Hip Hop Film and Movie News

PEACOCK Celebrates ‘Fight Night’ With Closing Night Screening At AAFF In Martha’s Vineyard

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Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist packed a punch with a star-studded panel and closing night party at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.

The evening kicked off with beats from DJ Trauma ahead of the festival’s founders, Stephanie and Floyd Rance, who introduced the closing night programming starting with POWER OF LEGACY AND INFLUENCE: A CONVERSATION WITH WILL PACKER — a retrospective discussion between the series’ executive producer Will Packer and journalist Danielle Cadet, held on Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch.

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The sold-out screening of Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist screened for the first time, and the audience then heard from Will Packer, showrunner, creator, and executive producer Shaye Ogbonna, and cast members Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Chloe Bailey, moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross. 

After the screening, Peacock hosted the Closing Night Party of the festival at The Loft with notable guests including singer song-writer, Ledisi, actor Glynn Turman, President of MSNBC, Rashida Jones, actress Lynn Whitfield, best-selling author and television personality Elaine Welteroth, and more who celebrated with Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist cast and executive producers ahead of the premiere on Peacock on September 5th.

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‘Scarface’ Star Angel “Chi Chi” Salazar Dead At 68

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Scarface fans are saddened after the news of the passing of one of the film’s co-stars, Angel Salazar, reportedly passed away over the weekend in Brooklyn.

Salazar was 68 years old.

Salazar was staying at a friend’s house and when the friend went to check on Salazar in the morning to wake him up, they found his body in the bed, according to his rep and closest friend, Ann Wingsong.

Salazar is best known for his role as “Chi Chi”, the quiet, trustworthy member of Scarface’s crew in the Brian De Palma-directed film and was most recognized in the bloody hotel scene on Miami Beach, when Tony Montana yelled to his partner, “Chi Chi, get the yayo..”

Outside of his work in Scarface, Salazar was also known for working opposite Tom Hanks in the 1988 drama/comedy Punchline and Pacino again in 1993 drama, Carlito’s Way.

Condolences go out to Salazar’s fans, family and friends.

The post ‘Scarface’ Star Angel “Chi Chi” Salazar Dead At 68 first appeared on The Source.

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Bad Boys: Ride or Die Blows Away The Competition on VOD After Huge Run in Theaters

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If you have not seen “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” then it’s a lot easier now that the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence blockbuster is available on VOD, even as it continues to excel both in theaters and at home platforms. 

The critically acclaimed action-comedy sequel has seen impressive performance in its home video release, dominating the iTunes and Fandango charts since its VOD debut on July 23. Just saying, duh.

According to IndieWire, as expected, the film topped iTunes’ transaction rankings and Fandango’s revenue charts, boosting its already successful run. 

Get this, the film was released 47 days after its theatrical premiere, and the VOD version of “Ride or Die” includes an exclusive post-credits scene, enticing fans to purchase the digital copy. See that’s smart creative marketing. 

Despite its availability on VOD, the film remains a box office contender, currently within the top 10 and edging closer to the $400 million mark globally. So basically let that movie cook in theaters, because it is not done!

Check out these numbers, as of now, it has grossed $395.3 million worldwide, with $203.5 million from international markets and $191.8 million from North American theaters.

Oh but wait, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is on track to challenge the franchise record set by “Bad Boys for Life,” which earned $426 million in 2020. The franchise’s total earnings have recently surpassed $1.2 billion, largely due to the latest installment’s success.

Naturally, this film marks a significant milestone in Will Smith’s career, serving as a notable comeback. We all love a good comeback story. Smith’s return to the big screen has been met with enthusiasm, contributing to the film’s strong performance both in theaters and on VOD. The combination of star power, loyal fans, and strategic release timing has cemented “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” as a major hit in the action-comedy genre.

So check it out at home if you haven’t seen it yet in theaters and tell us about that end credits scene!

The post Bad Boys: Ride or Die Blows Away The Competition on VOD After Huge Run in Theaters first appeared on The Source.

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Usher’s ‘Rendezvous in Paris’ Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide

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Usher's 'Rendezvous in Paris' Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide

USHER, the globally acclaimed singer, songwriter, dancer, and entrepreneur, is set to bring an intimate concert experience to theaters this fall. AMC Theatres, Trafalgar Releasing, and Sony Music Vision have announced that USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS will premiere in cinemas worldwide for a limited run starting Sept. 12.

The concert film, captured during Paris Fashion Week at La Seine Musicale, combines the essence of Usher’s Vegas residencies with a French touch. It features hits like “Yeah!”, “My Boo” and “Love In This Club” from his 30-year career, with unique costumes and advanced lighting and effects. The film also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Usher’s life offstage, creating a global cinematic event.

“Paris was a special experience for me as an entertainer and for my fans,” said USHER. “I hope those who weren’t able to make it in person get to experience how special it was. As for those of you who were, I hope you experience the show and see what it takes to get there through a different lens.”
 
“For 30 years USHER has captivated and entertained audiences through his music and concerts. Just a few months ago, he drew rave reviews for his stunning performance in front of 129 million people during the Super Bowl Half Time Show. Bringing his unparalleled concert experience to movie theatres for his fans around the world is a perfect fit for AMC Theatres Distribution,” said Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO, AMC Theatres.
 
Marc Allenby, CEO, Trafalgar Releasing, adds “We are excited to continue our partnership with Sony Music Vision and AMC Theatres Distribution to bring the energy of USHER to movie theater audiences around the world.  He is the perfect artist to support our shared vision of creating global experiences around concert films for artists that advance the evolution of the cinema into venues for all forms of entertainment.”

USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS will be shown in 2,000 cinemas worldwide, including around 1,000 in the United States. It will also be shown at AMC and ODEON locations and other theaters globally. Ticketing and screening details will be available at UsherinParis.com on Aug. 6 at 9:00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT. Screenings will run from Sept. 12 to 15, varying by location.

Trafalgar Releasing, in partnership with AMC Theatres Distribution, will release the film. In the U.S. and international markets, AMC and ODEON will provide core marketing support. Sony Music Vision will distribute all rights, excluding theatrical.

USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS is directed by Anthony Mandler and produced by Arcovision, Kingdom Films, and Laffitte Group Productions. The producers are Anthony Mandler, Usher Raymond, and Ron Laffitte, with executive producers Aakomon Jones, Angelo Gopee, Kwesi Collisson, Tom Mackay, Richard Story, and Krista Wegener.

The post Usher’s ‘Rendezvous in Paris’ Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher’s ‘Rendezvous in Paris’ Concert Film Headed to Theaters Worldwide appeared first on The Source.

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Film All-Time in Saudi Arabia

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Bad Boys: Ride or Die is a smash hit at the box office. The movie’s appeal is nationwide, and it became the highest-grossing film in Saudi Arabia’s history. Will Smith revealed the news on Instagram.

“WOOOWWW!!! @badboys Ride or Die just became the BIGGEST movie of ALL TIME in Saudi Arabia!! SHUKRAN, LAKUM.”

ICYMI, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is the fourth high-octane installment in the action-comedy film franchise that began with the smash hit “Bad Boys” in 1995, followed by “Bad Boys II” in 2003 and “Bad Boys for Life” in 2020.

I have to point out that the success of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” marked a significant comeback for Smith, who, unless you been under a rock, had faced major backlash in Hollywood after slapping presenter Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. 

Bad Boys 4, as it’s commonly referred to, premiered in theaters worldwide on June 7 and reversed his fortunes.

Get this: according to When to Stream, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will be available for digital streaming via premium video on demand (PVOD) starting July 23. 

While this streaming tracker is generally reliable with release dates, it noted that Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film’s distributor, has not confirmed this date, so it may be subject to change.

If familiar with most PVOD releases, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” will be available for purchase or rent on platforms such as Prime Video, AppleTV+, and VUDU. The film is listed for pre-order at $24.99, a typical price for digital purchases.

Regarding the box office performance of the latest Bad Boys, box office tracker The Numbers, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” has grossed $184.8 million domestically and $193.1 million internationally, totaling $377.9 million worldwide. The film had a production budget of $100 million, not including marketing costs.

So what does that all mean? Bad Boys: Ride or Die made a ton of cash in theaters, and soon, it’ll be in your home to press play, pause, or resume however you like!

The post ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Becomes Highest-Grossing Film All-Time in Saudi Arabia first appeared on The Source.

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Tyler Perry Says Listening to Critics of Your Success Will ‘Find Yourself in Hell’

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Tyler Perry Puts $800M Studio Expansion on Hold After Seeing Possibilities of OpenAI

Tyler Perry is currently riding the wave of success and criticism from his latest film, Divorce in the Black. The film pulled in a horrible Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 0% in its early release days, with various film industry sectors being critical of the creation. Perry has heard enough, addressing the critics.

“You gotta drown all that out,” Perry said. “If you let somebody talk you out of a place that God has put you in, you are going to find yourself in Hell.

“I know what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Once again, Tyler Perry is set to write and direct another project. In his robust deal with Netflix, the mogul is doing just that with his upcoming drama “Straw,” starring Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, and Teyana Taylor. Nice cast! 

The story seems interesting enough and centers on a single mother who faces a series of unfortunate events that lead her down an unexpected path. 

Check out more from the official logline: “She becomes entangled in a situation she never imagined and finds herself at the center of suspicion in a world that seems indifferent to her existence.”

The cast includes Glynn Turman, Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, and Mike Merrill. Perry will produce the movie alongside Angi Bones and Tony Strickland. 

As mentioned “Straw” is part of Perry’s ongoing creative collaboration with Netflix, the world’s biggest streaming studio, under a multi-year, first-look deal, which includes other projects like “The Six Triple Eight” and the drama series “Beauty in Black.”

ICYMI, Perry’s recent works include “Mea Culpa,” “A Fall From Grace,” “A Jazzman’s Blues,” and “A Madea Homecoming.” Henson, who recently appeared in “The Color Purple,” is represented by CAA, M88, R&CPMK, and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett & Kole. Taylor, known for “A Thousand and One” and “Coming 2 America,” is represented by WME, Taylormade Management Group, and The Lede Company.

The post Tyler Perry Says Listening to Critics of Your Success Will ‘Find Yourself in Hell’ first appeared on The Source.

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Lil Rel Howery Champions Weight Loss Journey and Denies Using The Big ‘O’

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Gotta love a feel good story about wellness and that holds true with Lil Rel Howery proudly sharing his weight loss journey. The thing is many are “fans” are speculating his amazing transformation is due to the use of Ozempic. First off, so what and why is that a bad thing even if it was true? It isn’t if you believe Howery but so what if people use the big “O.” Sad that Ozempic shaming is a thing. People will find any reason to be miserable. 

Anwway, on July 22, the Chicago native posted a photo on Instagram from the red carpet premiere of his new film, “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” The image showcased a noticeably slimmer and leaner Howery. In his post, Rel explained his truth which was a dedication to health over the past five years has led him to feel and look the best he ever has. He attributed his success to quitting drinking, adopting a healthier diet, and improving his spiritual and emotional well-being.

“Whatever you do, please do it for yourself, and if you can, don’t take shortcuts. Really put the work in. This is all just straight hard work, nothing else, and that’s the honest to God truth,” Rel wrote. “Let me be an example of truly putting in the work. Also, please go see our new movie “Harold and the Purple Crayon” on August 2nd in theaters everywhere. #MovieMakingRel #RelTheUpgrade #ProudOfMe.”

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But fans being fans or haters, however you want to classify them, quickly flooded the comment section with mixed reactions to his transformation. Many applauded his commitment and found inspiration in his journey. 

One commenter joked, “Boy, you look like your own lil brother. [lmao] Good work G.” Another praised, “Your skin has a glow to it! The change from within is showing all over you! You look blessed, you look GOOD! This is MOTIVATION!”

Hollywood friends were congratulatory including Ludacris, Vic Mensa, Ava DuVernay, Terry Crews, and Tina Knowles to name a few. 

Some skeptics accused Rel of lying about his weight loss and using Ozempic instead. Comments ranged from, “Why can’t people tell the truth about how they lost weight,” to, “Damn crack is one hell of a drug,” and “This guy done got on Ozempic.” 

Here’s how Rel responded on the Gram … On July 24 with a video addressing his detractors. He firmly denied using Ozempic and emphasized that his weight loss was achieved naturally. “I’m on that Godzempic, Happyzempic, Hardworkzempic, PurposeZempic, and just plain Truthzempic,” he captioned the clip. “I’m grateful and glad I said yes to God’s assignment on my life and friends still here and gone that kept it 100 with me… #BlessedAndHighlyFavored.”

Whatever. Ozempic or not, and Howery makes it clear it is not, people need to live their truth and worry about their own wellness instead of attacking someone else’s. Period. 

The post Lil Rel Howery Champions Weight Loss Journey and Denies Using The Big ‘O’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Lil Rel Howery Champions Weight Loss Journey and Denies Using The Big ‘O’ appeared first on The Source.

Will Smith Signs New Independent Music Deal With SLANG

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Bad Boy: Ride or Die star Will Smith is really taking his resurgence to music seriously. The Philly born rapper just signed a new independent record deal with SLANG. 

This went down after a memorable performance at the BET Awards, Smith joined the roster of the independent label spearheaded by music executive Rene McLean. McLean, a founding advisor and partner at Influence Media Partners, announced the deal through The Hollywood Reporter.

Get this, Smith is now part of a lineup that includes Grammy-winning producer Camper, top-charting producer 30 Roc, emerging rap talent Leaf, hip hop duo The Underachievers, and underground sensation RY XP. All indie artists who all have established fan bases. McLean emphasized the label’s dedication to its artists, stating: 

“In a rapidly changing music industry, SLANG artists will be supported by a team of strategists dedicated to advancing their careers and achieving their goals. Our commitment to culture comes first, and we consider our SLANG roster family.”

ICYMI: Will performed at the BET Awards on June 30, with the Sunday Service Choir and R&B singer Friday giving audiences a taste of his inspirational song “You Can Make It.” They were accompanied by gospel music from Kirk Franklin in a performance highlighted by a dramatic rainstorm.

Smith blessed the world with words of encouragement, Smith stated, “Nobody gets an easy ride. We all have a cross to bear, but there’s wisdom in the fire, and every moment is an opportunity. Embrace the journey.”

Back in the day, before Smith was one of the world’s biggest movies stars, he came on the scene with a music career in 1987 with DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, producing hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” the latter winning the first-ever rap Grammy in 1989. His solo career brought further success with chart-toppers such as “Wild Wild West” and “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” which earned him another Grammy.

It’s been almost twenty years since his last album dropped, “Lost and Found,” released in 2005. Even still, more recently, Smith has featured on tracks by Marc Anthony, Nicky Jam, Joyner Lucas, Bomba Estéreo, and his son, Jaden Smith. He also collaborated with Sean Paul on the soundtrack for the blockbuster film “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” That film was the biggest movie of summer 2024 and seems like Will Smith is continuing his string of success with the new deal with SLANG.

The post Will Smith Signs New Independent Music Deal With SLANG first appeared on The Source.

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WATCH: Lady Gaga Makes Debut as Harley Quinn in ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Trailer

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Lady Gaga Makes Debut as Harley Quinn in 'Joker: Folie à Deux' Trailer

Welcome to the world of Joker: Folie à Deux. The sequel to the Joaquin Phoenix-led film will bring you to the latest story of the Batman villain, legally known as Arthur Fleck. The second film will introduce Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the lover and crime tag team partner of The Joker, who will run wild throughout Gotham City. What’s different in this film is that there is a heavy outpouring of music and dance in the film. You can see the trailer below.

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‘Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys’ Premieres On A&E August 25

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A&E presents “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” the first official documentary about the iconic Grammy®-nominated musician and legendary founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

Co-directed by Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning Director Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI, Black Art: In The Absence of Light) alongside his son Jason Pollard (Get Me Roger Stone, Bitchin’ The Sound and Fury of Rick James), the two-hour special premieres Sunday, August 25 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E.”Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” Premieres Sunday, August 25.

Produced by Pulse Films (Beastie Boys Story, Meet Me in the Bathroom), Four Screens, and the Ol’ Dirty Bastard Estate in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment, “Ol Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” features access to his closest friends and family, including Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, ODB’s wife Icelene Jones, his son Bar-Sun Jones, his parents, recording industry executives, and more.

With never-before-seen personal archive shot by his wife, Icelene, this culture-defining special humanizes ODB as a man, a father, and a husband like never before. This definitive documentary provides an intimate picture of ODB’s life and reflects on the lasting impact he had on music and culture.

Born Russell Jones in 1968 in Brooklyn, NY, ODB developed a unique persona and rhyme style that set him apart from his contemporaries. In his short 35 years of life and long after his passing, ODB has had a significant influence on a whole generation of fans and performers.

The documentary centers on ODB’s solo career, from his first album release in 1995 until his untimely passing from a drug overdose in 2004. Charting his meteoric rise and heart-breaking fall, the film interweaves a modern narrative that looks back at his trauma-filled childhood to examine how it influenced the man and artist he would become.

A celebration of his artistry and legacy, the documentary is an unflinching look at the complexities of his life including addiction, adultery, fame, mental illness, sudden wealth, race and criminal justice, and asks the question of just how complicit the media and music industry were in hastening his demise.

The post ‘Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys’ Premieres On A&E August 25 first appeared on The Source.

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