On this day in film history, Hype Williams’ 1998 masterpiece Belly was released in theaters. Starring New York legends Nas and DMX, Belly follows the life and times of Tommy Bunds (DMX) and Sincere (Nas). The two get by as run-of-the-mill professional criminals ducking and dodging their way to their idea of a better life. While DMX’s character is fine with continuing to stick-and-move and stack as much money as possible until it catches up with him, Nas’ role is looking to better himself and move his family ‘back to Africa’.
The film’s star-studded cast included Taral Hicks, T-Boz of TLC, Method Man, AZ, the late Louis Rankin, and Oliver “Power” Grant with cameos from Ghostface Killah and Sean Paul.
Although the movie may have been poorly received by critics across the board, this movie helped shape a generation. Hype Williams’ portrayal of this side of rap culture electrified not only those who were experiencing the themes of the film; but, it reached the millennials who were soon to take the reigns of pop culture. Films like Belly created an image that was directly emulated by the next generation of rappers. Without its influence and appeal the lifestyle led by artists like Jay-Z, Dip Set, and even A$AP Mob might have not have been as glamorized.
The film also spawned one of the greatest Hip Hop movie soundtracks of all time, featuring tracks from D’Angelo, Mya, Raekwon, N.O.R.E., Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Wu-Tang Clan, and the film’s stars. The soundtrack peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #2 Top R&B/Hip Hop chart making it one of the highest-charting Hip-Hop film soundtracks to date. The album’s sole single “Grand Finale” featuring Nas, DMX, Method Man, and Ja Rule peaked at #63 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop singles chart.
Eddie Murphy is set to bring the funk to the big screen in a biopic about the legendary George Clinton, the mastermind behind Parliament-Funkadelic. The film, which is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios, will reunite Murphy with Dreamgirls director Bill Condon, promising an exciting collaboration for fans of both the iconic actor and the vibrant world of funk music.
The untitled George Clinton biopic will explore the influential career and turbulent life of the funk pioneer, drawing inspiration from Clinton’s 2017 memoir, Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard On You? According to The Wrap, the film aims to shed light on the untold story of Clinton’s journey to founding Parliament-Funkadelic, a collective known for their groundbreaking musical style, surreal sci-fi themes, and electrifying live performances that redefined the music and culture of their era.
The screenplay is currently in development, written by Virgil Williams, co-writer of this year’s acclaimed The Piano Teacher, from an original draft by Max Werner. The project was initiated by Clinton superfan Catherine Davis, who pitched the idea to Murphy, igniting the actor’s enthusiasm for the role.
Murphy, known for his transformative performances, is expected to channel Clinton’s flamboyant and eccentric persona, complete with the vibrant costumes and high-energy spirit that characterized Parliament-Funkadelic’s unforgettable shows. With Condon at the helm, the film will aim to capture the essence of Clinton’s vision and the evolution of the funk movement that continues to influence artists today.
The collaboration marks a reunion of the Dreamgirls creative team, which could spell awards season buzz if Murphy’s performance lives up to the critical acclaim he has received in past dramatic roles. As the production gears up, music lovers and film fans alike can look forward to a cinematic celebration of one of music’s most visionary figures.
Stay tuned for more updates on the casting, soundtrack, and release date as the George Clinton biopic comes to life.
Spooky season is winding down and before it’s all said and done we put together our list of the top 10 horror genre films for Halloween, we think you should binge watch this weekend. We highly recommend you put down your phones, dim the lights, get cozy and let yourself get scurrred a little. It’s good for the soul or heart rate, depending how you look at that kind of thing. But seriously put the phones down and enjoy our Horror movie suggestions. Okay, let’s get right to it.
#10. Candyman (1992) – Director, Bernard Rose
Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman’s description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.
#9. Us – Director, Jordan Peele
Accompanied by her husband, son and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Her worst fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival. When the masks come off, the family is horrified to learn that each attacker takes the appearance of one of them.
#8. The Blackening – Director, Tim Story
Seven friends go away for the weekend, only to find themselves trapped in a cabin with a killer who has a vendetta. They must pit their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies against the murderer to stay alive.
#7. Halloween (1978) – Director, John Carpenter
On a cold Halloween night in 1963, six year old Michael Myers brutally murdered his 17-year-old sister, Judith. He was sentenced and locked away for 15 years. But on October 30, 1978, while being transferred for a court date, a 21-year-old Michael Myers steals a car and escapes Smith’s Grove. He returns to his quiet hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he looks for his next victims.
#6. The Purge(2013) – Director, James DeMonaco
In an America ravaged by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government sanctions an annual 12-hour period during which all criminal activity — including murder — is legal. James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) and his family face the ultimate test when an intruder drags the vicious outside world into their home. James, Mary (Lena Headey) and their two children struggle to survive the night while trying not to turn into monsters like the ones they are striving to avoid.
#5. Scary Movie (2000) – Director, Keenen Ivory Wayans
Defying the very notion of good taste, Scary Movie out-parodies the pop culture parodies with a no-holds barred assault on the most popular images and talked-about moments from recent films, television and commercials. The film boldly fires barbs at the classic scenes from Scream, The Sixth Sense, The Matrix, I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Blair Witch Project, then goes on to mock a whole myriad of teen movie clichés, no matter the genre.
#4. Blade (1998) – Director, Stephen Norrington
A half-mortal, half-immortal is out to avenge his mother’s death and rid the world of vampires. The modern-day technologically advanced vampires he is going after are in search of his special blood type needed to summon an evil god who plays a key role in their plan to execute the human race.
#3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Director, Wes Craven
In Wes Craven’s classic slasher film, several Midwestern teenagers fall prey to Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a disfigured midnight mangler who preys on the teenagers in their dreams — which, in turn, kills them in reality. After investigating the phenomenon, Nancy (Heather Langenkamp) begins to suspect that a dark secret kept by her and her friends’ parents may be the key to unraveling the mystery, but can Nancy and her boyfriend Glen (Johnny Depp) solve the puzzle before it’s too late?
#2. Scream (1996) – Director, Wes Craven
Wes Craven re-invented and revitalised the slasher-horror genre with this modern horror classic, which manages to be funny, clever and scary, as a fright-masked knife maniac stalks high-school students in middle-class suburbia. Craven is happy to provide both tension and self-parody as the body count mounts – but the victims aren’t always the ones you’d expect.
#1. Get Out – Director, Jordan Peele
Now that Chris and his girlfriend, Rose, have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with her parents, Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behaviour as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries leads him to a truth that he never could have imagined.
What ya’ll think about our list? Tell the truth, classics or nah?
Megan Thee Stallion is coming clean about having sex with Tory Lanez. In a conversation with Gayle King on CBS in 2022 after the shooting, Thee Stallion stated she and the jailed rapper never hooked up. In her Prime documentary, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words, she claims they did “once or twice” while drunk.
In response, Ceasar McDowell, CEO of Unite the People, who represents Lanez, stated to TMZ: “The fact that Megan lied about her sexual relationship with Tory obviously makes her an unreliable witness. If someone lies in front of millions of people, how can you trust what they say any other time?”
In Lanez’s appeal, he notes “previous false statements made by Megan.”
Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words provides an intimate look at the life of the Houston-born rapper, revealing the woman behind the persona. The documentary follows Megan as she rises to stardom, navigating fame, grief, pressure, and success. It captures her most vulnerable moments, allowing fans to connect with Megan Pete more deeply.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, TIME Studios, Roc Nation, and Nneka Productions, the 112-minute film is directed by Nneka Onuorah. Co-producers include Carmen Cee and Mackenzie Hill, with executive producers Loren Hammonds, Desiree Perez, and others.
Paramount+ has announced that The French Montana Story, an exclusive documentary following the rise of Moroccan-born hip-hop star French Montana, will premiere on November 19 in the U.S. and Canada and on November 20 in the U.K. and Australia. The film, produced by Live Nation Productions for MTV Entertainment Studios and directed by Mandon Lovett, provides an intimate look at Montana’s journey from hardship to stardom.
The documentary delves into Montana’s life as he navigates the challenges of growing up in the Bronx. After being abandoned by his father, Montana’s single mother was left to support him and his two younger brothers. The film captures the family’s immigrant story, highlighting a mother’s strength and a son’s determination to overcome life’s obstacles to pursue his American dream. In the words of Montana, “It’s the first blueprint of an immigrant’s music dream, proving that anything is possible and it’s not about the awards, it’s about what we learn from the losses and sacrifices.”
In addition to directing by Lovett, The French Montana Story is executive produced by Michael Rapino and Ryan Kroft for Live Nation Productions, alongside French Montana himself under his Montana Entertainment banner.
One of most famous and successful Hollywood families, The Wayans brothers—Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory—are officially making their return to the Scary Movie franchise. Let’s go! Nearly two decades after their last installment, the reboot is set to resume their parody slasher series. First announced at CinemaCon in April, the new installment is set to begin filming in 2025 with a theatrical release planned through Miramax and Paramount, according to Deadline. Rick Alvarez has joined as a writer for the project.
Ge this, Marlon broke the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself with Ghostface—who wore Rick Owens boots—in a playful nod to the franchise’s comedic roots. “Last week, I said I had a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT to make. Well, here it is… WE’RE BACK!!! After nearly 20 years, the Wayans brothers are finally going to give the fans what they’ve been asking for…a return to the SCARY MOVIE franchise! We’re looking forward to having fun on the big screen again,” he wrote.
When it comes to an official statement, Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen expressed their excitement to be reuniting both with each other and with the Scary Movie series. “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the new Scary Movie and work with each other again. This is a franchise we created more than 20 years ago. We remember people laughing in the aisles and hope to see that happen again,” the brothers shared. “We look forward to working with Jonathan Glickman and his team at the new Miramax to bring these laughs to theaters, where they belong. It’s a double reunion.”
Here’s what Jonathan Glickman, president of Miramax, said regarding his enthusiasm about the Wayans’ return: “We are thrilled to reunite Scary Movie with the Wayans brothers, the brilliant creators behind the beloved franchise,” Glickman stated. “The timing is perfect to bring back the series to the big screen, and we’re lucky to have Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn’s unique comedic vision bringing it to audiences around the world.”
What’s more, the announcement comes just weeks after Marlon shared insights into the family’s difficult history with the franchise. During an appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Marlon discussed how Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax deal essentially wrested control of Scary Movie from the Wayans family. “You can’t do Wayans sh*t without the Wayans,” Marlon told Shannon Sharpe, emphasizing the uniqueness of their family’s comedic legacy. “You can try, but eventually you’re gonna lose a lot of money because what we do is special. We have 200 years of comedy between me, Shawn, and Keenen. Damon, Kim. We have a lot of years of excellence of what we do. You can’t just put anybody on them.”
Corey Hawkins, who is best known for his acclaimed role in The Piano Lesson, and Straight Out of Compton has joined the cast of the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios thriller Crime 101, written and directed by Bart Layton.
As originally reported by Deadline Hollywood, the film will also feature a star studded cast of Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Monica Barbaro. However, plot details and specifics about each actor’s role remain under wraps.
The film is likely to align with the storyline of Don Winslow’s novella Crime 101, which revolves around a tense cat-and-mouse pursuit. In the original story, a veteran jewel thief named Davis plots a final heist involving a valuable diamond, using the Pacific Coast Highway as his route before he plans to vanish. Meanwhile, LAPD Detective Lou Lubesnick is determined to bring him down.
As the headline suggests, the production team is stacked with talent: Joely Fether of RAW is set to executive produce, with producers including Hemsworth and his Wild State co-founder Ben Grayson, RAW founder Dimitri Doganis, Layton, and Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Shane Salerno of The Story Factory also joins the producing lineup.
As mentioned, Hawkins will soon appear in The Piano Lesson, an adaptation of August Wilson’s classic play, set to premiere in select theaters and on Netflix on November 22. The cast of The Piano Lesson includes John David Washington, Daniel Deadwyler, Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Fisher, Erykah Badu, Michael Potts, and Skylar Aleece Smith, with direction by Malcolm Washington, who co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams.
Funk Flex calls out Shyne over the trailer for his documentary, The Honorable Shyne. Hitting the airwaves, Flex called Shyne a liar, referencing Shyne blaming Diddy for how the 1999 Manhattan nightclub shooting went down.
“When somebody tries to say they the scapegoat or they was used… it’s been bothering me,” said Flex on Hot 97. “And I’m gonna keep it a buck. Shyne, I love you bro, and I know what you’ve been though—no I don’t—but you’re a liar. You’re a stone-cold faced liar, Shyne.”
You can hear the full rant below.
DJ Funk Flex goes off on Shyne’s new Hulu documentary trailer, calling him a liar and says he’s going to expose Shyne for claiming he was the scapegoat in the 1999 NY club shooting involving Diddy. pic.twitter.com/ta5DoQ1ttP
Andscape, Disney-ESPN’s platform focused on Black culture, debuted The Honorable Shyne trailer. The new documentary feature will premiere exclusively on Hulu on Nov.18th.
The documentary, directed by Marcus A. Clarke, chronicles the remarkable life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, a Grammy Award-winning musician who transitioned from rap stardom to political leadership.
Shyne’s rise in the late 1990s was abruptly halted when he was convicted in a high-profile New York nightclub shooting involving rap mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. While Combs was acquitted, Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2001. After his release, Shyne returned to his native Belize and pivoted from music to politics, ultimately becoming the Leader of the Opposition Party.
The film showcases Shyne’s journey of redemption and transformation, providing an intimate look at his evolution from an incarcerated rapper to a leader working to create a brighter future for Belize.
Produced by Jason Perez, The Honorable Shyne features executive producers Dwayne Bray, Talitha Watkins, and others, with co-executive producers David Dennis Jr. and Justin Tinsley. The documentary promises an inspiring narrative of resilience and purpose.
The Honorable Shyne premieres on Hulu on Nov. 18th.
Finally, the first trailer has dropped for One of Them Days, an upcoming buddy comedy film is here. Produced by Issa Rae and starring Keke Palmer and SZA, this marks a highly anticipated project for both stars, with get this, SZA making her major acting debut in the film.
Behind the camera One of Them Days is produced under Rae’s HOORAE banner, alongside ColorCreative and MACRO Film Studios, the movie is being brought to life by Sony’s TriStar division. Lawrence Lamont serves as director, and the screenplay is penned by Syreeta Singleton, the showrunner behind Rae’s Max comedy Rap Sh!t. Keke Palmer is also onboard as an executive producer through her Big Boss production company.
Here’s the official synopsis: “Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover that Alyssa’s boyfriend has squandered their rent money, the duo embarks on a wild, comedic race against the clock to avoid eviction and preserve their friendship.”
Outside of SZA and Palmer, the cast includes Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams, with additional appearances by Gabrielle Dennis, Amin Joseph, DomiNique Perry, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and Patrick Cage.
In addition to Issa Rae, Deniese Davis, Sara Rastogi, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks are producing the film. Keke Palmer, Sharon Palmer, Jeff Valeri, and Charles D. King are attached as executive producers. One of Them Days brings together a blend of comedic talent in what promises to be an energetic and hilarious film.
Andscape, Disney-ESPN’s platform focused on Black culture, debuted The Honorable Shyne’s trailer. The new documentary feature will premiere exclusively on Hulu on Nov.18th.
The documentary, directed by Marcus A. Clarke, chronicles the remarkable life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, a Grammy Award-winning musician who transitioned from rap stardom to political leadership.
Shyne’s rise in the late 1990s was abruptly halted when he was convicted in a high-profile New York nightclub shooting involving rap mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. While Combs was acquitted, Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2001. After his release, Shyne returned to his native Belize and pivoted from music to politics, ultimately becoming the Leader of the Opposition Party.
The film showcases Shyne’s journey of redemption and transformation, providing an intimate look at his evolution from an incarcerated rapper to a leader working to create a brighter future for Belize.
Produced by Jason Perez, The Honorable Shyne features executive producers Dwayne Bray, Talitha Watkins, and others, with co-executive producers David Dennis Jr. and Justin Tinsley. The documentary promises an inspiring narrative of resilience and purpose.
The Honorable Shyne premieres on Hulu on Nov. 18th.
