September 19, 2019
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
You are motivated to communicate with your partner now that Mercury is moving through your relationship sector. In fact, trying to balance things out in your relationship is a top priority now, and you really do want to have harmony and positive vibes with your lover. The trouble is, this Sunday you might feel insecure about discussing one specific topic with your mate. You may feel that he or she isn't supportive or understanding of your ambitions and career goals. You might even feel denigrated when you try to discuss them. Your goals are important, Aries, and you shouldn't feel like you have to apologize for them. Not ever.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
There's no shortage of energy these days for you to pursue any pleasure you want in life. Mars, the planet of assertive drive, is now moving through your romance sector, making it a top priority for you to have fun with your current playmate. This Thursday, Mars will be at a perfect angle to Pluto, which will intensify your pleasure principle in the most extraordinary way. Your lover will take you to depths and heights you never thought possible. You can count on it.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
You might feel this week like you're holding back from getting closer to your sweetheart out of self-protection. What you're really doing, however, is sabotaging the real potential of this love connection. You might be projecting a past betrayal or other pain from a former lover onto your current relationship. This would be the kiss of death and, on some level, you realize it's true. At the same time, however, you may feel paralyzed and uncertain about how to move forward. The answer? One step at a time.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
You and your partner still seem to be at odds when it comes to a family problem. No matter how hard you try to smooth things over, your mate is acting like the ultimate authority on the matter and doesn't seem to be open to any compromise. You might be ready to throw your hands in the air and completely give up at this point. He or she will manage to shut down your communication and, if this happens, it's a major red flag. In other news, if you're dating someone new, you might have a sexy conversation about intimacy that leads to actual action taking place. Nice!
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
Your entire romantic world is based on faith and fantasy this week, Leo, and that's exactly how you like it! On Saturday, Jupiter, now in your true love sector, will be at a square to nebulous Neptune, wedged in your 8th House of Erotica. You really are enjoying this reverie you choose to partake in now. It's obvious that, at some point, there will be a clash or a reality check, but for now, you'll conveniently ignore it. All you want to do is enjoy the love spell you're under. And Leo, it's a doozy!
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
You're extremely serious about matters of the heart thanks to Saturn, the planet of discipline and commitment, moving through your true love sector. If you have found the stretch of time since late December 2017 to be lonely and isolating, take heart: the universe has only been slowing down your romantic life so that you can become extremely aware of the type of mate you want to attract. Saturn here won't waste your time on flighty affairs because he knows that you're ready to play for keeps. All good things are worth the wait, Virgo. Now, on Wednesday, Saturn turns direct. Your wait might finally be over.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
There's an interesting dynamic at play this week in your love life. Your partner is making power moves and it seems as if you secretly like it. He or she is taking control of a home situation and might purposefully keep their tactics to themselves so that you don't get in the way. Although a part of you will be frustrated by feeling as if you have no voice, another part of you will feel relieved. In fact, you might feel rescued. This situation is exhausting and now you finally have a warrior there to help fight this battle with you. Or, for you.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
You don't seem to be as concerned about finances this week because, in your opinion, there's more where that came from. Although this is a fantastic mindset of abundance to have, at the same time, it's possible that you'll mindlessly throw money into your romantic relationship without thinking it through. Ask yourself if you are investing in your lover or if you're simply trying to buy love. There's a big difference. Be honest with yourself and know where you stand on the spectrum.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
If you just started to date someone, you'll feel the most amazing support from this person as you ambitiously pursue one of your career goals. In fact, he or she might be your greatest cheerleader and advocate, moving mountains out of your way so that you can do you without any distractions. If, on the other hand, you're in a committed relationship, there might be a different vibe to the week's romantic energy. On Sunday, Mercury, ruler of your relationship sector, will square off with Saturn. You'll hear nothing but patronizing, critical words from your mate about how you spend your money. It'll be an issue.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
This week you'll feel as if your life is finally moving according to the plan you've been quietly strategizing and focusing on for months now. In fact, when it comes to your relationship and intention of fully committing to someone special, this will be truly significant. On Wednesday, Saturn, your ruling planet of maturity and discipline, will turn direct in your sign. It'll be all systems go as you begin taking on new personal responsibilities in life and relationships. You've got this, Capricorn. Don't doubt it for one moment.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
You might feel uncomfortable about a realization you'll have this week about your lover. It's possible that the two of you will have very different spiritual views and, while that in and of itself won't bother you, something else will. The trouble seems to be that your partner is making you feel ashamed of your perspective or is condescending and abrasive when you try to talk about your beliefs. If this is happening in a repeated way where you feel shut down spiritually, you'll need to address it. It could be a deal-breaker.
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
Your partner is not about to disappoint you when it comes to passion. In fact, with Mars moving through your relationship sector, there are sparks flying everywhere between you and your mate. This Thursday, however, Mars will be at a perfect angle to Pluto, the planet of intensity and empowerment. As a result, you might have a sexual encounter with your mate that helps you reach a whole new level of connection. If the two of you have been arguing or have hit a rough patch, then you can count on some old-fashioned sexual healing to make everything better.
September 19, 2019
By Lapacazo Sandoval
Contributing Writer
Here’s the thing, and please follow this closely, you do not have to be familiar with or a fan of Wu-Tang or even know, or care, who the RZA is to enjoy “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” now playing on Hulu.
I’m tipping my proverbial cap at the writing skills that screenwriter Tse possess and the vision and dogged determination of RZA (Bobby Diggs) and all of the men that make up Wu-Tang. They did more than just dare, they accomplished, and their success continues.
The 10-episode scripted series is much bigger than just being an origin story. It begins there, of course, giving the audience a glimpse into how the Staten Island crew changed hip-hop forever. Imagine the type of vision one must hold on to—in Staten Island (not sexy Manhattan, or the gritty Bronx) to make the “impossible” — possible. It’s King Kong big!
Let’s go back to the early 1990s. New York City was being ravaged by the crack cocaine epidemic, and many Black and Brown people were making ends meet in the drug game. Bobby Diggs aka RZA (Bobby Diggs), worked to bring together a dozen young, black men who wanted more but were torn between a life in the shadows and a career in music. The journey winds through the group’s formation against a backdrop of socio-economic inequality i.e. poverty as they slowly evolve from being local rappers to making a place for themselves in the history of hip-hop. After releasing their critically acclaimed 1993 debut album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” things begin to change including the embodiment of their alter egos.
In the spirit of change, Bobby Diggs became RZA. Dennis Coles transformed into Ghostface Killah. Gary Grice became GZA. Corey Woods shifted into Raekwon. Clifford Smith aka “Shotgun” became Method Man and Russell Jones eventually settled into Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
Success grows success and their membership would grow to include Masta Killa, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and longtime collaborator Cappadonna.
The joy in watching this series is being introduced to the characters that make up Wu-Tang history. In truth, there is enough meat for a second season, at least. The creators kept the story much like the group’s life, meaning it’s raw and complex.
It all starts moving when RZA pours himself—utterly—into making his dream of making his music a reality.
Actor Ashton Sanders gives life to his role as RZA. You can’t tear your eyes away; he captures the soul of the dreamer and the internal struggle between following his passion for music and providing for his family.
Young RZA is surrounded by drugs and crime like a fish in a fishbowl. But he can hear the poetry of the streets and he knows, in his heart, hip-hop is a way out for all of them.
Real-life members of Wu-Tang were involved in the making of the 10-episode series so it’s without that phony, Hollywood gloss.
The struggle is real and they have no shame in telling you how they survived as street-level “businessmen” fighting in brutal turf wars. And through the hell they rose, together, to become something brand new and powerful. It’s a story filled from top to bottom with inspiration.
Much like life, this series takes it time choosing to invite us into the inner workings of the minds of the young men. And then we go into the music studio with RZA and company and by then … we, like Wu-Tang, are ready.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” is well written, well-directed and well-acted and best described as a character-driven, coming-of-age drama about Black men who found a way to live their dreams. A lot of inspiration for the series is drawn from “The Wu-Tang Manual,” RZA’s first written piece to the thought process and history of hip-hop’s original dynasty; the “Tao of Wu,” the second cerebral book, and the true story of the formation of the Wu-Tang Clan. Talk about vision —my God—there is genius here.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” stars Shameik Moore (as Corey Woods/Raekwon), Dave East (Clifford Smith/Shotgun/Method Man), TJ Atoms (Russell Jones/Ol’ Dirty Bastard), Johnell Young (Gary Grice/GZA), Siddiq Saunderson (Dennis Coles/Ghostface Killah), Marcus Callender, Julian Elijah Martinez, Zolee Griggs, and Erika Alexander, Samuel Mckoy-Johnson, and Amyrh Harris.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” is created and written by Alex Tse and RZA, and executive produced by Tse, RZA, Brian Grazer, Michael Rosenberg and Francie Calfo.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” now playing on Hulu.
September 12, 2019
By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D.
NNPA Newswire Entertainment and Culture Editor
America’s news sweetheart Tamron Hall is back with a self-titled daytime talk show The Tamron Hall Show. Following Hall’s controversial yet celebrated 2017 exit from the Today Show after being curbed in favor of white supremacist-y Megyn Kelly, Hall returns to television as a talk show host on her terms.
In addition to Hall’s professional life, a lot has also changed in her personal life since the abrupt Today and MSNBC exit. The award-winning journalist is now married and a mother of a son, which she discussed at the “Journey to My Wildest Dreams” Toyota sponsored luncheon at the 2019 NABJ national convention held in Miami.
Hall discussed how motherhood has changed her life, the confidence required to be in the news business and the challenges faced by blacks in general and black women specifically on the often-complicated journey to success.
Hall reiterated the importance of having a seat at the table and being ready when the opportunity presents itself. “There was a window, a sliver of opportunity and I took it,” says Hall. “I knew I had to shoot my shot,” says the Texas native. Indeed, Hall shot her shot, landing on her feet with a daytime talk show in a market that is crowded but ripe for a voice like Hall’s.
Hall’s return to daytime pits her against another one of America’s sweethearts, Grammy award-winning singer Kelly Clarkson who is also launching a self-titled talk show on the same day on NBC no less.
Clarkson is the season one winner of American Idol and has served as a judge on the wildly popular NBC reality show The Voice.
Hall will also be wading into territory currently occupied by Wendy Williams, Rachel Ray, and the ladies of The View and The Talk among others. Hall created this talk show to bring people together and to give them an opportunity to share their “authentic journey.”
One of the ways Hall is shaping her show is by insisting the makeup of the crew reflect her audience. Despite having veteran executive producer Bill Geddie at the helm, Hall insisted that more women be hired because she wants to empower people like her – a self-described country girl from Luling, Texas who has made it to the upper echelons of television and news.
Although creating and hosting a daytime talk show is new to Hall, working in front of and behind the camera is not. Hall hosted the Discovery ID series Deadline Crime with Tamron Hall, a weekly series which takes at deep dive into crimes, including unsolved crimes.
Motivated by the unsolved murder of her sister Renate, Hall lead an investigative team of journalists working together to find out what happened and why, to victims throughout the country for three seasons.
Hall’s talk show will differ greatly but will offer in-depth discussions about important topics in addition to traditional daytime lifestyle segments. Hall believes television has the power to help people share their “authentic journey” and wants people to talk about their lives and inspire others in the process.
The Tamron Hall Show debuts 9/9/19. Check local listings for channel and time information.
September 12, 2019
By Brian W. Carter
Contributing Writer
Taste of Soul is proud to announce comedian, entertainer and television personality, Sheryl Underwood as this year’s co-chair.
Underwood will bring her warm, down-to-earth and effervescent personality to Crenshaw Blvd with over 350,000 festival attendees.
She shared with the Sentinel what it means for her to made a co-chair of Taste of Soul.
“Beyond winning a daytime Emmy—which was a good thing, beyond winning a NAACP Award—which was a good thing—this has got to be the biggest thing in the world, in my life,” said Underwood.
“Taste of Soul, to be the co-chair of something that has all these big-time dignitaries and politicians—plus, 350,000 Angelenos coming together, this is going to be the event of the year.”
Underwood was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and joined CBS' Daytime television show, “The Talk,” at the start of season two.
She sits alongside hosts Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba and Marie Osmond as they discuss topical events and contemporary issues.
While being a host on “the Talk,” it’s received the Daytime Emmy for Best Talk Show and another Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show/Entertainment and multiple Emmy nominations.
As a result of the success of the show, Underwood received a Daytime Emmy Award as host and a contract renewal through the year 2021.
A multi-faceted, multi-media entrepreneur, businesswoman and philanthropist, Underwood is CEO of Pack Rat Productions, Inc. which is a strategic marketing and brand development firm based in Los Angeles, California.
She holds four honorary doctorates from Benedict College in Columbia, SC, South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, the University of Illinois-Chicago and Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. She is the national spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark's DEPEND brand Underwareness Campaign.
Underwood also hosts “Sheryl Underwood Radio,” which has 422 domestic and international affiliates, Sheryl Underwood Radio – The App and recently launched “The World According To Sheryl Podcast.”
“We will be broadcasting live from Taste of Soul,” said Underwood. “So it’s great to be there with [94.7] The Wave and [Radio Free 102.3] KJLH, two iconic L.A. stations.”
Underwood, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and 23rd International president, made an appeal to her fellow Greeks.
“I’m asking all Greeks to come out to Taste of Soul,” said Underwood. “All Greeks come out—you ain’t gonna find no better food, no better fun—you going to see people you ain’t seen in years at Taste of Soul.”
Underwood expressed her excitement and anticipation of meeting TOS Nation and also wanted to share an important bit of information with the community.
“It’s going to be hot, don’t play yourself out here, don’t play yourself and wear some polyester to Taste of Soul—you goin’ be hot!” said Underwood. “Wear some deodorant.
“The only funk we want is on the stage—come musty if you want to.”
She continued, “I’d like to thank the Sentinel.
“For me, being in the Sentinel, that has never happened in my life.”
Sheryl Underwood is a Taste of Soul co-chair and you don’t want to miss her. Be sure to come to Taste of Soul Saturday, October 19, 10AM-&PM.
“We can get over half a million,” said Underwood about breaking the attendance at Taste of Soul this year. “I believe it, I believe all news networks, all radio networks—Black, Brown, White brothers and sisters, everybody come on out.
“Listen, Taste of Soul is the place to be.”
Follow Sheryl on Twitter and Instagram @sherylunderwood.
For more information on Taste of Soul, please visit tasteofsoul.org
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.