Everyone has been raving about the performances in the new musical The Color Purple musical based on the classic novel/film written by Alice Walker. The film was released on Christmas Day and opened at No.1 at the box office.
Now the actress. LaChanze who played Miss Celie on Broadway is demanding royalties for her contributions to the original songs used in the production. LaChanze initially won a Tony for playing Celie on Broadway, with Barrino joining a wealth of other actresses who took on the part on stage following LaChanze’s departure from the production, also including Cynthia Erivo and Adrianna Hicks. Barrino eventually reprised the role in director Blitz Bazawule’s big-screen adaptation of the musical, which also welcomed supporting actress Danielle Brooks back to The Color Purple family in the role of Sofia, which she first portrayed in the 2015 Broadway revival.
LaChanze wrote on Twitter:
I am getting a lot of DM’s and posts about why I’ve been left out of the press as the original Celie in the
@TheColorPurple (musical). I am thrilled for the movie’s success! Happy for all involved. However, I do want my royalty fee for the lyrics I added to “I’M HERE”.
I am getting a lot of DM’s and posts about why I’ve been left out of the press as the original Celie in the @TheColorPurple (musical). I am thrilled for the movie’s success! Happy for all involved. However, I do want my royalty fee for the lyrics I added to “I’M HERE”.
Taraji P. Henson revealed a massive shakeup that she made to her team after the conclusion of Empire. According to Henson, a Cookie spinoff was supposed to happen, and when it didn’t, she cleared house. The reveal came after Variety’s Angelique Jackson asked about her best business decision.
“Firing everybody after Cookie,” Henson responded. “Everybody had to fucking go. Where is my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this? That’s why you all haven’t seen me in so long. They had nothing set up. All they wanted was another Cookie show.”
She added, “I said, ‘I’ll do it, but it has to be right. The people deserve…she’s too beloved for y’all to fuck it up.’ And so, when they didn’t get it right, I was like, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and they had nothing else. ‘You’re all fuckin’ fired.’ It took me years to get there…you are the prize. Don’t you ever forget that. You are the talent. You are there check. Don’t every forget that. They work for you. If they are not…somebody else will do it. I stayed with the same team for years.”
Last week, Taraji P. Henson cried over frustration with Hollywood. She admitted she was considering quitting her job over the pay gap for Black actresses and revealed she hasn’t had a raise in years. The blogs suspected tension between Taraji and Oprah, but it seems Oprah has made things right with the Empire actress.
Taranji posted a photo of she and Oprah with the caption:
It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other.
It is also imperative to have women of color in decision making positions across ALL industries.
Thank you for responding to my message with the compassion, understanding and support that I’ve received.
With that being said…
Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!
She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.
She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did!
It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.
Barack Obama is known for delivering his favorite tunes every year, but now he is giving a peak into his watch list. The 44th president of the United States of America has revealed his favorite films of 2023.
“Earlier this year, writers and actors went on strike to advocate for better working conditions and protections,” Obama wrote. “It led to important changes that will transform the industry for the better.
“Here are some films that reflect their hard work over the last year — including some like Rustin, American Symphony, and Leave the World Behind that we were proud to release through @HGMedia”
His production, Leave the World Behind, leads the way on his list. He also put Rustin and American Symphony in his top three.
Oppenheimer, American Fiction, Air, The Holdovers, and more are additional films included.
You can see the full list below.
Earlier this year, writers and actors went on strike to advocate for better working conditions and protections. It led to important changes that will transform the industry for the better.
Here are some films that reflect their hard work over the last year — including some like… pic.twitter.com/TMH9LeQgsT
Donald Trump believes Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was a success due to his cameo appearance. Earlier in the week, the film’s director, Chris Columbus, revealed Trump “bullied” his way into the sequel.
According to Columbus, Trump would only allow the use of the Plaza Hotel if he was in the movie. “So we agreed to put him in the movie, and when we screened it for the first time, the oddest thing happened: People cheered when Trump showed up on screen. So I said to my editor, ‘Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience.’ But he did bully his way into the movie.”
Hitting Truth Social, Trump says that’s not what happened at all.
“They rented the Plaza Hotel in New York, which I owned at the time. I was very busy, and didn’t want to do it. They were very nice, but above all, persistent,” Trump wrote. “I agreed, and the rest is history! That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is, especially around Christmas time. People call me whenever it is aired.”
In a separate statement, Trump said: “That cameo helped make the movie a success, but if they felt bullied, or didn’t want me, why did they put me in, and keep me there, for over 30 years?”
Taraji P. Henson revealed a massive shakeup that she made to her team after the conclusion of Empire. According to Henson, a Cookie spinoff was supposed to happen, and when it didn’t, she cleared house. The reveal came after Variety’s Angelique Jackson asked about her best business decision.
“Firing everybody after Cookie,” Henson responded. “Everybody had to fucking go. Where is my deal? Where’s my commercial? Cookie was at the top of the fashion game. Where is my endorsement? What did you have set up for after this? That’s why you all haven’t seen me in so long. They had nothing set up. All they wanted was another Cookie show.”
She added, “I said, ‘I’ll do it, but it has to be right. The people deserve…she’s too beloved for y’all to fuck it up.’ And so, when they didn’t get it right, I was like, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and they had nothing else. ‘You’re all fuckin’ fired.’ It took me years to get there…you are the prize. Don’t you ever forget that. You are the talent. You are there check. Don’t every forget that. They work for you. If they are not…somebody else will do it. I stayed with the same team for years.”
Last week, Taraji P. Henson cried over frustration with Hollywood. She admitted she was considering quitting her job over the pay gap for Black actresses and revealed she hasn’t had a raise in years. The blogs suspected tension between Taraji and Oprah, but it seems Oprah has made things right with the Empire actress.
Taranji posted a photo of she and Oprah with the caption:
It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other.
It is also imperative to have women of color in decision making positions across ALL industries.
Thank you for responding to my message with the compassion, understanding and support that I’ve received.
With that being said…
Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!
She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.
She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did!
It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.
In a heartwarming twist, the remake of “The Color Purple” emerged as the holiday season’s cinematic darling, claiming the top spot at the box office on Christmas Day. Starring the dynamic trio of Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino, and Taraji P. Henson, the movie seamlessly blended the cherished storyline with the enchanting elements of song and dance, leaving audiences captivated and emotionally moved.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the musical adaptation, produced by the formidable duo Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, raked in an impressive $18.1 million from 3,142 theaters on Monday. This remarkable performance marks the second-best showing ever for a movie opening on Christmas Day and the best since 2009.
The stellar cast, featuring Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Colman Domingo, brought Blitz Bazawule’s visionary retelling of Alice Walker’s beloved novel to life. The narrative, originally adapted from the Tony-winning Broadway show, retained its integrity while introducing the powerful dimensions of music and choreography, creating a truly brilliant cinematic experience.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the record for the biggest Christmas Day opening still belongs to 2009’s “Sherlock Holmes,” which earned $24.6 million (not adjusted for inflation). However, “The Color Purple” remake’s triumphant performance underscores its undeniable impact on audiences during the festive season.
The blend of nostalgia, exceptional performances, and the infusion of musical elements contributed to the film’s success. The enchanting retelling of this timeless story serves as a testament to the enduring power of Alice Walker’s narrative and the creative prowess of the team behind this modern cinematic masterpiece.
As viewers flocked to theaters on Christmas Day, “The Color Purple” remake not only captivated the hearts of those familiar with the classic but also introduced a new generation to the beauty and resilience embedded in the narrative. The movie’s success serves as a heartening conclusion to the year, bringing much-needed cheer to the holiday box office.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of this musical adaptation, “The Color Purple” promises an emotional and visually stunning journey, ensuring that Alice Walker’s timeless tale continues to resonate and inspire audiences across generations.
The legendary Grammy Award-winning artist Raphael Saadiq is spreading holiday joy with the release of his enchanting new single, “Miracle,” featuring the soulful vocals of UK artist Kelli-Leigh. The festive track is an exclusive gift to listeners, available solely on Amazon Music, adding an extra layer of excitement to the holiday season.
“Miracle” takes center stage as an original song on the CANDY CANE LANE soundtrack, promising to be a musical journey through the whimsical world of holiday magic. Saadiq’s mastery as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer shines through in this delightful composition, showcasing his deep musicality and contemporary creative vision. In a candid and heartwarming interview, Raphael Saadiq, the Grammy Award-winning artist, opened up to Courtney Brown from The Source Magazine about his latest holiday single “Miracle,” his Christmas memories, and the timeless influence of his music across generations.
Courtney Brown: Hello, Raphael, how are you?
Raphael Saadiq: I’m good, so nice to meet you.
Courtney: I just finished listening to the song, and I’m ready to put up my Christmas tree now. It brought back so many memories, like it kind of took me to the eighties because that’s my childhood. It has such a good vibe. The melody made me feel good. What thoughts and memories did you come up with that gave you that vibe for that song?
Raphael: Well, first of all, I had the opportunity of looking at the film, right? Looking at the footage reminded me of my childhood, of people having contests in the neighborhood. My good friend Timothy Riley, one of the guys in my band, had just won first place in the Christmas contest in his neighborhood. It made me super cheerful, like what this song should feel like. It feels like that morning when you wake up and just being surprised or people preparing for it, you know, getting the tree, and it’s that whole preparation.
Courtney: What are some of your favorite memories from Christmas, especially your childhood?
Raphael: Christmas Eve is always my thing. My parents would go out and leave these 45 records on, playing Al Green Christmas songs and Temptations. I was one of the only two kids left in the house, so I had to make all these fun things by myself. I got a chance to play with a bass guitar and amplifiers, things that worked on their own. It was always finding those really cool gifts.
Courtney: Speaking of gifts, any memorable or unusual Christmas gifts you received?
Raphael: My sister wasn’t a good gifter. She once bought me a shoe horn or something. I was like, “Ooh, she’s a terrible gifter.” It’s hard to buy for guys, and, you know, just to help your sister out there, it’s kind of difficult. Now, my sister is still not a good gifter today. I’ve been getting her back for the longest time.
Courtney: It’s amazing to see you sitting here, and you look the same; you have not aged. What’s your secret?
Raphael: It’s my therapy to be up early in the morning, running and training before rehearsals. You got to have the wind span to do a two and a half hour show. It feels really good to be outside early in the morning.
Courtney: Shifting gears, your music has spanned generations. Who would you collaborate with from the younger generation that’s a newer artist right now?
Raphael: I don’t really work like that. I meet people at a store or 7-Eleven, and they go, “Hey man, just wanna work together?” I’m like, “Cool, come by the studio.” It just happens organically.
Courtney: Your music has been part of people’s life milestones. How does it feel to hear that?
Raphael: It feels great. I hear all that I’ve made. I’m sure I have a couple of kids because of you. We named our daughter Deja from your song. I hear a lot of anniversaries, our song.
Courtney: Your influence extends to hip hop. Who would be in your top five hip hop artists of all time?
Raphael: Nas is probably my number one MC. Kendrick is probably my number one, honestly. Busta, Rakim, and Q-Tip are also among my favorites.
Courtney: You’re touring, which surprises me considering all you’re doing in the studio. What’s your health regimen on tour?
Raphael: Before I leave on tour, I work out with Willie Gault, a world-class runner. I run, do yoga, and Pilates. It’s my therapy, and it feels good to be outside early in the morning.
Courtney: Any advice for talented people losing inspiration?
Raphael: Go where the love is, and remember why you did it. If you didn’t do it because you love it, you’re probably not gonna stay inspired. You just gotta love what you do.
The trailer for Dave Chappelle’s upcoming comedy special, The Dreamer, is now available. The elite narraration skills of Morgan Freeman introduce the trailer.
“What do you dream about? Not the dreams you have in your sleep: the ones you hold in your heart. Don’t be intimidated by the audacity of your dream — be inspired by it,” Freeman says. “What happens to a dream deferred? Lucky for Dave, he doesn’t know.”
You can see the trailer below.
Trailer of Dave Chappelle’s netflix special The Dreamer, available December 31st. Narrated by Morgan Freeman. pic.twitter.com/2eRnn5Z5rS
This week actress Taraji P. Henson broke down in tears over frustration with Hollywood. She admitted she was considering quitting her job, over the pay gap for Black actresses and revealed she hasn’t had a raise in years. The blogs suspected there was tension between Taranji and Oprah but it seems Oprah has made things right with the Empire actress.
Taranji posted a photo of she and Oprah with the caption:
It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other.
It is also imperative to have women of color in decision making positions across ALL industries.
Thank you for responding to my message with the compassion, understanding and support that I’ve received.
With that being said…
Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!
She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.
She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did!
It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.
As reported on Blavity, Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Black Panther) is stepping into the big chair for his directorial debut in Netflix’s Th Kitchen. Actually he shared director duties with Kibwe Tavares (Jonah) and co-penned the script alongside Joe Murtagh (Gangs of London).
Don’t let the title throw you for a loop as the synopsis reads, “In a dystopian London, the gap between rich and poor has been stretched to its limits. All forms of social housing have been eradicated and only The Kitchen remains. A community that refuses to move out of the place they call home. This is where we meet a solitary Izi, living here by necessity and desperately trying to find a way out, and a 12-year-old Benji, who has lost his mother and is searching for a family. We follow our unlikely pair as they struggle to forge a relationship in a system that is stacked against them.”
The Kitchen stars Top Boy alum Kane Robinson, Jedaiah Bannerman, Ian Wright, Hope Ikpoku Jr, Cristale, BackRoad Gee, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo.
As exclusively reported by Shadow and Act the Get Out star said, “This story is set in an oppressed world but it’s about the people who live there and their resilient inner life. No matter how much the class system dims and dehumanizes, with this film the light of our togetherness, community and humanity shines through.”
Co-Director Tavares added, “I’m very excited for audiences to see The Kitchen. Having grown up in London, the film really is a love letter to the city. It meant a lot to have Netflix’s support in making The Kitchen. It’s been such a journey from script to screen and I really wanted to make something fresh, thoughtful, and cinematic and I am so proud of the final film.”
The film debuts January 19 on Netflix and includes features music from Labrinth and Alex Baranowski.
