Category Archives: Entertainment

Did Rapper PnB ROCK Ignore The Red Flags of Imminent Danger?

“I never got robbed in my life” – PnB Rock

Rapper PNB Rock

DJ Akademiks talked to PnB Rock about violence in LA and how the rapper diffused a hostile situation. LA is synonymous with the murders of Biggie and Tupac, said DJ Akademiks. The host went on to say that LA is a little “spooky.” PnB Rock said the crime life in Los Angeles is much different than where he is from.

Source Radio Facts

To add Insult to Injury Reportedly there was Trouble with Family of PnB ROCK Getting His Body Released to Send Back to Philadelphia

The body of PnB Rock is reportedly headed home. But it appears the process was far from easy.

Days after the rapper was shot and killed in Los Angeles, his brother took to Instagram to address some of the conflict between the family and the medical examiner.

“We been having trouble getting my brother back to Philadelphia,” PnB Meen wrote on Instagram. “The state of Los Angeles claiming they have some type of law, going against our as Muslims. Now I have no clue when his Janazah. It’s not right, yo. It’s goin on a week. Prayers up. I got you bro an ya daughters.”

Janazah is a Muslim funeral ritual in which an individual is typically buried within 24 hours of their death. Sources told TMZ the rapper’s mother flew from Philadelphia to LA as soon as soon she received word about PnB Rock’s shooting. After identifying her son as the victim, the mother demanded the medical examiner to immediately release the body for religious purposes. The examiner reportedly refused, saying they couldn’t release the body at the time because it was part of a homicide investigation. Sources say the back-and-forth became so tense that police were called to the coroner’s office to de-escalate the situation.

Source: Yahoo News!

Courtney Ward-Thompkins wants you to manifest your life through your works

“Speak into existence the life you dreamed about having”

Courtney Ward Thompkins
Courtney Ward-Thompkins

Producer, writer and content creator of scripted and unscripted television Courtney Ward-Thompkins is not afraid to live her dreams out loud. After interning with LaFace records she discovered her love for working in the entertainment industry. It’s not uncommon for someone who started in the music industry to navigate their way into the world of film and television.

Once Thompkins paved her way in the film industry through obtaining several titles such as production secretary, production manager , production coordinator, travel coordinator, doing overnights, and the list goes on. She was able to learn the in’s and outs of the industry; the do’s and what not to do and felt the urgency to share her knowledge with others. She believed all the information she obtained over the years would be extremely beneficial to newcomers just starting out to help them better navigate their way through the industry. This brings us to the creation of Courtney Ward’s Seminar. Check out her interview with Jonell Whitt from Rolling Out.

Courtney Ward-Thompkins

Restaurateur Ebony Austin had an amazing 2021 despite worldwide pandemic

(l-r)(Former Mayoral Candidate Antonio Brown, Mayor Joy B Day, Jr. Restaurateur ,Owner Ebony Austin, Actress Naturi Naughton, City of Jonesboro Manager Ricky L Clark

Owner of Nouveau Bar & Grill Ebony Austin has had an amazing 2021. Despite national pandemic conditions. In a city where social justice was top of the list, riots and rallies month after month, waterboys attacking the public, a wing shortage and mask mandates were mask on then mask off; Austin refused to let anything stand in her way.

From giving back consistently Ebony truly believed in the quote “If you do good to others God will definitely do his part to make sure you prosper.” (The elaborate version of karma)

Let’s go down Memory Lane and see how it started and where we are now. In January 2021 Ebony Austin was a part of her first docs-series where she got to tell her story in, “Making of a Mogul” an independent film project. Tanya Sam former (Real Housewives of Atlanta castmate was Host). February there was Valentine’s Day for couples at Nouveau with an entire Valentine Day menu. In March Ebony was offered a board member position with the BIRTHRIGHT organization. Also it was on the night of February 22, 2021 Austin agreed to a mentorship program and to employ the kids of the Birthright organization and participate in Motivation Monday every Monday night going forward.

In March the Nouveau Owner had the pleasure of welcoming the Baddest Chick “Rapper Trina” to experience the Mimosa Jam Sunday Brunch on the Balcony. There was even a surprise visit from Rapper Flo Rida. That Sunday was definitely one for the history books. Later that month she celebrated her first national feature in Sheen Magazine’s April issue featuring Influencer/reality star Pretty V on the cover. The the month ended with a fundraiser to help several families who were victims of “child sex trafficking” . The event was very emotional as families told their experiences. Ebony donated her event for 4 hours so families could gather and gain support from each other while the organization went live with media to raise funds.

April Showers not only brought in May flowers but also brought in Reality Star from OWN TV Martell Holt who absolutely loved the Nouveau experience and even had the viewing party for season 2 at the establishment. The month of April was the bittersweet end of the ad campaign Nouveau rain for 3 issues of the “Buckhead Life Magazine.”

Clearly Nouveau had a stellar first quarter of 2021 coming off of a terrible year in 2020 of lockdowns and longtime business owners having to shut their doors for good. The springtime zipped by and by summer Nouveau’s patio was packed and the upstairs balcony patio dining was booked and busy. Weekends turned into 2-hour waits and lines wrapped around the corner. Nouveau was now the official lunch hot spot.

Ebony was a regular Monday morning face on the (23 year old ) infamous Rolling Out A.M. show for several weeks discussing what’s new on her menu, worldwide events and local news. The IGNITE RESOURCE CENTER of College Park held a Charity Gala for the BIRTHRIGHT TEEN AGILE Leadership Program. Then the Mayor of Jonesboro declared July 25th Ebony Austin Day! It was also the day the 2nd Nouveau location was birthed! How beautiful to see this Chicago native live out her dreams and get her flowers while she is alive and has many years to go.

(l-r)Ricky Clarke, Mayor Joy B Day, Ebony Austin, City Council Members 

At the Grand Opening Ebony Austin presented one of the High School Bands in Clayton County with a check for $5000.00. In the month of November for Thanksgiving, Nouveau Jonesboro gifted over 600 turkeys and full meal packages to families in the community. Actors Naturi Naughton and Marlo Hampton were on deck to help along with several volunteers.

Ebony Austin, Naturi Naughton and Marlo Hampton

To top the ending of 2021 on a very high note the owner Ebony Austin (female African American Business Owner ) was announced and presented with an award from the city of College Park as “Business Person of the Year” for all her Charitable Contributions to the community and running her business with style and grace. A true asset to the community.

This award from the City of College Park for “Businessperson of the Year” is where all the efforts of 2021 led to

Ebony blessed the children of the community with over 80,000 worth of toys. From Huffy Bikes, flatscreen vizio televisions, chromebooks, toys, games, trampolines, video games and everything a child could dream of to make their Christmas Day the best day ever. There were 50 Christmas full dinners given away as well as six $1000.00 scholarships to students in college and preparing to go to college. Truly Ebony Austin and Nouveau Bar & Grill Restaurants are a Class Act addition to the community.

Check out the Photo Collage below

Photos Courtesy of Jonell PR – Thank You!

Authentic Empire rap Artist Money Mu Hits the stage With brs kashkash at Rolling Loud Concert in Miami

‘Money Mu’ is making his stage rounds as he recently performed at 107.9 Birthday Bash 25 in Atlanta , Georgia

Money Mu at Rolling Loud

It’a always amazing to see folks from your hometown when attending a concert. But this wasn’t just any concert; fresh out of a year long pandemic with concerts and large music events restricted the “ROLLING LOUD” annual event was able to happen in Miami, FL. This music event brings out the top new artists next to blow along with the artists we have come to know and love who have used platforms just like this to expose and elevate their brand.

Money Mu was no exception, and he showed gratitude as he posted a video clips from the event giving a huge shout out to @BRSKASH for bringing him out on stage to drop some bars on the crowd. This was a stand up move and let’s you know this display of humility lets you know Money Mu is on his way. Look out for his next project.

Follow @stillpaidmu on Instagram

BIZ MARKIE is still alive

Big Daddy Kane Speaks Out and Sets the Story Straight

In April, Big Daddy Kane revealed that Biz Markie was recovering from a stroke but said he is “getting better.”

“He’s in rehabilitation now. He’s getting better and stronger every day,” Kane told The Breakfast Club.

“Last time I talked to him on the phone, he got a real light voice, but last time I talked on the phone. He stuck his middle finger up at me, so I think he’s coming along.”

Biz Markie is not dead, his management has confirmed, after reports of the rapper’s death spread through social media.

The rapper, 57, is still alive, despite legions of fans sharing their condolences on social media in response to the false rumors.

A number of high-profile celebrities also mistakenly tweeted about his death, with Pharrell Williams and Talib Kweli deleting tweets after Biz’s representatives confirmed the rumors were false.

A source close to the Juice Crew legend tells HipHopDX he’s still alive as of a few hours ago but isn’t doing well. Unfortunately for Biz, his fans and family, his passing could be “eminent” and he needs Hip Hop’s help.

TV One journalist Rolands Martin also confirmed Biz is still alive, tweeting, “Folks, @BizMarkie has NOT died. I have been in contact with sources who are texting and talking to his wife. My source talked to Biz TODAY. Per his wife, Biz HAS NOT passed away. Please stop responding to non-credible sources. This hurts the family, friends and fans.”

CMNTY CULTURE’s DEBUT FILM PROJECT ‘THE LAST PLANTATION’

Photo Credit Jaloni Williams
Photo Credit: Jaloni Williams

BASED ON THE UNTOLD TRUE STORY OF BLACK FARMER JOHN BOYD JR. AND LAWYER JAMES FARRIN WHO WORKED TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE JUSTICE FOR BLACK FARMERS IN AMERICA

Los Angeles, CA, June 10, 2021 – Today, CMNTY Culture, a Black-owned entertainment and media enterprise founded by eight-time GRAMMY award-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence, announced its first film project, The Last Plantation, via its film/ TV vertical, CMNTY Culture Films. CMNTY Culture will be the lead production company on The Last Plantation, an untold true story chronicling one of the largest civil rights settlements in history. Hunt Lowry(A Time to Kill, Last of the Mohicans) of Roserock Films and Jesse Kennedy (Brooklyn’s Finest, Stolen) are signed on to produce the film, joined by Philip Lawrence, CMNTY Culture Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Legal Officer Miles Cooley, CMNTY Culture CEO Thomas St. John, and main character/ lawyerJames Farrin as executive producers. 

Written by Tyger Williams (Menace II Society, Self Made: Madam C.J. Walker), The Last Plantation follows Black soybean farmer, John Boyd Jr., and white car accident attorney, James Farrin, as they overcome long odds and Washington gridlock to obtain a $1.25 billion settlement for over 18,000 Black farmers who had been discriminated against by the U.S. government. For years, the USDA routinely treated Black farmers unjustly, earning it the unfortunate nickname “the last plantation.”

“With its underlying themes of racial justice and social equity, ‘The Last Plantation’ showcases everything that CMNTY Culture stands for. It’s an important story to tell, not only because of its historical context, but also because it points to how we can come together to address social issues and injustices, even in a polarized world,” said CMNTY Culture Founder and Chairman, Philip Lawrence. “We couldn’t be happier to launch our film/ TV vertical with such an inspiring project and hope that it helps shed some much-overdue light on the often-neglected plight of Black farmers in America.”

The premise of the film aligns closely with CMNTY Culture’s mission of promoting and advancing racial equity, social justice, and diversity/inclusion in all aspects of its business, which includes film/TV, music, music publishing, and real estate. Philip Lawrence founded the company in 2019 alongside a visionary group of accomplished leaders: Thomas St. John, Founder of Thomas St. John Group; Miles Cooley, formerly DLA Piper; Marlena Kaplan, formerly Blackstone; Malik Rasheed, formerly Epic Records; and Chief Johnson, formerly PUMA Group.

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About CMNTY Culture: Launched in 2019, CMNTY Culture is a Black-owned, independent music and media enterprise founded by eight-time GRAMMY award-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence in partnership with Thomas St. John, founder of Thomas St. John Group, a leading international accounting and business management firm. The company has several portfolio entertainment verticals in the music, music publishing, film/ TV, and real estate spaces.  CMNTY Culture is dedicated to advocating for and empowering artists across disciplines, as well as promoting and advancing racial equity, social justice, and diversity/inclusion in all aspects of its business. To find out more, you can visit: https://cmntyculture.com/


Media Contacts:

Sunshine Sachs

Paula Witt/ Maggie Faircloth/ Samantha Stephens/ Daniella Colletti – CMNTYCulture@SunshineSachs.com

Tapas restaurant “SLUSH” on Edgewood hosts private Sneak peek soft opening

Guests were given a COVID friendly greeting with hand sanitizer and temperature checks at the door. According to the Press Release by publicist Diane Larche , the HVAC was upgraded with a new high-tech UV lighting and air-purifying filtration system which was created to reduce indoor odors and kill volatile organic compounds and other biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and viruses (including the virus that causes COVID-19). Masks are required when not eating or drinking.

Black Rob Dies in atlanta hospital at 51

Black Rob has passed away in an Atlanta hospital days after saying his farewell to DMX. He suffered a stroke in 2015. Allegedly he had suffered problems from his failing kidneys for the past 5 years. DJ Self was posting videos of Black Rob for the past week per Rob’s request in efforts to let people know what was going on in his life. In the video he appeared to be in a lot of pain and disgusted because of lack of funds to provide sufficient housing for himself. He complained about being in pain.

There were blogs that released information about Sean Combs sending money to help out the rapper. RIP to another Hip Hop artist who once was taking over the streets of New York. Black Rob was also once on the Bad Boy roster as one of Diddy’s artists.

Christian Keyes talks Saints and Sinners Judgement Day Movie on Bounce TV 2/14 9pm

Christian Keyes- Photo Courtesy of Bounce TV

Saints & Sinners: Judgment Day  

Some say blood is thicker than water, but in the fictional small town of Cypress, vengeance is bigger than family loyalty. Mayor Ella Johnson is arrested for alledgely killing Malik Thompson whose body was found in her empty pool. 

Things get worse when her mother Leona sweeps in for a power grab and undermines her daughter’s chance at freedom as she plots to take over the city of Cypress and New Hope church.  

Alex (who we all know is gangster) is determined to get to the bottom of what happened , but does he have a motive? Dr Christi definitely is also on board to figure out what really happened, all while managing to keep close watch on her good friend Pastor Levi. Tune in tonight as there are several more pieces to this puzzle.

Last season of Saints and Sinners was the number one most-watched program on television, beating such shows as The $100,000 Pyramid on ABC, What Just Happened? (FOX), Instinct (CBS) and Big Little Lies (HBO), in the delivery of African Americans 18-49 and 25-54 Sunday night between 9-10 p.m.  Each episode reaches 1.3 Million viewers Sunday night, becoming the most-watched program in Bounce history.

<p class="has-drop-cap" value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">Bounce, the first and only broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, is gearing up for the worldpremiere of <strong>Saints & Sinners: Judgment Day</strong> movie tonight <strong>Sunday, February 14th</strong> at <strong>9:00 pm ET</strong>.  Will you please tune in?Bounce, the first and only broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, is gearing up for the worldpremiere of Saints & Sinners: Judgment Day movie tonight Sunday, February 14th at 9:00 pm ET.  Will you please tune in?

Salt-N-Pepa premieres Saturday January 23 at 8/7c on Lifetime

SALT-N-PEPA details the journey of Queensborough Community College students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton as they enter the world of rap and hip hop, after recording a song for their friend Hurby Azor. Salt-N-Pepa made a huge impact as one of the first all-female rap groups, changing the look of hip hop and being unafraid to talk about sex and share their thoughts on men. The movie follows the group as they become the first female rap act to go platinum and experience ground-breaking success with multiple awards, including a Grammy award –  paving the way for all female rappers to follow. The film will feature performances of Salt-N-Pepa’s greatest hits, including: “Let’s Talk About Sex”, “What a Man”, “Shoop” and “Push It”.

Photos Courtesy of Aenetworks

Produced by Sony Pictures Television and directed by Mario Van Peebles (“New Jack City,” “Baadasssss!”) from a script by Abdul Williams (“The Bobby Brown Story,” “The New Edition Story”).  Robert Teitel (“The Hate U Give,” “Barbershop” Franchise) from State Street Pictures serves as Executive Producer. Executive Produced by Cheryl James, Sandra Denton, Shakim Compere and Queen Latifah. Co-executive produced by Hurby Azor. Sebastian Dungan serves as the Lifetime executive in charge of production.

SALT-N-PEPA INTERVIEW SPECIAL will premiere Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11 PM EST/10 PM CST on Lifetime

After 35 years, the reigning Queens of Hip Hop are still going strong. Salt-n-Pepa sit down for a fun and intimate discussion about what makes their iconic partnership work, how these two very different personalities find the delicate balance to keep it going, and how their pioneering style continues to influence the music world today. Hosted by Loni Love, the special is packed with never-before heard stories about their lives and careers and share exclusive BTS footage, with a few surprises and special guests along the way!

SALT-N-PEPA INTERVIEW SPECIAL is produced by A&E Originals with Ted Butler as executive producer.

Photos Courtesy of Aenetworks