Whats Buzzing in the Streets – Page 36

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence John Fishburne III (born July 30, 1961) is an American actor, playwright, producer, screenwriter, and film director. He is known for playing Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy, Jason “Furious” Styles in the 1991 drama film Boyz n the Hood, Tyrone “Mr. Clean” Miller in the 1979 war film Apocalypse Now, and most recently in the John Wick series, 2 and 3, as “The Bowery King”.

For his portrayal of Ike Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It, Fishburne was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Two Trains Running (1992), and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in TriBeCa (1993). Fishburne became the first African American to portray Othello in a motion picture by a major studio when he appeared in Oliver Parker’s 1995 film adaptation of the Shakespeare play.

Fishburne starred in several cult classics, including Deep Cover and King of New York. From 2008 to 2011, he starred as Dr. Raymond Langston on the CBS crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and from 2013 to 2015 starred as Special Agent Jack Crawford in the NBC thriller series Hannibal. In 2013, he portrayed Perry White in the Zack Snyder-directed Superman reboot Man of Steel and in 2016 reprised his role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as part of the DC Extended Universe. Fishburne played Bill Foster in the film Ant-Man and the Wasp, released in 2018 as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Born in Augusta, GA, he and his mother (a divorced teacher) moved the family to Brooklyn, NY, which he considers his hometown. Fishburne landed a regular role on “One Life to Live” when he was 10. His movie debut was in “Cornbread, Earl and Me” (1975). When he was 14, he began work on “Apocalypse Now” after lying about his age. For the next several years, he was offered only small roles. He eventually landed a part on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”

On the set, he met John Singleton who later directed him in his breakthrough role as the father in “Boyz N the Hood” (1991). Before this, though, in 1988, he played a critically acclaimed character in an early Spike Lee film/musical, “School Daze.” In 1992, Fishburne won a Tony for his role in August Wilson’s play, “Two Trains Running,” and in 1994, his performance as Ike Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” earned him an Oscar nomination. That same year his television appearance in the premiere episode of “Tribeca” landed Fishburne an Emmy.

In 1995, he starred in “The Tuskegee Airmen,” for which he received an NAACP Image Award, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and Cable Ace nominations for Best Actor in a Mini-Series. In 1996, he starred in “Fled” and in the critically acclaimed film “Othello” in the title role. He was the first African-American to play the Moorish king in a major screen release and follows a noble tradition of such actors as Sir Laurence Olivier and Orson Welles in the role.

In 1997, Fishburne received an Emmy nomination and an NAACP Image Award for his starring role in the HBO drama “Miss Evers’ Boys,” of which he was executive producer. “Miss Evers’ Boys” was awarded five Emmys, including “Outstanding film made for Television Movie” and the President’s Award, which honors a program that illuminates a social or educational issue.

Fishburne also starred in “Event Horizon” and “Hoodlum,” which he produced. His other film appearances include “Searching For Bobby Fischer,” “Cadence,” “Just Cause,” “Bad Company,” “Deep Cover,” and “Higher Learning,” for which he also received an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture.

He has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in film, television and theater having worked in over 75 projects in all performance mediums.

Fishburne has recently completed production on the “The Matrix: Reloaded” and “The Matrix: Revolutions,” the follow-up films to the 1999 “The Matrix.” In 2003, Fishburne starred in Dreamworks’ “Biker Boyz.” He also completed the film “Mystic River,” directed by Clint Eastwood. He has also been part of the cast to televisions “Blackish” comedy series.

A reviewer once wrote about Fishburne, “He takes a director’s talents and gives them heroic size. He knows the power of taking your time. He knows the power of silence. He knows the power of concentration.”

In 2016, Fishburne reprised his role as White in the sequel Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and appeared in the science fiction/romance movie Passengers.

In 2017, he appeared in the neo-noir action thriller film John Wick: Chapter 2 as The Bowery King, in his first collaboration with Keanu Reeves since The Matrix trilogy. Also in 2017, Fishburne starred in the comedy-drama Last Flag Flying, as the character Rev. Richard Mueller. In 2018, Fishburne played Bill Foster in Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, directed by Peyton Reed. The film was released July 6.

Written by Dianne Washington

The Introduction of MacFour

When it comes to guy groups, both old and new, we all know about the legacy of New Edition and how they paved the way for a lot of guy groups for nearly four decades since they first stepped onto the scene. For nearly four decades, we’ve seen a lot of guy groups come and go, leaving such an impactful legacy in R&B music throughout the late 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and on. From the sounds of Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, 112, Jagged Edge, Az Yet, Playa, Blackstreet, Guy, Men At Large, Portrait, Soul For Real, the list goes on and on. In current times, there’s always dope talent lingering just around the corner, getting ready to burst into the scene with their new found energy and refreshing new spirit. Here comes a young boy band coming straight from Baltimore, born and raised, a group of four brothers come together in the same exact spirit that reminds you of New Edition. Kevin aka “KJ”, K’Von aka “Kool”, K-Love aka “Dancer”, & Keith aka “Duck. All only in their teenage years, 19, 17, 15, & 13. They were once a group of brothers with the clean choreography and high pitched singing voices to now teenagers slowly blossoming into young men who’ll someday be the next greatest guy group. Growing up, their memories were mostly hard work and dedication to their craft. They decided that it’s better to work hard now and play later. They also made sacrifices like moving in the middle of the school year to Atlanta, GA where they now reside at, to further continue their career, and they also still retained Honor Roll Status in school, all while also taking the time out to learn the business side of the Entertainment industry too. Rehearses everyday after school for hours plus additional hours of film study. Super impressive and unheard of by performers and entertainers today. When it comes to who inspires them, it’s mostly their parents. They were hard working and dedicated to giving the boys a better life than they had so if they were able to work, they felt like why shouldn’t they?? It’s only right. Entertainment wise, all of the greats that came before them. They very fond of the likes of; The Temptations, The Jackson 5, New Edition, Dru Hill, Ne-Yo and others. They constantly study the greats to be great. What made the boys want to do what they’re doing today and gave them their start was in the year of 2006. The following members KJ, Kool, and Dancer, (Mom pregnant with member Duck) went to a New Edition concert. After the performance, the boys stated that they wanted to be like New Edition. Their parents thought they were joking, but they were able to prove their parents wrong. Their mother has been exposing the boys to Broadway Theater shows all of their lives and the lessons they were taught still applies today. Their current project is a song called ‘’Hey Girl 2020’’ that is scheduled to be distributed to all streaming services by Symphonic with a pre-order date of August 7th and release date of August 21st. They are also working on original music for their new upcoming album. Throughout their journey, the boys claim they have no regrets or would not do anything differently, because without those lessons, they wouldn’t have the knowledge they have now. Years from now, they see themselves performing in front of a sold out crowd in Madison Square Garden. Check them out more at www.MacFour4.com. Contact them at macfourent@gmail.com. Their Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram are all @MacFourEnt and last but not least, Reverbnation.com/MacFour & Cdbaby.com/MacFour is where you can also learn more and hear music from this group.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

The Notorious K.I.M.

The same small body, pretty face, raunchy style, and raps about high fashion labels and designers that stood out amongst the big boys of Junior M.A.F.I.A. & The Notorious B.I.G. gave us something in the late 90’s that revolutionized a new lane and style for women in hip hop to exist in a way and to show a side of women that wasn’t seen before on this level. After breaking from her crew and releasing her own debut album in November 1996, Kimberly Jones aka Lil’ Kim released “Hard Core.” An album that reflected every side of her. It was raw, nasty, aggressive, it told stories, it was every bit of honest and unapologetic too. Jones made a lane and voice for herself and she was hard to ignore but at the height of her success, it was the tragic loss of The Notorious B.I.G. that tore her apart and influenced her follow up album in his honor. Released on June 27th, 2000, recently making it’s 20th anniversary mark, Jones released her sophomore album “The Notorious K.I.M.” Claiming that she felt Biggie’s spirit in the studio during the making of this album, it was only right to name the album after him. This album was a step forward from the debut. It was next level. It was “Hard Core” times 10. More aggressive, more in-ya-face, but also real and honest and captures your heart as Jones pens a track called “Hold On” dedicated to the late great Biggie, with help from The Queen of Hip Hop Soul herself, Mary J. Blige. Since it’s release, Jones’ career has only sky rocketed to the point she was seen on every magazine cover, award shows, and even fashion runways showing off her most iconic looks ever that have definitely been duplicated by many. Kimberly Jones aka “Lil’ Kim” isn’t just your typical Brooklyn female rapper who was just a pretty face and a fat ass, she brought her energy, her style, her grace, her talent, her personality, and she didn’t give a….. She’ll always remain simply notorious in her own way.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

Venus Williams

Venus Williams was born on this date in 1980. She is an African American tennis player and entrepreneur.

Born in Lynwood, California, Venus Ebone Starr Williams is the daughter of Richard Williams and Oracene Price and the older sister of Serena Williams. She turned professional tennis player on October 31, 1994. In that match in the second round of her first professional tournament in Oakland, Williams nearly upset the top seed Arantxa Sanchez andVicario before losing the match.

With career singles record of over 400 wins, almost 100 playing doubles, and over 40 combined titles, she is one of the best women tennis players in the world.

As a businesswoman, Williams is the CEO of her interior design firm, “V Starr Interiors,” located in Jupiter, Florida. Williams’ company garnered prominence by designing the set of the “Tavis Smiley Show” and the Olympic athletes apartments as a part of the U.S. bid package for New York to host the 2012 games. V Starr Interiors has also designed residences and businesses in the Palm Beach, Florida area.

Williams won her fourth Wimbledon title, ironically on the 50th anniversary of Althea Gibson becoming the first Black woman to win that tournament. The heavily favored Williams won, surprising finalist Marion Bartoli 6-4, 6-1 for her sixth Grand Slam title.

Written by Dianne Washington

The Bigger Picture

Since the beginning of time, for years of generations to come, as time passes on, the next generation always in some way, shape or form, outshine or surpass the previous generation at something. When it comes to hip hop, there’s always been a huge generation gap between both the old school and the new school. The problem lies in the fact that both generations can be blindsided and closed minded due to what each side can bring or have already brought and done that the other doesn’t like. Being open minded to other things outside of what you know is a healthy thing. You can learn from it. Instead of coming to an understanding about each side there’s always an ongoing debate about the state of music and the platforms it’s presented on to its audience. In recent news, rap artist Lil’ Baby released a new single and video called “The Bigger Picture.” The new single and video perfectly highlighted the current events happening in the world with the murders of Black Americans, police brutality, and racism. The new song and video shook the table a lot and opened a lot of people’s minds about whether or not the new school generation of artists are truly aware of what’s going on. One song shouldn’t make a huge difference all of a sudden but it does show the naysayers that an artist is capable of reinventing themselves. Just because it’s not in a particularly rap fashion like most want it to be and from a specific artist doesn’t mean the message isn’t still said loud and clear. The amazing visuals and message in this recent Lil’ Baby song and music video does spark a conversation at the table and a question asking, will this be the beginning of a new era for the new generation? Will the music remain the same or be different? Will people demand more of one kind of style over one song? Or will things remain the same? After all, there is a bigger picture indeed. What’s mostly important is that the message is heard loud and clear.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted: The Story of Ice Cube

With so much going on in the world, currently, in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others, it’s safe to say that the soundtrack should be taken more seriously and should be put more to the forefront of entertainment more. Of course, entertaining isn’t something that should be of a priority firsthand but it is something that can be also used as a tool to create something that definitely reflects the times. After all, true artists makes art that does reflect the times and it’s part of the formula that makes one a great of all time. For over 40 years in hip hop, the world has seen many artists come in and speak on the realities of America and it’s true history through songs. Besides the partying, excessive drugs and alcohol, raunchy sex stories, the misogyny, materialistic attitudes, machismo bravado, and feminine power through sexuality, hip hop has always provided us the soundtrack that involved the harsh realities of Black neighborhoods all over the country. When you mention the music that speaks about police brutality, unarmed killings and deaths, corrupt systems, firearms, protesting, looting, riots, depending on the generation you’re a part of, such acts like Public Enemy, KRS-One, The X-Clan, 2Pac, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and even N.W.A. would come to mind. Back in 1988, it was N.W.A. who came out the gate, straight from the hard streets of Compton, California speaking on the everyday murders by police and even regular people who do it to each other over petty disputes, drugs, and money. They brought the world’s attention towards the harsh realities of their hometown and how to survive living there everyday. With songs like “Fuck The Police” and “Straight Outta Compton”, it was very clear that this group would go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it. Of course as time went on, the group split up to do solo things and other ventures but it was one member in particular who decided that his voice was more than just worthy of a hot beat and hot songs. He took things to a whole other level with his first two albums called “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted” and “The Predator.” O’Shea Jackson aka “Ice Cube”, born on June 15th, 1969, is definitely an artist that reflects the times in his music and not being afraid to tell the truth. With a combination of everyday life in Compton, both the good and bad, he also had party records and other kinds too to remind the people that life isn’t 100% bad. Life is a balance after all. Everyday can’t be dark and gloomy and dangerous, just like his movies. Reality has it’s ups and downs. What you do with it and how you get through it is what matters. Through darkness comes the light and Ice Cube is the perfect definition of that.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

Unsigned Hype: Mello Mook (The Future Voice of Black Man Struggle)

With so much going on currently in the world, in response to another innocent unarmed Black man’s life being tragically taken away from him, it leaves a bad taste in the mouths of others all over the world but it also puts Black men worldwide in an uncomfortable and scary position. Constantly having to protect their beings, constantly in a war in so many ways. Not just physically but also mentally, emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and so much more. So many great Black men both past and present have existed in spaces for their voices to be heard. With so much hurt, pain, and stress that comes with being a Black man, also comes with great joy, art and great voices. Black men speaking on their personal experiences to help other Black men feel welcomed, loved, and comfortable for their being is a great start to healing a people and another way of honoring our ancestors and inspiring future generations to come. One great Black voice in particular that definitely is a perfect example of what it means to be raw, real, and honest about his existence and being is a young artist all the way from Baltimore but raised in Edgewood who goes by the name Mello Mook. With a recent video of him expressing himself as a Black man in this current situation, the honesty and rawness draws you in like a painting in an exhibit. There’s a story to tell. Born Hasaan Lee Craig Fulton on December 17th, 1994 to both a mother and stepfather, life was a challenge for Fulton because he was in search of his identity and voice. A similar story to so many others. With his goals and ambitions, he felt he had no true support from his peers and didn’t meet his real father until he was 18. His fear kept him from truly shining in his light as well as not having any inspirations because it only made him doubt his own true talent even more. That’s a lot for a young man to deal with mentally and emotionally. Unable to speak his truth because his frustration took over every time, Fulton decided to start writing instead. He wrote because he lost hisself but it was the beginning of a new journey down the road to becoming a new found artist in his truth, his own words, his own light. He says “…just remember nobody knows what’s best for you, just sit down talk to yourself and put your dreams to actions.” He currently has a project called “Hidden Feelings.” The perfect name for an artist whose voice and identity was once hidden behind his true feelings. Even though Fulton finally found his voice and identity, he does regret letting his fear stop him in the past. Years from now, he sees himself mentoring the youth on being more strong and level headed, as well as help healing others through music. Using his words to touch and heal others. This young man has an incredible sense of self. A strong man like Fulton is needed much more. After all, powerful men can do more than just heal they build and can do such amazing things through love, support, and protection. If you want to check out more of this artist, follow him on Instagram: @mello__mook.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

Cee Lo Green

Thomas DeCarlo Callaway (born May 30, 1975), better known by his stage name CeeLo Green (sometimes rendered as Cee Lo Green or Cee-Lo Green), is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and businessman.

Green came to initial prominence as a member of the Southern hip hop group Goodie Mob and later as part of the soul duo Gnarls Barkley, with record producer Danger Mouse. Subsequently he embarked on a solo career, partially spurred by YouTube popularity.

Internationally, Green is best known for his soul work: his most popular was Gnarls Barkley’s 2006 worldwide hit “Crazy”, which reached number 1 in various singles charts worldwide, including the UK. In the United States, “Crazy” reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its parent album St. Elsewhere (2006), was also a hit, peaked at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and number 4 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart. Gnarls Barkley’s second album, The Odd Couple (2008), charted at number 12 on the Billboard 200.

In 2010, Green took a hiatus from working with Danger Mouse, and released a solo single titled “Fuck You!”, on August 19. The song became a successful single, with the radio-edit version “Forget You”, reaching the top spot in the UK and the Netherlands and peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its parent album, The Lady Killer (2010), saw similar success, peaking within the top five of the UK Albums Chart and debuting within the top 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, receiving a Gold certification from the BPI in the UK. His next two singles, “It’s OK” and “Bright Lights Bigger City” were also hits in Europe. From 2011 to 2014, Green was a judge and coach on American reality television singing competition The Voice, appearing on four of its seasons. In 2013, Green reunited with the rest of Goodie Mob, to release their fifth studio album Age Against the Machine.

He worked as a voice actor in the animated feature Hotel Transylvania (2012), and also appeared in a few television programs and films—including his own show, The Good Life, on TBS. Green has endorsed 7 Up, Duracell, M&M’s, and sake brand TY KU. His work has earned numerous awards and accolades, including five Grammy Awards, a BET Award, a Billboard Award, and a Brit Award.

Written Dianne Washington

Unsigned Hype: FlexTwoTime

Unsigned Hype: FlexTwoTime

Always great to know someone whose hardworking and ambitious. Someone whose busy working and climbing their way to the top. Bronx native rap artist FlexTwoTime is a perfect example. Born Juan Torres on January 6th, 1993, to both a stepmother and father who have street smarts but used their street smarts to take care of him and made sure he never needed for anything. Before taking an interest in doing music, Torres has a huge love for football but it wasn’t until the murder of his brother Earl aka UE, that made Torres officially want to be an artist. He claims his biggest influences are his late great brother and the legendary DJ KaySlay. The murder of his brother made him take a serious route in music after 2016 and his brother was also a member of Highbridge The Label, a popular label associated with the acts of A Boogie & Don Q. Torres was fortunate enough to even get his start in the game because of DJ KaySlay. Working for the legendary DJ himself and Shade45 back in 2018 gave him a chance to flex his skills as a video intern. Watching KaySlay conduct himself in a very professional manner he inspired him to want to do it himself. It was WillC, who works for KaySlay as a videographer, who helped Torres get started by believing in him and giving him that push he needed. Unfortunately, Torres didn’t work at Shade45 for long because he went to go finish his season playing football. He regrets not cancelling his football season to continue pursuing his dream job working with KaySlay and WillC. In the future, Torres sees himself as a successful artist while also having his music company to help him build more opportunities in the business. Want to network and/or get to know more about FlexTwoTime, you can check out his website. Www.EverythingBeastyEnt.com. Follow him on Instagram @FlextwotimeNYC & @everythingbeastyent.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

Judge Faith

Faith Jenkins is an American attorney, legal commentator and media personality. On March 11, 2014, she officially joined MSNBC as a legal analyst. She was also a television arbitrator on Judge Faith, a daytime court show, where she rendered decisions in a television courtroom. The court show ended production in 2018.

A native of Louisiana, she graduated from C. E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She attended nearby Louisiana Tech University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science.

Jenkins was involved in beauty pageants and won several major titles. She was the first African-American woman to win the Miss Louisiana Tech title. In 2000, she won the Miss Louisiana title and advanced to compete in the Miss America 2001 competition, where she was named first runner-up, winner of the Quality of Life award, and preliminary winner in swimsuit and talent.

Faith earned her Juris Doctor from the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she was ranked first in her class. And she don’t play.

Written by Dianne Washington