Vera Edwards: A Trailblazer in Independent Film

On March 22, 2025, Vera Edwards received a Citation of Merit from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. This honor was bestowed upon her for her outstanding contributions to filmmaking and her dedication to mentoring local talent. Such recognition underscores the impact of her work on both the cultural landscape of the Bronx and its residents.
On March 22, 2025, Vera Edwards received a Citation of Merit from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. This honor was bestowed upon her for her outstanding contributions to filmmaking and her dedication to mentoring local talent. Such recognition underscores the impact of her work on both the cultural landscape of the Bronx and its residents.

Vera Edwards is an accomplished independent film director, producer, and author hailing from the Bronx. Known for her impactful urban films, she has made significant contributions to both the film industry and her local community. Her dedication to mentoring aspiring actors and filmmakers has earned her numerous accolades, including recent recognition from prominent figures in New York

Edwards has established herself as a notable figure in independent cinema, particularly within the urban genre. Her films often reflect the realities of life in the Bronx, showcasing authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Through her work, she not only entertains but also educates viewers about the complexities of urban life.

One of Edwards’ most commendable efforts is her commitment to mentoring young actors from her community. She actively involves them in her projects, providing opportunities for growth and exposure in the film industry. This hands-on approach not only helps nurture talent but also fosters a sense of community among aspiring artists.

On March 22, 2025, Vera Edwards received a Citation of Merit from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. This honor was bestowed upon her for her outstanding contributions to film making and her dedication to mentoring local talent. Such recognition underscores the impact of her work on both the cultural landscape of the Bronx and its residents.

Additionally, Senator Cordell Cleare acknowledged Edwards’ contributions to community service with a citation that highlights her efforts beyond film making. These honors reflect not just her artistic achievements but also her commitment to uplifting those around her.

In March 2023, Vera Edwards was awarded the I AM WOMAN AWARD, celebrating women who have made significant strides in their fields while inspiring others. This accolade further cements her status as a role model for women in film and beyond.

As a proud resident of the Bronx, Vera Edwards continues to pave the way for future generations of filmmakers and actors through her work and mentorship. Her recognition by local leaders illustrates the profound impact she has had on both the arts and her community.

Vera Edwards is an influential independent film director whose work reflects urban realities while empowering local talent through mentorship and community engagement.

Tasha K: The Unfiltered Voice of Celebrity Gossip

Latasha Transrina Kebe, widely known as Tasha K, is a prominent YouTuber and media personality who has carved out a unique niche in the world of entertainment news. Her YouTube channel, “Unwine with Tasha K,” has gained significant traction for its bold approach to celebrity gossip and high-profile interviews. With over a million subscribers, Tasha K has established herself as a reliable source for breaking stories about Hollywood celebrities and other influential figures before mainstream media outlets can report on them.

Launched in 2018, “Unwine with Tasha K” quickly became a go-to platform for those seeking unfiltered insights into the lives of celebrities. Tasha’s style is characterized by her candidness and willingness to tackle controversial subjects head-on. She often features interviews with celebrities, victims of scandals, and individuals willing to share their stories, creating a space where people can come forward without fear of judgment.

Her ability to engage her audience through humor and relatability has contributed significantly to her success. As a comedian, she infuses her content with wit while discussing serious topics, making her videos both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Tasha K’s reputation for delivering controversial interviews has led to numerous high-profile encounters with celebrities. Her willingness to discuss sensitive topics—ranging from personal struggles to industry secrets—has garnered both praise and criticism. Some celebrities have embraced her platform as an opportunity to share their truth, while others have expressed disdain for her approach.

One notable incident involved a $4 million defamation verdict against Tasha K related to claims she made about another public figure’s drug use, STDs, and prostitution. This legal battle highlighted the fine line between gossip journalism and defamation—a challenge that many in the entertainment industry face today.

Despite the controversies surrounding her content, Tasha remains steadfast in her mission to provide an unvarnished look at celebrity culture. Her fearless reporting style has earned her mentions in major media outlets such as TMZ and The Sun, further solidifying her status as an influential voice in entertainment news.

Tasha K’s influence extends beyond just gossip; she has become a cultural phenomenon within the entertainment industry. Many view her as a reliable source for breaking news about celebrities due to her track record of delivering timely information that often precedes traditional news outlets. This reliability has attracted a loyal following among fans eager for insider knowledge about their favorite stars.

Moreover, Tasha’s platform serves as an avenue for individuals who wish to share their experiences or expose injustices they have faced within the industry. By providing these voices with visibility, she fosters an environment where accountability is prioritized.

In addition to being a YouTuber and gossip blogger, Tasha K is also an actress who continues to explore various facets of entertainment. Her diverse talents allow her to connect with audiences on multiple levels—whether through comedic skits or serious discussions about societal issues.

As she continues to navigate the complexities of fame and media scrutiny, Tasha K remains committed to keeping it real with her audience. Her journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of digital media where influencers wield significant power over public perception and discourse.

For those interested in following Tasha’s work or engaging with her content directly, more information can be found on her official website TashaKLive.

Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton: The Multifaceted Talent Dominating the Entertainment Industry

Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. This talented artist has made a name for himself as a rapper, battle league owner, and actor, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he works with.

Music Career

Sho-Time’s music career has been on the rise, with his unique style and lyrical prowess gaining him a loyal following. His impressive discography includes notable projects such as “Sho-Time’s World” and “Presha,” which have solidified his position in the underground hip-hop scene.

Battle League Owner

As the owner of Sho-Time Battle Rap League, Sho-Time has created a platform for up-and-coming rappers to showcase their skills. The league has become a hub for intense battles, with Sho-Time’s leadership at the helm.

Acting Career

Sho-Time’s acting career with Street line Video has been nothing short of impressive. He has appeared in several films and television shows, including:

– “Rodent: The Urban Soap Opera” Sho-Time played a pivotal role in this gripping series, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

– “Chick-en” – His performance in this film was praised for its raw emotion and depth.

– “Petate” – Sho-Time’s portrayal of a complex character in this drama earned him critical acclaim.

– “A Teenage Story” – His role in this coming-of-age film resonated with audiences and solidified his position as a talented young actor.

– “PPRESSED” – Sho-Time took on the leading role in this powerful series, delivering a performance that left a lasting impact on viewers.

Karine “Sho-Time” Thornton is a true triple threat in the entertainment industry. His impressive skills as a rapper, battle league owner, and actor have cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to rise to fame, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating what he will do next. One thing is certain, however: Sho-Time is here to stay.

About the Author

This article was written by Regina “Gigi” Rodriguez, a music and entertainment journalist with a passion for highlighting up-and-coming talent. Follow me on social media for more articles and interviews with the industry’s most exciting new artists!

Malcolm X

Malcolm X planed to create Black Nationalist party that would cooperate with local civil rights actions in order to heighten political consciousness of Negroes. The week before he had an unplanned meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a hallway after they both observed Senate filibuster on the Civil Rights Bill. Soon after his announcement, a meeting with Malcolm X, E. Grant, and J. Warden to discuss incorporation of MMI (Muslim Mosque Incorporated) took place.

Later an informant reports that Elijah Muhammad has ordered Malcolm X to surrender his home and car, both of which are owned by the NOI. On March 10th Malcolm tells Ebony magazine that the Black Muslim leaders have “got to kill me. They can’t afford to let me live. . . I know where the bodies are buried and if they press me, I’ll exhume some.”

Lorraine Hansberry

On this day, in 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theater in New York City with Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil in the lead roles. The play ran for 530 performances, becoming the longest running Broadway play written by an African-American. This was also the first Broadway drama written and directed by an African-American woman. In 1961 ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ was made into a movie, again starring Sidney Poitier as the chauffeur Walter Younger. Hansberry’s landmark career was cut short when she died of cancer in 1965 at the age of 34.

 Written by Dianne Washington

Erykah Badu

Erica Abi Wright (born February 26, 1971), better known by her stage name Erykah Badu is a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, record producer, activist and actress. Her work includes elements from R&B, hip hop and jazz. She is best known for her role in the rise of the neo soul sub-genre. She is known as the “First Lady of Neo-Soul” or the “Queen of Neo-Soul”.

Early in her career, Badu was recognizable for wearing very large and colorful headwraps. For her musical sensibilities, she has often been compared to jazz great Billie Holiday. She was a core member of the Soulquarians, and is also an actress having appeared in a number of films playing a range of supporting roles in movies such as Blues Brothers 2000, The Cider House Rules and House of D. She also speaks at length in the documentaries Before the Music Dies and “The Black Power Mixtapes”

Erykah Badu was born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Texas on February 26, 1971. Her mother raised her, her brother (Jabbada), and her sister (Nayrok) alone after their father, William Wright Jr., deserted the family early in their lives. To provide for her family, the children’s grandmother often helped looking after them while Erykah’s mother, Kolleen Maria Gipson (Wright), performed as an actress in theatrical productions. Influenced by her mother, Erykah had her first taste of show business at the age of 4, singing and dancing with her mother at the Dallas Theatre Centre. Erykah Badu was the owner of Focal point in Dallas, Texas.

By the age of 14, Erykah was free-styling for a local radio station alongside such talent as Roy Hargrove. In her early youth, she decided to change the spelling of her name from Erica to Erykah, as she firmly believed her original name to be her slave name. The term ‘kah’ signifies the inner self. Badu is her favorite jazz scat sound and is also an African name for the 10th born child used for the Akan people in Ghana.

Upon graduating from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Badu went on to study theater at the historically black college Grambling State University. Concentrating on music full-time, she left the university in 1993 before graduating and took on several minimum wage jobs to support herself. She taught drama and dance to children at the South Dallas Cultural Center. Working and touring with her cousin, Robert “Free” Bradford, she recorded a 19-song demo, Country Cousins, which attracted the attention of Kedar Massenburg, who set Badu up to record a duet with D’Angelo, “Your Precious Love,” and eventually signed her to a record deal with Universal Imperial Records.

After 10 years as a vegetarian, Badu became a vegan in 2006: “Vegan food is soul food in its truest form. Soul food means to feed the soul. And to me, your soul is your intent. If your intent is pure, you are pure.” Badu splits her time between Dallas, Texas and Fort Greene, New York.

In 1995, Badu became involved with rapper André 3000 of OutKast, with whom she had her first child, a son named Seven Sirius Benjamin, on November 18, 1997. Their relationship ended sometime in 1999. Their relationship inspired André 3000 to write the song “Ms. Jackson”.

In 2000, Badu was in a romantic relationship with fellow Soulquarian Common; their relationship ended in 2002. On July 5, 2004, Badu gave birth to a daughter, Puma Sabti Curry; Puma’s father is West Coast rapper The D.O.C., originally from Dallas. On February 1, 2009, Badu gave birth to her third child, a girl named Mars Merkaba Thedford, with her boyfriend of five years, rapper Jay Electronica.

Written by Dianne Washington

Sho-Time

Karine Sho-Time Thornton was born in the Bronx, the home of Hip Hop music where tradition and culture was born. Sho-Time always had a passion for art, he went to the high school of Art & Design studying architecture and Animation. He discovered he had a passion for creating music. Most of his early recordings were produced by Tron on the Beat. In the process of establishing himself and his brand, Sho-Time added media and film to his resume, uploading video’s with today’s up and coming and mainstream artists. This was the birth of Sho-Timetv, which was established as a media outlet in 2010. Sho-Time has worked with companies such as Def Jam, Sony, Universal recording and many more, Sho-Time interviewed the cast of the hit show on the OWN Network, The Have and Have Nots and Love Thy Neighbor by Tyler Perry. Sho-Time has been featured on many radio stations across the country. Sho-Time has worked with sites such as Urltv, Vladtv, WorldStarHipHop.com, WhatsHotinHipHop.com and many more. Sho-Time has hosted and judged countless showcases and concerts across the board. One thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Sho-time is his work ethic and drive. People always say this man is every where and by the looks of things, he is not slowing down. Sho-Time is a plethora of gifts and talents but the best of all these things is his passion, the passion you see in everything that he does, that is why he is successful. Sho-Time inspires others who are close to him. I have had the privilege of knowing him and can say he can change lives with the examples and determination he puts forth on every project in public and personal life…. 

Adhama “Pretty Lyon” Cruel

Adhama “Pretty Lyon” Cruel is Brooklyn, NY native as well as overall entertainer. As a recording artist, dancer, model, and actress “Pretty Lyon” as she is known professionally has put together quite an impressive resume of work in New York City and the surrounding areas. A trained dancer and vocalist, PrettyLyon released her project, Princess Of Brooklyn Mixtape and participated in The Black Light Chronicles, which serves as a compilation album featuring established contemporaries.

Wanting nothing more than to be a model for hard work, and quality Pretty Lyon is a spokeswoman for the unity of women in Hip Hop and the entertainment industry as a whole. Living, and breathing the arts both inside and out of the booth Pretty Lyon is at home as a creator. The ever personable upstart is on the scene frequently shaking hands and creating relationships that will last, while promoting her brand. Turning her childhood passion for writing poems into full compositions of music that share her thoughts, experiences and speak for those who are voiceless in a sense. The release of her debut Good Girl Bad Habits introduced this Princess to the world and her moves henceforth have solidified the reason for her being on a lot of people’s radar. With more to come, Pretty Lyonis certainly an artist who will come to blossom in today’s entertainment business creating a catalog of great work.

– IMDb Mini Bio

Written by Charisse Smith

Rodent episode 2

If you had an opportunity to watch Rodent, Episode 1 than you would know that the show is packed with drama. Episode 2 is no different. In the absence of Hammer Thornton Vanessa Hollingsworth has been making some corporate decisions. She has been hiring anyone that came into White Lines Media. Felix and Niles are not feeling the decisions that Vanessa is making. Her excuse is that Hammer can’t be there because he is tied up at the moment! When she said he was tied up at the moment she did not just mean that figuratively. She meant it literally. She had the man tied up in her bedroom and was drugging him up. Thank God for his wife and two closest friends. They saved him from Vanessa but that was after Niles made a pass at Gladys. I wonder what will become of that! Felix has a problem of his own. Farrah came off of the elevator of White Lines Media and caught him lip locking with the new talent who is also  his new girlfriend. She gave oh boy back his ring and told him that she will see him in court after dismissing ole girl. At least Farrah was woman enough to know that it was not the girl’s fault.

I guess you want to know what is going on with Drew and his drama! His sister Khris called Pops over to the house. She had some really disturbing news. She is pregnant. Pop swore to kill Drew’s friend only thing is his friend denied ever having sex with Khris. I guess it’s time for a DNA test. That is not all that is going on with the Douglass family. Drew is over at his children’s mother’s apartment when Pops walk in with a key. Before Drew even has an opportunity to find out why his dad has the key to the apartment Pops goes off on Drew about him being irresponsible and not having a job. Wait that’s not the end. Drew is in the room about to be intimate with the mother of his children while Pops is behind the door with his shirt off.

In Episode 1 Ebony told Porsha to find her own hive. Porsha turns to her mother’s long- time boyfriend Greg for a place to stay. Greg watched Porsha grow up all of her life but that doesn’t make him resist when Porsha uses her black girl magic to entice her mother’s boyfriend into sleeping with her. While they are making it do what it do, in walks Ebony with a key that Greg gave her. Imagine his surprise when Ebony informs him that Porsha is her daughter.

Meanwhile Krystal decides to go out clubbing with her straight friends Farrah and Michelle. They are hungover and asleep when Krystal hears her girlfriend Dime walking out. She wakes her girls up and tries to get them out of the apartment before Dime can get an attitude. All hell broke loose when Dime finds Krystal’s bra laying on the sofa. This is when Dime decides to smack daylights out of Krystal!!!!

I am telling you episode 2 was definitely something to be watched. Between the fight scene with Vanessa and Gladys, Felix getting caught by his wife, Pop’s in Drew’s Baby momma’s apartment I was on the edge of my seat. Khris being pregnant and the sex scene between the father and daughter was over the top. I sure cannot wait for Episode 3. This is definitely All my Children In The Hood.

Written By: Regina Alston

Jalen Hemphill

Jalen Hemphill is an aspiring singer/songwriter, dancer, DJ, actor,  hip hop enthusiast, and blogger. He has been entertaining his whole life but didn’t decide to want to do it professionally until he was 14 years old. He is currently a student at Hostos Community College working towards his associates degree in Liberal Arts and after graduating, he will be working towards his dreams of becoming a professional entertainer. 

One of Jalens’ attributes is his clothing line. A true Hip Hop Fan, Jalen aka Jay-Doggz wardrobe represent true 80s and 90s hip hop. Look out for this young aspiring talent actor/singer/songwriter. With many hats on his head theres no telling what he has to offer. He is a brilliant individual with an amazing, headstrong attitude. His fashion style and just the way he promotes himself as a person reveals how socially structured he is. He sticks to his own style, he doesn’t care for opinions against it because it makes up who he is. His charm when speaking brings many in, as he is generally a nice guy and is always willing to help whenever possible. He’s a down to earth young man and to be within his circle of friends would be the best choice anyone has ever made.

His motivation will drive you, just as much as it drives him to become the best version of himself.

He will be great.