Slow Jam Saturday: Eric Bellinger, Valentine
As we bid farewell to the month of love, the last song I picked for Slow Jam Saturday with the word “Valentine” is from the talented singer and songwriter Eric Bellinger. Fans of R&B music are well aware of Bellinger’s exceptional vocal skills and his ability to create soulful hits. He has earned a reputation as a sought-after songwriter, writing for industry giants such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Usher.
Ordinary Angels is a heartwarming gem
Two Academy Award winner Hilary Swank leads the inspirational drama Ordinary Angeles from Lionsgate. Jon Gunn directed the film, while Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig wrote the screenplay. Sharon, portrayed by Swank, is a hairdresser from a small town in Kentucky. She is a strong-willed individual but struggles with alcohol addiction. Her boss, also her best friend Rose, played by Tamala Jones, wants Sharon to live up to her full potential. However, she grows tired of Sharon’s constant misbehavior.
Concert Review : R&B Super Jam @ Eagle Bank Arena
R&B music fans and couples packed Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax, VA, on Sunday, February 18th, for the R&B Super Jam. Urban Vibe Entertainment hosted the event, which featured nineties R&B acts. The artists on the bill were Shai, Mya, Ginuwine, Dru Hill, and headliner Monica.
The chuckles are minimal in Mike Epps: Ready to Sell Out
Comedian Mike Epps has partnered with streaming giant Netflix again in his latest stand-up special titled “Mike Epps: Ready To Sell Out.” The special was directed by fellow comedian Royale Watkins and was filmed at the Gila Resorts & Casino in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite being in the comedy industry for three decades, Epps has had his fair share of ups and downs. While he has shown promise in films like “You People” and “Dolemite Is My Name,” his highly anticipated Richard Pryor biopic directed by Lee Daniels has been in development hell for years.
Second Listen Sunday : The Rude Boys, Rude House
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I decided to visit the Buckeye State and pay homage to The Rude Boys. The Cleveland-based quartet consisted of Larry Marcus, Melvin Sephus, Edward Lee “Buddy” Banks, and Joe Little III. Initially breaking onto the scene in 1990 with the hits “Written All Over Your Face” and “Are You Lonely For Me” from their debut, they wasted no time returning to the studio.
Slow Jam Saturday : Lloyd, Valentine
Valentine’s Day 2024 may have come and gone, but I still plan to use highlight songs with the V-word for February’s Slow Jam Saturday. The artist I chose is a southern gentleman by the name of Lloyd. Initially breaking onto the scene as a member of the preteen-boy band N-Toon, Lloyd’s solo career kicked off in 2004 with the hit “Southside.”
This Is Me Now is a successful passion project for JLo
Global superstar Jennifer Lopez collaborates with iconic music video director Dave Meyers for the narrative musical film “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” from Prime Video. Ben Affleck, Matt Walton, and Dave Meyers wrote the film’s script that showcases Jenny from the Block’s journey to love through her own eyes.
Vince Staples brings the funny in The Vince Staples Show
After getting his feet wet with voiceover work and appearances in Abbott Elementary and the White Men Can’t Jump remake, Hip Hop artist Vince Staples takes on leading man status in the Netflix series, The Vince Staples Show.
Monolith is a solid thriller
Rising scream queen Lily Sullivan teams up with first-time director Matt Vesel for the latest spookfest, “Monolith”, from Well Go USA. The screenplay hails from Lucy Campbell. At the center of the plot is a nameless protagonist, a disgraced journalist portrayed by Lily Sullivan, who is desperate to restore her reputation and redeem her career.
Madame Webb fails to swing high
The first superhero film of 2024, “Madame Webb,” directed by S.J. Clarkson, will swing into theaters courtesy of Columbia Pictures. Clarkson co-wrote the screenplay with Claire Parker, Matt Sazama, and Burk Sharples. Dakota Johnson top lines the film as the titular character, which depicts her origin story in a standalone universe.
Argyle is a fun spy thriller
Director Matthew Vaughn returns to the world of espionage for his latest film, “Argyle” from Universal Pictures. Jason Fuchs pens the screenplay, which, in the simplest of terms, is a razor-witted, reality-bending, globe-encircling spy thriller. Elly Conway, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard in the movie, is a reclusive author who has written a series of best-selling espionage novels. She finds solace in spending her evenings alone with her computer and her feline companion, Alfie.
A beloved background character takes center stage in Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home Franklin
Apple TV+ keeps Charles Schultz’s legacy alive in the latest special, Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home Franklin. Raymond S. Persi directed the film, and the script was written by Robb Armstrong, Bryan Schultz, Craig Schultz, and Cornelius Uliano. An origin story of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, the film follows a boy named Franklin and his approach to making new friends.