In Case you Didn't Know....Bad Boys is a Classic

Bad Boys starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith and directed by Michael Bay was released April 7th, 1995 and just celebrated it's 25th anniversary. Reading behind the scenes stories of the film, it comes across as a movie that wasn't suppose to be successful. Decades later people still love the film and yes the term "classic" gets thrown around alot, but I believe the film is a classic here's why.

Bad Boys is one of those films I look back as that has stars in them before they were stars. In this case Martin and Will were stars, but they were not the mega stars they would later come to be. Will Smith was mostly known as the clean cut rapper Fresh Prince and star of the TV show Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Martin Lawrence was the star of his own self-title TV sitcom Martin and the first host of the HBO series Def Comedy Jam. He was also the hottest Black comic of the early to mid 90's. Joe Pantoliano who played Captain Howard was always that guy you saw in movies that played his role well, who years later people would come to hate as Cyper in The Matrix. Tea Leoni has had a solid career but nothing superstar worthy.

Bad Boys took the buddy-cop odd couple formula popularized in the 80's by 48 hours and Lethal Weapon, and turned things up bringing that formula to the 90's. Martin Lawrence is the high strung family man Marcus Burnett, while Will Smith is the laid back smooth ladies man Mike Lowrey. It doesn't take itself too serious and try to be something it is not. 

The funniest scenes in the movie to me, are the one's where Marcus and Mike knowing one another for years. Are able to bicker and reflect real annoyances they have with one another to distract those around them, long enough to get out of a jam. The chemistry is displayed at the very beginning of the film when they use that method to get out of an attempted carjacking. The two have viewers really believing they've known each other for years and know how to get on one anothers nerves.

The action scenes are typical Michael Bay action scenes, before he was given budgets to just create utter nonsense. My favorite action scene in the film, is the foot chase through the city of Miami which honestly is the scene that probably convinced producers that Will Smith could be a formdiable, marketable action star. 

There in lies why Bad Boys is a classic. The story is an typical cop plot, but what it done for the careers of it's major players. It helped Martin Lawrence gain more roles and more clout in Hollywood, giving him the ability write, direct, produce and star in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate a year later. It made Michael Bay the new Hollywood IT boy for large explosive films such as Armageddon, The Rock, and The Transformers movies whether you love them or hate them. It led to roles for Will Smith such as Independence Day and Men In Black, which made him a box office draw off name alone. Eventually Will and Martin joined the $20 million a film club and Bad Boys is the catalyst that sparked those opportunites. 

Bad Boys also bought the buddy cop formula back that gave films like Rush Hour and The Other Guys a chance to succeed. A second film was released in 2003, and earlier this year the third film in the series Bad Boys For Life released with a box office take of $290 million in the U.S. box office. Along with mostly positive or netural reviews from film criticss Which proved after a 17 year hiatus, Bad Boys as a franchise is still well loved and the groundwork was laid way back in 1995. That my friends makes Bad Boys a classic.

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Cowabunga Dudes : 30 Years of The First TMNT Movie

In the late 80’s to early 90’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a powerhouse franchise you could not ignore. Cartoons, toys, cereal, video games, concerts Ninja Turtles were everywhere and consumed by nearly every child on the planet. March 30, 1990 the first film starring the turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit the big screen worldwide. I was 4 years old when the film released and still remember going to Reisterstown Road Plaza Movie Theater to see the film. I also vividly remember the excitement I couldn’t contain looking on a big screen watching four turtles, that I had all the toys of walking, talking, fighting, and dropping a curse word here and there and having fun doing it. At that age all I wanted to be was a ninja turtle mainly Mickey, eat some pizza and at times some greens so I could turn green, and kick some foot clan butt just like they did.

                                           

Once the films box office run ended, it grossed over $135 million stateside and $201 million worldwide, making it  the most successful independent film at that time which shows how popular the turtles were. Through the years I've watched the movie faithfully on cable, VHS, DVD, and later Netflix still quoting the movie and reliving the memories of wanting to be a ninja. As an adult every chance I get I watch the movie, and watching it now I know exactly why I enjoy it so much.

The ninja turtles’ franchise has produced 6 films, the original trilogy in the 90’s, an animated film in 2007, and two films in the mid-2010s. Out of the original trilogy during the time when the turtles were at the height of their popularity, the first film still reigns as king. The second film (which I love just as much) is much more juvenile and light hearted, borrowing its tone from the popular cartoon. The third movie went even further into light hearted territory with its plot and even more juvenile jokes. It has its flaws but its also not a horrible film, but that’s another story for another day.

The first film borrows most of its tone from the original comic book with its dark and grim atmosphere. The lighting, the set pieces, everything that surrounds the film is dark. Not sure if that was to be intune with the turtles operating from the shadows or not. Even the trailer for the film has a dark vibe to it, which years later all comic book films wanted to use in its tone. That’s why I think the first film is still the best turtles film ever because it appeals to many different audiences. Kids love the turtles with their color coded headbands and wisecracking jokes, but the dark brooding vibe and sense of real danger and consequences appeals to older teenagers and adults as well.

Some of the redeeming qualities and positive aspects of the film include. The fight scenes are hard-hitting, realistic, and has ramifications . Villian Shredder is portrayed as a real intimidating badass who is a serious threat, he displays his martial arts prowess at the end of the film manhandling the turtles by himself despite being outnumbered. The technology of the Turtles suits with their intricate designs and similiar yet distinct features (which to this day is still a marvel). Despite all that the most important aspect of the movie, is that it is about family. When the turtles father sewer rat Master Splinter is abducted, they have to look amongst each other and realize they are all they have. The Foot Clan criminal organization led by Shredder recruits young teenagers and young adults looking for a place to belong. The Shredder proclaims the organization as “family”, with the Shredder being they’re “father”. Manipulating and molding the young minds into being what he wants them to be while feeding their desire to be accepted.

A young teenager in the film and friend of April O’Neil Danny is a part of the organization, and joins them looking for a family as he doesn’t feel close with his father. I wish that could have been explored a little bit more in the film, but it wasn’t super essential to the film so I get it. At the end of the film, some members of the gang learn what you consider “family” may not always be best for you, and the turtles reunite with Master Splinter they also gain new family members in April and vigilante Casey Jones. In the process they learn family is not always blood related.

                                                    

Maybe as an adult I’ve read too much into the film and the themes of the story. I truly believe the theme of family is what makes me continue to love the film so much. Even if you just love watching the movie and don’t care for the themes, on the 30^th anniversary pop in the DVD, pull up Netflix and sit back and enjoy a film that is a bonafide classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

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Why We Still Love House Party 30 Years Later

“I don’t give a damn if Marvin Gaye ‘Gonna be there, you Won’t!”- Pops

That line sums up the basis of 1990’s House Party which has become a classic in the 30 years since it’s release. Released March 9th, 1990 and starring tarring rap duo Kid N’ Play, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson, and Robin Harris the movie was a film the culture didn’t know it needed until it was released. High schooler Kid gets into a scuffle with school bullies (Full Force members B-Fine, Bowlegged Lou, and Paul George) during lunch That causes Kid’s dad (Robin Harris), to ground him and keep him from the biggest party of the year thrown by his best friend  Play.

What ensues is a night of dodging bullies and the cops, getting the girl, and having fun. In the early 90’s most Black films highlighted inner-city youth and issues, and the aggression that a lot of Black youths harbor. House Party on the other hand showcased an often under depicted demographic middle-class Black youths who just want to get laid and have fun.

House Party carries so many attributes of the culture that still resonate today. Kid N’ Play and all their friends care about how they dress and look. They just want to rap and dance and look good doing it. Throw in sneaking out while you’re grounded, worried parents who are also pissed. Dealing with overzealous cops, high school bullies that look too damn old, and playing the game to get the girl. The soundtrack is a time capsule of late 80’s hip hop and r&b, and the now legendary New Jack Swing sound. Everyone knows and loves the classic dance off in the middle of the film between Kid N’ Play and Tisha Campbell and A.J. Johnson. 

We can’t forget the quotable lines that make the movie enjoyable to watch time after time. “I smell Pussy”, “follow the drip”, “What the hell is a Public Enema?”, “I would put my shoe so far up your ass, you’ll be shitting sneaker for a month.” "I'll fight a girl", "I know you will, I seen your ass get beat by a couple." And so many other lines you can still quote today, and those in the know will instantly get it.

House Party also is one of those movies that has a lot of stars or actors with consistent work, that you did not realize. Martin Lawrence is a comedy legend who starred in the classic sitcom Martin a couple of years later, and inspired a generation of comedians. Stand up legends Robin Harris and John Witherspoon displayed why their two of the funniest comedians ever. Tisha Campbell has built a nice career displaying her comedy chops between Martin and My Wife and Kids.  A.J. Johnson has built a fitness empire for herself. Everyones favorite scumbag Clifton Powell has an appearance. Funk legend George Clinton steals his scene as a DJ at a party. Daryl Mitchell, Anthony Johnson, Kelly Jo Minter, and Joe Torry all faces you may know more than the name, all have small appearances in the film.

House Party is a movie that those under 18 who watch it enjoy it because of some of the adult content, and looking forward to being in those at times dangerous but relatively harmless situations. Adults on the other hand can watch and relate to the carefree teenage days when you just needed to get home before your parents realized you were gone.

House Party has left a legacy between two direct sequels starring Kid  N’ Play, and a sequel starring music group immature that is related to the original strictly by title. There was also a sequel released in 2013 in which Kid N' Play make a cameo appearance. There are plans to reboot the original with Lebron James producing it, which goes to show how influential the film is years later.

It has made legends out of Kid N’ Play and let several Black youths know dance moves can get you the ladies. House Party is a simple film with a  simple mission, enjoy life and have fun doing it which is why we still love it 30 years later.    

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A Sign For Baltimore

Baltimore, a city that’s like the little engine that could. Nestled between New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. it often gets overlooked when mentioning the big cities of the east coast. When it is mentioned it’s often for negative reasons that shed a bad light on the city.

Baltimore however is a wonderful city, full of so much potential to be more. Baltimore is also a great destination for tourist, in my travels I’m amazed at how many people have Baltimore on their list of places to visit. Most folks mention the seafood we’re known for and want to check it out. Some have mentioned “I just want to see what Baltimore is like.” One thing that could possibly help Baltimore attract more tourist, is to have a legitamite Baltimore sign stationed at the Inner Harbor, or maybe moved throughout the city for photo ops.

The Toronto sign nestled in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square. The “I Amsterdam” sign which has been moved around the city. Dubai has an “I love Dubai” sign in one of their malls. I recently visited Houston, which has a “We Love Houston” sign nestled outside a local brewery in Downtown Houston. There are countless others signs like these nestled around the world.

In this social media age, these signs are great marketing tools. Locals show pride in their hometown, visitors use it for photo ops, sharing their travels and hopefully marveling at how nice the place their visiting is.

In the grand scheme of what Baltimore needs to be a better city, a large Baltimore sign for selfies is at the bottom of the totem pole. However, it could help boost morale among citizens who want to show hometown pride. It could also boost tourism, with visitors eager to visit city landmarks or tourist attractions to take a photo. In fact it could become it's own landmark in the city. When people either tourist or locals take a picture with that sign, essentially they are proclaiming that they love Baltimore. If the plan is to really turn Baltimore around for the better, this is one small step to that roadway.

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Top Ten Pro Wrestling moments of the decade

The 2010’s are coming to an end and a lot can happen in ten years. Especially the fast-paced world of professional wrestling where things change on a whim. Below are ten moments I believe helped define professional wrestling this decade.

10. WWE Network

It's no secret Vince Mcmahon has always aspired to be known as more than just a wrestling promoter, and for his company the WWE to be known as a entertainment entity not just a pro wrestling or 'rasslin organization. In the 2010's those plans begin to come to fruition with reality shows featuring members of the WWE roster, YouTube channels, and more recently podcast. The biggest project that has led to that movement in my opinion is the WWE network. On Februrary 24, 2014 the WWE network debuted as subscription based streaming service. For $9.99 a month viewers could watch old episodes of Monday Night Raw, Monday Night Nitro, documentarys, interviews, and most importantly current monthly pay per views. The WWE network was a game changer taking the model Netflix had and catering to wrestling fans. Since the WWE network debut, other organizations have joined in the streaming game. Ring of Honor with Honor Club, Impact Wrestling with Impact +, New Japan with NJPW World and a assortment of other indepdent streaming services. Changing the way wrestling fans consume content.

9. Impact Wrestling is Reborn

TNA wrestling debuted in 2002 as an alternative to the WWE. For seventeen years despite several failures and near closures, it has continued to chug along as the little engine that could. Experiencing growing pains and mismanagement, from the Carter years, the failed planned merger with Global Force Wrestling, and the Corgan era. In early 2018 new owners Anthem Sports & Entertainment hired industry veterans Don Callis and Scott D’Amore to lead Impact Wrestling, and despite some missteps here and there they have found a core group of wrestlers to build around, and turned Impact around for the better.

8. The Rock returns to WWE

February 14, 2011 Monday Night Raw, the arena blacked out as anticipation mounted for the host of Wrestlemania 27. As the beat dropped and the familiar sound of “If you Smell……” hit the arena, the crowd erupted as one WWE’s biggest stars ever The Rock returned home after 7 years away. The Rocks return as a host led to matches over the next couple years with John Cena, The Miz, CM punk, and winning the WWE championship one more time. All the while continuing to be the most electrifying man in sports entertainment. After initially shying away from the WWE as he transitioned to Hollywood, returning only helped his star rise which he is greatly benefitting from today.

7. Women’s Revolution

For years TNA knockouts division took women’s wrestling seriously and was the forefront of the womens revolution. Showcasing talent such as Gail Kim, Awesome Kong, ODB, and Angelina Love and Velvet Sky. Unfortunately due to the stigma against TNA many folks did not witness some of the great female wrestlers on their roster. Meanwhile indepedent organizations such as Shimmer and Shine were all female promotions highlighting the best female talent in the business.In 2015 after years of squash diva matches and bra and panties match, fans took to social media with #givedivasachance. That sparked WWE to finally give divas a chance, and that has led to women main eventing episodes of RAW, pay per views, and Wrestlemania. An all-female pay per view in 2018, Mae Young Classic, and singles and tag team championships. As WWE built their female talent up, other organizations such as Ring of Honor also built up their female talent. Shows such as the return of Women of Wrestling (WOW) have put a renewed focus on Women’s wrestling. 

6. Daniel Bryan wins WWE championship

Daniel Bryan is one of the best technical wrestlers on the planet. In 2013 his quest to regain the WWE world championship was consistently thwarted by Mr. McMahon and company as he did not fit their “image” of a world champion. That all changed when fan support called for Daniel to be giving a fair shot, and no matter how much the WWE brass tried to resist they finally couldn’t. The Yes Movement was strong and at Wrestlemania 30 April 6, 2014 Daniel Bryan won the WWE world championship.

5. AEW is born

January 1, 2019 on the popular YouTube series Being The Elite standing outside of the Tokyo Dome. Cody, Adam Page, and the Young Bucks officially announced a new wrestling event "Double or Nothing" and with it the formation of All Elite Wrestling. Backed by the Khan family, owners of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and with signings of some friends from ring of honor such as SCU, recent WWE release Pac, indy star Britt Baker, and  living legend Chris Jericho, and later on Jon Moxley. AEW was hailed as the first true competition to the WWE, backed by deep pockets and with a television program on cable network TNT debuting in October. AEW has set a solid foundation, it’ll be interesting to see what the next full year in operation will bring. 

4. Alternative wrestling

In the early 2000s as the Attitude era faded, WCW and ECW both folded consumed by the WWE. In their absence TNA was born, as well as a little company out of Philadelphia called Ring of Honor. Entering the 2010’s the same 3 organizations stood, neither TNA or Ring of Honor able to financially compete with the WWE. In 2011 Ring of Honor was purchased by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, and during the later part of the decade off the star power of the Elite (Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Marty Scrull, Adam Page etc.), Briscoe Brothers, Jay Lethal, Flip Gordon and SCU among other went to new heights. In the meantime, other organizations that provided an alternative to WWE appeared such as Major League Wrestling (MLW) and overseas juggernaut New Japan Pro wrestling were more accessible due to technology. Financially backed by smashing pumpkins Billy Corgan the prestigious wrestling organization NWA returned. The rise of streaming and social media led to independent organizations such as beyond wrestling, progress wrestling, house of glory and pro wrestling guerilla found their footing and audience in the crowded pro wrestling landscape. 

3. Kofimania

Earlier this year WWE veteran Kofi Kingston was a last-minute replacement in a gauntlet match for Mustafa Ali. What then occurred was a show stealing performance and fan support that led to him winning the WWE championship match against ironically Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania 35. In that two-month span Kofimania ran wild as fan support got louder and louder for Kofi. His win meant so much as the first African born WWE world champion, and leading hope to little Black kids that they one day can be world champions. All over social media you saw joy and industry veterans such as MVP and Shad Gaspard cry tears of joy for the win. Kofi held the championship for 180 days and Kofimania wasn’t just a win for Kofi Kingston it was a win for the culture.

2. CM Punk PipeBomb

The Best in the world, the voice of the voiceless, the second city saint, straight edge as it gets. June 27, 2011 CM Punk ended Monday Night RAW with his infamous Pipe Bomb, that blurred the lines between fiction and reality in the ever-gray area of professional wrestling. The promo had everyone talking "was it real?" did he really go off script? What happens next? That led to the summer of 2011 being the “Summer of CM Punk”, including winning the WWE championship at Money In the Bank and leaving WWE shortly after. His return was much too soon, but thats another article for another day. The pipe bomb cemented his role as the anti-establishment and hopes that a new attitude era was on the rise with CM Punk taking over Stone Cold Steve Austins role. The industry has grown in different ways, but hasn’t gone to the heights in popularity that it did with the attitude era, however CM Punk status as a legend grew that night. 

1. ALL IN

The idea that begin from a comment made by Dave Meltzer to a fan on twitter that Ring of Honor could not sell out a 10,000 seat arena. Cody Rhodes took that bet and sparked the eventual formation of AEW, ALL IN held September 1, 2018 in Chicago, IL. Fully self-funded by Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks, the event was a wrestling fans dream. After announcments here and there on Being the Elite, the trio held a press conference at Pro Wrestling Tee's store May 13, 2018. The press conference announced talent such as Tessa Blanchard, and lucha legend Rey Mysterio Jr. would be joining the show. Tickets were released later that day and sold out in mere minutes displaying the excitement around this event. Throw in the new wrestling convention founded by wrestling podcast star Conrad Thompson, Starrcast held in conjunction with the event that allowed many fans to really interact with stars and legends.  Independent wrestling store Pro Wrestling Tees held meet and greets at its location. Wrestling panels and after-partys were also apart of the fray. With talent from Ring of Honor, Impact, CMLL, AAA, New Japan,MLW, NWA, and the independent circuit, ALL IN had something for everyone. The card was a success, the ppv buyrate was a success and ALL IN weekend was wildy successful. Being in the atmosphere among pro wrestling fans, and seeing a simple idea grow into this mega success was great. It’s something I’m happy to say I experienced first hand and definitely defined this decade in wrestling in my opinion. When the wrestling culture comes together it's nothing that can stop it.

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Top Ten Movies of the Decade For The Culture

Hope you enjoyed my previous blog on Top Ten TV shows of the Decade for the culture. As we inch closer to 2019 winding down, it's time to touch on the next top ten list. The Top Ten movies for the culture, movies in this decade bought us superheros, new horror classics, and political statements. It was alot to choose from so let's start the discussion.

10. Creed Series

In 2015 Ryan Coogler fresh off critical acclaim with "Fruitvale Station", joined Michael B. Jordan at the time most known for his role as Wallace in "The Wire" and Oscar in "Fruitvale Station", and Sylvester Stallone who was in the twligiht of his career to introduce a new character to the Rocky universe, Adonis Creed. Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) is the son of Apollo Creed, the result of a extramatrial affair. The Creed series introduced a new generation to Rocky, and made an older generation realize why they loved Rocky. Adonis learned alot about himself in the first film, and in 2018 a sequel was released that furthered Adonis personal journey. At it's core both films are about father and sons, never meeting your father and trying to be on pace with his legacy or exceed it. Reconciliation, and sometimes the "father" you need is not your biological father. There are alot of life lessons in Creed and was one of the best films this decade.

9. Think Like A Man

Released in 2012 and based on Steve Harvey's book "Act like a lady, Think like a man". This film starred a ensemble of heavy hitters of Black actors. Gabrielle Union, Megan Goode, Tajiri P. Henson, Michael Ealey, Terrance J underrated Romany Malco, and Kevin Hart. While Kevin Hart was selling out stand up shows around the world at this time, this film really let his star shine and show it could translate to film as well. I'm no relationship expert, but the film covers alot of different relationship scenarios and hits all of the targets well. In 2014 a sequel was released, that kept the same chemistry and comedy firing away.

8. Best Man Holiday

Released in 2013, this follow up to 1999's The Best Man had everyone in tears watching it. The film is really about friends turned family, and coming together when needed the most. On the subject of friends turned family, the film touches on staying touch and keep that bond with your closest friends no matter what direction life takes you. Talking about this film doesn't do it much justice, just know you will laugh, feel joy, and oh boy will you cry watching this film. In the end you will appreticate everything this film has to offer.

7. Girls Trip

The Essence Music Festival is a bucket list item for many in the Black community. In 2017 the film "Girls Trip" starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall, and Tiffany Haddish fully displayed why that is. No disrespect to the talented actresses in this film, but the the star of this film is truly the Essence Music Festival and New Orleans. Proudly displaying the culture of New Orleans, and all the events, musical performances, parties, and shenangins that occur during Essence. If you went to Essence the year after this films release (which I did), you saw firsthand the film wasn't lying and was responsible for the additional influx of folks coming to town to see what the hype was all about.

6. Blackkklansman

Directed by the legendary Spike lee and starring John David Washington, Adam Driver, and Topher Grace. The film released in 2018 is based on a true story of a Black police officer Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) assigned to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, while he successfully does so over the phone. He requires the assistance of a White officer Phillip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) to infiltrate the organization in person. The film uses the climate of race relations in the 1970's as commentary to show similiarities to the current climate of race relations in the 2010's. The film is highly regarded and is definitely worth viewing.

5. US

Jordan Peele's second film released earlier this year proved he is a genius. When trailers first released for this film, I sat and wondered what the hell is this? I was intrigued enough to check it out when it released and while watching it at times still thought, What the hell is this? The movie is a mind bender and really will have you questioning alot of situations that occur in the film. I've rewatched this film several times this year and find new nuances I have missed on previous viewings. The film also has had me pondering since I first saw it. Who the hell was the real villian here?

4. Moonlight

Released in 2016 and winner of Best Picture for the Golden Globe and Academy Awards. This film really made folks take notice of the screen prescene of Mahershala Ali, who won a Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The follows the character Chiron played by Alex Hibbert as young Chiron, Ashton Sanders as teen Chiron, and Trevante Rhodes as adult Chiron. The film explores different moments in his life from his upbringing drug dealing, experiencing bullying, and exploring his sexuality. The film explores the often discussed topic of what you physically see in a person, internally it is often much deeper then that.

3. The Hate U Give

Released in 2018 and based on the 2017 novel of the same name. The film stars Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter. Starr lives two different lives one life in her neighborhood and another life in the predominantly white private school she attends. When a friend of Starr's is killed by a police officer, she is conflicted between standing up and speaking out or keeping quiet. Another film that touches on the political climate of America, current criminal justice laws, police brutality, neighborhood gangs. So much more that has led to alot of the tension in the country, the film is well written and is a good starting point for younger audience who may not understand some of the situations that led to the current climate.

2. Get Out

"Get Out" is the film that made people stop, and realize Jordan Peele had alot to offer than just being one half of the comedy duo  Key and Peele. Released in 2017, the film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lil' Rel Laketih Stanfield, Alison Williams, and a guy who's made a career out of playing the slimey type Bradley Whitford. Daniel stars as Chris Washington, who spends the weekend with his girlfriend Rose (Alison Williams) and her family and realizes something isn't right with them. It's not a straight up horror film, but the film does contain horror elements, and primarily covers how Black people continue to be regarded as centerpieces or trophys in different fields as opposed to people.

1. Black Panther

In 1998 Wesley Snipes, Marvel and New Line Cinema bought Blade to the big screen. A Black superhero who was a badass saving the uninformed from the underground world of vampires. Fast forward 20 years later 2018, Marvel now a juggernaut of a brand and studio released Black Panther. The 18th film in the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe.Directed by Ryan Coogler who became a talent to watch after "Creed", and Chadwick Boseman as African prince T'Challa/Black Panther and Michael B. Jordan as the villian Erik Kilmonger. The film was a cultural event, theaters filled up with audience members proudly displaying traditional African attire. Schools and churches filled theaters, celebrities bought out theaters to ensure less privileged members of the commuity saw the film. The positive representation of a African prince in a very rich African country, saving the world was one the culture yearned for. Everyone wanted to be apart of this film and hail from Wakanda.

Speaking of Wakanda, the fictional African utopia that was far more technological advancd then anything we currently have left some people wondering was it a real place or not. Throw in the geopolitical background of the story, including themes of family, righting the wrongs of a previous generation, creating your own legacy. The Colonization of African countries, slavery and how it still affects many today. The film also raised a important debate of Kilmongers motive in the film, and just how wrong his ideaology was, or was it even wrong in the first place. An sequel is highly anticipated and currently slated for release May 6, 2022, that seems like forever away but it will be worth it.

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Ten TV Shows Of The 2010's For The Culture

2019 is coming to an end and with that the 2010’s is ending as we push toward the 2020’s. The 2010’s bought some quality television shows to the masses, through traditional network and cable television and the new method of watching entertainment streaming media. For the culture these television shows were relatable, provided a voice when messages needed to be heard, and at times were just flat out entertaining. Here are ten TV shows of the 2010’s I think were the top of the heap for the culture.

 10. Carmichael Show

 Debuting in 2015 on NBC, this comedy starring Jerrod Carmichael, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel, Loretta Devine, and David Alan Grier. This comedy was unapologetically Black, funny, politically aware of the current climate in America. It also made comedic situations of life occurrences you may expect could have funny undertones. Episode topics such as confronting death, changing eating habits as you grow older, religion, Black lives matter, gentrification, even touched on cancel culture with an episode around still supporting Bill Cosby or not. The show ended in 2017 after a few disputes between Jerrod and NBC, sadly there were a couple more seasons left in the tank. Underrated and honestly slept on by many, if you’ve never seen the Carmichael Show it’s available on Hulu.

9. Greenleaf

“Greenleaf” debuted in 2016 on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). The series follows the leaders of a Megachurch, Bishop James Greenleaf played by a ninja that always looks like he’s up to something Keith David, and his first lady Mae Greenleaf played by the always classy Lynn Whitfield. Their family and church congregation contain a lot of secrets and scandals that unfold over the series 4 seasons. Greenleaf touches upon a section of the Black community, many often talk about but don’t highlight much. The influence of megachurch’s, “celebrity” preachers, and the issues that exist within the confines of those walls. If you enjoy a good drama with some scandal thrown in check out Greenleaf.  A fifth season will premiere sometime next year.

8.Empire

  Created by Lee Daniels and starring Terrence Howard, Tariji P. Henson, Bryshere Gray, and Jussie Smollet. This Fox drama debuted in 2015, and was an instant hit. A combination of soap opera and musical drama this series followed music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrance Howard), and the exploits of his family and record label. The series fired on all cylinders in the first few seasons, having guest appearances from various musical artists, and a hit soundtrack to boot. The series is now in it’s sixth season and has jumped the shark as far as content, in addition to the Jussie Smollet scandal earlier this year. Empire has seen better days but it definitely left a mark on the culture this decade.

7. Atlanta

 The brainchild of Donald Glover, this series debuting in 2016 on FX is unlike any other series currently on television. It follows down on his luck Earn (Donald Glover) who goes about life just trying to make it, with his cousin local rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), and homeboy Darius (Lakeith Stanfield). The series has a very surreal vibe to it, including invisible cars and revolving nightclub doors. Had some very Black moments, such as an episode where Earn wiggles his way out of paying for a expensive dinner, and an episode featuring a barber that does everything but cut hair. It also had a genius episode in the first season satiring the medias portrayal of the Black community through the lens of a talk show, with accompanying commercials. Donald's a bit busy these days. The series third and fourth seasons are on the horizon, scheduled to begin filming in early 2020. 

6. Power

The series that put Starz original programs on HBO levels, Power debuted in 2014. Starring Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, and Naturi Naughton. The series follows Omari Hardwick as James St. Patrick better known as Ghost. A drug dealer turned legitimate businessman who is constantly in conflict with which life he wants to live. Along the way he encounters numerous foes with his best friend/brother turned on again off again enemy Tommy (Joseph Sikora) and Kanan (50 Cent). Power was a highly anticipated show every season, and every week the previous episode was heavily discussed while looking forward to the next one. 2020 brings the last 5 episodes of the series and no matter which way it goes; it will be highly debated.

5. How To Get Away With Murder

I admit I have never watched a episode of “How To Get Away With Murder”, however the series starring Viola Davis and produced by Shonda Rhimes definitely left it’s mark on the culture. Debuting in 2014 on ABC, the series involves a lawyer Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) who’s involved in a murder and is always caught up in some shit related to the murder. The story involves a lot of twist and turns, when each episode airs you cannot escape the chatter around the show. It's talked about on social media and water coolers across the country. Now in it’s sixth and final season How To Get Away With Murder left it’s mark on the culture, just as the next series on the list.

4. Scandal

Starring Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes. “Scandal” debuted in 2012 on ABC and followed Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) as a high-powered Washington D.C. crisis manager. She fixes a lot of crises that arise in political circles in D.C., while being involved in quite a few herself namely her affair with the President of the United States Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). The show ran for seven seasons ending in 2018, and despite creating “Greys Anatomy” really was the series that raised Shonda Rhimes status. Many aspired to be like Olivia Pope and through reruns, she will likely inspire generations to come to hop into the crisis’s management field.  

3. Insecure

Issa Rae started the decade on YouTube with her web series “Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” and ended the decade a bonafide star. Starring in films, being a creative mastermind, and being included on numerous “one’s to watch” list, all of the praise she received was amplified by her 2016 HBO series “Insecure”. Starring Issa as a 30 something LA resident who life hasn’t quite gone to plan, whether in her work life or personal life. The show is very relatable to members of the Millennial generation male or female with the current landscape of life. Being a Millennial I feel like it’s one the first television series that accurately addressed some of the issues Millennials face. Like “Atlanta”, “Insecure” has been renewed for a fourth season but due to Issa’s hectic schedule has not yet commenced filming.

2. Snowfall

Created by the late John Singleton this FX series debuted in 2017 and chronicled the origins of the crack epidemic in 1980’s Los Angeles. The series follows main character Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and his rise through the drug business from a naïve small-time dealer to a kingpin. The series also covers how crack destroyed families and neighborhoods, drug distributors and their role and federal agents assigned to fight the war on drugs, and the games they play. Snowfall will be returning for a fourth season and after the ending of season 3, I’m looking forward to where Franklins story heads next.

1.     1. Blackish

Debuting in 2014 on ABC, Blackish was originally perceived as a Cosby show for the 2010’s. Mannn the series has turned out to be even more then that. Starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis-Ross, Blackish follows the Johnson Family Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis-Ross). A highly successful upper middle-class Black couple raising their four later five children in a life of privilege, while still ensuring they appreciate their “blackness”. Blackness has had educational episodes and has not shied away from controversial topics on the series, having episodes focus on the “N” word, police brutality, being biracial, the existence of God, and Juneteeth. It also famously had a episode pulled due to a controversal topic that caused a rift between ABC and series creator Kenya Barris The series has spawned two spin-off series “Grownish” and “Mixed-ish” and now in it’s sixth season has created it’s own legacy and will be enjoyed by many for years to come. 

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