Second Listen Sunday: Ray J, “Raydiation”
When we look back to the spring and summer of 2005, Usher was still clearly the king for male singers under thirty in the R&B genre. While Trey Songz and Bobby Valentino had made names for themselves with their debut albums and Chris Brown’s name was starting, another singer, Ray J, decided it was time to release his third album, “Raydiation.”
Slow Jam Saturday : Craig David, “Take Em Off”/My Love Don’t Stop”
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to travel across the pond and show some love to Craig David’s third album, “The Story Goes,” …..and the contributions from The Underdog’s “Take Em Off” and “My Love Don’t Stop.”
Laughs and bullets fly high in “Fubar Season 2”
Action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to the small screen for the second season of the enjoyable action-comedy series “Fubar” on Netflix. When we last saw Luke and his team—comprising his daughter Emma (Monica Barbaro), tech expert Barry (Milan Carter), wise-cracking CIA operative Roo (Fortune Feimster), and charming Aldon (Travis Van Winkle)—they had just taken down the formidable arms dealer Boro Polonia.
Second Listen Sunday : Men Of Vizion, “Personal”
The vocals are split among group members as they highlight themes of love, devotion, and the willingness to embrace domestic roles traditionally associated with women.
“Echo Valley explores where grief whispers and secrets ride at dusk
Academy Award winner Julianne Moore and sought-after Sydney Sweeney bring their talents to Apple TV+ in “Echo Valley.” The Pennsylvania landscape of the Echo Valley becomes a somber stage for grief to run wild.
“How to Train Your Dragon” soars in live-action glory
Dean DeBlois, a three-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe recipient, brings his directorial expertise to the live-action adaptation of DreamWorks’ animated film How to Train Your Dragon
Second Listen Sunday: Monica, “Miss Thang”
Nineties R&B fans had an exciting moment last week when rumors began circulating that vocal powerhouses Brandy and Monica are reportedly embarking on “The Boy Is Mine Tour” this fall. While no official announcement has been made yet, with Monica’s debut album “Miss Thang” celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, I thought it would be the perfect pick for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Chaka Khan, “Through the Fire”
As Black Music Month 2025 continues, I wanted to give flowers to “The Queen of Funk,” Ms. Chaka Khan, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. The song I decided to highlight is “Through the Fire.”
“The Life of Chuck Is” a bittersweet trip through life, death, and dance moves
Director Mike Flanagan returns for a third time to the world of legendary author Stephen King in “The Life of Chuck,” produced by NEON. Flanagan also writes the screenplay for the film, which is based on the story of the same name that first appeared in King’s book “If It Bleeds.”
“Barron’s Cove” features a never better Garrett Hedlund in a gripping tale of grief and vengeance
Through his powerful performance in Barron’s Cove, Garrett Hedlund delivers one of his strongest roles. He leads a gritty crime drama filled with secretive small-town elements and intense emotions. Writer-director Evan Ari Kelman presents a narrative filled with grief and loyalty that moves toward retribution amidst the fictional backdrop of Monroe City, Massachusetts.
“Ballerina” twirls into the Wick franchise with style and gun-fu
After spending some time on television, director Len Wiseman returns to the big screen with “Ballerina,” produced by Lionsgate. Set in the world of the iconic action franchise “John Wick,” the film is written by Shay Hatten, who penned the third and fourth entries in the series.
Second Listen Sunday: Cameo, “Single Life”
If there were ever a question on Jeopardy with a category about R&B bands and the question centered on Cameo, I’m sure it would be on one of their signature songs, “Candy” or “Word Up!”