Linda Johnson Rice Talks Pinnacle Awards Honor In Houston

by BSM Media Group LLC (BSM Magazine)October 9, 2018January 13, 2020BEAUTY, CELEBRITY, ENTREPRENEUR, FASHION, SOCIAL

What do you say to a woman; who along with her family paved the way for many people in journalism including ourselves. Thank you! It was the first thing we expressed when meeting Linda Johnson Rice, Chair and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company (JPC). Her father, John H. Johnson founded the company in the 1940's—where it became the home of Ebony Magazine, Jet (now JetMag.com) and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Linda was in town to attend the 24th Annual Pinnacle Awards; held by the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) at the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel Saturday. There she was honored for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Ebony Magazine. Gracious in spirit, she thanked us for the opportunity to connect inside the suite that she and the other guests occupied before the awards show. Dressed in a black lace attire, she smiled at each person who came into her presence to either conduct an interview or pose for photos. Her short, blond afro accentuated the makeup worn which complimented the confidence she has as an African-American business leader. Asking what does it mean for her to be present at this year's awards as a Lifetime Achievement honoree? Linda replied, "You know... it really is very special because I think to be able to be in Houston which is a great city of African-American empowerment, leadership and business and all of which I completely and wholeheartedly endorse coming from JPC— It's a wonderful, wonderful honor. So I'm greatly appreciative. The honor really isn't just for me, but for Ebony and Jet and for all they have done and continue to mean to the African-American community." As for what's in store for Ebony Magazine being a part of events like GHBC in the future? Linda says, "We're working on the next issue...we're always working on the next issue (laughter). The great thing is now we're very aggressive on the digital space so you can have Ebony twenty-four hours a day on your phone. So we've got the staff writing feverishly all the time covering things which I think are important in the African-American community and for the community at large. Since it is digital— the whole world can read it to learn about who we are and what we do." Congratulations Linda Johnson Rice on your Lifetime Achievement Award honor! Ebony Magazine Chair, Michael Gibson and Vice Chairman, Willard Scott were also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here to see a complete list of all the Pinnacle Awards Nominees. Special thanks to Misty Blue Media By La Trisha and La Tasha "Twins of Media" Photo credit: Priscilla Graham

Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz and Ex-Wife Mashonda Tifrere On Co-parenting With New Book “Blend”

by BSM TeamOctober 4, 2018January 11, 2020CELEBRITY, SOCIAL

Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz and Ex-Wife Mashonda Tifrere appeared on ABC Good Morning America Wednesday to discuss Tifrefe's new book Blend. The three parents sat down in an interview with GMA co-host, Michael Strahan. Keys wrote the foreword while Beatz wrote a chapter in the book.

ALICIA KEYS SECOND SURPRISE

Tifrere’s new book is about co-parenting. Sharing the family's journey from their rocky beginnings to where they are today. Tifrere spoke about how the tension between the parents affected her son. “He was, you know, acting out in his own little way,” she said. “He had some issues in school . . . he wanted to know why I couldn’t go see him at his dad’s, and why can’t his dad come over and see his bedroom at our house.”

Tifrere said it was “a wake up call.” “Like, we’ve got to do better, we’ve got to figure this out,” she said. “Even if we don’t want to for ourselves right now, we have to do it for him, cause he doesn’t deserve this.” It was that moment that Tifrere knew something had to change. In working to blend their family Tifrere spoke about the time she invited Keys to Kasseem’s 6th birthday. “That was a pivotal moment, because we had already been doing a lot of the work as far as communicating and really consciously trying to get to a new level of respect and … a different level of humanity with each other,” Tifrere said. “And I felt like, you know, ‘I really — I want Alicia to be here,'” Tifrere recalled. “And not only did she come, but she stayed until the end of the party, and that moment was our first time really hanging out together as a family.” Beatz also shared a message for men dealing with a similar situation. “When families don’t blend, and there’s a child involved, you know, as men, we always look for the way out,” he said. “‘Oh, well, you know, she’s not letting me see the kids … I won’t see ’em then.'” “We just take … our personal experiences with the mom and use that as an excuse not to see our child,” he said. “And I think that that’s the wrong way for the fellas to think.” Beatz added that when “you actually put the work in and put the time in to blend,” it’s a win for the whole family. “The child wins, and you as a father win, and the mom, and the bonus mom win as well, so then everybody wins,” he said. The journey in bringing their families together was not an easy process. After Tifrere and Beatz divorced in 2010, the parents could not get along for a while. This affected their son, Kasseem Jr., now 11. Keys who shares two biological children (Egypt and Genesis) with Beatz, loves being a part of their blended family and a bonus mom to Kasseem who he calls “Umi” which means mother in Arabic. “We love each other. I mean, we hang out with each other. We go to dinner together,” Keys told Strahan. “We’re doing Thanksgiving, we’re doing the holidays.” “It is a beautiful partnership,” she added. “And that is really, really special. I’m very, very proud of that.” Blending families together and co-parenting with exes is “a real thing, and it’s possible,” says Keys. Tifrere added that the blending process “can’t ever stop, because our children are growing.” Keys said she feels that she and Tifrere are “life partners” because of this. “I remember one day … Mashonda said to me, you know, ‘We’re going to be grandparents together,'” Keys said. “And I was like, ‘Wow.” The idea of sharing grandchildren one day “gives me chills right now,” Keys added. “It’s so beautiful.” Strahan ended the conversation by asking, each of you describe your blended family? Tifrere: "Flow," Keys: "My Inspiration, " and Beatz: "Victorious." Are you apart of a blended family? If so, what has been your journey in blending your family?

In her new book “Blend,” Mashonda Tifrere chronicles her journey co-parenting with her ex-husband, Swizz Beatz and his wife, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.

By BSM Team Feature Photo of Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys and Mashonda Tifrere with their blended family courtesy of Cole Cook

Exclusive: Dorien Wilson Star of Bounce TV Comedy “In The Cut”

by BSM Media Group LLC (BSM Magazine)September 24, 2018January 11, 2020CELEBRITY

Dorien Wilson stars in the Bounce TV comedy "In The Cut" now in its fourth season. He plays the character of Jason Weaver, a barbershop owner who meets a young man named Kenny (Ken Lawson) the biological son he never knew about. It's a fan favorite sitcom full of laughter and cast mate camaraderie. We caught up with Dorien by phone in between him filming a movie in Florida. Reminding him he will always be known by fans as Professor Olgevee (The Parkers). Read more on why he believes his career has lasted this long and the one actor he has never seen in a bad mood. Tell us what fans can expect more of following Season 4 of In The Cut? More of the funny. I think this is our best season yet. I think we are more solidified in our character and the relationships we have built with each other. We added Kellita Smith (Bernie Mac show) who plays my love interest, Cheryl. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Jay's status changes in the season finale. It's a really funny show and we're just here to tickle your funny bone for 22 minutes. What do you like most about working with the cast? It's so funny. I was talking about this not too long ago. All of us grew up in the ranks together in this business. I originally played Jackee Harry's boyfriend in Sister, Sister and fast forward twenty-something years and I play her ex-husband on this show. How crazy is that? (laughter)...we all have a relationship. As you know, Ken Lawson and I were on The Parkers together for 6 years. I was stoked when they told me he would play my TV son. As long as I've worked with this brother, I have never seen him in a bad mood or with an attitude. He's just one of the most kindest and professional people I have met in this business and I love working with him. For years, people thought me and John Marshall Jones (Clevon "Smitty" Smith) was the same person (laughs). I was always asked, "Are you the actor from The Smart Guy?" and he would have people greet him "Hey Professor!" Now we're working together side by side on the same show. Better yet, he and I share the same birthday and birth year (laughs). What would you say is the reason you have enjoyed longevity in your acting career? God! It's such a blessing. I don't take anything for granted because it can be taken away at any time. I have been so fortunate and blessed to remain consistent and relevant. It's sometimes unheard of in this type of career. I have been a regular on 6 television shows and it's amazing! I'm also doing more things behind the scenes as well. I am one of three executive producers for a new movie— a romantic comedy called His, Hers & the Truth. It's a very funny movie that I'm also in along with comedian, Cocoa Brown who plays my wife. It debuts Valentine's Day 2019. I'm so proud of the film! It's one of the reasons I was in Atlanta. We're bringing Hollywood to Dublin, GA where two of the executive producers are from. It's a small town and we're going to roll out the red carpet and have a Q&A session surrounding the movie. It will be fun! In all, I'm just reinventing myself as I go along. I just finished a Nickelodeon show—Belle and the Bulldog for three seasons where I played a coach and worked with some really amazing kids! When was the last time you laughed out loud in real life and not on social media? With my kids. They're nuts (laughs). Both of my children relish in picking on dad. They talk about how old I am though they say I look good and don't age. They crack on me for not knowing social media or computers, but the two of them together when they gang up is hysterical. It's all funny until I curse them out...(laughter). We think Dorien Wilson is a pretty happy go lucky guy and we look forward to seeing him acting for many more years.

SEASON 4 FINALE OF IN THE CUT AIRS TONIGHT ON BOUNCE TV 9/8C

Keep Up With Dorien Wilson Instagram #InTheCut

By Twins of Media Feature photo: Bounce TV

4 Things We Learned From Watching Netflix’s Nappily Ever After Starring Sanaa Lathan

by BSM TeamSeptember 24, 2018September 22, 2020BEAUTY, CELEBRITY, SOCIAL

Tiffany Haddish To Star As Lead Role In Netflix Animated Comedy Series

by BSM TeamMarch 1, 2018January 13, 2020CELEBRITY

Tiffany Haddish willstar in a lead role in the Netflix animated comedy series “Tuca and Bertie.” Haddish will play a cocky-care-free toucan named “Tuca” that is friends with “Bertie” a daydreaming singing bird according to THR.

The role “Bertie” has not yet been cast but we are sure fans of Haddish will look forward to the entire cast reveal soon. “Tuca and Bertie” join a list of other animated series on Netflix that will roll out more developmental projects in the near future. In addition to “Tuca and Bertie” the "Girls Trip" actress/ comedian is also working on multiple projects, including “The Last O.J.” and “Night School" with Kevin Hart. Most recently she released her stand-up special on Showtime and she is set to host the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Yass! We are wishing Tiffany much success!

by BSM Team Photo: Getty

STAR OF OWN NETWORK SERIES ‘QUEEN SUGAR’ TIMON KYLE DURRETT TALKS SEASON TWO PREMIERE

by BSM Media Group LLC (BSM Magazine)January 20, 2017February 12, 2019CELEBRITY

On the OWN network, you portray Davis West in the drama series 'Queen Sugar.' Discuss your character on the show and what attracted you to the role.

5 Reasons Why ‘For Peete’s Sake’ is a Viewer Favorite

by BSM Media Group LLC (BSM Magazine)April 7, 2016February 14, 2019CELEBRITY, SOCIAL

Holly Robinson Peete and her retired NFL husband, Rodney Peete have embarked on a new journey sharing their home life in their own docuseries "For Peete's Sake." The long-married duo remains to keep their focus on their four children while living in the spotlight. With twins RJ, who has autism, and daughter Ryan, athlete Robinson and preteen Roman, the series follows the Peete's navigating their offspring's as they approach adulthood as any devoted parents would. Life is full for the Peete's which include Rodney's health post-football, Holly's mother and manager Dolores and running of their charity, the HollyRod Foundation. They're our normal "television" family and we're giving you five reasons they've instantly become a viewership favorite. Marriage – Holly and Rodney Peete have been married for twenty years. Those who are married know that a long-lasting union requires work, and these two have managed to make it happen for two decades. Family – Come on let’s face it, The Peete’s are a good-looking family, however, it’s the unconditional love displayed from episode one that caught our attention. We applaud the Peete’s, along with Holly’s mom, Dolores (the children’s grandmother) in working together to raise four beautiful and well-behaved children with four different personalities; Rodney Jr., RJ (17), Ryan Elizabeth (17), Robinson James (13) and Roman (10). Autism Awareness – Son RJ was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. And Holly and Rodney have always been open about RJ’s diagnosis. Both have brought awareness about the disorder all throughout his childhood while continuously advocating for the cause to help their son and others. Rodney Jr. (RJ) – The viewers were smitten with RJ from day one. When we see him we don’t just see Autism, we see a handsome, lovable, kind, polite and smart kid. Although he has Autism, it does not have him. RJ has a pure sweetness about him that reminds us that God makes no mistakes. His spirit is also a reminder that we are here on this earth to love others in spite of any differences or challenges. Comedy – Although the show touches on the real life, day-to-day issues of marriage, kids, work etc. A family that laughs together stays happily together! Holly is a natural already when it comes to comedic timing, but seeing her and Rodney interact with the children can sometimes be a bit humorous. It reminds us that "oh yeah, the former NFL Football player and beautiful actress are just like us, and that's why we love the Peete's! Message to RJ— "We are on this journey with you as you transition into adulthood, the workplace and being an advocate for Autism Awareness. Your star is bright!" ~Twins of Media ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________