Category: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Che “Rhymefest” Smith (right) and his father, Brian. (Courtesy Photo) Che “Rhymefest” Smith is among the handful of rappers who have actually managed to make it in the music industry. What’s even more remarkable is the fact that the Grammy-winning artist also overcame a challenging childhood, having been raised on the rough South Side of […]

Pharrell Williams performs MILAN (AP) — Pharrell Williams will be the opening performer at the 2015 MTV European Music Award ceremony this month in Italy’s fashion capital of Milan. The singer, songwriter, producer and fashion designer will also be vying for the best male vocalist award, along with Ed Sheeran, Jason Derulo, Kanye West and […]

In this Thursday, May 14, 2015, file photo, filmmaker Spike Lee speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Lee is the next grand marshal of the New York City Marathon, race officials announced, Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune via AP, File) NEW YORK (AP) — He’s a noted filmmaker, a teacher, an honorary […]

Comedians Tracy Morgan (left) and Eddie Murphy (right). (AP Photos) WASHINGTON (AP) — Tracy Morgan will help salute Eddie Murphy as he receives the nation’s top prize for humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington later this month. The Kennedy Center announced the addition of Morgan, Brittany Howard and George Lopez to the lineup Monday. […]

In this Feb. 24, 2015 file photo, Will Smith arrives at the world premiere of “Focus” in Los Angeles. The Grammy-winning rapper and Oscar-nominated actor appears on a remix to Colombian band Bomba Estereo’s song, “Fiesta.” The remix was released digitally Friday, Oct. 2. The collaboration marks Smith’s return to music since his 2005 album, […]

This CD cover image released by Rhythm Nation/BMG Rights Management shows “Unbreakable,” the latest released by Janet Jackson. (Rhythm Nation/BMG Rights Management via AP) LAS VEGAS (AP) — Janet Jackson is canceling her Oct. 9 and Oct. 10 shows at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to rest her vocal chords, and the Las Vegas stop […]

Comedian Bill Cosby (AP Photo) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles prosecutors are reviewing an investigation into a model’s accusations that Bill Cosby sexually abused her at the Playboy Mansion, an official said Thursday. District attorney’s spokeswoman Jane Robison said Thursday that police detectives presented evidence Wednesday afternoon for a possible criminal case. There’s no […]

Beyoncé, Jay Z , and Prince. (AP Photos) NEW YORK (AP) — Streaming service Tidal is putting together an all-star concert starring Beyonce, Prince and Jay Z on Oct. 20. The music and video streaming platform announced “TIDAL X: 1020 Amplified by HTC,” which will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. […]

Eric Seaton’s graphic novel “Legend of Manatamaji” is now a live-action short. (Courtesy Photo) Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Eric Dean Seaton was studying television and movies with the dream of one day becoming a director while most of his friends were running the streets. After graduating from Ohio State University, he moved to […]

NEW YORK (AP) — The accolades are piling up for one of the country’s top writers about race. Ta-Nehisi Coates Trade publication Kirkus Reviews announced Wednesday that Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” is a finalist for the $50,000 Kirkus Prize for nonfiction. Coates’ best-selling work on racism and police violence is framed as […]

In this Sept. 23, 2014 file photo, Producer Quincy Jones, of the documentary film “Keep On Keepin’ On,” poses for a portrait, in New York. Jones was taken to a Los Angeles hospital with shortness of breath, but his representatives say he’s going to be OK. Publicist Arnold Robinson told The Associated Press in an […]