This weekend it’s the music battle VERZUZ between SWV and Xscape. Saturday night 8pm on Instagram @VERZUSTV. Sunday Night Mothers Day DJ Cassidy presents ‘Pass The Mic’. His special guests include Patti Labelle and Johnny Gill. Sunday Night at 9PM on BET.
It’s going to a busy summer for Basketball Superstar Lebron James. In addition to his movie Space Jam 2 coming to theaters July 16th he’s releasing his second Childrens book ‘We are Family’ on August 31st. The book is about five new friends who have different dreams and backgrounds but work together to save their basketball season and prove they can succeed if given the chance.
Singer Dionne Warwick has a treat for her fans. This Sunday she is in concerts two shows for more info go to DionneWarwick.com
Micheal Che from Saturday night Live has a new show on HBO MAX. That damn Michael Cheis already streaming and this season his guests include Actor Omari Hardwick, Billy Porter, Method Man and more!.
Neicy Nash is returning to TV in a revival of the show ‘Don’t Forget The Lyrics’. It’sgame show and singing competionall in one. Wayne Brady hosted the original ‘Don’t Forget The Lyrics’ back in 2007.
Questlove from The Roots and The Tonight sho with Jimmy Fallon is ready to give us a Summer of Soul. 1n 1969 a musical festival took place the Harlem Cultural Fest which was also called The Black Woodstock. It was a who’s who of musical giants including Sly Stone Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, The Staple Singers, BB King, Gladys Knight, 5th Dimension and Mahalia Jackson to name a few. This festival was filmed but it was hidden in a basement. Questlove found it and put it together and now 50 years later we are going to have a chance to see it. On July 2nd it is coming to theaters and HULU.
Rappers Redman and Method Man are teaming up to play brothers on the new season of Power Book 2. Redman and Method Man recently treated their fans to a VERZUZ, and the two are no strangers to acting in 2001 they starred in the movie how high and in 2004 they had the short lived TV show Method and Red. The next Power installment Power Book 3 ‘Rising Kanaan’ debuts next month.
Rapper Lil Kim is ready to tell all. The Queen Bee is the name of the book and it comes out Nov. 2nd. Kim says she is going to reveal the real story of Kimberly Denise Jones. The hidden moments of her reign. She was the side chick to Biggie, the only female in Junior Mafia. In 1996 she released ‘Hardcore’ . In her nearly 30 year career she was a trailblazer with the colorful wigs.
Bishop T.D. Jakes is back with his latest book ‘Don’t drop the Mic’. I love this book it’s about communication and the power of works. How to communicate properly, write emails, talk to others. I had a chance to interview Bishop Jakes a few weeks ago and he says he wrote this book because good communication is important for building connection and community.
Actress Gabrielle Union and her husband Former NBA Players are getting ready to release their first children’s book. The book is based on their young daughter Kaavia. For a toddler she makes the most unbelievable faces . The book is called shady baby and it’s about a baby who uses her facial expressions as superpowers. This September Gabrielle Union is releasing her second book ‘You got anything Stronger’ which she talks about her road to surrogacy to become a mother.
A new Mike Tyson documentary is coming . The Climb, The Crush, The Comeback is a 4 hour series airing May 25th and June 1st on ABC then it will start streaming on HULU.
Where’s Ghost? Actor Omari Hardwick has moved on from the Power TV series . he has a new movie with Dave Bautista Army of the Dead. Army of the Dead starts streaming May 21st. The movie is about a bank heist featuring some unforgettable characters.
Filming starts in July on Black Panther 2. Director Ryan Coogler says the movie ‘Wakanda Forever’ arrives in theatersJuly 8th 2022. He also says the role of T’Challa played by the late Actor Chadwick Boseman will not be recast but the character will be given the proper sendoff in Wakenda Forever.
Tyler Perry’s TV Shows House of Pain and Assisted Living are being renewed for a third season on BET. In the meantime season two of the shows kick off May 25TH on BET.
Michael B Jordans latest Movie ‘Without Remorse’ is now streaming on Amazon Prime . The action thriller stars Jordan who plays an elite Navy Seal who uncovers an international conspiracy while seeking justice for the murder of his pregnant . The movie also stars Lauren London, Jodie Turner Smith (Queen and Slim) and Actor Colman Domingo. Up next for Michael B Jordan is the Denzel Washington directed movie ‘a Journal for Jordan. In the movie A Journal for Jordan , Michael B Jordan plays an Army Sargent who was killed during the Iraq War, before he died he left behind a journal for his son, giving life lessons on growing up without a father. The movie is coming out on December 10th. In the meantime Jordan will be directing the next installment of the Creed movie. Some of the filming is taking place in Philly with Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad returning. Oscar Winner Sylvester Stallone who started the Rocky Franchise that spawned Creed will not be in this new installment because he has decided to retire the character.
Mike Epps is returning to TV in the new Netflix Comedy ‘The Upshaws’. Mike Epps is teaming up with Wanda Sykes in a comedy about a middle class family making it thru life with their family. Kim Fields is playing Epps Wife and Sykes plays his sarcastic Sister In Law. The Upshaws starts streaming on Netflix May 12th.
Congrats to Today show Weekend Anchor and Washington Correspondent Kristen Welker. Welker and her husband are expecting their first child via surrogate. Welker grew up in the area and used to work at NBC10
The latest edition of Essence magazine is the first ever edition featuring a Quilt artwork cover capturing the events of 2020.
Oscar Winner Rita Moreno is going to featured in a new documentary about her life. Moreno who is 89 is an EGOT. Which means she has won an Emmy, a Grammy and Oscar and a Tony Award. The documentary ‘A Girl who decided to go for it’ arrives in theaters June 18th. Moreno is also going to be featured in the movies ‘In The Heights’ and the Steven Spielberg Directed movie ‘West Side Story’ which is coming out in December.
Another EGOT is making news is the host of The View Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg is on the cover of Variety Magazine and talks about her legendary career. Goldberg who is always busy says she wants to do a movie about an older black who is a superhero. When asked why she says it’s because Older Black Women are the only ones who can save the world.
Director Antoine Fugua9Training Day) has announced he is doing a movie revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof featuring an all black cast. In 2008 there was an all black Broadway Production featuring James Earl Jones, Terrance Howard, Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose. This Production was directed by Debbie Allen. The original movie came out in 1955 and starred Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor. There is no word on who will star in the latest production.
Levar Burton is coming to Jeopardy. When the longtime host Alex Trebek died last year a permanent Host was not named so new episodes were filmed with a slew of celebrity hosts like Footballs Aaron Rodgers, Dr. Oz, Former Today show host Katie Couric but no Black men were ever considered, then a petition was launched on behalf of Levar Burton, and 245 thousand signatures later it was announced that Burton would be joining the list of revolving hosts. Burton burst onto the national scene as Kunte Kinte in the groundbreaking TV Miniseries Roots. For 21 years Burton has been a part of the Reading Rainbow Educational series and the TV series Star Trek The Next Generation.
The MTV movie and TV Awards are set to air on MTV May 16th with the Disney Plus show Wandavision leading the pack along with Bridgerton and The Falcon and Winter Soldier. Leslie Jones is hosting.
Actress Janet Hubert the original Aunt Viv on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air has joined the cast of the TBS Show The Last OG. The Last OG stars Tracey Morgan as an ex con rebuilding his life after spending the last 15 years in Prison. The show is entering it’s 4th season. Tiffany Haddish will not be a part of season 4 because she only signed on for three seasons. Anna Marie Horsford (Amen) has also joined the cast and she and Hubert will play best friends.
Tiffany Haddish has a busy month in May. Her TV Show ‘Kids say the Darnest Things’ debuts on its new home on CBS, and Tiffany is teaming up with Bill Crystal for the movie ‘Here Today’. Crystal produced the movie which opens in theaters on May 7th. Here Today is about the Unlikely friendship between a veteran comedienne and an aspiring Singer.
Tennis Superstar Serena Williams has team up with Amazon to Star in a docuseries about her life.
This is a very busy time For Actress and Singer Jennifer Hudson. On May 7 her latest movie ‘Monster’ starts streaming on Netflix. Monster stars new comer Kelvin Harrison Jr. as an honors student who world has been turned upside down when he is charged with a felony murder. The movie was supposed to be released three years ago. John Legend and Rapper Nas joined forces to produce the movie which also stars Jeffrey Wright, John David Washington, Rapper A$AP Rocky and Jharrell Jerome. Hudson is also lending her voice to the animatedmovie Pierre the Pigeon Hawk. The movie features the voices of Snoop Dog, Will.i.am Whoopi Goldberg and Howie Mandel. This August Jennifer Hudson stars as the Legendary Aretha Franklin in the movie ‘Respect’
Poet Laurette Amanda Gorman is the cover girl for the latest of Vogue Magazine.. The 22 year old who wowed us at this years Inauguration is also hosting this years Met Gala, fashions biggest night in September along with Designer Tom Ford. Other hosts for the night include Pop Sensation Billie Eilish , Tennis Champ Naomi Osaka and Actor Timothee Chamalot.
Tyler Perry is teaming up with the Showtime Network for a drama about Madea. Every Legend has a beginning and we are about to find out about Mabel Simmons. Mabel/Madea was a smart fierce irresistible and crazy 20 something who arrived in Atlanta in 1972 and took the city by storm. The series is going to be a drama. On May 14th Perry is joining Angelina Jolie in the western Thriller Those who wish me dead. The movie will be in theaters and HBO MAX Tyler Perry’s new show ‘All the Queens Men’ debuts on BET Plus this summer. The show is about Male exotic dancers based on the book by Actor Christian Keys’ Ladies Nights’. The show stars Eva Marcille (Americas next top Model and Housewives of Atlanta) she plays Madam Deville. Christian Keys is playing a hitman. There will be ten episodes of the show.
So what’s next for Ron Isley and the Isley Brothers after their epic Verzuzbattle with Earth Wind and Fire. A new music project . Ron Isley and Brother Ernie Isley are teaming up with Rapper Snoop Dog for the song Friends and Family.
Jamie Foxx has returned to TV in the Netflix Comedy ‘Dad Stop Embarrassing Me’ . The series has started streaming . The show is about Foxx’s real life relationship with his Daughter Corrinne. Corrine is not in the show but she is the show’s Executive Producer. Kyla Drew is playing the role of his daughterand David Allen Grier is reteaming with Foxx, remember their days on In Living Color. Grier is playing Jamies Dad. Foxx has also signed on for a TV Movie about Boxer Mike Tyson. The movie is being produced and directed by acclaimed Directors Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and Martin Scorcese (Casino, Raging Bull) Jamie Foxx is playing iron Mike Tyson.
Comedienne Chris Rock is taking a serious turn in his next movie. The horror movie Saw hits theaters on May 14th. Saw is gory and bloody as Rock teams up with Samuel L Jackson to find the killer who is shaking up New York City.
Godzilla VS Kong is in theaters and on HBO MAX .It’s the battle between the Monsters. One critic said the movie is the feel good movie we’ve been waiting for.
Sherri Shepherd is returning to TV in the ABC Comedy Show ‘Black Don’t Crack” Actress Essence Atkins (Marlon Show Actress Tisha Campbell (Martin, My wife and Kids) and Isiah Mustafa who became famous wearing just a towel in The Old Spice Commercials is rounding out the cast. Oscar Winner Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon will be the shows Executive Producers along Sherri Shephard.
Now speaking of Viola Davis she is the part of the cast of the upcoming movie Suicide Squad. Suicide Squad hits theaters August 5th, 2021. The movie will also feature Margo Robbie, Idris Elba and Jon Cena.
A new season of the HBO comedy show A Black Lady Sketch has started. Robin Theade the star of the Show and Issa Rae are the Producers of the show. One big change in this season is Quinta Brunson will not be involved. Who is Quinta Brunson you ask?Brunson is a West Philly, she’s an Actress, Comedian, Author and the Queen of Memes. Brunson has just signed on the ABC Comedy show about Teachers who love to Teach. The show doesn’t have a title as of yet but the cast is great Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha, Ray Donavan) Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris) will also star. Brunson is slated to release her debut book ‘She Memes Well’in June.
Another Philly Native making waves is Actor Colman Domingo. Domingo hails from West Philly 52nd Street. Domingo is an Actor, Writer and Director. He is best known for his role as Ali on Euphoria, as Mr Rivers in the movie ‘If Beale street could talk, Cutler in Ma Raineys Black Bottom. He’s also going to be in the new Michael B Jordan movie ‘Without Remorse’ as Pastor West and he’s going to be in the upcoming horror movie Candyman and finally he returns as Victor Strand in ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ which airs on AMC.
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Theres a lot of magic in Upper Manhattan Lin Manuel Miranda long awaited ‘In The Heights is coming to the big screen and HBO MAX June 11th. Miranda the Tony Award Winner who brought us Hamilton is bringing this Broadway Production to the big screen starring Anthony Ramos and an ensemble cast featuring also starring Corey Hawkins (Straight outa Compton) and Singer/Songwriter Leslie Grace . The movie is directed by Jon Chu who brought us ‘Crazy Rich Asians.
We all know Stephan A. Smith from ESPN and his sports commentaries now he’s gearing up for a Docuseries about HBCU Schools. The series entitled ‘Black Excellence will feature Black Colleges and Universities in American Society. Politics, Business, Culture, Sports and Entertainment will be covered. Special guests on the Docu Series include Madame Vice President Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Tariji P Henson and Senator Raphael Warnock. Black Excellence is coming out next Year.
Congratulations to Queen Latifah her new TV Show ‘The Equalizer’ has been renewed for a second season. Queen Latifah and The Equalizer airs Sunday Nights at 8pm on CBS3.
The next Disney/Marvel movie coming out will be ‘Black Widow’ which will be in theaters July 9th. Black Widow stars Scarlett Johansen.it will also be available on Disney Plus with its Premiere Access service on the same date.
Kevin Hart is also coming to Netflix in the dramatic movie ‘Fatherhood’ Fatherhood is based on the book Two Kisses for Maddie:A Memoir of Loss and Love. Kevin Hart plays a single dad who has to raise his infant daughter after her mother dies in childbirth. Alfre Woodard plays his mother in Law and the movie also stars Lil Rel Howery, Actress Dewanda Wise (Dear White People) and Actor Paul Reiser also star. Fatherhood with Kevin Hart starts streaming on Netflix June 18th. He also returns to the big screen with Woody Harrellson in the action/thriller Man from Toronto MLK weekend 2022.
We have an official date for the last Fast and Furious movie F9 will be in theaters June 25th. F9 stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriquez, Tyrese, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Charlize Theron, Dame Helen Mirren, Ludacris, Cardi B and Wrestler turned Actor Jon Cena. In F9 Vin Dielsel is taking on a new nemesis his brother new comer Jon Cena and to the delight of many fans the popular character Hans is returning. I hear the car stunts in this movie will be crazy.
Director Spike Lee says his next project will focus on New York City. From 9/11 to today. This year marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11 a day that changed America forever.
The Proud Family is returning, this time on Disney Plus. The Proud family Louder and prouder will show the characters a little older. Penny Proud is now in high school. The twins are three, Mom Trudy is running her Veterinary Clinic and Dad Oscar is running a very successful Snack Company.
Eve the Rapper/Actress/Talk Show Host is returning to TV. Late last year she left the CBS talk Show The Talk saying she wanted to focus on her family but now Eve has signed on for the ABC Hip Hop Drama Queens. Queens is 4 women who ruled the music charts in the 90’s and now they are in their 40’ looking to revive their careers to see if they still got it. Eve plays the married mother of five kids, Back in the day she led the group as Professor Sex.Actress NaturiNaughton (Power) has also been added to the cast as well as Singer Brandy.
Kerry Washington and Oscar Winner Charlize Theron are teaming up for the Netflix movie Fairytales. It’s about a fairytale school for good and evil.
If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day on 105.3 Wdasfm. Or join me on Social Media Twitter:Mspattyjackson Instagram Wdaspatty and Facebook Patty