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Magnolia Pictures will release LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING for special one-night-only theatrical screenings on April 11, followed by additional theaters and a digital release on April 21st.

Get tickets now at littlericharddocumentary.com

Official Trailer Out Now

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Directed by Lisa Cortés

Produced by Robert Friedman, Lisa Cortés, Liz Yale Marsh and Caryn Capotosto

Executive Produced by Dee Rees, Mike Powers, Anita May Rosentstein, Gus Wenner, Jason Fine, Amy Entelis, Courtney Sexton

Featuring Mick Jagger, Billy Porter, John Waters, Tom Jones, and more

Produced by Bungalow Media + Entertainment for CNN Films and HBO Max, in association with Rolling Stone Films, director Lisa Cortés’ Sundance opening night documentary LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING tells the story of the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll, exploding the whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator – the originator – Richard Penniman. Through a wealth of archive and performance that brings us into Richard’s complicated inner world, the film unspools the icon’s life story with all its switchbacks and contradictions.  In interviews with family, musicians, and cutting-edge Black and queer scholars, the film reveals how Richard created an art form for ultimate self-expression, yet what he gave to the world he was never able to give to himself. Throughout his life, Richard careened like a shiny cracked pinball between God, sex and rock n’ roll. The world tried to put him in a box, but Richard was an omni being who contained multitudes – he was unabashedly everything. Directed by Lisa Cortés, LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING is produced by Robert Friedman, Cortés, Liz Yale Marsh and Caryn Capotosto and Executive Produced by Dee Rees.

Run Time: 98 minutes

#LittleRichard

Celebration Of Life Honoring R&B Legend Chuck Jackson Taking Place In NYC’s Harlem

Friday, 3/24/2023 at NYC’S Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

(Pictured above – Chuck Jackson)
 

The departed legendary R&B hit maker/crooner Chuck Jackson will be honored in a Celebration Of Life on Friday, March 24th, 2023 at 7 pm ET.
 

The event is hosted by Grammy winning icon Dionne Warwick, performing arts advocate Voza Rivers (Executive Producer of the New Heritage Theatre Group in NYC’s Harlem) and legendary songwriter/singer Valerie Simpson – in cooperation with the
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – located at 515 Malcolm X Blvd in New York City’s Harlem, where the Celebration Of Life will take place.
 

Chuck Jackson was known for hits such as “Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)”, “I Don’t Want To Cry” and “I Keep Forgettin’”. His passionate performances has thrilled fans and music lovers alike.
 

The Celebration Of Life will bring together family, friends, fans and fellow musicians to pay tribute to Jackson’s legacy. The program will feature live performances from artists such as the legendary Melba Moore, video tributes from music industry colleagues, personal remembrances from retired Congressman, the Honorable Charles Rangel and others.

Left to right – Dionne Warwick, Voza Rivers, Valerie Simpson
 

“I am honored to be a part of this celebration of Chuck’s life and legacy,” shares Dionne Warwick. “His music is a cornerstone for R&B generations which continues to inspire artists today. We will remember Chuck’s incredible talent and the joy he brought to so many through his music.”
 

Voza Rivers, the producer of numerous cultural events in New York City, shares, “Chuck was and is a pioneer who paved the way for many artists. This event is an opportunity to celebrate Chuck’s contributions to music and to recognize his lasting impact in our industry.”

 
“Chuck Jackson was a friend and a collaborator,” says Valerie Simpson, known for writing/recording several classics with her departed husband, Nickolas Ashford as Ashford & Simpson. “His music influenced the work Nick and I created. I am honored to join Dionne and Voza in celebrating Chuck’s life and legacy”.

 
Double XXposure Media Relations is proud to be a part of The Celebration Of Life for the late Chuck Jackson. The event is open to the public – reservations are required for admission. To RSVP, call Double XXposure at 201 224 6570 or email theellerbeegroup@aol.com

Birdman & NBA Youngboy Hire Noted Film/Video Director Clifton Bell For “Baller Blockin’ 2”

Pictured left to right – NBA Youngboy, Birdman, Director Clifton Bell

Twenty-three years ago in 2000, the cult classic film, “Baller Blockin’”, which featured Cash Money Records’ Birdman, Lil Wayne and Mannie Fresh, was released. The movie depicted life and events related to New Orleans’ Magnolia Projects.

This year, Birdman and NBA Youngboy are teaming up for the forthcoming sequel, “Baller Blockin’ 2”. According to
Hip Hop DX, the two first teased the movie’s arrival on their respective social media pages in October with a poster reflecting the upcoming film.

Birdman and NBA Youngboy have brought on board noted film and video Director Clifton Bell to direct “Baller Blockin’ 2”. Bell’s works include directing J. Cole’s first two videos, “Work Out” and the Trey Songz-assisted “Can’t Get Enough” as well as directed videos for Rick Ross, The Roots, Bobby Shmurda, Gucci Mane with Migos and Lil Yachty and most recently, Latto’s “Sex Lies” with Lil Baby.

In a statement to Double XXposure Media, Director Bell shares that his goal is to have “Baller Blockin’ 2” surpass that of the original while paying respect to that first film. “ ‘Baller Blockin’ I’ has undoubtedly achieved classic status among many,” says Bell. “With ‘Baller Blockin’ 2’, I aim to deliver to fans of the original as well as fresh viewers alike, an even grander cinematic masterpiece.”

For media inquiries regarding Clifton Bell, contact Double XXposure – angelo@dxxnyc.com
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PR/Media Contact
Angelo A. Ellerbee
Double XXposure Media Relations
www.dxxnyc.com
(201)224-6570
angelo@dxxnyc.com

ABOUT SWV & XSCAPE: THE QUEENS OF R&B

Multiplatinum R&B trio SWV (Sisters With Voices), featuring Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” George and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons, has sold more than 30 million records worldwide and been nominated for three Grammy Awards. Mega-successful R&B quartet XSCAPE, featuring Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and siblings LaTocha Scott-Bivens and Tamika Scott, has sold more than 9 million records worldwide and notched six top-10 songs hitting the Billboard 100. This six-part limited series puts fans in a VIP front-row seat and offers backstage access to ’90s nostalgia as SWV and XSCAPE pull back the curtain on their personal and professional lives and prepare to hit the stage together.

For more than three decades, SWV and XSCAPE have reigned supreme with chart-topping hits, showstopping performances, sold-out tours and epic breakups. Although both groups are undisputedly talented and the competition is friendly, the fan-fueled rivalry between the New York new jack swinging trio and the Atlanta hip-hop soul quartet has always been as legendary as the bands themselves. Now, as they come together for a spectacular one-night-only concert event, these seven powerful voices must juggle family and career commitments while learning to collaborate with their fiercest competitors.

The ladies will take viewers on the ultimate fan experience as they reveal the inner workings of putting on a live concert and expose the discord and complex dynamics of sisterhood within singing groups —such as the bombshell revelation of the Scott sisters’ dark secret, which threatens to tear their family apart and drive a wedge between XSCAPE. From wars about set design and setlists, to epic battles over which group should headline, these women don’t hold back. Each episode will capture the highs and lows of their journey as they race against a ticking clock to create a career-reigniting concert. But can these strong-willed songstresses ever reach an accord? Not before sharing their most vulnerable moments and venturing beyond business to try healing the personal hurts that stand in the way of their futures.

“SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B” is produced by Monami Productions with Mona Scott-Young, Stephanie R. Gayle, Michael Lang, Maryam Janhabin, Patrick McCabe, James Brangert and Charles Davis serving as executive producers. LaTocha Scott-Bivens, Kandi Burruss, Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” George, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, LeAnne “Lelee” Lyons and Tamika Scott also serve as executive producers.

For more details about SWV & XSCAPE: THE QUEENS OF R&B, click HERE

Key Art + Images HERE

Trailer Preview HERE

Episode 1 Screener HERE

#TheQueensOfRB @BravoTv

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THE ROOTS & LIVE NATION URBAN ANNOUNCE 2023 “ROOTS PICNIC” WEEKEND

PHILADELPHIA, PA

JUNE 2, 3 & 4, 2023

MOST DYNAMIC LINEUP YET TO FEATURE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE WITH DIDDY & THE ROOTS, MS. LAURYN HILL CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL ALBUM, A FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW WITH DAVE CHAPPELLE, AS WELL AS LIL UZI VERT, ARI LENNOX, LUCKY DAYE, CITY GIRLS, GLORILLA & MORE

(Roots Picnic 2023 admat — download HERE)

(Philadelphia, PA) February 20, 2023: GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum hip-hop luminaries The Roots and Live Nation Urban reveal the details for the 2023 installment of “Roots Picnic.” Renowned for its complete musical and cultural immersion, the two-day festival will be back at The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4, 2023. This year, a special stand-up comedy performance from Dave Chappelle and The Roots at Wells Fargo Center on Friday, June 2 will kick off the weekend. A fan club presale launches tomorrow, February 21 at 12PM ET, and general on-sale follows on Wednesday, February 22 at 10AM ET. Weekend tickets and VIP packages will be available HERE.

This year marks a very special first as multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning legend Diddy will headline the festival with The Roots delivering a set highlighted by decades of his definitive hits. Additionally, Ms. Lauryn Hill will co-headline and perform the entirety of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – a rare event­– to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the seminal album’s release. Award-winning American comedian, screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor Dave Chappelle will make his “Roots Picnic” debut performing with The Roots on what promises to be a seismic, first-ever comedy set of this magnitude. The impressive line-up also hosts a massive celebration of Philadelphia talent including a headline set from Lil Uzi Vert, the return of Eve during Black Thought’s Live Mixtape set, DJ Drama, Kindred the Family Soul, a State Property Reunion, and more. Check out the full confirmed lineup below.

Offering an inimitable experience, “Roots Picnic” also invites crowds to enjoy the fan-favorite Podcast Stage which will be headlined by live podcasts from Charlamagne Tha God and Off The Record with DJ Akademiks in addition to Don’t Call Me White Girl, Lip Service with Angela Yee, People’s Party with Talib Kweli, and of course, Questlove Supreme. The concourse also boasts various activations and engagements, ranging from film to social justice.

“Roots Picnic” has continued to be one of the summer’s most highly anticipated festivals and a celebration of Philadelphia’s robust music scene. Over the years, it’s been named one of UPROXX’s “Best Festivals For Hip-Hop Fans Of Any Generation” and lauded as “a major staple within the Black community.” Billboard included the Roots Picnic in their Top 50 Music Festivals round-up, and perhaps BET put it best, “the two-day event proves why hip hop is such a regenerative force of nature.”

Since launching in 2007, The Roots Picnic has stood at the crossroads of music and culture, entertaining, engaging, and enlightening millions of fans along the way. Its dynamic lineups have included everyone from The Weeknd, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, Phantogram, Usher, Nas, A$AP Rocky, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Future to Vampire Weekend, The War on Drugs, Gary Clark, Jr., Solange, Diplo, Gnarls Barkley, and more. “Roots Picnic” isn’t just a cornerstone of the group’s career, but a cornerstone of the culture.

FULL LINEUP:

Diddy w/ The Roots

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Lil Uzi Vert

Dave Chappelle w/ The Roots

Soulquarians Set featuring Roy Ayers & The Isley Bros

Black Thought Live Mixtape featuring Busta Rhymes & Eve

Ari Lennox

Lucky Daye

City Girls

Maverick City

Syd

Glorilla

DJ Drama

Uncle Waffles

Saucy Santana

DVSN

Kindred The Family Soul

Spinall

State Property Reunion (Freeway, Beanie Siegel, Young Gunz, Peedi Crakk, Oschino & Sparks)

Little Brother

Yussef Dayes Experience

Adam Blackstone w/ Coco Jones & Mary Mary

Baller Alert Presents Go Go: Backyard Band vs Rare Essence

Symba

Fridayy

Mike Phillips

Rocky

Dappa

Akin Inaj & Inutech

PODCAST STAGE:

Charlamagne Tha God

Off The Record with DJ Akademiks

Don’t Call Me White Girl

Lip Service with Angela Yee

Questlove Supreme

People’s Party with Talib Kweli

Pour Minds

Trap Nerds

The Office XIV

Love + Grit

**Lineup subject to change

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Live Nation Urban (LNU) is a partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company. Specifically focusing on Hip-Hop, R&B and Gospel, LNU builds platforms, events, and festivals globally and develops dynamic content strategies based upon the live properties created. Live Nation Urban considers itself the most powerful source for live urban music. For additional information, visit www.livenationurban.com.

About the Mann Center for the Performing Arts

As one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the country, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a leading non-profit organization, has a historical legacy of artistic excellence as a world-class entertainment destination presenting premier artists, now in association with Live Nation Entertainment. Each summer season, renowned symphony orchestras, iconic rock stars and the latest touring artists in indie rock, hip hop, R&B and pop take the stage here. The Mann is the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has presented critically acclaimed performers in every decade since the 1930s. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Mann hosts more than 200,000 visitors annually. Signature concert experiences are surrounded by Philadelphia’s stunning skyline and include seats beneath the Mann’s acoustically acclaimed TD Pavilion; picnics, blankets and music under the stars on its Great Lawn or at the top of the hill at the Skyline Stage; and dining in Crescendo, the venue’s spectacular tented restaurant. In addition, the Mann’s Education & Community Engagement Program reaches tens of thousands of young people annually through free programming and educational initiatives as well as its virtual Mann Music Room. For more information, visit www.manncenter.org.

Kool & the Gang and 50 Years of Hip-Hop A Sampled Celebration

As 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, it should be noted that Grammy legends Kool & the Gang stand as the most sampled band within the Hip Hop music culture.
 

According to the Who Sampled website, there are 1,898 documented samples of Kool & the Gang’s songs. The top being the classic instrumentals “N.T.” from their 1971 album, “Live At P.J.’s” and their longtime hit, “Summer Madness”, off the “Light Of Worlds” disc (1974).

CLICK HERE FOR WHO SAMPLED WEBSITE
 

The most well known sample of “Summer Madness” is found on the 1981 #1 hit from DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (Will Smith), “Summertime”. As for “N.T.”, the drum break (played by Kool & the Gang co-founder George Brown) within that track was sampled by Nas (“N.Y. State of Mind”) and N.W.A.
(“Gangsta Gangsta”) among 352 known samples for that one tune. 
 

"SUMMER MADNESS"

Summer Madness

“N.T.”

N.T.
 

It should also be noted that one sampled Kool & the Gang classic, “Jungle Boogie”, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year as well.
 

"JUNGLE BOOGIE”


 

Let’s celebrate good times with Kool & the Gang, commemorating this 50th anniversary salute to Hip-Hop.
 

 

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PR/Media Contact

Angelo A. Ellerbee

Double XXposure Media Relations

www.dxxnyc.com

(201)224-6570

angelo@dxxnyc.com

STATEMENT FROM DIONNE WARWICK REGARDING BURT BACHARACH – RESERVICING!

Photo courtesy of Alamy Images

“Burt’s transition is like losing a family member. These words I’ve been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my Dear Friend and my Musical Partner. On the lighter side we laughed a lot and had our run ins, but always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.”

Dionne Warwick, February 9th, 2023

Respectfully shared,

Angelo Ellerbee
Double XXposure Media Relations

PR/Media Contact
Angelo A. Ellerbee
Double XXposure Media Relations
www.dxxnyc.com
(201)224-6570
angelo@dxxnyc.com

Lyricist Lounge presents “ORIGIN STORIES” featuring GHOSTFACE KILLAH [GET TICKETS NOW!]

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Click image for tickets!

Lyricist Lounge presents Origin Stories with Ghostface Killah: An intimate conversation and archival footage screening from the vault of the Legendary Lyricist Lounge.

Conversation hosted by Anthony Marshall and Danny Castro of Lyricist Lounge, alongside special invited panelists.

Interview and live performance by Ghostface Killah.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Doors: 7:30pm
Event Start: 8:00pm

Fotografiska: 281 Park Ave. South (at 22nd Street), NYC, 10010

Event Admission: $51*
* Museum Admission is included with ticket purchase and in partnership with HIP HOP 50, $1 of each ticket sale goes to support the Universal Hip Hop Museum

Ticket link: https://www.fotografiska.com/nyc/events/lyricist-lounge-presents/

Lyricist Lounge Presents Origin Stories is a four-part series as part of Fotografiska’s Hip-Hop: Conscious, Unconscious. Make sure to join us for all four events on February 16th, March 16th, April 13th, and May 8th.

Hip Hop at 50 is shaping up to be a memorable experience full of TV shows, Concerts, Art Exhibits, music and the pure love of the phenomenon that we all help to cultivate

An example of this is the amazing series from the Legendary Chuck D of the Iconic group Public Enemy. His Docu-series on PBS is a perfect representation of how we all feel about the culture. So enjoy this Instant Classic and celebrate Chuck D, our living legend in all that he does!

“Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World”

“Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World” is an incredible narrative of struggle, triumph and resistance that will be brought to life through the lens of an art form that has chronicled the emotions, experiences and expressions of Black and Brown communities: Hip Hop. In the aftermath of America’s racial and political reckoning in 2020, the perspectives and stories shared in Hip Hop are key to understanding injustice in the U.S. over the last half-century.

More About the Show

Authored by Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who famously labeled Hip Hop as “the Black CNN” for bringing the stories of the street to the mainstream, this story will include personal testimonies of the MCs, DJs, graffiti artists, filmmakers, politicians and opinion formers who created and shaped its direction as it grew from an underground movement in the Bronx to the most popular music genre in the U.S. and the fastest growing genre in the world today.

Featuring interviews from A-list talent like Killer Mike, Will.i.am, Monie Love, Ice-T, Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte and many more, the series will paint a portrait of the unique relationship between Hip Hop and the political history of the U.S.

Episode 1 | The Foundation

Discover the factors that led to the birth of Hip Hop and its first socially conscious hit “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in 1982.

Episode 2 | Under Siege

Explore the 1980s and the birth of Hip Hop as social commentary in the Reagan Era with the emergence of artists like Public Enemy, KRS-One, Ice-T, and NWA.

Episode 3 | Culture Wars

Experience the 1990s during the Clinton years and the unstoppable rise in popularity of Hip Hop, which becomes a force that is attacked by all sides of the political establishment.

Episode 4 | Still Fighting

Follow the evolution of Hip Hop as its artists turn into multimillionaires and successful entrepreneurs. As a cultural phenomenon, Hip Hop continues to change history and is adopted as the voice of protest around the world.

When you are a Fan or supporter of any cultural movement, you are dedicated to helping its development and growth. So when Hip Hop started to gain popularity and emerge from ground zero on a collision course with Entertainment’s mainstream, those of us within the Hip Hop community filled with unbearable excitement when our heroes from the art form garnered praise and inclusion.

Examples of this euphoria were present when movies like Style Wars and Wild Style was made. When LLCool J first appeared on American Bandstand or when Rapper’s Delight and “Planet Rock,” and the “Message dominated radio.

Instant Classic!!!

You People

NETFLIX

A new couple and their families find themselves examining modern love and family dynamics amidst clashing cultures, societal expectations and generational differences in this brilliant comedy from Kenya Barris.

Eddie Murphy is at his finest as he plays Arkbar, Lauren London’s ultra kool pro black father who never shies away from the past and present struggles that his people is forced to deal with on a day to day basis. A surprising role for the Entertainment legend whose films for the most part have played it socially neutral and free of political and racial statements and themes.

Murphy is still so naturally funny and dominates scene after scene. At times reminiscent of his phenom days on SNL.

His former not ready for prime time player cast mate and Seinfeld legend, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is equally outstanding as she navigates the role of the overly supportive African American sympathizer and mom of Jonah Hill.

Jonah shares the writers credit with Kenya Barris and clearly offers a refreshing balance with the many social issues that this film courageously tackles with the greatest of ease. Not only did Jonah produce the film, is also a perfect fit for the roll of Ezra who quickly learns that there’s much that he has to learn about race relations, and unconditional love.

Jonah also share powerful performances with his gay best friend, and business partner Mo, brilliantly played by comedian and SNL writer – Sam Jay. Their popular pod cast is on the rise giving them both the platform to voice many thought provoking points of view.

Jonah and Lauren London’s on screen romance works hard and eventually convinces the audience that their union can really work despite family approval and public scrutiny.

The entire cast is witty and sharp, competing with each other for on screen excellence. But clearly all of them have their moments. Comedian guest stars like, Anthony Anderson, Deon Cole and Mike Epps sprinkle the screen with their genius providing the catalyst for even more laughs.

The film does a great job with making real difficult and awkward moments in human behavior seem easier to digest and approach. Something Barris had a lot of practice on perfecting while producing his hit ground breaking series “Blackish” on ABC.

Your rewind button will get plenty exercise because every joke and social commentary in the dialogue pulls you in and never lets go. I can definitely see folks watching this one over and over and it may make for solid reference material for scholars, politicians, family meetings and university study.

Not since Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing” has a film achieved such important balance of comedy and a much needed conversational piece. Instant Classic🍿!