Wednesday, October 19, 2016

"Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le"

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"Surviving Compton" Cast


As a cast member of the reality series 'R&B Divas' singer Michel'le spoke about her past relationships with her ex and children's fathers' Dr. Dre and Suge Knight. The little information that she revealed left viewers wanting to know more. What really happened to Michel'le?

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Singer Michel'le

On Saturday, October 15, Lifetime television network presented the docufilm "Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le" featuring the songstress herself. Playing Michel'le was Rhyon Nicole Brown who also starred in the family drama series "Lincoln Heights". Music producer Dr. Dre was played by Curtis Hamilton from the television series "Castle" and Suge Knight was played by R. Marcos Taylor who also played Suge Knight in the biopic "Straight Outta Compton".

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Rhyon Nicole Brown

Rhyon Nicole Brown went from playing the baby sister in "Lincoln Heights" to playing a female legend in the hip hop game. She did a great job playing the role of Michel'le almost as good as Angela Basset did in the biopic film "What's Love Got To Do With It" the story about Ike and Tina Turner. 

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Curtis Hamilton
Curtis Hamilton also did a good job acting as Michel'le's ex Dr. Dre. His portrayal of Dr. Dre was better than Corey Hawkins who played Dr. Dre in "Straight Outta Compton". Hamilton's look and attitude was similar to the real Dr. Dre R. Marcos Taylor who played Suge Knight for the second time around wasn't the best impression but it doesn't take much to play a bodyguard!


Like most biopics "Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le" focuses on how Michel'le made her debut into the music industry. She went from being featured on World Class Wreckin Cru's track "Turn Off The Lights" to making tracks of her own. Michel'le's first break out single was titled "No More Lies" followed by "Nicety" and the popular hit "Something In My Heart".

While Michel'le was pursuing her music career she and Dr. Dre became close ans started seeing each other. Michel'le knew she wasn't the only woman in Dre's life but she believed she was the main woman. As toxic as Dre's and Michel'le's relationship was she stayed hoping he would get better, but he only got worse as he continued to be physically abusive towards her. Noone ever stepped in to help Michel'le not even their manager Jerry.

After Michel'le had her first baby boy with Dre he left her stranded at home alone, with no food and no lights. Michel'le called Suge who came to her rescue and put her in rehab. When Michel'le returned home she was in a better place and she didn't go back to Dre. Instead she started dating Suge Knight. The singer described Knight as being gentle and kind. He made her feel loved in a way Dre never did. 

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R. Marcos Taylor as Suge Knight


Sooner or later Michel'le saw a different side of Knight when she asked him about releasing her second album. Knight hit Michel'le but according to the movie, it only happened once. When Suge took over Death Row Records things started to look suspicious to Michel'le but she was in the dark as to what was really going on. By then she had two children, a son with Dr. Dre and a daughter with Suge. While Suge was locked up, his attorney persuaded Michel'le into signing documents that earned her $30,000 a month. She later found out Suge was involved in some illegal shady business with the company and used her to do it. She also found out he was still married which meant she was not legally married to Suge.

Towards the end, Michel'le courageously confronted Suge and let him know that she knew everything.  She then left Suge where he was standing, took her two children and moved back home with her grandmother. 

"Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le" didn't have a five star cast or a five star performance, but compared to the Aaliyah biopic it was well worth watching. Every documentary tells a person's story but not every documentary is going to be satisfactory to it's viewers. 

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Money Power Respect Premiere Review: "Opening Arguments"

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On the reality series 'Love and Hip Hop' you see aspiring female rappers and singers, but on the new WeTv reality series 'Money, Power, Respect' these women are already established high profile attorneys in the entertainment world.

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Dana, Kelly, Wendy, Nakia, Tiffany, Kendell

Dana who aspires to be an artist manager like her husband wanted to prove to him that she has what it takes to manage an artist. During what Dana called "Industry Rules" she introduced a Brooklyn rapper named Shaun Doe to Lord Jamar and some other players in the music industry. 

Photo by Mahogany Magazine
Rapper Shaun Doe

Jamar wasn't impressed with Shaun's initial impression. He felt as if he came off too arrogant with someone who could have possibly helped him get further in his rap career. As the conversation continued Shaun questioned what Jamar had done lately. He told him he didn't need him and the tension grew deeper, forcing Jamar to dismiss Shaun for good.

Photo by Mahogany Magazine
Lord Jamar and wife Dana Whitfield

Later on in the episode while Dana and Jamar were out playing pool, they got into another heated discussion regarding Shaun. Jamar who called the rapper Bozo the clown, advised his wife to try again with another artist. He also added that managing a male artist was out of the question. Jamar made it clear that he wasn't going to accept her being out til 5 or 6 in the morning with another man. No matter how much Dana tried to get her very conservative husband to change his mind he stood by his decision. That's it, That's all!

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Andre Harrell and Wendy Credle

Meanwhile Wendy met up with her ex and music producer Andre Harrell to discuss their son's college education. Wendy wanted him to finish school in Paris, whereas, Andre wanted him to come back to America. Wendy assured the former CEO of Motown Records that she would do whatever it takes to pay for their son's final year in college which would cost $65,000. 

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Kendell Renee Kelly

Kendall received some unexpected news about the man she is currently living with. An unknown woman reached out to her to inform her that she and her man have been seeing each other. Kendell even agreed to meet the woman. Did she make the right decision? Only Kendell knows the answer to that. She has to do what she feels is best for her. It's better to find out now before she walked down the aisle.

Stay tuned for more upcoming episodes of 'Money, Power, Respect' Tuesdays on WeTv!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin






Sunday, October 9, 2016

'60 Days In': "Shakedowns, Defiance and Snitches'

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This season of '60 Days In' is way more intense than the previous season. Ryan has gotten way to comfortable while Quintin is being smart about the decisions he makes. Sheri and Ashleigh approaches MonaLisa but the outcome is far from what they expected. Dion seems to holding on as best he can but he is able to break at any point.

Sheri and Ashleigh approached Mona to let her know they knew she was in the program. Mona was shocked but as soon as Sheri revealed she passed a note, she wanted no parts of Sheri or Ashleigh. Mona felt Sheri passing a note could jeopardize their purpose for actually being there so she walked away. 

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Ryan of '60 Days In'


At first Ryan was frustrated when he entered C-Pod until he became accustomed to the dealings within the inmates. He started traded commissary, which he was forbidden to do. Ryan was going against the grain and it could cost him his life. He feels that he way of doing things is the right way verses what he was taught in training.

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Ashleigh of '60 Days In'


Towards the end of the last episode of '60 Days In' Sheri passed a note to get the attention of the CO's. As a result to her note, there was a shake down in the females pod twice. Inmate Ashley became suspicious of a snitch and went in a verbal rage. Ashleigh who is a participant called Ashley's bluff after she heard her call white girls b*****s. 

Ashley tried to intimidate Ashleigh but she stood her ground. Ashleigh then went into her room and laced up just in case she had to throw some hands.

See who's going to make it to the end as you tune in to '60 Days In' Thursdays on A&E!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

Marriage Bootcamp Reality Stars 6 Premiere 6 Recap: "Trouple or Nothing"

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If you thought last season of 'Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars' was something this season is going to have you more anxious than before. And for the first time two new professionals and a trouple will be apart of this process!

This season on 'Marriage Bootcamp Reality Stars' Jade and Tanner and Amber and Jim have nothing compared to what Keke Wyatt and Michael, Karen and Storm and Margeaux, Merika and Nikko are going to bring.

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Nikko and Margeaux

Do you remember the couple in the picture above? Both of these reality stars were casted on the Vh1 series 'Love and Hip Hop Atlanta', but that was short lived. Anywho, after the couple appeared on their final reunion many viewers assumed the remained married and started thing over like most married couples do. Nikko had lost Mimi and Margeaux was still up for grabs. So we thought!

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Margeaux and Merika



As it turns out, Margeaux has moved on but too bad we can't say the same thing about Nikko. During the couples evaluation at Divorce court with Judge Lynn Toler there was a surprise mystyer guest waiting to reveal himself. The judge evalutaed each couple one by one and Margeaux and Merika were the final litigants. 

Lo and behold! The surprise guest was for Margeaux. You can tell by Margeaux's reaction that Nikko was the last person she expected to see. It's obvious he still loves Margeaux or is this just apart of one of his get poor schemes?

Although Margeaux and Merika had been together for the past two years, Nikko revealed that he and Margeaux were still married. 

Will Margeaux end up saying good-bye to Merika and stay married to Nikko? Or is this the end of their estranged marriage?

Tune in to more of 'Marriage Boot Camp RealityStars' Friday on WeTv!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin


Basketball Wives LA: "Will Tami Or Duffy Get Sent Packing"

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Tami Roman and Duffy 
Basketball Wives LA

Well, well, well, looks like things are getting really messy on 'Basketball Wives LA'. On this weeks episode Tami tried her best to hold her composure but Duffy pushed her buttons to the point of no return. Meanwhile Jackie got in her feelings when no one wanted to get a buzz when she was ready to.

Even though Tami wasn't going to go on the trip to Portugal at first she decided to put her big girl panties on and give it a run. It just so happened that just as soon as we thought things were going good it ended up badly. Just when Duffy had the opportunity to express how she was really feeling. Suddenly, she changed her mind. But what happened? She made it very clear that she had no more issues after Tami addressed the fact that she was going to whip her a**, but she didn't fall through because she felt differently now. Well so much for now I guess, because she had a lot to say the following day.

As soon as Duffy said what she had to say Tami did the mature thing and got up and walked away. Somehow, someway, Duffy got amped up and  begn to speak on how she really felt which prompted Tami to make a u-turn.

When Tami reutrned to the table of drama it wasn't long before she began to came at Duffy ready for attack. Because of security and the cast mates Tami wasn't able to get to Duffy. Apparently, Duffy was able to get to her and throw some thing at her rather it ws liquid or food we are not sure but time will teel real soon.

Following the incident Tami had a hard time trying to get to Duffy because of the tight security. However, when she portrayed as if she was good and calm she ran off and Shaunie went chasing after her. 

Was Tami able to get up with Duffy? Did they fight head on?

On the next episode of 'Basketball Wives LA' Tami or Duffy is going to be asked to leave Portugal. Who will it be? Will it be Duffy or Tami? Who do you think should go home/?

Stay tuned to see what happened on the next episode of 'Basketball Wives LA' Mondays on Vh1!


Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
mahoganymagazin



Tuesday, October 4, 2016

'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Season Episode 1&2: "King Louie Guest Stars, Van Gets Out Of Jail"

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On the premiere of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' secrets were revealed, Ryan was blindsided and Kat and Charmaine got into a physical confrontation. Two well-known Chicago celebrities stopped by 9Mag and a new tattoo artist was introduced. Van was released from jail and the real Chris Gardner  got tatted up.


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Charmaine, Ryan, Kat and Don of
Black Ink Crew Chicago
In the first episode of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' rapper King Louie stopped by to get tatted but not by Ryan or Phor. When King Louie said he was getting tatted by Kat, Ryan was surprised. He had no idea that Kat was tattooing clients upstairs. Ryan approached Phor and Kat in regards to the rent. They both informed him that they wasn't aware they had to pay for Van's half. While Kat was expressing herself to Ryan, Charmaine took it upon her self to remove Kat's things. Kat wasn't having it so she attacked Charmaine. Ryan made it clear to Kat that she didn't have to no longer be in the shop since she was doing shadiness business upstairs.

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Rapper King Louie
Black Ink Crew Chiago


Meanwhile Don and Ashley went shopping to furnish their new home. Although they appeared to be in a good place that will all be shattered real soon. Danielle and Charmaine found out Don was dipping out on Ashley with another woman and there could be another baby. Don shared this information with his brother Phor and decided to take a DNA test. Ashley doesn't know yet but when she finds out Charmaine is going to be the first motherly suspect on her list.

In the second episode of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Ryan hired a new tattoo artist named Junior. It was a shocking to all the employees but Danielle took it personal. As soon as Kat stopped by she ran to Kat and revealed that a new artist had taken her spot and Charmaine threw her drawings in the garbage. Danielle who is suppose to be Charmaine's cousin had Kat's back all the way. Maybe she missed the part where Kat chose to leave the shop and do her own thing. What else is Ryan suppose to do if his artists are not paying their share? Charmaine should have stayed out of it but she didn't so Kat attacked her again. Charmaine may have been wrong for touching Kat's items but where was Danielle, Charmaine's cousin, when Kat was attacking her. How can you defend one wrong act but not the other?


Photo by Google Images
Van released from jail on
Black Ink Crew Chicago

Photo by Google Images
Van and friends of
Black Ink Crew Chicago
Before Van who went to jail towards the end of the first season was released, Ryan and Charmaine took his daughter shopping at AKIRA. Charmaine wanted her to be the mini version of her while Ryan was trying to keep her conservative and appropriate for her father. When it was time to go get Van, everyone including Kat was on the Chicago prison bus. As soon as Ryan spotted Van across the street they all ran to greet him with hugs.There were drinks and strippers ready to show him what he's been missing. Despite all the chaos that was going on between Ryan, Kat and Charmaine they were all excited to have Van back. 


Also on the premiere of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Chicago Bears linebacker Lamar Houston and the real Chris Gardner stopped by 9Mag. Just in case people don't know, actor Will Smith played Chris Gardner in the movie 'Pursuit of Happiness' with his son Jalen Smith who played Chris Gardner Jr.

The new season of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' has just begun. Catch up with the reality series Mondays on Vh1!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

'Black Ink Crew Chicago' Season 2 Preview: "New Rules, New Players, New Love"

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Last season of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' things left off with Van going to jail, Kat leaving 9Mag and Don and Ashley getting engaged. 

This season on 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' two new tattoo artists named Cobra Kat and Junior joins 9Mag. There will also be partying like never before, secrets will be revealed, rivalries will be formed and unexpected hook-ups won't go unnoticed. 


Photo by Google Images
Don and Ashley
Black Ink Crew Chicago


On top of that Ashley who made several appearances on the first season is now an official cast member of the reality series. Don and Ashley are set to get married but a wrench has been thrown in the mix. Don who messed around on Ashley with Charmaine, allegedly has another child with another woman.


Photo by Google Images
Kat Tat Black Ink Crew Chicago

While Van is away, Kat who left 9Mag has a new look and has taken her business upstairs unbeknownst to Ryan. Charmaine, the manager of the shop reveals to Ryan that Kat and Phor haven't been paying their share of the rent, which ultimately is what caused him to hire new editions to the shop. 


Charmaine is back and with a new look and tighter body.  She is still the same Charmaine who's not afraid to speak how she feels when it comes to the newbies. She and Danielle are still close but can't say the same for her and Kat. The beef between the two led to a physical confrontation that we will all see on this season of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago'.

Phor and Kat may have had a thing last season but it seems like the Chicago rapper has moved on. With all the groupies vying for Phor's attention he isn't able to focus on his music or his business with 9Mag.

In the words of Ryan this season is going to be filled with new rules, new players and new love. So who is he referring to when he says new love? Well, we know it's not Danielle, because she's still with her boyfriend. Don and Ashley are engaged. So who could it be? Based on the preview it looks like Ryan and Charmaine are getting closer than usual. Wasn't it Ryan who said no fraternizing with co-workers? Thar rule was broken last season. So maybe that's one of the new rules.

Tune in to the new season of 'Black Ink Crew Chicago' beginning Monday, October 3 on Vh1!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin


Bad Girls Club Social Disruption: "Producers Need To Set No Fighting Rule"

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Bad Girls Club 16 Social Disruption

This season of 'Bad Girls Club' is by far the worse one of all and the most violent. Already in the beginning of the season there has been several fights which led to one of the cast members to go home.

On the first episode of BGC 16, Kaila, Tabatha, Elliadria, and Zee teamed together to try and put Kailie out. Kaila physically attacked Kailie and elbowed her in her face while security stood between them. They then proceeded to try and evict Brynesha because she has children at home but she stood her ground. Kailie appeared to be defenseless and the mean girls took advantage of that. Kailie was sent to a hotel as a result of the bullying from her roommates.

When Kailie returned from the hotel she had a ACE bandage wrapped around her right foot. As Zee was trying to make amends with her Brynesha found her actions to be fake. As soon as she told Tabatha how she felt it led to a fight between her and Zee. Shortly afterwards Zee realized Tabatha wanted her and Brynesha to fight. She also became closer to Kailie.

All of the girls including Kailie did a photo shoot for the 'Bad Girls Club'. None of the girls had any problems but that was short lived. Later on that night all of the girls except Zee and Kailie went out to the Ace of Diamonds. Brynesha who went out with the mean girls had a little too much to drink. 

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Tabatha kicking Kailie as her back was turned on
Bad Girls Club Social Disruption

When the girls arrived home Kaila and Tabatha's plan was to get Kailie out the house but Brynesha had other plans. She immediately went for Zee to fight her which ended with Zee on top of her for the second time around. Meanwhile Kaila and Tabatha were trying to get Kailie out of the house. Kailie defended herself as best as she could. As soon as she turned her back Tabatha kicked her in her back causing her to fall and add more injury to her foot. Kailie tried to call the producers on the phone but Tab and Kaila kept blocking her. She finally got their attention and they put her up in a hotel.

The following day the producers warned the girls that what happened to Kailie was unacceptable. To them it was bullying and they sent Tabatha packing. 

Photo by Google Images
Zee and Brynesha before the fight
Bad Girls Club Social Disruption

Although sending Tabatha home was the right decision, Kaila should have went home too. She initiated the bullying and was just as guilty as Tabatha. With that being said the producers of the 'Bad Girls Club' should set a "No Fighting Rule" and if they should break that rule they should be sent home immediately. Fighting is not entertaining, especially when it's unnecessary. There was no reason for them to do what they did to Kailie even if she did partake in bullying in her past. 

Who's going to be sent home next? If Brynesha continues to pick at Zee she could be next to leave. Yes, Zee was wrong for coming at Brynesha the first time but that was no excuse for Brynesha to attack her the second time. For every action there's a reaction.

On the flip side Brynesha was able to showcase her lyrical skills at an open mic event. Can't wait to see what talent the other girls have!

Tune in to 'Bad Girls Club Social Disruption' Tuesday's on Oxygen!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

BET: 'One Shot' Finale: "Three Triumphs The Competition"

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BET 'One Shot' with Sway Calloway

The latest reality television series 'One Shot' which premiered in late August on BET has now come to an end.  The hip hop competition show hosted by MTV news and hip hop ambassador Sway Calloway, showcased who the judges believed to be the best hip hop artists from Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago. 

The judges included hosts of the Wake Up Show, Sway Calloway and DJ King Tech, music writer and producer Mike Smith and rapper and member of the group Slaughterhouse King Crooked. Celebrity judges for this season included RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, DJ Khaled, T.I., DJ Drama, Tech N9ne and Twista.

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Rapper Lord Owen from Atlanta

In round one after 50 performances the judges narrowed the numbers down to eight contestants, two from each city. In the semi-finalist round the "Rap 4 Your Life" contest and video challenge sent five artists home, including Lady Ki, Chi Candi and Lord Owen. 

Photo by Google Images
Rapper Three winner of BET 'One Shot'

On the finale of BET 'One Shot' the final three Justin Freeman, Doja and Three had one last shot to compete for $100,000 and a record deal. Female rapper Remy Ma was the celebrity judges for the finals. 

Justin Freeman was up first and he brought some conscious flavor with a catchy hook and powerful wordplay. Dora moved the crowd with her diverse creativity and dressed in all black swag. Three who performed last delivered a catchy hook that the crowd gravitated too instantly. Three who was dressed like what some would perceive as Jesus, blessed the stage with his impeccable verses and the memorable hook "I Been In This Game For Too Long, It's Gon Pay Off". He put on a show as if he was in a concert. Three went hard for what he wanted and it definitely paid off!

Congratulations Three!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

Thursday, September 22, 2016

2016 BET Hip Hop Awards: "Chance The Rapper Nominated For Lyricist of the Year"

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It's almost that time again! In less than two weeks the '2016 BET Hip Hop Awards' will be making it's debut. Hip Hop legend and actor Snoop Dogg hosted the last three years of the hip hop ceremony. This year music producer DJ Khaled will be hosting the '2016 BET Hip Hop Awards'


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Drake "Views" Album Cover

Rapper Drake is up for 14 nominations this year including Album of the Year, Lyricist of the Year and Best Hip Hop Video. Along with Drake rapper Future is also up for double nominations.


Photo by Google Images
Kanye West "The Life of Pablo" Album Cover


Chicago rapper and music producer Kanye West will be nominated in eight categories including Album of the Year for the album "The Life of Pablo". Joining the "Sorry" artist for Album of the Year Award are Future "DS2", Fetty Wap "Fetty Wap", Drake "Views",  Dr. Dre "Compton" and DJ Khaled "I Changed A Lot".

So who will win the Album of the Year Award? Will it be Future, Kanye West, ,Drake, Dr. Dre, Fetty Wap or DJ Kahaled?


Photo by Google Images
Chance the Rapper


Two Chicago artists Kanye West and Chance the Rapper known for the hit single "No Problems" have been nominated for Lyricist of the Year


Who will win for Lyricist of the Year? Will it be Kanye West, Drake, Chance the Rapper,  J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar?

The '2016 BET Hip Hop Awards' will air on Tuesday, October 4 on BET!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin 

OWN Queen Sugar Recap: "The Darker Sooner"

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Every family has problems but there comes a time when you have to put your differences aside and come together, which is what is shown in the Bordelon family on OWN's latest hit drama series 'Queen Sugar'.

In the fourth episode titled "The Darker Sooner" Ralph Angel tries to prove to his siblings that he can run the farm while they take care of other things. A co-worker offered to work Angels hours while he went to buy some seed cane. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get the seed cane so he went to his co-worker who led him to his cousin that sold seed cane. Ralph spent $15,000 on the seed cane and thought he was good to go,  until Remy the irrigation specialist examined the cane and noticed it was tainted with fungus.

Charley and Micah returned home so Charley can continue to manage her husband, Davis.  The NBA player was accused of raping who appeared to be a prostitute named Goalie. While Charley was busy helping Davis with this matter, their son Micah was dealing with the affects of his father's actions at school. His girlfriend, Stella showed excitement when Micah returned back to school. However, Micah wasn't so welcomed by Stella's mother like he once was. Later on Charley was called to the school after he was accused of sending a pic of his private part to Stella's phone. The school suspended him but as it turns out it wasn't his private part, it was the other young lad Stella was cheating on Micah with. 

Nova is very passionate about journalism and helping African American males and their families. After she visited her friend's son in prison he was brutally attacked. Nova visited the young man in the hospital. Her brother Ralph felt she cared more about him and other males more than she cared about him when he was on lock down. Nova found out about this incident from her secret lover and police officer Calvin who is also married with a child. 

Towards the end of the episode Charley met up with Davis new lawyer. They wanted to make the rape charge go away by offering $500,000 to the accuser. To Charley's surprise the alleged prostitute turned down the offer. Is it because half a million dollars is not enough? Does she want more money? What does she really want?

Watch episode 5 of 'Queen Sugar' Wednesday, September 28 on OWN Oprah Winfrey Network!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin 


Former D4L Member Shawty Lo Dead At 40

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Rapper Shawty Lo


On Wednesday, September 21, rapper Shawty Lo aka Carlos Walker died following a car crash in Atlanta, according to his manager who reported the news to a radio station in Atlanta.

As reported by CNN, Shawty Lo's death which was confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office stated that the cause of the car crash is still in question. Shawty Lo was age 40 at his time of death.

Photo by Google Images
Rap Group D4L

Walker was the founder and member of the rap group D4L who is mostly known for the hit "Laffy Taffy", which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 charts in 2006. "Laffy Taffy" also became the first song to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the most downloaded song in 2007. Lo is also known for the hit singles "Dunn Dunn" and "Dey Know" released in 2007. In 2008 Shawty Lo won for "Rookie of the Year". That same year the song "Dey Know" won for "Track of the Year".

Lo who was born in Jonesboro, Georgia leaves behind 11 children in which he hoped to showcase on a reality show called 'All My Babies' Mamas'. The show was set to air on Oxygen network in 2013 but was later cancelled.

We here at Mahogany magazine sends their deepest sympathy and condolences to The Walker family. May Carlos aka Shawty Lo forever rest in heaven!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin  


BET 'One Shot': "Lady Ki & Lord Owen Gets Cut"

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On the semi-finals of BET 'One Shot' the top eight contestants from Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami made it to New York to compete. In their first challenge called "Rap 4 Your Life" the rappers were put on the spot when they had to write 16 bars in 60 minutes. 


After the judges deliberated on the first round it was Stichez, Lady Ki, Chi Candi and Metane who were sent home. It was surprising to see Lady Ki get cut so soon. If Chi Candi would have brought the same flavor she brought during her audition she would have probably made it to the next round.

In the next challenge the four remaining artists were to make a video. The judges had a hard decision to make between Lord Owen and Justin Freeman due to their powerful videos.
Justin Freeman was first to make it to the finals and Three came in second. When it was down to Lord Owen and Doja, the judges chose Doja. 

Lord Owen was one of the best rappers in the competition. He was very emotional following the elimination process. Lord Owen said he will continue his journey on being one of the best rappers alive. We hope to see him out there soon!

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

'POWER' Finale Preview: "The Moment Of Truth"

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With one more episode of 'POWER' not everything is going to get revealed and resolved all at once. On the episode titled "I Call The Shots" Tommy told Milan he wanted Ghost dead. but does Tommy really want Ghost dead? Knowing Tommy this is just a ploy to get closer to Milan so he and Ghost can make their move just like they got rid of Lobos.

The problem is agent Greg Knox is on a serious mission that Angela has no clue about. He knew Angela would run back into his arms after finding out about Ghost but what she doesn't know is he has an ulterior motive. Knox who thinks Angela is the mole found out some unexpected information on his boss Mike Sandoval. 

On the finale of 'POWER' Angela who is trying to save herself asked Ghost about his whereabouts the night before. Ghost told Angela that he was at work. He then asked did she have a good time with agent Greg Knox?

Check out the link below to see preview of Angela and Ghost in the upcoming finale of 'POWER':

http://www.vibe.com/2016/09/power-season-three-finale-sneak-peek/

Kanan continues on with his mission to get revenge on Ghost by turning his nephew into menace. After he walked out the shoe store with a fresh pair of Jordans Kanan knew he had Tariq where he wanted him. To add more to the fire Kanan manipulates the youngster's mind into delivering a package for him. At first, Tariq declined but Kanan had his way of getting his nephew ot play right into his hands.

Check out the clip on Kanan and Tariq on the finale of 'POWER' below:

https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/09/check-out-this-exclusive-clip-from-the-power-seaso.html


Agent Knox and Angela wasn't the only ones hitting the sheets on the previous episode. Tasha and Ghost shared an intimate session as well with no ulterior motive. Tasha misses and loves Ghost but she's too trusting of Tommy. She doesn't know he is working with Milan against her husband as of yet. In due time she will find out but will it be too late?

After Tommy confronted Ghost about following him to the warehouse to meet Milan, he now knows he can't be trusted. So who can Ghost trust? Tasha is the only one who has been by Ghost side since day one. She is now on a mission to save her family while Ghost is working on taking down Milan. Will Tommy be there to back his friend or will he change sides and try to kill Ghost?

The finale of 'POWER' airs Sunday, September 25, at 9 p.m. EST on Starz.

Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin

Friday, September 16, 2016

'Black Market ft. Michael K. Williams: "Taking You Inside The Real World of Car Jacking"

Photo by Google Images




As I was watching a documentary mini series called 'Black Market' featuring Michael K. Williams, I became intrigued with the actors mission to get in-depth on why some people do the things they do and how they survive doing it.

In one of the episode of 'Black Market' titled "New Jersey Drive" focused on how car theft turned into car jacking. A former car thief revealed to Williams that since car companies have made it harder to steal cars, they ultimately resulted to car jacking. He said that the car owner is given two choices with an offer they can't refuse. The former car thief added that children can't focus on school properly if they haven't eaten in days, which is one of the motives for car jacking. 

Another unknown car jacker said only three people are needed in their crew, the eyes, the stealer and the driver. He added that although he won't shoot anyone he will cluck them a few times. One of them called themselves a sympathy thief! 

At any rate while some don't feel the need to shoot or kill anyone, not all car jackers feel the same way. As Williams continued with his journey he learned that because there's no jobs these specific thieves do what they feel they gotta do to survive and provide for their family. He said that if he can make $10,000 for a 2014, 2015 X5, or Porsche 2015 in five minutes why not do it. He also said that if anyone does anything wrong he won't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Michael K. Williams is mostly known for his role as Omar in the HBO series 'The Wire' and Chalky White in the HBO series 'Boardwalk Empire'.He was also featured in films including the latest 'Ghostbusters', '12 Years A Slave', 'Miracle At St. Anna', 'Doing Hard Time' and one of the late Tupac classic films 'Bullet'.

Photo by Google Images
Michael K. Williams
During the Viceland series 'Black Market' the 49-year-old talked about how he went from Corny Mike to Cool Omar. He also admitted to spending money recklessly during season one and two of 'The Wire'. He talked about how the late Rev. Ronald B. Christian of Christian Love Baptiste Church helped guide him into the right direction and taught him how to love himself. 

In the episode "New Jersey Drive" dedicated to the late Rev. Ronald B. Christian, Williams gives you insight on car thieves and car jacking. As the series continues you will get more insight on how the liquid drug lean became so popular, how drugs can be bought through the internet and how gas is smuggled in Colombia.

The season of 'Black Market' with Michael K. Williams has ended but you can watch all the episodes from the beginning on Directv On Demand! 


Tamara M. Anderson
@mstekeyla
@mahoganymagazin