“Why is that there is a gun shop on almost every corner in this community? …for the same reason that there’s a liquor store on almost every corner in the black community. Why? They want us to kill ourselves. You go out to Beverly Hills, you don’t see that [expletive]. But they want us to… Continue reading “They Ain’t Letting the Black People Tell Their Stories”: John Singleton, 1968-2019
Category: Stage & Screen
Television and film/play reviews, interviews with actors, directors and others
Caught Up In The “Rhapsody”: How Queen Won On Film & In Life
Earlier last month, when the Oscar Award nominations were announced, the choices and snubs gave critics plenty to write about: A Star is Born and If Beale Street Could Talk fell short of representation in the main categories, but Black Panther made history as the first superhero-centered movie to get the nod for best picture… Continue reading Caught Up In The “Rhapsody”: How Queen Won On Film & In Life
“You Want What You Create To Live”: RIP Joe (1929-2018) & Michael Jackson (1958-2009)
Nearly half a century ago, in 1969, a quintet of brothers known as The Jackson 5 found instant success on the strength of their debut single, “I Want You Back.” In the span of just weeks, the song became a No. 1 hit and introduced the world to Michael Jackson, the precocious child prodigy that… Continue reading “You Want What You Create To Live”: RIP Joe (1929-2018) & Michael Jackson (1958-2009)
Pick Ya’ Spots: “Keeping It Real” Vs. “Keeping It Racist”
Back in the early 90s, when Heavy D & The Boyz released one of their biggest hits, “Got Me Waiting,” the clever rhymes and deft sampling of a Luther Vandross groove made it an instant jam. Unlike some hip-hop of the era, “Waiting” has aged well and, in fact, contains a line that describes our… Continue reading Pick Ya’ Spots: “Keeping It Real” Vs. “Keeping It Racist”
Unapologetic Blackness: Wakanda, America & The Black Panther
“The world is changing. Soon there will only be the conquered and the conquerors. You are a good man, with a good heart. And it’s hard for a good man to be king.” The Black Panther It takes more than stunning CGI effects, a photogenic cast, and the backdrop of a beloved comic book template… Continue reading Unapologetic Blackness: Wakanda, America & The Black Panther