Nicole Behaire

Shining amongst Hollywood’s brightest stars isn’t easy, but actress Nicole Beharie’s talent is illuminating a path that has landed her amongst the glitterati. The West Palm Beach native and recent graduate of Juilliard Performing Arts, has already starred in her first leading role in American Violet alongside as Will Patton, Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard and Xhibit. In the film, she played a single-mother (Dee Roberts) who challenges the DEA after being falsely accused of dealing drugs. When Beharie landed the role of Dee Roberts, the news created quite the buzz in Black Hollywood because the young actress had made her screen debut only a year earlier in biographical film The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. After the film premiered, Beharie received even more accolades for her strong depiction of Dee Roberts.

But real life doesn’t always have perfect endings. After winning the African American Film Critics Award in December ‘09 for her work in American Violet, she found herself in the mist of a controversy amongst AAFCA members. Members of AAFCA claimed that the Best Actress Award that went to Beharie was supposed to go to Precious star Gabourey Sidibe who actually received the majority vote in that category. Not playing the part of victim-the gracious young actress returned the award a few weeks later and continued along her path of success.

Now, with two-very succesful-projects in her pocket. Beharie is preparing for the release of third film, Sins of The Mother, with actress/singer Jill Scott. Beharie will play the role of Shay Hunter, the estranged daughter of a former abuser, Nona (Scott). The film will premiere on Feb. 21 on Lifetime Movie Network @ 8pm.

Check out the trailer for the film.

Check out this piece Chaya wrote for Wax Poetics mag on up-and-comer Gordon Voidwell.

Gordon Voidwell will be performing at NYC’s Highline Ballroom TONIGHT @8pm.

Gordon Voidwell

The DMV Helps Haiti Hip Hop Concert @ 9:30 Club Washington, DC

Last night’s turnout was amazing. Hundreds of supporters coming from as far as Boston packed The 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, all in love for the people of Haiti. The feeling was overwhelming, the generosity and sincerity, true. The DMV’s most reputable hip hop artist graced the stage and performed a few songs each as a contribution to the charitable cause. The lineup included the tri-areas very own Tabi Bonney, Phil Ade, Uptown X.O., Raheem Devaughn, Wale, K-Beta, Don Juan, Paula Campbell, Kingpen Slim, and a few others.

Beautiful paintings by Demont  Peekaso were created on stage as artist performed, and auctioned off later in the show. Words of inspiration and encouragement were given by lifestyle specialist Kenny Burns, Ward 5 D.C. Council member Harry Thomas, Jr., and Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus.

The show was just the second event of The DMV Helps Haiti project which was started by Yodit Gebreyes (TalkOfDC.com), with the first being an R&B/spoken word/art event at Busboys and Poets in Washington DC the night before.  With just one tweet started by Gebreyes, the idea, supporters and contributors grew bigger and bigger. She collaborated with some of the area’s most influential figures to devise a plan to create the special events to help Haiti. With less than a week to organize, through the help from other kindhearted /significant DMVers such as Candice Mackel, The4thQuater,  9:30 Club staff, Byrd, Anton Alexander and other local publicist and promoters, the first two events were made possible and successful.

Apart from the fact that everyone could stop their own busy lives and unite to make a difference, the most beautiful thing was that 100 percent of the proceeds from food, auctions, entry fees, and employee wages, were donated to helping the victims of dear Haiti. This is only the beginning from the DMV Helps Haiti movement. The group plans to continue to organize events until the country of Haiti is restored back to its normal health.

Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

August 28, 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech…His words will ALWAYS LIVE!

Most young Soul/R&B artists pull inspiration from icons like Marvin, Marley, Al Green, and James Brown—but it isn’t often that we see young singers whose musical style embodies the essence of the ‘oldies’ while still reaching a young audience.

At 23 years old, Hal Linton, has developed a soul sound that is similar to Bilal’s or Anthony Hamilton’s. His vocal range is so reminiscent of veteran soul men that it is hard to believe that such a voice could come from the fresh-faced newcomer. And while, Hal is just beginning to make his mark on the music world—he is no amateur. 

The Barbados born producer/singer/songwriter  is the son of classically trained musicians. At two years old, Hal began performing with his mother. Later, while attending a college in Barbados, Hal began interning at CRS Music Studio where he produced Spirit:Life:Love, his first independent album (2006). With the release of his first independent album, Hal defined himself as a “soul prince” in Barbados, and went on to win eight Barbados Music Awards (2007).

Now, Hal is following artists like Rihanna and Shontelle and bringing us the sultry, soulful, Barbados heat. In August ‘09, BET recognized him as a  Rising Icon. You may also recall seeing him at the 2009 Soul Train Awards, performing “I Heard it Through The Grapevine” alongside Melanie Fiona (another Glit fav!). Hal is definitely on his way, his debut studio album Return From the Future is slated to be released early this year.

Get to know Hal Linton a bit more…

Director 6ix Shoota

Washington, DC- January 13, 2009- Cool Kids Forever Film’s noted director 6ix Shoota will be filming the video “Always There” for 368 Music Group’s artist, Phil Ade on Sunday January 17, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The single is from his debut project “Starting On JV” which has been accruing much success over the past year. This video will be the second time that CKF Films and 368 Music Group have come together to create a video for Phil; the first being the critically acclaimed “Hollywood”.

6ix Shoota’s story telling themes and hawk-eye for intricate details is what sets him apart from the pack. His signature style has landed him the title of “The King of B-Roll”. He has been responsible for working on many productions for artist such as Wale, Tabi Bonney, Raheem Devaughn, Haziq Ali, Luegar and many more. 6ix Shoota is sure to bring the same efforts and creativity that he has given on past projects, to the “Always There” shoot. This promises to be another spectacular event from CKF Films.

About CKF Films

Cool Kids Forever Films is a full production house company located in Washington DC that caters to both independent as well as major artists and labels. Our trendsetting cinematography has been seen on MTV, VH1, and BET. It includes work done for DC superstar Tabi Bonney,  Grammy Nominated artist Raheem Devaughn and Interscope recording artist Wale. We pride ourselves in being able to develop and deliver a product of superior quality for a reasonable price. Our goal is to push the envelope of creativity and redefine the medium of film particularly as it relates to the music video.

For more information and all media inquiries, please contact Victoria Odu or Elisha Williams at CKFPublicRelations@gmail.com.

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See, celebs drunk text/dial too…

D&G’s new spring/summer 2010 kicks will definitely have people checkin’ your fresh. The extravagant Calf High Top kicks are definitely not for the faint of heart. They feature three white leather velcro straps instead of  laces, a gray suede extra-long tongue, an engraved metal D&G plaque…and the D&G prinetd logo on the back heel—for a little extra fresh. 

Check out more pics!

Check out the Maxwell “Pretty Wings” cover from one of our favorite R&B Glit chicks, Karina Pasian. She’s all grown up now (no longer 16), with a new image that we totally love. Karina is the true definition of an artist. The New York/Dominican native sings, writes, produces and plays the piano exceptionally well. Her music, voice and overall talent is so real and relatable to many . When I saw this video, I had to share. She is currently working on her sophmore album set to be released early this year. I really hope she has a big year as the necessity for authentic talent is urgent. We look forward to hearing from this young beauty. Cant wait for the new album!

Rihanna is taking a page out of Kanye’s book and stepping into the publishing world.
Like her big bro Kanye, Rihanna is creating a photo book chronicling her Rated R tour. For this project, she is teaming up with Simon Henwood—creative director for the Rated R tour—to artistically capture performances, backstage highlights, costumes, and more.
The 144-page hardcover, entitled “The Last Girl On Earth,” will be published by Rizzoli New York  and is slated for a June 29th release. But while you wait, peep Kanye’s “Glow In The Dark” book.