ThE sEcReT lIfE oF bEeS

Run quick and run fast everyone! This movie is a must see, for real for real. 

Having high expectations of this film, was in part due to the extraordinary cast. The movie exceeded my expectations and the lovely cast of women gave amazing performances.

With the current presidential election happening this movie couldn't have come at a better time. 

The film talks of the segregated past, slavery, and racism and shines a bright light on the fact that white America, did whatever they could to keep black people from the voting booths. I thought this to be significant, especially since stealing the American vote has always been an agenda among certain political figures, and still happens today.

Fourteen year old actress Dakota Fanning, had her first onscreen kiss -- and with a brotha! Singers Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson definitely proved themselves to be talented actresses, we already knew rapper turned actress Queen Latifah was gonna bring it home, and every time I think Sophie Okonedo can't get any better -- she takes it to another level.

This movie was excellent and besides the fact that I wished I was cast in it (smiles), I give the director Gina Prince-Bythewood and executive producer Jada Pinkett-Smith, HUGE props for making this masterpiece. 

2008 LA

PaRiS hIlToN'S "nEw BfF" rEaLiTy ShOw

Have you guys been watching, 'Paris Hilton's New BFF' show? 

The episode I saw, was enough to convince me not to watch it again. Paris began the show by giving adolescents challenges to compete against one another to win prizes; this didn't bother me as much, as I understand competition within a game - but the things she had them doing weren't really challenging. 

For example: One challenge was to see which contestant could party the longest; after partying all night in a club the contestant's were whisked away to a country club for another challenge. At the country club the challenge was to see which contestant, wasn't to tired to ride on the back of a buff man. 

Ooookay, she lost me. I just didn't get it. 

Next, Paris filled a closet with clothes for the contestants because as she pointed out, it's very important to always "look hot" when hanging out with her.

What is this show about again? And what do the contestants get for winning all these challenges? 

Is their ultimate prize really going to be a friendship with Paris Hilton, forever? Will they really hang out and do friend things with Paris, for the rest of their lives? Come on now, what is the point of this show?

Nothing against the girl, but I think what she's teaching children is wrong. Her show is basically about who is willing to embarrass themselves enough to win the most challenges, in order to be Paris' best friend forever. Really? 

This reminds me of those movies when the supposedly "cool crowd", will invite the "dorky crowd" to a party under false pretense - and for pure entertainment purposes only. 

But isn't friendship supposed to happen naturally and be built on love and loyalty - not superficial things?

They should change the title of the show from, "Paris' New BFF" to "Paris' Puppet Playmates".

2008 LA

Dr. DrE's SoN pRoNoUnCeD dEaD

The son of a rap dynasty Andre Young Jr., was found unresponsive in his bed by his mother in their home in Woodland Hills, California, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.

The young adolescent is the son of rapper/producer Dr. Dre, who allegedly was out with his friends on a Friday night but didn't wake up Saturday morning. Andre Young Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. 

An autopsy is being conducted and the cause of death is still pending. A statement released by Dr. Dre's spokeswoman stated, "Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son Andre Young Jr. Please respect his family's privacy at this time."

Prayers to the family.

2008 LA

JuLiUs "ShOnUfF" cArRy DiEs At 56

Actor Julius Carry has died August 19, 2008.  

All 80's babies should remember the legendary classic film 'The Last Dragon', starring Julius Carry as the infamous villain "ShoNuff".  

In the film, Carry would yell his infamous line "who's the master!" 

Carry also starred in TV shows such as, The Jefferson's, Family Matters, and Jag. Julius Carry had complications with pancreatic cancer and was the ripe age of 56 years old.

My condolences to the Carry family. 

2008 LA

RaPpEr Da BrAt GeTs 3 YeArS iN pRiSoN

Rapper "Da Brat" born Shawntae Harris, was sentenced to 3 years in jail by the Superior Court Judge in Atlanta this week. 

Allegedly, Ms. Harris had an argument with a waitress one year ago at Club 72, which lead to the Hip Hop rapper hitting the waitress in the head with a rum bottle.

The waitress whose also a former Hawks cheerleader, received permanent scarring from the incident and had to be hospitalized. The SoSo Def artist must serve a 3 year sentence, 7 years probation, and 200 hours of community service; sheesh, talk about learning your lesson.

2008 LA

IsAaC hAyEs DeAd At 65

We've lost another legend! What is going on?!

Yesterday, comedian/actor Bernie Mac died and today Grammy award winning singer/actor Isaac Hayes, has died as well. Hayes was 65 years old and was found laying dead near his treadmill. He resided in Memphis, Tennessee, with family members.

Remembering this feeling, it's the same feeling I had when other legends died: Bernie Mac, Ray Charles, Gregory Hines, Luther Vandross, and Barry White.

Here's to hoping that life brings forth new breeds of Luther Vandross', Ray Charles', Barry Whites', Bernie Macs', and Isaac Hayes'; the world needs more artists like these men.

Mr. Hayes, thank you for your great music and entertaining characters in film and television. You'll be greatly missed. My condolences to the Hayes family.

No details released yet regarding the cause of death.

2008 LA

BeRnIe MaC dEaD aT 50

When first hearing of B-Mac falling ill due to pneumonia, my initial thoughts were "uh oh, I hope he gets better." 

And I went on with life assuming that he would, until yesterday it was reported that Bernie Mac, undeniably one of the funniest men of all time -- had died. All I could do was be silent. 

Reminiscing back to the first time I laid eyes on the tall chocolate brother; he had on stone washed jeans, a colorful shirt, and when Bernie graced the stage of 'Def Comedy Jam' he yelled out, "KICK IT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! I AIN'T SCARED OF YOU MTF'S!" 

The newbie to the spotlight had my attention ever since. Bernie's last public appearance was at a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama. 

B-Mac, you were audaciously talented and touched the hearts of so many people -- including mine. You will forever be missed and my condolences go out to the Mac family.

2008 LA

ShOoT-oUt DuRiNg SoSo DeF sUmMeRfEsT wEeKeNd

Club Dream was on the radar for Friday night, but after a shoot out happened at the night spot -- it has permanently been taken off my radar. 

Rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri gave a party last Friday night in Atlanta, when gun shots rang out. Allegedly, rapper P. Diddy, actors Nia Long, Sanaa Lathan, and singer Usher among others, hurried to exit the building.

Apparently, Club Dream began double charging party goers for access to the VIP section, and when the scandal was discovered people weren't necessarily happy about it and as a result, an unidentified man shot his gun in the air wounding a security guard. 

How much were people overcharged?  

Two days prior to the scheduled event, I called Club Dream and inquired about VIP pricing to which I was told two thousand. So if people were being double charged, were they being charged four instead of two thousand? Yes, I would've been angry if I were cheated out of money, but not to the point of shooting up the club.  

How did the gun get into the club anyway? I thought security was tight at this spot?  

Now that I know Club Dream doesn't check for weaponry, my chances of ever hanging out there are slim to none.

2008 LA