Posts made in July 2019

Stung by a string of showbiz failures, floundering comedian Rudy Ray Moore (Academy Award nominee Eddie Murphy) has an epiphany that turns him into a word-of-mouth sensation: step onstage as someone else. Borrowing from the street mythology of 1970s Los Angeles, Moore assumes the persona of Dolemite, a pimp with a cane and an arsenal of obscene fables. However, his ambitions exceed selling bootleg records deemed too racy for mainstream radio stations to play.

Moore convinces a social justice-minded dramatist (Keegan-Michael Key) to write his alter ego a film, incorporating kung fu, car chases, and Lady Reed (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), an ex-backup singer who becomes his unexpected comedic foil. Despite clashing with his pretentious director, D’Urville Martin (Wesley Snipes), and countless production hurdles at their studio in the dilapidated Dunbar Hotel, Moore’s Dolemite becomes a runaway box office smash and a defining movie of the Blaxploitation era.

Comics and rappers have praised Moore as a pioneering influence over the past few decades, and Dolemite Is My Name is a hilarious celebration of a singular talent who made his own legend. From director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Empire); Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, The People vs. O.J. Simpson); and the producing team of Oscar and Golden Globe nominee John Davis (Ferdinand, Joy), Golden Globe nominee John Fox (Joy) and Murphy; the film features an all-star supporting cast — including Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Snoop Dogg, Ron Cephas Jones, Barry Shabaka Henley, Tip ‘TI’ Harris, Luenell, Tasha Smith — plus costumes designed by Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther).

1970 – 2019

Media Pioneer, Hip Hop Legend

I am one of the lucky ones who had the chance to tell Todd face to face how much he has influenced me in the field of multi-media.

His path was my path and fortunately the work that he did with that ground breaking and important Hip Hop video show on MTV was a visual training ground for many of my endeavors past and present.

Much like VJ Ralph Mcdaniels of the iconic Music Video Box, BET’s Rap City and Spencer Thornton’s Pump it Up! Yo MTV Raps lead by Ted Demme, Todd 1, Ed Lover and Dr. Dre and Fab 5 Freddy was a major influence for the culture and aspiring media enthusiasts – especially people of color.

So while the passing of Todd 1 is a tough pill to swallow, a celebration is in order for a serious trailblazer!

Until we do it again, rest well Fam!

“We will never forget!”

LaMar Stephens

Founder Rap Entertainment, LLC

TODD -1

BIO

Todd 1 is ready to take on the new millennium and prove to the entertainment world that his early success was no flash in the pan. From MTV to BET to ABC to Source All Access (Nationally Syndicated) to Interscope Presents the Next Episode (on Showtime), the multi-talented producer has paid his dues and the payoff is set for the year 2004. Born Todd Brown, the Brooklyn native showed early promise during his school years and definitely stood out amongst the crowd. He lists early rap stars KRS-One and LL Cool J as major musical influences and by age 16, he had begun to rap professionally. But although he desired a music career, Todd went off to college.

While studying Cable and Corporate Communications, Todd got his first taste of Television production. He took everything from `Speech’ to `Remote TV Production’ to `Physics of Music’. One day a fellow student came into class wearing a suit and told him about an internship interview that he was going to. He gave him the phone number and his call led to an internship with a growing company called MTV.

Rising from intern to production assistant to associate producer, Todd knew that he found his niche. He quickly bonded with Ted Demme, who took him on as his apprentice. During this time, the music world was revving its engines and the rise of prominent hip-hop and R&B groups were beginning to take over the charts. The show, MTV’s ‘Fade to Black’ (which would later spawn the hit show ‘MTV Jams’) achieved strong ratings with Todd himself as the offbeat host, proved to be a real learning experience. Having worked with such premiere artists as Babyface, Janet Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, TLC and Queen Latifah, it was a short time before he received the call to work at BET. Although he spent less than two years there, BET proved to be another stepping stone for the passionate Todd-1.

After a brief stint setting up the foundation for a Mike Tyson record label, Todd hooked up with friend and NBA star Derrick Coleman to form 44 Ways entertainment. Described it as a `full-service entertainment conglomerate which will catered to Music, Television and Film’ Todd-1 had his plate full running the day to day operations. 2 years later, Todd returned to his roots as a Producer of Hip Hop Television shows taking on the post of Supervising Producer at the nationally syndicated show – “Source All Access”. It was during the hiatus of this show that he wrote his first screenplay entitled “Money Boys”.

July 8, 2019
New York City Landmark Receives Limited Edition Footwear In Its Name

(Portland OR)—adidas Skateboarding celebrates 30 years of New York City’s iconic Lower East Side (LES) mainstay and skateboarding cultural institution, Max Fish. As a brand that has continuously supported the venue and the creators within, the two come together to design a special footwear collection set to release later this month. Paying further homage to the landmark, adidas Skateboarding and Max Fish will host an anniversary celebration that invites friends and family for a special event at the space called home by local artists, musicians, and skateboarders since its founding in 1989.

The collaborative Max Fish Campus ADV will arrive in a premium navy suede upper, emblazoned with the venue name atop of a screen printed red polka dot—a design aesthetic that pays homage to The Fish’s famed blue and red polka dot interior. The style will release in an extremely limited run and will be sold exclusively through select national skateboard retailers and Max Fish.

On Sunday, July 14th, adidas and Max Fish will host a private celebration that will gather friends, family and members of the local skate and art community who have been a part of the bar’s thirty-year legacy. A photo and t-shirt retrospective will be on display, showcasing works from those who have been part of the bar’s storied past and those who help to carry on its legacy today.

“We are happy to kick off our first 30-year anniversary partnership with adidas Skateboarding,” Marc Razo, Co-Owner of Max Fish said. “The brand’s commitment to the community mirrors our own. It’s been such a fun project to work on and we are thankful to everyone who made this dream a reality.”

The partnership with adidas Skateboarding marks the first of four special projects that Max Fish will reveal with additional brands this year, honoring the bars three-decade residency in the Lower East Side.

The Max Fish Campus ADV will be available on July 12th.

For More on adidas Skateboarding

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About adidas Skateboarding

adidas Skateboarding creates footwear and apparel for skateboarders worldwide. Founded in 1998, adidas Skateboarding supports a global group of iconic professional and amateur skateboarders including Mark Gonzales, Dennis Busenitz, Tyshawn Jones, Nora Vasconcellos, and Lucas Puig. adidas Skateboarding product is available at skateboarding retailers around the world and online at adidas.com/skateboarding.

– Triplets Continue Unbeaten Season Behind Another 20+ Point Joe Johnson Performance –

– Gilbert Arenas Makes BIG3 Debut, Helps Lead 2019 Expansion Team Enemies to 13-Point Comeback Win –

– Charlotte Crowd Treated to Strong Performances from Stephen Jackson, Al Jefferson and Jannero Pargo –

Images licensed by Getty Images and BIG3.

If you do not have a subscription with Getty Images, email press@big3.com to request permission.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – June 29, 2019

• The BIG3 returned to Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday afternoon – marking the league’s first visit since Week 2 of the inaugural season of 2017.
• Local favorites Stephen Jackson (22 pts on 8-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range and 1-of-1 from 4-point range), Al Jefferson (14 pts, 5 reb) and Jannero Pargo(6 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast) scored wins in their returns to Charlotte.
• Triplets continued their unbeaten, debut campaign behind another impressive performance from Joe Johnson (20 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast and one game-icing 4-point shot). Lisa Leslie’s squad improved to 2-0 on the year, topping the Trilogy (0-2), 51-41.
• Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas made a strong BIG3 debut, helping the Enemies score its first win. The expansion team put together 37 points in the second half to secure a 13-point comeback victory. 
• Next week, the BIG3 will visit Birmingham, Ala. on Saturday (Legacy Arena at the BJCC, beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET) and Atlanta (State Farm Arena, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET). All games will broadcast live on CBS and CBS Sports Network. 

Getty Images Link: https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/big3?agreements=pa:53674&events=775356075&family=editorial&page=2&phrase=big3&sort=newest#license

Game Recaps:

Triplets (51, 2-0) vs. Trilogy (41, 0-2)

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DIrTUWJL4Y

The Triplets’ (2-0) focus on ball movement and quality shooting resulted in another winning performance Saturday afternoon. Leading the way was team captain Joe Johnson, who worked through frequent double teams to put up another solid performance (20 pts, 8 reb and 5 ast). Former Bobcat and Hornet Al Jefferson helped build upon the Triplet’s inside out game with 14 points.

Johnson scored the team’s final eight points, including a major 4-pointer that put any Trilogy comeback hopes to bed.

Trilogy, despite the loss, put together a solid effort, shooting 54.8% from the field. They were led by stellar offensive play from James White, who scored 18 points and added six rebounds. DeShawn Stevenson contributed 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals).

Triplets are now (2-0); Trilogy is now (0-2)

Ball Hogs (45, 0-2) vs Enemies (50, 1-1)

Video Highlights: https://youtu.be/tzREQDE6t2E

The second game of the day proved to be a tale of two halves. At the end of the first, the Ball Hogs – paced by a dominating performance from big man Will McDonald (27 pts and 11 reb) – held a 26-13 lead over Enemies. Coach Rick Barry and company eventually lost momentum when their first-year opponents, led by Craig Smith (21 pts and 4 reb), put together a 20-2 second half run. 

Three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas (13 pts and three reb) scored the winning points for his new team. His late, 2-point free throw was enough to seal the deal for the squad’s impressive comeback win. Frank Robinson (8 pts and 11 reb) and Royce White (10 pts, 8 reb and 2 ast), who was ejected early into his BIG3 debut last week, added to the effort.

Ball Hogs are now (0-2); Enemies are now (1-1)

Killer 3s (50, 2-0) vs 3’s Company (32, 0-2) 

Video Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AfZ_v3a7hs

Killer 3s built upon its close Week 1 victory with a blowout win Saturday afternoon. The team lived up to their namesake, hitting six 3-pointers in the 18-point win. They improved to 2-0, behind 22 points from former Charlotte Bobcat Stephen Jackson (3-of-6 behind the arc, including a 4-point play), and the crafty playmaking ability of CJ Watson.

Killer 3s started to take things over just before halftime, beginning with a corner three from CJ Watson that gave them a 27-19 lead at the break. Several 3-point shots from Watson and a 4-point shot from Jackson allowed Coach Charles Oakley to get his bench involved and help close things out. Franklin Sessions would eventually seal the deal with a 3-pointer.

Drew Gooden and Andre Emmett each scored 10 points for 3’s Company.

Killer 3s are now (2-0); 3’s Company is now (0-2)

NEXT WEEK’S MATCHUPS

• Saturday 7/6 (Birmingham, Ala.): 3’s Company vs. Tri-State, Aliens vs. Ball Hogs, Enemies vs. Ghost Ballers
• Sunday 7/7 (Atlanta): 3 Headed Monsters vs. Killer 3s, Power vs. Trilogy, Triplets vs. Bivouac

 ABOUT BIG3

 BIG3 (BIG3.com) is where basketball superstars play. The premier half-court, 3-on-3

basketball league, BIG3 features many of the greatest, most popular and skilled NBA

players of all time. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and

entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 combines highly competitive, physical,

fast basketball and incredible fan experiences.

– For more information and to sign up for news updates, visit www.BIG3.com. –