Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrived in American theaters today (November 11). Global superstar Rihanna contributed music to the Ryan Coogler-directed movie.
Rihanna released her comeback single “Lift Me Up” on October 28. The Barbadian billionaire is now back with another new track titled “Born Again.”
An official visualizer for Rihanna’s “Born Again” hit YouTube on November 11. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever composer Ludwig Göransson and R&B veteran Terius “The-Dream” Nash produced the track.
Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became Rihanna’s first Top 10 entry on the Hot 100 since her featured performance on DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts” in 2017.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By also hosts tracks by Tems, Future, Burna Boy, Stormzy, and other international acts. Academy Award winner Ludwig Göransson oversaw the project.
“Ryan and I talked about the importance of creating an immersive journey of sound and voice,” said Göransson. “If we used a song in the film, we wanted it to be the entire song, and to be connected to the story.”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Dominique Thorne, and Angela Bassett. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music from and Inspired By came out on November 4 via Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records.
Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Sheila Jackson Lee, MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, Tamika Mallory, Angela Rye, and other leaders joined the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium in standing with the Houston native.
The influential bunch penned an open letter dedicated to Megan Thee Stallion, denouncing violence against women. In the letter, they claim “culture has failed” Meg after she alleged Tory Lanez shot her in the foot.
The letter comes after Drake was heavily criticized for making light of the shooting in his new joint album with 21 Savage.
Megan Thee Stallion blasted rappers using her shooting for “clout” in the wake of Drake’s “Circo Loco” lyrics. “This b#### lie ’bout getting shots, but she still a stallion,” Drake rapped.
In a series of tweets, Megan Thee Stallion called out those accusing her of lying about the shooting.
“Stop using my shooting for clout b#### ass N#####!” Meg tweeted just hours after Her Loss dropped. “Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot !”
Stop using my shooting for clout b#### ass N#####! Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot ! You n##### especially RAP N##### ARE LAME! Ready to boycott bout shoes and clothes but dog pile on a black woman when she say one of y’all homeboys abused her
The Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium’s letter notes Megan Thee Stallion has been “so strong.” They say the rapper deserves to “heal” without being “judged.”
“You’ve had to endure public harassment and taunting not only from that person but from others choosing to stand with him,” it reads. “You’ve consistently been clear about what happened to you, but instead of being met with widespread support, people who should have had your back have chosen to stay out of the matter.”
Read the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium open letter to Megan The Stallion in its entirety here.
The Hip-Hop icon began teasing the third installment of the King’s Disease series late last year. He hinted at the arrival on his surprise album Magic, also produced by Hit-Boy. On “Ugly’ Nas raps: “I’m on offense every day until I see the love/KD3 on the way, this just to feed the buzz.”
The pair shared the King’s Disease III cover art last month before dropping the tracklist on Thursday. Unlike both predecessors, the 17-track record features no guest appearances and clocks in at around 50 minutes.
Nas scored his first Grammy Award for King’s Disease, winning Best Rap Album in 2021. The follow-up album was also nominated but Call Me If You Get Lost by Tyler, the Creator, collected the win.
After releasing King’s Disease II, Nas said that the duo tries to outdo themselves on each new song.
“I feel like every song we make, without even consciously doing it, we’re trying to make it better than the last,” Nas explained to Complex. “It’s just already embedded in us to do that. I feel like as long as we keep taking that approach, it’s going to get crazier and crazier, and that’s what happened.”
The NYC legend said he had an instant chemistry with Hit-Boy, making magic together from the first song they recorded.
“I keep seeing every day like, ‘Damn, how would y’all top KD1 that y’all won a Grammy for? This is even better.’ That’s a good feeling, and it lets me know that the chemistry is legit. I feel like we caught it quick. Like, the first day we came through, we recorded ‘All Bad,’ and that made KD1.” Stream King’s Disease III below.
A third man has been arrested and is facing murder charges in connection to the murder of Young Dolph.
According to Memphis news outlet Commercial Appeal, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy confirmed that Hernandez Govan, 43, was arrested on Thursday (Nov. 10). He was indicted of first-degree murder in connection with Young Dolph’s killing.
Fox News Memphis reports sources say Govan is also charged with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The conspiracy charge reportedly dates back to June 2021, suggesting authorities believe Govan plotted to kill Young Dolph months before his murder.
Young Dolph was shot over 22 times inside Memphis cookie shop Makeda’s Butter Cookies on Nov. 17, 2021. He died on the scene at age 36.
Last week, another suspect accused of murdering Young Dolph told a court he fears for his safety behind bars. Justin Johnson asked to be transferred from a pretrial detention facility to another correctional facility in East Memphis.
Hernandez Govan’s arrest comes just days before the first anniversary of the Memphis rapper’s killing. On Thursday, the mother of Young Dolph’s children and his longtime partner, Mia Jaye shared an insight into the struggles she and their family have faced since the rapper’s death.
“Today is a week from the anniversary of me losing Adolph, and this almost year has been the most challenging year I’ve ever had to face in my life,” Jaye said in a video posted to Instagram. “And it’s like the closer I get to this earmark … it’s like trying to be positive about something so messed up, it comes to a breaking point to where it’s like it’s really just unfair, man.”
Black liberation elder Mutulu Shakur is set to be released after spending more than 36 years behind bars.
On Thursday, The U.S. Parole Commission confirmed that the late rapper’s stepfather will be released to spend his remaining days in Southern California with his family, The Intercept reports.
Activists have fought long and hard to secure Mututlu Shakur’s release. The 72-year-old is dying of bone marrow cancer. As reported by AllHipHop.com, Mutulu’s attorney Brad Thomson said doctors determined his client only had six months to live in May. His supporters argued Shakur posed no risk to society and would be unlikely to reoffend if released.
“We are relieved that the Parole Commission now recognizes what has long been true — that Dr. Shakur’s release poses no risk whatsoever,” Shakur’s attorney, Brad Thomson, said. “It is tragic that it took until he was on the verge of death for that truth to finally be realized.”
Mutulu Shakur has long since been eligible for release, as per the Parole Commission guidelines.
The Commission stated: “We now find your medical condition renders you so infirm of mind and body that you are no longer physically capable of committing any Federal, State or local crime.”
According to his attorney, Mututlu Shakur “will now be able to live out his final days, surrounded by the love and care of his family and close friends.”
In 1998, Mutultu was sentenced to 60 years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges, including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act. His supporters argued his actions were political and not criminal.
Wiz Khalifa’s former assistant dropped a $60,000 lawsuit against the Taylor Gang leader.
According to Radar Online, the 35-year-old rapper’s ex-assistant Jason Gonzalez asked the Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss the case. Last year, Gonzalez sued his old boss over reimbursement for groceries and unpaid overtime.
Gonzalez worked for Wiz Khalifa from February 2017 to January 2019. Gonzalez referred to himself as an errand runner for the diamond-selling artist.
The ex-assistant’s lawsuit mentioned him picking up dry cleaning, groceries and prescriptions for his employer. Gonzalez allegedly had to pay for these items out of pocket as part of the gig.
Gonzalez claimed Wiz Khalifa agreed to pay the assistant back for these expenses and cover gas money. But the lawsuit accused the Pittsburgh-bred rapper of never paying for $9,000 in expenses and $1,700 for gas. Gonzalez also said his boss didn’t provide true meal breaks and failed to pay for overtime.
Wiz Khalifa allegedly fired his former assistant after Gonzalez complained about the payment issues. Gonzalez pursued legal action over wrongful termination and unpaid wages.
Gonzalez sought $60,000 for reimbursements, unpaid overtime and the lack of proper meal breaks. Wiz Khalifa denied any wrongdoing and said all of Gonzalez’s “legitimate expenses” were reimbursed.
Some things rappers do these days don’t make sense. What’s the point? Is it to stroke the ego? Or maybe it’s to put money where your name is?
The world may never truly understand why “Last Name” rapper Future legally changed his last name to Cash.
Keep in mind, in the song mentioned above he states, “we ain’t runnin’ from no responsibilities. I take care of families. I’m embarrassed over this mess that I done caused.”
Rightfully so, this name change is almost certain to cause some mess. Especially considering his eight children. With eight different mothers to deal with, it’s safe to say he’ll be hearing from everyone in the coming weeks.
We’ve all gotten comfortable adding the Hendrix moniker to his stage name but his given name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn. He did offer a plain explanation via Instagram.
“Bag Secured, Da Biggest,” he wrote.
As it stands, all of his kids carry the Wilburn family name. Will their last names change as well? Not to mention, his youngest son’s first name is Kash.
Perhaps the biggest question is what his mama thinks about the sudden change. If you didn’t know Stephanie Jester is Future’s mother. She also serves as the chief operating officer of her son’s Freebandz record label.
Guess it’s time to order reprints of all the company checkbooks.
YNW Melly is facing the threat of the death penalty once again.
According to court documents obtained by Pitchfork, an appellate court judge said prosecutors can seek the death penalty against YNW Melly. The judge overruled a lower court, which took the death penalty off the table in YNW Melly’s murder case.
Earlier this year, a lower court judge determined prosecutors failed to properly notify YNW Melly and his legal team about the intent to seek the death penalty. But a Florida appeals court disagreed.
“We find that the state complied with its statutory obligations when it filed its notice of intent to seek the death penalty within 45 days of arraignment,” the appellate court judge wrote. “The fact that the state filed a superseding indictment, requiring a second arraignment, does not vitiate the already filed and timely notice of intent. Notice is notice. The superseding indictment was clearly a continuation of the original indictment.”
The judge continued, “The state did not nolle prosse the original indictment, nor did it add aggravating factors to the required notice seeking the death penalty. We find the trial court erred by precluding the state from seeking the death penalty, and thus, grant the writ of prohibition.”
Florida’s Supreme Court may have the final say on the matter. The appellate court judge deemed the death penalty debate in YNW Melly’s case to be a question of “great public importance” for the Florida Supreme Court.
YNW Melly awaits trial after pleading not guilty to first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors accuse him of killing his friends YNW Juvy a.k.a. Christopher Thomas Jr. and YNW Sakchaser a.k.a. Anthony Williams in 2018.
50 Cent is stepping in to host the Drew Barrymore Show while the actress is out with Covid.
Barrymore announced her Covid diagnosis on Thursday (November 10). She informed her fans that 50 Cent and TV personality Ross Mathews would serve as guest hosts during her absence from the show.
“I’ve got covid and lucky the cat!” Barrymore wrote on Instagram. “Im good and will be back soon. In the meantime @helloross and @50cent are taking over. So only good news to report!!!!! Maybe some other special surprises too!”
50 Cent’s public relations agency wished Barrymore well and hyped up his hosting stint on Instagram Stories. His PR team indicated he will be hosting the show on Monday (November 14).
“Feel better @drewbarrymore,” AKR PR wrote on social media. “The show is in good hands with @50cent.”
50 Cent’s guest host gig will add to his already extensive presence on television in 2022. The G-Unit rapper recently launched The BMF Documentary: Blowing Money Fast on Starz and Hip Hop Homicides on WE tv.
G-Unit Film & TV produces both documentary series in addition to 50 Cent’s various scripted shows. He also has a new reality series titled Property Players in the works.
Multiple social media accounts claimed Future’s last name had been changed from Wilburn to Cash. He seemingly confirmed the new name in an Instagram Stories post.
“Bag secured,” he wrote alongside a graphic featuring the name change story. “Da biggest.”
Future was born Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn. He has been credited as Nayvadius Cash on occasion in his career, per Discogs.
New name or not, Future recently made a major move when he sold the majority of his publishing catalog to Influence Media in September. The company acquired the publishing for his music spanning from 2004 to 2020.
“I put everything into my music, and I wanted to make sure these were in good hands as I thought about the next chapter of these songs,” Future said in a press release. “I’m proud to partner up with Rene and the team at Influence Media and send a signal that this music has timeless value. My music is my art, and these songs represent some of the most precious artwork of my career.”
Future sold off his publishing in an eight-figure deal. He said he partnered with Influence Media because he wanted his work to be “in good hands.”
If you didn’t know, Kim and Ye’s divorce proceedings are nearing completion. After eight years of marriage can be described as tumultuous at best.
Nonetheless, we appreciate all that “KimYe” has contributed to the world. The four beautiful children, countless viral moments, not to mention the rise of the Yeezy Brand and Skims.
Still, none of the above achievements lessen the Ye effect on women. Therefore the title of Mrs. West is available for another woman to carry. According to reports, both parties have submitted an assortment of documents to a California court.
These filings include a Final Declaration of Disclosure, current income, Expense Declarations, a Schedule of Assets and Debts, or Community or Separate Property Declarations with attachments, everything necessary to settle a divorce in the golden state.
Communication between the pair is limited. However, both appear mutually committed to an amicable split.
Despite what many people think, the love between the former West union seemed authentic. Kim expressed regret over her divorce on a past episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians after Ye left for Wyoming.
She said, “I feel like a f###### failure. [This is]my third f**king marriage.”
Chad Watson is here to put on for his city of Los Angeles. He is a true hip-hop head, if there ever was one. Describing himself as a “Hip hop enthusiast, lyricist, and all-around music connoisseur,” Chad states, “I’m a fan of anything that’s good, or quality put together. But my home would be hip-hop.”
Growing up in Baldwin Hills but now residing in the Inglewood area, Chad Watson first experienced fame as a teenager on the reality television show titled Baldwin Hills. Premiered on BET 10 years ago, the show took place in the black Beverly Hills, chronicling the lives of privileged sons and daughters of doctors, lawyers, actors, and athletes.
Chad fell in love with music at a very young age, growing up in the church surrounded by gospel and choir. But it was Redman’s debut studio album Malpractice that got him hooked to the genre of rap as a whole. And his fifth time in the studio ever, he whipped up “She Don’t F With Rappers,” which instantly picked up organically with 100K streams to date.
Now after a string of singles, Chad is excited as ever to be dropping his debut album titled Lord of the Unimpressed.
AllHipHop spoke with Chad Watson in downtown Los Angeles to discuss how he started recording, his new song “BDE,” his forthcoming album, giving back, and more!
AllHipHop: What was it like growing up in Baldwin Hills?
Chad Watson: It was real cool. It’s quiet. It’s a bunch of older black professionals. They call it the black Baldwin Hills. It’s uppity, but it’s nice though. It’s nice. I’d raise a family there for sure.
AllHipHop: The only time I’ve been there was to go to Stevie Mackey’s house.
Chad Watson: Facts, it’s a couple of older Hollywood actors that you might have known or heard of. They’re all former Lakers, judges, attorneys, a lot of people like that. It’s a cool area to settle down. My dad’s an attorney, so I’d never be able to… you know? But I was fortunate enough to grow up over there.
AllHipHop: How was your experience on BET’s Baldwin Hills?
Chad Watson: It was fun. That was the first thing that put me on camera. From there, we were able to go to clubs and parties. Gave us a little bit of clout, that was the most fun about it.
AllHipHop: Were you rapping then?
Chad Watson: Nope, we were only 17. We were just kids. We hadn’t even gone to college or nothing yet.
AllHipHop: Were you all wildin’?
Chad Watson: They tell us to do certain things. They wanted storylines. We had relationship drama, homie beef, s### like that. Eric Bellinger was in that group, he was in the same clique. It’s a small world.
AllHipHop: Did you grow up to the West Coast legends?
Chad Watson: You know what, I didn’t even listen to rap until I was 13 to 14. My first rap album wasn’t even Tupac or Bone-Thugs, which it should have been probably. But it was Redman. That’s my dude. I don’t know if he does too much rapping anymore, but that was my first album: Malpractice.
AllHipHop: Is Chad Watson your real name?
Chad Watson: It’s my middle name. I couldn’t think of an artist name so I thought I’d keep it real.
AllHipHop: Talk about releasing your first single, how’d you learn how to record?
Chad Watson: My first single was 3 years ago, it was either that one or one of my very first ones ever that went viral. That’s the whole reason I was able to even do something. It was on a fluke, a whim. It’s crazy. I didn’t put any promotion, I didn’t know how to do all that stuff. I just put it out, but somehow it got hooked up to these really powerful Spotify playlists. From there, it developed its own algorithm.
I rolled with it and kept putting stuff out. I only put out singles forever, I’m now finally deciding to put an album out. I thought singles were better, right? You give them each their own time to break, or not. I thought the single way was aggressive?, but a lot of people have been wanting an album. So I decided to do it.
AllHipHop: Definitely want to talk about “She Don’t F With Rappers,” what inspired that?
Chad Watson: That’s the track I’m talking about, that’s one of the first ones. I made that at the time about a girl I was dating at that time, that wasn’t somebody that was into industry people. Through a connect I had, I was able to get some studio time. That friend of mine, I didn’t even know about mixing and mastering and all that stuff. I was fortunate, I paid for maybe 2 hours and they gave me all the time that I needed. Next thing you know, we put that out and that’s the track that started everything.
AllHipHop: Was that when you started taking music serious?
Chad Watson: Before that studio, I had only gone to friends’ studios. That was my professional studio. There was an engineer in there, the sound board, the takes and all that. Once I developed my studio etiquette and my voice, that’s when I started finding the booth as home. I swear, it was my fifth time in the studio ever.
AllHipHop: What about your new single, “BDE”?
Chad Watson: [laughs] “BDE” specifically, I wanted a club banger. I felt like I didn’t have one. I made that song just for the clubs. I made “BDE” as something the girls could twerk to, something that’d get that rotation. Repetitive hook, I thought it came out really well. It’s a crowd favorite.
AllHipHop: Do you be clubbing?
Chad Watson: Not as much as I used to. I used to go more often, but then once COVID hit. I just got back comfortable being a homebody. I used to frequent Supperclub, Do Over, those day parties and s### like that. Those are necessary, though. Right now what I’m doing with you, I’m doing more club appearances, performance, just to help get promotion out there.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your forthcoming album, Lord of the Unimpressed?
Chad Watson: Yes, that’s the one.
AllHipHop: Are you unimpressed?
Chad Watson: [laughs] I’m hoping everybody else is impressed. It’s going to show a funky side of me. It’s eclectic, so it shows what you’d expect from me, but also what you wouldn’t. It shows both sides. It’s going to show a good range of singing, a little bit of storytelling. There’s a real clear hip-hop theme to it. I’m ready for it. I hope everybody can vibe with it the way I do.
AllHipHop: Why did you name it that?
Chad Watson: That’s a good question. I thought the first one was going to have to be something that was particular to me. Being unimpressed embodies not being impressed by the fake stuff, the shiny things. There’s a lot of people like that: they want substance, they want things that they can resonate with. I’d consider myself the face of that movement, so I’d be the Lord of the Unimpressed of most people.
AllHipHop: What do you want listeners to take away from the project?
Chad Watson: If anything else, just the hard work for the quality of it. Sometimes, you can appreciate something even if it isn’t your genre, which is just the fact that it was well-made. I’m hoping that fans can at least appreciate the effort, the curation behind the tracks, and jthe fact that it’s a quality production.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?
Chad Watson: Weed, alcohol, and good vibes.
AllHipHop: How was it opening up for Yo Gotti?
Chad Watson: That was fun. Backwoods was doing a national showcase, I won. They had each city at Miami, Atlanta, LA, Dallas. It’s supposed to be in Atlanta. I was supposed to be flown out there, but they had it out here. It was cool. It was fun. They were out there taking pictures, they had the buffet breakfast. They should have still put me up in the room, they didn’t do that for me because I lived in LA.
But the experience was fun, it was one of my first big stages. It was at the Catch, which is a culture spot. That’s huge. I performed there one other time, but that was a big deal for me to be able to perform there. Get that attention, those cameras. It was free merch. It was one of my first times being treated one of the bigger people, so it was an experience. That taste of it made me know I wanted to keep doing it.
AllHipHop: Talk about giving away to the homeless and your charity work.
Chad Watson: The LA Mission is one of my favorite organizations to partner up with. They do a lot of giving out food, hot plates at the end of the night. Just dinner, I think that’s clutch. Different ways: backpacks full of socks, underwear, t-shirts. I partnered with Humanity Heroes. These are things I try to do once a month. Sometimes the schedule won’t allow me to. But at least once a month, I try to at least get a day where I go down and at least get some food or a backpack. Some people are really hands on in the trenches, and I can respect that. I want to get more involved like that.
AllHipHop: What makes you want to give back?
Chad Watson: A lot of us, we get a little bit of a name and we’re seen winning by going to the clubs and the jewelry store. But the real sign of winning when you get a little bit of a name is to show how tied into the community you are to get it back. I want to change that winning phase. Winning is the change, but winning is also the dudes that are giving back, serving, community service. Even if it’s after-school tutoring, whatever you can in different ways. But that should be the true sign of winning, I want to be known for that.
AllHipHop: Talk about your upcoming merch line with MaisonTiet.
Chad Watson: We’ve been working all year on something special to drop at the end of the year, it’ll correlate with my album. We’ve been doing one of one customs: logo t-shirts, logo sweaters with embroidery and things like that. He’s an East Coast designer, he’s doing major things over there. He uses a luxury hemp, they come with a specialized magnetic seal pouch. It’s next level functional. I wanted to pick a brand that was comfortable, kind of luxury, but also look nice. His design and the stuff he comes up with over there is next level. I was grateful for the opportunity. He impressed me and we were able to come together on a cool sweater and t-shirt line that’ll complement the album.
AllHipHop: Do you have any goals?
Chad Watson: Yup. It’s funny, it used to be win a Grammy. But now my goal is if I can get my message out and it’s received positively, and I can affect people who want to either do more or follow their dreams or if they change in any way, then that’i\ll be my goal. That’s all I really want.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?
Chad Watson: The album, that’s pretty much it. Stay tuned for the stuff that’s coming out this year. The album, the merch, that’s it.
“Wakanda Forever” is the big-budget follow up to “Black Panther”, the 2018 global phenomenon that went on to gross over $1.3 Billion dollars at the box office. This is the fourth feature film by director Ryan Coogler, who was tasked with the herculean effort of directing this sequel despite the passing of his close friend and lead star, Chadwick Boseman (King T’Challa). “Wakanda Forever” sees the return of the majority of the cast from the first film returning, sans folks like Daniel Kaluuyaal. The goal: to captivate viewers once again though heart, emotion, and entertaining by way of this spectacle.
To start, we find the nation of Wakanda in deep mourning, trying to heal and forge ahead under the matriarchy of T’Challa’s mother, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett). After the somber opening, Queen Ramonda is forced to address world leaders over their aggressive insistence on having access to Wakanda’s natural resource, Vibranium. As this matter over Wakanda’s advanced technology is being debated, a dangerous presence emerges that poses an incredible threat to Wakanda’s land and existence. This threat comes by way of the undiscovered and underwater world of Talokan which is led by a powerful King named Namor.
After ultimately rejecting an offer from Namor that would make Wakanda and Talokan allies, the Wakandans are forced to ban together to protect their country from Namor and his fierce battalion of Talokan Warriors. This conflict brings about a war between both sides that results in high stakes drama, tension, and immersive action sequences carried out on an epic scale.
“Wakanda Forever” is a very entertaining, yet somber and emotional film that is largely shaped by the passing of Chadwick Boseman. This is a feature where the grief of the cast truly blurs the line between film and reality in a way that will certainly touch film goers. As the viewer, fans get to see the characters mourn T’Challa”, their King, while simultaneously watching the actors mourn Chadwick, their friend. This delicate balance is handled with sensitivity, reverence and grace by Ryan Coogler who is emerging as one of the favorite directors in the industry today.
At its core, “Wakanda Forever” is a film about loss, healing and pressing forward as Coogler attempts to navigate through the world of Wakanda without the beloved character of T’challa. However, despite the melancholy that permeates throughout the film, the conflict between Wakanda and Talokan proves to be riveting storytelling that is much more serious, engaging, and carries more gravitas than most of the recent projects from the MCU.
There is no one primary star in the movie, exuding ensemble in every sense of the word where each of the separate parts create one organic whole. Many of the stars from the first film are back for this installment including Angela Bassett (Queen Ramonda), Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Winston Duke (M’Baku) and Martin Freeman (Everett Ross). Newcomers to this sequel include Dominique Thorne (Riri Williams) and Tenoch Huerta (Namor). Unfortunately, due to the film’s multi-layered structure, not every actor has as much screen time as one would hope, but each one certainly has their shining moments.
As Namor, Tenoch Huerta gives a charismatic, intense, and sometimes frightening performance as the King of Talokan, an ancient underseas civilization that has remained hidden for centuries. Huerta’s striking portrayal is the complex characterization of a leader whose actions can be perceived as justified depending on the perspective one views his motives from. As the film’s antagonist, the character of Namor is skilled, powerful, extremely well written and has an engrossing back story which guides his superb character arc throughout the entire film.
Letitia Wright also gives a captivating, nuanced, and emotional portrayal of Shuri, the one-time sassy sister who has lost her sibling. She is overcome with grief and denial, but must press forward to help her Mother save Wakanda at all costs. Wright shows her true range here and rises to the occasion with a moving and wonderful performance. Lastly, Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda is given much more to do in this film and steals every scene she’s in due to her commanding presence, powerful performance and seasoned acting prowess. Acting as both a Queen and mother, Bassett took the real life pain and put it all into her work. Basset’s performance here is simply phenomenal and she could receive an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her work. She’s that good here.
From a writing and directing standpoint, “Wakanda Forever” also highlights the fact that Ryan Coogler continues to become a master at filmmaking. Coogler’s ability to balance such mature themes of heartfelt grief, cultural ideologies, political overtures and heightened drama while still displaying the film’s “comic book” sensibilities is quite fascinating to witness. In terms of his directorial vision, the look of the film, the shots and angles he choose, as well as his choice of sound, soundtrack, and silence to emphasize key moments showcases Coogler’s growing maturity as a Director. This type of direction, in conjunction with the beautiful cinematography from Autumn Durald Arkapaw, makes “Wakanda Forever” a film that is both sonically and visually pleasing to the senses.
Another area of “Wakanda Forever” where Ryan Coogler has upped the ante is in the action department. This film features considerably more action set pieces than its predecessor which are more polished, beautifully choreographed, and visually vibrant. It also appears that Coogler and his team heard the warranted criticisms of some of the CGI in the 3rd act of “Black Panther”. The visual effects in this film are more detailed & dynamic as evidenced by the spectacle on land, in air, as well as the beautiful underwater scenes in Talokan. This renewed and improved focus on the VFX truly accentuate the expansive action sequences on display in this film.
Overall, “Wakanda Forever” is an extremely ambitious and well-made film that was likely the most challenging of Ryan Coogler’s directing career. Once the decision was made to not recast the character of T’challa following Boseman’s death, Coogler was faced with quite the challenge: Create a film that organically addresses this enormous loss, but at the same time, still produce a large-scale comic book film that features elements of thrills, tension, new characters, spectacle, and high stakes action that rivals its 2018 predecessor.
In my opinion, Coogler and his cast passed that test with flying colors and gives us a film that is not only heartfelt, intimate, and emotional, but also one that is very entertaining. Honestly, because of the brotherly relationship he had with Chadwick, his kindred connection to his cast, and his innate grasp on the material he helped introduce in 2018, I don’t think anyone else but Ryan Coogler could have completed this sequel, this competently, under these less than ideal circumstances.
No matter which side of the fence you fall on in terms of the “RecastTchalla” movement (Google it if you’re unfamiliar), I don’t think any fan of cinema with a keen eye for details can deny that this is a well-crafted film that was created with care, love, and a desire to honor the legacy of Chadwick Boseman. If I had to point out any perceived flaws, I do think there are some small moments of humor in the film that didn’t quite land. Additionally, I thought there was a certain subplot and “world building” element for the larger MCU that didn’t fully serve this film’s narrative. However, these issues were very minor and did nothing to take away from the emotional a enjoyable journey this film takes us on.
Every fan of 2018’s “Black Panther” may not get exactly everything they desire from the “Wakanda Forever” but there are still plenty of wholesome elements to enjoy in this spirited and soulful sequel. From the sharp direction, cinematography, performances, surprises, action, score, soundtrack and beautiful production design, this sequel more than proves itself to be a worthy successor to the original. “Wakanda Forever” is a huge win, one of my favorite films of the year and one that comes HIGHLY Recommended – Enjoy!
Trouble basketball Kyrie Irving is getting support from the Black Hebrew Israelite regarding his recent controversy with the NBA franchise he is signed to. Recently, Irving was placed on suspension by the Brooklyn Nets for posting a poster of a documentary film “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” that is being distributed by Amazon.
On Wednesday, Nov. 9, during the Nets vs. Knicks game, several dozen of the religious sect came out to “peacefully,” protest the company’s decision to reprimand the basketball star by suspending him for at least five games and giving a six-point plan to complete before he could return, the New York Post reports.
Deacon Eythan of Israel United in Christ said, “We’re expressing our support of Kyrie Irving and his stance in terms of him knowing who he is. Kyrie Irving himself understands that not only are we Semitic ourselves, but it is contradictory and hypocritical to say that someone is anti-Semitic when they are Semitic.”
“It’s ridiculous to have him go through all these conditions just because he shared something,” said Deacon Eythan, “There’s certain content in there that may be found to be offensive, but if he found some truth in [the movie], there shouldn’t be a problem.”
The religious leader than asked about the penalty or public bashing of Amazon, saying that since it lives on the platform people should be outraged.
According to Newsweek, on Friday, Nov. 4, a letter was sent from the Anti-Defamation League (A.D.L.) in conjunction with Nets that requesting Amazon remove the movie and book from its distribution.
According to the Black Hebrew Israelites, they are not “Jewish” people but are the “Children of Israel.”
The word Jew is a English term that originated in the Biblical Hebrew word Yehudi, meaning “from the Kingdom of Judah.” The tribe of Judah is one of the tribes that come from the 12 sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel in the first book of the Hebrew Pentateuch and or the first book of the Christian Old Testament.
Already, Irving has missed 4 games. The next at-home game is Sunday, Nov. 20. Eythan says if Irving is still suspended, they will still come out to protest.
“As long as we are legally allowed to do so, we will peacefully protest,” he said.
Halle Berry can breathe easier knowing her child support payments are $8000. You may be staring at that number, asking why this is something to celebrate?
Considering the actress was paying ex-beau Gabriel Aubry $16,000 in monthly child support over the last decade, this is an early Christmas present.
The axed couple shares a 13-year daughter. Love may not cost a thing, yet separation proved to be quite expensive. They’ve been in court since 2014. The blockbuster beauty has fronted all the cost graciously.
It all started back in 2012 when Aubry denied her request for judicial intervention because she wanted to move their daughter to France along with her ex-fiance Olivier Martinez.
According to reports, As of March 1, 2021, child support payments were reduced by half. Still, both parties mutually agreed Berry would pay $85,000 in retroactive support.
Additionally, if her annual income exceeds $1.95 million, she can expect child support services to tap into her pockets. Not to mention she will provide $5000 for Aubry’s legal fees.
Meanwhile, she’s still responsible for covering their daughter’s private school tuition and healthcare.
Despite Berry’s expensive lesson of having children with the wrong person, both parties have also agreed to share annual financial records. These records include income and expense declarations, tax returns, and profit and loss statements.
Luckily both parties have agreed to use a private arbitrator to keep their issues out of the court system.
The man accused of killing rapper Mo3, born Melvin Noble, has been sentenced to 105 months in federal prison for a separate gun crime.
According to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad Meacham, U.S. District Judge Karen Gren Scholer sentenced Kewon Dontrell White to almost 9 years (8 years and 8 months).
He pled guilty in May to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the Star-Telegram reports.
On August 16th, 2020, authorities found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in White’s pocket, months before Mo3’s death.
According to a witness, an armed man hopped out of his car with a rifle and blasted several rounds at the rapper before jumping back in and driving away.
Police later identified the shooter as White and charged him with murder.
That case is still pending.
Even though he is 23 years old, White had previously been convicted of felony offenses involving unauthorized use of motor vehicles and evading arrest and detention, according to federal documents.
As the world prepares to say goodbye to Migos founding member Takeoff on Friday, November 11th, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, more names are being added to the star-studded homegoing service for the slain rapper.
Another name released is R&B and pop singer Alicia Keys, according to TMZ.
The New York was one of the celebrities who took to social media to mourn the “Versace” chart-topper when he died earlier this month.
On her Twitter, she wrote, “This is too much…. It’s like every day RIP Takeoff. 🙏🏽🕊️🙏🏽 Sending light to your family and loved ones We are losing too many too soon!!”
Justin Bieber will also perform during the service.
This is too much…. It’s like every day
RIP Takeoff. 🙏🏽🕊️🙏🏽 Sending light to your family and loved ones
Prior to that release, the Migos trio with Offset put out three installments of the Culture album series.
Additionally, Takeoff presented his debut studio LP, The Last Rocket in 2018. Two years earlier, Migos scored a #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the 4x-Platinum hit “Bad and Boujee” featuring Lil Uzi Vert.
His death was a huge loss and evidence of the outlandish gun violence in American culture.
Two days after Conde Naste filed a lawsuit against Drake and 21 Savage for creating a promotional campaign for their new project that inappropriately used Vogue magazine as the backdrop, a court has seemed to rule in the publishing company’s favor.
The case is basically based on a trademark infringement and false advertising claim. Experts say the company has “sufficient proof” pointing to their customers being confused by the mock-ups and can prove Conde Naste had been “irreparably harmed.”
Especially since Drake and 21 Savage flooded the internet with the artwork, which seemed authentic based on Drake’s relationship with Wintour.
Lawyers contend said the two distributed the covers in physical campaigns in major cities and plastered posters advertising the project on streets and buildings.
Conde Nast is seeking at least $4 million in damages in this case. Drake has removed the post from has IG.
Personally, I don’t know the rules of dating these days. I do not know if there are rules at all. Truthfully, speaking, I think the new generation is screwed when it comes to getting to know somebody, dating, and so on and so forth. If you throw a rapper in the mix, that’s going to only go downhill really fast. There’s already an inequity in income, power, and expectation. If a regular guy flies you somewhere, he’s expecting sex. If a regular guy pays for everything, he’s expecting six. If a rapper flies, well, you better believe you’re having sex or you’re on the next thing smoking. As a relates to Kodak Black, a rapper who has had a number of sexual assault allegations against him, you better believe it’s going to get spicy extremely fast.
Kodak Black allegedly flew out some girl, but refused to feed her when they got to their destination. There is a 45 second clip of a conversation floating around the Internet. In that, it is a girl and someone purported to be Kodak Black, having an argument. In the brief conversation, the girl is explaining that she is hungry and questions why he flew her out if she wasn’t going to be fed. And the person in the video offers up some barbecue from the house apparently. But, she says she didn’t want that because it was probably leftovers from the night before.
This is ridiculous. It sure sounds like somebody named Kodak Black, but I don’t know. if you’re going to see Kodak Black, you might want to just deal with whatever it is that is to come. By the way, this is not advocating for any sort of sexual assault or impropriety. But, you get what you get. Seriously, though, there should be a baseline amount of respect for anybody you “flew out.” And, the baseline situation calls for basic respect. Kodak Black is rich! He’s got a lot of money and it doesn’t seem too much to spend a couple of dollars on food. Get Popeye’s! I’m sure this chick thought she was about to get the queen treatment. But, she should know better. If she’s not a groupie, she still a groupie to him.
Anyway, this is a small snap shot of their interaction. Let’s hope she got fed and let’s hope she was safe.
Fat Joe has some nosy friends! When you’ve been in Hip-Hop for nearly 30 years questions are part of the job. Even so, he wasn’t ready when a friend curiously asked if he smashed Ashanti.
Ashanti’s sexcapades became a topic of conversation when her former boss Irv Gotti spilled the tea on a past episode of Drink Champs. He let the world know they were intimate. This unnecessary revelation caused Joe to label him as a sucker.
The Bronx native recently joined Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Red Table Talk. Mrs. Smith has a keen sense of getting the juiciest details. The topic must’ve resurfaced because Joe began to clarify why he came to the “Rock Wit U” crooner’s aid.
“Somebody had asked me, yo why’d you defend Ashanti like that?” Joe said.
Essentially one question led to another and the following question must’ve caused him to “Lean Back” in his seat.
“This guy who’s a friend of mine, he said yo, you f**king Ashanti?” he continued.
As the camera cuts to a head-shaking Willow Smith, You can tell Joey Crack has matured by his verbiage.
“I was flabbergasted. This was like blasphemy,” he explained. Calling attention to his 20-plus-year friendship with the Princess of Hip-Hop and R&B. Likewise, he assured his friend that she was like a sister.
Oddly enough, Joe’s associate seemed shocked to learn they genuinely share a sibling-like bond.
Check out the clip below. On another note, fellas, it’s okay to just be a friend to a beautiful woman.
