Posts from the Entertainment Category at Black Voices Blogs

Jeffrey Wright Talks 'Cadillac Records'

Posted Dec 2nd 2008 12:04PM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

Having played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 'Boycott,' General Colin Powell in 'W' and Felix Leiter in the latest James Bond film, 'Quantum of Solace', Jeffrey Wright is getting used to taking on the persona of well known individuals and characters. It also leads to doing more research so that he can nail the performance down. In his latest film, the Washington, DC native will play another well known individual, rhythm and blues pioneer Muddy Waters in 'Cadillac Records'.

In this tale of sex, violence, race and rock and roll in 1950's Chicago, 'Cadillac Records' follows the the rise and fall of Chess Records and the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Chuck Berry and Howlin' Wolf.. Chess, who co-founded the label with his brother Phil Chess, was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Besides Wright as Waters, the film has Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Revetta Chess, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, Beyonce Knowles as Etta James, Gabrielle Union as Geneva Wade, Columbus Short as Little Walter, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf, Eric Bogosian as Alan Freed, and Marc Bonan as Keith Richards.

Cadillac Records Premiere

Continue reading Jeffrey Wright Talks 'Cadillac Records'

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Jennifer Hudson: Estranged Relative Arrested In Family Killings

Posted Dec 2nd 2008 11:17AM by Brennan Williams
Filed under: Entertainment Newswire, Entertainment

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com

William Balfour, the estranged brother-in-law of Oscar Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson, was arrested on Monday and expected to be charged in the tragic murders of Hudson's mother, brother, and seven-year-old nephew.

Chicago police spokeswoman Monique Bond stated that Balfour was arrested at Stateville Correctional Center on a murder warrant and released to detectives as he awaited formal charges in the deaths of Hudson's family members.

As previously reported, Balfour was being held at the Stateville Correctional Center since the October 24 slayings on a parole violation and was considered a "person of interest" in the case.

Despite being the only suspect arrested in the investigation thus far, Balfour maintains his innocence, according to his attorney Joshua Kutnick.

"He vehemently denies that he is guilty in this case," Kutnick told reporters outside police headquarters Monday night. "Any evidence pointing to Mr. Balfour is not even thin. It is very, very weak."

So far authorities have found the .45-caliber gun that was used in the killings. The handgun was discovered in a Chicago West Side neighborhood vacant lot on October 29, which was the same location where the body of Hudson's nephew, Julian King was found a few days earlier. Police have declined to reveal any additional evidence that they may have in the investigation.

Jennifer Hudson Pictures

Academy Award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson visits MTV's "Sucker Free" at MTV Studios on September 29, 2008 in New York City..Jennifer Hudson Visits MTV's "Sucker Free" - September 29, 2008.MTV Studios.New York City, New York United States.September 29, 2008.Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (55909841), contact FilmMagic.com

WireImage.com

L-R) Producer Joe Pichirallo, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lauren Shuler-Donner, actors Dakota Fanning, Nate Parker, Jennifer Hudson, Tristan Wilds and Queen Latifah arrive at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55901516), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900966), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actress Queen Latifah and Actress Jennifer Hudson arrive at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900845), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actors Jennifer Hudson and Nate Parker arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899727), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actresses Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899707), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899616), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

(L-R) Producer Joe Pichirallo, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lauren Shuler-Donner, actors Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Nate Parker and Queen Latifah arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899029), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Continue reading Jennifer Hudson: Estranged Relative Arrested In Family Killings

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'Four Christmas' Takes Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office Prize

Posted Dec 1st 2008 3:06PM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

With a running time of 80 minutes, which ensures more showings at a theater, the comedy film 'Four Christmases' knocked the teen driven film 'Twilight' out from first place at the box office. 'Christmases', which stars Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, brought in $46.7M over five days since opening on last Wednesday.

Even Disney's animated flick Bolt rocketed past the vampire film for second place with $26 million dollar from Friday to Sunday. It's total gross so far is $66 million and growing. Now that fan frenzy is over, 'Twilight' dropped down to third place with $26.4M and a cume of $119 million dollar at the gate. This is good enough for its distributor Summitt Entertainment to greenlit the next 2 books from the franchise into films.

Continue reading 'Four Christmas' Takes Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office Prize

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Debbie Allen Returns To 'Fame'

Posted Dec 1st 2008 1:05PM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

It's been close to 30 years since she starred in the original film and TV series, and now with an updated version starting production, Debbie Allen will be returning to the cast of the new 'Fame' film.

Although it hasn't been stated, but Allen may be reprising her role as Lydia Grant as she did in both film (1980) and series (1982 to 1987). She will be the principal of the school this time.

Variety states that in addition to Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally and Bebe Neuwirth have been added to the cast.

Produced by Lakeshore and MGM, the upcoming 'Fame' remake will start production on Wednesday, with Kevin Tancharoen directing. As with the 1980 original, the remake follows dancers, singers, actors and artists from auditions to graduation at the New York City High School of Performing Arts.

Continue reading Debbie Allen Returns To 'Fame'

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Frankly Speaking: Tyra Banks Talks About Being Called A Mogul

Posted Nov 30th 2008 9:11AM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

"Don't get me wrong, ego-wise, when I see the cover of the magazines and they say that [I'm a mogul] I'm like oh, 'that looks popping and it looks hot, but it aint true.' Oprah's been doing this for 30 years. Mogul? That's like Martha Stewart. That's like going public. Mogul? Not yet."

– 'America's Next Top Model' host and Emmy-winning talk show Tyra Banks talks to 'Ebony' magazine about being called a mogul.

Continue reading Frankly Speaking: Tyra Banks Talks About Being Called A Mogul

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Rumor Control: Whitney Houston Shoots Down Rumblings Of Reconciliation With Bobby Brown

Posted Nov 29th 2008 3:03PM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

'Chicago Sun Times' columnist Bill Zwecker reported on Nov. 26 that Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown were considering rekindling their relationship.

In the column he wrote: "several sightings of Houston and Brown in recent days -- clearly looking very romantic while dining together -- seem to boost the reliability of what I'm hearing. I'm also hearing that the divorced couple's daughter Bobbi Kristina is eager for her parents to remarry."

I never once believed the story since it was just a few weeks ago that Brown – with his longtime girlfriend/manager Alicia Etheridge – was here in Washington, DC performing with his New Edition members Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant for the 'Heads of State' tour along with Dru Hill and SWV.

Brown and Etheridge, whom he's been dating exclusively since his 14-year marriage to Houston ended, looked very happy, lovingly holding hands and were very affectionate as they moved around backstage at D.A.R. Constitution Hall and later at The Melrose Hotel where they were staying.

Whitney and Bobby

Whitney and Bobby
Arista Records head Clive Davis, left, kicks off Grammy week with his 10th annual pre-Grammy party with, from left, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, and Bobby Brown in Beverly Hills, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1996. HO/AP Photo
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston (R) poses with husband, singer Bobby Brown (L) 15 March at Eighth Annual Soul Train Music Awards. Houston received the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for entertainer of the year. Photo by VINCE BUCCI, AFP/Getty Images.
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston, center, her husband Bobby Brown, second right, and other members of her entourage pose for a photo near Jerusalem's Old City walls Wednesday May 28, 2003. Houston is in Israel to visit the Black Hebrews, an African-American community that moved to Israel in 1969 and settled in the southern town of Dimona. Photo by Zoom 77, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston waves as she walks down the street with her husband Bobby Brown after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon at the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, May 27, 2003. Photo by Brian Hendler, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston, right, and her husband, Bobby Brown, perform during the "VH1 Divas" duets show in this May 22, 2003 file photo, in Las Vegas. After a tumultuous 14-year marriage marked by drug arrests and stints in rehab, Houston is divorcing Bobby Brown. The pop singer filed divorce papers in Orange County Superior Court this week, a month after filing for legal separation from Brown, Houston's publicist Nancy Seltzer said Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006. Photo by Joe Cavaretta, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston, left, smiles at her husband, singer Bobby Brown, during a court hearing on Nov. 25, 2002, in Dekalb County State Court in Decatur, Ga. Houston has filed for divorce from Brown, her publicist told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept 13, 2006. Photo by Erik S. Lesser, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston smiles next to her husband Bobby Brown during a visit to Jerusalem, on May 27, 2003. Houston has filed for divorce from Brown, her publicist told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2006. Photo by Pier Paolo Cito, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Whitney Houston on the arm of her husband Bobby Brown arrive at the Atista Records pre-Grammy party Tuesday evening in beverly Hills, Calif. Houston is up for several awards at this years 42nd Annual Grammy Awards Wednesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Photo by Jill Connelly, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Bobby Brown and his wife Whitney Houston arrive at Vanity Fair's Oscar party at Morton's in Hollywood on Sunday, March 25, 2001. "I have not seen or spoken to my daughter since early June and I have no prospect of speaking to her anytime soon due to Whitney's actions," Brown declared in Orange County Superior Court documents filed Friday Aug. 24, 2007. Brown has been trying to overturn a judge's default judgment to nullify the couple's marriage and grant Houston sole custody of 14-year-old Bobbi Kristina. During their 14-year marriage, Brown was arrested for drugs and alcohol, and Houston twice entered drug rehab programs. Photo by Laura Rauch, AP Photo.
Whitney and Bobby
Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, 2/23/00. Photo by Frank Micelotta, Getty Images.

Continue reading Rumor Control: Whitney Houston Shoots Down Rumblings Of Reconciliation With Bobby Brown

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Junk Food Fix: Jensen Atwood Talks Smack About His Favorite Snack

Posted Nov 29th 2008 11:22AM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

The first rule in business is finding out how to make money off of something you love.

In the case of Jensen Atwood, the actor had hoped to flex his entrepreneurial muscles in an area close to his stomach.

"I'm a donut fan. The devil's food chocolate, the chocolate-chocolate, the old fashion glazed, the twist glazed, the chocolate bars, the apple fritters, the buttermilk...I can go on and on," he shared.

The 'Noah's Arc' star had thought about owning a doughnut shop and was contemplating getting into business with Krispy Krème.

Continue reading Junk Food Fix: Jensen Atwood Talks Smack About His Favorite Snack

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Taraji P. Henson Talks About Jamie Foxx's New Video - 'Just Like Me'

Posted Nov 28th 2008 2:33PM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

With 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' slated for release next month, and having appeared in 'The Family That Preys' along with some episodic work on ABC's 'Eli Stone', Taraji P. Henson has been seen on the big and small screen this year, and now you can seen her in music videos as well.

In her return to the music scene since being featured in Common's Testify video, Henson stars along Oscar winner/ singer Jamie Foxx in his newest video from his latest single, 'Just Like Me', which also features rapper T.I . What's interesting is that the video was shot by filmmaker Bret Ratner (Rour Hour).

The song will be featured on Foxx's third album 'Intuition,' which hits stores on Dec. 16.

Continue reading Taraji P. Henson Talks About Jamie Foxx's New Video - 'Just Like Me'

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Star Struck: 'High School Musical's' Monique Coleman Talks About Meeting Her Idol

Posted Nov 28th 2008 2:27PM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

'High School Musical' star Monique Coleman said she never understood what it mean to be star-struck until she met her idol Whoopi Goldberg.

The 28-year-old entertainer, who has the same Nov. 13 birthday as the Oscar-winning comedienne/actress, got to meet Goldberg for the first time during an appearance on 'The View' earlier this year.

"Meeting Whoopi Goldberg was the first time that I understood what it meant to have fans because I never really understand it. People come up to me all the time and that's great, but I'm just a girl. When I was in front of Whoopi – and I was talking myself down backstage telling myself to keep it together – I walked out there and saw her and I just became so overwhelmed with emotion and I realized what it was. Being in the presence of someone that you've always admired and looked up to and whose work and person inspires you and has influenced you so much. By being in their presence, it makes you believe that you're closer to everything that you've ever wanted and that's why we're such big fans of people," the actress explained to me during our interview at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

High School Musical 3 Premiere

(L-R) Jean Marc Genereux, Tre Armstrong and Blake McGrath attend the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021620), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

(L-R) Actors Justin Martin, Olesya Rulin, Matt Prokop and Director Kenny Ortega attend the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021590), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Luther Brown and Choreographer Blake McGrath attend the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021574), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Luther Brown attends the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021566), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actress Judy Jiao attends the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021522), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Director Kenny Ortega attends the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021471), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actor Matt Prokop attends the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021444), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actor Justin Martin attends the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021443), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Actors Matt Prokop and Olesya Rulin attend the "High School Muscial 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre on October 22, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.."High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Toronto Premiere.Scotiabank Theatre.Toronto, Canada.October 22, 2008.Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage.com..To license this image (56021400), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Continue reading Star Struck: 'High School Musical's' Monique Coleman Talks About Meeting Her Idol

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50 Cent Joins 'Dead Man Running'

Posted Nov 28th 2008 11:00AM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

With the exception of 'Home of the Brave', most of his film roles has him playing a gang member, and he still continues to take them. The Hollywood Reporter states rapper/ actor 50 Cent has just started shooting his role as a a ruthless loan shark in Alex de Rakoff's London gangland movie 'Dead Man Running'.

Also included in the film are Tamer Hassan, Danny Dyer, Brenda Blethyn and Monet Mazur.

Set in London, de Rakoff's script centers on an ex-con trying to go straight who is given 24 hours to raise 100,000 pounds ($150,000) to pay off Jackson's loan shark or become a "dead man running." The mission takes him from the dog tracks of East London to the underground drug scene of rural Manchester as they try every trick and scam in the book to get the cash before it's too late.

Continue reading 50 Cent Joins 'Dead Man Running'

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In Limited Theaters - 'Rome And Jewel' With Nate Parker

Posted Nov 28th 2008 9:33AM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

Playing in limited theaters starting on November 28 is the indie film 'Rome and Jewel', which stars Nate Parker and Lindsey Haun.

Directed by Charlie Kanganis, the film also features Elijah Kelley ('Hairspray'). Allen Maldonado, and Cleavant Derricks.

In this homage to West Side Story and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet we uncover a contemporary cutting edge retelling of Shakespeare's tragic love story. Infused with music and nestled in a black against white color palette we see the hip hop culture clash with the untouchable Beverly Hills aristocrats.

Continue reading In Limited Theaters - 'Rome And Jewel' With Nate Parker

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Seriously Sagging: Hip-Hop Producer Caught With His Pants Down

Posted Nov 28th 2008 8:08AM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

I'm all for freedom of expression, but maybe President Elect Barack Obama had a point when he told us black men to pull our pants up!

Paparazzi caught a sought-after producer/rapper with some colorful characters on his underwear while he was at Los Angeles International Airport.

Click here to find out who the music artist is!

Continue reading Seriously Sagging: Hip-Hop Producer Caught With His Pants Down

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Prime Pick: Gwen Ifill Named As Contender For NBC's 'Meet The Press'

Posted Nov 28th 2008 12:21AM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

Gwen Ifill has been named as one of the lead contenders for NBC's 'Meet the Press.'

The Sunday morning political talk show has been without a permanent host since the passing of Tim Russert in June.

Ifill, who is currently the moderator of 'Washington Week' on PBS, would be the first African American moderator of the NBC show if talks pan out.

According to the 'Los Angeles Times,' Ifill has met with the network about the position, though she was not sure which direction NBC was going in.

Continue reading Prime Pick: Gwen Ifill Named As Contender For NBC's 'Meet The Press'

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Currently On DVD - 'Hancock' (Two-Disc Unrated Edition)

Posted Nov 27th 2008 2:37PM by Wilson Morales
Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment

One of this year's blockbuster is now available on DVD. 'Hancock', which stars Will Smith, did over $225 milion dollars domestically, and well over $600 million dollars overall.

Also featured in the film are Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, and Eddie Marsan.

There are heroes... there are superheroes... and then there's Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock's well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough – as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy.

Continue reading Currently On DVD - 'Hancock' (Two-Disc Unrated Edition)

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Press Punk'd: Publicist Confesses To Making Up Rumors About Rihanna & Jay-Z Affair

Posted Nov 27th 2008 1:23PM by Jawn Murray
Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

I often catch flak from online scribes and internet bloggers for constantly reminding my readers and radio listeners to consider the source.

If a story originates on a website or blog that is not attached to a legitimate news outlet, then it should be read for entertainment purposes only.

Why? Because journalists typically take the time to flesh out a story and don't report arbitrary news from e-mail forwards, message board posts and anonymous tipsters.

But since many in the work of online blogging don't adhere to the rules of journalism, creating a false story and it taking on a life of its own is common practice now in entertainment.

Black Music Notes Nov. 20

11/20/08: The Notorious B.I.G.
January will mark a celebration in memory of slain rap icon The Notorious B.I.G. Not only will Biggie's life and death story hit the silver screen on January 16 with the FOX feature film 'Notorious,' the late rapper also has his first official full length documentary hitting stores around the same time. Produced by Biggie's close friend Damion Butler (aka D-Roc) and his production company, RocDarling Films, the DVD captures scenes from Biggie's personal and private life, performing in different cities, with adoring fans screaming his name and his lyrics. The documentary is uncut and uncensored featuring appearances by Diddy, Lil' Kim, Lil Cease, Jay-Z, and The LOX among others. Titled, 'Biggie Smalls: Rap Phenomenon,' the project will hit stores January 27.

11/20/08: Beyoncé / Raphael Saadiq
With the debut of the highly-anticipated film, 'Cadillac Records,' set to hit theaters December 5, the film's soundtrack is sure to feature a star studded lineup. The soundtrack, which will be made available as a single or double set, features Q-Tip, Mos Def, Nas, Raphael Saadiq, Solange, and Beyonce's version of Etta James' classic hit 'At Last' among others. 'Cadillac Records - Music From The Motion Picture' will be available December 2.

11/20/08: Mary J. Blige, Ghostface Killah, Amy Winehouse
Grammy Award-winning singer's Mary J. Blige and Amy Winehouse are among the many guests featured on Ghostface Killah's upcoming remix album, 'GhostDeini the Great.' The December 16 Def Jam release features a slew of remix tracks as well as unreleased songs including, 'Ghostface Christmas,' 'Be Easy' remix featuring Ice Cube and 'Slept on Tony.' Not to mention the Wu-Tang Clansman's 2000 hit single 'Cherchez LaGhost'. Kanye West and Ne-Yo also make an appearance on the remix version of 'Back Like That.'

11/20/08: John Legend
In promotion of his recently released third album 'Evolver,' John Legend has recently kicked off his new tour featuring UK's very own Estelle. Not only are the pair wrapping up their current trek in North Carolina on December 13, Legend also confirmed that he has added additional dates from January 12 through February 7. The tour picks up in Oakland, California and ends in Atlantic City, New Jersey on February 7.

11/20/08: OutKast
Despite various setbacks, OutKast member Big Boi still has plans to release his sophomore album 'Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty.' And according to the rapper, the project's delay may very well be worth the wait. Big Boi recently revealed to 'MTV News' that in addition to his album being released in 2009, fans can also expect a solo release from Andre 3000 as well as a new OutKast album. "Me and 'Dre were on the conference call [recently]," he explained. "He's working on his album; my album is done. We're gonna wait until the top of the year - January or February - to put it out. Then 'Dre is gonna come hit y'all, and [then] we're gonna do the OutKast album. So y'all gonna get three records from the 'Kast next year." In the meantime fans can catch Big Boi on November 25 when he appears on an episode of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.'

11/20/08: 50 Cent
You can now add 50 Cent's name alongside Big Boi and Keri Hilson for artist who have delayed their albums in 2009. Fifty, whose forthcoming album 'Before I Self Destruct' was originally scheduled for a December 6 release before being pushed back to December 16, is now tentatively set for February 3. "I'm trying to leave the same way I came in," he revealed to MTV. "February 4 [2003], 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' came out. I drop this album February 3. The time frame. It used to take six to eight weeks for us to position a hip-hop record. Now, it's taking 12 to 14 weeks." Although the rap mogul expressed his satisfaction with the album's current single 'Get Up,' he did mention that he's "just looking for the opportunity to present more of my material [prior to the album's release]. It's not the strongest effort on my album; it's just a great start for me."

11/20/08: Montell Jordan
Grammy Award-nominated singer Montell Jordan returns to the music scene with his new studio album 'Let It Rain.' The new project reflects a more grown and sexy side of the R&B singer, which is a huge difference from Jordan's earlier days as he describes. "Those people that understand that the time frame that my music was originally created are now a more grown and sexy group of people," he told Eurweb.com. "We went from the college era, and the party style to becoming adults, and so that's where my music is now." And to keep in touch with the adult side of partying, Jordan reached out to the "World's Greatest Entertainer" Doug E. Fresh for the album cut entitled, 'Left Alone.' 'Let It Rain' is in stores now.

11/20/08: Lupe Fiasco
Despite releasing his debut album 'Food & Liquor' in 2006, Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco is looking to unplug his microphone following the release of his triple disc album entitled, 'LupEND.' The rapper recently made the announcement during his Halloween show in Chicago, explaining that the album's title stands for "everywhere," "nowhere" and "down here." "When you play a videogame, you can only put in three letters for your name and when the game's over, those three letters and 'END' pop up," he continued. "My next record might be my last one." Although Lupe is making plans to retire, there is no official word from his label, Atlantic Records, regarding a release date for the project.

Continue reading Press Punk'd: Publicist Confesses To Making Up Rumors About Rihanna & Jay-Z Affair

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Black Voices

Web

Jeffrey Wright Talks 'Cadillac Records'

Cadillac Records Premiere

Jennifer Hudson: Estranged Relative Arrested In Family Killings

Jennifer Hudson Pictures

'Four Christmas' Takes Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office Prize

Debbie Allen Returns To 'Fame'

Frankly Speaking: Tyra Banks Talks About Being Called A Mogul

Rumor Control: Whitney Houston Shoots Down Rumblings Of Reconciliation With Bobby Brown

Whitney and Bobby

Junk Food Fix: Jensen Atwood Talks Smack About His Favorite Snack

Taraji P. Henson Talks About Jamie Foxx's New Video - 'Just Like Me'

Star Struck: 'High School Musical's' Monique Coleman Talks About Meeting Her Idol

High School Musical 3 Premiere

50 Cent Joins 'Dead Man Running'

In Limited Theaters - 'Rome And Jewel' With Nate Parker

Seriously Sagging: Hip-Hop Producer Caught With His Pants Down

Prime Pick: Gwen Ifill Named As Contender For NBC's 'Meet The Press'

Currently On DVD - 'Hancock' (Two-Disc Unrated Edition)

Press Punk'd: Publicist Confesses To Making Up Rumors About Rihanna & Jay-Z Affair

Black Music Notes Nov. 20

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