24 minute read
Hollywood Buzz
HOLLYWOOD SPOT LIGHT
Chez Hadley
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A grippingly brutal account of slavery and the treatment of slaves, Amazon’s The Underground Railroad, is not for the faint of heart. While oftimes hard to watch, this masterful interpretation and compelling drama from Oscar winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”, “If Beale Street Could Talk”), is just as frequently hard to stop watching. The scene of whites dancing as a black man is tied to a platform, whipped and tortured and then burned alive is one of those moments. But just as surely there are moving moments of grace, beauty, humanity, determination and triumph in this tenpart cinematic telling of the story of Cora (Thuso Mbedu), a slave on a Georgia plantation in the mid-1800s who escapes harsh plantation life with another slave named Caesar (Aaron Pierre) by way to the Underground Railroad, despite being tracked by a relentless and stone-hearted slave catcher named Ridgeway (Joel Edgerton). Based on the 2016 Pulitzer Prizewinning novel by Colson Whitehead, “The Underground Railroad” represents breakout roles for South African actress Thuso Mbedu and the UK born Pierre. Jenkins’ Underground Railroad is a surreal interpretation of Whitehead’s fictional story with a real life train that can at times go off the rails with its twists and turns marked by dreamlike sequences and flashbacks that provide both backstory and revelation. With its alternate reality and surreal interpretations, it’s a lot to take in, but well worth the watch.
OUT THIS MONTH
Under the Stadium Lights June 4 Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard June 16 Fatherhood June 18 F9: The Fast Saga June 25
HOLLYWOOD BUZZ Taraji P Henson’s Unspoken Curriculum Last month, actress/mental health activist Taraji P. Henson expanded her mission to change the perception of mental illness in the Black community–and encourage those who suffer anxiety and mental health trauma– with the launch of its latest initiative, The Unspoken Curriculum. The six-week program, designed to shape how Black youth view themselves, addresses racial bias in the classroom and other negative experiences that become part of those life experiences that weren’t part of the lesson plan, but have handicapped Black children. “There’s Foundation, which she established in 2018 in the name of her late father. Henson says she’s still affected by things that were done to her and biases that happened to her when she was in school. She believes the Unspoken Curriculum will advocate for meaningful change in the classroom by rethinking and reforming the lessons Black students learn in school and inspiring youth to feel confident and empowered to talk about their personal experiences publicly in the classroom and privately with mental health experts, while also seeking additional support when they need it. For more information about The Unspoken Curriculum visit borislhensonfoundation.org. implicit bias in the education system that clearly disadvantages Black students,” Henson posted of the program that is part of Boris L. H e n s o n
Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul
Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown have teamed up to produce and star in Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul, a short film that has been developed into a movie. A satirical look at megachurches, the movie keys in on Trinity Childs, the first lady of a prominent and respected Southern Baptist Mega Church in the aftermath of a scandal who attempts to help her pastor-husband, Lee-Curtis Childs, rebuild their now borderline non-existent congregation. They must however, reconcile their faith with their personal demons in order to make the biggest comeback that commodified religion has ever seen. Meanwhile, on June 15, Brown is set to exec produce and cohost the OWN television special Honoring Our Kings: OWN Honors Black Fatherhood, with Oprah Winfrey. “The greatest role of my life happened 10 years ago when I became a father for the first time,” said Sterling K Brown, co-host and Executive Producer. “I am honored to celebrate these exceptional men who are my ‘Brothers in Fatherhood’, and continue to shift the national perception of Black fathers.” In other casting news, everybody needs a supergirl and for Ava DuVernay it’s Kaci Walfall. At least, that’s who she’s tapped to star in her new superhero drama for the CW Network, Naomi. The show follows a teen girl’s journey from her small northwestern town to the heights of the multiverse after a supernatural event shakes her hometown to the core and she sets out to uncover its origins.
On the Home Front: Empire star
Bryshere Gray will have to do ten days in jail after pleading guilty to aggravated assault in a domestic violence incident. The deal is part of a plea the made by the 27-year old actor who was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. In addition to his jail stay, Gray will be required to complete three years of probation, participate in a domestic violence offender treatment program and pay restitution.
Briefly: Howard University has announced that it will honor Chadwick Boseman, one of its more famed alumni–by renaming its College of Fine Arts after him…Ironically, Boseman mentor Phylicia Rashad was recently named as the dean…Omari Hardwick will join Halle Berry in “The Mothership”, a project will star in and exec produce. Berry stars as Sara Morse, who one year after her husband mysteriously vanishes from their rural farm discovers a strange, extraterrestrial object underneath their home, setting her and her kids off on a race to find their husband, father and the truth…Finally, just weeks after announcing her engagement to Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia (after just one month of dating), Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Porsha Williams is planning not one or two, but three wedding ceremonies.
Q&A
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
Hometown: Champaign, Illinois Big Break: Back for the First Time Upcoming Projects: “F9: The Fast Saga” Ludacris is a Grammy award winning rapper, actor and successful entrepreneur who began rapping at the age of nine and would later go on to release nine studio albums. He turned to acting in 2003 with 2 Fast 2 Furious and has become a staple of the successful franchise in addition to other acting projects. The happily married father of three girls also owns a record label, a restaurant, a cooking show, a Netflix TV series and is developing a line of toys for Mattel.
On how he came to be part of the Fast & Furious: I was on tour with Eminem. I believe Ja Rule was supposed to get this part and they couldn't come to an agreement. At the last minute they had to hurry up and fill this role. I remember right before getting on stage, I was in my dressing room and someone told me, 'You have to try out for this part. They only have one day so you've got to put it on tape now, and here's the sides and you've got to do it.' I'm like 15, 20 minutes from going on stage... And I did it, and the rest is history.
On Fatherhood: Having daughters has made me to be more aware of the world, its current state and how things are shaping up. It’s made me more of a protector. I’ve always been a provider, but I want to be more in their lives, teaching them game for the time that boys do come into their lives, because I know every trick in the book, so I have to pass on the knowledge. It’s impacted me so much to have daughters that I have created businesses centered by and around them.
On legacy: I’ve had a lot of accomplishments in my life, but everything I’ve experienced seems to have led up to this point to where I can leave a legacy for all my daughters. “Karma’s World” is one of those legacies. I hope this series will show kids that there are many ways to overcome difficult situations. This show is going to move hip hop culture forward and show young girls that they have the power to change the world.
On Kid Nation, the media platform he created to help kids learn about current events through music: I just feel like the landscape is very dated, in terms of what is out for children’s music at the moment. Because we are in the height of not only COVID-19, but we’re also in the height of a racial divide that is starting to make small, positive change, and we want to help with that change. We’re trying to ensure the future of children everywhere.
On the Fast & Furious franchise coming to an end: They just announced that we're going to end on 10 and 11. Personally I thought we were going to end on 10 but I'm not at all sad about it because you got to think about, I came out in 2 Fast 2 Furious. We never knew we would get a callback from 5, now I've been in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. And now they're telling me there's going to be two more? I'm happy! To hell with being sad!
On Persistence: There are 2 types of people in this world–those that make things happen and those that let things happen to Them. When I set out to accomplish a goal, I stop at nothing to make it happen.
JURNEE SMOLLETT in a cutout Alexandre Vauthier jumpsuit
RACHEL LINDSAY in white satin slacks with a cropped white jacket
YVONNE ORJI in a Mimi Plange fringe maxi
LESLIE JONES in a bright red gown
YARA SHAHIDI in a Yara X Adidas suit with a yellow bustier
Eye On Gospel
Best In Gospel
The year in gospel belonged to Jonathan McReynolds, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Kierra Sheard and Pastor Mike. That’s according to the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which recognizes the year's best performances in the genre and released its list of nominations in 28 categories last month.
McReynolds topped the list of nominees this year with eight nods for his work on "People", earning him nominations in the categories of Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year. He also is nominated for Song of the Year and in the category of Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for his work on "Movin' On featuring Mali Music".
“His eye ain’t even red tho…his favor lasts a lifetime,” the Chicago-based artist posted on Instagram in reaction to the news. McReynolds edged out Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr. who were in a four-way tie with each receiving seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year.
Brown's contemporary music ignited roof-raising praise, resulting in nominations for "2econd Wind: Ready" in six additional categories of Male Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, and Special Event Album of the Year.
“I never ever take one single bit of support for granted,” Brown said. “My grandfather, BishopHeber Brown Sr. used to say “people don’t have to be nice…and if they are, they don’t have to be nice to you”. Alot of people have been really nice to me and Group TherAPy. Thank you to every person that took time out to vote for us and congratulations to all of the nominees in every category. I honestly love gospel music and all of the people who make it, sing it, play it, and push it out to the world. I’ve been at this for 20 years and I’m humbled to even still be mentioned among these nominees.”
Sheard's inspirational project "Kierra" was recognized in the categories of Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. She also received a nomination for Song of the Year for her work on the project "Something Has to Break (Live) featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard".
Each year the event recognizes the year's best while also paying special tribute to gospel trailblazers. This year's recipient of the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement is The Clark Sisters. Lady Tramaine Hawkins will be honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award and Shirley Caesar will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award for her 70+ years of longevity in the industry. "Over the past year, Gospel music has taken on an even more pronounced role in the lives of people around the world - dealing with a double, global pandemic of COVID19 and social injustice - who have relied on Gospel music as a source of comfort, strength, and encouragement until we can get to better days ahead,"said Stellar Awards founder Don Jackson.
Other celebrated artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include: Jekalyn Carr, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the Clark Sisters, Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir, and the Chicago Mass Choir.
The Stellar Awards live taping returns to Nashville on July 10. Viewers can tune to the show in national syndication starting July 30th through September 5th.
Provided below is a partial list of nominees: Song of the Year: •All in His Plan Featuring Le'Andria Johnson & Mary Mary– PJ Morton •Man of your word; Jonathan Jay, Nathan Jess, Chandler Moore & Tony Brown •Movin' On featuring Mali Music; Darryl L. Howell, Jonathan Caleb McReynolds, Kortney Jamaal Pollard & Terrell Demetrius Wilson •Nobody Like Jesus featuring Lisa Knowles Smith; James Fortune, AyRon Lewis & David Dickinson •Something Has to Break (Live) featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Kierra Valencia Sheard, J. Drew Sheard II, Jonathan Smith & Mia Fields
Album of the Year: Big: Freedom Sessions (Pastor Mike Jr.); Changing Your Story (Jekalyn Carr); Kierra (Kierra Sheard); People; Jonathan McReynolds Choir of the Year: Chicago Mass Choir (My Soul Says Yes) JJ Hairston (Not Holding Back); Jonathan Nelson (The Reunion); Ricky Dillard (Choirmaster); Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir (Look to the Hills) Contemporary Female Artist: CeCe Winans (Never Lost); Kierra Sheard (Kierra); Koryn Hawthorne (I AM); Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Royalty: Live at The Ryman) Contemporary Male Artist: Jonathan McReynolds (People); Marvin Sapp (Chosen Vessel); Pastor Mike Jr., (Big: Freedom Sessions); Travis Greene (Broken Record) New Artist of the Year: Jonathan Traylor (The Unknown); Juan & Lisa Winans (It Belongs to Me); Maverick City Music (Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1); Melvin Crispell III (I've Got A Testimony); Rich Tolbert Jr. (Never Be Defeated)
Ward of the State No More
is music may be electrifying, but it’s his story that is more intriguing. The dynamic singer/songwriter doesn’t remember every detail, but as more facts about his childhood come to light–it’s clear Dreion is a living wonder. H Instead, his stay was always cut short because it was his own erratic behaviors that were deemed unmanageable. Case managers recommended he undergo therapy and was subsequently prescribed various medications resulting in adverse side effects, further obstructing his mental state and behaviors. “I was on seven different medications,” adds Dreion. “The medicines just made my behavior that much worse because I was under the influence of a hallucinogen or “ I went through five different foster homes in a matter of six months...I was on seven different medications which just Born to a teen mom who proved very early to be unprepared for parenting, Dreion was placed in the fosmedications that were making me suicidal or very emotionally suppressed. Even when I was off the medicine, I made my behavior that much ter care system at age six, just as he was starting his ele- was just all over the place.” worse because I was under the mentary education. In fact, the incident that sparked There were also times when he had to be admitted to the chain of events that would forever alter his life took the psychiatric ward of a local mental hospital in influence of a hallucinogen or place at school as officials witnessed the way in which attempts to get his emotions and actions under control. his mother had publicly chastised the then six-year old It was inside these facilities where Dreion tragically medications that were making and were so alarmed by it that they reported what they saw to law enforcement. It wasn’t long after that he was faced conditions such as bullying and older kids tormenting him. On one occasion, he remembers being me suicidal or emotionally removed from his mom’s custody. Extended family members offered to take young thrown down a flight of stairs and stomped at the bottom of the steps by other foster boys. suppressed. Dreion in and provide care for him, but the court system “I was bullied. I was neglected. I was not listened to. determined they were no better qualified to assume a So many traumatic things happened to me in that sixguardian role due in part to their own existing legal records. “I went through five different foster homes in a matter of six months,” recounts Dreion, a native of Omaha, month period,” Dreion reports. “My mind and mental capacity were still developing at that age. There were a lot of things I didn't understand at the time. “As a six-year-old child I still believed in Santa Claus imagined. A graduate of the Berkley School of Music, Dreion ” Nebraska. and the tooth fairy, but they stole all of that from me.” was a Gates Millennium Scholar (sponsored by Bill and
“I had some really built-up anger and aggression from Due to his experiences, Dreion–who also suffered Melinda Gates) and a Susan Buffett Scholar (sponsored being molested when I was younger before foster care,” from post-traumatic stress disorder–would come to by Warren Buffet and his daughter Susan Buffet). so there were a lot of things that believe that some of the foster parents, the foster care Determined to be a Berkley graduate with no school happened more-so with my fos- agencies, and his therapists were only in it for the loans, Dreion had applied for approximately 30 college ter parents not being able to money. scholarships on his own volition and was awarded over deal with me.” “As a ward of the state, they're putting me in rooms $700,000 in educational funds.
Four of the five foster with a therapist whose job it is to diagnose me, but As a student, Dreion honed his dynamic on-stage homes were parented by that’s the only way they get paid from insurance,” said presence that ultimately earned him appearances in total strangers. In some Dreion. “If they diagnose me incorrectly, it doesn't mat- several campus shows. Paid engagement opportunities settings he was the only ter, they get their money. I was being diagnosed incor- started coming his way, including invitations to perform child, and in other cases rectly with conditions that I didn't have, just so a thera- in Germany and France. His soulful vocals, high energy there were multiple foster pist could pay for their own living expenses and make dance moves, spins, and splits, leaves audiences amazed children living under the money at my detriment.” at his commanding performances–complimented by his same roof. Dreion admits that On the other side of his unstable foster care journey, radiant smile. every one of his foster par- the courts decided he could return to live with his birth In 2019, Dreion was named “Performer of The Year” ents were nice people who mother—who battled alcoholism he later learned. But by the Berklee Urban Service Awards. He performed at never directly that arrangement was a failure, and he was returned to major venues and events including the Boston Boy and harmed the foster care system. This time Dreion was Girls Club Annual Charity Gala, the College World him. taken in by a biological aunt in foster care Series, and at Gillette Stadium, and Grand Ole Opry. and he describes the experience with her “I believe my music is soul therapy,” claims Dreion, as, “The best time of my life!” who is a huge fan of Gospel artist Kirk Franklin. “I write Dreion’s aunt closely supported his music that has to do with life and with the things not mother, who reassumed custody after a only I went through, but what I've seen others go judge threw the case out of court. There through. My intent is to inspire, inform, shed light, and were new schools, new friends and to reach the deepest parts of the soul. I believe that other relatives who stepped up to help directly ties into the ministry of my music.” Dreion have a fighting chance of a nor- Last year, Dreion auditioned for American Idol, but mal life. didn’t make it to the show’s televised portion. But music One of those relatives was an uncle– from a debut EP he released,–titled “I Am Life –made Keith Miles–who got him into church the soundtrack of a Shaquille O’Neal produced film, where that formation of his faith and “Foster Boy”, which brings attention to the everyday musical interests began to take hold. realities that youth face in foster care. His uncle, a church musician, encour- “I seek to be an international superstar,” exclaims the aged him to play instruments and pro- now ebullient foster care survivor turned performer who vided a platform in the church for him is all over social media. “I'm working with and talking to to showcase them. people like Phillip Bailey and Sheila E, Morris Day, He was a natural at singing, playing Stokely Williams and many more, who I have connected drums and the organ and as a budding with who are helping me in my career. Hopefully, you'll young musical artist, Dreion discovered see me a lot more on your TV screen too!” healthy ways to express himself and As a survivor of the foster care system, Dreion is manage emotional imbalances. It didn’t using his story of trauma and triumph, along with his take long for his passion for music to inspiring music and live performances, to advocate for begin serving him in ways that led to foster care reform. He partners with major foster care reducing the need for prescription drugs— organizations such as First Star Academy, Mixed Roots which his mother said was “turning him Foundation, and Music Is Unity as an ambassador and into a walking zombie.” honorary board member bringing awareness to needs of A relationship with God and music foster care youth across the country. became Dreion’s newfound therapist. Not “I think it's really important that the foster care sysonly were the two a winning combination tem, that was not only oppressing me, but also other fosfor his mental health, but they set him on a ter youth, be dealt with,” says Dreion. “I've always been course that today has him soaring beyond a believer…always had faith that I could do what people Dreion what most case managers would have never said I couldn't do.”
CHEZ’NEY HADLEY
Contributor
One in four women and one in seven men will at some point in their lives experience relationship abuse, and music–particularly hip hop–has served as both a backdrop, and at the same time a platform for the glorification of relationship violence. In her 2017 Daily Beast expose, “How Hip-Hop Rewards Rappers for Abusing Women”, Amy Zimmerman writes, “Celebrating the authenticity that’s clearly connecting with these rappers’, fans can feel like an absolution of the crimes that they’re confessing to”, adding that “the entertainment industry has an undeniable problem with complicity” particularly as it relates to domestic violence. So, does life imitate art or does art imitate life? In 1949, Billie Holiday sang in Ain’t Nobody’s Business, “I’d rather my man to hit me than for him to jump up and quit me…ain’t nobody’s business if I do”. In the lyrics to Eminem’s 1997 “Low Down, Dirty”, one line reads “support domestic violence. Beat your bi***hes ass while your kids stare in silence”. The late XXXTentacion’s art did indeed imitate life. He raps about his girlfriend in his song “Carry On”, stating, “Trapped in a concept, falsely accused, misused and misled/ B****, I’m hopin’ you f****** rest in peace”. In 2017, the Florida rapper faced felony charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, false imprisonment, domestic battery by strangulation and witness tampering. In an interview, Brother Marquis from two Live Crew echoed these sentiments: ‘‘I’m degrading [women] to try to get me some money. Rufus Morgan, an artist manager and So So Def producer, who was featured in Jermaine Dupri’s docuseries The Rap Game, says, “Fortunately I haven’t had to work with artists that write that type of music. I mainly work with R&B artists now and they don’t usually go there with their lyrics.” Morgan also shares the same sentiment about record labels that Zimmerman talked about, calling the entertainment industry complicit. He continues, “I’ve noticed labels don’t care. They’re not into censoring artists. They will just let any backlash from controversial lyrics fall on the artist.” Last July, rap star Megan Thee Stallion was shot twice in the foot by her boyfriend singer Tory Lanez, after a violent argument as the couple left a Hollywood party. At first, she was silent about the details of the incident, but she subsequently posted: “Even though he shot me, I tried to spare him. He’s not in jail because I didn’t tell the laws what happened, and I should have.” Just last month, a video went viral of rapper Saweetie and her rapper boyfriend Quavo having a violent altercation in a NOHO apartment building elevator. In the video they seemed to be tussling over an orange bag. It appears Saweetie swung on Quavo, which resulted in the rapper slinging her into the elevator wall. In a 2009 study on “Rap music’s violent and misogynistic effects: Fact or fiction?” Researchers from the University of California at Irvine and George Washington University identified five misogynistic themes that appear with some frequency in hip hop music: derogatory naming and shaming of women, sexual objectification of women, distrust of women, legitimation of violence against women, and celebration of prostitution and pimping. Condoning violence against women was less frequent, but was found to appear in almost one-fifth (18%) of the misogynistic songs. Dr. Oliver J. Williams, director of IDVAAC (Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community) states “This generation ages 15 to 38 is under siege there are higher rates of intimate partner violence, homicide and suicide. When you’re dealing with men who are dealing with so many challenges, taking on the issues of how this destructive behavior is destroying the family is hard.” Music’s importance to youth can also be measured by the amount of time they spend listening to it. According to Statista, a company specializing in market in consumer data, found in 2019 teens (13 to 18year-olds) averaged seven hours and 22 minutes a day with 16 to 24-year-olds four times likely to cite hip-hop/rap as their favorite music genre. In conclusion, the study found that rap’s messages resonate in communities where those who listen have fewer opportunities for socioeconomic success and where respect is instead often earned by mistreating young women. Dr. Michael J.T. Fisher, Pastor of The Greater Zion Church Family in Compton says, “I believe music serves as a soundtrack to the culture which means whatever we sing we often play out in our schools, in our workplaces and in our homes. Rap music which often times degrade women, diminishes their status and shows this generation that they are nothing more than property and accessories.” Fisher continues, “Rap music is definitely the reason why we have a generation of men that do not respect women.” A memorable beat and catchy tune can easily have us overlooking the haunting lyrics of a violent song, but music has influence. Music has the power to bring us up or tear us down.
TMZ video of violent elevator altercation between rappers Saweetie and Quavo
This article is the third in a eight- part series L.A. Focus is producing on domestic violence in collaboration with California Black Media and the Blue Shield of California Foundation. It explores how individuals, families and organizations in our community can seek creative solutions to work through the host of problems that stem from intimate partner violence. For more information, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit: www.thehotline.org.
