tv-shows

The Absolute Best ‘Lip Sync Battle’ Moments

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Lip Sync Battle is a fun, high-energy show that’s had a great foothold on an audience since about 2015. Based on a segment from The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Lip Sync Battle takes celebrities and makes them compete against each other in a lip sync battle. Throughout the many episodes and years with the show, there have been some great moments to record and remember.

Whether it’s a celebrity failing to lip sync their own song or someone really understanding how to tear it up on the sync, there are many moments that make Lip Sync Battle an absolute riot to watch. Whether they’ve made us laugh, cringe, or do a little bit of both, there are a ton of moments to remember. We’ll be going through as many as we can remember, starting with the lowest pick and working our way up below.

Zoe Saldana and Zachary Quinto

It’s bound to be entertaining. That’s likely what the showrunners said when they put two Star Trek co-stars in the same room for a lip-sync battle. Both stars did great in their respective matches, Quinto batting up after an impressive performance by Saldana. Quinto started great with an upbeat rendition of Freedon! 90, and continued to keep that fire going with Missy Elliott’s Get Ur Freak On. Saldana didn’t bother holding anything back, emphasizing a heavy hard rock and rap style by starting off strong with a Twenty-One Pilots song. After finishing Stressed Out, she performed her own version of No Scrubs.

Dwayne Johnson and Jimmy Fallon

One of the best episodes of Lip Sync Battle is between two iconic celebrities. Jimmy is the star of the show, and Dwayne is an iconic legend, both for comedy and in any other role he finds himself in. The Lip Sync Battle between these two was definitely a sight to see. The Rock brought on the heat with his own version of Stayin Alive, while Fallon sun Like a Prayer. Fallon’s energy is contagious, continuing in his other performances throughout the show.

The Entire Cast of Stranger Things

Another fun episode of Lip Sync Battle is when they switch up the norm. Sure, it can be fun listening to just one person at a time, but getting an entire group in on the mix is a surefire way for a blast. The result of all these iconic heads singing at the same time is a must-see TV moment. Because of how popular the cast is, the Lip Sync Battle arena becomes a quick and easy collaboration, including names like Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard. While the performance by Schnapp was great for Wolfhard, the Lip Synce by Matarazzo and McLaughlin took the cake. They performed I’m Bad, taking the competition without much of a fight. As a group for another episode, they stand a chance to reappear in the near future for another lip sync battle.

Anna Kendrick and John Krasinski

On the fourth episode, we were pleasantly surprised by a great Lip Sync Battle between John Krasinski and Anna Kendrick. While they both were stacked to take the win, Anna Kendrick surprised the audience with her rendition of Booty toward the end of the round. It resulted in a cameo featuring Jennifer Lopez, which helped secure her victory. However, before the avalanche, Kendrick killed it with a few top pop-rock hits, such as Steal My Girl by One Direction. He also managed to score a pretty good high point with his performance for Bye Bye Bye by NSYNC. In the end though, Anna took the cake with a great performance and even greater cameo at the end.

Ricky Martin and Kate Upton

Having these two in the same ring for a lip-sync battle is a tough one. Both are great celebrity guests, one known for pop and the other for modeling work. Neither one is a stranger to the camera or microphone, which is likely why the episode is such a hit with those two in it. While Ricky has the mic experience, Upton wasn’t about to just go down without a fight. Upton did an impressive performance by taking on Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time with great excitement and flourish. However, she had Ricky to compete with, who turned up the heat using his flexible feet. He went for Kenny Loggin’s Footloose and absolutely killed it on stage.

Neil Patrick Harris and Lecerne Cox vs Taraji Henson and Hailee Steinfeld

Later down the line of the show, we get a special treat in the form of a multi-person cast for the show. Season four starts off with a bang during a Micheal Jackson Celebration episode. The episode includes iconic names like Laverne Cox, Neil Patrick Harris, Taraji Henson, and Hailee Steinfeld. Because it was a Micheal Jackson episode, it was just full of memorable tracks and their lip-syncing wannabes. For second-time runners Gox and Henson, winning was important, which is why they gave it everything they had throughout the show. Even the fan audience got involved throughout the episode. We rank this one pretty highly because the goal was to help immortalize one of pop’s greatest singers, and it totally did! As far as we care, that episode passed the test.

Fifth Harmony

It’s impossible to have a good list of these best episodes without including the Pentatonix one! The more the merrier, and with this episode, it gets pretty merry. We loved watching the Pentatonix members go to town on their lip-syncing skills. The voice (or in this case, voice adjacent) talents of Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, and Kevin Olusola brought a fire to the stage that couldn’t be put out. Lots of great songs got shown off in this episode, including Dinah Jane hitting us with You’re Welcome from the Moana soundtrack. Lauren Jauregui gave us her rendition of Rehab, while Normani Kordei got us with Bootylicious by Destiny’s Child. The winner of it all, Ally Brooke, definitely deserved her praise. She did an impressive combination of J-Lo’s On the Floor with Selena’s Como la Flor to perfection.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan

Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the episode with Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan. These two personalities on the same floor makes for some great entertainment, especially when they start breaking out the dance moves. Because this episode was highly anticipated, the hype surrounding the actual songs was crazy high and the tension was real. Tatum started us off by giving an impressive rendition of Let It Go from Frozen. (Too bad he couldn’t belt it out on the account of it being a lip-sync battle). Jenna responded by giving a great performance of Cold Hearted by Paula Abdul. And while Jenna did show up with a great parody version of Pony from Magic Mike, eventually Tatum had the greatest performance with Run the World, Queen B making a cameo appearance.

Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt

Both of these stars were prime picking for Lip Sync Battles, considering their background. As stars for pieces like Into The Woods and Les Miserables, both Hathaway, and Blunt are great contenders for a passionate winner and a stellar performance. This episode is one of the most hype in existence because of the sheer talent of these two. Both went all out and brought the heat for the audience. To start everyone off, Hathaway delivered a great Mary Blige impression that had the audience nearly singing along. To follow up on that great opener, Blint performed Backstreet’s No Diggity. During round two, Blint started us off by giving us a taste of her Janis Joplin impression. However, Hathaway truly stole the win here by giving us a great rendition of Wrecking Ball, almost to the same degree as the music video, performance-wise.

Tom Holland and Zendaya

One of the best episodes we’ve seen to date is obvious. Who doesn’t like Spiderman? The lip sync battle-off between Tom Holland and Zendaya was a great episode that fans can hardly forget. This greatly entertaining musical stunt was a nice way to show off both Holland’s and Zendaya’s impressive dance capabilities. During Zendaya’s performance, they worked great to mimic Bruno Mars during the performance of 24k Magic. During the performance, the crowd and audience were overjoyed to watch Zendaya shower Holland with cash right before his performance. When it came to Holland’s turn, no one expected his outstanding go at Singin in the Rain. Right after, he went for Umbrella by Rihanna. In these two key performances, Holland was almost perfect, taking over the lip sync battle and the audience by storm.

TV Shows That Highlight Black Excellence

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Hollywood is often home to productions that show the immense suffering endured by African Americans due to slavery and racism. While these TV shows can certainly be a powerful source of learning and knowledge, it’s important to recognize that there are still other forms of Black entertainment worth celebrating too.

 From uplifting rom-coms to documentaries that delve deeper into African American culture and fun coming-of-age stories, there is no shortage of cinematic content that celebrates the spirit and richness of the Black experience.

Black excellence is exemplified by the presence of shows which not only provide a positive portrayal of Black people but also introduce characters that offer a refreshingly nuanced approach to our lived experience. These titles have affected many people. They inspire us to reach our goals, put in the effort necessary to realize them, and embrace our humanity along the way.

1. Insecure 

Explore the journey of Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) in “Insecure”. They take on relationships, career ambitions and everyday life in Los Angeles. This modern-day show provides an insight into being a confident Black woman, dealing with different social challenges along the way. Its uplifting soundtrack featuring both popular and lesser-known artists will make you feel energized.

At HBO’s TCA session in 2016, Issa Rae, showrunner Prentice Penny, and executive producer Melina Matsoukas discussed how their series would explore the intricate facets of African-American culture and the unescapable truth of being Black. Moving forward, Rae declared that their aim was to demonstrate that people of color are all too familiar. This, she clarified, is not an inner-city narrative but rather a portrayal of ordinary individuals striving for their dreams.

2. Black-ish

Dre Johnson (Anthony Anderson) enjoys a wealth of blessings. He is blessed with a rewarding career, his beautiful wife, Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), and four children. His family lives in a luxurious neighborhood, enabling them to achieve a certain level of status. 

However, as he increasingly recognizes his own cultural assimilation, Dre turns to his father (Laurence Fishburne) for guidance on how to successfully meld ethnic identity with the prospects of a bright future for his entire family. With his father’s help, Dre sets out to ensure that his family reveres its rich cultural heritage. Even as it looks ahead towards a promising future.

This is one of the most captivating TV shows that strike a perfect balance between being both enlightening and entertaining. It provides insight into the life of a typical black person and shines a spotlight on subtle yet significant aspects of racism that are often overlooked by mainstream education.

3. Empire

Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is a hip-hop mogul, former drug dealer andCEO of Empire Entertainment. With his own life prematurely ending due to ALS, he has no choice but to select a successor who will be the future ruler of his dynasty. 

He starts the process by supervising the development of one of his three sons, who are – Andre (Trai Byers), the CFO of Empire; Jamal (Jussie Smollett), an R&B singer; and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray), a rapper. The rivalry between all of them adds fuel as Lucious works to figure out which one deserves to reign after he passes away. Furthermore, his ex-wife Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) is released from prison after serving 17 long years, wanting control over Empire and her sons.

The TV show had its premiere episode watched by nearly 10 million viewers when it debuted in January 2015. It also received positive reviews from critics. Acclaiming its brilliant acting, particularly that of Taraji P. Henson’s, spectacular direction, soundtrack, writing, costumes, editing, and overall tone, many called it a ‘refreshing twist to music entertainment.’ The subsequent series also gained immense admiration, with season 2 being celebrated most.

4. The Proud Family

Tracing Penny Proud’s footsteps as she faces the challenges of school, family, and connections, this classic show deserves its spot in the spotlight.

Not only did it tackle matters affecting African American society, such as racism and social class differentiation, but it also offered an accessible lens for many Black children. Disney+ revitalized the program to reflect Penny entering adolescence and the difficulties of growing up.

5. Our Kind of People

In Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, a group of African-American elites comes together each summer for decades. It sees Angela Vaughn, a determined single mother, take charge in restoring her family’s name and make an impact with her hair care line which emphasizes the true beauty of Black women.

As she does this, she unexpectedly finds out a horrifying truth about her mother, which will dramatically disrupt her life and the community forever. By exploring racial and class issues in America, this show gives an honest ode to Black excellence and strength.

6. Dear White People

Exploring the realities of discrimination experienced by individuals of color at predominantly White Ivy League Schools, Justin Simien’s powerful series “Dear White People” follows the dynamic characters of Winchester University as they grapple with the racism and bigotry that has become entrenched in their school. 

Anchored by a podcast hosted by Samantha White (Logan Browning), who strives to give a voice to the voiceless, the TV show captures the struggles of the Black student experience while celebrating its triumphs, offering a perspective on the current climate of our educational institutions.

7.  Bel-Air

The newly reimagined version of the classic sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” will captivate viewers with its dramatic narrative and striking portrayals of the power of second chances.

Set in today’s America, this adaptation follows Will’s journey from West Philadelphia to Bel-Air’s gated mansions. As these two worlds clash, the cast captures the conflicts, emotions, and biases that exist between them. This 2022 remake presents a story of black excellence, sure to leave audiences longing for more.

8. Grown-ish

Grown-ish is an inspiring spin-off of black-ish, featuring Yara Shahidi’s character Zoey Johnson as she steps into college and adulthood. It offers a unique take on A Different World’s depiction of young adults navigating their way through the challenges of life. Particularly Black college students in white spaces.

This TV show is an ideal watch for all college-goers who need something that speaks to them. It’s perfect for anyone looking to resonate with relatable content.

9. Being Mary Jane

BET’s first hour-long scripted drama is a sequel to the same-named TV movie. The movie premiered on the network back in the summer of 2013. Gabrielle Union is back in the lead role of Mary Jane Paul. She is an cable news anchor with a closet full of designer clothes and shoes, a beautiful home, a nice car, and a determination to reach greater heights. 

Despite all this, something seems to be missing in her life. As Mary Jane embarks on her quest to start her own family and embrace life’s greatest joys, she unlocks her true self and the loved ones who help define her.

10. Living Single

When considering the TV series of the ’90s, Living Single cannot be overlooked. Starring acclaimed performers such as Queen Latifah, Kim Fields, Kim Coles, and Erika Alexander – among many others – we witness a beautiful circle of friends living their lives in New York City. They face career endeavors, explore matters of love and handle each other’s personal relationships. 

What is particularly amazing about Living Single is that it offers an opportunity to observe African Americans in positions that were not ordinarily featured. Khadijah, brilliantly portrayed by Queen Latifah, is editor-in-chief at a cultural magazine. Max, wonderfully performed by Erika Alexander, is an attorney in a predominantly white, male-dominated field. Regine, depicted by Kim Fields, works as a wedding planner.

LL Cool J’s Best Acting Roles

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Although he is one of the greatest emcees Hip Hop has ever seen, LL COOL J is quite the actor as well.  Whether it is on TV, in theater, or hosting a game show, the New York rapper excels when he gets behind the camera.  For decades, LL has been showing his talents off and should be recognized.  Out of all his performances, there are a few that stand out.

Here’s the best acting performances from LL COOL J.

Deliver Us from Eva

In 2003, LL Cool J starred in the movie, Deliver Us from Eva.  The movie had notable stars such as Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, and Meagan Good.  LL Cool J plays a ladies’ man who is sought out to develop a relationship with a bossy woman (Union) so she can give her sisters more time with their husbands.  Union plays a Health Inspector that doesn’t have anything on her mind, but to keep tabs on her little sisters.  Ultimately, the two fall in love.  

On the popular movie rating platform, Rotten Tomatoes, Deliver Us from Eva received a rating of 44%.  Many critics believed the romantic comedy was too predictable.  LL Cool J does well in his role as he makes you believe he really fell for Union.

Last year, the wife of ex-NBA superstar Dwayne Wade, posted a photo of the two from a photo shoot for the movie.  Fans were even in the comments stating Deliver Us from Eva was their favorite movie.  Some claim they still watch it to this day.

Any Given Sunday

If you watched Any Given Sunday, then you might’ve thought LL Cool J had a future in the NFL.  Surely, he looked the part alongside actual NFL players like Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor, and Terell Owens, who were actually in the movie.

In this film, the Queens native was also around some big names in Hollywood.  Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid, Cameron Diaz, Bill Bellamy, and Jamie Foxx starred in this movie as well.  The Queens rapper played star running back, Julian Washington, who didn’t see eye to eye with new, flashy star quarterback, Willie Beamen played by Jamie Foxx.  The infamous fight scene in the movie between Foxx and LL COOL J was actually real, believe it or not.

Although, in the movie, LL COOL J’s character had a problem with his quarterback after he was taking all the credit for their winning streak, the two stars had issues behind the cameras as well.  Last year, Bill Bellamy, who also starred in this film, clarified on what actually happened between the two stars on an episode of Drink Champs.

According to Bellamy, it appears that the “All I Have”  rapper did not take kindly to all of the comedian’s sarcasm.  Bellamy even claims he warned Foxx about poking fun at LL, but he wouldn’t listen.  After an incident occurred where Foxx busted LL’s lip, LL had had enough.  That’s when he punched Foxx, which made for a great scene.

LL Cool J In The House

The “Mama Said Knock You Out” rapper starred in his own show in the mid 90s, In the House.  LL COOL J played Marion, a former professional football player, who has to deal with life after football, like working as a “manny”.  The sitcom lasted five seasons airing on popular networks, NBC and UPN.  Starring alongside the rapper was Debbie Allen, Kim Wayans, and Alfonso Ribeiro.

LL made you feel like you knew Marion.  He was cool, funny, and fly!  There’s no doubt that this came with ease as he made it seem so natural.  It seems as if executive producer Quincy Jones knew he LL was made for this role.  Maybe he had him in mind when creating it.

LL Cool J Survives Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea was so good that they made a trilogy!  The first one stars LL COOL J as Preacher, in a role many feel he excelled in.  Deep Blue Sea is regarded as one of the best shark movies of all time.

A team of scientists are in an underwater facility researching sharks when they find out some of the sharks have been genetically engineered.  As the sharks are attacking people, the team fights to escape the facility.  Preacher plays an important role as he kills the first shark the team encounters as well as the final shark to end the movie.  LL’s character caused fans to be on the edge of their seats.  Alongside the legend, Samuel L. Jackson, the “Doin It” rapper clearly made the movie.

Last Holiday

Similar to Deliver Us from Eva, LL COOL J falls in love in Last Holiday.  In a touching holiday love story, Queen Latifah stars as Georgia, a woman who has been suddenly diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder after taking a fall.  LL COOL J stars alongside her as her love interest as they both are interested in each other, but have not admitted it.  Again, the Queens rapper nails his role in a romantic film.

NCIS: Los Angeles

In 2009, LL COOL J was casted as Special Agent Sam on NCIS: Los Angeles.  He is one of the original cast members as the show has been running for 14 years.  Although the show is ending, he had nothing but good things to say.

”Well, I gotta tell you-it’s not hard at all.  CBS did an amazing thing with us; it’s been an amazing run.  We’re talking about 14 years…I think that the show has done tremendous numbers…I couldn’t complain.  I have nothing to complain about.”

In Too Deep

In what might be his best role yet, LL COOL J starred alongside Omar Epps in the movie, In Too Deep.  LL COOL J plays the biggest drug dealer around with so much power, his nickname is God.  Omar Epps plays a detective that goes undercover to infiltrate God’s crew.

The “Paradise” rapper excels in his role as being an intimidator as well as an enforcer.  His most infamous line comes at the end of the movie when Epps’s character sends him to prison.  As, he is being carried out of the courtroom, he screams, “You ain’t no cop, J. Reid!”  LL was so good, you would’ve thought he was really a kingpin.

Let us know your favorite roles that LL COOL J has played. 

Teyana Taylor And Her Iconic Acting Roles

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Teyana Taylor-multi-talented artist; fans know her as an incredible singer, brilliant dancer, and talented actress. While she has achieved tremendous success in the music industry, she has also made a name for herself on the big and small screens.

With roles in films like The Trap and TV shows like The Breaks, Taylor has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with in the acting world. And her star continues to rise.

In 2023, she is set to star in the highly anticipated movie A Thousand and One, which is already generating buzz among fans and critics alike. But in the meantime, here is a list of the roles that have already set her up as a rising icon.

#10 Stomp the Yard: Homecoming (2010)

Teyana Taylor plays Rena in the movie Stomp the Yard. Critics praised Taylor’s performance, noting it brought energy and charisma to her role. Taylor’s performance during the freestyle dance scene, where the characters engage in a dance battle, was phenomenal.

She was electric as she executed each move with precision and grace. Her dance style was unique, blending hip-hop and contemporary dance moves, and her energy was infectious, igniting the entire dance floor.

#9 The After Party (2018)

Taylor and The After Party

In After Party, Taylor plays Blasia, a record label executive who becomes an important figure in the show. Taylor’s character is tough and savvy, and Taylor’s performance adds credibility to the movie.

Fans and critics applauded Taylor’s performance, noting that she brought depth and complexity to Blasia. Some even dubbed Taylor a “scene-stealer” Her performance was seen as one of the film’s strongest elements, adding nuance to a complex character. Taylor’s performance when Blasia confronts Owen is powerful and emotional, as she conveys her feelings of betrayal and disappointment.

At the same time, Teyana Taylor also exhibits a sense of compassion and understanding. Her acting in this scene is subtle and authentic. Additionally, it highlights Taylor’s ability to bring strength and vulnerability to her characters, making her performance all the more captivating.

#8 The Trap (2019)

Taylor plays Mya in the crime comedy The Trap. Mya is a loyal and supportive girlfriend, and Taylor brings layers to a character that could easily have been a one-dimensional damsel in distress. When Mya confronts Mike about his involvement in criminal activities, Taylor’s acting mastery glows.

Taylor, nevertheless, delivers her lines with conviction and intensity. She demonstrates a range of emotions, from anger and frustration to vulnerability and love. The scene highlights Taylor’s ability to portray strong, multidimensional characters.

#7 Brotherly Love (2015)

Brotherly Love

In Brotherly Love, Taylor plays Tastytaste. Tastytaste is strong-willed and independent but has her own dreams and ambitions. Critics and fans noted that Taylor was the best thing about the movie.

When Tastytaste confronts June in a heated argument is a fantastic representation of Taylor’s acting ability. Tastytaste stands up for herself and demands respect. Her performance is raw and emotional.

As the argument escalates, Taylor’s performance becomes more powerful, and she asserts her character’s agency and autonomy in an empowering way.

#6 Taylor in Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018)

In Honey: Rise Up and Dance, Taylor portrays Skyler. Skyler is a talented, formidable dancer and mentor. Taylor’s performance was a standout in the film, and her impressive dance skills were an impressive highlight.

​​In the final dance competition scene, Skyler takes the stage and delivers a high-energy routine that incorporates a variety of styles, including hip-hop and contemporary dance. Taylor’s dancing is both precise and expressive, as she effortlessly moves through the choreography with fluidity and grace.

In addition, she exudes confidence and charisma, commanding the stage with every step and gesture. This scene highlights Taylor’s impressive dance skills and showcases her ability to captivate an audience in any setting.

#5 Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011)

Taylor played the character of Sabrina in Madea’s Big Happy Family. Despite her limited screen time, Taylor received praise for her emotional performance. Her performance was described as compelling and raw, adding a much-needed layer of vulnerability to Sabrina.

One amazing scene that showcases Taylor’s performance is a dramatic confrontation between Sabrina and her boyfriend. Taylor delivers a heart-wrenching performance that captures the character’s pain and vulnerability.

Moreover, her emotions feel exposed and genuine, and her acting is subtle yet powerful. This scene showcases Taylor’s range as an actress, allowing her to explore her character’s dramatic and emotional depths and elevating the film beyond a typical Tyler Perry comedy.

#4 Hit the Floor (2013-2018)

In Hit the Floor, Taylor played the character of London, a wild-child dancer who joins the team and causes drama both on and off the court. Taylor received praise from fans and critics for her natural charisma and chemistry with the other cast members.

Above all, her impressive dance skills and magnetic stage presence shone brightly. Taylor showcases her skills in performance in the episode “Blow Out.” London struggles to keep up with the others and falls behind.

However, when the time comes, Taylor’s dance moves are sharp and precise, and her energy is infectious. The scene spotlights Taylor’s incredible dance skills, but it also highlights her ability to bring a sense of fun and excitement to any character she is playing.

#3 Star (2016-2019)

Taylor plays Joyce Sheree in the TV series Star. Taylor’s experience as a singer and rapper in real life undoubtedly added a layer of authenticity and energy to the series.

Taylor’s acting and rapping skills are fully displayed in the episode “Mrs. Rivera” from the second season. She effortlessly commands the stage with her presence.

Her performance is full of charisma and attitude, and the camera captures her dynamic movements. Overall, the scene highlights Taylor’s talents as a performer, showcasing her ability to bring a high level of realism and vitality.

#2 Coming 2 America (2021)

Taylor and Coming 2 America

In Coming 2 America, Teyana Taylor plays Bopoto, one of the dancers who perform at the royal wedding. Taylor’s role was initially written as a smaller, non-speaking part, but the film’s director expanded it after seeing her perform.

In general, Taylor’s energy brought a fresh and compelling element to the film’s musical numbers. Taylor effortlessly transitions between dance styles, from traditional African to modern hip-hop, showcasing her versatility.

In addition to her dancing, Taylor’s scene with Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler) allowed her comedic timing to be fully demonstrated. She shines as she delivers her lines with perfect timing and sass.

#1 Taylor in The Breaks (2017)

Taylor as Imani X

In The Breaks, Taylor plays Imani X, a highly talented rapper introduced as a competitor. Imani is a confident and skilled rapper with her own ideas about succeeding in the male-dominated industry.

Additionally, Taylor’s natural acting ability impressed the show’s creators, and they decided to expand her character’s storyline beyond the initial plans. Critics noted Taylor as appearing entirely at home on screen.

Her rap scenes were exciting, and her acting ability brought a powerful presence to the show. Teyana Taylor brings energy and confidence that is palpable as she effortlessly delivers her lines and rhymes with precision and attitude throughout the show.

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‘Bel-Air’ Gives Fans Plenty of “Fresh” Drama In Season Two

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Since the hit series Bel-Air premiered on the popular streaming channel Peacock last year, we have gotten to know the cast of the hit reboot as the characters face big topics from mental health, class issues, racism, and even jealousy. The drama is getting even bigger as Bel-Air heads into its sophomore season. Now, however, we wonder…will this second season of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot series season 2 be as good as the first?

Bel-Air’s Season Two Hits the Ground With Big Drama

Bel Air’s first season started with a “fresh” feel and a dose of lightheartedness that immediately pulled the fans in. However, the series has taken a more dramatic turn as season two gets underway. Season two premiered on February 23 and begins where the first left off with Will (Jabari Banks) moving out of the mansion after a series of betrayals come to light. As season one of the hit series wrapped up, Will uncovers secrets about his father Lou (Marlon Wayans) that were kept from him by members of his family including his Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes) and his Aunt Viv (Cassandra Freeman).

Bel-Air’s drama largely centers around Will’s experiences moving into the mansion and coming head-to-head with a variety of challenges faced by the differing classes. However, there is plenty more drama to be found in all storylines as the series progresses into season two. Will’s cousin Hilary continues her relationship with Jazz and the two decide to take their relationship to an “official” level. Elsewhere, Aunt Vivian struggles in her new fellowship role at Neeman’s.

Will Faces An Unexpected Truth

The hit drama’s second season hit the streaming airwaves with plenty of turmoil taking over the Banks clan. The premiere episode titled A Fresh Start begins with Jabari Banks’s Will crashing at Jazz’s (Jordan L. Jones) after the secrets about his father come to light. Will focused on finding his independence and achieving his basketball dreams. However, a heart-to-heart with his Uncle Phil – including a long-overdue apology – leads to Will’s return to the mansion in season two’s early episodes. Meanwhile, Will’s relationship with Lisa (Simone Joy Jones) hits a cooling-off period.

Elsewhere, Carlton is still working on his anxiety issues especially as he sees himself put into a variety of high-anxiety scenarios. Carlton has found comfort in Bel-Air Academy’s Black Student Union. This is a new development after this group previously disliked Carlton for clashing over racial concerns while Carlton served as class president. 

Bel-Air Welcomes A Familiar “Fresh” Face

Carlton’s chances to make a difference in this group comes when a Bel-Air Academy teacher Mrs. Hughes – who is played by Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum (Tatyana Ali) gets fired for providing off-curriculum literature and information delving into racism and sexuality and other controversial and tough but incredibly important issues. 

The Bel-Air Academy’s Black Student Union plans a walk-out protest against the firing. Carlton is behind this plan, originally. However, another instructor warns the student of the possible reproductions that could come from his involvement in the protests. Struggling with the anxiety that comes from these concerns Carlton opens up to Will about these concerns. However, Will’s focus keeps him from grasping the enormity of the situation. 

Mrs. Hughes Has An Undeniable Impact

Tatiyana Ali’s Mrs. Hughes is making a big impact on many students at the Bel-Air Academy. The impact is especially apparent to viewers as Ali’s character inspires Akira Akbar’s character, the youngest of the Banks children, Ashley. This, Fresh Prince fans know, is the very character Ali played in the original sitcom series. Mrs. Hughes knows there are repercussions for providing Ashley and other Bel-Air Academy students with materials outside the school’s curriculum. But the impact on the greater good is more important to the middle school teacher. 

Will’s Big Basketball Dreams Continue In Bel-Air’s Season Two

As the second episode of Bel-Air’s season two gets underway, the episode, titled Speaking Truth has Will displaying his spot-on talents on the basketball courts. Will remains laser-focused on a future in basketball – especially when it comes to scoring a division one basketball scholarship. This leads the talented player to forget that basketball is wholly a team sport. Ultimately creating some major issues between Will and the rest of the team.

Will’s ego gets the best of him as he belittles his fellow players, thinking he is the only one who should be making the biggest plays. Will ignores his coach and scores several three-pointers along with several dunks – all while forgetting about his teammates. Will’s arrogance may be a roadblock in his future with the game and chances for a division one college scholarship. 

Bel-Air’s season two also sees Will hoping to catch the eye of a famed basketball scout, Doc (Brooklyn McLinn). Will is certain a relationship with this particular scout will take him to the right places in his basketball career. Will’s dream does finally come true as his talents seem to notice the basketballer. However, we soon learn that Doc’s decision isn’t based so much on Will’s abilities but rather on the Banks’ fortune.

Bel-Air Reimagines A Sitcom Classic

The last few years have been all about reboots, bringing new life to some of our favorite classics. And the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot series, Bel-Air has an extra exciting history giving us a dramatic reimagining of the original 1990s sitcom hit starring Will Smith. This new series is produced by Smith and inspired by a viral trailer clip by Morgan Cooper that reimagined the iconic 90s sitcom series with a raw and dramatic lens.

Sure, most reboots try hard to develop their voice. However, the Peacock hit Bel-Air did something different turning a sitcom format into a “fresh” drama series. Part of the best pieces of the series is the fact that the reboot series delves deeper into the issues. Issues that the black-led Fresh Prince cast could only touch upon while on the networks three decades ago. All of this was originally dreamed up by Morgan Cooper’s enormously popular video bringing us the dramatic take on the popular classic sitcom series.

Cooper is part of Bel-Air’s creative team along with Will Smith. He serves as director, co-writer, and executive producer on the popular Peacock series. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson serve as co-showrunners and executive producers of the series. New episodes premiere every Thursday through April 27 on Peacock.

Jim Jones Teases Dipset TV Show

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Jim Jones teased working on a TV series that will detail the rise of the legendary New York rap group, The Diplomats. Jones hinted at the show during an interview on DJ Self’s Apt. 5H talk show. He says that the group was “young, dumb and stupid” during their come up, but had a “ball” doing it.

“You got a talk show, I’m about to give you the Dipset 5H TV series,” Jim told DJ Self during the interview. “I think I’ma do that ‘cause the shit that went on in 5H before we became the players we were, you n****s need to see. We was reckless. Young, dumb and stupid, but we was having a ball.”

Dipset In 2010

(L-R) Freekey Zekey, Jim Jones, Cam’ron and Juelz Santana of Dipset perform during The Dipset Reunion at Hammerstein Ballroom on November 26, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The new interview isn’t the first time that Dipset have referenced a potential TV show regarding their story. During a Q&A session with media personality Wayno in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his album Come Home With Me, Cam’ron confirmed that they’d been approached for a similar idea. “They offered us deals before or offered me deals as well. I rather shoot it with my money, my way,” Cam said at the time. “They’ll come to you like, ‘Yo, we’ll give you a percentage of the Diplomat movie.’ And I’m like, ‘Ok, what’s the percentage?’ And they’re like, ‘We’ll give you 10, 15 percent.’ How you going to give me 10 percent of my story? That shit don’t even be making no sense to me sometimes. I’m like, ‘Aight, I’ll fund it and y’all take the 10 percent and do distribution.’ But they’re not used to n****s talking to them like that.”

The Diplomats originally formed back in the 1990s with Cam’ron, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zekey. They later added Juelz Santana to the team in 1999 and landed a record deal with JAY-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records in 2001. They released a number of the biggest hits from the 2000s including “Dipset Anthem,” “I Really Mean It,” and many more.

Jim Jones With DJ Self

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Angus Cloud From “Euphoria” Allegedly Involved In Hit-And-Run

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Fans know Angus Cloud best from his role as Fezco on Euphoria. However, he is now on the radar of the California Highway Patrol. The actor allegedly participated in a hit-and-run. Police officers are looking to speak with Cloud regarding the incident from Tuesday. A witness told TMZ that it occurred in Marina del Rey. According to them, Cloud and another male were driving in the area in an SUV. Said SUV rear-ended a white Toyota RAV-4, then took off to a nearby parking lot.

At least one person involved in Cloud’s alleged hit-and-run suffered injuries due to the accident. Through photos and statements provided, it is easy to see that a female who was riding in the Toyota had injuries from the impact of the accident. The injuries extend to her arms and legs. Pictures of her arms show bruising and redness on her skin. According to the report, the same types of markings are on the woman’s legs, as well. Also according to TMZ, there was more than one person in the Toyota. However, they did not report the genders, numbers, and injuries of other passengers involved.

Angus Cloud Accused

Angus Cloud attends the GQ Dinner at the Red Sea International Film Festival on December 07, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

The report states the witness knew the people who were in the Toyota. Apparently, once the chaos from the accident settled down, said witness went to look for Cloud and the SUV. The witness went to the parking lot where Cloud and the other person in the car had driven. However, upon further inspection of the area, the Euphoria star and his friend were nowhere to be seen or found. This is shocking, especially because a hit-and-run can be charged as a felony in the state of California. However, if the hit-and-run is charged as a misdemeanor, Cloud can still be charged with a possible sentence of up to six months in jail. He could also face a fine of up to $1,000.00.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that, while Cloud is not an official suspect in the case, police officials have mentioned the Euphoria star for possible involvement. Rightfully so, cops want to speak to him to determine if he was involved or even responsible for the car accident. If he was, the issue will be dealt with accordingly in a legal matter. Cloud’s team has yet to make a statement on the allegations and evidence of the hit-and-run.

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Mindy Kaling’s “Velma” Series Criticized For Sexualizing Teenage Characters

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For many, Scooby-Doo undoubtedly remains a nostalgic childhood favourite well into adulthood. Even the old school cartoons can conjure up a laugh or a smile when you need it, but of course, Hollywood couldn’t help but give the franchise the prequel treatment. Earlier this month, The Office actress Mindy Kaling premiered her Velma series. So far, though, the critics seem to be giving it two thumbs down.

The first two episodes of the adult animated series landed on Hulu and Crave earlier this week. While the mother of two is on double duty as the executive producer and voice of the titular character, she’s also joined by a star-studded lineup. Sam Richardson brings to life the first Black Shaggy, while Constance Wu plays Daphne Blake.

Additionally, we hear from familiar voices like Glenn Howerton, Debby Ryan, Shay Mitchell, Jane Lynch, and even NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns.

The series certainly sounds as though it has everything necessary to succeed, so where did they go wrong? According to Twitter users, the hyper-sexualization of high school characters is obviously a big red flag.

Various videos circulating online show clips from Velma. In one of them, a group of teenage girls are in the locker room, their figures obviously emphasized to attract attention. “These are supposed to be high school girls,” one frustrated user says from behind the camera in their Twitter post.

While Kaling’s series is on a different streamer, some are comparing it to the Netflix Original Big Mouth. Created by Nick Kroll, that project has earned a lot of backlash for similar reasons as it follows middle schoolers, specifically on their journey through puberty.

“STOP HATE WATCHING ‘VELMA’ OR WE’LL END UP WITH 8 MORE SEASONS LIKE ‘BIG MOUTH,” one social media user pleaded. Another wrote, “Everyone can tell [the show is] awful, but nobody can articulate why… It’s like it was intentionally designed to annoy everyone equally.”

Keep scrolling further for more Twitter reactions to Mindy Kaling’s Velma. Afterward, let us know in the comments if you plan to tune into the new series.

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