Andre Benjamin (Photo: Getty Images) Jimi: All Is By My Side star André Benjamin has been cast opposite Regina King on the second season of John Ridley’s ABC drama series American Crime. Benjamin will play architect Michael Lacroix. He and his wife, Terri, are prominent members of the community in which they reside. A true power couple, they have both the financial means, as well as the acumen needed to fiercely defend their son when he becomes entangled in a scandal at an elite private school.
In addition to King, Benjamin joins returning stars Lili Taylor, Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton, Elvis Nolasco and Richard Cabral — all of whom will be playing new characters in a new setting. Season 2 is filming in Austin. Ridley executive produces American Crime with Michael J. McDonald for ABC Studios.
The casting is a reunion for Ridley and Benjamin. Ridley wrote and directed the Jimi Hendrix biopic Jimi: All Is By My Side, in which the actor and Outkast rapper Benjamin starred.
“Personally, I couldn’t be more excited than to work again with André,” said Ridley in a statement. “He is an amazing individual, a true artist, and All is by My Side is one of the reasons I was given the reins on American Crime. Folks at ABC were absolutely moved by André’s performance in the film, and by the overall language of cinema we used in telling the story. It’s fair to say American Crime might not exist were it not for our previous collaboration.” article by Denise Petski via Deadline.com
(photo via gossiponthis.com)
Although season 9 of The Voice will not debut until September, already there are leaks about the new mentor teams this season.
It looks like Missy Elliott will be joining forces with Pharrell, while Selena Gomez will team up with Gwen Stefani to help with the mentoring. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty will team with Adam Levine, and Brad Paisley will join forces with Blake Shelton.
If this news doesn’t get you excited for the season 9 debut on September 21, we don’t know what will. article via thegrio.com
As reported earlier today, Dr. Dre announced the release of his first album since 1999’s 2001 today on his The Pharmacy show on Apple Music. The album is titled Compton: The Soundtrack and will hit stores on August 7. He confirmed the album is completely different than the infamous Detox project and that it was inspired by the forthcoming N.W.A. biopic, “Straight Outta Compton” (8/14).
For any doubters, Dre has released both the album artwork and tracklist. The LP will feature vocals from Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Xzibit, Ice Cube, Jill Scott, Jon Connor, Marsha Amrosius, Snoop Dogg and many more. Check out the artwork and tracklist below.
1) Intro
2) Talk About It (feat. King Mez & Justus)
3) Genocide (feat. Kendrick Lamar, Marsha Ambrosius & Candice Pillay)
4) It’s All On Me (feat. Justus & BJ the Chicago Kid)
5) All In a Day’s Work (feat. Anderson Paak & Marsha Ambrosius)
6) Darkside/Gone (feat. King Mez, Marsha Ambrosius & Kendrick Lamar)
7) Loose Cannons (feat. Xzibit & COLD 187um)
8) Issues (feat. Ice Cube & Anderson Paak)
9) Deep Water (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Justus)
10) Jon Connor – One Shot One Kill (feat. Snoop Dogg)
11) The Game – Just Another Day (feat. Asia Bryant)
12) For the Love of Money (feat. Jill Scott & Jon Connor)
13) Satisfaction (feat. Snoop Dogg, Marsha Ambrosius & King Mez)
14) Animals (feat. Anderson Paak)
15) Medicine Man (feat. Eminem, Candice Pillay & Anderson Paak)
16) Talking To My Diary article by Parfit via ambrosiaforheads.com
by Lesa Lakin, GBN Lifestyle Editor
It’s August, and summer is almost over, but I’m always on the hunt for fun entertaining things to do, read, watch and… enjoy! Here’s a few listed below: IN ART August 25th October 27th Muse by artist Mickalene Thomas
This gorgeous book is at the top of my list. It explores Mickalene’s inspiration of African American female beauty and identity through her photographs. We get lots of inspiring 70’s-themed shots.http://mickalenethomas.com
Serena will compete in the U.S. Open and may just make make tennis history.
IN TELEVISION August 5th
NBC premieres Mr. Robinson starring Craig Robinson as a musician (lead singer and keyboardist of the funk band Nasty Delicious) who takes a job as a high school substitute teacher to pay the bills. Craig is moved to inspire the kids. This sounds like a pretty cool premise promising lots of laughter.http://www.nbc.com/mr-robinson
July 30 L.A. Hair star Kim Kimble Thursdays, catch the new season L.A. Hair on WE tv with celebrity stylist Kim Kimble and her staff. Famed hair stylist Jonathan Antin reappears this season looking to break into the lucrative world of wigs and extensions.http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hairhttp://kimblehairstudio.com IN CINEMA
August 7th Fantastic Four Michael B. Jordan joins Miles Teller, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell as four young outsiders who acquire superhuman abilities after a trip to an alternative universe. Check out the trailer here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAgnQdiZFsQ
August 14th Straight Outta Compton I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while. The F. Gary Gray-directed film about the revolutionary rap legends N.W.A. is steadily gaining rave reviews. Click here for the trailer:http://www.straightouttacompton.com/#/ IN MUSIC
August brings us Erykah Badu! Click for tour dates: http://www.livenation.com/artists/41646/erykah-badu
August 10th Future
Future at the Observatory, Santa Ana CA http://www.observatoryoc.com/event/future-aug-10
August 12th Earl Sweatshirt Odd Future member and solo artist and all-around talented guy begins his second leg of the U.S. world tour this month and I can’t wait to see him!http://earlsweatshirt.com
August 21st Method Man– The Meth Lab It’s been a minute since Method Man has released a solo effort. He’s done tons of collaborations but this will be the first album he has put out in a decade. This 5th solo effort proves to be worth the wait.
August 22 -23rd
FYF Festival
Los Angeles-based annual festival featuring music performances from indie and alternative bands. Frank Ocean, Morrissey and Solange are among the many premiere acts.
August 28th
The Weeknd – Beauty Behind the Madness
Finally! The highly-anticipated album is coming out this month.
Young Jeezy helping Atlanta District 4 via his Street Dreamz Foundation (photo via madamenoire.com)
Rapper Young Jeezy is having the best weekend, ever.
Not only did he celebrate the 10th anniversary of his debut album, TM 101, with a concert at the Fox Theatre, but he also relaunched his Street Dreamz Foundation. The Atlanta native arrived bright and early at 8 a.m. at Rosa L. Burney Park on Saturday (July 25) morning to kick off the relaunch with a community event aimed at giving back to his city. Jeezy’s first event was in the form of neighborhood clean-up of Atlanta’s District 4.
Councilmember Cleta Winslow, former Motown Executive Shanti Das, and a slew of volunteers made the day a success as they tidied the districts streets. Those living in the area had their streets swept clean of trash and debris. They also had their grass was cut and weeds removed free of charge.
Jeezy’s Street Dreamz Foundation will continue to host a series of community events to positively impact those living in the city. Closer to the holiday season the foundation will be holding toy drives and turkey giveaways for those less fortunate. The foundation is also working on creating new initiatives that will gift deserving hopefuls scholarships that can go towards funding higher education or starting up a business.
The night before, the rapper was also honored for his community service efforts, and presented with the Phoenix Award from the city of Atlanta–the highest honor an individual or group can receive from the Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed. article by Ashley Monaé via madamenoire.com
Young Jeezy helping Atlanta District 4 via his Street Dreamz Foundation (photo via madamenoire.com)
Rapper Young Jeezy is having the best weekend, ever.
Not only did he celebrate the 10th anniversary of his debut album, TM 101, with a concert at the Fox Theatre, but he also relaunched his Street Dreamz Foundation. The Atlanta native arrived bright and early at 8 a.m. at Rosa L. Burney Park on Saturday (July 25) morning to kick off the relaunch with a community event aimed at giving back to his city. Jeezy’s first event was in the form of neighborhood clean-up of Atlanta’s District 4.
Councilmember Cleta Winslow, former Motown Executive Shanti Das, and a slew of volunteers made the day a success as they tidied the districts streets. Those living in the area had their streets swept clean of trash and debris. They also had their grass was cut and weeds removed free of charge.
Jeezy’s Street Dreamz Foundation will continue to host a series of community events to positively impact those living in the city. Closer to the holiday season the foundation will be holding toy drives and turkey giveaways for those less fortunate. The foundation is also working on creating new initiatives that will gift deserving hopefuls scholarships that can go towards funding higher education or starting up a business.
The night before, the rapper was also honored for his community service efforts, and presented with the Phoenix Award from the city of Atlanta–the highest honor an individual or group can receive from the Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed. article by Ashley Monaé via madamenoire.com
Lauryn Hill, The Roots, A$AP Rocky, Wale, Janelle Monae& Wondaland, Raekwon, Ghostface, The Internet, Raury, SZA, Scarface, and many more will take center stage at ONE Musicfestfestival in Atlanta on Saturday, September 12, 2015.
Over the last 6 years ONE Musicfest has pulled together the best of urban alternative legends and contemporaries for a unique experience through music and visual. And this year it gets even better, with ONE Musicfest in partnership with Live Nation, “pulling out all the stops with an outdoor music festival that the media says, can’t be missed, and attracting a generationally and culturally diverse audience. “
Beyond festival-goers having a good old-fashion time at the ONE Musicfest, Jason Carter, the founder of ONE Musicfest, told Black Enterprise.com exclusively, “I want people to walk away knowing that it’s possible for us all to share the same space. ONE Musicfest is a generational festival. It’s nothing to see a 17-year-old enjoying music along with someone in his or her late 40’s partying just as hard. So many times I think that’s overlooked with festivals. Some people will say, “That’s a young persons festival or that’s old school.” But the way we set up ONE Musicfest is so different—people jump up and dance when they hear a classic New Edition song and in the same breath once they hear the first drop on Kendrick Lamar, they’re bopping their head just as hard.
“The other WIN for One Musicfest is how we’ve brought progressive urban music to the stage. You never see Lauryn Hill on the same bill as Big Krit, but interestingly enough they’re fans of each other, but never get a chance to celebrate each other’s music together. So when they get backstage, they’re snapping pictures together and sharing them on Facebook and Instagram.”
According to a statement released by One Musicfest, the festival will take place on multiple stages and will serve as the ultimate mashup of innovative urban alternative acts with over eleven hours of non-stop music. The festival will feature over 25 of the hottest global DJs whose music crosses over to all spectrums, local vendors, games, and interactive activities. One Musicfest is the only place to see this roster of incredible acts join together for One purpose – which is to witness a wide variety of sounds, from rock to hip-hop, electro, reggae, funk, disco, house, alternative and soul while having your musical senses stimulated.
Founded by Jason Carter, ONE Musicfest has been one of Southeast’s largest home-grown, musical arts festivals to date including over 10,000 plus attendees. Carter has brought Atlanta music lovers the best and the brightest urban alternative acts performing in a welcoming, hospitable setting, creating an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy and discover music.
Previous artists include Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Jhene Aiko, Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, CeeLo Green & Goodie Mob, Santigold, Common, Method Man, Redman, Chrisette Michele, Amel Larriueux, Daley, Goapele, Joey Bada$$, De La Soul, Bilal, Quadron and more.
For more information, please visit www.onemusicfest.com and follow @ONEMusicfest | #OMF2015 | #ONLYOMF. article by Kandia Johnson via blackenterprise.com
by GBN Lifestyle Editor Lesa Lakin
It’s here! Summer… and man, is there is a lot going on in the world. So if you just want some time to pause and do something fun alone or with loved ones, check out a few things happening this month. Personally I am looking forward to the Sneaker Exhibit. Enjoy July! IN CINEMA
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL
Rated PG-13 –NOW PLAYING
If you just want to catch a really great flick…. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl “lives” up to the hype. (Yes, I’ve seen it, and yes, I’ve got a lot to say… GBN review coming soon.) Oh, and Earl is the greatest character I’ve seen in a while. Highly Recommend. Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/2qfmAllbYC8
DOPE
Rated R – NOW PLAYING
Admittedly I’ve been benched for the last few months and not up on my reviews and screenings, but I have been meaning to see the critically acclaimed DOPE.
High-school senior Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his friends Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) bond over ’90s hip-hop culture, their studies and playing music in their own punk band. A chance encounter with a drug dealer named Dom lands Malcolm and company at the dealer’s nightclub birthday party; when the scene turns violent, they flee — with the Ecstasy that Dom secretly hid in Malcolm’s backpack. A wild adventure ensues as the youths try to evade armed thugs who want the stash.
“Southpaw” stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Photo via usatoday.com) I just saw the trailer for this and I’m hooked. Gotta say… I am loving Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the acting game. Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) directs. Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/Mh2ebPxhoLs
IN MUSIC
BROOKLYN, NY
July 8 – July 11, 2015 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival: A celebration of Hip-Hop Culture and the Borough of Brooklyn Artists include: Common, Mobb Deep, Lion Babe, Freeway, Charles Hamilton, Pitch Blak Brass Band, Skyzoo, John Robinson, DJ Rob Swift, Torae, and “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels, http://www.bkhiphopfestival.com
July 18 – IRVINE, CA; July 19, 2015 – MOUNTAINVIEW, CA
Artists Include: The Game, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Afrika Bambaataa and The Soulsonic Force, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Mack 10, Xzibit, Warren G, Rapper’s Delight, Kurtis Blow, Too Short, Doug E Fresh, DJ Quik, Kool Moe Dee, King T, Grand Master Melle Mel, Tha Alkaholiks, Biz Markie, Slick Rick, EPMD, Cold Crush Brothers, Ras Kass and other special guests. The event will be MC’d by Chief Rocker Busy Bee. https://www.facebook.com/artofrapfest RELATED: Ice-T Breaks Down Why “Art of Rap” Festival in July is Important to Hip-Hop, Art & Music July 30 – LOS ANGELES, CA Moses Sumney Thanks to my little sis, Ashley, I’m also recommending checking out the truly captivating musical artist-singer Moses Sumney. Check him out on SOUNDCLOUD:https://soundcloud.com/mosessumney He’s headlining the Echo in Los Angeles on July 30th. http://www.theecho.com/event/861489-moses-sumney-los-angeles/venue/ IN ARTS July 10-12 – DENVER, CO (Photo via colbaf.org)
The Colorado Black Arts Festival is excited to present the best of visual and performing arts to celebrate its 29th Annual Festival July 10-12, 2015 in historic Denver City Park West. This year’s Festival theme “Rock Steady” conveys the ability to excel in the arts with a rocking and soulful dimension. It represents a soulful genre that captures artistic rhythms with origins in the African diaspora. Rock Steady 2015! To learn more, go to: http://www.colbaf.org
Janet Jackson (l) receives Ultimate Icon Award; Kendrick Lamar (r) opens the 2015 BET Awards (Photos: Getty Images)
Last night, Black Entertainment Television held its 15th annual BET Awards celebration, honoring musical legends Janet Jackson and Smokey Robinson, as well as radio and television personality Tom Joyner with special tributes and awards. Jason Derulo, Ciara and Tinashe did a tribute in dance to Jackson before she received her Ultimate Icon Award from longtime producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Jidenna and Janelle Monae arrive at BET Awards (Photo: Jerome Dorn)
Performances by Alicia Keys,Janelle Monae, Jidenna, Kendrick Lamar, Tyga and Chris Brown, to name a few, also energized the event, and it was no surprise when Best Acting awards went to deserving “Empire” darlings Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. To see the full list of winners, read below:
Best New Artist Sam Smith
Dej Loaf
Fetty Wap
Rae Sremmurd
Tinashe Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Kendrick Lamar
J. Cole
Drake
Common Big Sean
Wale “Empire” Actor Jussie Smollet (Photo: Jerome Dorn) Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Nicki Minaj
Azealia Banks
Tink
Iggy Azalea
Trina
Dej Loaf Best Actor Terrence Howard
Anthony Anderson
Idris Elba
Jussie Smollett
Kevin Hart Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Beyoncé
Janelle Monáe
Jhené Aiko
Ciara
Rihanna
K. Michelle
SEE ALSO: Janelle Monae and Jidenna Perform ‘Yoga’ and ‘Classic Man’ at 2015 BET Awards Chris Brown at 2015 BET Awards (Photo: Jerome Dorn) Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
The Weeknd
John Legend
Trey Songz
Usher
August Alsina Chris Brown Best Group
A$AP Mob
Migos Rae Sremmurd
Rich Gang
Young Money
Jodeci
J. Cole and fan Cierra Bosarge at her graduation (Photo via Instagram)
Rapper J. Cole took a break from his national tour in order to attend a fan’s high school graduation and follow up on a promise he made a full two years ago. Teen fan Cierra Bosarge says she reached out to J. Cole in 2013, writing him a letter (which she later summed up in a tweet) about how he had inspired her to persevere in school, despite having a hard time academically.
Cierra’s note prompted the hip hop artist to send her a direct message on Twitter and then follow up by phone. J. Cole agreed to attend the high schooler’s graduation to watch her accept her diploma, but only if she got admitted to a four-year school.
Two years later, they both followed through on the commitments they made — Cierra kept her grades up (sending updates via Twitter), and J. Cole’s manager sent Cierra a message confirming that the star would be there to watch her graduate. According to her Twitter account, when J. Cole showed up to the ceremony this week, he not only gave Cierra some of his “favorite books” as a grad gift, but also offered to help pay for her tuition. article by Carly Steyer via huffingtonpost.com
Timothy Hutton, Elvis Nolasco and Richard Cabral — all of whom will be playing new characters in a new setting. Season 2 is filming in Austin. Ridley executive produces American Crime with Michael J. McDonald for ABC Studios.
