Kyyba Films, in partnership with Anchored Lens Productions, proudly announces the nationwide theatrical release of the highly anticipated urban drama Trap City on December 13, 2024. The announcement is accompanied by the debut of an exclusive first-look trailer that promises an electrifying cinematic experience.
Trap City stars Grammy-nominated rapper and New York Times bestselling author Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins in a career-defining role as Reverend Lylee. The film offers a powerful narrative of fame, power, resilience, and redemption. Jeezy‘s compelling portrayal of this morally complex character bridges the worlds of music and film, delivering an unforgettable performance. “Trap City sheds light on the realities of fame, power, and the sacrifices we make to overcome adversity. This film is a powerful narrative that I know will resonate with audiences,” said Jeezy.
Joining Jeezy is the magnetic Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder), who takes on the role of Deshawn, a young artist navigating the gritty realities of the music industry while trying to escape a life entrenched in violence and impossible choices. Together, their performances anchor a story that holds a mirror to the struggles and triumphs of inner-city life. The cast also features powerhouse performances from Clifton Powell (Ray, Saints & Sinners), Erica Pinkett (All Eyez on Me, BMF), Omar Gooding (Baby Boy, Smart Guy) and international stars Yogi Babu, GV PrakashKumar, Nepoleon Duraisamy, and Tarina Patel.
Written, directed, and produced by Tel K. Ganesan, the film serves as a stark exploration of society’s obsession with fame and power, juxtaposed with the resilience of the human spirit. Ganesan, who has described Trap City as a “movement,” emphasizes the film’s deeper message. “Trap City holds a mirror to society’s allure of fame and power. It reflects the intricate tapestry of contemporary life, shedding light on how power can uplift or shatter the human spirit,” said Ganesan.
Today, Netflix announced that the legendary Ice T will narrate COUNTDOWN: PAUL VS. TYSON, a three-part follow-doc leading up to the Netflix and MVP’s heavyweight boxing mega-event.
In addition, Netflix released a sneak peek of the follow-doc on Tudum.com. In this exclusive first look, viewers hear from Paul’s coaches at his training camp in Dorado, Puerto Rico, including head coach Theo “Third” Chambers and assistant coach J’Leon Love. Then, the stage shifts to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Tyson is deep in training, gleaning insight from coaches Billy White, Rafael Cordeiro, Andy Velcich, and strength conditioning coach Tony Brady.
COUNTDOWN will also follow the lead up to one of the most anticipated women’s fights in history, the rematch between undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor (23-1, 6 KOs) and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (47-2-1, 31 KOs), as the two train to face off for the undisputed super lightweight championship title in the co-main event. Fans will gain a fresh perspective to the unprecedented match-up through interviews with those closest to the fighters and raw, unfiltered moments with family and friends.
The heavyweight boxing mega-event will be airing live on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
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.
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.”
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.
A new documentary, Tupac: Cover-Up, currently streaming on the XUMO PLAY service (with plans to be on all streamers by February 2025), punches a rather sizable hole in the current rash of news stories trying to implicate Sean “Diddy” Combs in the 1996 Murder of Rap Star Tupac Shakur.
The documentary “Tupac: Cover Up” dismantles the current charges against Duane “Keefe D” Davisfor the murder of Tupac, using Attorneys, Former Judges, former FBI Investigators, and industry insiders. This group of experts asserts that there is much more to the effort to convict Davis than meets the eye and what is at stake if a false narrative is sold.
“The consensus of our experts indicates that there was a narrative constructed by a group of self-interested individuals beginning five (5) minutes after the Shakur shooting and that Mr. Davis may have been coerced into creating the story he has often repeated in interviews and books,” says Director/Producer Richard “RJ” Bond, who also directed the “Tupac Assassination” series and authored the book “Tupac:187”.
“The Davis Narrative, as inconsistent and contradictory as it has been, seems to indicate that Davis participated in the killing motivated at least in part by some scheme involving a longstanding ‘bounty’ put out by Diddy. Not only has Davis recently disowned his previous statements, but there is now a real disconnect between the alleged ‘Diddy’ bounty and the ‘Revenge Narrative’ put out for almost 30 years to the Nevada Grand Jury- alleging Orlando Anderson and Davis participated in a shooting compelled as revenge for an altercation earlier that evening.”
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”Bond concludes. “And it’s critical that Clark County prosecutors taint the prospective jury pool with a phantom association between Diddy and Tupac so that when the jury pool hears the prosecution repeat Davis’s “Diddy fairy tale,” they will have already thought, ‘Oh yeah, that was in the news not long ago.’ But if Davis is lying and he’s the only eyewitness to the shooting besides Suge Knight still alive, then there’s nothing to tie Davis to Diddy.
“But now it’s getting out of hand, and it’s ended up in my backyard, so I need to speak to it.”
David “Big Papi” Ortiz. Johnny Damon. Manny Ramirez. David Lowe. All of these former BoSox players will be in the new documentary from Netflix about the best postseason comeback in baseball history.
Premiering on Oct. 23, The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox celebrates the 20th anniversary of the team’s groundbreaking postseason run, when the Red Sox came back from 3–0 in the playoffs against the Yankees before sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.
Boston Red Sox fans will have a chance to go back two decades and hear first hand from some of the playmakers who turned Game 4 into Game 7 and “reversed the curse”. The “Curse of The Bambino” is an 66-year superstition among some baseball fanatics, especially in Boston, that the sale of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920 kept the Red Sox from winning a World Series from 1918 until 2004.
The doc dives into the everlasting rivalry between the 27-time World Series Yankees and one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, Beantown’s BoSox. Directed by Colin Barnicle and executive produced by MLB, commentary from then Yankees skipper Joe Torre shows the other side of the coin with a team of superstars such as Alex Rodriguez, Dwight Gooden, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui ,Gary Sheffield and so many others, this story of the comeback shows how important baseball was and still is to both cities.
The doc is set to premiere at 8Pm EST exclusively on Netflix.
Prepare for a groundbreaking cinematic experience as “Piece By Piece” arrives in theaters next Friday, October 11. This extraordinary film merges stunning LEGO animation with Pharrell Williams’ iconic music, capturing the essence of his journey from a small-town dreamer to an international cultural force. Directed by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville, the film promises to deliver an inspiring and visually captivating story, making it a must-see event for audiences of all ages.
At the heart of “Piece By Piece” is Pharrell’s artistic evolution. From his early days as a musical prodigy to becoming a global superstar, the film explores the moments that shaped his career, weaving together themes of perseverance, creativity, and self-expression. Using LEGO animation to bring Pharrell’s world to life, the film offers a fresh, playful perspective on his rise to fame, making it a visual treat for fans of animation, music, and storytelling alike.
Directed by Morgan Neville, known for his ability to create rich and emotionally resonant documentaries, “Piece By Piece” stands out as a celebration of not only Pharrell’s musical genius but also his impact on culture, fashion, and art. The film is both vibrant and joyful, capturing the infectious energy that Pharrell has brought to every aspect of his career.
With a unique blend of innovative animation, Pharrell’s signature sound, and a compelling story of success, “Piece By Piece” offers a one-of-a-kind cinematic journey. Whether you’ve followed Pharrell’s career since the beginning or are discovering his music for the first time, this film is sure to inspire and entertain.
Don’t miss the chance to witness this remarkable film when it hits theaters on October 11. “Piece By Piece” is a celebration of creativity, passion, and the power of dreams—delivered through the genius of Pharrell Williams and the visionary direction of Morgan Neville.
Shannon Amos, the daughter of late actor John Amos, states she found out about the death of her father online like the general public. Amos passed away in August.
Shannon Amos shared a message on Instagram: “We are devastated and left with many questions about how this happened 45 days ago, learning about it through the media like so many of you.”
“This should be a time of honoring and celebrating his life, yet we are struggling to navigate the wave of emotions and uncertainties surrounding his passing. Still, there is some semblance of peace in knowing my father is finally free. My family and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of love, calls, and texts. Please continue to hold our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.”
John Amos died at age 84. According to his son, K.C. Amos, he died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. Amos said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
John Amos built a career that spanned over five decades. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1939, Amos was best remembered for portraying James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking TV series Good Times (1974–1976). As the strong, no-nonsense father in the first African American two-parent family on prime-time TV, Amos earned acclaim for his authentic depiction of a working-class father navigating life in a Chicago housing project.
Before Good Times, Amos starred as the beloved weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1973), showcasing his range in comedic roles. In 1977, he delivered a memorable performance in Roots, the Emmy Award-winning miniseries based on Alex Haley’s book. His portrayal of Kunta Kinte’s older self cemented his place in television history and earned him an Emmy nomination.
Amos also enjoyed success in film, with notable roles in movies like Coming to America (1988), where he played Cleo McDowell, the owner of McDowell’s restaurant. He reprised the role in the sequel Coming 2 America (2021).
Amos worked steadily in dramatic and comedic roles throughout his career, appearing in shows like The West Wing, Two and a Half Men, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His commanding presence and versatile talent earned him respect as one of Hollywood’s most enduring actors.
Once word was out that a new documentary series, “Tupac: Cover Up,” was released for the late rapper’s death anniversary on September 13, 2024, a panicked group of individuals began to call major platforms, making false claims about the show in an attempt to have it taken off the air.
In fact, the docuseries’ producers were contacted about the matter, and one of the platforms made an unprecedented request; “Remove certain content, or we will remove the documentary.”
One need only look at the docuseries as a whole- NOW AVAILABLE ON XUMO PLAY to understand why certain groups are creating pressure on these platforms to silence the filmmakers: the documentary focuses on the life and death of the Grammy-winning artist Tupac Shakur, but also focuses on the moments following the unsolved shooting. The series makes the claim that from five minutes after the shooting until charges were returned from a Las Vegas Nevada Grand Jury last year, a group of self-interested individuals, some of which were alleged to be informants for the Federal Government, have carefully planted and cultivated a 27-year narrative that in truth has not one shred of physical evidence attached to it—just “hood lore” which they have perpetuated.
“Tupac: Coverup” features new and unheard interviews with celebrities (Mykelti Williamson, of Heat and Forrest Gump fame) Death Row Insiders (Kevin Black, Mike Nixon), Industry Insiders (Billy Johnson, Jr., Cynthia Horner, Janie Jennings), Law Enforcement (FBI Special Agent Phil Carson, who lead the Tupac/Biggie investigations for the FBI) as well as unheard and unreleased material from former Tupac bodyguards, friends and family. Athena Bond is the Executive producer, and Edna Sims is the film’s producer.
“We have had documented communications with the platforms showing that individuals with- shall we say- clear conflicts of interest didn’t follow the platform procedures for making claims against a show,” says Producer Richard “RJ” Bond, known for his previous works on the matter: 2020’s “Last Man Standing” and the beloved “Tupac Assassination” trilogy of movies.
“They did stupid stunts like calling the platform customer service departments and screaming at the poor representative on the phone. In our current “squeaky wheel” culture, extreme acts and rhetoric get moved to the front of the line. The platforms don’t always want to support Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech. This form of “consumer terrorism” and resulting censorship- is a big problem for everyone.”
The “Tupac: Cover Up” producers took last week to decide: Do they leave the story out—which has received incredible reviews from fans who viewed an estimated 400,000 minutes of the show for its premiere date—untouched? Or do they make politically correct changes to cave to trouble with radical individuals?
“Well, let’s take a look at how Tupac viewed pressure; he went after C Delores Tucker and the entire government over trying to suppress his message. How would we honor him by silencing voices to serve a convenient and popular narrative?” added Bond.
Bond has put together a block-busting list of Former FBI agents, former Vegas law enforcement, Death Row “insiders” and music industry leaders that give credible and damning information regarding the motives behind the “False Narrative”. “Tupac: Cover Up” uses Vegas’ police files, grand jury testimony, and impeachable statements to demonstrate how flimsy the Vegas case is. This is a problem for those with less-than-clean agendas.
“After the documentary dropped, I was contacted by the family of Mr. Davis, the man charged in the murder of Shakur. They are understandably interested in the show’s talking points and feel we adequately addressed the situation. I hope to be in better contact with his defense team, whom I intentionally did not speak to until the show’s release.”
And the docuseries?
“We elected to partner with Xumo, an upcoming internet streaming venture owned by Comcast and Charter networks. Xumo got the situation right away, realized the foolishness, and agreed to keep the show as it was and not compromise our artistic vision, said Bond.
“Time to step up to the bullies who control media by threats and extreme rhetoric.”
