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INTERVIEWS: Mara Brock Akil & Debra Lee PREVIEW "Being Mary Jane" In Washington, D.C.

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This week, Debra Lee and Mara Brock Akil welcomed a selected group of media to a private screening of the BET-original movie Being Mary Jane starring Gabrielle Union.  And we were inside the room to get the dish about the new tv movie/series.  Find out why Mara handpicked Gabby for the lead role inside….

 

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The fabulous Mara Brock Akil, the creator of the upcoming BET-original movie and series "Being Mary Jane", invited TheYBF.com for a special preview of the film (premiering Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:30P EST).

Though BET CEO Debra Lee kept the Q-n-A short, Mara did reveal why she handpicked Gabrielle Union for the series’ lead and she explained that Mary Jane is a woman in control of her sensuality.  Here are the highlights:

 

Q: What do you want people to take away from the movie?

A: That’s a good question and that’s hard to answer. I just want to have a conversation.

Q: What’s your favorite moment in the movie?
A: It’s the moment when she’s looking in the mirror and it was so honest.

Q: Was Gabby always your choice for the star role?
A: My husband Salim Akil met Gabby when he was casting for Jumping the Broom (I believed she tried out for a role) and he kept in contact with her. I had my small list of people but she delivered the role.

Q: In one scene, why did she masturbate before she went out for the night?
A: As females, we are sexual beings. Our sexuality ties into our emotions but it’s a little pit of PSA and a little bit of reality.

Q: A lot people will compare this to "Scandal", so how do you think Being Mary Jane is different?
A: It’s different because in "Scandal" you see a black woman living in a white world. You see a lot of shows with affair and murder plots, but I think it’s hard enough just getting through the day.

Agreed!

In case you missed it….watch the "Being Mary Jane" trailer here:

 

BONUS:

Actress Gabrielle Union, a self-confessed former mean girl, opens up about the fierce competition for acting jobs. Plus, find out how she changed her attitude. Watch this episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter on Sunday, June 23, at 9/8c.

Photos via Chaz Niell

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Original Post Source – http://www.theybf.com/

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Ottawa’s Taz Benti drops “Fall 4 You” Video

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Ottawa’s Taz returns with a new single “Fall 4 You” produced by Denysxw_beats. The video was shot in Miami. Fall 4 You was created, I never heard of him but when I heard the Beat , is when I just know , this is how I make most of my music . I hear a beat then I put words to the music. I recorded this song in 1 hour with a producer named Daniel “Dray” Paisly who works out of a recording studio here in Ottawa called The Cave.

When I was young I always listened to Hiphop / rap and was always listening to all kinds of artist and knew these 3 artists would make it big one day. The number one reason was their wordplay & lyricism. I like aboogie , polo G and liltjay because Their music taught me about life as a young teenager and the music speaks to me . These 3 artist always stood out to me from their melodic flow & cadence. I always dreamed that one day maybe I could be just like them.

 

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Tierra Whack Shows Hopeful Romanticism “MOOVIES”

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Tierra Whack, the GRAMMY-nominated rapper and creative visionary, has once again left fans in awe with her latest video, MOOVIES. In this witty and playful visual, Tierra takes us through a series of movie dates gone terribly wrong. With each new suitor, her hopes for love are dashed, yet she persists in her quest for romance. Directed by her frequent collaborator, contemporary artist Alex Da Corte, the video blends humor and heartache in a colorful display of Tierra’s dynamic storytelling and Da Corte’s artistic flair. Following the success of her critically acclaimed debut album WORLD WIDE WHACK, this video showcases a lighter side to Tierra, as she remains optimistic despite her unlucky streak in love.

Critics and media outlets alike have showered “WORLD WIDE WHACK” with praise since its release in March. Variety described the album as “tender, fatalistic, colorful, and endearingly weird,” a combination that only an artist as unique as Tierra could pull off. Pitchfork echoed these sentiments, pointing to her “eye for surreal, captivating detail” that continues to shine through every project. Tierra has been actively performing, including a standout appearance at NPR’s Tiny Desk, which NPR called “one of the best Tiny Desks in history.” She’s also performed alongside fellow artists like Jill Scott at The Roots Picnic and made a surprise appearance at Childish Gambino’s tour stop in Philly, keeping fans engaged and excited about her every move. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the official below. Keep up with Tierra Whack by following her on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

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Fleetwood Jr Channels Life’s Struggles in New Song “Feel Me”

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Orlando native artist Fleetwood Jr dives deep into his personal journey with his latest single, “Feel Me,” released on September 28, 2024. Produced by Djstakkman, the track captures Fleetwood’s raw reflections on his life experiences, particularly his encounters with police brutality and growing up in a tough environment. For Fleetwood Jr, music is a form of therapy, allowing him to process the trauma of being exposed to police aggression as early as age six. He uses the song to voice his feelings on violence in communities, the misplaced glorification of neighborhoods, and the harsh realities of loyalty and relationships.

“Feel Me” stands out not only for its hard-hitting lyrics but also for its relatability. Fleetwood Jr crafted the track to resonate with others who share similar struggles. For him, it’s the embodiment of an underdog mentality—rising from the hardships and defying the odds. His favorite line, “N***** beefing over streets I went and bought a LLC, Kolin Kaepernick so much violence make you take a knee,” critiques the senseless street violence while offering a clever nod to self-empowerment and accountability. It’s a track that speaks to anyone who has overcome adversity while pushing for growth and resilience.

Fleetwood Jr is steadily making his mark in the industry, with several upcoming performances, including a mic session with Has1ATL and a performance in Orlando on November 23rd. He’s also preparing for the release of a music video for “Feel Me.” Having shared stages with legends like Young Dro and rising stars like Omertta, Fleetwood Jr is poised for a major breakthrough, continuing to rep his city and Da Underdawgs Ent LLC with every verse.

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