Katt Williams: "Target Practice"

 http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2012/12/03/katt-williams-slaps-target-employee.html

 

Comedian Katt Williams can’t seem to stay away from trouble. Are his actions a channel for great comedic material or is he losing it? Katt was arrested in California on a felony warrant related to a police chase. The Sacramento Bee reports that the arrest took place Friday night in Dunnigan, about 25 miles north of Sacramento.

According to the Huffington Post, Katt fled officers on a three-wheeled motorcycle on Nov. 25 after being spotted driving on a downtown Sacramento sidewalk. When he was asked to stop he refused and continued driving. The California Highway Patrol says that Katt nearly hit five people before police safely ended the chase.

Reportedly, Katt was not arrested at the scene. Moment’s later; he stepped into a Target where an argument between him and an employee took place. 

“Earlier in the week, Katt was a no show at an arraignment hearing in Seattle to face assault charges stemming from several run-ins with people and police last weekend,” says CBS News. 

Before his arrest Friday night, Williams reportedly struck a man over the head with a microphone, threw chairs at fans and threatened a bar manager with a pool cue.

Katt jokes a lot about the police and his frequent run-ins with the law. Is his behavior a cry for attention or help? I would hope neither. I would like to think that this is a phase that he will grow out of with great jokes to accompany him as a result.

Katt is set to star in “Scary Movie 5” and has a television special that was recorded on New Years Eve of last year at the Nokia Theatre. The special showcases Katt’s standup with better jokes and punch lines than his last special, Katt Williams: 9 Lives.

For his sake and the sake of his career, I can’t wait to see Katt Williams free from legal issues, tabloids and chaos. Katt Williams is too charismatic and funny to stay down for long.  

"The Game has Officially Changed" Vocalists are Taking Over

  The time has come for great music to return back to it's origin. With the one hit wonders, quick crooners and auto-tune ballads on overload vocal talents were taking a back seat. The year of the vocalist is back and it's looking to stay that way. 

 http://thegrio.com/2011/11/10/tamar-braxton-is-currently-starring/

 Tamar Braxton is entering the game ready to prove just that. Her voice is unparalleled. Her career has been inspirational and informative to witness. Her personality is genuine and eccentric. Her beauty is evident. Her talent is refreshing. 

 Formerly of the group “ The Braxtons”, that she formed with her sisters Towanda and Trina, Tamar had a brief stint as a solo artist in 1999. In 2000 she released Tamar, making me a longtime fan. Then I didn’t see or hear of her until last year. “Braxton Family Values” on WE TV was the reintroduction of Tamar, the person. Now the star of her own reality show, “Tamar & Vince”, she is taking the reigns of her career with great excellence. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWktiDl6Fgw&feature=autoplay&list=ULpvNXnMPiNfQ&playnext=11

Another artist is R&B singer, Brandy. She has been underrated in terms of her vocals. In fact, when she was younger she was told no many times. Her talents couldn’t be denied. She eventually got a yes. She’s gone on to star in her own television show, Moesha. 

Goddaughter to the late Whitney Houston, she’s acted in several films. Brandy dominated the ‘90’s. Her music career never took a backseat to any of her other talents. 

 Her first album, “Brandy”, went platinum in 1993. With hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby”, Brandy hit the ground running. Her career peaked and then no more solo ventures came. Her personal life began to emerge while her talent took a backseat. Having gone back to her roots of television, Brandy has rebranded herself without the loss of her natural singing ability.

 Two Eleven, released this past October, is a hit banger! Her hard work and perseverance has paid off. Personally I feel she’s been underrated for some time. 

The singers I admire most are back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5svXAZ9-Qk&playnext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CFFMM5m-QWesyH0Tdudq5Y

Blaque Member Natina Reed Killed

This week I was going to post about my inspiration and possible mentor in regards to artist management and then this happened. 

http://hiphollywood.com/2012/10/tragic-member-of-girl-group-blaque-dies-in-hit-run/

The late 90’s was full of girl groups that had great singles, charisma and talent. R&B girl group Blaque was no exception. Having being mentored by TLC star Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, the group dominated the charts. With singles like “808” and “Bring It All to Me”, one of my personal favorites, I remember mimicking dance moves and hairstyles. The teenagers even expanded their careers by showcasing their talent on the big screen as Compton cheerleaders in the 2000 classic “Bring It On". Just last month the trio performed at the Left Eye Music Fest in Atlanta.  Although the group broke up in 2004, according to teensavvy.com, they came back together in 2009 with plans for a new album. Sadly, that will never come to fruition.

http://www.teen-savvy.com/2012/08/snapshot-blaque-reunites-to-honor-left.html

Reed’s death in an odd coincidence falls a decade apart from her mentor Left Eye, both in car accidents and both around the same age. As of right now, no charges are being filed against the driver and one other witness. Both the driver and witness are having their names with held until further information is found. Police are seeking any information they can as to why she was in the street that fatal night and what may have stopped this from happening. Her long time boyfriend rapper Kurupt and their 10-year-old son, Tren Brown, survive Reed. 

http://www.blackcelebkids.com/

 Personally, I was looking forward to any member from Blaque coming out and having a solo career. I would see them, Brandi Williams and Shamari Fears, here and there years ago but the music industry has a new generation of listeners. In the hip-hop industry Natina could have had great potential as well. I would listen to Diamond of Crime Mob notoriety and instantly think of Reed. Blaque may not have been the Destiny’s Child of the 90’s but they weren’t a farewell act either. 

 
http://www.teen-savvy.com/2012/08/snapshot-blaque-reunites-to-honor-left.html

Ultimately she left a mark on music and I wish her family the best in their time of mourning. Furthermore, I hope the truth comes out and justice is served.

Movie Review-The Possession

So I just came from Movie Tavern and I must say that if I could get those 92 wasted minutes of my life back, I’d be a happy woman. Based on a true story, “allegedly”, The Possession tries to scare audiences with loud screams, moths and camera trickery. Hollywood pulled out all the stops apparently, but the movie failed miserably in my opinion.

I am not a fan of horror movies or thrillers, especially those rated PG-13 like The Possession is, but I’ve seen my fair share of them. With that being said, I know when I am genuinely scared versus being tricked to horror.

The Possession is a mix between “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (epic fail) and any other movie about a possessed child. It is a copycat of horror films. How the child is exorcised is heavily anticipated but unfortunately fell flat. I don’t want to spoil the film for those that haven’t seen it, but I will say that Jeffrey Dean Morgan carried the movie.

From an actress’ standpoint, it was nice to see new faces in the film. The two little girls that played the daughters of Morgan were refreshing to see. I secretly celebrate their excitement working on a new film. They didn’t take the Disney route or some small role in a sitcom, so kudos to them. It’s still unknown where The Possession will take their careers, but I’m routing for them undoubtedly.

Overall, there was no A-list filled cast for The Possession and for horror films that seems to be the formula. Who wants to see their favorite actor die or be possessed? Although it is for entertainment, it would be an unprecedented move to include too many stars in a horror film and expect it to be a blockbuster.

Basically, if I could I would ask for a full refund from Movie Tavern. Luckily I received a free ticket for my new membership with Movie Tavern. You can too. Head over to movietavern.com and you’ll receive a free ticket for signing up and for your birthday!

Eternal Life Entertainment, LLC

I just came back from a meeting with the CEO of Eternal LifeEntertainment, LLC. I have the opportunity to put my PR skills to work and create buzz and excitement for an upcoming film he wrote, directed and produced. Upon meeting him, I was a little nervous but ultimately excited. Just to see someone’s dreams come to fruition gives me tremendous hope on my future talent agency and let’s me know that dreams do come true; as corny as that may sound. 

 Fredrick Manzo gave me his business card and of course I got on the World Wide Web to check the validity of his company. I had little doubt that he was legitimate but I wanted to first re-introduce myself to him through the eyes of a normal website visitor and the Internet gave me the chance to do so. 

The website, http://www.ele1.com, educates visitors about upcoming attractions like plays or films. The most important thing they offer is that of salvation. I am a Christian and I find great inspiration in those that are in the entertainment sector that don't compromise their salvation and relationship with Christ. As an undergrad in college I always wondered how I would merge my love of entertainment and music with the fact that I do not live, condone or want to live the lifestyle that the stereotypical celeb may live. I have a relationship with Christ and I want to keep up my end because I know He will keep up His ends when it comes to the promises God.

Moving forward, I won’t have to explain much to Fredrick because with us both being Christians we move by faith and not by sight if things were ever to get shaky. I HAVE to get one the O1NE shirts, V-neck of course because they are so cute, sleek and carry a message to those who may not know God.

 Their mission statement is both informational and stable with a goal to help others. With my company, I want to do the same. Helping others find their real selves by participating in the things they enjoy most brings me great reward and it seems the same for Eternal Life Entertainment, LLC.

Whether I work for them or not, I support the ministry whole-heartedly. You should too, go check them out at http://www.ele1.com.

SXSWfm: The Sound of SXSW

SXSW is right in my backyard of Austin, Texas and yet I miss it every year for whatever reason. I have heard about this innovative and grassroots method of discovering new talent this organization has embodied, but I did not know the depths of its success. SXSW has an enormous impact on the music industry. A-list musicians and entertainers come from far and wide to celebrate good music and witness break out talent.

Aside from having film categories, SXSW has music, expos, parties and more. They also have a music and media conference. The conference aims to educate and inspire musicians and those who work with them. So not only is the conference for artists but managers can come and be educated as well.  SXSW’s Music and Media Conference and Festival are one of the largest, most influential sectors of the entire SXSW experience.

SXSW is also an awesome avenue to network through. Thousands of people from all over the world with various industry backgrounds come for the SXSW experience. I particularly appreciate the SXSWfm: The Sound of SXSW. It is their multi-channel online music service that was debuted during SXSW last year by the same company that powers Pandora; DMX. The online music channel airs showcasing artists for upcoming SXSW festivals. Although SXSWfm is only one year young so it remains current with new content and features. 

 This creates a whole new way of listening to music that the average music lover would not have the experience of. Most radio stations today syndicate the same rotation day in and day out leaving little room for independent or unsigned hypes. SXSWfm also allows listeners to email the station to let them know what songs audiences would like to hear. It seems to be the love child of Pandora (with it’s random grouping of music) and YouTube (with it’s interactive nature).  SXSWfm is a radio station for the people, by the people.

The Life and Death of Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley, most known from the popular 1970’s sitcom, “The Jeffersons”, has died at 74. According to Eonline.com, the star died of natural causes. An emergency call was made from his home early Tuesday morning in El Paso, Texas. Initially, the coroner determined the need of an autopsy, but reversed it later today. It’s refreshing to hear that a celebrity passed with out the effects of drugs, alcohol and or suicide. However, it is sad to hear bad news of such an awesome actor. 

                                              (Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Hemsley, better known as George Jefferson, strutted into our hearts; that signature strut, as the owner of a dry cleaning business. Initially, Hemsley had a recurring role on “All in the Family” as the heavy hitter to the abrasive Archie Bunker. The two would argue back and forth about each other’s race and their reservations about the opposite. The spin off ultimately became “The Jeffersons”. Along side Hemsley was the late Isabel Sanford who played Louise, also known as “Wheezie”.  The Jeffersons highlighted an African-American family that had moved into a …”deluxe apartment in the sky”. Hemsley’s character had to let it be known that he was wealthy, black and in charge, no matter how his fellow tenants felt about it. The show was full of laughter, truths and love through its tenure of 10 years.

                                                       (nydailynews.com)

Afterwards came “Amen”, where Hemsley played a lawyer and not so heavenly deacon, of First Community Church of Philedelphia. Personally, I LOVED this show! I still watch the reruns on TV One or who ever else has the show in syndication. The show only ran for five years, but it was full of memorable characters that are still on sitcoms and featured in films today.  According to latimes.com, Hemsley was also the voice on “Dinosaurs”, had a few cameos on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and in commercials for the Gap, Old Navy (along side Isabel Sanford) and Denny’s. 

Sherman Hemsley will be greatly missed and I doubt another character actor that can fill his shoes in the world of entertainment. Rest in peace “George”, you will be greatly missed.

Where are my channels?

  If you have Dish or DirecTV, you may be asking “where are my channels?”  As a Comcast customer, I do not have to ponder. For the last month I have seen disclaimers scroll across my favorite show alerting me that if I were to remain with Dish or DirecTV (which I don’t, luckily) I would lose the channel I was watching. Those channels being Comedy Central (so long Boondocks), MTV, Nickelodeon, Vh1 and BET. I don’t know how many times I’ve said “There’s nothing on TV” and had to suffer through some mundane documentation of strangers learning to dance with celebrities or a talk show with topics of no interest to occupy me for the time being. With Dish or DirecTV there literally is NOTHING ON TV!

  I am a young person in the middle of these “banned” channels’ target audience. Furthermore I’m personally invested in the entertainment industry and I need my shows. There are ways around it, and I loathe admitting this, but with out the Viacom roster, I’d be one bored lady. The reality is, Viacom is a higher costing program that Dish and DirecTV distributors can’t afford to keep.  The three companies haven’t been able to reach a contractual agreement over content fees. Sadly subscribers have lost viewership while negotiations continue forward.

( Image from http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8HWM46V_BjaxynfinzdP4b5gsW-Fjz9aZPWdwfqtf0csIunrU7BE4_zaOVQ)

  According to huffingtonpost.com, TV distributors pay media companies a few cents per channel per subscriber each month; therefore they attempt to sell packages of channels for more. As those cost increase, monthly service bills do the same.  Needless to say, the price of television is going up. In April and May, 1,369 Americans who were surveyed by the Leichtman Research Group reported that their monthly TV bill raised an average of 7 percent from a year ago, to $78,63. With Comcast, neither has my bill gone up, or have I lost my favorite channels. Comcast doesn’t always give me the best selection of shows, but I wouldn’t be able to deal if they cut the Viacom channels. The irony is uncanny, yet I say thank you Comcast and welcome to the new subscribers that come as a result of this blackout. 

Principal Big Sean?

One of my favorite Hip-Hop artist, Big Sean, acted as "Principal for the Day" at Lincoln High School in Detroit, Michigan this past Monday.

Lincoln High School incredibly beat out 16 other high schools and won the Get Schooled Detroit Challenge by improving their attendance by nearly 9 percent.  Not only am I excited to be seeing more of Big Sean (the more the merrier) but the fact that he’s promoting education, makes me love him even more.

Fellow celebrity Michigan natives Mike Posner and Shady Records artist, Royce da 5’9 came and encouraged the students. Royce da 5’9 also performed his verse from the Bruno Mars’ hit single, Sky Full of Lighters. MTV V.J. host, Sway and WJLB’s Coco, emceed the assembly.

Big Sean reportedly said the experience reminded him of his days at the city’s Waldorf School and Cass Technical High School where he graduated with a 3.7 GPA. He was also offered a scholarship to Michigan State University but apparently turned it down to make us all “Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance…”

Chevrolet, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Viacom and Get Schooled joined together to present a Metro Detroit Attendance Challenge. In hopes to encourage schools to focus on perfect attendance in preparation for graduation, students earned points by participating in each activity and going to school every day, all day. It’s fantastic to see such big business come together for a great cause and incorporate entertainment as a means to do so.

Big Sean’s last album, Finally Famous, spent 16 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 Albums of the Year in 2011. With hits like “I Do It”, “Marvin & Chardonnay” and “Dance (A$$)” I can see how. But it is songs like “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “Get It (DT)” that make me jam this album every time I ride more than 15 minutes in my car. Finally Famous told stories of memories, good times and good people over an original Hip-Hop/Pop/Rock track.

Presently, summer anthem “Mercy” featuring Pusha T, 2 Chainz (more on him later) and Kanye West is reverberating through streets everywhere.  I wait in great anticipation for any music from him, but ultimately an album is what I need in my radio these days. Preferably, he’ll be breaking the summer one-hit wonders with an album to set me until next summer.

Fire at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta

Tyler Perry’s mega studio complex in Atlanta, Georgia caught on fire late Tuesday night.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that over 100 firefighters responded to the blaze and managed to extinguish the fire within an hour, but stayed on the premises to put out hot spots in the building. Several units were still there around midnight conducting a damage assessment, including salvage and overhaul.

Fire officials say there was a partial collapse to the façade of the 200,000 square-foot facility, but its structure was not effected.

Neighbor Dorothy Ware, whose apartment building is right next to the complex, told the press, “Whatever the fire was hitting, was blowing up. There were plenty of sparks coming over here where we are.”

“Flames shot as high as nearby trees, which are about as high as a six-story building,” Ware said.  She first learned about the fire from a guard who came to alert residents.

The cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the studio are not known, but are under investigation. No one was harmed as a result of the fire.

Tyler Perry himself reportedly surveyed the damage at the scene, but neither him nor his staff has made any official statements.  

The 200,000 square-foot facility has five sound stages, and a 400-seat theater. It includes a chapel, dining hall, gym and a five-acre pond. 

The complex also includes an art department, where sets for shows are created. A post-production facility where “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne” is shot are on the grounds as well.

Perry has worked as director, writer, producer, actor and playwright. His film credits include “A Family That Prey’s,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.” His latest movie, “Madea’s Witness Protection,” is scheduled to open June 29, according to Ajc.com.

(Huffingtonpost.com)

Rent A Car Official Movie Trailer

Make sure you check out Rent A Car. It's as if Friday and The Wash had a baby. The hilarious story of a rental car business owner named ‘D-Stacks’ and his dedicated, but sometimes demented, employees. Business is booming and even ‘Little Man’ is taking his job as “Manager” seriously, until one fateful day when big-shot ‘Boogie White’ rents a car and mistakenly returns it with $10,000 dollars in the trunk. Now ‘D-Stacks’ has only 72 hours to replace the money. Lucky for him, one of his employees is a talented musician, but will his single be amazing enough to make $10,000 in 72 hours? Maybe not, but with friends, hookups, and a killer hood concert, it just might.


Rent A Car stars BET comedian, Shawn Harris. Frank White, Chantal Nicole and comedian Rodney "Lil" Yarbrough round out the rest of this amazing cast.


My experience on the set was great! I met some exceptionally talented people and learned a great deal about production, marketing and management.


Watch, Rent or buy Rent A Car now at BlockBuster, Amazon.com, BestBuy or Youtube.


Check it out for yourself! You may find a familiar face.

Mona Scott-Young

Mona Scott-Young is a top industry executive, multi-media broker and the driving force behind many of today's successful entertainers. As former President and Co-founder of Violator Management, she has headed careers of such artists as Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Maxwell and Fantasia. Monami Entertainment LLC provides Talent Management and Career Direction, Film/Television/Music Production and Product and Brand Development as services. 

Mona’s management, marketing and business insight secures television and endorsement deals for clients. 

                            

She inspires me because she is a woman making a huge impact on the entertainment industry. I personally feel her best work is brand development. She takes already established artists and assists them in “crossing-over”. She gives her clients mass audience appeal that ultimately takes their specific careers to higher heights.

Monami Entertainment LLC is also Executive Producer of the docu-series “Love and Hip-Hop”, a reality television show that airs on VH1. The second season was highly successful and as a result viewers are in great anticipation for the third season, "Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta", which is currently in production.  

Last month The Riverside Theatre hosted a panel discussion “Women Of Excellence In the Arts”, where Mona shared her personal experiences, success strategies and advice.

She owns a restaurant called J’s Southern Express in Lower Manhattan where the Twin Towers were located. “Opening the restaurant is a natural extension for me. Food, like music, is all about passion, flavor and feeling, and I try to impart that in every venture I undertake,” said Young. Mona got the restaurant name from the first initial in both of her children’s names.

Mona has been honored by The National Association of Black Female Executives in Music Entertainment, Marketer of The Year by Ad Age Magazine and was recognized by the National Congress and Convention of Haitian Americans. She presently sits on the board of The Haitian Roundtable and The RSQ Foundation.