THE GAME SAYS FAREWELL
After eight seasons, a cancellation, a relocation, and a rebirth, The Game said farewell to their loyal fans on August 5, 2015. To understand why fans love this show so much, one must recall its history...
The Game began as a spin-off from one of TV’s most popular sitcoms, Girlfriends. The 2006 Girlfriends episode entitled “The Game”, featured Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry) who visits her cousin Joan Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross). Melanie is torn between pursuing a career in medicine and following her college sweetheart turned NFL player, Derwin Davis, to San Diego- and thus The Game was born!
Directed and written by power couple Salim & Mara Brock Akil, The Game debuted on The CW in October 2006, after The CW acquired The WB (previously UPN) television network. The fanfare for the show was quieted by a thunderstorm of controversy brewing over The CW's new lineup. Despite high ratings and audience support, The CW only elected to bring Girlfriends from The WB and added The Game as a new edition. Many fans accused The CW of deliberately white washing the network given that UPN was once home to The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros., The Steve Harvey Show, and Sister,Sister. And The WB was the present home to Girlfriends,One on One, Half & Half, and Eve; all tenured and popular shows.
Directed and written by power couple Salim & Mara Brock Akil, The Game debuted on The CW in October 2006, after The CW acquired The WB (previously UPN) television network. The fanfare for the show was quieted by a thunderstorm of controversy brewing over The CW's new lineup. Despite high ratings and audience support, The CW only elected to bring Girlfriends from The WB and added The Game as a new edition. Many fans accused The CW of deliberately white washing the network given that UPN was once home to The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros., The Steve Harvey Show, and Sister,Sister. And The WB was the present home to Girlfriends,One on One, Half & Half, and Eve; all tenured and popular shows.
The CW went on to cancel The Game in 2009 after only three seasons. This came on the heels of Girlfriends’ cancellation during the Writers Guild strike in 2008, making The CW completely void of any predominately African-American cast shows. The fan outcry was bolstered by The Game’s nail-biting third season finale, that left many salivating for more “Sunbeams” and “Sabers”.
BET (Black Entertainment Television) heard the cries of those fans and picked up the show for its Spring 2011 lineup. The transition was not without a few kinks. Many fans feared that script changes and the inclusion of a laugh track vs. a live audience were taking away from the show’s appeal. The cast also complained in interviews that the filming regimen combined with the filming taking place in Atlanta vs. Los Angeles was hindering the authenticity of the show.
However, by 2012, the show was nestled into their new home and gaining more fans than ever before. After all the dust settled, lead actors Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall exited the show to pursue other ventures. Meanwhile Brandy Norwood, Lauren London, and Jay Ellis were brought on as characters that were initially meant to extend the storylines of Jason and Malik. However, "Chardonnay", "Keira", and "Blue" utimately solidified permanent stamps in the saga that is The Game.
However, by 2012, the show was nestled into their new home and gaining more fans than ever before. After all the dust settled, lead actors Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall exited the show to pursue other ventures. Meanwhile Brandy Norwood, Lauren London, and Jay Ellis were brought on as characters that were initially meant to extend the storylines of Jason and Malik. However, "Chardonnay", "Keira", and "Blue" utimately solidified permanent stamps in the saga that is The Game.
Although we will missThe Game, we appreciate its send off. The story line came full circle and all of the “players” were in there for the buzzer! Melanie, Derwin, Tasha, Malik, Jason, and Kelly took us on a funny, sexy, fashionable roller coaster ride that ended in true Championship fashion! Hats off to the cast, crew, creator, writers, directors, and BET for bringing a great ending to a great show! The Game and its legion of fans should serve as a testament that scripted“black comedies” are still wanted and adored! This shows that when we put our voices to work, we can make tangible changes in the entertainment industry. In the infamous words of Tasha Mack (and the title of the series finale episode)... "Pow, Pow, Pow!!!!"
MUSIC REVEIW
Pretty Little Mastermind
Music Review
Music Review
Point Blank Period (Astro Gang/DGMG)
LaTre'
Summer 2015
Point Blank Period is anything but simplistic as its title suggests. Its futuristic with old school roots. Heartless but heartfelt. Drenched in street anthems yet doused with R&B tracks.
At a time when rappers typically captivate the industry with gimmicks, beefs, and controversy, LaTre' reminds rap fans of why we love rap music with heat-laced beats and tales from the hood. If the reviews and art work on Point Blank Period are any indication, rapper LaTre' a.k.a. Benji Banx will be lacing his daughter Jhy (pictured) with even more mounds of cash from his recent project. Born and raised in Jonesboro, Louisiana, artist LaTre' displays his skill by combining masterful rhythmic timing and melodic vocals.
In an example of the complexity that is Point Blank Period, a solidified street album, LaTre' scores a 10 with his female fans with tracks like "Go to War" featuring Hot Boy Tay (Hu$$le Fam) and "Trouble" a 2015 rendition of Wyclef Jean's featuring Mary J. Blige. LaTre' gives a view into his heart and love life, yet boasts his sexual prowess in tracks like "Famous".
LaTre' captivates in "Devils" -a spiritual introspective about haters, private struggles, and murdered friend Lil Snupe (Hu$$le Fam/Dreamchasers). R&B singer Reggie Recc connects the verses with a harmonious confessional that mirrors the tracks theme of spiritual battle. The song induces chill bumps as featured artist/producer C'Nyle (RNIC) catapults a verse from the pits of his soul claiming his position as the 'meek' that shall inherit the Earth.
With multiple successful self-released projects, a solid following, and unlimited talent, LaTre' proves he is a force to be reckoned with. Gaining more traction, while keeping just enough 'mud' on his boots to stay motivated. Visit the link below to listen to the whole album.
Instagram @benjibanx
Twitter @benjibanx
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I remember when a local organizations or even just a couple of parents would plan fun things for kids in the community to do. Whether it was block parties or weiner roasts. It was something fun and safe for the kids. More importantly it showcased support for the youth.
It gave the talented kids in the neighborhood a chance to shine and competete in something other than sports. Everyone in school knew who the best singers and dancers were. Everyone knew who was the funniest person in the class.
With my new venture (hosting youth events), I don't promise fame and fortune, but I do promise to give our kids an outlet to shine. If only for one night! If you or anyone you know has a talented child: sing, dance, comedy, majic tricks, play an instrument- you name it! Register them into Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase!
We want to create a fun family environment geared towards uplifting our youth! Visit my website today and help us BRING BACK THE TALENT SHOW!!!
We are currently seeking:
Celebrity Judges
Media Outlets
Entertainment Industry Professionals
To assist in making this event great! Please contact venusclarkesp14@gmail.com or visit www.dynastygems.org
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HipHopGivesBack.com promotes media education and awareness, highlights contributions to the community from the Hip-Hop Industry at-large, and demonstrates charity by giving to those less fortunate. HHGB's charitable efforts through their Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation, are reaching the youth and making a difference.
Their most recent efforts dubbed "hashtag" Minorities in Media (#MinoritiesInMedia), has already reached Grady High School and Charles Drew Charter School students in Atlanta, Ga. The talk-back panel gives music industry professionals and teens the opportunity to exchange dialog regarding issues that affect the community-at-large. In the most recent panel, students shared their thoughts about police brutality, images in the media, and how they can make a impact.
Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation was also very busy last Winter providing food, toys, and resources to families in need nationwide. Giving both locally and to a family in Arizona who found their website online and reached out in their time of need. The statement from their website sums up their objective.
HipHopGivesBack.com Statement:
After many years of Hip-Hop culture and its community bearing the burden of blame of deteriorating and demoralizing the world, HipHopGivesBack.com will be the premier catalyst committed to cultivating the awareness of the positive efforts, endeavors, and accomplishments of Hip-Hop Culture and its communities.
Dynasty Gems thanks you for your past efforts and future contributions to the youth and community!
HipHopGivesBack.com
Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation Link
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BRING BACK THE TALENT SHOW!!!
I remember when a local organizations or even just a couple of parents would plan fun things for kids in the community to do. Whether it was block parties or weiner roasts. It was something fun and safe for the kids. More importantly it showcased support for the youth.
It gave the talented kids in the neighborhood a chance to shine and competete in something other than sports. Everyone in school knew who the best singers and dancers were. Everyone knew who was the funniest person in the class.
With my new venture (hosting youth events), I don't promise fame and fortune, but I do promise to give our kids an outlet to shine. If only for one night! If you or anyone you know has a talented child: sing, dance, comedy, majic tricks, play an instrument- you name it! Register them into Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase!
We want to create a fun family environment geared towards uplifting our youth! Visit my website today and help us BRING BACK THE TALENT SHOW!!!
We are currently seeking:
Celebrity Judges
Media Outlets
Entertainment Industry Professionals
To assist in making this event great! Please contact venusclarkesp14@gmail.com or visit www.dynastygems.org
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matching efforts to uplift the youth with Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase, Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation and HipHopGivesBack.com will be a Winter 2015 Participant in the event set to be held in December 2015.
HipHopGivesBack.com promotes media education and awareness, highlights contributions to the community from the Hip-Hop Industry at-large, and demonstrates charity by giving to those less fortunate. HHGB's charitable efforts through their Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation, are reaching the youth and making a difference.
Their most recent efforts dubbed "hashtag" Minorities in Media (#MinoritiesInMedia), has already reached Grady High School and Charles Drew Charter School students in Atlanta, Ga. The talk-back panel gives music industry professionals and teens the opportunity to exchange dialog regarding issues that affect the community-at-large. In the most recent panel, students shared their thoughts about police brutality, images in the media, and how they can make a impact.
Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation was also very busy last Winter providing food, toys, and resources to families in need nationwide. Giving both locally and to a family in Arizona who found their website online and reached out in their time of need. The statement from their website sums up their objective.
HipHopGivesBack.com Statement:
After many years of Hip-Hop culture and its community bearing the burden of blame of deteriorating and demoralizing the world, HipHopGivesBack.com will be the premier catalyst committed to cultivating the awareness of the positive efforts, endeavors, and accomplishments of Hip-Hop Culture and its communities.
Dynasty Gems thanks you for your past efforts and future contributions to the youth and community!
HipHopGivesBack.com
Hip-Hop Gives Back Foundation Link
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