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Chester Rogers, Career Football Player and Actor, talks about “BMF” role

Chester Rogers, known for his football career with six seasons on the field, has opened up about his role on BMF. And his account is intriguing, especially for those interested in what it takes to pursue two major passions.

Chester Rogers, the Double Threat

Chester Rogers

Image Source: Getty Images

Rogers has worked to make a name for himself in the NFL. Now he’s blazing a trail in another sector, the television/film industry. While transitioning from football to acting may seem a stretch, it’s not for Rogers. In an interview with TMZ, Rogers revealed how he’s been pursuing acting since he was ten. And along the way, he’s nabbed a role or two. According to TMZ, Rogers appeared in a 2005 film alongside some big players in the film industry.  Rogers is said to have assumed the role of a young Billy Dee Williams, acting alongside such names as Gabrielle Union, Zoe Saldana, Hill Harper, and Billy Dee himself in the movie Constellation.  And that’s not small potatoes.

 Rogers Seizes Opportunities

Rogers has directed much of his attention toward the NFL but has continued his pursuit of acting. And his current role in BMF serves as proof. According to Rogers, when he first got the part, he had low expectations regarding screen time. He went on to tell TMZ,

“I thought it was going to be one episode, one little scene,”

However, it turned out to be much more. He has been filming for six months and has had to turn down some NFL opportunities. Rogers went on to note,

“I’m in multiple episodes. My character continued to evolve. Throughout that time, I had to turn down almost ten different contracts from NFL to finish filming.”

One wonders, given such a decision, where his secret lies. How does he juggle both?

 Success Secret

No one denies that juggling the NFL and acting is a challenging job. But Rogers is managing and undoubtedly loving every minute of it. And in this case, there is no need to wonder how he does both. Rogers does not shy away from revealing the secret of his success. As he so exclaims,

“it requires a helluva lot of “sacrifice” and “discipline.”

One couldn’t imagine it requiring anything less.

BMF

BMF, the hit series under the production of 50Cent, is currently streaming on Starz. The hit series dramatizes the exploits of the infamous “Black Mafia Family” under the leadership of Demetrius and Kevin Flenory. BMF is in its second season and continues to position itself as a wildly entertaining top-tier drama.

In Conclusion

There is nothing like getting the chance to live your dreams fully. While so few get such opportunities, Rogers does, and he does whatever is in the realm of his capabilities to do both at the top level. So a round of applause to Rogers for landing a spot on the hit drama. But most of all, for pursuing his passions. His talent is admirable, but his work ethic is everything.

Written by: Renae Richardson

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David Mann Opens Up About His 2-Year Battle With Depression

David Mann and his wife, Tamela Mann, sat down with Tamron Hall on the Tamron Hall Show this Wednesday (Oct 12). Widely known for bringing laughter to the world, David opens up about secretly battling depression and how he has dealt with his encounter with mental health issues. 

“Pray For Your Strong Friends”

David Mann gave insight into his two-year battle with depression. Mann referred to himself as a “fixer.” 

“I’m a fixer; I’ll fix everything,” Mann shared. “As the male figure and head of the family, he takes the lead on many decisions of his household…As long as everybody else is good, I’ll figure it out in my own later.” 

David also shared the driving force behind now being forthcoming about his battles. He specifically highlighted the stigma in the black community as it relates to mental health and therapy. 

“Quite honestly, I was embarrassed. I was ashamed because, ya know, I’m David Mann. I make the world laugh,” Mann said. 

“It’s like I was drowning, but nobody knew I was drowning,” Mann continued with tears in his eyes. “The only way people were going to realize I was drowning was if I completely drowned.”

While there’s much to say about this sensitive topic, David shares how he just knew “something didn’t feel right.” Tamela chimed in on noticing signs but admitted depression was not something she considered. The two agreed prayer was at the forefront but seeking professional help ultimately brought comfort and healing in conjunction. 

The Mann Duo

The famous Mann-duo sang to the hearts of many through gospel music while a part of Kirk Franklin’s gospel group in the early 1990s. This stint in their musical career earned them many accolades.  

David Mann Tamela Mann Pictures, Photos & Images - Zimbio
David Mann with his wife. Image source: Getty Images.

David and Tamela Mann took the world by storm with their roles in Tyler Perry’s productions. With Tamela as Cora Simmons and David as Mr. Brown, the Manns brought an organic edge to comedy that’s impossible to duplicate. 

The two have been together for over 34 years and have raised 5 children together. Though they have achieved much success, mental health still became a trial their family had to overcome. 

Written by Antoinette Ford | Facebook: Antoinette Ford | Instagram: iamtonimonique_ | Twitter: @mizzford9

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A Joint Album & More For Boosie Badazz and T.I.

According to Boosie Badazz, he and T.I. have big plans for the future. They plan to work together on a new joint album and television show.

A Boosie Badazz and T.I. Joint Album

Boosie Badazz prepares for joint album with T.I.
Boosie Badazz/ credit- Prince Williams/ Getty Images

Boosie Badazz recently appeared on B High TV radio, where he dropped the news. The host asked Boosie about working with Yung L.A. on “36 Oz”. Yung L.A. got his break after signing to Grand Hustle Records. Naturally, one of the founders of Grand Hustle came up.

“Me and T.I. got an album on the way,” Boosie Badazz claimed.

Boosie decided to give out that information freely. The joint album between these two southern rappers is definitely a project to look out for. Boosie Badazz hints that the album is already in progress. “We sendin’ ’em back and forth, and we gonna get it in for the last rodeo and knock out our last five,” Boosie explained.

This also wouldn’t be the first time T.I. and Boosie have worked together on music. A joint album was most likely always in the air, and now it will finally become a reality.

A Reality Show For The South

The joint album is not the only project in the works. Boosie Badazz and T.I. have decided to put out a reality show. Their sons, King Harris and Tootie Raww will be the event’s focus. According to Boosie, the reality show will be called “Raw Ass Kids.”

Tootie Raww in Trippin music video
Tootie Raww in Trippin music video/ credit – YouTube/ video produced by Night Lyfe Ent.

King Harris and Tootie Raww have decided to follow in their fathers’ footsteps in more than one instance. Both kids are rappers but unfortunately, they have also been arrested. The arrests of T.I. and Boosie Badazz then made the Hip-Hop news circuit. These topics have a high chance of coming up in the show. “Raw Ass Kids” seems interesting, but for now, the show is only in the development phase.

 

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A post shared by Kid Saiyan (@the_next_king10)

T.I. and King have been on reality television before. T.I even had his entire family on “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.” King also got a considerable following from the show after becoming a fan favorite.

T.I. and King have prominent personalities, making them perfect for a reality show. Also, Boosie will fit right in with the two of them, and if Tootie Raww is anything like his father, then the entertainment factor will not be lacking.

Written by Xavier “Writer X” Griffin | Facebook @WriterX93 | Twitter @WRITER_X_713 | Instagram xaviegriffin81

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50 Cent To Executive Produce New Hip Hop Homicides Show With Mona Scott-Young

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Mona Scott-Young, curator of Love & Hip Hop franchise, will produce a television show called Hip Hop Homicides for WEtv.

Hosted by former TMZ persona Van Lathan, Hip Hop Homicides explores unsolved murders in the hip-hop world. The series is scheduled to debut later this year on AMC Networks’ channels WEtv and ALLBLK. It consists of eight parts.

Jackson is going to executive produce via G-Unit Film & Television, and Scott-Young will do so for Monami Productions, founded by her, alongside Michael Lang and Stephanie R. Gayle. Kari McFarland, Lauren Gellert, Anthony Wilson, and Vanessa Satten will executive produce for WEtv. Don Sikorski, best known for his work on BMF, will be the consulting producer. 

Also, Monami Productions will deal with the show’s physical production, while Lionsgate will deal with international distribution rights. 

“50 and I created this show in response to the disturbing number of murders in hip hop,” Young said in a statement. “With this boots-on-the-ground investigative series, we will look to closely examine and explore leads surrounding these cases with the hope of finally providing loved ones with answers.”

Jackson said, “G-Unit Film and Television has thrived by telling real stories. As I continue to grow my current slate, premium non-scripted programming will be a major focus. Hip-hop loves things that are damaged. This series will shed light on the artists that didn’t make it through the struggle.”

The 46-year-old Queens rapper and businessman currently has a deal with Lionsgate’s Starz. There, 50 Cent executive produced Power through G-Unit Films and Television. 

President of Lionsgate Nonfiction Television said Lionsgate is happy to link with Jackson as well as Scott-Young on his new endeavor. He also called Hip Hop Homicides an “eye-opening reality series” that will “captivate audiences”.

Words by Amber Alexander

Twitter: Ambernofetari

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Donald Glover Has Had Enough Trolling From Haters

Rapper and actor, Childish Gambino, has had enough of the trolling haters. In a rare sighting, he sent a tweet letting haters know that he’d appreciate it if they addressed him directly. 2022 brings goals and new attitudes so here is one from the Atlanta producer.

In the tweet, he expressed, “please @ me this year if u talk shit on me.”

https://twitter.com/donaldglover/status/1481438312627793921?s=20

Mr. Glover didn’t hold back in the replies to his tweet either. A commenter addressed his SoundCloud content being removed, seemingly because of Glover. Turns out, his record company reported its use due to copyright issues. Clearing his name, Glover let them know not to come for him.

https://twitter.com/nosliwyekim/status/1481116078998708228?s=20

https://twitter.com/donaldglover/status/1481386481675497475?s=20

Glover has earned his stripes in the entertainment industry, as his show, Atlanta, has been on the receiving end of endless awards. The critically acclaimed show has earned two Golden Globe Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. His prestigious Emmy win made history as he was the first African American to win Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.

The American comedy-drama television series premiered on September 6, 2016, on FX. With the third season set to premiere on March 24, 2022, he is seemingly getting the crowd roaring as we approach its season.

Fans have had plenty to say since the highly sought-after show has been absent since season 2 in 2018. The show’s promise came in a statement from the President of FX, Eric Schrier. “We are thrilled to have Atlanta back with a new season on March 24th. Once again, Donald Glover, the producers and stellar cast have delivered another signature season synonymous with the excellence that makes Atlanta so great,” he said.

What’s next for Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino?

We know that Childish Gambino had taken a backseat to music. His last album, 3.15.20, peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart.  Following the announcement of it being his last album, he subsequently revealed he had yet another album coming. “Last music project was probably my best,” he said in November 2020. “but the one coming will be my biggest by far. listen to ‘new ancient strings’ outside. There is a lot (of magic) comin. yall thought I was hot in 2018.”

Let’s not forget his 8 figure deal with Amazon Prime. The 2005 movie, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, was said to reboot with Glover and Waller-Bridge serving as executive producers. Furthermore, this will afford Glover his own Prime Video channel.

In essence, Mr. Glover has earned the respect of music and television lovers alike.

Written by Antoinette Ford

 

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Big Sean Almost Landed Role in 50 Cent’s New Tv Series

50 Cent has been pumping out television series like crazy over the last several years. Despite COVID complications, the NY rapper has appear frequently on high rated shows, such as Power. Somehow, he also found the time to create shows of his own, most notably BMF. In an interview with TV Line released yesterday, Big Sean revealed that he was almost cast in one of 50 Cent’s shows. Currently, Big Sean is preparing for the premier of the season finale of Twenties.

TV Line Interviews Big Sean

Although Big Sean has dabble in television, Twenties is a marked step in his career. It is the first live-action fictional role he has ever had.

 

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A post shared by TWENTIES (@twentiesonbet)

In response, TV Line interviewed Big Sean to ask him about his plans for the future. Evidently, he has no intentions of quitting showbiz any time soon. The rapper, or rather actor seems enthralled by the process.

“It’s a different experience, for sure. A lot of doing it over and over again and hoping that they use the right take. There’s a lot of things you’re thinking about like, ‘Dang, I really like how I did it this way, and they might not use it because it [doesn’t] fit the director’s vision.’ It’s a different game than music, but a lot of similarities, since you have to focus and apply yourself, and the product turns out the way it does.”

The interview took an emotional turn and began to discuss Big Sean’s inspirations and goals. The actor expresses sadness at the loss of visionaries within the black community and wants to make the most of his time.

“We’ve been losing a lot of close people. We’ve been losing a lot of visionaries, a lot of peers, a lot of artists. You really realize how valuable your time is, so I’ve been like, ‘Man, I have to do all these things I’ve always wanted to do.’ I want to write a book. I want to musically explore other things. I want to take it to different levels. I want to write movies. Time is so not guaranteed. You just have to do it.”

A Powerful Pairing

This is the first we at FMHipHop have heard about a possible collaboration between Fiddy and Big Sean on the big screen. And can I say, man do we really want that now! The artists have done tremendous work individually; it would be inspiring to see what they could create when they collaborate.

https://youtu.be/jcp2KpgElRI

It doesn’t appear that the role fell through due to incompatibility between the two stars. Rather, both have so much on hands that it just wasn’t possible to find a common timeframe.

“I was actually supposed to do something with 50 [Cent], but it didn’t line up schedule-wise,” [Big Sean] shares. “But those are great people. [BMF] is one of my favorites right now. I love the Power universe — Raising Kanan and all of that. It’s fire.”

Hopefully, we can take this as a teaser for something to come in the future!

by Chris Colasurdo
@cfcolasurdo on Twitter

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Viola Davis Stars as Michelle Obama in Showtime’s ‘The First Lady’

Showtime is gearing up to release a new anthology series titled The First Lady. It depicts the lives of three female political figures in US history: Betty Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Michelle Obama. The series is set to air next year, with Michelle Pfieffer starring as Betty. Gillian Anderson is also starring as Eleanor, while Viola Davis stars as Michelle. 

According to Entertainment WeeklyThe First Lady will focus on all three first ladies’ personal and political lives, including their experiences before entering the White House. 

Exclusive photos from the series include an image of Viola Davis standing next to her on-screen husband, O-T Fagbenle, who depicts Barack Obama. Another one shows Davis hovering over Regina Taylor, who represents Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson. Lexi Underwood and Saniyya Sidney portray the Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha, respectively. 

The images of each first lady with their on-screen families give a sneak peek of what’s to come on The First Lady regarding how they handle the public and also their lives with loved ones.

After doing extensive research, Viola Davis reportedly said to EW that she feels very protective of Michelle’s legacy. “It’s our job as actors not to judge whoever we are portraying, but I ended up thinking she’s just dope,” she says. To prepare for the role, she had a very long talk with Mrs. Obama, read her book Becoming, and also watched her 2020 Netflix documentary. Davis did all of this to perfect her representation of the former first lady on screen.

Also worth mentioning is that Davis is the executive producer for The First Lady. The first series will follow all the leading ladies’ “journeys to Washington through an enlightening intimacy.” Entertainment Weekly reports. 

The show will debut in Spring 2022.

Written by Amber Alexander

Twitter: Ambernofetari

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The Best Hip Hop Glee Covers

Glee Has Been A Blessing And A Curse in Its Own Way

Glee has always been such an inspirational and fun show for everyone to watch. Within the television series, the characters all had different identities with different struggles, such as sexual identities and race. Yet, all of the New Directions members managed to be united as one as they sang together, which makes the show inspirational. The show has also been labeled as a curse due to numerous deaths of actors during and after the remarkable show ended. With Naya Rivera’s recent death, many fans have been rewatching the show as a way to remember her. In light of Rivera (Santana Lopez), Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson), and Mark Salling (Noah Puckerman), who have all passed, here are some of the best hip hop Glee covers! 

Photo from E Online!

The Best Hip Hop Glee Covers Yet!

Run The World (Girls)

Back in season three, Santana and Brittnay were an item. They became united in emphasizing the importance of girl power and sexual relations between women which motivated the performance. Brittnay was in charge of making a statement of girl power by using a flash mob. The performance was for the entire school, motivating others to make positive changes, and to vote for Brittnay. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cht8-UGSrVc

 

Bust A Move

Actor Matthew Morrison, also known as Will Schuester kicked off the performance during season one. He showed his kids what old school hip hop really is by busting a move. Schuester took the lead in the song, while glee club members accompanied him with vocals! It shows how hip hop can really bring people together, no matter what age. 

 

Empire State of Mind

For the premiere of Glee’s second season, the original glee members performed as a group to showcase their talents, encouraging others to join. Encouragement was done through hip hop, attracting eyes and newer member Sam Evans, portrayed by Chord Overstreet. This is definitely one of the best glee covers for the whole team. It gave everyone a chance to shine in the song through various solos. 

There’s More Hip Hop Where That Came From

Throughout the show of glee, the actors have performed all genres of music. More hip hop songs presented on the show, from old school to new school. A few examples are “Doo Wop”, “Hall of Fame”, and “Blame It On The Alcohol”. Glee and its amazing actors along with their legendary covers will not be forgotten. 

Sydney Geller | IG: @sydneyyyyy_g |