remake

Kenya Barris Details Plan For “The Wizard Of Oz” In Inglewood: What We Know

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Kenya Barris has a long history of developing complex black stories for modern audiences, with such hits under his belt as Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Kid Cudi’s animated venture, Entergalactic, which premiered on Netflix in 2022. For several years now, the acclaimed writer has been developing a modern adaptation of the classic 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz, with plans to set the story in Inglewood, California. Kenya Barris originally tried to purchase the rights to an adaptation of The Wiz, though the IP is currently entangled in the upcoming Disney+ outing of Wicked.

Instead, Barris has partnered with Warner Brothers to provide his take on the age-old musical. This project serves as one of many upcoming outings from Barris, as the writer has also signed on to helm a remake of the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life, as well as a Richard Pryor biopic. Though specific details are scant on the upcoming Wizard Of Oz remake, here’s what we know about the musical so far.

We’re Not In Kansas Anymore

While the original Wizard Of Oz famously takes place on a farm in the Kansas prairie, Kenya Barris shifted the project to a more familiar modern landscape. In this new iteration, Dorothy will live in the Bottoms, a massive low-income housing project in Inglewood, California. Per Barris, the film will take the existing themes of the original film and the 1900 children’s novel on which the movie is based and renew them with a modern twist. Barris is not the first writer to re-contextualize the IP, as The Wiz set the events in Harlem.

Barris explained, “The original Wizard of Oz took place during the Great Depression, and it was about self-reliance and what people were going through. I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be. It’s ultimately a hero’s journey, someone thinks something’s better than where they’re at, and they go and realize that where they’re at is where they should be. I want people to be proud and happy about where they’re from. But I want the world to take a look at it and I hope that will come through.”

The Script Was Recently Completed

Further, Kenya Barris has teased his Wizard Of Oz film for years, leaving some fans to question when, if ever, the film would finally arrive. Barris recently confirmed with Complex that he has completed the screenplay, signaling a significant advancement in the film’s development. This suggests that the film is likely entering the early stages of pre-production. While Barris hasn’t disclosed any information about the cast, the Black-ish creator has expressed interest in featuring a subversive lead, deviating from audience expectations.

Barris didn’t name the mystery actor he had in mind, though he did specify, “I know people feel like they know what we’re going to do, so I want to do something totally different.” He made these comments in response to queries about potentially hiring one of his past collaborators, meaning we likely won’t see any Black-ish or Grown-ish leads heading the film.

There Are Several Projects In The Pipeline Before The Wizard Of Oz Film

Despite completing the script and gearing up for casting, Kenya Barris has multiple projects set to premiere before the upcoming Wizard of Oz remake. Barris is listed as a producer on the upcoming Netflix original series The Vince Staples Show, starring the eponymous rapper, as well as the Snoop Dogg and Mike Epps-led film Underdoggs. As one of the hardest-working creators in the industry, it’s no surprise Barris has his hands full with so many projects. Regardless, more news about the casting and release of Kenya Barris’ Wizard Of Oz is sure to come in the next few months.

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Timbaland Critics Think He’s Trying To Recreate Aaliyah With Anna Margo

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Timbaland recently dropped off a new track alongside 21-year-old singer Anna Margo, “My Way.” Unfortunately, critics have a lot to say about it. Some think that his partnership with the LA-based artist is simply an attempt to “remake” Aaliyah, with many noting similarities in their sounds.

“Recreating a classic @aaliyah line,” one commenter writes. “No Timbo. Just no. Let babygirl rest in peace!!! You of all people [crying emojis].” Several other users weighed in, highlighting how much the song reminds them of Aaliyah.
“She has Aaliyah vibes lowkey,” one says. “There’s nothing low key about it… it’s blatant lol,” someone else responds.

Read More: Timbaland Throws It Back To The 2000s With Anna Margo On “My Way”

Timbaland And Anna Margo’s New Song “My Way”

While there are a lot of users that are critical of the new partnership, plenty are in full support. “Too excited,” one Instagram user says. “She just reminds me soo much of our Angel Aaliyah!!!” Others note that Timbaland played a key role in creating Aaliyah’s signature sound, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are similarities. “Y’all keep saying ‘it’s giving Aaliyah vibes’ but Timbaland WAS the Aaliyah vibe, what you expect?” a fan argues.

Despite occasional negative feedback, Timbaland continues to be regarded as one of the most influential producers to date. Earlier this month, he even took home the Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award at the BET Awards alongside Swizz Beatz. “I always dreamed I’d be on stage accepting an award about hip-hop,” he said during his acceptance speech. “Doing music back in Virginia, I never thought I’d make it, but I’m here… Me and my brother created something special, and it ain’t over. Black-owned, Verzuz, me and Swizz Beatz. I’m glad to share this with my brother.” Do you think Timbaland’s trying to “remake” Aaliyah with Anna Margo? What do you think of their new song “My Way?” Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Timbaland.

Read More: Timbaland Calls Rick Ross & Meek Mill’s New Album A “Masterpiece”

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Killer Mike’s “MOTHERLESS” Receives Tear-Jerking Remake With Robert Glasper & Eryn Allen Kane

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Killer Mike’s 2023 record, MICHAEL, has been a big success. It will surely end up on a lot of critics and listeners’ end-of-the-year lists for best rap albums. Mike put out one of the most personal projects of the year as well. On top of that, there is no shortage of bangers and standout performances. Some of the best songs land on here, too. You have tracks like “MAYNARD VIGNETTE,” “SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS,” and plenty others to name.

However, easily the most passionate song on the entire LP, “MOTHERLESS,” just got some amazing updates. Even though the song is already pretty flawless, Robert Glasper worked his magic. For those who do not know, Glasper is a big contributor to some of the best rap albums over the past few years. He has lots of credits on Kendrick Lamar’s jazz rap classic, To Pimp A Butterfly. Now, he just turned “MOTHERLESS” into even more of a tender cut.

Read More: Homixide Gang And Pi’erre Bourne Team Up For “What It Is ?!”

Listen To “MOTHERLESS – Robert Glasper Rendition” From Killer Mike, Robert Glasper, And Eryn Allen Kane

Glasper strips down the instrumental to a piano ballad. There are no drums, bass, or any of it. It allows for Mike’s lyrics and emotions to shine through perfectly. When the rapper gets into his spoken word bit at the end, you will break down like he does. Glasper really did his thing with this one and it is one of the best musical moments of the year.

What are your initial thoughts on “MOTHERLESS – Robert Glasper Rendition” from Killer Mike, Robert Glasper, and Eryn Allen Kane? Is this the most emotional song of 2023? Do you prefer this version over the original song? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Killer Mike, as well as all of the hottest song releases.

Quotable Lyrics:

I asked Betty for her prayers over my generation (Mother)
And I asked Niecy, “Keep me through my trials and tribulations” (Sometimes)
Death’ll come like thief in night and steal your joy away (And sometimes)
Have you askin’, “God, why You forsake your boy, today?” (I said sometimes)
Is this a blessing or a curse, or just some other s***? (Sometimes, I need)
No matter what, I’m numb as f*** ’cause I’m still motherless (You)

Read More: COLOM81AN Delivers Incredible Vibes On New Song “Come My Way”

The post Killer Mike’s “MOTHERLESS” Receives Tear-Jerking Remake With Robert Glasper & Eryn Allen Kane appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

DDG Sings Along To Halle Bailey’s “The Little Mermaid” Song

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DDG sang along to one of Halle Bailey’s songs from her upcoming film, The Little Mermaid, during a recent live stream. In the clip, shared by The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram, DDG sings along to the song, “Part of Your World.” The track was featured in the original animated Disney film when it was sung by Jodi Benson.

It’s unclear exactly when DDG and Bailey began dating, but the two were spotted at Usher’s Las Vegas Residency in early 2022. They eventually made things Instagram official in March of that year.

Read More: Halle Bailey On Dating DDG: “I Have To Step Away From [Social Media] & Live In The Real World”

DDG & Halle Bailey At The BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: (L-R) DDG and Halle Bailey attend the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/WireImage)

The new video comes after Halle Bailey recently reaffirmed her commitment to the rapper amid rumors about their breakup. She explained that the rumors have caused her to set boundaries with her social media usage during a recent interview. “The biggest thing I’ve learned in dating when it comes to dating in the public eye, is that everybody’s gonna have an opinion about you, whether it’s good or bad” she reflected. “I’ve had this since I was younger. I think because I’ve grown up, kind of in the public eye, people think they have this sort of… I don’t know, that they can say what they feel about my life. Like they do with everyone in the public eye. But I’ve realized, for me, I just go with my heart.”

Bailey added: “It’s hard when you’re in the public eye because social media is also a part of your work, it’s a big part of what I do! I have to set healthy boundaries for myself, ‘cuz just like anyone, if you see all these people saying whatever they want about you, your life, what you choose to decide… That could take a toll on anyone, so I just have to choose to step aside and not look at any of that.”

DDG Singing To “The Little Mermaid”

The Little Mermaid will be hitting theaters next Friday, May 26. In addition to Bailey, the cast is composed of Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy.

Read More: DDG Debuts “In Love With A Mermaid,” Seemingly Referencing Girlfriend Halle Bailey

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Jack Harlow’s “White Men Can’t Jump” Remake Earns Mixed Reviews On Twitter

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Since it was first announced that Jack Harlow will be stepping into Woody Harrelson’s shoes in the White Men Can’t Jump remake, social media hasn’t held back on expressing their fears around the project. Not only have some questioned if the Kentucky native should make his acting debut in such an iconic role, but others have been questioning why the 1992 film is already receiving a remake in the first place. Upon seeing the first trailers earlier this year, some felt a pang of relief. Now that it finally arrived on Hulu, fans are able to put their theories about Harlow’s on-screen chops to the test.

Much like in the original, the film follows two unlikely friends – one Black and one white – who are brought together thanks to the world of basketball. As Looper notes, sports fanatics will be happy to know that several NBA cameos take place in the new White Men Can’t Jump, including Kamal Allen and his father (played by the late Lance Reddick). Elsewhere, we see Blake Griffin handing Harlow and co-star Sinqua Walls a massive check, and Tyler Herro working out his anger management issues with his new coach.

Read More: Jack Harlow Recalls Working With Lance Reddick On “White Men Can’t Jump”

Jack Harlow Steps into Woody Harrelson’s Shoes for White Men Can’t Jump

Aside from the surprise all-star athlete appearances, many were also pleased with the Jackman rapper’s work. “Why is Jack Harlow actually acting omg,” one shocked tweet reads. “The new ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ funny asf I can’t lie,” another user chimed in. “Thought the shit was gone be corny as hell.”

Elsewhere, however, several people have expressed serious discontent with the project after viewing it. “Just watched 30 mins of the ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ remake. Y’all are so lucky I don’t have powers because the movie is so bad that I would have destroyed the world,” a particularly unimpressed person vented.

Read More: Woody Harrelson Co-Signs Jack Harlow Starring In “White Men Can’t Jump”

Twitter Reacts to New Movie

Keep scrolling to read Twitter’s mixed reactions to the new White Men Can’t Jump. Have you checked out the Jack Harlow-led flick on Hulu yet? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

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Alicia Keys Recruits Female Musicians In A Classical Rework Of “If I Ain’t Got You”

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During the longevity of her career, Alicia Keys has highlighted the talents of upcoming musicians. This time, she has reached into her two-decade-long career to ask for assistance from an additional group of musicians. Alicia Keys called upon a group of women of color to assist her in reworking an orchestra version of her song “If I Ain’t Got You.” Additionally, the group entails 70 women of color.“If I Ain’t Got You (Orchestra Version)” was created for the soundtrack to the Netflix series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

In an interview with Billboard Alicia detailed the process of forming the group. “The entire idea was quite ambitious,” she said. The group of women came from numerous parts of the world including Egypt, Bardos, South Africa, and Sweden. During the performance, each of them was dressed in Victorian-styled fashion. Additionally, the Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is based on the same timeframe of Victorian wear. Staying true to her stance on women’s empowerment, this performance embodies the same essence. “My mother is definitely a feminist for sure. She raised me, and that desire for equanimity and fairness was really instilled in me, and then I would see how it will come out in my songs,” she says. 

Alicia Key’s Chills-Giving Performance

Moreover, The original version of her song “If I Ain’t Got You” was released in 2004. The song is a single from Alicia’s second album The Diary of Alica Keys. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Top 100‘s chart during its release and spent 6 weeks on the chart. Alica also won a Grammy for the song. Additionally, the song is six times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The reworked version of the song comes 20 years after its release.

Furthermore, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is currently in its first season on Netflix. The soundtrack also includes instrumental covers of songs from Sza and many more. Alicia is also now on her Keys to Summer world tour. She will be stopping in North America later this year. Will you be catching her on tour? Let us know in the comments below.

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Fans Angry Over Live-Action Flounder In “The Little Mermaid”

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Users on social media are not happy about the way Flounder looks in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake, The Little Mermaid. Many joked about the fish appearing to look “too realistic” while others compared his looks to Steve Buscemi. The concerns come just weeks ahead of its highly anticipated premiere.

“Maybe I’m being out of line here, but I was expecting The Little Mermaid characters to be idk… CUTE,” one person complained, as noted by The Daily Mail. “Live action animation doesn’t have to be expressionless. At least give our boy Flounder his chubby cheeks back!!!!!” Another asked, “Why does Flounder look like a depressed 40-year-old chain smoker with three kids and a mortgage he can’t pay.” One more user posted, “NOT MY FLOUNDER GETTING THE STEVE BUSCEMI TREATMENT. Y’ALL I’M CRYIN.” Another user also made the same comparison: “Not they put Flounder on Ozempic! Why he so skinny??? This fish look like Steve Buscemi.”

Halle Bailey On Stage At D23 Expo 2022

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: (L-R) Rob Marshall and Halle Bailey speak onstage during D23 Expo 2022 at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on September 09, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

The character of Flounder, who is played by Jacob Tremblay in the film, was briefly revealed at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday. However, the criticism of his looks picked up stream after Disney released the film’s character posters later in the day. The social media account for the Southlake, Texas Department of Public Safety even called the visual “a crime,” and joked, “we’re just trying to find out which one.”

The upcoming live-action take on The Little Mermaid is directed by Rob Marshall. It stars Halle Bailey in the titular role with the supporting cast made up of Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy. The Little Mermaid will hit theaters on May 26. It will be the latest of several adaptations Disney has done in the live-action style. They also remade Mulan in 2020, The Lion King in 2019, and more, with additional films scheduled for release in the coming years.

Flounder In “The Little Mermaid”

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