Congratulations to Star Jones. For many years Jones was a host on The View. Jones is returning to TV in September as the new Host of Divorce Court on Fox.
Congrats to Philly Native Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike. The brand new show ‘Married to Real Estate’ has launchedon HGTV.
Mike Epps is coming back to Philly. Saturday January 15th he’s doing a show at The Liacouras Center Broad and Montgomery.
It’s been a tough start of the year with the deaths of Celebrities. Legendary Actor Sidney Poitier died at the age of 94. During his trailblazing career he became the first Black Man to win an Academy Award for the 1964 movie Lillies of the field. Poitier opened the door for so many to follow Including Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Chadwick Boseman, Samuel L Jackson and Michael B Jordan B to name a few. A Broadway musical is in the works based on his life and Oprah Winfrey is producing a documentary on his life for Apple TV.
We Remember Prolific Music Producer and Composer James Mtume. Mtume passed over the weekend at the age of 76. The son of Jimmie Heath of the Heath Brothers Mtume was entrenched into music at an early age he worked with music great Miles Davis. During the 80’s he collaborated with the late Reggie Lucas and they wrote hits for Stephanie Mills (Never Knew Love, Whatcha gonna do with my Lovin) Phyliss Hyman (You know how to Love Me) Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (The Closer I get to you and Back Together Again). In the 80s he formed the group Mtume named after him. Mtume had the hits ‘Juicy Fruit’ and You Me and He. In the 90’s he did the soundtrack for the Fox TV Show New York Undercover. He worked in radio in New York at WBLS for close to 20 years. His song Juicy Fruit was one of the most sampled songs in music history. Mtume fought hard for the rights of his music which was sampled by many artists. Mtume leaves behind his wife of many years, sons, daughters and grandchildren.
We also remember Calvin Simon one of the original Members of Parliament Funkadelic. Simon was 79 years old and he led his voice to the classics Knee Deep and One Nation under a groove.
We remember Philly Native Actor and Comedian Bob Saget. Saget was 65 years old and he was found dead last Sunday. Saget played the Dad Dan Tanner on the show Full House and for many years he hosted Americas Favorite Home videos. Saget a Temple grad was very popular and well loved. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
On New Year eve we were all shocked by the death of TV Legend Betty White. She was 99 years old. According to an autopsy report she suffered a stroke 6 days before she died.
The biggest names in Old School Hip Hop will be in Atlantic City Sunday January 16th. Big Daddy Kane, KRS1, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Kid n Play, Uncle Luke , Roxanne Shante, Kwame, Chubb Rock and Monie Love to name a few. The concert is happening at The Boardwalk Hall.
THE 2022 Grammy awards musics biggest night has been postponed until the Spring.
There’s a new version of Scream in theaters today with a new set of teenagers to scare. Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell reprise their roles as well as Ghostface the killer.
Our Kind of People starring Morris Chestnut and YaYA DeCosta has returned to the fox lineup.
Ava DuVernays new Superhero Thriller ’Naomi’has launched on the CW Network. The show airs on Tuesday nights.
At the movies it’s the female action movie ‘The 355. The movie stars Jessica Chastain and Oscar Winner Lupita Y’ongo as female spys.
Power Book 4-Force The Story of Tommy Egan debuts on Starz February 6th. Actor Joseph Sikora is back as Tommy Egan.
Tyler Perry will be back as Madea sometime this year on Netflix with A Madea Homecoming.
Singer John Legend has joined the ranks of performers selling the rights to their music. There’s no word on how much money he got.
Is Singer Jennifer Hudson going to be the next big Talk Show Host? The Oscar Winner says it’s something she’d like to do.
The Drama reboot of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air launches Sunday February 13th on the Peacock Network. There will be 10 one hour episodes of the drama. Will Smith is serving as one of the executive Producers of the show.
The Kanye west Documentary’JEEN YUHS’ will be show in theaters and on Netflix launching February 16th. The Kanye trilogy will show never before seen footage, going back 20 years in his life and career the highs and the lows.
Rihanna is launching a Savage X Fenty Store in Philly. In a statement Rihanna noted how Philly is one of five cities on boardlaunching stores. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston and DC are the other stores.
Rapper Saweetie is joining forces with the Legendary Cher for a new AD campaign for MAC Cosmetics.
After 4 years get ready for a 3rd season of the FX Show Atlanta with Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry and Lakeith Stansfield. When the relaunches on March 24th the guys will show life on the road.
The Netflix series Bridgerton is returning March 25th. The second season of the Shonda Rhimes drama will focus on Lord Anthony Bridgerton and his search for a wife.
Kel Mitchell is back! In the 90’s Mitchell was a part of the Nickelodeon show ‘All That’ and teaming up with Keenan Thompson in the show Keenan and Kel and the movie Good Burger. Mitchell the father of four is now a Pastor and he has just released his first book. The book is a daily devotional ‘Blessed Mode 90 days to develop your Faith.
Darryl McDaniels DMC of Run DMC has released his first childrens book ‘Darryl’s Dream’ about a shy 3rd grader trying to find his voice.
The box office will be hot this year. Some of the most anticipated movies include Batman starring Robert Pattinson and Zoey Kravitz in March. Tom Cruise has two big movies coming out this year. Top Gun Maverick with Insecure star Jay Ellis is opening Memorial Day Weekend. And Mission Impossible 7 hittingtheaters in The Fall. Acclaimed Director Jordan Peele has Keke Palmer and Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluyah in the thriller ‘NOPE’. The animated Spiderman ‘Spiderman across the Spiderverse the adventures of Miles Morales hits theaters Oct. 7th. The movie will feature the voice of Issa Rae as Spiderwoman Jessica Drew. Black Panther 2: Wakanda Foreveris scheduled for a November release and the Long awaited Avatar 2 in December.
Jimmy Fallon of Tonight show fame also has a new show on NBC. The show called ‘That’s My Jam’ features celebrities competing in musical and dance inspired games. The variety show will also feature Philly Natives Musician Adam Blackstone and DJ Aktive.
The 8th and final season of Blackish has kicked off on ABC. Anthony Anderson the star of Blackish has already landed a new gig. Anderson is returning to Law and Order when the show starts its revival next year.
Get ready for Judge Steve Harvey. Steve Harvey is playing the Judge and Jury is his new show Tuesday nightson ABC. Also on ABC It’s Abbott Elementary. The comedy stars West Philly Native Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams.
Actress Keisha Knight Pulliam who is best known as Rudy on the Cosby Show has a new documentary onthe OWN Network. ‘Eggs over Easy’. The show is about health concerns of Black Women including Fertility . Singer/Actress Andra Day also appears in the documentary which discusses miscarriages, IVF, Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids.
Get ready for the Janet Jackson Documentary’ Her story to tell’ debuting Friday January 28th and Saturday January 29th on Lifetime and the A&E networks. The documentary was five years in the making. I hear it’s going to revealing and unfiltered, a look at one of the greatest icons in the industry. The Documentary was produced by Janet and her Brother Randy. The documentary features appearances by Missy Elliott, Q-Tip, Paula Abdul, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L Jackson , Mariah Carey, RebbieJackson, and her mom Katherine Jackson. Janet is the current cover girl for Allure magazine.
Spiderman No Way Home broke starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jamie Foxx and Willem Dafoe broke all kinds of box office numbers to be become the second highest grossing film off all time. This all but assures there will be a fourth installment in the franchise. The movie will be available for streaming and demand on February 28th. Now Speaking of Zendaya her HBO Show ‘Euphoria season two is streaming now.
A Journal for Jordan the movie starring Michael B Jordan and Directed by Denzel Washington is set to hit theaters Christmas Day. The movie also stars Chante Adams. A journal for Jordan is the true story of an Iraq war vet who died while in combat but before he died he left a series of letters for his new newborn song. Denzel Washington has another big project. In the movie ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth he teams up with fellow Oscar Winner Frances McDormand In the telling of the Shakespeare classic. It is streaming now on Apple TV and in theaters.
Philly Native Jazmine Sullivan is returning to Philly Friday March 18th at The Met Broad and Poplar. Tickets are on sale now.
The Culture tour is coming to Philly! Thursday February 24th It’s New Edition (Ralph, Bobby, Johnny, Mike, Ronnie, and Ricky) all six members. Charlie Wilson and Jodeci. The concert is happening at The Wells Fargo Center and Tickets are on sale now Wellsfargophilly.com
Singer K Michelle is coming to Lifetime early next year with a documentary about her journey with plastic surgeries. My killer Body debuts January 28th. The Singer says she wants to help others save their lives.
Rapper Big Daddy Kane is putting together a documentary for Netflix Paragraghs Manifest. Kane is going to be joined by fellow Rappers Snoop Dog, J Cole, Eminem,and Jay Z. Look for Big Daddy Kane MLK Weekend at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City with the All Stars of Hip Hop.The Lineup includes KRS1, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, Monie Love, Uncle Luke, and many more. Sunday January 16th 2022.
The Real Husbands of Hollywood is returning this time to BET Plus. The Real Husbands of Hollywood More Kevin, more problems is back as a six part limited series with Kevin Hart, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, JB Smoove, Nelly, Nick Cannon and Singer Robin Thicke. The show ran on BET 2013-2016. The new version kicks off in February on BET Plus.
Devon Franklin and gospel sensation Kirk Franklin are joining forces for a new gospel drama on BET plus called ‘Kingdom Business’ . The 8 episode series will focus on the Gospel Music Industry thru the lenses of Faith, Love and Music. Gospel Legend Yolanda Adams is set to Star.
Next year HBO will be unveiling a new drama series ‘Winning Time Showtime’. The show is based on the rise of the LA Lakers dynasty in the 80’s. the show debuts in March and will focus on the Superstars of that era Magic Johnson,Norm Nixon and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Power Book 2 ‘Ghost’ Has been renewed for a third season on Starz.
Poet and Activist Amanda Gorman is back with a new book of Poetry ‘Call us what we bring’
Alicia Keys is back with a new double CD entitled ‘Keys’
When will Wendy Williams return to her purplechair? Williams has been battling health issues that as kept her off of TV and she will remain off the air in the month of January. Guests hosts lined for January include Rapper Fat Joe and Remy Ma.Actor Michael Rappaport, Comedians Kim Whitley and Finess Mitchel and Sherri Shepherd to round out the month.
Season 14 of Rupauls Drag show will feature a slew of guests judges including Tariji P Henson, Lizzo, Alicia Keys, Actress Andra Day, Talk show host Loni Love and Comedian Nicole Byers.
Get ready for Harlem a new show on Prime Video called Harlem.The creator of the show is Tracey Oliver the force behind the hit movie ‘Girls Trip’. Harlem stars Meagan Goode, Grace Byers (Empire) and Actor Tyler Lepley. The 10 episode series is about stylish girlfriends. Whoopi Goldberg and Jasmine Sullivan will be making Cameos.
Congratulations to Quest Love of the Roots his documentary ‘Summer of Soul’ won big at the Critics Choice Awards. Summer of Soul which many say was the Black Woodstock won awards for Best Documentary, Best Archived Documentary and Best Music Documentary. Summer of Soul features musical performances from Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone , The Staple Singers, The Temptations and many more. Summer of Soul is now streaming on HULU.
Mary J Blige has new music out and she has returned as Monet on Power Book 2 now streaming on Starz. Power Book 4 Force the story of Tommy Actor Joseph Sikora debuts on Starz Feb 6th 2022. Next years Superbowl halftime show will be paying homage to West Coast Rappers. Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dog will be joined by Rapper Eminem and Singer Mary J Blige. The the Superbowl is set for Los Angeles Sunday Feb.13th and is being put together by Jay-Z and Pepsi.
Get ready for the return of The Proud Family. Louder and Prouder is coming to Disney Plus in February.
Comedian Katt Williams is bringing his Comedy Show to Atlantic City Valentines Weekend. The show is happening Saturday February 12th at The Boardwalk Hall.
Stephanie Mills is coming to Atlantic City for the 70’s Soul Jam. Sunday February 20th with the Whispers, Howard Hewitt, and the Stylistics. The show is happening at the Etess Arena inside the Hard Rock Rock Casino in Atlantic City.
Maxwell is back. He just released a new song called ‘Off’ and he’s going on tour in 2022. Maxwell is going on tour with Singer Anthony Hamilton and Joe. They will be in Atlantic City Friday April 1st at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Tickets are on sale now.
The NAACP Image awards are happening Saturday February 26th on BET.
Boyz to Men is coming home February 12th at the Met Broad and Poplar.
Actor YaYa Abdul Mateen is teaming up with Actor Jake Gyllenhaal for the movie ‘Ambulance’ about the biggest Bank Heist in LA History. The movie is coming out in April.
Tracey Morgan has returned with a new season of The Last O.G. on TBS on Tuesday night. Tiffany Haddish is not returning to the show. Haddish only signed on for three seasons and as the show enters its fourth season look for new additions including Philly Native Davine Joy Randolph (My name is Dolemite) Malik Yoba, Wood Harris, Anna Marie Horsford (Amen) and the Original Aunt Viv Actress Janet Hubert.
Actors Danny Glover and Samuel L Jackson will be given Honorary Oscars at this years Academy Awards in March. Will Packer (Think like a Man, Girls Trip) is producing the show.
Good news for Singer Anita Baker and her Friends. Baker now owns all the masters to her music. She has signed a deal with Spotify for streaming and she is putting together a boxed set of her albums.
Iyanla van Zandt is joiningthe podcast world. The R spot is coming out this year.
Eddie Murphy will be teaming up with Actor Jonah Hill in a new movie by Kenya Barris. The comedy is about Clashing culturesand generational differences.
Director Jordan Peele who brought us the movies ‘Us’ and ‘Get Out’ is back to scare us again in his new movie ‘Nope’ starring Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluua and Keke Palmer. The movie is coming out July 22nd 2022.
Oscar Winner Viola Davis is set to all about her life. Her book ‘Finding Me’ will talk about her career, marriage and motherhood. The book is out now.
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