Hip Hop Film and Movie News

Yvonne Orji’s Second HBO Comedy Special ‘A Whole Me’ Gets A Dope Release Date

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Yvonne Orji's Second HBO Comedy Special 'A Whole Me' Gets A Dope Release Date

Yvonne Orji has broken new ground with a new comedy special, A Whole Me, that premieres on HBO at 10 pm on October 1st.

“Not only is October 1st, Nigerian Independence Day but shout out to HBO for giving me the dopest release date for my SECOND HBO special! It’s bout to be a whole lottta Jollof and Afrobeats thumpin!,” said Orji.

The new, full-length special follows her 2020 debut special. Mama, I Made It!, A Whole Me, which promises to bring the audience all the drama, vulnerability, and realness that her previous shows have given.

Documenting Orji’s evolving views and experiences of universal themes we all encounter, like “dating, adulting, and why guys need better friends,” the special brings some much-needed levity to life and dating in the modern age. Orji brings her signature style to the special. Her unabashed vulnerability and mix of genuine heartfelt authenticity bring healing to the star and take the audience along for the ride.

Performed and filmed in downtown LA, Orji takes the audience into a therapy session and narrates the entire performance. With a lively mix of scripted vignettes and live stand-up comedy, the actress offers her point of view with sensitivity and frankness that gives exceptional, genuine warmth and depth.

Orji explores her own history, giving her unique takes on the complexities of growing up the child of Nigerian immigrants, her hilarious takes on issues such as estate planning and the covid pandemic, and the brutal horror of attempting to date in an online world. All things her audience finds deeply relatable.

No stranger to HBO comedy specials, Her debut special for HBO was 2020’s “Mama I Made It!“. This break-out installment explored Orji’s progression from a pre-med student to the unlikely position of stand-up comic, her incredibly strict Nigerian-American upbringing, and all the unforeseen, heartfelt, and funny experiences that brings.

Best known for her role as Molly on HBO’s “Insecure” Orji would receive an Emmy nomination for her portrayal in 2020. 

She has also hosted Amazon Prime’s “Yearly Departed,” a comedy special that gives some funny takes on the year-in-review. HBO’s dating reality series “My Mom, Your Dad” also used the star as a captivating host.

Orji has shown herself to be versatile and multitalented, with roles that offer her breadth as a performer. She has made appearances in the hit series, featuring in episodes of “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Jane The Virgin,” and also an ABC reboot of the beloved coming-of-age comedy/drama series “The Wonder Years”. Her film credits include roles in “Night School,” “Vacation Friends” and “Spontaneous”.

The up-and-comer also has some exciting work in development. Her next project includes some really high-profile industry names. Orji is in development for a semi-autobiographical comedy series called “First Gen.” This will premiere on Disney Plus and features the talents of Oprah Winfrey and David Oyelowo as executive producers for the show.

Yvonne Orji is definitely someone to keep an eye on. With two exciting specials on the horizon and one success already under her belt, it is hard to deny that Yvonne Orji is a talent on the rise. 

The post Yvonne Orji’s Second HBO Comedy Special ‘A Whole Me’ Gets A Dope Release Date appeared first on The Source.

Dame Dash and Lucien Watson Team Up For Upcoming Weed Flick, ‘Stoned’

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When you think of great weed flicks, you think of Cheech and Chong, Half Baked, Pineapple Express, and one could even argue Friday should be on that list. Now it seems as if another film, Stoned, is trying to make its way to that list, and it’s made by no other than Dame Dash.

Stoned stars Lucien Watson, a former member of “State Of Mind”, the first group that Kanye West was a part of in the 90’s. The film tells the story of two friends from different worlds, Joel and Marquis, who met up at a summer camp as kids and decide to meet up in Wyoming at Marquis’ uncle’s ranch. However, things go awry after Marquis loses his luggage with his weed in it and the two go on a journey to find weed.

The movie was filmed in 8 days in 2020 on Kanye’s ranch in Wyoming. Lucien got the role as he was entertaining Kanye, Dame, and the others on the ranch. In a statement from Lucien, he explained Dame Dash’s involvement in the film and how he got the part.

“Dame Dash was the foundation of the project in terms of acting, producing, writing as well as bringing the vibe for the film,” Lucien said. He added that he got the role while he, Kanye, Dame, and other celebrities were at dinner, “in true Lucien fashion [he] had everybody laughing.” How I even got the role was because one night at Kanye’s ranch in Wyoming, Dame, Kanye, myself, and other celebs were at dinner and in true “Lucien fashion I had everyone laughing. Dame looked at Kanye and said, “I’m putting him in a movie tomorrow” and the rest was history.”

In the same statement, Lucien said that Stoned is inspired by other great weed flicks including How High, Half Baked, and Cheech and Chong, but is made for today’s audience, given that in 2022, weed is legal for recreational use in many states and the stigma of it has changed since those movies were made almost two decades ago.

Given the change in perception of weed over the last two decades, the rate of “stoner” movies in the last decade has slowed down. When asked why he wanted to star in a movie based around weed given the change in perception, Lucien said that the perception of weed has never changed for him.

“Within the Hip Hop community and my circle of friends, weed has always had a positive perception so it has never changed for me,” Lucien said. “It’s cool that the world sees all the positive effects that weed has in people’s lives from the health benefits to the financial aspect of it. The connection between this film and myself is that I come from the legacy market within the cannabis industry where the oppressed have been jailed for doing what companies are getting millions for today. In my younger days, I made money in the streets because of weed just like so many others within this culture. This film is a comedy, but it really gives great insight to cannabis culture and where we are today in terms of the perception of it.”

You can check out Stoned when it premieres next month on Tubi, Peacock, and the Dame Dash Network.

Be sure to check out and follow Lucien on Instagram @lucien_shore_drive

Find out more about Stoned here and check out the trailer below.

The post Dame Dash and Lucien Watson Team Up For Upcoming Weed Flick, ‘Stoned’ appeared first on The Source.

Disney Releases First Look Teaser of Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’ Starring Halle Bailey

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halle bailey mermaid

Disney Pictures has released its first look at the live-action The Little Mermaid.  A teaser trailer for the remake was unveiled at Disney’s D23 Expo on Friday. 

It featured beautiful underwater shots of Halle Bailey starring as Ariel, singing some of the iconic song, ”Part of Your World.”  

Bailey said Friday was the first time she had seen footage of the film.

“Being a little girl swimming in the pool, imagining I was a mermaid, I never imagined that would come to life, she gushed on stage. “The three days filming “Part of Your World” was the most beautiful experience of my life.” Bailey continued, “..Feeling all the feelings she feels, her passion, discomfort, and everything she’s experiencing. It was so exciting for me to play those emotions and to have Rob directing me and being such a moving force on this film was really an honor.”

READ MORE: DDG Gifts Halle Bailey With Diamond Name Necklace

Director Rob Marshall said it was important they honored the original film while still reimagining other parts to bring more depth to the story, which includes the musical numbers.  

Alan Menken, who worked on the original Little Mermaid soundtrack, is teaming up with Lin-Manuel Miranda to create four new songs for the movie as well.  

Who is running out to see The Little Mermaid in theaters May 26, 2023?

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post Disney Releases First Look Teaser of Live-Action ‘The Little Mermaid’ Starring Halle Bailey appeared first on The Source.

Drake and LeBron James Sued $10M Over Rights For Hockey Documentary

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LeBron James Drake

LeBron James and Drake are being sued for allegedly stealing the rights to a movie about a segregated hockey league.  Billy Hunter, the former head of the NBA players union, claims he holds the exclusive rights to produce any movie about Canada’s old Colored Hockey League, an all black hockey league founded in 1895.  

The lawsuit states Lebron and Drake used their production companies to go behind Hunter’s back and sign a deal with the authors of a book their Black Ice documentary is based on. 

The authors, George and Darril Fosty, are also listed as defendants, citing breach of contract for allegedly violating the agreement. However, the authors say no one violated any agreements because a documentary is different from a movie. 

READ MORE: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Executive Produce ‘The Redeem Team’ Documentary, Set for Oct. 7

The lawsuit says Hunter paid the authors a total of $265,000 for the movie rights to the story. Hunter is asking for a cut of Lebron and Drake’s profits off their documentary and an additional $10M in damages. 

James and Drake’s documentary, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hubert Davis, is being showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10.

 Representatives for LeBron James and Drake haven’t made any comments on the allegations.

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post Drake and LeBron James Sued $10M Over Rights For Hockey Documentary appeared first on The Source.

Allen Payne to Reprise Gee Money Role in ‘New Jack City’ Stage Adaptation, Treach to Star as Nino Brown

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Allen Payne to Reprise Gee Money Role in 'New Jack City' Stage Adaptation, Treach to Star as Nino Brown

New Jack City will be revived on stages around the nation by theatrical hitmaker Je’Caryous Johnson thirty years after its initial debut.

The Met in Philadelphia will host the world premiere of Johnson’s traveling stage version of the Warner Bros. cult favorite on Nov. 4. Johnson wrote, directed, and produced the stage edition, which is presented by Je’Caryous Johnson Entertainment. During its run, the play will make visits to a number of cities, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Detroit, Charlotte, North Carolina, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. Up until the spring of 2023, more cities are expected to be added.

The cast of Johnson’s NEW JACK CITY LIVE includes critically acclaimed actor Allen Payne, who will reprise his role as “Gee Money,” legendary rapper “Treach,” who will be “Nino Brown,” legendary rapper “Big Daddy Kane,” who plays “Stone,” and actor Flex Alexander, who will take on the role of “Pookie.”

While experiencing classic theater storytelling through the culturally astute lens of Je’Caryous Johnson, NEW JACK CITY LIVE will give audiences across the nation the opportunity to relive all their favorite, intense, heart-pounding moments from the blockbuster movie.

You can learn more about NEW JACK CITY LIVE here.

The post Allen Payne to Reprise Gee Money Role in ‘New Jack City’ Stage Adaptation, Treach to Star as Nino Brown appeared first on The Source.

LeBron James And Drake Sued $10M Over Rights For Hockey Documentary

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LeBron James Drake

LeBron James and Drake are being sued for allegedly stealing the rights to a movie about a segregated hockey league.  Billy Hunter, the former head of the NBA players union, claims he holds the exclusive rights to produce any movie about Canada’s old Colored Hockey League, an all black hockey league founded in 1895.  

The lawsuit states Lebron and Drake used their production companies to go behind Hunter’s back and sign a deal with the authors of a book their Black Ice documentary is based on. 

The authors, George and Darril Fosty, are also listed as defendants, citing breach of contract for allegedly violating the agreement. However, the authors say no one violated any agreements because a documentary is different from a movie. 

READ MORE: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Executive Produce ‘The Redeem Team’ Documentary, Set for Oct. 7

The lawsuit says Hunter paid the authors a total of $265,000 for the movie rights to the story. Hunter is asking for a cut of Lebron and Drake’s profits off their documentary and an additional $10M in damages. 

James and Drake’s documentary, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hubert Davis, is being showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10.

 Representatives for LeBron James and Drake haven’t made any comments on the allegations.

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post LeBron James And Drake Sued $10M Over Rights For Hockey Documentary appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Trailer Releases or ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’

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Trailer Releases or 'Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey'

You know, this may be an intense spooky season. A.A. Milne’s iconic character Winnie the Pooh became public and is now in a slasher film. This edition of the bear is to not be confused with the loveable honey-guzzling bear of Disney.

On Wednesday (Aug. 31), the trailer for Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey were released, reimagining the children’s comic into a horror film where Pooh is strangling, slashing, and smashing a group of teens.

The film is about Pooh and Piglet on a rampage after being abandoned by Christopher Robin. Film director Rhys Waterfield told Variety said the two stars are going back to their animal roots after they have to fend for themselves after Robin goes to college.

You can see the horrifying trailer below.

The post [WATCH] Trailer Releases or ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ appeared first on The Source.

Source Exclusive: Regina Hall Talks ‘Honk For Jesus,’ Black Ownership and More

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Regina Hall Honk For Jesus

Regina Hall has been quite active since we saw her co-hosting the 2022 Oscars. Her latest project is the comedy/satire Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul, (Sept. 2 on Peacock), which premieres in theaters this weekend.  The 51-year-old comedian, plays Trinitie Childs, the first lady of a megachurch, who’s husband is Sterling K. Brown, who plays pastor Lee-Curtis Childs. Hall’s character supports her husband and the church as they rebrand after being involved in a scandal that upsets their congregation.

 The famed actor and director who is known for her roles in Black Monday, Girls Trip, the Best Man and cult classic Scary Movie franchise recently partnered with CÎROC for #CIROCStands for Black Businesses at the 20th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. A mission that highlights effort and ongoing commitment to celebrate the powerful voices and people within the Black community that are depicting excellence and igniting change.

The DC native and Me Time (Aug. 26 on Netflix), cast member who also stars in the limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters (Dec. 22 on Peacock), spoke with Kim SoMajor of The Source and dished on her new partnership with #CIROCStands, having ownership in Hollywood, starting her production company Rh Negative and more.

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 What sparked you to take on your latest film project, “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” 

I really enjoyed the script when I read it and then I met with Adamma and Adanne and although they were young, I had seen their short film and knew they had a vision for what they had in mind. I hadn’t worked with Sterling before so when he joined, I was excited to work with him and couldn’t imagine creating these characters with anyone else.

 What’s your role and intention set to accomplish with your partnership with CÎROC?

 As a Black woman, I of course support female, Black owned businesses which is part of why I appreciate what #CIROCStands is accomplishing for the community. It’s that shared mission that drew me to them. Being at Martha’s Vineyard and being on a panel with such amazing women was truly inspiring. There’s such a rich history and roots in the culture there and I loved celebrating that!

How does the association align with everything that you’re doing as a businesswoman?

 Like #CIROCStands, I believe it’s important to highlight people of different backgrounds. There are smart, talented people from varied pasts and to find them and give them a space to create and tell really good stories is part of why I was inspired to start producing.

As a business owner, starting Rh Negative production company- What has been a definitive moment for you that reaffirmed that you made the right move in launching?

 Producing is a process that involves many people and I love the sense of collaboration involved in developing a project from beginning to end. It brings me joy every time I’m able to facilitate the success of a project and enable other people’s dreams coming true.

With your production company, you are providing an opportunity for many creatives. How important is it for black women to have ownership in Hollywood or entertainment in general?

We live in a diverse world and it’s important that diversity be seen on screen, which means it must exist behind the scenes. Everyone has different life experiences, and that varied history creates well-informed decisions that positively influence each project and inherently the industry as a whole.

How did you know that was the next move for you?

I’ve wanted to produce for several years. I felt like I had worked and gotten to a place where I had enough knowledge to be able to produce. It wasn’t an overnight thing, despite what people think, it took years, hard work, and a will for it to happen.

Can you share 5 tips on balancing a successful entrepreneurial lifestyle and home life of wellness?

More of a balance is always the goal, although it’s not always easy. I would say what helps me is good friends, an incredible team, fun, rest, and a quiet place where my imagination can roam.

What’s in store for you in the last quarter of 2022?

 We’re of course excited for Honk for Jesus to be released and then we have The Best Man coming out just in time for the holidays! Then a few other things that are soon to be announced. I work with two organizations called Scleroderma Research Foundation and Solutions Project and hope to partner with them on a few things too.

Continue the conversation with us on social media.

The post Source Exclusive: Regina Hall Talks ‘Honk For Jesus,’ Black Ownership and More appeared first on The Source.

Chris Rock Admits He Declined Invitation To Host 2023 Oscars, That’s Like Asking Nicole Brown Simpson “To Go Back To The Restaurant”

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chris rock

Comedian Chris Rock admits he turned down an invitation to host the 2023 Academy Awards.  Rock, 57,  revealed he would not be returning as the 2023 Oscars host to the audience at his comedy show in Phoenix on Sunday night.  

The ‘Grown Ups’ actor dished on getting slapped by Best Actor winner Will Smith at this year’s Oscars. The infamous moment took place as Rock was about to present the award for best documentary feature, and less than an hour before Smith would accept the best actor honor for his performance in King Richard.

READ MORE: Chris Rock Jokes on Oscars Slap on Stage in Atlanta, Calls Will Smith “Suge Smith”

Will Smith, 53,  walked up on stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife. Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, a condition that caused her to lose  her hair.  

Rock told the Phoenix audience, “He’s bigger than me.  The state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me and Will Smith.”

The comedian’s sold-out crowd was eager to hear his take on the viral incident, with one fan yelling out, “Talk about it!” as reported by the Arizona Republic. Rock riffed returning to the Oscars would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson “to go back to the restaurant.”

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post Chris Rock Admits He Declined Invitation To Host 2023 Oscars, That’s Like Asking Nicole Brown Simpson “To Go Back To The Restaurant” appeared first on The Source.

Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios Announces Renewed Overall Deal with Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s Production Company

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Bassett Vance Productions, owned by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, and MTV Entertainment Studios announced a renewal of their overall deal. This collaboration is the outcome of Paramount’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative, a global initiative to enhance content development for a new generation of BIPOC and female leaders in front of and behind the camera.

“Angela and Courtney have masterfully brought to the forefront events from our history in order to tell exhilarating and dramatic stories that resonate with global audiences,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer, Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios. “It’s a privilege to continue our fruitful creative relationship and shared commitment to amplify diverse creators and new voices.”

Bassett Vance Productions is currently filming Heist 88, the first feature from the overall agreement. One Thousand Years of Slavery on the Smithsonian Channel and a limited series on the Tulsa Race Massacre, both expected for release in 2023, are previously announced projects from the collaboration between MTV Entertainment Studios and Bassett Vance Productions.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with MTV Entertainment Studios,” said Bassett Vance Productions Head of Development, Lynnette Ramirez. “We are looking forward to developing more films together beyond our current active slate, which includes the drama Heist 88 and the shared vision for our upcoming four-part event series based on The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921.”

Heist 88, which is currently filming in Chicago, reunites two-time Emmy® Award-winning actor Vance with Bentley Green and Keesha Sharp, who most recently appeared with Vance in AMC’s 61st Street. Keesha Sharp played “Dale Cochran” in the acclaimed limited series The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Heist 88 is an amazing account of one of the biggest bank robberies to take place in the history of the United States, inspired by actual events.

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In the film, criminal mastermind Jeremy Horne (Vance), who has a natural capacity to persuade people to do nearly anything, intends to complete one final operation before being sent to prison. In an audacious and daring attack on the US banking system, he enlists four young bank employees to steal about $80 million. The events of Heist 88 occurred before widespread computerization and the sophisticated cybersecurity of the present.

“I have always been drawn to characters that are multi-layered, regardless of whether they’re a savior or a villain. This character is inspired by a man who was able to convince a small group of young people who were at the lowest rungs of their bank to join him in committing one of the biggest crimes against the US banking system in this country’s history,” says Vance. “At its core, it’s an unapologetically compelling story, which will be told through the lens of a powerful cast, that when the American Dream is not accessible to everyone, decisions are often made based on those inequities. I anticipate that Heist 88 will be a must-watch, particularly in light of the fascination with and popularity of true crime stories on today’s streaming and network TV landscape.”

Heist 88 will also star Keith David, Xavier Clyde, Nican Robinson, and Precious Way.

The post Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios Announces Renewed Overall Deal with Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance’s Production Company appeared first on The Source.