HOT NEWS 16 Friday April 28th
We remember the legendary Singer, Actor and Civil Rights Activist Harry Belafonte. Belafonte was a champion of social change. He died this week from congestive heart failure at the age of 96. he was an EGOT. An Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Grammy Winner. He was the first African American to sell over a million copies of a song with the Banana Boat song (Day-O) He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year as an early influencer. Belfonte was known as the king of Calypso. He played a major part in the Civil Rights Movement; he led by example, wanting people to have a better way of life in America.
Former First lady Michelle Obama teams up with Oprah Winfrey for the Netflix special ‘The Light we carry 'based on her bestselling book. It is streaming now on Netflix.
Get ready for the Summer Black Party Sunday August 6th at the Mann with Jodeci, SWV and Dru Hill.
Can Gayle King and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley save the CNN Network. Starting this Fall, we will find out with the King Charles show. A weekly Wednesday Night Primetime show that will air at 9PM. This announcement coincides with the recent firing of CNN Morning News Anchor Dob Lemn who was let go from the Network after 17 years.
Congratulations to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts. He is now the highest paid player in the NFL. He is also the May/June cover guy for Essence magazine.
Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is gracing the cover of Elle Magazine she is also one of the headliners of this year's Essence fest in New Orleans.
Lifestyle Mavin Tabitha Brown has come out with the new line of McCormick Seasoning just in time for cookout season. Salt Free and Vegan produces all-purpose seasonings in garlic, Taco Blend. Burgers and vegetables.
Erykah Badu is coming to Philly Sunday July 29th at the Mann
Alicia Keys is also to town July 10th at the Wells Fargo Center.
I am now part of the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame. My bronze plague is on Broad Street .Broad and Pine in frontof The University of The Arts.
We remember retired Dancing Judge Len Goodman. Goodman was best known for juding on the dance shows Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Dancing. Good was 78 and he died from Bone Cancer.
Prayers are going out to Soap Opera Vet Actor Eric Braeden. For the past 41 years he has played the iconic Victor Newman on the popular Soap Opera the Young and the Restless. In a recent emotional video, he revealed he is battling Cancer, but he will continue to work.
Actor Comediane Richard Lewis has announced he is retiring from Show Business. Lewis 75 just finished wrapping up work on the the HBO Show season 12 of Curb your Enthusiasm and he has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease.
Halle Bailey the star of the Little Mermaid in theaters Memorial Day weekend is the new cover girl for British Vogue.
Denzel Washington returns to the big screen this September in Equalizer 3.
Prayers are up for Jamie Foxx. The 55-year-old Oscar Winner had to be hospitalized for a medical emergency that required surgery. His family is asking for privacy and prayers.
The long-awaited Tupac Docuseries ‘Dear Mama is coming-out on the FX Channel this year. The 5-part docuseries directed by Allen Hughes is the story of the relationship Tupac had with his mom.
CNN Films and HBO MAX are joining forces for the life story of Little Richard. Richard was the Architect of Rock and Roll. The film Little Richard I Am Everything will show the highs and lows of his career. Richard died in 2020 at the age of 87.
The MTV Movie and TV awards are set to air on May7th. You can vote ow on our favorite TV Shows and movies at MTV.COM
The stars of The Little Mermaid have taken over Entertainment Weekly. The movie starring Halle Bailey as Ariel opens in theaters May 26th. The movie also stars Melissa McCarthy playing Ursula.
Tickets are on sale now for the Mothers Day Music Festival Saturday May 13th at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Fantasia, Neyo and Kenny Lattimore are performing.
Stephanie is coming to Atlantic City Mother's Day Sunday May 14th Mother's Day show at Caesar.
The straight no chaser comedy tour is coming to Philly. Friday May 19th at the Liacouras Center with Mike Epps, DL Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer and DC Young fly.
Alicia Keys is coming to Philly July 10th at The Wells Fargo Center
Erykah Badu is coming to town Sunday July 29th at The Mann
Diddy is working on a new reality show Diddy plus 7 with all his children including
the new baby. The show will be airing on HULU.
Congrats to Queen Latifah she is the first Female Rapper added to the national recording registry.
ABC’s Deborah Roberts (Good Morning America and 20/20) has a new book coming out May 2nd and it’s a Love Letter to Teachers. Lessons Learned and cherished is the book and it features Country Superstar Jimmie Allen, Robin Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Rachel Ray, Misty Copeland and her Husband Today Show Weather Guy Al Roker.
Filming has started with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence on Bad Boys 4 . Actor Eric Dane best known for his roles on Greys Anatomy and Euphoria will be playing the role of the Villain. Congrats to Martin Lawrence, he got a star on the Hollywood walk of fame this week.
90’s supergroup Jodeci is going on tour this Summer with a Summer Block Party along with SWV and Dru Hill.
If you want your Superhero to be a female, then get ready for The Marvels . The Marvels features Captain Marvel, Khamali Khan and Monica Rambeau. The leading ladies are played by Brie Larson, Imani Vellani and Teyonna Parris. Samuel L Jackson is also going to be featured as Nick Fury. The Movie is in theaters Nov. 21st. Samuel L Jacksons spinoff character is also getting a series on Disney Plus. Secret Invasion starts streaming on June 21st. In other Samuel L Jackson news, he will be starring in the Netflix movie ‘The Piana Lesson’ based on the August Wilson play. Denzel Washinton is producing the Netflix adaptation. He's making this a family affair. His son Malcolm is directing. His daughter Katia is one of the Executive Producers and his son John David Washinton is joining the production fresh from his role on Broadway. The movie also stars Danielle Deadwyler (Til) Corey Hawkins (Color Purple)
Morris Chestnut has joined the cast of the Hulu series Reasonable Doubt. Chestnut will play a defense attorney at odds with series star Emayatzy Corinealdi .
What’s next for Oscar Winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Hu Quan. They are starring in the Disney Plus TV Show American Born Chinese. Samuel L Jacksons Character Nick Fury is coming to life on Disney Plus in Secret Invasion. Streaming starts June 21st.
The North to Shore festival is coming to Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Saturday June 10th. The show features Jazmine Sullivan, Jhene Aiko and Queen Naja tickets are on sale now.
Gabrielle Union is coming to Netflix with the movie The Perfect Find. The movie which starts streaming June 23rd is about a woman who falls in love with a much younger man. The movie also stars Keith Powers, Janet Hurbert, LaLa Anthony and Gina Torres, Actress Gabrielle Union is taking us along on her journey as she turns 50. The 2-part docuseries my journey to 50 debuts June 15th on BET. It’s about her Journey to 50.
Singer Will Downing is opening about Mental Health and Suicide on his latest project Til we Meet Again. Earlier this year Downing lost his 31-year daughter to suicide. He says he wants to message of Hope to others who may be dealing with mental illness and suicide.
Actress and comedian Monique CBS and Paramount for unpaid royalties from the TV Show the Parkers. The Parkers was a spinoff of the Moesha Show which starred Monique and Countess Vaughn. The show ran from 1999 to 2004 on the UPN Network.
Tony Award Winner and Philly Native Leslie Odom Jr. Has teamed up with his wife Nicollette for a new Childrens book ‘’I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know. They are the parents of two young children aged 2 and 6. He is also returning to Broadway in the musical ‘Purlie Victorious”
Singer SZA has rescheduled her postponed Philly show for September 26th at the Wells Fargo Center.
Camden New Jersey Native Khris Davis is playing Boxer George Foreman in the new movie Big George Foreman. The movie is in theaters and is directed by George Tillman Jr. (Soul Food) (Barbershop). A lot of people are familiar with George Foreman because of the George Foreman Grills, but he had a boxing career from 1967 to 1997. He ended up being the oldest Heavyweight Champion in history.
Basketball Star Brittney Griner is ready to tell all in a new book about her life including the tumultuous events of 202 that both reshaped her life and captured the world’s attention. Griner's arrest in Moscow, her detention, trial and imprisonment in Russia. She will describe the personal turmoil of her 10-month ordeal. She will also discuss pay inequity, the low salaries of the WNBA Players which forces many to play sports overseas to survive. The untitled book is due out next year.
Janet Jackson says she’s ready for a movie to be made about her life. It would start from her life as a child star, her TV Years, teen stardom and breaking away from her dad and taking Control of her life with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Janet Jackson is preparing another documentary about her life for Lifetime/A&E Network. ‘Family First’ will take viewers behind the scenes of her new tour ‘Together Again. Janet is celebrating her 50th Anniversary in show business and her brother Randy is producing this documentary. Janet Jackson is going back on tour this time with Rapper/Actor Ludacris Saturday May 20th at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City.
The latest Will Packer movie ‘Praise This’ with Chloe Bailey is now streaming on the Peacock network.
Actor Damson Idris is proving there is life after The FX Show Snowfall. Which recently ended a 7-year run. Idris is teaming up with Brad Pitt for an Apple TV Movie about Race Car Driving.
The HULU Streaming service is preparing a new documentary about Freak Nik in the 80’s and 90’s Freak Nik was one of the wildest parties to take place involving HBCUS. Freak Nik the Wildest Story never told is being produced by Producer Jermaine Dupri and Rapper Uncle Luke.
The new Barbie Movie with Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Issa Rae is hitting theaters July 21st.
Get ready for Shrek 5. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz will be back voicing their characters Shrek and Fiona and Eddie Murphy will return as Donkey.
Saturday June 3rd The Lifetime Channel is presenting a new documentary on TLC. The two-hour documentary ‘TLC Forever’ will look at the groundbreaking ladies of TLC Chili, T-Boz and the late Lisa Left Eye Lopez.
The Color Purple Movie Musical has added some new cast members Singer Ciara, Actor Lou Gossett Jr, David Allen Grier, Gospel Music Singer Tamela Mann Actor/Comedian Deon Cole and just added acclaimed Actress Anjanue Ellis. Fantasia is starring in the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg ‘Celie. Tariji P Henson, Danielle Brooks , Philly Native Coleman Domingo playing the role of Mister made famous by Actor Danny Glover. Also, in the cast Corey Hawkins Singers H.E.R. and Halle Bailey. The movie is being produced by Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, and Steven Spielberg and is being directed by Blitz Bazawule. The movie is coming out Christmas Day .Grammy Winner Jon Batiste has also recently joined the cast.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are teaming up for the Amazon movie ‘AIR’ Streaming now. The Oscar winners will be joined by EGOT Winner Viola Davis, Marlon Wayans and Chris Tucker. AIR is about the 1984 battle to get Basketball great Michael Jordan to sign to NIKE sneakers. This movie is one of the best sports related movies to come out in years.
Creed 3 with Michael B Jordan and Jonathan Majors is now available on Streaming as well as the in theaters.
Actress Sanaa Lathan is joining Season the Hit HBO Show Curb your Enthusiasm. The Show stars Larry David and JB Smoove. One of the funniest shows on TV. No word on what character Lathan would play.
What’s next for Oscar Winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Hu Quan. They are starring in the Disney Plus TV Show American Born Chinese. Samuel L Jacksons Character Nick Fury is coming to life on Disney Plus in Secret Invasion. Streaming starts June 21st.
The North to Shore festival is coming to Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Saturday June 10th. The show features Jazmine Sullivan, Jhene Aiko and Queen Naja tickets are on sale now.
Motown Legend Martha Reeves has started a fundraising effort to raise 55 thousand Dollars so she can get a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was nominated in 2021 but her Former Manager stole the money.
Bridgeton the story of Queen Charlotte starts streaming on Netflix May 4th.
The Whitney Houston Gospel album is now out. I go the Rock is a compilation of Whitney Houston Gospel songs that takes us on a journey thru her musical roots. There is also a docuseries on the project narrated by CeCe Winans. It is now airing on Aspire TV. A DVD about the project is coming out as well.
Congratulations to Questlove of The Roots he is going to be directing the live animation of the 1970’s classic movie ‘The Aristocrats. The movie told the tale of Parisian felines (cats) who are cheated out of their fortune. Questlove is a 2022 Oscar Winner for the documentary Summer of Soul .
Get ready for Actor and Singer Billy Porter he’s coming to The Met Broad and Popular June 1st.
Avatar the way of Water is streaming on now on digital platforms
Power book three has returned to STARZ. Mary J Blige is back as Monet along with Michael Rainey Jr. And Method Man. On Wednesday Nights you can catch hosting her BET Talk Show ‘The Wine down
Get Ready for the Kings of BBQ. Cedric The Entertainer and Anthony Anderson are teaming for the A&E to find the Best Barbeque in the country. The Kings of BBQ will be airing later this year.
Jimmy Fallon of Tonight show fame has a new show on NBC. The show called ‘That’s My Jam’ and season number two kicked off this week. Lots of celebrities this season including Patti Labelle, Billy Porter Jason Derulo and Chance the Rapper and it features celebrities competing in musical and dance inspired games. The variety show will also feature Philly Natives Musician Adam Blackstone and DJ Aktive.
Tickets are on sale now for Lionel Richie and Earth Wind and Fire at The Wells Fargo Center August 15th.
Singer Keisha Cole is bringing her life story to Lifetime June 24th . Keisha will be playing herself and Actress Debbie Morgan (Angie All my Children) will be playing her mother Frankie.
Bridgerton Star Rege Jean Page has been tapped to play Muhammad Ali in a new Peacock Miniseries chronicling 8 major events in the boxing greats career.
Idris Elba is returned has returned to Netflix and the big screen with the movie Luther; The Fallen Sun. The movie will pick up from the popular BBC Series Luther as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther.
Season 2 of Bel Air a dramatic take on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air is streaming now on Peacock. The show has already been renewed for a third season
Tamron Hall of the Tamron Hall Show is returning to Cout TV for a second season of the crime show ‘Someone they Knew. The true crime series takes you from the victims to verdict. In Other Tamron Hall News her talk show has been renewed for a fifth season.
The Rachel Ray Show is ending after 17 seasons.
Judge Greg Mathis is joining The Byron Allen TV Network with a new court show Judge Mathis debuts this Fall.
The Donna Summer Documentary ‘Faith’ is coming to HBO this May. Summer died in 2012 from Lung Cancer at the age of 63. During her heyday Donna Summer ruled the music world.
Beyonce is coming to Philly! Wednesday July 12th at the Lincoln financial field.
The Michael Jackson movie has found their Michael. Jermaine Jackson son Jaafar Jackson will be playing his famous Uncle. The Michael Jackson movie ‘Michael' is being directed by Antoine Fugua. He recently did Emancipation with Will Smith. And the movies the Equalizer and Training Day with Denzel Washington.
Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever is streaming on Disney PLUS.
The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees have been announced. Country Superstar Willie Nelson, George Michael, Missy Elliott, A Tribe called quest, The Spinners, Cyndi Lauper, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow. Voting is now underway at vote.rockhall.com. The official class of 2023 will be unveiled in May.
Diddy is working on a new reality show Diddy plus 7 with all his children including
the new baby. The show will be airing on HULU.
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Tyler Perrys next project for NETFLIX will be a World War 2 drama about the only black female led World War 2 battalion. This is the true story of the 855 women who were able to connect 17 million American soldiers with their families. The cast of the movie includes Kerry Washington who is also the Executive Producer of the project. Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon are also part of the cast. . Production will start soon on the movie SIX TRIPLE 8. Tyler Perry is also teaming up with Singer and Actress Kelly Rowland for a new Netflix movie.
The Godfather of Harlem with Forest Whitaker has returned for a 3rd season on the EPIX/MGMPLUS Channel.
The man behind The Marvel Classics Spiderman, Black Panther, The Avengers, The X-MEN ,The Hulk and Fantastic four Stan Lee is going to be the subject of a new documentary that will air on Disney Plus next year.
BMF Black Mafia Family has returned to the Starz network. This season will feature Leslie Jones, Monique, Snoop Dog and LaLa Anthony. The story is set in Detroit, the true story of Detroit brothers Demetrius and Terry Flenory who became powerful figures in a multi-state drug and money laundering organization. Black Mafia Family has already been renewed for a third season. Rapper Two Chains and Singer Neyo are joining the cast for the new season.
Top Gun Maverick is streaming on Paramount Plus.
Janet Jackson is going back on tour this time with Rapper/Actor Ludacris Saturday May 20th at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City.
Former Eagle Quarterback Michael Vick is working on a docuseries about Black Quarterbacks.
The Wiz is coming back to Broadway in 2024. Comedienne and Writer Amber Ruffin will be giving the show an updated twist.
Get ready for the Bob Marley story. Bob Marley died in 1981 at the age of 36 from Cancer. Marley was a pioneer of Reggae, ska and Rock Reggae. Actor Kingsley Ben Adir who played Malcolm X in the movie One Night in Miami is playing the Reggae Great. The movie is being directed by Renaldo Marcus Green who directed the movie ‘King Richard. Marley left behind a legacy of music including the classics ‘Could you be loved, One Love, Jammin, to name a few. Marley was an artist and activist. The movie is being supported by the Marley Family and it’s coming out January 12th, 2024.
The Viola Davis movie ‘The Woman King is available on Video on Demand.
Anita Baker is coming to Atlantic City later this year. Tickets are on sale now for her show Friday November 23rd 2023 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Babyface will be her special musical guest. Baker is also releasing new music next year.
Get ready for Snoop Dog the Movie. A movie is in the works about the popular Rapper, who burst on the scene in 1992 with Dr Dre’s The Chronic LP.
Get ready for the return of the ABC Show The Wonder Years. The reboot of the popular show from the 90’s now features an all-black cast. Special guests stars for next Summers return include Patti Labelle, Wayne Brady, Titus Burguss and Donald Faison from Scrubs.
Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluuya is lending his voice to Spiderman Across the Spider verse. Kaluuya is voicing the character Spider punk. Also featured in the animated movie Issa Rae who plays Spiderwoman and Actor Oscar Isaac is playing Spiderman 2099. The animated movie hits theaters June 2nd 2023.
The Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes Netflix comedy The Upshaw's has been renewed for a third season. It is airing now on Netflix.
Get ready for more of the Wayans Family. Damon Wayans Sr and Damon Wayan Jr. The Father and Son are teaming up for a new comedy show on CBS. HBO is making a documentary about the STAX music label founded by Al Bell. The documentary will focus on the stars of the label including Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T’s and The MG’s The Emotions, Isaac Hayes and the Stape Singers.
The Life story of Sammy Davis Jr is coming to HULU. The eight-episode series will be produced by Lee Daniels. In Black and White the Life of Sammy Davis jr will feature his life from a vaudeville child star to one of the most famous African American Entertainers during the 50’s and 60’s. Actor Eiljah Kelly best known as playing Ricky Bell from the BET New Edition series is playing Sammy Davis Jr. The series will cover the moments in his life from the car crash that made him lose his eye, the controversial affairs with his white co-stars, converting to Judaism , Being a part of the famous Rat Pack with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His involvement with politics from the Kennedys to Nixon. The series will also deal with his battles involving Drugs and Alcohol.
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 Jackson and on Youtube Patty Jackson