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.
Colman Domingo is on fire. Academy Award nominee of Rustin acclaim is poised to make his directorial debut with Scandalous, a film that delves into the passionate yet turbulent love affair between Sammy Davis Jr. and actress Kim Novak. A film about Davis Jr. is long overdo in Hollywood and for Domingo to direct is a double win for the culture.
Get this, the film will star David Jonsson and Sydney Sweeney in the lead roles, with production set to begin after Domingo and Sweeney finish shooting Season 3 of Euphoria. The project, produced by Miramax, was initially conceived before Jon Glickman became CEO of the company and had Janet Mock attached to direct with Jeremy Pope slated to play Davis. Matthew Fantaci wrote the screenplay.
Sydney Sweeney is deeply involved in the project and played a key role in piecing it together.
Here’s insight into the story of the film which recounts the real-life romance between Davis, a member of the Rat Pack, and Novak, the star of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo:
“Novak, star of Vertigo and Rat Pack member Davis Jr were at the peak of star power when they met while guests on The Steve Allen Show. They fell hard for each other, but as rumors spread, the rampant racism in America threatened to derail their careers. Novak experience the ire of Harry Cohn, the Columbia Pictures chief who had the actress under contract. Their covert affair became big news when a Chicago gossip columnist in early 1958 wrote a detailed account of their relationship, including their plans to marry. This despite their denials. Davis Jr nine days later married a Black chorus girl named Loray White.”
David Jonsson, who plays Sammy Davis Jr., brings significant momentum to the project after a string of successful performances. Jonsson’s career has been on the rise, especially after his recent role in Alien Romulus, a film that garnered him widespread attention for his portrayal in the summer blockbuster sci-fi thriller. He has been lauded as intense and gripping, establishing him as a versatile actor capable of tackling complex roles. This experience has positioned Jonsson as a strong lead for Scandalous, where he will take on the challenge of embodying the legendary entertainer Davis, whose life was often caught between public acclaim and personal struggles.
Domingo, who also stars alongside Sweeney in Euphoria, is no stranger to powerful storytelling, but Scandalous marks his first foray behind the camera. With a story that touches on fame, forbidden love, and racial tensions in mid-century America, Domingo’s directorial debut is highly anticipated and is expected to offer a fresh take on a lesser-known chapter of Davis’s life.
SZA is expanding her career into acting, as she should and during a recent interview, she shared a memorable moment from her time on set. The New Jersey singer recalled an amusing exchange with comedian Katt Williams, who is also part of the same film project, where he jokingly told her she was “mentally ill.”
The funny tidbit was revealed in her interview with Harper’s Bazaar alongside Kendrick Lamar, the “20 Somethings” singer opened up about her first experience filming a movie. “We shot a movie last night. I’ve never shot a movie before, so I was freaking out,” SZA explained. “It’s a lot of being scared to be myself. I’m either gonna pretend it never happened or not show up to the premiere.”
While discussing her memorable experience, SZA mentioned her encounter with Williams on set, sharing that she didn’t take his comment negatively. “I met Katt Williams [on set]. He told me I was mentally ill, like, as a compliment,” she said. “He was like, ‘Sa, I believe you might have some mental—’ And I was like, ‘Illness?’ And he was like, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘Oh, welcome.’”
Get this, from there, the conversation shifted toward deeper topics, with SZA asking Kendrick Lamar about his own mental health. The two artists reflected on childhood, spirituality, and personal growth.
“I think it’s going back to my inner child, right? I was trying to understand myself, trying to find people I could relate to. How to identify myself outside myself. It sounds crazy to a lot of people,” Lamar shared. “I really can see myself out of my body. When I do that, I have no judgment toward it. It’s too many eyes on me to not remove myself. That shit is scary to anybody else.”
When it comes to the film SZA mentioned, it is likely the upcoming Lawrence Lamont-directed project, set to release on January 24, 2025. Written by Syreeta Singleton and produced by Issa Rae’s Hoorae, the R-rated comedy boasts a star-studded cast, including Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage, and Amin Joseph. A title for the movie has not yet been announced.
Shameik Moore stars as an underdog-turned-bowling sensation in the upcoming comedy The Gutter. Written by Yassir Lester and directed by both Lester and Isaiah Lester, the film follows Moore’s character as he rises to bowling stardom, embracing a flamboyant lifestyle along the way. However, his path to glory faces a serious challenge when a retired bowling legend returns to reclaim her title. Alongside Moore, the film features an ensemble cast including D’Arcy Carden and Susan Sarandon.
Here’s the official synopsis giving more insight into the plot:
“In THE GUTTER, when frequently fired Walt (Moore) lands a job tending bar and cleaning shoes at his local bowling alley AlleyCatz, he feels like he’s finally found a place to call home. But when financial trouble threatens AlleyCatz, Walt is pushed by former pro-bowler and current champion drinker Skunk (Carden) to embrace his destiny as the greatest bowler ever. As Walt’s love for big prize money and his flamboyant, in-your-face style takes over the professional bowling circuit, his critics—including ratings-obsessed news anchor Angelo Powers and the freshly unretired bowling legend Linda ‘The Crusher’ Curson (Sarandon)—plot to extinguish Walt’s meteoric rise before it goes too far.”
Also starring is Jay Ellis, Tony Baker, Rell Battle, Jackée Harry, Kim Fields, Langston Kerman, Adam Brody, Adam Pally, Paul Reiser, and Paul Scheer.
Catch The Gutter in theaters starting November 1, distributed by Magnolia Pictures.
The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) proudly presents the sixth anniversary of its cherished “OWN For the Holidays” programming event, continuing its tradition of heartwarming, inclusive holiday stories. As part of the celebration, the network will debut its newest holiday film, “Mistletoe & Matrimony,” starring Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut and Etienne Maurice, on Saturday, December 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
“OWN has long been a pioneer in creating original holiday movies that resonate deeply with Black audiences, showcasing diverse talent at the forefront of our storytelling and bringing families together during this special time of year,” said Tina Perry, President of OWN. “We are truly honored to celebrate the season once again with three new films that encapsulate the warmth, joy, and love that our viewers eagerly anticipate year after year.”
Here’s a trailer for the three new films coming to OWN:
“Mistletoe & Matrimony” follows the story of Olivia Morris (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut), a detail-oriented wedding planner who faces a whirlwind of emotions when tasked with organizing her free-spirited sister’s Christmas Eve wedding. The situation grows more complicated when her ex-boyfriend, Isaiah (Etienne Maurice), returns from overseas to assist with the arrangements. As sparks fly and family dynamics shift, Olivia is forced to reconsider her outlook on love and life—just in time for the holidays.
Mistletoe & Matrimony is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios’ MarVista Entertainment with Megan Ellstrom, Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer, and Fernando Szew as Executive Producers.
Check out the festive first look images of Mistletoe & Matrimony below:
Pharrell Williams gives an arrangement of flowers at his NYC Piece By Piece Premiere
The New York City red carpet premiere of Piece By Piece, held on Wednesday, October 9th, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, was an unforgettable evening filled with stars, nostalgia, and unexpected moments. Among the celebrities in attendance were Pharrell Williams, A$AP Ferg, Pusha T, N.O.R.E, Bianca Lawson, Teddy Riley, and Nigel Sylvester. However, one of the most touching moments of the night came when Pharrell paused an interview to give journalist Courtney Brown her well-deserved “flowers” for the role she played in his early career.
Courtney Brown and Pharrell Williams
During the red carpet interview, Pharrell surprised Brown, a former music industry insider who spent years with Pharrell in the studio, by taking the microphone and reflecting on the pivotal influence she had on his journey. In an emotional tribute, Pharrell said, “So, y’all gotta understand. Courtney was there in the very beginning. She was there when Rob discovered Kelis and introduced her to me, you were her best friend. But what I will say is The Source is so lucky to have this person that not only knows about rap music but music period. I know this because I was there, I remember you asking all of the questions then—I should have known that this is what you were gonna do, but I didn’t.”
Courtney Brown and Clipse
Pharrell continued, praising Brown’s deep curiosity and knowledge about music culture, adding, “You asked all the most amazing questions, always so inquisitive about culture. If there was something I wasn’t up on, you were like telling me all about it. I heard about the A$AP crew through you. So many things I learned through you. I really did. And so I just want to make sure that I give you flowers—not flowers, but an arrangement—a bouquet of everything I know of you that I experienced myself.”
For Brown, who spent her early years in the industry as Kelis’s best friend and a fixture in Pharrell’s studio sessions, the moment was both surreal and heartwarming. She recalled watching Pharrell’s journey from those early days in the studio, where he would juggle working on multiple songs at once, his creativity and talent already evident.
Producer Teddy Riley and Courtney Brown
The premiere of Piece By Piece was a testament to Pharrell’s remarkable career, from his roots as a young producer to becoming a global superstar. The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville, is a unique LEGO®-animated biopic that delves into Pharrell’s evolution as an artist, producer, and cultural icon. Featuring appearances by Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg, the movie explores Pharrell’s journey with vibrant, joyful storytelling.
As Brown watched the film, she was moved to tears, reminiscing about the many moments she shared with Pharrell during the early days of his career. She reflected on his unique style and creativity, and how he introduced his N.E.R.D. and “Skateboard P” to the world. The film beautifully captures Pharrell’s sensitive, introspective side, showcasing the doubts and fears that only a true empath like him could reveal.
Pharrell’s tribute to Brown on the red carpet was a fitting reminder of the impact they had on one another. His heartfelt words, combined with the inspiring narrative of Piece By Piece, made it clear that Pharrell’s journey is not just about his individual success but also about the people who influenced him along the way.
As Pharrell concluded his tribute, he reflected on the significance of the film, saying, “And that is the reason why we did this film—because it gives me a platform to give flowers to all the things that have influenced me, all the people, all the situations, all the moments, and you were definitely one of those people. Harlem once again. Thank you for everything.”
Piece By Piece is now in theaters, offering a captivating blend of LEGO animation and Pharrell’s iconic music. The film is a must-see for fans of all ages, as it celebrates the creative genius of Pharrell Williams and the people who helped shape his extraordinary career. Prepare to be inspired by this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience, which merges breathtaking animation with an exploration of Pharrell’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a global icon.
Watch the lost audio files of the interview below.
Watch the trailer for Piece By Piece below.
In theaters now!
photos by: Shots By Sean Bell
For more information, please follow the film on social:
Rap superstar Megan Thee Stallion tells the story for the first time about what her life was like following the 2020 shooting incident involving Tory Lanez and the pressure she was under at the time, which caused her to have a mental breakdown.
Megan recently dropped the trailer for In Her Words documentary, which explains how “the global superstar recovers from a 2020 shooting incident and grapples with the perils of fame (among other things).”
In a clip from the trialer, she says, “I think I really forgot who I was, and when life started really getting crazy, I didn’t have [my mother]. That’s when I started getting the backlash. The shooting. The betrayal. I was definitely getting a little too engulfed in social media…I had really had, like, a real breakdown.”
She added, “I want people to understand how this affected me. I want people to see how I feel. I been through so much I can’t give up.”
The trailer was first announced by RocNation and TIME Studios back in 2022, however, the doc is slated to premiere on October 31 via Amazon Prime Video.
“We are thrilled to be able to work with Roc Nation to share Megan’s story with the world,” TIME Studios’ co-head of documentary Loren Hammonds said in a statement. “Millions of people are familiar with her as an entertainer, but this series will give her a chance to share her truth as never before.”
Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society and Cole Bennett’s Lyrical Lemonade are collaborating on a new documentary exploring the life and career of Chicago rapper Chief Keef. Directed by Bennett and produced by Barris alongside Khalabo’s Jeremy Allen, the film will chronicle Chief Keef’s meteoric rise, his 10-year political exile from Chicago, and his recent return to the city.
The documentary will highlight Chief Keef’s pivotal role in creating Drill Rap, a genre that revolutionized hip-hop and left a lasting impact on both the music industry and Chicago’s cultural landscape. Viewers will also get a glimpse into Chicago’s segregated neighborhoods and gang violence, providing context for Keef’s journey. The film will delve into how Keef became both a voice for the city’s marginalized youth and a scapegoat for political figures looking to address gang violence.
Widely regarded as the “King of Drill Music,” Chief Keef was more than a rapper to his community—he was a symbol of hope for young people in underserved areas. As he developed a new sound that captured the raw realities of life in Chicago, he gave a voice to their shared struggles. However, for local politicians, Keef’s music made him a convenient target for controversy.
Cole Bennett, founder of Lyrical Lemonade, brings his unique vision to the project. Known for his innovative music videos, Bennett has worked with artists like Juice WRLD, Eminem, and Post Malone. His blend of bold visuals and cutting-edge techniques has made Lyrical Lemonade a powerhouse in the hip-hop world.
In addition to Barris and Allen, the film’s executive producers include Jake Millan, Krista Worby, Emile Geneve, and Idris Dykes.
Another day, another Tyler Perry film announcement. Like he drops films like influencers drop story posts. The star-studded cast has been unveiled for Tyler Perry and DeVon Franklin’s upcoming faith-based film, R&B. The project, which brings together an impressive ensemble, includes Serayah, Tyler Lepley, Phylicia Rashad, Walnette Santiago, Nijah Brenea, James Lee Thomas, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Jermaine Dupri, and Lecrae Moore.
As first reported by Deadline, R&B will be directed by Alanna Brown, with a screenplay penned by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan. R&B is described as a modern retelling of the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, with a contemporary twist. Set in Tennessee, the narrative follows a young woman who leaves behind the bustling Atlanta music scene to care for an elderly widow. In this unexpected chapter of her life, she discovers not only love but also a maternal bond she never experienced.
Get this, the film marks the first of several projects under the multi-year, multi-picture first-look deal that Perry and Franklin inked with Netflix earlier in 2023. Perry expressed his excitement about this collaboration, saying:
“I’m so excited to be working with DeVon on this and future projects. I think in this polarizing world, and at a time where the world seems to be growing colder every day, we both share the common goal of wanting to spread some good. And there’s no better place than Netflix.”
As expected, both Perry and Franklin serve as producers on R&B, with Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, and Bart Lipton executive-producing the film. This collab follows Perry’s ambitious work with Netflix, where he has two other highly anticipated projects on the way: The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, and the series Beauty in Black.
What’s more, with R&B, Perry and Franklin aim to deliver a heartfelt, inspiring story that reflects their shared vision of creating meaningful content during challenging times.
Music video director Cole Bennett is making his feature film directorial debut with a documentary about Chief Keef. Known for building a reputation through Lyrical Lemonade and directing numerous music videos over the past 11 years, Bennett is now turning his focus to a more expansive project, centered around one of his frequent collaborators and fellow Chicago native, Chief Keef.
The report was scooped exclusively by Variety, reporting Bennett will direct the documentary, which will explore Chief Keef’s rise and career trajectory in the music industry. The film’s production will be overseen by Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society, with Jeremy Allen serving as the producer. Lyrical Lemonade’s Jake Millan and Krista Worby will also contribute as executive producers alongside Khalabo Ink Society’s Emile Geneve and Idris Dykes.
What’s more, after announcing the project, Bennett shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “my first film, the chief keef documentary.” However, no official title or release date has been provided yet.
Get this, the details about the film remain limited, more updates are expected to emerge in the coming months. Stay tuned for further developments on this exciting collaboration between Bennett and Chief Keef.
