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‘Don’t Hang Up’ dials up nearly one million viewers in its premiere, becomes Bounce’s most-watched original movie

ATLANTA (March 29, 2022) — The premiere telecasts of the Bounce original “Don’t Hang Up” on Sunday, March 20, were seen by nearly one million viewers 2+, making it the network’s most-watched original movie in its 10-year history.

Starring Wendell Pierce (“The Wire,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), “Don’t Hang Up” also improved its timeslot by +38% in Persons 2+ viewers and by +30% in Households, P25-54, and P18-49 vs. prior four-week averages.

“Don’t Hang Up” has several more airings and is also available for viewing on Bounce’s streaming service Brown Sugar. 

The thriller revolves around Chris Daniels (Pierce), a husband and father whose life is upended when he gets a phone call that hurls him into a harrowing journey to save his family. Told his daughter has been taken hostage, Daniels is ordered by the kidnappers to complete a series of missions to get her back, all while maintaining one deceptively simple rule: Don’t hang up. 

“Don’t Hang Up” was directed by J.B. Sugar (“Faith Heist”, “Bitten”) from a screenplay by Byl Caruthers and produced by Sugar and Ella Myers for No Equal Entertainment.

About Bounce

Bounce (@bouncetv) programming is seen over the air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over the top on Roku®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps, and on the web viaBounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series, docuseries and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events, and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Source: Nielsen Live+SD.  P2+ average delivery across 3 plays on Bounce (8p, 10p Midnight).  Data compared to L+SD data for all Bounce original premieres back to 2013.  Reach based on a 1-minute qualifier.

“Don’t Hang Up” Premieres This Sunday, March 20 at 8pm ET on Bounce, True-Crime Original Thriller Stars Wendell Pierce, Lauren Holly & Eden Cupid

ATLANTA (March 16, 2022) — Bounce (@bouncetv) will premiere its newest original movie “Don’t Hang Up” this Sunday, March 20th at 8 pm ET. The action-thriller based upon real-life events stars Wendell Pierce (“The Wire,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Lauren Holly (“NCIS,” “Picket Fences”), and Eden Cupid (“Umbrella Academy”).

The mystery revolves around Chris Daniels (Pierce), a husband and father whose life is upended when he gets a phone call that hurls him into a harrowing journey to save his family. Told his daughter has been taken hostage, Chris is ordered by the kidnappers to complete a series of missions to get her back, all while maintaining one deceptively simple rule: Don’t hang up.  

Meanwhile, the growing number of unanswered texts and calls from his wife Tracy (Holly) leads to escalating fear and even police interference – which unwittingly puts the safe return of their daughter (Cupid) in even greater jeopardy.  

“We are elated to have Wendell Pierce and Lauren Holly in the starring roles of ‘Don’t Hang Up,’” said David Hudson, Head of Original Programming, Scripps Networks. “We are elevating our original programming with superlative artists in unique, high-quality, high-octane stories. This stellar cast will take writer William “Byl” Caruthers’ fantastic page-turner screenplay to incredible heights and ‘Don’t Hang Up’ will be an edge-of-your-seat thriller.”

“As an actor, I always look for opportunities to do good work with good material. ‘Don’t Hang Up’ is a film that meets this standard,” said Wendell Pierce. “I’ve always wanted to do a thriller, where an ordinary man is thrown into an extraordinary situation. Based on a true story, it’s evidence that sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.”

“Don’t Hang Up” is being directed by J.B. Sugar (“Faith Heist,” “Bitten”) from a screenplay by Byl Caruthers and produced by Sugar and Ella Myers for No Equal Entertainment.

About Bounce

Bounce (@bouncetv) features a programming mix of original series and movies, theatrical motion pictures, off-network series, specials, and events designed for African American audiences. Bounce is available to 98% of U.S. television homes free and over the air with a digital antenna, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over the top on Roku, and Apple TV; on mobile devices via the Bounce app; and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce XL, Scripps Networks’ newest free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, is available on Samsung TV Plus, Pluto TV Sling, and Xumo. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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Hip Hop Public Health Launches ‘Community Immunity’ Vaccine Literacy Effort

New, Five-Part ‘Rap Anthology About Vaccines’ Aims to Fill Knowledge Gap Regarding Vaccination to Better Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic in Communities of Color

Series of Animated Music Videos feature Critical Health Messages Performed by Grammy®-Winning Rapper Darryl DMC McDaniels

NEW YORK, FEB. 11, 2021 /PRNEWSWIRE/ — HIP HOP PUBLIC HEALTH (HHPH) 
THE NATIONAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED SINCE 2004 TO FOSTERING POSITIVE HEALTH BEHAVIOR CHANGE THROUGH THE POWER OF SCIENCE AND HIP HOP MUSIC, TODAY LAUNCHED COMMUNITY IMMUNITY: A RAP ANTHOLOGY ABOUT VACCINES. A suite of free resources aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine coverage in communities of color by fighting fear with facts, this animated rap anthology deconstructs vaccine literacy in a series of five animated videos, beginning with

WHAT ARE VACCINES AND WHY DO THEY WORK?
FEATURING THE VOICE OF GRAMMY®-WINNING RAPPER AND HHPH ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER DARRYL DMC MCDANIELS OF RUN-DMC, WITH AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER ARTIE GREEN AND SINGER-SONGWRITER GERRY GUNN, COMMUNITY IMMUNITY: A RAP ANTHOLOGY ABOUT VACCINES IS THE LATEST COVID-19 PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN FROM HIP HOP PUBLIC HEALTH. THE ORGANIZATION’S TRILOGY OF HIGH-IMPACT MUSIC VIDEO PSAS – 

20 SECONDS OR MORE, 20 SEGUNDOS O MÁS AND BEHIND THE MASK – HAVE BEEN VIEWED AND SHARED BY MILLIONS, AND BECOME A PART OF THE VERNACULAR AROUND THE CORONAVIRUS WITH UNIVERSAL MESSAGES OF LOVE AND SAFETY SINCE LAUNCHING AT THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC IN NEW YORK CITY IN SPRING 2020.

Each 60-second video in the Community Immunity anthology features a common underlying hip hop track with a unique rap verse that incorporates vaccine literacy content and a universal hook about the benefits of community immunity, which is repeated and sung in each video. The goal of the series is not only to inform, but also to turn receiving the vaccine into a social norm. Each video in the series will be launched over the next several weeks through March 2021, beginning with What Are Vaccines and Why Do They Work? (launching 2/11), followed by Are Vaccines Safe and How Do I Know This?(launching 2/18); What are the Common Vaccine Myths, Misperceptions? (launching 2/25); What Can I Expect if I Take the Vaccine? (launching 3/4); and, Getting a Vaccine is Better than Getting Infected with COVID-19 (launching 3/11).

“COVID-19 is the most urgent global challenge we face today, and if we can encourage 80% of the population to get vaccinated, we can achieve the community-wide immunity we need for social activities to return to normal” says Dr. Olajide Williams, Founder of Hip Hop Public Health, tenured Professor of Neurology at Columbia University, and Chief of Staff of the Department of Neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “As the coronavirus continues to ravage communities of color, the long-standing distrust that many feel towards medical science has proven to be an even greater challenge. Our goal with the Community Immunity anthology is therefore to increase vaccine literacy by demonstrating three critical points of fact: one, the vaccine is safe; two, no scientific shortcuts were taken in the development of the vaccine; and three, being vaccinated is an act of community service.”

“While we must work to fill knowledge gaps, we also recognize that knowledge alone does not motivate behavior change. To meet the challenge of COVID-19, we need to truly connect, culturally and emotionally,” adds Dr. Williams. “This is why HHPH developed the Multisensory Multilevel Health Education Model, which leverages the power of culture and art to motivate people to live healthier lives.”

“Hip Hop Public Health is committed to providing accessible, culturally relevant resources, free of charge to empower underserved communities about critical health issues ,” says Lori Rose Benson, Executive Director and CEO of Hip Hop Public Health. “With recent studies showing that more than half of African American adults are hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, it is essential that we create and widely disperse messages to dispel myths and reduce anxiety around the vaccine with the goal of creating Community Immunity as the ultimate act of love – love of self, love of family and love of the community – to inspire and drive action.”

A recent national study (Szilgayi et al, JAMA December 2020) revealed that the self-reported likelihood of getting a COVID-19 vaccine declined from 75% in April 2020 to 56% in December 2020, despite extensive media coverage beginning in November showing high efficacy for both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.  The lowest likelihood of vaccination was found among Black individuals and those with lower educational backgrounds, two groups that bear the highest burden of illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. The APM Research Lab has found that Covid-19 has killed 1 out of every 645 Black Americans, and according to the journal PLOS Medicine, Black people, ages 35 to 44, have been dying at nine times the rate of white people the same age.

“These findings make HHPH’s novel approach to vaccine hesitancy a critical item on the menu of initiatives designed to increase vaccine coverage,” Dr. Williams concludes.

Plans to roll-out Community Immunity include a series of community mobilization events in partnership with the State of New York’s Vaccine Equity Taskforce, HeartSmilesMD, The New York City Department of Education’s Office of School Wellness Programs, and others. The videos will also be widely distributed across multiple social media channels in collaboration with local faith-based organizations, community media outlets and national and local radio platforms. In addition, Community Immunity will be part of a larger program used in company settings as a tool to educate essential workforces and answer pointed questions about the vaccine.  In partnership with 40 West Advisors, HHPH’s innovative and customized tools will allow direct access to the answers employees need to make informed decisions about the vaccine. Finally, the public is invited to engage directly with Dr. Williams and Dr. Monique Hedmann-Maxey, HHPH Advisory Board member who also appears in the videos, through #AskTheHipHopDocs. This interactive social media initiative is designed to answer questions and help dispel misperceptions when tagged in real-time. Answers will appear on www.hhph.org

“Communities of color carry  the heaviest burden from the pandemic, and  in order to stop the virus in its tracks, we need to increase vaccine literacy, change behavior and get vaccinated,” says Darryl DMC McDaniels. “By harnessing the power of hip hop, we hope to connect with communities of color in a way they can relate to and encourage folks to get vaccinated. I am honored  to lend my voice to this vital campaign – get the shot y’all!”

The five videos in the Community Immunity series are focused on the following topics:

WHAT ARE VACCINES AND HOW DO THEY WORK? Highlights the power of vaccines, which have all but eliminated diseases that once sickened, crippled or killed millions of people every year, including smallpox and polio. The two current COVID-19 vaccines are more than 90% effective at protecting the recipient (9 of 10 people won’t get sick if they get both doses of the vaccine).

ARE VACCINES SAFE AND HOW DO WE KNOW THIS? Despite the speed of vaccine development (which has prompted many to question whether a vaccine for COVID-19 is safe and effective), very strict science, regulations, and transparency was enforced during vaccine development and data safety monitoring. Even after a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, the FDA, CDC, healthcare systems and vaccine developers will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for years.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON VACCINE MYTHS, MISPERCEPTIONS? Addresses misinformation and how this has affected people’s trust, and addresses fears with facts. “This is not just a moment of truth; it is a moment for truth.”

GETTING A VACCINE IS A BETTER DEFENSE THAN GETTING INFECTED WITH COVID-19 Which puts you at risk of severe infection, protracted illness, and death. This video also emphasizes that one of the most important tools to save Black lives right now is vaccination.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF I TAKE THE VACCINE? Describes transient reactions to vaccination and emphasizes the importance of returning for the second shot (for the two currently approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in the United States) for community immunity. Defines herd immunity as community immunity. Getting both shots is not just about me, it is also about us.

“We have been locked in a life or death battle against COVID for nearly a year, and with the vaccine now in hand, we finally have the weapon that will win this war, but it will only be as effective as our willingness to use it,” said New York Secretary of State and Co-Chair of New York’s Vaccine Equity Task Force Rossana Rosado. “The sad truth about COVID is it hasn’t only attacked our health, it’s brought to light the structural racism, injustices and inequities that have contributed towards the distrust and skepticism people feel towards the health care system and the vaccine itself, especially in communities of color.  The fact is it is safe, it is reliable and if we are truly to get back to normal, we need everyone to have confidence in it – that’s why the work Hip Hop Public Health is doing is so important. By finding new and creative ways to instill confidence in the vaccine, they are getting information about the vaccine’s efficacy to those who need it in an easily digestible and understandable format. Hip Hop Public Health has been a tremendous partner to New York’sVaccine Equity Task Force from the very beginning and on behalf of Governor Cuomo and all New Yorkers, I thank them for this critically important public service.”

The Community Immunity: A Rap Anthology about Vaccines series was produced by Artie Green. The video animation was created by Mylo The Cat and Cartuna. Medical oversight was provided by HHPH Founder, Dr. Olajide Williams, Dr. Melissa Stockwell and HHPH Advisory Board member Dr. Monique Hedmann-Maxey. Philanthropic support for the initiative has been provided by The Skoll Foundation, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Dalio Center for Health Justice at NewYork-Presbyterian, and Columbia Community Service. To learn more, please visit www.hhph.org and follow HHPH on social at @hhphorg #CommunityImmunity

About Hip Hop Public Health

Based in New York City, Hip Hop Public Health was founded in Harlem in 2004 with the mission to empower youth around the country – and the globe— with the knowledge and skills to make healthier choices, reducing preventable health conditions and the rising tide of childhood obesity.

Through a research-driven developmental process created by Columbia University Neurologist Dr. Olajide Williams (a.k.a. the “Hip Hop Doc”), Hip Hop Public Health works with socially conscious artists and musicians to create scalable, highly engaging, culturally relevant music and multimedia “edutainment” tools designed to improve youth health literacy and promote health equity. HHPH used validated models of behavior change and evidenced-based research to develop original content and are committed to an iterative cycle of program evaluation, academic research and resource refinement. We aim to make the healthy choice the cool choice.

The Hip Hop Public Health team, led by physical education veteran and public health leader Lori Rose Benson, is a collective comprised of not only health and education professionals (including nutritionists, public health researchers, teachers, physicians, behavioral scientists, and a student advisory board), but also proven-successful multi-media professionals and A-list iconic rap stars and pop artists including Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, DMC of Run DMC, Ashanti, Jordin Sparks, as well children’s television writers/producers (formerly of Sesame Street).

HHPH is proud to partner locally, regionally and internationally to empower health focused organizations and stakeholders to adopt and adapt Hip Hop Public Health resources and infuse them into youth health and wellness programming and initiatives. All HHPH music, videos, comic books, video games and guidance documents are available for free and can be accessed on its online resource repository.

Civil Rights Experts Examine Cases That Are “Black History in the Making” In Special Live Court TV Event This Friday Night Feb. 25 At 7 pm EST

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Ben Crump, CK Hoffler, Mark O’Mara, Lee Merritt Scheduled to Appear, Court TV Anchor Michael Ayala Hosts

(Atlanta, GA) – February 24, 2022 – As Black History Month continues, Court TV is airing a brand-new live special event – “Black History in the Making” – on Friday, Feb. 25 at 7 pm EST that will look back on the Black icons of the past while also discussing the cases in the courts that are changing the course of history as we live it. 

Hosted by Court TV’s Michael Ayala, “Black History in the Making” will feature activist  Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, former National Bar Association President CK Hoffler, criminal defense lawyer Mark O’Mara, and Constitutional Attorney Lee Merritt exploring the cases that have been capturing headlines and impacting communities and everyday people and will no doubt continue to be discussed for generations to come. 

About Court TV:

Court TV is devoted to live, gavel-to-gavel coverage, in-depth legal reporting, and expert analysis of the nation’s most important and compelling trials. It is available to be seen on cable, over-the-air, and over-the-top. Court TV is also live-streamed on CourtTV.com, YouTube TV, Pluto TV, SiriusXM, as well as the Court TV app for Roku®, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android and Apple devices. All feature robust and exclusive content from the massive Court TV library, including the nation’s most compelling, high-profile cases over the past 20 years available on demand. Court TV is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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CHRIS ROCK ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN LEG OF EGO DEATH WORLD TOUR 2022

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

NEW YORK CITY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2022

Acclaimed Comedian’s First Tour in Five Years Kicks Off This April

Tickets On Sale Starting Friday, February 25th at 10 am at Ticketmaster.com

Today, Grammy and Emmy Award winning comedian, actor, director, writer and producer, Chris Rock has announced his highly anticipated return to live comedy with his Ego Death World Tour 2022. Produced by Live Nation, the 38-date North American leg of Rock’s first world tour in over five years kicks off April 2nd in Atlantic City, NJ, with two shows at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and will make stops across the country in St. Louis, Denver, New York City, Chicago, and more, before wrapping November 17th at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, CA. A full list of tour dates is below. More dates will be announced soon. 

Chris Rock’s Ego Death World Tour will make a stop at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Thursday, October 6, 2022. 

Tickets go on sale to the public starting Friday, February 25th at 10 am at Ticketmaster.com.

Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. 

Rock recently wrapped production on the upcoming Higher Ground produced biopic, “Rustin ” and David O’Russell’s Untitled film. He is also set to direct an Untitled Chris Rock project in 2023. 

In 2021 Rock starred as Loy Cannon in season 4 of FX’s Emmy-winning drama series “Fargo.”  He also teamed up with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures in the reimagining of the newest Saw franchise movie, “Spiral,” in which he produced and starred in. His most recent standup special, “Total Blackout: The Tamborine Extended Cut,” is currently streaming on Netflix.

In 2014 he led the ensemble cast of “Top Five,” a critically acclaimed comedy feature that he also wrote and directed. In 2009 Rock ventured into the documentary world as a writer and producer of “Good Hair,” and in 2014 he executive produced “Eat Drink Laugh: The Story of the Comic Strip,” a documentary recounting the history of one of New York’s most famous comedy venues.  His feature acting credits include The Week Of, the Grown Ups and Madagascar franchises, 2 Days in New York, Death at a Funeral, Nurse Betty, Dogma, the hip-hop comedy CB4, and New Jack City.

His television work includes serving as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1989 – 1993 and as executive producer, writer and narrator for the series “Everybody Hates Chris.” The series ran from 2005 – 2009 and is still one of the highest rated syndicated shows in the world.

In 2011, Rock made his Broadway debut starring in Stephen Adly Guirgis’s The Motherf**ker With The Hat.   

Rock has won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. In addition, he received two nominations for the 2016 Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Director for a Variety Special for “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” and Outstanding Special Class Program for the 88th Annual Academy Awards.

CHRIS ROCK EGO DEATH WORLD TOUR 2022 DATES: 

All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.

* Not a Live Nation Date

Date City Venue

Sat Apr 02 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Sat Apr 02 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (LATE SHOW)

Fri Apr 08 Indio, CA Fantasy Springs Casino*

Sat Apr 09 Reno, NV Silver Legacy Resort Casino

Sat Apr 09 Reno, NV Silver Legacy Resort Casino (LATE SHOW)

Thu Apr 14 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood

Fri Apr 15 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood

Sat Apr 16 Durham, NC DPAC

Wed Apr 20 Bethlehem, PA Wind Creek Bethlehem

Thu Apr 21 Bethlehem, PA Wind Creek Bethlehem

Fri Apr 22 Baltimore, MD The Lyric

Fri May 06 Las Vegas, NV The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Sat May 07 Las Vegas, NV The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Fri Jun 03 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun

Tue Jun 07 Columbus, OH Ohio Theatre

Thu Jun 09 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre

Sat Jun 11 St. Louis, MO Stifel Theatre

Tue Jun 14 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre At Old National Centre

Thu Jun 16 Cleveland, OH Connor Palace at Playhouse Square

Sat Jun 18 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena

Tue Jun 21 Denver, CO Bellco Theatre

Thu Jun 23 Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Fri Jun 24 Prior Lake, MN Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Sat Jun 25 Mt Pleasant, MI Soaring Eagle Casino*

Sun Jul 03 Las Vegas, NV The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Thu Jul 07 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre-Oakland

Wed Jul 27 Orlando, FL Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Fri Jul 29 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre Atlanta

Sat Aug 27 Funner, CA Harrah’s Southern California Resort and Casino

Sun Aug 28 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre

Fri Sep 16 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre Detroit

Mon Sep 26 Pittsburgh, PA Benedum Center

Thu Oct 06 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

Thu Oct 13 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre

Tue Oct 18 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre

Fri Oct 21 Vancouver, BC UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

Thu Oct 27 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall

Thu Nov 17 Los Angeles, CA Dolby Theatre

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 Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

THREE-PART DOCUSERIES ‘PHAT TUESDAYS: THE ERA OF HIP HOP COMEDY’ HIGHLIGHTS HOW GUY TORRY REDEFINED BLACK COMEDY PREMIERES ON AMAZON PRIME

Docuseries includes interviews with Dave Chappell, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Nick Cannon, Steve Harvey, Jay Pharoah, Regina King, Snoop Dogg and Bob Saget in his last interview

(Los Angeles, CA) Feb. 22, 2022 – Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy is an Amazon Original three-part docuseries now premiering exclusively on Prime Video.  Stand-up comics remember the urban comedy explosion of Phat Tuesdays. In the words of Anthony Anderson, Tiffany Haddish, Steve Harvey, Regina King and more, Phat Tuesdays tells the unbelievable story of how one man, Guy Torry, moved mountains to launch an all-Black comedy night at The Comedy Store. What started as an experiment in 90’s Los Angeles, turned into a breeding ground for today’s greatest comedians, elevating Black voices to have their turn on the stage which helped changed the trajectory of their careers.

Phat Tuesdays is a candid, timely, unapologetic, and hilarious docuseries that shows you the heart and soul of today’s most influential Black entertainers. Phat Tuesdays at The Comedy Store had a 10-year run (1995-2005). It introduces audiences to a different era and walks them down memory lane with today’s biggest comedians and personalities.

Guy Torry’s ‘Phat Comedy Tuedsays’ had icons and legends such as Richard Pryor, Tupac, Prince, Eddie Murphy, and more filling the room on a Tuesday night to see the sold-out weekly show. Comedians who performed at Phat Tuesdays included: Tiffany Haddish, Chris Tucker, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Fox, Nick Cannon, Anthony Anderson, Lil Rel Howery, Chris Rock, Craig Robinson, Dave Chappelle, J.B. Smoove, Kym Whitley, Jay Pharoah, Tichina Arnold, Luenell, DeRay Davis, and more.

Hollywood executives had been going down to The Comedy Act Theater to discover black comedians but the 1992 LA Riots changed all that and they stopped going. The shutdown of opportunities bothered Guy Torry so he started Phat Tuesdays at The Comedy Store in Hollywood and brought black talent to the entertainment industry leaders (or brought the hood to Hollywood).

Phat Tuesdays’ founder and host Guy Torry serves as an executive producer, alongside Academy Award-nominated producer Reginald Hudlin and Byron Phillips. Jeff Hasler, Brian Lovett, and Jeff Bumgarner for Original Productions, and Kelsey Grammer and Tom Russo for Grammnet Productions, also serve as executive producers.

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy is now available on Prime Video.

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WATCH THE PHAT TUESDAYS: THE ERA OF HIP HOP COMEDY TRAILER

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy - Official Trailer I February 4

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BEL-AIR

Will Smith and his Westbrook media company has crafted an entertaining series and strong vehicle
for family, race and human relations. The teachable moments go down easy because they are necessary in these challenging times.

The decision to update the re-boot was a savvy move by the Hip Hop Legend and his talented team.

The first few episodes does it’s job by offering fresh actors, fresh stories and plenty of intrigue to keep you coming back for more. Bel Air is rich with authenticity and balances elegance and grit masterfully.

This is a helpful series that take on very real life situations with bold antidotes that don’t always end favorably.

Instant Classic!
– RE Classics

ABOUT THE SERIES

BEL-AIR IS NOW STREAMING ONLY ON PEACOCK
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
Set in modern-day America, Peacock’s new one-hour drama series Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air.

As these two worlds collide, Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions, and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.

Executive produced by Will Smith, and inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic, culture-defining ‘90s sitcom, Bel-Air takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger, style, and aspiration, while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens.

The new series features an ensemble cast that introduces Jabari Banks as Will and a creative team that includes Cooper, who serves as director, co-writer, and executive producer, and co-showrunners and executive producers T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson.

ABOUT THE SERIES: 
Co-Showrunners / Executive Producers: T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson 
Director / Co-Writer / Executive Producer: Morgan Cooper


Executive Producers: Will Smith, Terence Carter, James Lassiter, Miguel Melendez, Malcolm Spellman, Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and Andy & Susan Borowitz 


Produced By: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Westbrook Studios, a division of Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s media company Westbrook Inc.


Format: Drama series, 10 Episodes X 60 Minutes 
Filming Location: Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA

SERIES REGULARS: 
Newcomer Jabari Banks as “Will” 
Adrian Holmes as “Philip Banks” (At That Age, V Wars) 
Cassandra Freeman as “Vivian Banks” (The Enemy Within, Atlanta) 
Olly Sholotan as “Carlton Banks” (Run Hide Fight, Evolution of Nate Gibson) 
Coco Jones as “Hilary Banks” (Let it Shine, Vampires vs. The Bronx) 
Akira Akbar as “Ashley Banks” (We Can Be Heroes, Captain Marvel) 
Jimmy Akingbola as “Geoffrey” (Most Dangerous Game, In The Long Run) 
Jordan L. Jones as “Jazz” (Rel, Snowfall) 
Simone Joy Jones as “Lisa” (The Chair, What If)



GUEST STARS:
Karrueche Tran as “Ivy” (Claws, The Bay)
Duane Martin as “Steven Lewis” (All of Us, Real Husbands of Hollywood)
April Parker Jones as “Viola ‘Vy’ Smith” (If Loving You is Wrong, Supergirl)
SteVonté Hart as “Tray Melbert” (Little Fires Everywhere, Queen Sugar)
Joe Holt as “Fred Wilkes” (The Walking Dead: World Beyond, The Punisher)
Scottie Thompson as “Angela” (NCIS, Macguyver, 12 Monkeys) 
Jon Beavers as “Kylo” (Licorice Pizza, Animal Kingson)
Tyler Barnhardt as “Connor Satterfield” (13 Reasons Why, Tales From The Loop)
Charlie Hallas “Tyler Laramy” (Single Drunk Female, Moxie)

Thelma Wright Philadelphia’s Beloved “American Gangster” Empowers a New Generation with Mentoring and Reform

It has been well over a decade since Thelma Wright, once reputed to be one of the most dangerous and powerful Black women in Philadelphia, came to the forefront and shocked the nation with true confessions in her memoir,  “With Eyes From Both Sides – Living My Live In and Out of the Game.” Today however, Thelma Wright is impacting her city and the tri-state area in positive ways with her mentoring program, The Thelma Wright Empowerment Program.

Philadelphia, PA – It has been well over a decade since Thelma Wright, once reputed to be one of the most dangerous and powerful Black women in Philadelphia, came to the forefront and shocked the nation with true confessions in her memoir, “With Eyes From Both Sides – Living My Live In and Out of the Game.” As the wife of Jackie Wright, a legendary heroin dealer in the city, Wright was intricately connected with the Black Mafia, a gang that operated Philly’s drug trade throughout the 1970’s and into the 1980’s. Once widowed and left as the young mother of a toddler son, she discreetly took over his business, running a bi-coastal drug empire, unbeknownst to family and friends around her. Today however, Thelma Wright is impacting her city and the tri-state area in positive ways with her mentoring program, The Thelma Wright Empowerment Program.

Wright enjoys interacting with youth on a day-to-day basis, in an effort to steer teens and young adults away from the dangers that she once encountered, while guiding them on a positive path of personal development. “My mission is to help at-risk pre-teens and teenagers understand and maintain their self-worth. As a credible messenger, I create a foundation of confidence that empowers individuals to believe their contribution in life makes a difference,” she explains.

“I care about the present and future of our communities, especially our African-American communities. I understand that in order to influence and educate, it’s critical to authentically connect and relate. Our at-risk youth need to understand there are adults that care about their future and well-being. My goal is to provide the youth with the necessary guidance and tools to nurture and develop unique interpersonal relationships as well as assist each individual in their pursuit of happiness,” notes Thelma Wright.

Wright’s background sets her apart from the typical tales of abuse and abandonment. In fact, she is quick to acknowledge that it was the strength of good parenting and strong family ties that laid her solid foundation and saw her through her darkest days. The product of a middle working-class Black family, she attended Catholic school, was a star athlete as a child and was well provided for. It was romance and love that entangled her with one of the Black underworld’s most notorious gangs.

Wright is perfectly positioned to garner all the credibility needed to effect change. She has been the subject of television documentaries, including Bio’s “Gangsters: America’s Most Evil” and the BET+ “American Gangster: The Trap Queens” series. Superstar recording artist/actress Mary J. Blige was even set to executive produce the USA Network drama series “Philly Reign” based on Wright’s memoir, a project that lasted until the development stage. Wright was also commemorated in the special edition of Time-Life Magazine, “Women Outlaws, Their Crimes, Their Motives, Their Methods.” A sought-after motivational speaker, Wright’s wisdom has graced prisons, schools, youth centers and universities around the country.

In between her mentoring schedule, Wright stays busy fielding project inquiries from the entertainment industry and conducting media interviews about her life. For more information about Thelma Wright and The Thelma Wright Empowerment Program, go to https://thelmabwright.com/ and http://thelmawrightfoundation.org/.

Image embed: Thelma Wright with her son, Jacky Wright.

Jazzmyne Public Relations

Mann Robinson and Torrei Hart Partner to Bring You “Super Turnt”

Mann Robinson Studios is proud to announce the release of Mann Robinson and Torrei Hart’s Super Turnt . The highly anticipated sequel to “Turnt” will release on Amazon Prime February 8 th , 2022.

Super Turnt, the second film from the Turnt franchise, was Produced by Torrei Hart, Harry Lennix, and Mann Robinson who also wrote, directed, and starred in the action-packed film that was shot in his 20,000 square foot studio in Atlanta Georgia. Super Turnt starring Jamal Woolard (Notorious, All Eyez on Me), Torrei Hart (Turnt), Harry Lennix (The Blacklist, Troubled Waters) Patrice Fisher (Saints and Sinners), Dennis L.A. White (Notorious, Turnt), E. Roger Mitchell (The Equalizer) and Troy Escoda (All My Children) is a story about Rilla, a highly feared street-lord and rapper, who has just been released from prison and finds that his immediate world has changed. His only mission is to be a father to his son, but the dangers of the street remain the same placing Rilla on the wrong side of the law once again.

Mann Robinson’s creative and authentic approach to writing, directing, and producing is true to the art of storytelling bringing a vivid point of view to the screen. The prequel to Super Turnt was based on his own life experiences and the events of many he was affiliated with in his former life. He was inspired to share with the world what transpires behind the scenes within the music industry and street life. His ability to bring a story to life in a raw yet cinematic way, is a gift that brings the realness of the streets to the world on the big screen, making Super Turnt a must see!

About Mann Robinson

Mann Robinson is an American Film Director, Producer, Actor, Author, and Entrepreneur. With over 15 years of industry experience, Mann is a pioneer and trailblazer in the film industry. In 2014, Mann begin writing the screenplay for “Turnt”, and by 2015, Mann Robinson Productions partnered with Torrei Hart and together they have worked on several projects that include: Turnt, Super Turnt , ON TEN TV Series starring Vivica Fox, and Sebastian releasing in early 2022. www.MannRobinson.com

About Mann Robinson Studios

Mann Robinson Studios is a full production studio located in Atlanta, GA right off the famous BeltLine. Founded in 2021 by Mann Robinson, the 20,000 square foot warehouse style studio boasts 20-foot ceilings, 32-foot green and white cyc walls, ample space for set building, and silent AC/Heat. The studio is open and available for booking. www.MannRobinsonStudios.com

About Torrei Hart

Torrei Lorin Hart is a Comedian, Actress, TV Personality, Influencer, and Entrepreneur. Torrei has been working in the industry for over a decade solidifying her as a powerhouse. Torrei is the successful owner of Heavenly Hart Healthcare and YouTube comedy channel “ Pretty Funny Fish” . She partnered with Zeus Network where she developed an unscripted talk show titled Talkin Sh%t . Most recently, Torrei launched Skinny Bish Keto , a health and fitness brand, and she’s added another talent to her repertoire, Music Artist. You can hear her new single “Lit” the title song from Super Turnt releasing on all music streaming platforms February 8 th , 2022. https://www.torreihart.com

Apple announces “They Call Me Magic,” the four-part real life story of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, set to debut April 22 on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ announced today “They Call Me Magic,” the highly anticipated four-part documentary event that takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, one of the world’s most iconic figures, will premiere April 22 on Apple TV+. 

“They Call Me Magic” offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work—both on and off the court—and continues to impact our culture today.

With unprecedented access, the docuseries explores Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s remarkable journey from being the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and cementing himself as an all-time NBA legend, to changing the conversation around HIV, and transforming into a successful entrepreneur and community activist. From his humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan to becoming the global force he is today, “They Call Me Magic” features intimate interviews with Magic, his family, and an all-star lineup, as the docuseries charts the cinematic life of one of the biggest cultural icons of our era.

Directed by Rick Famuyiwa (“Dope”) with editor Dirk Westervelt (“Ford v. Ferrari”) and cinematographer Rachel Morrison (“Black Panther”), the docuseries is produced for Apple by XTR and New Slate Ventures, and produced in association with H.Wood Media and Delirio Films.

“They Call Me Magic” joins a growing lineup of acclaimed and award-winning docuseries and documentaries on Apple TV+ including Emmy Award-winning “Boys State”; “The Velvet Underground,” the acclaimed documentary from director Todd Haynes; Critics Choice Award-winning and Emmy and Grammy Award-nominated “Beastie Boys Story”; the global smash hit documentary “Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry”; Werner Herzog’s Critics Choice Documentary Award nominee “Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds”; as well as upcoming documentaries “The Supermodels”; and “Number One on the Call Sheet,” from acclaimed storytellers Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner and Dan Cogan.

Apple TV+ is home to award-winning Apple Originals from today’s most imaginative storytellers. Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 202 wins and 918 awards nominations in less than two years.

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.

For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices. *Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.