It's the 30th anniversary of a movie called "Strictly Business". Now I love this movie but surprisingly I know maybe only 5 other people that have even heard of the movie. Which is quite a shame because it is actually a very good fun movie, and reflective of the culture back then and now.
Strictly Business stars Tommy Davidson, Joseph C. Phillips, and Halle Berry in her first starring role. Tommy's character Bobby is a mailroom clerk at a big Manhattan firm that dabbles in commercial real estate. Joseph's character is Waymon Tinsdale. A high level executive at said firm.
Bobby would like Waymon to mentor him to grow in the company, but Waymon has a stick so far up his ass he believes Bobby acts too Black for the corporate world. That is until Waymon learns Bobby is an acquaintance of Halle Berry's Natalie, who Waymon is smitten by and wants to get to know.
The two decide to partner up and help one another get what they want. As a kid when I saw the movie I just thought it was a funny movie starring Tommy Davidson who of course was making stomachs hurt on In Living Color and the guy from the Cosby Show.
Now as an adult the movie touches on so many relevant topics. Black people having to behave a certain way to be successful in corporate environments. The crab in a barrel mentality amongst Black's. The power of networking and fostering relationships. Corporate politics and racism. Going after what you want and what's more important love or a career?
Strictly Business pulled in $7 million during its box office run. Which I guess is a modest success as I'm sure it didn't receive much promotion. The lack of promotio during it's theater run and afterwards may contribute to the lack of love the movie gets. It also isn't often shown on Cable TV you may catch it on a BET station late at night every now and then. It isn't widely available on any streaming platform, Prime video has it to rent for $3.99. When it really should be available for all to see on HBO Max in my opinion.
Samuel L. Jackson before he became cool ass Uncle Sam has a role in the movie, Sam Rockwell who I only knew as the leader of the wannabe foot soldiers in Ninja Turtles has a role, and Jodeci have a brief part before they dropped their first album. Speaking of which, the movie is backed by a fire new jack swing era soundtrack led by Jeff Redd's single "You Called And Told Me" courtesy of legendary Uptown Records.
All which contributes to it's legacy in my opinion. It's a hidden gem deserving of so much more love and I highly suggest checking it out if you get the chance.
When Covid-19 hit earlier this year it turned the world upside down. Due to various lockdown measures put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus, more people are at home watching TV. Since many films and television shows had to halt filming during the height of the pandemic, viewers have either binged watch shows that have been on their "to watch" list for quite some time or revisit old programs. And their are several options out there to watch programs on cable, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and CBS All Access. There are specialty streaming services such as BET plus, ESPN plus, WWE network, UFC fight pass and a host of more. In the middle of the pandemic two conglemerates have released their streaming services WarnerMedia with HBO Max and NBCUniversal with Peacock.
Even with all these programming options, and vast libraries of films and programs to choose from. I've found myself resorting to my good ol collection of movies I've gathered over the years to watch. Many times when looking for something to watch, I either get tired of watching the same old stuff, get tired of searching for something to watch, or what I want to watch either isn't available or you have to pay for and the movie is 10 years or older. And, I've reached my streaming service max and refuse to get any additional ones.
I said the hell with all of that and I'll just dust off the collection. I've recently watched movies like Strictly Business, Little Big League, Hangin' With the Homeboys, Camp Nowhere, Above The Rim and Street Kings among a few others. For some reason they all popped in my head randomly and I said I want to watch them. all hard to come by on streaming services or Cable plays them edited or wants you to rent or buy. Thank god I have all of them on DVD.
As technology and cloud services have advanced, downloading and streaming movies have quickly outpaced physical media. It's understandable as digital copies reduce clutter in the home, but for me there is something about getting up and inserting a blu ray or DVD into the player. I just love the idea of grabbing a movie I haven't seen in a long time, popping it in and watching it. Some may say you get the same feeling with streaming, I'm willing to fall on the sword that it's not.
Ever since I was a kid if I had extra money I would go buy a VHS, what I want for christmas? a few movies of my favorites or a movie I've never seen before but likely will enjoy. To this day if I stumble across relics like Suncoast or FYE I'm likely to be in there a while. I've built a nice collection of films, and never intend to let them go. I even held onto a few VHS for nostalgia purposes.
Streaming maybe the present and the future, but home media definitely has a place in the ecosystem of entertainment. If you have a few physical discs or actually like building a collection, hold on to them you never know when having those movies will come in handy.
It's that time again when love is in the air. Dudes that have been slacking all year go overboard, while everyone else either celebrates or says I love you and keep it moving. However you celebrate Valentine's Day with your significant other. You can never go wrong with a good movie to watch.
For every Boomerang, Love Jones, and Love & Basketball. There are a abundance of Black led romance films, that for whatever reason many haven't heard of or it just didn't get its due. With that, here are five hidden gem Black romance movies.
5. Strictly Business
I wrote a blog on this back in 2021 to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. I'm adding it to this list because this is one film I will die on a hill trying to get people to see it.
It's a simple love story with partnerships, 90's vibes and New Jack Swing mixed in. Give a chance and you can learn some lessons in it.
4. The Perfect Match
Starring Cassie and Terrance J, The Perfect Match was released in 2016. Terrance J. plays Charlie a modern day noncommittal womanizer. He meets Eva played by Cassie a talented and mysterious singer/actress.
Soon enough they start kicking it and Charlie realizes he wants a bit more of their relationship. The film has a good message of not setting expectations when initially meeting and dating someone, and go with it to see how it goes.
3. Disappearing Acts
Disappearing Acts is a 2000 HBO original movie stars Sanaa Lathan and Wesley Snipes, based on a book from Terry McMillan. Sanaa and Wesleys characters are on opposite ends of the educational and career spectrum.
Upon starting a relationship they navigate bumps and bruises. Withholding information and encouraging one another. Find this hidden gem and give it a shot.
2. Sprung
Sprung is one of those films either you've seen it or you haven't. Talking to people it seems a lot more folks haven't seen than have. Released in 1997 the film follows Montel (Rusty Cundieff who also wrote and directed) and Brandy (Tisha Campbell Martin) who start a blossoming romance. While they're friends Clyde (Joe Torry) and Adina (Paula Jai Parker) who fell apart after a one night stand based on lies, seek out to sabotage the relationship as it gets serious.
The film is about true love overcoming obstalces near and far. It's by no means a laugh out loud or great film, but it has some endearing qualities about relationships.
1. Southside With You
Southside With You is a simple romantic film that was released in 2016 to substantial buzz. Set in 1989, the film follows future president Barack Obama played by Parker Sawyer, going on a first date with his future wife and first Lady Michelle Obama (Tika Sumpter).
Both are ambitious young individuals but that's not what the film focuses on. Instead it shows their walk through the park, museum visits and late night treat of ice cream. Simple things that build connections to lead to long term relationships. Even with the buzz, the film wasn't a box office hit or even a cult classic afterwards. It has a message about seeing the potential in someone even if they aren't there yet.
One day my brother and I had a random conversation about celebrity crushes and the pinwheels started moving in my head. I started thinking about celebrity crushes that span generations, and since it's Black History Month and Valentine's Day is this week. I decided to write one on ten Black celebrities that were just about everyone's crush at one time or another. This list is based on several debates and discussions, and some social media research on who is still relevant. I'm ready for all kudos and backlash, so here we go.
Meagan Good
Meagan Good started her career in the 90's as a child actor with small appearances in films like Friday, and starring roles in Eve's Bayou and the television show Cousin Skeeter. In the early 2000's when she reached adulthood it didn't take long for many to realize just how attractive she is. In fact early 2000's Meagan Good started her run of being drop dead gorgeous and instantly becoming many men's celebrity crushes.
The 2012 film Think Like A Man solidified she is simply fine. She has held that title for 20 plus years now and the older she get's the finer she get's. Even today in her early forties she can still pass for a twentysomething and look's as beautiful as ever.
Pam Grier
Some younger folks maybe asking Pam Grier? and I'm here to say damn right Pam Grier. In the 1970's she starred in Blaxploitation classics like Foxy Brown, Friday Foster and Coffy. Exuding a confident Black woman who oozed sex appeal and could also handle her own. My uncles told me she was their first celebrity crush back in those days. Her 80's and early 90's run she kind of flew under the radar until she made an appearance on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Playing an ex-girlfriend of Uncle Phil who seduces Will. Then came 1997's Jackie Brown, which at that point a new generation was asking about this forty something year old woman and going who is that?
In the almost 30 years since that film has released and thanks to the power of social media, Pam Grier is still a massive crush of many men amongst different generations. Just hashtag her name and social media and you will see endless posts dedicated to her and her beauty.
Stacey Dash
Stacey Dash has caught alot of ill will in recent years, for many believing she has gone off the deep end due to her political beliefs and just life in general. However, even if you feel that way now there is no denying once upon a time she was That LADY! Starting with her role in 1992's Mo' Money and a few years later her iconic role as Dionne in Clueless. Everyone was mesmerized by her flawless brown skin, smile, and those big engaging pretty eyes. Add in she was much older than she looked, she was the personification of the term Black Don't Crack playing a teenager in her late twenties-early thirties (she reprised the role of Dionne in the Clueless TV show).
Even today at almost 60 years old, she is still a very attractive woman. The kid's of today who weren't alive when she played her iconic roles, see her films and go damn who's that?
Vanessa Williams
I will admit when I discussed this blog topic, my brother was adamant about Vanessa Williams, and I kept asking Vanessa Williams? for all time? so I went down the rabbit hole of social media and damnit she apparently has been the crush of many men over the years. It's not hard to see why, she is gorgeous, has those striking blue eyes, was a model, singer and actress. She was the first Black woman to win Miss America in 1984. And she did a penthouse spread a few years later, which honestly most of the crushes gained in the 80's came from.
She is what many may describe as a classical beauty, has never really aged and continued her career with grace. Even now in her early 60's she still has her fair share of men that would trip over themselves to have just an opportunity to stand next to her.
Alysia Rogers
Speaking of kid's today asking "Damn who's that?", Alysia Rogers is a first time crush of many young men. She just happened to disappear from the public eye and have many asking whatever happened to her? She first appeared in the classic film Boyz N The Hood as Ricky's girlfriend and son's mother Shanice. She really turned heads a year later in 1992's Class Act as Damita. The pretty, sultry, and low key intelligent young lady smitten with Kid's character Duncan Penderhughes.
Then after turning head's she stopped working in Hollywood. Apparently she has a instagram account that show's she has aged very gracefully. And if you check social media today there are several threads dedicated to the beauty of one ms. Damita. And again Gen Z youth's are clamoring over this timeless beauty.
Aaliyah
If you know me, you know Aaliyah was one of my all time crushes ever. 14-15 year old me legit thought I was going to marry her someday. Well apparently so did a lot of other young men around my age. A natural beauty in the Hollywood and music industry, she stood out as she was gearing up to make a bigger impact in the business.
Her look's were versatile as she could be a tomboy or runway model and look just as beautiful either way. Her sad unfortunate death at the age of 22, has only made her legacy even bigger and in the weird way of teenage boys minds. Has made her an all time crush spread across generations.
Janet Jackson
The youngest of the legendary Jackson sibling's, Janet Jackson has always had that quiet, sexy demeanor about her which intrigued many young men coming into their own. In the 80's with the Control and Rhythm Nation albums, she had young men saying "Ok Janet" while she was breaking hearts. Then when the 90's came Janet cranked her sex appeal all the way up and left tongues on the floor. While she broke even more hearts and crushed the record charts and music videos with her dance moves.
Janet is almost 60 now, still touring and moving across the stage like she is in her 20's. One thing's for sure from Gen X to Millennials and likely even some Gen Z. Janet Jackson adorned many walls and desktop wallpapers. For that she forever will be an all time crush.
Rihanna
Hailing from the island of Barbados, Rihanna exudes sex appeal and has a chill yet dominant personality. Hitting the music scene in 2005, folk's really started noticing Rihanna during her Good GirlGone Bad era in 2007 and she hasn't lost any steam since. I have heard several men of all race's mention how attractive they think Rihanna is. Which mean's Rihanna has juice (old school reference for the kids).
With twenty years in the public eye, she has went through several different era's and in each found her own style which makes her even more attractive. She's a bit of a maneater when you look at how many guys in the industry she has left crying for her to come back. Which honestly is attractive to many men, which is why so many have a crush on her.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is one celebrity that is probably universally agreed upon she is drop dead gorgeous. Becoming the crush of many, many young men in the 90's and early 2000's. In fact Halle Berry was such a huge crush of many, it was damn near a event when she went topless for literally 2 seconds in 2001's SwordFish. I'm also positive that scene generated more ticket sales for the movie than the actual movie itself, being as though it really wasn't good.
She came a long way from the girl next door in some early 90's role's like Boomerang and one of my favorites Strictly Business to a bonafide sex symbol. Aging gracefully as she approaches 60, Halle can still break many of the hearts that clamored for her to this day.
Nia Long
Nia Long, Nia Long! A true 90's "it" girl that has transcended that title through the years. Whether you saw her as Brandi in Boyz 'N The Hood, Lisa in Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Debbie in Friday or Bird in Soul Food. You fell in love with Nia Long at some point during the 90's and 2000's. And for many of us that has not gone anywhere as she graced our screens over the year.
I have a perfect story on why Nia Long is still everyone's crush. One time several years ago we were playing charades and the word my brother had was "fine", legit all he said was "Nia Long" and my father yelled out "Fine!" and we got our point lol. A true real life testament to just how much everyone of several generations love some Nia Long.
It's February which means it's Black History Month, we just need to brave the cold for a few more weeks, and for the romantic types Valentines Day is next week. In true B fashion, I decided to get into the spirit as I know how. I'm going to focus on songs I love, because it was in a movie.
When the right song is inserted in a scene or the credits of a film. And it is edited just right, it leaves a lasting impression on audiences. Who back in the day may have went and bought the artist album or soundtrack. Now they stream it, but in any case the right song in a movie can have a powerful effect. Here are 13 (I know, 13?) Of my favorites.
13 Charlie Sexton- Beats So Lonely
1987's Some Kind Of Wonderful is John Hughes subtle f-u to Paramount who interfered in the ending of his 1986 film Pretty In Pink. Kind of funny since both films were distributed by Paramount. History lesson aside.
The ending climax at the party is amplified by the background song of Charlie Sexton's Beat'sSo Lonely. A guitar riff is edited perfectly to a sub character entering the party, to save the day. That slight moment with the perfectly edited song makes this scene so bad ass.
12 Billy Idol-Rebel Yell
Before the days of high speed internet and YouTube. I can remember recording these scene from 1985's Legend Of Billie Jean and playing it over and over again. All because of Billy Idol's Rebel Yell, which fits the tone of the movie. As well as make the mall chase a highlight of the film.
11. Soho-Nuthin' On My Mind
1990's Career Opportunities starring Frank Whaley and Jennifer Connelly, is one of John Hughes most underrated films. It follows a overnight sanitation worker for Target who is locked in overnight with the town beauty who has ran away.
This scene featuring Frank Whaley as Jim in his own world, doing a little jingle to Soho's Nuthin' On My Mind. The song is so smooth and soothing, and it relaxes me when I hear it.
10. Blink 182 Dammit
1998's high school party drama Can't Hardly Wait, does not get the proper love and respect it deserves as a teen classic almost 30 years later. Which is such a shame, because it is one of the best teen films ever.
This YouTube clip is not from the movie, but a collection of scenes from the movie. The song Damnnit by Blink 182, is played during a chaotic scene in the movie which fits the headbanging sound of the song.
9.Semisonic-closing time
I heard Semisonic's Closing Time several times; before it appeared in 2011's Friends With Benefits. It didn't enter the stratosphere as a favorite of mine until it appeared in the film. The flash mob scene along with Justin Timberlake's character realizing the error of his ways, with his relationship with Mila Kunis.
It just all worked and the scene probably wouldnt have been the perfect ending, if a different song was used.
8 Go West-King Of Wishful Thinking
1990's romantic comedy classic Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Set's the tone at the very beginning of the film, that this will be a fun film. Kicking off the opening credits after a brief cold open, with Go West King Of Wishful Thinking.
The tune while actually sad when listening to the lyrics. Evokes a sense of optimism and is ear candy.
7 RedBone-Come And Get Your Love
When RedBone's Come And Get Your Love kicked off the beat of the story, for 2014's Guardians Of The Galaxy. It showed that this wasn't a typical MCU film, and it introduced the song to a entire new generation. Many who upon hearing it said things like "damn, I like this song".
Another song that I heard before, but did not appreciate it until I saw it playing on the big screen. While Chris Pratt as Star Lord boogied his way through space.
6 Robbie Robb-In Time
One of my favorite time travel films, 1989's Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure had a chokehold on me since I was a kid. This pivotal scene in the movie, where the duo get a glimpse of how important they are to history just sends chills up my spine.
Ok, I may have been hyperbolic there but I do love the scene and song. I've never heard of Robbie Robb outside of this song but to me it as a triple platinum classic. Especially when it pops up on my playlists.
5 Stephanie Mills-I Just Want Love
This song frustrates me, sung by the legendary Stepanie Mills for a very underrated film. 1991's Strictly Business starring Tommy Davidson, Halle Berry, and Joseph C. Phillips (The Cosby Show). If you need proof how much I love this movie, here you go.
This Stephanie Mills new jack swing inspired song is my jam. It perfectly captures the vibe of love, the 90's culture and the end of the movie. Yet, its not available on ANY streaming platform.
4 Peter Gabriel-In Your Eyes
One of the most famous and often copied scenes in film history, is from 1989's Say Anything. The scene in question is John Cusack standing outside his girlfriends home with a boombox over his head. The song playing is Peter Gabriel's Your Eyes. A true love ballad if I ever heard one.
When it comes on my Amazon music or even Sirius XM 80's on 80. Even though I can't sing I harmonize to the melody perfectly.
3 Samm Henshaw-Church
2020's Charm City Kings starring rapper Meek Mill, and Baltimore dirt bike legend Chino Braxton. Follows a young teen who comes of age over the summer, as he aspires to join a legendary Baltimore dirt bike crew. The film introduced me to a song, that inspires me when I need some optimism.
Samm Hensaw's Church, which I will admit I hadn't heard of the artist or the song before seeing the film. Now it's one of my favorite songs thanks to the movie.
2 Simple Minds-Don't you forget about me
Come on? You didn't think I would make a list about song's in movies I love, and not include this one. Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Mind's is the perfect 80's teenage song. It captures the teenage angst with the New Wave pop sound dominate during that era.
Playing over the end credits with Judd Nelson's Bender raising his fist in the air, is just legendary. It's another jam I have on my playlist and when it comes on 80's on 8. I am not changing the station until the last note is played
1. Righteous Brothers-you'e Lost That Loving Feeling
I first saw Top Gun when I was around 10 years old on basic cable. I think it was TBS Dinner And A Movie, which is how I saw The Breakfast Club for the first time as well. To be honest I never paid the song by The Righteous Brothers any mind at all. Until I got older and understood the message of the song and how those guys were crying for love.
Then I watched the movie again, and the end credits. And if maybe the greatest edit of a song to the epilog. As The Brothers sing their hearts out, the cast is individually credited and somehow it all just works. Its an art in itself and I love the song because of it.
This past Sunday, I attended the Big 3 basketball game at CFG Arena. Founded by Ice Cube and some business partners the league has been around since 2017. Now I'm not a basketball spectator, I may watch the NBA playoffs casually but thats the most from me.
And it took me a minute, and some explaining from my buddy before I understood the rules of the league and how they play the game. However, once I got how the game was played it was an enjoyable day. As I looked at the crowd everyone seemed to be into it and I thought this isn't a bad deal.
The tickets are affordable, especially for seeing 3 games in one day which amounts to about 3 hours or so of your time. Typical for any sporting event honestly. The rules are designed to make it more entertaining than strictly competitive. And I had no idea that the games air on CBS and Vice TV.
Which leads me to this, Ice Cube and company have something on their hands. Bringing stars who NBA careers have ended like Dwight Howard, is a step in the right direction. If they get more guys with personalities they can build around. The league could really grow, of course not reaching the NBA level but as a quality alternative to it. Not to mention an affordable alternative for families to enjoy a game.
Now if they manage to secure a video game license deal, and if the game play is reminisce of something like NBA Street. The league definitely will gain new life long fans young and old..ish.
The sky is the limit for the Big 3 league honestly. And I, a guy that really does not watch or keeps minimal tabs on basketball. Am now one of the organization's biggest supporters.
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