It was announced Tuesday, November 28, that Paisley Park will mark the one-year anniversary of Prince’s death with a celebration to honor his legacy. Entitled “Celebration 2017,” the four-day event kicks off April 20, 2017 at Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen. According to the press release, the event will bring together artists who have worked closely with the late icon … [Read more...]
Artist says hip hop inspired his career
By Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writer Everyone has a talent that they either are or are not aware of. However, there are few gifted individuals who have the ability to teach themselves certain skills, turn them into a hobby or craft, and transition their craft into a career. Juan Andre Reed, from Cleveland, Ohio, is a self-taught artist and head of Dre One Graphics … [Read more...]
‘Tear the Roof Off’ reveals untold drama behind Parliament Funkadelic
By Charles Hallman Staff Writer The revolutionary funk band Parliament Funkadelic started in a barber shop in New Jersey in 1956. George Clinton and four others formed a doo-wop group and named themselves after a popular cigarette at the time, performing around the East Coast area. Parliament’s breakout hit, “I Wanna Testify” (1967) was recorded and released on a … [Read more...]
Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell, an unlikely but inspired duo in ‘Get Hard’
Thanks to a flourishing career as a hedge fund manager, James King (Will Ferrell) is living in the lap of luxury in a sprawling, Bel Air mansion. Furthermore, the pampered multimillionaire’s stock seems about to skyrocket, given his promotion to partner and his impending marriage to the boss’ (Craig T. Nelson) daughter, Alissa (Alison Brie). By contrast, working man Darnell … [Read more...]
Book Review: ‘The Loneliness of the Black Republican’
Eddie Murphy made his Saturday Night Live debut back in November of 1980 in a spoof of the TV show Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom entitled In Search of the Negro Republican. The basic idea behind the pointed political skit was that Black Republicans were such a rare, strange and alien curiosity that you’d have to mount an expedition just to find one. While that silly SNL … [Read more...]