What's the 4-1-1 Janet Jackson and New Edition are headlining Essence Fest

We remember Richard Pratt Co-Founder of Blue Magic. Blue Magic was known as Philly Soul Royalty and one of the great vocal acts of the 70’s with hits ‘What’s Come Over Me, Sideshow and 3 Ring Circus. R.I.P. Richard Pratt of Blue Magic he was 69.

A new documentary on the life of the Godfather of Soul James Brown. The four part docuseries ‘I got Soul is coming out next year 2023 to coincide with his 90thBirthday. The Docuseries is being produced by Rock and Roll Legend Mick Jagger and Questlove of the Roots and the Tonight Show.

Singer Patti Labelle is working on a Holiday Movie for Lifetime Patti is teaming up with Actress Keisha Knight Pulliam. Whoopi Goldberg is producing the movie.

Basketball Legend Dr J Julius Erving is producing a basketball documentary on Rucker Park in New York. Rucker Park is where the legends cut their teeth on the court Walt Clyde Frazier, Wilt Chamberlain, Willis Reed, Earl The Pearl Monroe, Joe The Destroyer Hammon to name a few.

The Oscar Nominated Musical West Side Story is now streaming on Disney Plus.

A Journal for Jordan starring Michael B Jordan and Chantee Adams is now streaming. Denzel Washington directed this movie, a true story of a Soldier who died in combat. He was expecting his first child when he was killed in combat but he left behind a Journal for his son about life and love. He never had a chance to watch his son grow up but the journals that he wrote would go to become a bestselling book and movie. Check it out it is available for rent and streaming.

We know Tamron Hall from her popular daytime talk show and now we can watch her on Court TV. Hall is the host of the new show ‘Someone They Knew’. The show examines crimes and the people connected to it.

AL B Sure is getting ready for his first celebrity Boxing Match. Saturday March 26th he is taking on The Latin Lover Hazel Roshay. The fight is happening at The Showboat Casino in Atlantic City. From the popular Podcast ‘A Million Dollars worth of Game it’s Gillie Da Kid and Wallo, KidNPlay is performing and Flavor Flav is going to be the Ringmaster. This is a Pay Per View event.

Tickets are on sale nowfor Essence Fest 2022. The Music event is back and the lineup is incredible. Janet Jackson,Nicki Minaj, Kevin Hart, New Edition, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, The Isley Bros, D-Nice and Friends, The Roots and Friends. The event is Happening in New Orleans June 30-July 3rd.

Get ready for the return of the TV ONE Music series ‘Unsung’ the new season kicks off on Sunday and this season will feature Monie Love, Soul for Real, PM Dawn and Thelma Houston.

Kandi Burris is launching her new Bravo Show Kandi and the gang March 6th on Bravo. The show will feature her husband Todd, her mom and Aunts at their restaurant in Atlanta ‘The Old Lady Gang.

HBO will be unveiling a new drama series ‘Winning Time; The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’. The show is based on the rise of the LA Lakers dynasty in the 80’s. The series starts this weekend and will focus on the Superstars of that era Magic Johnson, Norm Nixon and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

In addition to hosting a portion of The Academy Awards Actress Regina Hall has a new movie coming out called ‘Master’ it starts streaming on Prime Video on March 18th.

It’s a new honor for James Earl Jones. The 91 year old Actor is having a theater named after him this fall. The Cort Theater will be renamed the James Earl Jones Theater.

Essence Magazine will be celebrating Black Woman in Hollywood at a gala this month. Honorees include Nia Long, Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) Anjanue Ellis and Chante Adams.

Mary J Blige is coming to Lifetime to be the Executive Producer of a movie based on one of her biggest hits ‘Real Love’

Coming this Summer to BET a documentary based on Irv Gotti and his record label Murder Inc. In the 90’s Gotti headed up the biggest record label with acts such as Ashanti and JaRule.

Congrats to Director Spike Lee. Lee is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors guild of America. Lee is the first Black Director to receive this honor. Previous winners of this award include Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorcese. The ceremony is happening Saturday March 12th.

The Critics choice awards are happening March 13th on TBS and the TNT Network. Taye Diggs and Comedian Nicole Byers are hosting.

Tickets are on sale now for our 6th Annual Women of Excellence Luncheon.  Saturday April 9th at Live Casino and Hotel 9th and Packer. We are honoring some Phenomonal Women including Actress/Singer/Activist Sheryl Lee Ralph. The wife of Senator Vincent Hughes is currently one of stars of the hottest show on TV Abbott Elementary which airs Tuesday nights at 9pm on ABC. She is getting The Legend Award. The women of excellence Trailblazing Award is going to Dr Ala Stanford who led the way with her Covid 19 Consortium to make sure people got tested and Vaccinated during the Covid 19 crisis. We are also honoring Bumi Fernandez West who heads up Odunde. Catherine Hicks The President of the NAACP Phila Chapter and Publisher of the Phila Sunday Sun. Tiffany Tavares Senior Vice President and Business Solutions Leader for Wells Fargo Bank. Finance Wiz Anita T. Conner and NBC 10 News Anchor Tracy Davidson. The performing acts will be announced next week as well the local sheroes being honored.

Tyler Perry is back with Madea, this time on Netflix. Madea’s Homecoming is streaming now.

American Idol has returned to ABC on Sunday. Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie are back as Judges and Ryan Seacrest as host. This year the show will be bringing in alum and past winners as guest mentors to the contestants. Now speaking of Lionel Richie he’s going to be honored in May with The Gershwin Prize for Popular song. The ceremony will air on May 17th on PBS. Past winners include Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and Sir Paul McCartney.

Essence Magazine is making History! The upcoming issue features Neicy Nash and her wife on the cover of Essence becoming the first same sex couple to grace the cover.

Rapper DaBrat and her wife are featured in the latest edition of People Magazine with photos of their recent wedding.

Vanity Fair magazine has released their annual Hollywood issue with Idris Elba gracing the cover with other Hollywood stars including Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cuz and Benedict Cumberbatch to name a few.

The Latest Batman movie starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz is in theatres . The movie is close to three hours long.

Chris Rock is coming to Atlanta April 2nd with a comedy show at the Borgata.

Sherri Shepherd has made it official she is getting her own Daily talk show starting in the Fall on Fox. Years ago Sherri was one of the Panelists on the ABC Show The View.

The Wendy Williams show has been officially Cancelled. Williams had a 14 year run on TV coming from Radio. For the past year she has been dealing with health issues.

Spiderman No Way Home is coming to your home via digital March 22nd. It arrives on Blu Ray and DVD April 12th. The next Spiderman series returns in 2027.

Las Vegas will see two new residencies opening in late Spring and Summer. Usher is returning and Anita Baker will launch her long awaited residency.

Comedian Dave Chappelle will be producing  4 new comedy specials for Netflix. Two of them are specials with Comedy Vets Donnell Rawlings and Earthquake.

Actor Anthony Anderson is back in the fold with Law and Order on NBC.

The new season of the FX show ‘Snowfall’ has started starring Damson Idris as Franklin Saint.

Steve Harvey is on the cover of the latest edition of Paper Magazine showing off his new style courtesy of his stylist Elly Karamoh.

Football Great Tom Brady is going into acting. The recently future Hall of Famer will be producing and starring in a road trip comedy #80ForBrady will also star acting legends Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field.

Congrats to Fox 29’s Bill Anderson and his new show The Pulse. The show airs Monday evenings at 6;30

The Proud family is back’ Louder and Prouder’ is now streaming on Disney Plus.

After 30 years we are finally getting a Martin reunion. Martin Lawrence is back with Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Actor Carl Anthony Payne. Actor Thomas Ford who played Tommy died in 2016. The Reunion special will feature a tribute to Actor Tommy Ford. It will be hosted by Affion Crockett and will air on BET Plus later this year.

The movie HUSTLE that was filmed in Philly last year is coming to NETFLIX June 10th. The movie stars Adam Sandler and Queen Latifah. Sandler plays a washed up talent scout who sees a second chance at turning his life and career around when he discovers a basketball phenom overseas.

The BillBoard music awards are returning to Las Vegas Sunday May 15th.

Filming will be starting later this year on a new Star Trek movie featuring the cast of 2009 Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana.

A documentary is in the works about the Psychic Network and it’s biggest Spokeswoman Miss Cleo. The Psychic network scammed millions of people out of money. Miss Cleo was an actress who was hired as a Jamaican Psychic. The operation was a fraud. Miss Cleo died in 2016 at the age of 53.

The Whitney estate is planning on releasing a Live album and a gospel album this year. The Whitney Houston movie is scheduled for late 2023.

Get ready for Viola Davis as former First Lady Michelle Obama in the showtime series The First Lady. What is it like being married to the most powerful head of state. Michelle Pfeifer is playing Betty Ford and Gillian Anderson is portraying Eleanor Roosevelt. The first lady series starts streaming on Showtime April 17th.

Singer Lizzo is getting us ready for the Big Girls in her new Prime Video reality series ‘Watch out for the big Girls. Lizzo is looking for back up dancers and it launches March 25th.

Tickets are on sale now for the Roots Picnic a two day event at the Mann June 4-5. The lineup is incredible with Mary J Blige performing with The Roots. Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild, Kirk Franklin, Country music Sensation Mickey Guyton, Wiz Kid, Summer Walker and Keisha Cole to name a few. This is a standing concert which means no seats and it is happening Rain or Shine.

Tickets are also on sale for Kevin Hart. For the first time in four years he is doing a comedy tour. He will be at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino July 8th and 9th.

The revival of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air has launched on The Peacock Network. The show has come back as a drama. 10 one hour episodes with Actor Jabari Banks playing the role made famous by Will Smith.

The Kanye west Documentary ’JEEN YUHS’ is out in theaters and on Netflix. The Kanye trilogy will show never before seen footage, going back 20 years in his life and career the highs and the lows.

So what do you do after you perform after you perform after the Superbowl Half time show? If you’re Snoop Dog you get a new reality show on NBC with Kelly Clarkson. American Song Contest kicks off for 8 weeks starting March 21st. Snoop has also been named the new face of Gucci.

It’s Supermodel Naomi Campbell on the cover of British Vogue. Campbell talks about becoming a mom at the age of 50.

This is going to be the year of Actress KeKe Palmer. Her movie ‘ALICE’ with Common is a must see. A slave who runs away and she lands in the year 1973. She learns who she is and goes back in time seeking revenge against her slave master. The movie opens in theaters March 17th. Palmer is also starring in the Jordan Peele Thriller ‘NOPE’ with Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluyaa.

The 94th Annual Academy awards are happening March 27th on ABC. For the first time in history Three women will be hosting the event. Actress and Comedians Amy Shumer and Wanda Sykes and Actress Regina Hall. Will Smith has two nominations won for Best Picture and Acting for the movie King Richard which is out on Blu Ray. Questlove of the roots nominated for Best Documentary. Beyonce best song  for King Richard and Actress Anjunae Ellis for her role as Oracene Williams in King Richard. Denzel Washington is also nominated for Best Actor in The Tragedy of Macbeth. West Side Story Directed by Steven Spielberg is up for 7 Academy Awards this year including Best Picture, Director and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Debose for her role as Anita. 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 has 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. 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. There were snubs this year including Jennifer Hudson for Respect, Lady Gaga for House of Gucci and Actresses Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga for the Netflix movie ‘Passing’.

They call me Magic is a new documentary coming to TV about Basketball Great Magic Johnson. The four part docuseries starts streaming on April 22nd. The series will focus on his career as an all time NBA Legend, as well as revealing he had HIV and how he helped changed the conversation. It will feature his life as a successful Entrepreneur and Community Activist.

The Oscar Nominated Musical West Side Story is coming to Disney Plus March 2nd.

The new season of ‘Red Table Talk’ with Jada Pinkett Smith returns March 27th on Facebook Watch.

Get ready for the Dionne Warwick documentary ‘Don’t Make Me Over’ . the life story of the music great is coming to CNN Plus which is launching this Spring.

Gabrielle Union is teaming up with Zach Braff for a remake of the movie Cheaper by the Dozen. The movie about a blended family of 12 will start streaming on Disney Plus March 18th.

The life story of Michael Jackson is coming to the big screen with the approval of the Michael Jackson estate. A Broadway musical based on the King of Pops is currently on Broadway.

The casting has been announced for The Color Purple Movie Musical. Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones will be producing. Fantasia is playing the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg Ms Celie. Taiji P Henson is play Shug the role made famous by Margaret Avery. Actress Danielle Brooks (Orange is the new Black, Mahalia Jackson Movie) is playing Sophia the role that Oprah Winfrey played. Philadelphia native Colman Domingo (Zola, If Beale Street could Talk, Ephoria, The Walking Dead, Ma Raineys Black Bottom) is playing the role made famous by Actor Danny Glover.  Singer H.E.R. is playing Squeak the role made famous by Rae Dawn Chong.and Actor Corey Hawkins is also in the movie Playing the Role of Harpo. Singer Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) is playing young Nettie.Bazawule who is best known for his work on Beyonces ‘Black is king’ is directing. The Movie musical is coming out December 2023. Now speaking of H.E.R she has been named the new global Ambassador for L’oreal Paris cosmetics

Congratulations to Singer Rihanna she and her boyfriend Rapper A$AP Rocky are expecting their first child later this Spring and a wedding after the baby is born.

 The Real Husbands of Hollywood are back!  Kevin Hart and Crew are Back after six Years. JB Smoove, Nelly, Nick Cannon, Boris Kodje, Duane Martin and Singer Robin Thicke. The Real Husbands of Hollywood More Kevin, More Problems is on BET PLUS.

Power Book 4 the Story of Tommy Egan is now on Sunday nights Starz. Actor Joseph Sikora plays Tommy.

Odunde the world famous African Festival is returning Sunday June 12th at 23rd and South.

All the Queens men the male stripper show starring Eva Marcille has been renewed on BET Plus.

Actor Jason Mamoa will be playing the new villain in Fast and Furious 10. The movie produced by Vin Diesel is coming out May 2023 with the crew of Tyrese , Ludacris and Michelle Rodriquez all returning.

 A documentary based on the Philly Sound is in the works focusing on Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Thom Bell.

Whose going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2022. This years nominees include Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Dolly Parton, Rapper Eminem, A Tribe called Quest, Pat Benatar, Carly Simon, and Kate Bush to name a few. You can vote now at rockhalloffameawards.com

Rapper Ice T has been named the new face of Honey Nut Cheerios.

Over 16 million viewers tuned in to Lifetime and the A&E network to hear Janet Jackson tell her story in her recent documentary. Janet says the favorite part of the documentary for her was the scenes with her family. Close to 17 million people viewed the documentary.

Director Ava Duvernay is gracing the color of InStyle magazine.

The Documentary ‘Race’ based on NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace is streaming on Netflix .

Phat Tuesday The Era of Hip Hop and Comedy has started streaming on Prime Video . The 3 part documentary is directed by Reginald Hudlin. Comedian Guy Torrie takes a look back at African American Comedians during the time of the late 80’s and 90’s .How did the comics of the era get started during that time. Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, Dave Chappelle, JB Smoove, Tiffany Haddish and Chris Rock to name a few.

The 9th Annual IHeart Music Awards is happening March 22nd. LL Cool J is hosting and Jennifer Lopez is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Get ready for the Bobby Brown Documentary May 30th and May 31st. the two night 4 hour documentary will air on the A&E Network. Followed by a new 12 part docuseries ‘Being Bobby Brown’. The documentary will feature Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Keith Sweat,Babyface, members of New Edition family and friends. Despite an amazing career, Brown has suffered great losses with the death of Whitney Houston and the losing two children Bobbi Kris and Bobby Brown Jr,

Tickets are on sale now for the Full Circle Tour with Singers Kem and Babyface and Comedian Sherri Shepherd. The show is happening Saturday April 2nd at the Liacouras Center Broad and Montgomery.

Saturday May 7th The Mothers Day Music Festival with Keith Sweat, After 7, Tank, Brownstone, Tamia and Destinee Marie at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Producer/Director Lee Daniels is gearing up for his first horror movie. In a new 65 million dollar Netflix deal Daniels is putting together a movie he is calling Exorcism Thriller. The movie will star Singer Andra Day, Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Anjanue Ellis and Caleb McLaughlin from the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. Filming starts late this Spring. The movie is about a woman who discovers all of her children are posessed. This is based on a true story.

The Grammy Awards have been scheduled for Sunday April 3rd in Las Vegas. Trevor Noah will be back at host.

Filming has started in Atlanta on Creed 3. Michael B Jordan is starring and directing the movie which is due in theaters around Thanksgiving . Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad will be back in their roles and Actor Johnathan Majors will play the villain boxer going up against Adonis played by Jordan.

Maxwell is coming to Atlantic City Friday April 1st at the Boardwalk Hall. It’s the night tour Anthony Hamilton and Joe are also on the bill.

The FX Show The Godfather of Harlem starring Forest Whitaker has been renewed for a 3rd Season.

Jada Pinkett Smith is set to star in the Netflix movie ‘Redd Zone’. The movie is about a single mom who helps her sons deal with the murder of their friend. She later takes in their friends and at one time she had 17 young men living under her roof. All of the men ended up in college and for made it into the NFL. The movie is being directed by Oscar Winner Matthew Cherry who directed the animated short ‘Hair Story’.

The popular Netflix movie ‘Red Notice’ will be back with two sequels being filmed back to back with stars Dwayne The Rock Johnson , Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot returning in their roles.

The 8th and final season of Blackish has kicked off on ABC. You are going to see many big named celebrities this year including Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, Singer/Producer Babyface, Basketball Legend Magic Johnson, Actress Vivica Fox, and Sports Analyst Stephen A. Smith. 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.

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. Judge Faith Jenkins is leaving Divorce court to focus on her new show ‘Killer Relationships’ airing Sunday Nights on The Oxygen Channel.Judge Jenkins who is married to singer Kenny Lattimore says she is very excited about her venture.

Congrats to Philly Native Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike. The brand new show ‘Married to Real Estate’ has launched on HGTV.

The breakout hit show ‘Abbott Elementary features Philly Native Quinta Brunson The creator and Star of The Show. Sheryl Lee Ralph (State Senator Vincent Hughs wife) Tyler James Williams (Everybody hates Chris) Actress/Comedian Lisa Ann Walter and Actress/Janelle James. This show is so funny it airs Tuesday night at 9pm.

Rapper Saweetie is joining forces with the Legendary Cher for a new AD campaign for MAC Cosmetics.

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.

Jimmy Fallon of Tonight show fame  has a new show  on NBC. The show called ‘That’s My Jam’ has already been renewed for a second season,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.

Get ready for Judge Steve Harvey. Steve Harvey is playing the Judge and Jury is his new show Tuesday nights on ABC. Also on ABC It’s Abbott Elementary. The comedy stars West Philly Native Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams.

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

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.

Eddie Murphy will be teaming up with Actor Jonah Hill in a new movie by Kenya Barris. The comedy is about Clashing cultures  and generational differences.

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


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