Phylicia Rashad, Dee Harris-Lawrence & The Cast Of ‘David Makes Man’ On Memory & Storytelling

When playwright and poet Tarell Alvin McCraney gave us Moonlight–he showed the magic and nuances of Black men–specifically those struggling with their sexuality, in a way that we’d never seen them before. With his stunning new arthouse coming-of-age series, David Makes Man–starring Phylicia Rashad and a slew of newcomers, McCraney delivers once again.

Based on the events of McCraney’s own life growing up in Miami, the OWN series follows 14-year-old David (newcomer Akili McDowell), a young Black man growing up in the Miami projects. Still haunted by the death of a close friend–David is also grappling with caring for his little brother (Cayden K. Williams) and his relationship with his mother, Gloria (Alana Arenas)–a hard-working woman who is recovering from drug addiction. Each day, David is bused miles away to his affluent magnet school where his teacher Dr. Woods-Trap (Phylicia Rashad) prompts him to expand his mind in new ways.

Breathtakingly stunning and compelling, David Makes Man presents a poetic picture of Black identity, masculinity and what it means to “make man.” Ahead of the series premiere–STYLECASTER sat down to chat with the showrunner, Dee Harris-Lawrence, the legendary Phylicia Rashad, Akili McDowell and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre who plays David’s best friend Seren.

“This project, from day one of meeting Tarell Alvin McCraney, became very much my story,” Harris-Lawrence revealed. “There have been coming of age stories but I don’t think there have been coming of age stories like this where you get into the mind of a young Black boy–and we have such a young Black cast. When I first met with Tarell after I read the script I said, ‘I’m pretty much the female version of David, in terms of growing up in the hood and having to be bused miles away to go to school.’ I used my imagination in a big way, and I was a huge dreamer. I had a teacher named Ms. Brown who got me writing stories. As I started writing more stories, my daydreams began to wane. That’s when I realized, ‘This is what I have to do.'”

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: OWN.

There Is Only Suffering Here: 'Queen Sugar' Season 4, Episode 8 [Recap]

As "All the Borders" opens, it's clear that Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) has faded into herself. She, along with Ralph Angel (Kofi Sirobie), Romero (Walter Perez) and Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe), sit helplessly as the fire department finally gets the fire at Queen Sugar mill under control. Keke (Tanyell Waivers) even comes running up desperate to see if Micha is OK. The fire has devastated the building. The structure is unstable, and to add insult to injury, it took the firemen 30 mins to get to the scene. The Fire Chief claims they never received the alarm. He also informs Charley that the fire was an arson--and that she should key herself up for a criminal investigation.

In the midst of this Nova (Rutina Wesley) runs up on her family out of nowhere asking about the mill and their wellbeing. Unfortunately, she can't help but make the moment about her. Amid the destruction, she begs her siblings to meet her halfway. Ralph Angel simply looks at her uninterested while Charley reads her for filth. Charley and RA leave Nova standing there with the burnt mill in the background as they get into RA's truck.

At Vi's Prized Pies & Diner, Vi (Tina Lifford) has much of her fire back. As she eats her breakfast, Sam Landry walks through the doors like he owns the place. The two trade a few barbs back and forth and Vi tells Sam that he's crossed the line with the mill fire. Sam insists that it wasn't him but Vi has had enough--these two have a history. She tells him that she's calling in the favor he owes her and that he must end this war with her family. Sam looks shook.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Image: OWN.

For Toni Morrison, Storytelling Was The Measure Of Life

obel and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison has passed away. She was 88. Though Morrison is no longer with us, her story and all that she accomplished in her profound life will live on forever. Toni Morrison’s documentary, legacy and quotes present a woman determined to tell her own story. Though many of us were first introduced to the Ohio native in the classroom– Morrison’s story began long before her birth in 1931. She was born into a family who valued literacy above all else.

In the recent film, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am--we learn about a woman who loved literature, language, and Black people so much that she wanted to share it with the world. However, Morrison’s entry into the world of publishing was not a straight path. She did not pen her first novel, The Bluest Eye, until she was nearly 40 years old.

In The Pieces I Am, we learn about the Nobel Prize winner’s background. Though she was born into an impoverished family–her people were proud and brilliant. Morrison learned to read at age three. Because of the tight-leash that her parents had on her, and her desire to explore–she knew that to spread her wings, she needed to leave Ohio behind.

Morrison’s journey to find herself would lead her to Washington, D.C.’s Howard University. As Morrison said in 1987’s Beloved, “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” Though she was always an avid reader–Morrison was increasingly aware that Black female voices were virtually non-existent in the literature space.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image. Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

The Ladies Of ‘Dear White People’ Talk Owning The Room, Meryl Streep & Season 3 Deets: EXCLUSIVE

Things are very different at Winchester University this term–and the ladies of Dear White Peopleare happily diving into the juicy details for Season 3. When we last left Sam (Logan Browning), Joelle (Ashley Blaine Featherson) and Coco (Antoinette Robertson) they were all facing some very tough truths about themselves. Things get even heavier this season.

When Season 3 opens three months later, all three of the women are in very different places in their lives. They are learning –as many of us did in college–that the true journey is about growth and evolution. Ahead of the Season 3 premiere of Dear White People, STYLECASTER sat down to chat with leading ladies–Logan Browning, Ashley Blaine Featherson and Antoinette Robertson to chat about trauma fatigue, why #MeToo is such an important theme this season and some hilarious behind the scenes secrets.

“I believe there is a thing as trauma fatigue,” Robertson reflected. “Sometimes you really just need a moment to take care of yourself and check-in with how you’re feeling. I feel like when you’re bombarded with all the negativity of the world, you can just experience emotional burnout.”

The burnout is something nearly all of the characters on DWP are battling this season–leading them to analyze various aspects of their identities. “As far as Joelle is concerned, I don’t think she’s so much dealing with trauma fatigue,” Featherson explained. “I think she’s emotionally exhausted because she takes on what everybody else is going through and suppresses it a little bit. I think that’s a real thing too.”

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Laura Valencia/SHEMedia.

'Queen Sugar' Won't Let The Bordelons Get A Break: Season 4 Episode 7 [Recap]

As is the theme with this season of Queen Sugar, "Of Several Centuries" opens with Nova (Rutina Wesley). This time the eldest Bordelon sibling is in Philadelphia to discuss her book and to be a guest on a Finding Your Roots-type television program called Legacies. Caught up in the whirlwind of pseudo-celebrity, a revelation completely jolts Nova. Legaciesproducers have uncovered something so shocking in the Bordelon family tree that Nova refuses to let it be publicly disclosed. However, she does discover rather happily, that her late mother has a living first cousin.

In St. Josephine, Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) is chatting with a St. Thomas councilwoman named Joyce. Joyce is the only woman on the city council and she 's not too keen on trusting or throwing her support behind Charley after reading Blessing & Blood. With plans for the highway still firmly in St.Josephine, Joyce knows that St. Thomas is bound to become a ghost town and tasks Charley with figuring out why the highway plans were moved from St. Thomas to St. Joesphine in the first place.

As for Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe), the Boudreauxes and Landrys are doing everything in their power to shutter RA's re-entry program. After planting drugs in RA's friend Benny's car, a police officer tampers with the cameras on the farm and threatens Ralph Angel's freedom. Later, RA calls his lawyer friend to try and help Benny.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Melina Matsoukas On ‘Queen & Slim’ & Black Storytelling

The best films sit with us long after the credits roll. We find ourselves reflecting on the narrative days later–replaying certain scenes or bits of dialogue over and over in our heads. That’s what visionary director Melina Matsoukas aims to do with her debut feature film, Queen & Slim. Known for her masterful work on Beyonce’s “Formation”–Matsoukas has teamed up with trailblazing writer, Lena Waithe to bring Queen & Slim to life.

Coined the Black Bonnie and Clyde– Matsoukas’ Queen & Slim opens with an awkward Tinder date between Queen (newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith) and Slim (Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya). A fierce defense lawyer, Queen is having a bad day and her time with Slim–an easy-going blue-collar guy isn’t exactly making her day any better. As the date comes to an end, and the pair head home–they are pulled over by the police for a minor traffic violation. When Slim accidentally kills the officer in self-defense, he and Queen embark on a road trip –moving from the brutal cold streets of Ohio to the blistering hot New Orleans and Florida in a race for their lives.

Ahead of the film’s November 27 debut, STYLECASTER was invited to screen the first 12-minutes of the film and to participate in a talkback with Matsoukas. She discussed why Queen & Slim had to be her first feature, why this story is so important, and her visionary storytelling.

“[Lena] and I worked together for the first time a couple of years back on an episode of Master of Nonecalled ‘Thanksgiving'” she revealed. “It was the beginning of our collaboration. I call her my work soul sister. At the time, she was writing this film. She said, ‘You’re the only one that can direct it.’ Not wanting our relationship to get in the middle of that decision, I was like, ‘Send me the script.’ I’m always about passion; I have to love the words. I couldn’t put the script down when I read it. I knew this had to be my way into the narrative space and to do it with my sister is like the biggest honor I could have ever dreamed of.”

Continue reading STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

Justine Skye Isn’t Afraid To Take Risks When It Comes To Her Career & Her Legacy: EXCLUSIVE

You can’t put this Brooklyn native in a box. Justine Skye has been carving out a path for herself in the entertainment industry for almost a decade– and she has no plans on slowing down anytime soon. Known for her sensational vocals–Skye is now ready to sparkle on screen. The “MAYBE” songstress will make her television debut on BET’s Tales. The anthology series transforms the lyrics of some of hip-hop’s most beloved tracks into full-blown visual narratives.

Skye will be stepping into the world of Cardi B’s “Bodack Yellow.” She stars opposite Romeo Miller as Violet, a 23-year-old dancer who dreams of becoming a hip-hop superstar. However, Violet’s journey to success won’t be an easy one. In addition to taking care of herself, she’s also tasked with raising her teenage sister.

Ahead of the episode’s debut–STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Skye about becoming Violet, why her dreams are endless and how she’s taken charge of her legacy.

“‘Bodack Yellow’ was just a tremendous moment in music for our generation,” Skye explained. “That song was super huge, and Cardi B’s story is just different. She shattered that stereotype of what everyone thought she could or couldn’t be.  I think that it’s dope that they chose a dark-skinned woman to play this role. At first, when I got the call, I thought, ‘There’s no way that I’m going to get this role. I look nothing like Cardi B.’ Then, I realized that it’s not necessarily about looking like whomever the episode focuses on. It’s about who can bring the episode to life the best.”

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

Legendary Filmmaker Robert Townsend Just Keeps Getting Better With Time [Interview]

Legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend's impact on defining Black cinema is undeniable.

Dubbed The Godfather of Independent Film, Townsend began his acting career in the 1980s, a time when Hollywood was only letting in one Black actress/actor at a time. Fed up with demeaning roles and bit parts, the Chicago native decided to tell his own story, taking the reins to write, produce and direct Hollywood Shuffle, a satire film that critically analyzed the plight of Black actors trapped in dangerously stereotypical roles that persists in the industry to this day.

By bringing his own seat and building his own table, Townsend wrote himself into history, going on to direct iconic films like The Five Heartbeats, and creating the hit sitcom The Parent 'Hood while building a legacy that has carried well into the 21st century. Now, the B*A*P*S director has teamed up with Gentleman Jack's Real to Reel, a Q&A tour that fosters the creativity and talent of up and coming Black filmmakers. Each year, Gentleman Jack and Code Black Entertainment give one African American filmmaker the chance to win $10,000 and a trip to the American Black Film Festival where their work is showcased.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Chyna Layne Won’t Stop Talking About Domestic Violence & Why Sisterhood Is Vital: EXCLUSIVE

There are stories that we gravitate towards, and there are other narratives that we must tell–no matter how painful they are to discuss. In TV One’s Original Film, In Broad Daylight, actress Chyna Layne tells the real-life story of Jordan Boudreaux, a young mother was abducted and terrorized by her ex-boyfriend. While many stories that center around domestic violence and abuse do not have happy endings–Boudreaux’s story is different. Her family refused to give up on her.  Layne steps into Boudreaux’s shoes bringing the gut-wrenching story into the light.

With more than a decade in the entertainment industry under her belt– Layne first achieved notoriety in the 2007 Oscar-winning film, Precious. Since then she has gone on to star in Netflix’s She’s Gotta Have It, the horror/thriller, The First Purge, and Barbershop: The Next Cut among many others. As Layne continues to make strides in an industry that has drastically changed in the past several years, she is only interested in telling stories that make her feel something. She recently spoke to STYLECASTER about In Broad Daylight, She’s Gotta Have It and her next big project.

“The casting director who cast me in Precious recommended me for the role,” Layne explained. “When the script landed on my desk, the first thing that I was really drawn to was the fact that it’s based on true events. With Jordan–this is someone whose family rallied to not give up on her, to find her. Oftentimes when we see these stories in the news, the families are waiting on the police. This family did not wait on the police.”

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

'Queen Sugar' Returns With A Bang, Literally: Season 4 Episode 6 [RECAP]

After a week-long hiatus, Queen Sugar has returned and things are only becoming more complicated for the Bordelons.

"By The Spit" opens with Nova (Rutina Wesley) in Atlanta for her book tour. Octavia Laurent (Cree Summer), her old professor, is by her side for emotional support and schmoozing. Nova seems to revel in Octavia's attention. She is finally allowing herself to be taken care of and she has no qualms about her luxe amenities, room service and champagne. However, things begin to shift for the women when Nova receives word that she's been shortlisted for the National Book Award for Blessing & Blood. Immediately, Octavia tries to downplay the prestige, which jilts Nova. She thinks the award may help her reconnect with her estranged family.

Later, during an interview with a publication about her novel, Nova is shaken when the journalist reveals that Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) is running for city council. As Nova sits and tries to process her thoughts Octavia highjacks the interview. It is becoming increasingly clear that she has ulterior motives.

Back in St, Josephine's parish, Blue (Ethan Hutchison) is still coming to terms about his parentage, as much as any kid can. Darla (Bianca Lawson) and Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) are being supportive by allowing him to take the day off from school. However, Darla wants to be proactive about Blue's emotional wellbeing and urges RA to call in a counselor for Blue. Though Ralph Angel seems reluctant, he puts Blue's happiness over everything.

Later, a therapist sits with Blue and his parents to discuss his emotional state following the revelation that Ralph Angel is not his biological father. After speaking with all three of them, the therapist determines that Blue is handling everything well. She urges RA and Darla to write down some dreams they have for their son's future.

The next day, Blue seems to be in brighter spirits following his therapy appointment. Both Ralph Angel and Darla can take a deep breath for now but with this show, who knows what the future will hold.

Meanwhile, Charley was very serious about running for city council. With the support of Councilwoman Barrera, she's found a space for her headquarters. Romero (Walter Perez), Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe) and Mr. Prosper (Henry G. Sanders) have all gathered around her to help. With very little time before she announces her intent to run, Charley will be working overtime to get a real foothold in the community. Meanwhile, Romero, ever the gentlemen, wants to be sure Charley knows what she's up against. This might be a moot point as a woman named Genevieve from St. Thomas parish arrives to help Charley as her community also has a vested interest in making sure the highway does not get routed into St. Josephine. Genevieve's presence puts a pep in Mr. Prosper's step.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Yes, We’ve Seen ‘The Lion King’ Before But This Movie Is Next Level

From the moment the light rose on screen, and the animals begin singing “The Circle Of Life,” I knew this film would be something special. Disney’s The Lion King 2019 movie will be adored by generations of people– those who have been enamored with the 1994 animated film since it debuted, and a slew of others who are newcomers to the tale.

No matter when you first discovered Simba’s story, the live-action Lion King will leave you speechless. There has been a ton of anticipation surrounding the return to Pride Rock. The Lion King is one of the most-beloved from Disney’s vault. Therefore, there was a great deal of pressure on director Jon Favreau to make sure that the film looked terrific visually–while maintaining the integrity of the story.

The craftsmanship in 2019’s The Lion King is breathtaking. The CGI looks so hyperrealistic that the audience will feel like they’re in Subsaharan Africa right along with the animals. Though there is some sameness when it comes to the lions’ coloring –the distinctive voices of James Earl Jones’ Mufasa, Donald Glover’s adult Simba, and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s sinister Scar are enough to distinguish them easily. Also, the majority of the audience will know the story well–so there should be little cause for confusion.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Gigi Hadid On Her Favorite Summer Perfume & What TSA Confiscated From Her Bag: EXCLUSIVE

ummer might come in the middle of the year, but it’s often a time for change, new opportunity and adventure. Summer days are often full of travel and exploration. Accordingly, Michael Kors’ new campaign for Wonderlust, is intended to commemorate your epic summer memories–and let you revisit them every time you spritz. Supermodel and (resident Queen of Summer) Gigi Hadid is the face of Michael Kors Wonderlust–a refreshing fragrance that will transport you to the crystal blue waters of Turks and Caicos.

Emboldened with an adventurous spirit and a lust for life, Kors knew that Hadid was the perfect fit for his new campaign. “Gigi fully embodies the Michael Kors Wonderlust spirit” he explained. “She’s curious, spontaneous, lighthearted…everything you want in a travel partner and is the perfect face for this fragrance.” For Hadid–the scent smells like an endless summer (which is what I would imagine her life actually feels like). “Michael Kors Wonderlust is a vacation in a bottle,” she said. “The fragrance is an escape–a little luxury that takes you away. I love the floral notes and the versatility. It carries me from a day at the beach to a night out with friends.”

Just after the prolific designer unveiled Hadid as the new face of Micheal Kors Wonderlust($118; macys.com), I had to opportunity to speak with them both. On a 90 degree blazing hot day in New York City, we chatted about jet setting, how certain scents are ingrained into our memories, and the fact Hadid is not exempt from TSA.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

'Ophelia' Is Bold, Feminist & Wholly Modern

We all know the tragic story of Shakespeare's Hamlet—the Prince of Denmark, who attempts to avenge his father's name, which leads to the demise of his entire family. One of the victims of Hamlet's bloodlust was Ophelia—the girl he adored and then threw away, choosing to focus instead on his own desires. In the play, Ophelia is poised as a wretched creature, a woman who goes mad after being rejected by the man she loves and drowns in the river. But this is just one perspective, we've never unfurled what happened from Ophelia's perspective. In her new film, named for the titular character, and adapted from writer Lisa Klein's novel, director Claire McCarthy shifts her lens to the girl who died (allegedly) singing to herself in the water.

A lush and gorgeously shot film that transports the viewer back to a past time, this film follows Ophelia (Daisy Ridley,) a willful and bold young girl. Raised by her widowed father Polonius (Dominic Mafham), and beloved by her brother (Tom Felton) —Ophelia doesn't fit in anyway. Barred from gaining an education because of her sex—she's left to her own curious devices until she crosses paths in the castle with Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) one day.

Despite Ophelia's rough and tumble upbringing, Queen Gertrude is intrigued by the young girl, and she promptly takes her under her wing as one of her ladies in waiting. As the years roll forward— Ophelia seems content in her position. Those she's subject to the ire of the other ladies in waiting for her affinity for nature and impoverished background, Gertrude remains solidly in her corner, and Ophelia becomes one of the queen's most trusted confidants.

Upon returning home from school to visit his parents— Prince Hamlet (George McKay) is also very taken with the red-headed beauty— it’s lust at first sight and she begins to fall for him as well. However, this is a tragedy, not a romance. As the young lovers get closer—Gertrude's secrets began to erode the journey they're on. The queen is tormented by the idea of getting older and continually ignored by her husband. As a result, Gertrude finds herself in the arms of her husband's brother, Claudius (Clive Owen). Watts is terrific here as the bored and vain queen who doesn't quite mean to be villainous, but whose selfishness begins to rot her from the inside, outward.

While working overtime to hide her own secrets including a secret marriage and a friendship with a "witch" who lives in the woods, Ophelia discovers Gertrude and Claudius are also hiding things. When the king suddenly dies, and Claudius ascends to the thrown with Gertrude at his side, Ophelia pieces it all together. Though everyone in her life tries to use her as a pawn for their personal gain, from her father to Hamlet—Ophelia never yields. Using her wits and courage, she enacts a subtle plan of attack as Hamlet slowly descends into madness and Claudius becomes more enraged.

Ophelia works so well because though the underly thread of Shakespeare is still wholly present, McCarthy's story, down to the modern music and vibrant colors in the costuming and the setting— is a 21st-century feminist tale about tenacity, will power and gusto. Ridley never falters, and she never needs anyone to come to save her. Quite frankly, she might have been better off had her father refused the queen's offer when Ophelia was just a child. Despite her gender and her position in society—from the moment we meet her, Ophelia never exists for the whims of men. As the film opens, she declares, "It is high time I shall tell you my story myself," and she does. This version of Ophelia's journey is much more insightful than Shakespeare, and the best part is, the film's climax isn't something you'll be expecting.

Ophelia is currently in theaters and Cable/Digital VOD.

Images: IFC Films

Skeletons Never Stay Buried: 'Queen Sugar' Season 4 Episode 5 [RECAP]

"Face Speckled" opens with Nova (Rutina Wesley) in New York for her book tour. As she has spilled everyone else's tea except her own, she is still being haunted by her past. She's been dreaming of her mama, her teenage self and the regal white outfit she wore to her father's funeral. Since her family has iced her out, Nova is going to be forced to deal with herself--one way or another.  Startled awake by her dreams--Nova makes a record of what she remembers on her bedside tape recorder. It appears that the eldest Bordelon sibling is also working on another project.

Back in St. Joseph parish--Darla (Bianca Lawson) is stricken by the horrors that Nova revealed in Blessing & Blood. She's barely functioning, ignoring her new bae, and allowing Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) to do the heavy lifting when it comes to parenting Blue (Ethan Hutchison). At the last hour, Darla begins to pray feverishly for a way forward.

At Vi's Prized Pies & Diner--Violet (Tina Lifford) seems to be getting a handle on things again. Though she's not quite back to her old self--her euphoric spirit is slowly seeping through. She's further delighted when Remy (Dondré T. Whitfield) comes sliding through her new place of business. (High-key we almost forgot he existed.) After his less than gentlemanly behavior with Nova and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) last season, Remy has had to do some real soul searching. He tells Vi and Hollywood (Omar J. Dorsey) that his time in St. Joesph has run its course. With a packed lunch from Vi Remy looks like he's ready to embark on a new path.

Meanwhile, Charley is at home working when Davis (Timon Kyle Durrett) brings his BS to her front door. Blessing & Blood has brought up his past behaviors and the assault allegations that he and Charley buried in Season 1. Students are boycotting at the university where he's just been hired to coach, and Davis is panicked--begging the woman who used to "fix" his life to help him again. Because Micah's (Nicholas L. Ashe) world is also entangled with his father's legacy, Charley agrees to meet Davis and hear him out. Amid Davis' begging and pleading, Romero (Walter Perez) drops by offering lunch and romance. As much as we want this for Charley we just don't see it working out. Life isn't a fairytale.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Image: OWN.

Skeletons Never Stay Buried: 'Queen Sugar' Season 4 Episode 5 [RECAP]

"Face Speckled" opens with Nova (Rutina Wesley) in New York for her book tour. As she has spilled everyone else's tea except her own, she is still being haunted by her past. She's been dreaming of her mama, her teenage self and the regal white outfit she wore to her father's funeral. Since her family has iced her out, Nova is going to be forced to deal with herself--one way or another.  Startled awake by her dreams--Nova makes a record of what she remembers on her bedside tape recorder. It appears that the eldest Bordelon sibling is also working on another project.

Back in St. Joseph parish--Darla (Bianca Lawson) is stricken by the horrors that Nova revealed in Blessing & Blood. She's barely functioning, ignoring her new bae, and allowing Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) to do the heavy lifting when it comes to parenting Blue (Ethan Hutchison). At the last hour, Darla begins to pray feverishly for a way forward.

At Vi's Prized Pies & Diner--Violet (Tina Lifford) seems to be getting a handle on things again. Though she's not quite back to her old self--her euphoric spirit is slowly seeping through. She's further delighted when Remy (Dondré T. Whitfield) comes sliding through her new place of business. (High-key we almost forgot he existed.) After his less than gentlemanly behavior with Nova and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) last season, Remy has had to do some real soul searching. He tells Vi and Hollywood (Omar J. Dorsey) that his time in St. Joesph has run its course. With a packed lunch from Vi Remy looks like he's ready to embark on a new path.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Photo by Skip Bolen © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. / Courtesy of OWN

The Rap Game Is In Megan Thee Stallion’s Blood

“Real hot girl shit.” Megan Thee Stallion has defined the summer for women (and like-minded men) across the globe. At a time when women in the music industry are pitted against one another, Hot Girl Meg has claimed her space center stage. She’s entered the rap game with her unique Houston swag–a Stetson cowboy hat placed cutely on her multi-colored hair.

Though she’s been working on her bars for literal years–the world got their first glimpse of the “Shake That” rapper back in 2017 when a video of a cypher that she was in–the sole woman in a sea of men–went viral.

At the time, Megan was a full-time student at Texas Southern University. Her career has exploded since then, forcing her to leave school on the backburner for now. Exuding sexuality, positivity and a feminist-minded focus, the world has learned who Megan is–and we’ve learned quick. “I’ve been writing since I was maybe seven,” she told Rolling Stone. “I was kind of shy about telling people that I could rap for the longest.” It’s clear with her thunderous 2019 mixtape Fever, Megan isn’t shy anymore.

Born Megan Pete in 1995, the “Simon Says” rapper’s global debut on that roof in Houston where she declared, “Name a bitch you know that’s f—king with my flow,” didn’t come by accident. The “Big Ole Freak” lyricist has the rap game in her blood. Her mother was Holly Thomas a.k.a. Houston rapper Holly-Wood. From an early age, Megan was mesmerized watching her mother go hard in the studio. She also gravitated toward legends like Pimp C and Three Six Mafia. “There wasn’t anything I couldn’t listen to, so it definitely made me more free to say anything I wanted to say,” she told Elle Magazine. “That’s what I feel like my music represents—having no limits or restrictions.” Though Holly’s popularity was confined to Houston and the South, watching her mother’s grind and work ethic in an attempt to start her own label gave Megan the confidence to go after her own rap dreams.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

The new 'Little Mermaid,' Halle Bailey, is Disney's second Black princess. Her casting is real magic to some girls.

In 1997, millions of Black girls watched in awe as actress and singer Brandy Norwood was transformed into the iconic princess, Cinderella, in the television movie version of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic musical. Delivering outstanding vocals, Norwood (and a diverse cast that included Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother and Filipino-American actor Paolo Montalbán as Prince Christopher) gave millions of kids (and adults) the chance to see themselves reflected in a fairy tale for the first time.

Now, more than 20 years later, and 10 years after adding its first and only Black princess to its roster, Disney is about to do it again.

Disney announced on Wednesday that they had cast 19-year-old singer and actor Halle Bailey as Ariel in their forthcoming live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.” The animated feature, released in 1989, is still one of Disney's most beloved films and features a rebellious mermaid who is desperate to escape her constrained life under the sea to live above water with humans.

Continue reading at NBC THINK.

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Nova Is An Island: 'Queen Sugar' Season 4 Episode 4 [RECAP]

Deep pain is festering for the Bordelons in Season 4, episode 4 of Queen Sugar, "Skin Transparent." Directed by Jezebel director Numa Perrier in her TV debut, "Skin Transparent" shows Nova (Rutina Wesley) about to embark on her book tour for Blessing & Blood--which is already garnering critical acclaim. As she gears up to leave, she enlists Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe) to house sit for her. Having read her book, Micah is proud of his aunt and doesn't seem to understand the hurt and anguish that it's causing the rest of his family. However, Nova is finally getting how badly she's screwed up--though she hasn't yet admitted it. Aunt Violet (Tina Lifford), Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) and Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) are freezing her out, and it's killing her. With her upcoming book launch, Nova is desperate to see some familiar faces in the audience, but her siblings and her aunt won't even return her phone calls.

Still shaken by Jimmy Dale (David Alan Grier) crashing through her world, Violet is utterly traumatized. She's barely functioning, and Hollywood (Omar J. Dorsey) can tell that Jimmy Dale's short reemergence into Violet's life has left her off-kilter. Vi can't even bring herself to leave the Vi's Prized Pies & Diner's kitchen. She snaps at her favorite employee and has Hollywood and Rhonda run interference to keep Nova away from her place of business. Despite Hollywood's urging to talk things out, Violet can't bring herself to face her past or her present feelings.

Meanwhile, Charley and Romero's (Walter Perez) clinic for undocumented workers is already up and running in the barracks behind Queen Sugar mill. Romero seems thrilled by the operation, but Charley's still spiraling from Nova's book and from her secret about the men who died on her land. As a result, she isn't able to be authentically joyful. At the clinic, Micah meets Romero by chance, and after so much buildup, it's clear that it's not exactly the encounter Charley had been hoping for.

There is some good news in the midst of this. Charley's investigator has found the man who's been sending death threats to Micah, and he's been arrested. Also, Ralph Angel has started the Ernest Bordelon Re-Entry Program for formerly incarcerated people. It's something his old friends have been urging him to do for some time. However, amid the positive things happening in his life, RA has also begun getting questions about Blue's paternity.

Of course, the Landrys and the Beaudreaux are up to their old bullshit. Charley's investigator has discovered that the prominent families have come together to help fund a federal highway that will cut right through St. Joseph's county and the lands of many of its farmer. The plan is so massive and well thought out that they've already begun infiltrating the city council. There's a lot at stake here, and even Charley with all of her tenacity, brilliance, and risk-taking might not be able to stop it.

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Image: Skip Bolen © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. / Courtesy of OWN

Violet, You In Danger, Girl: 'Queen Sugar' Season 4 Episode 3 [RECAP]

Season 4 episode 3 of Queen Sugar, "Where My Body Stops or Begins," chronicles the continued of the fallout over Nova's (Rutina Wesley) forthcoming memoir, Blessing & Blood, which drags up all of her family's secrets without permission. Her sister Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) and brother Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) were devastated by Nova sharing their lowest moments with the world in last week's episode, and this week, it's Aunt Violet's (Tina Lifford) turn to feel destroyed and betrayed by Nova's words. Without considering her aunt's feelings, Nova has drudged up Vi's past as a domestic violence survivor at the hands of Vi's ex-husband, Jimmy Dale (David Alan Grier). Vi buried that past some 30 years ago--and that's not Nova's dug up for her aunt, but we'll get to that later.

After spending the entire night reading Blessing & Blood cover to cover, despite Hollywood (Omar J. Dorsey) urging her not to, Vi is unsettled and exhausted. Not to mention, Nova hasn't returned any of her phone calls. Though Aunt Vi heads to Vi's Prized Pies & Diner, determined to press onward, her day is quickly cut short when she encounters the one person she wants to see least in the world, Jimmy Dale. He's come to town for who knows what and Vi is so terrified, she faints in his arms.

In the West/Bordelon household, Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe) and Charley are at odds. Micah has immersed himself into his aunt's book, and with the attitude that he's brought home with him from Paris, he and Charley can't seem to find any middle ground. All of Charley's worst fears about her son, especially his turning to Nova for guidance instead of her, are coming to fruition.

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Image: Skip Bolen © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. / Courtesy of OWN

On The Set Of Lena Waithe's Upcoming Film 'Queen & Slim,' Black Love And Protest Art Collide

Penned by Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe, and helmed by visionary artist and Grammy Award winner Melina Matsoukas in her feature directorial debut, the drama film Queen & Slim is unlike anything we've seen before in cinema. The film follows an unlikely pairing: Slim (Daniel Kaluuya), a blue-collar guy with a subdued temperament, and Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith), a fiercely determined lawyer, who find themselves on a lackluster first date. However, things take a drastic turn when they kill a police officer in self-defense. As they embark on a race for their lives, they flee from Cleveland to New Orleans before eventually landing in Florida. All the while, police are hot on their trails. While en route,  the duo unpacks the current state of Black America, police brutality, their own humanity and their developing feelings for one another.

"If you're thrown into a situation with somebody you're not familiar with, you learn about that person real fast, especially in a situation like this," Waithe explained when Shadow And Act stopped by their New Orleans set during filmiing. "Again, they're very different. They handle things very differently--they relate to each other very differently; they walk through the world very differently."

Well before Kaluuya and Turner-Smith sat in a turquoise Catalina together, Waithe knew she needed someone extraordinary to bring her vision to life. Matsoukas, who has given us everything from Rihanna's "We Found Love" music video, to Beyoncé's "Formation" and Master of None's "Thanksgiving" episode, was the only person The Chi creator knew she could trust with Queen and Slim's story. "I think it's like Michael [Jackson] with Quincy [Jones]," she explained. "I just feel so honored. She's such a talent. You guys know the work she's done. Everybody was trying to get her to do a movie, and for her to say, 'This is the movie, this is the thing I want.' She's like, 'A lot of people give me gifts, but this is the gift I wanted to receive.'"

Undoubtedly, there is a particular pressure that comes with presenting a debut feature film to the world. Therefore, Matsoukas had been very deliberate about taking her time before saying "Yes" to Waithe and Queen & Slim. "It spoke to me," she revealed. "I had been looking for my first feature for a while now --for years, honestly. I'm one where if I'm not passionate about the story, and the storytelling and the writing, I'd rather not do it. If I don't feel like I can give my all to something, it's better not to have it. Lena and I had worked together on Master of None, and that was our first collaboration. It was perfect. I didn't want my passion for Lena and working with Lena to dictate that I would do this film. I had to take that out of it. I read the script, and I couldn't put it down. Once I read it, I said, 'Absolutely! Yes.' That never happens. To read something that you gravitate toward immediately was an honor, a pleasure, a relief, and really inspiring. I put that script down, and I was like, 'Let's go.'"

Once the script was in order, and Matsoukas was on board, the next big hurdle that Waithe had to jump through was finding her perfect cast to bring the vision and the main themes of Queen & Slim to life. Academy Award nominee Daniel Kaluuya was the first actor attached to the project. "Lena came to a Get Out screening," Kaluuya remembered. "That's where I first met her. She mentioned this Bonnie and Clyde movie, and I was like 'What's that!?' I met up with her, and then she sent it to me. On the way back from Comic-Con for Black Panther, I read it, and I was like, 'I want it. I want to play Slim.' He just feels like an everyman. He feels like a guy that wants to do good, but things happen. Standing up for yourself is dangerous sport…"

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Image: Andre D. Wagner/ Universal Pictures.