Second Listen Sunday: Cherrelle, “High Priority”

For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to take my readers back to 1985 and show some love to Cherrelle and her second album, “High Priority.” Reuniting with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the bulk of the album was led by the single “You Look Good To Me”.
Slow Jam Saturday: Zapp, “Computer Love”

For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to Ohio and show some love to Zapp and their classic song “Computer Love”.
“LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails” review—when saving the world means beating the algorithm]

In “LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails” from Disney Plus, Earth’s mightiest heroes face their most chaotic enemy yet—not Thanos, not Ultron, but something far more sinister: social media. This same force that can make a dance trend go viral now threatens to unleash a catastrophic apocalypse.
“Tidings for the Season” review: BJ Britt and Tamara Mowry-Housley deliver holiday cheer with heart

BJ Britt and Tamara Mowry-Housley continue their successful partnership with Hallmark in “Tidings for the Season”, a film that proudly showcases its heartfelt message. Directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter and written by Joey Elkins and Blake Silver, this movie focuses more on small acts of kindness rather than grand gestures—reminding us of the true spirit of holiday films.
“Trap House” turns revenge into family business

This gripping setup feels authentic rather than stylized, and Dowse, who gained experience directing character-driven comedies before moving on to darker themes, keeps the camera grounded. This is not glossy action; it has the raw feel of gunpowder and regret.
Second Listen Sunday: Case, “Open Letter”

Promo for the album began almost a year in advance when its lead single, “Missing You,” appeared on the soundtrack for the Summer 2000 hit film, “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps.” The song was written by fellow R&B artist Joe, along with Tim & Bob and Joshua Paul Thompson, who also produced the track.
Slow Jam Saturday: 98 Degrees, “Invisible Man”

Signed to Motown, 98 Degrees’ first single was “Invisible Man”. A ballad written by Dane DeViller, Sean Hosein, and Steve Kpner, it was a heartbreak song, the kind that defies a radio-friendly smile. It’s a feeling you get from the opening moment of the song. Everything about it sounds naked.
Netflix’s “Death by Lightning” is an electrifying political drama that brings history back to life

Screenwriter Mike Makowsky is bringing his talents to Netflix with an adaptation of the 2011 book “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President.”
“Sarah’s Oil” strikes gold — a heartfelt biopic that unearths black history’s hidden gem

The film draws inspiration from the incredible true story of Sarah Rector, a spirited African American girl brought to life by Naya Desir-Johnson. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s in the Oklahoma Indian Territory, Sarah holds an unwavering belief that beneath the seemingly barren land she has been allotted lies an untapped oil reservoir.
Second Listen Sunday: Toni Braxton, “The Heat”

R&B fans received great news last week when it was announced that R&B icons New Edition will kick off 2026 with their next tour, “The New Edition Way Tour,” featuring support acts Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton. While I have seen both male groups live numerous times, I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Ms. Braxton perform. Therefore, I felt it was only fitting to give her some recognition for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Boyz II Men feat. Charlie Wilson, “More Than You’ll Ever Know”

Tomorrow, I’ll be giving flowers to Toni Braxton for Second Listen Sunday, so it feels fitting to show some love to a legendary group from Philadelphia for Slow Jam Saturday. Boyz II Men established themselves early as hitmakers, yet mainstream audiences often overlook their 21st-century bops. One such song is “More Than You’ll Ever Know.”
“Violent Ends”, southern blood, slow burn, and the price of payback

The revenge film has retained a familiar essence for decades, characterized by themes of blood, betrayal, and inevitable payback. However, “Violent Ends,” written and directed by John-Michael Powell and produced by IFC, takes a different approach by avoiding the rush into violence.