Second Listen Sunday : Mario Winans, “Hurt No More”
Thirty years ago, in 1995, Bad Boy Records was a top-notch record label, but over a decade later, it had begun to lose its luster. While the “Bad Boys II” soundtrack and the debut album from Da Band did numbers, no real superstars were left on the label.
Slow Jam Saturday : Mariah Carey, “Fly Like A Bird”
Whether it’s the loss of a celebrity you grew up with or a daily dumb remark from our current commander-in-chief, three months in 2025 are already getting crazy. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I decided to change it up and offer something inspirational like Mariah Carey and her 2006 hit “Fly Like A Bird.”
“Memories of Love Returned” is a lush and artistic tribute
Versatile actor Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s directorial debut, “Memories of Love Returned,” is an intimate cinematic journey that explores the historical contributions and artistic legacy of Ugandan photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo. The journey begins as a personal investigation but transforms into a profound reflection on the intersection of history and community while showcasing love’s endurance against erasure.
“O’Dessa” is an out of pitch genre mash up
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
“Locked” is an engaging remake
Music video director David Yarovesky brings together Bill Skarsgård and two-time Academy winner Anthony Hopkins for his third feature film, “Locked” from the Avenue. Horror icon Sam Raimi produces the film, while Michael Arlen Ross pens the film’s screenplay.
Second Listen Sunday : Teyana Taylor, “The Cassette Tape 1994,”
Multi-talented entertainer Teyana Taylor recently made some headlines when photos of her and possible new boo thang Aaron “That’s Mufasa” Pierre began making headlines. I was deciding what to feature this week for Second Listen Sunday. Recently, Ms. Taylor has been stacking up her credentials from an acting standpoint, but I decided to feature her 2015 EP, “The Cassette Tape 1994,” this week.
Slow Jam Saturday : Tony! Toni! Toné!, “Slow Wine”
Legendary composer Irving Berlin once composed a piece titled “The Song Is Ended (but the Melody Lingers On),” which seems to be the mood for the current year. As R&B fans know, 2025 has added numerous names to its heavenly choir, with the latest addition being D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné! Mr. Wiggins, who was called home on Friday, March 7th.
“Opus” is a out of tune genre mash up
Mark Anthony Green teams up with Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich for writing and directing debut, “Opus” from A24.
“Black Bag” is a gripping spy thriller
After the delightful “Presence,” Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh brings another thriller to grip audiences in “Black Bag” from Focus features. Legendary screenwriter David Koepp lends his talents to the script.
“Dope Thief” is a gripping crime drama
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.
Second Listen Sunday : Angie Stone, “Black Diamond”
As music fans mourn the loss of the iconic Angie Stone, we will continue paying tribute to the songstress. After getting her start in Hip-Hop with the group The Sequence, she transitioned into R&B with her second group, Vertical Hold. However, her 1999 debut, “Black Diamond,” and this week’s Second Listen Sunday pick allowed Stone to break through to the masses.
Slow Jam Saturday : Angie Stone, “Brotha”
Music fans were shocked when we learned last week that the legendary Angie Stone had been called home to join the heavenly choir. I had planned to feature Ms. Stone on Slow Jam Saturday for a while and hoped to interview her. I went back and forth about which song to feature, but when I thought about the state of the world, the only choice was “Brotha.”