Source: LA premiere of ‘Girls Trip’ at the Regal LA Live Stadium 14 in Los Angeles, California. Featuring: Queen Latifah Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 13 Jul 2017 Credit: Nicky Nelson/WENN.com Jussie Smollett ‘s claim that he was allegedly a victim of a racist attack is looking shakier with every new detail, but not everyone has wiped their hands of his struggle just yet. Queen Latifah is still standing by the Empire actor, for now. The talented rapper and actress just needs more evidence that Smollett made everything up. Reports Page Six : Smollett has been charged with filing a false police report, and was last week slammed by Chicago cops for taking advantage “of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career.” But Queen Latifah insisted: “The guy I’ve seen has always been someone who cares about people, who cares about others, and who’s very kind and who’s always been cool and sweet. “And that’s just the guy I know. So until I can see some definitive proof — which I haven’t seen yet — then, you know, I gotta go with him until I see otherwise.” Fair enough? Let us know what you think in the comments. — Photo: WENN.com
Source: Brian To/WENN.com / WENN Have you seen the new trailer for Little starring Marsai Martin , Regina Hall , and Issa Rae ? The movie is a must-see. From the producers of Girls Trip and Night School , Little is all set to hit a theatre near you on April 12. Bringing a new perspective to all the body-swap comedies floating around out there, “ Girls Trip ’s Regina Hall and Black-ish ’s Marsai Martin both star as Jordan Sanders,” the synopsis explains. “Hall, as the take-no-prisoners tech mogul adult version of Jordan and Martin, as the 13-year-old version of her who wakes up in her adult self’s penthouse just before a do-or-die presentation.” As for Issa, the Insecure star will play “Jordan’s long-suffering assistant April, the only one in on the secret that her daily tormentor is now trapped in an awkward tween body just as everything is on the line.” Watch the official trailer below — aside from it looking like a hilarious movie to tune into, this film will make Marsai Martin the youngest executive producer in hollywood history . During a visit to the set last Fall, BOSSIP got a chance to talk to Marsai about Little . She discussed coming up with the concept for the film at just 10 years old, being grateful, and more. “I was talking to Daddy and Mommy about some of their favorite movies when they were growing up and one of mine was BIG with Tom Hanks,” Marsai told BOSSIP at the time. “So that’s really how the idea was brought out, that’s where it all started and we started brainstorming, to see how we could create a black girl magic situation.” She continued, “At the Season 1 of black-ish , I think it was the season finale, dad went to Kenya like ‘Marsai has this dope idea.’ Kenya ended up liking it and right after was calling Will [Packer] like ‘Yo… Diane from black-ish has a dope idea.’ After that we had a meeting with him and James [Lopez] and after that he bought it and after that we went to Universal and they bought it and it wasn’t long before we shot it. I mean like, three years?” “I’m very grateful and very honored that they were just like saying yes to this 10-year-old who just popped out with this blazer and all of these things,” Marsai added. “They could have said no but they actually believed in me and the story we wanted to tell.” Hit the flip for more fabulous photos of Marsai with her black-ish squad and let us know if you’ll be tuning in to Little this spring.
We’ve watched Regina Hall for so many years in some of our favorite movies. She stopped by “ The Rickey Smiley Morning Show ” to speak about her new movie “ The Hate U Give ,” love life and much more. The movie has everyone talking because it has a lot to do with what we see on the news everyday. RELATED: Jada Pinkett Smith & Regina Hall On Pearl-Clutching Moments In “Girls Trip” [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO] Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit
Like millions of us, Malcolm D. Lee has an affinity for old school Hip-Hop music and culture. Now that his latest film Night School is about to hit theaters, the Queens, New York filmmaker is focusing on a comedy based around the most beloved era in Hip-Hop. According to Deadline , Malcolm D. Lee is working with Universal on a new project called Real Talk which centers around an old school rapper who’s on a mission to reunite his group from yesteryear in an effort to reclaim the number one spot that they held back in the day. No word on who’s being targeted to star in said movie but Radha Blank has been confirmed to be penning the film with Lee of course directing and producing the project under his Blackmailed Productions company. While details are scarce at this point Malcolm D. Lee has had a successful history when it comes to Black comedy movies. He’s been the man behind the success of films like Undercover Brother, The Best Man and Universal’s surprise smash shit, Girls Trip . — Photo: WENN.com
For your viewing pleasure… Kofi Siriboe And Maxine Waters Cover ESSENCE It’s officially SiriBAE season. Kofi Siriboe is covering ESSENCE’s new December 2017/January 2018 double issue alongside U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters. In it, Kofi speaks on his heritage, “Girls Trip” where he appeared in that infamous grapefruit scene, as well as “Jump”, the debut project he wrote, directed and starred in. Kofi was interviewed by his on-screen dad and veteran actor Glynn Turman for the cover. On success after “Girls Trip” and the grapefruit scene: TURMAN:“…Your popularity soared with Girls Trip which grossed more than $125 million. After my wife and I saw it and we came home, I’m watching TV and she stood in the doorway and said, ‘Try this!’ with a grapefruit in her hand. Were you surprised by how well the film performed?” SIRIBOE: [Laughs] “I’m always surprised because you never know. I remember thinking, Ohhh, so this is the movie we’re making? Got it. We had a good time…” On his heritage: “In first grade I was asked ‘What’s your favorite food?’ I said, ‘Fufu,’ and everybody laughed. I also remember asking my teacher not to say my full name, Nana-Kofi [Nana means ‘son of kings’]. Last year I went to Kumasi, in Ghana, for the first time and met the king, whose real name is Nana.” “I didn’t always understand the roots that are woven into my name, but that realization is happening now.” In addition to covering ESSENCE, Kofi was named one of People magazine’s “Most Beautiful People.” SiriBAE season indeed. Hit the flip to see Auntie Maxine’s ESSENCE cover and inserts. Michael Rowe/ESSENCE
Movie theaters had their worst summer in almost two decades, but there were still a couple of gems starring POC that either made big bucks at the box office. While the movie world struggled, TV fared much better. There was a knockout combination of series that got audiences hooked and returning favorites that were must-see TV every single week. We has rounded up the summer ’17 movies and TV shows that kept us entertained all season. Let us know if your picks made the cut! Girls Trip Source: Todd Williamson / Getty Let’s just start with the biggest success of the summer, Girls Trip . The absolutely hilarious ensemble comedy starring Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish not only kept audiences in stitches, but it did what Hollywood never expected it to do…make over $100 million at the box-office. With all of the horrible things going on in the country right now, this was the movie we needed to make us forget and laugh ‘til it hurts. The movie was so successful that a sequel is reportedly already in the works and we can’t wait to see what The Flossy Posse has up their sleeves on their next adventure! Power Source: Starz / Starz The Starz hit series Power returned for its drama and emotion-filled fourth season and kept summer ’17 on lock. The first half of the season saw Ghost behind bars for being wrongfully accused of murder, but that didn’t stop the action, as he still managed to handle his business from inside and ultimately become a free man. However, things got even more juicy once he was released and he had to deal with all of the people in his life and the drama they bring. Insecure Source: Barry King / Getty If Power is the summer’s best drama, then it’s pretty easy to guess what the best comedy is…and it stars the one and only Issa Rae. Insecure returned to TV screens (and the hearts of fans) this summer picking up right where it left off with the aftermath of Issa and Lawrence’s breakup. This season has been a whirlwind of emotions, sexual experiences (those failed and successful,) fights, laughs and all-around bad decisions. Every week it dominates social media and becomes the subject of conversation. It’s the show of the moment that so many relate to, which is why we are already looking forward to season three. When Love Kills Source: J. Countess / Getty All good movies aren’t always released in theaters, as evidenced by the late summer sleeper hit When Love Kills . The TV One original film was an unexpected surprise for fans and critics due to its incredible ratings and riveting performances. Starring Lil Mama and Lance Gross in the heartbreaking true story of Falicia Blakely, When Love Kills became the highest rated premiere in TV One history and dominated social media trending topics. Fans couldn’t help but marvel at the fantastic performances of both leads, as well as their chemistry. Which makes you wonder why this film wasn’t released in theaters where it could have made an even greater impact? Queen Sugar Source: Donna Ward / Getty The Bordelon family returned for season two of the OWN hit series Queen Sugar and did not disappoint. There were fights over land, breakups, makeups, power struggles and jaw-dropping revelations, which is exactly why we love this show. What makes Queen Sugar so good is that the family, the characters, feel real, like they are part of your own family. They’re not overly glamorized or disconnected and the credit for that goes to the lovely Ava DuVernay. Unfortunately, fans only got the first half of season two this summer, which left off on a sweet note, but don’t worry because the second half is coming this October with a bang. Detroit Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty It may not have made waves at the box-office, but the critical acclaim and potential awards talk that Detroit received makes it a deserving entry on our list. Starring Algee Smith (of BET’S The New Edition Story ,) Anthony Mackie, John Boyega and Will Poulter, the Kathryn Bigelow-directed film is about the gut-wrenching true story of the Algiers Motel incident during Detroit’s 1967 12 th Street Riot. The performances are powerful, as is the subject matter and hopefully the film will be recognized during awards season. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Claws Source: Jerritt Clark / Getty What do you get when you combine the perfect mix of comedy and drama into a series? Well, that would be the Niecy Nash, TNT series Claws . Set in Florida amongst the underground world of the Dixie mafia and the flash of a nail salon, Claws is quirky, crazy, bloody, absurd, suspenseful and downright hilarious. It’s the show you never knew you needed, but can’t understand how you went without it for so long. A second season has been green lit, so start clearing your summer ’18 schedule now! Snowfall Source: Matthew Eisman / Getty The crack epidemic of the 80s is the basis for this drama series from acclaimed director John Singleton and it’s very well done. Snowfall takes the approach of many classic TV dramas of the past, opting to build the series and the characters slowly instead of the epic fast pace that most shows operate with these days. It’s a slow burn if you will, but if you stay with it you will be completely enthralled with this show. For a summer freshman series, the ratings have been solid, the reviews even better, which explains why a second season is coming your way to continue the story and witness the rise of a kingpin. DON’T MISS: Bae Watch: The Best Shows To Watch With Bae Melanin Magic: The Best New Black-Led TV Shows Of 2016
Deborah Ayorinde Is Bae If you saw Girls Trip (which you absolutely should…it’s hilarious) then you saw the lovely Deborah Ayorinde playing one of the foils in the movie. And while she’s easily hated in the flick, you still can’t help but notice how damn fine she is in real life. She melaniny magic. https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxzoraA7HY/?taken-by=itsdeborah So take a look at bae and add her to the list of reasons to go see this movie. https://www.instagram.com/p/BSUqOG-gVgT/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BRZuQJAAonf/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BRUmBw4A2iN/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BOYFx6RBM6R/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BNuD4NhBGEW/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BNuCvHWBVTZ/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BRUmJCWA6xz/?taken-by=itsdeborah&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BNfiv8XhqBt/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BMg3vrchtt0/?taken-by=itsdeborah&hl=en https://www.instagram.com/p/BMZjmzTB47X/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BL1CfX5hSXd/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgcnDXBd9t/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BK6dMgyhhTq/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ87Hxfhu9U/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ8rH8bhL9w/?taken-by=itsdeborah https://www.instagram.com/p/BIoZHvDhv7r/?taken-by=itsdeborah
Image via WENN Doc Breaks Down Kanye West’s Ruined Relationship With JAY-Z One of Kanye West’s old homies is spilling ALL the beans about the “extensive” collection of porn flicks he once owned in an upcoming documentary titled: Public Enemies: Jay-Z v. Kanye according to HollywoodLife : “He had African s*** throughout the house, crates of records everywhere and an extensive porno collection,” Eugene McNair, a friend from Kanye’s childhood, told Channel 4. “‘It was like damn — he likes girls, he likes clothes, he likes music, he likes African s***, he likes art and you know we all jam.” The director and editor of the doc also tell RealScreen that the doc will focus on the deterioration of Kanye’s relationship with JAY-Z: “In the process of building their empires, Jay-Z and Kanye have provided a spine tingling soundtrack for a generation,” said director Nico Wasserman in a statement. “Their story goes beyond their music and has opened up discussions on everything from class barriers to mental health.” “Arguably two of the coolest and most influential artists in the world, their incredible life stories offer a fascinating new twist on the American dream,” added Rob Coldstream, Channel 4′s commissioning editor of special factual. “These are two mega-personalities whose success and rivalry has captured the public’s imagination.” Sounds like it could be interesting. No release date is in stone, but the doc is slated to release “later this summer”. What say you? Will you be watching?
(Nicky Nelson/WENN) Girls Trip Premiere Is Super Lit Girls Trip stars Regina Hall and Jada Pinkett-Smith rocked some of our favorite looks on the red carpet for the premiere of their new movie Thursday night. (Nicky Nelson/WENN) But Jada and Regina were only two of a plethora of melaniny queens working their magic last night. Hit the flip for some more of our faves and don’t forget to tell us Who Looked More Bangin! (Nicky Nelson/WENN) Sanaa is always stunning (Nicky Nelson/WENN) Kelly Rowland also looked great right? Plenty more stunners below: (Nicky Nelson/WENN)
