Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist hailing from Brooklyn, NY, was the first African-American painter to gain international notoriety, with a style known as Neo-expressionist. The infamous artist was once romantically involved with then-unknown Madonna and at some point, had a brief involvement with painter David Bowes. Unfortunately, Basquiat passed away in 1988 at the age of 27 and at the height of his career, from a drug overdose.

More than twenty years since his death, never-before seen footage of the artist is featured in a new documentary titled “The Radiant Child,” which was released February 21st.

Check out the trailer after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

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Model Amber Rose helped the launch of Kanye’s new site with a Grace Jones-inspired image. The photo was a recreation of a photo of the iconic Grace Jones taken by photographer Jean-Paul Goude back in the 80s.

This isn’t the first time Rose has pulled off some Grace Jones poses. Her shoot last August for Complex mag consisted of a series of recreations of past Jones shoots. In fact, the above photo was taken as part of the Complex mag shoot. It just never made the cut.

Check out more Amber v. Grace after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

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Willi Ninja, known as the Godfather of Voguing and Mother of the House of Ninja, was an instrumental figure in the New York black gay ballroom scene of the 1980s. Although voguing originated in Harlem in the early 1930s, it remained underground until the 1980s when Willi brought visibility to the art form and elevated it to what it is today.

The world was introduced to Willi when he starred in the 1990 award-winning documentary “Paris Is Burning,” which provided an introspective into the New York vogue-ball scene. Willi was also featured in Malcolm McLaren’s “Deep in Vogue” music video and later served as the inspiration for Madonna’s music video “Vogue.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Real Housewives of Atlanta star Sheree Whitfield has decided to try her hand at theater in the Kendrick D. Young stage play, “Heaven I Need A Hug.” The play also stars R&B singers Dave Hollister and Tony Grant.

Whitfield began rehearsals in Dallas this past Monday (January 11). “I have so much respect [for] actors who really know their craft. They make it look so effortless,” said Whitfield following rehearsals this week. Although this is her first time on stage, word is she’s not bad. “Yall she’s gon b a star!,” said co-star Hollister of Whitfield’s performance.

Actors Darrin Henson, Robin Givens, and singer Ruben Studdard were part of the cast in previous runs.

“Heaven I Need A Hug” runs from January 19th to the 24th at the Granville Arts Center in Dallas, Texas.

In other related news, Whitfield and fellow RHOA castmates were recently nominated for a NAACP Image Award.

Check out the “Heaven I Need A Hug” trailer after the jump: Read the rest of this entry »

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Hey BGGers! This is Soul, and I’m back with my weekly series, Soul Wants To Know.  These are the things that have tickled my fancy, interested me, and  maybe you as well.

Check it out!

1. How come NO ONE seems to be excited about Mary J Blige’s new album, Stronger With Each Tear? She hasn’t been giving to us.   A shame seeing how she’s the Queen as they say.

2. Is Day 26 serious with all this drama?!  Did group drama do anything for 3LW? Destiny’s Child were the exception, NOT THE RULE.  And How You Doin’ Willie and Que?

3. Aren’t you all extremely impressed with Alicia Keys new album, The Element of Freedom? Seems as if the drama surrounding her love life made for some GREAT music! Take that Moshanda (no shade).

4. How random is the Shane Sparks molestation allegations? But are any of you surprised?

5. R.I.P. Brittany Murphy.  Didn’t we all just love here in Clueless? (Rollin With the Homies)

6. Am I the only one who thinks it’s funny how everyone comes down on Rihanna for her live performances, and vocals, but no one seems to say anything about Keri Hilson? At least RiRi gives FASHION, VISUALS.  What is Miss Keri giving besides sub-par choreography and___ vocals?

7. Speaking of Keri, how did she get a Read the rest of this entry »

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Dream Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project will air at the 17th Annual African Diaspora Film Festival in New York City. Dream Deferred describes the homophobia that resulted in the murder of Sakia Gunn, a black gay teenager, and calls into question the lack of media coverage given to this tragic event. Dream Deferred airs today (December 3) and again on December 8th.

The African Diaspora Film Festival showcases 101 films from 46 countries and runs until December 15th.

Click HERE to visit the official site for film listings and more info.

For a taste of the films available at this year’s festival, check out the trailer after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

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Out magazine has released its Class of 2009 honorees representing those outstanding and inspiring figures in the LGBT community.

So who made the list?

Lee Daniels made the list as “Most Likely To Win An Oscar,” Wanda Sykes as “Entertainer of the Year,” Kehinde Wiley & Bebe Zahara Benet as “Promoter & Director,” Pam Spaulding of Pam’s House Blend as “Most Likely to Be In The Computer Lab,” Nick Cave as “Most Artistic,” Tina Mabry as “The Fighter,” The Hetrick-Martin Institute and Harvey Milk High School as “The Real Class of 2009.”

Check out the photos after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

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Heeeey Atlanta! Penis is about to hit your city. Penis Monologues: Live that is. Penis Monologues, a stage play produced by J.L. King, author of “On The Down Low,” is the male version of the infamous stage play, The Vagina Monologues and celebrates the penis through views on sex, relationships, health and wellness.

The play will have a four-day run at Seven Stages in Little Five Points. The dates are November 24th, 26th, 27th, and 28th.

Click HERE for tickets and more details.

You can check out some behind the scenes footage after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

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