12-29-06 EUR: Soul Brother No. 1 Takes Final Bow at Apollo Theater

EUR Headlines

SOUL BROTHER NO. 1 TAKES FINAL BOW AT APOLLO: Body of James Brown seen by thousands at famous Harlem venue.
*Fans began lining up early Thursday morning at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater to say a final goodbye to soul legend James Brown, who died of congestive heart failure in Atlanta on Dec. 25. Read Full Story

FERGIE, USHER WANT ROLES IN JAMES BROWN BIOPIC: Singers waste no time throwing hat into the ring.
*Less than 24 hours after the announcement of Spike Lee’s planned biopic on the late James Brown, folks are already throwing their hats into the mix to be considered for the project. Read Full Story

REGINA KING, BLAIR UNDERWOOD AMONG PAFF HONOREES: Pan African Film Festival to be held Feb. 8-19 in Los Angeles.
*Regina King and Blair Underwood are among the list of honorees to be awarded at the 15th annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival in Los Angeles. Read Full Story

NAS’ ‘DEAD’ HAS ARISEN: Rapper’s new album tops Billboard; Beyonce’s ‘Irreplaceable’ remains No. 1, Spanish version climbs Latin chart.
*Nas’ new album “Hip Hop is Dead” has entered the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1 this week, while Beyonce continues to reign supreme over the Hot 100 singles chart with her latest “B’Day” release, “Irreplaceable.” Read Full Story

OMAR WANTS TO 'SING': UK singer crafts jazz-funk-soul-Latin disc
By Kenya M Yarbrough
*Ironically, during a five-year hiatus from recording songs, British soul/funk singer Omar did some serious work on his singing career. The singer built his own studio, launched his own independent record label, and did quite a few shows. So much for down time. Off the break, Omar completed his sixth album, "Sing (If You Want It)" earlier this year, and it's primed as the artist's "funkiest album so far." Read Full Story

EUR FILM REVIEW: Children of Men
By Kam Williams
*It is the year 2027, and humanity's prospects are growing bleaker day by day, because a child hasn't been born on the planet in 18 years. For some unknown reason, male sperm counts have dropped to the point of sterility. Read Full Story

OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules -- Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
By Kam Williams
Black Christmas (R for sex, expletives, nudity, gore, and graphic violence) Remake of high attrition-rate slasher flick from 1974, set on a college campus during Christmas break, features eight cute coeds (Katie Cassidy, Lacey Chabert, Crystal Lowe, Jessica Harmon, Leela Savasta, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jessica Harmon and Michelle Trachtenberg) being stalked by an escapee (Robert Mann) from an insane asylum who once lived in the attic of their sorority house. Read Full Story

TIMBALAND PREPARES NEW ALBUM FOR MARCH: Producer keeping guest lineup secret.
*It’s been a minute since Timbaland has produced tracks for his own benefit. After a 2006 that saw his work warmly received via new albums from Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, the Virginia native will begin 2007 with his own project featuring a top secret lineup of guests. Read Full Story

TAYE DIGGS’ NEXT GIG – CHOREOGRAPHY: Actor develops solo piece for Broadway’s Desmond Richardson.
*Now that the sun has set on his ABC series “Day Break,” Taye Diggs has returned to his song and dance roots to choreograph a solo piece for Broadway dance veteran, Desmond Richardson. Read Full Story

HAMMOND, HATHAWAY JOIN ‘PRAISE PARTY 2006’: Talent to perform during Watch Night services at Faithful Central in Inglewood, CA.
*Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA and Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer celebrate “Praise Party 2006” at The Forum for traditional Watch Night services. Read Full Story

DONALD FAISON SINGS HIS WAY ONTO YOUTUBE: Scenes from upcoming ‘Scrubs’ musical episode premiere online today.
*It worked for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Producers of the NBC comedy “Scrubs” are hoping that a full-fledged, Broadway-style musical version of an upcoming episode will go over just as well with fans of the hospital-themed comedy. Read Full Story

JAMES BROWN, BESSIE SMITH IN FILM REGISTRY: 2006 selections include Godfather’s ‘T.A.M.I.’ gig and sole film recording of Smith.
*Performances by the late James Brown and blues legend Bessie Smith are among the 25 films that were named to the National Film Registry on Wednesday. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: Eminem on New Year’s Eve; Mays, Black Barons to be honored; Xtina gifts Diddy twins; De La Hoya on ‘Lopez’; TEENick premiere’s Lil' JJ.
*Under the banner “Shady New Year," rapper Eminem will spend New Year's Eve counting down his 25 favorite hip-hop tracks on his Sirius Satellite Radio channel Shade 45. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-29-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EUR all on ONE page Read Full Story

12-28-06 EURxtra: Spike Lee to Direct James Brown Biopic

EUR Headlines

SPIKE LEE TO DIRECT JAMES BROWN BIOPIC: Paramount and Brian Grazer’s Imagine to produce project for possible release in late 2008.
*Spike Lee has been tapped to direct a feature film on the life of James Brown from a script that has been languishing for some time in draft form. Read Full Story

TOMI RAE STILL TRYING TO GET IN THE HOUSE: James Brown’s former backup singer says she can prove they were married.
*The rollercoaster relationship between James Brown and his partner Tomi Rae Hynie continues on, even after the entertainer’s death on Christmas morning. Read Full Story

DEATH BOOSTS JAMES BROWN MUSIC DOWNLOADS: Amazon.com says JB songs were its fastest-selling material Tuesday.
*Less than 24 hours after the death of James Brown on Monday, fans rushed Amazon.com’s digital download site and began purchasing songs from his extensive catalog of music. Read Full Story

LIL’ KIM WANTS A HALF MIL FOR UK REALITY SHOW: Rapper laughed at initial ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ offer of £255,000.
*According to the British tabloids, Lil Kim told producers of the UK reality show “Big Brother” that it would take a payment of £500,000 for her to appear on the celebrity version of the program, which is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 3. Read Full Story

FLORIDA CRITICS HONOR HUDSON, WHITAKER, HOUNSOU: Also, ‘Dreamgirls’ chosen among runners-up for best film.
*Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker and Djimon Hounsou were among the acting award recipients selected by the Florida Film Critics Circle. Read Full Story

USHER HAS SPECIAL MEMORIES OF JAMES BROWN: ‘Godfather’ anointed singer ‘Godson of Soul’ during 2005 Grammy performance.
*Following their riveting set at the 2005 Grammy Awards, James Brown gave Usher the ultimate seal of approval. The Godfather of Soul publicly anointed the then 26-year-old the “Godson of Soul.” Read Full Story

JILL SCOTT DUETS FILL NEW ALBUM: ‘Collaborations’ due Jan. 30 with songs featuring Common, Fiasco, Botti and others.
*Hidden Beach Recordings has gathered 14 duets featuring its artist Jill Scott and various guests for the new album, “Collaborations.” Read Full Story

EUR DVD REVIEW: The Black Dahlia
By Kam Williams
*This distinctly-disappointing detective drama fails to measure up to the best of Brian De Palma's resume'. Adapted from the James Ellroy novel, this grisly mystery is loosely based on the real-life saga involving the gruesome vivisection of a 22 year-old cocktail waitress named Elizabeth "Betty" Short. Read Full Story

AISHA HINDS BEHIND LIFETIME ‘CONSPIRACY’: Actress joins new drama pilot, will next star opposite Kevin Costner on big screen.
*Actress Aisha Hinds, best known for her role opposite Laurence Fishburne in “Assault on Precinct 13,” has joined the cast of Lifetime’s drama pilot “Conspiracy.” Read Full Story

EUR DVD REVIEW: The Descent
By Kam Williams
*A year ago, outdoor enthusiasts Sarah (Shauna Macdonald), Beth (Alex Reid), and Juno (Natalie Mendoza) went on a camping trip together. However, these best friends' fun was first spoiled when Juno allowed herself to be caught in a compromising position with Sarah's husband, Paul (Oliver Millburn). Read Full Story

VH1 SCHEDULES JAMES BROWN PROGRAMMING: Fare includes ‘(inside)Out’ special; final TV appearance and classic music videos.
*To honor the life and legacy of music legend James Brown, VH1 will air its 2005 “(inside)Out” special on the entertainer, while VH1 Classic will re-air his final televised appearance from last month's "Third Annual UK Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony." Read Full Story

BET PLUGS PRE-TAPED NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH: Busta, Nas, Bow Wow, Yung Joc, Cherish on hand for ‘106 & Party’ special.
*BET will ring in the new year with performances by Busta Rhymes, Nas, Bow Wow, Young Joc, Cherish, Young Jeezy and others on its holiday special “106 & Party,” scheduled to air Sunday, Dec. 31 from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: Reggae’s finest; ‘SVU’ books Underwood/Michele; Eminem’s ex-sister-in-law arrested; we remember Carl Blaze.
*Sean Paul and Matisyahu were reggae's top acts in 2006, according to Billboard magazine. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-28-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EUR all on ONE page Read Full Story

12-27-06 EUR: James Brown Viewing-Funeral Details / 'Dreamgirls' Opens Big

EUR Headlines

JAMES BROWN REMEMBERED: Public viewing/funeral in Augusta, body to lie in state at Apollo Theater; public reaction continues; plus, widow denied access to home.
*Within hours of his death early Christmas morning, fans of James Brown had lit candles and placed flowers at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while devotees in his adopted hometown of Augusta, Ga gathered at his statue to remember the music icon and his impact. Read Full Story

“DREAMGIRLS” OPENS BIG ON CHRISTMAS DAY: Plus Hudson booked for Manhattan gig Dec. 30; history of film’s signature song.
*On Christmas Day alone, “Dreamgirls” earned an estimated $8.7 million to place it among the top ten grossing films for the entire holiday weekend (Friday through Monday) at U.S. and Canadian theaters. (See full box office rankings below.)The film will expand to about 2,000 theaters in the coming weeks. Read Full Story

BLIGE, FOXX ARE TOP R&B ARTISTS OF 2006: Chris Brown named Billboard’s Top Pop Artist.
*Mary J. Blige chose the perfect title for her current album, “The Breakthrough.” Read Full Story

KIM FIELDS: Actress/producer promotes documentary and prepares for motherhood
*Actress/Producer/Director Kim Fields has some great expectations. The former TV child star has continued her work in front of and behind the cameras over decades and now has a new role she’s preparing for – motherhood. Read Full Story

DIDDY EXPLAINS NAMES OF HIS TWIN GIRLS: Mogul posts video message on his MySpace page.
*Sean “Diddy” Combs felt the need to post a video message to his MySpace page explaining the names of his new set of twin girls with girlfriend Kim Porter. Read Full Story

MONIE LOVE VS. YOUNG JEEZY: Did live confrontation lead to her sudden exit from Philly’s WPHI-FM?
*Veteran rapper Monie Love, best known for her 1990 album “Down to Earth” and its hit singles “Monie in the Middle” and "It's a Shame (My Sister)," was a morning jock on Philadelphia’s 100.3 The Beat (WPHI-FM) until early last week, when she was suddenly absent in the wake of an on-air spat with Young Jeezy. Read Full Story

MIJAC SUES FORMER ACCOUNTANTS, RELOCATES TO VEGAS?: Star says firm never paid his bills; Vegas tycoon says Jackson in town to plot comeback.
*Not even the Christmas holiday can stop Michael Jackson from making headlines. The entertainer has filed a lawsuit against his former accountants for failing to pay his bills, and word has it that he has just moved his home base from Europe to Las Vegas to prepare for his planned comeback. Read Full Story

J.LO AND EX CHRIS JUDD IN REALITY SHOW FACE-OFF: Each has dance-related TV projects on cable.
*Cris Judd, who hosts the reality competition "Dirty Dancing" on the Women's Entertainment cable channel, says he has nothing but well-wishes for the upcoming dance-themed reality show from his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez. Read Full Story

KOLA BOOF: The 'Diary of a Lost Girl' interview with Kam Williams
*Egyptian/Sudanese-American writer Kola Boof is the author of seven books published in eight countries. Her autobiography, "Diary of a Lost Girl" (Door of Kush, ISBN: 0-9712019-8-6) was this critic's #1 pick on the 10 Best Black Books List for 2006. Read Full Story

DWAYNE WADE DELIVERS OFF THE COURT: Miami Heat star and wife give away Christmas gifts to underprivileged kids.
*Before scoring 40 points to lead his Miami Heat in a Christmas Day victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, guard Dwayne Wade and his wife threw their annual Christmas party for 250 or so underprivileged kids at a South Florida arcade. Read Full Story

NEW ARETHA ALBUM HAS HIGH-POWERED GUEST LIST: Shirley Caesar, Clark Sisters clan, Faith Hill among the talent.
*Aretha Franklin tells Billboard that her forthcoming album, "Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love," is "the real deal," and proof is in the amazing array of talent featured on the project. Read Full Story

POSTHUMOUS GERALD LEVERT LP DUE IN FEBRUARY: Late singer also featured on new album from rapper Styles P.
*“In My Songs,” the album recorded by Gerald Levert before his sudden death from a heart attack on Nov. 10, has a release date of Feb. 13 via Atlantic Records, Billboard reports. Read Full Story

DEATH ROW DROPS ANOTHER COMPILATION SET: ‘15 Years on Death Row’ features DVD, remixes and unreleased tracks.
*On Tuesday, Death Row Records released "15 Years on Death Row," a deluxe double CD/DVD package featuring all the hit singles from 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, The Dogg Pound, Warren G, Nate Dogg and more. Read Full Story

SPORTS BITS: Griffey’s hand; Dontrelle’s DUI; Tiger tops AP; Bob Johnson’s block; Nifong supported; Jordan the wingman.
*Cincinnati Reds center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. suffered a broken left hand during an accident last week at his Orlando home, the club announced on Friday. Read Full Story

FILM/TV BITS: Comic relief; ‘Day Break’ holdup; 4-hour ‘Today Show?’; ‘Ugly Betty’ marathon; Will’s wedding envy.
*Paul Mooney and Paul Rodriguez were among the comedians who handed out free Christmas meals and standup routines to more than 1,400 people Monday at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood, the sight of Michael Richards’ infamous N-word tirade. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-27-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EUR all on ONE page Read Full Story

12-22-06 EUR: Jennifer Hudson's 'Dream' Comes True / Twin Girls for Diddy

EUR Headlines

JENNIFER HUDSON'S 'DREAMGIRLS' DREAM CAME TRUE: Hollywood newcomer steals the show.
By Kenya M Yarbrough
*Of all the buzz surrounding the upcoming film “Dreamgirls,” the name on everyone’s lips is screen newcomer Jennifer Hudson. The powerhouse singer and now acclaimed actress makes her film debut in the movie as pinnacle character Effie White, the original lead of the “fictional” girl group in the flick, which is patterned after the controversial story of the Supremes and original lead singer Florence Ballard. Read Full Story

DIDDY’S TWIN GIRLS ARE BORN IN MANHATTAN: Mogul flew in from Toronto just in time for their arrival.
*Sean “Diddy” Combs was in Toronto filming the ABC movie “A Raisin in the Sun” when he was informed that his longtime girlfriend Kim Porter was ready to deliver their twin girls. Read Full Story

UNCENSORED TIMBERLAKE ‘SNL’ VIDEO AN INTERNET HIT: NBC’s Web site ran explicit version, which of course ended up on YouTube.
*Last weekend, Justin Timberlake hosted “Saturday Night Live” and appeared in a special Christmas-themed “SNL digital short that has taken the Internet by storm. Read Full Story

WE REMEMBER MIKE EVANS: TV veteran, best known as the first Lionel on ‘The Jeffersons’ and co-creator of ‘Good Times,’ died earlier this month at age 57.
*Mike Evans, best known for his role as Lionel Jefferson on "All In he Family" and in the first three seasons of its spin-off "The Jeffersons," died peacefully with family, on December 14, 2006 after a battle with throat cancer, said his niece Dr. Chrystal Evans. Read Full Story

UCLA TAPS HUDLIN FOR THEATER SCHOOL BOARD: Dean says BET head is ‘a role model for young African Americans.’
*Filmmaker and Black Entertainment Television president Reginald Hudlin has been named to the executive board of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, reports Variety. Read Full Story

EDDIE MURPHY: The Dreamgirls Interview with Kam Williams
*Born in Brooklyn on April 3, 1961, Edward Regan Murphy began appearing on stage at the age of 15, doing a combination of impersonations and side-splitting observational humor. While still in his teens, he joined the ensemble cast of Saturday Night Live, and was instantly catapulted to superstardom. Read Full Story

DONNELL ‘ASHY’ RAWLINGS ON ART OF STAYING EMPLOYED: Former ‘Chappelle’s Show’ regular haunted by its sudden cancellation.
*In an interview with the New York Daily News, Donnell Rawlings explains the reason behind his willingness to co-host a morning radio show, nurture a standup-comedy career, and take regular acting gigs in TV and film projects – all at the same time. Read Full Story

EUR FILM REVIEW: Dreamgirls
By Kam Williams
*Generally speaking, this critic has been woefully underwhelmed by latter-day screen adaptations of celebrated Broadway musicals. The primary problem with the genre has been that even as films, they still tend to look like stage productions, thereby failing to take advantage of the array of spatial, temporal, visual, aural and technical enhancements suddenly made available by the shift to the cinematic medium. Read Full Story

BEYONCE’S ‘IRREPLACEABLE’ CONTINUES CHART REIGN: Song stays atop Billboard’s Hot 100, Pop 100 and R&B/Hip Hop charts.
*If “Dreamgirls” does big box office Monday as expected, Beyonce may be the first artist since J.Lo to have a number one song and film at the same time. Read Full Story

PRINCE CONTRIBUTES TO JONI MITCHELL TRIBUTE CD: Artist puts his twist on singer’s classic “A Case of You.”
*Prince has always credited Joni Mitchell as one of his biggest musical influences. The eternal fan continues to honor the folk legend as one of 11 vocalists chosen to cover one of her tunes on the CD, “A Tribute to Joni Mitchell.” Read Full Story

IVERSON TALKS ABOUT TRADE TO DENVER: NBA star gives first post-trade interview to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
*In his first interview since being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Denver Nuggets, point guard Allen Iverson tells ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he never demanded the trade, but is certainly happy with the outcome. Read Full Story

OPENING THIS WEEK: Kam's Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
By Kam Williams
*The Good Shepherd (R for sex, expletives and violence) Robert De Niro directs and co-stars in this espionage drama about a Skull and bones frat boy (Matt Damon), recruited into the CIA right out of Yale, whose innocence and idealism are gradually eroded by the realization that his commitment to fighting the Cold War comes at a cost that takes an increasing toll on his family. Cast includes Angelina Jolie, Joe Pesci, Alec Baldwin, Timothy Hutton and William Hurt. Read Full Story

VERDICT REACHED IN WILLIAMS SISTERS LAWSUIT: Father of tennis stars found liable but won’t have to pay damages.
*A verdict was finally reached in the breach of contract case against the Williams sisters and their father Richard. Read Full Story

COP WHO MADE BLACK MEN RAP CLEARED: Arizona sergeant will not be disciplined for controversial actions.
*The Tempe, Ariz. Police sergeant who told two black men they could rap their way out of a littering ticket will not be disciplined for his actions, officials said. (See video of their “performance” below.) Read Full Story

ALVIN AILEY TO LAUNCH 2007 TOUR IN ATLANTA: Famed dance troupe to perform classic Revelations and debut new work.
*Fresh off the heels of its critically acclaimed, record-breaking season in New York, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) begins its 2007 North American tour in Atlanta at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, February 1-4, 2007. Read Full Story

SMITH, OBAMA, BRADLEY AMONG MOST WELL MANNERED: Trio make list from National League of Junior Cotillions.
*The late Ed Bradley, NFL vet Emmitt Smith and Sen. Barack Obama have made a list of the "Ten Best-Mannered People of 2006," as named by the National League of Junior Cotillions. Read Full Story

ITTY BITTY BITS: Halle singing rumors denied; Stefani inhabits J.Lo crib; N. Richie cancels holiday gig; ’30 Rock’/‘Friday Night Lights’ online;
*Rumors of Halle Berry recording an album due in February continue to make its way around the Internet. Read Full Story

THE EURweb FREE-4-ALL PAGE/BOARD: Talk about the stories we didn't cover in this issue.
Just like the headline says, this page/board is where you can discuss the stuff that we didn't cover in today's issue. (It's sort of like feedback with a twist) Remember, NO name calling, racial taunting, graphic sex talk and vulgarity in general, PLEASE. Read Full Story

12-22-06 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
EUR all on ONE page Read Full Story