October 03, 2019 

By City News Service 

 

Tyler Perry received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, honoring his creation of an entertainment empire spawned by a series of films about the God-fearing, gun-toting grandmother Madea.

 

Actor Idris Elba, who starred in the 2007 Perry-directed romantic drama “Daddy's Little Girls,” and actresses Crystal Fox and Kerry Washington were among those joining Perry at the ceremony adjacent to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard.

 

“My hope is that anyone in this town, because I see lots of people come here with their dreams in their hands and sometimes it doesn't work out or sometimes they give up, and for all those people whose dreams may be on life support, I want you to walk past this star in particular and know that I've been there,” Perry said.

 

The star is the 2,675th since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with the first 1,558 stars. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Oct. 23 premieres of his latest series, “The Oval” and “Sistas,” both on BET.

It came four days before the grand opening of the Tyler Perry Studios at the former Fort McPherson in Atlanta.

 

Born and raised in New Orleans, Perry's childhood was marked by poverty and a household scarred by abuse.

 

From a young age, Perry wrote his daily thoughts and experiences in a series of soul-searching letters to himself. The letters provided Perry with the inspiration to write his first play, “I Know I've Been Changed” in 1992.

 

Perry then wrote 13 plays over the next 13 years, including “Woman Thou Art Loosed!” and “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” which marked the first appearance of Madea.

 

Perry would write and star in three more plays about Madea – “Madea's Family Reunion,” “Madea's Class Reunion” and “Madea Goes To Jail” – and 10 Madea movies.

 

Perry's first television project was the comedy “Tyler Perry's House of Payne,” which debuted in limited-run syndication in 2006 then ran on cable's TBS from 2007-12.

 

In 2012, Perry signed an exclusive deal with Oprah Winfrey to bring scripted programming to her OWN cable network, beginning with the family comedy “Love Thy Neighbor” and the drama “The Haves and the Have Nots,” which stars Fox.

 

In addition to the films he writes, directs, stars in and produces, Perry also starred in the 2012 crime thriller, “Alex Cross,” portrayed then-Secretary of State Colin Powell in the 2018 Dick Cheney biography, “Vice,” and Admiral Barnett in the 2009 film, “Star Trek.”

September 26, 2019 

By Brian W. Carter 

Contributing Writer 

 

Hyundai is back with an amazing entertainment lineup with their “We Are One” Experience at Bakewell Media’s Taste of Soul. Going on four years as a sponsor at the family festival, Hyundai has been one of stages to visit.

 

Zafar Brooks is the director of corporate social responsibility and of diversity & inclusion for Hyundai Motor America, and he says the Hyundai Soundstage is going to be the place to be this year!

 

“We are so excited to return to the Taste of Soul with the Hyundai Soundstage,” said Brooks. “This year’s event will be our biggest yet, including a new location at MLK and Crenshaw.

 

“And we have an exciting line up to include some of the hottest musical artists who will join us hosted by the legendary Doug E Fresh and headliner, Johnny Gill and others, visitors will be treated to a great time.”

 

The Hyundai stage will be larger than previous years and will be located at Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd & Crenshaw Blvd.

 

Hyundai recently released their lineup of popular and iconic artists that are sure to get the crowd up on their feet. The Hyundai Soundstage 2019 artists lineup includes EU f/ Sugar Bear, Dru Hill, Keri Hilson, DJ Mal-Ski & Friends, host Doug E Fresh, and headliner, Johnny Gill.

 

 

 

EU featuring Sugar Bear

 

Go-go is a popular music subgenre associated with funk originating in the Washington, D.C., area during the mid-60s to late-70s. E.U., also known as Experience Unlimited, formed in the 70s inspired by musical groups Earth, Wind & Fire, Santana, and War. They became Washington, D.C.'s original and longest lasting go-go artists.  Led by bassist and vocalist, Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott, the band experienced local success with albums like “Free Yourself” (1977) and “Future Funk” (1982). In 1988, they hit the Top 40 pop hit and number one R&B hit with "Da'Butt," which was featured in Spike Lee's “School Daze.” E.U. signed with Virgin scoring more hits with "Buck Wild" and "Taste of Your Love," both reached the Top Ten of the R&B chart.

 

 

 

Keri Hilson

 

R&B singer, vocal arranger, and songwriter Keri Hilson has written songs for well-known artists such as Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I Am," Omarion's "Ice Box," the Pussycat Dolls' "Wait a Minute," and Britney Spears' "Gimme More." She was also featured prominently on “Timbaland Presents Shock Value.” In addition to being a songwriter, Hilson has been a background vocalist, working with artists such as Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, and Southern rap producer, Polow da Don. Polow introduced her to producer, Timbaland, who signed her to his Mosley Music imprint in 2006. Hilson released “In a Perfect World” in March 2009, with "Turnin' Me On," reaching the Top 20 of the Hot 100. The album reached gold status and earned Hilson Grammy nominations. In late 2010, she released a second album, “No Boys Allowed,” which included the platinum single, "Pretty Girl Rock."

 

 

 

 

Dru Hill

 

Originally known as 14K Harmony, the group was founded in 1992 and discovered by manager, Kevin Peck. In 1996, they changed their name to Dru Hill and went on to become one the most beloved R&B groups in the industry. Dru Hill is known for hits like "Tell Me," "In My Bed," "Never Make a Promise," and "How Deep Is Your Love," the group has given the world music for the ages.

 

 

 

DJ Mal-Ski

 

DJ Mal-Ski is a DJ and producer, who crosses musical and cultural genres. He has worked with many artists that include Kanye West, Mary Mary, and Stevie Wonder to name a few and has been one of the featured DJs on 102.3 KJLH FM. DJ Mal-Ski has performed at a variety of venues being the official DJ at the L.A. Coliseum for the L.A. Rams, USC Trojans and at The Staples Center for the L.A. Sparks. He has also been a DJ at The Grammy Award Luncheon, The NAACP Award Breakfast to name a few venues. DJ Mal-Ski’s current residencies include Morongo Casino in Palm Springs, and H.O.M.E. in Beverly Hills. As a producer, Mal-Ski has worked with R&B artist, Kenny Lattimore on his album “Anatomy Of A Love Song,” and singer and actress, Jill Scott’s #1 R&B album, “Light of The Sun.” Mal-Ski released an EP, “Light Show” in March 2017, which he aimed to set a new standard in music. He has also composed and written theme songs for television shows for several networks, composed and written original scores for award-winning independent films such as “In Disbelief”and for award-winning theatrical productions such as “From The Edge.”

 

 

 

Doug E Fresh

 

The first human beatbox in the rap world, Doug E. Fresh amazed audiences with his mouthed imitations of drum machines, effects, and samples of hip-hop classics. He made his first appearance as an artist in 1983 on a single for Spotlight called "Pass the Budda," with Spoonie Gee and DJ Spivey. His introduction to most hip-hop fans was with his performance in Beat Street behind the Treacherous Three. His first solo feature came in 1984, with "Just Having Fun," waxed for Enjoy, and "Original Human Beatbox" for Vinentertainment. In 1985, he was one of the biggest names in rap music, and his first single for Reality, "The Show/La Di Da Di," became a hip-hop classic. His first LP, 1987's “Oh, My God!” featured most of his showpieces, like "Play This Only at Night" and "All the Way to Heaven," along with nods to reggae and even gospel. In 1988, he released his second album, “The World's Greatest Entertainer,” which reached the Billboard thanks to single, "Keep Risin' to the Top."

 

 

 

Johnny Gill

 

Johnny Gill is a singer, songwriter, producer and Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist. Discovered at the age of 16, he released two albums through Atlantic Records. He later joined iconic boy band, New Edition and they released timeless classics such as “If It Isn’t Love” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” In the 90s, Gill launched a solo career and created major hits working with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis like “Rub You the Right Way” and with L.A. Reid & Babyface on “My, My, My.” Alongside Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat, Gill established L.S.G., the powerful R&B supergroup behind the sexy smash “My Body.” He also formed another supergroup, Heads of State, with New Edition peers, Bobby Brown and Ralph Tresvant. After a 15-year solo hiatus, Gill returned with 2011’s “Still Winning,” which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the magazine’s R&B album chart. In 2014, Gill’s “Game Changer” with record label, J Skillz, received much acclaim. Gill recently released “Game Changer II” also with J Skillz Records/Kalvary. Like its predecessor, 2014’s “Game Changer,” Gill’s eighth solo studio album arrives packed with an avalanche of hits.

 

“This year’s Hyundai Performance Stage will be one of the most powerful stages we’ve had in the 14 years of Taste of Soul.  I cannot say enough about Hyundai and there extraordinary and continued dedication to the community.  Hyundai continually demonstrates a real commitment to OUR community.  They constantly demonstrate what a true partnership between corporate America and the consumers who buy their products should and does look like.  In bringing to Crenshaw Blvd this star studded line up which features artist like EU (Experience Unlimited) f/ Sugar Bear, Dru Hill, Keri Hilson, DJ Mal-Ski & Friends, wand Johnny Gill as this year’s headliner and a show hosted by none other than Doug E Fresh shows that they not only are committed to being a part of Taste of Soul but constantly are raising the bar and making Taste of Soul the premiere community event in all of California right in the heart of our community.”—Danny J Bakewell, Sr. - Founder/Creator of Taste of Soul & Chairman of Bakewell Media

 

You don’t want to miss the Hyundai Sound Stage at this year’s Taste of Soul. It is sure to be a day of fun, nostalgia and great music from some of the best artists around.

 

Get the Taste of Soul App for up-to-the-minute performer & stage info, interactive maps, exclusive offers, discounts, contests and more available on Apple App Store and Google Play. You can follow Taste of Soul on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

For more information on Taste of Soul, please visit tasteofsoul.org

September 26, 2019 

By City News Service 

 

A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled this past week honoring Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard, coinciding with the season premiere of his Fox hip-hop drama “Empire.”

 

Former Fox Television Group Chairman and CEO Dana Walden was among those Howard thanked in his nearly three-minute acceptance speech.

 

“A few years ago I was taken down by Hollywood and was told I would never work again,” Howard said. “But then, a young woman named Dana Walden had faith in me and allowed me to head her show.”

 

 

Directors Malcolm D. Lee and Dito Montiel preceded Howard in speaking at the 11:30 a.m. ceremony in front of the El Centro Complex on Hollywood Boulevard, near the corner of Hollywood and Vine. Lee directed Howard in the 1999 romantic comedy-drama “The Best Man” and its 2013 sequel, “The Best Man Holiday.” Montiel directed Howard in the 2009 sports action drama “Fighting.”

 

The star is next to the star of his “Empire” co-star Taraji P. Henson. It is the 2,674th since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with the first 1,558 stars.

 

“Because my name is written in stone in Hollywood, as long as there's a Hollywood Boulevard, Terrence Howard will still stand,” he said.

 

Howard received a best actor Oscar nomination in 2006 as a Memphis pimp and drug dealer turned aspiring rapper in “Hustle & Flow.” Howard and Henson performed the movie's theme, “It's Hard out Here for a Pimp,” which won the Oscar for best original song.

 

Howard's other film credits include the 2004 best picture Oscar winner “Crash,” as a movie director whose SUV is pulled over by police officers; the 2004 Ray Charles biography “Ray,” as Charles' guitarist Gossie McKee; the 2011 Winnie Mandela biography “Winnie” as her husband Nelson Mandela; the 2013 historical drama, “Lee Daniels' The Butler,” as a neighbor of White House butler Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker); and “Iron Man” as Colonel Rhodes.

 

Born March 11, 1969, in Chicago and raised in Cleveland, Howard's love for acting was sparked in summers spent with his great-grandmother, actress Minnie Gentry.

 

Howard made his acting debut with two episodes of the ABC daytime drama “All My Children.” Later that year he co-starred in the ABC miniseries, “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” portraying Jackie Jackson.

 

Howard's first television series as a cast member was the short-lived 1993 CBS summer family comedy “Tall Hopes,” playing a high school basketball star.

 

Howard's first high-profile movie role was in the 1995 drama “Mr. Holland's Opus” as a high school athlete.

 

Howard appeared in the 2008 Broadway production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” as Brick.