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NEWSLETTER
Updated: March 27, 2003
Welcome to a new look for
the site – hopefully you will like what you see! This week’s highlights
include the scoop on this year's Academy Award winners, the postponement
of the Hollywood Black Film Festival, an opportunity with the ISC for
songwriters as well as the weekly motivational thought. Events include
the ReelWorld Film Festival top 10 picks and the Harbourfront
Centre’s “Indaba”, an
exciting South African festival. Music news includes
updates on Musiq and Prince, Rock's 50 Richest 2003, hip
hop’s Midas touch, Amel Larrieux, The "Electric Circus" tour,
Shaggy, Lil’ Mo plus new CD releases. Television news includes updates on Platinum and Jamie Foxx. Other news includes news on O
Magazine and Bethann
Hardison (Kadeem Hardison’s
Mom) - - and much, much more!
This newsletter is designed to give you some updated entertainment-related news
and provide you with our upcoming event listings. Welcome to those
who are new members. Want your events listed by date? Check
out EVENTS.
SCOOP
Oscar
Winners
Despite the scaled down approach to this year’s 75th Annual Academy
Awards, some stars still came out to collect their awards. CLICK HERE for
the winners!
HBFF
Postponed: Film fest pushed back because of flight reluctance
Last week I told you about two Canadian films screening at the Fifth Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) - The Journey of Lesra Martin and The
Best Girl. “We have tentatively
rescheduled the festival to be held June 3-8, 2003 (confirmation of these dates
will be made within the next two weeks).
The entire festival schedule will remain, as is, with just the dates
changing.”
It's
another casualty of war. The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) has decided
to postpone its film celebration. The event was scheduled to start Tuesday, March 25, but organizers
have pushed back the kickoff date to June 3 in light of current world events.
"We have evaluated our options and collectively decided to postpone the
festival," said HBFF Founder and Executive Director Tanya Kersey-Henley.
"This is a critical moment for our country and our soldiers, and at this
time the nation's focus should appropriately be on the escalating conflict in
the Middle East. Our decision to postpone the film festival has received
unqualified support from our sponsors, participating filmmakers and
panelists." Kersey-Henley stated
that because of the Iraq crisis, panelists and participants might be
discouraged from traveling to Los Angeles for the event.
This
will be the fifth year for the Black film fest. The HBFF 2003 will screen more
than 81 features, shorts, and documentaries from both accomplished and aspiring
filmmakers. For information and updates, visit www.HBFF.org.
OPPORTUNITY
The
International Songwriting Competition Is Now Accepting Entries
ISC is giving away $100,000 in cash and prizes. Enter your songs now and have your music heard by the music
industry's top professionals. 68
winners! New categories! All musicians, bands, and solo artists are invited to
participate. For more information and
an entry form CLICK HERE.
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual musical
competition whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and
established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international
arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all
levels, and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and
musicians are invited to participate.
ISC judges include some of the most high-profile, influential members of the
music industry:
* Rob Thomas
Lead Singer/Songwriter
Matchbox 20
* Bruce Lundvall
CEO/President
Capitol Records Jazz/Classics
* Jimmy Bralower
VP of A&R/Staff Producer
Atlantic Records
* Monte Lipman
President
Universal Records
* Tina Davis
Sr. VP of A&R
Def Jam/Def Soul
* Rose Noone
Sr. VP of A&R
Epic Records
* Arif Mardin
VP/GM
Manhattan Records
* Nile Rodgers
Producer/Performer
(Chic, Madonna, David Bowie)
* Kim Stephens
Sr. VP of A&R/Promotion
Lava Records
Categories:
Pop/Top 40
Rock/Alternative
Country
AAA/Roots/Americana
Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Blues
R&B/Hip-Hop
Jazz/Instrumental
World
Gospel/Christian
Dance/Electronica
Lyrics Only
Teen
THOUGHT
MOTIVATIONAL
NOTE: Make a decision to have more wisdom and self-control
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Jewel Diamond Taylor, Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net
Make a decision to have more wisdom and self-control in four
important areas in your life. As you learn to "yes" to the right
things and "no" to the "wrong" things, your life will get
better. I challenge you to change in four areas of your life. I invite you to grow to
the next level. If you can tell the truth to yourself about where you are
mismanaging your life in these four areas, you are ready to experience a
breakthrough for peace of mind and success. The four areas that can take you
higher or take you down are; managing your well your money, time, emotions and
relationships. Live your life under
new management. Make a commitment to live a life of quality, integrity, peace,
love and success.
HOT EVENTS
ReelWorld Film Festival – April 3-6, 2003
The ReelWorld Film Festival, which is devoted to culturally and racially
diverse films, unveiled its line-up of films last Tuesday. The third edition of
the Toronto event will open April 3 with the Mia Kirshner starter "Now
& Forever" and will close April 6 with director Ernest Dickerson's
"Good Fences," starring Danny Glover and Whoopi Goldberg. Among the
65 films that will unspool at the festival are 26 fiction features, 15 world
premieres and 30 Canadian premieres. All
films to take place at Famous Players
Silvercity at Empress Walk - 5095 Yonge Street.
Top Ten not to be missed films within the festival!
1. GOOD
FENCES
(USA)
Closing Gala
April 6, 2003 - 7:00 pm * -
Theatre 1
Starring Academy Award Winner Whoopi Goldberg and
Independent Spirit Award Winner Danny Glover, this strong and humorous piece
reflects a place and time in a black family's chase of the ever-elusive
"American Dream." The place is Greenwich, Connecticut, 1973, and Tom
(Danny Glover) has just won a controversial court case. He and his wife, Mabel
(Whoopi Goldberg), and their two teenagers are settling into a new home in the
suburbs. Being the only black family in the neighbourhood, the spotlight is on
them all the time.
2. ESCAPE
FROM TALIBAN (A TRUE STORY) (India)
April 5, 2003 - 4:00 pm
* - Theatre 1
Based on Sushmita Bannerjee’s bestseller, Kabuliawala’s
Bengali Wife, ESCAPE FROM TALIBAN is the true story of a young Bengali woman’s
struggle to escape from the Taliban. Director Ujjal Chatterjee blends elements
of Bollywood with factual incidents to create a powerful film that depicts the
courage of a woman who challenges the unjust treatment of women under Taliban
rule. The film takes us behind closed doors to see the inhumane acts man can inflict
upon his own people, and shows us the power of the human spirit.
3. MR. AND MRS. IYER (India)
Centrepiece Gala
April 5, 2003 -
7:00 pm * - Theatre 1
The
route from the majestic Himalayas to the decaying grandeur of Calcutta is a
treacherous 14 hour bus ride. Mrs. Iyer (Konkona Sensharma) must make the
journey with her 9-month-old son. Her anxious parents appeal to Raja Choudhry
(Rahul Bose), a soft-spoken photographer, who promises to deliver her safely.
Acclaimed writer/director Aparna Sen crafts a brilliant and sensitive story in
MR. AND MRS. IYER, where people transcend fear and prejudice to form bonds
based on character and spirit.
4. WHAT IT TAKES (Canada)
April 6, 2003 - 10:00 am
* - Theatre 1
WHAT IT TAKES gives you an all-access pass into executive boardrooms to capture
fresh information directly from the power players of the music business, who
share advice and drop valuable pointers on what it takes to succeed in this
fast-paced, often short-lived industry. Think you've got what it takes? Enjoy
an exclusive inside glimpse at three artists who think they've got game as
they're followed along on their daily grind to ink a record deal.
Shot in New York City and Toronto, WHAT IT TAKES is packed with footage of
label executives at Motown, Def Jam, BMG, Sony, Virgin Music Canada and
Interscope Records, and entertaining feedback from such high profile figures as
urban music video directors, Benny Boom and Little X, all-star music head
honcho Rodney Jerkins and Ashanti's sassy manager, Linda Berk.
5. MIDNIGHT FLY (Hong Kong)
Gala
April 4, 2003 - 6:30 pm
* - Theatre 1
MIDNIGHT FLY is the story of a bond formed between two women in the face of one
man's emotional irresponsibility. The film follows Michele's emotional journey
as she moves from self-absorption to making a choice between rescuing a
marriage doomed to fail and the responsibilities of her friendship with Miki.
Director Jacob Cheung is well known in Hong Kong for revitalizing arthouse
films within the popular commercial film culture. In MIDNIGHT FLY, he
demonstrates his ability to weave a powerful picture with a beautiful cast,
breathtaking setting and stunning images of continental Europe and Morocco.
6. RALPH
ELLISON: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY (USA)
April 5, 2003 -
10:00 am * - Theatre 1
One of
the most influential novels of the 20th century, Invisible Man established
writer Ralph Ellison as a central figure of modern American literature.
RALPH ELLISON: AN AMERICAN JOURNEY profiles the writer whose landmark first
novel forever changed the way Americans think about arts, politics, race and
nationhood. Ellison was a self-taught writer who seemingly came out of nowhere
to achieve literary celebrity, but little is known about his life.
7. THE BEAT (USA)
April 5, 2003 -
6:45 pm
* - Theatre 2
Heartbeat! Beat the rap! Walk the beat! Beat up! I'm
beat! Beat the odds! First-time director Brandon Sonnier explores
"beat" from every angle in this intelligent, all-the-way-live and
super-fresh film.
THE BEAT is the story of Flip (Rahman Jamaal), an aspiring musician who’s
forced into a hard situation after his brother is brutally stabbed in an
alleyway in South Central L.A. The traumatic events lead Flip’s overbearing
father to deliver an ultimatum: either get a job that brings in a steady
paycheque or pursue his passion to become a rapper and live on the street.
8. IKINGUT
(Iceland) – Family Presentation
April 5, 2003 - 12:00 pm
* - Theatre 1
Set against the exotic and spectacular landscape of Iceland, IKINGUT is a
visually rich and striking picture full of characters that resonate with
emotional intensity and universal themes. Fairytale-like in its style and tone,
IKINGUT portrays a self-contained community encircled by a natural environment.
IKINGUT appeals strongly to contemporary audiences through themes of ignorance
and the fear of the unknown. It won three major awards, including the Audience
Award at the Festival International de Cinema, the Don Quixote Award at the
International
Film Festival for Children and Youth (Czech Republic) and the Parent’s Choice
Silver Honor Award (USA).
9. MI CASA SU CASA (USA)
April 6, 2003 - 2:00 pm
* - Theatre 1
On the day that Donald (Roy Werner) finds out he has nothing to live for,
Miguel (Gerardo Mejia), his gardener, wins the lottery. Miguel is an honest
hard-working man who takes family to heart. So when he realizes he is now a
rich man, all he wants is to help his family members. This includes his
beautiful, fiery cousin Catalina (Laura Elena Harring), who resides in
Mexico. The next day, Miguel stops by
to give Donald his final notice, only to find Donald at the end of his rope,
literally. Miguel reluctantly shares the good news of his winnings. Miguel
makes Donald a business proposition: Marry his beautiful cousin for the sake of
a green card and he will lend him the money to get back on his feet. For the
marriage to look official, Miguel’s family has to move into Donald’s house a
fact to which he was oblivious to at the time of the agreement.
10. THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES (United Kingdom)
April 4, 2003 - 4:00 pm
* - Theatre 1
The
stunning victory of North Korea over Italy in the World Cup of Soccer final of
1966 was nothing short of amazing. Many people watching believed they had witnessed
a moment of unsurpassable significance in professional sports. If this victory
had occurred today, stardom would have followed, but after knocking out Italy,
the North Korean team disappeared into oblivion. THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES
catches up with the victorious team 35 years later.
*Please note that this schedule is
subject to change without notice.
Please visit www.reelworld.ca
Harbourfront Centre’s “Indaba”:
A Celebration of South African Culture
Indaba is the Zulu word for
gathering place. The end of apartheid brought political
euphoria to South Africa and a new awakening to its creative arts. Indaba is a
showcase of the brilliant new theatrical talent emerging from South Africa,
fresh and young new voices, original and unique stories about exile and
returning home, tragedy and beauty, and in some cases simple, pure, lyrical and
uninhibited celebration. Harbourfront
Centre is pleased to present this bold multi-disciplinary focus on a contemporary
artistic renaissance. Below are only
some highlights of this festival. For
all information, go to Harbourfront Centre’s page – CLICK
HERE.
A Woman in Waiting – April 3 – 6, 2003
In a moving tribute to the South African spirit, Thembi Mtshali celebrates the
poignant history of three generations of resilient Zulu women from apartheid to
the present day. This autobiographical work tells of a young woman who has
spent her childhood separated from her parents, of the terror of the night
raids in the townships, the massacre of the children in Soweto and her eventual
escape from a stifling regime. Based on
the Life of Thembi Mtshali; Conceived and Written by Yael Farber & Thembi
Mtshali; Starring Thembi Mtshali; Directed by Yael Farber
April 3, 4, 5, 8:00 pm
April 5 & 6, 2:00 pm
A Woman in Waiting
Studio
Theatre
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
$35
In a 5+ show package
(15% off): $29.75
In the 15+ show package
(25% off): $26.50
Vusi Mahlasela – April 5, 2003
Of this celebrated
singer, composer and musician, Nobel Prize winning novelist Nadine Gordimer
says: "Vusi's music is here to stir and delight us. He is a national
treasure." Known simply as "The Voice," his music ranges from
Afro Folk to Afro Jazz to soulful contemporary. Spend an evening in the company
of a superstar of African music and his extraordinary band. Special guests for the evening include Lorraine Klaasen &
Soweto Groove.
April 5, 2003
Vusi Mahlasela
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen's Quay
West, east of Spadina Avenue, west of Harbourfront and the Toronto Island Ferry
9:30
pm
Tickets:
$28.25
Parking
is available at Skydome, the Air Canada Centre, the Radisson Hotel and
Harbourfront Centre.
Yiimimangaliso: The
Mysteries –
April 8 – 13, 2003
The
Mysteries is a brilliantly
inventive fusion of disparate cultures - a South African retelling of the
Chester Mystery plays, incorporating the flamboyant singing and dancing essence
of street theatre. Drawn from all of the vocal traditions found in South
Africa, the music is an invigorating mixture of township jive, hymns and
carols, delivered in Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, and English. This uplifting
production cast largely with people from the South African townships has been
acclaimed as an unmissable theatre event by critics around the world. Performed in English, Xhosa, Zulu &
Afrikaans. Broomhill Opera & Wilton's Music Hall, UK/South Africa;
Created by Mark Dornford-May & Charles Hazelwoo.
Everything about this glorious production is as good as it gets." - Wall Street Journal
"Dazzling. The Ten Commandments have acquired an eleventh - Thou Shalt Go
to The Mysteries." - Time Out
"The Bible brought to glorious life with
dance, music, comedy and joy...When the whole company is in full and glorious
voice, you'll feel that you have died and gone to heaven." - The Daily Telegraph
APRIL 8, 9 & 11, 8:00 pm
APRIL 12 & 13, 2:00 pm
The Mysteries
Elgin Theatre
189 Yonge Street
Tickets: $75 / $55
In a 5+ show package
(15% off): $63.75 / $46.75
In the 15+ show package
(25% off): $56.25 / $41.25
For single tickets call TICKETMASTER: 416-872-5555
Carmen – April 10 and 12, 2003
The world's most popular opera in a version that's been hailed as the best
ever! According to Time
Out, this South African Carmen "reawakens you
to the lyricism, tragedy and emotional directness of Bizet's
classic." Broomhill Opera &
Wilton's Music Hall, UK/South Africa by George Bizet; New English Translation
by Rory Bremner, with Xhosa dialogue; Directed by Mark Dornford-May
"an incendiary performance...I cannot recommend strongly enough that you
see this show" -The Times
"From now on, this should be the Carmen by which others are
measured." -The
Observer
[Pauline Malefane makes] "a compelling Carmen - she moves like a goddess
and sings like a night-club chanteuse." -Independent on Sunday
April 10 & 12, 8:00 pm
Carmen
Elgin Theatre
189 Yonge Street
Tickets: $75 / $55
In a 5+ show package
(15% off): $63.75 / $46.75
In the 15+ show package
(25% off): $56.25 / $41.25
For single tickets call TICKETMASTER: 416-872-5555
MUSIC NEWS
Musiq and Prince To Collab: Song will appear on
Soulchild's third album
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Musiq is planning a collaboration with Prince. The two, who performed live
together at a Prince show last year, will likely join forces for Musiq's third
album. "I think it's important to
collaborate with other people, just to bring together two worlds and see what
comes out of it," Musiq said recently. "It's all about inspiring
people and keeping the ball rolling. What one does now contributes to the
future. If you're not putting nothing out there that's substantial, there won't
be a future in music."
Musiq's not sure who else he will
record with for the follow-up to Juslisen, but the singer will next be seen
teaming with Carlos Santana on "Nothing at All," his contribution to
the guitarist's Shaman CD and the next single.
Yep, It's All About The Benjamins: Rock's 50
Richest 2003 list tells who's making what
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
You ever wonder what kind of loot some of today's music stars are making? Well, thanks to Rolling Stone's "Rock's 50 Richest
2003" list, we now have some idea.
At the top is Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, the Dave Matthews Band
and Celine Dion whichcame in at the Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.
From an urban perspective, representing is Eminem in the #5 spot with $28.9
million. With the back-to-back hella years he's been having, we're surprised he
didn't place higher. We're sure he's not complaining, though. Moving along. In 8th place is Mariah Carey
with $23.3 million. Again, she didn't make by selling records, but by being
bought out of one contract and signing another. Number 9 belongs to Jay-Z He made around $22.7 million. Well, we
definitely know he sold a ton of CDs. (Would've sold more if hadn't been for
Pookie and 'nem bootlegging his ish.) He's also getting paid off of his share
of the Rocawaear clothing line.
Finally, according to the
"Rock's 50 Richest 2003" list, here's how some other urban artists
made out: Jennifer Lopez # 26 ($12.2 million), Brian "Baby" Williams
# 28 ($11.8 million), Dr. Dre #29 ($10.6 million), the Neptunes # 35 ($8.9
million), and Nelly # 48 ($6.6 million).
Urban Market Intelligence (UMI): Hip-Hop's Midas
Touch
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Erin Patton
While perusing the pages of my favorite urban magazines over the weekend, I
came to the realization that Hip-Hop music, literally, has the midas touch
right about now as Hip-Hop artists are working their way into the product
creation process of America's most recognizable brands in ways never
imagined. Clearly, the Hip-Hop lifestyle
and culture has permeated the entire corporate America landscape like never
before. The question isn't what is Hip-Hop selling these days, it's what is
Hip-Hop not selling. The difference is, we're no longer talking about the
frivolous, commercial jingles that once-defined corporate America's previous
attempts to capitalize on the surging popularity of rap music or the next
evolution which incorporated the actual artists into the pitching of the
products (often producing slightly less advanced versions of the corny
commercial jingles…with the exception of Reebok which opened things up by giving
artists the creative freedom but that's another column).
The current paradigm of Hip-Hop's influence has evolved from being a creative
source of demand creation (i.e. marketing, advertising and promotions) to
become an inspiration for product design and development. For the first time in
history, we are witnessing the most recognizable, mainstream brands creating
products that are born out of the urban lifestyle and targeted exclusively to
the urban mindset. From the kicks they rock, video games they play and wireless
devices they communicate with to the whips they drive and the cocktails they
toast to the good life, Hip-Hop has finally become embraced as a total,
soup-to-nuts package of products that sells as an entire lifestyle. Just a few years ago, the primary brand
extension for rap artists outside of the music game was fashion. Some have made
that transition smoothly and sold rags for riches to consumers around the world
while others have stumbled out of the block with clothing lines they've, primarily,
given away to their crew.
Now, the market has opened up considerably in recognition of the Hip-Hop
lifestyle's influence on mainstream culture and, specifically, the current
multi-cultural/multi-racial generation. For these consumers, the urban lifestyle
is all about customized, individual expression. As such, companies are looking
to those individuals of pure, Hip-Hop pedigree who best understand their
lifestyle to help them express their product in a way that resonates with the
market. For example, recognizing the
lucrative, secondary market created by the sports and entertainment elite, the
automotive industry has begun to manufacture whips to the exact specifications
of the urban set. From legendary DJ Funkmaster Flex's Team Bartwell Lincoln Navigator
(complete with Lugz driving shoe) to Snoop's limited edition, customized Snoop
DeVille with mink seats from Cadillac-Saab of Memphis starting at $80,000, the
automotive industry is banking on more than just the personalities of these
icons to sell the product. They are recognizing that the best way to sell to
the customer is to integrate the customer into the product design and
development process.
Then there's Motorola/Nextel announcing a recent multi-year partnership with
Russell and Kimora Simmons' Phat Farm/Baby Phat brands to provide fashion and
technology savvy consumers a wider range of mobile products and services to
complement their style preferences. The marriage between the Motorola and Phat
brands will include the development of co-branded products such as Motorola
iDEN® handsets, technology content and accessories. "Mobile phones are intrinsic to the lifestyles of the
hip-hop generation, and no brand does cell phones better than Motorola. The
Baby Phat and Motorola relationship is exciting and will be bringing
revolutionary items to market over the next couple of years," said Kimora
Simmons, founder of Baby Phat.
Speaking of Russell, EA Sports and Def Jam will have thumbs on swole with their
new Def Jam Vendetta video game that allows gamers to choose their favorite
"character" from the Def Jam artist roster (i.e. Scarface, DMX,
Ludacris, Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Capone) who put their
street-brawling skills to the test and issue beat downs to their opponents in
this underground fight club video game.
"The only way we agreed to be a part of this was if EA could
incorporate the Def Jam (read Hip-Hop) lifestyle into the game, said Def Jam
president Kevin Liles. "And they have, " he added, from the whips to
the distinctive soles of the fighter's Timberlands. Speaking of soles, Reebok will be big pimpin' with Jay-Z as the
two have collaborated to design the first, signature footwear model for a rap
artist in the S. Carter Collection, which will provide a nice, clean look for
classic Hip-Hop heads this summer.
So, grab a shot of Jay-Z's Armadale Vodka or glass of "Diddy's
Drinks" and toast to Hip-Hop's midas touch. And while platinum still
reigns supreme as the preferred outward symbol of success, even several icons
of ice have begun to start sporting gold which seems to be a sign of the times
for Hip-Hop's midas touch.
Amel Larrieux: Her voice is like an instrument
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Kenya M.
Yarbrough
Amel Larrieux was introduced to us as half of the R&B/Pop duo Groove
Theory, whose debut LP struck gold status in 1995 on the popularity of the hit
“If You Want Me To” and its follow-up “Baby Luv.” The group’s blend of funk,
soul, and pop catapulted them to the top of the charts. However, to the dismay
of many, Groove Theory disbanded. Five years later,
Larrieux resurfaced and the soul community rejoiced. The New York native’s solo
debut LP “Infinite Possibilities,” made a quiet rumble in the industry with the
lead single “Get Up.” But Larrieux was disappointed with the project’s
promotion. “My last album, ‘Infinite
Possibilities,’ is something that I had qualms with my record label for not
getting out and working it enough,” Larrieux submitted. “I felt like they
should have spent more time on it.”
Though “Infinite Possibilities” didn’t perform initially how the singer had
hoped, the LP staggered and stayed. Slowly, her sophisticated soul music seeped
into CD players and coffee house soundtracks. The buzz on the smooth singer was
quiet, but it remained. “What’s
amazing is that it had this other afterlife, this afterglow is happening,” she
said. “People are getting turned on to it even though it’s been out for three
years. I’m still gigging off of that album, which is so cool.” Larrieux has been performing across the
continent and beyond on the accolades of the funky LP. Fans of her velvety
voice have flocked to intimate affairs where she showcases her malleable voice.
If you haven’t caught her live, you haven’t heard half of her magic. Likened to
the legends of jazzy skat, Larrieux’s performances are laced with tangential
runs and hums.
“People that I listen to and love like Bobby McFarrin, Ella Fitzgerald and
other people like that have this great vocalization with their voice and use
their voices as instruments. I always do it with a lot of my live shows, but I
don’t always have the leeway on CD,” she explained. Larrieux mentioned that there were a few times on her debut LP where
she took creative license to get into a zone of feeling the song before
actually singing the lyrics, but said her shows are really where she can take
off. “With ‘Infinite Possibilities’
there were some times at the end of the song where I left something in, but
most of time, when I start feeling that vibe I’m already seven minutes in and
[the label] was like, ‘This has to be a four minute song.’ Live shows – I’ve
been doing this for the last ten years – have been my thing. I have to feel at
an audience to see if they're feeling me taking my time to get into it, or are
they feeling me just wanting to get right into the song,” she said.
Meanwhile, as she continues to wow audiences, Larrieux is putting the finishing
touches on her yet unnamed sophomore follow-up. “Hopefully, my label and I will come to some good agreement and
we’ll all be happy,” she said. While you're waiting for Amel's new album, you
can check her out doing that incredible thing she does with her voice in those
new Coca-Cola "Real" TV commercials.
Review: The Electric Circus Tour: Common, Talib
Kweli and Gangstarr at the House of Blues
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Jevaillier Jefferson
The "Electric Circus" tour ended its Southern California run on
Thursday night at House of Blues-Anaheim. But, its opening night at the House
of Blues-Sunset Strip was marked by high energy, lots of dancing and an
overflow of thought -provoking messages.
Legendary
rap group Gangstarr opened the show. The group, comprised of lyricist Guru and
DJ Premier, performed snippets of classic cuts like "Dwyck," breakout
hit "The Words I Manifest" and new single "Skills." The duo
is set to embark on a tour in conjunction with upcoming disc "The
Owners" later this spring. It's clear that heads think the duo is still
putting in impressive work, as Guru received crazy love while mingling among
concert goers following Gangstarr's set.
Brooklyn-born rapper Talib Kweli was next at bat, dropping rhymes addressing
the impending war with Iraq, the general state of the world, and the importance
of self-knowledge. Noted ghostwriter Kanye West appeared onstage to show haters
that he could do more than write classic verses for many of today's rap
artists. He proved he could spit a few classic rhymes, too. After Kanye's display, Kweli ended the set
with a few songs that struck a chord with the crowd: "The Blast" and
latest single "Get By." The
"Electric Circus" tour ringleader, Grammy award -winning rapper
Common, imparted advice on the importance of peace and love. His said the
mission of the "Electric Circus" tour was to "spread love,"
and the mission was definitely fulfilled.
Common showed love to his peers as he performed monumental rap classics: Nas'
"The World is Yours," Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." and The
Notorious B.I.G.'s "Big Poppa." He filled in for Mos Def when
performing the Black Star hit "Respiration" with Talib Kweli. Common's creativity proved boundless while
cleverly requesting that security escort two unruly patrons out of the
building. The crowd was generally unmoved by the roguish antics. They
(including all-star businessman Earvin "Magic" Johnson and EUR's very
own Lee Bailey) were too busy dancing and reciting lyrics. Other crowd pleasers
included "I Used to Love H.E.R.," "The 6th Sense," latest
hit "Come Close," "I Am Music" and the ladies' all-time
favorite, "The Light."
On a serious note, Common implored the crowd to get right with the Creator,
adding that there was a spiritual war going on in this country in the guises of
homelessness, drug abuse and poverty.
Common rounded out the show with "Love of My Life," (sans
Erykah Badu), a surprise appearance from Daisy Age pioneers De La Soul, and
early hit "Resurrection."
Other highlights of the show included DJs Dummy and Chops doing an
impressive tag team session on the 1s and 2s, and Common breakdancing. When the
"Electric Circus" tour comes to your town, you'd better get a ticket.
It's nothin' but a love fest, baby!
'Sexy Lady' Rhythm Is Heating Up The Airwaves
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Kevin Jackson / k.jackson@cwjamaica.com
By now you must have heard the Big Yard production, the "Sexy Lady"
rhythm. If you don't know what it is, it is actually the rhythm, which
accompanies the dancehall remix of Shaggy's "Hey Sexy Lady" hit
song. Produced by Christopher Birch for
Lang Mann Productions /Big Yard, the rhythm has been creating a huge buzz on
local airwaves and in the clubs, ever since it was unleashed late last
year. Commercially, a few of the songs
on the beat were released, but now most have hit the record shops and so far,
the remix of "Hey Sexy Lady" (featuring Sean Paul, Brian and Tony
Gold and rapper/actor Will Smith) as well as Wayne Marshall's waist grinding
"Marshall Town", Tanto Metro and Devonte's "Hey Girl", Rik
Rok's "Shake It", TOK's "She's Hot", and "What's Up
Papi" by Danny English and newcomer Tia, seem to be attracting attention.
Lil' Mo Hopes New Cd Scores: Elektra Records
artist's new set drops in April
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Ricardo Hazell
Lil' Mo
first made a name for herself as the voice behind some of hip hop's biggest
hits, including Missy's "Hot Boyz," Jay-Z's "Parkin' Lot
Pimpin'" and Ja Rule's "Put It On Me" and "I Cry." But
it was with her acclaimed 2001 debut album, "Based On A True Story,"
featuring "Superwoman Pt. II," that she really made her presence
known. Funny thing is all this time we were thinking Mo was the name her momma
gave her. "Mo, I just made it up.
One of my homegirls came up with something like Cynthia Mo. And I thought that
sounded like a porn star's name. So, I tried to come up with something that
everybody would remember. Eventually I'm going to have to drop the Lil, but for
now it's Lil' Mo. How could you forget the name Mo? Me and my mother have the
same name so I was Junior and Sweet Pea, I had so many names and I had a
different personality for each name, too. I'mma start calling myself Anita.
That just sounds like a Grammy style name. That sounds sophisticated."
During our interview it became apparent that Lil' Mo really knows how to have a
good time. No, not that type of good time. She really keeps the interview going
with mad jokes and comical anecdotes. We asked her where she may have gotten
that from. "My dad used to be a
comedian and he'll tell this story to this day where he's like 'Yeah, I opened
up a show one time and Jay Leno was there' and I'm like 'Uh, OK, Sooo?!' When I
finally did Jay Leno I was going to ask him, but my dad was like, 'He doesn't
remember me.' So I was like, 'Why can't he remember you? Is he that famous that
he can't remember 20 years ago?' (Yeah) I got that comedy from my dad. If you
come to my house 'til this day there's always a joke session. We believe in
laughing because not only does it burn calories, but it keeps ulcers away and
it (alleviates) headaches, it's just good for you."
Though it helps to keep laughing there are often times in life when we have no
other recourse but to let the tears flow. She may have done just that, after
being bopped on top of her head by a crazed fan with a champagne bottle, after
a San Francisco engagement in June of 2001. Lil' Mo told the EUR it changed her
outlook on life. At first on a negative note, then on a positive one. "I could see if it was a girl, and I
was messing with her man and we had got into it or something like that and it
was retaliation, but (it was someone I didn't know) and it was a man. You see
how short I am? So, for him to do that, what was his point? When there's no
reason, I think 'Why me?' But then I suddenly realized 'Why not me?' I'm happy
and that's when people always want to bring you down."
To this day, Mo has no idea what the attack was all about, but as we said,
that's when things changed. "The
guy just did it and ran, that was the sad part. That was really a wake up call
for me. For every bad situation there's something good that comes out of it.
After that I fired my whole staff, because they were stealing money and half
the (bad) business things I was going through was because of them, but had I
not been through what I had gone through I probably would have still had some
jacked up situation, and ended up being a broke artist. But that (incident)
made me want to take hold of my entire situation. Also, it was a good thing I
had braids because that took some of the impact." (There's that Lil' Mo
humor again.)
Since the incident, Mo has kept herself busy. She spent a year as a DJ at
Baltimore station WXYV, ranking #1 during her air shift. She also sang on and
appeared in the video for Angie Martinez's massive summer hit "If I Could
Go." And, of course, she's been writing, arranging and recording her new
album, "Meet The Girl Next Door." In fact, Mo wrote all but one of
the album's tunes.
" ... Girl Next Door" producers include Missy Elliott, Precision,
Chucky Thompson, Mega Hertz, Warren Campbell, Walter Milsap and Brian Cox. The
first single is "4Ever," featuring Fabolous. The album also features
the street track "10 Commandments," featuring Lil' Kim. "Meet
The Girl Next Door" will be in stores next month, April 2003.
TV
NEWS
UPN Has Fingers Crossed On Hip-Hop Drama:
'Platinum' will glisten next month
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Platinum," a UPN series billed as the first network hip-hop drama, is
poised to make its debut next month. Hip-hop already is
embraced by movies, fashion and any number of other industries; try counting
the commercials with a rap beat eager to reach young consumers entranced by the
music or the lifestyle.
But risk-averse networks typically drag their heels at innovation. They
certainly try to avoid the sharp edges of cutting-edge culture, and hip-hop has
been dogged by its share of social controversy and violence. There's another reason for the lag,
suggests "Platinum" co-creator John Ridley: Any genuine hip-hop
series has to feature black characters, and networks have shied away from black-oriented
dramas, which they see as a tough sell to general audiences."
Obviously UPN, which is last among the broadcast networks, has nothing to loose
by giving the rap series a shot. Remember, they also brought you the Source
Awards.
Foxx Cheers Us Up: Jamie to host Showtime comedy
series
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
In a time when some are struggling to find something to laugh about, Jamie Foxx
is here to save the day. Foxx will host a
half-hour series of comedy specials called "Laffapalooza." The shows,
taped in Atlanta, will begin airing on Showtime beginning April 25. "Laffapalooza" will air every
Friday night on the cable channel and will focus on the longest-running annual
urban comedy festival - Laffapalooza, showcasing comedy all-stars as well as
up-and-coming talents.
OTHER NEWS
O Magazine To Host Tour:
Event to feature networking, workshops!
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
-
O, The
Oprah Magazine recently announced the 2003 Live Your Best Life Tour. The
daylong event, hosted by Oprah Winfrey, will be held in four cities across the
country this spring. The first Live
Your Best Life Tour was held in 2001. The events were an overwhelming success,
drawing sold-out crowds in each city. The first Tour event in Raleigh, NC, sold
all 2,300 tickets in just two hours.
"The Live Your Best Life Tour literally brings O, The Oprah
Magazine to life," said Publisher Jill Seelig. "It has always been
the magazine's mission to help the reader grow and become her best self and
that is exactly what these workshops do. It is incredibly moving to watch the
audience tap into Oprah's enthusiasm and energy to accomplish their own
goals." For more information on
ticket sales, please visit www.oprah.com or call 212-903-5312.
Phenomenal Women: Bethann Hardison
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by Karu F. Daniels (New York, NY)
BRAND BETHANN:
One of the great things about being in the big city…is running into someone who
just makes you smile every time you see them. One of my favorite people that I
always seem to cross paths with in the middle of the night is fashion industry
veteran Bethann Hardison. Now, she makes me smile. And for that I think she’s
great. But that’s not the reason why she’s phenomenal. For those of you who don’t know who this wonderful
Brooklyn-bred woman is, she is the mother of actor Kadeem
Hardison and the manager of male supermodel Tyson
Beckford. But that’s not really her claim to fame. Long before Mr.
Hardison cracked us up on the NBC “Cosby” show spin-off “A Different World” or Mr. Tyson bared his chiseled
chest for the world to see as a Ralph Lauren model, Miss Bethann
was a star in her very own right.
Starting off as a top model in 1967 for fashion designer Willi Smith, Ms. Hardison traveled the world and made an indelible
mark on the design world with her work for such powerhouses as Oscar De La Renta, Issey Miyake, Ungaro and Perry Ellis amongst others. Once the party was over – at least for
her—she made the transition from in front of the camera to behind the seams.
Serving as a creative director for Stephen Burrows, Ms. Hardison
developed her business skills and became a major player in the game. Continuing to expand her brand, the New
York City-based firm, Bethann Management Co., offers a more personalized
approached to her models and clients. She is widely recognized as one of the
leading creative and motivational voices and has inspired legions talented men
and women of color to pursue careers in the arts and fashion. She has received
numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award from the Magic Johnson Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors of both
the New York African Film Festival and has been a Director of the New York
Women’s Film Festival. On April 7, Ms.
Hardison will be honored by New York’s Pratt, along with Tony Award
winning-producer/director George C. Wolfe, and filmmaker George Lucas. The theme for this year’s event is “The Power of Vision,”
and will benefit a scholarship program for visual art students of color.
Perfect timing for us to celebrate her as a Phenomenal Woman. “The RU Report” caught up to Miss Bethann while
globetrotting from Australia to Mexico.
How did you find your gift? “Now that's a great
question. How does one ever find their fire or their gift? Usually it’s a
given. For me it truly was who I was from the beginning of time. I am sure with
life experiences you become more of who you are. You have a calling and you
step to the plate not knowing at that moment what it entails, whether they are
rewards or consequences.”
I see you’re involved with film.
What are your opinions of the current depictions of women and their stories on
celluloid these days? “Surely the film industry is trying to make
adjustments...but it is a commerce driven industry like all other industries. I
think there is and will be slow progress. But I do believe that those who
determine what will satisfy the appetite of the market knows that the average
women's story is not the interest of the buying population. That is mainstream
Hollywood I am speaking of. Then there is the independent filmmaker, given the
right script might attempt the subject. Our stories are more emotional as we
are as a gender. It has to be special because the market needs and wants to be
entertained. An example of this currently is “The Hours"...I loved it and
found it to be inspiring. Another young woman I know thought it was
disappointing due to the fact that all the women were displayed as weak. I
wondered what was she looking for.”
What defines style, to you? ”Style is a very
interesting word that is barely used today because I believe there isn't that
much of it. You see the word written in magazines but what are they really
talking about? In the fashion world there are a lot of designs and in the urban
world there are a lot of "uniforms". But style for me is what is on a
person who is not influenced by designers or his peers. They come to the table
with something different...a certain passion and a creative ability. We have
gotten lazy along the way and given in to comfort. Surely if you have money you
can buy the labels but that doesn't determine style. That's buying what you
have been shown by those who are marketing their products. Once again it comes
back to what do you bring to the table? Back in the late 60's and 70's, people
would walk in a room and just blow you a way with their style. As a model,
designers loved me and others because we inspired them, not for our physical
look but for how we dressed.”
You are indeed a renaissance
woman with your pursuits as a model, a designer, a fashion show producer, a
publicist, a writer and a talent manager. How do you wear so many hats…and wear
them so well? ”I think when you are "a jack of all trades and a master of
none,” it is quite easy to wear many hats and do it well. I have always looked
at those who knew exactly what they wanted to do in such awe. Surely not
feeling strongly drawn to one particular thing and yet capable of many is quite
often a drawback and every so often it is as well a place of freedom, allowing
one to explore all that one is capable of.”
Let’s talk Tyson. He redefined
male supermodel-dom with his gro
undbreaking Ralph Lauren deal. Now he’s hawking FUBU and has a budding acting
career. Are there things that could’ve been done that weren’t? What’s next for
him?
”Regarding Tyson Beckford and his super stardom as a male image for a leading
fashion advertiser as Ralph Lauren, as sensational as it was, and I am ever so
glad to have been behind it, but it has its pluses and minuses. Surely becoming
an icon was not the easiest hat for Tyson to wear. Being apart of that history,
changing the advertising images and aiding self-esteem to a community that
needed proof once again that "Black is Beautiful" was brilliant in
itself. What I wished that could have happened was to step away from that
five-year deal and still do editorial and advertising for others easily. But an
association that great has consequences and that’s why you must be paid well,
and we were, because that's the down side. The upside is that the image of
Tyson is honored and with all that you created you start to develop a new
market acceptability; in television, film, hosting and acting because the image
is desired. And when an advertising client comes along that doesn't offend the
image and can pay the cost of the image you accept because it’s simply a job.”
I have a tendency to steer clear
of the fashion business because of the pretentiousness and the fickleness of it
all. Do you think fashion gets a bad rap, or am I pretty much on the right
road?
“The fashion industry is an island all into its own. Is it pretentious? Fickle?
Surely. But that’s fashion. It’s not an easy industry and it’s living in a very
different time than a decade or two before. It has become a much more
commercial business and with all that creativity it requires a great deal of
finances to support it...so there is a certain snobbery. The good news is that
it is a small island that most of us are really not involved in, so we
shouldn't be bothered by their bad manners...its just their style. Of course
let me state I grew up in the fashion business and the good news is I lived
amongst it when it really had style.
How do you recognize talent? ”I get inspired by
the look of a person and then what he or she has to say. Today the industries
are all merging into one: model/actor/entertainer/etc., but it’s all the same
approach for me. It’s first visual and second what do you have inside. Because
it takes a lot to make it, so the passion is foremost.”
How did you survive it all these
years, especially with the racism and the sexism? ”My ability to sustain my
industry was easy due to the fact I came along during a time that was
precious...right after the civil rights movement. With so much talent and
creativity surrounding, color didn't matter. Style did. And if you had style
"C'est La Vie". And the best is that it was the fashion business and the
fashion business is truly a feminine business. I came to the table with style
and a creative sense that everyone appreciated. That's the beginning of
creating your foundation, next is to stand for something that strikes a cord
with most because it’s important to be accepted. From there, if it is destined
you will find opportunities that call you and if you have got something to give
that affects the community or society, respect is obtained. And that can last a
lifetime depending on the history you create.”
Who are the new talents that
you’re recognizing that the world should look out for? ”When it comes to
talents of the future it’s really anyone’s ball game now. You really can't
point the finger and choose as once before because it all bleeds together. It’s
all so media-driven and commercially-effected. And everything, marketwise, is
so much bigger. I am still discovering talent but now it’s personal and oh so
sweet to see them rise.”
Next year, your company turns the
big 2-0. You’ve always encouraged your clients to try and ‘expand their brand.’
How will you expand yours? ”Yes I will be coming of age in time, 20 years for me now
and Bethann Management will be less one on one. No more personal management.
That's what I have worked toward for the last 6-7 years. Bethann Management
will represent me and I will continue, more than likely, to develop programming
for television, documentaries that speaks of my history with fashion, sharing
my experiences in book form as well, and meeting, talking and hopefully developing
retreats for groups of young women. Not to exclude men but I think right now
the focus needs to be with the feminine gender. That is the strength of our
nation and that were I see a weakness.”
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
702 Star (Motown)
BRIAN MCKNIGHT U-Turn (Motown)
DONNA SUMMER Best Of
HEAD OF STATE SOUNDTRACK
JAH CURE Ghetto Life (VP)
LES NUBIANS
One Step Forward (Virgin)
THE ISLEY BROTHERS TBA
Tuesday, April 1, 2003
FUGEES Greatest Hits (Sony)
IRS Welcome To Planet IRS (Universal)
KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL Surrender To Love (Sony)
EVENTS - MARCH 27
– APRIL 6, 2003
SUNDAY,
MARCH 30
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane,
Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and David French.
MONDAY,
MARCH 31
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich Brown, David Williams and
Shamakah Ali with various local artists.
TUESDAY,
APRIL 1
JAM SESSION
Lava Lounge
507 College Street (west of Bathurst)
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Divine Earth Essence, Calvin
Beale, Michael Shand, Joe Bowden, Thomas Reynolds and various local artists.
THURSDAY,
APRIL 3
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Divine Earth Essence, Joel
Joseph, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
APRIL 3, 4, 5, 2003
8:00 pm
April 5 & 6, 2:00 pm
A Woman in Waiting
Studio
Theatre
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
$35
In a 5+ show package
(15% off): $29.75
In the 15+ show package
(25% off): $26.50
A Woman in Waiting – April 3 – 6, 2003
EVENT PROFILE: In a moving tribute to the South African spirit, Thembi Mtshali
celebrates the poignant history of three generations of resilient Zulu women
from apartheid to the present day. This autobiographical work tells of a young
woman who has spent her childhood separated from her parents, of the terror of
the night raids in the townships, the massacre of the children in Soweto and
her eventual escape from a stifling regime.
Based on the Life of Thembi Mtshali; Conceived and Written by Yael
Farber & Thembi Mtshali; Starring Thembi Mtshali; Directed by Yael Farber.
APRIL 5, 2003
Vusi Mahlasela
Bambu by the Lake
245 Queen's Quay
West, east of Spadina Avenue, west of Harbourfront and the Toronto Island Ferry
9:30
pm
Tickets:
$28.25
Parking
is available at Skydome, the Air Canada Centre, the Radisson Hotel and
Harbourfront Centre
EVENT PROFILE: Of
this celebrated singer, composer and musician, Nobel Prize winning novelist
Nadine Gordimer says: "Vusi's music is here to stir and delight us. He is
a national treasure." Known simply as "The Voice," his music
ranges from Afro Folk to Afro Jazz to soulful contemporary. Spend an evening in
the company of a superstar of African music and his extraordinary band. Special guests for the evening include Lorraine Klaasen &
Soweto Groove.
SUNDAY,
APRIL 6
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane,
Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and David French.