Big Sean attended the premiere of Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight film, which highlights the story of his grandmother, Mildred V. Leonard.
Sean hit Instagram to share a message to Tyler Perry for telling the story:
I’m forever grateful to @tylerperry for telling the incredible story of the World War II battalion my Grandma was apart of along with so many strong black women The 6888!! It was an honor for our family to represent her. As much as my whole family loves Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington n Oprah (she watched the Oprah show everyday), i know having her name at the end listed among so many other strong women is miracle and a honor. I cant wait to show my Son what his Great Grandmother was apart of when he’s older. The Six Triple Eight will be out on @netflix Dec 20th!
Once word was out that a new documentary series, “Tupac: Cover Up,” was released for the late rapper’s death anniversary on September 13, 2024, a panicked group of individuals began to call major platforms, making false claims about the show in an attempt to have it taken off the air.
In fact, the docuseries’ producers were contacted about the matter, and one of the platforms made an unprecedented request; “Remove certain content, or we will remove the documentary.”
One need only look at the docuseries as a whole- NOW AVAILABLE ON XUMO PLAY to understand why certain groups are creating pressure on these platforms to silence the filmmakers: the documentary focuses on the life and death of the Grammy-winning artist Tupac Shakur, but also focuses on the moments following the unsolved shooting. The series makes the claim that from five minutes after the shooting until charges were returned from a Las Vegas Nevada Grand Jury last year, a group of self-interested individuals, some of which were alleged to be informants for the Federal Government, have carefully planted and cultivated a 27-year narrative that in truth has not one shred of physical evidence attached to it—just “hood lore” which they have perpetuated.
“Tupac: Coverup” features new and unheard interviews with celebrities (Mykelti Williamson, of Heat and Forrest Gump fame) Death Row Insiders (Kevin Black, Mike Nixon), Industry Insiders (Billy Johnson, Jr., Cynthia Horner, Janie Jennings), Law Enforcement (FBI Special Agent Phil Carson, who lead the Tupac/Biggie investigations for the FBI) as well as unheard and unreleased material from former Tupac bodyguards, friends and family. Athena Bond is the Executive producer, and Edna Sims is the film’s producer.
“We have had documented communications with the platforms showing that individuals with- shall we say- clear conflicts of interest didn’t follow the platform procedures for making claims against a show,” says Producer Richard “RJ” Bond, known for his previous works on the matter: 2020’s “Last Man Standing” and the beloved “Tupac Assassination” trilogy of movies.
“They did stupid stunts like calling the platform customer service departments and screaming at the poor representative on the phone. In our current “squeaky wheel” culture, extreme acts and rhetoric get moved to the front of the line. The platforms don’t always want to support Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech. This form of “consumer terrorism” and resulting censorship- is a big problem for everyone.”
The “Tupac: Cover Up” producers took last week to decide: Do they leave the story out—which has received incredible reviews from fans who viewed an estimated 400,000 minutes of the show for its premiere date—untouched? Or do they make politically correct changes to cave to trouble with radical individuals?
“Well, let’s take a look at how Tupac viewed pressure; he went after C Delores Tucker and the entire government over trying to suppress his message. How would we honor him by silencing voices to serve a convenient and popular narrative?” added Bond.
Bond has put together a block-busting list of Former FBI agents, former Vegas law enforcement, Death Row “insiders” and music industry leaders that give credible and damning information regarding the motives behind the “False Narrative”. “Tupac: Cover Up” uses Vegas’ police files, grand jury testimony, and impeachable statements to demonstrate how flimsy the Vegas case is. This is a problem for those with less-than-clean agendas.
“After the documentary dropped, I was contacted by the family of Mr. Davis, the man charged in the murder of Shakur. They are understandably interested in the show’s talking points and feel we adequately addressed the situation. I hope to be in better contact with his defense team, whom I intentionally did not speak to until the show’s release.”
And the docuseries?
“We elected to partner with Xumo, an upcoming internet streaming venture owned by Comcast and Charter networks. Xumo got the situation right away, realized the foolishness, and agreed to keep the show as it was and not compromise our artistic vision, said Bond.
“Time to step up to the bullies who control media by threats and extreme rhetoric.”
André 3000, one of Hip Hop’s great craftsmen, writers and performers, brings his woodwind passion full circle today with the world premiere of the album’s official visual component, Listening To The Sun (an intimate album film for New Blue Sun 11/17/2023), a 90-minute long short film (or visual listening session). The feature, directed by Terence Nance (Random Acts of Flyness) and premiered on YouTube, is a performance art piece that finds André physically channeling the spirit of his latest studio album set in a serene, blue-lit setting with his aura and flute taking centerstage.
“I hope you enjoy the ride as much as we did. What you hear is what we did as it was happening,” André 3000 says about the “formations” that comprise New Blue Sun at the onset of his new short film. The artist and multihyphenate, with the help of just a few props (including a lit candle and a traffic cone), provides a captivating visual companion to his first studio album, which will perhaps serve as inspiration for how to experience the eight-track LP.
André was candid with GQ in a November cover story about his inspirations behind the album. “I’d like to make things that when I’m dead and gone 3,000 years from now, people may dig up and find,” he said. “So if that’s sculpting, if that’s actually physical artwork, painting, designing instruments, that’s where I’m at right now.” The Atlanta-bred artist’s audience, cultivated during parts of three decades, is on that journey with him.
New Blue Sun peaked at no. 1 on Billboard’s New Age and Current Alternative Albums charts, as well as Apple Music’s Alternative Albums chart following its release, in addition to a no. 2 peak on iTunes Albums and Apple Music overall albums charts, massive performances for the thematically tangential release. The album’s staying power has matched its intrigue, as it peaks once again at no. 1 on the Current Alternative Albums Chart this week, to go with a no. 2 slot on the LP Vinyl Chart. André and his flute have got something to say, and the world is both listening and witnessing it live. André 3000 will tour his debut LP for the second time this year in September, when he kicks off a 26-date North American trek beginning September 19 in New Orleans, and concludes on November 14 in André’s hometown of Atlanta.
André 3000’s flute path, which has taken him from the Venice coast where he met the manufacturer of his first flute, to a North American tour of his new album, has led him to yet another point on his exploration timeline: Listening to The Sun.
Actor Jonathan Majors is facing another legal hurdle as his newly appointed legal team requests more time to respond to a defamation of character lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. This request comes after Majors, 34, hired new representation last month to handle the ongoing case.
According to reports Majors’ legal team filed a motion asking the judge to extend the deadline for their response from August 15 to September 19. Court documents reveal that the request was made to allow Majors’ attorneys to gather all relevant case files and to continue crucial discussions with Jabbari’s legal team.
“The Parties are in agreement that an extension beyond August 15, 2024 is necessary for the following reasons; (1) [Jonathan’s] counsel is still in the process of gathering the relevant file with respect to the case; and (2) counsel for [Grace] and [Jonathan] are currently engaged in important dialogue regarding the case and need additional time to have these extensive discussions,” stated Majors’ attorney in the filing.
Grace Jabbari, 31, filed the lawsuit accusing Majors of assault, battery, and defamation. The lawsuit follows a previous legal battle where Majors was found guilty of misdemeanor third-degree assault and second-degree assault in January. However, he was acquitted on other charges related to the incident with Jabbari, which occurred in March 2023.
Majors has consistently denied all claims of wrongdoing. The ongoing legal challenges have cast a shadow over his career, and the outcome of this defamation lawsuit could have significant implications for his future.
For the past few months, ex-Blade star Wesley Snipes has been vocal about his displeasure with Marvel’s decision to recast his iconic character in the franchise. This week, Snipes turned his attention to his Blade: Trinity co-star, Patton Oswalt, sparking further controversy.
Snipes took to Instagram to express his frustrations, posting a cryptic message calling out Oswalt directly. He wrote: “Lordy Lordy Lordy, u mean to tell me PO was a ‘Pinocchio’ all along… and that’s the so-called ‘reliable source’? Well now ‘baby wipe’ anyone? #Blade #MarvelStudios #daywalkerklique
The post has left fans speculating about the underlying tension between Snipes and Oswalt and its broader implications for the Blade franchise. Snipes, who portrayed the titular vampire hunter in the original Blade trilogy, has been openly critical of Marvel Studios’ decision to reboot the character with a new actor.
While Marvel has yet to respond to Snipes’ latest comments, the actor’s dissatisfaction with the franchise’s direction is clear.
Lionsgate’s 1992, the upcoming action-crime thriller starring Tyrese Gibson and directed by Ariel Vromen (The Iceman) and co-starring Ray Liotta in one of his final film roles, will be released in theaters on August 30, with the legendary hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg boarding the film to executive produce through his Death Row Pictures banner. The announcement was jointly made today by Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, as well as Gibson and Snoop Dogg.
Snoop Dogg said, “1992 was a life-changing time for me, from ‘Deep Cover’ to ‘The Chronic.’ But as things in my life were coming together, everything in LA was coming apart. 1992 is a heist movie that really captures all of that. This movie is about an LA moment. Ariel made an outstanding film that depicts this moment in time. From my first encounter with Tyrese in Baby Boy to the performance in 1992, I had to be a part of this. And it’s only fitting that the film come out under Death Row Pictures as Death Row is synonymous with LA culture in the 90’s, ya dig?”
“Snoop is one of the most beloved figures in entertainment and I could not be more thankful that he chose to join our project,” said Gibson. “Ray Liotta blessed all of us in life while doing this film. For 1992 to be Ray’s last offering, we all feel so fortunate to have captured such a masterful and chilling performance.”
“I’m grateful to have had a front row seat to the infectious enthusiasm and talent Tyrese has brought to the many projects we’ve worked on together over the years,” said Fogelson. “And my immense admiration of the cultural icon that is Snoop Dogg has lasted 30 years and counting. So it’s a special thrill that he has come on board to executive produce 1992. He clearly has found a personal connection to the material, which makes his team at Death Row Pictures the perfect partners.”
Starring Tyrese Gibson, Clé Bennett, Dylan Arnold, Christopher A’mmanuel, Michael Beasley, Ori Pfeffer, Tosin Morohunfola, Oleg Taktarov, with Scott Eastwood, and Ray Liotta in one of his final film roles, 1992 is directed by Ariel Vromen from a screenplay by Sascha Penn and Ariel Vromen and a story by Sascha Penn. It is produced by Ariel Vromen, Andreas Rommel, Maurice Fadida, Sascha Penn, and Adam Kolbrenner.
In 1992, Mercer (Tyrese Gibson) is desperately trying to rebuild his life and his relationship with his son (Christopher A’mmanuel) amidst the turbulent 1992 LA uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Across town, another father and son (Ray Liotta and Scott Eastwood) put their own strained relationship to the test as they plot a dangerous heist to steal catalytic converters, which contain valuable platinum, from the factory where Mercer works. As tensions rise in Los Angeles and chaos erupts, both families reach their boiling points when they collide in this tense crime-thriller.
The trailer for Pharrell Williams’ upcoming biopic and it’s exactly what we expected—immense unadulterated and epic creativity. The iconic producer will be voicing himself in animated LEGO form, accompanied by some A-list collaborators from his chart-topping career.
Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg are among the guest stars from Williams’ 30-year career that will feature in “Piece by Piece.” The trailer depicts a LEGO-ized version of Williams, Hugo, and Snoop Dogg devising the hit “Drop it Like it’s Hot.” It also revealed that the film would include new music from Williams, adding another layer of excitement for fans.
Announced in January by Focus Features, the film is directed by Morgan Neville. Neville shared that Williams approached him five years ago with the unique concept for the biopic.
“When I had this crazy vision to tell this story through LEGO bricks, I couldn’t have imagined a better partner than Morgan. He is a legend,” Williams said in a statement. “Who would’ve thought that playing with these toys as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life? It’s proof that anyone else can do it too.”
Morgan Neville, primarily known as a documentary filmmaker, won an Oscar for his 2014 feature “20 Feet From Stardom,” which explores the careers and lives of backup singers. Neville’s expertise in bringing real-life stories to the screen in an engaging manner makes him a fitting choice for this innovative project.
As half of the foundational production duo The Neptunes, Williams has set the backdrop for some of music’s greatest hits. Formed in Virginia Beach in 1992 by childhood friends Williams and Chad Hugo, The Neptunes quickly rose to prominence, writing and producing for artists such as Teddy Riley, The Clipse, Usher, Nelly, and Britney Spears. Pharrell’s iconic four-count instrumental opening tags chart-toppers from Kelis’ “Milkshake” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” to Williams’ own “Happy.”
“Piece by Piece” will be released in theaters on October 11. The anticipation is high for this unique blend of animation, music history, and the inspiring story of Pharrell Williams. You can watch the trailer below:
Be sure to mark your calendars for this groundbreaking film that promises to be as innovative and influential as Williams’ career itself.
Two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali is in talks to star in the upcoming Jurassic World film alongside Marvel’s Avengers star Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey.
As reported in The Hollywood Reporter, Ali is considering joining the star-studded cast, which already includes Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Rupert Friend. This film will be the next chapter in the multi-billion dollar Jurassic World franchise. It will be directed by Gareth Edwards, who you may know from the Godzilla and Warner Bros monsters universe. Production is set to begin in mid-June in London.
The creative story direction of the new story remains uncertain, particularly after the last film dramatically altered Jurassic World by releasing dinosaurs into the wild, thus endangering the ecosystem. While fans anticipate that future films will address these consequences, The Hollywood Reporter does note that no plot details have been disclosed. And, honestly, that’s common these days.
David Koepp, the original screenwriter of Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, has returned to write the script for this installment. That’s a good sign. Fans who believe the franchise has strayed might find comfort in Koepp’s return to the pages, potentially signaling a nod to the franchise’s roots.
Steven Spielberg will serve as executive producer through Amblin Entertainment, with Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley producing via Kennedy/Marshall. Universal’s executive vice president of production, Sara Scott, will oversee the project, with the studio’s creative executive Jacqueline Garell.
The film is set for a July 2, 2025 theatrical release. Thankfully. Theaters. Yes!
In the age of streaming platforms vying for content, Netflix has emerged triumphant in securing a highly anticipated docuseries delving into the tumultuous allegations surrounding rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Months of speculation and social media buzz have finally resulted in the revelation that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s production company, G-Unit Film & Television, will spearhead this riveting exposé, set to unravel the intricate web of accusations against Combs. The genesis of this project traces back to December when Jackson first hinted at the possibility of shedding light on the dark shadows clouding Combs’ legacy.
Fueling the anticipation, faux posters teasing a documentary began circulating on social media, igniting fervent discussions among netizens. Amidst the buzz, Jackson confirmed in a tweet that Netflix had emerged victorious in the heated “bidding war,” securing the rights to the series. However, with a poignant caveat, Jackson acknowledged that should more victims come forward, the narrative might necessitate additional episodes—a testament to the gravity of the allegations at hand. Central to the documentary’s focus are the distressing accounts of sexual abuse, rape, and sex trafficking leveled against Combs by multiple women over the past six months.
Combs, vehemently denying these claims, finds himself ensnared in a storm of accusations, with the latest lawsuit surfacing on the very day of Netflix’s announcement. The documentary promises an unflinching examination of these allegations, juxtaposed against Combs’ staunch denials. Testimonies of individuals once entrenched within Combs’ inner circle, including former rapper Mark Curry, who divulged unsettling anecdotes from their time under Combs’ tutelage. Notably, lyrics from a Rick Ross song, eerily echoing themes of drugging and sexual assault, underscore the chilling allegations permeating the documentary’s discourse.
A pivotal moment occurred with the release of surveillance footage depicting Combs’ altercation with his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura—a visual testament to the dynamics overshadowing their relationship. Combs’ subsequent apology video signifies a recognition of past transgressions, yet leaves lingering questions regarding accountability. Netflix’s decision to greenlight this docuseries reflects a commitment to amplifying voices long silenced by power dynamics within the industry.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is here. Following early screenings on Thursday evening, social media is talking that talk with reactions to the newest installment of the Will Smith, Martin Lawrence action franchise. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” screenings occurred in major cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, D.C., Houston, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Get this, some fans were lucky at one particular screening in Los Angeles, where stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence made a surprise appearance, handing out hot dogs and Skittles, a nod to one of the film’s opening scenes.
The duo returns to lead the cast, which also features newcomers and familiar faces such as Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, and Tasha Smith, with appearances by Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano.
Critics have praised the film. The Wrap’s Drew Taylor commented, “The new mystery is compelling” and noted that the “action sequences are loaded with inventive staging and camerawork.”
Screen Rant’s Owen Danoff added, “The action is just as good as you’d expect, and it might be the funniest yet.”
Directed by Adil & Bilall, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is written by Chris Bremner. The film is produced by Will Smith, Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman, and Doug Belgrad, with executive producers Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, James Lassiter, Jon Mone, Chris Bremner, and Martin Lawrence.
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