Derrick T Dunn

Second Listen Sunday: Gregory Hines

It is common for actors to explore their musical talents, as they complement each other like movies and popcorn. Growing up in the eighties, I recall Eddie Murphy, Don Johnson, and Philip Michal Thomas releasing projects. This week’s Second Listen Sunday pick is Gregory Hines, the late thespian and tap-dancing icon who released a self-titled album

Slow Jam Saturday : Blue Magic, Spell

It’s been six years since audiences experienced the rating-breaking three-part mini-series, The New Edition Story. I still remember my excitement walking into an advance screening of Part 1 on a cold January night. One of my favorite scenes occurs in this part when a young Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins are supporting a pre-teen Bobby Brown in a talent show. The local Boston-based group, The Untouchables, is performing a cover of Philly soul group Blue Magic’s “Spell” before Bobby takes the stage. After hearing another cover version of the song in Michael Bivin’s documentary, The Hustle of 617 Biv, I decided to feature it for Slow Jam Saturday.

Aporia is a different time travel story

Jared Moshe explores the classic science fiction trope in his latest film, Aporia from Well Go USA. Since losing her husband Mal (Edi Gathegi) in a drunk-driving incident, Sophie (Judy Greer) has struggled to manage crippling grief, a full-time job, and the demands of parenting her devastated teenage daughter (Faithe Herman).

Slow Jam Saturday : Raphael Saadiq, Scream

R&B fans were elated this past summer when R&B legend Raphael Saadiq announced he had reunited with Tony! Toni! Toné! for a fall tour. The tour kicked off this past Thursday in Birmingham, Alabama, with twenty-five planned stops. I plan on attending the Oxon Hill, MD, stop this coming Monday.

Outlaw Johnny Black delivers the laughs

Cowboy Johnny Black (White) vows to gun down Brett Clayton (Chris Browning), the man responsible for the death of his father (Glynn Turman). Building a reputation for himself through the Wild West, Johnny is hunted by the determined Bill Basset (Randy Couture). Johnny crosses paths with Reverend Percy (Byron Minns) on his quest for revenge.

Ne-Yo with Mario & Pleasure P @ TD Pavilion

Pleasure P took the stage around 7:45 to an energetic crowd. Throughout a brief set, Pleasure performed hits from his 2009 solo debut, including “Boyfriend #2”, “Under,” and “Did You Wrong.” Naturally, P took it back to his Pretty Ricky days performing “Grind On Me,” Your Body,” “Juicy,” and “On The Hotline”. A personal highlight of the show was seeing Pleasure pay tribute to his mentor, the late great Static Major. While he lacked a band, Pleasure P more than showed he has enough stage to headline a club tour.

Stop Making Sense is still a rocking good time

Swifties worldwide rejoiced when news broke last month that Taylor Swift would bring her current “Eras” tour to movie theaters across the US in October. Concert films are nothing new, though, as the eighties, nineties, and 2000s saw acts such as U2, Prince, and Jay-Z all released concert films.

Mindless action fills King of Killers

Multi-faceted talent Kevin Grevioux brings his graphic novel King Of Killers to life in a same-titled film from Lionsgate. Following the murder of his wife, former Agency hitman Marcus Garan (Alain Moussi) is down his luck. While his mother-in-law and daughter try their best to support him, Marcus has seen better days. His former handler, Robert Xane (Stephen Doff), thinks Marcus should cool his jets when it comes to unraveling the mystery behind a tragic incident.