Showtime has released a trailer for “Bitchin’: the Sound and Fury of Rick James,” a new documentary directed by Emmy-nominee and hip-hop journalist Sacha Jenkins (“Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men”). Judging by the trailer the doc aims to present an accurate look at one of the most controversial and confrontational figures in the history of R&b and popular music.
James, who died in 2004, is known for his 1980s hits like “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me”; his prison term for a sexual misconduct; and of course Dave Chappelle’s famous parody. Yet as documented in the trailer, his confrontational nature — he was very upfront about his sexual and drug habits, among many other things — have clouded the perspective on his music and his importance, particularly in advancing Black music into the video age. His videos for “Super Freak” and other hits were, along with Michael Jackson’s,...
James, who died in 2004, is known for his 1980s hits like “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me”; his prison term for a sexual misconduct; and of course Dave Chappelle’s famous parody. Yet as documented in the trailer, his confrontational nature — he was very upfront about his sexual and drug habits, among many other things — have clouded the perspective on his music and his importance, particularly in advancing Black music into the video age. His videos for “Super Freak” and other hits were, along with Michael Jackson’s,...
- 8/3/2021
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
A lot of people are stuck inside during the coronavirus pandemic. Others are still going to work in essential jobs. It’s a scary time for all of us, so we asked our readers to let us know what music they’re turning to to keep their spirits up in the midst of a historic global crisis. See and hear some of what’s on their apocalypse playlists below. Let us know what’s on yours.
Seeacm Awards Entertainer of Year winners list: Every winner at the Academy of Country Music Awards
Boz:
Ariana Grande – “R.E.M” and “Sweetener” (really the whole album to be honest)
Carly Rae Jepsen – “I Really Like You”
Jamie Xx and Young Thug feat. Popcaan — “I Know There’s Gonna Be Good Times”
Lady Gaga – “Alejandro” and “Dance in the Dark”
Janelle Monáe – “Pynk”
One Direction – “Olivia”
Harry Styles – “Adore You,” “Watermelon Sugar,” “Sunflower...
Seeacm Awards Entertainer of Year winners list: Every winner at the Academy of Country Music Awards
Boz:
Ariana Grande – “R.E.M” and “Sweetener” (really the whole album to be honest)
Carly Rae Jepsen – “I Really Like You”
Jamie Xx and Young Thug feat. Popcaan — “I Know There’s Gonna Be Good Times”
Lady Gaga – “Alejandro” and “Dance in the Dark”
Janelle Monáe – “Pynk”
One Direction – “Olivia”
Harry Styles – “Adore You,” “Watermelon Sugar,” “Sunflower...
- 3/23/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Looking for a little throwback flavor to your summer movie viewing? Something a little retro, perhaps a bit lo-fi, but with its heart in the right place? Well, "Ping Pong Summer" could fit the bill. The Sundance comedy is coming to theatres today, and if the movie doesn't grab you, perhaps the soundtrack will. Comprised largely of '80s jams, "Ping Pong Summer" is mixtape ready, so grab your Nikes and a boombox and check it out. From hip-hop novelty act The Fat Boys to the earnest crooning of Mr. Mister, to the snazzy troupe New Edition to the we-barely-remember-you Mary Jane Girls, this one feels like it needs to be put on cassette. Either way, it feels perfect for the 1985-set coming-of-age story that brings together the cast of Susan Sarandon, John Hannah, Lea Thompson, Amy Sedaris, Robert Longstreet and newcomer Marcello Conte. "Ping Pong Summer" opens today is on VOD.
- 6/6/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Birthday shoutouts go to Aaron Eckhart (above), who is 46, James Taylor is 66, Ron Jeremy is 61, and Al Jarreau is 74.
Pretty Woman is coming to the Broadway stage.
Meet Brandon Ambrosino, Homophobes’ Favorite Gay Writer And Vox’s Newest Hire. Yes, we’re well aware of this guy. Really, Ezra Klein?
How the National Organization for Marriage Was Banished to the Basement at Cpac 2014
Anti-Gay Barilla Doesn’t Mind Profiting Off Gay-Friendly City
Jim Halterman talks to Stephen Amell about the recent Sara and Nyssa development on Arrow, and what the reaction would have been if it was two male characters.
Pastor Says Frozen is a Satanic Attempt To Make Kids Gay. Yeah … and?
Kevin Bacon explains the 80′s to Millennials.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the Neil Patrick Harris photoshoot for Out
Macklemore has a message: Its Time That Us Men Started Respecting To The Basin That Our Queens Sit On!
Pretty Woman is coming to the Broadway stage.
Meet Brandon Ambrosino, Homophobes’ Favorite Gay Writer And Vox’s Newest Hire. Yes, we’re well aware of this guy. Really, Ezra Klein?
How the National Organization for Marriage Was Banished to the Basement at Cpac 2014
Anti-Gay Barilla Doesn’t Mind Profiting Off Gay-Friendly City
Jim Halterman talks to Stephen Amell about the recent Sara and Nyssa development on Arrow, and what the reaction would have been if it was two male characters.
Pastor Says Frozen is a Satanic Attempt To Make Kids Gay. Yeah … and?
Kevin Bacon explains the 80′s to Millennials.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the Neil Patrick Harris photoshoot for Out
Macklemore has a message: Its Time That Us Men Started Respecting To The Basin That Our Queens Sit On!
- 3/12/2014
- by snicks
- The Backlot
1980s girl group Mary Jane Girls should be as dead as the Walkman ... but 2 ex-members have resuscitated their careers, much to the chagrin of Rick James' Estate, which has now sued the chicks.Here's the problemo. Kimberly "Maxi" Wuletich and Cheri "Candy" Wells-Chez have been hitting the circuit recently, performing as the Mary Jane Girls at small venues. As you know ... Rick founded the group and now, the people managing Rick's Estate claim when...
- 11/20/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Earlier this month we published a list of 20 cover songs that became more famous than the originals. From Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You" to Sinead O'Connor's breathy remake of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2U," the list scanned some of the best renditions in music history.
There's another realm of cover songs we didn't include in the last post, however, which is where our list of unexpected covers comes in. We've put together the strangest and most unpredictable song selections of artists like Johnny Cash, Tom Waits and Dusty Springfield. Scroll through the list below and let us know your thoughts on the world of reimagined tunes in the comments.
1. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash (original by Nine Inch Nails)
"Hurt" was written by industrial rock icon Trent Reznor for Nine Inch Nails' 1994 album, "The Downward Spiral." Eight years later, Johnny Cash covered the song and his...
There's another realm of cover songs we didn't include in the last post, however, which is where our list of unexpected covers comes in. We've put together the strangest and most unpredictable song selections of artists like Johnny Cash, Tom Waits and Dusty Springfield. Scroll through the list below and let us know your thoughts on the world of reimagined tunes in the comments.
1. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash (original by Nine Inch Nails)
"Hurt" was written by industrial rock icon Trent Reznor for Nine Inch Nails' 1994 album, "The Downward Spiral." Eight years later, Johnny Cash covered the song and his...
- 5/6/2013
- by Katherine Brooks
- Huffington Post
Fox hasn’t officially confirmed it, but sources close to American Idol are buzzing that Season 12 Top 4 week will be a two-theme kind of party: One-Hit Wonders and Contestant’s Choice.
The former — which topped an At&T “fan’s choice” vote — has the potential to be fantastic, as long as producers don’t try to force the contestants toward novelty hits or tired old songs that have been covered on Idol a million times before (and simply happen to qualify under the one-hit wonder header).
Related Video | Idol‘s Lazaro Arbos on Sassing the Judges, Smuggled Whitney CDs, and ‘Courage’ Critiques!
The former — which topped an At&T “fan’s choice” vote — has the potential to be fantastic, as long as producers don’t try to force the contestants toward novelty hits or tired old songs that have been covered on Idol a million times before (and simply happen to qualify under the one-hit wonder header).
Related Video | Idol‘s Lazaro Arbos on Sassing the Judges, Smuggled Whitney CDs, and ‘Courage’ Critiques!
- 4/19/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
The American Idol Season 12 Top 8 will be faced with a tricky theme this Wednesday (8/7c on Fox): Detroit: The Music of Motor City.
Yep, it’s essentially another way of saying Motown Week, and as such, I’m gritting my teeth bracing for an onslaught of songs we’ve already heard one too many times in prior Idol seasons — “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Let’s Get It On” to name a few.
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
Still, hope springs eternal,...
Yep, it’s essentially another way of saying Motown Week, and as such, I’m gritting my teeth bracing for an onslaught of songs we’ve already heard one too many times in prior Idol seasons — “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Let’s Get It On” to name a few.
Related | American Idol: 22 Fresh Theme Nights That Need to Happen Right Now
Still, hope springs eternal,...
- 3/24/2013
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Soul singer Keith Sweat and the Mary Jane Girls are teaming up to pay tribute to the late Teena Marie at a Valentine's Day, February 14 showcase she was billed to headline before she died.
The singer's band and The Whispers will also take part in the show at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Teena Marie died in late December 2010.
Sweat and The Whispers will also be part of a Mother's Day tribute to the late star in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They'll join Charlie Wilson at the May 7 celebration.
The singer's band and The Whispers will also take part in the show at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Teena Marie died in late December 2010.
Sweat and The Whispers will also be part of a Mother's Day tribute to the late star in Atlantic City, New Jersey. They'll join Charlie Wilson at the May 7 celebration.
- 2/10/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Ralph McDaniels and J.Period blend Biggie's songs with new beats and visuals on the mixtape DVD, in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Notorious B.I.G.
Photo: Getty Images
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape DVD: "March 9: Video Remix Collection"
Headliners: The Notorious B.I.G., Ralph McDaniels and J.Period
Key Cameos: No guest stars, but you have to check for the blends. "Flava in Ya Ear" over the track from Jay-z's "P.S.A." "Hypnotize" over the track from Eric B and Rakim's "Paid in Full." "One More Chance" over the instrumental from Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and the Gap Band's "Outstanding."
Essential Info: Ralph McDaniels is hip-hop. He's been documenting the culture since the beginning. In the early '80s, McDaniels, then a college student, would tape footage of hip-hop godfathers like Grand Master Flash and Melle Mel, not because he had an outlet to put it on,...
By Shaheem Reid
Notorious B.I.G.
Photo: Getty Images
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape DVD: "March 9: Video Remix Collection"
Headliners: The Notorious B.I.G., Ralph McDaniels and J.Period
Key Cameos: No guest stars, but you have to check for the blends. "Flava in Ya Ear" over the track from Jay-z's "P.S.A." "Hypnotize" over the track from Eric B and Rakim's "Paid in Full." "One More Chance" over the instrumental from Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and the Gap Band's "Outstanding."
Essential Info: Ralph McDaniels is hip-hop. He's been documenting the culture since the beginning. In the early '80s, McDaniels, then a college student, would tape footage of hip-hop godfathers like Grand Master Flash and Melle Mel, not because he had an outlet to put it on,...
- 3/30/2010
- MTV Music News
Ralph McDaniels and J.Period blend Biggie's songs with new beats and visuals on the mixtape DVD, in Mixtape Daily.
By Shaheem Reid
Notorious B.I.G.
Photo: Getty Images
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape DVD: "March 9: Video Remix Collection"
Headliners: The Notorious B.I.G., Ralph McDaniels and J.Period
Key Cameos: No guest stars, but you have to check for the blends. "Flava in Ya Ear" over the track from Jay-z's "P.S.A." "Hypnotize" over the track from Eric B and Rakim's "Paid in Full." "One More Chance" over the instrumental from Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and the Gap Band's "Outstanding."
Essential Info: Ralph McDaniels is hip-hop. He's been documenting the culture since the beginning. In the early '80s, McDaniels, then a college student, would tape footage of hip-hop godfathers like Grand Master Flash and Melle Mel, not because he had an outlet to put it on,...
By Shaheem Reid
Notorious B.I.G.
Photo: Getty Images
Don't Sleep: Necessary Notables
Mixtape DVD: "March 9: Video Remix Collection"
Headliners: The Notorious B.I.G., Ralph McDaniels and J.Period
Key Cameos: No guest stars, but you have to check for the blends. "Flava in Ya Ear" over the track from Jay-z's "P.S.A." "Hypnotize" over the track from Eric B and Rakim's "Paid in Full." "One More Chance" over the instrumental from Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and the Gap Band's "Outstanding."
Essential Info: Ralph McDaniels is hip-hop. He's been documenting the culture since the beginning. In the early '80s, McDaniels, then a college student, would tape footage of hip-hop godfathers like Grand Master Flash and Melle Mel, not because he had an outlet to put it on,...
- 3/30/2010
- MTV Music News
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