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August 29, 2017 No Comments  

[VIDEO] New OWN Series Highlights “Black Love”

Next month the hubbs and I will be celebrating 9 years of marriage. Yaye us! lol. Through it’s ups and downs love is an amazing thing. However, coming across authentic examples of real love on the tube is hard to come by. Auntie Oprah is looking to change that with new OWN original series “Black Love”.

The show, which premiere’s tonight, will take a stab at giving the “behind the scenes” of long term relationships as well as some still in the honeymoon phase, through first hand accounts from the couples themselves.

Tia and Cory Hardwick, Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin, Flex and Shanice, and a few others will shed light on how they got together and how they’ve kept the fire burning in their relationships. Check out the extended trailer below.

“Black Love” premieres tonight, August 29th at 10/9c on OWN. In the meantime, you can check out a few clips here.

September 28, 2016 No Comments  

Fall 2016 Television Preview: Versailles, Insecure & More

Some of my favorite television programs are on break. No Games of Thrones, Power, The Last Ship or Underground until well into 2017. So I’ve been looking for some new shows to watch and it looks like I’ve lucked up. There’s some promising TV coming our way that might just satisfy our appetites and fill the void of much needed daily drama, comedy and intensity. Check out a few of the series’ I’ll be checking out this Fall and into the new year below.


VERSAILLES

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Versailles. If you’re a “period” buff Ovation is premiering a new series just for you. Set in 1667, 28-year-old all-powerful king of France, Louis XIV, decides to build the greatest palace in the world – Versailles. However, his lack of budget, affairs and political intrigues make things a bit complicated. The king begins to show his viciousness as secrets are revealed and politics and war are maneuvered through, revealing Versailles in all its glory and brutality.

The 10 episode series starring George Blagden will premiere on Ovation October 1st at 10PM ET. The story of Versailles is one of depth and layers but you can get a little bit of drama now by checking out the trailer below.


INSECURE

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Insecure. I’m a huge fan of the “regular smegular girl” that is Issa Rae and was thrilled to see that she would be starring alongside another one of my faves, Jay Ellis, in HBO’s Insecure.  The half-hour comedy series delves into the friendship, experiences and tribulations of two black women. Created and executive produced by Issa Rae, this eight-episode series looks to be filled with awkward, vulnerable and relatable moments.

Insecure premiers on HBO on October 9th at 10:30PM ET. Watch the trailer below for a few pre-premiere laughs.


AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE

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American Housewife. Katie Otto, a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, raises her not so perfect family in a wealthy suburb in Connecticut filled with flawless families; a far cry from her own. Katie is dead set on “keeping it real” and not allowing her environment to deter her from raising her children with old-fashioned values, even if her methods appear unconventional. But we all know that sometimes keeping it real can go all the way wrong.

American Housewife premieres on ABC on October 11th at 8:30PM ET. Catch some of the tug of war between Katie and her bougie neighbors in the trailer below.


MONEY. POWER. RESPECT.

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Money. Power. Respect. If your TV fix is reality shows then you’ve probably had your fill of the limelight celebrities, housewives etc. that we see ALL THE TIME. If you’re looking for some behind-the-scenes reality, WE TV’s new reality series might be for you. Money. Power. Respect. focuses on the people who turn artists into stars. The new series will follow the lives of six high-powered female entertainment attorneys who use the tricks of their legal training to get Money, Power and Respect in their personal & professional lives.

Money. Power. Respect airs on October 13th at 10PM ET on WE TV. Watch a sneak peek below.


SHOTS FIRED

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Shots Fired. FOX isn’t airing this show until 2017 but it looks too good not to share anyway. Shots Fired is a compelling drama that focuses on the aftermath of racially charged shootings in a small Southern town. The timely series follows Ashe Bell (Sanaa Lathan) through a media storm that sets off when an African-American cop kills a white teenager.

There is no air date just yet, but the trailer will give you an emotional look at art imitating life in this intense drama.

Have I missed any new must-see TV series? Feel free to share and chime into the chatter.

May 26, 2016 No Comments  

[EXCLUSIVE] Erica Dixon Dishes on Departure from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta and the Freedom to Tell Her Story HER WAY

If you watched the first two seasons of Mona Scott Young’s reality franchise Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, you probably remember the spunky girlfriend of rapper Scrappy, Erica Dixon. She took little mess from the father of her only child which resulted in their breakup. Fast forward to season 4 where Erica was doing her own thing and loving it, but somehow her story line on the show rarely reflected all of the things she had going on personally and continued to connect her to the rapper even after their relationship had failed. Truth be told, there is no beef between Erica and Scrappy and the two are dead set on having a positive co-parenting relationship for the sake of their daughter. Contrary to popular belief, Erica was not fired from the reality show. Her departure had everything to do with wanting to move forward in her life in a way that didn’t work for those behind the cameras.

“After I saw my contract and just speaking with producers and seeing what stories they were trying to go with and what they were looking for in story lines…I felt like in the beginning it was real. We were able to just be ourselves and let everything flow and everybody was new meeting everybody else, so it was more real and it was just easier. Then, this season, I just wasn’t with all the drama. I just wasn’t going to continue to beef with everybody when there really wasn’t any beef. I don’t know how to be any other me but me, so I’m not the one that…I can’t front for the camera. I can’t sacrifice anybody’s character for the camera. There are others who can. They don’t care. They will do anything for any amount of money. I’m not that person. I wasn’t going to become that person. I decided that it wasn’t in my best interest to be on the show because I’ve grown so much from it and that just…I’ll just keep it real. We weren’t going to keep talking about Erica and Scrappy beefing, because there really wasn’t no beef there at the end of the day. I’m sorry. You know?”

I do know. Not about being on reality TV, but about starting something for all the right reasons then watching it all go south leaving you feeling empty. Fighting or being in the middle of forced drama never crossed Erica’s mind when she signed up to be a cast member on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. She just wanted an opportunity for her family.

“I decided to do Love & Hip Hop because I was working a job. I had a 9 to 5 as a medical biller and coder. I was the only cast member on the show that actually had a job when I was in between deciding but, ultimately, it came down to my child’s father, who hadn’t really been in the limelight. He really hadn’t done anything, so it was a really, really great for him to get himself back out there and get the exposure. It worked out for me because I was tired of going to work for somebody else, opening and closing their office. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my job, but I was like, “Look, I’m ready to work for me. God, please show me the way. Show me something different so I can make my own schedule, work on my own time,” and I could spend more time with my daughter. Then the Love & Hip Hop platform was presented, so I had a meeting with Mona [Scott Young] and I decided I wanted to do the show. “

erica_dixon_0_1438341334Once she and Scrappy’s relationship ended, Erica looked forward to moving on and working on herself and her brand but she was surprised when all the good things she was into were edited out when the episodes aired. It didn’t seem like Erica’s growth was juicy enough for Love & Hip Hop.

“I was just ready to move on in my life and just have complete creative control of what was being put out there about me, because it was just a portion of my life that they wanted to focus on. Nothing else was important and it was just like…everything eventually dies and I felt like that it died with me. That’s not me and that’s not what I’m going to be. I’m not going to be this firecracker. You all are not going to keep putting me in situations. I want to be able to be me. I want to be able to be somebody that my daughter is proud of, you know, like, “That’s my mama.” I just felt like I was in a point in my life where I wasn’t allowed to move forward. In real life, if your done with somebody, you’re done, you’re able to move on with your life. You wouldn’t even surround yourself with certain people and be in certain situations. I had a job that continued to put me in those same situations, so instead of me moving forward, in fact I was taking steps backwards. I wasn’t able to grow.”

So even after signing her contract for season 5, Erica made the decision not to continue as a cast member on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. She now has the time and energy to grow her brand in a more positive drama free way. The ventures that Erica is giving her energy to now allow her to be herself and tell her WHOLE story. She started with a clothing line, Klass 6.

“Klass 6 is for the everyday woman and I decided to do Klass 6 because I feel like a lot of girls feel like naked is the new sexy, just being on social media and being in the entertainment world. I was like, “You know what, I have a daughter and she’s looking at certain people,” and I’d rather her look at me more than anybody and just be like, “That’s my role model. My mom is.” That’s how I came up with Klass 6. I was just like, “You can be sexy. You can show a little skin and still keep it classy at the same time.”

The venture that is a bit more near and dear to her heart is the line of children’s books that she’s writing. Erica had a rocky childhood and was moved around a lot as the result having parents who had drug and alcohol issues. He journey was something that she wanted to address more on the show but now she’s sharing her story through Bell, the lead character in her first children’s book, Introducing Southern Bell.

Introducing Southern Bell front cover

“Growing up, I dealt with a mom that was addicted to drugs and my father who was an alcoholic and I was just transitioned between family members or whatnot. That’s basically what the Bell Series is about, just about her transitioning in her life, different stages in her life, basically. Just dealing with my parents’ addiction and then, growing up, I always thought their addiction was my fault and learning that it wasn’t my fault…you know? Adults have their own issues and things that they have to deal with, but for children to know at the same time whatever your parents are going through or dealing with, it’s not their fault.”

“Bell is actually the voice of me and she’s basically telling my story from the beginning. That’s why I started with the children’s book. Just how I grew up, some things, trials and tribulations I went through through my childhood. The reason for me doing the Bell Series is so I can help kids today. A lot of books are fairy tales and happy endings. Kids need to know realistically, it’s not always a happy ending, but that whatever situation that they may be dealing with, they can come out of it and come out on top, overcome it, move past it. Here I am an example and in the series, here’s some things that Erica dealt with and look where she is today.”

Erica has definitely come a long way. The most important thing to her has been to remain grounded.

“I just want people to still know that no matter what we saw, when it came to her, she still remained grounded. She still was that strong, independent, motivational woman.”

Photo Credit: Marcel Anthony

Photo Credit: Marcel Anthony

Want more Erica? Check out a few fun facts below.

Hot or cold? Definitely hot!

You have a daughter. We can’t plan which we have but if you would have had a boy, what would his name have been? Elijah, his name was going to be Elijah, but I had a girl.

Sports car or SUV? SUV, because I have an X6 and I love it. It’s my big boy. There’s just something about it [big vehicles]. I don’t know what it is.

I know you had a little bit of the bad boy thing going on [with Scrappy]. When it comes to guys now, bad boy or good guy? 

Erica: That’s hard and I always say that because I’ve had the good guys and I’ve had the bad boys and there’s just qualities in both of them that I really like. Can we mix it up? lol

Keyauna: Yeah we should be able to. Good bad boy or something? lol Okay, let’s do this then. Last question is what characteristics would you want to put into the perfect guy for you today? After all you been through and what you learned from each relationship, five qualities.

Erica: Okay, financially stable, funny, family oriented, knows how to respect and appreciate a woman.

Keyauna: One more.

Erica: Loyal.

Keyauna: Mm-hmmm, he sounds good. lol

Erica: Doesn’t he, maybe I’ll find him. lol

For Klass 6, Bell Series and everything Erica hit up her MsEricaDixon.com.

May 12, 2016 No Comments  

Is Jussie Smollett Leaving “Empire”?

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It’s been about a year and half since the musical soap opera that follows the inner workings of the Lyons family, “Empire”, made it’s debut on FOX. After an extremely warm reception, the drama seems to be losing some steam with ratings declining each week. Now there seems to be a few plot twists on the show and behind the scenes.

If you missed last night episode, [SPOILER ALERT!] Luscious Lyons’ protege, Freda Gatz,  accidentally shot Luscious’ son, Jamal Lyons, with a bullet that was meant for Luscious. Freda was arrested, while Jamal was rushed to emergency surgery leaving us all wondering about his fate.

Well we may not have to wonder too much longer because Jussie Smollett, the actor who plays Jamal, may have spilled the beans last night with a cryptic tweet insinuating his departure from the popular show.

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Has Jamal be killed off ? The season 2 finale airs next week, so I guess we’ll have to wait until then to know for sure. Jamal is a fan favorite and it’s hard not to wonder if Empire will be no more if there is no more Jamal. Will you still watch if this season is the last we’ll see of Jamal Lyons?

March 21, 2016 No Comments  

Essence Magazine Joins the #BlackGirlMagic Movement with New DocuSeries

Black Girl Magic

Black girls being “magical” is nothing new, but the celebration of what makes black girls so amazing is definitely on the rise. Who know how and where the #BlackGirlMagic movement began but it taken it on a life of it’s own and we’re with it…And so is Essence Magazine. Who better to add to the celebration of black girls than Essence? The iconic magazine has launched ‘ESSENCE Black Girl Magic‘ presented by Walmart in an effort to spotlight young women across the country who epitomize Black excellence.

March 8, 2016 1 Comment  

New WGN Series “Underground” Chronicles Slaves’ Attempt at Freedom

Underground, Season 1, Episode 105 Photo Credit: /Sony Pictures Television

Underground, Season 1, Episode 105
Photo Credit: /Sony Pictures Television

Believe it or not, there are people (even some Black people), who don’t understand how and why racism still exists in 2016. Just as many are confused with its origins and are out of touch with the history of the physical enslavement of Black people. Misha Green and Joe Pokaski have created an original drama about slavery; chronicling the efforts of blacksmith, Noah, as he organizes a small group of his fellow slaves and crafts a plan of escape and freedom. Underground, executive produced by John Legend, will premier on Wednesday, March 9th at 10:00pm ET/PT on WGN.

March 7, 2016 No Comments  

Patti LaBelle, Lee Daniels, L.A. Reid & More Celebrated at BET Honors

BET Honors 2016

Awards season is coming to a close, but not before BET payed tribute to “black excellence” in Washington, DC at this year’s BET Honors. The 2016 honorees were Lee Daniels (Television and Film Award), Mellody Hobson (Award for Corporate Citizen), Patti LaBelle (Award for Musical Arts), L.A. Reid (Award for Excellence in Entertainment) and Eric Holder (Public Service Award).  

March 2, 2016 No Comments  

[EXCLUSIVE] Morris Chestnut Talks Season 2 of FOX Hit Series “Rosewood” & More

If you’re a good actor/actress, you might be lucky enough to do a few films or a television series. When you’re a GREAT actor you’ll probably get to do both. But according to seasoned actor Morris Chestnut, navigating between the two worlds isn’t always easy. We caught up with the actor recently and he dished about season 2 of his FOX show “Rosewood”, transitioning to the daily grind of television, the status of the next “The Best Man” installment and more. Read more below.

On preparing to play Dr. Rosewood

However, I was okay with medical terms, but I believe with this particular job, it’s just the complete volume of words and jargon and workload that I have that makes it much, much more difficult.  The last doctor I played was on Nurse Jackie to where I was in a guest starring role, maybe working two days a week, maybe three days a week, and the brunt of the dialogue and medical terms weren’t upon myself. With this, it just makes it really difficult, just the complete volume of everything that I have to deal with and dialogue.  The preparation, unfortunately, after I got the job, I didn’t have time to go get my Ph.D., so we have a lot of consultants on set each time, each time we have to do some type of medical procedure.

On preparing for television versus film roles

You know, it changed the way I’ve approached it, most definitely, because, and actually I’m still really trying to really try to figure it out.  I’ve heard about the scheduling, I’ve done television shows before, I’ve been part of an ensemble, but playing this character in this role, is really—I’m still really adjusting to the schedule, the volume, and just, even, overall preparation, because in the past, I’ve just been the type of person that I need to have the dialogue in my head. My rule is, like, four to five days.  Here, sometimes, its four to five hours it feels like.  So, my approach is definitely changing, and I don’t really have one yet.  I would imagine by next season, God willing, we get the pickup.  I’ll have a pretty strong approach that I’ll be pretty comfortable with.

On what he enjoys most about doing TV

It’s funny.  One of the things I do enjoy the most, is the pacing.  There will be times on a film set, especially with emotional scenes, I’ll come to work and I’m sitting in my trailer and we’re supposed to start shooting the scene at 10:00, and I’m doing all this emotional prep work, and then we don’t shoot the scene until—10:00 in the morning—then we don’t shoot the scene till 6:00 at night.  That’s the one thing I actually love about being on a television show, is I know that, primarily, when I come to work and I have an 8:00 rehearsal call, I’m going to have rehearsal at 8:00 instead of sitting in my trailer for three hours before the first rehearsal, let alone to have to do an emotional scene.  So, the main thing I do love about it, is the pacing.

On Dr. Rosewood’s style

In terms of the style of Rosewood, you know that’s interesting because we have wardrobe designers on the show, and for the most part it’s somewhat of a collaborative process.  When we first started trying out different outfits for the show, discussing things with Todd, and the director about the vision, yes, I personally—sometimes I do wear a t-shirt with a blazer and some jeans.  Or I do like to wear suits with no tie and a button-up shirt opened down to like the second or third button.  However, now that it’s—and I would do that from time to time—but now when people see me with a blazer and some jeans and a t-shirt, now they say, oh, you’re dressing like your character.  So, there’s a little of my style in there, but the designers have their ideas and we kind of collaborated on it.  I like all the stuff that he wears.

On another installment of The Best Man

Actually, we never shot the third movie.  Basically, what happened, the studio, they announced the release date prior to knowing if we were available or have any deals done or anything like that.  Unfortunately, we weren’t ever able to come together, most of us.  I mean, Taye’s on the show. (Rosewood) Terrence is, obviously, on Empire, now Sanaa has her show.  So, we have not been able to put the schedules together to be able to do the third installment of that franchise, but, hopefully, we can soon.  That release that’s been in the press, or been online, was a release that the studio put out prior to us shooting or even having any deals closed.

On what hairstyles he likes to see women rock

To be honest, I think it’s about the essence of a woman.  A woman can have—I’ve seen a woman who has no hair, she’s bald, but she has so much confidence that it’s attractive.  So—and I’ve seen women with short hair, and women with long hair—so I believe it’s just the essence of the confidence of the woman.  I think the woman makes the hair.  I don’t necessarily believe that the hair makes the woman.

On the current success of the Rosewood and the pressure to keep it going

It gets to a certain point, say for instance if you take the pilot for instance, you start working with people that you really don’t know.  I didn’t know Todd.  I didn’t know the director.  I didn’t know Jaina.  I didn’t know Pippy, who’s supposed to be my sister.  On screen, you’re supposed to convey these relationships that have years of history with a person that you don’t even know. So, the relaxing aspect of that is we had an opportunity once we got the order for the back nine, to, like Todd says, relax and settle in more.  What I felt with that is, okay, now we’ll have time as our onscreen history grows, our off-screen history is going to grow, and we’re going to feel more comfortable with each other, and it’s going to show on screen.  I was just as happy and relieved with that.  But, I actually love pressure.  I like to be able to function and operate when it’s most important.  When it comes to the numbers, when it comes to shooting a scene, and those things keep me going.  I really like that feeling that I get inside.  I enjoy the pressure.

On sustaining longevity in Hollywood

I think there are a number of different factors.  I believe, for myself, a) I try to be a nice person.  I come to work on time.  I try to be prepared.  But I think first and foremost, is I always try to get better.  I still see acting coaches.  I still go to acting classes.  Even if I’m not in them, I go to watch them, because, I think as an actor, the more experiences we have, the more we need to be able to incorporate them in our work and use them for our work.  I know a lot of actors, once they get a movie or once they get a show, they think that, that’s it.  They’ve made it, they don’t need a coach, they don’t need an acting class, they’re good, but I feel that every actor can always continue to get better.  I mean, Tiger Woods, the best golfer in the world, he had a golfing swing coach.  Michael Jordan had a coach.  So, you know, I would say first and foremost, you’re just continuing to try to get better each day.

Rosewood returns to the tube tonight at 8p/7c on FOX.

February 29, 2016 No Comments  

1st Annual All Def Movie Awards Celebrate Black Hollywood

All Def Movie Awards

Last night, just at the 88th Annual Academy Awards lifted off, Fuse aired the All Def Movie Awards 1 hour special. The 1st annual awards show hosted by comedian Tony Rock was a star-studded event that brought out the best of black hollywood including, Marlon Wayans, Regina Hall, Tyrese Gibson, Sanaa Lathan, who won best actress for The Perfect Guy, and Ice Cube and O’Shea Jackson, Jr. who received the award for Best Picture for Straight Outta Compton.

February 25, 2016 No Comments  

[EXCLUSIVE] Justin Hires Dishes on Reprising the Role of “Detective Carter” in New “Rush Hour” TV Series

 When you think about the “Rush Hour” trilogy, the comedian that the films catapulted to new heights comes to mind. Now with Rush Hour coming to the small screen in the form of a scripted television show, there will be a name other than Chris Tucker synonymous with the franchise. Justin Hires will be taking over the role of Detective James Carter when the 30 minute scripted comedy debuts on March 31st on CBS. We caught up with the actor to discuss the new starring role, the expectations that come with it, and how he’s sustained a career in such a fickle industry for over a decade. Check out our interview below.

Keyauna: After a long acting career including some pretty cool supporting roles, how does it feel to be starring in a show based on such as popular movie trilogy like Rush Hour and playing the role that Chris Tucker made famous “Detective James Carter”?

Justin: This is literally a dream job for me! I’m a stand-up comedian, so being able to do an action/comedy show every week is pretty incredible. I consider it a huge honor to follow in Chris Tucker’s footsteps.

Keyauna: How did you land the role? Did it fall in your lap or did you have to really work for it?

Justin: It was a super last minute audition. Originally, I couldn’t audition because I was attached to a pilot at another network, but CBS couldn’t find a “Detective Carter” they were completely satisfied with. So they had one final audition and allowed me to come in. Fortunately, I had a great audition and two call back auditions later I booked the role.

Keyauna: Jon Foo will be reprising the role of Detective Lee in the new series. How has it been working with him so closely and building the chemistry needed to bring to life the partnership between Carter and Lee?

Justin: It’s been terrific. Fortunately, I think myself and Jon Foo’s chemistry is incredible! Foo is a genuine introvert and I’m a genuine extrovert. We’re the perfect ying and yang on and off camera.

Keyauna: The popularity of the Rush Hour films was massive. To this day I watch all of them whenever they’re on TV and own the DVDs. Do you feel pressure to live up to that hype with the show?

Justin: I don’t feel as much pressure as I think people believe I should feel. Chris Tucker is a comedic legend to me. I grew up watching all of his movies, his Def Comedy Jam sets, and have seen him live in concert. I’m not going to be better than Chris Tucker. He originated the role and did it perfectly. All I can do is be myself and leave set everyday knowing I did my best. I honestly believe we are capturing great scenes and moments everyday on set and my hope is that I not only make the fans of Rush Hour proud, but Chris Tucker proud as well. So, yeah I feel a ton of pressure lol.

Keyauna: How have your supporting roles throughout the years prepared you for this starring role?

Justin: The great thing about doing those supporting roles is that you get to watch and learn from some of the most talented people in Hollywood. Being on set is the type of training an acting class can’t fully provide.

Keyauna: What has been your personal favorite of the roles you’ve played thus far?

Justin: Easily, Detective Carter on ‘Rush Hour.’ I get more than two lines to say and they allow me to improv in the scenes.

Keyauna: Who are the actors that you look up to or have pulled from during your career?

Justin: For comedy, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Marlon Wayans, Jim Carrey, Chris Tucker abd Bernie Mac. For drama, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Morgan Freeman, and maybe surprisingly to some Shia LaBeouf.

Keyauna: I always ask 5 random questions to give readers more insight into the person. So here goes…What are the top 3 songs you’re listening to on your ipod right now?

Justin: I don’t have particular songs, but I was listening to that “Drake/Future” album a lot.

Keyauna: When you have free time and you’re not working do you make a point to chill and do nothing or do you hit the town?

Justin: I like to chill and do nothing. If anything, I’ll watch some movies and go do a little stand-up comedy.

Keyauna: Do you consider yourself a hopeless romantic or a playa?

Justin: A hopeless romantic.

Keyauna: Do you like sweets or salt?

Justin: Sweets.

Keyauna: Do you prefer home cooking or takeout?

Justin: Home cooking. Especially on Sundays.

Keyauna: Tell everyone when Rush Hour is set to air, where they can watch it and how to find you online, social media, etc.

Justin: ’Rush Hour’ airs March 31st at 10PM on CBS! Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat/Periscope: JustinHires

Get a first look at Justin in action in “Rush Hour” below.

February 23, 2016 No Comments  

1st Annual All Def Movie Awards Special to Air Opposite Oscars

All Def Movie Awards

The 88th Annual Academy Awards will air on Sunday, February 28th at 7pm EST…and so will the All Def Movie Awards Special. We told you all about All Def Digital’s 1st annual awards show hosted by comedian Tony Rock purposed to be a platform to celebrate the talents of people of color. The award show’s debut comes a time when criticism of the Oscars and the Academy’s lack of diversity has reached an all time high.  All Def Digital has struck a deal with Fusion to air an hour long highlights special at the same time that the Oscars will air on ABC. The special will repeat throughout the night. Will the Oscar’s ratings suffer? Probably not, but the intent is clear. 

February 23, 2016 No Comments  

Yara Shahidi Talks About the Importance of Black Images with The Fader

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When you’re young, it’s so easy to be self centered and focused on trivial things. But figuring out who and what you are and how you want to impact the world at a young age is what separates the girls from the young women. Yara Shahidi is definitely a young woman. The activist and Black-ish star  talked with The Fader about being selective when choosing roles, empowering black girls and her commitment to the positive portrayal of people of color. Check out a few excerpts below.

February 6, 2016 No Comments  

Black Entertainers Celebrate Themselves at the 47th NAACP Image Awards

NAACP Awards 2016

No Oscar nominations, no problem! We did a darn good job celebrating ourselves at the NAACP Image Awards. Black Hollywood showed up and showed out as they were honored for their contributions to the arts last night. This year’s show had a different feel in light of the controversy surrounding the lack of diversity of the Academy Award nominations and the subsequent call for a boycott of the Oscars by actress Jada Pinkett-Smith. Throughout the night, entertainers shared the feelings about being celebrated by their own in spite of the lack of acknowledgment by the Academy.

February 1, 2016 No Comments  

Preschool TV Network “SPROUT” Celebrates Black History Month with Inspirational Content

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As the mother of a young child, I am always worrying about what he’s exposed to and how he sees himself. The television programming that we allow him to watch (other than the occasional episode of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lol) is always educational. If at all possible, we prefer the images he sees to be relatable to him in some way. In that regard, Sprout is already one of our favorite networks for him to watch, but learning that the 24-hour preschool TV network teamed up with NBC News’ Peacock Productions to produce a series of vignettes that celebrate Black History Month made me love it even more.

January 28, 2016 No Comments  

Tyra Banks Becomes A Mom After Struggling with Fertility Issues

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Supermodel, mogul and flat out fierce are titles that a lot of women would like to boast. Tyra Banks has been blessed enough to carry each one, but the title she has looked forward to being called for years is mommy. During an episode of her show FabLife, Ty-Ty shared her frustration with conceiving children and her journey to motherhood.

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Hey You…I’m Keyauna

Hey You…I’m Keyauna

These days I only write when I'm TRULY inspired, along with an chatworthy interview or two, reviews on your fave products and content, and some girl power and biz tips that I've learned along the way...enjoy!♥

[FEATURED EXCLUSIVE] Draya Michele Dishes on Her Personal Growth, Social Media vs. Real Life & “The Perfect Match”

[FEATURED EXCLUSIVE] Draya Michele Dishes on Her Personal Growth, Social Media vs. Real Life & “The Perfect Match”

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