August 09, 2018 

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. 

Associated Press 

 

Rap mogul Jermaine Dupri will celebrate his groundbreaking record label So So Def with a multi-city anniversary concert tour.

 

Dupri told The Associated Press on Monday that The So So Def 25th Anniversary Cultural Curren$y tour will feature himself, Xscape, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, Anthony Hamilton, Bone Crusher, Youngbloodz, Dem Franchize Boyz and J-Kwon.

 

The 11-city tour starts Oct. 14 in Washington, D.C. and ends in Los Angeles on Nov. 2. A show will also be held Oct. 21 in Atlanta, where Dupri was raised.

 

Dupri said he wants the tour to remind people how influential So So Def Recordings has been to the culture of hip-hop and R&B music.

 

He said the artists connected to the label are like ``cultural currency'' _ people of great value to the world of hip-hop.

 

``I feel like with my artists and even myself, people don't pay enough attention to how much we mean to the culture and how much So So Def meant to breaking the South and making people pay attention to Atlanta,'' he added.

 

Dupri founded the label as a teen. Under his guidance, So So Def helped develop and promote the entire genre of Southern hip-hop in the 1990s. It rose to success through music acts including preteen stars Kriss Kross and Bow Wow, female rapper Da Brat and R&B group Jagged Edge.

 

Dupri was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June. He earned a Grammy for best R&B song in 2005 as one of the songwriters on Mariah Carey's hit ``We Belong Together.''

 

The rapper-producer called the anniversary tour a ``blessing.''

 

``This is perfect timing'' he said. ``This is the 25th anniversary of a black-owned record company that put out multiple artists and enough artists to do our own tour. We're blessed basically.''

 

 

 

PHOTO:  ENT-JermaineDupri.jpg

 

 

 

In this May 24, 2018, file photo, music maker Jermaine Dupri poses for a photo during an interview in New York. Dupri will celebrate his groundbreaking record label So So Def with a multi-city anniversary concert tour. (AP Photo/John Carucci, File)

 

August 09, 2018  

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

Heads up comedy lovers, the suits at TNT have done something right, as in, choosing to renew “Claws” for a second season. It’s a dark comedy that made heads turn, in year one, marking it as the highest-rated series to launch on the rebranded network.

 

TNT’s EVP programming Sarah Aubrey, calls the comedy “hilarious” and applauds the series for representing diverse voices.

 

Created by Eliot Laurence and executive produced by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, “Claws” follows the hilarious and complicated women at Nail Artisan, a southern Florida nail shop that is used to launder money for the Dixie Mafia.  It’s owned by the vivacious Desna (Niecy Nash) who dreams of getting out of the dirty side of the business.  The harder she tries to go “straight” the more dangerous her life becomes. 

 

Claws also star Jenn Lyon (“Justified”), Carrie Preston (“The Good Wife”), Karrueche Tran (“The Nice Guys”), Jack Kesy (“The Strain”), Kevin Rankin (“Breaking Bad”), and Harold Perrineau (“Lost”), and Judy Reyes (“Scrubs,” “Devious Maids”).

 

I caught up with Judy Reyes who plays the character Quiet Ann—a butch lesbian who is, well, almost silent with the characters unfiltered inner dialogue providing a lot of the comedy as well as her own shocking backstory.

 

Black don’t crack and in Reyes’ case, at 50 years young, she almost makes a person do a double take on the age tip.  You know Mrs. Reyes work I am sure. She is best known for appearing as Carla Espinosa on the NBC/ABC sitcom “Scrubs” (2001–2009), and as Zoila Diaz in the Lifetime comedy-drama “Devious Maids” (2013–2016).

 

Here is an edited interview with Ms. Reyes who considers her career in television a blessing, that keeps on giving. 

 

L.A. Watts Times (LAWT): I fell in love with the character, Quiet Ann.  Your body language, Mrs. Reyes is superlative. In viewing the episode that focuses on Quite Ann, history before the nail salon, it was an eye-opener. When did you find out about the twists?  There are a lot of spoiler alerts that I can’t share in this question, gosh!

 

Judith Reyes (JR):  (Laughing) Thank you. You are right. There are a lot of spoilers in answering that question. Umm.  I can tell you why they choose to write the episode.  At the end of the first season, the fans made it clear that they wanted to know more about Quiet Ann, and TNT listened. The writers actually had already discussed going into the mind of Quiet Ann. We figured the way they ended last season with her major heartbreak, that was the way to start to explore her.

 

LAWT: She is building a lot of the excitement into the season. 

 

JR: You are right and for her, a lot of things are just really piling up, so she’s trying to keep it all together …until she just blows up.

 

LAWT: (laughing) Until she blows up.  Gosh, I loved that scene. Amazing.  And yo look so different, glamorous.  Where did this major change come from?

 

JR: Again, I give a full nod to the writers [Eliot Laurence, Will McCormack, and Rashida Jones]. They did a great job of piling it on, and when her family just shows up out of nowhere, it’s like, f—$! me. You know what I mean?

 

LAWT: I know what you mean, of course, I do.  In the show, you play Cuban. Right?

 

JR: Yes but I am Dominican and from New York and I studied theater [at the ] LAByrinth theater company

 

LAWT: You have a background in theater, that makes sense. I can see it in your work in “Scrubs,” and of course, in “Claws.” My favorite episode is season one when you are dancing with Anne. It’s so tender and I could not stop watching that simple scene.

 

JR: Thank you, as inspiration, I used my father. As a Dominican, you grow up dancing, and I would watch him and that’s the inspiration that you saw. Thank you, again for that compliment.

 

LAWT: Why do you think Ann is so loyal to Desna [Niecy Nash]?

 

JR: Well, not a lot of businesses will hire an ex-con and my character is an ex-con.  So she feels an incredible debt to Desna. She rescues her and then I rescue her. We rescue each other.

 

LAWT: What’s next for Quiet Ann? Personally, I think she should have her very own show. Or, if not an entire show, a six-episode special where we go into her world. Thoughts?

 

JR: (laughing) Ok, to answer the first question, she’s pursuing her relationship with Arlene, and dealing with the changes in the salon, a situation. That’s all I’m allowed to give you. To answer the second question …. um …. thank you for enjoying the character so much.

 

LAWT: Last question, describe your dream vacation, please.

 

JR: A trip to New York watching theater. I want to catch up on everything that’s going on in the theater.

 

LAWT: Beautiful. I have some ideas. I will email your hard-working public relations team with suggestions, and then perhaps an in person for a second interview.

 

JR: I would love that.

 

Claws airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on TNT.

August 09, 2018 

Aries 

MAR 21 - APR 19 

Oh Aries, your love life is definitely kicking into high gear this week! Venus moves into your partnership sector on Monday, suggesting that you want commitment and harmony with someone and you're willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve it -- just not this week. You're guarded this week about relationships -- especially on Thursday when Venus squares off with Saturn. There's something you're afraid of. Why? Adding to the mix is a Solar Eclipse in your true love sector on Saturday. This eclipse touches retrograde Mercury, also in the same part of your chart. You are very likely to reconnect with an ex-lover ... and fall in love all over again.

 

Taurus

APR 20 - MAY 20 

You're as unsteady as they come this week, Taurus, which is so unlike you. Nothing will be stable in your life -- especially your love life. Here's the thing: Uranus, the planet of shake-ups and shake-downs will turn retrograde in your sign on Tuesday. With Uranus changing direction you're likely to express the most radical parts of this energy. That means a sudden turn of direction about something in your life. In terms of relationships this can mean a sudden break-up or a sudden hook-up. In some cases, both. Never say never, Taurus. With Uranus in your sign, nothing is out of bounds ... or out of reach.

 

Gemini 

MAY 21 - JUN 20 

If you're single, you've got something to look forward to this week -- after a short delay. Venus will move into your true love sector for her annual visit on Monday, and remains here through September 9. Usually, this is an amazing indicator of romantic potential. This week, however, not so much. Venus will square off with Saturn on Thursday, triggering your insecurities and vulnerabilities about intimacy. You might meet someone, but you're guarded. So guarded. Don't write this person off just yet. Next week you might change your mind or realize that you've created unnecessary blocks to love. The potential is there. Be open.

  

Cancer 

JUN 21 - JUL 22 

Your partner might be raining on your parade when it comes to you enjoying all the goodies that are currently happening in your family life. Maybe your love isn't as optimistic as you are about whatever this is, or maybe he or she is just being a stick in the mud for no reason at all. Whatever the case, you're not interested in entertaining your mate's negativity when you are clearly seeing the blessings all around you. Hopefully, by the end of the week, some of your positive vibes will rub off on him or her. If not, just hang out with your clan. They have the right attitude.

 

Leo 

JUL 23 - AUG 22 

There are cosmic forces at work in your life that are truly life-changing. A Solar Eclipse in your sign on Saturday will usher in an entire new energy for you. This eclipse is dramatic and will absolutely push your soul to its next level of evolution and growth through remarkable changes. The thing for you to realize, however, is that before you can take advantage of this massive opportunity, you need to clear the decks of outworn thought patterns that are mucking up all the potential for your greatness. Yes, this includes your love life. Especially your love life.

  

Virgo 

AUG 23 - SEP 22 

You are quite a negative Nelly this week when it comes to love. You seem absolutely convinced that love isn't in the cards for you -- that true love just doesn't exist. Sure, maybe you have had more than your fair share of disappointments in the past. Maybe you have been in relationships with people who completely took advantage of you and all that you have to give. But guess what: That doesn't mean you should automatically discount the power of one genuine connection to turn your world around. Stay open. As for your broken heart? It's the lover, not the love.

  

Libra 

SEP 23 - OCT 22 

You've got it going on this week, Libra. Unfortunately, everyone else will know this except for you. Venus moves into your sign on Monday and remains in Libra through September 9. Whether you're single or attached, you'll notice more attention from others. Why? Because you're giving off a magnetic, beautiful vibe. Well ... just not this week. This week it seems as if you are feeling more like an ugly duckling with a deflated attitude about love. That's because Venus will square Saturn on Thursday, bringing you down and filling your heart with doubt and insecurity. Don't worry, it won't last. Try not to feed this insecurity. Besides, it's not even true!

  

Scorpio 

OCT 23 - NOV 21 

You might feel like you're a prisoner when it comes to love. Maybe it's because you've gotten yourself involved with someone you know you can't be with. Sure, this can be an actual affair, but it might also be another type of situation you need to keep secret such as dating someone you work with when you are both risking your jobs to do so. Whatever the details, this week the burden of your love connection might outweigh the benefit. You're tired of being secretive or confined when it comes to your love life. So, what will you do to change it?

  

Sagittarius 

NOV 22 - DEC 21 

Your friends can definitely help you when it comes to your love life woes this week. Make no mistake: you will have love life woes. Whether they are real or imagined, however, is another story. You might be making a mountain out of a molehill, or it's possible that you have a genuine problem. Your friends will be able to help you sort it out. Most likely, if you are stressed, it has to do with feeling as if you're the one always giving in the relationship and your lover is the one always taking. Reciprocity is a must. If your friends think your relationship is out of balance, listen to their advice. And do something about it.

  

Capricorn 

DEC 22 - JAN 19 

You've got it going on in your career, but this week it won't make you feel any better when it comes to your "meh" love life scenario. You are probably in the mindset that you're great at everything else in your life except for relationships. This is because your approach to everything else is strategic and ambitious. You are someone who will never stop climbing the mountain until you reach the top. Unfortunately, love doesn't work the same way as your professional life does. Strategy and romance simply don't mix. You know this is true.

  

Aquarius 

JAN 20 - FEB 18 

Your love life is about to move to a whole new level. But first, you'll have to mentally prepare. A Solar Eclipse falls in your commitment sector on Saturday, which will absolutely bring in a fresh start for you and your mate. You might make a stronger commitment to someone you're dating such as deciding to move in together, get engaged or even get married. If you're already hitched, there's a new dimension coming in your relationship. It's good. The only hiccup is that Mercury is retrograde in your partnership sector at the time of this eclipse. So either the goodness will be delayed or you have to get your head on straight before you can enjoy it.

  

Pisces 

FEB 19 - MAR 20

Your desire for intimacy with another soul might be overpowered this week by your fear. You're in a place where you genuinely want to forge a deep, erotic, and psychologically rich connection with someone. The problem, however, is that you may also feel terrified of the very thing you heart craves. Talking to your friends about this inner demon of yours isn't likely to help much. In fact, they will probably only reinforce it. Instead, take a timeout and evaluate your fears on your own. The monster in your closet when it comes to love isn't really a monster. In fact, it's nothing.