Slow Jam Saturday: Luke James, I Want You
Luke James, known for his role in Showtime’s “The Chi” and recent chilling performance in Season 2 of “Them,” has been making waves in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. He started his career singing background for Tyrese and later formed a duo with his childhood friend Quentin called Luke & Q. The duo was signed to J Records. Still, their debut album was never officially released. After the group split, James went on to write songs for artists like Chris Brown, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber and built a successful solo discography.
Sean Penn & Dakota Johnson shine in the dialogue driven Daddio
First-time writer and director Christy Hall quickly makes her mark in the film “Daddio” from Sony Pictures Classics. As a woman, known only to the audience as Girlie (Dakota Johnson), steps into a yellow taxi at JFK Airport, she is greeted by the unassuming yet friendly taxi driver, Clark (Sean Penn). What begins as a casual exchange of pleasantries soon takes a turn as Girlie, burdened by her recent mistakes, begins to confide in Clark.
Nicole Kidman & Zac Efron’s organic chemistry overshadow clichés in A Family Affair
After a significant hiatus of nearly two decades, director Richard LaGravenes makes a captivating return to the romance genre with his latest film, ‘A Family Affair,’ now available on Netflix. The film, penned by the talented Carrie Solomon, is set in Hollywood’s glitzy and glam-filled world. It weaves a compelling narrative around the life of a young woman named Zara (Joey Ford), who serves as the assistant to Chris Cole (Zac Efron), one of the world’s most renowned movie stars. As their lives intertwine unexpectedly, the story unfolds with a delightful mix of humor and heartwarming moments.
Season 2 of That 90’s Show is a vast improvement
The highly anticipated season 2 of Netflix’s beloved show “That ’90s Show” is finally here, much to the delight of fans. The series, a collaborative effort of original creators Bonnie and Terry Turner and their daughter Lindsey Turner, promises to deliver another nostalgic journey. Showrunner Gregg Mettler, another familiar face, is back to steer the ship.
Concert Review: The Love Hard Tour At Eagle Bank Arena
On Sunday, June 23rd, the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, VA, hosted “The Love Hard Tour,” an unforgettable night of love songs and memories. Initially scheduled for spring, the show was postponed to the summer. The Love Hard Tour, brought to you by the Black Promoters Collective, features R&B sensations K. Michelle, Trey Songz, Jaheim, and headliner Keyisha Cole. I’ve enjoyed seeing all of these performers on previous tours. However, given the consistent success and promptness of the promoters at concerts since their formation, I made it a priority to experience this show.
Brats is an engaging tribute to eighties icons homage
Andrew McCarthy, a former ‘Brat Pack’ actor who spent a decade honing his directorial talents in episodic television, now brings his unique perspective to features in the appropriately titled ‘Brats’ from Hulu. The term ‘Brat Pack’ was a standard reference among young movie enthusiasts in the 1980s, first coined by writer David Blum after witnessing a group of young actors being overwhelmed by admirers at the Hard Rock Cafe in Los Angeles. The core members of the Brat Pack were often recognized for their appearances in the ensemble casts of two specific films released in 1985: John Hughes’s ‘The Breakfast Club’ and Joel Schumacher’s ‘St. Elmo’s Fire ‘.
Single Review: Ne-Yo, 2 Million Secrets
The R&B maestro, Ne-Yo, triumphantly returns to the music scene with his latest offering, “2 Million Secrets.” This melodious creation, produced by the talented Hitmaka, delves deep into the aftermath of dishonesty and disloyalty in a romantic relationship. Ne-Yo’s poignant lyrics testify to his understanding of the harm caused, making this song a must-listen for any R&B enthusiast.
Second Listen Sunday: Anita Baker, Rhythm of Love
In the realm of music, it is common for even the most accomplished vocalists to draw scrutiny from industry professionals and fans when they deviate from their established style. In this edition of Second Listen Sunday, I aim to revisit the renowned Anita Baker and her fifth album, “Rhythm of Love.”
Slow Jam Saturday: Xscape
The summer of 2024 is set to be a thrilling season for live music, with the highly anticipated start of ‘The Queens of R&B’ tour. This tour, featuring co-headliners Xscape and SWV and special guests Mya, Total, and 702, promises to be a musical extravaganza. In this exciting context, this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Xscape’s ballad ‘Do You Want To,’ the final track from their second album, ‘Off The Hook,’ released in 1995.
Ultraman: Rising is high flying family entertainment
In his debut as a director for Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising,” animation specialist Shannon Tindle offers a unique fusion of sports and superhero action. Co-written with Marc Haines, the script brings to life the thrilling and heartwarming tale of Ken Sato, a renowned baseball player concealing a secret identity as the towering superhero Ultraman. The narrative takes a surprising turn as Sato navigates the dual responsibilities of a successful sports career and his newfound role as a city protector and a baby kaiju caretaker.
Second Listen Sunday: Christopher Williams, Changes
This week’s Second Listen Sunday takes us back to 1992 to pay homage to R&B singer Christopher Williams and his second album ‘Changes.’ This album, a significant milestone in the R&B and soul music scene, was released after Williams’ success in portraying Kareem Akbar in ‘New Jack City,’ setting the stage for his impactful journey in the music world. On December 29, 1992, Williams unveiled his album in record stores, kicking off the promotion with the lead single ‘I’m Dreamin’.
Slow Jam Saturday: Troop, Still In Love
I often reflect on my childhood and realize how fortunate I was when it came to music. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to show appreciation for the R&B quintet Troop and their song “Still in Love” from their self-titled 1988 debut album. Compromised of Rodney Benford, John Harreld, Allen McNeil, Steve Russell, and Reggie Warren, Troop burst onto the scene with the bop “Mamacita,” which featured the production and writing skills of their label mates Gerald Levert and Marc Gordon from LeVert. However, I’m a ballad fan, so it was all about “Still in Love.”