November 03, 2016 

By Kam Williams 

It isn't bad enough that Chiron (Alex R. Hibbert/Ashton San­ders/Trevante Rhodes) is being raised by an emotionally-unavailable, drug-addicted, single-mom (Naomie Harris). The shy youngster also has the misfortune of having to hide the fact that he's gay, since he’s experiencing pangs of sexual awakening in the midst of an African-American, ghetto culture which is homophobic to the point of violence.

 

Consequently, he finds himself not only being teased for being a “faggot” by a school bully (Patrick Decile) but sadistically beaten to a pulp by his best friend and secret lover, Kevin (Jaden Piner/Jharrel Jerome/Andre Holland). This sorry state of affairs has understandably left the closeted kid terribly confused.  

 

Fortunately, Chiron’s mom’s dealer, Juan (Mahershala Ali), and his wife, Teresa (Janelle Monae), have taken a personal interest in his welfare. They let Chiron crash at their crib whenever things get crazy at his dysfunctional mom's apartment. So, at least he has a father figure, even if it's the person pushing the poison that turned his mother into an irresponsible crack whore.

 

Such are the dire circumstances collaborating to torpedo the troubled protagonist’s potential in “Moonlight,” a homoerotic coming of age flick written and directed by Barry Jenkins (“Medicine for Melancholy”). The introspective mood piece follows the lead character’s evolution from age 9 into adulthood, with Chiron and Kevin each being played by a trio of different actors.

 

The picture convincingly conveys the sheer desperation of an abandoned street urchin searching for an oasis of sanity in a hostile world without refuge. Though this picture never offers any easy answers, it certainly will nevertheless resonate with countless black gays who've survived similar abuse during formative years spent negotiating their way through a merciless, macho, inner-city gauntlet   

 

A decidedly-dystopic, African-American answer to the relatively-sedate, suburban bildungsroman served up by Boyhood!

 

Excellent (4 stars)

 

Rated R for sexuality, drug use, pervasive profanity, ethnic slurs and graphic violence

 

Running time: 110 minutes

 

Studio: Plan B Entertainment

 

Distributor: A24

 

To see a trailer for “Moonlight,” visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NJj12tJzqc 

Category: Arts & Culture

November 03, 2016 

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

The Sun and Mercury continue through your zone of shared resources, so you may be seeking ways to increase your income or improve business profits. The Sun/Neptune link suggests reflecting or meditating on creative ideas and seeing what you come up with. Mercury's connection to Pluto encourages you to be curious and ask questions of successful people. It can all work in your favor. There's a lot to be said for committing to a course of study that could positively affect your future.

  

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

The tensions that may have plagued you over recent weeks should have abated by now. With a positive focus on your sector of relating, this can be an excellent time to clear the air with a heart-to-heart chat. By socializing more, you may be inspired to join a group or try an activity that you've never tried before. The link between Venus and Saturn and Uranus in your business sector could see you closing a lucrative deal. You'll need to be quick, though.

 

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

With wellness and lifestyle matters on the agenda, aiming for efficiency can help you make headway with your goals and plans. If you do what you say you'll do, you can certainly impress the right people. Mercury's connection to Pluto suggests that exemplary service could net you a raise. Venus makes some interesting connections over the coming days that could see you becoming more committed to one relationship. On Friday, a sizzling encounter could give you much food for thought.

 

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

You have plenty of opportunities to tap in to your imagination this week when the sky's the limit. If you can visualize it, there's every chance you can make it happen. And doing so regularly will make it even more likely. Be willing to let your light shine - this is no time to hide your talents. Somebody may spot your abilities and make you an offer. Finally, your hard work in other areas can pay off with an unexpected proposal.

 

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

The Sun is in your home sector, so enjoy nurturing yourself and giving yourself a little self-care. Make the most of this chance to be with those you are close to and also indulge. What can be particularly important are the insights gained as a result of making more time for yourself. On a romantic level, you may decide to take one relationship further, although the situation between you may need to be reassessed by the end of the week.

  

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

This can be an opportunity for in-depth research. If you're thinking of starting a business or branching out in one you already have, the work you do now can pay big dividends in the future. You may also tap ideas that could be big earners that you're now in a position to implement. At home, committing to redecorating, holding a big celebration, or doing other work around the house could see you making positive strides. Finally, some family news could surprise you!

  

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

You may be tempted to part with your money if someone offers you an opportunity enjoy a pleasure trip or other experience. Other indicators suggest that you may be eager to splurge on your home, perhaps to improve your lifestyle. Both could be positive experiences for you. On another note, the Venus/Saturn connection could see you making a promise or committing to a contract or deal. Be sure it's right for you, though, as new information could override your original decision.

 

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

The urge to volunteer your time to help out another could be a positive start to the week. As a result of your kind offer, you could be rewarded with an unexpected opportunity. It could be lucrative, too! Meanwhile, you might decide to get serious about saving rather than spending your cash. While this is a great idea, your attitude could change by the end of the week when an offer or opportunity could have you throwing caution to the wind.

 

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

The present focus encourages you to take a respite from everyday life by giving yourself time to reflect. If you can take a vacation, this might be the ideal time, as the cosmos is actively encouraging you to get away in order to be able to think. You need a chance to see things in perspective and make decisions based on what you discover. You could decide to let go of certain activities or relationships, leaving space for better things to come.

  

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

This week certainly looks easier than previous weeks, allowing you to unwind and enjoy a bit more relaxation. With your social life sparkling away, don't be surprised if you get more invitations and opportunities for hanging out in good company. All of this can do you a world of good. Don't ignore any feelings you have about a relationship that may be going through a tricky patch. It might be better to have a heart-to-heart talk, as some positive insights could result.

 

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

You may find yourself in the limelight, so make the most of it. In fact, the Sun/Neptune connection could grant you some visionary ideas that impress someone at the top. A little time spent in reflection could enable you to spot opportunities where you might not have otherwise. Meanwhile, someone could make you an offer that you'll want to seriously consider, as it looks very solid. A surprise later in the week may have less mileage in it, though.

 

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20

A tempting offer could see you considering a trip somewhere that offers an escape from life. If you go, you'll likely enjoy it. On another note, talking with a friend could encourage you to study or even travel together and benefit very positively from the experience. You seem to be getting on particularly well with a certain boss with a positive influence, but your ideas and ideals may differ greatly in some ways. Still, this could add value to your relationship.

Category: Arts & Culture

November 03, 2016 

LAWT News Service 

Friends, family and colleagues came together at the City of Refuge Thursday, October 20 to celebrate the life of multifaceted R&B-Pop musician Kashif. The six-time Grammy-nominated musician passed away in his Playa del Rey, California home on September 25.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loved ones traveled from all over to commemorate and show their love for Kashif, who inspired so many people over the course of his life.

 

 

 

 

 

The service featured musical performances from Howard Hewett, Dawn Lewis, Kimaya Seward Sherkhan, Myracle Holloway Smith, Lulu Kyte and Amun Re-Runninghorse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos by Earl Gibson III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category: Arts & Culture

October 27, 2016 

By Shonassee Shaver 

Contributing Writer 

Triple threat, Keke Palmer’s highly anticipated EP “Lauren” set to release rooted and provocative new music

 

Multi-faceted entertainer, Keke Palmer will release her highly anticipated EP, “Lauren” on November 4th through Island Records. Titled after her real name, she takes fans back to her roots with the album cover displaying her grandmother’s house in Illinois where she grew up.  The cover symbolizes how Palmer is going back to the root of who she really is.  Produced by Sean Garrett, the 5-track album is a provocative mix of R&B meets trap-soul. Singles, “Jealousy,” “Pressure,” “Hands Free” and “Doubtful” are featured on the album, along with a collaboration by Chicago and budding singer-rapper Dreezy. Prior to “Lauren”, she teamed up with Jeremih, dropping “Enemiez” back in March. The singer/actress debuted her music career in 2007 with album, So Uncool. At 23, Palmer currently stars in Fox’s hit show Scream Queens. She began her career with a breakout role in the film “Akeelah and The Bee" and then starred as the title character in the hit Nickelodeon series “True Jackson, VP,” for which she received four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Per­formance in a Youth/Children’s Program. She has gone on to star in over 21 feature films and award winning television shows, most recently the Emmy Award winning “Grease: Live” and “A Trip to Bountiful,” for which she earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special.  Palmer made Broadway history as the first African-American and youngest actress to star in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic 1957 musical, “Cinderella.” Her book "I Don't Belong To You” will be released by Simon and Schuster in January 2017, “Lauren” will be available in CD form and digital download.

 

 

 

 

 

Pharrell Williams brings an old-school sound, releasing new songs from the “Hidden Figures” soundtrack

 

Producer and key composer of the upcoming film, “Hidden Figures,” Pharrell Williams releases two new tracks, “Runnin,” a jazzy and ‘juke-joint’ sound while “Surrender” offers a soulful and up-tempo beat featuring Lalah Hathaway for the movie soundtrack.

 

The film follows the incredible untold story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae)—brilliant African-American women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big. The film premieres in theaters on Christmas Day and opens nationwide on January 13, 2017. Williams will release new single “I See a Victory” with Kim Burrell on iTunes on Friday, October 28th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Game rakes in success with his “1992” album and “All Eyez” single coming in at #7 Billboard’s Rhythmic National Airplay

 

The Game reaches a career milestone with his seventh studio album “1992” and current single “All Eyez” featuring Jeremih, climbing to #7 on Billboard's Rhythmic National Airplay Chart. The album takes the number one spot for the week of November 5th for Rap Albums and rounded in at #4 on Billboard 200, moving 32,000 total units, 25,000 of which were traditional album sales, according to billboard.com. “All Eyez,” took over the digital world, streaming 7.9 million times. His 12-track album release includes a hard-hitting single, “True Colors/It's On” where he pays homage to Ice-T and reveals intimate, vivid details of his youth in the 90's and “I Grew Up On Wu-Tang” where he pays ode to the legendary heavyweights. The Game concludes the project with the eviscerating diss track “92 Bars” that brings it back to present day events.  “After being a part of hip hop for over a decade, I'm just appreciative of the fact that my fans have been so supportive and remain to be a driving force when I release albums. #1992 is a drift through my childhood, transitioning into my teenage years in a city that was on fire and plagued by gang activity. I can't wait for people to listen to how I survived and the stories I lived through to tell,” he states on the significance of the album. His European Tour: Winter 2016 starts this November going through late December.

 

 

 

 

 

Category: Arts & Culture

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