Entertainment

Leslie Odom Jr. to reprise his Tony-winning role in ‘Hamilton’ this fall

MARK KENNEDYApril 18, 2025

By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Leslie Odom Jr., one of the original cast members of the mega-hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” is coming back for another shot, a role he says “gave me life.” Odom, who played Aaron Burr opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton, will return to his Tony Award-winning role at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Sept. 9 through Nov. 23. “I was born on the stage of the Richard Rodgers in so many ways. It gave me life in a way,” he tells The Associated Press. “I’m really looking forward to it.” Odom and

Entertainment

Markuann Smith on Building ‘Godfather of Harlem’ and Creating His Own Lane

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment Writer April 18, 2025

Markuann Smith doesn’t just act in “Godfather of Harlem”—he helped build it from the ground up.

Entertainment

Director Ryan Coogler Discusses “Sinners”

Zon D’Amour, Contributing Writer April 17, 2025

“Sinners” is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twins named Smoke and Stack. The brothers have recently returned from Chicago to Mississippi with plans to open a juke joint.

Entertainment

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ on Broadway Celebrates One-Year with Grammy and A-List Applause

Magrira, Contributing Writer April 17, 2025

Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen celebrates one year on Broadway with a Grammy Award, two Tony wins, a sky-high Empire State Building tribute, and a sold-out house at the Shubert Theatre. Featuring powerhouse vocals, unforgettable choreography, and Keys’ iconic music, this is the Broadway event of the year.

Entertainment

‘The Last Play’ Kicks Off Latino Theater Company’s Season with Hip-Hop and Heart

Magrira, Contributing Writer April 17, 2025

Take a moment to consider the weight of what it means to support the voices of our people — wherever they rise.

The Latino Theater Company’s 40th season opens with a bold, meta-theatrical work that does exactly that. “The Last Play” fuses hip-hop, memory, and humor into a sharp meditation on identity, creativity, and legacy.

Basketball Book Releases Sports

‘Magic in The Air’ Tells History of the Slam Dunk

April 17, 2025

The book “Magic in the Air” shows the impact that the slam dunk had on basketball. “Magic in the Air” takes the reader from the origins of the sport to recent times.

Entertainment

Ryan Hicks Champions Youth Through Ballin’ For Peace

Khari Jones, Jr., Contributing WriterApril 17, 2025

In a world where headlines often highlight the negative, Ryan Hicks is determined to be a source of hope and inspiration—especially for the next generation. As the founder of Ballin’ For Peace, Hicks has built more than just a nonprofit organization; he’s built a movement rooted in empowerment, community, and compassion.

Entertainment Exclusive (Entertainment)Movies

Skye Townsend Steps Behind the Camera for “Mother-in-Law”

Myko Lyric, Contributing WriterApril 17, 2025

On March 20th, National Lampoon teamed up with Running Point Productions to release Mother-in-Law, a 10-minute dark comedy short film that blends psychological tension with sharp satire.

Entertainment Exclusive Music News

Ice Cube Immortalized in Cement Outside TCL Chinese Theatre

City News ServiceApril 17, 2025

Ice Cube added to his list of honors Tuesday, April 15 when he placed his hand- and footprints in cement in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Entertainment TV

Rome Flynn Steps Into the Past with Power and Purpose

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment WriterApril 17, 2025

“I’m not here to imitate Frank Lucas — I’m showing who he could’ve been. He could’ve been me. He could’ve been you.” — Rome Flynn on redefining a legend in “Godfather of Harlem”

Entertainment TV

Swizz Beatz Brings Heart, Hustle, and History to ‘Godfather of Harlem’

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment WriterApril 17, 2025

“I wanted the music to feel like the voice in Bumpy Johnson’s head,” said Swizz Beatz. “What would the song sound like when he’s under pressure, when he’s winning, when he’s trying to hold everything together?”

Entertainment News (Entertainment)

David Lami Friebe Moves From Venice Beach Drums to BET’s ‘Sistas’

Nathan J. Lee, Contributing WriterApril 16, 2025

David Lami Friebe, known to many as just Lami, may be best known today for his recurring role as Trey, the charming delivery man on Tyler Perry’s hit BET series “Sistas,” but his creative roots run far deeper than television. A gifted actor, musician, and storyteller, Friebe’s artistic journey spans continents, cultures, and mediums — from jazz-infused church services to voice acting in genocide memorials to the sun-soaked sidewalks of Venice Beach, where he beat his dream-laced drums and tested his voice with strangers.

Entertainment

BET Experience 2025 Lineup: Buju Banton, The Roots, Lil’ Kim, and More

Magrira, Contributing WriterApril 16, 2025

BET Media Group is back at it again announcing the first wave of performers and programming for the BET Experience 2025, which is a multi-day celebration of Black music, culture, and community set to take place in Los Angeles from June 5 through June 8, leading up to the “BET Awards” on June 9.

Entertainment

Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Has Perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Magrira, Contributing WriterApril 16, 2025

Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” is a bold, blood-soaked supernatural thriller set in 1932 Mississippi that centers the African American experience through horror, music, and myth.

Entertainment Theater

Kyle Abraham and A.I.M. Bring Bold, Boundary-Pushing Dance to The Wallis

Keith L. Underwood, Entertainment WriterApril 9, 2025

“If it’s all my voice all the time, it can be monotonous,” Abraham said. “I’m really interested in how we can lift up other voices while challenging my dancers in new ways.” That diversity, he said, creates unexpected energy and connection on stage.