EP Review: Kevin Ross, Audacity, Vol. 2
R&B prodigy Kevin Ross recently released his project of 2020, the lovely Audacity, Vol. 2 on the Art Society Music Group. Ross opens up the project with “God Is a Genius,” a lush ballad recalling a seventies Stevie Wonder. Based on the song title, I was expecting some Gospel inspired; instead, Ross gives listeners a bop about soulmates and destiny.
Radha Black shines in The Forty Year-Old Version
Playwright Radha Black makes an excellent feature film debut in Netflix’s The Forty-Year-Old Version. Black portrays Radha, a down-on-her-luck NY playwright, who is desperate for a breakthrough before 40. She’s currently writing a new play titled Harlem Ave., which she hopes will be her breakthrough.
Album Review: Trey Songz, Back Home
Virginia native Trey Songz, affectionately known as “Mr. Steal Your Girl,” is back on the scene with Back Home. The singer’s eighth album finds him reuniting with iconic producer Troy Taylor for his most consistent project since his 2009 breakthrough Ready.
Latest entry in American Pie focuses on heart and not nudity
Sex comedy franchise American Pie delivers its latest franchise entry in Universal Studios Home Entertainment American Pie Presents: Girls Rule. Director Mike Elliot helms the ninth film
Aaron Sorkin delivers an awards contender in The Trial of the Chicago 7
Aaron Sorkin brings his trademark fast-paced dialogue to Netflix in The Trial of the Chicago 7. In development since 2007 and a passion project for the writer, the film serves as Sorkin’s sophomore directorial effort. Featuring an ensemble cast, The Trial of the Chicago 7
Harmless action thrills in Welcome to Sudden Death
The 1995 action flick Sudden Death gets a sequel in Welcome to Sudden Death from director Dallas Jackson. Stepping in for Jean Claude Van Damme in the sequel is Michael Jai White, who happens to be one of my favorite action stars.
Afterschool School Specials go to hell in Sno Babies
Director Bridget Smith makes a component and gritty debut in Better Noise Films Sno Babies. A gripping and emotive tale, Sno Babies depicts the grim realities of addiction and its effects on a middle-class suburban town.
Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia delivers just enough laughs in her latest special
Michelle Buteau, who has earned the moniker, the scene-stealing queen receives her own Netflix stand up special in Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia. The comedy special was filmed in New York City, finds the comic letting loose with a goblet of frosé in hand. As she delivers a dynamic hour of comedy that delves into parenthood, cultural difference, and the overlooked value of short men.
One Shortcut you can skip
Director Alessio Liguori attempts to put a different spin on the creature feature in Shortcut from Gravitas Ventures. The film follows a group of five classmates trapped inside their school bus after a mysterious creature invades the road. Every passing minute decreases their survival chances against the constant threats of that unknown entity.
Flashback Friday Album Review: Vocalz Iz, Relationship Gumbo Redux
Relationship Gumbo Redux opens with “Gonna Get You,” an up-tempo number tailor-made for the clubs. The production recalls the late nineties R & B sound, which I love. I also appreciate the auto-tune omission, as we get a chance to hear the singer’s smooth vocals.
EP Review: RL, The Letter J
To tide over his fans until the release of his next project, tentatively titled Rtv, RL of the R&B group recently released a four-song EP entitled The Letter J. The E.P. pays homage to the eighties and nineties sound I grew up on. RL opens up The Letter J E.P. with “Whatever You Need.” The singer puts a modern-day spin on Jodeci’s “My Heart Belongs to U.” The song also has a brilliant homage to the late great Roger Troutman.
Rent-A-Pal navigates the dark side of friendship
IFC Midnight and director Jon Stevenson highlight the dark side of alienation in Rent-A-Pal. Set in the year 1990, a lonely bachelor named David (Brian Landis Folkins) searches for an escape from the day-to-day drudgery of caring for his aging mother (Kathleen Brady). While seeking a partner through a video dating service, he discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal.