Hollywood Buzz

HOLLYWOOD SPOT LIGHT

Chez Hadley

“Respect”

"What an amazing cinematic tribute to the Queen of Soul! Superb acting as Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson seamlessly transforms into Franklin and delivers some of the R&B icons’ greatest hits, including “Respect”, “Natural Woman” and “Ain’t No Way”. Clear to see why Aretha personally chose Hudson to portray her in the movie before her death in 2018. Another Academy Award winner–Forest Whitaker– turns in a five-star performance as her father, the renowned Rev. C.L. Franklin. Other stellar performances include Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Heather Headley and Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington. The movie delves deep into the psyche of Aretha Franklin, concentrating a great deal on her volatile–and yet loving relationship with her Dad, her early music failures and abusive first marriage; her involvement with the civil rights movement; and how she came to find her own musical style all while also showcasing her remarkable, creative genius and God-given talent in a story that brought it all to light." It also details Franklin’s journey of faith and redemption. How–after losing herself to fame, alcohol and the industry–she found her way back to God with the movie ending with the filming of her famed “Amazing Grace” concert in Los Angeles. This is the project her family approved and just before the credits roll, vintage family photos are shared of Aretha. The film hits theaters on August 13th and you don’t have to be an Aretha fan to love it!

OUT THIS MONTH Q&A

Lil Rel Howery

Hometown: Chicago Age: 41 Big Break: The Carmicheal Show Upcoming Projects: Vacation Friends (John Cena • Yvonne Orji); Deep Water (Ben Affleck); National Champions (Uzo Aduba, J.K. Simmons, Russell Wilson)

The Suicide Squad August 6 Free Guy August 13 Respect August 13 The Protege August 20

On COVID and its impact on Black Americans: [COVID] re-exposed what’s been the problem when it comes to our community and our medical system. Our healthcare is terrible. It just really exposes how in our community they do not take care of us. That’s why people are like ‘I don’t believe that you really care about us now. You ain’t care about me any other time.’

First Things First

Congrats to Issa Rae, who wed her longtome boyfriend Louis Diame. The 36-year old actress and star of HBO’s “Insecure” shared the pics of her wedding day in the South of France on Instagram. It is just the icing on the cake for what has been a great year for Rae, who has a handful of projects in the works, including Sweet Life: Los Angeles, an unscripted series from Issa Rae, which looks at young, Black life in South LA, set to launch this summer and Rap Sh*t, a half-hour comedy series, following two estranged high school friends from Miamiwho reunite to form a rap group. She will also voice one of the roles in the sequel to Sony’s Oscar-winning feature SpiderMan: Into the Spider-Verse. Earlier this year, she signed a five year d e a l with

HOLLYWOOD BUZZ WarnerMedia rumored to be in the eight-figure range.

Family Matters

Dr. Dre has been ordered by the court to shell out $300K monthly in spousal support to ex-wife Nicole Young, and if you haven’t done the math already, that’s a whopping $3.5 million a year. But it nothing compared to what she asked initially asked for which was a cool $2 million a month in spousal support. She will get the money until she remarries or the court amends its order. Dre will also have to pay expenses on the homes in Malibu and Pacific Palisades that she resides in. All this is likely to change as the rapper-turned-mogul and his ex-wife negotiate a final settlement that could come in the form of a lump sum payment, ending the monthly arrangement. That amount might well depend on the prenuptial Nicole Young is now saying she signed under duress…In the meantime, Dr. Dre’s son, Curtis, is set to star along with Nasir Dean (son of Swizz Beatz) and Julian Broadus (the son of Snoop Dog) in “Charge It to the Game”, which follows four best friends as they navigate the trials and errors of their adolescence.

Real Housewives Shake Up

Falling ratings appear to be prompting a major shakeup on the “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. In a recent story, Cynthia Bailey said that without a contract in hand and no word from producers, she may not be returning for season 14. There is talk as well that Sheree Whitfield, who was among the original cast, may be returning. Bravo is not talking. Former cast member, Nene Leakes is asking fans to pray for her husband, Greg, whose cancer has returned and is now at Stage 3. Casting News: In the latest reimagining of the hit movie, “The Thomas Crown Affair”, Michael B. Jordan is set to star as the rich playboy who enjoys stealing art for a hobby until he meets his match in a beautiful and smart insurance investigator, who give him a run for the money in this cat and mouse drama…Nicole Ari Parker will join Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis in HBO’s Sex and the City revival...Chi star Jacob Latimore will headline a reboot of the 1990 box office hit, House Party for HBO Max. SpringHill’s LeBron James and Maverick Carter will produce.

Wheelin’ & Dealin’

Mo’Nique has signed a deal with Endemol Shine North America (CBS’ Big Brother, TBS’ Wipeout and Fox’s MasterChef) to create and produce series for her to host and star in as well as to produce for other performers through Hicks Media, the production company that she set up with her husband and manager, Sidney Hicks.... And BET+ has greenlit a six-episode limited series revival of the hit BET reality TV show, “Real Husbands of Hollywood” from Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions.

Switching Gears

Comedic actress Yvette Nicole Brown has announced her candidacy for president of the Los Angeles Local of SAG/AFTRA. “I believe nothing in our union works unless we are all working together,” Brown said. “As L.A. president I will advocate for each and every member and lead with kindness and respect. It’s been a tough time for us as work here in LA came to a virtual standstill during the pandemic. As we return to work, we will build an even better and safer workplace for all while vigorously enforcing our contracts. That’s my promise.” On Tiffany Haddish: Tiff is one of my best friends, actually. And it’s based on like, really...her and a bunch of my homegirls I’m just cool with that I never tried to do anything with. We’re just straight-up friends.

On success: When your second number #1 (First Was Bad Trip) @netflix movie is not only number #1 but on top all over the world(Fatherhood) and you get a shout out from the great @ernie.johnson on Inside The NBA after they show us on a special sneak peek of another huge film I’m in @spacejammovie … Life is so dope and I’m truly living the dream. I love showing my kids with hard work, being yourself and faith how your dreams will really come true. It’s not easy to do well out here in Hollywood at all but I’m extremely blessed. I’ve done whatever I’ve dreamed of doing and so much more to come. My faith, hard work, being persistent, manifesting dreams and ideas has got me here and you can do the same. Keep it pushing!

On workouts with gospel music: It started more for my mental health than anything. I call this active meditation. I ride or box and just thank God for a bunch of things that’s happened and not happened yet. Manifest things for others, then myself. Speak so much life into my babies and family. It works for me. My suggestion is find what works for “you” and stick to that. Forget what anyone else thinks.

On Derek Chauvin guilty verdict: Only the beginning. So many emotions. Let’s not take the foot off the gas its decades of injustice that the powers that need to be held accountable for!

On generational wealth: Building Generational Wealth isn’t easy especially for a black family but it’s my responsibility to lay down the foundation. And I love the responsibility!

On his coming projects: I like to call this a Hot Rel Summer. I have four films hitting the streets. Two you know about, Fatherhood (Netflix June 18) and Free Guy (Aug 13 theaters everywhere). The next two well you’ll find out soon! I can’t wait to entertain you this summer and continue to watch Small Fortune on NBC Monday Nights.

JEKALYN CARR served as host and turned heads in this black/white floor length stunner SHIRLEY CAESAR sparkled in this silver sequence gown

YOLANDA ADAMS in a nude/black pantsuit w lace overlay

KIERRA SHEARD sported casual glam in this colorful top and jeans

TRAMAINE HAWKINS wore a floral print top with a black ballgown skirt

Eye On Gospel

Winning Big On Gospel’s Biggest Night

With another four Stellar Awards to add to her collection, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard was the biggest winner of the night at the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which celebrated the best in gospel over the last year.

Cobbs-Leonard was named “Female Vocalist of the Year” for her latest project, “Royalty: Live At The Ryman”, which also earned her top honors as “Song of the Year” (“Something Has To Break”), “Contemporary female vocalist” and “Praise and Worship album of the year”.

Cobbs Leonard, who was celebrating her 40th birthday, posted: “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported my assignment over the years. Royalty Live, will always be special to me. Let’s keep spreading the gospel.”

It was a big night for the Clark Sisters as well. They earned two awards–"Duo/Chorus” and “Traditional Duo/Chorus” for their latest album, Return; and “Special Event Album of the Year for The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack”. They were also honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and were joined onstage by Kierra Sheard-Kelly for a performance of some of their classic hits. Pastor Mike Jr. of the Rock City Church in Birmingham was named “Artist of the Year” for his sophomore project, Freedom Sessions, just one year after being named “Best New Artist of the year” with his debut project, Live Free. Pastor Mike–aka Mike McClure–also earned awards for “Urban/inspirational single or performance of the year” and “Rap hip hop gospel album” for Freedom Sessions.

“I am so humbled by these awards, especially the prestigious Artist of the Year award,” said Pastor Mike. “It’s my prayer that I can continue the rich legacy of Gospel Music and impact lives all across the world.”

With his latest release, People, Jonathan McReynolds also took home three awards, including “Male vocalist of the year”. Special awards went to Tramaine Hawkins, who was honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, Pastor Shirley Caesar, who received the Bobby Jones Legends Award and Bishop Dr. Leonard Scott honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Notable achievement Award.

The following awards round out the Stellar winners: Song of the year: “Something Has to Break” (Live) ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Kierra Valencia Sheard, J. Drew Sheard II, Jonathan Smith & Mia Fields New artist of the year: Maverick City Music Album of the year: Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1 Choir of the year: JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back Producer of the year: Jonathan McReynolds Contemporary duo/chorus: Anthony Brown & group therAPy; 2econd Wind: Ready Contemporary male vocalist: Jonathan McReynolds Traditional male vocalist: Donnie McClurkin Traditional female vocalist: Jekalyn Carr Contemporary album: Kierra; Kierra Sheard Traditional album: Changing Your Story; Jekalyn Carr Music video: Something Has to Break (Live); James Hairston IV Traditional choir: Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster Contemporary choir: JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back Instrumental album: My Tribute; Myron Butler Youth project: Anthony White & Detroit Youth Choir Quartet of the year: Young Men 4 Christ Overcomer

Grammy® Award-Winning Artist, NAACP Image® Award-Winning Actress, Songwriter, and Producer, Tamela Mann, is set to release her new release, Overcomer, on August 6.

Overcomer –which was executive produced by Tamela and her husband–may be Tamela’s best work to date. Special guests include Kirk Franklin and Wyclef Jean on the stand-out track melding R&B, reggae, rap, and gospel, “Hello God;” Todd Dulaney on the worshipful “Finished Work;” Travis Green, the co-writer and producer of the anthemic “Finished;” and The Fellas, on her current single, “Help Me.” “Touch From You,” the debut single from the album, added to Tamela’s bank of personal bests; the track was her seventh No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart. “Source” and “He Did It For Me” are two other standouts. Says Tamela of the inspiration for the lyrics: “God is the source and my go-to when I’m lost. I can’t do anything without Him, and I never want to try to.”

“My heart’s desire is to give people hope and let them know there’s still compassion in the world. It’s the opportunity for me again to show God’s love and His grace. That’s my purpose in life and for Overcomer.” “I feel like I’m coming out of the cocoon again, energized and on fire,” says Tamela, who underwent surgery to have both her knees replaced in the summer of 2019. After taking some time to work on her health and wellness, and a fresh creative mindset, she’s stepping forward a changed woman to express her heart and soul. “This is new music for a new time and a new me,” she says.

“I poured my experiences into the lyrics, putting my heart and soul into the words on this album,” Tamela says. “It’s me looking at my life and the things I was dealing with, trying to learn from those things, and doing what I can to overcome them.”

Overcomer is the latest accomplishment in Tamela’s busy career. In Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living (BET+), she reprises her role as “Cora,” which she originated in Perry’s successful “Madea” plays, films, and hit television show, Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns. She is starring in two upcoming films: the Tyler Perry “Madea” movie coming to Netflix and Soul Santa airing this Christmas on BET, which she executive produced with David. Tamela also launched her own successful athleisure apparel line, the Tamela Mann Collection.