Category Archives: Exclusive Photos

What the Blogs won’t get to post

Gocha Salon Re-Grand Opening in Atlanta

Tahira Joy Hosts Gocha Salon “Re-Grand Opening” in Atlanta

IMG_0036The Midtown Salon of Stylist, Reality Television Star and Soon to be restaurant owner is back up and running with a complete beauty shop overhaul & the Salon is looking absolutely fabulous!  The room was filled with beautiful people, friends and tastemakers of Atlanta that all came out to support Gocha Hawkins.

Tahira Joy (co-owner of The Cut Life) hosted the re-grand opening and raffled off lots of surprise gifts including 3 teeth whitining kits sponsored by Dr Heavenly, Dentist/Business Owner of (Heavenly Smiles) and Bravo (Married to Medicine) Reality television Star! Effen Vodka sponsored the spirits and Taylormade Catering provided some of the most amazing food. Gocha Hawkins was very gracious to all of her guests & constantly thanked her staff & make up artist for the amazing work they all put into the event.

Be sure to make your next hair appointment at the Gocha Salon because of the experience. The midtown location : 950 West Peachtree Street NE Suite #265,  Atlanta, GA 30309.

 

Queen Latifah develops Travel Documentary about Female Comedians & their Famous Friends

Photo Credit @queenlatifah IG

The Queen has had it up to here! Finally Queen Latifah will continue to create more TV content. According to reports, she’s teaming up with Electus to develop a travel documentary series. She will executive produce with her Flavor Unit Entertainment banner, with Flavor Unit’s Shakim Compere also executive producing. Latifah says of her latest venture,

The talented singer/rapper/Executive Producer had the following to say:

There are so many funny, brilliant women in this industry, and – with plenty of successful male-driven travel series out there – a comedic docu-series about sisterhood and adventure is just the type of uncharted territory we want to plant our flag in.

Read more: http://thejasminebrand.com/2018/06/28/queen-latifah-to-develop-produce-female-centric-travel-series-friends-in-strange-places/#ixzz5L0ZhBoOM

Joe Jackson Passes at 89 from Cancer

Screen Shot 2018-06-27 at 2.52.49 PMVery sad news has surfaced the internet regarding Joe Jackson. What’s more terrible is a quote from his son Jermaine stating Joe’s handlers made it impossible for certain family members to visit with him during his final days. According to The Jasmine Brand:

Jackson family patriarch Joe Jackson has passed away in Los Angeles following a battle with cancer. He was 89. Last week, Jackson was reportedly hospitalized and was in the final stages and “could not be treated.” Jackson was the father of Janet Jackson, the late Michael Jackson and their eight siblings. He was the architect of The Jackson 5 and suffered from a variety of health conditions including strokes, dementia and at least one heart attack.

 Jackson created The Jackson 5 in the 1960’s, while the family was living in Gary,
Indiana. The family including wife Katherine, later moved to California, after signing with Berry Gordy’s Motown Records. The group is known for such hit as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There.”

To Read more: http://thejasminebrand.com/2018/06/27/joe-jackson-passes-away-at-89-amid-battle-with-cancer/#ixzz5JegEyhpn

Janet Jackson recently gave a speech at an award show saying:

My mother [Katherine] nourished me with the most extravagant love imaginable, my father, my incredible father, drove me to be the best that I can.

Read more: http://thejasminebrand.com/2018/06/27/joe-jackson-passes-away-at-89-amid-battle-with-cancer/#ixzz5Jerm7gG5

Rickey Smiley talks Fatherhood

Rickey -72.jpgWhat legacy are you leaving for your children and the children of your community?

You have to play no games. I hope that I left something positive with them to make them want to be the best that they can be. To be upstanding and just being a good man. Being honest and upright is important.  I hope they take what I have taught them and apply it when it comes to their kids. Because they too will be parents one day as well.

How would you describe your Fatherhood culture?

I think I came out to be pretty successful being raised by my grandparents and great grandparents. I just hope they pass the same values on to their kids. I let them know that I am “NOT your friend.” That’s my No. #1 thing. I also understand that parenting is NOT a popularity contest.  I don’t care if nobody is talking to me in the house. It’s what I said and that’s the end of it. I mean they don’t pay for nothing, they don’t go to work hosting the radio show and they don’t go perform on the weekends. That’s what it is and I don’t explain my no.

From a father’s perspective, what two books would you recommend every child read?

Rickey Smiley “Stand By Your Truth,” No Opportunity Wasted by Bishop Joseph Walker and  Jekalyn Carr “You Will Win.’ Those are three books I feel are important for kids to read.

As a father and a life coach, describe your playbook

My playbook is just training them not to drink, not to smoke, use discretion, and move quietly. To always work and do all the things you are supposed to do. That’s about the size of my playbook.

What insightful advice would you suggest about building a network?

The main thing is to be professional and learn how to mix in with other races and other cultures. There are white people out here signing checks too. We have to learn to think outside the box. And not just be comfortable being around black folks.

How important is keeping your word?  

It’s very important because when you have nothing left. All you have is your word. Mean what you say and say what you mean. Be man enough to look people in the eye and say NO. You need to learn to look people straight in the eye and say no. You should see me look people in the eye and say No to people who ask for tickets. (laughs)

When it comes to protecting yourself at all times, physically and mentally, what would you tell your children?

Stay out of the line of fire. Stay at home. Find you a hobby that’s outside the box. Go to the lake and rent you a boat. Jump in the lake why not? That’s the problem. We don’t like to swim we don’t like to hike. We think sitting in the backyard eating baked beans while listening to Frankie Beverly is living. This is what I train my kids to think outside the box. Kids need to have exposure to different things. Exposure is everything for a child. It’s hard to get something when you ain’t seen nothing. I took a young man that works here on his first plane ride and when we came back he said he wouldn’t be happy just living in Jackson, MS after seeing what else is out there.

What advice would you give on being responsible for your own dreams?

I don’t none of my kids are trying to be like me. The only one of my kids that are putting forth their best efforts is my 17 year old son and daughter. Daughter lives in Columbia making straight A’s. My son is at a prep school for basketball, he’s an athlete. He 6’3. Great kid. HE is getting all A’s and B’s he works hard everyday and he is trying to be the best him he can be. Not only the education part they are also taking on things that I stand for  and that’s what it is all about. My daughter is going to Emory University or Berkely and she wants to go to medical school.

Finish the sentence: Never give up on yourself because … you can do it. It’s not how you start it’s how you finish.

How does following your spiritual values help you in life? 

You always want them to be spiritual so that when they fall up on hard times they have something to read and something to pick up and turn to . Once you expose them to God to teach them that God is real. That God owns everything so they don’t grow up thinking people own everything and praising  people and kissing peoples butt.  They need to know they serve a real and Living God. Teach them to trust God and even if you don’t take them to church you teach them how to get in a corner and have a good conversation with God.

Share one of your fondest memories you’ve experienced with your father, grandfather or father figure.

My favorite experience is my grandfather. My grandfather had a long drawn out conversations with me every night from kindergarten to high school. Still til this day my granddaddy is 92 years old. I had 2 wonderful Uncles growing up who stepped up to the plate when my dad died. My Uncle Anthony Bruce Smiley and my Uncle Herbert Armor. These are uncles who spent quality time and they were father figures. There was my granddad’s brother Uncle Thomas who picked me up every summer and took me to Cleveland. He drove all the way to Birmingham every summer to pick me up and that made the difference. I just really appreciate them being in my life.

Why is writing down your fatherhood goals for life so important? 

I didn’t write down fatherhood goals. I just naturally tried to steer him in the right direction. Once I found out my son was my son I just gave him my absolute best. (And all of that is in the book) I fought for him got custody of him. I raised him all the way to adulthood. Now that doesn’t mean everything I did was received. I am just saying what I did.

Producer J. Simone talks about her love for a Unique Sound

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Philadelphia native J. Simone is on the rise as a female producer. Currently living in Atlanta she has the perfect opportunity to surround herself in a city that’s known also known for birthing producers and artists with unique sounds as well. J. Simone sat down with Rolling Out for an exclusive interview and this is what we learned:

At what age did you know what you wanted to do with your life? 
I was 13 when I realized I wanted to be a music producer. It’s so funny, as a kid I used to introduce myself to industry professionals as a producer who will be the first female producer to win a Grammy.

Who’s sound do you admire the most?
I really admire Timbaland and Pharrell’s styles because they created their own individual sounds and lane. They didn’t enter the industry trying to sound like everyone else. I really admire how they BELIEVED and TRUSTED their own sound enough to stay true to themselves. That takes a lot of courage.

Do you feel you are more challenged to be successful because you are a female producer?
I don’t feel as though I’m more challenged to be successful because I’m a female but I feel like I always have to come correct. I have to stay on my game. It’s unfortunate but as a female producer, I’m in a man’s world. My drums have to knock as hard as theirs, if not harder.

Have you been successful at selling tracks?
Yes, I’ve been successful at selling tracks to independent artists.

What was your first reaction when you sold your first beats/track?
When I sold my first beat it really hit me that I could actually do this. Technically, that’s when this whole producing thing went from a hobby to a career. I realized that I could really do this.

If you could work with with three artists, who would they be and why?
If I could work with three artists, I would go with Nitty Scott, Janelle Monae, and Jay Z. Nitty is a female MC doing her thing in New York. She’s really raw and honest. I just love artists who are brave enough to put themselves out there. When it comes to her sound, she goes in. She does her thing over crazy complex beats. She’s one to watch out for. Nitty is a star. Janelle Monae is just another one of those fearless artists who I truly admire. She doesn’t create songs but she creates experiences. I think that’s just so beautiful. It’s one thing to create a great song and another to create an experience. Her creativity is unmatched. Hov is the GOAT. He has truly mastered his art. I always kinda have a lost for words when talking about Jay. I mean everything about him is legendary, from his flow, his content, to his cadence. It would really be a dream come true to work with him.

You are a full time student at Georgia State University. Any career plan B or will your career be centered around the music industry? 
It’s very important for me to be a full time producer after graduation as my full time career. It’s my passion and the Lord has truly blessed me. He made it very clear to me at an early age that this is what I was put on this Earth to do. I have complete faith that as long as I continue to follow the path that he laid out for me and to live a life where love is at the forefront, everything will work out and be even greater than I can imagine. Things like this take patience. Although I’m a full time student at Georgia State University, music is my plan A and plan B. Plan B is to make plan A work.

How can people request to hear your music in order to purchase beats? Who should they contact? 
You know, in this industry, unfortunately, producers can’t just put music out there on a public website for the indies to choose from. To request to hear more music, just reach out to my management via email csr_music@yahoo.com.

Social media platforms: @j.simonesound on Instagram and Twitter.

 

Producer Bangladesh on the panel of “PIP” created by Courtney Horton

Sonia Lòpez, Producer Bangladesh. Rap Artist Kourtni Myers

This past weekend Courtney Horton a Platinum Certified Recording/Mixing Engineer created an event with a panelist of successful music industry professionals. The panel was a mixture of producers, engineers, studio owners as well as artists. All true veterans in the music industry. Courtney is also the Creator of “PIP”(Putem in Position 2WIN ) Panel @courtneymarie_engnr on Instagram.

Erinn Jackson, Courtney Horton, and The Honorable C Note

The panelists gave some great advice that could be used if you are new in the business or in the business a long time but need to know why you are not being progressive.  Super Grammy Award Winning Producer Bangladesh spoke on loyalty, teaming up and partnering with industry peers, and the importance of not just rocking with who’s hot at the time. Artist/Songwriter Ms. Jade spoke on early industry fears and lessons she learned on her rise to becoming a successful working songwriter. Everyone brought something different to the table but the common demoninator of the evening everyone’s love of the music and learning and teaching others how to be tenacious in an industry that is constantly changing.  The money ups and downs & ways to cope with success & disappointments.

Panelists

PIP PANELISTS: included Grammy Winning Super Producer Shondrae Crawford known to most as Mr. Bangladesh @bangladeshproductions on Instagram; Miles  “Mixed By Miles” Walker. – Multi-Grammy Award Winning Recording Engineer Website :  http://www.mixedbymiles.com/; Honorable C Note – Multi – Platinum and Grammy Nominated Producer IG : @honorablecnote ; Ms. Jade Artist/Writer 1st Female signed to Timberland. With her hit Album “Girl Interrupted, flew in from Philadelphia to inspire our future Music Creators. Instagram @therealmsjade; Kenny Barto –  Multi- Platinum and 3X  Grammy Award Winning Producer IG: @Kennybarto; Walter Randolph – Manager & Owner of Private Stock World Wide Management. Estelle, D’angelo, Ingrid (Parkwood) IG : @privatestockworldwide; Ron “Tricky” Montgomery  Owner & CEO of TrickyBizness Entertainment and Management. Instagram @Trickybiznessworldwide; Mira Blues – Artist/ Writer IG: @mirablues; and the owner of “Suite 100 Studio” Dumar L Jackson @dumarljackson on IG

Producer Sonia Lòpez, Errin Jackson(Moskato) National Manager, @therealashleyj, @kourtnimyers – Photo Credit @Jonellmediapr

Special thanks to Moskatolife as the sponsor for this event. Zaxby’s for providing the food and to the owner of “Hobi Studios”  for the use of his facility.  The event creator Courtney also expressed special thanks to invited guests rapper Kourtni Myers, producer J. Simone, Jonell PR, Jeremiah Clarke and the special audience guests for supporting this amazing event. Check out the photo gallery after the break.

Continue reading Producer Bangladesh on the panel of “PIP” created by Courtney Horton

2017 Emmy Snubs – Oprah ‘ Queen Sugar ‘ Jimmy Falon & More

New York premiere of 'Selma' - ArrivalsOprah Winfrey and Several Others were Snubbed for 2017 Emmy Nominations

With the Big WINS of the OWN Network’s “Queen Sugar” from the NAACP Image Awards and BET awards, the viewers were just thinking an Emmy nod was in order. Typically whenever Oprah graces the cameras in a production it’s a sure Award nod and stellar performance. Not this year! There was no nomination this year for the Talk Show Guru. According to Variety :

SNUB: Oprah Winfrey

You may have thought the Academy could never snub Winfrey — voters just spot her name on the ballot, and even if they haven’t seen her in the role for which she’s nominated, they’ll usually still give her the nod. But this year that proved not to be true, as Winfrey was overlooked for limited series “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love Jones hits 20 Year Anniversary – Lorenz Tate & Nia Long won’t age!

If there’s two people who prove the theory that “Black Don’t Crack” and also would make true of the statement “the fountain of youth does exist” it would be Nia Long and Lorenz Tate. After 20 years plus of longevity in the film and television industry these two are still going strong and looking fabulous!

Lorenz Tate is just coming off a phenomenal week at the Box Office starring in the #1 Comedy of the year “Girls Trip” which raked in over 30 Million opening weekend. Women throughout the theater were still drooling and lusting over Lorenz Tate’s sexy persona in this film as his main character played most roles opposite Regina Hall who’s character was doubly lusting over Lorenz as well.

This weekend they played the movie “Love Jones” over and over and I actually watched it twice. It’s like everytime you watch it you interpret things a little differently over the years and it makes you reflect on past relationships and think about things you did (not being true to your real feelings) and then you got RE-actions in return that weren’t genuine. But it’s like you initiated the fake reactions so how can you point the finger? I used to be so upset with him (Lorenz’s character) in Love Jones but now I’m looking at how Nia brought a lot of this upon herself not being honest.

Keshia Knight Pulliam voted off Celebrity Big Brother for Milksake(lol)

Screen Shot 2018-02-13 at 3.13.58 PMKeshia Knight Pulliam wasted no time speaking out after being voted of Celebrity Big Brother. She along with Omarosa were both on the chopping block to be voted off. However, in the name of “milk” and “love” Keshia pleaded to be the one to be voted off because her milk was starting to dry up and she definitely doesn’t appear to be the type of mom that would let anything come between her and baby Ella! Especially when that something (Celebrity Big Brother) was going to interfere with Baby’s milk time (Mother’s Milk) i.e. breast milk. The best bonding time a mother has with her infant is typically feeding time.

I can recall many moons ago being a new mom and 6 months in my milk was starting to dry up. I immediately went into panic mode. Breast milk is soooo beneficial for babies. It prevents ear infections, helps babies stay healthier longer, reduces colic, then there’s the bonding (that makes a baby feel very safe with his/her mom) that takes place during these precious moments. To sacrafice stopping breastfeeding early for the sake of reality tv is basically a no brainer. Well, at least it was for Keshia Knight-Pulliam. Good job Keshia! Great decision! #Familyovereverything

Screen Shot 2018-02-13 at 3.48.59 PM(Personally) I thought she took her baby with her and had her nanny like up the street at a hotel or something so she could come & get the milk. Hmmmmm. I’m still not ruling out that was happening. But I think if you are only pumping it would cause your milk to decrease faster than if the baby was latching on. Also, increased stress levels can cause your milk to dry up faster as well. Also baby Ella’s 1st birthday was recent and it could be that the breast feeding days are now numbered and the milk flow could just be slowing down. #JudgeYeNot it was a great mommy call for the KampKizzy Founder.

Screen Shot 2018-02-13 at 3.13.06 PM
Photo credit @Keshiaknightpulliam IG

Meanwhile, back on the ranch Omarosa gets to stay another week and we get to hear more Donald Trump secrets. Do you think Omarosa is freaking everyone out about the state of our nations with her Trump whisperer bedtime stories? It may be someone from Donald Trump’s team secretly freinds with someone in the house voting Omarosa off the show or collecting the info to sue for some type “Running That Mouth about the President breech”. There has to be some type of clause she signed in her employee paperwork. Or perhaps they were just treating Omarosa’s assignment like some intership and didn’t think she would ever stray. Clearly everyone in the White House especially Donald Trump POTUS should have known how much of a smart little cookie and business woman that Omarosa is. Duhhhhhhh!!!

Screen Shot 2018-02-13 at 3.12.20 PMWhat are your thoughts? Are you sad to see Keisha Knight-Pulliam depart so early or do you think she definitely had a great reason to want to be gone. My question is do they still get the entire $250,000.00 appearance fee just for participation or is it based on your amount of time you actually stay in the house?

 

NAACP 2018 Image Award Official Nominees

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According to the NAACP Official Website here is all the information pertaining to the awards show taking place January 15th, Martin Luther King Jr Day in Los Angeles County at the Pasadena Civic Center.

Kicking things off are Mary J. Blige and JAY-Z Lead with 5 Nominations; Followed by Bruno Mars, Issa Rae, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA with 4 Nominations; and Charlie Wilson, Idris Elba and Ledisi Received 3 Nominations;

Then Netflix and OWN Lead the Nominations in the TV Categories; Capitol Records Leads in the Recording Category and HarperCollins Publishing Leads with 11 Nominations in the Literary Category.

According to NAACP Website the Press Release states the following:

The nominees for the 49th NAACP Image Awards were announced today with Netflix and OWN leading the nominations in the television categories with 23 nominations and 17 nominations, respectively. In the recording category, RCA Records leads with 12 nominations, followed by Capitol Records with 6 nominations and Atlantic Records and Columbia Records both with 3 nominations. Universal Pictures leads with 10 nominations, followed by Annapurna and Open Road Films, both received 5 nominations in the motion picture categories. The Two-Hour LIVE TV special will air on TV One on Monday, January 15, 2018, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with a One-Hour Live Red Carpet Pre-Show.

 “The NAACP is thrilled for another great collaboration with TV One to create a momentous evening of entertainment culminating a day of volunteer service, citizen action, and celebration on the national holiday honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as recognizing this year’s nominees for their hard work, perseverance and achievements in our community,” stated Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.  “As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, we are reminded of the ageless principles of non-violence, truth and justice, humility, and service that he taught all Americans.”

“The NAACP Image Awards is the ultimate platform for artists and individuals of color who advocate for social justice to share their voices with millions, and to be recognized and celebrated,” stated Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP. “At a moment where there seems to be one tragic event after another in America, the NAACP Image Awards continues to be a beacon of light to the diversity reflected in television, music, film and literature that brings everyone together.”

 The 49th NAACP Image Awards production team will be returning including Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin, Tony McCuin as Director, Byron Phillips as Producer, and Robin Reinhardt as Talent Producer.

The NAACP Image Awards is the preeminent multicultural awards show celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners will be announced during the two-hour star-studded event hosted by Anthony Anderson, which will be broadcast LIVE on TV ONE on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 9pm/8c, the federal holiday honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A one-hour pre-show will air live from the red carpet at 8pm/7c.

NAACP members vote on the NAACP Image Awards winners from nominees in television, music, literature, and film. To become a member of the leading civil rights organization in the nation and immediately cast your vote go to http://www.naacpimageawards.net.

For all information and the latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at: http://www.naacpimageawards.net.

FB: /naacpimageaward Twitter: @naacpimageaward (#ImageAwards)

 

Following is the complete list of categories and nominees for the 49th NAACP Image Awards:

 

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

 

  • Ava DuVernay
  • Bruno Mars
  • Chadwick Boseman
  • Chance the Rapper
  • Issa Rae
  • JAY-Z

 

TELEVISION

 

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • “Ballers” (HBO)
  • “black-ish” (ABC)
  • “Dear White People” (Netflix)
  • “Insecure” (HBO)
  • “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Anthony Anderson – “black-ish” (ABC)
  • Aziz Ansari – “Master of None” (Netflix)
  • Dwayne Johnson – “Ballers” (HBO)
  • Keegan-Michael Key – “Friends from College” (Netflix)
  • RonReaco Lee – “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Danielle Brooks – “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
  • Issa Rae – “Insecure” (HBO)
  • Loretta Devine – “The Carmichael Show” (NBC)
  • Niecy Nash – “Claws” (TNT)
  • Tracee Ellis Ross – “black-ish ” (ABC)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

  • Ernie Hudson – “Grace and Frankie” (Netflix)
  • Jay Ellis – “Insecure” (HBO)
  • John David Washington – “Ballers” (HBO)
  • Omar Miller – “Ballers” (HBO)
  • Tituss Burgess – “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • Leslie Jones – “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
  • Marsai Martin – “black-ish” (ABC)
  • Tichina Arnold – “Survivor’s Remorse” (Starz)
  • Uzo Aduba – “Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
  • Yvonne Orji – “Insecure” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Drama Series

  • “Greenleaf” (OWN)
  • “Power” (Starz)
  • “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
  • “This Is Us” (NBC)
  • “Underground” (WGN America)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

  • Kofi Siriboe – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
  • Mike Colter – “Marvel’s The Defenders” (Netflix)
  • Omari Hardwick – “Power” (Starz)
  • Sterling K. Brown – “This Is Us ” (NBC)
  • Terrence Howard – “Empire” (FOX)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

  • Jurnee Smollett-Bell – “Underground” (WGN America)
  • Kerry Washington – “Scandal” (ABC)
  • Rutina Wesley – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
  • Taraji P. Henson – “Empire” (FOX)
  • Viola Davis – “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

  • Bryshere Gray – “Empire” (FOX)
  • Dondre Whitfield – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
  • Joe Morton – “Scandal” (ABC)
  • Jussie Smollett – “Empire” (FOX)
  • Trai Byers – “Empire” (FOX)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

  • Lynn Whitfield – “Greenleaf” (OWN)
  • Naturi Naughton – “Power” (Starz)
  • Samira Wiley – “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu)
  • Susan Kelechi Watson – “This Is Us” (NBC)
  • Tina Lifford – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)

 

Outstanding Television Movie, Limited – Series or Dramatic Special

  • “Flint” (Lifetime)
  • “Shots Fired” (FOX)
  • “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (HBO)
  • “The New Edition Story” (BET)
  • “When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story” (TV One)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

  • Bryshere Grey – “The New Edition Story” (BET)
  • Idris Elba – “Guerrilla” (Showtime)
  • Laurence Fishburne – “Madiba” (BET)
  • Mack Wilds – “Shots Fired” (FOX)
  • Woody McClain – “The New Edition Story” (BET)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special

  • Jill Scott – “Flint” (Lifetime)
  • Oprah Winfrey – “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (HBO)
  • Queen Latifah – “Flint” (Lifetime)
  • Regina King – “American Crime” (ABC)
  • Sanaa Lathan – “Shots Fired” (FOX)

 

Outstanding News/ Information – (Series or Special)

  • “News One Now” (TV One)
  • “Oprah’s Master Class” (OWN)
  • “The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman” (National Geographic)
  • “Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama” (BET)
  • “Unsung” (TV One)

 

Outstanding Talk Series

  • “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC)
  • “Super Soul Sunday” (OWN)
  • “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)
  • “The Real” (Syndicated)
  • “The View” (ABC)

 

Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Series

  • “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
  • “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party” (VH1)
  • “Shark Tank” (ABC)
  • “The Manns” (TV One)
  • “United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell” (CNN)

 

Outstanding Variety or Game Show – (Series or Special)

  • “Black Girls Rock! 2017” (BET)
  • “Dave Chappelle: The Age of Spin & Deep in the Heart of Texas” (Netflix)
  • “Def Comedy Jam 25” (Netflix)
  • “Lip Sync Battle” (Spike)
  • “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)

 

Outstanding Children’s Program

  • “Doc McStuffins” (Disney Junior)
  • “Free Rein” (Netflix)
  • “Nella the Princess Knight” (Nickelodeon)
  • “Project Mc²” (Netflix)
  • “Raven’s Home” (Disney Channel)

 

Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)

  • Caleb McLaughlin – “Stranger Things” (Netflix)
  • Ethan Hutchison – “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
  • Lonnie Chavis – “This Is Us” (NBC)
  • Marsai Martin – “black-ish” (ABC)
  • Michael Rainey – “Power” (Starz)

 

Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

  • Fredricka Whitfield – “Fredricka Whitfield” (CNN)
  • Morgan Freeman – “The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman” (National Geographic)
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson – “StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson” (National Geographic)
  • Roland Martin – “News One Now” (TV One)
  • Trevor Noah – “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” (Comedy Central)

 

Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble

  • Alfonso Ribeiro – “America’s Funniest Home Video” (ABC)
  • Iyanla Vanzant – “Iyanla: Fix My Life” (OWN)
  • Michael Smith and Jemele Hill – “SC6 with Michael and Jemele” (ESPN)
  • LL Cool J – “Lip Sync Battle” (Spike)
  • Kamau Bell – “United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell” (CNN)

 

RECORDING

 

Outstanding New Artist

  • Demetria McKinney – “Officially Yours” (eOne Music)
  • Kevin Ross – “The Awakening” (Motown/Capitol Records)
  • Khalid – “American Teen” (RCA Records/Right Hand Music Group)
  • SZA – “Ctrl” (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • Vic Mensa – “The Autobiography” (Roc Nation/Capitol Records)

 

Outstanding Male Artist

  • Brian McKnight – “Genesis” (SoNo Recording Group)
  • Bruno Mars – “Versace On the Floor” (Atlantic Records)
  • Charlie Wilson – “In It to Win It” (RCA Records/P Music Group)
  • JAY-Z – “4:44” (Roc Nation)
  • Kendrick Lamar – “DAMN.” (TDE/Aftermath/Interscope)

 

Outstanding Female Artist

  • Andra Day – “Stand Up For Something” (Warner Bros. Records)
  • Beyoncé – “Die With You” (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment)
  • Ledisi – “Let Love Rule” (Verve Label Group)
  • Mary J. Blige – “Strength of a Woman” (Capitol Records)
  • SZA – “Ctrl” (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

 

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

  • Andra Day feat. Common – “Stand Up For Something” (Warner Bros. Records)
  • Charlie Wilson feat. T.I. – “I’m Blessed” (RCA Records/P Music Group)
  • Kendrick Lamar feat. Rihanna – “LOYALTY.” (TDE/Aftermath/Interscope)
  • Mary J. Blige feat. Kanye West – “Love Yourself” (Capitol Records)
  • SZA feat. Travis Scott – “Love Galore” (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

 

Outstanding Jazz Album

  • “Boundless” – Damien Escobar (Phoenix Lane Entertainment)
  • “Dreams and Daggers” – Cécile McLorin Salvant (Mack Avenue Records)
  • “Petite Afrique” – Somi (Sony Music/OKeh)
  • “Poetry In Motion” – Najee (Shanachie Entertainment)
  • “So It Is” – Preservation Hall Jazz Band (Legacy Recordings)

 

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album (Traditional or Contemporary)

  • “Close” – Marvin Sapp (Verity Records)
  • “Crossover Live From Music City” – Travis Greene (RCA Inspiration)
  • “Greenleaf Soundtrack Volume 2” – Greenleaf Soundtrack (RCA Inspiration)
  • “Heart. Passion. Pursuit.” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel)
  • “Let Them Fall In Love” – CeCe Winans (Puresprings Gospel)

 

Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album

  • “4:44” – JAY-Z (Roc Nation)
  • “Gods” – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
  • “High” – Ledisi (Verve Label Group)
  • “Strength of A Woman” – Mary J. Blige (Capitol Records)
  • “That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)

 

Outstanding Song – Traditional

  • “High” – Ledisi (Verve Label Group)
  • “Honest” – MAJOR. (BOE/Empire)
  • “Surefire (Piano Version)” – John Legend (Columbia Records)
  • “That’s What I Like” – Bruno Mars (Atlantic Records)
  • “U + Me” – Mary J. Blige (Capitol Records)

 

Outstanding Song – Contemporary

  • “Gonna Be Alright” – Mali Music (RCA Records/ByStorm Entertainment)
  • “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar (TDE/Aftermath/Interscope)
  • “Insecure” – Jazmine Sullivan X Bryson Tiller (RCA Records)
  • “Love Galore” – SZA feat. Travis Scott (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
  • “The Story of O.J.” – JAY-Z (Roc Nation)

 

Outstanding Album

  • “4:44” – JAY-Z (Roc Nation)
  • “DAMN.” – Kendrick Lamar (TDE/Aftermath/Interscope)
  • “Genesis” – Brian McKnight (SoNo Recording Group)
  • “In It To Win It” – Charlie Wilson (RCA Records/P Music Group)
  • “Strength of A Woman” – Mary J. Blige (Capitol Records)

 

LITERATURE

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction

  • “Little Fires Everywhere” – Celeste Ng (Penguin Random House)
  • “No One Is Coming to Save Us” – Stephanie Powell Watts (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Sing, Unburied, Sing” – Jesmyn Ward (Simon and Schuster)
  • “The Annotated African American Folktales” – Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Author), Maria Tatar (Author) (Liveright Publishing Corporation)
  • “The Wide Circumference of Love” – Marita Golden (Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction

  • “Black Detroit – A People’s History of Self-Determination” – Herb Boyd (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Chokehold: Policing Black Men” – Paul Butler (The New Press)
  • “Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies” – Dick Gregory (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “The President’s Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, from the Washingtons to the Obamas” – Adrian Miller (University of North Carolina Press)
  • “We Were Eight Years In Power: An American Tragedy” – Ta-Nehisi Coates (Random House)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author

  • “A Beautiful Ghetto” – Devin Allen (Haymarket Books)
  • “Chasing Spaces: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace & Second Chances” – Leland Melvin (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “No One Is Coming to Save Us” – Stephanie Powell Watts (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat” – Patricia Williams (Author) Jeannine Amber (With) (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “We’re Going to Need More Wine” – Gabrielle Union (HarperCollins Publishers)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography / Auto Biography

  • “Ali: A Life” – Jonathan Eig (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
  • “Becoming Ms. Burton – From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women” – Susan Burton (Author), Cari Lynn (Author), Michelle Alexander (Foreword By) (The New Press)
  • “Chester B. Himes” – Lawrence P. Jackson (W. W. Norton & Company)
  • “Obama: The Call of History” – Peter Baker (New York Times/Callaway)
  • “We’re Going to Need More Wine” – Gabrielle Union (HarperCollins Publishers)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional

  • “Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You” – Misty Copeland (Grand Central Publishing)
  • “Exponential Living – Stop Spending 100% of Your Time on 10% of Who You Are” – Sheri Riley (Author), Usher (Foreword By) (Penguin Random House)
  • “Kristen Kish Cooking” – Kristen Kish (Author), Meredith Erickson (With) (Clarkson Potter)
  • “Notoriously Dapper – How to Be A Modern Gentleman with Manners, Style and Body Confidence” – Kelvin Davis (Mango Media Inc.)
  • “The Awakened Woman: Remembering & Reigniting Our Sacred Dreams” – Dr. Tererai Trent (Author), Oprah Winfrey (Foreword By) (Simon and Schuster)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry

  • “Incendiary Art: Poems” – Patricia Smith (TriQuarterly Books/Northwestern University Press)
  • “My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter” – Aja Monet (Haymarket Books)
  • “Silencer” – Marcus Wicker (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
  • “The Drowning Boy’s Guide to Water” – Cameron Barnett (Autumn House Press)
  • “Wild Beauty: New and Selected Poems” – Ntozake Shange (Simon and Schuster)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Children

  • “Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Author), Raymond Obstfeld (With) (Hachette Book Group)
  • “Before She Was Harriet” – Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), James E. Ransome (Illustrator) (Holiday House)
  • “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History” – Vashti Harrison (Hachette Book Group)
  • “Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee!” – Andrea J. Loney (Author), Keith Mallett (Illustrator) (Lee & Low Books)
  • “The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, A Young Civil Rights Activist” – Cynthia Levinson (Author), Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator) (S&S Children’s Publishing)

 

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth / Teens

  • “Allegedly” – Tiffany D. Jackson (HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Clayton Byrd Goes Underground” – Rita Williams-Garcia (Author), Frank Morrison (Illustrator) (Amistad/HarperCollins Publishers)
  • “Long Way Down” – Jason Reynolds (S&S Children’s Publishing)
  • “Solo” – Kwame Alexander (Author), Mary Rand Hess (With) (Blink)
  • “The Hate U Give” – Angie Thomas (HarperCollins Publishers)

 

MOTION PICTURE

 

Outstanding Motion Picture

  • “Detroit” (Annapurna Pictures)
  • “Get Out” (Universal Pictures)
  • “Girls Trip” (Universal Pictures)
  • “Marshall” (Open Road Films)
  • “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (Sony Pictures Entertainment)

 

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Algee Smith – “Detroit” (Annapurna Pictures)
  • Chadwick Boseman – “Marshall” (Open Road Films)
  • Daniel Kaluuya – “Get Out” (Universal Pictures)
  • Denzel Washington – “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” (Columbia Pictures)
  • Idris Elba – “The Mountain Between Us” (20th Century Fox)

 

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Amandla Stenberg – “Everything, Everything” (Warner Bros. Pictures / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures)
  • Danai Gurira – “All Eyez on Me” (Summit Entertainment)
  • Halle Berry – “Kidnap” (Aviron Pictures)
  • Natalie Paul – “Crown Heights” (Amazon Studios)
  • Octavia Spencer – “Gifted” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

  • Idris Elba – “THOR: Ragnarok” (Marvel Studios)
  • Laurence Fishburne – “Last Flag Flying” (Amazon Studios)
  • Lil Rel Howery – “Get Out” (Universal Pictures)
  • Nnamdi Asomugha – “Crown Heights” (Amazon Studios)
  • Sterling K. Brown – “Marshall” (Open Road Films)

 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

  • Audra McDonald – “Beauty and the Beast” (Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures)
  • Keesha Sharp – “Marshall” (Open Road Films)
  • Regina Hall – “Girls Trip” (Universal Pictures)
  • Tessa Thompson – “THOR: Ragnarok” (Marvel Studios)
  • Tiffany Haddish – “Girls Trip” (Universal Pictures)

 

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture

  • “Detroit” (Annapurna Pictures)
  • “Last Flag Flying” (Amazon Studios)
  • “Mudbound” (Netflix)
  • “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women” (Annapurna Pictures)
  • “Wind River” (Acacia Filmed Entertainment)

 

DOCUMENTARY

 

Outstanding Documentary (Film)

  • “I Called Him Morgan” (Submarine Deluxe/Filmrise)
  • “STEP” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  • “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities” (Firelight Films)
  • “The Rape of Recy Taylor” (Augusta Films)
  • “Whose Streets?” (Magnolia Pictures)

 

Outstanding Documentary (Television)

  • “Birth of a Movement” (PBS)
  • “Black Love” (OWN)
  • “The 44th President: In His Own Words” (History)
  • “The Defiant Ones” (HBO)
  • “What the Health” (AUM Films and Media + First Spark Media)

 

WRITING

 

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series

  • Aziz Ansari – “Master of None” – Thanksgiving (Netflix)
  • Janine Barrois – “Claws” – Batsh*t (TNT)
  • Justin Simien – “Dear White People” – Chapter 1 (Netflix)
  • Issa Rae – “Insecure” – Hella Great (HBO)
  • Issa Rae – “Insecure” – Hella Perspective (HBO)

 

Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series

  • Anthony Sparks – “Queen Sugar” – What Do I Care for Morning (OWN)
  • Ava DuVernay – “Queen Sugar” – Dream Variations (OWN)
  • Erica Anderson – “Greenleaf” – The Bear (OWN)
  • Gina Prince-Bythewood – “Shots Fired” – Hour One: Pilot (FOX)
  • Vera Herbert – “This Is Us” – Still Here (NBC)

 

Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special

  • Abdul Williams – “The New Edition Story” – Night Two (BET)
  • Alison McDonald – “An American Girl Story: Summer Camp, Friends for Life” (Amazon)
  • Cas Sigers-Beedles – “When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story” (TV One)
  • May Chan – “An American Girl Story – Ivy & Julie 1976: A Happy Balance” (Amazon)
  • Peter Landesman, Alexander Woo, George C. Wolfe – “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (HBO)

 

Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture

  • Virgil Williams and Dee Rees – “Mudbound” (Netflix)
  • Emily V. Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani – “The Big Sick” (Amazon Studios)
  • Jordan Peele – “Get Out” (Universal Pictures)
  • Kenya Barris, Tracy Oliver – “Girls Trip” (Universal Pictures)
  • Mark Boal – “Detroit” (Annapurna Pictures)

 

DIRECTING

 

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series

  • Anton Cropper – “black-ish” – Juneteenth (ABC)
  • Barry Jenkins – “Dear White People” – Chapter 5 (Netflix)
  • Justin Simien – “Dear White People” – Chapter 1 (Netflix)
  • Spike Lee – “She’s Gotta Have It” – #NolasChoice (Netflix)
  • Ken Whittingham – “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” – Kimmy Bites an Onion! (Netflix)

 

Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series

  • Carl Franklin – “13 Reasons Why” – Tape 5, Side B (Netflix)
  • Ernest R. Dickerson – “The Deuce” – Show and Prove (HBO)
  • Gina Prince-Bythewood – “Shots Fired” – Hour One: Pilot (FOX)
  • Jeffrey Byrd – “Switched at Birth” – Occupy Truth (Freeform)
  • Jonathan Demme – “Shots Fired” Hour Six: The Fire This Time (FOX)

 

Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special

  • Allen Hughes – “The Defiant Ones” (HBO)
  • Chris Robinson – “The New Edition Story” – Night 1 (BET)
  • Codie Elaine Oliver – “Black Love” (OWN)
  • Kevin Hooks – “Madiba ” – Night 2 (BET)
  • Mark Ford – “Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G.” (A&E)

 

Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture

  • Dee Rees – “Mudbound” (Netflix)
  • Jordan Peele – “Get Out” (Universal Pictures)
  • Malcolm D. Lee – “Girls Trip” (Universal Pictures)
  • Reginald Hudlin – “Marshall” (Open Road Films)
  • Stella Meghie – “Everything, Everything” (Warner Bros. Pictures / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures)

 

ANIMATED/CGI

 

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance

  • David Oyelowo – “The Lion Guard” (Disney Junior)
  • Kerry Washington – “Cars 3” (Disney/Pixar)
  • Loretta Devine – “Doc McStuffins” (Disney Channel)
  • Tiffany Haddish – “Legends of Chamberlain Heights” (Comedy Central)
  • Yvette Nicole Brown – “Elena of Avalor” (Disney Junior)

 

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About NAACP:

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. Read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas at NAACP.org.

 

About TV One:

Launched in January 2004, TV One serves 59 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Unsung, Rickey Smiley For Real, Fatal Attraction, The Manns and The NAACP Image Awards.  In addition, TV One is the cable home of blockbuster drama Empire, and NewsOne Now, the only live daily news program dedicated to black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences.
For more information about TV One, viewers can join the conversation by visiting the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv<http://www.tvone.tv>>. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter<https://twitter.com/TVONETV>, Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/tvonetv/> and Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/tvonetv>.