the Lab will engage in MBA-level lessons that represent the full lifecycle of a product or concept, from idea creation to market branding to running a company. At the end of eleven weeks, the program will culminate in a “Shark Tank” style competition that will be judged by Curtis Jackson, Al Kashani, President of Horizon United Group, and other business leaders. The winners will receive seed money to begin their businesses, incubated in Houston. “It’s great to be giving back to this community that’s already given me so much. These young kids can do great things if they just have the right skills and tools. This program is going to help get them there,” said Curtis Jackson. The G-Unity Foundation made an initial donation of $300,000, which will be matched by the school district. “The G-Unity Foundation’s partnership with HISD will create an immense opportunity for our students to grow the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders,” said HISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan. “By focusing on underserved youth and providing paid internships, the G-Unity Business Lab will help students from low-income households envision a different reality for themselves and their future. We could not set students on a path to success without partners like Curtis Jackson, who see the value and potential of investing in our children.” This initiative represents the first flagship investment of Curtis Jackson’s philanthropic arm, the G-Unity Foundation, which just relaunched with a new website that includes information on the program. “A quality education is the best tool we can give young people to help them succeed in the classroom and prepare for a career,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I am deeply grateful to Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson for investing in Houston ISD students. This program will have a big impact on the lives of students and their families. It will provide a platform to help young people grow their skillset by learning how to be future entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and business leaders.” The goals of the G-Unity Lab program align with Mayor Turner’s priorities to prepare young people for employment in startup, technology and innovation opportunities in Houston. In addition to announcing the partnership, the mayor thanked Jackson for investing in the Houston community. The rapper moved to Houston recently following a yearlong conversation with the mayor and others who touted the city’s unique cultural offerings and thriving business community. During his short tenure in the nation’s most diverse and inclusive city, Jackson has contributed thousands of dollars to bring holiday joy to underprivileged children and earlier this month he was crowned the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show in the 2021 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. The G-Unity partnership with HISD is Jackson’s latest investment to support education. “The fact that this guy (Jackson) is in our city and making this investment will resonate throughout. Imagine the impact it will have on the kids. But, in the end, it is all about the children. It is all about them,” said Mayor Turner.
Known for infectious musical collaborations with Billboard chart-topping artists like Chris Brown, Walé, Summer Walker and Ari Lennox, Afrobeats writer and producer KDDO, formerly known as Kiddominant, will release his debut extended play album entitled Too Late Too Lit on Friday, May 14, 2021. The EP will be distributed via Pentlife Music and Sony Music Entertainment on all digital platforms. Created to be a feel-good body of work for fans, according to KDDO, it was at the height of the pandemic, having been locked down for several weeks that the hugely celebrated writer and producer realized the importance of cherishing every moment and creating good memories every chance we get, and decided to write and produce this album. “This is one of the main reasons I put this album together. I want people to be able to create great memories with my music, as I want my music to be the soundtrack of people’s lives,” says KDDO. Too Late Too Lit is an 8-track project that spotlights Africa’s basking sound templates with features from some of the world’s best artists across various musical genres, including Afrobeats superstar Davido, R&B sensation Jidenna, and Sudanese-American rapper Bas, just to name a few! The road to the EP began with the premiere of eWallet, a stellar Amapiano production with now over 5 million streams across DSPs and 6000+ spins on African radio. The commercial success of eWallet set the tone right for a sequel release entitled Beamer Body, the lead single from Too Late Too Lit, featuring KDDO frequent collaborator Davido on a record that affirms body positivity. Noteworthy too, is KDDO’s appreciable vocal effort on the project as he settles into his own element. Having written and produced some of the biggest music hits in Afrobeats history, KDDO is now confidently honing his singing prowess, and, at the same time, offering a spice of variety with super talents featured on his new body of work. See Too Late Too Lit EP track list below. Loco feat. Mayorkun Beamer Body feat. Davido Show Me Love feat. Ferow Flex Education (Interlude) 20 Something feat. Sho Madjozi eWallet feat. Cassper Nyovest Party feat. Jidenna, Bas Holy Ghost Fire feat. The Cavemen Stream “Too Late Too Lit” EP KDDO, who is now living and working in Los Angeles, has worked with several American and international artists, including Davido, Wizkid, Popcaan, Wale, Mike Will Made It, DJ Neptune, Aka, DJ Maphorisa, Mr Eazi, Mayorkun and Orezi. His production hits include “Lower Body” and “Under the Influence” by Chris Brown and D&G By Davido and Summer Walker, “The Money (feat. Olamide ) by Davido“, “Marry (feat. Mr Eazi)” by DJ Neptune, “Fall” by Davido, “Mama” by Mayorkun and “Fela in Versace” by Aka. Connect with KDDO: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
As fans around the world continue to celebrate the life of hip-hop icon DMX, his career-long producer and friend Swizz Beatz announces today that the legendary rapper’s posthumous studio album of all new original material, EXODUS, has been set for release on May 28th via Def Jam Recordings. Swizz Beatz – executive producer and producer of EXODUS – issued the following statement: “My brother X was one of the most pure and rare souls I’ve ever met. He lived his life dedicated to his family and music. Most of all, he was generous with his giving and loved his fans beyond measure. This album, X couldn’t wait for his fans all around the world to hear and show just how much he valued each and every single person that has supported him unconditionally.” Themes of redemption weave throughout EXODUS, the first Def Jam album by DMX in 18 years, since 2003’s Grand Champ. The new album shares its name with DMX’s son Exodus Simmons. The album artwork is by original photographer Jonathan Mannion, who captured some of the most iconic images of DMX throughout his career. DMX continues to hold the unique distinction of being the only artist in history to enter both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts with #1 debuts for his first five consecutive career albums, starting with his debut It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (May 1998, with “Ruff Ryders Anthem”), then Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (December 1998), … And Then There Was X (1999, with “Party Up (Up In Here)”), The Great Depression (2001, with “Who We Be”), and Grand Champ (2003, with his definitive anthem, “Where The Hood At?”). As reported in Billboard, Yonkers, New York native DMX (aka Earl Simmons) sold more than 74 million records worldwide in his lifetime, and amassed in excess of 14x-platinum RIAA certifications in the U.S. alone. He was “one of the most memorable MCs of all time,” wrote journalist Smokey D. Fontaine, co-author of E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX (2003). “The only artist who has spent a career inspiring fans around the world to bark and rhyme in loud bursts of manic energy; only then to get them to read, rap, think and cry in private moments of honest thought and introspection. He was a man of faith who proudly and publicly depicted aspects of his life through his prayers. No one in hip-hop has ever done it better. No one has meant more.”
It’s time to change the narrative. On an Instagram post Friday night, Shaqir O’Neal, son of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, announced his decision to play college basketball at Texas Southern University next season. The post contained a drawing of the young O’Neal in a TSU basketball jersey. In an interview with the sports network, Overtime, the 3-star high school shooting guard said that his decision to attend an HBCU was to “change the narrative” surrounding historically Black universities. O’Neal hopes to follow in the footsteps of his father and make it to the NBA. “You can expect a lot of buckets,” he said in the interview. According to CBS sports, the six-foot-six shooting guard is ranked 275th in the nation. The youngest O’Neal will be playing the next basketball season along with his brother, Shareef O’Neal, who plays for Louisiana State University. Way to go!
No “college drop-outs” here. A group of young heavy-hitters from Houston are grinding with “educated execution” to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry — all while living out their college dreams. Black Waves Entertainment is a Houston-based label of young, talented artists established in 2016 by 19-year-old Myles Davis (Wavy M), along with the collaborative efforts of close friend Myles Taylor (Karrien Ca$h), who is 20 years old. Two more artists, 18-year-old Luc Silvs and 20-year-old Zae6ix, round out the independent label. The artists are managed by Louis Rose, 20, who has earned the nickname “Just the Manager,” even though he also does features on the projects. Another member of the team, Shannon Madison, 20, serves as social media manager and videographer. As a younger label, the group has had to learn and adapt to writing, producing, recording, and engineering their own music. Rose says this sets Black Waves apart from others. It should also be noted that the group says the pandemic forced them to stretch their creative sides even more, as they had to get more innovative to make things happen. Most of the artists and team members are still in college. “Wavy M” attends the University of Texas at Austin and comes home to Houston to record and film videos with the team. “Karrien Ca$h” attends Sam Houston State in Huntsville. Luc Silvs, the label’s executive engineer, does all of the mixing work while going to Texas Tech University in Lubbock. And Louis “Just the Manager” attends the University of Houston in the Third Ward/ Museum District. These “college kids” are ones to watch! The group is always looking to bring others on board, so if there are any Texas Southern University artists interested, contact the group’s manager. On Apple Music: When This is Over by Wavy M Ciabatta Boyz by Karrien Ca$h Getaway Driver by Luc Silvs Face of God by ZAE6IX
