Sorry ladies but Idris Elba is engaged! The actor best known for his roles in The Wire and Luther proposed to his girlfriend on stage. Elba was hosting the screening of his film directorial debut called Yardie in London. The 45-year old actor brought 29-year old Sabrina Dhowre on stage and popped the question. Dhowre said yes and the couple has been on social media basking in their love, including on Valentine’s Day. This is a turnaround for Elba, who has been twice married before. He reportedly proclaimed he wouldn’t marry again, but clearly Dhowre changed his mind. Elba’s film Yardie has made its debut in America at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. At press time, no wedding date has been shared yet.
Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip) and Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly; Bridesmaids) team up for the film The Kitchen. The Kitchen is actually a drama that follows how powerful the mob wives of Hell’s Kitchen became after their husbands were sentenced to jail and the wives had to take over. At press time, there’s no been a release date announced.
In more Tiffany Haddish news, the comedienne/actress signed a two-year first look deal with HBO. Undoubtly, a comedy special will probably be part of the deal. Haddish also has the TBS show The Last OG with Tracy Morgan coming in April, and she has the movie Night School coming in September with Kevin Hart.
Wendy Williams is missing shows. The Queen Of All Media has been cancelling the tapings of her daytime talk show. She’s been missing out on some very important guests. Not to mention its February sweeps, that’s when the ratings for all TV shows are especially measured. Williams took to instagram and let her fans know she’s suffering from flu-like symptoms. Speculation may have driven Williams to take to social media because, of course, the state of her marriage is still on people’s minds. Her husband Kevin Hunter is reportedly still being seen out and about with other women. Whether its flu or marriage, we wish Wendy a fast recovery to get back where she belongs on TV.
A judge threw out Steve Harvey’s ex wife’s (Mary Harvey) $60 million lawsuit. Mary Harvey divorced Steve back in 2005, but recently filed suit claiming endangerment, torture, conspiracy against rights, kidnapping, intentional infliction of emotional distress, just to name a few of her charges. Mary in the past has trashed Steve and his wife Marjorie to the media, especially after the successful Think Like A Man book and movie franchises. A judge threw the suit out and said it belonged in Texas where the divorce was officiated. No word yet on whether Mary will re-file. Meanwhile, Steve has another job. Showtime At The Apollo was a series of specials on FOX. Now, the network has decided to make the show a series and WDAS’ Morning Man Steve Harvey will host beginning Thursday, March 1st at 9pm.
The O’Jays will call it quits in 2020. Eddie Levert, Walter Williams and Eric Nolan Grant did a sit-down with CBS Sunday Morning. The three reflected back on what The O’Jays have meant to music, touring today and revealed their plan to walk away from it all in two years, ala Neil Diamond and Elton John. The O’Jays gave Gamble and Huff’s Philly International Record label its first number, one million seller with McFadden & Whitehead & Huff’s Backstabbers and The O’Jays stayed 15 years with the label. The men also discussed the highs (watching Kenny Gamble finish the lyrics to Love Train in the control room), and the lows (the passing of both Gerald and Sean Levert; Williams MS diagnosis in 1983). Eric Nolan Grant currently has a new solo single OMW on his twitter page. Williams and Levert are celebrating the 60th anniversary of The O’Jays this year.
Did Russell Simmons leave the country? The rap music mogul/clothing entrepreneur has over a dozen women accusing him of sexual misconduct ranging from workplace sexual harassment to date rape. Simmons has denied all allegations. He even tried to fight back by starting the #notme hash tag, for which he was heavily criticized. Currently reports are Simmons has left the country off on a yoga retreat while the NYPD is investigating some of the misconduct claims.
Tragedy has struck Fantasia Barrino and her family so let’s keep them in prayer. The singer/actress’ 18-year old nephew, Tyquan Vonricco Washington, was shot to death. A 21-year old suspect is in custody and officials believe there was a dispute between the two men. Fantasia and her brother Ricco, who is Tyquan’s father, posted tributes on social media. Fantasia also has a torn meniscus and will not appear with Kem and Avant in concert this Saturday in Atlantic City at the Boardwalk Hall. Johnny Gill and After 7 are now added to the show.
Martin Lawrence, Adele Givens and DeRay Davis are all coming to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City for a comedy concert Saturday, March 31st. For tickets and information log onto boardwalkhall.com/events. There’s also talk of a Martin reboot with the surviving cast members (Thomas “Tommy” Mikal Ford passed in 2016). Recently, Lawrence was spotted out and about with Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell-Martin. None would confirm, but the three didn’t say no when asked about reviving the former FOX Thursday night hit that ran from 1992-1997. The show ended with a lot of tension between cast members. Can that all be squashed in this era of reboots, ala Roseanne, Murphy Brown, Hawaii Five-O?
On Saturday, June 2nd, The 11th Annual Roots Picnic returns to Festival Pier in Philly with host Dave Chappelle. Scheduled to perform are 2 Chainz, DVSN, Fabalous, Jadakiss, Rapsody and Brandy, just to name a few. For festival passes and information log onto rootspicnic.com/philly.
NBA Champ Kyrie Irving is getting into movies with Shaquille O’Neal, Reggie Miller, Chris Weber, Lisa Leslie, Erica Ash and Tiffany Haddish. Irving stars as elderly basketball playing Uncle Drew in a big screen adventure based on the character created for the Pepsi Max commercials. Philly’s own Charles Stone, III directs this big screen adaption. Uncle Drew hits theaters June 29th.
Sheryl Lee Ralph joins Claws. The TNT show stars Niecy Nash as a Florida nail shop owner and centers around the very unorthodox practices of the shop and its manicurists. Ralph will play the mom of Nash’s love interest in season two. Claws will return this summer on TNT.
Iyanla Fix My Life season premiere airs on OWN Saturday, March 3rd at 9pm.
Chris Rock: Tambourine is the latest comedy special from the comedian and is also part of his deal on Netflix. But, in the special, it is also confession time. Rock fesses up to cheating with three women while on the road and says he wasn’t a good husband in the show. He also says he was addicted to porn and the habit not only desensitized him but, made him 15 minutes late everywhere. Chris Rock: Tambourine is currently available on Netflix.
Nelly is under a new sexual assault criminal investigation for an incident that allegedly happened in England. Back in December in Essex, England, a woman says after his concert she was picked out of the crowd. Nelly brought her backstage with her friends, but then asked her to a room alone. At that point she says that’s where she was assaulted by the rapper. Nelly denies all wrongdoing, so does Nelly’s girlfriend because she’s been on tour with him and says she knows he’s innocent. Monique Green is already suing Nelly for sexual assault in Washington State for an incident in October. Police dropped that investigation after Green decided a civil suit was the best way to go and stopped cooperating with the police investigation.
Bruno Mars and Cardi B are on tour together, but could a bun in the oven complicate matters? The final leg of the 24K Magic North American Tour will begin in September, but rumors abound that Cardi B is with child (possibly three months pregnant). Reportedly, members of her team even confirmed it. Cardi B took to instagram as only she can and said No B**ch, I’m Just Getting Fat. Let Me Be Fat In Peace! Bruno Mars & Cardi B are scheduled to perform at the Wells Fargo Center September 19th and 20th in Philly.
At the movies this week, it’s finally here Marvel Comics’ Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Forest Whitaker, Phylicia Rashad and Sterling K. Brown lead the cast of winter’s most anticipated film. Ryan Coogler, who is on a roll himself with Creed and Fruitvale Station, directs and co-wrote the script. Marvel Comics’ Black Panther hits the big screen this Friday, and you check out the trailer on my Patty TV page on WDASFM.com.
Speaking of Black Panther, Essence magazine’s March issue is a salute to the movie. There are three covers featuring Chadwick Boseman, the second with the men (Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya and Forest Whitaker) and the third with the ladies (Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira). The issue is on newsstand Friday, February 23rd.
Ebony magazine’s Love Issue is on stands now. The cover features super couples Common & Angela Rye, Jay-Z & Beyonce and Ciara and Russell Wilson.
Gabrielle Union wants you and her Being Mary Jane co-stars to live your best lives. Union discusses this and more as she graces the cover of Redbook magazine. Mrs. Dwyane Wade also reunites with Producer Will Packer for the thriller Breaking In. Union plays a woman whose father passes and when she brings her two children to his highly secured home, the horror begins. When a group of criminals break into the home, hold the kids hostage and try to extort Union’s character, her race against time becomes recuing her children. Breaking In opens Mother’s Day, May 13th.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is out and 24-year old Danielle Herrington, becomes just the third black woman to grace the cover after Tyra Banks and Beyonce. First time barrier breaker and Supermodel Tyra Banks has been showing Herrington the ropes by attending the premiere party for support and social media and publicity introducing Herrington to the world. Herrington has been making her way around the media this week including a stop at Good Morning America followed by a live on-line chat. Actor Michael B. Jordan was promoting Black Panther in the same studio and made a cameo giving Herrington a warm greeting much to her and the online fans delight. Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue with cover model Danielle Herrington is on stands now.
We remember Actor Reg E. Cathey. Cathey won an Emmy for his guest role on House Of Cards. He also appeared on The Wire, Law & Order, 30 Rock and Grimm and his film work included Fantastic Four and Hands of Stone. Reg E. Cathey was 59 years-old.
The former executive editor of Ebony and Jet magazines, Lerone Bennett, Jr. has passed away. Bennett had honed his skills in newspapers in high school and later at Morehouse College. From there, he joined Johnson Publications’ Ebony and Jet magazines and was with the organization an incredible 50 years. Bennett’s wife Gloria was also a Jet magazine journalist before she passed in 2009. Lerone Bennett also wrote two books chronicling the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s in America. Lerone Bennett reportedly suffered from vascular dementia and was 89 years-old.
WDAS presents our Fourth Annual Women Of Excellence Luncheon Saturday, March 31st. This year’s honorees include Broadcast Legend Rev. Louise Williams Bishop, City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, TV Icon Lisa Thomas Laury, First Lady of Mother Bethel AME Church Leslie Patterson-Tyler, The Philadelphia Tribune’s own Shonda McClain and our Special Trailblazing Woman of Excellence honor to Hip Hop Legend and Oscar Nominee Queen Latifah! It all takes place Saturday, March 31st from 11am-4pm at The Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, 17th and Race. All the details are at wdasfm.com.
How To Get Away With Murder will do a crossover episode with Scandal. Both shows are produced by Shonda Rhimes as part of the blockbuster ABC-TGIT lineup. Scandal, which is in its final season, has welcomed Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Kobe Bryant to the set. Bryant, an Oscar nominee for Best Animated Short Film (Dear Basketball) as a producer, will also guest star on How to Get Away With Murder. The Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder crossover event airs Thursday, March 1st beginning at 9pm on ABC after Grey’s Anatomy.
Essence magazine released the Essence Music Festival schedule and lineup for 2018. The festivities return to New Orleans July 5th through the 8th. Performers include Janet Jackson, Jilly from Philly Jill Scott, Philly’s own The Roots, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Teddy Riley’s New Jack Swing Experience (Wreckx-N-Effect, Blackstreet and Guy), Idris Elba, Fantasia, Miguel and Mary J. Blige with more acts to be announced. All the details are on Essence.com
American Idol, with Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry in the judges seats and Ryan Seacrest as host, returns to TV on its new network ABC, Sunday, March 11th at 8pm.
Lee Daniels’ dramas Empire and Star return to FOX Wednesday nights March 28th beginning at 8pm.
The Oscar nominations are out and Get Out made a huge showing. The unlikely box office blockbuster grossed over $250 million at the box office last year. It took nods for Best Picture (Jordan Peele and his producing partners), Actor (Daniel Kaluuya), Screenplay and Directing (both for Peele, his debut in both positions). Also nominated Denzel Washington (Best Actor) for Roman J. Israel, Esq.; Supporting Actress nods for Mary J. Blige in Mudbound and Octavia Spencer in The Shape Of Water. Dee Rees and Virgil Williams are nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Mudbound, and Dee is the first African American woman to ever be nominated in that category. NBA Legend Kobe Bryant has been nominated for Best Animated Short Film (Dear Basketball) as a producer. Mary J. Blige is actually up for two Oscars. She shares her second nomination with Raphael Saadiq and Taura Stinson for Best Original Song (Mighty River from Mudbound). Common is also nominated again this year and is sharing his nomination with Diane Warren for Stand Up For Something taken from the movie Marshall. Jimmy Kimmel hosts the 90th Annual Academy Awards Sunday, March 4th at 8pm on ABC.
UnSung is back. The TV music and Hollywood documentary series will kick off its 12th season after winning the 2018 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News and Information Program. UnSung returns this Sunday, February 19th at 9pm with music group Silk as the season premiere.
Uncensored is coming to TV One in February. The series explores the intimate lives and past experiences of some of today’s hottest talent from various media. Tiffany Haddish, Tamar Braxton, Rick Ross, NeNe Leakes and Nia Long are a few of the featured subjects. The biography series Uncensored debuts this Sunday, February 18th at 10pm on TV One.
Taraji P. Henson is currently starring in the action-thriller Proud Mary, which will reunite Color Purple Co-stars Danny Glover and Margaret Avery. Soon will be Henson’s Tyler Perry-psychological-thriller Acrimony, co-starring Tika Sumpter (The Haves & Have Nots; Ride Along), opening March 30th.
Singer/Songwriter/Actor John Legend is coming to TV as…..Jesus Christ. The Oscar winner will star in NBC’s revival of the legendary Broadway smash Jesus Christ Superstar. Legend is no stranger to Broadway works as he won a Tony for producing the revival of August Wilson’s Jitney. This project is the latest in the live revivals of movies and plays by network television. Rock Legend Alice Cooper will also be in the cast. Jesus Christ Superstar will air live on NBC Easter Sunday, April 1st.
Check out who’s coming to town:
This Friday and Saturday – Mary J. Blige in concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Tickets and more information at WWW.THEBORGATA.COM!
Tomorrow – Kem/Johnny Gill/After 7/Avant in concert at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com.
This Sunday, February 18th – The Soul Jam starring The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Blue Magic and Bloodstone At The Tropicana in Atlantic City. Tickets and more information log onto Tropicana.net
Saturday, February 24th – Katt Williams in concert at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto boardwalkhall.com/events.
Friday, March 9th – Keith Sweat in concert at The Liacouras Center, Broad & Montgomery. Tix are on sale now and for more information log onto Liacourascenter.com/events.
Thursday, April 5th – Patti LaBelle in concert at The Academy Of Music, 240 South Broad Street, between Locust and Manning Streets. For tickets and information log onto kimmelcenter.org
Friday, April 13th – The Philly Spring Jam starring Ginuwine, Tank, Brandy, Teddy Riley & Guy and 112 at the Liacouras Center and for more information log onto Liacourascenter.com/events.
Friday, May 11th – The 10th Anniversary Of Platinum Shows’ Mother’s Day Music Festival begins with the Friday concert starring Singers Joe and Stokley (from Mint Condition) kick things off Friday, May 11th at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City. For Ticket information log onto ppshows.com.
Saturday, May 12th – The 10th Anniversary Of Platinum Shows’ Mother’s Day Music Festival with the Saturday concert starring Maxwell, Gladys Knight and Vivian Green at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For Ticket information log onto ppshows.com.
Sunday, May 13th – The 10th Anniversary Of Platinum Shows’ Mother’s Day Music Festival concludes with the Sunday concert starring The Whispers and L.J. Reynolds & The Dramatics at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. For Ticket information log onto ppshows.com.
Saturday, May 26th – The Irresponsible Tour starring Kevin Hart at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
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.